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  
      August 30,
2009		     August 24,
2008		  

Consolidated earnings from continuing operations before income taxes

    $ 130.3      $ 114.4   

Plus fixed charges:

     

Gross interest expense(1)

      26.5        29.1   

40% of restaurant and equipment minimum rent expense

      10.9        10.4   
                

Total fixed charges

      37.4        39.5   

Less capitalized interest

      (2.5 )      (1.7 ) 
                

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

    $ 165.2      $ 152.2   
                

Ratio of consolidated earnings from continuing operations to fixed charges

      4.4        3.9   
                
                  

 

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

 

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