Summary
Darden Restaurants, Inc. reported solid financial results for the first quarter of fiscal year 2020, with total sales increasing by 3.5% to $2.13 billion, driven by both new restaurant openings and a 0.9% increase in same-restaurant sales. Net earnings from continuing operations rose to $171.8 million, or $1.38 per diluted share, compared to $168.9 million, or $1.34 per diluted share, in the prior year's quarter. The company demonstrated effective cost management, with general and administrative expenses decreasing as a percentage of sales. Darden also provided a positive outlook for fiscal year 2020, expecting sales growth between 5.3% and 6.3% and continued expansion with approximately 50 new restaurants.
Financial Highlights
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Financial Statements
Beta
| Revenue | $2.13B |
| Gross Profit | $385.70M |
| Operating Expenses | $1.93B |
| Operating Income | $201.50M |
| Net Income | $170.60M |
| EPS (Basic) | $1.39 |
| EPS (Diluted) | $1.37 |
| Shares Outstanding (Basic) | 122.90M |
| Shares Outstanding (Diluted) | 124.60M |
Key Highlights
- 1Total sales grew by 3.5% to $2.13 billion year-over-year, supported by new restaurant openings and a 0.9% increase in same-restaurant sales.
- 2Net earnings from continuing operations increased to $171.8 million, with diluted EPS rising to $1.38 from $1.34 in the prior year's quarter.
- 3The company successfully managed its cost structure, with General and Administrative expenses decreasing as a percentage of sales due to lower incentive and equity-based compensation expenses.
- 4Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse were key drivers of same-restaurant sales growth, with Olive Garden showing a 2.2% increase and LongHorn Steakhouse a 2.6% increase.
- 5Darden acquired five Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen restaurants from a franchisee for $37.8 million, contributing to its expansion.
- 6The company repurchased approximately $94.8 million of its common stock during the quarter and announced a new $500 million share repurchase program.
- 7Darden provided an optimistic outlook for fiscal year 2020, projecting sales growth of 5.3%-6.3% and the opening of approximately 50 new restaurants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Darden's sales growth was driven by two main factors: the addition of new company-owned restaurants and a combined same-restaurant sales increase of 0.9%. The addition of 40 net new restaurants since the prior year contributed significantly to the overall sales increase.
Darden effectively managed its expenses. Food and beverage costs remained flat as a percentage of sales, and restaurant labor costs were also stable. Notably, General and Administrative expenses decreased as a percentage of sales, primarily due to lower management incentive expenses and market-driven adjustments to equity-based compensation.
Darden anticipates continued growth in fiscal year 2020, with projected sales increases between 5.3% and 6.3%. This forecast is supported by the inclusion of a 53rd week in the fiscal year, an expected same-restaurant sales growth of 1.0% to 2.0%, and the planned opening of approximately 50 new restaurants.
The adoption of ASC 842 resulted in Darden recognizing significant operating lease right-of-use assets and liabilities on its balance sheet. As of August 25, 2019, operating lease right-of-use assets were $3,996.7 million and operating lease liabilities were $4,413.9 million (current and non-current combined), which increased total assets and liabilities.