Darden Restaurants Inc 10-Q for FY2024 Q3
Darden Restaurants Inc (DRI)
10-Q
2024-04-02
For: 2024-02-25
View Original
Added on
April 12, 2026
About this 10-Q
Darden Restaurants Inc filed this 10-Q on April 2, 2024, covering the quarter ended February 25, 2024 (FY2024 Q3).
Headline figures
Quarter ended February 25, 2024, as reported in this filing, compared with the same period a year earlier where the filing states it.
- Revenue
- $2.97B
- up 6.8% from $2.79B a year earlier
- Net income
- $312.9M
- up 9.2% from net income of $286.6M a year earlier
- Diluted EPS
- $2.60
- up 11.1% from $2.34 a year earlier
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
| QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | |||||
For the quarterly period ended February 25, 2024
or
| TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | |||||
For the transition period from to
Commission File Number
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
| (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) | ||||||||||
| (Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) | ||||||||||
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of each class | Trading Symbol | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||||||
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. ☒ Yes ☐ No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). ☒ Yes ☐ No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
| ☒ | Accelerated filer | ☐ | ||||||||||||||||||
| Non-accelerated filer | ☐ | Smaller reporting company | ||||||||||||||||||
| Emerging growth company | ||||||||||||||||||||
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). ☐ Yes ☒ No
Number of shares of common stock outstanding as of March 15, 2024: 119,358,947 .
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| Page | |||||||||||
| Part I - | Financial Information | ||||||||||
| Item 1. | |||||||||||
| Item 2. | |||||||||||
| Item 3. | |||||||||||
| Item 4. | |||||||||||
| Part II - | Other Information | ||||||||||
| Item 1. | |||||||||||
| Item 1A. | |||||||||||
| Item 2. | |||||||||||
| Item 5. | |||||||||||
| Item 6. | |||||||||||
2
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Statements set forth in or incorporated into this report that are not historical facts, including without limitation statements with respect to the financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business of Darden Restaurants, Inc. and its subsidiaries that are preceded by, followed by or that include words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “continue,” “estimate,” “project,” “believe,” “plan”, “outlook” or similar expressions, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This statement is included for purposes of complying with the safe harbor provisions of that Act. Any forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which such statements are made, and we undertake no obligation to update such statements for any reason to reflect events or circumstances arising after such date. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in or implied by such forward-looking statements. The most significant of these uncertainties are described in Darden’s Form 10-K, Form 10-Q (including this report) and Form 8-K reports.
3
PART I
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited)
DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
(In millions, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
| Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| February 25, 2024 | February 26, 2023 | February 25, 2024 | February 26, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Sales | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Costs and expenses: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Food and beverage | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Restaurant labor | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Restaurant expenses | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Marketing expenses | |||||||||||||||||||||||
General and administrative expenses | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Impairments and disposal of assets, net | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Total operating costs and expenses | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Operating income | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest, net | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Earnings before income taxes | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income tax expense | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Earnings from continuing operations | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
Losses from discontinued operations, net of tax benefit of $ | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net earnings | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Basic net earnings per share: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Earnings from continuing operations | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Losses from discontinued operations | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Net earnings | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted net earnings per share: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Earnings from continuing operations | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Losses from discontinued operations | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net earnings | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Average number of common shares outstanding: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Basic | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Diluted | |||||||||||||||||||||||
See accompanying notes to our unaudited consolidated financial statements.
4
DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(In millions)
(Unaudited)
| Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| February 25, 2024 | February 26, 2023 | February 25, 2024 | February 26, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net earnings | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency adjustment | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
Change in fair value of derivatives and amortization of unrecognized gains and losses on derivatives, net of taxes of $( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Net unamortized gain (loss) arising during the period, including amortization of unrecognized net actuarial gain (loss), net of taxes of $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total comprehensive income | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
See accompanying notes to our unaudited consolidated financial statements.
5
DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In millions)
| February 25, 2024 | May 28, 2023 | ||||||||||
| (Unaudited) | |||||||||||
| ASSETS | |||||||||||
| Current assets: | |||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Receivables, net | |||||||||||
| Inventories | |||||||||||
| Prepaid income taxes | |||||||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | |||||||||||
| Total current assets | $ | $ | |||||||||
Land, buildings and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $ | |||||||||||
| Operating lease right-of-use assets | |||||||||||
| Goodwill | |||||||||||
| Trademarks | |||||||||||
| Other assets | |||||||||||
| Total assets | $ | $ | |||||||||
| LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | |||||||||||
| Current liabilities: | |||||||||||
| Accounts payable | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Short-term debt | |||||||||||
| Accrued payroll | |||||||||||
| Accrued income taxes | |||||||||||
| Other accrued taxes | |||||||||||
| Unearned revenues | |||||||||||
| Other current liabilities | |||||||||||
| Total current liabilities | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Long-term debt | |||||||||||
| Deferred income taxes | |||||||||||
| Operating lease liabilities - non-current | |||||||||||
| Other liabilities | |||||||||||
| Total liabilities | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Stockholders’ equity: | |||||||||||
| Common stock and surplus | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Retained earnings (deficit) | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive income | |||||||||||
| Total stockholders’ equity | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | $ | $ | |||||||||
See accompanying notes to our unaudited consolidated financial statements.
6
DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
For the Three and Nine Months Ended February 25, 2024 and February 26, 2023
(In millions)
(Unaudited)
| Common Stock And Surplus | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares | Amount | Retained Earnings (Deficit) | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | Total Stockholders’ Equity | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at November 26, 2023 | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net earnings | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss) | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends declared ($ | — | — | ( | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock option exercises | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Repurchases of common stock | ( | ( | ( | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of stock under Employee Stock Purchase Plan and other plans | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other | — | ( | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at February 25, 2024 | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at May 28, 2023 | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net earnings | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss) | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends declared ($ | — | — | ( | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock option exercises | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Repurchases of common stock | ( | ( | ( | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of stock under Employee Stock Purchase Plan and other plans | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other | — | ( | — | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at February 25, 2024 | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at November 27, 2022 | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net earnings | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss) | — | — | — | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends declared ($ | — | — | ( | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock option exercises | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Repurchases of common stock | ( | ( | ( | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of stock under Employee Stock Purchase Plan and other plans | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other | — | ( | — | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at February 26, 2023 | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at May 29, 2022 | $ | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net earnings | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss) | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends declared ($ | — | — | ( | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock option exercises | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Repurchases of common stock | ( | ( | ( | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of stock under Employee Stock Purchase Plan and other plans | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at February 26, 2023 | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
See accompanying notes to our unaudited consolidated financial statements.
7
DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In millions)
(Unaudited)
| Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||
| February 25, 2024 | February 26, 2023 | ||||||||||
| Cash flows—operating activities | |||||||||||
| Net earnings | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Losses from discontinued operations, net of tax | |||||||||||
| Adjustments to reconcile net earnings from continuing operations to cash flows: | |||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | |||||||||||
| Impairments and disposal of assets, net | ( | ||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | |||||||||||
| Change in current assets and liabilities | |||||||||||
| Contributions to pension and postretirement plans | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Deferred income taxes | ( | ||||||||||
| Change in other assets and liabilities | ( | ||||||||||
| Other, net | ( | ||||||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Cash flows—investing activities | |||||||||||
| Purchases of land, buildings and equipment | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Proceeds from disposal of land, buildings and equipment | |||||||||||
| Cash used in business acquisitions, net of cash acquired | ( | ||||||||||
| Purchases of capitalized software and other assets | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Other, net | |||||||||||
| Net cash used in investing activities of continuing operations | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||||||
| Cash flows—financing activities | |||||||||||
| Proceeds from issuance of common stock | |||||||||||
| Dividends paid | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Repurchases of common stock | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Proceeds from issuance of commercial paper, net | |||||||||||
| Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt | |||||||||||
| Repayments of long-term debt | ( | ||||||||||
| Principal payments on finance leases | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Tenant incentive cash received on finance leases | |||||||||||
| Payments of debt issuance costs | ( | ||||||||||
| Net cash used in financing activities of continuing operations | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||||||
| Cash flows—discontinued operations | |||||||||||
| Net cash used in operating activities of discontinued operations | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Net cash used in discontinued operations | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||||||
| Decrease in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash - beginning of period | |||||||||||
| Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash - end of period | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash: | February 25, 2024 | February 26, 2023 | ||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Restricted cash included in prepaid expenses and other current assets | ||||||||||||||
| Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash shown in the statement of cash flows | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
8
DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)
(In millions)
(Unaudited)
| Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||
| February 25, 2024 | February 26, 2023 | ||||||||||
| Cash flows from changes in current assets and liabilities | |||||||||||
| Receivables, net | |||||||||||
| Inventories | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Accounts payable | ( | ||||||||||
| Accrued payroll | ( | ||||||||||
| Prepaid/accrued income taxes | ( | ||||||||||
| Other accrued taxes | |||||||||||
| Unearned revenues | |||||||||||
| Other current liabilities | ( | ||||||||||
| Change in current assets and liabilities | $ | $ | |||||||||
See accompanying notes to our unaudited consolidated financial statements.
9
Note 1.Basis of Presentation
Darden Restaurants, Inc. (we, our, Darden or the Company) owns and operates full-service dining restaurants in the United States and Canada under the trade names Olive Garden®, LongHorn Steakhouse®, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen®, Yard House®, Ruth’s Chris Steak House®, The Capital Grille®, Seasons 52®, Bahama Breeze®, Eddie V’s Prime Seafood® and The Capital Burger®. As of February 25, 2024, through subsidiaries, we own and operate all of our restaurants in the United States and Canada, except for 2 joint venture restaurants managed by us, 4 managed locations operating under contractual agreements and 91 franchised restaurants. We also have 55 franchised restaurants in operation located in Latin America, the Caribbean, Asia, and the Middle East.
We have prepared these consolidated financial statements pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally presented in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included and are of a normal recurring nature. We operate on a 52/53-week fiscal year which ends on the last Sunday in May. Our fiscal year ending May 26, 2024 will contain 52 weeks of operation. Operating results for interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for the full fiscal year.
We have reclassified certain amounts in prior-period financial statements to conform to the current period’s presentation.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures, which updates reportable segment disclosure requirements primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. The amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and for interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted. The amendments should be applied retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. Management is currently evaluating this ASU to determine its impact on the Company's disclosures.
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures, which updates income tax disclosures related to the rate reconciliation and requires disclosure of income taxes paid by jurisdiction. The amendment also provides further disclosure comparability. The amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted. The amendments should be applied prospectively; however, retrospective application is permitted. Management is currently evaluating this ASU to determine its impact on the Company’s disclosures.
Note 2.Acquisition of Ruth’s Chris Steak House
On June 14, 2023, we acquired 100 percent of the equity interest of Ruth’s Chris Steak House (Ruth’s Chris) for $724.6 million in total consideration. We funded the acquisition with the proceeds from the issuance of a $600.0 million Term Loan (Term Loan) combined with cash on hand. We repaid the Term Loan in full on October 10, 2023 with proceeds from the issuance of $500 million aggregate principal amount of our 6.30 % Senior Notes, due 2033 (the 2033 Notes), and cash on hand. The 2033 Notes were issued pursuant to a supplement per the Company’s Indenture, dated as of January 1, 1996 between the Company and Computershare Trust Company, National Association, as trustee (Base Trustee), as amended and supplemented by the Second Supplemental Indenture, dated October 4, 2023, among the Company, the Base Trustee and U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as successor trustee with respect to the 2033 Notes. The 2033 Notes will mature on October 10, 2033. Interest on the 2033 Notes will be paid semi-annually in arrears on April 10 and October 10 of each year, commencing on April 10, 2024, to holders of record on the preceding March 26 or September 25, as the case may be.
10
The acquired operations of Ruth’s Chris included 77 company-owned locations, 74 franchisee-owned locations and 4 managed locations operating under contractual agreement. The results of Ruth’s Chris operations are included in our consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition.
The assets and liabilities of Ruth’s Chris were recorded at their respective fair values as of the date of acquisition. We are in the process of confirming, through internal studies and third-party valuations, the fair value of these assets, including land, buildings and equipment, intangible assets, income tax assets, unearned revenues and other liabilities. The fair values set forth below are based on preliminary valuations and are subject to adjustment as additional information is obtained. When the valuation process is completed, adjustments to goodwill may result.
The preliminary allocation of the purchase price is as follows:
| Balances at | Balances at | |||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | June 14, 2023 | Adjustments | February 25, 2024 | |||||||||||||||||
| Cash | $ | $ | — | $ | ||||||||||||||||
| Other current assets | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Land, buildings and equipment | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Operating lease right-of-use assets | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Goodwill | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Trademark | — | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other assets | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total assets acquired | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||
| Current liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Deferred income taxes | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating lease liabilities - non-current | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Other liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total liabilities assumed | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||
| Net assets acquired | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||
The excess of the purchase price over the aggregate fair value of net assets acquired was allocated to goodwill. Of the $360.4 million recorded as goodwill, $15.2 million is deductible for tax purposes. The portion of the purchase price attributable to goodwill represents benefits expected because of the acquisition, including sales and unit growth opportunities in addition to supply-chain and support-cost synergies. The trademark has an indefinite life based on the expected use of the asset and the regulatory and economic environment within which it is being used. The trademark represents a highly respected brand with positive connotations, and we intend to cultivate and protect the use of this brand. Goodwill and indefinite-lived trademarks are not amortized, but are reviewed annually for impairment or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist. Buildings and equipment will be depreciated over a period of 2 years to 30 years.
As a result of the acquisition and related integration efforts, we incurred expenses of approximately $6.8 million ($2.0 million, net of tax) and $44.4 million ($33.8 million, net of tax) during the quarter and nine months ended February 25, 2024, respectively, which are included in general and administrative expenses, impairment, net and interest expense in our consolidated statements of earnings. Pro-forma financial information of the combined entities for periods prior to the acquisition is not presented due to the immaterial impact of the financial results of Ruth’s Chris on our consolidated financial statements.
11
Note 3. Revenue Recognition
Deferred revenue liabilities from contracts with customers included on our accompanying consolidated balance sheets was comprised of the following:
| (in millions) | February 25, 2024 | May 28, 2023 | ||||||||||||
| Unearned revenues | ||||||||||||||
| Deferred gift card revenue | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Deferred gift card discounts | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
| Other | ||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Other liabilities | ||||||||||||||
| Deferred franchise fees - non-current | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
The following table presents a rollforward of deferred gift card revenue.
| Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | February 25, 2024 | February 26, 2023 | February 25, 2024 | February 26, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Beginning balance | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Acquired deferred gift card revenue | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Activations | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Redemptions and breakage | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ending balance | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
12
Note 4. Additional Financial Information
Supplemental Balance Sheet Information
The components of lease assets and liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet were as follows:
| (in millions) | Balance Sheet Classification | February 25, 2024 | May 28, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||
| Operating lease right-of-use assets | Operating lease right-of-use assets | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||
| Finance lease right-of-use assets | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total lease assets, net | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
| Operating lease liabilities - current | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
| Finance lease liabilities - current | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating lease liabilities - non-current | Operating lease liabilities - non-current | |||||||||||||||||||
| Finance lease liabilities - non-current | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total lease liabilities | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Cash paid for interest and income taxes were as follows: | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||
| (in millions) | February 25, 2024 | February 26, 2023 | ||||||||||||
| Interest, net of amounts capitalized | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Income taxes, net of refunds | ( | |||||||||||||
| Non-cash investing and financing activities were as follows: | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||
| (in millions) | February 25, 2024 | February 26, 2023 | ||||||||||||
| Increase in land, buildings and equipment through accrued purchases | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities (1) | ||||||||||||||
| Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease liabilities | ||||||||||||||
| Net change in right-of-use assets mainly due to lease modifications resulting in reclassification of leases from operating to finance | ||||||||||||||
(1) Right-of-use assets obtained in fiscal 2024 includes $301.6 million from the acquisition of Ruth’s Chris.
Note 5. Income Taxes
The effective income tax rate for continuing operations for the quarter ended February 25, 2024 was 10.7 percent compared to an effective income tax rate for the quarter ended February 26, 2023 of 13.2 percent. This decrease in tax rate was primarily driven by mark-to-market activity and deductions related to Ruth’s Chris transaction costs. The effective income tax rate for continuing operations for the nine months ended February 25, 2024 was 11.6 percent compared to an effective income tax rate for the nine months ended February 26, 2023 of 13.0 percent. This change was primarily driven by the impact of federal tax credits and higher benefits related to option exercises.
Included in our remaining balance of unrecognized tax benefits is $8.3 million related to tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts could change within the next twelve months based on the outcome of examinations or as a result of the expiration of the statute of limitations for specific jurisdictions.
13
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) was enacted on August 16, 2022. The IRA includes provisions imposing a 1 percent excise tax on share repurchases that occur after December 31, 2022 and introduced a 15 percent corporate alternative minimum tax (CAMT) on adjusted financial statement income. The impact of the IRA excise tax and CAMT are immaterial to our consolidated financial statements for the quarter and nine months ended February 25, 2024.
Note 6. Net Earnings per Share
Outstanding stock options, restricted stock and equity-settled performance stock units granted by us represent the only dilutive effect reflected in diluted weighted average shares outstanding, none of which impact the numerator of the diluted net earnings per share computation. Stock options, restricted stock and equity-settled performance stock units excluded from the calculation of diluted net earnings per share because the effect would have been anti-dilutive, were as follows:
| Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | February 25, 2024 | February 26, 2023 | February 25, 2024 | February 26, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Anti-dilutive stock-based compensation awards | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Note 7. Segment Information
We manage our restaurant brands, Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, Yard House, Ruth’s Chris, The Capital Grille, Seasons 52, Bahama Breeze, Eddie V’s, and The Capital Burger in North America as operating segments. The brands operate principally in the U.S. within full-service dining. We aggregate our operating segments into reportable segments based on a combination of the size, economic characteristics and sub-segment of full-service dining within which each brand operates. We have four reportable segments: (1) Olive Garden, (2) LongHorn Steakhouse, (3) Fine Dining and (4) Other Business.
The Olive Garden segment includes the results of our company-owned Olive Garden restaurants in the U.S. and Canada. The LongHorn Steakhouse segment includes the results of our company-owned LongHorn Steakhouse restaurants in the U.S. The Fine Dining segment aggregates our premium brands that operate within the fine-dining sub-segment of full-service dining and includes the results of our company-owned Ruth’s Chris, The Capital Grille and Eddie V’s restaurants in the U.S. The Other Business segment aggregates our remaining brands and includes the results of our company-owned Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, Yard House, Seasons 52, Bahama Breeze and The Capital Burger restaurants in the U.S. and results from our franchise operations.
External sales are derived principally from food and beverage sales. We do not rely on any major customers as a source of sales, and the customers and long-lived assets of our reportable segments are predominantly in the U.S. There were no material transactions among reportable segments.
Our management uses segment profit as the measure for assessing performance of our segments. Segment profit includes revenues and expenses directly attributable to restaurant-level results of operations (sometimes referred to as restaurant-level earnings). These expenses include food and beverage costs, restaurant labor costs, restaurant expenses and marketing expenses (collectively “restaurant and marketing expenses”). Non-cash lease-related expenses included in restaurant expenses (which is a component of segment profit) and lease-related depreciation and amortization are reported at the corporate level as these are expenses for which our operating segments are not being evaluated. Additionally, our lease-related right-of-use assets are not managed or evaluated at the operating segment level, but rather at the corporate level.
14
The following tables reconcile our segment results to our consolidated results reported in accordance with GAAP.
| (in millions) | Olive Garden | LongHorn Steakhouse | Fine Dining1 | Other Business | Corporate | Consolidated | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| For the three months ended February 25, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sales | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Restaurant and marketing expenses | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment profit | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Impairments and disposal of assets, net | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Includes Ruth’s Chris results for the quarter. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | Olive Garden | LongHorn Steakhouse | Fine Dining1 | Other Business | Corporate | Consolidated | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| For the nine months ended February 25, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sales | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Restaurant and marketing expenses | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment profit | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Impairments and disposal of assets, net | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Purchases of land, buildings and equipment | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Results of operations includes Ruth’s Chris from the date of acquisition forward. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
15
| (in millions) | Olive Garden | LongHorn Steakhouse | Fine Dining | Other Business | Corporate | Consolidated | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| For the three months ended February 26, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sales | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Restaurant and marketing expenses | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment profit | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Impairments and disposal of assets, net | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | Olive Garden | LongHorn Steakhouse | Fine Dining | Other Business | Corporate | Consolidated | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| For the nine months ended February 26, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sales | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Restaurant and marketing expenses | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment profit | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Impairments and disposal of assets, net | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Purchases of land, buildings and equipment | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A reconciliation of segment profit to earnings from continuing operations before income taxes is below.
| Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | February 25, 2024 | February 26, 2023 | February 25, 2024 | February 26, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment profit | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Less general and administrative expenses | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Less depreciation and amortization | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Less impairments and disposal of assets, net | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Less interest, net | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
16
Note 8. Impairments and Disposal of Assets, Net
Impairments and disposal of assets, net, in our accompanying consolidated statements of earnings were comprised of the following:
| Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | February 25, 2024 | February 26, 2023 | February 25, 2024 | February 26, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Restaurant impairments | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Disposal (gains) losses | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Impairments and disposal of assets, net | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
Restaurant impairments and disposal (gains) losses for the nine months ended February 25, 2024 were related to the decision to close five locations, sale of properties and the write-off of acquired Ruth’s Chris assets. Restaurant impairments for the quarter and nine months ended February 26, 2023 were related to (i) one underperforming restaurant with projected cash flows insufficient to cover its respective carrying values and (ii) three restaurant closures. Disposal gains for the quarter and nine months ended February 26, 2023 were primarily related to the sale of properties. Other impacts for the quarter and nine months ended February 25, 2024 related to right-of-use asset adjustments on early lease terminations, the write-off of capitalized software costs, and liquor license impairment. Other impacts for the quarter and nine months ended February 26, 2023 related to costs associated with cancelled projects.
Note 9. Stockholders’ Equity
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (AOCI)
The components of AOCI, net of tax, for the quarter and nine months ended February 25, 2024 were as follows:
| (in millions) | Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment | Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives | Benefit Plan Funding Position | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at November 26, 2023 | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Gain (loss) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reclassification realized in net earnings | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at February 25, 2024 | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at May 28, 2023 | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Gain (loss) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reclassification realized in net earnings | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at February 25, 2024 | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
17
The components of AOCI, net of tax, for the quarter and nine months ended February 26, 2023 were as follows:
| (in millions) | Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment | Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives | Benefit Plan Funding Position | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at November 27, 2022 | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Gain (loss) | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reclassification realized in net earnings | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at February 26, 2023 | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Balances at May 29, 2022 | $ | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Gain (loss) | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reclassification realized in net earnings | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at February 26, 2023 | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
The following table presents the amounts and line items in our consolidated statements of earnings where adjustments reclassified from AOCI into net earnings were recorded.
| Amount Reclassified from AOCI into Net Earnings | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(in millions) AOCI Components | Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings | February 25, 2024 | February 26, 2023 | February 25, 2024 | February 26, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Derivatives | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Commodity contracts | (1) | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||
Equity contracts | (2) | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest rate contracts | (3) | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total before tax | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Tax benefit | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net of tax | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Benefit plan funding position | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Recognized net actuarial loss - pension/postretirement plans | (4) | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Recognized net actuarial gain (loss) - other plans | (4) | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total before tax | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Tax benefit | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net of tax | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
(1)Primarily included in food and beverage costs and restaurant expenses. See Note 11 for additional details.
(2)Included in general and administrative expenses. See Note 11 for additional details.
(3)Included in interest, net on our consolidated statement of earnings.
(4)Included in the computation of net periodic benefit costs, which is a component of general and administrative expenses.
Note 10. Stock-Based Compensation
We grant stock options for a fixed number of shares to certain employees with an exercise price equal to the fair value of the shares at the date of grant. We also grant restricted stock, restricted stock units and performance stock units with a fair value
18
generally determined based on our closing stock price on the date of grant. In addition, we grant cash-settled stock units (Darden stock units) which are classified as liabilities and are marked to market as of the end of each period.
The weighted-average fair value of non-qualified stock options and the related assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option pricing model for options granted during the periods presented, were as follows:
| Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||
| February 25, 2024 | February 26, 2023 | ||||||||||
| Weighted-average fair value | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Dividend yield | % | % | |||||||||
| Expected volatility of stock | % | % | |||||||||
| Risk-free interest rate | % | % | |||||||||
| Expected option life (in years) | |||||||||||
| Weighted-average exercise price per share | $ | $ | |||||||||
The weighted-average grant date fair value of market-based performance stock units and the related assumptions used in the Monte Carlo simulation to record stock-based compensation for units granted during the periods presented, were as follows:
| Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||
| February 25, 2024 | February 26, 2023 | ||||||||||
| Dividend yield (1) | % | % | |||||||||
| Expected volatility of stock | % | % | |||||||||
| Risk-free interest rate | % | % | |||||||||
| Expected life (in years) | |||||||||||
| Weighted-average grant date fair value per unit | $ | $ | |||||||||
(1)Assumes a reinvestment of dividends.
The following table presents a summary of our stock-based compensation activity for the nine months ended February 25, 2024.
| (in millions) | Stock Options | Restricted Stock/ Restricted Stock Units | Equity-Settled Performance Stock Units | Cash-Settled Darden Stock Units | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Outstanding beginning of period | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Awards granted | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Awards exercised/vested | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Awards forfeited | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Outstanding end of period | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
19
We recognized expense from stock-based compensation as follows:
| Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | February 25, 2024 | February 26, 2023 | February 25, 2024 | February 26, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock options | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Restricted stock/restricted stock units | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity-settled performance stock units | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash-settled Darden stock units | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Employee stock purchase plan | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Director compensation program/other | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total stock-based compensation expense | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Note 11. Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
We enter into derivative instruments for risk management purposes only, including derivatives designated as hedging instruments as provided by FASB ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and those utilized as economic hedges. We use financial derivatives to manage interest rate, commodity and compensation risks inherent in our business operations. Cash flows related to derivatives are included in operating activities.
By using these instruments, we expose ourselves, from time to time, to credit risk and market risk. Credit risk is the failure of the counterparty to perform under the terms of the derivative contract. When the fair value of a derivative contract is positive, the counterparty owes us, which creates credit risk for us. We minimize this credit risk by entering into transactions with high quality counterparties. Market risk is the adverse effect on the value of a financial instrument that results from a change in interest rates, commodity prices, or the market price of our common stock. We minimize this market risk by establishing and monitoring parameters that limit the types and degree of market risk that may be undertaken.
In the first quarter of fiscal 2024, we entered into an interest rate swap derivative instrument with $500.0 million of notional value to hedge a portion of the risk of changes in the benchmark interest rate related to our $600 million Term Loan or any related refinancing of the Term Loan, as changes in the benchmark interest rate could have caused variability in our forecasted interest payments. As discussed above under Note 2, the Term Loan was subsequently paid in full on October 10, 2023 with the proceeds from the issuance of $500 million aggregate principal amount of our 2033 Notes along with $100 million from cash on hand. As a result of paying down the Term Loan, we settled the interest rate swap designated as a cash flow hedge at the issuance of the 2033 Notes for a gain of $34.9 million. This amount was recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and will be amortized to interest expense as interest payments are made on the 2033 Notes.
We designate commodity contracts and equity forward contracts as cash flow hedging instruments. We have one interest rate swap agreement remaining which is designated as a fair value hedge of the related debt. Further, we entered into equity forward contracts to hedge the risk of changes in future cash flows associated with recognized, employee-directed investments in our common stock within the non-qualified deferred compensation plan. We did not elect hedge accounting with the expectation that changes in the fair value of the equity forward contracts would offset changes in the fair value of our common stock investments in the non-qualified deferred compensation plan.
20
The notional and fair values of our derivative contracts were as follows:
| Fair Values | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions, except per share data) | Number of Shares Outstanding | Weighted-Average Per Share Forward Rates | Notional Values | Derivative Assets (1) | Derivative Liabilities (1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| February 25, 2024 | February 25, 2024 | May 28, 2023 | February 25, 2024 | May 28, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity forwards: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Designated | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Not designated | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total equity forwards (2) | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commodity contracts: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Designated | N/A | N/A | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Not designated | N/A | N/A | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total commodity contracts (3) | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest rate related | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Designated - Fair Value Hedge | N/A | N/A | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Not designated | N/A | N/A | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total interest rate related | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total derivative contracts | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(1)Derivative assets and liabilities are included in receivables, net and other current liabilities, as applicable, on our consolidated balance sheets.
(2)Designated and undesignated equity forwards extend through fiscal July 2028.
(3)Commodity contracts extend through fiscal March 2025.
The effects of derivative instruments accounted for as cash flow hedging instruments in the consolidated statements of earnings were as follows:
| Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI | Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI to Earnings | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended | Three Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | February 25, 2024 | February 26, 2023 | February 25, 2024 | February 26, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity (1) | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commodity (2) | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest rate (3) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI | Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI to Earnings | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Nine Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | February 25, 2024 | February 26, 2023 | February 25, 2024 | February 26, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity (1) | $ | ( | $ | $ | $ | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commodity (2) | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest rate (3) | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
21
(1)Location of the gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI to earnings is general and administrative expenses.
(2)Location of the gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI to earnings is food and beverage costs and restaurant expenses.
The effects of derivative instruments in fair value hedging relationships in the consolidated statement of earnings were as follows:
| Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings on Derivatives | Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings on Related Hedged Item | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended | Three Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | February 25, 2024 | February 26, 2023 | February 25, 2024 | February 26, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest rate (1)(2) | $ | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings on Derivatives | Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings on Related Hedged Item | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Nine Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | February 25, 2024 | February 26, 2023 | February 25, 2024 | February 26, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest rate (1)(2) | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(1) Location of the gain (loss) recognized in earnings on derivatives and related hedged item is interest, net.
(2) Hedged item in fair value hedge relationship is debt.
The effects of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments in the consolidated statements of earnings were as follows:
| Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings on Derivatives | February 25, 2024 | February 26, 2023 | February 25, 2024 | February 26, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| General and administrative expenses | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
22
Note 12. Fair Value Measurements
The fair values of cash equivalents, receivables, net, accounts payable and short-term debt approximate their carrying amounts due to their short duration.
The following tables summarize the fair values of financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of February 25, 2024 and May 28, 2023.
| Items Measured at Fair Value at February 25, 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | Fair value of assets (liabilities) | Quoted prices in active market for identical assets (liabilities) (Level 1) | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Derivatives: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commodities futures, swaps & options | (1) | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity forwards | (2) | ( | ( | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest rate swaps - fair value hedge | (3) | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | ( | $ | $ | ( | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Items Measured at Fair Value at May 28, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | Fair value of assets (liabilities) | Quoted prices in active market for identical assets (liabilities) (Level 1) | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Derivatives: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commodities futures, swaps & options | (1) | $ | ( | $ | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity forwards | (2) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest rate swaps - fair value hedge | (3) | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | ( | $ | $ | ( | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||
(1)The fair value of our commodities futures, swaps and options is based on closing market prices of the contracts, inclusive of the risk of nonperformance.
(2)The fair value of equity forwards is based on the closing market value of Darden stock, inclusive of the risk of nonperformance.
(3)The fair value of our interest rate swap agreements is based on current and expected market interest rates, inclusive of the risk of nonperformance.
The carrying value and fair value of long-term debt as of February 25, 2024, was $1.37 billion and $1.38 billion, respectively. The carrying value and fair value of long-term debt as of May 28, 2023, was $884.9 million and $857.0 million, respectively. The fair value of long-term debt, classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy, is determined based on market prices or, if market prices are not available, the present value of the underlying cash flows discounted at our incremental borrowing rates.
The fair value of non-financial assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis, classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy, is determined based on third-party market appraisals. As of February 25, 2024 and May 28, 2023, adjustments to the fair values of non-financial assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis, classified as Level 2, were not material.
The fair value of non-financial assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis, classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy, is determined based on appraisals, sales prices of comparable assets, or estimates of discounted future cash flows. As of February 25, 2024, adjustments to the fair values of non-financial assets, classified as Level 3, were not material. As of May 28, 2023, long-lived assets held and used with a carrying amount of $10.0 million, primarily related to one
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Note 13. Commitments and Contingencies
As collateral for performance on contracts and as credit guarantees to banks and insurers, we are contingently liable for guarantees of subsidiary obligations under standby letters of credit. As of February 25, 2024 and May 28, 2023, we had $79.6 million and $85.3 million, respectively, of standby letters of credit related to workers’ compensation and general liabilities accrued in our consolidated financial statements. As of February 25, 2024 and May 28, 2023, we had $16.7 million and $15.2 million, respectively, of surety bonds related to other payments. Most surety bonds are renewable annually.
As of February 25, 2024 and May 28, 2023, we had $74.3 million and $82.0 million, respectively, of guarantees associated with leased properties that have been assigned to third parties. These amounts represent the maximum potential amount of future payments under the guarantees. The fair value of the maximum potential future payments discounted at our weighted-average cost of capital as of February 25, 2024 and May 28, 2023, amounted to $60.7 million and $68.4 million, respectively. In the event of default by a third party, the indemnity and default clauses in our assignment agreements govern our ability to recover from and pursue the third party for damages incurred as a result of its default. We do not hold any third-party assets as collateral related to these assignment agreements, except to the extent that the assignment allows us to repossess the building and personal property. These guarantees expire over their respective lease terms, which range from fiscal 2024 through fiscal 2034.
Note 14. Subsequent Events
On March 19, 2024, the Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $1.31 per share payable on May 1, 2024 to all shareholders of record as of the close of business on April 10, 2024.
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Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The discussion and analysis below for the Company, which contains forward-looking statements, should be read in conjunction with the unaudited consolidated financial statements and the notes to such financial statements included elsewhere in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q (Form 10-Q) and the audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 28, 2023 (Form 10-K). In addition to historical consolidated financial information, this discussion contains forward-looking statements that reflect our plans, estimates, and beliefs and involve numerous risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those described in the “Item 1A. Risk Factors” section of the Form 10-K. Actual results may differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. You should carefully read “Forward-Looking Statements” included elsewhere in this Form 10-Q.
To facilitate review of our discussion and analysis, the following table sets forth our financial results for the periods indicated. All information is derived from the unaudited consolidated statements of earnings for the quarters and nine months ended February 25, 2024 and February 26, 2023.
| Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | February 25, 2024 | February 26, 2023 | % Chg | February 25, 2024 | February 26, 2023 | % Chg | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sales | $ | 2,974.8 | $ | 2,786.2 | 6.8% | $ | 8,432.7 | $ | 7,718.8 | 9.2% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Costs and expenses: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Food and beverage | 920.2 | 887.0 | 3.7 | 2,617.0 | 2,500.6 | 4.7 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Restaurant labor | 937.1 | 874.2 | 7.2 | 2,693.3 | 2,476.5 | 8.8 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Restaurant expenses | 471.9 | 440.3 | 7.2 | 1,368.9 | 1,260.8 | 8.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Marketing expenses | 31.7 | 28.2 | 12.4 | 107.2 | 89.6 | 19.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
General and administrative expenses | 108.2 | 107.0 | 1.1 | 376.3 | 285.7 | 31.7 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 117.9 | 98.3 | 19.9 | 340.2 | 290.7 | 17.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Impairments and disposal of assets, net | 0.4 | 1.3 | (69.2) | 11.0 | (12.4) | NM | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total costs and expenses | $ | 2,587.4 | $ | 2,436.3 | 6.2 | $ | 7,513.9 | $ | 6,891.5 | 9.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating income | 387.4 | 349.9 | 10.7 | 918.8 | 827.3 | 11.1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest, net | 36.5 | 19.6 | 86.2 | 103.3 | 59.2 | 74.5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Earnings before income taxes | 350.9 | 330.3 | 6.2 | $ | 815.5 | $ | 768.1 | 6.2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income tax expense (1) | 37.5 | 43.5 | (13.8) | 95.0 | 100.2 | (5.2) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Earnings from continuing operations | $ | 313.4 | $ | 286.8 | 9.3 | $ | 720.5 | $ | 667.9 | 7.9 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Losses from discontinued operations, net of tax | (0.5) | (0.2) | NM | (1.0) | (1.1) | (9.1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net earnings | $ | 312.9 | $ | 286.6 | 9.2% | $ | 719.5 | $ | 666.8 | 7.9% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Diluted net earnings per share: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Earnings from continuing operations | $ | 2.60 | $ | 2.34 | 11.1% | $ | 5.95 | $ | 5.42 | 9.8% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Losses from discontinued operations | — | — | — | — | (0.01) | (100.0) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net earnings | $ | 2.60 | $ | 2.34 | 11.1% | $ | 5.95 | $ | 5.41 | 10.0% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
(1) Effective tax rate | 10.7 | % | 13.2 | % | 11.6 | % | 13.0 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| NM- Percentage not considered meaningful. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The following table details the number of company-owned restaurants currently reported in continuing operations that were open at the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2024, compared with the number open at the end of fiscal 2023 and the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2023.
| February 25, 2024 | May 28, 2023 | February 26, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Olive Garden | 917 | 905 | 893 | |||||||||||||||||
| LongHorn Steakhouse | 572 | 562 | 554 | |||||||||||||||||
| Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen | 181 | 180 | 179 | |||||||||||||||||
| Yard House | 88 | 86 | 86 | |||||||||||||||||
| Ruth’s Chris Steak House | 79 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||
| The Capital Grille | 64 | 62 | 61 | |||||||||||||||||
| Seasons 52 | 44 | 44 | 43 | |||||||||||||||||
| Bahama Breeze | 43 | 42 | 42 | |||||||||||||||||
| Eddie V’s | 30 | 29 | 29 | |||||||||||||||||
| The Capital Burger | 4 | 4 | 3 | |||||||||||||||||
| Total | 2,022 | 1,914 | 1,890 | |||||||||||||||||
OVERVIEW OF OPERATIONS
Financial Highlights - Consolidated
•Total sales increased 6.8% and 9.2% to $2.97 billion and $8.43 billion for the third quarter and nine months of fiscal 2024 compared to $2.79 billion and $7.72 billion for the third quarter and nine months of fiscal 2023 driven by sales from the addition of 79 company-owned Ruth's Chris Steak House (Ruth’s Chris) restaurants and 53 other net new restaurants, partially offset by a blended same-restaurant sales decrease of (1.0)%1 in third quarter. Same-restaurant sales increased by 2.2% for the nine months ended fiscal 2024.
•Our net earnings from continuing operations were $313.4 million and $720.5 million for the third quarter and nine months of fiscal 2024 compared to $286.8 million and $667.9 million for the third quarter and nine months of fiscal 2023. As a result of the acquisition and related integration efforts, we incurred expenses of approximately $6.8 million ($2.0 million, net of tax) and $44.4 million ($33.8 million, net of tax) during the quarter and nine months ended February 25, 2024, respectively, which are included in general and administrative expenses, impairment, net and interest expense in our consolidated statements of earnings.
•Reported diluted net earnings per share from continuing operations were $2.60 and $5.95 for the third quarter and nine months of fiscal 2024 compared to $2.34 and $5.42 for the third quarter and nine months of fiscal 2023.
Outlook
We expect sales for fiscal 2024 to be approximately $11.4 billion, driven by same-restaurant sales growth of 1.5 to 2.0 percent1 and approximately 50 to 55 new restaurant openings inclusive of Ruth’s Chris new restaurant openings. Additionally, we expect capital expenditures incurred to build new restaurants, remodel and maintain existing restaurants and for technology initiatives to be approximately $600 million.
1 Same-restaurant sales results exclude Ruth's Chris as they have not yet been owned and operated by Darden for a 16-month period.
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SALES
The following table presents our sales by segment for the periods indicated.
| Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | February 25, 2024 | February 26, 2023 | % Chg | SRS (1) | February 25, 2024 | February 26, 2023 | % Chg | SRS (1) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Olive Garden | $ | 1,310.2 | $ | 1,301.2 | 0.7 | % | (1.8) | % | $ | 3,789.5 | $ | 3,608.6 | 5.0 | % | 2.6 | % | |||||||||||||
| LongHorn Steakhouse | $ | 730.7 | $ | 695.5 | 5.1 | % | 2.3 | % | $ | 2,043.5 | $ | 1,900.6 | 7.5 | % | 5.0 | % | |||||||||||||
| Fine Dining | $ | 372.9 | $ | 235.6 | 58.3 | % | (2.3) | % | $ | 964.4 | $ | 621.0 | 55.3 | % | (2.3) | % | |||||||||||||
| Other Business | $ | 561.0 | $ | 553.9 | 1.3 | % | (2.6) | % | $ | 1,635.3 | $ | 1,588.6 | 2.9 | % | (0.7) | % | |||||||||||||
(1)Same-restaurant sales is a year-over-year comparison of each period’s sales volumes for a 52-week year and is limited to restaurants that have been open, and operated by Darden, for at least 16 months. Accordingly, Ruth’s Chris results will not be included in this calculation until the second quarter of fiscal 2025.
Olive Garden’s sales increase for the third quarter of fiscal 2024 was primarily driven by revenue from new restaurants offset by same-restaurant sales decreases. The decrease in U.S. same-restaurant sales for the third quarter of fiscal 2024 resulted from a 3.8 percent decrease in same-restaurant guest counts offset by a 2.1 percent increase in average check. Olive Garden’s sales increase for the nine months of fiscal 2024 was primarily driven by U.S. same-restaurant sales increases combined with revenue from new restaurants. The increase in U.S. same-restaurant sales for the nine months of fiscal 2024 resulted from a 3.9 percent increase in average check offset by a 1.2 percent decrease in same-restaurant guest counts.
LongHorn Steakhouse’s sales increase for the third quarter and nine months of fiscal 2024 was primarily driven by same-restaurant sales increases combined with revenue from new restaurants. The increase in same-restaurant sales for the third quarter of fiscal 2024 resulted from a 5.2 percent increase in average check offset by a 2.7 percent decrease in same-restaurant guest counts. The increase in U.S. same-restaurant sales for the nine months of fiscal 2024 resulted from a 5.9 percent increase in average check offset by a 0.9 percent decrease in same-restaurant guest counts.
Fine Dining’s sales increase for the third quarter and nine months of fiscal 2024 was primarily driven by the acquisition of Ruth’s Chris, offset by same-restaurant sales decreases. The decrease in same-restaurant sales for the third quarter of fiscal 2024 resulted from a 7.0 percent decrease in same-restaurant guest counts offset by a 5.1 percent increase in average check. The decrease in U.S. same-restaurant sales for the nine months of fiscal 2024 resulted from a 6.7 percent decrease in same-restaurant guest counts offset by a 4.8 percent increase in average check.
Other Business’ sales increase for the third quarter and nine months of fiscal 2024 was primarily driven by revenue from new restaurants partially offset by U.S. same-restaurant sales decreases. The decrease in same-restaurant sales for the third quarter of fiscal 2024 resulted from a 5.0 percent decrease in same-restaurant guest counts offset by a 2.5 percent increase in average check. The decrease in U.S. same-restaurant sales for the nine months of fiscal 2024 resulted from a 3.3 percent decrease in same-restaurant guest counts offset by a 2.7 percent increase in average check.
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COSTS AND EXPENSES
The following table sets forth selected operating data as a percent of sales for the periods indicated. All information is derived from the unaudited consolidated statements of earnings for the quarters and nine months ended February 25, 2024 and February 26, 2023.
| Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| February 25, 2024 | February 26, 2023 | February 25, 2024 | February 26, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Sales | 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Costs and expenses: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Food and beverage | 30.9 | 31.8 | 31.0 | 32.4 | |||||||||||||||||||
Restaurant labor | 31.5 | 31.4 | 31.9 | 32.1 | |||||||||||||||||||
Restaurant expenses | 15.9 | 15.8 | 16.2 | 16.3 | |||||||||||||||||||
Marketing expenses | 1.1 | 1.0 | 1.3 | 1.2 | |||||||||||||||||||
General and administrative expenses | 3.6 | 3.8 | 4.5 | 3.7 | |||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 4.0 | 3.5 | 4.0 | 3.8 | |||||||||||||||||||
Impairments and disposal of assets, net | — | — | 0.1 | (0.2) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total operating costs and expenses | 87.0 | % | 87.4 | % | 89.1 | % | 89.3 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Operating income | 13.0 | 12.6 | 10.9 | 10.7 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Interest, net | 1.2 | 0.7 | 1.2 | 0.8 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Earnings before income taxes | 11.8 | 11.9 | 9.7 | 10.0 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Income tax expense | 1.3 | 1.6 | 1.1 | 1.3 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Earnings from continuing operations | 10.5 | % | 10.3 | % | 8.5 | % | 8.7 | % | |||||||||||||||
Quarter Ended February 25, 2024 Compared to Quarter Ended February 26, 2023
•Food and beverage costs decreased as a percent of sales primarily due to a 1.1% impact from pricing leverage and a 0.4% impact from mix and other, offset by a 0.5% impact from inflation.
•Restaurant labor costs increased as a percent of sales primarily due to a 1.4% impact from inflation, partially offset by a 0.7% impact from sales leverage, a 0.3% impact related brand mix, including Ruth’s Chris, a 0.2% impact from incentive compensation, and a 0.1% impact from productivity improvement.
•Restaurant expenses increased as a percent of sales primarily due to a 0.4% impact from inflation and a 0.2% impact related to brand mix, including Ruth’s Chris, partially offset by a 0.4% impact from sales leverage and other.
•Marketing expenses increased as a percent of sales primarily due to increased marketing and media spend.
•General and administrative expenses decreased as a percent of sales primarily due to a 0.3% impact from incentive pay accrual and a 0.2% impact from sales leverage and other, partially offset by a 0.2% impact from Ruth’s Chris transaction and integration costs and a 0.1% impact from inflation.
•Depreciation and amortization expenses increased as a percent of sales primarily due to capital expenditures and the acquisition of Ruth’s Chris.
Nine months ended February 25, 2024 Compared to Nine Months Ended February 26, 2023
•Food and beverage costs decreased as a percent of sales primarily due to a 1.3% impact from pricing leverage, and a 0.4% impact from mix and other, partially offset by a 0.3% impact from inflation.
•Restaurant labor costs decreased as a percent of sales primarily due to a 1.2% impact from sales leverage, a 0.3% impact from productivity improvement and a 0.2% impact related to brand mix, including Ruth’s Chris, partially offset by a 1.6% impact from inflation.
•Restaurant expenses decreased as a percent of sales due to a 0.5% impact from sales leverage, which was almost completely offset by the impact from inflation.
•Marketing expenses increased as a percent of sales primarily due to increased marketing and media spend.
•General and administrative expenses increased as a percent of sales primarily due to a 0.5% impact from the Ruth’s Chris transaction and integration costs, a 0.2% impact from incentive pay accrual, a 0.2% impact from inflation and other, partially offset by a 0.2% impact from sales leverage.
•Depreciation and amortization expenses increased as a percent of sales primarily due to capital expenditures and the acquisition of Ruth’s Chris.
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•Impairment and disposal of assets, net increased as a percent of sales primarily due to five properties that either closed or will close during fiscal 2024, write-offs of acquired Ruth’s Chris assets and a liquor license impairment, compared to gains on the sale of properties last year.
INTEREST EXPENSE
Net interest expense increased as a percent of sales for the quarter and nine months ended February 25, 2024 primarily due to interest related to financing the acquisition of Ruth’s Chris. See Liquidity and Capital Resources for a description of the financing. At the closing date of acquisition, we entered into a $600 million 3-year Term Loan which was paid off upon issuance of $500.0 million of senior notes issued during the second quarter of fiscal year 2024. See Liquidity and Capital Resources below and Note 2 for a description of the Term Loan and senior notes issuance.
INCOME TAXES
The effective income tax rate for continuing operations for the quarter ended February 25, 2024 was 10.7 percent compared to an effective income tax rate for the quarter ended February 26, 2023 of 13.2 percent. This decrease in tax rate was primarily driven by mark-to-market activity and deductions related to Ruth’s Chris transaction costs. The effective income tax rate for continuing operations for the nine months ended February 25, 2024 was 11.6 percent compared to an effective income tax rate for the nine months ended February 26, 2023 of 13.0 percent. This change was primarily driven by the impact of federal tax credits and higher benefits related to option exercises.
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) was enacted on August 16, 2022. The IRA includes provisions imposing a 1.0 percent excise tax on share repurchases that occur after December 31, 2022 and introduces a 15.0 percent corporate alternative minimum tax (CAMT) on adjusted financial statement income. The impact of the IRA excise tax and CAMT are immaterial to our consolidated financial statements for the quarter and nine months ended February 25, 2024.
LOSSES FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
On an after-tax basis, losses from discontinued operations for the quarter and nine months ended February 25, 2024 were $0.5 million ($0.00 per diluted share) and $1.0 million ($0.00 per diluted share) compared with losses from discontinued operations for the quarter and nine months ended February 26, 2023 of $0.2 million ($0.00 per diluted share) and $1.1 million ($0.01 per diluted share).
SEGMENT RESULTS
We manage our restaurant brands, Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, Yard House, Ruth’s Chris, The Capital Grille, Seasons 52, Bahama Breeze, Eddie V’s and The Capital Burger in North America as operating segments. We aggregate our operating segments into reportable segments based on a combination of the size, economic characteristics and sub-segment of full-service dining within which each brand operates. Our four reportable segments are: (1) Olive Garden, (2) LongHorn Steakhouse, (3) Fine Dining and (4) Other Business (see Note 7 to our unaudited consolidated financial statements in Part I, Item 1 of Form 10-Q).
Our management uses segment profit as the measure for assessing performance of our segments. The following table presents segment profit margin1 for the periods indicated.
| Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment | February 25, 2024 | February 26, 2023 | Change | February 25, 2024 | February 26, 2023 | Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Olive Garden | 22.5% | 22.5% | — BPS | 21.6% | 20.2% | 140 BPS | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| LongHorn Steakhouse | 18.7% | 17.4% | 130 BPS | 17.9% | 15.7% | 220 BPS | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fine Dining | 21.8% | 21.8% | — BPS | 18.4% | 19.4% | (100) BPS | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Business | 14.9% | 14.0% | 90 BPS | 14.3% | 13.2% | 110 BPS | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1 Segment profit margin calculated as (sales less costs of food & beverage, restaurant labor, restaurant expenses and marketing expenses) / sales. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The increase in Olive Garden’s segment profit margin for the nine months of fiscal 2024 was driven primarily by positive same-restaurant sales, lower food and beverages costs, restaurant labor costs and restaurant expense, partially offset by increased marketing costs. The increase in Longhorn Steakhouse’s segment profit margin for the third quarter and nine months of fiscal 2024 was driven primarily by positive same-restaurant sales as well as lower food and beverages costs, restaurant labor and restaurant expenses. The decrease in Fine Dining’s segment profit margin for the nine months of fiscal 2024 was driven primarily by negative same-restaurant sales and higher restaurant labor, restaurant expenses and marketing costs partially offset
29
by lower food and beverage costs. The increase in Other Business’ segment profit margin for the third quarter and nine months of fiscal 2024 was driven primarily by increased franchise revenue with the addition of Ruth’s Chris and lower food and beverage costs, partially offset by negative same-restaurant sales, increased restaurant labor costs and marketing costs.
SEASONALITY
Our sales volumes fluctuate seasonally. Typically, our average sales per restaurant are highest in the winter and spring, followed by the summer, and lowest in the fall. Holidays, changes in the economy, severe weather, effects of other conditions may impact sales volumes seasonally in some operating regions. Because of the seasonality of our business, results for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be achieved for the full fiscal year.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Typically, cash flows generated from operating activities are our principal source of liquidity, which we use to finance capital expenditures for new restaurants and to remodel and maintain existing restaurants, to pay dividends to our shareholders and to repurchase shares of our common stock. Since substantially all of our sales are for cash and cash equivalents, and accounts payable are generally paid in 5 to 90 days, we are typically able to carry current liabilities in excess of current assets.
We currently manage our business and financial ratios to target an investment-grade bond rating, which has historically allowed flexible access to financing at reasonable costs. Our publicly issued long-term debt currently carries the following ratings:
•Moody’s Investors Service “Baa2”;
•Standard & Poor’s “BBB”; and
•Fitch “BBB”.
Our commercial paper has ratings of:
•Moody’s Investors Service “P-2”;
•Standard & Poor’s “A-2”; and
•Fitch “F-2”.
These ratings are as of the date of the filing of this Form 10-Q and have been obtained with the understanding that Moody’s Investors Service, Standard & Poor’s and Fitch will continue to monitor our credit and make future adjustments to these ratings to the extent warranted. The ratings are not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold our securities, may be changed, superseded or withdrawn at any time and should be evaluated independently of any other rating.
On October 23, 2023, we entered into a $1.25 billion Revolving Credit Agreement (Revolving Credit Agreement) with Bank of America, N.A. (BOA), as administrative agent, and the lenders and other agents party thereto. The Revolving Credit Agreement replaced our prior $1.0 billion Revolving Credit Agreement (Prior Revolving Credit Agreement), dated as of September 10, 2021, and the Prior Revolving Credit Agreement was terminated concurrently with our entry into the Revolving Credit Agreement. The Revolving Credit Agreement is a senior unsecured credit commitment to the Company and contains customary representations and affirmative and negative covenants (including limitations on liens and subsidiary debt and a maximum consolidated lease adjusted total debt to total capitalization ratio of 0.75 to 1.00) and events of default usual for credit facilities of this type, and consistent with our Prior Revolving Credit Agreement. As of February 25, 2024, we had no outstanding balances and were in compliance with all covenants under the Revolving Credit Agreement. As of February 25, 2024, $158.7 million of commercial paper was outstanding in addition to $0.5 million of letters of credit outstanding, which were both backed by this facility. After consideration of commercial paper and letters of credit backed by the Revolving Credit Agreement, as of February 25, 2024, we had $1.09 billion of credit available under the Revolving Credit Agreement.
Loans under the Revolving Credit Agreement bear interest at a rate of (a) Term SOFR (which is defined, for the applicable interest period, as the Term SOFR Screen Rate two U.S. Government Securities Business Days prior to the commencement of such interest period with a term equivalent to such interest period) plus a Term SOFR adjustment of 0.10 percent plus the relevant margin determined by reference to a ratings-based pricing grid (Applicable Margin), or (b) the base rate (which is defined as the highest of the BOA prime rate, the Federal Funds rate plus 0.500 percent, and the Term SOFR plus 1.00 percent) plus the relevant Applicable Margin. Assuming a “BBB” equivalent credit rating level, the Applicable Margin under the Revolving Credit Agreement is 1.000 percent for Term SOFR loans and 0.000 percent for base rate loans.
The Revolving Credit Agreement matures on October 23, 2028, and the proceeds may be used for working capital and capital expenditures, the refinancing of certain indebtedness, certain acquisitions and general corporate purposes.
On May 31, 2023, the Company also entered into a senior unsecured $600 million 3-year Term Loan Credit Agreement (Term Loan) with Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, the lenders and other agents party thereto, the material terms of which are consistent with the Revolving Credit Agreement, as amended. We borrowed $600 million under the Term Loan to fund a portion of the consideration paid in connection with the acquisition of Ruth’s Chris. The $600 million outstanding under
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the Term Loan was subsequently paid in full on October 10, 2023 with the $500 million proceeds from our 2033 Notes (as defined and discussed below) along with $100 million from cash on hand. The Term Loan was terminated on October 10, 2023 in connection with its payment in full and no amounts remain outstanding.
On October 10, 2023, the Company issued $500 million aggregate principal amount of our 6.300% Senior Notes due 2033 (the 2033 Notes) pursuant to the provisions of the Underwriting Agreement, dated October 4, 2023 (Underwriting Agreement), among the Company and BofA Securities, Inc., Truist Securities, Inc., U.S. Bancorp Investments, Inc. and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, as representatives of the several underwriters named therein. The 2033 Notes were issued under the Company’s Indenture, dated as of January 1, 1996 (Base Indenture), between the Company and Computershare Trust Company, National Association (as successor to Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, successor to Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, National Association, formerly known as Norwest Bank Minnesota, National Association), as trustee (Base Trustee), as amended and supplemented by the Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 4, 2023 (Second Supplemental Indenture), among the Company, the Base Trustee and U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as successor trustee with respect to the 2033 Notes. The 2033 Notes will mature on October 10, 2033. Interest on the 2033 Notes will be paid semi-annually in arrears on April 10 and October 10 of each year, commencing on April 10, 2024, to holders of record on the preceding March 26 or September 25, as the case may be.
As of February 25, 2024, our outstanding long-term debt consisted principally of:
•$500.0 million of unsecured 3.850 percent senior notes due in May 2027;
•$500.0 million of unsecured 6.300 percent senior notes due in October 2033;
•$96.3 million of unsecured 6.000 percent senior notes due in August 2035;
•$42.8 million of unsecured 6.800 percent senior notes due in October 2037; and
•$300.0 million of unsecured 4.550 percent senior notes due in February 2048.
The interest rate on our $42.8 million senior notes due in October 2037 is subject to adjustment from time to time if the debt rating assigned to such series of notes is downgraded below a certain rating level (or subsequently upgraded). The maximum adjustment is 2.000 percent above the initial interest rate and the interest rate cannot be reduced below the initial interest rate. As of February 25, 2024, no such adjustments have been made to this rate.
Through our shelf registration statement on file with the SEC, depending on conditions prevailing in the public capital markets, we may from time to time issue equity securities or unsecured debt securities in one or more series, which may consist of notes, debentures or other evidences of indebtedness in one or more offerings.
From time to time, we or our affiliates, may repurchase our outstanding debt in privately negotiated transactions, open-market transactions or otherwise. Such repurchases, if any, will depend on prevailing market conditions, our liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors. The amounts involved may be material.
From time to time we enter into interest rate derivative instruments. See Note 11 to our unaudited consolidated financial statements in Part I, Item 1 of this report, which is incorporated by reference.
Net cash flows provided by operating activities of continuing operations increased to $1.20 billion for the first nine months of fiscal 2024, from $1.14 billion for the nine months of fiscal 2023. Net cash flows provided by operating activities include net earnings from continuing operations of $720.5 million and $667.9 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2024 and 2023, respectively. Net cash flows provided by operating activities increased in fiscal 2024 primarily due to the increase in net earnings compared to fiscal 2023.
Net cash flows used in investing activities of continuing operations were $1.18 billion for the first nine months of fiscal 2024, compared to $409.5 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2023. Capital expenditures increased to $460.8 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2024 from $410.5 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2023 reflecting an increase in new restaurant construction and remodel activity during fiscal 2024. Net cash used in the acquisition of Ruth’s Chris was $699.9 million during fiscal 2024.
Net cash flows used in financing activities of continuing operations were $158.5 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2024, compared to net cash used in financing activities of $862.7 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2023. Net cash flows used in financing activities for the first nine months of fiscal 2024 included net proceeds from issuance of short term debt of $158.7 million, net proceeds from the 2033 Notes of $500.0 million, dividends paid of $472.1 million and share repurchases of $356.6 million. Net cash flows used in financing activities for the first nine months of fiscal 2023 included dividends paid of $443.3 million and share repurchases of $423.5 million. Dividends declared by our Board of Directors totaled $3.93 and $3.63 per share for the first nine months of fiscal 2024 and 2023, respectively.
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On March 20, 2024, our Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase program under which we may repurchase up to $1 billion of our outstanding common stock. This repurchase program does not have an expiration and replaced the previously existing share repurchase authorization. Repurchases are subject to prevailing market prices, may be made in open market or private transactions, may occur or be discontinued at any time and remain subject to the discretion of our Board of Directors. There can be no assurance that we will repurchase any shares. During the quarter and nine months ended February 25, 2024, we repurchased 0.2 million and 2.3 million shares of our common stock, respectively, compared to 0.87 million and 3.3 million shares of our common stock, respectively, during the quarter and nine months ended February 26, 2023.
We are not a party to any off-balance sheet arrangements that have, or are reasonably likely to have, a current or future material effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, sales, costs or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.
Impairment of our assets, including goodwill or trademarks, adversely affects our financial position and results of operations, and our leverage ratio for purposes of our Revolving Credit Agreement. A leverage ratio exceeding the maximum permitted under our Revolving Credit Agreement would be a default under our Revolving Credit Agreement. At February 25, 2024, write-downs of goodwill, other indefinite-lived intangible assets, or any other assets in excess of approximately $716.4 million would have been required to cause our leverage ratio to exceed the permitted maximum. As our leverage ratio is determined on a quarterly basis, and due to the seasonal nature of our business, a lesser amount of impairment in future quarters could cause our leverage ratio to exceed the permitted maximum.
FINANCIAL CONDITION
Our current assets totaled $876.4 million as of February 25, 2024, compared to $997.7 million as of May 28, 2023. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in cash and cash equivalents.
Our current liabilities totaled $2.27 billion as of February 25, 2024, compared to $1.94 billion as of May 28, 2023. The increase was primarily driven by an increase in short-term debt as well as an increase in other current liabilities and unearned revenues associated with the acquisition of Ruth’s Chris.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
We prepare our consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of sales, costs and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. We have discussed the development, selection and disclosure of those estimates with the Audit Committee. Our critical accounting estimates have not changed materially from those previously reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 28, 2023.
APPLICATION OF NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
Information regarding application of new accounting standards is incorporated by reference from Note 1 to our unaudited consolidated financial statements in Part I, Item 1 of this report.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Statements set forth in or incorporated into this report regarding the expected increase in the number of our restaurants and capital expenditures in fiscal 2024, projections for sales and all other statements that are not historical facts, including without limitation statements with respect to the financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business of Darden Restaurants, Inc. and its subsidiaries that are preceded by, followed by or that include words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “continue,” “estimate,” “project,” “believe,” “plan,” “outlook” or similar expressions, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and are included, along with this statement, for purposes of complying with the safe harbor provisions of that Act. Any forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which such statements are made, and we undertake no obligation to update such statements for any reason to reflect events or circumstances arising after such date. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in or implied by such forward-looking statements. In addition to the risks and uncertainties of ordinary business obligations, and those described in information incorporated into this report, the forward-looking statements contained in this report are subject to the risks and uncertainties described in Part I, Item 1A “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended May 28, 2023 and in our Forms 10-Q (including this report), which are summarized as follows:
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•A failure to address cost pressures, including rising costs for commodities, labor, health care and utilities used by our restaurants, and a failure to effectively deliver cost management activities and achieve economies of scale in purchasing;
•Economic and business factors and their impacts on the restaurant industry and general macroeconomic factors including unemployment, energy prices and interest rates;
•The inability to hire, train, reward and retain restaurant team members and determine and maintain adequate staffing;
•A failure to recruit, develop and retain effective leaders or the loss or shortage of personnel with key capacities and skills;
•Increases in labor and insurance costs;
•Health concerns arising from food-related pandemics, outbreaks of flu, viruses or other diseases;
•Failures to maintain food safety throughout the supply chain and food-borne illness concerns;
•Insufficient guest or employee facing technology or a failure to maintain a continuous or secure cyber network
•Increased costs related to compliance with privacy and data protection laws and government enforcement, litigation or adverse publicity relating to potential failures thereof;
•A failure to successfully integrate Ruth’s Chris Steak House operations into our business.
•Insufficient or ineffective response to legislation or government regulation may impact our cost structure, operational efficiencies and talent availability;
•Intense competition, or an insufficient focus on competition and the consumer landscape;
•Changes in consumer preferences that may adversely affect demand for food at our restaurants;
•An inability or failure to recognize, respond to and effectively manage the accelerated impact of social media;
•A failure to identify and execute innovative marketing and guest relationship tactics and ineffective or improper use of other marketing initiatives and increased advertising and marketing costs;
•Impacts of climate change, adverse weather conditions and natural disasters;
•The inability to cancel long-term, non-cancelable leases that we may want to cancel or the inability to renew the leases that we may want to extend at the end of their terms;
•Our inability or failure to execute a comprehensive business continuity plan following a major natural disaster such as a hurricane or manmade disaster, including terrorism;
•The impact of shortages, delay or interruptions in the delivery of food and other products from third-party vendors and suppliers;
•Our failure to drive both short-term and long-term profitable sales growth through brand relevance, operating excellence, opening new restaurants of existing brands and developing or acquiring new dining brands;
•A lack of suitable new restaurant locations or a decline in the quality of the locations of our current restaurants;
•Higher-than-anticipated costs or delays to open, close, relocate or remodel restaurants;
•Risks associated with doing business with franchisees and licensees;
•Risks associated with doing business with business partners and vendors in foreign markets;
•Volatility in the market value of derivatives we may use to hedge commodity and broader market prices;
•Volatility in the United States equity markets that may affect our ability to efficiently hedge exposures to our market risk related to equity-based compensation awards;
•Failure to protect our service marks or other intellectual property;
•Litigation, including allegations of illegal, unfair or inconsistent employment practices;
•Unfavorable publicity, or a failure to respond effectively to adverse publicity;
•Disruptions in the financial markets that may impact consumer spending patterns, affect the availability and cost of credit;
•Impairment of the carrying value of our goodwill or other intangible assets;
•Changes in tax laws or treaties and unanticipated tax liabilities; and
•A failure of our internal controls over financial reporting and future changes in accounting standards.
Any of the risks described above or elsewhere in this report or our other filings with the SEC could have a material impact on our business, financial condition or results of operations. It is not possible to predict or identify all risk factors. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently believe to be immaterial may also impair our business operations. Therefore, the above is not intended to be a complete discussion of all potential risks or uncertainties.
Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
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We are exposed to a variety of market risks, including fluctuations in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, compensation and commodity prices. To manage this exposure, we periodically enter into interest rate, foreign currency exchange rate, equity forward and commodity derivative instruments for other than trading purposes (see Note 11 to our unaudited consolidated financial statements in Part I, Item 1 of this report).
We use the variance/covariance method to measure value at risk, over time horizons ranging from one week to one year, at the 95 percent confidence level. As of February 25, 2024, our potential losses in future net earnings resulting from changes in equity forwards, commodity instruments, floating rate and fixed rate debt interest rate exposures were approximately $67.9 million over a period of one year. The value at risk from an increase in the fair value of all of our long-term fixed-rate debt, over a period of one year, was approximately $75.5 million. The fair value of our long-term fixed and variable rate debt outstanding as of February 25, 2024, averaged $1.37 billion, with a high of $1.47 billion and a low of $858.8 million during the nine months of fiscal 2024. Our interest rate risk management objective is to limit the impact of interest rate changes on earnings and cash flows by targeting an appropriate mix of variable and fixed-rate debt.
Item 4.Controls and Procedures
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, we evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act)) as of February 25, 2024, the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of February 25, 2024.
During the fiscal quarter ended February 25, 2024, there was no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
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PART II
OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.Legal Proceedings
See the discussion of legal proceedings contained in the third paragraph of Note 12 to our unaudited consolidated financial statements in Part I, Item 1 of this report, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 1A.Risk Factors
There have been no material changes to the risk factors contained in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended May 28, 2023.
Item 2.Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
The table below provides information concerning our repurchase of shares of our common stock during the quarter ended February 25, 2024.
| (Dollars in millions, except per share data) | Total Number of Shares Purchased (1) (2) | Average Price Paid per Share | Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs | Maximum Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (3) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| November 27, 2023 through December 31, 2023 | 83,997 | $ | 160.00 | 83,997 | $ | 314.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| January 1, 2024 through January 28, 2024 | 61,343 | $ | 160.23 | 61,343 | $ | 304.7 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| January 29, 2024 through February 25, 2024 | 56,854 | $ | 164.50 | 56,854 | $ | 295.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Quarter-to-Date | 202,194 | $ | 161.34 | 202,194 | $ | 295.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||
(1)All of the shares purchased during the quarter ended February 25, 2024 were purchased as part of our repurchase program. On March 20, 2024, our Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase program under which we may repurchase up to $1 billion of our outstanding common stock. This repurchase program, which was announced publicly in a press release issued on March 21, 2024, does not have an expiration date and replaced the prior share repurchase authorization.
(2)The number of shares purchased includes shares withheld for taxes on vesting of restricted stock, shares delivered or deemed to be delivered to us on tender of stock in payment for the exercise price of options, and shares reacquired pursuant to tax withholding on option exercises. These shares are included as part of our repurchase program and deplete the repurchase authority granted by our Board. The number of shares repurchased excludes shares we reacquired pursuant to forfeiture of restricted stock.
(3)Repurchases are subject to prevailing market prices, may be made in open market or private transactions, may occur or be discontinued at any time and remain subject to the discretion of our Board of Directors. There can be no assurance that we will repurchase any shares.
Item 5. Other Information
During the quarter ended February 25, 2024, no director or officer adopted terminated
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Item 6.Exhibits
| Exhibit No. | Exhibit Title | |||||||
| 31(a) | ||||||||
| 31(b) | ||||||||
| 32(a) | ||||||||
| 32(b) | ||||||||
| 101.INS | XBRL Instance Document | |||||||
| 101.SCH | XBRL Schema Document | |||||||
| 101.CAL | XBRL Calculation Linkbase Document | |||||||
| 101.DEF | XBRL Definition Linkbase Document | |||||||
| 101.LAB | XBRL Label Linkbase Document | |||||||
| 101.PRE | XBRL Presentation Linkbase Document | |||||||
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101) | |||||||
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SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
| DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC. | |||||||||||
| Dated: | April 2, 2024 | By: | /s/ Rajesh Vennam | ||||||||
| Rajesh Vennam | |||||||||||
| Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer | |||||||||||
| (Principal financial officer) | |||||||||||
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EXHIBIT 31(a)
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE
SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, Ricardo Cardenas, certify that:
1.I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Darden Restaurants, Inc.;
2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
a.Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b.Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c.Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d.Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5.The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a.All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b.Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
| April 2, 2024 | |||||
| /s/ Ricardo Cardenas | |||||
| Ricardo Cardenas | |||||
| President and Chief Executive Officer | |||||
EXHIBIT 31(b)
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE
SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, Rajesh Vennam, certify that:
1.I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Darden Restaurants, Inc.;
2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
a.Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b.Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c.Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d.Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5.The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a.All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b.Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
| April 2, 2024 | |||||
| /s/ Rajesh Vennam | |||||
| Rajesh Vennam | |||||
| Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer | |||||
EXHIBIT 32(a)
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the Quarterly Report of Darden Restaurants, Inc. (Company) on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended February 25, 2024, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Report), I, Ricardo Cardenas, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
1.The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
2.The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
| April 2, 2024 | |||||
| /s/ Ricardo Cardenas | |||||
| Ricardo Cardenas | |||||
| President and Chief Executive Officer | |||||
EXHIBIT 32(b)
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the Quarterly Report of Darden Restaurants, Inc. (Company) on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended February 25, 2024, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Report), I, Rajesh Vennam, Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
1.The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
2.The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
| April 2, 2024 | |||||
| /s/ Rajesh Vennam | |||||
| Rajesh Vennam | |||||
| Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer | |||||