India, June 20 -- Restaurant company Darden Restaurants, Inc. (DRI) reported Friday that profit for the fourth quarter edged down but earnings per share increased from last year, driven by sales growth across all segments. Adjusted earnings per share and quarterly net sales topped analysts' estimates. The company also initiated raised its adjusted earnings and net sales guidance for the full-year 2026, slightly below estimates.
In pre-market activity on the NYSE, Darden shares are jumping $8.16 or 3.66 percent to trade at $231.00.
"We had a strong quarter with same-restaurant sales and earnings growth that exceeded our expectations," said President & CEO Rick Cardenas.
For the fourth quarter, net earnings were $303.8 million or $2.58 per...