Morgan Stanley raises target for Darden Restaurants stock from USD 236.00 to USD 255.00

Morgan Stanley has raised its price target for Darden Restaurants (DRI) stock from $236.00 to $255.00, maintaining an overweight rating. This comes as Darden reported a 5.10 percent increase in fiscal first-quarter sales to $3.20 billion, despite a softening of net earnings due to higher operating costs. The company reaffirmed its diluted net earnings per share guidance and declared a quarterly cash dividend, with analysts generally holding a "Moderate Buy" consensus.