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David Sterling Palmer

Senior Managing Director and Fundamental Research Analyst at Evercore ISI

David Sterling Palmer is a Senior Managing Director and Fundamental Research Analyst at Evercore ISI, specializing in the restaurant and packaged foods sectors. He is recognized for his in-depth coverage of leading companies such as McDonald’s, Starbucks, and Texas Roadhouse, and is a frequent voice on major earnings calls for these firms. Palmer combines years of equity research experience with a strong performance reputation in the industry, contributing actionable insights that have added significant value for investors. He began his analyst career prior to joining Evercore ISI Institutional Equities and currently holds senior-level research responsibilities, supported by professional securities licenses and regulatory credentials.

David Sterling Palmer's questions to DARDEN RESTAURANTS (DRI) leadership

David Sterling Palmer's questions to DARDEN RESTAURANTS (DRI) leadership • Q1 2026

Question

David Sterling Palmer inquired about the reasons behind the strong performance of the casual dining segment and its sustainability. He also asked about Olive Garden's strategy to maintain momentum against tougher comparisons later in the fiscal year, specifically mentioning the large test of smaller portions.

Answer

CEO Rick Cardenas attributed casual dining's strength to generally lower pricing compared to other dining segments, offering guests perceived value and a place to connect. For Olive Garden, he noted plans to continue momentum despite challenging comparisons, with affordability items and lighter portions expected to drive traffic long-term, potentially with future marketing support.

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David Sterling Palmer's questions to DARDEN RESTAURANTS (DRI) leadership • Q1 2026

Question

David Sterling Palmer inquired about the reasons behind the strong performance of the casual dining segment and its sustainability. He also asked about Olive Garden's strategy to maintain momentum in the latter half of the fiscal year, especially with tougher comparisons and the ongoing test of smaller portions.

Answer

Rick Cardenas, President, CEO & Director, attributed casual dining's strength to competitive pricing, perceived value, and consumers seeking social dining experiences. For Olive Garden, he stated that plans are in place to continue momentum, with affordability items and lighter portions expected to drive long-term traffic, potentially with marketing support in the back half of the year.

Ask Fintool Equity Research AI