WallStSmart

Darden Restaurants Inc (DRI)vsShake Shack Inc (SHAK)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Darden Restaurants Inc generates 786% more annual revenue ($13.21B vs $1.49B). DRI leads profitability with a 9.1% profit margin vs 2.8%. DRI appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.77. 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

SHAK

Buy

51

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 7.3Profit: 3.5Value: 4.0Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 1.31
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
SHAKUndervalued (+28.1%)

Margin of Safety

+28.1%

Fair Value

$135.04

Current Price

$63.05

$71.99 discount

UndervaluedFair: $135.04Overvalued

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

SHAK1 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
28.7%8/10

Earnings expanding 28.7% YoY

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

SHAK4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Return on EquityProfitability
7.8%3/10

ROE of 7.8% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
2.8%3/10

2.8% margin — thin

Debt/EquityHealth
1.783/10

Elevated debt levels

PEG RatioValuation
2.552/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

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 : SHAK

The strongest argument for SHAK centers on EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 14.3% 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 : SHAK

The primary concerns for SHAK are Return on Equity, Profit Margin, Debt/Equity. A P/E of 58.1x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 1.78 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

SHAK carries more volatility with a beta of 1.63 — expect wider price swings.

SHAK is growing revenue faster at 14.3% — sustainability is the question.

SHAK generates stronger free cash flow (-17M), providing more financial flexibility.

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

Bottom Line

DRI scores higher overall (67/100 vs 51/100) and 13.7% revenue growth. SHAK offers better value entry with a 28.1% margin of safety. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "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.

Darden Restaurants Inc

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · RESTAURANTS · USA

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

Shake Shack Inc

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · RESTAURANTS · USA

Shake Shack Inc. owns, operates and licenses Shake Shack restaurants (Shacks) in the United States and internationally. The company is headquartered in New York, New York.

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