In addition to historical information, this Web site includes forward-looking statements regarding events and financial trends that may affect the future operating results, financial position and cash flows of Darden Restaurants, Inc. (the “Company”). Words or phrases such as “believe,” “plan,” “will likely result,” “expect,” “intend,” “will continue,” “is anticipated,” “estimate,” “project,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements, and any other statements that are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as codified in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time (the “Act”).

The following factors, risks and uncertainties, have affected, and may continue to affect, the operating results of the Company and the environment within which the Company conducts its business. If the Company's projections and estimates regarding these key factors differ materially from what actually occurs, the Company's actual results could vary significantly from the performance projected in its forward-looking statements. Because of these factors, risks and uncertainties, the Company cautions against placing undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the assumptions underlying its forward-looking statements are reasonable, any of the assumptions could be incorrect, and there can be no assurance that the forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made. The Company does not undertake any obligation to modify or revise any forward-looking statement to take into account or otherwise reflect subsequent events, or circumstances arising after the date that the forward-looking statement was made.

Competition. The Casual Dining sector of the restaurant industry is intensely competitive in pricing, service, location, personnel, and type and quality of food.

Economic, Market and Other Conditions. The Casual Dining sector of the restaurant industry is affected by changes in national, regional and local economic conditions; the seasonality of the Company's business; consumer preferences; demographic trends; consumer perceptions of food safety; employee availability; weather; traffic patterns; and the type, number and location of competing restaurants.

Changes in Food and Other Costs. The profitability of the Company is significantly dependent on its ability to anticipate and react to changes in food, labor, advertising and media, employee benefits and similar costs over which the Company has little control.

Importance of Locations. The success of the Company's restaurants is dependent in substantial part on location. There can be no assurance that current locations will continue to be attractive, as demographic patterns change.

Government Regulation. The Company is subject to various federal, state and local laws affecting its business. The Company cannot predict the effect on its operations of these laws and regulations or the future enactment of additional legislation regulating these and other areas.

Growth Plans. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to achieve its growth objectives or that new restaurants opened or acquired will be profitable.

The Company refers you to its Form 10-Ks, 10-Qs, and 8-Ks that have been filed with the SEC. They discuss the foregoing in greater detail, and may discuss new or different factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those forecast.