WallStSmart

Arcos Dorados Holdings Inc (ARCO)vsDarden Restaurants Inc (DRI)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Darden Restaurants Inc generates 165% more annual revenue ($13.21B vs $4.98B). DRI leads profitability with a 9.1% profit margin vs 5.2%. ARCO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.54. ARCO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 72/100 (B).

ARCO

Strong Buy

72

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 7.3Profit: 6.5Value: 8.7Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 1.98

DRI

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 7.3Profit: 7.0Value: 4.0Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 1.40
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

ARCOUndervalued (+28.2%)

Margin of Safety

+28.2%

Fair Value

$11.71

Current Price

$7.94

$3.77 discount

UndervaluedFair: $11.71Overvalued
DRISignificantly Overvalued (-86.7%)

Margin of Safety

-86.7%

Fair Value

$113.99

Current Price

$218.57

$104.58 premium

UndervaluedFair: $113.99Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ARCO5 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
P/E RatioValuation
6.6x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Return on EquityProfitability
30.2%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 30 in profit

EPS GrowthGrowth
99.3%10/10

Earnings expanding 99.3% YoY

PEG RatioValuation
0.548/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Price/BookValuation
2.0x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

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

Areas to Watch

ARCO4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.984/10

Grey zone — moderate risk

Market CapQuality
$1.70B3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Profit MarginProfitability
5.2%3/10

5.2% margin — thin

Debt/EquityHealth
2.651/10

Elevated debt levels

DRI4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.944/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Price/BookValuation
11.3x4/10

Trading at 11.3x book value

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-159.50M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.402/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : ARCO

The strongest argument for ARCO centers on P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 14.3% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.54 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : DRI

The strongest argument for DRI centers on Return on Equity, EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 13.7% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : ARCO

The primary concerns for ARCO are Altman Z-Score, Market Cap, Profit Margin. Debt-to-equity of 2.65 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

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.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

DRI carries more volatility with a beta of 0.59 — expect wider price swings.

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

ARCO generates stronger free cash flow (56M), providing more financial flexibility.

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

Bottom Line

ARCO scores higher overall (72/100 vs 67/100) and 14.3% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Strong 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.

Arcos Dorados Holdings Inc

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · RESTAURANTS · USA

Arcos Dorados Holdings Inc. is a McDonald's restaurant franchise. The company is headquartered in Montevideo, Uruguay.

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Darden Restaurants Inc

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · RESTAURANTS · USA

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

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