WallStSmart

Arcos Dorados Holdings Inc (ARCO)vsDarden Restaurants Inc (DRI)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Darden Restaurants Inc generates 174% more annual revenue ($13.21B vs $4.82B). DRI leads profitability with a 9.1% profit margin vs 4.9%. ARCO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.54. ARCO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 70/100 (B-).

ARCO

Strong Buy

70

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 7.3Profit: 6.5Value: 8.7Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 1.98

DRI

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 7.3Profit: 7.0Value: 4.0Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 1.40
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

ARCOUndervalued (+25.8%)

Margin of Safety

+25.8%

Fair Value

$11.33

Current Price

$8.28

$3.05 discount

UndervaluedFair: $11.33Overvalued
DRISignificantly Overvalued (-89.5%)

Margin of Safety

-89.5%

Fair Value

$112.30

Current Price

$212.23

$99.93 premium

UndervaluedFair: $112.30Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ARCO5 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
P/E RatioValuation
7.4x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Return on EquityProfitability
30.2%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 30 in profit

EPS GrowthGrowth
159.4%10/10

Earnings expanding 159.4% YoY

PEG RatioValuation
0.548/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Price/BookValuation
2.2x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

DRI2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Return on EquityProfitability
54.7%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 55 in profit

EPS GrowthGrowth
36.0%8/10

Earnings expanding 36.0% YoY

Areas to Watch

ARCO4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.984/10

Grey zone — moderate risk

Market CapQuality
$1.72B3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Profit MarginProfitability
4.9%3/10

4.9% margin — thin

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-18.70M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

DRI4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.774/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Price/BookValuation
11.0x4/10

Trading at 11.0x book value

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-159.50M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.402/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : ARCO

The strongest argument for ARCO centers on P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 12.9% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.54 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : DRI

The strongest argument for DRI centers on Return on Equity, EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 13.7% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : ARCO

The primary concerns for ARCO are Altman Z-Score, Market Cap, Profit Margin. Debt-to-equity of 2.82 is elevated, increasing financial risk. Thin 4.9% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : DRI

The primary concerns for DRI are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, Free Cash Flow. Debt-to-equity of 2.74 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

DRI carries more volatility with a beta of 0.58 — expect wider price swings.

DRI is growing revenue faster at 13.7% — sustainability is the question.

ARCO generates stronger free cash flow (-19M), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor RESTAURANTS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

ARCO scores higher overall (70/100 vs 67/100) and 12.9% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Strong Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

Arcos Dorados Holdings Inc

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · RESTAURANTS · USA

Arcos Dorados Holdings Inc. is a McDonald's restaurant franchise. The company is headquartered in Montevideo, Uruguay.

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Darden Restaurants Inc

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · RESTAURANTS · USA

Darden Restaurants, Inc. is an American multi-brand restaurant operator headquartered in Orlando.

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