Darden Restaurants Inc (DRI)vsNoodles & Company (NDLS)
DRI
Darden Restaurants Inc
$209.89
+1.14%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $24.18B
NDLS
Noodles & Company
$13.74
-1.86%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $85.44M
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Darden Restaurants Inc generates 2565% more annual revenue ($13.21B vs $495.69M). DRI leads profitability with a 9.1% profit margin vs -4.7%. DRI earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).
DRI
Strong Buy67
out of 100
Grade: B-
NDLS
Avoid26
out of 100
Grade: F
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-86.7%
Fair Value
$113.99
Current Price
$209.89
$95.90 premium
Intrinsic value data unavailable for NDLS.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Every $100 of equity generates 55 in profit
Earnings expanding 36.0% YoY
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 10.8x book value
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Distress zone — elevated risk
0.5% revenue growth
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
Operating margin of 3.1%
Weak financial health signals
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : DRI
The strongest argument for DRI centers on Return on Equity, EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 13.7% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : NDLS
The strongest argument for NDLS centers on Debt/Equity.
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 : NDLS
The primary concerns for NDLS are Revenue Growth, Market Cap, Operating Margin.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
DRI profiles as a value stock while NDLS is a turnaround play — different risk/reward profiles.
NDLS carries more volatility with a beta of 1.34 — expect wider price swings.
DRI is growing revenue faster at 13.7% — sustainability is the question.
NDLS generates stronger free cash flow (2M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
DRI scores higher overall (67/100 vs 26/100) and 13.7% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong 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.
Darden Restaurants Inc
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · RESTAURANTS · USA
Darden Restaurants, Inc. is an American multi-brand restaurant operator headquartered in Orlando.
Noodles & Company
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · RESTAURANTS · USA
Noodles & Company develops and operates fast casual restaurants. The company is headquartered in Broomfield, Colorado.
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