Darden Restaurants (DRI) vs Starbucks (SBUX)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 9, 2026.
Summary
Starbucks (SBUX) has outperformed Darden Restaurants (DRI) over the past year, gaining 16.5% versus a gain of 6.7%. Over five years, DRI leads with a +34.4% price change compared with -16.4% for SBUX. Starbucks is the larger company by market cap ($103.45 billion vs $22.36 billion), about 4.6 times the size, while Darden Restaurants is growing revenue faster (+9.4% vs +2.8%).
On valuation, Darden Restaurants trades at a lower forward P/E (15.9x vs 29.0x for Starbucks). Darden Restaurants offers the higher dividend yield (3.10% vs 2.73%). Darden Restaurants converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 9.1% versus 5.0%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | DRI | SBUX |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $197.66 | $90.75 |
| Market cap | $22.36B | $103.45B |
| 1-day change | -0.62% | -2.64% |
| YTD return | +8.97% | +10.69% |
| 1-year return | +6.70% | +16.45% |
| 5-year return | +34.44% | -16.37% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 19.19 | 52.46 |
| Forward P/E | 15.94 | 29.04 |
| EPS (TTM) | $10.30 | $1.73 |
| Dividend yield | 3.10% | 2.73% |
| Annual dividend | $6.12 | $2.48 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $13.21B | $37.18B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +9.39% | +2.79% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $1.21B | $1.86B |
| Gross margin | 20.30% | — |
| Operating margin | 11.98% | 7.90% |
| Net margin | 9.13% | 4.99% |
| 52-week high | $229.76 | $110.51 |
| 52-week low | $169.00 | $77.99 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -13.97% | -17.88% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +18.10% | +22.94% |
| Average volume | 1.22M | 7.28M |
| Shares outstanding | 113.14M | 1.14B |
| Employees | 209,931 | 381,000 |
| Sector | Consumer Discretionary | Consumer Discretionary |
| Industry | Restaurants | Restaurants |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- Starbucks is about 4.6 times larger than Darden Restaurants by market value ($103.45B vs $22.36B).
- Starbucks trades at a higher earnings multiple (52.5x vs 19.2x trailing P/E).
- Darden Restaurants grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+9.39% vs +2.79%).
About Darden Restaurants
DRI stock →Darden Restaurants, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, owns and operates full-service restaurants in the United States and Canada. The company operates under Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen, Chuy's, Yard House, Ruth's Chris Steak House, The Capital Grille, Seasons 52, Eddie V's Prime Seafood, Bahama Breeze, The Capital Burger, Darden and Darden Restaurants brand names.
Consumer Discretionary · Restaurants · 209,931 employees
About Starbucks
SBUX stock →Starbucks Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a roaster, marketer, and retailer of coffee internationally. The company operates through three segments: North America, International, and Channel Development.
Consumer Discretionary · Restaurants · 381,000 employees
DRI vs SBUX FAQ
Which is bigger, Darden Restaurants or Starbucks?
Starbucks (SBUX) is larger, with a market capitalization of $103.45B compared with $22.36B for Darden Restaurants (DRI).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, DRI or SBUX?
SBUX returned +16.45% over the past 12 months, compared with +6.70% for DRI (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, DRI or SBUX?
DRI has the lower trailing P/E at 19.2, versus 52.5 for SBUX. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, Darden Restaurants or Starbucks?
Darden Restaurants has the higher yield at 3.10%, compared with 2.73% for Starbucks.
Are Darden Restaurants and Starbucks in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Restaurants industry within the Consumer Discretionary sector.