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Darden (DRI) Surpasses Q4 Earnings and Revenue Estimates
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Darden Restaurants, Inc. (DRI - Free Report) is one of the largest casual dining restaurant operators. The company reports its business in four segments: Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Fine Dining, which includes The Capital Grille and Eddie V's, and Other Business.
In April 2017, Darden completed the acquisition of small restaurant chain, Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen (Cheddar's), in an all-cash deal worth $780 million. Cheddar's seems to be a great fit in the company’s portfolio as it not only complements its existing brands but is also expected to aid in attracting customers. This in turn should drive Darden’s comps and resultantly sales, going ahead. Darden also believes that the addition of Cheddar’s will help boost its scale and wide range of data and insights.
Most of Darden’s brands have been witnessing growth over the past few quarters on the back of sales initiatives like simplifying kitchen systems, better in-restaurant execution to enhance guest experience, menu innovation, remodeling along with various technology-driven moves. Also, the company’s efforts to check costs are commendable.
However, increased labor costs and a non-franchised business model may dent the company’s profits, while a soft consumer spending environment in the U.S. restaurant space might continue to restrict revenue growth.
Investors should note that the current-quarter and year earnings consensus estimate for DRI have remained stable over the last 60 days. However, DRI’s earnings have been strong over the past few quarters. In fact, the company’s earnings surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate in three of the last four quarters, with an average beat of 0.47%. Meanwhile, revenues posted positive surprises in three of the trailing four quarters.
We have highlighted some of the key stats from this just-revealed announcement below:
Earnings: DRI beats on earnings. Our consensus earnings estimate called for earnings per share of $1.35 cents, and the company reported adjusted earnings of $1.39 cents per share.
Revenues: DRI reported revenues of $2.13 billion, slightly surpassing the Zacks consensus estimate of $2.12 billion.
Key Statistics to Note: In fourth-quarter fiscal 2018, the company’s legacy brands posted blended comps growth of 2.2%.
Stock Price Impact: At the time of writing, the stock price of Darden was up 3.2% during pre-market trading hours following the earnings release.
Darden Restaurants, Inc. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise
Check back later for the full write up on DRI earnings report!
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With battery prices plummeting and charging stations set to multiply, one company stands out as the #1 stock to buy according to Zacks research.
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Darden (DRI) Surpasses Q4 Earnings and Revenue Estimates
Darden Restaurants, Inc. (DRI - Free Report) is one of the largest casual dining restaurant operators. The company reports its business in four segments: Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Fine Dining, which includes The Capital Grille and Eddie V's, and Other Business.
In April 2017, Darden completed the acquisition of small restaurant chain, Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen (Cheddar's), in an all-cash deal worth $780 million. Cheddar's seems to be a great fit in the company’s portfolio as it not only complements its existing brands but is also expected to aid in attracting customers. This in turn should drive Darden’s comps and resultantly sales, going ahead. Darden also believes that the addition of Cheddar’s will help boost its scale and wide range of data and insights.
Most of Darden’s brands have been witnessing growth over the past few quarters on the back of sales initiatives like simplifying kitchen systems, better in-restaurant execution to enhance guest experience, menu innovation, remodeling along with various technology-driven moves. Also, the company’s efforts to check costs are commendable.
However, increased labor costs and a non-franchised business model may dent the company’s profits, while a soft consumer spending environment in the U.S. restaurant space might continue to restrict revenue growth.
Investors should note that the current-quarter and year earnings consensus estimate for DRI have remained stable over the last 60 days. However, DRI’s earnings have been strong over the past few quarters. In fact, the company’s earnings surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate in three of the last four quarters, with an average beat of 0.47%. Meanwhile, revenues posted positive surprises in three of the trailing four quarters.
DRI currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) but that could change following Darden’s earnings report which was just released. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
We have highlighted some of the key stats from this just-revealed announcement below:
Earnings: DRI beats on earnings. Our consensus earnings estimate called for earnings per share of $1.35 cents, and the company reported adjusted earnings of $1.39 cents per share.
Revenues: DRI reported revenues of $2.13 billion, slightly surpassing the Zacks consensus estimate of $2.12 billion.
Key Statistics to Note: In fourth-quarter fiscal 2018, the company’s legacy brands posted blended comps growth of 2.2%.
Stock Price Impact: At the time of writing, the stock price of Darden was up 3.2% during pre-market trading hours following the earnings release.
Darden Restaurants, Inc. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise
Darden Restaurants, Inc. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise | Darden Restaurants, Inc. Quote
Check back later for the full write up on DRI earnings report!
Will You Make a Fortune on the Shift to Electric Cars?
Here's another stock idea to consider. Much like petroleum 150 years ago, lithium power may soon shake the world, creating millionaires and reshaping geo-politics. Soon electric vehicles (EVs) may be cheaper than gas guzzlers. Some are already reaching 265 miles on a single charge.
With battery prices plummeting and charging stations set to multiply, one company stands out as the #1 stock to buy according to Zacks research.
It's not the one you think.
See This Ticker Free >>