Darden Restaurants (DRI) Buy, Sell or Hold

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Darden Restaurants (DRI)

221.60

+3.65 (1.67%)

as of Aug 21, 2026, 8:00:00 pm Market Open.

39 watching

Investor Insights

Aug 23, 2026, 12:00 am

This summary was created by AI, based on 3 opinions in the last 12 months.

Darden Restaurants (DRI) faces mixed sentiments in the wake of recent earnings reports. While same-store sales increased by 4.7%, inflation pressures have adversely impacted profit margins, leading to a decline in share prices. Experts believe that higher beef prices and tariffs have compounded the challenges posed by food inflation. Nevertheless, management's decision to maintain earnings guidance and a commitment to keeping prices below inflation rates are viewed positively. The company is also capitalizing on delivery partnerships with Uber Direct to enhance customer reach, especially among younger demographics. Despite the current challenges, some analysts suggest that the downturn in restaurant stocks may represent a temporary setback, providing a potential entry point for investors.

Consensus

Positive

Valuation

Fair Value

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Curated by Michael O'Reilly since 2020.
1550+ opinions with 4.81 rating (one of the best performing expert).

PAST TOP PICK

(A Top Pick Jun 23/22, Up 33%)Stockchase Research Editor: Michael O'Reilly Our PAST TOP PICK with DRI has achieved its objective at $152. To remain disciplined we recommend covering half the position at this time and to maintain the stop-loss at $135. If triggered, this would result in a net investment gain of 25%.

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Curated by Michael O'Reilly since 2020.
1550+ opinions with 4.81 rating (one of the best performing expert).

PAST TOP PICK

(A Top Pick Jun 23/22, Up 22.3%)Stockchase Research Editor: Michael O'Reilly Our PAST TOP PICK with DRI is progressing well. To remain disciplined, we recommend trailing up the stop to $135 at this time.

COMMENT

They report next Friday. A weaker economy will mean people will dine at cheaper chains like Olive Garden. Some feel shares have run up too much.

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Curated by Michael O'Reilly since 2020.
1550+ opinions with 4.81 rating (one of the best performing expert).

PAST TOP PICK

(A Top Pick Jun 23/22, Up 25.4%)Stockchase Research Editor: Michael O'Reilly Our PAST TOP PICK with DRI is progressing well. To remain disciplined, we now recommend trailing up the stop (from $117) to $125.

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Curated by Michael O'Reilly since 2020.
1550+ opinions with 4.81 rating (one of the best performing expert).

PAST TOP PICK

(A Top Pick Jun 23/22, Up 14.6%)Stockchase Research Editor: Michael O'Reilly Our PAST TOP PICK is progressing well. We now recommend trailing up the stop (from $98) to $117.

BUY

Allan Tong’s Discover Picks Looking forward, management's forecast is positive, but realistic. Earnings are expected to be $7.40-8.00 per share compared to $7.40 in fiscal 2022 as comparable-store sales should increase by 4-6%. The company will open up to 60 new restaurants, which doubles 2021's expansion rate. Also, Darden raised its dividend by 10%. It currently pays a robust 3.67%, based on a low 59% payout ratio. Darden trades at a 17.83x PE, just slightly higher than its 17x forward PE, but far below the 31.6x industry average. Read 3 Options to Profit from Falling Crude Oil for our full analysis.

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Curated by Michael O'Reilly since 2020.
1550+ opinions with 4.81 rating (one of the best performing expert).

TOP PICK

Stockchase Research Editor: Michael O'Reilly The owner of such iconic brands as Red Lobster, Olive Garden and Longhorn Steakhouse. As customers return to sit down dining, earnings will look to expand quickly. Recently reported earnings beat expectations and support an impressive 32% ROE. The dividend was increased by 10%, the 3rd boost since the pandemic began. We recommend a stop loss at $98, looking to achieve $152 -- upside over 32%. Yield 3.87% (Analysts’ price target is $151.59)

DON'T BUY

It has been hit by many downgrades. He expects a disappointing report next week due to food and labour inflation, plus a cash-strapped consumer. Also, they are sensitive to fuel costs.

BUY

The market prefers Growth at a Reasonable Price (GARP) stock as rates rise and tech is unfashionable. The PEG ratio is a key metric. These shares pay big dividends or buyback shares. Their latest quarter disappointed, taking a big hit from Omicron and food inflation. But the former is now behind us and food inflation could peak in the second half this year. If you buy now, you can benefit later with this stock. Trades at 17x earnings and pays a 3.5% dividend yield. A well-run restaurant chain.

BUY

It reports Friday. Restos have made a big comeback. Darden has deep pockets and can stay competitive, so he expects good numbers.

BUY

Up 25% this year. Buy. During the pandemic people ordered out and now people are dining in. The chart says this wants to bounce. He'd still buy this. He likes the chain and restaurants. The future looks brighter than the present.

DON'T BUY

Pass. It had a huge run. It will trade down to $138 before it rises to new all-time highs.

COMMENT

It reports Thursday. He wants to hear them talk about the latest outbreak and expects them to say things are better, though not perfect. Olive Garden is their franchise.

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TOP PICK

The company is taking more market share compared to competitors. People will go to restaurants with the economy reopening. With the pandemic shuttering many smaller players, the big players should dominate. Social media mentions have increased by 20% in the last 24 hours.

BUY

It's taken more market share during Covid and is pulling away from the pack. The CEO said that the first thing people do when they get vaccinations is to go to a restaurant. The pandemic has lasted just long enough to wipe out the little guys and left the bigger players to dominate.

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