Darden price target raised to $194 from $180 at Baird

Baird raised the firm’s price target on Darden (DRI) to $194 from $180 and keeps a Neutral rating on the shares. The firm came away from the Q2 report reassured by commentary on the current consumer spending backdrop as well as the company’s planned sales-driving initiatives, the analyst tells investors. While the firm is starting to become more confident in the near-term fundamental outlook, but with some lingering uncertainty about whether Darden can begin to deliver sustainable improvements in same-store traffic performance, the firm is staying patient with its rating.