Darden Restaurants Stock Hits Record High on Robust Earnings and Strategic Moves

Darden Restaurants Inc. shares surged to an all-time high of $225.78, marking a 1.36% gain, after surpassing Wall Street's fiscal Q4 expectations. The parent company of Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse reported adjusted earnings of $2.98 per share, narrowly beating estimates, while revenue reached $3.27 billion—driven by strategic acquisitions and same-store sales growth.

Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse delivered standout performances, with same-store sales climbing 6.9% and 6.7%, respectively. The company's expansion strategy, including the addition of 103 Chuy’s Tex Mex locations, fueled a 10.6% year-over-year revenue increase.

Darden’s fiscal 2026 outlook projects revenue growth between 7% and 8%, with adjusted EPS forecast at $10.50 to $10.70. A newly authorized $1 billion share repurchase program signals confidence in sustained growth, while potential divestment or conversion of the Bahama Breeze brand underscores strategic portfolio optimization.