Several investment firms have updated their stock ratings and price targets on shares of Darden Restaurants (NYSE: DRI) in the last week:

  • Darden Restaurants was downgraded by analysts at Susquehanna from a “positive” rating to a “neutral” rating.
  • Darden Restaurants was downgraded by analysts at JPMorgan Chase from an “overweight” rating to a “neutral” rating. They now have a $63.00 price target on the stock, up previously from $61.00. They noted that the move was a valuation call. They noted that the move was a valuation call.
  • Darden Restaurants had its price target raised by analysts at UBS AG to $62.00. They now have a “buy” rating on the stock.
  • Darden Restaurants had its “hold” rating reaffirmed by analysts at Deutsche Bank. They now have a $55.00 price target on the stock.
  • Darden Restaurants had its price target raised by analysts at Barclays Capital from $57.00 to $61.00. They now have an “overweight” rating on the stock.
  • Darden Restaurants had its price target raised by analysts at Bank of America to $62.00. They wrote, “Our higher price objective reflects increased estimates and a focus on FY 2014 when the initial dilutive effect of the Yard House acquisition is no longer a drag on earnings. Better than expected 1Q (August) EPS and sales push our EPS estimates for FY 2013 and FY 2014 to $3.83 and $4.45, up from $3.81 and $4.43, respectively. In our view, signs of sales progress before the company’s programs are launched were more important than the upside to earnings.”
  • Darden Restaurants was upgraded by analysts at EVA Dimensions to a “hold” rating.
  • Darden Restaurants had its “neutral” rating reaffirmed by analysts at Zacks. They now have a $59.00 price target on the stock. Zacks‘ analyst wrote, “Despite having a unique proposition driven by its strong value proposition, menu improvements, excellent unit-level execution with differentiated brands and a balanced portfolio providing stronger diversification in sales and cost synergies, Darden has been facing challenges in recent times. The woes in comps at one of its core brands – Red Lobster, stiff competition resulting in higher discounting rates, probability of higher 2013 SG&A expenses, as well as a cautious consumer spending trend are the causes of concern. However, we believe, the dilutive effect of the latest Yard House acquisition is reflected at the current level. Darden should now reap the benefits from this high-potential acquisition. Its struggling brand Olive Garden also seems to inch forward to improvement. Further, favorable food and energy costs will also support Darden in 2013. Hence, we have a Neutral recommendation on the stock.”
  • Darden Restaurants had its “overweight” rating reaffirmed by analysts at Barclays Capital. They now have a $61.00 price target on the stock.
  • Darden Restaurants had its “outperform” rating reaffirmed by analysts at Wells Fargo & Co..

Darden Restaurants, Inc. traded up 0.38% on Wednesday, hitting $55.68. Darden Restaurants, Inc. has a 1-year low of $41.65 and a 1-year high of $57.93. The company has a market cap of $7.161 billion and a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.21.

Darden Restaurants, Inc. (Darden) is a company owned and full-service restaurant company. As of May 27, 2012, the Company operated through subsidiaries 1,994 restaurants in the United States and Canada.