📊 DRI Key Takeaways
Is Darden Restaurants Inc. (DRI) a Good Investment?
Darden demonstrates solid operational performance with strong profitability metrics (10.7% operating margin, 8.1% net margin) and excellent return on equity of 23.8%, supported by 6% revenue growth and 4.1% EPS growth. However, the company's financial structure shows concerning leverage with 1.03x debt-to-equity ratio and very weak liquidity position (0.39x current ratio), which limits financial flexibility despite robust interest coverage of 13.1x.
Darden Restaurants shows solid core fundamentals with steady 6.0% revenue growth, healthy 10.7% operating margins, and strong interest coverage of 13.1x, indicating a durable and profitable operating model. However, earnings growth is modest relative to sales growth, liquidity is notably weak with a 0.39x current ratio, and the absence of operating cash flow and free cash flow data limits confidence in the quality of reported earnings.
Why Buy Darden Restaurants Inc. Stock? DRI Key Strengths
- Strong net margin at 8.1% with 2.1% net income growth demonstrates operational efficiency and pricing power
- Excellent return on equity of 23.8% indicates effective capital deployment and shareholder value generation
- Solid interest coverage ratio of 13.1x shows comfortable debt servicing capacity despite leverage
- Consistent revenue growth of 6% YoY indicates stable brand portfolio and market demand
- Consistent top-line growth with positive YoY gains in revenue, net income, and diluted EPS
- Healthy restaurant-level profitability reflected in 18.8% gross margin, 10.7% operating margin, and 8.1% net margin
- Manageable leverage profile supported by 13.1x interest coverage and strong 23.8% ROE
DRI Stock Risks: Darden Restaurants Inc. Investment Risks
- Very tight liquidity position with current ratio of 0.39x and quick ratio of 0.26x raises concerns about short-term obligations
- High leverage with debt-to-equity ratio of 1.03x limits financial flexibility for unexpected challenges or strategic investments
- Operating cash flow data unavailable prevents assessment of cash generation quality and working capital management
- Restaurant sector sensitivity to labor costs, commodity inflation, and consumer discretionary spending
- Very weak liquidity with low current and quick ratios, leaving less balance-sheet flexibility
- Profit growth is lagging revenue growth, which may indicate cost pressure or margin compression risk
- Cash flow quality is harder to assess because operating cash flow and free cash flow are unavailable
Key Metrics to Watch
- Operating cash flow trend and free cash flow generation to assess actual cash conversion
- Current ratio and working capital management to monitor liquidity stress
- Operating margin sustainability amid wage and commodity cost pressures
- Debt reduction progress to improve capital structure and financial flexibility
- Operating cash flow and free cash flow generation relative to net income
- Operating margin trend and same-store sales growth versus debt and liquidity levels
Darden Restaurants Inc. (DRI) Financial Metrics & Key Ratios
💡 AI Analyst Insight
The current ratio below 1.0x warrants monitoring of short-term liquidity.
DRI Profit Margin, ROE & Profitability Analysis
DRI vs Consumer Sector: How Darden Restaurants Inc. Compares
How Darden Restaurants Inc. compares to Consumer sector averages
Sector benchmarks are approximate industry averages. Actual sector performance may vary.
Is Darden Restaurants Inc. Stock Overvalued? DRI Valuation Analysis 2026
Based on fundamental analysis, Darden Restaurants Inc. has mixed fundamental signals relative to the Consumer sector in 2026.
Note: This is a fundamental analysis based on SEC filings. For P/E ratio, price targets, and market-based valuation, consult financial data providers. This is not investment advice.
Darden Restaurants Inc. Balance Sheet: DRI Debt, Cash & Liquidity
DRI Revenue & Earnings Growth: 5-Year Financial Trend
5-Year Trend Summary: Darden Restaurants Inc.'s revenue has grown significantly by 42% over the 5-year period, indicating strong business expansion. The most recent EPS of $7.99 reflects profitable operations.
DRI Revenue Growth, EPS Growth & YoY Performance
DRI Quarterly Earnings & Performance
| Quarter | Revenue | Net Income | EPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q3 2026 | $3.2B | $306.8M | $2.65 |
| Q2 2026 | $2.9B | $215.1M | $1.82 |
| Q1 2026 | $2.8B | $207.2M | $1.74 |
| Q3 2025 | $3.0B | $312.9M | $2.60 |
| Q2 2025 | $2.7B | $212.1M | $1.76 |
| Q1 2025 | $2.7B | $194.5M | $1.59 |
| Q3 2024 | $2.8B | $286.6M | $2.34 |
| Q2 2024 | $2.5B | $187.2M | $1.52 |
Data sourced from SEC EDGAR 10-Q quarterly filings. Figures may represent quarterly or cumulative values.
Darden Restaurants Inc. Dividends, Buybacks & Capital Allocation
DRI SEC Filings: Latest 10-K & 10-Q Analysis
Access official SEC EDGAR filings for Darden Restaurants Inc. (CIK: 0000940944)
📋 Recent SEC Filings
❓ Frequently Asked Questions about DRI
What is the AI rating for DRI?
Darden Restaurants Inc. (DRI) has a Combined AI Rating of BUY from Claude (BUY) and ChatGPT (HOLD) with 74% combined confidence, based on fundamental analysis of SEC EDGAR filings.
What are DRI's key strengths?
Claude: Strong net margin at 8.1% with 2.1% net income growth demonstrates operational efficiency and pricing power. Excellent return on equity of 23.8% indicates effective capital deployment and shareholder value generation. ChatGPT: Consistent top-line growth with positive YoY gains in revenue, net income, and diluted EPS. Healthy restaurant-level profitability reflected in 18.8% gross margin, 10.7% operating margin, and 8.1% net margin.
What are the risks of investing in DRI?
Claude: Very tight liquidity position with current ratio of 0.39x and quick ratio of 0.26x raises concerns about short-term obligations. High leverage with debt-to-equity ratio of 1.03x limits financial flexibility for unexpected challenges or strategic investments. ChatGPT: Very weak liquidity with low current and quick ratios, leaving less balance-sheet flexibility. Profit growth is lagging revenue growth, which may indicate cost pressure or margin compression risk.
What is DRI's revenue and growth?
Darden Restaurants Inc. reported revenue of $6.1B.
Does DRI pay dividends?
Darden Restaurants Inc. pays dividends, with $349.0M distributed to shareholders in the trailing twelve months.
Where can I find DRI SEC filings?
Official SEC filings for Darden Restaurants Inc. (CIK: 0000940944) including 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K reports are available on SEC EDGAR.
What is DRI's EPS?
Darden Restaurants Inc. has a diluted EPS of $4.22.
How is the AI analysis conducted?
Two independent AI systems — Claude (Anthropic) and ChatGPT (OpenAI) — analyze SEC EDGAR filings including 10-K annual reports and 10-Q quarterly reports. Each AI evaluates financial health, profitability ratios, balance sheet strength, and growth metrics. The combined rating reflects both perspectives for balanced insights.
Is DRI a good stock to buy right now?
Based on our AI fundamental analysis in April 2026, Darden Restaurants Inc. has a BUY rating with 74% confidence. The AI analysis suggests favorable fundamentals based on SEC filings. This is not investment advice.
Is DRI stock overvalued or undervalued?
Valuation metrics for DRI: ROE of 23.8% (sector avg: 18%), net margin of 8.1% (sector avg: 8%). Higher ROE suggests strong returns relative to peers.
Should I buy DRI stock in 2026?
Our dual AI analysis gives Darden Restaurants Inc. a combined BUY rating for 2026. Revenue is data pending, with profitability above sector average. Always conduct your own research.
What is DRI's free cash flow?
Darden Restaurants Inc.'s operating cash flow is N/A, with capital expenditures of $375.0M.
How does DRI compare to other Consumer stocks?
Vs Consumer sector averages: Net margin 8.1% (avg: 8%), ROE 23.8% (avg: 18%), current ratio 0.39 (avg: 1.5).