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AI Research

Q3 earnings preview → 5.4% EPS growth expected; Citi raises target to $235

Darden Restaurants is set to report Q3 earnings on March 19 with analysts projecting $2.95 EPS (5.4% year-over-year increase), with stock trading at $203.44 and market cap of $23.42 billion. Citi raised price target to $235 from $234 with Buy rating, while company faces challenges from rising gas prices impacting consumer traffic yet maintains attractive 2.9% dividend yield. Forward P/E of 21.32 reflects premium valuation amid consumer cyclical pressures.