Darden Sees Q3 Adj. EPS Of $1.18 To $1.21; Names Ricardo Cardenas CFO

(RTTNews) - Darden Restaurants, Inc. (DRI) reported that it expects net earnings per share from continuing operations for its third quarter ended February 28, 2016, to be approximately 81 to 84 cents. On an adjusted basis, the company expects net earnings per share from continuing operations for its third quarter to be approximately $1.18 to $1.21. Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expect the company to report profit per share of $1.06 for the quarter. Analysts' estimates typically exclude special items.

Darden expects same-restaurant sales to increase approximately 6% for the third-quarter. On a comparable calendar basis, Darden expects same-restaurant sales to increase approximately 4% for the quarter.

Darden also announced, effective immediately, Ricardo Cardenas has been appointed Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, replacing Jeffrey Davis who has left the company to pursue other opportunities. Most recently, Cardenas served as Chief Strategy Officer for Darden.