WallStSmart

Darden Restaurants Inc (DRI)vsNathans Famous Inc (NATH)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Darden Restaurants Inc generates 8052% more annual revenue ($13.21B vs $162.06M). NATH leads profitability with a 12.3% profit margin vs 9.1%. NATH appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.56. 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

NATH

Hold

49

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 4.7Profit: 7.0Value: 4.0Quality: 8.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 5.77
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
NATHSignificantly Overvalued (-42.2%)

Margin of Safety

-42.2%

Fair Value

$70.97

Current Price

$98.50

$27.53 premium

UndervaluedFair: $70.97Overvalued

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

NATH3 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Debt/EquityHealth
-3.6610/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
5.7710/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Operating MarginProfitability
22.5%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 22.5%

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

NATH4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.564/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Market CapQuality
$400.76M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Return on EquityProfitability
0.0%3/10

ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency

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 : NATH

The strongest argument for NATH centers on Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score, Operating Margin. Revenue growth of 13.9% demonstrates continued momentum.

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 : NATH

The primary concerns for NATH are PEG Ratio, Market Cap, Return on Equity.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

NATH is growing revenue faster at 13.9% — sustainability is the question.

NATH generates stronger free cash flow (3M), providing more financial flexibility.

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

Bottom Line

DRI scores higher overall (67/100 vs 49/100) 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.

Nathans Famous Inc

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · RESTAURANTS · USA

Nathan's Famous, Inc. operates in the foodservice industry. The company is headquartered in Jericho, New York.

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