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Investing.com - KeyBanc has reduced its price target on Darden Restaurants (NYSE:DRI) to $225.00 from $240.00 while maintaining an Overweight rating on the stock. The new target still represents potential upside from current levels, with InvestingPro data showing the stock trading at a P/E ratio of 22.4x.
The adjustment follows Darden’s weaker-than-expected fiscal first-quarter 2026 results, which prompted a decline in the company’s share price.
KeyBanc noted that while Darden may face near-term margin headwinds from food inflation and its decision to offer smaller portions, the restaurant operator’s same-store sales trends remain strong.
The strong sales performance enabled Darden to raise the bottom end of its same-store sales guidance range while maintaining its earnings per share outlook despite the challenges.
KeyBanc has consequently lowered its fiscal year 2026 and 2027 EPS estimates to $10.66 and $11.24 respectively, but continues to view Darden as a diversified portfolio of brands positioned to gain market share in the fragmented full-service restaurant industry.
In other recent news, Darden Restaurants reported first-quarter fiscal 2026 results with adjusted earnings per share of $1.97, slightly missing the consensus expectation of $2.01. The company’s sales were in line with forecasts at $3.045 billion, but restaurant margins were softer at 18.7% compared to the 19.2% consensus estimate. UBS reiterated its Buy rating and maintained a price target of $245, highlighting solid sales growth. Bernstein also reiterated an Outperform rating with a $230 price target, emphasizing Darden’s potential to gain market share in the casual dining and steakhouse segments. However, BMO Capital lowered its price target to $205 due to the earnings miss, citing lower margins and higher expenses. Evercore ISI adjusted its price target to $240, pointing to concerns that Darden’s pricing is lagging behind inflation. Similarly, Wells Fargo reduced its price target to $200, maintaining an Equal Weight rating, and noted weak profit flow-through amid rising costs. These developments reflect a mixed outlook from analysts on Darden’s financial performance and market positioning.
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