Darden Restaurants Management
Management criteria checks 2/4
Darden Restaurants' CEO is Rick Cardenas, appointed in Jan 2021, has a tenure of 5.67 years. total yearly compensation is $34.82M, comprised of 3.8% salary and 96.2% bonuses, including company stock and options. directly owns 0.076% of the company’s shares, worth $18.01M. The average tenure of the management team and the board of directors is 5.7 years and 11.9 years respectively.
Key information
Rick Cardenas
Chief executive officer
US$34.8m
Total compensation
| CEO salary percentage | 3.81% |
| CEO tenure | 5.7yrs |
| CEO ownership | 0.08% |
| Management average tenure | 5.7yrs |
| Board average tenure | 11.9yrs |
Recent management updates
Recent updates
Narrative Update • Sep 03
DRI: Scale Advantages And Brand Momentum Will Support Future Share Returns
Analysts have lifted the Darden Restaurants price target to $276 from $270.13, reflecting updated views on a slightly lower discount rate, modestly softer revenue growth and margins, and a higher assumed future P/E multiple. This outlook is supported by recent research that points to resilient same-store sales trends, scale benefits, and expectations for solid upcoming results.Seeking Alpha • Jul 23
Darden Restaurants: LongHorn And New Restaurants Broaden The Growth Case
Summary Darden Restaurants earns a reiterated buy rating as LongHorn's growth reduces reliance on Olive Garden and diversifies earnings. Olive Garden’s lighter-portions menu boosts visit frequency, supporting 2.4% same-restaurant-sales growth and 50bps margin expansion to 24.3%. DRI targets 3–4% annual unit growth, with LongHorn expanding faster and new-store returns exceeding cost of capital by several hundred basis points. Valuation remains attractive at ~17x FY2027 EPS, with 8% EPS growth expected and a 3.3% dividend yield supporting total return potential. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
Narrative Update • Jul 06
DRI: Scale Advantages And Brand Mix Will Support Casual Dining Resilience
Analysts have nudged the Darden Restaurants fair value estimate higher to $228.25 from $222.38, reflecting updated price targets clustered in the low to mid $200s and continued focus on the company’s scale advantages, brand momentum, and margin protection. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research on Darden Restaurants clusters around higher price targets and focuses on how the company executes against its scale advantages, brand mix, and long term margin framework.Analysis Article • Jun 29
Darden Restaurants, Inc. (NYSE:DRI) Just Reported Yearly Earnings: Have Analysts Changed Their Mind On The Stock?
Darden Restaurants, Inc. ( NYSE:DRI ) came out with its yearly results last week, and we wanted to see how the business...Narrative Update • Jun 22
DRI: Core Brand Strength And Institutional Demand Will Support Future Returns
Analysts have nudged their fair value estimate for Darden Restaurants slightly higher to about $270 per share, citing updated price targets in the $228 to $276 range and expectations for steady topline trends, along with close monitoring of beef and energy costs. Analyst Commentary Recent research on Darden Restaurants points to generally constructive sentiment, with bullish analysts refining their models around updated price targets, earnings forecasts, and key cost inputs such as beef and energy.Analysis Article • Jun 20
Darden Restaurants (DRI) Stock Could Be 4% Undervalued Ahead Of June 25 Earnings
Market attention on Darden Restaurants (DRI) is building ahead of its June 25 earnings report, as higher estimates for fiscal 2027 and expectations for year-over-year growth in earnings and revenue are reshaping sentiment around the stock. See our latest analysis for Darden Restaurants. Darden Restaurants’ recent 1-month share price return of 8.31% and year to date share price return of 14.02% suggest momentum has been building again, even though the 1-year total shareholder return declined...Narrative Update • Jun 05
DRI: Core Brand Resilience And Buybacks Will Support Future Earnings Power
Analysts have slightly raised their price expectations for Darden Restaurants, with the fair value estimate moving from about $267.90 to roughly $268.64. This adjustment reflects updated views on revenue growth, profit margins, and beef cost trends discussed in recent research.Narrative Update • May 03
DRI: Core Brand Consistency And Buybacks Will Support Long-Term Upside
Analysts have lifted their consolidated price target for Darden Restaurants by several dollars, reflecting refreshed models that incorporate slightly adjusted discount rate and revenue growth assumptions, as well as updated views from recent Street research that has generally raised targets into a $200 to $260 range. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research shows a cluster of bullish analysts nudging price targets higher across a tight range, with several updates concentrated between roughly $200 and $260.Narrative Update • Apr 19
DRI: Value Discipline And Core Brand Consistency Will Support Long-Term Upside
The analyst price target for Darden Restaurants has been adjusted higher to reflect a fair value increase of about $4, supported by recent Street research that highlights steady same-store sales expectations at Olive Garden and LongHorn, along with multiple price target increases across major firms. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research shows a cluster of bullish analysts raising price targets on Darden Restaurants, with several firms adjusting their views higher by between $1 and $10.
Narrative Update • Apr 03
DRI: Mixed Sector Headwinds And Brand Stability Are Expected To Shape Returns
Analysts have trimmed the fair value estimate for Darden Restaurants to $183.53 from $185.66, reflecting slightly softer assumptions for revenue, profit margin and future P/E even as recent research shows a mix of higher and lower price targets across the Street. Analyst Commentary Street research on Darden has been active, with several firms adjusting price targets and ratings in different directions.Narrative Update • Mar 20
DRI: Sector Headwinds And Slowing Traffic Are Expected To Pressure Shares
Analysts have lifted the implied fair value for Darden Restaurants from about $169.22 to roughly $185.66 per share, reflecting a higher blended price target across recent research that cites relatively stable same-store sales at Olive Garden and LongHorn and ongoing sector headwinds that keep expectations measured. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research paints a mixed picture for Darden Restaurants, with some firms lifting price targets and others turning more cautious.Narrative Update • Mar 06
DRI: Value Discipline And Brand Reshaping Will Support Long-Term Upside
Darden Restaurants' analyst price target has inched slightly higher to $235, with analysts citing the company's value discipline, recent rating upgrades and ongoing sector headwinds that have kept expectations relatively contained. Analyst Commentary Recent research on Darden Restaurants shows a split tape, but there is still a core group of bullish analysts leaning into the story with higher targets and upgrade calls that emphasize value discipline and execution in a tougher restaurant backdrop.Narrative Update • Feb 20
DRI: Value Discipline And New Unit Openings Will Support Long-Term Upside
Narrative Update: Darden Restaurants The updated analyst fair value estimate for Darden Restaurants edges higher to $263.49 from $258.71. Analysts cite slightly stronger assumptions for revenue growth, profit margins, and future P/E, despite mixed recent price target revisions and ratings changes across the Street.Narrative Update • Feb 05
DRI: Beef Tariff Cuts And Value Discipline Will Shape Casual Dining Resilience
Narrative Update: Darden Restaurants The analyst price target for Darden Restaurants has been adjusted modestly higher by about US$1.80 to reflect slightly higher fair value estimates and profit margin assumptions, as analysts weigh recent upgrades that highlight value discipline and sector positioning, while also considering ongoing concerns about sales drivers and a challenging 2026 setup for casual dining. Analyst Commentary Recent research on Darden Restaurants presents a mixed picture, with some analysts more constructive on valuation support and discipline, while others flag earnings and sales uncertainty into 2026.Narrative Update • Jan 22
DRI: Execution And New Unit Expansion Will Support Long-Term Upside Potential
Analysts have trimmed their price targets for Darden Restaurants by about US$2 to reflect slightly lower assumed fair value and P/E multiples, citing a tougher casual dining sales setup into 2026 and limited near term sales drivers, even as some firms still see relative strength in the broader restaurant group. Analyst Commentary Recent research has highlighted a mixed backdrop for Darden Restaurants but also flagged areas where some bullish analysts still see room for the story to work, particularly on execution and valuation relative to the broader restaurant group.Narrative Update • Jan 08
DRI: Future Returns Will Depend On Beef Tariffs And Casual Dining Resilience
Narrative Update The updated analyst price work on Darden Restaurants implies a marginal trim of about US$0.10 to fair value, to US$220.57, as analysts factor in recent price target cuts, mixed ratings, and a tougher 2026 setup for casual dining demand and margins. Analyst Commentary Recent research on Darden Restaurants gives you a mixed but useful snapshot of how the Street is weighing the 2026 setup for casual dining against Darden's current execution and valuation.Analysis Article • Jan 02
Darden Restaurants, Inc. (NYSE:DRI) Just Released Its Second-Quarter Results And Analysts Are Updating Their Estimates
Shareholders might have noticed that Darden Restaurants, Inc. ( NYSE:DRI ) filed its second-quarter result this time...Narrative Update • Dec 25
DRI: Recent Share Pullback Will Set Up Attractive Long-Term Upside
Darden Restaurants' analyst price target has been trimmed by $10 to $230 per share, as analysts cite the recent share pullback as a buying opportunity. They point to management's consistent execution despite slightly softer long term growth assumptions.Narrative Update • Dec 11
DRI: Future Returns Will Depend On Managing Beef Costs And Menu Pricing
We trim our Darden Restaurants price target slightly to approximately $221 from about $221 and maintain a constructive outlook, as analysts cite modestly lower valuation multiples and near term beef driven margin pressure but continue to highlight resilient same store sales trends, solid execution and supportive long term demand across key banners. Analyst Commentary Street research on Darden following its latest results reflects a mixed but generally constructive stance, with most firms trimming price targets while reiterating positive long term views on execution, traffic resilience and brand positioning.Narrative Update • Nov 27
DRI: Future Performance Will Depend On Navigating Beef Inflation And Menu Pricing
Darden Restaurants’ analyst price target has been trimmed by less than $1 to $221. Analysts cite mixed performance in recent earnings, ongoing inflationary pressures, and continued strength in core brands like Olive Garden as factors shaping their slightly more cautious outlook.Narrative Update • Nov 11
DRI: Future Margin Expansion Will Rely On Managing Beef Inflation Risks
Darden Restaurants' analyst fair value target edged slightly lower to $221.50, as analysts cite persistent beef inflation and recent earnings misses, which are offset by continued solid sales trends and an overall positive long-term outlook. Analyst Commentary Recent street research reveals a range of views on Darden Restaurants following the company's latest quarterly updates.Narrative Update • Oct 27
Share Price Weakness And Menu Focus Will Define Restaurant Sector Momentum
Darden Restaurants’ average analyst price target has declined modestly, falling by several dollars as analysts cite slightly pressured margins and earnings amid higher input costs. However, they continue to highlight the company’s strong market positioning and resilient sales momentum.Narrative Update • Sep 20
Uber Direct And New Restaurant Formats Will Transform Casual Dining
Darden Restaurants’ consensus price target was revised down from $233.29 to $224.86 as analysts responded to a modest earnings miss, lower guidance, and margin pressures, despite ongoing strength in same-store sales and positive long-term drivers. Analyst Commentary Recent price target changes reflect a modest earnings miss and guidance below elevated expectations, prompting some downward revisions, though several analysts remain positive on the long-term outlook.Seeking Alpha • Apr 20
Darden: A Win Streak With An Expiration Date
Summary Darden's stock has outperformed this year, gaining 9% YTD, despite broader market declines and weaker consumer spending impacting the restaurant sector. The company is guiding to a sharp improvement in same-restaurant sales in Q4, which I find difficult to believe given weakening trends in Q3 and worsening macro conditions. Darden has exposure to tariffs: ~20% of its cost basket is sourced overseas, while macro tightness will force consumers to think twice about spending to eat out. Darden's stretched valuation at ~21x forward P/E inspires little confidence, leading me to reiterate my sell opinion. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Mar 30
Darden Restaurants' Earnings: The Valuation Gap With The Industry Offers Upside
Summary Darden Restaurants' strong financial performance, including high margins and solid FCF, supports its resilience and attractiveness to investors despite industry challenges. Recent earnings report shows positive developments, including successful partnerships and efficient cost management, leading to all-time high stock prices. Valuation remains appealing with potential upside, as Darden's profitability outshines competitors like Texas Roadhouse, and future growth prospects remain solid. Weather-related sales dip is seen as temporary, with expectations for a stronger Q4 and continued positive growth driven by strategic acquisitions and expansions. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Jan 21
Darden: Terrible Price For Slower Comparable Sales Trends And Inflation Risks
Summary Restaurant chains like Darden have reported positive same-store sales growth by pushing price increases onto customers. However, SSS is trailing behind fast-casual peers. Inflation continues to hit some of Darden's core input costs, especially beef. In an inflation-sensitive environment, its ability to keep raising prices will be limited. The company recently acquired Tex-Mex chain Chuy's to spur revenue growth. However, the acquisition has left Darden with a heavy debt load. Darden's ~19x P/E multiple doesn't discount the stock enough for its operational risks, and sits at a richer premium relative to peers like The Cheesecake Factory. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaCEO Compensation Analysis
| Date | Total Compensation | Salary | Company Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 31 2026 | US$35m | US$1m | US$1b |
| Feb 22 2026 | n/a | n/a | US$1b |
| Nov 23 2025 | n/a | n/a | US$1b |
| Aug 24 2025 | n/a | n/a | US$1b |
| May 25 2025 | US$14m | US$1m | US$1b |
| Feb 23 2025 | n/a | n/a | US$1b |
| Nov 24 2024 | n/a | n/a | US$1b |
| Aug 25 2024 | n/a | n/a | US$1b |
| May 26 2024 | US$12m | US$1m | US$1b |
| Feb 25 2024 | n/a | n/a | US$1b |
| Nov 26 2023 | n/a | n/a | US$1b |
| Aug 27 2023 | n/a | n/a | US$985m |
| May 28 2023 | US$9m | US$1m | US$984m |
| Feb 26 2023 | n/a | n/a | US$950m |
| Nov 27 2022 | n/a | n/a | US$911m |
| Aug 28 2022 | n/a | n/a | US$917m |
| May 29 2022 | US$5m | US$796k | US$955m |
| Feb 27 2022 | n/a | n/a | US$1b |
| Nov 28 2021 | n/a | n/a | US$923m |
| Aug 29 2021 | n/a | n/a | US$827m |
| May 30 2021 | US$4m | US$745k | US$632m |
| Feb 28 2021 | n/a | n/a | -US$216m |
| Nov 29 2020 | n/a | n/a | -US$112m |
| Aug 30 2020 | n/a | n/a | -US$184m |
| May 31 2020 | US$3m | US$686k | -US$49m |
Compensation vs Market: Rick's total compensation ($USD34.82M) is above average for companies of similar size in the US market ($USD14.71M).
Compensation vs Earnings: Rick's compensation has increased by more than 20% in the past year.
CEO
Rick Cardenas (58 yo)
5.7yrs
Tenure
US$34,815,978
Compensation
Mr. Ricardo Cardenas, also known as Rick, CPA, serves as Trustee at University of Central Florida. He is Director of Darden Concepts, Inc. Mr. Cardenas serves as President at Darden Restaurants, Inc. since...
Leadership Team
| Name | Position | Tenure | Compensation | Ownership |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CEO, President & Director | 5.7yrs | US$34.82m | 0.076% $ 18.0m | |
| Senior VP & CFO | 5.7yrs | US$5.46m | 0.0076% $ 1.8m | |
| Senior VP & Chief People Officer | 9.5yrs | US$3.24m | 0.00065% $ 154.3k | |
| President of Business Development | 2.3yrs | US$4.09m | 0.045% $ 10.6m | |
| President of Specialty Restaurant Group | 22.7yrs | US$4.10m | 0.021% $ 5.0m | |
| Senior VP & Chief Information Officer | 10.4yrs | no data | no data | |
| Vice President of Finance & Investor Relations | no data | no data | no data | |
| Senior VP | less than a year | no data | 0.0022% $ 512.9k | |
| Senior VP and Chief Communications & Public Affairs Officer | 11.1yrs | no data | 0.0037% $ 871.4k | |
| Senior VP & Chief Supply Chain Officer | 11.3yrs | no data | 0.0034% $ 802.5k | |
| Senior Vice President of Marketing - Olive Garden | 4.7yrs | no data | no data | |
| President of LongHorn Steakhouse | 3.7yrs | no data | 0.015% $ 3.6m |
5.7yrs
Average Tenure
57yo
Average Age
Experienced Management: DRI's management team is seasoned and experienced (5.7 years average tenure).
Board Members
| Name | Position | Tenure | Compensation | Ownership |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CEO, President & Director | 4.3yrs | US$34.82m | 0.076% $ 18.0m | |
| Independent Director | 11.9yrs | US$416.39k | 0.0010% $ 242.2k | |
| Independent Director | 12.7yrs | US$357.35k | 0.023% $ 5.6m | |
| Independent Director | 12.7yrs | US$426.50k | 0.017% $ 4.0m | |
| Independent Chair of the Board | 12.7yrs | US$598.59k | 0.0061% $ 1.5m | |
| Independent Director | 8yrs | US$408.41k | 0.024% $ 5.7m | |
| Independent Director | 4.5yrs | US$352.84k | 0.0037% $ 890.4k | |
| Independent Director | 11.9yrs | US$321.61k | 0.0055% $ 1.3m | |
| Independent Director | 1.8yrs | US$318.53k | 0.0017% $ 401.3k |
11.9yrs
Average Tenure
66yo
Average Age
Experienced Board: DRI's board of directors are seasoned and experienced ( 11.9 years average tenure).
Company Analysis and Financial Data Status
| Data | Last Updated (UTC time) |
|---|---|
| Company Analysis | 2026/09/16 23:31 |
| End of Day Share Price | 2026/09/16 00:00 |
| Earnings | 2026/05/31 |
| Annual Earnings | 2026/05/31 |
Data Sources
The data used in our company analysis is from S&P Global Market Intelligence LLC. The following data is used in our analysis model to generate this report. Data is normalised which can introduce a delay from the source being available.
| Package | Data | Timeframe | Example US Source * |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company Financials | 10 years |
| |
| Analyst Consensus Estimates | +3 years |
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| Market Prices | 30 years |
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| Ownership | 10 years |
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| Management | 10 years |
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| Key Developments | 10 years |
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* Example for US securities, for non-US equivalent regulatory forms and sources are used.
Unless specified all financial data is based on a yearly period but updated quarterly. This is known as Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) or Last Twelve Month (LTM) Data. Learn more.
Analysis Model and Snowflake
Details of the analysis model used to generate this report is available on our Github page, we also have guides on how to use our reports and tutorials on Youtube.
Learn about the who designed and built the Simply Wall St analysis model.
Industry and Sector Metrics
Our industry and section metrics are calculated every 6 hours by Simply Wall St, details of our process are available on Github.
Analyst Sources
Darden Restaurants, Inc. is covered by 45 analysts. 27 of those analysts submitted the estimates of revenue or earnings used as inputs to our report. Analysts submissions are updated throughout the day.
| Analyst | Institution |
|---|---|
| John Staszak | Argus Research Company |
| David Tarantino | Baird |
| Jeffrey Bernstein | Barclays |