Exhibit 12
DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.
COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF CONSOLIDATED EARNINGS (LOSS) TO FIXED CHARGES
(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)
Thirteen Weeks Ended Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
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November 23, November 24, November 23, November 24,
1997 1996 1997 1996
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Consolidated Earnings (Loss) from
Operations before Income Taxes............... $ 11,786 $ (15,819) $ 48,036 $ 13,074
Plus Fixed Charges............................. 9,259 10,026 18,311 19,614
Less Capitalized Interest...................... (295) (249) (581) (704)
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Consolidated Earnings (Loss) from
Operations before Income Taxes
Available to Cover Fixed Charges............. $ 20,750 $ (6,042) $ 65,766 $ 31,984
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Ratio of Consolidated Earnings (Loss) to
Fixed Charges................................ 2.24 (.60) 3.59 1.63
========= ========= ========= =========
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