News Brief: Darden Restaurants Raises Outlook on Strong Demand
Summary
Darden Restaurants reported strong fiscal Q2 results, exceeding revenue expectations. Driven by value-focused promotions at Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse, the company raised its full-year sales growth outlook for the second consecutive quarter.
Key Points
- Financial Performance: Revenue reached $3.1B (vs. $3.07B expected). Adjusted EPS was $2.08 (vs. $2.10 expected). Same-store sales grew 4.3%, beating estimates.
- Raised Outlook: Darden increased its fiscal 2026 sales growth forecast to 8.5%-9.3% from 7.5%-8.5%.
- Brand Performance:
- Olive Garden (44% of sales): Same-store sales up 4.7%, helped by the $13.99 Never Ending Pasta Bowl promotion and growing delivery. Testing smaller, lower-priced portions.
- LongHorn Steakhouse: Same-store sales up 5.9%. Benefited from high beef prices making dining out relatively attractive.
- Fine Dining (Ruth’s Chris, Capital Grille): Same-store sales grew 0.8%, outperforming the sector, aided by value promotions.
- Consumer Trends: Value-seeking is key. Darden sees trading down from high-income consumers and strength in the 55+ demographic. Demand from sub-$50k earners slightly softened.
- Challenges: High ingredient costs, especially beef, pressured margins. The company reiterated its EPS forecast due to expected ongoing cost pressures.
新闻简报：达登餐饮因超值策略吸引食客上调营收展望
摘要
达登餐饮公司公布了强劲的第二财季业绩，营收超出预期。在橄榄园和LongHorn牛排馆以价值为导向的促销活动推动下，该公司连续第二个季度上调了全年销售增长展望。
关键点
- 财务表现：营收达31亿美元（预期为30.7亿美元）。调整后每股收益为2.08美元（预期为2.10美元）。同店销售额增长4.3%，超出预期。
- 上调展望：达登将2026财年销售增长预测从7.5%-8.5%上调至8.5%-9.3%。
- 品牌表现：
- 橄榄园（占销售额44%）：同店销售额增长4.7%，得益于13.99美元的”意面无限续”促销和不断增长的外卖业务。正在测试份量更小、价格更低的菜品。
- LongHorn牛排馆：同店销售额增长5.9%。受益于牛肉价格高企，使得外出就餐相对更具吸引力。
- 高端餐饮（茹丝葵、Capital Grille）：同店销售额增长0.8%，表现优于行业整体，部分得益于超值促销。
- 消费趋势：追求价值是关键。达登观察到高收入消费者转向其品牌，55岁以上人群消费强劲。收入低于5万美元的消费者需求略有软化。
- 挑战：食材成本高企，尤其是牛肉，挤压了利润率。由于持续的成本压力，公司重申了其每股收益预测。
Original Article Link: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/12/18/darden-restaurants-dri-q2-2026-earnings.html