The company’s earnings per share for the quarter were $3.66, compared to $2.98 a year earlier. Analysts had expected earnings of $3.63 per share.
Darden Restaurants recorded quarterly revenue of $3.72 billion, up from $3.27 billion in the same period last year. However, this was below the analyst estimate of $3.73 billion.
For the fiscal year 2027, Darden Restaurants provided an earnings outlook ranging from $11.10 to $11.35 per share, while analysts anticipated $11.40 per share. Revenue guidance was set between $13.60 billion and $13.75 billion, compared to consensus estimates of $13.72 billion.
Darden’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $1.62 per share, marking an 8.0 percent increase from the third quarter of fiscal 2026. The dividend is payable on August 3, 2026, to shareholders of record on July 10, 2026.
Darden President & CEO Rick Cardenas stated, “The fourth quarter was a strong finish to an excellent year, one in which we significantly outperformed the industry. Our restaurant teams continued to execute at a high level and that consistent execution helped each of our brands deliver positive same-restaurant sales for the quarter.”
