The ratings on Orlando-based Darden Restaurants Inc. reflect Standard&Poor's Ratings Services' expectations that the company's revenue and operating performance may improve going forward since demand in the casual dining industry has stabilized in our view. Thus, the better performance may lead to moderately better credit ratios, which should appropriate the rating category. We view Darden's business risk as satisfactory, based on the company's general outperformance as compared to the rest of the casual dining restaurant industry and its strong market share in the categories it operates. Nonetheless, the company may still be affected by a weak consumer and intense competition within the industry. Much of the casual dining industry experienced sales declines in recent years as a result
