Summary
Darden Restaurants, Inc. (DRI) reported its fiscal year results ending May 31, 2009, operating as the world's largest company-owned full-service restaurant company with 1,773 locations across the United States and Canada. The company's portfolio includes well-established brands like Red Lobster and Olive Garden, along with growth concepts such as LongHorn Steakhouse and The Capital Grille, the latter two acquired in October 2007. Despite facing a challenging economic environment, Darden continued its growth strategy by opening 71 net new restaurants during fiscal year 2009, with a significant portion attributed to Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse. The company's business model relies on brand relevance, support, a vibrant business model, and strong leadership. Darden emphasizes quality assurance, supply chain efficiency, and robust marketing strategies across its diverse brands. The report highlights the company's commitment to operational excellence, employee development, and technological integration to maintain a competitive edge in the highly fragmented full-service dining sector. Investors should note the company's ongoing investment in new restaurant openings and its strategic approach to managing a large and complex operational footprint.
Financial Highlights
51 data points| Revenue | $7.22B |
| Cost of Revenue | $5.64B |
| Gross Profit | $1.58B |
| SG&A Expenses | $665.60M |
| Operating Expenses | $6.71B |
| Operating Income | $371.80M |
| Interest Expense | $113.70M |
| Net Income | $372.20M |
| EPS (Basic) | $2.71 |
| EPS (Diluted) | $2.65 |
| Shares Outstanding (Basic) | 137.40M |
| Shares Outstanding (Diluted) | 140.40M |
Key Highlights
- 1Operated 1,773 restaurants across the United States and Canada as of May 31, 2009, serving over 404 million meals.
- 2Continued expansion with 71 net new restaurant openings in fiscal year 2009, primarily driven by Olive Garden (38) and LongHorn Steakhouse (16).
- 3Acquired RARE Hospitality International, Inc. in October 2007, significantly expanding the company's steakhouse offerings with LongHorn Steakhouse and The Capital Grille.
- 4Detailed operational strategies for major brands (Red Lobster, Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, The Capital Grille), including menu pricing, average check per person, and alcoholic beverage sales percentages.
- 5Emphasized quality assurance, including rigorous food safety programs (HACCP) and supplier inspections, extended to newly acquired brands.
- 6Invested in technology and supply chain management, including the 'iKitchen' system for regional suppliers and a 'DASH' point-of-sale system upgrade.
- 7Addressed various risk factors, including intense competition, economic downturns, rising costs for food and utilities, labor costs, and potential disruptions in supply chains.