UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q


☒			QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended February ~~28, 2021~~27, 2022


☐			TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from to

1-13666

Commission File Number

DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


Florida		59-3305930
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

1000 Darden Center Drive
Orlando,	Florida	32837
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip Code)

407-245-4000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:


Title of each class	Trading Symbol	Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, without par value	DRI	New York Stock Exchange

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. ☒ Yes ☐ No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). ☒ Yes ☐ No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer

☒

Accelerated filer

☐

Non-accelerated filer

☐

Smaller reporting company

☐

Emerging growth company

☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). ☐ Yes ☒ No

Number of shares of common stock outstanding as of March 15, ~~2021: 130,842,674.~~2022: 124,734,340.

Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS


			Page
Part I -	Financial Information
	Item 1.	Financial Statements (Unaudited)	4
		Consolidated Statements of Earnings	4
		Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income	5
		Consolidated Balance Sheets	6
		Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity	7
		Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	8
		Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements	10
	Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	23
	Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	31
	Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	3231

Part II -	Other Information
	Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	3332
	Item 1A.	Risk Factors	3332
	Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	3332
	~~Item 5.~~	~~Other Information~~	33
	Item 6.	Exhibits	3433

Signature			3534

Table of Contents

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Statements set forth in or incorporated into this report that are not historical facts, including without limitation statements with respect to the financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business of Darden Restaurants, Inc. and its subsidiaries that are preceded by, followed by or that include words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “continue,” “estimate,” “project,” “believe,” “plan”, “outlook” or similar expressions, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This statement is included for purposes of complying with the safe harbor provisions of that Act. Any forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which such statements are made, and we undertake no obligation to update such statements for any reason to reflect events or circumstances arising after such date. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in or implied by such forward-looking statements. The most significant of these uncertainties are described in Darden’s Form 10-K, Form 10-Q (including this report) and Form 8-K reports.

Table of Contents

PART I

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited)

DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

(In millions, except per share data)

(Unaudited)


		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended					Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		February 28, 2021		February 23, 2020		February 28, 2021		February 23, 2020			February 27, 2022		February 28, 2021		February 27, 2022		February 28, 2021
Sales	Sales	$	1,733.0	$	2,346.5	$	4,916.9	$	6,536.8	Sales	$	2,448.9	$	1,733.0	$	7,027.1	$	4,916.9
Costs and expenses:	Costs and expenses:									Costs and expenses:
Food and beverage	Food and beverage	499.4		658.0		1,409.0		1,844.3		Food and beverage	752.7		499.4		2,132.2		1,409.0
Restaurant labor	Restaurant labor	559.4		753.8		1,595.6		2,149.9		Restaurant labor	798.7		559.4		2,279.5		1,595.6
Restaurant expenses	Restaurant expenses	336.8		396.7		958.2		1,144.7		Restaurant expenses	395.7		336.8		1,158.8		958.2
Marketing expenses	Marketing expenses	19.2		71.6		66.8		206.6		Marketing expenses	27.2		19.2		73.0		66.8
General and administrative expenses	General and administrative expenses	78.9		100.3		298.8		289.6		General and administrative expenses	83.1		78.9		289.0		298.8
Depreciation and amortization	Depreciation and amortization	88.2		87.7		261.8		261.5		Depreciation and amortization	94.3		88.2		275.4		261.8
Impairments and disposal of assets, net	Impairments and disposal of assets, net	3.1		0.1		1.4		0.2		Impairments and disposal of assets, net	(3.8)		3.1		(5.5)		1.4
Total operating costs and expenses	Total operating costs and expenses	$	1,585.0	$	2,068.2	$	4,591.6	$	5,896.8	Total operating costs and expenses	$	2,147.9	$	1,585.0	$	6,202.4	$	4,591.6
Operating income	Operating income	148.0		278.3		325.3		640.0		Operating income	301.0		148.0		824.7		325.3
Interest, net	Interest, net	15.2		13.2		46.4		37.4		Interest, net	17.5		15.2		49.8		46.4
Other (income) expense, net	Other (income) expense, net	0.5		0		8.4		153.3		Other (income) expense, net	0.2		0.5		0.7		8.4
Earnings before income taxes	Earnings before income taxes	132.3		265.1		270.5		449.3		Earnings before income taxes	283.3		132.3		774.2		270.5
Income tax expense	Income tax expense	3.1		31.8		7.1		18.8		Income tax expense	35.4		3.1		101.2		7.1
Earnings from continuing operations	Earnings from continuing operations	$	129.2	$	233.3	$	263.4	$	430.5	Earnings from continuing operations	$	247.9	$	129.2	$	673.0	$	263.4
Losses from discontinued operations, net of tax benefit of $0.8, $0.7, $2.4 and $1.6, respectively		(0.5)		(1.0)		(2.6)		(2.9)
Losses from discontinued operations, net of tax benefit of $0.0, $0.8, $0.4 and $2.4, respectively										Losses from discontinued operations, net of tax benefit of $0.0, $0.8, $0.4 and $2.4, respectively	(0.9)		(0.5)		(1.9)		(2.6)
Net earnings	Net earnings	$	128.7	$	232.3	$	260.8	$	427.6	Net earnings	$	247.0	$	128.7	$	671.1	$	260.8
Basic net earnings per share:	Basic net earnings per share:									Basic net earnings per share:
Earnings from continuing operations	Earnings from continuing operations	$	0.99	$	1.92	$	2.02	$	3.53	Earnings from continuing operations	$	1.95	$	0.99	$	5.22	$	2.02
Losses from discontinued operations	Losses from discontinued operations	0		0		(0.02)		(0.03)		Losses from discontinued operations	(0.01)		—		(0.01)		(0.02)
Net earnings	Net earnings	$	0.99	$	1.92	$	2.00	$	3.50	Net earnings	$	1.94	$	0.99	$	5.21	$	2.00
Diluted net earnings per share:	Diluted net earnings per share:									Diluted net earnings per share:
Earnings from continuing operations	Earnings from continuing operations	$	0.98	$	1.90	$	2.00	$	3.48	Earnings from continuing operations	$	1.93	$	0.98	$	5.17	$	2.00
Losses from discontinued operations	Losses from discontinued operations	0		(0.01)		(0.02)		(0.02)		Losses from discontinued operations	—		—		(0.01)		(0.02)
Net earnings	Net earnings	$	0.98	$	1.89	$	1.98	$	3.46	Net earnings	$	1.93	$	0.98	$	5.16	$	1.98
Average number of common shares outstanding:	Average number of common shares outstanding:									Average number of common shares outstanding:
Basic	Basic	130.5		121.3		130.3		122.1		Basic	127.0		130.5		128.9		130.3
Diluted	Diluted	132.0		122.8		131.5		123.7		Diluted	128.2		132.0		130.1		131.5

See accompanying notes to our unaudited consolidated financial statements.

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DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(In millions)

(Unaudited)

Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
February 28,
2021 February 23,
2020 February 28,
2021 February 23,
2020
Net earnings $ 128.7 $ 232.3 $ 260.8 $ 427.6
Other comprehensive income:
Foreign currency adjustment 0.2 0 0.4 5.5
Change in fair value of derivatives and amortization of unrecognized gains and losses on derivatives, net of taxes of $0.2, $0.0, $0.5 and $(0.1), respectively 7.1 0.7 16.6 (4.9)
Net unamortized gain (loss) arising during the period, including amortization of unrecognized net actuarial gain (loss), net of taxes of $0.1, $(0.1), $0.4 and $32.3, respectively, related to pension and other post-employment benefits 0.5 (0.6) 1.3 97.2
Other comprehensive income $ 7.8 $ 0.1 $ 18.3 $ 97.8
Total comprehensive income $ 136.5 $ 232.4 $ 279.1 $ 525.4


	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	February 27, 2022		February 28, 2021		February 27, 2022		February 28, 2021
Net earnings	$	247.0	$	128.7	$	671.1	$	260.8

Foreign currency adjustment	0.1		0.2		(0.4)		0.4
Change in fair value of derivatives and amortization of unrecognized gains and losses on derivatives, net of taxes of $0.2, $0.2, $0.2 and $0.5, respectively	1.1		7.1		(2.4)		16.6
Net unamortized gain (loss) arising during the period, including amortization of unrecognized net actuarial gain (loss), net of taxes of $0.0, $0.1, $0.2 and $0.4, respectively, related to pension and other post-employment benefits	0.2		0.5		0.6		1.3
Other comprehensive income (loss)	$	1.4	$	7.8	$	(2.2)	$	18.3
Total comprehensive income	$	248.4	$	136.5	$	668.9	$	279.1

See accompanying notes to our unaudited consolidated financial statements.

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DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In millions)


		February 28, 2021		May 31, 2020			February 27, 2022		May 30, 2021
		(Unaudited)					(Unaudited)
ASSETS	ASSETS					ASSETS
Current assets:	Current assets:					Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	Cash and cash equivalents	$	993.9	$	763.3	Cash and cash equivalents	$	555.3	$	1,214.7
Receivables, net	Receivables, net	44.0		49.8		Receivables, net	52.6		68.2
Inventories	Inventories	188.2		206.9		Inventories	243.7		190.8
Prepaid income taxes	Prepaid income taxes	15.6		18.4		Prepaid income taxes	298.1		337.2
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	58.7		63.0		Prepaid expenses and other current assets	130.4		60.2

Total current assets	Total current assets	$	1,300.4	$	1,101.4	Total current assets	$	1,280.1	$	1,871.1
Land, buildings and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $2,785.1 and $2,640.9, respectively		2,813.4		2,756.9
Land, buildings and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $3,057.8 and $2,843.8, respectively						Land, buildings and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $3,057.8 and $2,843.8, respectively	3,253.9		2,869.2
Operating lease right-of-use assets	Operating lease right-of-use assets	3,842.8		3,969.2		Operating lease right-of-use assets	3,531.0		3,776.4
Goodwill	Goodwill	1,037.4		1,037.4		Goodwill	1,037.4		1,037.4
Trademarks	Trademarks	806.3		805.9		Trademarks	806.3		806.3
Other assets	Other assets	295.8		275.3		Other assets	296.7		295.7
Total assets	Total assets	$	10,096.1	$	9,946.1	Total assets	$	10,205.4	$	10,656.1
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY	LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY					LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:	Current liabilities:					Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	Accounts payable	$	238.8	$	249.4	Accounts payable	$	350.0	$	304.5
Short-term debt		0		270.0

Accrued payroll	Accrued payroll	162.2		150.0		Accrued payroll	177.5		177.4
Accrued income taxes	Accrued income taxes	6.4		6.2		Accrued income taxes	4.8		35.9
Other accrued taxes	Other accrued taxes	47.1		43.4		Other accrued taxes	59.7		60.5
Unearned revenues	Unearned revenues	493.8		467.9		Unearned revenues	537.3		474.2

Other current liabilities	Other current liabilities	698.2		605.9		Other current liabilities	686.6		795.8
Total current liabilities	Total current liabilities	$	1,646.5	$	1,792.8	Total current liabilities	$	1,815.9	$	1,848.3
Long-term debt	Long-term debt	929.7		928.8		Long-term debt	916.4		929.8
Deferred income taxes	Deferred income taxes	40.4		56.1		Deferred income taxes	232.0		221.6
Operating lease liabilities - non-current	Operating lease liabilities - non-current	4,156.3		4,276.3		Operating lease liabilities - non-current	3,832.2		4,088.5
Other liabilities	Other liabilities	747.7		560.9		Other liabilities	1,123.1		754.8
Total liabilities	Total liabilities	$	7,520.6	$	7,614.9	Total liabilities	$	7,919.6	$	7,843.0
Stockholders’ equity:	Stockholders’ equity:					Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock and surplus	Common stock and surplus	$	2,271.8	$	2,205.3	Common stock and surplus	$	2,249.8	$	2,286.6
Retained earnings	Retained earnings	303.0		143.5		Retained earnings	34.0		522.3
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	0.7		(17.6)		Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	2.0		4.2

Total stockholders’ equity	Total stockholders’ equity	$	2,575.5	$	2,331.2	Total stockholders’ equity	$	2,285.8	$	2,813.1
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	10,096.1	$	9,946.1	Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	10,205.4	$	10,656.1

See accompanying notes to our unaudited consolidated financial statements.

Table of Contents

DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

For the Three And Nine Months Ended February ~~28, 2021~~27, 2022 and February ~~23, 2020~~28, 2021

(In millions)

(Unaudited)

Common
Stock
And
Surplus Retained
Earnings Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss) Unearned
Compensation Total
Stockholders’
Equity
Balance at November 29, 2020 $ 2,239.0 $ 223.2 $ (7.1) $ 0 $ 2,455.1
Net earnings — 128.7 — — 128.7
Other comprehensive income 7.8 7.8
Dividends declared ($0.37 per share) — (48.6) — — (48.6)
Stock option exercises (0.4 shares) 21.5 — — — 21.5
Stock-based compensation 9.2 — — — 9.2
Repurchases of common stock (0.0 shares) 0 (0.4) — — (0.4)
Issuance of stock under Employee Stock Purchase Plan and other plans (0.0 shares) 2.3 — — — 2.3
Other (0.2) 0.1 — — (0.1)
Balance at February 28, 2021 $ 2,271.8 $ 303.0 $ 0.7 $ 0 $ 2,575.5
Balance at May 31, 2020 $ 2,205.3 $ 143.5 $ (17.6) $ 0 $ 2,331.2
Net earnings — 260.8 — — 260.8
Other comprehensive income 18.3 18.3
Dividends declared ($0.67 per share) (88.1) — — (88.1)
Stock option exercises (0.5 shares) 27.1 — — — 27.1
Stock-based compensation 32.2 — — — 32.2
Repurchases of common stock (0.1 shares) (1.5) (5.7) — — (7.2)
Issuance of stock under Employee Stock Purchase Plan and other plans (0.1 shares) 7.1 — — 7.1
Other 1.6 (7.5) — — (5.9)
Balance at February 28, 2021 $ 2,271.8 $ 303.0 $ 0.7 $ 0 $ 2,575.5


	Common Stock And Surplus
	Shares	Amount		Retained Earnings		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)		Total Stockholders’ Equity
Balance at November 28, 2021	128.3	$	2,280.6	$	261.8	$	0.6	$	2,543.0
Net earnings	—	—		247.0				247.0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	—	—		—		1.4		1.4
Dividends declared ($1.10 per share)	—	—		(140.7)		—		(140.7)
Stock option exercises	0.1	8.1		—		—		8.1
Stock-based compensation	—	6.1		—		—		6.1
Repurchases of common stock	(2.7)	(47.7)		(334.1)		—		(381.8)
Issuance of stock under Employee Stock Purchase Plan and other plans	—	2.6		—		—		2.6
Other	—	0.1		—		—		0.1
Balance at February 27, 2022	125.7	$	2,249.8	$	34.0	$	2.0	$	2,285.8

Balance at May 30, 2021	130.8	$	2,286.6	$	522.3	$	4.2	$	2,813.1
Net earnings	—	—		671.1		—		671.1
Other comprehensive income (loss)	—	—		—��		(2.2)		(2.2)
Dividends declared ($3.30 per share)	—	—		(427.9)		—		(427.9)
Stock option exercises	0.5	28.7		—		—		28.7
Stock-based compensation	—	28.0		—		—		28.0
Repurchases of common stock	(5.8)	(102.6)		(731.5)		—		(834.1)
Issuance of stock under Employee Stock Purchase Plan and other plans	0.2	7.7		—		—		7.7
Other	—	1.4		—		—		1.4
Balance at February 27, 2022	125.7	$	2,249.8	$	34.0	$	2.0	$	2,285.8

Balance at November 24, 2019 $ 1,690.0 $ 584.5 $ (0.5) $ (0.3) $ 2,273.7
Net earnings — 232.3 — — 232.3
Other comprehensive income — — 0.1 — 0.1
Dividends declared ($0.88 per share) — (107.4) — — (107.4)
Stock option exercises (0.1 shares) 0.7 — — — 0.7
Stock-based compensation 8.7 — — — 8.7
Repurchases of common stock (0.6 shares) (8.6) (60.8) — — (69.4)
Issuance of stock under Employee Stock Purchase Plan and other plans (0.0 shares) 2.2 — — — 2.2
Other 0 0 — 0.3 0.3
Balance at February 23, 2020 $ 1,693.0 $ 648.6 $ (0.4) $ 0 $ 2,341.2
Balance at May 26, 2019 $ 1,685.0 $ 806.6 $ (98.2) $ (0.8) $ 2,392.6
Net earnings — 427.6 — — 427.6
Other comprehensive income — — 97.8 — 97.8
Dividends declared ($2.64 per share) — (324.9) — — (324.9)
Stock option exercises (0.3 shares) 11.5 — — — 11.5
Stock-based compensation 24.3 — — — 24.3
Repurchases of common stock (2.6 shares) (35.8) (264.5) — — (300.3)
Issuance of stock under Employee Stock Purchase Plan and other plans (0.1 shares) 6.2 — — — 6.2
Other 1.8 3.8 — 0.8 6.4
Balance at February 23, 2020 $ 1,693.0 $ 648.6 $ (0.4) $ 0 $ 2,341.2


Balance at November 29, 2020	130.3	$	2,239.0	$	223.2	$	(7.1)	$	2,455.1
Net earnings	—	—		128.7		—		128.7
Other comprehensive income	—	—		—		7.8		7.8
Dividends declared ($0.37 per share)	—	—		(48.6)		—		(48.6)
Stock option exercises	0.4	21.5		—		—		21.5
Stock-based compensation	—	9.2		—		—		9.2
Repurchases of common stock	—	—		(0.4)		—		(0.4)
Issuance of stock under Employee Stock Purchase Plan and other plans	—	2.3		—		—		2.3
Other	—	(0.2)		0.1		—		(0.1)
Balance at February 28, 2021	130.7	$	2,271.8	$	303.0	$	0.7	$	2,575.5

Balance at May 31, 2020	129.9	$	2,205.3	$	143.5	$	(17.6)	$	2,331.2
Net earnings	—	—		260.8		—		260.8
Other comprehensive income	—	—		—		18.3		18.3
Dividends declared ($0.67 per share)	—	—		(88.1)		—		(88.1)
Stock option exercises	0.5	27.1		—		—		27.1
Stock-based compensation	—	32.2		—		—		32.2
Repurchases of common stock	(0.1)	(1.5)		(5.7)		—		(7.2)
Issuance of stock under Employee Stock Purchase Plan and other plans	0.4	7.1		—		—		7.1
Other	—	1.6		(7.5)		—		(5.9)
Balance at February 28, 2021	130.7	$	2,271.8	$	303.0	$	0.7	$	2,575.5

See accompanying notes to our unaudited consolidated financial statements.

Table of Contents

DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In millions)

(Unaudited)


		Nine Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		February 28, 2021		February 23, 2020			February 27, 2022		February 28, 2021
Cash flows—operating activities	Cash flows—operating activities					Cash flows—operating activities
Net earnings	Net earnings	$	260.8	$	427.6	Net earnings	$	671.1	$	260.8
Losses from discontinued operations, net of tax	Losses from discontinued operations, net of tax	2.6		2.9		Losses from discontinued operations, net of tax	1.9		2.6
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings from continuing operations to cash flows:	Adjustments to reconcile net earnings from continuing operations to cash flows:					Adjustments to reconcile net earnings from continuing operations to cash flows:
Depreciation and amortization	Depreciation and amortization	261.8		261.5		Depreciation and amortization	275.4		261.8
Impairments and disposal of assets, net	Impairments and disposal of assets, net	1.4		0.2		Impairments and disposal of assets, net	(5.5)		1.4
Stock-based compensation expense	Stock-based compensation expense	60.0		42.6		Stock-based compensation expense	49.8		60.0
Change in current assets and liabilities	Change in current assets and liabilities	128.2		50.2		Change in current assets and liabilities	(83.0)		128.2
Contributions to pension and postretirement plans	Contributions to pension and postretirement plans	(1.3)		(14.0)		Contributions to pension and postretirement plans	(1.7)		(1.3)
Deferred income taxes	Deferred income taxes	(12.3)		(1.9)		Deferred income taxes	10.0		(12.3)
Change in other assets and liabilities	Change in other assets and liabilities	71.2		14.7		Change in other assets and liabilities	(6.0)		71.2
Pension settlement charge		0		147.1

Other, net	Other, net	(26.4)		(8.5)		Other, net	4.5		(26.4)
Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations	Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations	$	746.0	$	922.4	Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations	$	916.5	$	746.0
Cash flows—investing activities	Cash flows—investing activities					Cash flows—investing activities
Purchases of land, buildings and equipment	Purchases of land, buildings and equipment	(177.3)		(374.5)		Purchases of land, buildings and equipment	(275.6)		(177.3)
Proceeds from disposal of land, buildings and equipment	Proceeds from disposal of land, buildings and equipment	5.4		4.3		Proceeds from disposal of land, buildings and equipment	10.1		5.4
Cash used in business acquisitions, net of cash acquired		0		(50.1)

Purchases of capitalized software and other assets	Purchases of capitalized software and other assets	(10.6)		(16.9)		Purchases of capitalized software and other assets	(18.3)		(10.6)
Other, net	Other, net	1.1		(10.2)		Other, net	2.9		1.1
Net cash used in investing activities of continuing operations	Net cash used in investing activities of continuing operations	$	(181.4)	$	(447.4)	Net cash used in investing activities of continuing operations	$	(280.9)	$	(181.4)
Cash flows—financing activities	Cash flows—financing activities					Cash flows—financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	Proceeds from issuance of common stock	34.2		17.7		Proceeds from issuance of common stock	36.4		34.2
Dividends paid	Dividends paid	(87.3)		(322.3)		Dividends paid	(426.2)		(87.3)
Repurchases of common stock	Repurchases of common stock	(7.2)		(300.3)		Repurchases of common stock	(834.1)		(7.2)

Repayments of short-term debt	Repayments of short-term debt	(270.0)		0		Repayments of short-term debt	—		(270.0)

Principal payments on finance leases	Principal payments on finance leases	(5.0)		(3.8)		Principal payments on finance leases	(9.0)		(5.0)
Other, net		(0.2)		0.6
Payments of debt issuance costs						Payments of debt issuance costs	(2.5)		(0.2)
Net cash used in financing activities of continuing operations	Net cash used in financing activities of continuing operations	$	(335.5)	$	(608.1)	Net cash used in financing activities of continuing operations	$	(1,235.4)	$	(335.5)
Cash flows—discontinued operations	Cash flows—discontinued operations					Cash flows—discontinued operations
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities of discontinued operations		1.5		(2.5)
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities of discontinued operations						Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities of discontinued operations	(8.1)		1.5

Net cash provided by (used in) discontinued operations		$	1.5	$	(2.5)
Net cash (used in) provided by discontinued operations						Net cash (used in) provided by discontinued operations	$	(8.1)	$	1.5

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		230.6		(135.6)
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period		763.3		457.3
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period		$	993.9	$	321.7
(Decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash						(Decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	(607.9)		230.6
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash - beginning of period						Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash - beginning of period	1,214.7		763.3
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash - end of period						Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash - end of period	$	606.8	$	993.9


Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash:	February 27, 2022		February 28, 2021
Cash and cash equivalents	$	555.3	$	993.9
Restricted cash included in prepaid expenses and other current assets	51.5		—
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash shown in the statement of cash flows	$	606.8	$	993.9

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DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)

(In millions)

(Unaudited)


		Nine Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		February 28, 2021		February 23, 2020			February 27, 2022		February 28, 2021
Cash flows from changes in current assets and liabilities	Cash flows from changes in current assets and liabilities					Cash flows from changes in current assets and liabilities
Receivables, net	Receivables, net	5.8		12.8		Receivables, net	15.6		5.8
Inventories	Inventories	18.7		(22.1)		Inventories	(52.9)		18.7
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	3.9		(2.1)		Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(19.3)		3.9
Accounts payable	Accounts payable	(17.5)		20.7		Accounts payable	31.7		(17.5)
Accrued payroll	Accrued payroll	12.2		(20.1)		Accrued payroll	0.1		12.2
Prepaid/accrued income taxes	Prepaid/accrued income taxes	3.0		15.7		Prepaid/accrued income taxes	8.1		3.0
Other accrued taxes	Other accrued taxes	3.6		(2.1)		Other accrued taxes	(0.8)		3.6
Unearned revenues	Unearned revenues	25.8		47.1		Unearned revenues	63.1		25.8
Other current liabilities	Other current liabilities	72.7		0.3		Other current liabilities	(128.6)		72.7
Change in current assets and liabilities	Change in current assets and liabilities	$	128.2	$	50.2	Change in current assets and liabilities	$	(83.0)	$	128.2

See accompanying notes to our unaudited consolidated financial statements.

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DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Note 1.Basis of Presentation

Darden Restaurants, Inc. (we, our, Darden or the Company) owns and operates full-service dining restaurants in the United States and Canada under the trade names Olive Garden®, LongHorn Steakhouse®, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen®, Yard House®, The Capital Grille®, Seasons 52®, Bahama Breeze®, ~~and~~ Eddie V’s Prime Seafood® and The Capital Burger®. As of February ~~28, 2021,~~27, 2022, through subsidiaries, we own and operate all of our restaurants in the United States and Canada, except for 32 joint venture restaurants managed by us and 3134 franchised restaurants. We also have 2425 franchised restaurants in operation located in Latin America.

We have prepared these consolidated financial statements pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally presented in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included and are of a normal recurring nature. We operate on a 52/53-week fiscal year which ends on the last Sunday in May. Our fiscal year ending May ~~30, 2021~~29, 2022 will contain 52 weeks of operation. Operating results for interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for the full fiscal year.

These statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes to consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May ~~31, 2020.~~30, 2021. We prepare our consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of sales and costs and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

We have reclassified certain amounts in prior-period financial statements to conform to the current period’s presentation.

COVID-19 Pandemic

~~The~~For much of fiscal 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic ~~has~~ resulted in a significant reduction in guest traffic at our restaurants due to changes in consumer behavior as public health officials encouraged social distancing and required personal protective equipment. Also, some state and local governments mandated restrictions including suspension of dine-in operations, reduced restaurant seating capacity, table spacing requirements, bar closures and additional physical barriers. ~~Beginning~~Once COVID-19 vaccines were approved and moved into wider distribution in ~~late March 2020, we operated with~~the United States in early 2021, public health conditions improved and almost all of the COVID-19 restrictions on businesses have eased. During fiscal 2022, increases in the numbers of cases of COVID-19 throughout the United States including the Omicron variant which significantly impacted our ~~dining rooms closed~~restaurants in the third quarter, mostly in January 2022, subjected some of our restaurants to other COVID-19-related restrictions such as mask requirements or vaccine requirements for team members, guests or both. Exclusions and ~~served our guests in a To Go only~~quarantines of restaurant team members or ~~To Go~~groups thereof disrupt an individual restaurant’s operations and ~~delivery format. In late April 2020, state and local governments began to allow us to open dining rooms at limited capacities, along~~often come with ~~other operating restrictions. While increasing our in-restaurant dining capacity is subject~~little or no notice to the ~~ordinances in~~local restaurant management. We continue to monitor the ~~jurisdictions where we operate, we are focused on increasing capacity where possible, while continuing to provide a safe environment for our team members and guests, and maintaining many~~progression of the ~~operating efficiencies established during this time. As we navigate through the~~COVID-19 pandemic ~~we have taken significant steps to adapt our business to allow us to continue to serve guests, support our team members~~ and secure our liquidity position to provide financial flexibility. During November 2020, rising case rates resulted in certain jurisdictions implementing restrictions that reduced dining room capacity or mandated the closure of dining rooms. However, starting in January 2021, many jurisdictions began lifting these restrictionsstate, local and ~~by the end of February, most of our dining jurisdictions allowed at least some indoor dining.~~federal government regulatory and public health responses thereto. As of the date of this ~~filing, nearly all~~report, most of our restaurants were able to open their dining rooms to some extent. With approved vaccines being distributed, we expect our restaurants’ dining room capacity to increase as public health conditions improve and restrictions are eased. However, it is possible additional outbreaks could require us to reduce our capacity or further suspend our in-restaurant dining operations.operating with few, if any, restrictions.

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

~~As of June 1,~~In March 2020, we adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-13 Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326). The amendments in this update require entities to estimate an expected lifetime credit loss on financial assets ranging from short-term trade accounts receivable to long-term financings. This guidance impacts, among other items, how a company determines liabilities associated with financial guarantees related to assigned leases. We remain contingently liable for lease payments under certain restaurant leases related to dispositions. We adopted this guidance using the modified retrospective transition method. Upon adoption, we recorded a $7.5 million (net of tax of $2.5 million) cumulative-effect adjustment to the beginning balance of retained earnings related to an expected credit loss liability for the contingent aspect of our lease guarantees. See Note 11 for information regarding contingent lease guarantees.

~~In December 2019,~~ the FASB issued ASU ~~2019-12, Income Taxes~~2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic ~~740). The amendments in this update~~848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting, which provides temporary optional expedients and exceptions to the current guidance on contract modifications and hedge accounting. These changes are intended to simplify the ~~accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions in~~market transition from the ~~existing~~London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") and other interbank offered rates to alternative reference rates. This guidance ~~and simplify areas~~is effective upon issuance to modifications made as early as the beginning of the interim period through December 31, 2022. We elected to adopt this guidance during the quarter ended August 29, 2021; adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

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DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

such as franchise taxes, recognizing deferred taxes for tax goodwill, separate entity financial statements and interim recognition of enactment of tax laws or tax rate changes. This update is effective for us in the first quarter of fiscal 2022, however we elected to early adopt this guidance during the quarter ended August 30, 2020. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Note 2.Revenue Recognition

Deferred revenue liabilities from contracts with customers included on our accompanying consolidated balance sheets is comprised of the following:


(in millions)	(in millions)	February 28, 2021		May 31, 2020		(in millions)	February 27, 2022		May 30, 2021
Unearned revenues	Unearned revenues					Unearned revenues
Deferred gift card revenue	Deferred gift card revenue	$	522.6	$	494.6	Deferred gift card revenue	$	564.3	$	494.3
Deferred gift card discounts	Deferred gift card discounts	(29.2)		(28.2)		Deferred gift card discounts	(27.4)		(20.5)
Other	Other	0.4		1.5		Other	0.4		0.4
Total	Total	$	493.8	$	467.9	Total	$	537.3	$	474.2

Other liabilities	Other liabilities					Other liabilities
Deferred franchise fees - non-current	Deferred franchise fees - non-current	$	2.2	$	2.8	Deferred franchise fees - non-current	$	2.5	$	2.2

The following table presents a rollforward of deferred gift card revenue.


		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended					Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
(in millions)	(in millions)	February 28, 2021		February 23, 2020		February 28, 2021		February 23, 2020		(in millions)	February 27, 2022		February 28, 2021		February 27, 2022		February 28, 2021
Beginning balance	Beginning balance	$	469.3	$	412.4	$	494.6	$	453.6	Beginning balance	$	476.9	$	469.3	$	494.3	$	494.6
Activations	Activations	230.2		362.7		400.6		606.5		Activations	318.6		230.2		552.9		400.6
Redemptions and breakage	Redemptions and breakage	(176.9)		(269.7)		(372.6)		(554.7)		Redemptions and breakage	(231.2)		(176.9)		(482.9)		(372.6)
Ending balance	Ending balance	$	522.6	$	505.4	$	522.6	$	505.4	Ending balance	$	564.3	$	522.6	$	564.3	$	522.6

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DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Note 3.Additional Financial Information

Supplemental Balance Sheet Information

The components of lease assets and liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet are as follows:


(in millions)	(in millions)	Balance Sheet Classification	February 28, 2021		May 31, 2020		(in millions)	Balance Sheet Classification	February 27, 2022		May 30, 2021
Operating lease right-of-use assets	Operating lease right-of-use assets	Operating lease right-of-use assets	$	3,842.8	$	3,969.2	Operating lease right-of-use assets	Operating lease right-of-use assets	$	3,531.0	$	3,776.4
Finance lease right-of-use assets	Finance lease right-of-use assets	Land, buildings and equipment, net	346.8		235.2		Finance lease right-of-use assets	Land, buildings and equipment, net	747.9		405.6
Total lease assets, net	Total lease assets, net		$	4,189.6	$	4,204.4	Total lease assets, net		$	4,278.9	$	4,182.0

Operating lease liabilities - current	Operating lease liabilities - current	Other current liabilities	$	173.1	$	160.6	Operating lease liabilities - current	Other current liabilities	$	181.0	$	176.8
Finance lease liabilities - current	Finance lease liabilities - current	Other current liabilities	5.7		5.7		Finance lease liabilities - current	Other current liabilities	14.2		7.3
Operating lease liabilities - non-current	Operating lease liabilities - non-current	Operating lease liabilities - non-current	4,156.3		4,276.3		Operating lease liabilities - non-current	Operating lease liabilities - non-current	3,832.2		4,088.5
Finance lease liabilities - non-current	Finance lease liabilities - non-current	Other liabilities	490.1		368.4		Finance lease liabilities - non-current	Other liabilities	918.7		555.3
Total lease liabilities	Total lease liabilities		$	4,825.2	$	4,811.0	Total lease liabilities		$	4,946.1	$	4,827.9

Supplemental Cash Flow Information


Cash paid for interest and income taxes are as follows:	Nine Months Ended
(in millions)	February 27, 2022		February 28, 2021
Interest, net of amounts capitalized	$	49.9	$	45.7
Income taxes, net of refunds	79.3		12.4

Cash paid for interest and income taxes are as follows: Nine Months Ended
(in millions) February 28, 2021 February 23, 2020
Interest, net of amounts capitalized $ 45.7 $ 40.2
Income taxes, net of refunds 12.4 1.1


Non-cash investing and financing activities are as follows:	Nine Months Ended
(in millions)	February 27, 2022		February 28, 2021
Increase in land, buildings and equipment through accrued purchases	$	42.9	$	29.8
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities	13.9		20.2
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease liabilities	147.2		44.1
Net change in right-of-use assets mainly due to lease modifications resulting in reclassification of leases from operating to finance	137.3		93.9

Non-cash investing and financing activities are as follows: Nine Months Ended
(in millions) February 28, 2021 February 23, 2020
Increase in land, buildings and equipment through accrued purchases $ 29.8 $ 44.7
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities 30.1 164.5
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease liabilities 128.1 166.2
We have restricted cash of $51.5 million and $0 as of February 27, 2022 and May 30, 2021, respectively, which represents cash held as security for a standby letter of credit. Restricted cash is included in Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets on the balance sheet. See Note 11, Commitments and Contingencies.

Note 4.Income Taxes

Included in our remaining balance of unrecognized tax benefits is ~~$6.4~~$4.8 million related to tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts could change within the next twelve months based on the outcome of examinations or as a result of the expiration of the statute of limitations for specific jurisdictions.

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DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Note 5.Net Earnings per Share

Outstanding stock options, restricted stock and equity-settled performance stock units granted by us represent the only dilutive effect reflected in diluted weighted average shares outstanding, none of which impact the numerator of the diluted net earnings per share computation. Stock options, restricted stock and equity-settled performance stock units excluded from the calculation of diluted net earnings per share because the effect would have been anti-dilutive, are as follows:

~~Table of Contents~~

~~DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.~~

~~NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS~~

~~(Unaudited)~~

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

(in millions)

February 28,
2021

February 23,
2020

February 28,
2021

February 23,
2020

(in millions)

February 27,
2022

February 28,
2021

February 27,
2022

February 28,
2021

Anti-dilutive stock-based compensation awards

0.3

0.7

0.6

Anti-dilutive stock-based compensation awards

0.2

0.3

0.1

0.7

Note 6.Segment Information

We manage our restaurant brands, Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, Yard House, The Capital Grille, Seasons 52, Bahama Breeze, ~~and~~ Eddie V’s and The Capital Burger in North America as operating segments. The brands operate principally in the U.S. within full-service dining. We aggregate our operating segments into reportable segments based on a combination of the size, economic characteristics and sub-segment of full-service dining within which each brand operates. We have 4 reportable segments: (1) Olive Garden, (2) LongHorn Steakhouse, (3) Fine Dining and (4) Other Business.

The Olive Garden segment includes the results of our company-owned Olive Garden restaurants in the U.S. and Canada. The LongHorn Steakhouse segment includes the results of our company-owned LongHorn Steakhouse restaurants in the U.S. The Fine Dining segment aggregates our premium brands that operate within the fine-dining sub-segment of full-service dining and includes the results of our company-owned The Capital Grille and Eddie V’s restaurants in the U.S. The Other Business segment aggregates our remaining brands and includes the results of our company-owned Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, Yard House, Seasons 52, ~~and~~ Bahama Breeze and The Capital Burger restaurants in the U.S and results from our franchise operations.

External sales are derived principally from food and beverage sales. We do not rely on any major customers as a source of sales, and the customers and long-lived assets of our reportable segments are predominantly in the U.S. There were no material transactions among reportable segments.

Our management uses segment profit as the measure for assessing performance of our segments. Segment profit includes revenues and expenses directly attributable to restaurant-level results of operations (sometimes referred to as restaurant-level earnings). These expenses include food and beverage costs, restaurant labor costs, restaurant expenses and marketing expenses (collectively “restaurant and marketing expenses”). Non-cash lease-related expenses included in restaurant expenses (which is a component of segment profit) and lease-related depreciation and amortization are reported at the corporate level as these are expenses for which our operating segments are not being evaluated. Additionally, our lease-related right-of-use assets are not managed or evaluated at the operating segment level, but rather at the corporate level.

In the first quarter of fiscal 2022, we changed our internal management reporting to include The Capital Burger in the Other Business segment. Previously, The Capital Burger was included in the Fine Dining segment due to its adjacency with The Capital Grille brand and overall immateriality. Fiscal 2021 figures have been restated for comparability.

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DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

The following tables reconcile our segment results to our consolidated results reported in accordance with GAAP.


(in millions)	(in millions)	Olive Garden		LongHorn Steakhouse		Fine Dining		Other Business		Corporate		Consolidated		(in millions)	Olive Garden		LongHorn Steakhouse		Fine Dining		Other Business		Corporate		Consolidated
For the three months ended February 28, 2021
For the three months ended February 27, 2022														For the three months ended February 27, 2022	Olive Garden		LongHorn Steakhouse		Fine Dining		Other Business		Corporate		Consolidated
Sales	Sales	$	872.0	$	454.3	$	104.4	$	302.3	$	0	$	1,733.0	Sales
Restaurant and marketing expenses	Restaurant and marketing expenses	669.7		372.2		88.0		270.5		14.4		1,414.8		Restaurant and marketing expenses	902.6		501.2		160.5		418.2		(8.2)		1,974.3
Segment profit	Segment profit	$	202.3	$	82.1	$	16.4	$	31.8	$	(14.4)	$	318.2	Segment profit	$	240.0	$	111.5	$	47.7	$	67.2	$	8.2	$	474.6

Depreciation and amortization	Depreciation and amortization	$	35.7	$	16.3	$	7.8	$	24.6	$	3.8	$	88.2	Depreciation and amortization	$	34.9	$	16.0	$	8.5	$	24.8	$	10.1	$	94.3
Impairments and disposal of assets, net	Impairments and disposal of assets, net	0		0		0		3.3		(0.2)		3.1		Impairments and disposal of assets, net	(0.1)		0.1		—		—		(3.8)		(3.8)

(in millions)	(in millions)	Olive Garden		LongHorn Steakhouse		Fine Dining		Other Business		Corporate		Consolidated		(in millions)	Olive Garden		LongHorn Steakhouse		Fine Dining		Other Business		Corporate		Consolidated
For the nine months ended February 28, 2021
For the nine months ended February 27, 2022														For the nine months ended February 27, 2022	Olive Garden		LongHorn Steakhouse		Fine Dining		Other Business		Corporate		Consolidated
Sales	Sales	$	2,489.7	$	1,238.4	$	295.6	$	893.2	$	0	$	4,916.9	Sales
Restaurant and marketing expenses	Restaurant and marketing expenses	1,938.5		1,033.0		249.0		786.4		22.7		4,029.6		Restaurant and marketing expenses	2,581.8		1,424.4		444.7		1,209.9		(17.3)		5,643.5
Segment profit	Segment profit	$	551.2	$	205.4	$	46.6	$	106.8	$	(22.7)	$	887.3	Segment profit	$	728.4	$	302.6	$	121.0	$	214.3	$	17.3	$	1,383.6

Depreciation and amortization	Depreciation and amortization	$	106.0	$	49.7	$	23.3	$	72.7	$	10.1	$	261.8	Depreciation and amortization	$	106.2	$	48.3	$	25.2	$	73.4	$	22.3	$	275.4
Impairments and disposal of assets, net	Impairments and disposal of assets, net	0		0		0		3.3		(1.9)		1.4		Impairments and disposal of assets, net	1.0		0.1		—		—		(6.6)		(5.5)
Purchases of land, buildings and equipment	Purchases of land, buildings and equipment	69.8		27.3		33.1		45.0		2.1		177.3		Purchases of land, buildings and equipment	116.1		65.9		31.4		60.6		1.6		275.6


(in millions)	(in millions)	Olive Garden		LongHorn Steakhouse		Fine Dining		Other Business		Corporate		Consolidated		(in millions)	Olive Garden		LongHorn Steakhouse		Fine Dining		Other Business		Corporate		Consolidated
For the three months ended February 23, 2020
For the three months ended February 28, 2021														For the three months ended February 28, 2021	Olive Garden		LongHorn Steakhouse		Fine Dining		Other Business		Corporate		Consolidated
Sales	Sales	$	1,169.3	$	510.7	$	188.4	$	478.1	$	0	$	2,346.5	Sales
Restaurant and marketing expenses	Restaurant and marketing expenses	922.6		406.1		141.7		408.6		1.1		1,880.1		Restaurant and marketing expenses	669.7		372.2		87.1		271.4		14.4		1,414.8
Segment profit	Segment profit	$	246.7	$	104.6	$	46.7	$	69.5	$	(1.1)	$	466.4	Segment profit	$	202.3	$	82.1	$	16.6	$	31.6	$	(14.4)	$	318.2

Depreciation and amortization	Depreciation and amortization	$	35.3	$	17.1	$	8.0	$	24.7	$	2.6	$	87.7	Depreciation and amortization	$	35.7	$	16.3	$	7.6	$	24.8	$	3.8	$	88.2
Impairments and disposal of assets, net	Impairments and disposal of assets, net	0.6		0.5		0		0		(1.0)		0.1		Impairments and disposal of assets, net	—		—		—		3.3		(0.2)		3.1

(in millions)	(in millions)	Olive Garden		LongHorn Steakhouse		Fine Dining		Other Business		Corporate		Consolidated		(in millions)	Olive Garden		LongHorn Steakhouse		Fine Dining		Other Business		Corporate		Consolidated
For the nine months ended February 23, 2020
For the nine months ended February 28, 2021														For the nine months ended February 28, 2021	Olive Garden		LongHorn Steakhouse		Fine Dining		Other Business		Corporate		Consolidated
Sales	Sales	$	3,283.0	$	1,408.2	$	479.4	$	1,366.2	$	0	$	6,536.8	Sales
Restaurant and marketing expenses	Restaurant and marketing expenses	2,617.1		1,157.2		381.9		1,184.6		4.7		5,345.5		Restaurant and marketing expenses	1,938.5		1,033.0		246.5		788.9		22.7		4,029.6
Segment profit	Segment profit	$	665.9	$	251.0	$	97.5	$	181.6	$	(4.7)	$	1,191.3	Segment profit	$	551.2	$	205.4	$	47.1	$	106.3	$	(22.7)	$	887.3

Depreciation and amortization	Depreciation and amortization	$	107.4	$	50.9	$	23.9	$	73.2	$	6.1	$	261.5	Depreciation and amortization	$	106.0	$	49.7	$	22.9	$	73.1	$	10.1	$	261.8
Impairments and disposal of assets, net	Impairments and disposal of assets, net	2.4		1.7		0		0		(3.9)		0.2		Impairments and disposal of assets, net	—		—		—		3.3		(1.9)		1.4
Purchases of land, buildings and equipment	Purchases of land, buildings and equipment	164.1		61.8		50.5		93.4		4.7		374.5		Purchases of land, buildings and equipment	69.8		27.3		31.6		46.5		2.1		177.3

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DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

~~Reconciliation~~A reconciliation of segment profit to earnings from continuing operations before income ~~taxes:~~taxes is below.


		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended					Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
(in millions)	(in millions)	February 28, 2021		February 23, 2020		February 28, 2021		February 23, 2020		(in millions)	February 27, 2022		February 28, 2021		February 27, 2022		February 28, 2021
Segment profit	Segment profit	$	318.2	$	466.4	$	887.3	$	1,191.3	Segment profit	$	474.6	$	318.2	$	1,383.6	$	887.3
Less general and administrative expenses	Less general and administrative expenses	(78.9)		(100.3)		(298.8)		(289.6)		Less general and administrative expenses	(83.1)		(78.9)		(289.0)		(298.8)
Less depreciation and amortization	Less depreciation and amortization	(88.2)		(87.7)		(261.8)		(261.5)		Less depreciation and amortization	(94.3)		(88.2)		(275.4)		(261.8)
Less impairments and disposal of assets, net	Less impairments and disposal of assets, net	(3.1)		(0.1)		(1.4)		(0.2)		Less impairments and disposal of assets, net	3.8		(3.1)		5.5		(1.4)
Less interest, net	Less interest, net	(15.2)		(13.2)		(46.4)		(37.4)		Less interest, net	(17.5)		(15.2)		(49.8)		(46.4)
Less other (income) expense, net	Less other (income) expense, net	(0.5)		0		(8.4)		(153.3)		Less other (income) expense, net	(0.2)		(0.5)		(0.7)		(8.4)
Earnings before income taxes	Earnings before income taxes	$	132.3	$	265.1	$	270.5	$	449.3	Earnings before income taxes	$	283.3	$	132.3	$	774.2	$	270.5

Note 7.Stockholders’ Equity

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (AOCI)

The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, for the quarter and nine months ended February ~~28, 2021~~27, 2022 are as follows:


(in millions)	(in millions)	Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment		Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives		Benefit Plan Funding Position		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)		(in millions)	Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment		Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives		Benefit Plan Funding Position		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Balance at November 29, 2020		$	4.7	$	0.9	$	(12.7)	$	(7.1)
Balance at November 28, 2021										Balance at November 28, 2021	$	4.7	$	4.4	$	(8.5)	$	0.6
Gain (loss)	Gain (loss)	0.2		8.2		0		8.4		Gain (loss)	0.1		1.5		—		1.6
Reclassification realized in net earnings	Reclassification realized in net earnings	0		(1.1)		0.5		(0.6)		Reclassification realized in net earnings	—		(0.4)		0.2		(0.2)
Balance at February 28, 2021		$	4.9	$	8.0	$	(12.2)	$	0.7
Balance at February 27, 2022										Balance at February 27, 2022	$	4.8	$	5.5	$	(8.3)	$	2.0

Balance at May 31, 2020		$	4.5	$	(8.6)	$	(13.5)	$	(17.6)
Balance at May 30, 2021										Balance at May 30, 2021	$	5.2	$	7.9	$	(8.9)	$	4.2
Gain (loss)	Gain (loss)	0.4		17.2		0		17.6		Gain (loss)	(0.4)		(1.1)		—		(1.5)
Reclassification realized in net earnings	Reclassification realized in net earnings	0		(0.6)		1.3		0.7		Reclassification realized in net earnings	—		(1.3)		0.6		(0.7)
Balance at February 28, 2021		$	4.9	$	8.0	$	(12.2)	$	0.7
Balance at February 27, 2022										Balance at February 27, 2022	$	4.8	$	5.5	$	(8.3)	$	2.0

The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, for the quarter and nine months ended February ~~23, 2020~~28, 2021 are as follows:


(in millions)	(in millions)	Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment		Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives		Benefit Plan Funding Position		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)		(in millions)	Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment		Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives		Benefit Plan Funding Position		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Balance at November 24, 2019		$	4.5	$	3.4	$	(8.4)	$	(0.5)
Balance at November 29, 2020										Balance at November 29, 2020	$	4.7	$	0.9	$	(12.7)	$	(7.1)
Gain (loss)	Gain (loss)	0		0.2		0		0.2		Gain (loss)	0.2		8.2		—		8.4
Reclassification realized in net earnings	Reclassification realized in net earnings	0		0.5		(0.6)		(0.1)		Reclassification realized in net earnings	—		(1.1)		0.5		(0.6)
Balance at February 23, 2020		$	4.5	$	4.1	$	(9.0)	$	(0.4)
Balance at February 28, 2021										Balance at February 28, 2021	$	4.9	$	8.0	$	(12.2)	$	0.7

Balance at May 26, 2019		$	(1.0)	$	9.0	$	(106.2)	$	(98.2)
Balance at May 31, 2020										Balance at May 31, 2020	$	4.5	$	(8.6)	$	(13.5)	$	(17.6)
Gain (loss)	Gain (loss)	5.5		(4.9)		(12.7)		(12.1)		Gain (loss)	0.4		17.2		—		17.6
Reclassification realized in net earnings	Reclassification realized in net earnings	0		0		109.9		109.9		Reclassification realized in net earnings	—		(0.6)		1.3		0.7
Balance at February 23, 2020		$	4.5	$	4.1	$	(9.0)	$	(0.4)
Balance at February 28, 2021										Balance at February 28, 2021	$	4.9	$	8.0	$	(12.2)	$	0.7

Table of Contents

DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

The following table presents the amounts and line items in our consolidated statements of earnings where adjustments reclassified from AOCI into net earnings were recorded.


			Amount Reclassified from AOCI into Net Earnings										Amount Reclassified from AOCI into Net Earnings
			Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended						Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
(in millions) AOCI Components	(in millions) AOCI Components	Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings	February 28, 2021		February 23, 2020		February 28, 2021		February 23, 2020		(in millions) AOCI Components	Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings	February 27, 2022		February 28, 2021		February 27, 2022		February 28, 2021
Derivatives	Derivatives										Derivatives
Commodity contracts	Commodity contracts	(1)	$	(0.2)	$	(0.5)	$	(1.1)	$	(1.1)	Commodity contracts	(1)	$	0.7	$	(0.2)	$	0.8	$	(1.1)
Equity contracts	Equity contracts	(2)	1.3		0		1.6		1.0		Equity contracts	(2)	(0.1)		1.3		0.8		1.6
Interest rate contracts	Interest rate contracts	(3)	0		0		(0.1)		(0.1)		Interest rate contracts	(3)	—		—		(0.1)		(0.1)
Total before tax	Total before tax		$	1.1	(0.5)		$	0.4	$	(0.2)	Total before tax		$	0.6	$	1.1	$	1.5	$	0.4
Tax (expense) benefit	Tax (expense) benefit		0		0		0.2		0.2		Tax (expense) benefit		(0.2)		—		(0.2)		0.2
Net of tax	Net of tax		$	1.1	$	(0.5)	$	0.6	$	0	Net of tax		$	0.4	$	1.1	$	1.3	$	0.6

Benefit plan funding position	Benefit plan funding position										Benefit plan funding position
Recognized net actuarial loss - pension/postretirement plans	Recognized net actuarial loss - pension/postretirement plans	(4)	$	0	$	(0.1)	$	(0.1)	$	(148.9)	Recognized net actuarial loss - pension/postretirement plans	(4)	$	(0.1)	$	—	$	(0.4)	$	(0.1)
Recognized net actuarial gain (loss) - other plans	Recognized net actuarial gain (loss) - other plans	(5)	(0.6)		0.8		(1.6)		2.4		Recognized net actuarial gain (loss) - other plans	(4)	(0.1)		(0.6)		(0.4)		(1.6)
Total before tax	Total before tax		$	(0.6)	$	0.7	$	(1.7)	$	(146.5)	Total before tax		$	(0.2)	$	(0.6)	$	(0.8)	$	(1.7)
Tax (expense) benefit	Tax (expense) benefit		0.1		(0.1)		0.4		36.6		Tax (expense) benefit		—		0.1		0.2		0.4
Net of tax	Net of tax		$	(0.5)	$	0.6	$	(1.3)	$	(109.9)	Net of tax		$	(0.2)	$	(0.5)	$	(0.6)	$	(1.3)

(1)Primarily included in food and beverage costs and restaurant expenses. See Note 9 for additional details.

(2)Included in general and administrative expenses. See Note 9 for additional details.

(3)Included in interest, net on our consolidated ~~statements~~statement of earnings.

(4)Included in the computation of net periodic benefit costs, ~~- pension and postretirement plans,~~ which ~~for fiscal 2021,~~ is a component of ~~general and administrative expenses and~~ other (income) expense, net, ~~and for fiscal 2020, is a component of~~ restaurant labor expenses ~~general~~ and ~~administrative expenses and other (income) expense, net.~~

~~(5)~~Included in the computation of net periodic benefit costs - other plans, which, for fiscal 2021, is a component of restaurant labor, general and administrative expenses and other (income) expense, net, and for fiscal 2020, is a component of general and administrative expenses.

Note 8.Stock-Based Compensation

We grant stock options for a fixed number of shares to certain employees with an exercise price equal to the fair value of the shares at the date of grant. We also grant restricted stock, restricted stock units and performance stock units with a fair value generally determined based on our closing stock price on the date of grant. In addition, we grant cash settled stock units (Darden stock units) which are classified as liabilities and are marked to market as of the end of each period.

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~~DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.~~

~~NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS~~

~~(Unaudited)~~

The weighted-average fair value of non-qualified stock options and the related assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option pricing model for options granted during the periods presented, were as follows:


		Nine Months Ended							Nine Months Ended
		February 28, 2021			February 23, 2020				February 27, 2022			February 28, 2021
Weighted-average fair value	Weighted-average fair value	$	20.07		$	19.94		Weighted-average fair value	$	41.02		$	20.07
Dividend yield	Dividend yield	3.0		%	3.0		%	Dividend yield	3.2		%	3.0		%
Expected volatility of stock	Expected volatility of stock	37.3		%	22.5		%	Expected volatility of stock	39.6		%	37.3		%
Risk-free interest rate	Risk-free interest rate	0.4		%	1.9		%	Risk-free interest rate	0.9		%	0.4		%
Expected option life (in years)	Expected option life (in years)	6.4			6.3			Expected option life (in years)	6.3			6.4
Weighted-average exercise price per share	Weighted-average exercise price per share	$	78.84		$	124.24		Weighted-average exercise price per share	$	148.20		$	78.84

Table of Contents

DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

The weighted-average grant date fair value of ~~performance-based restricted~~market-based performance stock units and the related assumptions used in the Monte Carlo simulation to record stock-based compensation for units granted during the periods presented, were as follows:


		Nine Months Ended							Nine Months Ended
		February 28, 2021			February 23, 2020				February 27, 2022			February 28, 2021
Dividend yield (1)	Dividend yield (1)	0.0		%	0.0		%	Dividend yield (1)	0.0		%	0.0		%
Expected volatility of stock	Expected volatility of stock	50.5 %			23.1 %			Expected volatility of stock	53.4		%	50.5		%
Risk-free interest rate	Risk-free interest rate	0.1 %			1.8 %			Risk-free interest rate	0.4		%	0.1		%
Expected life (in years)	Expected life (in years)	2.8			2.9			Expected life (in years)	2.8			2.8
Weighted-average grant date fair value per unit	Weighted-average grant date fair value per unit	$	83.46		$	124.41		Weighted-average grant date fair value per unit	$	172.34		$	83.46

(1)Assumes a reinvestment of dividends.

The following table presents a summary of our stock-based compensation activity for the nine months ended February ~~28, 2021.~~27, 2022.

(in millions) Stock
Options Restricted
Stock/
Restricted
Stock
Units Equity-Settled
Performance
Stock Units Cash-Settled Darden
Stock
Units
Outstanding beginning of period 2.62 0.28 0.55 1.03
Awards granted 0.28 0.10 0.14 0.28
Awards exercised/vested (0.53) (0.08) (0.19) (0.44)
Awards forfeited (0.01) (0.01) 0 (0.05)
Outstanding end of period 2.36 0.29 0.50 0.82

~~Table of Contents~~

~~DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.~~

~~NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS~~

~~(Unaudited)~~


(in millions)	Stock Options	Restricted Stock/ Restricted Stock Units	Equity-Settled Performance Stock Units	Cash-Settled Darden Stock Units
Outstanding beginning of period	2.15	0.26	0.48	0.80
Awards granted	0.15	0.06	0.09	0.32
Awards exercised/vested	(0.46)	(0.07)	(0.15)	(0.22)
Awards forfeited	(0.01)	—	—	(0.06)
Outstanding end of period	1.83	0.25	0.42	0.84

We recognized expense from stock-based compensation as follows:


		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended					Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
(in millions)	(in millions)	February 28, 2021		February 23, 2020		February 28, 2021		February 23, 2020		(in millions)	February 27, 2022		February 28, 2021		February 27, 2022		February 28, 2021
Stock options	Stock options	$	2.2	$	1.7	$	6.7	$	4.5	Stock options	$	1.1	$	2.2	$	5.6	$	6.7
Restricted stock/restricted stock units	Restricted stock/restricted stock units	2.1		2.2		7.9		5.7		Restricted stock/restricted stock units	1.4		2.1		6.3		7.9
Equity-settled performance stock units	Equity-settled performance stock units	4.0		4.0		14.7		11.7		Equity-settled performance stock units	2.6		4.0		13.1		14.7
Cash-settled Darden stock units	Cash-settled Darden stock units	9.4		5.9		27.8		18.3		Cash-settled Darden stock units	5.6		9.4		21.8		27.8
Employee stock purchase plan	Employee stock purchase plan	0.6		0.4		1.8		1.3		Employee stock purchase plan	0.7		0.6		2.0		1.8
Director compensation program/other	Director compensation program/other	0.3		0.4		1.1		1.1		Director compensation program/other	0.3		0.3		1.0		1.1
Total stock-based compensation expense	Total stock-based compensation expense	$	18.6	$	14.6	$	60.0	$	42.6	Total stock-based compensation expense	$	11.7	$	18.6	$	49.8	$	60.0

Note 9. Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

We enter into derivative instruments for risk management purposes only, including derivatives designated as hedging instruments as provided by FASB ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and those utilized as economic hedges. We use financial derivatives to manage interest rate and compensation risks inherent in our business operations. To the extent our cash-flow hedging instruments are effective in offsetting the variability of the hedged cash flows, and otherwise meet the cash flow hedge accounting criteria required by Topic 815 of the FASB ASC, changes in the derivatives’ fair value are not included in current earnings, but are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax. These changes in fair value will be reclassified into earnings at the time of the forecasted transaction. To the extent the cash flow hedge accounting criteria are not met, the derivative contracts are utilized as economic hedges and changes in the fair value of such contracts are recorded currently in earnings in the period in which they occur. Cash flows related to derivatives are included in operating activities.

Table of Contents

DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

By using these instruments, we expose ourselves, from time to time, to credit risk and market risk. Credit risk is the failure of the counterparty to perform under the terms of the derivative contract. When the fair value of a derivative contract is positive, the counterparty owes us, which creates credit risk for us. We minimize this credit risk by entering into transactions with high quality counterparties. We currently do not have any provisions in our agreements with counterparties that would require either party to hold or post collateral in the event that the market value of the related derivative instrument exceeds a certain limit. As such, the maximum amount of loss due to counterparty credit risk we would incur at February ~~28, 2021,~~27, 2022, if counterparties to the derivative instruments failed completely to perform, would approximate the values of derivative instruments currently recognized as assets on our consolidated balance sheet. Market risk is the adverse effect on the value of a financial instrument that results from a change in interest rates, commodity prices, or the market price of our common stock. We minimize this market risk by establishing and monitoring parameters that limit the types and degree of market risk that may be undertaken.

We periodically enter into commodity futures, swaps and option contracts (collectively, commodity contracts) to reduce the risk of variability in cash flows associated with fluctuations in the price we pay for commodities, such as natural gas and diesel fuel. For certain commodity purchases, changes in the price we pay for these commodities are highly correlated with changes in the market price of these commodities. For these commodity purchases, we designate commodity contracts as cash flow hedging instruments. For the remaining commodity purchases, changes in the price we pay for these commodities are not highly correlated with changes in the market price, generally due to the timing of when changes in the market prices are reflected in the price we pay. For these commodity purchases, we utilize these commodity contracts as economic hedges. Our commodity contracts currently extend through May ~~2021.~~2022.

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021, we entered into interest-rate swap agreements with $300.0 million of notional value to limit the risk of change in fair value through fiscal 2031, of the $300.0 million 4.550 percent senior notes due February 2048. The swap agreements effectively swap the fixed-rate obligations for floating-rate obligations over the term of the agreements, thereby mitigating changes in fair value of the related debt. The swap agreements were designated as fair value hedges of the related debt and met the requirements to be accounted for under the short-cut method, resulting in no ineffectiveness in the hedging relationship. During the quarter and nine months ended February 27, 2022, $1.0 million and $3.5 million, respectively, was recorded as a reduction to interest expense related to net swap settlements.

We enter into equity forward contracts to hedge the risk of changes in future cash flows associated with the unvested, unrecognized cash-settled Darden stock units. The equity forward contracts will be settled at the end of the vesting periods of their underlying Darden stock units, which range between three and five years and currently extend through July ~~2025.~~2026. The contracts are initially designated as cash flow hedges to the extent the Darden stock units are unvested and, therefore, unrecognized as a liability in our financial statements. The forward contracts have net cash settlement terms and net settle every three months. As the Darden stock units vest, we will de-designate that portion of the equity forward contract that no longer qualifies for hedge accounting, and changes in fair value associated with that portion of the equity forward contract will be recognized in current earnings. We periodically incur interest on the notional value of the contracts and receive dividend equivalents on the underlying shares. These amounts are recognized currently in earnings as they are incurred or received.

~~Table of Contents~~

~~DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.~~

~~NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS~~

~~(Unaudited)~~

We entered into equity forward contracts to hedge the risk of changes in future cash flows associated with recognized, employee-directed investments in Darden stock within the non-qualified deferred compensation plan. We did not elect hedge accounting with the expectation that changes in the fair value of the equity forward contracts would offset changes in the fair value of Darden stock investments in the non-qualified deferred compensation plan within general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of earnings. These contracts currently extend through July ~~2024.~~2026.

Table of Contents

DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

The notional and fair values of our derivative contracts are as follows:


						Fair Values													Fair Values
(in millions, except per share data)	(in millions, except per share data)	Number of Shares Outstanding	Weighted-Average Per Share Forward Rates	Notional Values		Derivative Assets (1)				Derivative Liabilities (1)				(in millions, except per share data)	Number of Shares Outstanding	Weighted-Average Per Share Forward Rates	Notional Values		Derivative Assets (1)				Derivative Liabilities (1)
		February 28, 2021				February 28, 2021		May 31, 2020		February 28, 2021		May 31, 2020			February 27, 2022				February 27, 2022		May 30, 2021		February 27, 2022		May 30, 2021
Equity forwards:	Equity forwards:													Equity forwards:
Designated	Designated	0.3	$105.22	$	27.3	$	2.2	$	1.8	$	0	$	0	Designated	0.3	$126.50	$	37.8	$	—	$	0.9	$	0.8	$	—
Not designated	Not designated	0.4	$98.02	$	42.4	3.6		4.4		0		0		Not designated	0.4	119.64	50.0		—		2.0		1.1		—
Total equity forwards	Total equity forwards					$	5.8	$	6.2	$	0	$	0	Total equity forwards					$	—	$	2.9	$	1.9	$	—
Commodity contracts:	Commodity contracts:													Commodity contracts:
Designated	Designated	N/A	N/A	$	4.7	$	0.5	$	0.3	$	0	$	1.8	Designated	N/A	N/A	$	2.2	$	0.5	$	0.1	$	—	$	—
Not designated	Not designated	N/A	N/A	$	0.2	0		0		0		0.3		Not designated	N/A	N/A	—		—		—		—		—
Total commodity contracts	Total commodity contracts					$	0.5	$	0.3	$	0	$	2.1	Total commodity contracts					$	0.5	$	0.1	$	—	$	—
Interest rate related														Interest rate related
Designated														Designated	N/A	N/A	$	300.0	$	—	$	—	$	12.1	$	0.2
Not designated														Not designated	N/A	N/A			—		—		—		—
Total interest rate related														Total interest rate related					$	—	$	—	$	12.1	$	0.2
Total derivative contracts	Total derivative contracts					$	6.3	$	6.5	$	0	$	2.1	Total derivative contracts					$	0.5	$	3.0	$	14.0	$	0.2

(1)Derivative assets and liabilities are included in receivables, net and other current liabilities, as applicable, on our consolidated balance sheets.

The effects of derivative instruments accounted for as cash flow hedging instruments in the consolidated statements of earnings are as follows:


		Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI				Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI to Earnings				Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI				Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI to Earnings
		Three Months Ended				Three Months Ended				Three Months Ended				Three Months Ended
(in millions)	(in millions)	February 28, 2021		February 23, 2020		February 28, 2021		February 23, 2020			(in millions)	February 27, 2022		February 28, 2021		February 27, 2022		February 28, 2021
Equity (1)	Equity (1)	$	8.0	$	0.8	$	1.3	$	0		Equity (1)	$	0.6	$	8.0	$	(0.1)	$	1.3
Commodity (2)	Commodity (2)	0.3		(0.8)		(0.2)		(0.5)			Commodity (2)	1.1		0.3		0.7		(0.2)
Interest rate (3)	Interest rate (3)	0		0		0		0			Interest rate (3)	—		—		—		—
Total	Total	$	8.3	$	0	$	1.1	$	(0.5)		Total	$	1.7	$	8.3	$	0.6	$	1.1

		Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI				Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI to Earnings				Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI				Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI to Earnings
		Nine Months Ended				Nine Months Ended				Nine Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
(in millions)	(in millions)	February 28, 2021		February 23, 2020		February 28, 2021		February 23, 2020			(in millions)	February 27, 2022		February 28, 2021		February 27, 2022		February 28, 2021
Equity (1)	Equity (1)	$	16.7	$	(3.5)	$	1.6	$	1.0		Equity (1)	$	(2.1)	$	16.7	$	0.8	$	1.6
Commodity (2)	Commodity (2)	0.7		(1.8)		(1.1)		(1.1)			Commodity (2)	1.2		0.7		0.8		(1.1)
Interest rate (3)	Interest rate (3)	0		0		(0.1)		(0.1)			Interest rate (3)	—		—		(0.1)		(0.1)
Total	Total	$	17.4	$	(5.3)	$	0.4	$	(0.2)		Total	$	(0.9)	$	17.4	$	1.5	$	0.4

(1)Location of the gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI to earnings is general and administrative expenses.

(2)Location of the gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI to earnings is food and beverage costs and restaurant expenses.

(3)Location of ~~the~~ gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI to earnings is interest, net.

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DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

The effects of derivative instruments in fair value hedging relationships in the consolidated statement of earnings are as follows:


	Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings on Derivatives				Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings on Related Hedged Item
	Three Months Ended				Three Months Ended
(in millions)	February 27, 2022		February 28, 2021		February 27, 2022		February 28, 2021
Interest rate (1)(2)	$	(13.1)	$	—	$	13.1	$	—


	Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings on Derivatives				Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings on Related Hedged Item
	Nine Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
(in millions)	February 27, 2022		February 28, 2021		February 27, 2022		February 28, 2021
Interest rate (1)(2)	$	(11.9)	$	—	$	11.9	$	—

(1) Location of the gain (loss) recognized in earnings on derivatives and related hedged item is interest, net.

(2) Hedged item in fair value hedge relationship is debt.

The effects of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments in the consolidated statements of earnings are as follows:


		Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings									Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings
(in millions)	(in millions)	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended				(in millions)	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings on Derivatives	Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings on Derivatives	February 28, 2021		February 23, 2020		February 28, 2021		February 23, 2020		Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings on Derivatives	February 27, 2022		February 28, 2021		February 27, 2022		February 28, 2021
Food and beverage costs and restaurant expenses	Food and beverage costs and restaurant expenses	$	0	$	0	$	0.1	$	0.3	Food and beverage costs and restaurant expenses	$	(0.1)	$	—	$	—	$	0.1
General and administrative expenses	General and administrative expenses	13.6		2.4		28.7		1.8		General and administrative expenses	2.7		13.6		4.3		28.7
Total	Total	$	13.6	$	2.4	$	28.8	$	2.1	Total	$	2.6	$	13.6	$	4.3	$	28.8

Based on the fair value of our derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges as of February ~~28, 2021,~~27, 2022, we expect to reclassify ~~$1.2~~$0.8 million of net gains on derivative instruments from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to earnings during the next 12 months based on the maturity of our equity forward contracts. However, the amounts ultimately realized in earnings will be dependent on the fair value of the contracts on the settlement dates.

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DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Note 10. Fair Value Measurements

The fair values of cash equivalents, receivables, net, accounts payable and short-term debt approximate their carrying amounts due to their short duration.

The following tables summarize the fair values of financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of February ~~28, 2021~~27, 2022 and May ~~31, 2020~~30, 2021.


Items Measured at Fair Value at February 28, 2021
Items Measured at Fair Value at February 27, 2022											Items Measured at Fair Value at February 27, 2022
(in millions)	(in millions)		Fair value of assets (liabilities)		Quoted prices in active market for identical assets (liabilities) (Level 1)		Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)		Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)		(in millions)		Fair value of assets (liabilities)		Quoted prices in active market for identical assets (liabilities) (Level 1)		Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)		Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Derivatives:	Derivatives:										Derivatives:
Commodities futures, swaps & options	Commodities futures, swaps & options	(1)	$	0.5	$	0	$	0.5	$	0	Commodities futures, swaps & options	(1)	$	0.5	$	—	$	0.5	$	—
Equity forwards	Equity forwards	(2)	5.8		0		5.8		0		Equity forwards	(2)	$	(1.9)	$	—	$	(1.9)	$	—
Interest rate swaps											Interest rate swaps	(3)	(12.1)		—		(12.1)		—
Total	Total		$	6.3	$	0	$	6.3	$	0	Total		$	(13.5)	$	—	$	(13.5)	$	—


Items Measured at Fair Value at May 31, 2020
Items Measured at Fair Value at May 30, 2021											Items Measured at Fair Value at May 30, 2021
(in millions)	(in millions)		Fair value of assets (liabilities)		Quoted prices in active market for identical assets (liabilities) (Level 1)		Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)		Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)		(in millions)		Fair value of assets (liabilities)		Quoted prices in active market for identical assets (liabilities) (Level 1)		Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)		Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Derivatives:	Derivatives:										Derivatives:
Commodities futures, swaps & options	Commodities futures, swaps & options	(1)	$	(1.8)	$	0	$	(1.8)	$	0	Commodities futures, swaps & options	(1)	$	0.1	$	—	$	0.1	$	—
Equity forwards	Equity forwards	(2)	6.2		0		6.2		0		Equity forwards	(2)	2.9		—		2.9		—
Interest rate swaps											Interest rate swaps	(3)	(0.2)		—		(0.2)		—
Total	Total		$	4.4	$	0	$	4.4	$	0	Total		$	2.8	$	—	$	2.8	$	—

(1)The fair value of our commodities futures, swaps and options is based on closing market prices of the contracts, inclusive of the risk of nonperformance.

(2)The fair value of equity forwards is based on the closing market value of Darden stock, inclusive of the risk of nonperformance.

(3)The fair value of our interest rate swap agreements is based on current and expected market interest rates, inclusive of risk of nonperformance.

The carrying value and fair value of long-term debt as of February ~~28, 2021,~~27, 2022, was ~~$929.7~~$916.4 million and ~~$1.02 billion,~~$980.6 million, respectively. The carrying value and fair value of long-term debt as of May ~~31, 2020,~~30, 2021, was ~~$928.8~~$929.8 million and ~~$1.20~~$1.06 billion, respectively. The fair value of long-term debt, which is classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy, is determined based on

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~~DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.~~

~~NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS~~

~~(Unaudited)~~

market prices or, if market prices are not available, the present value of the underlying cash flows discounted at our incremental borrowing rates.

The fair value of non-financial assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis, classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy, is determined based on third-party market appraisals. As of February ~~28,~~27, 2022 and May 30, 2021, adjustments to the fair values of non-financial assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis, classified as Level 2, were not material. As of May 31, 2020, operating lease right-of-use assets with a carrying amount of $24.2 million, primarily related to 7 restaurants, were determined to have a fair value of $17.6 million resulting in an impairment of $6.6 million.

The fair value of non-financial assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis, classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy, is determined based on appraisals, sales prices of comparable assets, or estimates of discounted future cash flows. As of February ~~28, 2021,~~27, 2022, adjustments to the fair values of non-financial assets, classified as Level 3, were not material. As of May ~~31, 2020,~~30, 2021, long-lived assets held and used with a carrying amount of ~~$35.1~~$5.6 million, primarily related to 134 underperforming restaurants, ~~as well as 2 restaurants damaged by natural disasters,~~ were determined to have a fair value of ~~$0.2~~$0.6 million resulting in an impairment charge of $34.9 million. Also as of May 31, 2020, goodwill and trademarks for our Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen brand with carrying values of $334.3 million and $375.1 million, respectively, were determined to have fair values of $165.1 million and $230.1 million, respectively, resulting in a total impairment of $314.2$5.0 million.

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DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Note 11. Commitments and Contingencies

As collateral for performance on contracts and as credit guarantees to banks and insurers, we are contingently liable for guarantees of subsidiary obligations under standby letters of credit. As of February ~~28, 2021~~27, 2022 and May ~~31, 2020,~~30, 2021, we had ~~$70.5~~$104.8 million and ~~$65.2~~$70.5 million, respectively, of standby letters of credit related to workers’ compensation and general liabilities accrued in our consolidated financial statements. As of February ~~28, 2021~~27, 2022 and May ~~31, 2020,~~30, 2021, we had ~~$28.7~~$18.8 million and ~~$44.0~~$28.9 million, respectively, of surety bonds related to other payments. Most surety bonds are renewable annually.

As of February ~~28, 2021~~27, 2022 and May ~~31, 2020,~~30, 2021, we had ~~$128.6~~$104.4 million and ~~$151.5~~$121.5 million, respectively, of guarantees associated with leased properties that have been assigned to third parties. These amounts represent the maximum potential amount of future payments under the guarantees. The fair value of the maximum potential future payments discounted at our weighted-average cost of capital as of February ~~28, 2021~~27, 2022 and May ~~31, 2020,~~30, 2021, amounted to ~~$105.1~~$86.6 million and ~~$122.4~~$99.7 million, respectively. In the event of default by a third party, the indemnity and default clauses in our assignment agreements govern our ability to recover from and pursue the third party for damages incurred as a result of its default. We do not hold any third-party assets as collateral related to these assignment agreements, except to the extent that the assignment allows us to repossess the building and personal property. These guarantees expire over their respective lease terms, which range from fiscal ~~2021~~2022 through fiscal 2034. The likelihood of the third parties defaulting on the assignment agreements was deemed to be remote. In conjunction with the adoption of ASU 2016-13 in the first quarter of fiscal 2021, the liability recorded for our expected credit losses under these leases as of February 28, 2021 was $10.0 million. See Note 1.

We are subject to private lawsuits, administrative proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of our business. A number of these lawsuits, proceedings and claims may exist at any given time. These matters typically involve claims from guests, employees and others related to operational issues common to the restaurant industry, and can also involve infringement of, or challenges to, our trademarks. While the resolution of a lawsuit, proceeding or claim may have an impact on our financial results for the period in which it is resolved, we believe that the final disposition of the lawsuits, proceedings and claims in which we are currently involved, either individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

~~Note 12.~~ ~~Corporate Restructuring~~

During the first quarter of fiscal 2021, as a result of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business operations, we undertook a strategic restructuring of our corporate organization and workforce in order to reduce costs and better align corporate expenses to our sales levels in the current environment. The corporate restructuring included a voluntary early retirement incentive program and other involuntary strategic workforce reductions. In accordance with these actions, we incurred employee termination benefits costs and other costs of $47.8 million, including cash and non-cash components of $38.1 million and $9.7 million, respectively. These costs are reflected in general and administrative expenses and other (income) expense, net in our consolidated statements of earnings for the nine months ended February 28, 2021.

The following table summarizes the accrued employee termination benefits and other costs which are included in other current liabilities and other liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet as of February 28, 2021. We expect the remaining

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~~DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.~~

~~NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS~~

~~(Unaudited)~~

~~liability to be paid by the second quarter of fiscal 2022.~~
(in millions) Initial Liability Payments Balance at February 28, 2021
Accrued liability (1) $ 38.1 $ (16.3) $ 21.8

~~(1)Excludes costs associated with equity awards that will be settled in shares upon vesting and postretirement benefit plan valuation adjustment.~~

Note ~~13.~~12. Subsequent Events

On March ~~23, 2021,~~22, 2022, the Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of ~~$0.88~~$1.10 per share to be paid May ~~3, 2021~~2, 2022 to all shareholders of record as of the close of business on April ~~9, 2021.~~

8, 2022.

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Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The discussion and analysis below for the Company, which contains forward-looking statements, should be read in conjunction with the unaudited financial statements, the notes to such financial statements and the “Forward-Looking Statements” included elsewhere in this Form 10-Q.

To facilitate review of our discussion and analysis, the following table sets forth our financial results for the periods indicated. All information is derived from the unaudited consolidated statements of earnings for the quarters and nine months ended February ~~28, 2021~~27, 2022 and February ~~23, 2020.~~28, 2021.


		Three Months Ended							Nine Months Ended								Three Months Ended							Nine Months Ended
(in millions)	(in millions)	February 28, 2021			February 23, 2020			% Chg	February 28, 2021			February 23, 2020			% Chg	(in millions)	February 27, 2022			February 28, 2021			% Chg	February 27, 2022			February 28, 2021			% Chg
Sales	Sales	$	1,733.0		$	2,346.5		(26.1)%	$	4,916.9		$	6,536.8		(24.8)%	Sales	$	2,448.9		$	1,733.0		41.3%	$	7,027.1		$	4,916.9		42.9%
Costs and expenses:	Costs and expenses:															Costs and expenses:
Food and beverage	Food and beverage	499.4			658.0			(24.1)	1,409.0			1,844.3			(23.6)	Food and beverage	752.7			499.4			50.7	2,132.2			1,409.0			51.3
Restaurant labor	Restaurant labor	559.4			753.8			(25.8)	1,595.6			2,149.9			(25.8)	Restaurant labor	798.7			559.4			42.8	2,279.5			1,595.6			42.9
Restaurant expenses	Restaurant expenses	336.8			396.7			(15.1)	958.2			1,144.7			(16.3)	Restaurant expenses	395.7			336.8			17.5	1,158.8			958.2			20.9
Marketing expenses	Marketing expenses	19.2			71.6			(73.2)	66.8			206.6			(67.7)	Marketing expenses	27.2			19.2			41.7	73.0			66.8			9.3
General and administrative expenses	General and administrative expenses	78.9			100.3			(21.3)	298.8			289.6			3.2	General and administrative expenses	83.1			78.9			5.3	289.0			298.8			(3.3)
Depreciation and amortization	Depreciation and amortization	88.2			87.7			0.6	261.8			261.5			0.1	Depreciation and amortization	94.3			88.2			6.9	275.4			261.8			5.2
Impairments and disposal of assets, net	Impairments and disposal of assets, net	3.1			0.1			NM	1.4			0.2			NM	Impairments and disposal of assets, net	(3.8)			3.1			NM	(5.5)			1.4			NM
Total costs and expenses	Total costs and expenses	$	1,585.0		$	2,068.2		(23.4)	$	4,591.6		$	5,896.8		(22.1)	Total costs and expenses	$	2,147.9		$	1,585.0		35.5	$	6,202.4		$	4,591.6		35.1
Operating income	Operating income	148.0			278.3			(46.8)	325.3			640.0			(49.2)	Operating income	301.0			148.0			NM	824.7			325.3			NM
Interest, net	Interest, net	15.2			13.2			15.2	46.4			37.4			24.1	Interest, net	17.5			15.2			15.1	49.8			46.4			7.3
Other (income) expense, net	Other (income) expense, net	0.5			—			NM	8.4			153.3			(94.5)	Other (income) expense, net	0.2			0.5			(60.0)	0.7			8.4			(91.7)
Earnings before income taxes	Earnings before income taxes	132.3			265.1			(50.1)	270.5			449.3			(39.8)	Earnings before income taxes	283.3			132.3			NM	$	774.2		$	270.5		NM
Income tax expense (1)	Income tax expense (1)	3.1			31.8			(90.3)	7.1			18.8			(62.2)	Income tax expense (1)	35.4			3.1			NM	101.2			7.1			NM
Earnings from continuing operations	Earnings from continuing operations	$	129.2		$	233.3		(44.6)	$	263.4		$	430.5		(38.8)	Earnings from continuing operations	$	247.9		$	129.2		91.9	$	673.0		$	263.4		NM
Losses from discontinued operations, net of tax	Losses from discontinued operations, net of tax	(0.5)			(1.0)			(50.0)	(2.6)			(2.9)			(10.3)	Losses from discontinued operations, net of tax	(0.9)			(0.5)			80.0	(1.9)			(2.6)			(26.9)
Net earnings	Net earnings	$	128.7		$	232.3		(44.6)%	$	260.8		$	427.6		(39.0)%	Net earnings	$	247.0		$	128.7		91.9%	$	671.1		$	260.8		NM
Diluted net earnings per share:	Diluted net earnings per share:															Diluted net earnings per share:
Earnings from continuing operations	Earnings from continuing operations	$	0.98		$	1.90		(48.4)%	$	2.00		$	3.48		(42.5)%	Earnings from continuing operations	$	1.93		$	0.98		96.9%	$	5.17		$	2.00		NM
Losses from discontinued operations	Losses from discontinued operations	—			(0.01)			(100.0)	(0.02)			(0.02)			—	Losses from discontinued operations	—			—			NM	(0.01)			(0.02)			(50.0)
Net earnings	Net earnings	$	0.98		$	1.89		(48.1)%	$	1.98		$	3.46		(42.8)%	Net earnings	$	1.93		$	0.98		96.9%	$	5.16		$	1.98		NM

(1) Effective tax rate	(1) Effective tax rate	2.3		%	12.0		%		2.6		%	4.2		%		(1) Effective tax rate	12.5		%	2.3		%		13.1		%	2.6		%
NM- Percentage not considered meaningful.	NM- Percentage not considered meaningful.															NM- Percentage not considered meaningful.

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The following table details the number of company-owned restaurants currently reported in continuing operations that were open at the end of the third quarter of fiscal ~~2021,~~2022, compared with the number open at the end of fiscal ~~2020~~2021 and the end of the third quarter of fiscal ~~2020.~~2021.

February 28,
2021 May 31,
2020 February 23,
2020
Olive Garden 874 868 870
LongHorn Steakhouse 528 522 522
Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen 170 165 169
Yard House 81 81 81
The Capital Grille (1) 60 60 60
Seasons 52 43 44 45
Bahama Breeze 41 41 42
Eddie V’s 25 23 23
Total 1,822 1,804 1,812

~~(1)Includes two The Capital Burger restaurants.~~


	February 27, 2022	May 30, 2021	February 28, 2021
Olive Garden	881	875	874
LongHorn Steakhouse	539	533	528
Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen	173	170	170
Yard House	85	81	81
The Capital Grille	61	60	58
Seasons 52	44	44	43
Bahama Breeze	42	42	41
Eddie V’s	27	26	25
The Capital Burger	3	3	2
Total	1,855	1,834	1,822

OVERVIEW OF OPERATIONS

COVID-19 Pandemic

~~The~~For much of fiscal 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic ~~has~~ resulted in a significant reduction in guest traffic at our restaurants due to changes in consumer behavior as public health officials encouraged social distancing and required personal protective equipment. Also, some state and local governments mandated restrictions including suspension of dine-in operations, reduced restaurant seating capacity, table spacing requirements, bar closures and additional physical barriers. ~~Beginning~~Once COVID-19 vaccines were approved and moved into wider distribution in ~~late March 2020, we operated with~~the United States in early 2021, public health conditions improved and almost all of our dining rooms closed and served our guests in a To Go only or To Go and delivery format. In late April 2020, state and local governments began to allow us to open dining rooms at limited capacities, along with other operating restrictions. While increasing our in-restaurant dining capacity is subject to the ~~ordinances~~COVID-19 restrictions on businesses have eased. During fiscal 2022, increases in the ~~jurisdictions where we operate, we are focused on increasing capacity where possible, while continuing to provide a safe environment for~~numbers of cases of COVID-19 throughout the United States including the Omicron variant which significantly impacted our team members and guests, and maintaining many of the operating efficiencies established during this time. As we navigate through the pandemic, we have taken significant steps to adapt our business to allow us to continue to serve guests, support our team members and secure our liquidity position to provide financial flexibility. During the first quarter of fiscal 2021, we undertook a strategic restructuring of our corporate organization and workforce in order to reduce costs and better align corporate expenses to our sales levelsrestaurants in the current environment. The corporate restructuring included a voluntary early retirement incentive program and other involuntary strategic workforce reductions and we incurred employee termination benefits costs and other costs of $47.8 million.

~~Through our second and~~ third ~~quarters of fiscal 2021, most~~quarter, mostly in January 2022, subjected some of our restaurants ~~were able~~ to ~~operate~~other COVID-19-related restrictions such as mask requirements or vaccine requirements for team members, guests or both. Exclusions and quarantines of restaurant team members or groups thereof disrupt an individual restaurant’s operations and often come with ~~at least restricted dine-in capacity.~~little or no notice to the local restaurant management. We continue to monitor the progression of the COVID-19 pandemic and state, local and federal government regulatory and public health responses thereto. As of the date of this ~~filing, nearly all~~report, most of our restaurants were able to open their dining rooms to some extent. With approved vaccines being distributed, we expect our restaurants’ dining room capacity to increase as public health conditions improve and restrictions are eased. However, it is possible additional outbreaks could require us to reduce our capacity or further suspend our in-restaurant dining operations.operating with few, if any, restrictions.

Financial Highlights - Consolidated

Our sales from continuing operations were $2.45 billion and $7.03 billion for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2022, respectively, compared to $1.73 billion and $4.92 billion for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2021, ~~respectively, compared to $2.35 billion and $6.54 billion for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2020,~~ respectively. The ~~26.1~~41.3 percent and ~~24.8~~42.9 percent ~~decreases~~increases in sales for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal ~~2021~~2022 were driven by combined Darden same-restaurant sales ~~decreases~~increases of ~~26.7~~38.1 percent and ~~25.5~~39.7 percent for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal ~~2021,~~2022, respectively, ~~partially offset by~~in addition to revenue from the addition of 1033 net new company-owned restaurants since the third quarter of fiscal ~~2020.~~2021. Fiscal 2021 sales for the third quarter and first nine months were more negatively impacted by COVID-19, than our sales for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2022.

For the third quarter of fiscal ~~2021,~~2022, our net earnings from continuing operations were ~~$129.2~~$247.9 million compared to ~~$233.3~~$129.2 million for the third quarter of fiscal ~~2020,~~2021, and our diluted net earnings per share from continuing operations were $1.93 for the third quarter of fiscal 2022 compared to $0.98 for the third quarter of fiscal ~~2021 compared to $1.90 for the third quarter of fiscal 2020.~~2021. For the first nine months of fiscal ~~2021,~~2022, our net earnings from continuing operations were ~~$263.4~~$673.0 million compared to ~~$430.5~~$263.4 million for the first nine months of fiscal ~~2020,~~2021, and our diluted net earnings per share from continuing operations were $5.17 for the first nine months of fiscal 2022 compared to $2.00 for the first nine months of fiscal ~~2021 compared to $3.48 for the first nine months of fiscal 2020.~~2021. Our diluted per share results from continuing operations for the first nine months of fiscal 2021 were adversely impacted by approximately $0.28 due to charges associated with our corporate restructuring plan. ~~Our diluted per share results from continuing operations for the first nine months of fiscal 2020 were~~

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~~adversely impacted by approximately $0.90 due to a pension settlement charge and approximately $0.01 due to an international structure simplification.~~

Outlook

We expect sales for ~~the fourth quarter of~~ fiscal ~~2021~~2022 to be ~~approximately $2.1 billion.~~

~~Additionally, for the full year we expect~~between $9.55 and $9.62 billion, driven by same-restaurant sales growth of 29 to ~~open 33~~30 percent and 35 net new ~~restaurants and~~restaurants. Additionally, we expect capital expenditures incurred to build new restaurants, remodel and maintain existing restaurants and for technology initiatives to be ~~between $285 and $295~~approximately $425 million.

SALES

The following table presents our sales by segment for the periods indicated.


		Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended									Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
(in millions)	(in millions)	February 28, 2021		February 23, 2020		% Chg		SRS (1)		February 28, 2021		February 23, 2020		% Chg		SRS (1)		(in millions)	February 27, 2022		February 28, 2021		% Chg		SRS (1)		February 27, 2022		February 28, 2021		% Chg		SRS (1)
Olive Garden	Olive Garden	$	872.0	$	1,169.3	(25.4)	%	(25.8)	%	$	2,489.7	$	3,283.0	(24.2)	%	(24.7)	%	Olive Garden	$	1,142.6	$	872.0	31.0	%	29.9	%	$	3,310.2	$	2,489.7	33.0	%	32.0	%
LongHorn Steakhouse	LongHorn Steakhouse	$	454.3	$	510.7	(11.0)	%	(12.6)	%	$	1,238.4	$	1,408.2	(12.1)	%	(13.9)	%	LongHorn Steakhouse	$	612.7	$	454.3	34.9	%	31.6	%	$	1,727.0	$	1,238.4	39.5	%	36.1	%
Fine Dining	Fine Dining	$	104.4	$	188.4	(44.6)	%	(45.2)	%	$	295.6	$	479.4	(38.3)	%	(38.8)	%	Fine Dining	$	208.2	$	103.7	100.8	%	85.8	%	$	565.7	$	293.6	92.7	%	76.6	%
Other Business	Other Business	$	302.3	$	478.1	(36.8)	%	(36.9)	%	$	893.2	$	1,366.2	(34.6)	%	(35.0)	%	Other Business	$	485.4	$	303.0	60.2	%	55.2	%	$	1,424.2	$	895.2	59.1	%	54.3	%

(1)Same-restaurant sales is a year-over-year comparison of each period’s sales volumes for a 52-week year and is limited to restaurants open at least 16 months.

Olive Garden’s sales ~~decrease~~increase for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal ~~2021~~2022 was primarily driven by U.S. same-restaurant sales ~~decreases driven by the impact of COVID-19, partially offset by~~increases combined with revenue from new restaurants. The ~~decrease~~increase in U.S. same-restaurant sales for the third quarter of fiscal ~~2021~~2022 resulted from a ~~27.5~~23.5 percent ~~decrease~~increase in same-restaurant guest counts ~~partially offset by~~and a ~~1.7~~5.2 percent increase in average check. The ~~decrease~~increase in U.S. same-restaurant sales for the first nine months of fiscal ~~2021~~2022 resulted from a ~~26.2~~27.7 percent ~~decrease~~increase in same-restaurant guest counts ~~partially offset by~~and a ~~1.5~~3.3 percent increase in average check.

LongHorn Steakhouse’s sales ~~decrease~~increase for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal ~~2021~~2022 was primarily driven by same-restaurant sales ~~decreases driven by the impact of COVID-19, partially offset by~~increases combined with revenue from new restaurants. The ~~decrease~~increase in same-restaurant sales for the third quarter of fiscal ~~2021~~2022 resulted from a ~~13.6~~24.6 percent ~~decrease~~increase in same-restaurant guest counts ~~partially offset by~~and a ~~1.0~~5.6 percent increase in average check. The ~~decrease~~increase in U.S. same-restaurant sales for the first nine months of fiscal ~~2021~~2022 resulted from a ~~14.8~~31.1 percent ~~decrease~~increase in same-restaurant guest counts ~~partially offset by~~and a ~~0.9~~3.8 percent increase in average check.

Fine Dining’s sales ~~decrease~~increase for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal ~~2021~~2022 was primarily driven by same-restaurant sales ~~decreases driven by the impact of COVID-19, partially offset by~~increases combined with revenue from new restaurants. The ~~decrease~~increase in same-restaurant sales for the third quarter of fiscal ~~2021~~2022 resulted from a ~~45.6~~73.8 percent ~~decrease~~increase in same-restaurant guest counts ~~partially offset by~~combined with a ~~0.4~~6.9 percent increase in average check. The ~~decrease~~increase in same-restaurant sales for the first nine months of fiscal ~~2021~~2022 resulted from a ~~39.6~~68.5 percent ~~decrease~~increase in same-restaurant guest counts ~~partially offset by~~and a ~~0.8~~4.8 percent increase in average check.

Other Business’ sales ~~decrease~~increase for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal ~~2021~~2022 was primarily driven by same-restaurant sales ~~decreases driven by the impact of COVID-19.~~increases combined with revenue from new restaurants. The ~~decrease~~increase in same-restaurant sales for the third quarter of fiscal ~~2021~~2022 resulted from a ~~34.7~~36.7 percent ~~decrease~~increase in same-restaurant guest counts and a ~~2.2~~13.5 percent ~~decrease~~increase in average check. The ~~decrease~~increase in same-restaurant sales for the first nine months of fiscal ~~2021~~2022 resulted from a ~~35.1~~40.1 percent ~~decrease~~increase in same-restaurant guest counts ~~partially offset by~~and a ~~0.1~~10.1 percent increase in average check.

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COSTS AND EXPENSES

The following table sets forth selected operating data as a percent of sales for the periods indicated. All information is derived from the unaudited consolidated statements of earnings for the ~~quarter~~quarters and nine months ended February ~~28, 2021~~27, 2022 and February ~~23, 2020.~~28, 2021.


		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended					Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		February 28, 2021		February 23, 2020		February 28, 2021		February 23, 2020			February 27, 2022		February 28, 2021		February 27, 2022		February 28, 2021
Sales	Sales	100.0	%	100.0	%	100.0	%	100.0	%	Sales	100.0	%	100.0	%	100.0	%	100.0	%
Costs and expenses:	Costs and expenses:									Costs and expenses:
Food and beverage	Food and beverage	28.8		28.0		28.7		28.2		Food and beverage	30.7		28.8		30.3		28.7
Restaurant labor	Restaurant labor	32.3		32.1		32.5		32.9		Restaurant labor	32.6		32.3		32.4		32.5
Restaurant expenses	Restaurant expenses	19.4		16.9		19.5		17.5		Restaurant expenses	16.2		19.4		16.5		19.5
Marketing expenses	Marketing expenses	1.1		3.1		1.4		3.2		Marketing expenses	1.1		1.1		1.0		1.4
General and administrative expenses	General and administrative expenses	4.6		4.3		6.1		4.4		General and administrative expenses	3.4		4.6		4.1		6.1
Depreciation and amortization	Depreciation and amortization	5.1		3.7		5.3		4.0		Depreciation and amortization	3.9		5.1		3.9		5.3
Impairments and disposal of assets, net	Impairments and disposal of assets, net	0.2		—		—		—		Impairments and disposal of assets, net	(0.2)		0.2		(0.1)		—
Total operating costs and expenses	Total operating costs and expenses	91.5	%	88.1	%	93.4	%	90.2	%	Total operating costs and expenses	87.7	%	91.5	%	88.3	%	93.4	%
Operating income	Operating income	8.5		11.9		6.6		9.8		Operating income	12.3		8.5		11.7		6.6
Interest, net	Interest, net	0.9		0.6		0.9		0.6		Interest, net	0.7		0.9		0.7		0.9
Other (income) expense, net	Other (income) expense, net	—		—		0.2		2.3		Other (income) expense, net	—		—		—		0.2
Earnings before income taxes	Earnings before income taxes	7.6		11.3		5.5		6.9		Earnings before income taxes	11.6		7.6		11.0		5.5
Income tax expense	Income tax expense	0.2		1.4		0.1		3.0		Income tax expense	1.4		0.2		1.4		0.1
Earnings from continuing operations	Earnings from continuing operations	7.5	%	9.9	%	5.4	%	6.6	%	Earnings from continuing operations	10.1	%	7.5	%	9.6	%	5.4	%

Quarter Ended February ~~28, 2021~~27, 2022 Compared to Quarter Ended February ~~23, 2020~~28, 2021

•Food and beverage costs increased as a percent of sales primarily due to a ~~1.5% impact from menu mix and investments in food quality in addition to a 0.4%~~4.5% impact from inflation ~~partially~~and unfavorable menu mix, offset by a ~~1.1%~~2.6% impact from pricing ~~leverage and cost savings initiatives.~~leverage.

•Restaurant labor costs increased as a percent of sales primarily due to ~~sales deleverage of~~ 2.9% ~~and a 1.0%~~ impact from ~~team member bonuses, partially offset by~~inflation and a 3.1% impact from decreased productivity, ~~improvement driven~~offset by ~~operational simplification and~~ a ~~0.7%~~5.9% impact from ~~pricing~~sales leverage.

•Restaurant expenses increased as a percent of sales primarily due to a 5.1% impact from sales deleverage, partially offset by a 1.0% impact from lower repairs and maintenance expenses, 0.8% impact from costs savings initiatives and pricing leverage and a 0.8% impact from lower utility costs and worker’s compensation and public liability costs.

•~~Marketing~~ expenses decreased as a percent of sales primarily due to a ~~3.0%~~4.6% impact from ~~lower media spending at Olive Garden~~sales and ~~LongHorn Steakhouse,~~pricing leverage, partially offset by a ~~1.0%~~0.4% impact from higher utility costs, a 0.5% impact from higher repairs and maintenance expenses and a 0.4% impact from worker’s compensation, public liability and other costs.

•Marketing expenses remained the same as a percent of sales ~~deleverage.~~primarily due to higher television and production marketing, offset by sales leverage.

•General and administrative expenses ~~increased~~decreased as a percent of sales primarily due to a ~~1.5%~~1.4% impact from sales ~~deleverage,~~leverage and a ~~0.2%~~0.5% impact ~~from the~~related to mark to market ~~impact of our~~on deferred compensation plans, ~~and a 0.2% impact from restaurant development related costs, partially~~ offset by a 0.9% impact from a legal recovery ~~and a 0.8% impact from cost savings initiatives.~~in the quarter ended February 28, 2021.

•Depreciation and amortization expenses ~~increased as a percent of sales primarily due to sales deleverage.~~

•~~Impairments and disposal of assets, net increased~~decreased as a percent of sales due to ~~the total impairment of a restaurant in the third quarter of fiscal 2021. There was only nominal net impairment~~sales leverage.

•Impairment and disposal ~~activity during the third fiscal quarter~~ of ~~2020.~~

assets, net decreased as a percent of sales due to gains on disposal of assets.

Nine Months Ended February ~~28, 2021~~27, 2022 Compared to Nine Months Ended February ~~23, 2020~~28, 2021

•Food and beverage costs increased as a percent of sales primarily due to a ~~0.5% impact from menu mix and investments in food quality in addition to a 0.5%~~3.6% impact from inflation ~~partially~~and unfavorable menu mix, offset by a ~~0.5%~~1.9% impact from ~~cost savings initiatives.~~pricing leverage.

•Restaurant labor costs decreased as a percent of sales primarily due to ~~a 2.9%~~5.7% impact from ~~productivity improvement driven by operational simplification~~sales and ~~a 0.7% impact from~~ pricing leverage, partially offset by a ~~2.5%~~3.4% impact from decreased productivity and a 2.2% impact from inflation.

•Restaurant expenses decreased as a percent of sales primarily due to a 4.7% impact from sales ~~deleverage,~~and pricing leverage, partially offset by a 0.6% impact from higher repairs and maintenance expenses, a 0.5% impact from higher utility costs and a 0.6% impact from all other costs.

•Marketing expenses decreased as a percent of sales due to a 0.4% impact from ~~inflation~~sales leverage.

•General and administrative expenses decreased as a percent of sales primarily due to a 1.8% impact from sales leverage and a ~~0.3%~~0.8% impact ~~from team member bonuses.~~related to mark to market on deferred compensation plans and costs associated with our

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•~~Restaurant expenses increased as a percent~~corporate restructuring in the first quarter of ~~sales primarily due to a 5.0% impact from sales deleverage, partially~~fiscal 2021, offset by ~~a 1.2% impact from lower repairs and maintenance expenses, a 1.1% impact from cost savings initiatives and pricing leverage and~~ a 0.5% impact from ~~lower utility costs.~~travel and labor costs and a 0.3% impact from a legal recovery in the quarter ended February 28, 2021.

•~~Marketing~~Depreciation and amortization expenses decreased as a percent of sales ~~primarily~~ due to ~~a 2.8% impact from lower media spending at Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse, partially offset by a 1.0% impact from~~ sales ~~deleverage.~~leverage.

•~~General~~Impairment and ~~administrative expenses increased~~disposal of assets, net decreased as a percent of sales ~~primarily~~ due to ~~a 1.5% impact from sales deleverage, a 0.8% impact related to our corporate restructuring actions during the first quarter~~gains on disposal of ~~fiscal 2021 and a 0.3% impact from the mark to market of our deferred compensation plans, partially offset by a 0.6% impact from cost savings initiatives and a 0.3% impact from a legal recovery.~~

•~~Depreciation and amortization expenses increased as a percent of sales primarily due to sales deleverage.~~assets.

INTEREST EXPENSE

Net interest expense ~~increased~~decreased as a percent of sales for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal ~~2021~~2022 primarily due to sales ~~deleverage. Net interest~~leverage.

OTHER (INCOME) EXPENSE, NET

Other (income) expense, ~~increased~~net decreased as a percent of sales for the first nine months of fiscal ~~2021 primarily due to interest incurred on our $270.0 million term loan and sales deleverage.~~

~~OTHER (INCOME) EXPENSE, NET~~

~~Other (income) expense, net was $0.5 million for the third quarter and $8.4 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2021~~2022 primarily due to a postretirement benefit plan valuation adjustment resulting from our corporate restructuring in the first quarter of fiscal 2021.

INCOME TAXES

The effective income tax rate for continuing operations for the quarter ended February ~~28, 2021~~27, 2022 was ~~2.3~~12.5 percent, reflecting income tax expense of $35.4 million compared to an effective income tax rate for the quarter ended February ~~23, 2020~~28, 2021 of ~~12.0 percent.~~2.3 percent, reflecting income tax expense of $3.1 million. The effective ~~income~~ tax rate for continuing operations for the nine months ended February ~~28, 2021~~27, 2022 was ~~2.6~~13.1 percent, reflecting income tax expense of $101.2 million compared to an effective income tax rate of ~~4.2~~2.6 percent for the nine months ended February ~~23, 2020.~~28, 2021, reflecting income tax expense of 7.1 million. The change was primarily driven ~~primarily~~ by ~~lower~~higher net earnings from continuing operations in the quarter and nine months ended February ~~28, 2021,~~27, 2022 compared to the quarter and nine months ended February ~~23, 2020~~28, 2021 and the impact of certain tax credits on ~~our lower~~ earnings before income taxes, in addition to tax benefits related to stock option exercises and hedge mark to market impacts related to deferred compensation. Subsequent to the quarter ended February 28, 2021, we filed our fiscal 2020 tax return, along with applications for certain tax accounting method changes. These method changes, along with the effects of COVID-19 on our fiscal 2021 taxable income, could have a one-time favorable impact on our fiscal 2021 effective tax rate during our fourth fiscal quarter. However, the amount of such impact is dependent on our actual results of operations for fiscal 2021 and final positions ultimately taken on our fiscal 2021 tax return, and, as such, is not determinable at this time.

taxes.

LOSSES FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

On an after-tax basis, losses from discontinued operations for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal ~~2021~~2022 were ~~$0.5~~$0.9 million ($0.00 per diluted share) and ~~$2.6~~$1.9 million ($~~0.02~~0.01 per diluted share)~~, respectively,~~ compared with losses from discontinued operations for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal ~~2020~~2021 of ~~$1.0~~$0.5 million ($~~0.01~~0.00 per diluted share) and ~~2.9~~$2.6 million ($0.02 per diluted share)~~, respectively.~~.

SEGMENT RESULTS

We manage our restaurant brands, Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, Yard House, The Capital Grille, Seasons 52, Bahama Breeze, ~~and~~ Eddie V’s and The Capital Burger in North America as operating segments. We aggregate our operating segments into reportable segments based on a combination of the size, economic characteristics and sub-segment of full-service dining within which each brand operates. Our four reportable segments are: (1) Olive Garden, (2) LongHorn Steakhouse, (3) Fine Dining and (4) Other Business (see Note 6 to our unaudited consolidated financial statements in Part I, Item 1 of this report).

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Our management uses segment profit as the measure for assessing performance of our segments. The following table presents segment profit margin for the periods indicated.


		Three Months Ended			Nine Months Ended					Three Months Ended			Nine Months Ended
Segment	Segment	February 28, 2021	February 23, 2020	Change	February 28, 2021	February 23, 2020	Change		Segment	February 27, 2022	February 28, 2021	Change	February 27, 2022	February 28, 2021	Change
Olive Garden	Olive Garden	23.2%	21.1%	210 BPS	22.1%	20.3%	180	BPS	Olive Garden	21.0%	23.2%	(220) BPS	22.0%	22.1%	(10)	BPS
LongHorn Steakhouse	LongHorn Steakhouse	18.1%	20.5%	(240) BPS	16.6%	17.8%	(120)	BPS	LongHorn Steakhouse	18.2%	18.1%	10 BPS	17.5%	16.6%	90	BPS
Fine Dining	Fine Dining	15.7%	24.8%	(910) BPS	15.8%	20.3%	(450)	BPS	Fine Dining	22.9%	16.0%	690 BPS	21.4%	16.0%	540	BPS
Other Business	Other Business	10.5%	14.5%	(400) BPS	12.0%	13.3%	(130)	BPS	Other Business	13.8%	10.4%	340 BPS	15.0%	11.9%	310	BPS

The ~~increase~~decrease in Olive Garden’s segment profit margin for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal ~~2021~~2022 was driven primarily by ~~decreased~~higher restaurant labor ~~costs~~ and ~~decreased television~~food and ~~digital media related marketing expense,~~beverage costs, partially offset by ~~negative same~~lower restaurant ~~sales resulting from the economic impact of COVID-19.~~expenses. The ~~decrease~~increase in LongHorn Steakhouse’s segment profit margin for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal ~~2021~~2022 was driven ~~primarily~~ by ~~negative~~positive same-restaurant sales ~~resulting from the economic impact of COVID-19,~~and decreased restaurant expenses, partially offset by ~~decreased marketing~~increased food and beverage costs. The ~~decrease~~increase in Fine Dining’s segment profit margins for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2021 was driven primarily by negative same-restaurant sales resulting from the economic impact of COVID-19, partially offset by decreased marketing costs. The decrease in Other Business’ segment profit margin for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal ~~2021~~2022 was driven primarily by ~~negative same restaurant~~positive same-restaurant sales ~~resulting from the economic impact of COVID-19, offset by~~as well as decreased ~~marketing~~labor and restaurant ~~labor costs.~~expenses. The increase in Other Business’ segment

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profit margin for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2022 was driven primarily by positive same-restaurant sales as well as decreased restaurant expenses.

SEASONALITY

Our sales volumes fluctuate seasonally. Typically, our average sales per restaurant are highest in the winter and spring, followed by the summer, and lowest in the fall. Holidays, changes in the economy, severe weather and similar conditions may impact sales volumes seasonally in some operating regions. Because of the seasonality of our business, results for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be achieved for the full fiscal year. We are not able to predict the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic may have on the seasonality of our business.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Typically, cash flows generated from operating activities are our principal source of liquidity, which we use to finance capital expenditures for new restaurants and to remodel and maintain existing restaurants, to pay dividends to our shareholders and to repurchase shares of our common stock. Since substantially all of our sales are for cash and cash equivalents, and accounts payable are generally paid in 5 to 90 days, we are typically able to carry current liabilities in excess of current assets. As previously noted, in March 2020, all of our restaurants began operating at reduced capacities due to the COVID-19 outbreak and initially were not able to generate sufficient cash from operations to cover all of our projected expenditures while operating at those reduced capacities. Accordingly, we took significant steps to adapt our business, which allowed us to continue to serve guests, support our team members and secure our liquidity position to provide financial flexibility. As state and local governments allowed us to open dining rooms at limited capacities our cash flows have improved, and during fiscal 2021 we have generated positive operating cash flows and fully repaid our $270.0 million 364-day term loan prior to maturity. Additionally, our Board of Directors has declared a cash dividend of $0.88 per share to be paid May 3, 2021 to all shareholders of record as of the close of business on April 9, 2021.

We currently manage our business and financial ratios to target an investment-grade bond rating, which has historically allowed flexible access to financing at reasonable costs. Our publicly issued long-term debt currently carries the following ratings:

•Moody’s Investors Service ~~“Baa3”~~“Baa2”;

•Standard & Poor’s ~~“BBB-”~~“BBB”; and

•Fitch ~~“BBB-”~~“BBB”.

Our commercial paper has ratings of:

•Moody’s Investors Service ~~“P-3”~~“P-2”;

•Standard & Poor’s ~~“A-3”~~“A-2”; and

•Fitch ~~“F-3”~~“F-2”.

These ratings are as of the date of the filing of this Form 10-Q and have been obtained with the understanding that Moody’s Investors Service, Standard & Poor’s and Fitch will continue to monitor our credit and make future adjustments to

these ratings to the extent warranted. The ratings are not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold our securities, may be changed, superseded or withdrawn at any time and should be evaluated independently of any other rating.

~~We maintain~~On September 10, 2021, we entered into a ~~$750.0 million~~$1 billion Revolving Credit Agreement (Revolving Credit Agreement) with Bank of America, N.A. (BOA), as administrative agent, and the lenders and other agents party thereto. The Revolving Credit Agreement is a senior unsecured credit commitment to the Company and contains customary representations and affirmative and negative covenants (including limitations on liens and subsidiary debt and a maximum consolidated lease adjusted total debt to total capitalization ratio of 0.75 to 1.00) and events of default usual for credit facilities of this type. The Revolving Credit Agreement replaced our prior $750.0 million revolving credit agreement, dated as of October 27, 2017 and amended as of March 25, 2020. As of February ~~28, 2021,~~27, 2022, we had no outstanding balances and we were in compliance with all covenants under the Revolving Credit Agreement.

The Revolving Credit Agreement matures on ~~October 27, 2022,~~September 10, 2026, and the proceeds may be used for working capital and capital expenditures, the refinancing of certain indebtedness, certain acquisitions and general corporate purposes. Loans under the Revolving Credit Agreement bear interest at a rate of LIBOR plus a margin determined by reference to a ratings-based pricing grid (Applicable Margin), or the base rate (which is defined as the highest of the BOA prime rate, ~~plus 0.075 percent,~~ the Federal Funds rate plus 0.500 percent, and the ~~Eurocurrency~~Eurodollar Rate plus ~~1.075~~1.00 percent) plus the Applicable Margin. Assuming a ~~“BBB-”~~“BBB” equivalent credit rating level, the Applicable Margin under the Revolving Credit Agreement will be ~~1.075~~1.000 percent for LIBOR loans and ~~0.075~~0.000 percent for base rate loans. ~~As of February 28, 2021, we had no outstanding balances under the Revolving Credit Agreement.~~

As of February ~~28, 2021,~~27, 2022, our outstanding long-term debt consisted principally of:

•$500.0 million of unsecured 3.850 percent senior notes due in May 2027;

•$96.3 million of unsecured 6.000 percent senior notes due in August 2035;

•$42.8 million of unsecured 6.800 percent senior notes due in October 2037; and

•$300.0 million of unsecured 4.550 percent senior notes due in February 2048.

The interest rate on our $42.8 million senior notes due in October 2037 is subject to adjustment from time to time if the debt rating assigned to such series of notes is downgraded below a certain rating level (or subsequently upgraded). The maximum adjustment is 2.000 percent above the initial interest rate and the interest rate cannot be reduced below the initial interest rate. As of February ~~28, 2021,~~27, 2022, no such adjustments are made to this rate.

We may from time to time repurchase our remaining outstanding debt in privately negotiated transactions. Such repurchases, if any, will depend on prevailing market conditions, our liquidity requirements and other factors.

From time to time we enter into interest rate derivative instruments. See Note 9 to our unaudited consolidated financial statements in Part I, Item 1 of this report, which is incorporated by reference.

Net cash flows provided by operating activities of continuing operations ~~decreased~~increased to $916.5 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2022, from $746.0 million for the first nine months of fiscal ~~2021, from $922.4 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2020.~~2021. Net cash flows provided by operating activities include net earnings from continuing operations of ~~$263.4~~$673.0 million and ~~$430.5~~$263.4 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2022 and 2021, ~~and 2020,~~ respectively. ~~The decrease~~Net cash flows provided by operating activities increased in fiscal 2022 primarily due to higher net earnings ~~is primarily driven~~from continuing operations, offset by the ~~impact of COVID-19.~~change in working capital compared to fiscal 2021.

Net cash flows used in investing activities of continuing operations were $280.9 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2022, compared to $181.4 million for the first nine months of fiscal ~~2021, compared~~2021. Capital expenditures increased to ~~$447.4~~$275.6 million for the first nine months of fiscal ~~2020. Capital expenditures decreased to~~2022 from $177.3 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2021 ~~from $374.5 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2020~~ reflecting ~~a decrease~~an increase in new restaurant construction and remodel activity during fiscal ~~2021. Net cash flows used in investing activities for fiscal 2020 also reflect net cash used of $50.1 million in the acquisition of Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen restaurants from existing franchisees.~~2022.

Net cash flows used in financing activities of continuing operations were $1.24 billion for the first nine months of fiscal 2022, compared to $335.5 million for the first nine months of fiscal ~~2021, compared to $608.1 million~~2021. Net cash flows used in financing activities for the first nine months of fiscal ~~2020.~~2022 included dividends paid of $426.2 million and share repurchases of $834.1 million partially offset by proceeds from the exercise of employee stock options. Net cash flows used in financing activities for the first nine months of fiscal 2021 included repayment of a 364-day term loan of $270.0 million prior to maturity as well as dividends paid of $87.3 million partially offset by proceeds from the exercise of employee stock options. Net cash flows used in financing activities for the first nine months of fiscal 2020 reflected dividends paid of $322.3 million and share repurchases of $300.3 million partially offset by proceeds from the exercise of employee stock options. Dividends declared by our Board of Directors totaled ~~$0.67~~$3.30 and ~~$2.64~~$0.67 per share for the first nine months of fiscal ~~2021~~2022 and ~~2020,~~2021, respectively.

On ~~March 23,~~September 22, 2021, our Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase program under which we may repurchase up to ~~$500.0~~$750.0 million of our outstanding common ~~stock.~~stock in addition to any amount remaining under the prior authorization. This repurchase program does not have an ~~expiration and replaces all other outstanding share repurchase authorizations.~~expiration. During the quarter and nine months ended February ~~28, 2021,~~27, 2022, we repurchased ~~0.0~~2.7 million and ~~0.1~~5.8 million shares of our common stock, respectively, compared to ~~0.6~~0.0 million and ~~2.6~~0.1 million

shares of our common stock, respectively, during the quarter and nine months ended February ~~23, 2020. All shares repurchased during the quarter and nine months ended February~~ 28, 2021 were solely related to shares withheld for taxes on vesting of restricted stock, shares delivered or deemed to be delivered to us on tender of stock in payment for the exercise price of options, or shares reacquired pursuant to tax withholding on option exercises.2021.

We are not a party to any off-balance sheet arrangements that have, or are reasonably likely to have, a current or future material effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, sales, costs or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.

Impairment of our assets, including goodwill or trademarks, adversely affects our financial position and results of operations, and our leverage ratio for purposes of our Revolving Credit Agreement. A leverage ratio exceeding the maximum permitted under our Revolving Credit Agreement would be a default under our Revolving Credit Agreement. At February ~~28, 2021,~~27, 2022, write-downs of goodwill, other indefinite-lived intangible assets, or any other assets in excess of approximately ~~$1.44~~$1.13 billion would have been required to cause our leverage ratio to exceed the permitted maximum. As our leverage ratio is determined on a quarterly basis, and due to the seasonal nature of our business, a lesser amount of impairment in future quarters could cause our leverage ratio to exceed the permitted maximum.

FINANCIAL CONDITION

Our current assets totaled ~~$1.30~~$1.28 billion as of February ~~28, 2021,~~27, 2022, compared to ~~$1.10~~$1.87 billion as of May ~~31, 2020.~~30, 2021. The ~~increase~~decrease was primarily due to ~~an increase~~a decrease in cash and cash equivalents.

Our current liabilities totaled ~~$1.65~~$1.82 billion as of February ~~28, 2021,~~27, 2022, compared to ~~$1.79~~$1.85 billion as of May ~~31, 2020.~~30, 2021. The decrease was primarily driven by ~~repayment of short-term debt,~~a decrease in other current liabilities, partially offset by an increase in ~~other current liabilities.~~unearned revenues associated with gift card sales in excess of gift card redemptions.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

We prepare our consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of

assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of sales, costs and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. We have discussed the development, selection and disclosure of those estimates with the Audit Committee. Our critical accounting estimates have not changed materially from those previously reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May ~~31, 2020.~~30, 2021.

APPLICATION OF NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

Information regarding application of new accounting standards is incorporated by reference from Note 1 to our unaudited consolidated financial statements in Part I, Item 1 of this report.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Statements set forth in or incorporated into this report regarding the expected increase in the number of our restaurants and capital expenditures in fiscal ~~2021,~~2022, projections for sales and all other statements that are not historical facts, including without limitation statements with respect to the financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business of Darden Restaurants, Inc. and its subsidiaries that are preceded by, followed by or that include words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “continue,” “estimate,” “project,” “believe,” “plan,” “outlook” or similar expressions, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and are included, along with this statement, for purposes of complying with the safe harbor provisions of that Act. Any forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which such statements are made, and we undertake no obligation to update such statements for any reason to reflect events or circumstances arising after such date. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in or implied by such forward-looking statements. In addition to the risks and uncertainties of ordinary business obligations, and those described in information incorporated into this report, the forward-looking statements contained in this report are subject to the risks and uncertainties described in Part I, Item 1A “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended May ~~31, 2020~~30, 2021 and in our Forms 10-Q (including this report), which are summarized as follows:

•The impacts of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on our business, including the response of governments and of our company to the pandemic and the effectiveness, acceptance, availability, timing and distribution of approved vaccines;

•Health concerns arising from food-related pandemics, outbreaks of flu viruses or other diseases;

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•Insufficient guest or employee facing technology, or a failure to maintain a continuous and secure cyber network, free from material failure, interruption or security breach;

•Food safety and food-borne illness concerns throughout the supply chain;

•The inability to hire, train, reward and retain restaurant team members;

•A failure to recruit, develop and retain effective leaders or the loss or shortage of key personnel;

•Insufficient or ineffective response to legislation or government regulation may impact our cost structure, operational efficiencies and talent availability;

•Litigation, including allegations of illegal, unfair or inconsistent employment practices;

•Unfavorable publicity, or a failure to respond effectively to adverse publicity;

•An inability or failure to recognize, respond to and effectively manage the accelerated impact of social media;

•The inability to cancel long-term, non-cancelable leases that we may want to cancel or the inability to renew the leases that we may want to extend at the end of their terms;

•Labor and insurance costs;

•Our inability or failure to execute a comprehensive business continuity plan following a major natural disaster such as a hurricane or manmade disaster, including terrorism;

•Intense competition, or an insufficient focus on competition and the consumer landscape;

•Changes in consumer preferences that may adversely affect demand for food at our restaurants;

•Our failure to drive both short-term and long-term profitable sales growth through brand relevance, operating excellence, opening new restaurants of existing brands and developing or acquiring new dining brands;

•A lack of suitable new restaurant locations or a decline in the quality of the locations of our current restaurants;

•Higher-than-anticipated costs to open, close, relocate or remodel restaurants;

•A failure to identify and execute innovative marketing and guest relationship tactics and ineffective or improper use of other marketing initiatives and increased advertising and marketing costs;

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•A failure to address cost pressures, including rising costs for commodities, labor, health care and utilities used by our restaurants, and a failure to effectively deliver cost management activities and achieve economies of scale in purchasing;

•The impact of shortages or interruptions in the delivery of food and other products from third-party vendors and suppliers;

•Adverse weather conditions and natural disasters;

•Volatility in the market value of derivatives we may use to hedge commodity and broader market prices;

•Volatility in the United States equity markets that may affect our ability to efficiently hedge exposures to our market risk related to equity-based compensation awards;

•Economic and business factors specific to the restaurant industry and other general macroeconomic factors including energy prices and interest rates that are largely out of our control;

•Disruptions in the financial markets that may impact consumer spending patterns, affect the availability and cost of credit;

•Risks associated with doing business with franchisees and licensees;

•Risks associated with doing business with business partners and vendors in foreign markets;

•Failure to protect our service marks or other intellectual property;

•Impairment of the carrying value of our goodwill or other intangible assets;

•Changes in tax laws or treaties and unanticipated tax liabilities; and

•A failure of our internal controls over financial reporting and future changes in accounting standards.

Any of the risks described above or elsewhere in this report or our other filings with the SEC could have a material impact on our business, financial condition or results of operations. It is not possible to predict or identify all risk factors. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently believe to be immaterial may also impair our business operations. Therefore, the above is not intended to be a complete discussion of all potential risks or uncertainties.

Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

We are exposed to a variety of market risks, including fluctuations in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, compensation and commodity prices. To manage this exposure, we periodically enter into interest rate, foreign currency

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exchange rate, equity forward and commodity derivative instruments for other than trading purposes (see Note 9 to our unaudited consolidated financial statements in Part I, Item 1 of this report).

We use the variance/covariance method to measure value at risk, over time horizons ranging from one week to one year, at the 95 percent confidence level. As of February ~~28, 2021,~~27, 2022, our potential losses in future net earnings resulting from changes in equity forwards, commodity instruments and floating rate debt interest rate exposures were approximately ~~$33.7~~$83.4 million over a period of one year. The value at risk from an increase in the fair value of all of our long-term fixed-rate debt, over a period of one year, was approximately ~~$77.5~~$76.3 million. The fair value of our long-term fixed-rate debt outstanding as of February ~~28, 2021,~~27, 2022, averaged ~~$996.09 million,~~$1.06 billion, with a high of ~~$1.05~~$1.09 billion and a low of ~~$917.27~~$980.6 million during the first nine months of fiscal ~~2021.~~2022. Our interest rate risk management objective is to limit the impact of interest rate changes on earnings and cash flows by targeting an appropriate mix of variable and fixed-rate debt.

Item 4.Controls and Procedures

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, we evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act)) as of February ~~28, 2021,~~27, 2022, the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of February ~~28, 2021.~~27, 2022.

During the fiscal quarter ended February ~~28, 2021,~~27, 2022, there was no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II

OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.Legal Proceedings

See the discussion of legal proceedings contained in the third paragraph of Note 11 to our unaudited consolidated financial statements in Part I, Item 1 of this report, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 1A.Risk Factors

There have been no material changes to the risk factors contained in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended May ~~31, 2020, as supplemented by the risk factors contained in Item 1A of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended November 29, 2020.~~30, 2021.

Item 2.Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

The table below provides information concerning our repurchase of shares of our common stock during the quarter ended February ~~28, 2021.~~27, 2022.

(Dollars in millions, except per share data) Total Number of
Shares Purchased (1) (2) Average
Price Paid
per Share Total Number of
Shares Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs Maximum Dollar Value of
Shares that May Yet
be Purchased
Under the Plans or
Programs (3)
November 30, 2020 through January 3, 2021 — $ — — $ 283.8
January 4, 2021 through January 31, 2021 3,959 $ 121.98 3,959 $ 283.3
February 1, 2021 through February 28, 2021 — $ — �� $ 283.3
Total 3,959 $ 121.98 3,959 $ 283.3


(Dollars in millions, except per share data)	Total Number of Shares Purchased (1) (2)	Average Price Paid per Share		Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs	Maximum Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (3)
November 29, 2021 through January 2, 2022	884,973	$	146.01	884,973	$	631.9
January 3, 2022 through January 30, 2022	1,170,299	$	140.57	1,170,299	$	467.4
January 31, 2022 through February 27, 2022	611,191	$	144.03	611,191	$	379.4
Quarter-to-Date	2,666,463	$	143.17	2,666,463	$	379.4

(1)All of the shares purchased during the quarter ended February ~~28, 2021~~27, 2022 were purchased as part of our repurchase program. On ~~March 23,~~September 22, 2021, our Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase program under which ~~the Company~~we may repurchase up to ~~$500.0~~$750.0 million of ~~its~~our outstanding common ~~stock.~~stock in addition to any amount remaining under the prior authorization. This repurchase program, which was announced publicly in a press release issued on ~~March 25,~~September 23, 2021, does not have an ~~expiration and replaced the previously existing share repurchase authorization.~~expiration.

(2)The number of shares purchased includes shares withheld for taxes on vesting of restricted stock, shares delivered or deemed to be delivered to us on tender of stock in payment for the exercise price of options, and shares reacquired pursuant to tax withholding on option exercises. These shares are included as part of our repurchase program and deplete the repurchase authority granted by our Board. The number of shares repurchased excludes shares we reacquired pursuant to forfeiture of restricted stock.

(3)Repurchases are subject to prevailing market prices, may be made in open market or private transactions and may occur or be discontinued at any time. There can be no assurance that we will repurchase any shares.

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Item 6.Exhibits



Exhibit No.						Exhibit Title
31(a)						Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31(b)						Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32(a)						Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32(b)						Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
101.INS						XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH						XBRL Schema Document
101.CAL						XBRL Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF						XBRL Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB						XBRL Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE						XBRL Presentation Linkbase Document

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SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.



		DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.

Dated:	April ~~6, 2021~~5, 2022	By:	/s/ Rajesh Vennam
			Rajesh Vennam
			Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
			(Principal financial officer)

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	Common Stock And Surplus		Retained Earnings		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)		Unearned Compensation		Total Stockholders’ Equity
Balance at November 29, 2020	$	2,239.0	$	223.2	$	(7.1)	$	0	$	2,455.1
Net earnings	—		128.7		—		—		128.7
Other comprehensive income					7.8				7.8
Dividends declared ($0.37 per share)	—		(48.6)		—		—		(48.6)
Stock option exercises (0.4 shares)	21.5		—		—		—		21.5
Stock-based compensation	9.2		—		—		—		9.2
Repurchases of common stock (0.0 shares)	0		(0.4)		—		—		(0.4)
Issuance of stock under Employee Stock Purchase Plan and other plans (0.0 shares)	2.3		—		—		—		2.3
Other	(0.2)		0.1		—		—		(0.1)
Balance at February 28, 2021	$	2,271.8	$	303.0	$	0.7	$	0	$	2,575.5

Balance at May 31, 2020	$	2,205.3	$	143.5	$	(17.6)	$	0	$	2,331.2
Net earnings	—		260.8		—		—		260.8
Other comprehensive income					18.3				18.3
Dividends declared ($0.67 per share)			(88.1)		—		—		(88.1)
Stock option exercises (0.5 shares)	27.1		—		—		—		27.1
Stock-based compensation	32.2		—		—		—		32.2
Repurchases of common stock (0.1 shares)	(1.5)		(5.7)		—		—		(7.2)
Issuance of stock under Employee Stock Purchase Plan and other plans (0.1 shares)	7.1		—		—				7.1
Other	1.6		(7.5)		—		—		(5.9)
Balance at February 28, 2021	$	2,271.8	$	303.0	$	0.7	$	0	$	2,575.5


Balance at November 24, 2019	$	1,690.0	$	584.5	$	(0.5)	$	(0.3)	$	2,273.7
Net earnings	—		232.3		—		—		232.3
Other comprehensive income	—		—		0.1		—		0.1
Dividends declared ($0.88 per share)	—		(107.4)		—		—		(107.4)
Stock option exercises (0.1 shares)	0.7		—		—		—		0.7
Stock-based compensation	8.7		—		—		—		8.7
Repurchases of common stock (0.6 shares)	(8.6)		(60.8)		—		—		(69.4)
Issuance of stock under Employee Stock Purchase Plan and other plans (0.0 shares)	2.2		—		—		—		2.2
Other	0		0		—		0.3		0.3
Balance at February 23, 2020	$	1,693.0	$	648.6	$	(0.4)	$	0	$	2,341.2

Balance at May 26, 2019	$	1,685.0	$	806.6	$	(98.2)	$	(0.8)	$	2,392.6
Net earnings	—		427.6		—		—		427.6
Other comprehensive income	—		—		97.8		—		97.8
Dividends declared ($2.64 per share)	—		(324.9)		—		—		(324.9)
Stock option exercises (0.3 shares)	11.5		—		—		—		11.5
Stock-based compensation	24.3		—		—		—		24.3
Repurchases of common stock (2.6 shares)	(35.8)		(264.5)		—		—		(300.3)
Issuance of stock under Employee Stock Purchase Plan and other plans (0.1 shares)	6.2		—		—		—		6.2
Other	1.8		3.8		—		0.8		6.4
Balance at February 23, 2020	$	1,693.0	$	648.6	$	(0.4)	$	0	$	2,341.2


(in millions)	Initial Liability		Payments		Balance at February 28, 2021
Accrued liability (1)	$	38.1	$	(16.3)	$	21.8