Price Hikes Don't Necessarily Translate to Higher Profits

Darden, which operates restaurant chains including Olive Garden, says measured price increases have helped profit margins. (Photo: Bloomberg)

Many big U.S. businesses say they have been able to increase prices this year with limited pushback from customers. Not all the changes are leading to higher corporate profits.

Cintas Corp., which rents and sells uniforms, and Vulcan Materials Co. which sells gravel and crushed stone, have reported widening profit margins as they raised prices.