Hamlin Capital Trims Stake in Darden Restaurants

Institutional investor reduces position in restaurant operator by 4.9% in Q4

Mar. 22, 2026 at 8:13am

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Hamlin Capital Management LLC, an institutional investor, decreased its position in Darden Restaurants, Inc. (NYSE:DRI) by 4.9% during the fourth quarter, according to a recent SEC filing. The firm now owns 859,062 shares of the restaurant operator's stock, valued at $158,085,000, making it the 14th largest position in Hamlin Capital's portfolio.

Why it matters

Darden Restaurants, the parent company of popular chains like Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse, is a closely watched stock in the restaurant industry. Changes in institutional ownership can signal shifts in investor sentiment and provide insights into the company's performance and outlook.

The details

According to the filing, Hamlin Capital sold 44,660 shares of Darden Restaurants during the fourth quarter. The firm now owns 0.75% of the restaurant operator's outstanding shares. Darden Restaurants has been in the spotlight recently, with the company reporting strong Q3 results and raising its full-year guidance, which has led to a wave of analyst target price increases and ratings affirmations.

  • Hamlin Capital Management LLC decreased its position in Darden Restaurants during the fourth quarter of 2025.

The players

Hamlin Capital Management LLC

An institutional investor that owns a significant stake in Darden Restaurants.

Darden Restaurants, Inc.

The parent company of popular restaurant chains like Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse.

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The takeaway

The reduction in Hamlin Capital's position in Darden Restaurants suggests a potential shift in investor sentiment, even as the company continues to report strong financial results and receive positive analyst coverage. Investors will likely continue to monitor institutional ownership changes and other developments related to Darden Restaurants as the company navigates the evolving restaurant industry landscape.