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Nov 26, 2023

Darden Q2 2024 Earnings Report

Darden's financial performance grew, driven by same-restaurant sales increase and the addition of Ruth's Chris Steak House restaurants.

Key Takeaways

Darden Restaurants reported a 9.7% increase in total sales, reaching $2.7 billion. This growth was fueled by a 2.8% increase in blended same-restaurant sales and the addition of 78 company-owned Ruth's Chris Steak House restaurants and 45 other net new restaurants. The adjusted diluted net earnings per share from continuing operations were $1.84, a 21.1% increase.

Total sales increased by 9.7% reaching $2.7 billion.

Blended same-restaurant sales increased by 2.8%.

Adjusted diluted net earnings per share increased by 21.1% to $1.84.

The company repurchased $181 million of its outstanding common stock.

Total Revenue
$2.73B
Previous year: $2.49B
+9.7%
EPS
$1.84
Previous year: $1.52
+21.1%
Olive Garden same-store sales
4.1%
Previous year: 7.6%
-46.1%
LongHorn same-store sales
4.9%
Previous year: 7.3%
-32.9%
Fine Dining same-store sales
-1.7%
Previous year: 5.9%
-128.8%
Gross Profit
$550M
Previous year: $443M
+24.3%
Cash and Equivalents
$220M
Previous year: $241M
-8.6%
Free Cash Flow
$185M
Total Assets
$11.3B
Previous year: $10B
+12.9%

Darden

Darden

Darden Revenue by Segment

Forward Guidance

The Company updated its full year financial outlook for fiscal 2024 which includes Ruth's Chris operating results, but excludes approximately $55 million, pre-tax, of expected transaction and integration related costs associated with the acquisition.

Positive Outlook

  • Total sales of approximately $11.5 billion
  • Same-restaurant sales growth of 2.5% to 3.0%
  • New restaurant openings of 50 to 55
  • Total capital spending of approximately $600 million
  • Total inflation of 3.0% to 3.5%

Challenges Ahead

  • An effective tax rate of approximately 12% to 12.5%
  • Adjusted diluted net earnings per share from continuing operations of $8.75 to $8.90, excluding approximately $0.37, after-tax, of Ruth's Chris transaction and integration related costs*
  • Approximately 121.0 million weighted average diluted shares outstanding

Revenue & Expenses

Visualization of income flow from segment revenue to net income