Great Lakes Advisors 13F: Adds $9.9M to DRI Stake

Great Lakes Advisors has raised its stake in Darden Restaurants, Inc. (NYSE: DRI) by 21.52%, according to the latest Form 13F filing with the SEC. The firm added 48,190 shares during the reporting period, bringing its total holdings to 272,083 shares valued at approximately $57.5 million. This move suggests a strong vote of confidence in the restaurant operator.

What Changed in Great Lakes Advisors' Darden Restaurants Position

Great Lakes Advisors increased its investment in Darden Restaurants by 48,190 shares, moving from 223,893 shares to 272,083 shares. This represents a 21.52% increase in their holdings, which are now valued at about $57.5 million. The decision to boost their stake indicates a positive outlook on the restaurant company's future performance.

Other Institutional Activity in Darden Restaurants

In other institutional activity, Capital World Investors reduced its holdings by 232,593 shares, ending with 14,928,684 shares valued at $2.93 billion. BlackRock, Inc. also trimmed its position by 280,271 shares, holding 9,649,638 shares worth $1.89 billion. Meanwhile, Vanguard Capital Management LLC acquired 7,473,998 shares, reaching a total of 7,473,998 shares valued at $1.47 billion. Wellington Management Group LLP cut its position significantly by 1,228,575 shares, now holding 6,848,992 shares valued at $1.34 billion.

Darden Restaurants, Inc. Stock Down 1.4%

Shares of NYSE:DRI traded near $211.47. Darden Restaurants has a market cap of $24.22 billion and a P/E ratio of 22.26. The stock has a beta of 0.587, suggesting it is less volatile than the market. The 52-week range for the stock is between $169.00 and $228.27. Its 50-day moving average is $198.24, and the 200-day moving average is $195.78. The company's current ratio stands at 0.387, with a quick ratio of 0.133 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 387.681.

Recent Earnings

Darden Restaurants reported revenue of $12.76 billion, with a revenue growth rate of 5.9%. The company's net margin is 8.66%, and it boasts a return on equity of 51.54%. Its earnings per share stand at $9.50. The next earnings report is scheduled for June 25, 2026.

Dividend

Darden Restaurants pays an annual dividend rate of $6.00, yielding 2.84% with a payout ratio of 62.17%. This provides investors with a steady income stream alongside potential capital gains.

Insider Buying and Selling at Darden Restaurants, Inc.

Insider activity at Darden Restaurants included several transactions on May 31, 2026. Daryl Kenningham bought 159 shares and sold the same amount on the same day. Timothy Wilmott purchased 162 shares, while Douglas Milanes, the SVP and Chief Supply Chain Officer, sold 3,620 shares on April 17, 2026, at an average price of $202.17. Lindsay Koren, the SVP General Counsel, sold 300 shares on April 7, 2026, at an average price of $194.32.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Analyst firms have maintained their ratings for Darden Restaurants. On June 5, 2026, B of A Securities maintained a 'buy' rating with a price target of $276. Keybanc also maintained a 'buy' rating on May 27, 2026, with a target of $228. Overall, the consensus among 26 analysts is to 'buy', with a mean target price of $226.23.

About Darden Restaurants

Darden Restaurants, Inc., based in Orlando, Florida, operates full-service restaurants in the U.S. and Canada under various brand names, including Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, and Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen. Founded in 1938, the company is led by CEO Ricardo Cardenas and employs nearly 198,000 people. It is a major player in the consumer cyclical sector, specifically within the restaurant industry.

Bottom Line

Great Lakes Advisors' decision to boost its stake in Darden Restaurants reflects confidence in the company's future prospects. Darden's strong market position, coupled with consistent revenue growth and a healthy dividend, makes it an attractive option for investors. However, it's important to remember that 13F filings are backward-looking and may not represent the investor's current position.