Darden Restaurants Inc (DRI)vsWaters Corporation (WAT)
DRI
Darden Restaurants Inc
$196.23
+0.54%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $22.35B
WAT
Waters Corporation
$355.13
+1.32%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $34.41B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Darden Restaurants Inc generates 239% more annual revenue ($12.76B vs $3.77B). WAT leads profitability with a 11.9% profit margin vs 8.7%. WAT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.52. DRI earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 55/100 (C-).
DRI
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C-
WAT
Buy52
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-64.2%
Fair Value
$129.57
Current Price
$196.23
$66.66 premium
Margin of Safety
-63.1%
Fair Value
$201.83
Current Price
$355.13
$153.30 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Every $100 of equity generates 52 in profit
Revenue surging 91.5% year-over-year
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 10.7x book value
Earnings declined 3.3%
Distress zone — elevated risk
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 8.3x book value
ROE of 5.2% — below average capital efficiency
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : DRI
The strongest argument for DRI centers on Return on Equity.
Bull Case : WAT
The strongest argument for WAT centers on Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score. Revenue growth of 91.5% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : DRI
The primary concerns for DRI are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, EPS Growth.
Bear Case : WAT
The primary concerns for WAT are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, Return on Equity. A P/E of 44.6x leaves little room for execution misses.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
DRI profiles as a value stock while WAT is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
WAT carries more volatility with a beta of 1.14 — expect wider price swings.
WAT is growing revenue faster at 91.5% — sustainability is the question.
DRI generates stronger free cash flow (610M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
DRI scores higher overall (55/100 vs 52/100). Both earn "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.
Waters Corporation
HEALTHCARE · DIAGNOSTICS & RESEARCH · USA
Waters Corporation is a publicly traded Analytical Laboratory instrument and software company headquartered in Milford, Massachusetts.
Compare with Other RESTAURANTS Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?