DARDEN RESTAURANTS INC - Quarter Report: 2016 February (Form 10-Q)

Large accelerated filer

Accelerated filer

Non-accelerated filer

o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Smaller reporting company

UNITED STATES

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 28, 2016



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

For the transition period from to

1-13666

Commission File Number

DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)



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

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

407-245-4000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Not applicable (Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

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 o No

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

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

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

Number of shares of common stock outstanding as of March 15, 2016: 126,725,709 (excluding 1,268,251 shares held in our treasury).

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TABLE OF CONTENTS



			Page
Part I -	Financial Information
	Item 1.	Financial Statements (Unaudited)	4
		Consolidated Statements of Earnings	4
		Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income	5
		Consolidated Balance Sheets	6
		Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity	7
		Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	8
		Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements	10
	Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	26
	Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	36
	Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	36

Part II -	Other Information
	Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	37
	Item 1A.	Risk Factors	37
	Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	37
	Item 6.	Exhibits	37

Signature			38

Index to Exhibits			39

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Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Statements set forth in or incorporated into this report regarding the expected increase in the number of our restaurants, U.S. same-restaurant sales and capital expenditures in fiscal 2016 and all other statements that are not historical facts, including without limitation statements with respect to the financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business of Darden Restaurants, Inc. and its subsidiaries that are preceded by, followed by or that include words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “continue,” “estimate,” “project,” “believe,” “plan” or similar expressions, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This statement is included for purposes of complying with the safe harbor provisions of that Act. Any forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which such statements are made, and we undertake no obligation to update such statements for any reason to reflect events or circumstances arising after such date. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in or implied by such forward-looking statements. The most significant of these uncertainties are described in Darden's Form 10-K, Form 10-Q (including this report) and Form 8-K reports.

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PART I

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited)

DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

(In millions, except per share data)

(Unaudited)



	Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
	February 28, 2016			February 22, 2015		February 28, 2016		February 22, 2015
Sales	$	1,847.5		$	1,730.9	$	5,143.3	$	4,885.7
Costs and expenses:
Food and beverage	537.8			530.7		1,522.7		1,518.2
Restaurant labor	572.5			535.6		1,632.3		1,550.7
Restaurant expenses	305.2			276.0		855.1		825.7
Marketing expenses	50.7			51.4		174.6		177.8
General and administrative expenses	95.2			86.4		294.2		310.7
Depreciation and amortization	67.0			79.6		223.4		238.4
Impairments and disposal of assets, net	(2.1		)	0.8		3.9		47.1
Total operating costs and expenses	$	1,626.3		$	1,560.5	$	4,706.2	$	4,668.6
Operating income	221.2			170.4		437.1		217.1
Interest, net	83.1			23.3		162.8		168.3
Earnings before income taxes	138.1			147.1		274.3		48.8
Income tax expense (benefit)	29.9			18.7		55.0		(29.5		)
Earnings from continuing operations	$	108.2		$	128.4	$	219.3	$	78.3
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax expense (benefit) of $(0.3), $3.1, $2.9, and $322.4, respectively	(2.4		)	5.4		16.1		525.9
Net earnings	$	105.8		$	133.8	$	235.4	$	604.2
Basic net earnings per share:
Earnings from continuing operations	$	0.85		$	1.03	$	1.72	$	0.61
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations	(0.02		)	0.04		0.12		4.10
Net earnings	$	0.83		$	1.07	$	1.84	$	4.71
Diluted net earnings per share:
Earnings from continuing operations	$	0.84		$	1.01	$	1.69	$	0.60
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations	(0.02		)	0.04		0.13		4.04
Net earnings	$	0.82		$	1.05	$	1.82	$	4.64
Average number of common shares outstanding:
Basic	127.6			124.6		127.7		128.2
Diluted	129.4			126.9		129.6		130.1
Dividends declared per common share	$	0.50		$	0.55	$	1.60	$	1.65

See accompanying notes to our unaudited consolidated financial statements.

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DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(In millions)

(Unaudited)



	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	February 28, 2016			February 22, 2015			February 28, 2016			February 22, 2015
Net earnings	$	105.8		$	133.8		$	235.4		$	604.2
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency adjustment	—			(2.0		)	0.9			3.5
Change in fair value of derivatives and amortization of unrecognized gains and losses on derivatives, net of taxes of $0.0, $1.0, $14.3 and $16.9, respectively	1.8			3.0			22.7			30.4
Amortization of unrecognized net actuarial (loss) gain, net of taxes of $0.0, $0.6, $(0.1) and $10.4, respectively, related to pension and other post-employment benefits	(0.1		)	1.0			(0.3		)	16.4
Other comprehensive income	$	1.7		$	2.0		$	23.3		$	50.3
Total comprehensive income	$	107.5		$	135.8		$	258.7		$	654.5

See accompanying notes to our unaudited consolidated financial statements.

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DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In millions)



	February 28, 2016			May 31, 2015
	(Unaudited)
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	215.8		$	535.9
Receivables, net	53.8			78.0
Inventories	178.9			163.9
Prepaid income taxes	24.7			18.9
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	73.0			69.4
Deferred income taxes	164.7			157.4
Assets held for sale	19.0			32.9
Total current assets	$	729.9		$	1,056.4
Land, buildings and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $1,799.0 and $2,304.6, respectively	2,058.1			3,215.8
Goodwill	872.3			872.4
Trademarks	574.6			574.6
Other assets	267.0			275.5
Total assets	$	4,501.9		$	5,994.7
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	190.6		$	198.8
Accrued payroll	139.2			141.1
Accrued income taxes	22.4			12.6
Other accrued taxes	48.7			51.5
Unearned revenues	401.3			328.6
Current portion of long-term debt	8.0			15.0
Other current liabilities	390.9			449.1
Total current liabilities	$	1,201.1		$	1,196.7
Long-term debt, less current portion	439.7			1,452.3
Deferred income taxes	220.8			341.8
Deferred rent	243.1			225.9
Other liabilities	479.0			444.5
Total liabilities	$	2,583.7		$	3,661.2
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock and surplus	$	1,485.1		$	1,405.9
Retained earnings	507.5			1,026.0
Treasury stock	(7.8		)	(7.8		)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(63.3		)	(86.6		)
Unearned compensation	(3.3		)	(4.0		)
Total stockholders’ equity	$	1,918.2		$	2,333.5
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	4,501.9		$	5,994.7

See accompanying notes to our unaudited consolidated financial statements.

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DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

For the nine months ended February 28, 2016 and February 22, 2015

(In millions)

(Unaudited)



	Common Stock And Surplus			Retained Earnings			Treasury Stock			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)			Unearned Compensation			Total Stockholders’ Equity
Balance at May 31, 2015	$	1,405.9		$	1,026.0		$	(7.8	)	$	(86.6	)	$	(4.0	)	$	2,333.5
Net earnings	—			235.4			—			—			—			235.4
Other comprehensive income	—			—			—			23.3			—			23.3
Dividends declared	—			(204.8		)	—			—			—			(204.8		)
Stock option exercises (1.9 shares)	75.6			—			—			—			—			75.6
Stock-based compensation	12.1			—			—			—			—			12.1
ESOP note receivable repayments	—			—			—			—			0.6			0.6
Income tax benefits credited to equity	14.5			—			—			—			—			14.5
Repurchases of common stock (2.3 shares)	(26.5		)	(113.7		)	—			—			—			(140.2		)
Issuance of stock under Employee Stock Purchase Plan and other plans (0.2 shares)	3.5			—			—			—			0.1			3.6
Separation of Four Corners Property Trust	—			(435.4		)	—			—			—			(435.4		)
Balance at February 28, 2016	$	1,485.1		$	507.5		$	(7.8	)	$	(63.3	)	$	(3.3	)	$	1,918.2

Balance at May 25, 2014	$	1,302.2		$	995.8		$	(7.8	)	$	(128.1	)	$	(5.2	)	$	2,156.9
Net earnings	—			604.2			—			—			—			604.2
Other comprehensive income	—			—			—			50.3			—			50.3
Dividends declared	—			(211.2		)	—			—			—			(211.2		)
Stock option exercises (2.8 shares)	103.1			—			—			—			—			103.1
Stock-based compensation	21.3			—			—			—			—			21.3
ESOP note receivable repayments	—			—			—			—			0.8			0.8
Income tax benefits credited to equity	9.1			—			—			—			—			9.1
Repurchases of common stock (10.0 shares)	(102.5		)	(399.8		)	—			—			—			(502.3		)
Issuance of stock under Employee Stock Purchase Plan and other plans (0.1 shares)	5.6			—			—			—			—			5.6
Balance at February 22, 2015	$	1,338.8		$	989.0		$	(7.8	)	$	(77.8	)	$	(4.4	)	$	2,237.8

See accompanying notes to our unaudited consolidated financial statements.

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DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In millions)

(Unaudited)



	Nine Months Ended
	February 28, 2016			February 22, 2015
Cash flows—operating activities
Net earnings	$	235.4		$	604.2
Earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax	(16.1		)	(525.9		)
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings from continuing operations to cash flows:
Depreciation and amortization	223.4			238.4
Impairments and disposal of assets, net	3.9			47.1
Amortization of loan costs and losses on interest-rate related derivatives	3.4			6.7
Stock-based compensation expense	29.2			41.3
Change in current assets and liabilities	49.8			34.0
Contributions to pension and postretirement plans	(1.1		)	(1.1		)
Change in cash surrender value of trust-owned life insurance	8.7			(5.8		)
Deferred income taxes	(65.6		)	(0.4		)
Change in deferred rent	18.1			17.2
Change in other assets and liabilities	(4.4		)	6.3
Loss on extinguishment of debt	106.8			91.3
Other, net	5.7			2.7
Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations	$	597.2		$	556.0
Cash flows—investing activities
Purchases of land, buildings and equipment	(172.8		)	(230.1		)
Proceeds from disposal of land, buildings and equipment	321.4			24.8
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities	0.8			9.7
Increase in other assets	(12.8		)	(13.2		)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities of continuing operations	$	136.6		$	(208.8	)
Cash flows—financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	79.2			107.1
Income tax benefits credited to equity	14.5			9.1
Special cash distribution from Four Corners Property Trust	315.0			—
Dividends paid	(204.8		)	(209.3		)
Repurchases of common stock	(140.2		)	(502.3		)
ESOP note receivable repayment	0.6			0.8
Proceeds from issuance of short-term debt	—			397.4
Repayments of short-term debt	—			(605.0		)
Repayment of long-term debt	(1,088.8		)	(1,065.9		)
Principal payments on capital and financing leases	(2.5		)	(1.7		)
Proceeds from financing lease obligation	—			93.1
Net cash used in financing activities of continuing operations	$	(1,027.0	)	$	(1,776.7	)
Cash flows—discontinued operations
Net cash used in operating activities of discontinued operations	(33.2		)	(216.6		)
Net cash provided by investing activities of discontinued operations	6.3			1,984.0
Net cash (used in) provided by discontinued operations	$	(26.9	)	$	1,767.4

(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(320.1		)	337.9
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period	535.9			98.3
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period	$	215.8		$	436.2

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DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)

(In millions)

(Unaudited)



	Nine Months Ended
	February 28, 2016			February 22, 2015
Cash flows from changes in current assets and liabilities
Receivables, net	25.3			18.7
Inventories	(15.2		)	55.6
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(6.6		)	(5.0		)
Accounts payable	(5.0		)	(43.5		)
Accrued payroll	(1.9		)	8.0
Prepaid/accrued income taxes	27.0			(55.7		)
Other accrued taxes	(1.8		)	(2.3		)
Unearned revenues	78.4			75.0
Other current liabilities	(50.4		)	(16.8		)
Change in current assets and liabilities	$	49.8		$	34.0

See accompanying notes to our unaudited consolidated financial statements.

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DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Note 1.Basis of Presentation

Darden Restaurants, Inc. (we, our, Darden or the Company) owns and operates full-service dining restaurants in the United States and Canada under the trade names Olive Garden®, LongHorn Steakhouse®, The Capital Grille®, Yard House®, Bahama Breeze®, Seasons 52®, and Eddie V's Prime Seafood® and Wildfish Seafood Grille® (collectively "Eddie V's"). Through subsidiaries, we own and operate all of our restaurants in the United States and Canada, except for 3 restaurants located in Central Florida and 3 restaurants in California that we manage, but are jointly owned with third parties, 6 franchised LongHorn Steakhouse restaurants located in the San Antonio, Texas area, 2 franchised U.S. airport restaurants and 10 franchised restaurants in Puerto Rico. We also have area development and franchise agreements with unaffiliated operators to develop and operate our brands primarily in Asia, the Middle East and Latin America. Pursuant to these agreements, as of February 28, 2016, 30 franchised restaurants were in operation in the Middle East, Mexico, Brazil, Peru, El Salvador and Malaysia.

We have prepared these consolidated financial statements pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally presented in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included and are of a normal recurring nature. We operate on a 52/53 week fiscal year, which ends on the last Sunday in May and our fiscal year ending May 29, 2016 will contain 52 weeks of operation. Operating results for the quarter ended February 28, 2016 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending May 29, 2016.

These statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes to consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2015. The accounting policies used in preparing these consolidated financial statements are the same as those described in our Form 10-K.

We prepare our consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of sales and costs and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

We have reclassified certain amounts in prior-period financial statements to conform to the current period's presentation. Included among these, in our consolidated statements of earnings, we revised the categories of our costs and expenses as follows: marketing expenses and general and administrative expenses, previously reported as components of selling, general and administrative expenses, are now reported as separate line items. Additionally, gains and losses on disposals of assets, previously reported as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses are now reported in impairments and disposal of assets, net.

Application of New Accounting Standards

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). This update provides a comprehensive new revenue recognition model that requires a company to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to a customer at an amount that reflects the consideration it expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. The guidance also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts. This update was originally effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016, which would have required us to adopt these provisions in the first quarter of fiscal 2018. In July 2015, the FASB affirmed its proposal for a one-year deferral of the effective date. Early application is now permitted, but not before the original effective date. This update permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. We are evaluating the effect this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. We have not yet selected a transition method nor have we determined the effect of the standard on our ongoing financial reporting.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory (Topic 330). This update requires inventory within the scope of the standard to be measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Net realizable value is defined as the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. This update is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15,

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DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

2016, which will require us to adopt these provisions in the first quarter of fiscal 2018. Early adoption is permitted. We do not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes (Topic 740). This update requires that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in a classified balance sheet. This update is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016, which will require us to adopt these provisions in the first quarter of fiscal 2018. Early adoption is permitted. Other than the revised balance sheet presentation of deferred tax liabilities and assets, we do not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). This update requires a lessee to recognize on the balance sheet a liability to make lease payments and a corresponding right-of-use asset. The guidance also requires certain qualitative and quantitative disclosures about the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. This update is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018, which will require us to adopt these provisions in the first quarter of fiscal 2020 using a modified retrospective approach. Early adoption is permitted. We have not yet selected a transition date nor have we determined the effect of the standard on our ongoing financial reporting.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718). This update was issued as part of the FASB’s simplification initiative and affects all entities that issue share-based payment awards to their employees. The amendments in this update cover such areas as the recognition of excess tax benefits and deficiencies, the classification of those excess tax benefits on the statement of cash flows, an accounting policy election for forfeitures, the amount an employer can withhold to cover income taxes and still qualify for equity classification and the classification of those taxes paid on the statement of cash flows. This update is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016, which will require us to adopt these provisions in the first quarter of fiscal 2018. This guidance will be applied either prospectively, retrospectively or using a modified retrospective transition method, depending on the area covered in this update. Early adoption is permitted. We have not yet selected a transition date nor have we determined the effect of the standard on our ongoing financial reporting.

Note 2.Real Estate Transactions

As a result of a comprehensive evaluation for the monetization of our real estate portfolio, we undertook strategies to pursue sale-leaseback transactions of individual restaurant properties and our corporate headquarters and to transfer 424 of our restaurant properties into a REIT, with substantially all of the REIT’s initial assets being leased back to Darden.

Sale leasebacks

During fiscal 2015, we implemented a plan to pursue sale-leaseback transactions of 64 restaurant properties, 14 of which were completed in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015, 49 were completed in the first nine months of fiscal 2016, and the remaining property is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016. The 63 completed transactions generated net proceeds of $234.9 million resulting in deferred gains totaling $46.7 million which will be amortized over the expected leaseback periods on a straight-line basis. Additionally, during the nine months ended February 28, 2016, we completed the sale leaseback of our corporate headquarters, generating net proceeds of $131.0 million resulting in a deferred gain of $6.3 million which will be amortized over the expected leaseback period on a straight-line basis.

REIT Transaction - Separation of Four Corners

On June 23, 2015, we announced our plan to separate our business into two separate and independent publicly traded companies. We accomplished this separation on November 9, 2015 with the pro rata distribution of one share of Four Corners Property Trust, Inc. (Four Corners) common stock for every three shares of Darden common stock to holders of Darden common stock. The separation, which was completed pursuant to a separation and distribution agreement between Darden and Four Corners, includes (i) the transfer of 6 LongHorn Steakhouse restaurants located in the San Antonio, Texas area (the LongHorn San Antonio Business) and 418 restaurant properties (the Four Corners Properties) to Four Corners; (ii) the issuance to us of all of the outstanding common stock of Four Corners and corresponding pro rata distribution to our shareholders of the outstanding shares of Four Corners common stock as a tax-free stock dividend; and (iii) a cash dividend of $315.0 million received by us from Four Corners from the proceeds of Four Corners’ term loan borrowings. We requested and received a private letter ruling from the Internal Revenue Service on certain issues relevant to the qualification of the spin-off as a tax-free transaction.

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DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Our shareholders’ equity decreased by $435.4 million as a result of the separation of Four Corners. The components of the decrease, principally comprised of the net book value of the net assets that we contributed to Four Corners in connection with the separation, included $834.8 million in net book value of fixed assets, $84.4 million consisting primarily of deferred tax liabilities, offset by the $315.0 million cash dividend received by us from Four Corners.

Agreements with Four Corners

We entered into lease agreements with Four Corners, pursuant to which we leased the Four Corners Properties on a triple-net basis with terms comparable to similar leases negotiated on an arm’s length basis. Under the lease agreements, our subsidiaries are the tenant while Four Corners is the landlord. The leases are triple-net leases that provide for an average initial term of approximately 15 years with stated annual rental payments and options to extend the leases for another 15 years. Under the lease agreements, the rent is subject to annual escalations of 1.5 percent, as well as, in most of the leases, a fair market value adjustment at the start of one of the renewal options.

We entered into franchise agreements with Four Corners pursuant to which we provide certain franchising services to Four Corners’ subsidiary which operates the LongHorn San Antonio Business. The franchising services consist of licensing the right to use and display certain trademarks in connection with the operation of the LongHorn San Antonio Business, marketing services, training and access to certain LongHorn operating procedures. The fees and conditions of these franchising services are on terms comparable to similar franchising services negotiated on an arm’s length basis.

Debt Retirement

During the second and third quarters of fiscal 2016, utilizing the proceeds of the Four Corners cash dividend, cash proceeds from the sale leasebacks of restaurant properties and our corporate headquarters and additional cash on hand, we retired approximately $1.01 billion aggregate principal of long-term debt (see Note 16 for additional details).

Note 3.Dispositions

On July 28, 2014, we closed on the sale of 705 Red Lobster restaurants; however, as of February 28, 2016, 2 of the properties remain subject to landlord consents. The two remaining consents represent approximately $1.6 million in proceeds and are expected to be satisfied by the end of fiscal 2016. All direct cash flows related to operating these businesses were eliminated at the date of sale. Our continuing involvement has primarily been limited to a transition services agreement, pursuant to which we provide limited, specific services for up to two years from the date of sale with minimal impact to our cash flows. In total, we have recognized a pre-tax gain on the sale of Red Lobster of $854.4 million, which is included in earnings from discontinued operations in our consolidated statements of earnings.

For the quarters and nine months ended February 28, 2016 and February 22, 2015, all gains on disposition, impairment charges and disposal costs, along with the sales, costs and expenses and income taxes attributable to these restaurants, have been aggregated in a single caption entitled “Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax expense (benefit)” in our consolidated statements of earnings for all periods presented. No amounts for shared general and administrative operating support expense or interest expense were allocated to discontinued operations. Assets associated with those restaurants not yet disposed of, that are considered held for sale, have been segregated from continuing operations and presented as assets held for sale on our accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

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DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes in our accompanying consolidated statements of earnings are comprised of the following:



	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
(in millions)	February 28, 2016			February 22, 2015			February 28, 2016			February 22, 2015
Sales	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	400.4
Costs and expenses:
Restaurant and marketing expenses	1.0			(0.6		)	1.3			353.4
Depreciation and amortization	—			—			—			0.2
Other costs and expenses (1)	1.7			(7.9		)	(20.3		)	(801.5		)
Earnings (loss) before income taxes	(2.7		)	8.5			19.0			848.3
Income tax expense (benefit)	(0.3		)	3.1			2.9			322.4
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	$	(2.4	)	$	5.4		$	16.1		$	525.9


(1)	Amounts include the initial gain recognized on the sale of Red Lobster as well as gains recognized upon satisfaction of landlord consents.

Assets classified as held for sale on our accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of February 28, 2016 and May 31, 2015, consisted of land, buildings and equipment with carrying amounts of $19.0 million and $32.9 million, respectively.

Note 4.Supplemental Cash Flow Information



Cash paid for interest and income taxes are as follows:	Nine Months Ended
(in millions)	February 28, 2016		February 22, 2015
Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized	$	123.8	$	107.9
Income taxes paid, net of refunds	105.8		203.7

For the nine months ended February 28, 2016, interest paid includes payments of $68.7 million associated with the retirement of long-term debt (see Note 16 - Long-Term Debt for further information) in addition to $6.3 million of interest accrued through the date of retirement. For the nine months ended February 22, 2015, interest paid includes payments of $44.0 million associated with the retirement of long-term debt in addition to $12.8 million of interest accrued through the date of the retirement. For the nine months ended February 22, 2015, income taxes paid includes tax payments associated with the gain on the sale of Red Lobster.



Non-cash investing and financing activities are as follows:	Nine Months Ended
(in millions)	February 28, 2016		February 22, 2015
Increase in land, buildings and equipment through accrued purchases	$	14.1	$	18.9
Net book value of assets distributed in Four Corners separation, net of deferred tax liabilities	750.4		—

Note 5.Income Taxes

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DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

The change in the effective income tax rate for the quarter and nine months ended February 28, 2016 as compared to the quarter and nine months ended February 22, 2015, excluding these impacts, is primarily attributable to the impact of FICA tax credits for employee reported tips and Work Opportunity Tax Credits on lower earnings before income taxes for the quarter and nine months ended February 22, 2015.

Included in our remaining balance of unrecognized tax benefits is $1.4 million related to tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts could change within the next twelve months based on the outcome of examinations or as a result of the expiration of the statute of limitations for specific jurisdictions.

Note 6.Net Earnings per Share

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

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

(in millions)

February 28,
2016

February 22,
2015

February 28,
2016

February 22,
2015

Anti-dilutive stock-based compensation awards

0.4

—

0.3

1.5

Note 7.Stockholders' Equity

Stockholders’ Rights Plan

In connection with the announced REIT transaction, our Board approved a Rights Agreement dated June 23, 2015, to deter any person from acquiring ownership of more than 9.8 percent of our common stock during the period leading up to the REIT transaction. Under the Rights Agreement, each share of our common stock had associated with it one right to purchase one thousandth of a share of our Series A Junior Participating Cumulative Preferred Stock at a purchase price of $156.26 per share, subject to adjustment under certain circumstances to prevent dilution. On November 10, 2015, the Rights expired by their terms following completion of the spin-off of Four Corners. As a result, each share of our common stock is no longer accompanied by a Right. The holders of common stock are not entitled to any payment as a result of the expiration of the Rights Agreement and the Rights issued thereunder.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (AOCI)

The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, for the quarters ended February 28, 2016 and February 22, 2015 are as follows:



(in millions)	Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment			Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Marketable Securities		Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives			Benefit Plan Funding Position			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Balance at November 29, 2015	$	(0.8	)	$	0.1	$	1.8		$	(66.1	)	$	(65.0	)
Gain (loss)	—			—		1.8			—			1.8
Reclassification realized in net earnings	—			—		—			(0.1		)	(0.1		)
Balance at February 28, 2016	$	(0.8	)	$	0.1	$	3.6		$	(66.2	)	$	(63.3	)

Balance at November 23, 2014	$	0.8		$	0.1	$	(23.0	)	$	(57.7	)	$	(79.8	)
Gain (loss)	(2.0		)	—		1.4			—			(0.6		)
Reclassification realized in net earnings	—			—		1.6			1.0			2.6
Balance at February 22, 2015	$	(1.2	)	$	0.1	$	(20.0	)	$	(56.7	)	$	(77.8	)

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DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, for the nine months ended February 28, 2016 and February 22, 2015 are as follows:



(in millions)	Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment			Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Marketable Securities		Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives			Benefit Plan Funding Position			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Balance at May 31, 2015	$	(1.7	)	$	0.1	$	(19.1	)	$	(65.9	)	$	(86.6	)
Gain (loss)	0.9			—		1.7			—			2.6
Reclassification realized in net earnings	—			—		21.0			(0.3		)	20.7
Balance at February 28, 2016	$	(0.8	)	$	0.1	$	3.6		$	(66.2	)	$	(63.3	)

Balance at May 25, 2014	$	(4.7	)	$	0.1	$	(50.4	)	$	(73.1	)	$	(128.1	)
Gain (loss)	(3.8		)	—		2.1			14.6			12.9
Reclassification realized in net earnings	7.3			—		28.3			1.8			37.4
Balance at February 22, 2015	$	(1.2	)	$	0.1	$	(20.0	)	$	(56.7	)	$	(77.8	)

Reclassifications related to foreign currency translation for the nine months ended February 22, 2015, primarily relate to the disposition of Red Lobster and are included in earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax expense (benefit) in our consolidated statement of earnings. The following table presents the amounts and line items in our consolidated statements of earnings where adjustments reclassified from AOCI into net earnings were recorded.



		Amount Reclassified from AOCI into Net Earnings
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
(in millions) AOCI Components	Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings	February 28, 2016			February 22, 2015			February 28, 2016			February 22, 2015
Derivatives
Equity contracts	(1)	—			—			2.1			(0.9		)
Interest rate contracts	(2)	—			(2.5		)	(37.4		)	(44.4		)
Total before tax		$	—		$	(2.5	)	$	(35.3	)	$	(45.3	)
Tax benefit		—			0.9			14.3			17.0
Net of tax		$	—		$	(1.6	)	$	(21.0	)	$	(28.3	)

Benefit plan funding position
Recognized net actuarial loss - pension/postretirement plans	(3)	$	(0.7	)	$	(0.6	)	$	(2.1	)	$	(1.9	)
Recognized net actuarial gain (loss) - other plans	(4)	0.8			(1.0		)	2.5			(1.3		)
Total before tax		$	0.1		$	(1.6	)	$	0.4		$	(3.2	)
Tax benefit (expense)		—			0.6			(0.1		)	1.4
Net of tax		$	0.1		$	(1.0	)	$	0.3		$	(1.8	)


(1)	Primarily included in restaurant labor costs and general and administrative expenses. See Note 9 for additional details.


(2)	Included in interest, net, on our consolidated statements of earnings. Reclassifications for the nine months ended February 28, 2016 and February 22, 2015 primarily related to the acceleration of hedge loss amortization resulting from the pay down of the associated long-term debt.


(3)	Included in the computation of net periodic benefit costs - pension and postretirement plans, which is a component of restaurant labor expenses and general and administrative expenses. See Note 8 for additional details.


(4)	Included in the computation of net periodic benefit costs - other plans, which is a component of general and administrative expenses.

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DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Note 8.Retirement Plans

Components of net periodic benefit cost are as follows:



	Defined Benefit Plans
	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
(in millions)	February 28, 2016			February 22, 2015			February 28, 2016			February 22, 2015
Service cost	$	—		$	0.4		$	—		$	0.9
Interest cost	2.7			2.5			8.0			7.5
Expected return on plan assets	(3.7		)	(3.8		)	(10.9		)	(11.4		)
Recognized net actuarial loss	0.7			0.6			2.1			1.9
Net periodic benefit (credit) cost	$	(0.3	)	$	(0.3	)	$	(0.8	)	$	(1.1	)



	Postretirement Benefit Plan
	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
(in millions)	February 28, 2016			February 22, 2015			February 28, 2016			February 22, 2015
Service cost	$	—		$	0.1		$	0.1		$	0.4
Interest cost	0.2			—			0.6			0.8
Amortization of unrecognized prior service credit	(1.2		)	(1.6		)	(3.6		)	(1.6		)
Recognized net actuarial loss	0.3			0.3			0.9			0.6
Net periodic benefit (credit) cost	$	(0.7	)	$	(1.2	)	$	(2.0	)	$	0.2

Note 9.Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

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

By using these instruments, we expose ourselves, from time to time, to credit risk and market risk. Credit risk is the failure of the counterparty to perform under the terms of the derivative contract. When the fair value of a derivative contract is positive, the counterparty owes us, which creates credit risk for us. We minimize this credit risk by entering into transactions with high quality counterparties. We currently do not have any provisions in our agreements with counterparties that would require either party to hold or post collateral in the event that the market value of the related derivative instrument exceeds a certain limit. As such, the maximum amount of loss due to counterparty credit risk we would incur at February 28, 2016, if counterparties to the derivative instruments failed completely to perform, would approximate the values of derivative instruments currently recognized as assets on our consolidated balance sheet. Market risk is the adverse effect on the value of a financial instrument that results from a change in interest rates, commodity prices, or the market price of our common stock. We minimize this market risk by establishing and monitoring parameters that limit the types and degree of market risk that may be undertaken.

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DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

During the quarter ended February 28, 2016, in connection with the repayment of our 2017 and 2021 senior notes, we settled our interest-rate swap agreements for a gain of $4.1 million. The swap agreements effectively swapped the fixed-rate obligations for floating-rate obligations, thereby mitigating changes in fair value of the related debt prior to maturity. The swap agreements were designated as fair value hedges of the related debt and met the requirements to be accounted for under the short-cut method, resulting in no ineffectiveness in the hedging relationship. During the quarters ended February 28, 2016 and February 22, 2015, $0.0 million and $0.5 million was recorded as a reduction to interest expense related to net swap settlements, respectively. During the nine months ended February 28, 2016 and February 22, 2015, $1.7 million and $2.3 million was recorded as a reduction to interest expense related to the net swap settlements, respectively.

We enter into equity forward contracts to hedge the risk of changes in future cash flows associated with the unvested, unrecognized Darden stock units. The equity forward contracts will be settled at the end of the vesting periods of their underlying Darden stock units, which range between four and five years. The contracts were initially designated as cash flow hedges to the extent the Darden stock units are unvested and, therefore, unrecognized as a liability in our financial statements. As of February 28, 2016, we were party to equity forward contracts that were indexed to 0.9 million shares of our common stock, at varying forward rates between $40.69 per share and $60.60 per share, extending through September 2020. The forward contracts can only be net settled in cash. As the Darden stock units vest, we will de-designate that portion of the equity forward contract that no longer qualifies for hedge accounting and changes in fair value associated with that portion of the equity forward contract will be recognized in current earnings. We periodically incur interest on the notional value of the contracts and receive dividends on the underlying shares. These amounts are recognized currently in earnings as they are incurred or received.

We entered into equity forward contracts to hedge the risk of changes in future cash flows associated with recognized, cash-settled performance stock units and employee-directed investments in Darden stock within the non-qualified deferred compensation plan. The equity forward contracts are indexed to 0.2 million shares of our common stock at forward rates between $41.03 and $44.73 per share, can only be net settled in cash and expire between fiscal 2016 and 2019. We did not elect hedge accounting with the expectation that changes in the fair value of the equity forward contracts would offset changes in the fair value of the performance stock units and Darden stock investments in the non-qualified deferred compensation plan within general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of earnings.

Under the provisions of the equity forward agreements, the equity notional amount, initial price and number of shares in our contracts were adjusted to take into effect the dilutive impact of the spin-off of Four Corners.

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



(in millions)	Notional Values				Balance Sheet Location	Fair Values
						Derivative Assets				Derivative Liabilities
	February 28, 2016		May 31, 2015			February 28, 2016		May 31, 2015		February 28, 2016		May 31, 2015
Derivative contracts designated as hedging instruments
Equity forwards	$	17.2	$	11.4	(1)	$	1.4	$	0.4	$	—	$	—
Interest rate related	—		200.0		(1)	—		3.6		—		—
						$	1.4	$	4.0	$	—	$	—
Derivative contracts not designated as hedging instruments
Equity forwards	$	30.2	$	51.7	(1)	$	2.8	$	1.3	$	—	$	—
						$	2.8	$	1.3	$	—	$	—
Total derivative contracts						$	4.2	$	5.3	$	—	$	—


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

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DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

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



(in millions)	Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI (effective portion)				Location of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI to Earnings	Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI to Earnings (effective portion)					Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings (ineffective portion)	(1) Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings (ineffective portion)
	Three Months Ended					Three Months Ended						Three Months Ended
Type of Derivative	February 28, 2016		February 22, 2015			February 28, 2016		February 22, 2015				February 28, 2016		February 22, 2015
Equity	$	1.8	$	1.4	(2)	$	—	$	—		(2)	$	0.2	$	0.2
Interest rate	—		—		Interest, net	—		(2.5		)	Interest, net	—		—
	$	1.8	$	1.4		$	—	$	(2.5	)		$	0.2	$	0.2



(in millions)	Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI (effective portion)				Location of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI to Earnings	Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI to Earnings (effective portion)						Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings (ineffective portion)	(1) Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings (ineffective portion)
	Nine Months Ended					Nine Months Ended							Nine Months Ended
Type of Derivative	February 28, 2016		February 22, 2015			February 28, 2016			February 22, 2015				February 28, 2016		February 22, 2015
Equity	$	1.7	$	2.1	(2)	$	2.1		$	(0.9	)	(2)	$	0.7	$	0.8
Interest rate	—		—		Interest, net	(37.4		)	(44.4		)	Interest, net	—		—
	$	1.7	$	2.1		$	(35.3	)	$	(45.3	)		$	0.7	$	0.8


(1)	Generally, all of our derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges have some level of ineffectiveness, which is recognized currently in earnings. However, as these amounts are generally nominal and our consolidated financial statements are presented “in millions,” these amounts may appear as zero in this tabular presentation.


(2)	Location of the gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI to earnings as well as the gain (loss) recognized in earnings for the ineffective portion of the hedge is restaurant labor expenses and general and administrative expenses.

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



(in millions)	Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings on Derivatives	Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		February 28, 2016		February 22, 2015		February 28, 2016		February 22, 2015
		February 28, 2016		February 22, 2015		February 28, 2016		February 22, 2015
Equity forwards	Restaurant labor expenses	$	1.7	$	1.7	2.7		2.9
Equity forwards	General and administrative expenses	3.4		3.9		5.6		6.7
		$	5.1	$	5.6	$	8.3	$	9.6

Based on the fair value of our derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges as of February 28, 2016, we expect to reclassify $0.6 million of net gains on derivative instruments from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to earnings during the next 12 months based on the maturity of our equity forward contracts. However, the amounts ultimately realized in earnings will be dependent on the fair value of the contracts on the settlement dates.

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DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Note 10. Fair Value Measurements

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

The following tables summarize the fair values of financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of February 28, 2016 and May 31, 2015:



Items Measured at Fair Value at February 28, 2016
(in millions)		Fair value of assets (liabilities)		Quoted prices in active market for identical assets (liabilities) (Level 1)		Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)		Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Fixed-income securities:
Corporate bonds	(1)	$	2.0	$	—	$	2.0	$	—
U.S. Treasury securities	(2)	5.0		5.0		—		—
Mortgage-backed securities	(1)	1.0		—		1.0		—
Derivatives:
Equity forwards	(3)	4.2		—		4.2		—
Interest rate swaps	(4)	—		—		—		—
Total		$	12.2	$	5.0	$	7.2	$	—



Items Measured at Fair Value at May 31, 2015
(in millions)		Fair value of assets (liabilities)		Quoted prices in active market for identical assets (liabilities) (Level 1)		Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)		Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Fixed-income securities:
Corporate bonds	(1)	$	2.2	$	—	$	2.2	$	—
U.S. Treasury securities	(2)	5.0		5.0		—		—
Mortgage-backed securities	(1)	1.6		—		1.6		—
Derivatives:
Equity forwards	(3)	1.7		—		1.7		—
Interest rate swaps	(4)	3.6		—		3.6		—
Total		$	14.1	$	5.0	$	9.1	$	—


(1)	The fair value of these securities is based on closing market prices of the investments when applicable, or, alternatively, valuations utilizing market data and other observable inputs, inclusive of the risk of nonperformance.


(2)	The fair value of our U.S. Treasury securities is based on closing market prices.


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


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

The carrying value and fair value of long-term debt, including the amounts included in current liabilities, as of February 28, 2016, was $447.7 million and $488.0 million, respectively. The carrying value and fair value of long-term debt, including the amounts included in current liabilities, as of May 31, 2015, was $1.47 billion and $1.57 billion, respectively. The fair value of long-term debt, which is classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy, is determined based on market prices or, if market prices are not available, the present value of the underlying cash flows discounted at our incremental borrowing rates.

The fair value of non-financial assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis, which is classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy, is determined based on appraisals or sales prices of comparable assets and estimates of future cash flows. As of February 28, 2016, non-financial assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis with a carrying value of $5.4 million, primarily related to two underperforming restaurants, were determined to have no fair value resulting in an impairment

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DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

charge of $5.4 million. As of May 31, 2015, non-financial assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis with a carrying value of $70.5 million, primarily related to restaurant assets involved in sale-leaseback arrangements, were written down to their fair value of $55.4 million resulting in an impairment charge of $15.1 million.

Note 11. Commitments and Contingencies

As collateral for performance on contracts and as credit guarantees to banks and insurers, we are contingently liable for guarantees of subsidiary obligations under standby letters of credit. As of February 28, 2016 and May 31, 2015, we had $119.2 million and $124.2 million, respectively, of standby letters of credit related to workers’ compensation and general liabilities accrued in our consolidated financial statements. As of February 28, 2016 and May 31, 2015, we had $12.8 million and $14.0 million, respectively, of standby letters of credit related to contractual operating lease obligations and other payments. All standby letters of credit are renewable annually.

As of February 28, 2016 and May 31, 2015, we had $137.4 million and $147.7 million, respectively, of guarantees associated with leased properties that have been assigned to third parties. These amounts represent the maximum potential amount of future payments under the guarantees. The fair value of the maximum potential future payments discounted at our weighted-average cost of capital as of February 28, 2016 and May 31, 2015, amounted to $106.9 million and $113.4 million, respectively. We did not record a liability for the guarantees, as the likelihood of the third parties defaulting on the assignment agreements was deemed to be remote. In the event of default by a third party, the indemnity and default clauses in our assignment agreements govern our ability to recover from and pursue the third party for damages incurred as a result of its default. We do not hold any third-party assets as collateral related to these assignment agreements, except to the extent that the assignment allows us to repossess the building and personal property. Assuming exercise of all option periods, these guarantees expire over their respective lease terms, which range from fiscal 2016 through fiscal 2044.

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

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DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Note 12. Segment Information

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

The Olive Garden segment includes the results of our company-owned Olive Garden restaurants in the U.S. and Canada. The LongHorn Steakhouse segment includes the results of our company-owned LongHorn Steakhouse restaurants in the U.S. The Fine Dining segment aggregates our premium brands that operate within the fine-dining sub-segment of full-service dining and includes the results of our company-owned The Capital Grille and Eddie V's restaurants in the U.S. The Other Business segment aggregates our remaining brands and includes the results of our company-owned Yard House, Seasons 52 and Bahama Breeze restaurants in the U.S. This segment also includes results from our franchises and consumer-packaged goods sales.

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

Our management uses segment profit as the measure for assessing performance of our segments. Segment profit includes revenues and expenses directly attributable to restaurant-level results of operations (sometimes referred to as restaurant-level earnings). These expenses include food and beverage costs, restaurant labor costs, restaurant expenses and marketing expenses (collectively "restaurant and marketing expenses"). The following tables reconcile our segment results to our consolidated results reported in accordance with GAAP:



(in millions)	Olive Garden			LongHorn Steakhouse			Fine Dining		Other Business		Corporate		Consolidated
For the three months ended February 28, 2016	Olive Garden			LongHorn Steakhouse			Fine Dining		Other Business		Corporate		Consolidated
Sales	$	1,019.8		$	425.5		$	146.0	$	256.2	$	—	$	1,847.5
Restaurant and marketing expenses	799.7			340.5			112.1		213.9		—		1,466.2
Segment profit	$	220.1		$	85.0		$	33.9	$	42.3	$	—	$	381.3

Depreciation and amortization	$	27.1		$	15.7		$	6.7	$	12.8	$	4.7	$	67.0
Impairments and disposal of assets, net	(1.9		)	(0.2		)	—		—		—		(2.1		)



(in millions)	Olive Garden			LongHorn Steakhouse			Fine Dining		Other Business		Corporate		Consolidated
For the three months ended February 22, 2015	Olive Garden			LongHorn Steakhouse			Fine Dining		Other Business		Corporate		Consolidated
Sales	$	957.1		$	403.8		$	138.5	$	231.5	$	—	$	1,730.9
Restaurant and marketing expenses	755.7			337.9			107.6		192.5		—		1,393.7
Segment profit	$	201.4		$	65.9		$	30.9	$	39.0	$	—	$	337.2

Depreciation and amortization	$	37.8		$	17.9		$	6.6	$	11.8	$	5.5	$	79.6
Impairments and disposal of assets, net	(2.1		)	(0.8		)	—		—		3.7		0.8

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DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)



(in millions)	Olive Garden			LongHorn Steakhouse			Fine Dining		Other Business		Corporate		Consolidated
For the nine months ended February 28, 2016	Olive Garden			LongHorn Steakhouse			Fine Dining		Other Business		Corporate		Consolidated
Sales	$	2,856.8		$	1,174.4		$	382.5	$	729.6	$	—	$	5,143.3
Restaurant and marketing expenses	2,287.6			977.5			308.3		611.3		—		4,184.7
Segment profit	$	569.2		$	196.9		$	74.2	$	118.3	$	—	$	958.6

Depreciation and amortization	$	96.9		$	52.5		$	20.3	$	37.8	$	15.9	$	223.4
Impairments and disposal of assets, net	(1.9		)	(1.5		)	0.7		6.6		—		3.9
Segments assets	951.0			980.2			852.7		996.8		721.2		4,501.9
Capital expenditures	67.2			40.7			12.7		49.4		2.8		172.8



(in millions)	Olive Garden		LongHorn Steakhouse		Fine Dining		Other Business		Corporate		Consolidated
For the nine months ended February 22, 2015	Olive Garden		LongHorn Steakhouse		Fine Dining		Other Business		Corporate		Consolidated
Sales	$	2,752.3	$	1,106.5	$	362.9	$	664.0	$	—	$	4,885.7
Restaurant and marketing expenses	2,262.1		944.5		295.5		570.3		—		4,072.4
Segment profit	$	490.2	$	162.0	$	67.4	$	93.7	$	—	$	813.3

Depreciation and amortization	$	112.6	$	53.1	$	19.6	$	35.1	$	18.0	$	238.4
Impairments and disposal of assets, net	13.6		—		—		21.0		12.5		47.1
Segments assets	1,672.1		1,275.5		866.5		1,061.8		1,115.7		5,991.6
Capital expenditures	94.6		55.0		17.2		59.9		3.4		230.1

Reconciliation of segment profit to earnings from continuing operations before income taxes:



	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
(in millions)	February 28, 2016			February 22, 2015			February 28, 2016			February 22, 2015
Segment profit	$	381.3		$	337.2		$	958.6		$	813.3
Less general and administrative expenses	(95.2		)	(86.4		)	(294.2		)	(310.7		)
Less depreciation and amortization	(67.0		)	(79.6		)	(223.4		)	(238.4		)
Less impairments and disposal of assets, net	2.1			(0.8		)	(3.9		)	(47.1		)
Less interest, net	(83.1		)	(23.3		)	(162.8		)	(168.3		)
Earnings before income taxes	$	138.1		$	147.1		$	274.3		$	48.8

Note 13.Stock-Based Compensation

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

Separation-Related Adjustments

Pursuant to the provisions of our stock plans, in connection with the separation of Four Corners we made certain adjustments to the exercise price and number of our share-based compensation awards, with the intention of preserving the intrinsic value of the awards immediately prior to the separation. These adjustments are reflected in the activity tables below.

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DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

The separation-related adjustments did not have a material impact on either compensation expense or the potentially dilutive securities to be considered in the calculation of diluted earnings per share of common stock.

The weighted-average fair value of non-qualified stock options and the related assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option pricing model were as follows. For the nine months ended February 28, 2016, all stock option grants occurred prior to the separation of Four Corners.



	Stock Options Granted
	Nine Months Ended
	February 28, 2016			February 22, 2015
Weighted-average fair value (1)	$	12.72		$	9.41
Dividend yield	3.3		%	4.5		%
Expected volatility of stock	28.0		%	37.3		%
Risk-free interest rate	1.9		%	2.1		%
Expected option life (in years)	6.5			6.5
Weighted-average exercise price per share (1)	$	64.85		$	40.43

(1) Weighted averages were adjusted for the impact of the separation of Four Corners.

The following table presents a summary of our stock-based compensation activity for the nine months ended February 28, 2016:



(in millions)	Stock Options		Restricted Stock/ Restricted Stock Units		Darden Stock Units		Cash-Settled Performance Stock Units		Equity-Settled Performance Stock Units
Outstanding beginning of period	7.71		0.10		1.37		0.38		—
Awards issued in conversion as a result of the separation of Four Corners	0.97		—		0.18		0.05		—
Awards granted	0.43		0.06		0.32		—		0.19
Awards exercised	(2.12	)	(0.03	)	(0.33	)	(0.15	)	—
Awards forfeited	(0.16	)	—		(0.07	)	(0.10	)	—
Performance unit adjustment	—		—		—		0.03		—
Outstanding end of period	6.83		0.13		1.47		0.21		0.19

We recognized expense from stock-based compensation as follows:



	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
(in millions)	February 28, 2016		February 22, 2015		February 28, 2016		February 22, 2015
Stock options	$	1.6	$	2.4	$	6.5	$	17.1
Restricted stock/restricted stock units	0.5		0.5		1.4		1.6
Darden stock units	4.9		4.1		11.7		8.9
Cash-settled performance stock units	3.4		3.6		5.4		11.6
Equity-settled performance stock units	0.9		—		2.0		—
Employee stock purchase plan	0.3		0.3		0.9		1.0
Director compensation program/other	0.3		0.5		1.3		1.1
Total stock-based compensation expense	$	11.9	$	11.4	$	29.2	$	41.3

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DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Note 14. Impairments and Disposal of Assets, Net

Impairments and disposal of assets, net in our accompanying consolidated statements of earnings are comprised of the following:



	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
(in millions)	February 28, 2016			February 22, 2015			February 28, 2016			February 22, 2015
Restaurant impairments	$	—		$	0.3		$	9.2		$	34.1
Disposal gains	(2.1		)	(3.7		)	(5.3		)	(3.9		)
Other	—			4.2			—			16.9
Impairments and disposal of assets, net	$	(2.1	)	$	0.8		$	3.9		$	47.1

Restaurant impairments for the nine months ended February 28, 2016 were primarily related to underperforming restaurants and restaurant assets involved in individual sale-leaseback transactions. For the quarter and nine months ended February 22, 2015, restaurant impairments were primarily related to underperforming restaurants.

Disposal gains during the quarters and nine months ended February 28, 2016 and February 22, 2015 were primarily related to the sale of land parcels and sale-leaseback transactions.

Other impairment charges for the quarter ended February 22, 2015 related to the expected disposal of excess land parcels adjacent to our corporate headquarters which are held for sale. During the nine months ended February 22, 2015, we also recognized impairments related to our lobster aquaculture project and a corporate airplane in connection with the closure of our aviation department.

Impairment charges were measured based on the amount by which the carrying amount of these assets exceeded their fair value. Fair value is generally determined based on appraisals or sales prices of comparable assets and estimates of future cash flows. These amounts are included in impairments and disposal of assets, net as a component of earnings from continuing operations in the accompanying consolidated statements of earnings.

Note 15. Workforce Reduction Costs

During fiscal 2014 and 2015, we performed reviews of our operations and support structure resulting in changes in our growth plans and related support structure needs. As a result, we had workforce reductions and program spending cuts throughout fiscal 2014 and 2015. In accordance with these actions, we incurred employee termination benefits costs and other costs which are included in general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statement of earnings as follows:



	Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
(in millions)	February 28, 2016 (3)			February 22, 2015		February 28, 2016 (3)			February 22, 2015
Employee termination benefits (1)	$	—		$	0.7	$	0.2		$	27.7
Other (2)	(0.1		)	—		(0.1		)	0.4
Total	$	(0.1	)	$	0.7	$	0.1		$	28.1


(1)	Includes salary and stock-based compensation expense.


(2)	Includes postemployment medical, outplacement and relocation costs.


(3)	Reflects subsequent adjustments to the fiscal 2014 and 2015 plans based on updated information.

The following table summarizes the accrued employee termination benefits and other costs which are primarily included in other current liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet as of February 28, 2016:

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DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)



(in millions)	Fiscal Year 2014 Plans		Fiscal Year 2015 Plans		Payments			Adjustments			Balance at February 28, 2016
Employee termination benefits (1)	$	13.4	$	24.2	$	(34.2	)	$	0.8		$	4.2
Other	1.1		0.6		(1.3		)	(0.3		)	0.1
Total	$	14.5	$	24.8	$	(35.5	)	$	0.5		$	4.3


(1)	Excludes costs associated with stock options and restricted stock that will be settled in shares upon vesting.

We expect the remaining liability to be paid by the second quarter of fiscal 2017.

Note 16. Long-Term Debt

As of February 28, 2016, our outstanding long-term debt consisted principally of:


•	$150.0 million of unsecured 6.000 percent senior notes due in August 2035; and


•	$300.0 million of unsecured 6.800 percent senior notes due in October 2037.


•	$262.0 million of our variable-rate term loan, maturing in August 2017;


•	$500.0 million of unsecured 6.200 percent senior notes due in October 2017;


•	$121.9 million of unsecured 4.500 percent senior notes due in October 2021;


•	$111.1 million of unsecured 3.350 percent senior notes due in November 2022; and


•	$10.0 million of unsecured 4.520 percent senior notes due in August 2024

We plan to retire the remaining $8.0 million balance of the variable-rate term loan in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016. This balance is included in current liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet as of February 28, 2016 as current portion of long-term debt.

For the quarter and nine months ended February 28, 2016, we recorded approximately $71.3 million and $106.8 million, respectively of expenses associated with the fiscal 2016 retirements including cash costs of approximately $68.7 million for repurchase premiums, make-whole amounts and hedge settlements and non-cash charges of approximately $38.1 million associated with hedge and loan cost write-offs. These amounts were recorded in interest, net in our consolidated statements of earnings for the quarter and nine months ended February 28, 2016.

For the quarter and nine months ended February 22, 2015, we recorded approximately $0.8 million and $91.3 million, respectively, of expenses associated with the fiscal 2015 retirement of approximately $1.01 billion aggregate principal of long-term debt. These expenses included cash components for repurchase premiums and make-whole amounts of approximately $44.0 million and non-cash charges associated with hedge and loan cost write-offs of approximately $47.3 million. These amounts were recorded in interest, net in our consolidated statements of earnings for the quarter and nine months ended February 22, 2015.

Note 17. Subsequent Events

On March 31, 2016, the Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.50 per share to be paid May 2, 2016 to all shareholders of record as of the close of business on April 11, 2016.

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

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

To facilitate review of our discussion and analysis, the following table sets forth our financial results for the periods indicated. All information is derived from the unaudited consolidated statements of earnings for the quarters and nine months ended February 28, 2016 and February 22, 2015. This information and the following analysis have been presented with the results of operations, costs incurred in connection with the sale and related gain on the sale of Red Lobster and results for the two closed company-owned synergy restaurants classified as discontinued operations for all periods presented.



	Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
	February 28, 2016			February 22, 2015			% Chg		February 28, 2016			February 22, 2015			% Chg
Sales	$	1,847.5		$	1,730.9		6.7	%	$	5,143.3		$	4,885.7		5.3	%
Costs and expenses:
Food and beverage	537.8			530.7			1.3		1,522.7			1,518.2			0.3
Restaurant labor	572.5			535.6			6.9		1,632.3			1,550.7			5.3
Restaurant expenses	305.2			276.0			10.6		855.1			825.7			3.6
Marketing expenses	50.7			51.4			(1.4	)	174.6			177.8			(1.8	)
General and administrative expenses	95.2			86.4			10.2		294.2			310.7			(5.3	)
Depreciation and amortization	67.0			79.6			(15.8	)	223.4			238.4			(6.3	)
Impairments and disposal of assets, net	(2.1		)	0.8			NM		3.9			47.1			(91.7	)
Total costs and expenses	$	1,626.3		$	1,560.5		4.2		$	4,706.2		$	4,668.6		0.8
Operating income	221.2			170.4			29.8		437.1			217.1			101.3
Interest, net	83.1			23.3			256.7		162.8			168.3			(3.3	)
Earnings before income taxes	138.1			147.1			(6.1	)	274.3			48.8			462.1
Income tax expense (benefit) (1)	29.9			18.7			59.9		55.0			(29.5		)	NM
Earnings from continuing operations	$	108.2		$	128.4		(15.7	)	$	219.3		$	78.3		180.1
Earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax	(2.4		)	5.4			NM		16.1			525.9			(96.9	)
Net earnings	$	105.8		$	133.8		(20.9	)%	$	235.4		$	604.2		(61.0	)%
Diluted net earnings per share:
Earnings from continuing operations	$	0.84		$	1.01		(16.8	)%	$	1.69		$	0.60		181.7	%
Earnings from discontinued operations	(0.02		)	0.04			NM		0.13			4.04			NM
Net earnings	$	0.82		$	1.05		(21.9	)%	$	1.82		$	4.64		(60.8	)%

(1) Effective tax rate	21.7		%	12.7		%			20.1		%	(60.5		)%
NM = not meaningful

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The following table details the number of company-owned restaurants currently reported in continuing operations that were open at the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2016, compared with the number open at the end of fiscal 2015 and the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2015.



	February 28, 2016	May 31, 2015	February 22, 2015
Olive Garden (1)	844	846	845
LongHorn Steakhouse	479	480	478
The Capital Grille	54	54	55
Bahama Breeze	37	36	36
Seasons 52	42	43	42
Eddie V's	16	16	15
Yard House	63	59	57
Total	1,535	1,534	1,528


(1)	Includes six locations in Canada for all periods presented.

OVERVIEW OF OPERATIONS

On November 9, 2015, we completed the spin-off of Four Corners Property Trust, Inc. (Four Corners) with the pro rata distribution of one share of common stock for every three shares of Darden common stock to Darden shareholders. The separation includes (i) the transfer of 6 LongHorn Steakhouse restaurants located in the San Antonio, Texas area and 418 restaurant properties to Four Corners; (ii) the issuance to us of all of the outstanding common stock of Four Corners and corresponding pro rata distribution to our shareholders of the outstanding shares of Four Corners common stock as a tax-free stock dividend; and (iii) a cash dividend of approximately $315.0 million received by us from Four Corners from the proceeds of Four Corners’ term loan borrowings. See Note 2 to our unaudited consolidated financial statements for further details.

Financial Highlights - Consolidated

Our sales from continuing operations were $1.85 billion and $5.14 billion for the third quarter and the first nine months of fiscal 2016, compared to $1.73 billion and $4.89 billion for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2015. The increase of 6.7 percent in sales for the third quarter of fiscal 2016 was primarily driven by a combined Darden same-restaurant sales increase of 6.2 percent as well as revenue from the addition of 7 net new company-owned restaurants since the third quarter of fiscal 2015. The increase of 5.3 percent in sales for the first nine months of fiscal 2016 was primarily driven by a combined Darden same-restaurant sales increase of 3.8 percent as well as revenue from the addition of 7 net new company-owned restaurants since the third quarter of fiscal 2015. On a comparable calendar basis, combined Darden same-restaurant sales increases for the third quarter and the first nine months of fiscal 2016 were 4.2 percent and 3.6 percent, respectively.

For the third quarter of fiscal 2016, our net earnings from continuing operations were $108.2 million compared to $128.4 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2015, and our diluted net earnings per share from continuing operations were $0.84 for the third quarter of fiscal 2016 compared to $1.01 for the third quarter of fiscal 2015. Our diluted per share results from continuing operations for the third quarter of fiscal 2016 were adversely impacted by approximately $0.34 due to debt retirement costs and approximately $0.03 related to the real estate plan implementation, Our diluted per share results from continuing operations for the third quarter of fiscal 2015 were positively impacted by approximately $0.02 due to the combined impact of a tax benefit related to exiting from our lobster aquaculture project and legal, financial advisory and other costs related to implementation of the strategic action plan and asset impairments.

For the first nine months of fiscal 2016, our net earnings from continuing operations were $219.3 million compared to $78.3 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2015, and our diluted net earnings per share from continuing operations were $1.69 for the first nine months of fiscal 2016 compared to $0.60 for the first nine months of fiscal 2015. Our diluted per share results from continuing operations for the first nine months of fiscal 2016 were adversely impacted by approximately $0.51 due to debt retirement costs and approximately $0.24 related to the real estate plan implementation and positively impacted by approximately $0.02 due to a tax benefit associated with the prior year lobster aquaculture divestiture. Our diluted per share results from continuing operations for the first nine months of fiscal 2015 were adversely impacted by approximately $0.42 due to debt retirement costs and approximately $0.52 due to the combined impact of a tax benefit related to exiting from our lobster aquaculture project and legal, financial advisory and other costs related to implementation of the strategic action plan and asset impairments.

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Financial Highlights - Segments

Olive Garden's segment profit margins were 21.6 percent and 19.9 percent for the third quarter and the first nine months of fiscal 2016, compared to 21.0 percent and 17.8 percent for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2015. The growth for the third quarter and the first nine months of fiscal 2016 was driven primarily by leveraging positive same-restaurant sales, food and beverage cost favorability and cost reduction initiatives, partially offset by additional rent expense resulting from real estate transactions. LongHorn's segment profit margins were 20.0 percent and 16.8 percent for the third quarter and the first nine months of fiscal 2016, compared to 16.3 percent and 14.6 percent for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2015. The growth for the third quarter and the first nine months of fiscal 2016 was driven primarily by leveraging positive same-restaurant sales as well as improved cost of sales and lower marketing expense, partially offset by additional rent expense resulting from real estate transactions. Fine Dining's segment profit margins were 23.2 percent and 19.4 percent for the third quarter and the first nine months of fiscal 2016, compared to 22.3 percent and 18.6 percent for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2015. The growth for the third quarter and the first nine months of fiscal 2016 was driven by leverage from sales growth. The Other Business segment profit margins were 16.5 percent and 16.2 percent for the third quarter and the first nine months of fiscal 2016, compared to 16.8 percent and 14.1 percent for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2015. The decrease for the third quarter of fiscal 2016 was driven by higher labor and marketing expenses. The increase for first nine months of fiscal 2016 was driven by positive same-restaurant sales leverage and lower food and beverage costs.

Outlook

We expect the combined Darden same-restaurant sales increase in fiscal 2016 to range between 3.0 and 3.5 percent. In fiscal 2016, we expect to add approximately 18 - 22 new restaurants, and we expect capital expenditures incurred to build new restaurants and remodel and maintain existing restaurants to be between $230.0 million and $255.0 million.

SALES

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



	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
(in millions)	February 28, 2016		February 22, 2015		% Chg		February 28, 2016		February 22, 2015		% Chg
Olive Garden	$	1,019.8	$	957.1	6.6	%	$	2,856.8	$	2,752.3	3.8	%
LongHorn Steakhouse	$	425.5	$	403.8	5.4	%	$	1,174.4	$	1,106.5	6.1	%
Yard House	$	131.0	$	117.2	11.8	%	$	373.5	$	337.3	10.7	%
The Capital Grille	$	117.8	$	113.5	3.8	%	$	304.5	$	293.5	3.7	%
Bahama Breeze	$	52.2	$	46.6	12.0	%	$	156.5	$	147.6	6.0	%
Seasons 52	$	69.1	$	65.1	6.1	%	$	189.2	$	170.6	10.9	%
Eddie V's	$	28.3	$	25.0	13.2	%	$	78.1	$	69.4	12.5	%

The following table presents our same-restaurant sales (SRS) by brand for the periods indicated.



	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	February 28, 2016				February 28, 2016
	Fiscal Basis (1)		Comparable Calendar Basis (2)		Fiscal Basis (1)		Comparable Calendar Basis (2)
Olive Garden	6.8	%	4.9	%	3.6	%	3.4	%
LongHorn Steakhouse	5.2	%	2.7	%	4.3	%	3.8	%
Yard House	3.9	%	3.1	%	2.7	%	2.7	%
The Capital Grille	5.3	%	4.3	%	4.6	%	3.8	%
Bahama Breeze	9.9	%	6.3	%	4.5	%	4.7	%
Seasons 52	5.7	%	5.3	%	4.8	%	4.4	%
Eddie V's	4.1	%	1.3	%	2.6	%	1.9	%


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


(2)	Comparable calendar basis same-restaurant sales balances the one-week offset in the fiscal basis same-restaurant sales due to the transition from a 53-week year in fiscal 2015 to a 52-week year in fiscal 2016.

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Olive Garden’s sales increases for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2016 were primarily driven by U.S. same-restaurant sales increases. The increase in U.S. same-restaurant sales for the third quarter of fiscal 2016 resulted from a 4.8 percent increase in same-restaurant guest counts combined with a 2.0 percent increase in average check. The increase in U.S. same-restaurant sales for the first nine months of fiscal 2016 resulted from a 2.1 percent increase in average check combined with a 1.5 percent increase in same-restaurant guest counts.

LongHorn Steakhouse’s sales increases for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2016 were primarily driven by a U.S. same-restaurant sales increases for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2016 combined with revenue from one net new restaurant. The increase in same-restaurant sales for the third quarter of fiscal 2016 resulted from a 3.4 percent increase in average check combined with a 1.8 percent increase in same-restaurant guest counts. The increase in same-restaurant sales for the first nine months of fiscal 2016 resulted from a 2.6 percent increase in average check combined with a 1.7 percent increase in same-restaurant guest counts.

In total, Yard House, The Capital Grille, Bahama Breeze, Seasons 52 and Eddie V's generated sales for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2016, which were 8.4 percent and 8.2 percent above last fiscal year’s third quarter and first nine months, respectively, primarily driven by the incremental sales from seven net new restaurants added since the third quarter of fiscal 2015, and a combined same-restaurant sales increase of 5.5 percent and 3.9 percent across these brands for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2016, respectively.

COSTS AND EXPENSES

The following table sets forth selected operating data as a percent of sales for the periods indicated. All information is derived from the unaudited consolidated statements of earnings for the quarters and nine months ended February 28, 2016 and February 22, 2015. Additionally, this information and the following analysis have been presented with the results of operations, costs incurred in connection with the sale and related gain on the sale of Red Lobster and results for the two closed synergy restaurants classified as discontinued operations for all periods presented.



	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	February 28, 2016		February 22, 2015		February 28, 2016		February 22, 2015
Sales	100.0	%	100.0	%	100.0	%	100.0	%
Costs and expenses:
Food and beverage	29.1		30.7		29.6		31.1
Restaurant labor	31.0		30.9		31.7		31.7
Restaurant expenses	16.5		15.9		16.6		16.9
Marketing expenses	2.7		3.0		3.4		3.6
General and administrative expenses	5.2		5.1		5.8		6.4
Depreciation and amortization	3.6		4.6		4.3		4.9
Impairments and disposal of assets, net	(0.1	)	—		0.1		1.0
Total operating costs and expenses	88.0	%	90.2	%	91.5	%	95.6	%
Operating income	12.0		9.8		8.5		4.4
Interest, net	4.5		1.3		3.2		3.4
Earnings before income taxes	7.5		8.5		5.3		1.0
Income tax expense (benefit)	1.6		1.1		1.0		(0.6	)
Earnings from continuing operations	5.9		7.4		4.3		1.6

Quarter Ended February 28, 2016 Compared to Quarter Ended February 22, 2015

Total operating costs and expenses were $1.63 billion and $1.56 billion for the quarters ended February 28, 2016 and February 22, 2015, respectively. As a percent of sales, total operating costs and expenses decreased from 90.2 percent for the third quarter of fiscal 2015 to 88.0 percent for the third quarter of fiscal 2016.


•	Food and beverage costs decreased as percent of sales as a result of cost savings initiatives, favorable pricing and food cost deflation, primarily seafood and beef.


•	Restaurant labor costs increased as a percent of sales as a result of wage-rate inflation, higher manager bonus and salary costs, partially offset by sales leverage.

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•	Restaurant expenses (which include utilities, repairs and maintenance, credit card, lease, property tax, workers’ compensation, new restaurant pre-opening and other restaurant-level operating expenses) increased as a percent of sales, primarily due to higher rent expense resulting from additional sale leasebacks and the spin-off of Four Corners.


•	Marketing expenses decreased as a percent of sales, primarily as a result of sales leverage.

•

General and administrative expenses increased as a percent of sales, primarily due to rent expense resulting from the sale leaseback of our restaurant support center and higher performance-based pay expense, partially offset by sales leverage. General and administrative expenses incurred in fiscal 2016 related to the real estate plan implementation were essentially comparable with the strategic action plan costs incurred in fiscal 2015.


•	Depreciation and amortization expense decreased as a percent of sales primarily from the impact of the spin-off of Four Corners, completed sale-leaseback transactions and sales leverage.


•	Impairments and disposal of assets, net were essentially flat as a percent of sales.

Nine Months Ended February 28, 2016 Compared to Nine Months Ended February 22, 2015

Total operating costs and expenses were $4.71 billion and $4.67 billion for the nine months ended February 28, 2016 and February 22, 2015, respectively. As a percent of sales, total operating costs and expenses decreased from 95.6 percent for the first nine months of fiscal 2015 to 91.5 percent for the first nine months of fiscal 2016.


•	Food and beverage costs decreased as percent of sales as a result of favorable pricing and food cost deflation, primarily seafood and dairy.


•	Restaurant labor costs were flat as a percent of sales as higher manager bonus and salary costs were offset by sales leverage.


•	Restaurant expenses (which include utilities, repairs and maintenance, credit card, lease, property tax, workers’ compensation, new restaurant pre-opening and other restaurant-level operating expenses) decreased as a percent of sales, primarily as a result of sales leverage, cost savings initiatives and lower workers' compensation expenses, partially offset by increased rent expense.


•	Marketing expenses decreased as a percent of sales, primarily as a result of sales leverage.


•	General and administrative expenses decreased as a percent of sales, primarily as a result of sales leverage, support cost savings and the favorable settlement of legal matters. General and administrative expenses incurred in fiscal 2016 related to the real estate plan implementation were essentially comparable with the strategic action plan costs incurred in fiscal 2015.


•	Depreciation and amortization expense decreased as a percent of sales primarily from the impact of the spin-off of Four Corners, completed sale-leaseback transactions and sales leverage.


•	Impairments and disposal of assets, net decreased as a percent of sales primarily due to higher restaurant-related impairments in fiscal 2015.

INTEREST EXPENSE

Net interest expense increased as a percent of sales for the third quarter of fiscal 2016 primarily due to the $71.3 million of debt retirement costs recorded in third quarter of fiscal 2016. Net interest expense decreased as a percent of sales for the first nine months of fiscal 2016 primarily due to lower average debt balances for the first nine months of fiscal 2016 as compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2015 due to the repayment of debt. The decrease was partially offset by higher debt retirement costs of $106.8 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2016 compared to debt retirement costs of $91.3 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2015.

INCOME TAXES

The effective income tax rate for the quarter ended February 28, 2016 was 21.7 percent compared to an effective income tax rate of 12.7 percent for the quarter ended February 22, 2015. The effective income tax rate for the nine months ended February 28, 2016 was 20.1 percent compared to an effective income tax rate benefit of 60.5 percent for the nine months ended February 22, 2015. Excluding the tax impact of costs related to implementation of our real estate plan, strategic action plan and other costs and debt retirement costs recognized during fiscal 2016 and 2015, our effective tax rate would have been approximately 27.1 percent and 19.2 percent for the quarters ended February 28, 2016 and February 22, 2015, respectively, and approximately 26.1 percent and 19.5 percent for the nine months ended February 28, 2016 and February 22, 2015, respectively. The change in the effective income tax rate for the quarter and nine months ended February 28, 2016 as compared to the quarter and nine months ended February 22, 2015, excluding these impacts, is primarily attributable to the impact of FICA tax credits for employee reported tips and Work Opportunity Tax Credits on lower earnings before income taxes for the quarter and nine months ended February 22, 2015.

EARNINGS (LOSS) FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

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On an after-tax basis, results from discontinued operations for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2016 were a net loss of $2.4 million ($0.02 per diluted share) and earnings of $16.1 million ($0.13 per diluted share) compared with earnings from discontinued operations for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2015 of $5.4 million ($0.04 per diluted share) and $525.9 million ($4.04 per diluted share), respectively. Earnings from discontinued operations reflects pre-tax gains of $17.4 million recorded in the first nine months of fiscal 2016, and $825.9 million recorded in the first nine months of fiscal 2015 related to the sale of Red Lobster.

SEASONALITY

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

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Cash flows generated from operating activities are our principal source of liquidity, which we use to finance capital expenditures for new restaurants and to remodel existing restaurants, to pay dividends to our shareholders and to repurchase shares of our common stock. Since substantially all of our sales are for cash and cash equivalents, and accounts payable are generally due in 5 to 30 days, we are able to carry current liabilities in excess of current assets. In addition to cash flows from operations, we use a combination of long-term and short-term borrowings to fund our capital needs.

We currently manage our business and financial ratios to maintain an investment grade bond rating, which has historically allowed flexible access to financing at reasonable costs. Currently, our publicly issued long-term debt carries “Ba1” (Moody’s Investors Service), “BBB-” (Standard & Poor’s) and “BBB-” (Fitch) ratings. Our commercial paper has ratings of “NP” (Moody’s Investors Service), “A-3” (Standard & Poor’s) and “F-3” (Fitch). These ratings are as of the date of the filing of this Form 10-Q and have been obtained with the understanding that Moody’s Investors Service, Standard & Poor’s and Fitch will continue to monitor our credit and make future adjustments to these ratings to the extent warranted. The ratings are not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold our securities, may be changed, superseded or withdrawn at any time and should be evaluated independently of any other rating.

During fiscal 2015, we conducted a comprehensive evaluation of a wide range of options for the potential monetization of our real estate portfolio. As a result of this evaluation, we undertook the following strategies:


•	Sale-leaseback transactions of 64 restaurant properties, 14 of which were completed in fiscal 2015, 49 were completed in the first nine months of fiscal 2016, and the remaining property is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016. The 63 completed transactions generated net proceeds of $234.9 million;


•	Transfer 424 of our restaurant properties into a REIT, with substantially all of the REIT’s initial assets being leased back to Darden. We completed the spin-off of Four Corners on November 9, 2015. See Note 2 to our unaudited consolidated financial statements for further details.


•	Sale leaseback of our corporate headquarters, which was completed during the quarter ended November 29, 2015, generating net proceeds of $131.0 million.

We maintain a $750.0 million revolving Credit Agreement (Revolving Credit Agreement) with Bank of America, N.A. (BOA), as administrative agent, and the lenders and other agents party thereto. The Revolving Credit Agreement is a senior unsecured credit commitment to the Company and contains customary representations and affirmative and negative covenants (including limitations on liens and subsidiary debt and a maximum consolidated lease adjusted total debt to total capitalization ratio of 0.75 to 1.00) and events of default usual for credit facilities of this type. As of February 28, 2016, we were in compliance with all covenants under the Revolving Credit Agreement.

The Revolving Credit Agreement matures on October 24, 2018 and the proceeds may be used for commercial paper back-up, working capital and capital expenditures, the refinancing of certain indebtedness, certain acquisitions and general corporate purposes. Loans under the Revolving Credit Agreement bear interest at a rate of LIBOR plus a margin determined by reference to a ratings-based pricing grid (Applicable Margin), or the base rate (which is defined as the highest of the BOA prime rate, the Federal Funds rate plus 0.500 percent, and the Eurocurrency Rate plus 1.00 percent) plus the Applicable Margin. Assuming a “BBB-” equivalent credit rating level, the Applicable Margin under the Revolving Credit Agreement will be 1.300 percent for LIBOR loans and 0.300 percent for base rate loans. As of February 28, 2016, we had no outstanding balances under the Revolving Credit Agreement.

As of February 28, 2016, our outstanding long-term debt consisted principally of:


•	$150.0 million of unsecured 6.000 percent senior notes due in August 2035; and


•	$300.0 million of unsecured 6.800 percent senior notes due in October 2037.


•	$262.0 million of our variable-rate term loan, maturing in August 2017;


•	$500.0 million of unsecured 6.200 percent senior notes due in October 2017;


•	$121.9 million of unsecured 4.500 percent senior notes due in October 2021;


•	$111.1 million of unsecured 3.350 percent senior notes due in November 2022; and


•	$10.0 million of unsecured 4.520 percent senior notes due in August 2024

We plan to retire the remaining $8.0 million balance of the variable-rate term loan in fiscal 2016. This balance is included in current liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet as of February 28, 2016 as current portion of long-term debt.

During the second and third quarters of fiscal 2016, we recorded approximately $106.8 million of expenses associated with the $1.01 billion aggregate principal retirement including cash costs of approximately $68.7 million for repurchase premiums, make-whole amounts and hedge settlements and non-cash charges of approximately $38.1 million associated with hedge and loan cost write-offs. These amounts were recorded in interest, net in our consolidated statement of earnings. Excluding these one-time retirement costs, we expect these debt retirements to reduce our interest expense by approximately $49.0 million annually.

The interest rates on our $300.0 million senior notes due in October 2037 are subject to adjustment from time to time if the debt rating assigned to such series of notes is downgraded below a certain rating level (or subsequently upgraded). The maximum adjustment is 2.000 percent above the initial interest rate and the interest rate cannot be reduced below the initial interest rate. In October 2014, Moody's Investor Service downgraded our senior unsecured ratings to "Ba1" from "Baa3" resulting in an increase of 0.250 percent in the interest rates on our senior notes due in October 2037, effective as of the first day of the interest period during which the ratings change took place. Accordingly, our annual interest expense increased by approximately $0.8 million as a result of these rate adjustments.

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

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

A summary of our contractual obligations and commercial commitments as of February 28, 2016 is as follows:



(in millions) Contractual Obligations	Payments Due by Period
(in millions) Contractual Obligations	Total		Less than 1 Year		1-3 Years		3-5 Years		More than 5 Years
Long-term debt (1)	$	1,098.9	$	38.2	$	60.3	$	60.3	$	940.1
Operating Leases (2)	3,032.3		308.3		576.1		507.1		1,640.8
Purchase obligations (3)	421.7		383.8		25.1		12.8		—
Capital lease obligations (4)	80.5		5.8		12.0		12.2		50.5
Benefit obligations (5)	386.2		27.3		68.5		75.6		214.8
Unrecognized income tax benefits (6)	15.4		1.5		3.8		10.1		—
Total contractual obligations	$	5,035.0	$	764.9	$	745.8	$	678.1	$	2,846.2
	Amount of Commitment Expiration per Period
(in millions) Other Commercial Commitments	Total Amounts Committed		Less than 1 Year		1-3 Years		3-5 Years		More than 5 Years
Standby letters of credit (7)	$	132.0	$	132.0	$	—	$	—	$	—
Guarantees (8)	137.4		34.0		52.5		30.7		20.2
Total commercial commitments	$	269.4	$	166.0	$	52.5	$	30.7	$	20.2


(1)	Includes interest payments associated with existing long-term debt, including the current portion. Variable-rate interest payments associated with the term loan were estimated based on an average interest rate of 2.1 percent. Excludes issuance discount and issuance costs of $10.3 million.


(2)	Includes financing lease obligations and associated imputed interest of $75.5 million over the life of the obligations.


(3)	Includes commitments for food and beverage items, supplies, capital projects, information technology and other miscellaneous commitments.


(4)	Capital lease obligations include imputed interest of $27.8 million over the life of the obligations.


(5)	Includes expected contributions associated with our defined benefit plans and payments associated with our postretirement benefit plan and our non-qualified deferred compensation plan through February of fiscal 2026.


(6)	Includes interest on unrecognized income tax benefits of $0.8 million, $0.1 million of which relates to contingencies expected to be resolved within one year.


(7)	Includes letters of credit for $119.2 million related to workers’ compensation and general liabilities accrued in our consolidated financial statements, letters of credit for $0.2 million of lease payments included in the contractual operating lease obligation payments noted above and other letters of credit totaling $12.6 million.


(8)	Consists solely of guarantees associated with leased properties that have been assigned to third parties. We are not aware of any non-performance under these arrangements that would result in our having to perform in accordance with the terms of the guarantees.

On December 16, 2015, our Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase program under which we may repurchase up to $500.0 million of our outstanding common stock. This repurchase program does not have an expiration and replaces all other outstanding share repurchase authorizations. During the quarter and nine months ended February 28, 2016, we repurchased 2.3 million shares of our common stock compared to 1.3 million and 10.0 million shares of our common stock during the quarter and nine months ended February 22, 2015, respectively. As of February 28, 2016, we have repurchased a total of 184.3 million shares of our common stock, 171.6 million of which have been retired and restored to authorized but unissued shares of common stock.

Net cash flows provided by operating activities of continuing operations increased to $597.2 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2016, from $556.0 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2015. The increase was primarily due to higher net earnings, current period activity of taxable timing differences offset by the timing of inventory purchases.

Net cash flows provided by investing activities of continuing operations were $136.6 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2016, compared to net cash flows used in investing activities of continuing operations of $208.8 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2015. Proceeds from the disposal of land, buildings and equipment of $321.4 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2016 reflect the impact of closed sale-leaseback transactions. Capital expenditures decreased to $172.8 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2016 from $230.1 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2015 reflecting a decrease in new restaurant construction and remodel activity during fiscal 2016.

Net cash flows used in financing activities of continuing operations were $1.03 billion for the first nine months of fiscal 2016, compared to $1.78 billion for the first nine months of fiscal 2015. Net cash flows used in financing activities for the first nine months of fiscal 2016 included payments of long-term debt of $1.09 billion, dividends paid of $204.8 million and share repurchases of $140.2 million partially offset by the $315.0 million cash dividend received by us from Four Corners and proceeds from the exercise of employee stock options. Net cash flows used in financing activities for the first nine months of fiscal 2015 included payments of long-term debt of $1.07 billion, net repayments of short-term debt of $207.6 million, share repurchases of $502.3 million and dividends paid of $209.3 million partially offset by proceeds from the exercise of employee stock options. Dividends declared by our Board of Directors totaled $1.60 per share for the first nine months of fiscal 2016, compared to $1.65 per share for the same period in fiscal 2015.

We are not a party to any off-balance sheet arrangements that have, or are reasonably likely to have, a current or future material effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, sales, costs or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources. We are not aware of any trends or events that would materially affect our capital requirements or liquidity. We believe that our Revolving Credit Agreement and internal cash generating capabilities will be sufficient to finance our ongoing capital expenditures, dividends, stock repurchase program and other operating activities through fiscal 2016.

It is possible that changes in circumstances, existing as of our annual impairment test on the first day of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015 or at other times in the future, or in the numerous estimates associated with management’s judgments, assumptions and estimates made in assessing the fair value of our goodwill, could result in an impairment loss of a portion or all of our goodwill or trademarks. If we recorded an impairment loss, our financial position and results of operations would be adversely affected and our leverage ratio for purposes of our credit agreement would increase. If such leverage ratio were to exceed the maximum permitted under our credit agreement, we would be in default under our credit agreement. As of February 28, 2016, a write down of goodwill, other indefinite-lived intangible assets, or any other assets in excess of approximately $1.24 billion would have been required to cause our leverage ratio to exceed the permitted maximum. Due to the seasonal nature of our business, a lesser amount of impairment in future quarters could cause our leverage ratio to exceed the permitted maximum.

FINANCIAL CONDITION

Our current assets totaled $729.9 million as of February 28, 2016, compared to $1.06 billion as of May 31, 2015. The decrease was primarily due to the decrease in cash and cash equivalents driven by the pay down of our long-term debt completed during the second and third quarters of fiscal 2016.

Our current liabilities totaled $1.20 billion as of February 28, 2016 and May 31, 2015 as an increase in unearned revenues associated with gift card sales in excess of redemptions offset a decrease in other current liabilities.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

We prepare our consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of sales, costs and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. We have discussed the development, selection and disclosure of those estimates with the Audit Committee. Our critical accounting policies have not changed materially from those previously reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2015.

APPLICATION OF NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

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

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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Statements set forth in or incorporated into this report regarding the expected increase in the number of our restaurants, projections for U.S. same-restaurant sales and capital expenditures in fiscal 2016, and all other statements that are not historical facts, including without limitation statements with respect to the financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business of Darden Restaurants, Inc. and its subsidiaries that are preceded by, followed by or that include words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “continue,” “estimate,” “project,” “believe,” “plan” or similar expressions, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This statement is included for purposes of complying with the safe harbor provisions of that Act. Any forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which such statements are first made, and we undertake no obligation to update such statements for any reason to reflect events or circumstances arising after such date. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in or implied by such forward-looking statements. In addition to the risks and uncertainties of ordinary business obligations, and those described in information incorporated into this report, the forward-looking statements contained in this report are subject to the risks and uncertainties described in Part I, Item 1A “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended May 31, 2015, which are summarized as follows:


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


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


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


•	Risks relating to public policy changes and federal, state and local regulation of our business, including in the areas of environmental matters, minimum wage, unionization, data privacy, menu labeling, immigration requirements and taxes;


•	Labor and insurance costs;


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


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


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


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


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


•	Our plans to expand our smaller brands Bahama Breeze, Seasons 52 and Eddie V's, and the testing of other new business ventures that have not yet proven their long-term viability;


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


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


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


•	A failure to recruit, develop and retain effective leaders or the loss or shortage of key personnel, or an inability to adequately monitor and respond to employee dissatisfaction;


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


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


•	Adverse weather conditions and natural disasters;


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


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


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


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


•	Failure to protect our intellectual property;


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

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


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

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

Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

We are exposed to a variety of market risks, including fluctuations in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, compensation and commodity prices. To manage this exposure, we periodically enter into interest rate, foreign currency exchange rate, equity forward and commodity derivative instruments for other than trading purposes (see Note 9 to our unaudited consolidated financial statements in Part I, Item 1 of this report).

We use the variance/covariance method to measure value at risk, over time horizons ranging from one week to one year, at the 95 percent confidence level. As of February 28, 2016, our potential losses in future net earnings resulting from changes in floating rate debt interest rate, interest rate instrument, and equity forwards exposures were approximately $26.4 million over a period of one year. The value at risk from an increase in the fair value of all of our long-term fixed rate debt, over a period of one year, was approximately $75.2 million. The fair value of our long-term fixed rate debt outstanding as of February 28, 2016, including the amounts included in current liabilities, averaged $501.8 million, with a high of $544.8 million and a low of $470.1 million during the first nine months of fiscal 2016. Our interest rate risk management objective is to limit the impact of interest rate changes on earnings and cash flows by targeting an appropriate mix of variable and fixed rate debt.

Item 4.Controls and Procedures

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, we evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act)) as of February 28, 2016, the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of February 28, 2016.

During the fiscal quarter ended February 28, 2016, there was no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II

OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.Legal Proceedings

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

Item 1A.Risk Factors

There have been no material changes to the risk factors contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended May 31, 2015.

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

The table below provides information concerning our repurchase of shares of our common stock during the quarter ended February 28, 2016.



(Dollars in millions, except per share data)	Total Number of Shares Purchased (1) (2)	Average Price Paid per Share		Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs	Maximum Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (3)
November 30, 2015 through January 3, 2016	206	$	57.77	206	$	500.0
January 4, 2016 through January 31, 2016	1,314,729	$	61.72	1,314,729	$	418.9
February 1, 2016 through February 28, 2016	983,090	$	59.69	983,090	$	360.2
Total	2,298,025	$	60.85	2,298,025	$	360.2

(1)

All of the shares purchased during the quarter ended February 28, 2016 were purchased as part of our repurchase program. On December 16, 2015, our Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase program under which the Company may repurchase up to $500.0 million of its outstanding common stock. This repurchase program, which was announced publicly in a press release issued on December 18, 2015 does not have an expiration, replaces all other outstanding share repurchase authorizations and eliminates the balance of approximately 5.4 million shares available for repurchase remaining under the previous authorizations.

(2)

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


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

Item 6.Exhibits

The exhibits listed in the accompanying Index to Exhibits are filed as part of this Form 10-Q and incorporated herein by reference.

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SIGNATURE

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




		DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.

Dated:	April 6, 2016	By:	/s/ Ricardo Cardenas
			Ricardo Cardenas
			Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
			(Principal financial officer)

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INDEX TO EXHIBITS




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