EX-12 2 dex12.htm COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF CONSOLIDATED EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES Computation of Ratio of Consolidated Earnings to Fixed Charges

Exhibit 12

DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.

COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF CONSOLIDATED EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

(Dollar amounts in millions)

(Unaudited)

 

     Quarter Ended     Nine Months Ended  
     February 24,
2008		     February 25,
2007		     February 24,
2008		     February 25,
2007		  

Consolidated earnings from continuing operations before income taxes

    $ 156.9     $ 157.4     $ 368.0     $ 393.5  

Plus fixed charges:

         

Gross interest expense(1)

      28.8       11.3       64.0       33.1  

40% of restaurant and equipment minimum rent expense

      8.9       6.4       22.5       19.0  
                                

Total fixed charges

      37.7       17.7       86.5       52.1  

Less capitalized interest

      (1.4 )     (0.9 )     (4.0 )     (1.9 )
                                

Consolidated earnings from continuing operations before income taxes available to cover fixed charges

    $ 193.2     $ 174.2     $ 450.5     $ 443.7  
                                

Ratio of consolidated earnings from continuing operations to fixed charges

      5.1       9.8       5.2       8.5  
                                

 

(1) Gross interest expense includes interest recognized in connection with our unrecognized income tax benefits.