WallStSmart

Darden Restaurants Inc (DRI)vsLowe's Companies Inc (LOW)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Lowe's Companies Inc generates 569% more annual revenue ($88.43B vs $13.21B). DRI leads profitability with a 9.1% profit margin vs 7.5%. LOW appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.33. DRI earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).

DRI

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

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

LOW

Hold

50

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 3.3Profit: 5.5Value: 5.3Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 1.88
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

DRISignificantly Overvalued (-89.5%)

Margin of Safety

-89.5%

Fair Value

$112.30

Current Price

$212.23

$99.93 premium

UndervaluedFair: $112.30Overvalued
LOWSignificantly Overvalued (-55.1%)

Margin of Safety

-55.1%

Fair Value

$140.74

Current Price

$210.10

$69.36 premium

UndervaluedFair: $140.74Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

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

LOW4 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Debt/EquityHealth
-4.5910/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Market CapQuality
$114.64B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

P/E RatioValuation
17.2x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Free Cash FlowQuality
$2.83B8/10

Generating 2.8B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

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

LOW4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.884/10

Grey zone — moderate risk

Return on EquityProfitability
0.0%3/10

ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
7.5%3/10

7.5% margin — thin

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : DRI

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

Bull Case : LOW

The strongest argument for LOW centers on Debt/Equity, Market Cap, P/E Ratio. Revenue growth of 10.3% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.33 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

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.

Bear Case : LOW

The primary concerns for LOW are Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity, Profit Margin.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

LOW carries more volatility with a beta of 0.85 — expect wider price swings.

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

LOW generates stronger free cash flow (2.8B), providing more financial flexibility.

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

Bottom Line

DRI scores higher overall (67/100 vs 50/100) and 13.7% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Hold" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

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

Darden Restaurants Inc

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · RESTAURANTS · USA

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

Lowe's Companies Inc

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · HOME IMPROVEMENT RETAIL · USA

Lowe's Companies, Inc. is an American retail company specializing in home improvement. Headquartered in Mooresville, North Carolina, the company operates a chain of retail stores in the United States and Canada.

Visit Website →

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?