SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-Q (Mark One) [X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the quarterly period ended February 23, 1997 [ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from ............... to ............... Commission File Number 1-13666 DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Florida 59-3305930 (State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer incorporation or organization) Identification No.) 5900 Lake Ellenor Drive, 32809 Orlando, Florida (Zip Code) (Address of principal executive offices) 407-245-4000 (Registrant's telephone number, including area code) 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._X_ Yes ___ No APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS: Number of shares of common stock outstanding as of March 13, 1997: 152,980,212 (excluding 6,941,369 shares held in treasury). DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC. TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Part I - Financial Information Item 1. Financial Statements Consolidated Statements of Earnings 2 Consolidated Balance Sheets 4 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 5 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 7 Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 8 Part II - Other Information Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K 11 Signatures 12 Index to Exhibits 13 PART I-FINANCIAL INFORMATION Item 1. Financial Statements DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (In Thousands, Except per Share Data) (Unaudited) Thirteen Weeks Ended February 23, 1997 February 25, 1996 - -------------------------------------------------------------------- Sales....................... $800,846 $795,111 Costs and Expenses: Cost of sales: Food and beverages........ 277,824 262,230 Restaurant labor.......... 258,555 237,076 Restaurant expenses....... 116,908 106,973 -------- -------- Total Cost of Sales...... $653,287 $606,279 Selling, general and 85,245 95,092 administrative............ Depreciation and amortization 35,067 31,711 Interest, net............... 5,634 5,532 -------- -------- Total Costs and Expenses. $779,233 $738,614 -------- -------- Earnings before Income Taxes 21,613 56,497 Income Taxes................ (5,890) (20,889) -------- -------- Net Earnings................ $ 15,723 $ 35,608 ======== ======== Earnings per Share.......... $ 0.10 $ 0.22 ======= ======= Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding........ 154,200 159,100 ======== ======== <FN> See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. </FN> DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (In Thousands, Except per Share Data) (Unaudited) Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended February 23, 1997 February 25, 1996 - -------------------------------------------------------------------- Sales....................... $2,355,158 $2,362,316 Costs and Expenses: Cost of sales: Food and beverages........ 803,621 780,544 Restaurant labor.......... 757,763 707,715 Restaurant expenses....... 360,090 343,078 ---------- ---------- Total Cost of Sales...... $1,921,474 $1,831,337 Selling, general and 277,636 280,299 administrative............ Depreciation and amortization 105,170 99,833 Interest, net............... 16,191 16,346 Restructuring............... 75,000 ---------- ---------- Total Costs and Expenses. $2,320,471 $2,302,815 Earnings before Income Taxes 34,687 59,501 Income Taxes................ (9,660) (19,628) ----------- ---------- Net Earnings................ $ 25,027 $ 39,873 ========== ========== Earnings per Share.......... $ 0.16 $ 0.25 ========== ========== Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding........ 156,500 158,800 ========== ========== <FN> See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. </FN> DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (In Thousands) (Unaudited) February 23, 1997 May 26, 1996 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ASSETS Current Assets: Cash and cash equivalents........ $ 28,787 $ 30,343 Receivables...................... 30,704 24,772 Prepaid income taxes............. 9,555 Inventories...................... 147,426 120,725 Net assets held for disposal..... 42,341 31,762 Prepaid expenses and other current assets................. 14,770 17,298 Deferred income taxes............ 50,789 63,080 ---------- ---------- Total Current Assets......... $ 324,372 $ 287,980 Land, Buildings and Equipment....... 1,680,506 1,702,861 Other Assets........................ 94,363 97,663 ---------- ---------- Total Assets................. $2,099,241 $2,088,504 ========== ========== LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Current Liabilities: Accounts payable.................. $ 152,463 $ 128,196 Short-term debt................... 79,300 72,600 Current portion of long-term debt. 4 54 Accrued payroll................... 56,525 53,677 Accrued income taxes.............. 12,522 Other accrued taxes............... 19,844 18,921 Other current liabilities......... 155,189 159,336 ---------- ---------- Total Current Liabilities.... $ 463,325 $ 445,306 Long-term Debt...................... 313,757 301,151 Deferred Income Taxes............... 101,429 101,109 Other Liabilities................... 18,573 18,301 ---------- ---------- Total Liabilities............ $ 897,084 $ 865,867 ---------- ---------- Stockholders' Equity: Common stock and surplus......... $1,267,944 $1,266,212 Retained earnings................ 80,451 61,708 Treasury stock................... (69,042) (25,037) Cumulative foreign currency adjustment..................... (9,691) (10,351) Unearned compensation............ (67,505) (69,895) ---------- ---------- Total Stockholders' Equity... $1,202,157 $1,222,637 ---------- ---------- Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity............................ $2,099,241 $2,088,504 ========== ========== <FN> See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. </FN> DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (In Thousands) (Unaudited) Thirteen Weeks Ended February 23, February 25, 1997 1996 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash Flows--Operating Activities Net earnings............................ $15,723 $ 35,608 Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to cash flow: Depreciation and amortization.......... 35,067 31,711 Amortization of unearned compensation and loan costs............................. 960 510 Change in current assets and liabilities 28,461 75,795 Change in other liabilities ........... 91 1,282 Loss on disposal of land, buildings and equipment.............................. 1,593 1,348 Deferred income taxes.................. 4,581 (2,597) Other, net............................. (71) (207) -------- -------- Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities $ 86,405 $143,450 -------- -------- Cash Flows--Investment Activities Purchases of land, buildings and equipment (42,548) (62,305) Purchases of intangibles................ (88) Decrease in other assets................ 247 2,241 Proceeds from disposal of land, buildings and equipment (including net assets held for disposal)......................... 9,569 11,213 Net Cash Used by Investment Activities $(32,820) $(48,851) Cash Flows--Financing Activities Proceeds from issuance of common stock.. 337 2,104 Income tax benefit credited to equity... 71 Purchases of treasury stock............. (34,813) ESOP note receivable repayment.......... 1,000 200 Decrease in short-term debt............. (11,000) (52,100) Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt 248,303 Repayment of long-term debt............. (1,000) (250,027) Payment of interest rate swap settlement costs................................. (27,670) Payment of loan costs................... (1,850) -------- -------- Net Cash Used by Financing Activities $(45,405) $(81,040) -------- -------- Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents..... 8,180 13,559 Cash and Cash Equivalents - Beginning of Period.................................. 20,607 16,991 -------- -------- Cash and Cash Equivalents - End of Period. $ 28,787 $ 30,550 ======== ======== Cash Flow from Changes in Current Assets and Liabilities: Receivables............................. (1,805) (7,947) Prepaid income taxes.................... 1,670 4,284 Inventories............................. (7,524) 25,183 Net assets held for disposal............ (485) Prepaid expenses and other current assets 3,170 2,640 Accounts payable........................ 22,805 27,516 Accrued payroll......................... 3,246 1,643 Accrued income taxes.................... 1,849 Other accrued taxes..................... (2,106) (2,237) Other current liabilities............... 9,005 23,349 -------- -------- Change in Current Assets and Liabilities.. $ 28,461 $ 75,795 ======== ======== <FN> See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. </FN> DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended February 23, February 25, 1997 1996 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash Flows--Operating Activities Net earnings............................ $ 25,027 $ 39,873 Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to cash flow: Depreciation and amortization.......... 105,170 99,833 Amortization of unearned compensation and 2,781 1,038 loan costs............................ Change in current assets and liabilities (20,806) 4,869 Change in other liabilities ........... 272 2,457 Loss on disposal of land, buildings and 4,461 4,335 equipment............................. Deferred income taxes.................. 12,611 1,727 Non-cash restructuring expenses........ 71,225 Other, net............................. 10 1,443 -------- -------- Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities...................... $129,526 $226,800 -------- -------- Cash Flows--Investment Activities Purchases of land, buildings and equipment (125,948) (148,210) Purchases of intangibles.............. (617) (969) Decrease in other assets.............. 1,265 44 Proceeds from disposal of land, buildings and equipment (including net assets held for disposal).................... 22,303 13,435 Net Cash Used by Investment Activities...................... $(102,997) $(135,700) Cash Flows--Financing Activities Proceeds from issuance of common stock.. 1,275 5,224 Income tax benefit credited to equity... 360 Dividends paid.......................... (6,284) (6,332) Purchases of treasury stock............. (44,005) ESOP note receivable repayment.......... 1,600 1,100 Increase (decrease) in short-term debt.. 6,700 (49,400) Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt 16,900 248,303 Repayment of long-term debt............. (4,454) (250,059) Payment of interest rate swap settlement costs................................. (27,670) Payment of loan costs................... (177) (1,850) -------- -------- Net Cash Used by Financing Activities $(28,085) $(80,684) -------- -------- Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents............................. (1,556) 10,416 Cash and Cash Equivalents - Beginning of Period 30,343 20,134 -------- -------- Cash and Cash Equivalents - End of Period. $ 28,787 $ 30,550 ======== ======== Cash Flow from Changes in Current Assets and Liabilities: Receivables............................. (5,932) (9,547) Prepaid income taxes.................... (9,555) Inventories............................. (26,701) 16,777 Net assets held for disposal............ (2,194) Prepaid expenses and other current assets 2,528 11,164 Accounts payable........................ 24,267 (10,562) Accrued payroll......................... 2,848 (1,644) Accrued income taxes.................... (12,522) (10,101) Other accrued taxes..................... 923 (800) Other current liabilities............... 3,338 11,776 -------- -------- Change in Current Assets and Liabilities.. $(20,806) $ 4,869 ======== ======== <FN> See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. </FN> DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Dollar Amounts in Thousands, Except per Share Data) Note 1 - Background These consolidated financial statements do not include certain information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. However, in the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included and are of a normal recurring nature. Operating results for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended February 23, 1997 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending May 25, 1997. These statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and footnotes included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended May 26, 1996. The accounting policies used in preparing these consolidated financial statements are the same as those described in our annual report on Form10-K. Note 2 - Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows During the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended February 23, 1997, Darden paid $8,975 and $18,109, respectively, for interest (net of amount capitalized) and $471 and $19,669, respectively, for income taxes. Note 3 - Restructuring Expense Darden recorded restructuring expense of $75,000 during the thirty-nine weeks ended February 25, 1996 related to the closing of all China Coast restaurants. These expenses resulted in a reduction of net earnings of approximately $44,800 ($.28 per share) and primarily relate to the write-down of land, buildings and equipment to net realizable value. These restructuring actions are expected to be substantially completed in fiscal 1997. As of February 23, 1997, $10,722 of cash payments had been charged against the restructuring reserve. Note 4 - Subsequent Event The Company's Board of Directors approved a fourth quarter fiscal 1997 charge totaling $230,100 representing a $159,200 asset impairment write-down under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 121 (SFAS 121) and $70,900 in other restructuring and administrative expenses, including the closing of certain restaurant properties. The asset impairment portion of the charge relates primarily to low performing restaurant properties and other long-lived assets including those restaurants closed in the fourth quarter. The total charge also provides for a planned change in the method of operating in Canada from all company-owned restaurants to franchising. These expenses will result in a reduction of annual and fourth quarter fiscal 1997 net earnings of $145,491 ($0.94 per share). Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations The following table sets forth selected restaurant operating data as a percentage of sales for the periods indicated. All information is derived from the consolidated statements of earnings for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended February 23, 1997 and February 25, 1996. Thirteen Weeks Ended Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended ---------------------------------------------- February February February February 23, 1997 25, 1996 23, 1997 25, 1996 ---------------------------------------------- Sales............................... 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Costs and Expenses: Cost of sales: Food and beverages............... 34.7 33.0 34.1 33.0 Restaurant labor................. 32.3 29.8 32.2 30.0 Restaurant expenses.............. 14.6 13.4 15.3 14.5 ----- ----- ----- ----- Total Cost of Sales.......... 81.6% 76.2% 81.6% 77.5% Selling, general and administrative. 10.6 12.0 11.8 11.9 Depreciation and amortization....... 4.4 4.0 4.4 4.2 Interest, net....................... 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 ----- ----- ----- ----- Total Costs and Expenses before Restructuring Expenses................... 97.3% 92.9% 98.5% 94.3% Restructuring....................... 0.0 0.0 0.0 3.2 ----- ----- ----- ----- Total Costs and Expenses after Restructuring Expenses................... 97.3% 92.9% 98.5% 97.5% ----- ----- ----- ----- Earnings before Income Taxes........ 2.7 7.1 1.5 2.5 Income Taxes........................ (0.7) (2.6) (0.4) (0.8) ----- ----- ----- ----- Net Earnings ....................... 2.0% 4.5% 1.1% 1.7% ===== ===== ===== ===== Net Earnings before Restructuring Expenses: Earnings before Restructuring Expenses and Income Taxes......... 2.7% 7.1% 1.5% 5.7% Income Taxes before Restructuring Expenses.......................... (0.7) (2.6) (0.4) (2.1) ----- ----- ----- ----- Net Earnings before Restructuring Expenses............................ 2.0% 4.5% 1.1% 3.6% ===== ===== ===== ===== RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Operating results before restructuring expenses for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended February 23, 1997 and February 25, 1996 are summarized below: (Dollar Amounts in Thousands, Except per Share Data) Thirteen Weeks Ended Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended --------------------------------------------------- February February February February 23, 1997 25, 1996 23, 1997 25, 1996 --------------------------------------------------- Earnings before Restructuring Expenses and Income Taxes......... $21,613 $56,497 $34,687 $134,501 Income Taxes before Restructuring Expenses.......................... (5,890) (20,889) (9,660) (49,779) ------- ------- ------- -------- Net Earnings before Restructuring Expenses.......................... $15,723 $35,608 $25,027 $ 84,722 ======= ======= ======= ======== Earnings per Share before Restructuring Expenses............ $ 0.10 $ 0.22 $ 0.16 $ 0.53 ======= ======= ======= ======== For the fiscal 1997 third quarter ended February 23, 1997, earnings after tax were $15.7 million or ten cents per share, compared to earnings after tax of $35.6 million or 22 cents per share in the third quarter of last fiscal year. The decline in third quarter earnings was mainly attributable to lower earnings at Red Lobster due to actions initiated during the second quarter to enhance long-term performance including new menu items, bolder flavors, lower prices and service improvements. Sales of $800.8 million for the quarter were up almost one percent compared to last year. For the first nine months of fiscal 1997, net earnings were $25.0 million or 16 cents per share, compared to earnings before unusual items of $84.7 million or 53 cents per share in the same fiscal 1996 period. The closing of all China Coast restaurants during the first quarter of fiscal 1996 resulted in a $44.8 million after-tax charge (28 cents per share). Fiscal 1996 nine month earnings including this unusual item amounted to $39.9 million or 25 cents per share. All cost elements as a percentage of sales in the third quarter were affected by Red Lobster's repositioning strategy initiated in the second quarter. Food and beverage costs for the quarter were 34.7% of sales, compared to 33.0% last year, because of the strategy to lower check averages, and increase portions at Red Lobster. Restaurant labor increased to 32.3% of sales, compared to 29.8% last year, due to continued wage inflation and additional training initiatives to improve service at both Red Lobster and The Olive Garden. Restaurant expenses increased to 14.6% of sales compared to 13.4% last year, primarily due to overall inflation in operating costs during a period when sales grew only modestly. As a result, the store-level profit margin decreased to 18.4% in the third quarter, compared to 23.8% in the prior year. The decrease in third-quarter selling, general and administrative expenses to 10.6% of sales, compared to 12.0% of sales last year, was the result of reduced marketing expense at both Red Lobster and The Olive Garden. Food and beverage costs for the first nine months of fiscal 1997 were 34.1% of sales, up from last year's 33.0%. Again, this unfavorable increase was expected and resulted from the strategy to lower check averages and increase portions at Red Lobster. Restaurant labor costs were 32.2%, up from last year's 30.0% due to one-time training costs at Red Lobster to launch the new menu, continued wage inflation and additional training initiatives to improve service at both Red Lobster and The Olive Garden. Restaurant expenses were 15.3% of sales, compared to 14.5% in the prior year. Selling, general and administrative expense decreased to 11.8% of sales, compared to 11.9% in the prior year. The effective tax rate for the first nine months of fiscal 1997 was 28% compared to 33% last year. The decline in the effective tax rate reflects higher tax credits and lower pretax income for the year. DIVISION RESULTS Red Lobster sales of $475.3 million were down slightly compared to the third quarter last year. Same-store sales in the U.S. were down 3.6% in the third quarter as a result of the menu changes implemented in September and a move away from high-priced promotions. The shift of the Thanksgiving holiday into this year's third quarter reduced sales and customer traffic by about one percentage point due to all restaurants being closed for business on Thanksgiving day. Customer reaction to the new menu and service initiatives continues to be positive, and third quarter traffic rose by almost four percent over the same period last year (up five percent without the holiday shift), compared with traffic declines of over three percent for competitive casual dining companies. Because of the short-term costs of the many actions underway to improve Red Lobster's operating performance, third-quarter operating profits were significantly below the prior year. In each month of the quarter, however, earnings and profit margins improved over the prior month. Through the first nine months of fiscal 1997, Red Lobster's sales declined 2.0% to $1.39 billion and same-store sales in the U.S. declined by 4.5%. During the third quarter, Red Lobster opened three restaurants and closed ten for a total of 726 restaurants compared to 716 at the end of the third quarter last year. Red Lobster also relocated five restaurants during the quarter, all of which utilized former China Coast sites, and intends to relocate four more restaurants during the fourth quarter. Also, during the third quarter, 55 restaurants were remodeled with the wharfside decor package at an average cost of under $200,000 each. The balance of restaurants to be remodeled are expected to be completed by the end of the fiscal year. The Olive Garden continued its positive momentum in the third quarter of fiscal 1997 as sales increased 2.5% to $323.9 million. Same-store sales in the U.S. increased 0.6% marking the tenth consecutive quarter of same-store sales increases. As was the case with Red Lobster, the shift of the Thanksgiving holiday into the third quarter reduced same-store sales by about one percentage point. The Olive Garden's third-quarter operating profits were slightly ahead of last year. Through the first nine months of fiscal 1997, The Olive Garden's sales increased 3.5% to $962.4 million and same-store sales in the U.S. increased by 1.2%. During the third quarter, The Olive Garden opened one restaurant and closed three for a total of 489 restaurants at the end of the third quarter, compared to 480 restaurants last year. The initial Bahama Breeze restaurant in Orlando celebrated its one-year anniversary with record sales in February. A second restaurant is under construction in the Orlando market and is expected to open in the fourth quarter. The Company hopes to build two to three more Bahama Breeze restaurants in fiscal 1998. The table below details the number of restaurants open at the end of the third quarter fiscal year 1997, compared with the number open at the end fiscal year 1996 and the end of last fiscal year's third quarter. NUMBER OF RESTAURANTS February 23, 1997 May 26, 1996 February 25, 1996 ----------------- ------------ ----------------- Red Lobster - USA 674 677 664 Red Lobster - Canada 52 52 52 ----- ----- ----- Total 726 729 716 Olive Garden - USA 473 471 464 Olive Garden - Canada 16 16 16 ----- ----- ----- Total 489 487 480 Bahama Breeze 1 1 1 ----- ----- ----- Total 1,216 1,217 1,197 ===== ===== ===== Darden recently completed market optimization studies for Red Lobster and The Olive Garden that assessed the strength of each restaurant location, its financial performance and other factors to determine the optimal number and location of restaurants in major markets. The result is a planned fourth-quarter pretax charge of $230.1 million which will include a write-down of assets under SFAS 121 of $159.2 million for operations in both the U.S. and Canada and other restructuring and administrative actions aggregating $70.9 million. The total cash flow effect is expected to be modestly positive. The fourth-quarter charge covers the following actions: The write-down of certain restaurant operating assets to their net realizable value as required under SFAS 121. The immediate closing of the Company's poorest performing restaurants in the U.S., including 24 Red Lobster and 12 The Olive Garden restaurants. A change in the method of operating in Canada from all company-operated restaurants to franchising. The Company plans to pursue franchising arrangements for its existing 52 Red Lobster and 16 The Olive Garden restaurants in Canada with appropriately capitalized and experienced operators, but no franchising arrangements have been finalized as of the date of filing this report. The write-off of outdated restaurant decor, smallwares and equipment, including point-of-sale computer systems in the restaurants. PART II-OTHER INFORMATION Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K (a) Exhibits. Exhibit 11 Determination of Common Shares and Common Share Equivalents Exhibit 12 Computation of Ratio of Consolidated Earnings to Fixed Charges Exhibit 27 Financial Data Schedule (b) Reports on Form 8-K. On December 11, 1996, the Company filed a current report on Form 8-K to announce certain financial results for the second quarter of fiscal year 1997. SIGNATURES 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: March 21, 1997 By: /s/ C. L. Whitehill ---------------------- C.L. Whitehill Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary Dated: March 21, 1997 By: /s/ James D. Smith --------------------- James D. Smith Senior Vice President - Finance (Principal financial and accounting officer) INDEX TO EXHIBITS Exhibit Number Exhibit Title Page 11 Determination of Common Shares and Common Share Equivalents 14 12 Computation of Ratio of Consolidated Earnings to Fixed Charges 15 27 Financial Data Schedule 16