Darden Restaurants (DRI)

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See all Bulls Reasons Bulls: Reasons To Buy Darden is well positioned by market share 100% agree Darden is well positioned by market share Top Overall Favorite Restaurants: Olive Garden (8%), Outback Steakhouse (8%) and Red Lobster (7%). The current results look relatively strong for Darden Restaurants Inc. (DRI), owner of Red Lobster and Olive Garden. They also echo the results from our April survey,... read more View or Edit Reason 1 votes 100% agree Darden is better positioned than peers to take advantage of current environment 0% agree Darden is better positioned than peers to take advantage of current environment With its economies of scale and promotional capabilities, Darden will be able to attract more foot traffic to its restaurants through specials which will take advantage of the recent decline in commodity prices. In an environment where consumers are trading down to... read more View or Edit Reason 0 votes 0% agree See all Bears Reasons Bears: Reasons To Sell Stock down and consumer spending is under pressure 100% agree Stock down and consumer spending is under pressure Darden Restaurants (DRI), owner of The Olive Tree and Red Lobster, lowered their full year forecast. They lowered same store sales expectations for fiscal year 2009 from 2% growth to 0%-1% growth, revenue growth from 14%-15% to 12%-13% and EPS growth, exluding items,... read more View or Edit Reason 2 votes 100% agree Same Store Sales Expected to Decrease Through 2009 0% agree Same Store Sales Expected to Decrease Through 2009 Analysts have lowered their forecasts for same-store sales to a 3.9% decrease. This factored into a decrease of forecast 2009 earnings per share from $2.74 to $2.05. As consumers discretionary income falls to higher debt payments and costs of living, they will spend less eating out at restaurants, such as those owned by Darden. View or Edit Reason 0 votes 0% agree Send the authors a comment or suggestion Be the first to make a suggestion See All Suggestions

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Darden has announced plans to increase EPS, earnings per share, by 10-15% annually, but with its flagship chains, Olive Garden and Red Lobster, reaching market saturation, the company will have to rely on its smaller chains and acquisitions for the majority of growth. New restaurant openings have averaged 2% for the past 5 years, and Darden wants to maintain same restaurant sales for Olive Garden and Red Lobster. In the future, Darden would like to open new Olive Gardens and Red Lobsters, but it may be a challenge for it to find untapped markets.

In 2007, restaurant industry sales growth declined from previous years as a result of falling consumer spending and other macroeconomic factors. During the same year, Darden's sales increased by approximately 8%. Perhaps more telling, Darden's same-restaurant sales have continued to grow, albeit more slowly, while its competitors have all posted negative same-restaurant sales growth. Its positive same-restaurant sales can be attributed to strong customer loyalty and value-based meal specials. Programs like Lobster's Fresh Catch Club for frequent customers strengthen customer loyalty by offering special coupons, meal deals, as well as updates about new menu items. Other coupons and value-based meals act as incentives to boost customer traffic. Although Darden's competitors have similar value-based programs, Darden has also focused on quality of service and cleanliness as a means of gaining customer loyalty. In addition, Darden has altered its menu to demonstrate the health benefits of its cuisines, like seafood at Red Lobster to increase customer visits.

[edit] Business Overview

Although Darden's revenues have been steadily increasing, its net income decreased from 2006 to 2007^[2]

• Olive Garden is the world’s largest Italian casual dining restaurant company and Darden’s highest revenue generating restaurant. There are 614 Olive Garden’s throughout the U.S. (608) and Canada (6)^[3]. Olive Garden generates $2.8 billion in sales per year, or about $4.7 million per restaurant^[4]. Olive Garden contributes to 49% of Darden's sales. Olive Garden has been performing above the slow restaurant and food service markets. Sales were up 6.6% from 2006^[5] and comps, also known as same restaurant sales, have been increasing for the past 51 consecutive quarters^[6].
• Red Lobster is the casual seafood dining market leader and Darden’s largest restaurant chain. Red Lobster was Darden’s original restaurant and has since grown to 680 restaurants throughout the U.S. (651) and Canada (29)^[7]. It had $3.8 million in sales per restaurant in 2007, or $2.8 billion in total sales^[8]. Almost 51% of Darden's sales are contributed by Red Lobster. Red Lobster has also been faring well compared to its other casual seafood dining counterparts in the slow restaurant and food service markets. Same restaurant sales, or comps, in the first quarter of 2007 were up 7.9%^[9] and have been positive nine of the past eleven quarters, but comps were the year evened out to just 1%^[10].
• Bahama Breeze is Darden’s Caribbean themed restaurant chain. With 23 restaurants in twelve states^[11], Bahama Breeze’s total sales are $138 million, which breaks down to approximately $6 million per restaurant^[12]. Darden is currently restarting an expansion of its island inspired chain. The company closed nine, almost one-third, of its low performing Bahama Breezes in 2007^[13].
• Seasons 52 is Darden’s newest restaurant chain. It is known for its seasonally inspired lower-calorie meals and international wine collection. Since its opening in 2003, it has grown to seven restaurants which each generate $6.4 million in sales, or $40 million in total sales^[14]. Darden will roll out with the next phase of Seasons 52’s expansion in 2008 because it sees a high growth potential in Seasons 52^[15]. Darden is hoping Seasons 52 will be a driving factor to help achieve their future growth goals.

[edit] Trends and Forces

[edit] Growth Driven by Smaller Brands and Acquisitions

Much of Darden's long-term growth will have to come from acquisitions and the growth of its smaller chains. In the past Darden has experienced set backs in both of these areas. Darden is in the early stages of expanding Bahama Breeze and Seasons 52. Darden has already tried expanding Bahama Breeze without success, but will try again with a new approach. Darden is slowly expanding Seasons 52 in the South and will continue to grow the chain. Of Darden's four chains, Seasons 52 has the most sales per restaurant with $6.4 M^[16], which further proves the importance of its growth and overall success to Darden. Darden is in the process of acquiring LongHorn Steakhouse, a casual dining chain, and The Capital Grille, an upscale steakhouse^[17]. There are currently 300 LongHorn Steakhouses throughout the U.S. and close to 30 Capital Grilles. These acquisitions come on heels of a less than successful attempt to integrate Smoky Bones. The company recently announced plans to sell the Orlando-based, casual dining, chain. Prior to the announcement, Darden was forced to close 54 poorly performing Smokey Bones restaurants and there were 73 remaining at the end of 2007. ^[18].

[edit] Rising Food Prices Impact Bottom Line

For casual dining restaurants like , Darden, commodities prices, particularly, prices for food items such as [[beef prices|beef), and grain can have a dramatic impact of on the bottom line. Commodity costs, decreased 2007 second quarter net earnings by nearly 30%. In an effort to help cut losses from rising costs, menu item prices have been increased 2-3% annually.

[edit] DRI Weathers Restaurant Downturn Better than Competitors

Beginning in 2006, slowing economic growth and widespread concerns among consumers, economists and business owners alike began to take their toll on the restaurant and foodservice industries. Real growth (adjusted for inflation) in restaurant sales was a meager 1.3% in 2007 and is projected to fall further in 2008. ^[19] due to macroeconomic factors. This downturn has largely been a result of lower consumer spending. Initially, rising interest rates in 2006 combined with slowing home appreciation resulted in tighter economic constraints for many consumers. Although the Fed began to lower interest rates in 2007 and continued to do so in 2008, home values have continued to slump along with the general economy. Since the home is considered the primary form of wealth or savings for many Americans, millions of homeowners have suddenly found themselves significantly poorer while facing higher costs in the form of food and energy inflation, and thus are less willing to spend money on eating out. While Darden is far from immune to this trend, it has weathered this difficult environment better than Brinker's, its closest competitor. New store openings continued to drive overall revenue growth during 2007, and same restaurant comps remained positive.

[edit] Competitors

The restaurant and foodservice industries are extremely competitive, especially within the casual dining sector. Darden's had $5.6 billion in revenue operating 1324 restaurants. Darden's main competition includes:

• Brinker International (EAT): Brinker's owns and operates approximately 1,800 casual dining restaurants such as Chili's, Macaroni Grill, On The Border, and Maggiano's^[20]. Brinker generated $4.4 B in sales^[21] and is Darden's closest competitor. Although Brinker's operates 500 more restaurants, Darden has higher operating margins than Brinker's. Brinker's has announced plans to expand its flagship restaurant, Chili's by close to 700 restaurants over the next few years, as well as enter the steakhouse segment.
• Applebee's International (APPB): Applebee's operates and franchises 1,930 Applebee's Neighborhood Bar and Grill restaurants^[22]. Applebee's had $1.2 B in total operating revenue^[23]. Applebee's most closely competes with all of Darden's restaurants for casual dining customers, but the company itself is significantly smaller than Darden.
• Cheesecake Factory (CAKE): The Cheesecake Factory and its secondary chain, Grand Lux Cafes directly compete with Darden's brands, The Olive Garden and Season's 52. Each brand has similar cuisines and price points. Cheesecake Factory had upwards of $1.3 B in sales for 2006^[24] with approximately 130 restaurants. The Cheesecake Factory had a tremendous 19.2% growth in revenue from 2005^[25] and has plans to open 20 restaurants a year^[26].

 Darden Restaurants

	Select All  |  Select None Metrics Company-operated Sales Sales per Restaurant Net Income Franchise Revenue Operating Income Company-operated Restaurants Number of Franchised Restaurants Number of Affiliated Restaurants Total Number of Restaurants Comparable Sales Growth Cancel

	Select All  |  Select None Companies Starbucks (SBUX) Ark Restaurants (ARKR) Flanigan's Enterprises (BDL) BJ's Restaurants (BJRI) Bob Evans Farms (BOBE) BUCA (BUCA) Cheesecake Factory (CAKE) Mexican Restaurants (CASA) CBRL Group (CBRL) O'Charley's (CHUX) California Pizza Kitchen (CPKI) Famous Dave's of America (DAVE) Domino's Pizza (DPZ) Darden Restaurants (DRI) Brinker International (EAT) Frisch's Restaurants (FRS) Granite City Food & Brewery (GCFB) Grill Concepts (GRIL) J. Alexanders Cp (JAX) Kona Grill (KONA) Landry's Restaurants (LNY) Morton's Restaurant Group (MRT) McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurants (MSSR) P.F.Chang's China Bistro (PFCB) Panera Bread Company (PNRA) Rick's Cabaret International (RICK) Red Robin Gourmet Burgers (RRGB) Ruby Tuesday (RT) Ruth's Chris Steak House (RUTH) Steak n Shake Company (SNS) Star Buffet (STRZ) Carrols Restaurant Group (TAST) Texas Roadhouse (TXRH) Buffalo Wild Wings (BWLD) Burger King Holdings (BKC) CKE Restaurants (CKR) Chipotle Mexican Grill (CMG) Cosi (COSI) Denny's (DENN) Luby's (LUB) Good Times Restaurants (GTIM) Max & Erma's Restaurants (MAXE) Benihana (BNHNA) CEC Entertainment (CEC) DineEquity, Inc. (DIN) Cancel

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Company	Data From	Number of Affiliated Restaurants	Total Number of Restaurants	Comparable Sales Growth	Operating Income	Franchise Revenue	Company-operated Restaurants	Number of Franchised Restaurants
Brinker International (EAT)	2008	Add	1.8K[28]	Add	Add	Add	Add	Add
Cheesecake Factory (CAKE)	2007	3[29]	155[29]	Add	$111M[30]	Add	152[29]	Add
Darden Restaurants (DRI)	2007	Add	1.32K[31]	4%[32]	$377M[33]	Add	1.32K[31]	Add
Panera Bread Company (PNRA)	2006	0	1.03K[34]	3.9%[35]	$90.8M[36]	$61.5M[37]	391[34]	636[34]

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[edit] References

1. ↑ Darden Restaurants Inc. 2007 Annual Report, "Overview", p. 4
2. ↑ Darden Restaurants Inc. 2007 Annual Report, "5 Year Financial Summary", p. 61
3. ↑ Darden Restaurants Inc. 2007 Annual Report, "Overview", p. 5
4. ↑ Darden Restaurants Inc. 2007 Annual Report, "Overview", p. 5
5. ↑ Darden Restaurants Inc. 2007 Annual Report, "Financial Highlights", p. 8
6. ↑ Darden Restaurants Inc. 2007 Annual Report, "Financial Highlights", p. 8
7. ↑ Darden Restaurants Inc. 2007 Annual Report, "Overview", p. 5
8. ↑ Darden Restaurants Inc. 2007 Annual Report, "Overview", p. 5
9. ↑ Darden Restaurants Inc. 2007 Annual Report, "Financial Highlights", p. 8
10. ↑ Darden Restaurants Inc. 2007 Annual Report, "Financial Highlights", p. 8
11. ↑ Darden Restaurants Inc. 2007 Annual Report, "Overview", p. 5
12. ↑ Darden Restaurants Inc. 2007 Annual Report, "Overview", p. 5
13. ↑ Darden Restaurants Inc. 2007 Annual Report, "Strategic Highlights", p. 7
14. ↑ Darden Restaurants Inc. 2007 Annual Report, "Overview", p. 5
15. ↑ Darden Restaurants Inc. 2007 Annual Report, "Strategic Highlights", p. 7
16. ↑ Darden Restaurants Inc. 2007 Annual Report, "Overview", p. 5
17. ↑ Darden Restaurants Inc. Company Report 9-20-2007
18. ↑ Darden Restaurants Inc. 2007 Annual Report, "Strategic Highlights", p. 7
19. ↑ "Chains Ready Plans to Ride out Economic Downturn," Bnet.com, October 1, 2007
20. ↑ Brinker International Inc. 2007 Annual Report, p. 10, 12, 14, 16
21. ↑ Brinker International Inc. 2007 Annual Report, "Consolidated Statements of Income", p. 9
22. ↑ Applebee's International 2007 Annual Report, p. 2
23. ↑ Applebee's International 2007 Annual Report, p. 2
24. ↑ The Cheesecake Factory 2006 Annual Report, p. 2
25. ↑ The Cheesecake Factory 2006 Annual Report, p. 2
26. ↑ The Cheesecake Factory 2006 Annual Report, p. 2
27. ↑ All metrics from company's annual report
28. ↑ mergent
29. ↑ ^{29.0 29.1 29.2} CAKE, 2007 10-K, Item 1, Pg. 1
30. ↑ CAKE, 2007 10-K, Item 6, Pg. 28
31. ↑ ^{31.0 31.1} DRI, 2007 10-K, Item1, pg 2
32. ↑ DRI, 2007 10-K, Exhibit 13, Page 1
33. ↑ DRI, 2007 10-K, Exhibit 13, Page 18
34. ↑ ^{34.0 34.1 34.2} PNRA, 2006 10-K, Item-1,PG-3
35. ↑ PNRA, 2006 10-K, Item-6,PG-18
36. ↑ PNRA, 2006 10-K, Item-6,PG-17
37. ↑ PNRA, 2006 10-K, Item-6,PG-17