U.S. restaurant operator Darden Restaurants Inc. has reported continued positive operating performance in recent quarters, a trend we expect to continue for the remainder of fiscal 2016 and 2017. We are raising our ratings on Darden, including our corporate credit rating, to 'BBB' from 'BBB-'. At the same time, we are raising the short-term rating to 'A-2' from 'A-3'. The stable outlook reflects our expectation that operating performance will continue to improve in fiscal 2016 and in 2017, reflecting the company's on-going operating initiatives. We also expect the company's financial policy will continue to support credit metrics around current levels. On April 15, 2016, Standard&Poor's Ratings Services raised its ratings on Orlando, Fla.-based Darden Restaurants Inc., including the
