Services

Do Darden's Earnings Signal a Broader Restaurant Recovery?

Jonathan Weiss / Shutterstock.com

Darden Restaurants Inc. (NYSE: DRI) released its fiscal first-quarter financial results before the markets opened on Thursday. The company posted $0.28 in earnings per share (EPS) and $1.53 billion in revenue. That compares with consensus estimates of $0.05 in EPS and $1.56 billion in revenue, as well as the $1.38 per share and $2.13 billion reported in the same period of last year.

[in-text-ad]

During the latest quarter, total sales decreased 28.4% year over year, driven by negative blended same-restaurant sales of 29.0% and partially offset by the addition of 14 net new restaurants. In terms of its brands, Darden reported same-restaurant sales as follows:

  • Olive Garden, −28.2%
  • Longhorn Steakhouse, −18.1%
  • Fine Dining, −39.1%
  • Other Business, −39.0%

On the books, Darden’s cash and cash equivalents totaled $654.6 million at the end of the quarter, down from $763.3 million at the end of the previous fiscal year. Considering the steadily improving cash flows in the quarter, and increased confidence in cash flow projections, the firm fully repaid its $270 million term loan in mid-August.

As it stands now, Darden has access to $1.4 billion of liquidity with $655 million of cash on hand and $750 million available through its credit facility.

Looking ahead to the fiscal second quarter, the company expects to see EPS in the range of $0.65 to $0.75 and total sales of roughly 82% of the prior year. Consensus estimates call for $0.35 in EPS and $1.78 billion in revenue for the quarter.

The board of directors declared that it has reinstated a quarterly dividend of $0.30 per share on common stock, which will be payable November 2, to shareholders of record at the close of October 9.

Darden stock traded up about 6% on Thursday, at $95.54 in a 52-week range of $26.15 to $124.01. The consensus price target is $92.67.

The #1 Thing to Do Before You Claim Social Security (Sponsor)

Choosing the right (or wrong) time to claim Social Security can dramatically change your retirement. So, before making one of the biggest decisions of your financial life, it’s a smart idea to get an extra set of eyes on your complete financial situation.

A financial advisor can help you decide the right Social Security option for you and your family. Finding a qualified financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three financial advisors who serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you.

Click here to match with up to 3 financial pros who would be excited to help you optimize your Social Security outcomes.

 

Have questions about retirement or personal finance? Email us at [email protected]!

By emailing your questions to 24/7 Wall St., you agree to have them published anonymously on a673b.bigscoots-temp.com.

By submitting your story, you understand and agree that we may use your story, or versions of it, in all media and platforms, including via third parties.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.