The ratings on Orlando-based Darden Restaurants Inc. reflect Standard&Poor's Ratings Services' expectations that the company's revenue and operating performance will continue to improve modestly in 2012 as the company benefits from operational improvements and product development. We view Darden's business risk profile as satisfactory, based on the company's general outperformance as compared with the rest of the casual dining restaurant industry and its strong market share. Nonetheless, we view this industry segment as intensely competitive and vulnerable to economic downturns and lack of discretionary spending. We view the company's financial risk profile as intermediate, and believe that credit metrics will remain in line with our expectations for the ratings as the company focuses its healthy cash flow generation
