Sep 24, 2026 · 6 min
Darden profits weaken as Stitch Fix and MGM lose ground
Darden Slips; MGM and Stitch Fix Lower
The episode shows how cost pressure, cautious consumer expectations, and a failed takeover bid can send distinct signals through restaurant, retail, and casino stocks.
- 1Darden grew sales, but higher operating costs weakened profits and pressured its shares.
- 2Stitch Fix shares fell after the company issued a disappointing full-year EBITDA outlook.
- 3MGM declined when Barry Diller withdrew his proposed $12.4 billion plan to take the casino operator private.
Don't miss
The sharpest market turn comes when Barry Diller withdraws his plan for MGM, removing a proposed $12.4 billion valuation from consideration.
The brief
Alexis Christoforous leads a compact market roundup covering Darden Restaurants, Stitch Fix, and MGM Resorts, with each decline tied to a different source of pressure.
Darden’s sales increased, but weaker profits and higher operating expenses undercut the growth story, while Stitch Fix faced a tougher consumer environment and lowered expectations.
A brief fashion-rental aside about Rent the Runway and the Met Gala breaks up the stock discussion before the program returns to its central market moves.
MGM shares fell after Barry Diller withdrew his plan to take the casino operator private, leaving investors to reassess a proposed $12.4 billion valuation.
The episode’s clearest contrast is between business fundamentals at Darden and Stitch Fix and transaction uncertainty at MGM, showing why similar declines require different explanations.
What was said on this episode
9 statements · 1 positive · 6 negative · 2 neutral
Darden’s first-quarter sales exceeded $3.2 billion after growing more than 5%.
“First quarter sales climbed more than 5%, topping $3.2 billion.”
Listen at 0:52
Darden’s profits declined as operating costs grew faster.
“Profits slipped, operating costs growing. At a faster rate.”
Listen at 0:57
Darden’s operating costs and expenses rose 6.5% to nearly $3 billion.
“total operating costs and expenses up 6.5%, nearing $3 billion”
Listen at 1:16
Stitch Fix shares have fallen 46% during the year.
“It's been a tough year for Stitch Fix. It's down 46% this year.”
Listen at 1:47
Stitch Fix issued a weaker-than-expected outlook.
“The company gave a weaker than expected outlook.”
Listen at 1:59
MGM Resorts shares were falling 10%.
“MGM Resorts falling here 10%”
Listen at 2:34
Barry Diller holds approximately 27% of MGM.
“Diller holds about a 27% stake in MGM.”
Listen at 2:50
Barry Diller offered a deal valuing MGM at $12.4 billion.
“He offered to buy the remaining shares in a deal that would have valued the company at $12.4 billion.”
Listen at 2:53
MGM is unlikely to be taken private.
“Doesn't seem like that's going to happen.”
Listen at 3:13
Statements are attributed to the speaker as said on the episode and reflect their view at the time, not PodLume's. They are not advice.
Featuring
Alexis Christoforous
Darden Restaurants
Barry Diller
LongHorn Steakhouse
Olive GardenListen to the full episode and explore every guest, topic, and moment on PodLume.