Darden Restaurants Inc (DRI)vsNoodles & Company (NDLS)
DRI
Darden Restaurants Inc
$201.66
+0.57%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $23.46B
NDLS
Noodles & Company
$6.06
-7.48%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $36.81M
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Darden Restaurants Inc generates 2483% more annual revenue ($12.76B vs $494.09M). DRI leads profitability with a 8.7% profit margin vs -9.2%. DRI earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 55/100 (C-).
DRI
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C-
NDLS
Avoid23
out of 100
Grade: F
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-229.4%
Fair Value
$64.60
Current Price
$201.66
$137.06 premium
Intrinsic value data unavailable for NDLS.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Every $100 of equity generates 52 in profit
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 11.0x book value
Earnings declined 3.3%
Distress zone — elevated risk
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
ROE of -9.8% — below average capital efficiency
Revenue declined 0.5%
Earnings declined 11.8%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : DRI
The strongest argument for DRI centers on Return on Equity.
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, EPS Growth.
Bear Case : NDLS
The primary concerns for NDLS are Market Cap, Return on Equity, Revenue Growth.
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 1.49 — expect wider price swings.
DRI is growing revenue faster at 5.9% — sustainability is the question.
DRI generates stronger free cash flow (606M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
DRI scores higher overall (55/100 vs 23/100). 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.
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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