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Darden Restaurants, Inc. (DRI) logo

Darden Restaurants, Inc.

S&P 500
DRI|Consumer Cyclical|Restaurants|$196.23|P/E 20.7|MCap 22.5B|NYSE

Last update: May 9, 2026 at 09:32

Dividend Safety Rating

63/ 100Safe

DRI's dividend appears safe and well-supported. Strengths include a 62.2% earnings payout ratio & 40.1% cfo payout ratio. Areas of concern: 0.4x current ratio & 387.7 debt-to-equity. The dividend has been growing at a 37.50% 5-year CAGR.

Based on 15 of 15 metrics

Strengths

  • Return on Equity: 51.5%Strong return on equity reflects efficient profit generation.
  • Dividend Streak: 11+ yrsLong, uninterrupted dividend track record.
  • Dividend Cut: NoneNo dividend cut in recent history.

Risks

  • Current Ratio: 0.4xLimited short-term liquidity to meet obligations.
  • Debt-to-Equity: 387.7Debt-to-equity is elevated for the sector.
  • Profit Margin Stability: VolatileProfit margins have been volatile.

Payout & Coverage

Safe
Earnings Payout Ratio
62.2%Safe
FCF Payout Ratio
68.9%Caution
CFO Payout Ratio
40.1%Safe
Interest Coverage
7.7xSafe

Balance Sheet

Warning
Net Debt / Total Assets
47.6%Caution
Current Ratio
0.4xDanger
Debt-to-Equity
387.7Warning

Profitability

Caution
Return on Equity
51.5%Very Safe
Operating Margin
13.2%Caution
Gross Margin
22.2%Caution
Profit Margin Stability
VolatileWarning

Dividend Track Record

Very Safe
Dividend Streak
11+ yrsVery Safe
Dividend Cut
NoneVery Safe
5-Year Dividend CAGR
37.5%Very Safe
Earnings Stability
Mostly StableCaution

About Darden Restaurants, Inc.

Darden Restaurants, Inc. owns and operates a diverse portfolio of full-service restaurant brands across the United States and Canada. Its primary brands include Olive Garden, known for Italian-inspired dishes; LongHorn Steakhouse, specializing in steaks and grilled favorites; Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, offering casual American fare; Chuy’s for Tex-Mex cuisine; Yard House with its extensive craft beer selection; Ruth’s Chris Steak House and The Capital Grille for upscale steakhouse experiences; Seasons 52 for fresh, lighter contemporary fare; Eddie V’s Prime Seafood for premium seafood; Bahama Breeze for Caribbean-inspired flavors; and The Capital Burger for gourmet burgers. Darden Restaurants, Inc. generates revenue predominantly from company-owned locations, supplemented by a modest network of franchised outlets and consumer-packaged goods sold through grocery channels. The company focuses on delivering value through menu innovations, guest satisfaction, and operational efficiency in the competitive casual and fine dining sectors. Founded in 1938 and headquartered in Orlando, Florida, Darden Restaurants, Inc. stands as the largest operator in the U.S. full-service restaurant space.

Dividend Overview

Dividend Yield

3.06%

Annual Dividend

$6.00

Frequency

Quarterly

Payout Ratio

62.17%

FCF Payout Ratio

68.94%

Stock Price

$196.23

52-Week Range

$169.00 $228.27

Dividend History (2016–2025)

DRI annual dividend per share and yield history

Earnings & Profitability

DRI earnings per share and net profit margin

Key Dates

Last Ex-Dividend Date

April 10, 2026

Last Payment Date

May 1, 2026

Dividend Growth

3-Year Dividend CAGR

7.88%

5-Year Dividend CAGR

37.50%

10-Year Dividend CAGR

11.42%

3-Year Total Growth

25.54%

5-Year Total Growth

391.53%

10-Year Total Growth

194.93%

Income Calculator

DRI Dividend Calculator

Total Investment

$19,623.00

Annual Income

$600.00

Quarterly Income

$150.00

Monthly Income

$50.00

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is DRI's current dividend yield?
Darden Restaurants, Inc. (DRI) currently has a dividend yield of 3.06%, based on a stock price of $196.23 and an annual dividend of $6.00.
When is DRI's next dividend payment date?
DRI's next ex-dividend date is 2026-04-10 and the next payment date is 2026-05-01. You must own the stock before the ex-dividend date to receive the upcoming payment.
How much does DRI pay in dividends per year?
Darden Restaurants, Inc. paid $5.80 per share in annual dividends in 2025. The dividends are paid quarterly.
Has DRI been increasing its dividend?
Darden Restaurants, Inc. has grown its dividend at a 5-year CAGR of 37.50% and a 10-year CAGR of 11.42%.
Is DRI's dividend safe?
Darden Restaurants, Inc. has a payout ratio of 62.17%. Its free cash flow payout ratio is 68.94%. The payout ratio is moderate. Monitor earnings to ensure sustainability.
How is DRI's Dividend Safety Rating calculated?
The Dividend Safety Rating evaluates Darden Restaurants, Inc.'s dividend sustainability across four categories: Payout & Coverage (30%), Balance Sheet (20%), Profitability (20%), and Dividend Track Record (30%). Each metric is rated from "Very Safe" to "Danger" based on industry-standard thresholds, with sector-specific adjustments for consumer cyclical companies. The overall score ranges from 0 to 100.

Want to understand how we rate dividend safety? Read our full methodology

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This page is not investment advice. The content is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security. Always do your own research and consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Financial data, including dividend history, earnings, balance sheet metrics, and the Dividend Safety Rating, is provided for informational purposes only. Data may be delayed or differ from official filings. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Always verify with official sources before making investment decisions.

Market data provided by Twelve Data.