Noodles & Company (NDLS)vsYum! Brands Inc (YUM)
NDLS
Noodles & Company
$13.74
-1.86%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $85.44M
YUM
Yum! Brands Inc
$140.87
-2.10%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $40.80B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Yum! Brands Inc generates 1660% more annual revenue ($8.72B vs $495.69M). YUM leads profitability with a 25.4% profit margin vs -4.7%. YUM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (C+).
NDLS
Avoid26
out of 100
Grade: F
YUM
Buy65
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for NDLS.
Margin of Safety
-78.4%
Fair Value
$89.16
Current Price
$140.87
$51.71 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Strong operational efficiency at 32.8%
Earnings expanding 131.6% YoY
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Keeps 25 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Areas to Watch
0.5% revenue growth
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
Operating margin of 3.1%
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency
Weak financial health signals
Distress zone — elevated risk
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : NDLS
The strongest argument for NDLS centers on Debt/Equity.
Bull Case : YUM
The strongest argument for YUM centers on Operating Margin, EPS Growth, Debt/Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 25.4% and operating margin at 32.8%. Revenue growth of 12.2% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : NDLS
The primary concerns for NDLS are Revenue Growth, Market Cap, Operating Margin.
Bear Case : YUM
The primary concerns for YUM are PEG Ratio, Return on Equity, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
NDLS profiles as a turnaround stock while YUM is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
NDLS carries more volatility with a beta of 1.34 — expect wider price swings.
YUM is growing revenue faster at 12.2% — sustainability is the question.
YUM generates stronger free cash flow (407M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
YUM scores higher overall (65/100 vs 26/100), backed by strong 25.4% margins and 12.2% revenue growth. Both earn "Buy" and "Avoid" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
Noodles & Company
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · RESTAURANTS · USA
Noodles & Company develops and operates fast casual restaurants. The company is headquartered in Broomfield, Colorado.
Yum! Brands Inc
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · RESTAURANTS · USA
Yum! Brands, Inc. is an American fast food corporation listed on the Fortune 1000. Yum! operates the brands KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, The Habit Burger Grill, and WingStreet worldwide, except in China, where the brands are operated by a separate company, Yum China.
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