Darden Restaurants reported fiscal fourth-quarter revenue of $3.27 billion, up 10.6% from a year earlier and slightly ahead of analysts’ projections. Adjusted earnings rose 12.5% to $2.98 a share, topping estimates, while same-store sales advanced 4.6% on stronger traffic. Olive Garden, which generates about 40% of company sales, led the quarter with a 6.9% comparable-sales gain; LongHorn Steakhouse added 6.7%, offsetting a 3.3% decline in the fine-dining segment. For the 2026 fiscal year the Orlando-based operator expects revenue to climb 7%–8%, same-store sales to grow 2%–3.5%, and adjusted earnings of $10.50 to $10.70 a share, an outlook that is modestly above Wall Street’s comparable-sales consensus. The board also authorized a new $1 billion share-buyback program, replacing its prior plan, and Chief Executive Officer Rick Cardenas said Darden is exploring strategic alternatives for its 40-unit Bahama Breeze brand. Investors welcomed the guidance and capital-return move, sending Darden’s shares up more than 2% to a record high in Friday trading.