Form 4: Darden Restaurants CFO Reports Significant Stock Acquisitions and Tax-Related Dispositions

Darden Restaurants' SVP and CFO, Rajesh Vennam, reported the acquisition of over 13,000 shares through restricted stock unit conversions and the disposition of over 5,000 shares for tax withholding purposes.

Summary

• Rajesh Vennam, SVP and CFO of Darden Restaurants Inc. (DRI), reported multiple transactions involving the company's common stock.
• On July 27, 2025, Vennam acquired 7,284 shares of common stock from the conversion of Performance Restricted Stock Units (FY23) at a price of $0.
• Also on July 27, 2025, an additional 3,642 shares of common stock were acquired from the conversion of Restricted Stock Units (FY23 Annual Grant) at a price of $0.
• On the same date, 1,434 shares and 2,661 shares of common stock were disposed of at $204.48 per share to cover tax liabilities.
• On July 28, 2025, Vennam acquired 2,717 shares of common stock from the conversion of Performance Restricted Stock Units (FY22) at a price of $0.
• Concurrently on July 28, 2025, 1,070 shares of common stock were disposed of at $204.48 per share for tax withholding.
• Following these reported transactions, Rajesh Vennam's direct beneficial ownership of Darden Restaurants common stock stands at 13,061.51 shares.
• The reported beneficial ownership includes shares acquired through the Darden Restaurants, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan and its dividend reinvestment feature.

Sentiment

Score: 5

Explanation: The filing reports routine insider transactions related to executive compensation vesting and tax withholding, which are neutral events for company performance.

Positives

• The acquisition of shares through the conversion of restricted stock units indicates the vesting of executive compensation, often tied to performance metrics or continued service, which can be a positive sign of executive retention and achievement of prior goals.

Negatives

• No inherently negative aspects are present; the dispositions are routine transactions for tax withholding upon vesting of equity awards.

Future Outlook

This Form 4 filing primarily reports past insider transactions and does not contain forward-looking statements or guidance regarding the company's future performance or strategic outlook.

Industry Context

This filing is a routine insider transaction report and does not provide information that directly relates to broader industry trends or competitive dynamics within the restaurant sector.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: The filing provides transparency into executive stock ownership and compensation, which is standard for publicly traded companies.
• Employees: The vesting of restricted stock units is part of the company's executive compensation program, which can influence employee morale and retention at senior levels.

Next Steps

• The remaining installments of the FY23 Performance Restricted Stock Units are expected to vest on July 27, 2026.

Key Dates

Keywords

Darden Restaurants, DRI, Rajesh Vennam, CFO, Insider Trading, Form 4, Stock Ownership, Restricted Stock Units, Executive Compensation, Beneficial Ownership