Darden Restaurants' (DRI) solid same-store sales performance in an uncertain macro environment offsets pressure from elevated beef costs, Truist said Thursday in a research note.

Truist analysts said DRI's strong sales and increased outperformance compared with casual dining peers showed Olive Garden and LongHorn's strong positioning in a challenging macro environment that will likely be rewarded by investors.

While rising beef costs are pressuring margins, DRI expects to offset them with planned 2026 menu pricing increases of around 3%, Truist said.

Truist maintained its adjusted EPS estimates of $10.62 for 2026 and $11.36 for 2027 and maintained its price target for the stock at $240.