Investors have started to shift out of some consumer stocks recently, noting that a slowing economy could bode poorly for some subsectors such as travel.
For now, this shift lower is being felt to a lesser extent in other parts of the economy. Some fast food CEOs have warned that the price hikes of the past few years is leading to fewer visits from customers. However, that hasn’t been the case across the board.
For instance, Darden Restaurants (DRI), owner of such chains as the Olive Garden and Ruth’s Chris Steak House, has been hitting new highs.
Darden shares are now up over 20% in the past year, while the rest of the stock market is up less than half of that.
Even in an industry that typically has thin margins, Darden saw revenues rise by 6%, and earnings growth rise by 3%. And the 9% profit margin isn’t huge, but it’s strong for the industry as a whole.
Action to take: Momentum investors may like shares here. And Darden is still somewhat of a value at 16 times forward earnings. Today’s buyers can also get a 2.7% dividend at today’s prices, which Darden has a history of increasing over time.
For traders, the July $210 calls, last trading for about $11.50, can likely see mid-double-digit returns or higher in the months ahead from a further push higher in Darden shares.
Disclosure: The author of this article has no position in the company mentioned here, but may trade after the next 72 hours. The author receives no compensation from any company mentioned in this article.