WallStSmart

Darden Restaurants Inc (DRI)vsPapa John's International Inc (PZZA)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Darden Restaurants Inc generates 556% more annual revenue ($13.21B vs $2.01B). DRI leads profitability with a 9.1% profit margin vs 1.4%. DRI appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.82. 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

PZZA

Hold

35

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 2.0Profit: 5.0Value: 6.0Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.78
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

DRISignificantly Overvalued (-89.5%)

Margin of Safety

-89.5%

Fair Value

$112.30

Current Price

$213.76

$101.46 premium

UndervaluedFair: $112.30Overvalued
PZZAUndervalued (+37.1%)

Margin of Safety

+37.1%

Fair Value

$54.06

Current Price

$24.47

$29.59 discount

UndervaluedFair: $54.06Overvalued

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

PZZA1 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Debt/EquityHealth
-2.1210/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Areas to Watch

DRI4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.824/10

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

PZZA4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.204/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
36.5x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Market CapQuality
$983.77M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Return on EquityProfitability
0.0%3/10

ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency

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 : PZZA

The strongest argument for PZZA centers on Debt/Equity.

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 : PZZA

The primary concerns for PZZA are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Market Cap. Thin 1.4% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

PZZA carries more volatility with a beta of 1.11 — expect wider price swings.

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

PZZA generates stronger free cash flow (-6M), providing more financial flexibility.

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

Bottom Line

DRI scores higher overall (67/100 vs 35/100) and 13.7% revenue growth. PZZA offers better value entry with a 37.1% margin of safety. 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.

Papa John's International Inc

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · RESTAURANTS · USA

Papa John's International, Inc. operates and franchises pizza delivery and take-out restaurants under the Papa John's trademark in the United States and internationally. The company is headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky.

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