Leading market position in the restaurant industry across a portfolio of diverse and well-recognized brands; Growing track record of stable and industry-leading operating performance; and Highly competitive restaurant industry dynamics, characterized by changing consumer tastes and volatile input costs. Moderate financial policy, which supports consistent credit metrics, including debt to EBITDA in the low– to mid-2x area; and Consistent and solid cash flow generation. S&P Global Ratings' stable rating outlook on Darden Restaurants Inc. reflects our expectation that the company's overall operating performance will remain good for the remainder of fiscal 2018 and in fiscal 2019 (ends May 31), because consistent solid performance at key brands, particularly Olive Garden, will more than offset the negative trend at its Cheddar brand
