Insider Sale
On July 29, 2026, Rajesh Vennam, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Darden Restaurants Inc. (NASDAQ: DRI), sold 8,478 shares of Darden common stock at $210.00 per share, generating proceeds of approximately $1,780,380. The transaction was disclosed in a Form 4 filing with the SEC. After the sale, Vennam’s direct holding of Darden common shares stands at 8,569.499 shares, which comprise shares acquired through the company’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan and its dividend reinvestment feature.
Equity‑Based Compensation
On the same date, Vennam was granted 3,744 restricted stock units (RSUs) that will convert into common stock on a one‑for‑one basis and are scheduled to vest on July 29, 2029. He also received 11,044 stock options with an exercise price of $212.23 per share; these options will vest in two equal annual installments beginning July 29, 2029, and will expire on July 29, 2036.
Recent Financial Performance
Darden Restaurants reported fourth‑quarter fiscal 2026 earnings per share of $3.66, marginally above the consensus estimate of $3.63. The earnings beat was driven by strong same‑store sales growth at its LongHorn Steakhouse brand, while the Olive Garden segment faced anticipated softness. UBS raised its price target for Darden to $240 and maintained a Buy rating, citing brand strength. Mizuho reiterated an Outperform rating with a $235 target, noting effective management of higher operating expenses. Bernstein SocGen kept an Outperform rating, highlighting approximately 11 % EPS growth and a dividend yield near 3 %. BMO Capital maintained a Market Perform rating with a $220 target, pointing to inflationary pressures on the restaurant industry. Piper Sandler increased its price target to $212, reflecting confidence in the solid fourth‑quarter results and the company’s guidance for fiscal 2027.
Market Context
At the time of the insider sale, Darden’s shares were trading at $206.97, slightly below the CFO’s sale price of $210. InvestingPro’s analysis described the stock as overvalued relative to its fair value, although the company retains a “GOOD” financial health score and has a 32‑year consecutive dividend payment record.