Darden To Perform Well (DRI, EAT)

In a recently released report covering Restaurants, Piper Jaffray has stated that it expects May Comps, to be in the (2%) to (3%) range. It also expects pricing to improve. The general environment in the sector is likely to remain challenging; however, the report has maintained its positive bias. In the fine dining segment, the general improvement in the economy and employment level could drive upside. The report has also stated that Darden

has outperformed its peers by 200+ bps, however Brinker

has underperformed. The report expects fourth quarter earnings to decrease 6.7% to $0.84 per share for Darden (

).