The ratings on Orlando, Fla.-based Darden Restaurants Inc. reflect Standard&Poor's Ratings Services' expectations that the company's revenue and operating performance will continue to improve in the remainder of fiscal 2012 and in fiscal 2013, as it benefits from operational improvements and new unit growth. We view Darden's business risk profile as "satisfactory" under our criteria, based on its peer outperformance and its strong market share. Nonetheless, we view this industry segment as intensely competitive and vulnerable to economic downturns and changes in discretionary spending. We view the company's financial risk profile as "intermediate," as we believe that the company will maintain shareholder initiatives that are in line with a moderate financial policy, and that credit metrics will meet
