Form 4: Darden Director Converts RSUs to Common Stock

Darden Restaurants Director Charles M. Sonsteby converted 531 restricted stock units into common stock, increasing his direct beneficial ownership to 22,474 shares.

Summary

• Charles M. Sonsteby, a Director of Darden Restaurants Inc. (DRI), reported a transaction on November 11, 2025.
• The transaction involved the acquisition of 531 shares of Common Stock through the conversion of Restricted Stock Units (RSUs).
• The conversion price was $0, as is typical for RSU conversions.
• Following this transaction, Sonsteby directly beneficially owns 22,474 shares of Darden Restaurants Common Stock.
• Restricted Stock Units convert into common stock on a one-for-one basis.
• The RSUs vested on the earlier of one year from the grant date or the date of the next annual meeting of shareholders, with settlement deferred until November 11, 2025.
• The number of restricted stock units was adjusted in connection with the spin-off of Four Corners Property Trust, Inc. (FCPT) from Darden on November 9, 2015.

Sentiment

Score: 6

Explanation: The transaction represents a routine vesting and conversion of equity awards for a director, which is a neutral to slightly positive event for the insider as it increases their direct ownership. It does not indicate any significant positive or negative news for the company itself.

Positives

• Director Charles M. Sonsteby increased his direct beneficial ownership of Darden Restaurants Common Stock by 531 shares, demonstrating continued alignment with shareholder interests.
• The conversion of Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) into common stock indicates the vesting of previously granted equity awards, reflecting the achievement of performance or service conditions.

Negatives

• No negative aspects are apparent from this routine insider transaction report.

Risks

• This Form 4 filing does not contain information regarding company-specific or general market risks.

Future Outlook

This filing, a Form 4, does not provide forward-looking statements or guidance regarding the company's future performance or strategic direction. It solely reports an insider transaction.

Management Comments

• No direct quotes or paraphrased statements from company management are included in this Form 4 filing.

Industry Context

This Form 4 filing reports a routine insider transaction (RSU conversion) and does not provide information relevant to broader industry trends or competitive analysis within the restaurant sector.

Comparison to Industry Standards

• This Form 4 filing details a standard insider equity transaction (Restricted Stock Unit conversion) and does not contain information suitable for comparison to global benchmarks, specific comparable companies, projects, or results.

Related Party Transactions

• The transaction involves a director of the company, which is a related party. However, it is a standard equity compensation event rather than a unique related party dealing.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: Minor impact, as it represents a routine increase in a director's ownership, aligning their interests further with shareholders.
• Employees, Customers, Suppliers, Creditors: No direct impact from this specific insider transaction.

Next Steps

• No specific future actions, events, or milestones are mentioned in this Form 4 filing beyond the reported transaction.

Key Dates

Keywords

Darden Restaurants, DRI, Charles M. Sonsteby, Form 4, Insider Transaction, Restricted Stock Units, RSU conversion, Common Stock, Director, Beneficial Ownership