Darden price target raised to $175 from $165 at BMO Capital

BMO Capital raised the firm’s price target on Darden (DRI) to $175 from $165 but keeps a Market Perform rating on the shares. The company’s “slight” Q2 earnings beat reflects stronger comp sales and lower food costs, even though its relative performance to the industry remains challenged, the analyst tells investors in a research note. BMO is also increasing its estimates for FY25 EPS by 17c to $9.43 and FY26 by 18c to $10.50 amid stronger sales trends while rolling its valuation methodology to FY26.