Billionaire George Soros’ Top 5 Dividend Stocks

3. Darden Restaurants, Inc (NYSE: DRI)

Casual dining eatery Darden Restaurants (NYSE: DRI) is among the dividend stocks George Soros likes the most. The firm first created a position in Darden during the second quarter and increased its stake by 15% in the third quarter. Casual dining eatery currently occupies 2.51% of the overall Soros portfolio. The firm currently holds 1 million shares valued above $102 million.

Darden Restaurants is one of the most favorite stocks among dividend investors because of its extensive dividend growth history.

Although the casual dining company has suspended its dividend during the first half of this year due to lockdowns, it has recently reinstated a quarterly dividend on outstanding common stock. Investors have been appreciating Darden’s strategies in challenging times. Its shares are up 31% in the last six months.

Looking ahead, the company plans to open 35-40 net new restaurants in the December quarter despite pandemic related challenges. It now expects December quarter earnings per share in the range of $0.65-$0.75 compared to analysts’ consensus for $0.35 per share.