WallStSmart

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store (CBRL)vsDarden Restaurants Inc (DRI)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Darden Restaurants Inc generates 296% more annual revenue ($13.21B vs $3.34B). DRI leads profitability with a 9.1% profit margin vs 0.8%. CBRL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.56. DRI earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).

CBRL

Buy

53

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 5.3Profit: 3.5Value: 6.0Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman 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

CBRLUndervalued (+59.4%)

Margin of Safety

+59.4%

Fair Value

$80.47

Current Price

$49.48

$30.99 discount

UndervaluedFair: $80.47Overvalued
DRISignificantly Overvalued (-86.7%)

Margin of Safety

-86.7%

Fair Value

$113.99

Current Price

$209.89

$95.90 premium

UndervaluedFair: $113.99Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CBRL2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
239.3%10/10

Earnings expanding 239.3% YoY

Price/BookValuation
2.4x8/10

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

CBRL4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.564/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.984/10

Grey zone — moderate risk

Market CapQuality
$1.11B3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Return on EquityProfitability
5.6%3/10

ROE of 5.6% — below average capital efficiency

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

Expensive relative to growth rate

Price/BookValuation
10.8x4/10

Trading at 10.8x 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 : CBRL

The strongest argument for CBRL centers on EPS Growth, Price/Book.

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 : CBRL

The primary concerns for CBRL are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score, Market Cap. A P/E of 43.0x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 2.35 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

CBRL carries more volatility with a beta of 1.18 — expect wider price swings.

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

CBRL generates stronger free cash flow (67M), providing more financial flexibility.

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

Bottom Line

DRI scores higher overall (67/100 vs 53/100) and 13.7% revenue growth. CBRL offers better value entry with a 59.4% 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.

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · RESTAURANTS · USA

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. develops and operates the Cracker Barrel Old Country Store concept in the United States. The company is headquartered in Lebanon, Tennessee.

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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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