DARDEN RESTAURANTS INC
10-Q, 2000-04-11
EATING PLACES
Previous: PSINET INC, 425, 2000-04-11
Next: ROSENWALD LINDSAY A MD, 4, 2000-04-11




- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                            ------------------------
                                    FORM 10-Q
                            ------------------------

(MarkOne)
[X]  QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
     ACT OF 1934

                For the quarterly period ended February 27, 2000

[ ]  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        (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
     of incorporation or organization)

         5900 Lake Ellenor Drive,
            Orlando, Florida                                32809
(Address of principal executive offices)                 (Zip Code)

                                  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  28,  2000:
123,729,845 (excluding 42,091,805 shares held in treasury).

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


<PAGE>

                            DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                                                           Page

Part I -  Financial Information

          Item 1.  Financial Statements

                   Consolidated Statements of Earnings                       3

                   Consolidated Balance Sheets                               5

                   Consolidated Statements of Changes in
                     Stockholders' Equity                                    6

                   Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows                     7

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                9

          Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
                   Condition and Results of Operations                       11

Part II - Other Information

          Item 6.  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K                          14

Signatures                                                                   15

Index to Exhibits                                                            16


                                       2


<PAGE>
                                     PART I
                              FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.   Financial Statements

                            DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.
                       CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
                      (In Thousands, Except per Share Data)
                                   (Unaudited)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             Thirteen Weeks Ended
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                  February 27, 2000          February 28, 1999
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                               <C>                        <C>
Sales........................................................          $  917,505                $  866,907
Costs and Expenses:
   Cost of sales:
     Food and beverages......................................             295,289                   284,272
     Restaurant labor........................................             295,031                   280,458
     Restaurant expenses.....................................             123,900                   119,667
                                                                       ----------                ----------
       Total Cost of sales...................................          $  714,220                $  684,397
   Selling, general and administrative.......................              90,934                    88,156
   Depreciation and amortization.............................              32,990                    31,415
   Interest, net.............................................               6,646                     4,422
                                                                       ----------                ----------
         Total Costs and Expenses............................          $  844,790                $  808,390
                                                                       ----------                ----------

Earnings before Income Taxes.................................              72,715                    58,517
Income Taxes.................................................             (25,823)                  (20,164)
                                                                       ----------                ----------

Net Earnings.................................................          $   46,892                $   38,353
                                                                       ==========                ==========

Net Earnings per Share:
   Basic ....................................................          $     0.37                $     0.28
                                                                       ==========                ==========
   Diluted...................................................          $     0.36                $     0.27
                                                                       ==========                ==========

Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding:
   Basic ....................................................             127,700                   137,100
                                                                       ==========                ==========
   Diluted...................................................             130,500                   141,200
                                                                       ==========                ==========
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                       3

<PAGE>
                            DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.
                       CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
                      (In Thousands, Except per Share Data)
                                   (Unaudited)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                  February 27, 2000          February 28, 1999
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                               <C>                        <C>
Sales........................................................         $ 2,695,127               $ 2,544,132
Costs and Expenses:
   Cost of sales:
     Food and beverages......................................             865,919                   838,303
     Restaurant labor........................................             870,208                   828,762
     Restaurant expenses.....................................             383,183                   372,342
                                                                      -----------               -----------
       Total Cost of sales...................................         $ 2,119,310               $ 2,039,407
   Selling, general and administrative.......................             279,292                   259,299
   Depreciation and amortization.............................              96,131                    93,738
   Interest, net.............................................              16,487                    14,643
                                                                      -----------               -----------
         Total Costs and Expenses............................         $ 2,511,220               $ 2,407,087
                                                                      -----------               -----------

Earnings before Income Taxes.................................             183,907                   137,045
Income Taxes.................................................             (65,248)                  (47,594)
                                                                      -----------               -----------

Net Earnings.................................................         $   118,659               $    89,451
                                                                      ===========               ===========

Net Earnings per Share:
   Basic ....................................................         $      0.91               $      0.65
                                                                      ===========               ===========
   Diluted...................................................         $      0.89               $      0.63
                                                                      ===========               ===========

Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding:
   Basic ....................................................             130,200                   138,500
                                                                      ===========               ===========
   Diluted...................................................             133,800                   142,300
                                                                      ===========               ===========

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                       4


<PAGE>

                            DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.
                           CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                                 (In Thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      (Unaudited)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   February 27, 2000            May 30, 1999
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                <C>                          <C>
                            ASSETS
Current Assets:
   Cash and cash equivalents.................................         $    20,345               $    40,960
   Receivables...............................................              29,259                    20,256
   Inventories...............................................             204,801                   144,115
   Net assets held for disposal..............................              25,997                    35,269
   Prepaid expenses and other current assets.................              17,415                    21,475
   Deferred income taxes.....................................              52,430                    65,662
                                                                      -----------               -----------
     Total Current Assets....................................         $   350,247               $   327,737
Land, Buildings and Equipment................................           1,539,243                 1,461,535
Other Assets.................................................             103,498                   104,388
                                                                      -----------               -----------

         Total Assets........................................         $ 1,992,988               $ 1,893,660
                                                                      ===========               ===========

             LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Current Liabilities:
   Accounts payable..........................................         $   124,599               $   144,725
   Short-term debt...........................................             155,000                    23,500
   Current portion of long-term debt.........................               2,386                     2,386
   Accrued payroll...........................................              74,790                    74,265
   Accrued incomes taxes.....................................              16,683                    16,544
   Other accrued taxes.......................................              23,180                    25,965
   Other current liabilities.................................             238,711                   234,830
                                                                      -----------               -----------
     Total Current Liabilities...............................         $   635,349               $   522,215
Long-term Debt...............................................             309,299                   314,065
Deferred Income Taxes........................................              71,988                    72,086
Other Liabilities............................................              21,202                    21,258
                                                                      -----------               -----------
       Total Liabilities.....................................         $ 1,037,838               $   929,624
                                                                      -----------               -----------

Stockholders' Equity:
   Common stock and surplus..................................         $ 1,349,267               $ 1,328,796
   Retained earnings.........................................             291,440                   178,008
   Treasury stock............................................            (613,593)                 (466,902)
   Accumulated other comprehensive income....................             (11,817)                  (12,115)
   Unearned compensation.....................................             (60,147)                  (63,751)
                                                                      -----------               -----------
       Total Stockholders' Equity............................         $   955,150               $   964,036
                                                                      -----------               -----------

         Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity..........         $ 1,992,988               $ 1,893,660
                                                                      ===========               ===========

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                       5


<PAGE>

                            DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.
           CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
     For the Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended February 27, 2000 and February 28, 1999
                                 (In Thousands)
                                   (Unaudited)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                              Common                              Accumulated
                                               Stock                                 Other                       Total
                                                and      Retained    Treasury    Comprehensive    Unearned    Stockholders'
                                              Surplus    Earnings      Stock        Income      Compensation     Equity
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                          <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>            <C>           <C>
Balance at May 30, 1999....................  $1,328,796  $178,008    $(466,902)     $(12,115)     $(63,751)    $  964,036
Comprehensive income:
   Net earnings............................               118,659                                                 118,659
   Other comprehensive income, foreign
     currency adjustment...................                                              298                          298
                                                                                                               ----------
       Total comprehensive income..........                                                                       118,957
Cash dividends declared....................                (5,227)                                                 (5,227)
Stock option exercises (974 shares)........      8,992                                                              8,992
Issuance of restricted stock (220 shares),
  net of forfeiture adjustments............      3,563                                              (3,590)           (27)
Earned compensation........................                                                          2,344          2,344
ESOP note receivable repayments............                                                          4,850          4,850
Income tax benefit credited to equity......      4,627                                                              4,627
Proceeds from issuance of equity put
  options..................................      1,814                                                              1,814
Purchases of common stock for treasury
  (8,128 shares)...........................                           (148,252)                                  (148,252)
Issuance of treasury stock under Employee
  Stock Purchase Plan (180 shares).........      1,475                   1,561                                      3,036

- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at February 27, 2000...............  $1,349,267  $291,440    $(613,593)     $(11,817)     $(60,147)    $  955,150
============================================================================================================================

<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                              Common                              Accumulated
                                               Stock                                 Other                       Total
                                                and      Retained    Treasury    Comprehensive    Unearned    Stockholders'
                                              Surplus    Earnings      Stock        Income      Compensation     Equity
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                          <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>            <C>           <C>
Balance at May 31, 1998....................  $1,286,191  $ 48,327    $(239,876)     $(11,749)     $(63,048)    $1,019,845
Comprehensive income:
   Net earnings............................                89,451                                                  89,451
   Other comprehensive income, foreign
     currency adjustment...................                                             (843)                        (843)
                                                                                                               ----------
       Total comprehensive income..........                                                                        88,608
Cash dividends declared....................                (5,531)                                                 (5,531)
Stock option exercises (2,520 shares)......     22,321                                                             22,321
Issuance of restricted stock (333 shares),
  net of forfeiture adjustments............      4,104                                              (4,076)            28
Earned compensation........................                                                          1,461          1,461
ESOP note receivable repayments............                                                            975            975
Income tax benefit credited to equity......      8,209                                                              8,209
Proceeds from issuance of equity put
  options..................................      2,184                                                              2,184
Purchases of common stock for treasury
  (8,738 shares)...........................                           (153,683)                                  (153,683)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at February 28, 1999...............  $1,323,009  $132,247    $(393,559)     $(12,592)     $(64,688)    $  984,417
============================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                       6


<PAGE>

                            DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                 (In Thousands)
                                   (Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  Thirteen Weeks Ended
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                        February 27, 2000      February 28, 1999
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                     <C>                    <C>
Cash Flows--Operating Activities
   Net earnings....................................................         $   46,892             $   38,353
   Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to cash flow:
     Depreciation and amortization.................................             32,990                 31,415
     Amortization of unearned compensation and loan costs..........              1,540                  1,155
     Change in current assets and liabilities......................             45,844                 28,499
     Change in other liabilities ..................................                 46                     22
     Loss on disposal of land, buildings and equipment.............                549                    381
     Deferred income taxes.........................................              2,521                  1,850
     Other, net....................................................               (379)                   496
                                                                            ----------             ----------
       Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities...................         $  130,003             $  102,171
                                                                            ----------             ----------

Cash Flows--Investment Activities
   Purchases of land, buildings and equipment......................            (85,419)               (28,938)
   Purchases of intangibles........................................               (485)                  (568)
   Increase in other assets........................................             (2,953)                (1,405)
   Proceeds from disposal of land, buildings and equipment
     (including net assets held for disposal)......................              4,014                  7,799
                                                                            ----------             ----------
       Net Cash Used by Investment Activities......................         $  (84,843)            $  (23,112)
                                                                            ----------             ----------

Cash Flows--Financing Activities
   Proceeds from issuance of common stock..........................              2,549                  7,621
   Income tax benefit credited to equity...........................                518                  3,051
   Purchases of treasury stock.....................................            (64,779)               (66,988)
   ESOP note receivable repayment..................................              2,100                    725
   Increase in short-term debt.....................................             16,300                  4,500
   Repayment of long-term debt.....................................             (2,100)                  (726)
   Proceeds from issuance of equity put options....................                675
   Payment of loan costs...........................................                (25)
                                                                            ----------
       Net Cash Used by Financing Activities.......................         $  (44,762)            $  (51,817)
                                                                            ----------             ----------

Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents..............................                398                 27,242
Cash and Cash Equivalents - Beginning of Period....................             19,947                 13,064
                                                                            ----------             ----------

Cash and Cash Equivalents - End of Period..........................         $   20,345             $   40,306
                                                                            ==========             ==========

Cash Flow from Changes in Current Assets and  Liabilities
   Receivables.....................................................            (24,695)                (1,384)
   Refundable income taxes, net....................................              4,347
   Inventories.....................................................             10,460                (13,772)
   Prepaid expenses and other current assets.......................              2,328                  1,162
   Accounts payable................................................              4,203                 16,130
   Accrued payroll.................................................              9,805                 11,151
   Accrued income taxes............................................             16,683                    369
   Other accrued taxes.............................................                374                   (400)
   Other current liabilities.......................................             22,339                 15,243
                                                                            ----------             ----------
     Change in Current Assets and Liabilities......................         $   45,844             $   28,499
                                                                            ==========             ==========

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                       7

<PAGE>

                            DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                 (In Thousands)
                                   (Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                        February 27, 2000      February 28, 1999
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                     <C>                    <C>
Cash Flows--Operating Activities
   Net earnings....................................................         $  118,659             $   89,451
   Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to cash flow:
     Depreciation and amortization.................................             96,131                 93,738
     Amortization of unearned compensation and loan costs..........              4,289                  3,344
     Change in current assets and liabilities......................            (70,612)                50,591
     Change in other liabilities ..................................                (56)                   585
     (Gain) loss on disposal of land, buildings and equipment......              1,125                   (221)
     Deferred income taxes.........................................             13,134                 14,329
     Other, net....................................................                148                    178
                                                                            ----------             ----------
       Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities...................         $  162,818             $  251,995
                                                                            ----------             ----------

Cash Flows--Investment Activities
   Purchases of land, buildings and equipment......................           (192,350)               (84,393)
   Purchases of intangibles........................................             (1,846)                (1,642)
   Increase in other assets........................................             (1,947)                (2,040)
   Proceeds from disposal of land, buildings and equipment
     (including net assets held for disposal)......................             16,733                 29,487
                                                                            ----------             ----------
       Net Cash Used by Investment Activities......................         $ (179,410)            $  (58,588)
                                                                            ----------             ----------

Cash Flows--Financing Activities
   Proceeds from issuance of common stock..........................             11,870                 22,321
   Income tax benefit credited to equity...........................              4,627                  8,209
   Dividends paid..................................................             (5,227)                (5,531)
   Purchases of treasury stock.....................................           (148,252)              (153,683)
   ESOP note receivable repayments.................................              4,850                    975
   Increase (decrease) in short-term debt..........................            131,500                (60,100)
   Repayment of long-term debt.....................................             (4,856)                  (981)
   Proceeds from issuance of equity put options....................              1,814                  2,184
   Payment of loan costs...........................................               (349)
                                                                            ----------
       Net Cash Used by Financing Activities.......................         $   (4,023)            $ (186,606)
                                                                            ----------             ----------

(Decrease) Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents...................            (20,615)                 6,801
Cash and Cash Equivalents - Beginning of Period....................             40,960                 33,505
                                                                            ----------             ----------

Cash and Cash Equivalents - End of Period..........................         $   20,345             $   40,306
                                                                            ==========             ==========

Cash Flow from Changes in Current Assets and Liabilities
   Receivables.....................................................             (9,003)                  (296)
   Inventories.....................................................            (60,686)                31,515
   Prepaid expenses and other current assets.......................             (3,298)                 2,393
   Accounts payable................................................            (20,126)                 4,961
   Accrued payroll.................................................                525                 (2,884)
   Accrued income taxes............................................                139                   (324)
   Other accrued taxes.............................................             (2,785)                (1,529)
   Other current liabilities.......................................             24,622                 16,755
                                                                            ----------             ----------
     Change in Current Assets and Liabilities......................         $  (70,612)            $   50,591
                                                                            ==========             ==========

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                       8


<PAGE>

                            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 27, 2000 are not necessarily  indicative of the
results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending May 28, 2000.

         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 30, 1999. See Note 4 related to a  reclassification  made
to the May 30, 1999 consolidated  balance sheet. The accounting policies used in
preparing  these  consolidated  financial  statements  are  the  same  as  those
described in our annual report on Form 10-K.

Note 2.  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
         -------------------------------------

         During the  thirteen  and  thirty-nine  weeks ended  February 27, 2000,
Darden  paid  $9,323 and  $18,488,  respectively,  for  interest  (net of amount
capitalized) and $1,671 and $48,210,  respectively, for income taxes. During the
thirteen and thirty-nine  weeks ended February 28, 1999,  Darden paid $7,896 and
$16,439,  respectively,  for interest (net of amount capitalized) and $6,678 and
$10,749, respectively, for income taxes.

Note 3.  Net Earnings Per Share
         ----------------------

         Outstanding  stock  options  issued by the Company  represent  the only
dilutive  effect  reflected  in diluted  weighted  average  shares  outstanding.
Options to purchase  3,725,249  shares of common  stock were  excluded  from the
calculation  of diluted  EPS for the  thirteen  weeks  ended  February  27, 2000
because their exercise prices exceeded the average market price of common shares
for the period. No options were excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS for
the thirteen  weeks ended February 28, 1999.  Options to purchase  3,597,926 and
58,700 shares of common stock were excluded from the  calculation of diluted EPS
for the  thirty-nine  weeks ended  February  27,  2000 and  February  28,  1999,
respectively, because their exercise prices exceeded the average market price of
common shares for the period.

Note 4.  Restructuring Liability
         -----------------------

         In 1997,  the  Company  recorded  restructuring  charges  of $70,900 in
connection  with the  closing  of certain  restaurant  properties.  The  related
liabilities  are  included  in other  current  liabilities  in the  accompanying
consolidated  balance  sheets  and were  established  to  accrue  for  estimated
carrying costs of buildings and equipment prior to disposal,  employee severance
costs,   lease  buy-out   provisions  and  other  costs   associated   with  the
restructuring  action. All restaurant  closings under this restructuring  action
have been completed. The remaining restructuring actions,  including disposal of
the closed owned  properties and the lease buy-outs related to the closed leased
properties, are expected to be substantially completed during 2001.

                                       9

<PAGE>

                            DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
                                   (Unaudited)
              (Dollar Amounts in Thousands, Except per Share Data)


Note 4.  Restructuring Liability - continued
         -----------------------------------

A summary of restructuring liability activity for the nine months ended February
27, 2000 is as follows:

         Balance at May 30, 1999...................................   $  37,139
         Non-cash Adjustment
              Reclassification of asset impairment
                (described below)..................................     (12,000)
         Cash Payments
              Carrying costs and employee severance payments.......      (2,247)
              Lease payments including lease buy-outs..............      (4,875)
                                                                      ---------
         Balance at February 27, 2000..............................   $  18,017
                                                                      =========

         Asset  impairment  charges of $12 million  included in the May 30, 1999
restructuring  liability have been  reclassified to reduce the carrying value of
land  for  all  periods  presented.   This  reclassification  related  to  asset
impairment  charges  recorded  in 1997 for  long-lived  assets  associated  with
Canadian restaurants.

                                       10


<PAGE>

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 27, 2000 and February 28, 1999.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    Thirteen Weeks Ended              Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               February 27,      February 28,     February 27,      February 28,
                                                   2000              1999             2000              1999
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                            <C>               <C>              <C>               <C>
Sales......................................       100.0%            100.0%            100.0%           100.0%
Costs and Expenses:
   Cost of sales:
     Food and beverages....................        32.2              32.8              32.1             32.9
     Restaurant labor......................        32.2              32.4              32.3             32.6
     Restaurant expenses...................        13.5              13.8              14.2             14.6
                                                 ------            ------            ------           ------
       Total Cost of Sales.................        77.9%             79.0%             78.6%            80.1%
   Selling, general and administrative.....         9.9              10.2              10.4             10.2
   Depreciation and amortization...........         3.6               3.6               3.6              3.7
   Interest, net...........................         0.7               0.5               0.6              0.6
                                                 ------            ------            ------           ------
         Total Costs and Expenses .........        92.1%             93.3%             93.2%            94.6%
                                                 ------            ------            ------           ------

Earnings before Income Taxes...............         7.9               6.7               6.8              5.4
Income Taxes...............................        (2.8)             (2.3)             (2.4)            (1.9)
                                                 ------            ------            ------           ------

Net Earnings...............................         5.1%              4.4%              4.4%             3.5%
                                                 ======            ======            ======           ======
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

Financial Condition and Results of Operations
- ---------------------------------------------

         For the  fiscal 2000  third quarter  ended  February 27, 2000, earnings
after tax were $46.9 million or 36 cents per diluted share, compared to earnings
after tax of $38.4 million or 27 cents per diluted share in the third quarter of
fiscal 1999. The increase in third quarter  earnings was primarily  attributable
to strong  same-restaurant  sales at both Red Lobster and Olive Garden. Sales of
$917.5  million for the third  quarter  were 5.8% higher than last year's  third
quarter.

         For the first nine  months of fiscal  2000,  net  earnings  were $118.7
million or 89 cents per diluted share, compared to $89.5 million or 63 cents per
diluted share in the same fiscal 1999 period.  Sales  approximating $2.7 billion
for the first nine months of fiscal 2000 were 5.9% higher than last year.

         Food and beverage  costs for the quarter were 32.2% of sales,  compared
to 32.8% of sales last year,  primarily  attributable  to reduced product costs.
Restaurant  labor  decreased to 32.2% of sales compared to last year's 32.4% due
primarily  to  efficiencies  resulting  from higher  sales  volumes.  Restaurant
expenses, also benefiting from higher sales volumes, decreased to 13.5% of sales
compared to 13.8% last year. The decrease in third quarter selling,  general and
administrative  expenses  to 9.9% of sales  compared to 10.2% of sales last year
was mainly attributable to reduced marketing expenses offset by additional labor
costs associated with new concept  expansion and  development.  Depreciation and
amortization  expense  remained  constant  at 3.6% of  sales.  Interest  expense
increased  to 0.7% of sales  compared to 0.5% last year due to higher  levels of
short-term debt outstanding during the third quarter of fiscal 2000.

         The  effective  tax rate for the third quarter of fiscal 2000 was 35.5%
compared to 34.5% in last year's second  quarter.  The increase in the effective
tax rate reflects a higher level of expected pre-tax income for fiscal 2000.

         Food and  beverage  costs for the first nine months of fiscal 2000 were
32.1% of sales,  down from last year's 32.9%  primarily  attributable to reduced
product costs,  pricing,  and a lower margin promotion run by Red Lobster during
the first  quarter  last  year.  Restaurant  labor  decreased  to 32.3% of sales
compared to last year's  32.6%  primarily  due to  efficiencies  resulting  from
higher sales volumes.  Restaurant  expenses decreased to 14.2% of sales compared
to 14.6% last year  primarily as a result of higher sales  volumes and the fixed
component of these

                                       11


<PAGE>

expenses  which are not impacted by higher sales volumes.  Selling,  general and
administrative  expenses  increased  to 10.4% of sales  compared to 10.2% in the
prior year, primarily attributable to additional labor costs associated with new
concept  expansion and development.  Depreciation and amortization  expense as a
percentage of sales decreased to 3.6% from 3.7% last year.

         The  effective  tax rate  for the first nine  months of fiscal 2000 was
35.5%  compared to 34.7%  last year due  to a higher  level of  expected pre-tax
income for the year.

         Inventories  totaled  $204.8  million as of February 27, 2000,  up from
$144.1 million at May 30, 1999. The increase  resulted  primarily from increased
lobster inventory related to Red Lobster's fourth quarter Lobsterfest promotion.
Accounts payable  decreased  primarily due to temporary changes made to supplier
terms in connection with the Company's recent change in distributors.

         Short-term debt totaled $155.0 million as of February 27, 2000, up from
$23.5 million at May 30, 1999.  The increase  resulted  primarily from increased
share repurchase  activity due to favorable  Company stock prices over the first
three  quarters  of  fiscal  2000,  as well as  increased  land,  buildings  and
equipment spending and the increased inventory levels discussed above.

Division Results
- ----------------

         Red Lobster  sales of $508.5  million were 3.1% above last year's third
quarter.  Same-restaurant  sales  in the  United  States  were up  5.0%  for the
quarter,   marking  the  ninth  consecutive  quarter  of  same-restaurant  sales
increases.  Third quarter operating profits were substantially improved over the
prior year due  primarily to favorable  food and beverage  costs and  restaurant
expenses as a percentage of sales. Through the first nine months of fiscal 2000,
Red Lobster's sales increased 3.6% to $1.5 billion and same-restaurant  sales in
the United States increased by 5.6%. These results were achieved even though Red
Lobster  operated 17 fewer  restaurants at the end of the third quarter compared
to last year and did not repeat its high volume "Bottomless Crab" promotion that
helped  generate  high sales and  traffic  volumes in the first  quarter of last
year.

         Olive Garden  continued  its positive  momentum in the third quarter of
fiscal  2000 with a 7.7%  increase in sales to $395.7  million.  Same-restaurant
sales in the United States increased 8.3%, marking the twenty-second consecutive
quarter of same-restaurant sales increases. Third quarter operating profits were
substantially  improved over the prior year primarily due to increased sales and
lower restaurant labor expenses as a percentage of sales. Through the first nine
months of fiscal 2000,  Olive Garden sales  increased by 7.4% to 1.2 billion and
same-restaurant sales in the United States increased by 7.8%.

         Bahama  Breeze  continues  to produce  strong  sales at each of its ten
restaurants.  Three additional restaurants are currently under construction, all
of which have expected fiscal 2000 opening dates.

         Darden's  latest test concept,  Smokey Bones BBQ and Sports Bar, opened
its first  restaurant  on September 13, 1999 in Orlando,  FL. This  restaurant's
sales  have  exceeded   management's   initial   expectations.   Two  additional
restaurants are currently under construction.

         The table below  details the number of  restaurants  open at the end of
the third  quarter of fiscal 2000,  compared  with the number open at the end of
May 1999 and the end of last fiscal year's third quarter.

                                       12


<PAGE>

                              NUMBER OF RESTAURANTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   February 27, 2000        May 30, 1999       February 28, 1999
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                <C>                      <C>                <C>
Red Lobster - USA...............................             619                   635                   634
Red Lobster - Canada............................              32                    34                    34
                                                         -------               -------               -------
     Total......................................             651                   669                   668

Olive Garden - USA..............................             459                   459                   459
Olive Garden - Canada...........................               5                     5                     5
                                                         -------               -------               -------
     Total......................................             464                   464                   464

Bahama Breeze...................................              10                     6                     4
                                                         -------               -------               -------

Smokey Bones....................................               1                     0                     0
                                                         -------               -------               -------

         Total..................................           1,126                 1,139                 1,136
                                                         =======               =======               =======

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

Year 2000
- ---------

         The total cost to the Company of Year 2000  activities has not been and
is not  anticipated  to be  material  to its  financial  position  or results of
operations  in any given year.  As of February 27,  2000,  the Company had spent
approximately $3.4 million on Year 2000 issues. This amount does not include the
costs  incurred to develop and install new systems  resulting from the Company's
seafood inventory  accounting system project which was already  contemplated for
replacement.

         The total cost to the Company of  addressing  Year 2000 issues had been
estimated to be less than $5 million. This amount was based on management's best
estimates,  which were derived utilizing numerous  assumptions of future events,
including  the  continued   availability  of  certain   resources,   third-party
modification plans and other factors. While there can be no guarantee that these
estimates  will  be  achieved,  and  actual  results  could  differ  from  those
estimates,  management  now  anticipates  that the total cost to the  Company of
addressing Year 2000 issues will be well under $5 million.

         As of the  filing  date of this  report,  the  Company's  business  and
operations  have not been materially  impacted by Year 2000 matters.  For a more
in-depth  discussion  of Year 2000,  reference is made to the  Company's  Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 30, 1999.

Forward-Looking Statements
- --------------------------

         Certain  information  included in this report and other materials filed
or to be filed by the Company with the  Securities  and Exchange  Commission (as
well as information included in oral statements or written statements made or to
be made by the Company) may contain statements that are  forward-looking  within
the  meaning of Section  27A of the  Securities  Act of 1933,  as  amended,  and
Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.  Such statements
include information  relating to current expansion plans,  business  development
activities, and Year 2000 compliance.  Such forward-looking information is based
on  assumptions   concerning   important  risks  and  uncertainties  that  could
significantly  affect anticipated results in the future and,  accordingly,  such
results may differ from those expressed in any  forward-looking  statements made
by or on behalf of the Company.  These risks and uncertainties  include, but are
not limited to,  those  relating to real  estate  development  and  construction
activities,  the  issuance  and renewal of licenses  and permits for  restaurant
development and operation, economic conditions, changes in federal or state laws
or the  administration  of such laws,  and the Year 2000 readiness of suppliers,
banks, vendors and others having a direct or indirect business relationship with
the Company.  Additional discussion of potential risks and uncertainties appears
in this report in Exhibit 99.

                                       13


<PAGE>

                                     PART II
                                OTHER INFORMATION


Item 6.  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

         (a)      Exhibits.

                  Exhibit 12        Computation of Ratio of Consolidated
                                    Earnings to Fixed Charges

                  Exhibit 27        Financial Data Schedule

                  Exhibit 99        Cautionary Statements Under the Private
                                    Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

         (b)      Reports on Form 8-K.

                  (i)      On December  15,  1999,  the Company  filed a current
                           report on Form 8-K announcing second quarter earnings
                           for fiscal 2000 and certain officer promotions.

                  (ii)     On January  19,  2000,  the  Company  filed a current
                           report  on  Form  8-K  announcing  food  and  product
                           distribution  relationships  with MBM Corporation and
                           Marriott Distribution Services.

                  (iii)    On February  28,  2000,  the Company  filed a current
                           report  on  Form  8-K  reporting  on  certain  issues
                           addressed  during its  conference  for  investors and
                           restaurant analysts.

                                       14


<PAGE>

                                   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:  April 10, 2000       By: /s/ Paula J. Shives
                                 ----------------------------------------------
                                 Paula J. Shives
                                 Senior Vice President,
                                 General Counsel and Secretary



Dated:  April 10, 2000       By: /s/ Clarence Otis, Jr.
                                 ----------------------------------------------
                                 Clarence Otis, Jr.
                                 Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
                                 (Principal financial officer)


                                       15


<PAGE>

                                INDEX TO EXHIBITS


Exhibit
Number            Exhibit Title                                           Page
- -------           -------------                                           ----

12                Computation of Ratio of Consolidated
                  Earnings to Fixed Charges                                17

27                Financial Data Schedule                                  18

99                Cautionary Statements Under the Private
                  Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995                 19


                                       16



                                                                     Exhibit 12
                                                                     ----------

                            DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.
         COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF CONSOLIDATED EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
                          (Dollar Amounts in Thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    Thirteen Weeks Ended              Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               February 27,      February 28,      February 27,     February 28,
                                                   2000              1999              2000             1999
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                            <C>               <C>               <C>              <C>
Consolidated Earnings from Operations
   Before Income Taxes.....................     $   72,715        $   58,517        $  183,907       $  137,045
Plus Fixed Charges.........................         12,151             9,673            32,504           30,120
Less Capitalized Interest..................           (441)             (117)           (1,340)            (637)
                                                ----------        ----------        ----------       ----------

Consolidated Earnings from Operations
   Before Income Taxes Available to
   Cover Fixed Charges.....................     $   84,425        $   68,073        $  215,071       $  166,528
                                                ==========        ==========        ==========       ==========

Ratio of Consolidated Earnings to Fixed
   Charges.................................           6.95              7.04              6.62             5.53
                                                ==========        ==========        ==========       ==========

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                       17

<TABLE> <S> <C>


<ARTICLE>                     5
<LEGEND>
     This schedule  contains summary  financial  information  extracted from the
consolidated  financial statements of Darden Restaurants,  Inc. and is qualified
in its entirety by reference to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER>                                   1,000

<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                              MAY-28-2000
<PERIOD-END>                                   FEB-27-2000
<CASH>                                             20,345
<SECURITIES>                                            0
<RECEIVABLES>                                      29,609
<ALLOWANCES>                                         (350)
<INVENTORY>                                       204,801
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                  350,247
<PP&E>                                          2,546,730
<DEPRECIATION>                                 (1,007,487)
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                  1,992,988
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                             635,349
<BONDS>                                           311,685
                                   0
                                             0
<COMMON>                                        1,349,267
<OTHER-SE>                                       (394,117)
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                    1,992,988
<SALES>                                         2,695,127
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                2,695,127
<CGS>                                             865,919
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   2,119,310
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                        0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                       63
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                 16,487
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                   183,907
<INCOME-TAX>                                      (65,248)
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                               118,659
<DISCONTINUED>                                          0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                         0
<CHANGES>                                               0
<NET-INCOME>                                      118,659
<EPS-BASIC>                                         .91
<EPS-DILUTED>                                         .89



</TABLE>

                                                                     Exhibit 99
                                                                     ----------

               CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES
                          LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995

From  time  to  time  Darden   Restaurants,   Inc.  (the   "Company")   and  its
representatives may make written or oral forward-looking statements with respect
to the  Company's  long-term  goals.  Such  statements  may be  contained in the
Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission,  in the Company's
press releases, in other written communications,  and in oral statements made by
or with the  approval  of an  authorized  officer of the  Company.  The words or
phrases  "will  likely  result",   "are  expected  to",  "will  continue",   "is
anticipated",  "estimate",  "project"  and similar  expressions  are intended to
identify  such  forward-looking  statements  within the  meaning of the  Private
Securities  Litigation  Reform Act of 1995,  as  codified  in Section 27A of the
Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the  Securities  Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended from time to time (the "Act").

In  connection  with the "safe  harbor"  provisions  of the Act,  the Company is
filing the following cautionary statements to identify important factors,  risks
and  uncertainties  that  could  cause the  Company's  actual  results to differ
materially  from those  projected in  forward-looking  statements made by, or on
behalf  of,  the  Company.  These  cautionary  statements  are to be  used  as a
reference in connection with any such forward looking  statements.  The factors,
risks  and  uncertainties  identified  in  these  cautionary  statements  are in
addition to those contained in any other cautionary statements, written or oral,
which may be made or otherwise  addressed in connection  with a  forward-looking
statement.  Because  of these  factors,  risks and  uncertainties,  the  Company
cautions  its  audience  against  placing  undue  reliance  on   forward-looking
statements,  which speak  solely as of the date made.  The Company  specifically
declines to undertake  any  obligation  to modify or revise any  forward-looking
statement  to take  into  account  or  otherwise  reflect  subsequent  events or
circumstances arising after the date that the forward-looking statement was made
by, or on behalf of, the Company.

The following factors, risks and uncertainties,  have affected, and may continue
to affect, the operating results of the Company and the environment within which
the Company conducts its business.

Competition.  The casual dining sector of the  restaurant  industry is intensely
competitive with respect to price, service,  location,  personnel,  and type and
quality  of food.  The  Company  competes  with  national,  regional  and  local
organizations  primarily  through the quality,  variety and value  perception of
food products offered.  The number and location of units, quality and efficiency
of service,  attractiveness  of facilities and  effectiveness of advertising and
marketing  programs are also important  factors.  The Company  anticipates  that
intense competition will continue in all of these areas.

Economic,  Market  and  Other  Conditions.  The  casual  dining  sector  of  the
restaurant  industry  is  affected by changes in  national,  regional  and local
economic  conditions,  consumer  preferences and spending patterns,  demographic
trends, consumer perceptions of food safety,  weather,  traffic patterns and the
type, number and location of competing  restaurants.  Factors such as inflation,
food costs,  labor and benefit  costs,  legal claims,  and the  availability  of
management  and  hourly   employees  also  affect   restaurant   operations  and
administrative  expenses. The ability of the Company to undertake new restaurant
development,  as well as improvements and additions to existing restaurants,  is
affected by economic  conditions,  including interest rates and other government
policies  impacting land and construction costs and the cost and availability of
borrowed funds.

Changes  in  Food  and  Other  Costs.  The   profitability  of  the  Company  is
significantly  dependent  on its ability to  anticipate  and react to changes in
food,  labor,  employee  benefits  and similar  costs over which the Company has
little  control.  The  Company is subject to the risk of possible  shortages  or
interruptions  in supply  caused to adverse  weather or other  conditions  which
could adversely  affect the  availability  and cost of such items.  While in the
past  management has usually been able to anticipate and react to changing costs
without a material  adverse effect on  profitability,  there can be no assurance
that it will be able to do so in the future.

Importance of Locations.  The success of the Company's  restaurants is dependent
in  substantial  part  on  location.  There  can be no  assurance  that  current
locations will continue to be attractive,  as demographic patterns change. It is
possible  that  the  neighborhoods  or  economic   conditions   surrounding  the
neighborhoods  where  restaurants are located could decline in the future,  thus
resulting in potentially reduced sales in those locations.

Government  Regulation.  The  Company is subject to various  federal,  state and
local laws affecting its business.  The development and operation of restaurants
depend to a  significant  extent on the selection  and  acquisition  of suitable
sites, which are subject to zoning, land use,  environmental,  traffic and other
regulations.  Restaurant

                                       19


<PAGE>

operations  are also  subject to  licensing  and  regulation  by state and local
departments  relating to health,  sanitation and safety  standards,  federal and
state labor laws  (including  applicable  minimum wage  requirements,  overtime,
working and safety conditions, and citizenship requirements),  federal and state
laws which  prohibit  discrimination  and other laws  regulating  the design and
operation of facilities,  such as the Americans With  Disabilities  Act of 1990.
The Company cannot predict the effect on its operations of the future  enactment
of additional legislation regulating these and other areas.

Growth Plans. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to achieve
growth objectives or that new restaurants opened or acquired will be profitable.
The opening and success of restaurants depends on various factors, including the
identification  and availability of suitable and economically  viable locations,
sales levels at existing  restaurants,  the  negotiation of acceptable  lease or
purchase terms for new locations,  permitting  and  regulatory  compliance,  the
ability to meet construction schedules, ability of the Company to hire and train
qualified management personnel, and general economic and business conditions.

                                       20



© 2022 IncJournal is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission