13 Best January Dividend Stocks to Invest In

9. Darden Restaurants, Inc. (NYSE:DRI)

Ex-Dividend Date: January 9

Dividend Yield as of January 5: 3.11%

Darden Restaurants, Inc. (NYSE:DRI) is one of the best dividend stocks to buy in January.

On December 22, Mizuho analyst Nick Setyan raised the firm’s price target on Darden Restaurants, Inc. (NYSE:DRI) to $195 from $185 and kept a Neutral rating on the shares. The firm updated its estimates after the company released earnings. Darden delivered some upside in same-store sales growth during fiscal Q2. That strength didn’t fully offset higher-than-expected commodity inflation, the analyst wrote in a research note.

Earlier in December, Darden Restaurants, Inc. (NYSE:DRI) lifted its full-year sales outlook. Management pointed to steady demand across its brands, including Olive Garden, where affordable pricing continues to attract cost-conscious diners.

Darden, which operates full-service concepts such as Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, and Yard House, has chosen to absorb tariff-related cost pressures rather than raise menu prices. That decision reflects how selective consumers remain when it comes to dining out. The company now expects same-restaurant sales growth of 3.5% to 4.3% in fiscal 2026, up from its earlier forecast of 2.5% to 3.5%. During the earnings call, executives said Darden is taking market share from both casual-dining peers and limited-service restaurants. “The consumer remains resilient but cautious amid weaker sentiment,” CEO Rick Cardenas said, pointing to some pullback among lower-income diners.

Darden reaffirmed its annual EPS outlook of $10.50 to $10.70 and noted that beef prices are likely to pressure margins in the third quarter. Same-store sales at Olive Garden increased 4.7% during the quarter. LongHorn Steakhouse posted a 5.9% gain, driven by menu updates and value-focused promotions aimed at middle-income customers.

Darden Restaurants, Inc. (NYSE:DRI) owns and operates full-service restaurants across the United States and Canada.