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Darden Restaurants (NYSE:DRI) Stock, Option Chain

Darden Restaurants

Darden Restaurants is the largest restaurant operator in the us full-service space, with consolidated revenue of $11.4 billion in fiscal 2024 resulting in 3%-4% full-service market share (per NRA data and our calculations). The company maintains a portfolio of 10 restaurant brands: Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen, Ruth's Chris, Yard House, The Capital Grille, Seasons 52, Eddie V's, Bahama Breeze, and The Capital Burger. Darden generates revenue almost exclusively from company-owned restaurants, though a small network of franchised restaurants and consumer-packaged goods sales through the traditional grocery channel contribute modestly. As of the end of its fiscal 2024, the company operated 2,031 restaurants in the us.

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Last Thursday, Darden Restaurants Inc (NYSE: DRI) issued weaker than expected fiscal first quarter earnings as fine dining restaurants and Olive Garden struggled with lower sales. 

Fiscal first quarter highlights show summer sales fell short of expectations.

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Darden Restaurant’s (NYSE:DRI) stock has numerous advantages for investors, as seen in the price action. The stock has been volatile in recent years, but each downswing is met by an upswing, and momentum is

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Shares of restaurant companies are trading higher. Investors may be reacting to the US presidential election and its impact on consumer spending.

Darden Restaurants (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DRI#NYSE">DRI</a>) has been analyzed by 28 analysts in the last three months, revealing a diverse range of perspectives from bullish to bearish.
The table below provides a snapshot of their recent ratings, showcasing how sentiments have evolved over the past 30 days and comparing them to the preceding months.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Bullish</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Somewhat Bullish</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Indifferent</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Somewhat Bearish</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Bearish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Total Ratings</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">5</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">9</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">14</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Last 30D</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1M Ago</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">4</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">6</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">8</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2M Ago</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">2</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">2</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3M Ago</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">3</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Analysts have recently evaluated Darden Restaurants and provided 12-month price targets. The average target is $175.29, accompanied by a high estimate of $205.00 and a low estimate of $150.00. This current average reflects an increase of 4.03% from the previous average price target of $168.50. 
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1728914433_0.png" alt="price target chart" />
<h2>Investigating Analyst Ratings: An Elaborate Study</h2>
The standing of Darden Restaurants among financial experts becomes clear with a thorough analysis of recent analyst actions. The summary below outlines key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Analyst</th>
<th>Analyst Firm</th>
<th>Action Taken</th>
<th>Rating</th>
<th>Current Price Target</th>
<th>Prior Price Target</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Jim Salera</td>
<td>Stephens &amp; Co.</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Equal-Weight</td>
<td>$164.00</td>
<td>$164.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Zachary Fadem</td>
<td>Wells Fargo</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Equal-Weight</td>
<td>$165.00</td>
<td>$160.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sara Senatore</td>
<td>B of A Securities</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$195.00</td>
<td>$184.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Peter Saleh</td>
<td>BTIG</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$195.00</td>
<td>$175.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Andrew Strelzik</td>
<td>BMO Capital</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Market Perform</td>
<td>$175.00</td>
<td>$165.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Eric Gonzalez</td>
<td>Keybanc</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$194.00</td>
<td>$170.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jake Bartlett</td>
<td>Truist Securities</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$195.00</td>
<td>$185.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>John Ivankoe</td>
<td>JP Morgan</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$176.00</td>
<td>$165.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Brian Mullan</td>
<td>Piper Sandler</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$177.00</td>
<td>$159.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jeffrey Bernstein</td>
<td>Barclays</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$192.00</td>
<td>$180.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dennis Geiger</td>
<td>UBS</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$195.00</td>
<td>$188.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Brian Harbour</td>
<td>Morgan Stanley</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$188.00</td>
<td>$175.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>David Palmer</td>
<td>Evercore ISI Group</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$205.00</td>
<td>$165.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nick Setyan</td>
<td>Wedbush</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$200.00</td>
<td>$170.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jim Salera</td>
<td>Stephens &amp; Co.</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Equal-Weight</td>
<td>$164.00</td>
<td>$159.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Danilo Gargiulo</td>
<td>Bernstein</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Market Perform</td>
<td>$180.00</td>
<td>$190.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Andrew Charles</td>
<td>TD Cowen</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Hold</td>
<td>$165.00</td>
<td>$150.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Andrew Charles</td>
<td>TD Cowen</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Hold</td>
<td>$150.00</td>
<td>$150.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jim Salera</td>
<td>Stephens &amp; Co.</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Equal-Weight</td>
<td>$159.00</td>
<td>$159.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jim Salera</td>
<td>Stephens &amp; Co.</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Equal-Weight</td>
<td>$159.00</td>
<td>$165.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Andrew Charles</td>
<td>TD Cowen</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Hold</td>
<td>$150.00</td>
<td>$150.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jon Tower</td>
<td>Citigroup</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$191.00</td>
<td>$192.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nick Setyan</td>
<td>Wedbush</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$170.00</td>
<td>$170.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Brian Vaccaro</td>
<td>Raymond James</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$160.00</td>
<td>$160.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Andrew Charles</td>
<td>TD Cowen</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Hold</td>
<td>$150.00</td>
<td>$170.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Brian Mullan</td>
<td>Piper Sandler</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$159.00</td>
<td>$163.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jim Salera</td>
<td>Stephens &amp; Co.</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Equal-Weight</td>
<td>$165.00</td>
<td>$165.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nick Setyan</td>
<td>Wedbush</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$170.00</td>
<td>$170.00</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>Key Insights:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Action Taken: Responding to changing market dynamics and company performance, analysts update their recommendations. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise', or 'Lower' their stance, it signifies their response to recent developments related to Darden Restaurants. This offers insight into analysts' perspectives on the current state of the company.</li>
<li>Rating: Providing a comprehensive analysis, analysts offer qualitative assessments, ranging from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings reflect expectations for the relative performance of Darden Restaurants compared to the broader market.</li>
<li>Price Targets: Gaining insights, analysts provide estimates for the future value of Darden Restaurants's stock. This comparison reveals trends in analysts' expectations over time.</li>
</ul>
Considering these analyst evaluations in conjunction with other financial indicators can offer a comprehensive understanding of Darden Restaurants's market position. Stay informed and make well-informed decisions with our Ratings Table.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/DRI/analyst-ratings?utm_source=Benzinga Insights">Stay up to date on Darden Restaurants analyst ratings.</a>
<h2>Delving into Darden Restaurants's Background</h2>
Darden Restaurants is the largest restaurant operator in the us full-service space, with consolidated revenue of $11.4 billion in fiscal 2024 resulting in 3%-4% full-service market share (per NRA data and our calculations). The company maintains a portfolio of 10 restaurant brands: Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen, Ruth's Chris, Yard House, The Capital Grille, Seasons 52, Eddie V's, Bahama Breeze, and The Capital Burger. Darden generates revenue almost exclusively from company-owned restaurants, though a small network of franchised restaurants and consumer-packaged goods sales through the traditional grocery channel contribute modestly. As of the end of its fiscal 2024, the company operated 2,031 restaurants in the us.
<h3>A Deep Dive into Darden Restaurants's Financials</h3>
Market Capitalization Analysis: The company's market capitalization surpasses industry averages, showcasing a dominant size relative to peers and suggesting a strong market position.
Positive Revenue Trend: Examining Darden Restaurants's financials over 3 months reveals a positive narrative. The company achieved a noteworthy revenue growth rate of 0.97% as of 31 August, 2024, showcasing a substantial increase in top-line earnings. In comparison to its industry peers, the company trails behind with a growth rate lower than the average among peers in the Consumer Discretionary sector.
Net Margin: Darden Restaurants's net margin surpasses industry standards, highlighting the company's exceptional financial performance. With an impressive 7.52% net margin, the company effectively manages costs and achieves strong profitability.
Return on Equity (ROE): Darden Restaurants's ROE surpasses industry standards, highlighting the company's exceptional financial performance. With an impressive 9.45% ROE, the company effectively utilizes shareholder equity capital.
Return on Assets (ROA): Darden Restaurants's ROA excels beyond industry benchmarks, reaching 1.83%. This signifies efficient management of assets and strong financial health.
Debt Management: Darden Restaurants's debt-to-equity ratio is below the industry average at 2.48, reflecting a lower dependency on debt financing and a more conservative financial approach.
<h2>How Are Analyst Ratings Determined?</h2>
Within the domain of banking and financial systems, analysts specialize in reporting for specific stocks or defined sectors. Their work involves attending company conference calls and meetings, researching company financial statements, and communicating with insiders to publish "analyst ratings" for stocks. Analysts typically assess and rate each stock once per quarter.
Analysts may enhance their evaluations by incorporating forecasts for metrics like growth estimates, earnings, and revenue, delivering additional guidance to investors. It is vital to acknowledge that, although experts in stocks and sectors, analysts are human and express their opinions when providing insights.
Which Stocks Are Analysts Recommending Now?
Benzinga Edge gives you instant access to all major analyst upgrades, downgrades, and price targets. Sort by accuracy, upside potential, and more. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=be8be9arja3be22bz21&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here to stay ahead of the market</a>.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Assessing Darden Restaurants: Insights From 28 Financial Analysts

Stephens &amp; Co. analyst Jim Salera reiterates Darden Restaurants (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DRI#NYSE">DRI</a>) with a Equal-Weight and maintains $164 price target.

Reiteration

Stephens & Co. Reiterates Equal-Weight on Darden Restaurants, Maintains $164 Price Target

Martin Melvin John, President at Darden Restaurants (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DRI#NYSE">DRI</a>), reported an insider sell on October 8, according to a new SEC filing. 
What Happened: A Form 4 filing with the <a href="https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000940944/000122520824009221//Archives/edgar/data/940944/000122520824009221/0001225208-24-009221-index.htm">U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission</a> on Tuesday outlined that John executed a sale of 3,000 shares of Darden Restaurants with a total value of $489,894.
As of Wednesday morning, Darden Restaurants shares are down by 0.85%, currently priced at $157.78.
<h3>Discovering Darden Restaurants: A Closer Look</h3>
Darden Restaurants is the largest restaurant operator in the us full-service space, with consolidated revenue of $11.4 billion in fiscal 2024 resulting in 3%-4% full-service market share (per NRA data and our calculations). The company maintains a portfolio of 10 restaurant brands: Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen, Ruth's Chris, Yard House, The Capital Grille, Seasons 52, Eddie V's, Bahama Breeze, and The Capital Burger. Darden generates revenue almost exclusively from company-owned restaurants, though a small network of franchised restaurants and consumer-packaged goods sales through the traditional grocery channel contribute modestly. As of the end of its fiscal 2024, the company operated 2,031 restaurants in the us.
<h3>Darden Restaurants's Economic Impact: An Analysis</h3>
Revenue Growth: Darden Restaurants's remarkable performance in 3 months is evident. As of 31 August, 2024, the company achieved an impressive revenue growth rate of 0.97%. This signifies a substantial increase in the company's top-line earnings. When compared to others in the Consumer Discretionary sector, the company faces challenges, achieving a growth rate lower than the average among peers.
Evaluating Earnings Performance:
<ul>
<li>
Gross Margin: The company faces challenges with a low gross margin of 20.41%, suggesting potential difficulties in cost control and profitability compared to its peers.
</li>
<li>
Earnings per Share (EPS): Darden Restaurants's EPS outshines the industry average, indicating a strong bottom-line trend with a current EPS of 1.75.
</li>
</ul>
Debt Management: Darden Restaurants's debt-to-equity ratio is below the industry average. With a ratio of 2.48, the company relies less on debt financing, maintaining a healthier balance between debt and equity, which can be viewed positively by investors.
In-Depth Valuation Examination:
<ul>
<li>
Price to Earnings (P/E) Ratio: The Price to Earnings ratio of 18.35 is lower than the industry average, indicating potential undervaluation for the stock.
</li>
<li>
Price to Sales (P/S) Ratio: With a lower-than-average P/S ratio of 1.67, the stock presents an attractive valuation, potentially signaling a buying opportunity for investors interested in sales performance.
</li>
<li>
EV/EBITDA Analysis (Enterprise Value to its Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation &amp; Amortization): Darden Restaurants's EV/EBITDA ratio at 13.2 suggests potential undervaluation, falling below industry averages.
</li>
</ul>
Market Capitalization: Surpassing industry standards, the company's market capitalization asserts its dominance in terms of size, suggesting a robust market position.
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<h3>The Importance of Insider Transactions</h3>
Insider transactions shouldn't be used primarily to make an investing decision, however an insider transaction can be an important factor in the investing decision. 
In legal terms, an "insider" refers to any officer, director, or beneficial owner of more than ten percent of a company's equity securities registered under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. This can include executives in the c-suite and large hedge funds. These insiders are required to let the public know of their transactions via a Form 4 filing, which must be filed within two business days of the transaction.
When a company insider makes a new purchase, that is an indication that they expect the stock to rise.
Insider sells, on the other hand, can be made for a variety of reasons, and may not necessarily mean that the seller thinks the stock will go down. 
<h3>Navigating the World of Insider Transaction Codes</h3>
Navigating through the landscape of transactions, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/investing-tools">investors</a> often prioritize those unfolding in the open market, precisely detailed in Table I of the Form 4 filing. A P in Box 3 denotes a purchase, while S signifies a sale. Transaction code C signals the conversion of an option, and transaction code A denotes a grant, award, or other acquisition of securities from the company.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/sec/insider-trades/search/index?company_cik=0000940944">Check Out The Full List Of Darden Restaurants's Insider Trades.</a>
Insider Buying Alert: Profit from C-Suite Moves
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This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Insider Trades

Darden Restaurants Recent Insider Activity

Martin Melvin John, President at Darden Restaurants (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DRI#NYSE">DRI</a>), reported an insider sell on October 8, according to a new SEC filing. 
What Happened: A Form 4 filing with the <a href="https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000940944/000122520824009221//Archives/edgar/data/940944/000122520824009221/0001225208-24-009221-index.htm">U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission</a> on Tuesday outlined that John executed a sale of 3,000 shares of Darden Restaurants with a total value of $489,894.
In the Tuesday's morning session, Darden Restaurants's shares are currently trading at $159.83, experiencing a up of 0.18%.
<h3>Unveiling the Story Behind Darden Restaurants</h3>
Darden Restaurants is the largest restaurant operator in the us full-service space, with consolidated revenue of $11.4 billion in fiscal 2024 resulting in 3%-4% full-service market share (per NRA data and our calculations). The company maintains a portfolio of 10 restaurant brands: Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen, Ruth's Chris, Yard House, The Capital Grille, Seasons 52, Eddie V's, Bahama Breeze, and The Capital Burger. Darden generates revenue almost exclusively from company-owned restaurants, though a small network of franchised restaurants and consumer-packaged goods sales through the traditional grocery channel contribute modestly. As of the end of its fiscal 2024, the company operated 2,031 restaurants in the us.
<h3>Darden Restaurants: A Financial Overview</h3>
Revenue Growth: Darden Restaurants's revenue growth over a period of 3 months has been noteworthy. As of 31 August, 2024, the company achieved a revenue growth rate of approximately 0.97%. This indicates a substantial increase in the company's top-line earnings. When compared to others in the Consumer Discretionary sector, the company faces challenges, achieving a growth rate lower than the average among peers.
Profitability Metrics: Unlocking Value
<ul>
<li>
Gross Margin: The company shows a low gross margin of 20.41%, indicating concerns regarding cost management and overall profitability relative to its industry counterparts.
</li>
<li>
Earnings per Share (EPS): Darden Restaurants's EPS is notably higher than the industry average. The company achieved a positive bottom-line trend with a current EPS of 1.75.
</li>
</ul>
Debt Management: Darden Restaurants's debt-to-equity ratio is below the industry average. With a ratio of 2.48, the company relies less on debt financing, maintaining a healthier balance between debt and equity, which can be viewed positively by investors.
Evaluating Valuation:
<ul>
<li>
Price to Earnings (P/E) Ratio: The Price to Earnings ratio of 18.4 is lower than the industry average, indicating potential undervaluation for the stock.
</li>
<li>
Price to Sales (P/S) Ratio: With a lower-than-average P/S ratio of 1.68, the stock presents an attractive valuation, potentially signaling a buying opportunity for investors interested in sales performance.
</li>
<li>
EV/EBITDA Analysis (Enterprise Value to its Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation &amp; Amortization): With an EV/EBITDA ratio lower than industry averages at 13.23, Darden Restaurants could be considered undervalued.
</li>
</ul>
Market Capitalization Analysis: Above industry benchmarks, the company's market capitalization emphasizes a noteworthy size, indicative of a strong market presence.
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<h3>Understanding the Significance of Insider Transactions</h3>
Investors should view insider transactions as part of a multifaceted analysis and not rely solely on them for decision-making.
Considering the legal perspective, an "insider" is defined as any officer, director, or beneficial owner holding more than ten percent of a company's equity securities, according to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. This includes executives in the c-suite and major hedge funds. These insiders are mandated to disclose their transactions through a Form 4 filing, to be submitted within two business days of the transaction.
Pointing towards optimism, a company insider's new purchase signals their positive anticipation for the stock to rise.
Nevertheless, insider sells may not necessarily indicate a bearish view and can be influenced by various factors.
<h3>Transaction Codes To Focus On</h3>
When dissecting transactions, the focal point for <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/investing-tools">investors</a> is often those occurring in the open market, meticulously detailed in Table I of the Form 4 filing. A P in Box 3 denotes a purchase, while S signifies a sale. Transaction code C indicates the conversion of an option, and transaction code A denotes a grant, award, or other acquisition of securities from the company.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/sec/insider-trades/search/index?company_cik=0000940944">Check Out The Full List Of Darden Restaurants's Insider Trades.</a>
Insider Buying Alert: Profit from C-Suite Moves
Benzinga Edge reveals every insider trade in real-time. Don't miss the next big stock move driven by insider confidence. Unlock this ultimate sentiment indicator now. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=Be8be9arja3be22in8&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here for access</a>.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

WING

Shares of restaurant stocks are trading lower possibly amid overall market weakness due to a rise in the 10-year Treasury yield.

Martin Melvin John, President at Darden Restaurants (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DRI#NYSE">DRI</a>), reported an insider sell on September 30, according to a new SEC filing. 
What Happened: John's decision to sell 2,000 shares of Darden Restaurants was revealed in a Form 4 filing with the <a href="https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000940944/000122520824008875//Archives/edgar/data/940944/000122520824008875/0001225208-24-008875-index.htm">U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission</a> on Monday. The total value of the sale is $334,452.
Monitoring the market, Darden Restaurants's shares up by 0.15% at $164.37 during Tuesday's morning.
<h3>Unveiling the Story Behind Darden Restaurants</h3>
Darden Restaurants is the largest restaurant operator in the US full-service space, with consolidated revenue of $11.4 billion in fiscal 2024 resulting in 3%-4% full-service market share (per NRA data and our calculations). The company maintains a portfolio of 10 restaurant brands: Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen, Ruth's Chris, Yard House, The Capital Grille, Seasons 52, Eddie V's, Bahama Breeze, and The Capital Burger. Darden generates revenue almost exclusively from company-owned restaurants, though a small network of franchised restaurants and consumer-packaged goods sales through the traditional grocery channel contribute modestly. As of the end of its fiscal 2024, the company operated 2,031 restaurants in the US.
<h3>Breaking Down Darden Restaurants's Financial Performance</h3>
Revenue Growth: Darden Restaurants's remarkable performance in 3 months is evident. As of 31 August, 2024, the company achieved an impressive revenue growth rate of 0.97%. This signifies a substantial increase in the company's top-line earnings. In comparison to its industry peers, the company trails behind with a growth rate lower than the average among peers in the Consumer Discretionary sector.
Profitability Metrics: Unlocking Value
<ul>
<li>
Gross Margin: The company faces challenges with a low gross margin of 20.41%, suggesting potential difficulties in cost control and profitability compared to its peers.
</li>
<li>
Earnings per Share (EPS): Darden Restaurants's EPS is significantly higher than the industry average. The company demonstrates a robust bottom-line performance with a current EPS of 1.75.
</li>
</ul>
Debt Management: Darden Restaurants's debt-to-equity ratio is below the industry average. With a ratio of 2.48, the company relies less on debt financing, maintaining a healthier balance between debt and equity, which can be viewed positively by investors.
Market Valuation:
<ul>
<li>
Price to Earnings (P/E) Ratio: The current P/E ratio of 18.93 is below industry norms, indicating potential undervaluation and presenting an investment opportunity.
</li>
<li>
Price to Sales (P/S) Ratio: The current P/S ratio of 1.73 is below industry norms, suggesting potential undervaluation and presenting an investment opportunity for those considering sales performance.
</li>
<li>
EV/EBITDA Analysis (Enterprise Value to its Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation &amp; Amortization): Indicated by a lower-than-industry-average EV/EBITDA ratio of 13.53, the company suggests a potential undervaluation, which might be advantageous for value-focused investors.
</li>
</ul>
Market Capitalization Analysis: The company's market capitalization surpasses industry averages, showcasing a dominant size relative to peers and suggesting a strong market position.
<a href="https://www.schwab.com/brokerage?aff=XEC">Now trade stocks online commission free with Charles Schwab, a trusted and complete investment firm.</a>
<h3>Exploring the Significance of Insider Trading</h3>
Insider transactions shouldn't be used primarily to make an investing decision, however an insider transaction can be an important factor in the investing decision. 
From a legal standpoint, the term "insider" pertains to any officer, director, or beneficial owner holding more than ten percent of a company's equity securities as outlined in Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. This encompasses executives in the c-suite and significant hedge funds. These insiders are mandated to inform the public of their transactions through a Form 4 filing, to be submitted within two business days of the transaction.
A company insider's new purchase is a indicator of their positive anticipation for a rise in the stock.
While insider sells may not necessarily reflect a bearish view and can be motivated by various factors.
<h3>Cracking Transaction Codes</h3>
For <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/investing-tools">investors</a>, a primary focus lies on transactions occurring in the open market, as indicated in Table I of the Form 4 filing. A P in Box 3 denotes a purchase, while S signifies a sale. Transaction code C signals the conversion of an option, and transaction code A denotes a grant, award, or other acquisition of securities from the company.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/sec/insider-trades/search/index?company_cik=0000940944">Check Out The Full List Of Darden Restaurants's Insider Trades.</a>
Insider Buying Alert: Profit from C-Suite Moves
Benzinga Edge reveals every insider trade in real-time. Don't miss the next big stock move driven by insider confidence. Unlock this ultimate sentiment indicator now. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=Be8be9arja3be22in8&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here for access</a>.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

President Of Darden Restaurants Sold $334K In Stock

In a new SEC filing on September 26, it was revealed that W, SVP at Darden Restaurants (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DRI#NYSE">DRI</a>), executed a significant exercise of company stock options.
What Happened: A Form 4 filing from the <a href="https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000940944/000122520824008844//Archives/edgar/data/940944/000122520824008844/0001225208-24-008844-index.htm">U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission</a> on Thursday showed that W, SVP at Darden Restaurants, a company in the Consumer Discretionary sector, just exercised stock options worth 4,735 shares of DRI stock with an exercise price of $107.05.
Darden Restaurants shares are currently trading up by 0.07%, with a current price of $168.06 as of Friday morning. This brings the total value of W's 4,735 shares to $288,882.
<h3>Get to Know Darden Restaurants Better</h3>
Darden Restaurants is the largest restaurant operator in the US full-service space, with consolidated revenue of $11.4 billion in fiscal 2024 resulting in 3%-4% full-service market share (per NRA data and our calculations). The company maintains a portfolio of 10 restaurant brands: Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen, Ruth's Chris, Yard House, The Capital Grille, Seasons 52, Eddie V's, Bahama Breeze, and The Capital Burger. Darden generates revenue almost exclusively from company-owned restaurants, though a small network of franchised restaurants and consumer-packaged goods sales through the traditional grocery channel contribute modestly. As of the end of its fiscal 2024, the company operated 2,031 restaurants in the US.
<h3>Key Indicators: Darden Restaurants's Financial Health</h3>
Decline in Revenue: Over the 3 months period, Darden Restaurants faced challenges, resulting in a decline of approximately -6.77% in revenue growth as of 31 August, 2024. This signifies a reduction in the company's top-line earnings. When compared to others in the Consumer Discretionary sector, the company faces challenges, achieving a growth rate lower than the average among peers.
Key Profitability Indicators:
<ul>
<li>
Gross Margin: The company issues a cost efficiency warning with a low gross margin of 20.41%, indicating potential difficulties in maintaining profitability compared to its peers.
</li>
<li>
Earnings per Share (EPS): Darden Restaurants's EPS outshines the industry average, indicating a strong bottom-line trend with a current EPS of 1.75.
</li>
</ul>
Debt Management: With a below-average debt-to-equity ratio of 2.48, Darden Restaurants adopts a prudent financial strategy, indicating a balanced approach to debt management.
Financial Valuation Breakdown:
<ul>
<li>
Price to Earnings (P/E) Ratio: The current P/E ratio of 19.37 is below industry norms, indicating potential undervaluation and presenting an investment opportunity.
</li>
<li>
Price to Sales (P/S) Ratio: With a P/S ratio of 1.77 below industry standards, the stock shows potential undervaluation, making it an appealing investment option for those focusing on sales performance.
</li>
<li>
EV/EBITDA Analysis (Enterprise Value to its Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation &amp; Amortization): With a lower-than-industry-average EV/EBITDA ratio of 13.87, Darden Restaurants presents a potential value opportunity, as investors are paying less for each unit of EBITDA.
</li>
</ul>
Market Capitalization Highlights: Above the industry average, the company's market capitalization signifies a significant scale, indicating strong confidence and market prominence.
<a href="https://www.schwab.com/brokerage?aff=XEC">Now trade stocks online commission free with Charles Schwab, a trusted and complete investment firm.</a>
<h3>Why Insider Transactions Are Key in Investment Decisions</h3>
Insider transactions serve as a piece of the puzzle in investment decisions, rather than the entire picture.
In legal terms, an "insider" refers to any officer, director, or beneficial owner of more than ten percent of a company's equity securities registered under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. This can include executives in the c-suite and large hedge funds. These insiders are required to let the public know of their transactions via a Form 4 filing, which must be filed within two business days of the transaction.
When a company insider makes a new purchase, that is an indication that they expect the stock to rise.
Insider sells, on the other hand, can be made for a variety of reasons, and may not necessarily mean that the seller thinks the stock will go down. 
<h3>Transaction Codes To Focus On</h3>
When it comes to transactions, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/investing-tools">investors</a> tend to focus on those in the open market, detailed in Table I of the Form 4 filing. A P in Box 3 denotes a purchase, while S indicates a sale. Transaction code C signals the conversion of an option, and transaction code A denotes a grant, award, or other acquisition of securities from the company.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/sec/insider-trades/search/index?company_cik=0000940944">Check Out The Full List Of Darden Restaurants's Insider Trades.</a>
Insider Buying Alert: Profit from C-Suite Moves
Benzinga Edge reveals every insider trade in real-time. Don't miss the next big stock move driven by insider confidence. Unlock this ultimate sentiment indicator now. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=Be8be9arja3be22in8&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here for access</a>.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Witnessing An Insider Decision, Madonna John W Exercises Options Valued At $288K At Darden Restaurants

In a new SEC filing on September 26, it was revealed that B, President at Darden Restaurants (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DRI#NYSE">DRI</a>), executed a significant exercise of company stock options.
What Happened: A Form 4 filing with the <a href="https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000940944/000122520824008861//Archives/edgar/data/940944/000122520824008861/0001225208-24-008861-index.htm">U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission</a> on Thursday revealed that B, President at Darden Restaurants in the Consumer Discretionary sector, exercised stock options for 4,939 shares of DRI stock. The exercise price of the options was $81.99 per share.
Darden Restaurants shares are currently trading up by 0.07%, with a current price of $168.06 as of Friday morning. This brings the total value of B's 4,939 shares to $425,104.
<h3>Discovering Darden Restaurants: A Closer Look</h3>
Darden Restaurants is the largest restaurant operator in the US full-service space, with consolidated revenue of $11.4 billion in fiscal 2024 resulting in 3%-4% full-service market share (per NRA data and our calculations). The company maintains a portfolio of 10 restaurant brands: Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen, Ruth's Chris, Yard House, The Capital Grille, Seasons 52, Eddie V's, Bahama Breeze, and The Capital Burger. Darden generates revenue almost exclusively from company-owned restaurants, though a small network of franchised restaurants and consumer-packaged goods sales through the traditional grocery channel contribute modestly. As of the end of its fiscal 2024, the company operated 2,031 restaurants in the US.
<h3>Darden Restaurants: Financial Performance Dissected</h3>
Revenue Growth: Darden Restaurants's revenue growth over a period of 3 months has faced challenges. As of 31 August, 2024, the company experienced a revenue decline of approximately -6.77%. This indicates a decrease in the company's top-line earnings. As compared to its peers, the revenue growth lags behind its industry peers. The company achieved a growth rate lower than the average among peers in Consumer Discretionary sector.
Key Insights into Profitability Metrics:
<ul>
<li>
Gross Margin: The company faces challenges with a low gross margin of 20.41%, suggesting potential difficulties in cost control and profitability compared to its peers.
</li>
<li>
Earnings per Share (EPS): Darden Restaurants's EPS is notably higher than the industry average. The company achieved a positive bottom-line trend with a current EPS of 1.75.
</li>
</ul>
Debt Management: With a below-average debt-to-equity ratio of 2.48, Darden Restaurants adopts a prudent financial strategy, indicating a balanced approach to debt management.
Financial Valuation Breakdown:
<ul>
<li>
Price to Earnings (P/E) Ratio: The Price to Earnings ratio of 19.37 is lower than the industry average, indicating potential undervaluation for the stock.
</li>
<li>
Price to Sales (P/S) Ratio: With a lower-than-average P/S ratio of 1.77, the stock presents an attractive valuation, potentially signaling a buying opportunity for investors interested in sales performance.
</li>
<li>
EV/EBITDA Analysis (Enterprise Value to its Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation &amp; Amortization): The company's EV/EBITDA ratio 13.87 is below the industry average, indicating that it may be relatively undervalued compared to peers.
</li>
</ul>
Market Capitalization Analysis: With an elevated market capitalization, the company stands out above industry averages, showcasing substantial size and market acknowledgment.
<a href="https://www.schwab.com/brokerage?aff=XEC">Now trade stocks online commission free with Charles Schwab, a trusted and complete investment firm.</a>
<h3>Navigating the Impact of Insider Transactions on Investments</h3>
In the complex landscape of investment decisions, investors should approach insider transactions as part of a comprehensive analysis, considering various elements.
Considering the legal perspective, an "insider" is defined as any officer, director, or beneficial owner holding more than ten percent of a company's equity securities, according to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. This includes executives in the c-suite and major hedge funds. These insiders are mandated to disclose their transactions through a Form 4 filing, to be submitted within two business days of the transaction.
Pointing towards optimism, a company insider's new purchase signals their positive anticipation for the stock to rise.
Nevertheless, insider sells may not necessarily indicate a bearish view and can be influenced by various factors.
<h3>Cracking Transaction Codes</h3>
Taking a closer look at transactions, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/investing-tools">investors</a> often prioritize those unfolding in the open market, meticulously cataloged in Table I of the Form 4 filing. A P in Box 3 denotes a purchase, while S signifies a sale. Transaction code C denotes the conversion of an option, and transaction code A signifies a grant, award, or other acquisition of securities from the company.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/sec/insider-trades/search/index?company_cik=0000940944">Check Out The Full List Of Darden Restaurants's Insider Trades.</a>
Insider Buying Alert: Profit from C-Suite Moves
Benzinga Edge reveals every insider trade in real-time. Don't miss the next big stock move driven by insider confidence. Unlock this ultimate sentiment indicator now. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=Be8be9arja3be22in8&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here for access</a>.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Strategic Sale: Williamson Laura B Decides To Exercise Options Worth $425K At Darden Restaurants

Milanes Douglas J, SVP at Darden Restaurants (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DRI#NYSE">DRI</a>), disclosed an insider sell on September 25, according to a recent SEC filing.
What Happened: According to a Form 4 filing with the <a href="https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000940944/000122520824008825//Archives/edgar/data/940944/000122520824008825/0001225208-24-008825-index.htm">U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission</a> on Wednesday, J sold 5,705 shares of Darden Restaurants. The total transaction value is $981,495.
Darden Restaurants shares are trading up 0.45% at $168.87 at the time of this writing on Thursday morning.
<h3>All You Need to Know About Darden Restaurants</h3>
Darden Restaurants is the largest restaurant operator in the us full-service space, with consolidated revenue of $11.4 billion in fiscal 2024 resulting in 3%-4% full-service market share (per NRA data and our calculations). The company maintains a portfolio of 10 restaurant brands: Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen, Ruth's Chris, Yard House, The Capital Grille, Seasons 52, Eddie V's, Bahama Breeze, and The Capital Burger. Darden generates revenue almost exclusively from company-owned restaurants, though a small network of franchised restaurants and consumer-packaged goods sales through the traditional grocery channel contribute modestly. As of the end of its fiscal 2024, the company operated 2,031 restaurants in the us.
<h3>Unraveling the Financial Story of Darden Restaurants</h3>
Decline in Revenue: Over the 3 months period, Darden Restaurants faced challenges, resulting in a decline of approximately -6.77% in revenue growth as of 31 August, 2024. This signifies a reduction in the company's top-line earnings. As compared to its peers, the revenue growth lags behind its industry peers. The company achieved a growth rate lower than the average among peers in Consumer Discretionary sector.
Key Profitability Indicators:
<ul>
<li>
Gross Margin: The company faces challenges with a low gross margin of 20.41%, suggesting potential difficulties in cost control and profitability compared to its peers.
</li>
<li>
Earnings per Share (EPS): The company excels with an EPS that surpasses the industry average. With a current EPS of 1.75, Darden Restaurants showcases strong earnings per share.
</li>
</ul>
Debt Management: Darden Restaurants's debt-to-equity ratio is below the industry average. With a ratio of 2.48, the company relies less on debt financing, maintaining a healthier balance between debt and equity, which can be viewed positively by investors.
Insights into Valuation Metrics:
<ul>
<li>
Price to Earnings (P/E) Ratio: Darden Restaurants's P/E ratio of 19.39 is below the industry average, suggesting the stock may be undervalued.
</li>
<li>
Price to Sales (P/S) Ratio: The current P/S ratio of 1.77 is below industry norms, suggesting potential undervaluation and presenting an investment opportunity for those considering sales performance.
</li>
<li>
EV/EBITDA Analysis (Enterprise Value to its Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation &amp; Amortization): With a lower-than-industry-average EV/EBITDA ratio of 13.88, Darden Restaurants presents a potential value opportunity, as investors are paying less for each unit of EBITDA.
</li>
</ul>
Market Capitalization Highlights: Above the industry average, the company's market capitalization signifies a significant scale, indicating strong confidence and market prominence.
<a href="https://www.schwab.com/brokerage?aff=XEC">Now trade stocks online commission free with Charles Schwab, a trusted and complete investment firm.</a>
<h3>Why Insider Activity Matters in Finance</h3>
Considering insider transactions is valuable, but it's crucial to evaluate them in conjunction with other investment factors.
Exploring the legal landscape, an "insider" is defined as any officer, director, or beneficial owner holding more than ten percent of a company's equity securities, as stipulated by Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. This encompasses executives in the c-suite and major hedge funds. These insiders are required to report their transactions through a Form 4 filing, which must be submitted within two business days of the transaction.
Highlighted by a company insider's new purchase, there's a positive anticipation for the stock to rise.
But, insider sells may not necessarily indicate a bearish view and can be motivated by various factors.
<h3>A Closer Look at Important Transaction Codes</h3>
When analyzing transactions, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/investing-tools">investors</a> tend to focus on those in the open market, detailed in Table I of the Form 4 filing. A P in Box 3 denotes a purchase,while S signifies a sale. Transaction code C signals the conversion of an option, and transaction code A denotes a grant, award, or other acquisition of securities from the company.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/sec/insider-trades/search/index?company_cik=0000940944">Check Out The Full List Of Darden Restaurants's Insider Trades.</a>
Insider Buying Alert: Profit from C-Suite Moves
Benzinga Edge reveals every insider trade in real-time. Don't miss the next big stock move driven by insider confidence. Unlock this ultimate sentiment indicator now. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=Be8be9arja3be22in8&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here for access</a>.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Insider Selling: Milanes Douglas J Unloads $981K Of Darden Restaurants Stock

MENSAH NANA, Director at Darden Restaurants (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DRI#NYSE">DRI</a>), executed a substantial insider sell on September 25, according to an SEC filing.
What Happened: NANA's decision to sell 1,171 shares of Darden Restaurants was revealed in a Form 4 filing with the <a href="https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000940944/000122520824008837//Archives/edgar/data/940944/000122520824008837/0001225208-24-008837-index.htm">U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission</a> on Wednesday. The total value of the sale is $201,292.
In the Thursday's morning session, Darden Restaurants's shares are currently trading at $168.87, experiencing a up of 0.45%.
<h3>All You Need to Know About Darden Restaurants</h3>
Darden Restaurants is the largest restaurant operator in the us full-service space, with consolidated revenue of $11.4 billion in fiscal 2024 resulting in 3%-4% full-service market share (per NRA data and our calculations). The company maintains a portfolio of 10 restaurant brands: Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen, Ruth's Chris, Yard House, The Capital Grille, Seasons 52, Eddie V's, Bahama Breeze, and The Capital Burger. Darden generates revenue almost exclusively from company-owned restaurants, though a small network of franchised restaurants and consumer-packaged goods sales through the traditional grocery channel contribute modestly. As of the end of its fiscal 2024, the company operated 2,031 restaurants in the us.
<h3>A Deep Dive into Darden Restaurants's Financials</h3>
Decline in Revenue: Over the 3 months period, Darden Restaurants faced challenges, resulting in a decline of approximately -6.77% in revenue growth as of 31 August, 2024. This signifies a reduction in the company's top-line earnings. As compared to competitors, the company encountered difficulties, with a growth rate lower than the average among peers in the Consumer Discretionary sector.
Holistic Profitability Examination:
<ul>
<li>
Gross Margin: With a low gross margin of 20.41%, the company exhibits below-average profitability, signaling potential struggles in cost efficiency compared to its industry peers.
</li>
<li>
Earnings per Share (EPS): Darden Restaurants's EPS is notably higher than the industry average. The company achieved a positive bottom-line trend with a current EPS of 1.75.
</li>
</ul>
Debt Management: Darden Restaurants's debt-to-equity ratio is below the industry average at 2.48, reflecting a lower dependency on debt financing and a more conservative financial approach.
Valuation Metrics:
<ul>
<li>
Price to Earnings (P/E) Ratio: The current P/E ratio of 19.39 is below industry norms, indicating potential undervaluation and presenting an investment opportunity.
</li>
<li>
Price to Sales (P/S) Ratio: With a lower-than-average P/S ratio of 1.77, the stock presents an attractive valuation, potentially signaling a buying opportunity for investors interested in sales performance.
</li>
<li>
EV/EBITDA Analysis (Enterprise Value to its Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation &amp; Amortization): With an EV/EBITDA ratio lower than industry benchmarks at 13.88, Darden Restaurants presents an attractive value opportunity.
</li>
</ul>
Market Capitalization: Surpassing industry standards, the company's market capitalization asserts its dominance in terms of size, suggesting a robust market position.
<a href="https://www.schwab.com/brokerage?aff=XEC">Now trade stocks online commission free with Charles Schwab, a trusted and complete investment firm.</a>
<h3>Why Insider Transactions Are Key in Investment Decisions</h3>
Insider transactions shouldn't be used primarily to make an investing decision, however, they can be an important factor for an investor to consider.
Exploring the legal landscape, an "insider" is defined as any officer, director, or beneficial owner holding more than ten percent of a company's equity securities, as stipulated by Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. This encompasses executives in the c-suite and major hedge funds. These insiders are required to report their transactions through a Form 4 filing, which must be submitted within two business days of the transaction.
Highlighted by a company insider's new purchase, there's a positive anticipation for the stock to rise.
But, insider sells may not necessarily indicate a bearish view and can be motivated by various factors.
<h3>The Insider's Guide to Important Transaction Codes</h3>
Taking a closer look at transactions, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/investing-tools">investors</a> often prioritize those unfolding in the open market, meticulously cataloged in Table I of the Form 4 filing. A P in Box 3 denotes a purchase, while S signifies a sale. Transaction code C denotes the conversion of an option, and transaction code A signifies a grant, award, or other acquisition of securities from the company.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/sec/insider-trades/search/index?company_cik=0000940944">Check Out The Full List Of Darden Restaurants's Insider Trades.</a>
Insider Buying Alert: Profit from C-Suite Moves
Benzinga Edge reveals every insider trade in real-time. Don't miss the next big stock move driven by insider confidence. Unlock this ultimate sentiment indicator now. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=Be8be9arja3be22in8&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here for access</a>.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Darden Restaurants Director Sold $201K In Company Stock

A substantial insider activity was disclosed on September 25, as B, President at Darden Restaurants (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DRI#NYSE">DRI</a>), reported the exercise of a large sell of company stock options.
What Happened: A Form 4 filing with the <a href="https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000940944/000122520824008826//Archives/edgar/data/940944/000122520824008826/0001225208-24-008826-index.htm">U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission</a> on Wednesday revealed that B, President at Darden Restaurants in the Consumer Discretionary sector, exercised stock options for 1,086 shares of DRI stock. The exercise price of the options was $78.84 per share.
The latest update on Thursday morning shows Darden Restaurants shares up by 0.45%, trading at $168.87. At this price, B's 1,086 shares are worth $97,772.
<h3>All You Need to Know About Darden Restaurants</h3>
Darden Restaurants is the largest restaurant operator in the us full-service space, with consolidated revenue of $11.4 billion in fiscal 2024 resulting in 3%-4% full-service market share (per NRA data and our calculations). The company maintains a portfolio of 10 restaurant brands: Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen, Ruth's Chris, Yard House, The Capital Grille, Seasons 52, Eddie V's, Bahama Breeze, and The Capital Burger. Darden generates revenue almost exclusively from company-owned restaurants, though a small network of franchised restaurants and consumer-packaged goods sales through the traditional grocery channel contribute modestly. As of the end of its fiscal 2024, the company operated 2,031 restaurants in the us.
<h3>Financial Insights: Darden Restaurants</h3>
Negative Revenue Trend: Examining Darden Restaurants's financials over 3 months reveals challenges. As of 31 August, 2024, the company experienced a decline of approximately -6.77% in revenue growth, reflecting a decrease in top-line earnings. In comparison to its industry peers, the company trails behind with a growth rate lower than the average among peers in the Consumer Discretionary sector.
Navigating Financial Profits:
<ul>
<li>
Gross Margin: The company shows a low gross margin of 20.41%, suggesting potential challenges in cost control and profitability compared to its peers.
</li>
<li>
Earnings per Share (EPS): Darden Restaurants's EPS is notably higher than the industry average. The company achieved a positive bottom-line trend with a current EPS of 1.75.
</li>
</ul>
Debt Management: Darden Restaurants's debt-to-equity ratio is below the industry average at 2.48, reflecting a lower dependency on debt financing and a more conservative financial approach.
Evaluating Valuation:
<ul>
<li>
Price to Earnings (P/E) Ratio: With a lower-than-average P/E ratio of 19.39, the stock indicates an attractive valuation, potentially presenting a buying opportunity.
</li>
<li>
Price to Sales (P/S) Ratio: The current P/S ratio of 1.77 is below industry norms, suggesting potential undervaluation and presenting an investment opportunity for those considering sales performance.
</li>
<li>
EV/EBITDA Analysis (Enterprise Value to its Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation &amp; Amortization): The company's EV/EBITDA ratio of 13.88 trails industry averages, indicating a potential disparity in market valuation that could be advantageous for investors.
</li>
</ul>
Market Capitalization Analysis: The company's market capitalization surpasses industry averages, showcasing a dominant size relative to peers and suggesting a strong market position.
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<h3>Navigating the Impact of Insider Transactions on Investments</h3>
Insider transactions, although significant, should be considered within the larger context of market analysis and trends.
Within the legal framework, an "insider" is defined as any officer, director, or beneficial owner holding more than ten percent of a company's equity securities as per Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. This includes executives in the c-suite and major hedge funds. These insiders are mandated to disclose their transactions through a Form 4 filing, to be submitted within two business days of the transaction.
The initiation of a new purchase by a company insider serves as a strong indication that they expect the stock to rise.
However, insider sells may not always signal a bearish view and can be influenced by various factors.
<h3>Breaking Down the Significance of Transaction Codes</h3>
When dissecting transactions, the focal point for <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/investing-tools">investors</a> is often those occurring in the open market, meticulously detailed in Table I of the Form 4 filing. A P in Box 3 denotes a purchase, while S signifies a sale. Transaction code C indicates the conversion of an option, and transaction code A denotes a grant, award, or other acquisition of securities from the company.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/sec/insider-trades/search/index?company_cik=0000940944">Check Out The Full List Of Darden Restaurants's Insider Trades.</a>
Insider Buying Alert: Profit from C-Suite Moves
Benzinga Edge reveals every insider trade in real-time. Don't miss the next big stock move driven by insider confidence. Unlock this ultimate sentiment indicator now. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=Be8be9arja3be22in8&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here for access</a>.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Witnessing An Insider Decision, Williamson Laura B Exercises Options Valued At $97K At Darden Restaurants

A significant insider transaction involving the exercise of company stock options was reported on September 25, by Cardenas Ricardo, President and CEO at Darden Restaurants (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DRI#NYSE">DRI</a>), as per the latest SEC filing.
What Happened: A Form 4 filing from the <a href="https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000940944/000122520824008828//Archives/edgar/data/940944/000122520824008828/0001225208-24-008828-index.htm">U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission</a> on Wednesday showed that Ricardo, President and CEO at Darden Restaurants, a company in the Consumer Discretionary sector, just exercised stock options worth 42,403 shares of DRI stock with an exercise price of $71.51.
The latest update on Thursday morning shows Darden Restaurants shares up by 0.45%, trading at $168.87. At this price, Ricardo's 42,403 shares are worth $4,128,400.
<h3>About Darden Restaurants</h3>
Darden Restaurants is the largest restaurant operator in the us full-service space, with consolidated revenue of $11.4 billion in fiscal 2024 resulting in 3%-4% full-service market share (per NRA data and our calculations). The company maintains a portfolio of 10 restaurant brands: Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen, Ruth's Chris, Yard House, The Capital Grille, Seasons 52, Eddie V's, Bahama Breeze, and The Capital Burger. Darden generates revenue almost exclusively from company-owned restaurants, though a small network of franchised restaurants and consumer-packaged goods sales through the traditional grocery channel contribute modestly. As of the end of its fiscal 2024, the company operated 2,031 restaurants in the us.
<h3>Darden Restaurants's Financial Performance</h3>
Revenue Challenges: Darden Restaurants's revenue growth over 3 months faced difficulties. As of 31 August, 2024, the company experienced a decline of approximately -6.77%. This indicates a decrease in top-line earnings. As compared to competitors, the company encountered difficulties, with a growth rate lower than the average among peers in the Consumer Discretionary sector.
Profitability Metrics:
<ul>
<li>
Gross Margin: With a low gross margin of 20.41%, the company exhibits below-average profitability, signaling potential struggles in cost efficiency compared to its industry peers.
</li>
<li>
Earnings per Share (EPS): The company excels with an EPS that surpasses the industry average. With a current EPS of 1.75, Darden Restaurants showcases strong earnings per share.
</li>
</ul>
Debt Management: Darden Restaurants's debt-to-equity ratio is below the industry average. With a ratio of 2.48, the company relies less on debt financing, maintaining a healthier balance between debt and equity, which can be viewed positively by investors.
In-Depth Valuation Examination:
<ul>
<li>
Price to Earnings (P/E) Ratio: The P/E ratio of 19.39 is lower than the industry average, implying a discounted valuation for Darden Restaurants's stock.
</li>
<li>
Price to Sales (P/S) Ratio: The Price to Sales ratio is 1.77, which is lower than the industry average. This suggests a possible undervaluation based on sales performance.
</li>
<li>
EV/EBITDA Analysis (Enterprise Value to its Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation &amp; Amortization): Darden Restaurants's EV/EBITDA ratio, lower than industry averages at 13.88, indicates attractively priced shares.
</li>
</ul>
Market Capitalization Analysis: With a profound presence, the company's market capitalization is above industry averages. This reflects substantial size and strong market recognition.
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<h3>Unmasking the Significance of Insider Transactions</h3>
In the complex landscape of investment decisions, investors should approach insider transactions as part of a comprehensive analysis, considering various elements.
In legal terms, an "insider" refers to any officer, director, or beneficial owner of more than ten percent of a company's equity securities registered under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. This can include executives in the c-suite and large hedge funds. These insiders are required to let the public know of their transactions via a Form 4 filing, which must be filed within two business days of the transaction.
When a company insider makes a new purchase, that is an indication that they expect the stock to rise.
Insider sells, on the other hand, can be made for a variety of reasons, and may not necessarily mean that the seller thinks the stock will go down. 
<h3>Important Transaction Codes</h3>
Digging into the details of stock transactions, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/investing-tools">investors</a> frequently turn their attention to those taking place in the open market, as outlined in Table I of the Form 4 filing. A P in Box 3 indicates a purchase, while S signifies a sale. Transaction code C signals the conversion of an option, and transaction code A denotes a grant, award, or other acquisition of securities from the company.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/sec/insider-trades/search/index?company_cik=0000940944">Check Out The Full List Of Darden Restaurants's Insider Trades.</a>
Insider Buying Alert: Profit from C-Suite Moves
Benzinga Edge reveals every insider trade in real-time. Don't miss the next big stock move driven by insider confidence. Unlock this ultimate sentiment indicator now. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=Be8be9arja3be22in8&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here for access</a>.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Cardenas Ricardo Exercises Options, Realizes $4.13M

A significant insider transaction involving the exercise of company stock options was reported on September 25, by Kiernan Daniel J, President at Darden Restaurants (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DRI#NYSE">DRI</a>), as per the latest SEC filing.
What Happened: Disclosed in a Form 4 filing on Wednesday with the <a href="https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000940944/000122520824008831//Archives/edgar/data/940944/000122520824008831/0001225208-24-008831-index.htm">U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission</a>, J, President at Darden Restaurants, executed a strategic derivative sale. This involved exercising stock options for 20,665 shares of DRI, resulting in a transaction value of $2,092,159.
Currently, Darden Restaurants shares are trading up 0.45%, priced at $168.87 during Thursday's morning. This values J's 20,665 shares at $2,092,159.
<h3>All You Need to Know About Darden Restaurants</h3>
Darden Restaurants is the largest restaurant operator in the us full-service space, with consolidated revenue of $11.4 billion in fiscal 2024 resulting in 3%-4% full-service market share (per NRA data and our calculations). The company maintains a portfolio of 10 restaurant brands: Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen, Ruth's Chris, Yard House, The Capital Grille, Seasons 52, Eddie V's, Bahama Breeze, and The Capital Burger. Darden generates revenue almost exclusively from company-owned restaurants, though a small network of franchised restaurants and consumer-packaged goods sales through the traditional grocery channel contribute modestly. As of the end of its fiscal 2024, the company operated 2,031 restaurants in the us.
<h3>Understanding the Numbers: Darden Restaurants's Finances</h3>
Negative Revenue Trend: Examining Darden Restaurants's financials over 3 months reveals challenges. As of 31 August, 2024, the company experienced a decline of approximately -6.77% in revenue growth, reflecting a decrease in top-line earnings. As compared to its peers, the revenue growth lags behind its industry peers. The company achieved a growth rate lower than the average among peers in Consumer Discretionary sector.
Profitability Metrics: Unlocking Value
<ul>
<li>
Gross Margin: With a low gross margin of 20.41%, the company exhibits below-average profitability, signaling potential struggles in cost efficiency compared to its industry peers.
</li>
<li>
Earnings per Share (EPS): Darden Restaurants's EPS is notably higher than the industry average. The company achieved a positive bottom-line trend with a current EPS of 1.75.
</li>
</ul>
Debt Management: Darden Restaurants's debt-to-equity ratio is below the industry average. With a ratio of 2.48, the company relies less on debt financing, maintaining a healthier balance between debt and equity, which can be viewed positively by investors.
Valuation Metrics:
<ul>
<li>
Price to Earnings (P/E) Ratio: Darden Restaurants's P/E ratio of 19.39 is below the industry average, suggesting the stock may be undervalued.
</li>
<li>
Price to Sales (P/S) Ratio: The current P/S ratio of 1.77 is below industry norms, suggesting potential undervaluation and presenting an investment opportunity for those considering sales performance.
</li>
<li>
EV/EBITDA Analysis (Enterprise Value to its Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation &amp; Amortization): Darden Restaurants's EV/EBITDA ratio, lower than industry averages at 13.88, indicates attractively priced shares.
</li>
</ul>
Market Capitalization Analysis: The company's market capitalization is above the industry average, indicating that it is relatively larger in size compared to peers. This may suggest a higher level of investor confidence and market recognition.
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<h3>The Importance of Insider Transactions</h3>
Insider transactions shouldn't be used primarily to make an investing decision, however an insider transaction can be an important factor in the investing decision. 
In the realm of legality, an "insider" is defined as any officer, director, or beneficial owner holding more than ten percent of a company's equity securities under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. This includes executives in the c-suite and major hedge funds. These insiders are required to disclose their transactions through a Form 4 filing, to be submitted within two business days of the transaction.
Notably, when a company insider makes a new purchase, it is considered an indicator of their positive expectations for the stock.
Conversely, insider sells may not necessarily signal a bearish stance on the stock and can be motivated by various factors.
<h3>Deciphering Transaction Codes in Insider Filings</h3>
In the domain of transactions, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/investing-tools">investors</a> frequently turn their focus to those taking place in the open market, as meticulously outlined in Table I of the Form 4 filing. A P in Box 3 indicates a purchase, while S signifies a sale. Transaction code C signals the conversion of an option, and transaction code A denotes a grant, award, or other acquisition of securities from the company.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/sec/insider-trades/search/index?company_cik=0000940944">Check Out The Full List Of Darden Restaurants's Insider Trades.</a>
Insider Buying Alert: Profit from C-Suite Moves
Benzinga Edge reveals every insider trade in real-time. Don't miss the next big stock move driven by insider confidence. Unlock this ultimate sentiment indicator now. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=Be8be9arja3be22in8&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here for access</a>.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Insider Activity Update: Kiernan Daniel J Executes Options Exercise, Resulting In $2.09M At Darden Restaurants

Last Thursday, Darden Restaurants Inc (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/dri#NYSE">DRI</a>) issued weaker than expected fiscal first quarter earnings as fine dining restaurants and Olive Garden struggled with lower sales.&nbsp;
Fiscal first quarter highlights show summer sales fell short of expectations.
For the quarter ended on August 25th, Darden reported revenue grew 1% YoY to&nbsp;$2.76 billion, coming short of LSEG&rsquo;s consensus estimate of $2.8 billion, but same store sales declined 1.1%. Like its restaurant peers, Darden&rsquo;s traffic struggled during summer, presumably due to increased travel. Moreover, Olive Garden reported that same-store sales contracted by 2.9% while fine dining suffered an even sharper drop of 6%. The only chain to report sales growth was LongHorn Steakhouse, with an increase of 3.7%. Net income rose from last year&rsquo;s comparable quarter to $207.2 million, or $1.74 per share. Excluding costs brought on by July&rsquo;s acquisition of Chuy&rsquo;s, adjusted earnings amounted to $1.75 per share.
<h3>Outlook</h3>
Darden expects the Chuy&rsquo;s deal to close during the current, fiscal second, quarter. This is also when the results of its second acquisition in two years, Ruth&rsquo;s Chris Steak House will appear in its same-store sales figures.
Despite a challenging quarter, Darden reaffirmed its fiscal 2025-year guidance. For the full fiscal year, Darden guided for net sales in the range between $11.8 billion and $11.9 billion, with earnings from continuous operations ranging from $9.40 to $9.60 per share.&nbsp;
Despite a gloomy quarter, CEO Rick Cardenas&nbsp;has not lost confidence.
While acknowledging that results were below expectations, Cardenas is confident that the initiatives that the company took to boost its revenue and address their guests&rsquo; needs, including its first partnership with Uber Technologies Inc (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/uber#NYSE">UBER</a>), will bring the desired improvements shortly, without damaging the long-term picture. With the two-year exclusive deal with Uber, Darden ended its resistance to third-party delivery, something it wasn&rsquo;t willing to give up even during the pandemic times during which Uber thrived. In an effort to lure back customers, Olive Garden will be bringing back its &lsquo;Never Ending Pasta Bowl&rsquo; promotion a month earlier than usual, along with a three-week extension compared to last year. Like its industry peers, Darden is adjusting to a challenging macroenvironment with value promotions, menu revamping and strategic partnerships. Here&#39;s to hoping that Uber will help Darden to boost its sales and that the summer slump was just a blip.&nbsp;
DISCLAIMER: This content is for informational purposes only. It is not intended as investing advice.
This article is from an unpaid external contributor. It does not represent Benzinga&#39;s reporting and has not been edited for content or accuracy.

Darden Restaurants' Business Confidence Remains Intact Despite Summer Slump

U.S. stocks settled higher on Friday, with the Dow Jones index settling at a record high during the session. The US Federal Reserve, on Wednesday, slashed interest rates by 50 basis points Wednesday at its September Federal Open Market Committee meeting, lowering the federal funds rate to a range of 4.75% to 5%.
All three major indices recorded weekly gains, with the S&amp;P 500 gaining around 1.4% and adding more than 19% in 2024. The Dow gained around 1.6% last week, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq jumped around 1.5% during the week.
Wall Street analysts make new stock picks on a daily basis. Unfortunately for investors, not all analysts have particularly impressive track records at predicting market movements. Even when it comes to one single stock, analyst ratings and price targets can vary widely, leaving investors confused about which analyst&#8217;s opinion to trust.
Benzinga&#8217;s Analyst Ratings API is a collection of the highest-quality stock ratings curated by the Benzinga news desk via direct partnerships with major sell-side banks. Benzinga displays overnight ratings changes on a daily basis three hours prior to the U.S. equity market opening. Data specialists at investment dashboard provider Toggle.ai recently uncovered that the analyst insights Benzinga Pro subscribers and Benzinga readers regularly receive can successfully be used as trading indicators to outperform the stock market.
Top Analyst Picks: Fortunately, any Benzinga reader can access the latest analyst ratings on the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/22/09/28888638/exclusive-study-finds-benzinga-analyst-ratings-data-yields-market-beating-strategie">Analyst Stock Ratings</a> page. One of the ways traders can sort through Benzinga&#8217;s extensive database of analyst ratings is by analyst accuracy. Here&#8217;s a look at the most recent stock picks from each of the five most accurate Wall Street analysts, according to Benzinga <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings">Analyst Stock</a> Ratings.
Analyst: Zachary Fadem
<ul>
<li>Analyst Firm: Wells Fargo</li>
<li>Ratings Accuracy: 87%</li>
<li>Latest Rating: Maintained an Equal-Weight rating on Darden Restaurants, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DRI#NYSE">DRI</a>) and raised the price target from $160 to $165 on Sept. 20. This analyst sees around 3% downside in the stock.</li>
<li>Recent News: On Sept. 19, Darden Restaurants reported weaker-than-expected first-quarter financial results.</li>
</ul>
Analyst: Sam Reid
<ul>
<li>Analyst Firm: Wells Fargo</li>
<li>Ratings Accuracy: 85%</li>
<li>Latest Rating: Maintained an Overweight rating on Ferguson Enterprises Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FERG#NYSE">FERG</a>) and cut the price target from $250 to $225 on Sept. 18. This analyst sees around 13% upside in the stock.</li>
<li>Recent News: On Sept. 17, the company reported net sales of $7.946 billion, which was 1.4% higher year over year, missing the consensus of $7.993 billion.</li>
</ul>
Analyst: Mark Hughes
<ul>
<li>Analyst Firm: Truist Securities</li>
<li>Ratings Accuracy: 85%</li>
<li>Latest Rating: Maintained a Hold rating on Arthur J. Gallagher &amp; Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AJG#NYSE">AJG</a>) and raised the price target from $265 to $275 on Sept. 20. This analyst sees around 0.4% downside in the stock.</li>
<li>Recent News: On July 25, Arthur J. Gallagher reported better-than-expected second-quarter revenue results.</li>
</ul>
Analyst: Josh Sullivan
<ul>
<li>Analyst Firm: Benchmark</li>
<li>Ratings Accuracy: 85%</li>
<li>Latest Rating: Reiterated a Buy rating on Intuitive Machines, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LUNR#NASDAQ">LUNR</a>) with a price target of $10 on Sept. 18. This analyst sees more than 9% gain in the stock.</li>
<li>Recent News: On Sept. 17, Intuitive Machines announced it was awarded a NASA Near Space Network contract for communication and navigation services, with a maximum potential value of $4.82 billion.</li>
</ul>
Analyst: Aaron Raker
<ul>
<li>Analyst Firm: Wells Fargo</li>
<li>Ratings Accuracy: 85%</li>
<li>Latest Rating: Maintained an Overweight rating on Micron Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MU#NASDAQ">MU</a>) and cut the price target from $190 to $175 on Sept. 18. This analyst sees around 92% upside in the stock.</li>
<li>Recent News: On Sept. 17, Micron announced the availability of the Crucial P310 2280 Gen4 NVMe solid-state drive (SSD) which expands Micron's P310 portfolio to address PCs, laptops and PlayStation 5. The company said a version with a heatsink will be released in the coming months, suited for use with PlayStation 5 and desktop gaming PCs.</li>
</ul>
Read More:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/24/09/40962695/jim-cramer-viking-has-many-ships-coming-in"> </a>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/24/09/40962695/jim-cramer-viking-has-many-ships-coming-in">Jim Cramer: Viking Has &#8216;Many Ships Coming In&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>

This Analyst With 85% Accuracy Rate Sees Around 92% Upside In Micron - Here Are 5 Stock Picks For Last Week From Wall Street's Most Accurate Analysts

Yesterday, Darden Restaurants, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DRI#NYSE">DRI</a>) reported first-quarter adjusted earnings per share of $1.75, missing&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/09/40943086/darden-misses-q1-earnings-estimates-partners-with-uber-for-delivery-expansion" rel="noreferrer noopener">the analyst consensus estimate of $1.83.&nbsp;</a>Quarterly sales of $2.76 billion missed the street view of $2.80 billion.
Analysts covering <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/DRI/analyst-ratings" rel="noreferrer noopener">the company provided their takes:</a>
<ul>
<li>KeyBanc Capital Markets analyst Eric Gonzalez reiterated the Overweight rating on the stock, raising the price forecast to $194 from $170.</li>
<li>BMO Capital Markets analyst Andrew Strelzik maintained the Market Perform rating, raising the price forecast to $175 from $165.</li>
<li>Wedbush analyst Nick Setyan reiterated the Outperform rating on Darden Restaurants, raising the price forecast to $200 from $170.</li>
<li>Piper Sandler analyst Brian Mullan reiterated the Neutral rating on the company, raising the price forecast to $177 from $159.</li>
<li>Truist Securities analyst Jake Bartlett maintained the Buy rating, increasing the price forecast to $195 from $185.</li>
</ul>
KeyBanc Capital Markets: The analyst anticipates potential growth from Darden&#8217;s partnership with Uber. Gonzalez also slightly raised the FY25 EPS estimate to $9.48, attributing this adjustment to a modest increase in blended same-store sales growth as Darden focuses more on price point advertising at Olive Garden. Darden will test delivery at approximately 100 Olive Garden locations during the holiday season, with plans to expand to the entire Olive Garden network by the end of FY25. It&#8217;s important to note that delivery menu prices will match those for dine-in and takeout, but customers will incur a $5 delivery fee plus a 5% service charge for this convenience.
Also Read:<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/09/40876180/darden-restaurants-gears-up-for-q1-print-here-are-the-recent-forecast-changes-from-wall-streets-mos" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Darden Restaurants Gears Up For Q1 Print; Here Are The Recent Forecast Changes From Wall Street&#8217;s Most Accurate Analysts</a>
BMO Capital Markets: While the analyst expects the company to gain incremental benefits from delivery and views the deal structure positively, they wouldn&#8217;t be surprised if sales growth lags behind competitors due to potential overlap with its existing substantial off-premise business and its absence from the third-party marketplace. Currently, Strelzik forecasts a modest boost to Olive Garden&#8217;s comparable sales in the second half of 2025 and a low-single-digit increase in FY2026.
Wedbush: The analyst projects that DRI will continue to gain market share even in a challenging consumer landscape, suggesting a strong likelihood of achieving its long-term annual return targets. The analyst emphasizes the company&#8217;s on-demand delivery collaboration with Uber, starting with a pilot in 5-6 Olive Garden units. This will expand to approximately 100 units in FQ2 ahead of the holidays, eventually launching at all Olive Garden locations with curbside to-go by the end of FY25. The partnership is set up as a first-party delivery model, and there are no plans to advertise on UberEats.
Piper Sandler: According to the analyst, the Uber partnership will begin with Olive Garden, the company&#8217;s largest brand, accounting for about 45% of revenue and 50% of segment profit in Fiscal Year 2024. Given Olive Garden&#8217;s significance to the company&#8217;s financial model, this could lead to an unexpected boost in Darden&#8217;s adjusted EPS, especially in the following year, prompting a positive reaction in the stock today.
Truist Securities: The analyst is optimistic about the widespread improvement in same-store sales (SSS) across Darden&#8217;s portfolio since July. This, along with more proactive marketing efforts and easier year-over-year comparisons in the second half of FY25, enhances the analyst&#8217;s confidence that the accelerating SSS and market share gains will bolster Darden&#8217;s premium valuation.
Price Action: DRI shares are trading lower by 1.41% to $169.85 at last check Friday.
Photo: Courtesy of Dutchmen Photography via Shutterstock
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40957191/this-pepsico-analyst-is-no-longer-bullish-here-are-top-5-downgrades-for-friday" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">This PepsiCo Analyst Is No Longer Bullish; Here Are Top 5 Downgrades For Friday</a></li>
</ul>

Analyst Color

Equities

Darden's Uber Partnership Fuels Optimism, Analysts See Market Share Gains And EPS Boost In FY25

Wells Fargo analyst Zachary Fadem maintains Darden Restaurants (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DRI#NYSE">DRI</a>) with a Equal-Weight and raises the price target from $160 to $165.

Wells Fargo Maintains Equal-Weight on Darden Restaurants, Raises Price Target to $165

B of A Securities analyst Sara Senatore maintains Darden Restaurants (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DRI#NYSE">DRI</a>) with a Buy and raises the price target from $184 to $195.

B of A Securities Maintains Buy on Darden Restaurants, Raises Price Target to $195

BTIG analyst Peter Saleh maintains Darden Restaurants (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DRI#NYSE">DRI</a>) with a Buy and raises the price target from $175 to $195.

BTIG Maintains Buy on Darden Restaurants, Raises Price Target to $195

Dividend per share market pricing is 'too pessimistic' says Goldman, lists high dividend yield and growth stocks

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Press Releases

Darden Restaurants to Acquire Chuy's Holdings, Inc. in Approximately $605 Million Transaction

CHUY'S INVESTOR ALERT by the Former Attorney General of Louisiana: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC Investigates Adequacy of Price and Process in Proposed Sale of Chuy's Holdings, Inc. - CHUY

Darden Restaurants to Host Fiscal 2025 First Quarter Conference Call on September 19

Earnings

Dividends

Darden Restaurants Reports Fiscal 2025 First Quarter Results; Declares Quarterly Dividend; And Reiterates Fiscal 2025 Financial Outlook

Darden and Uber Partner to Introduce On-Demand Delivery, with Olive Garden the First to Pilot

DARDEN RESTAURANTS HELPS FEEDING AMERICA® EXPAND IMPACT IN THE MOVEMENT TO END HUNGER WITH FOOD TRUCK DONATIONS FOR THE FOURTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR

DocuSign Set to Join S&P MidCap 400 and MDU Resources Group to Join S&P SmallCap 600

Darden Restaurants Completes Acquisition of Chuy's Holdings, Inc.

Darden Restaurants to Host Fiscal 2025 Second Quarter Conference Call on December 19

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