10-KPeriod: FY2016

DARDEN RESTAURANTS INC Annual Report, Year Ended May 29, 2016

Filed July 25, 2016For Securities:DRI

Summary

Darden Restaurants, Inc. (DRI) reported on its fiscal year ending May 29, 2016, detailing a portfolio of 1,536 owned and operated restaurants across various brands, including Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse, and 50 franchised locations. The company served over 334 million meals in fiscal 2016, underscoring its significant market presence in the full-service dining segment. The company's strategy centers on improving core operational fundamentals by enhancing the guest experience through culinary innovation, attentive service, and engaging atmospheres, while leveraging its scale for brand management and marketing. Darden also focuses on disciplined restaurant growth, with net additions to its company-owned base and a strategic approach to site selection and performance review to minimize underperforming locations. A key event during the period was the spin-off of Four Corners Property Trust, Inc., which involved the transfer of certain restaurant properties.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$6.93B
Gross Profit$1.30B
Operating Expenses$6.31B
Operating Income$622.20M
Interest Expense$165.40M
Net Income$375.00M
EPS (Basic)$2.94
EPS (Diluted)$2.90
Shares Outstanding (Basic)127.40M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)129.30M

Key Highlights

  • 1Darden Restaurants operates a diversified portfolio of 1,536 company-owned and operated restaurants across multiple brands (Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, The Capital Grille, Yard House, Seasons 52, Bahama Breeze, Eddie V's) and 50 franchised locations as of May 29, 2016.
  • 2The company served over 334 million meals in fiscal 2016, indicating substantial customer reach.
  • 3Darden's strategy focuses on operational excellence, delivering an outstanding guest experience, culinary innovation, and attentive service.
  • 4Growth is managed through net additions to company-owned restaurants, with 2 net new restaurants added in fiscal 2016, and a planned expansion for fiscal 2017.
  • 5A significant corporate action was the completion of the spin-off of Four Corners Property Trust, Inc., involving the distribution of common stock and transfer of restaurant properties.
  • 6The company emphasizes data-driven marketing and technology integration, including a new online and mobile ordering system for Olive Garden and the rollout of table-top tablets to enhance the guest experience.
  • 7Darden highlights its commitment to diversity and inclusion, with significant representation of minorities and females in its workforce and leadership positions.

Frequently Asked Questions

As of May 29, 2016, Darden Restaurants operated 1,536 restaurants under brands such as Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, The Capital Grille, Yard House, Seasons 52, Bahama Breeze, and Eddie V's. Additionally, they had 50 restaurants operated by independent third parties.

The most significant corporate event was the completion of the spin-off of Four Corners Property Trust, Inc. on November 9, 2015. This involved distributing shares of Four Corners common stock to Darden shareholders and transferring restaurant properties to Four Corners.

Darden's strategy involves improving core operations and enhancing the guest experience. They also focus on disciplined restaurant growth, adding net new company-owned restaurants and carefully selecting sites for future expansion. For fiscal 2017, they projected the opening of 24-28 new restaurants across various brands.

In fiscal 2016, Darden continued to implement new technology platforms to enhance guest engagement and marketing capabilities. This included developing and deploying a new online and mobile ordering system for Olive Garden nationwide and rolling out table-top tablets in all Olive Garden restaurants to improve the guest experience.