...April 23, 2025 Despite the potential for tariff-induced traffic headwinds, Darden Restaurants Inc. is poised for continued topline growth, supported by strategic initiatives and ongoing store base expansion. Through the first nine months of fiscal 2025 ended Feb. 23, 2025, revenue increased by 4.4% to $8.81 billion compared to the prior year, primarily driven by the acquisition of 103 Chuy's restaurants, the addition of 40 net new restaurants, and same-restaurant sales growth of 0.8%. This despite winter weather challenges and the shift of Thanksgiving into the third quarter, a typically slower period. For fiscal 2025, we anticipate growth of 6%, supported by strong fourth quarter performance due to a healthy same-restaurants sales growth and incremental revenue from new locations. Darden's operational focus on value--typically absorbing a portion of cost increases--and customer experience positions it for sustained growth and profitability, with expected revenue in fiscal year 2026 expected...
