OVERVIEW U.S. restaurant operator Darden Restaurants Inc. continued to report operating performance that is weaker than our previous expectations in its latest fiscal quarter. We are lowering the ratings on Darden, including the corporate credit rating, which we lowered to 'BBB-' from 'BBB', reflecting our expectation that sales and earnings trends will remain relatively soft in the remainder of fiscal 2014 and credit metrics are unlikely to improve meaningfully in the near term. The stable outlook reflects our view that despite the recent weak trends, core unit operating performance and credit metrics will likely start to stabilize in fiscal 2014 and improve modestly in fiscal 2015. NEW YORK (Standard&Poor's) Oct. 2, 2013--Standard&Poor's Ratings Services said today
