Form 4: Darden Restaurants Executive Reports Routine Stock Transactions

John W. Wilkerson, President Elect of Olive Garden, reported the acquisition of Darden Restaurants common stock through the conversion of restricted stock units and the disposition of shares for tax withholding.

Summary

• John W. Wilkerson, President Elect of Olive Garden at Darden Restaurants Inc. (DRI), reported multiple transactions involving common stock.
• On July 27, 2025, Wilkerson acquired 3,214 shares of common stock from Performance Restricted Stock Units (FY23) and 1,607 shares from Restricted Stock Units (FY23 Annual Grant), both at a price of $0.0000 per share, indicating conversion.
• On the same date, 633 shares and 1,221 shares of common stock were disposed of at $204.48 per share, likely for tax withholding purposes.
• On July 28, 2025, an additional 1,585 shares of common stock were acquired from Performance Restricted Stock Units (FY22) at $0.0000 per share.
• Also on July 28, 2025, 624 shares of common stock were disposed of at $204.48 per share, likely for tax withholding.
• Following these transactions, Wilkerson directly beneficially owned 20,702.29 shares of common stock and indirectly owned 596.4302 shares via a 401k plan.
• Performance restricted stock units and restricted stock units convert into common stock on a one-for-one basis.
• The FY23 Performance Restricted Stock Units grant vests in two equal annual installments beginning July 27, 2025.
• The FY22 Performance Restricted Stock Units grant vested in two equal annual installments beginning July 28, 2024.

Sentiment

Score: 5

Explanation: The filing reports routine insider transactions related to the vesting of equity compensation and subsequent tax withholding. It does not indicate any significant positive or negative developments for the company beyond the standard compensation structure for executives.

Positives

• Acquisition of 3,214 shares, 1,607 shares, and 1,585 shares of common stock through the conversion of restricted stock units, indicating the vesting of equity compensation.
• Continued direct beneficial ownership of 20,702.29 shares and indirect ownership of 596.4302 shares via a 401k plan, demonstrating ongoing executive stake in the company.

Negatives

• Disposition of 633 shares, 1,221 shares, and 624 shares of common stock at $204.48 per share, likely for tax withholding purposes related to the vesting of equity awards.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: The transactions are routine and reflect the standard compensation structure for executives, which aligns executive incentives with shareholder value over time. The disposition of shares for tax purposes is a common practice and does not indicate a lack of confidence.
• Employees: No direct impact on general employees is indicated.
• Customers: No direct impact on customers is indicated.
• Suppliers: No direct impact on suppliers is indicated.
• Creditors: No direct impact on creditors is indicated.

Next Steps

• Future vesting installments for the FY23 Performance Restricted Stock Units grant are expected to occur after July 27, 2025.

Key Dates

Keywords

Darden Restaurants, DRI, John W. Wilkerson, Insider Trading, Form 4, Stock Units, Executive Compensation, Olive Garden, Equity Awards, Share Ownership