Form 4: Darden Executive Sells DRI Shares Under 10b5-1 Plan
Insider Transaction Report
Susan M. Connelly, SVP and Chief Communications & Public Affairs Officer at Darden Restaurants, sold 2,635 shares of common stock for $207.36 per share as part of a pre-arranged trading plan.
Summary
- Susan M. Connelly, SVP, Chief Comm & PA Officer of Darden Restaurants, Inc. (DRI), reported a sale of common stock.
- The transaction involved the disposition of 2,635 shares of DRI common stock.
- The shares were sold at a price of $207.36 per share.
- The transaction occurred on January 14, 2026.
- Following this transaction, Ms. Connelly beneficially owns 4,097.862 shares of Darden Restaurants common stock.
- The transaction was made pursuant to a Rule 10b5-1(c) contract, instruction, or written plan.
- Beneficially owned shares include those acquired via the Darden Restaurants, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan and its dividend reinvestment feature.
Sentiment
Score: 5
Explanation: The sale of shares by an executive is a routine event, especially when conducted under a Rule 10b5-1 plan, which indicates a pre-scheduled transaction rather than one based on new information.
Positives
- The sale was conducted under a Rule 10b5-1(c) plan, indicating a pre-arranged, non-discretionary transaction designed to avoid accusations of insider trading.
Negatives
- An insider sale, even if pre-planned, reduces the executive's direct equity stake in the company.
Future Outlook
No forward-looking statements or guidance are provided in this insider transaction report.
Management Comments
- The transaction was made pursuant to a contract, instruction or written plan for the purchase or sale of equity securities of the issuer that is intended to satisfy the affirmative defense conditions of Rule 10b5-1(c).
Industry Context
This filing reports a routine insider stock transaction for an executive at Darden Restaurants, a major player in the casual dining industry. Such transactions are common for executives managing personal finances and are typically pre-scheduled.
Corporate Governance
| Change Type | Description | Effective Date | Impact Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power of Attorney Grant | Susan M. Connelly granted a Power of Attorney to several individuals, including Matthew R. Broad, Ricardo Cardenas, A. Noni Holmes-Kidd, Christopher L. Guzman, and Kezia-Alean S. Osunsade, to execute and file Forms 3, 4, 5, and 144 on her behalf. | 2025-12-16 | This streamlines the process for filing required SEC documents for the executive, ensuring timely compliance with Section 16 and Rule 144 regulations. |
Stakeholder Impact
- Shareholders: A minor reduction in an executive's direct ownership, but mitigated by the 10b5-1 plan.
- Employees: No direct impact.
- Customers: No direct impact.
Key Dates
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| 2025-12-16 | Date Power of Attorney was executed by Susan M. Connelly. |
| 2026-01-14 | Date of common stock transaction (sale of 2,635 shares). |
| 2026-01-15 | Date the Form 4 was signed by the attorney-in-fact. |
Keywords
Darden Restaurants, DRI, Insider trading, Stock sale, Form 4, Executive compensation, 10b5-1 plan, Susan M. Connelly, Common Stock
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