WallStSmart

Darden Restaurants Inc (DRI)vsSynchrony Financial (SYF)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Darden Restaurants Inc generates 31% more annual revenue ($12.76B vs $9.76B). SYF leads profitability with a 36.4% profit margin vs 8.7%. DRI appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.81. SYF earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 71/100 (B).

DRI

Buy

55

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 4.7Profit: 7.0Value: 7.3Quality: 4.3
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 1.33

SYF

Strong Buy

71

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 6.7Profit: 8.0Value: 7.3Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 0.03
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

DRISignificantly Overvalued (-229.4%)

Margin of Safety

-229.4%

Fair Value

$64.60

Current Price

$201.66

$137.06 premium

UndervaluedFair: $64.60Overvalued
SYFUndervalued (+59.2%)

Margin of Safety

+59.2%

Fair Value

$178.92

Current Price

$67.63

$111.29 discount

UndervaluedFair: $178.92Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

DRI1 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Return on EquityProfitability
51.5%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 52 in profit

SYF6 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
P/E RatioValuation
7.3x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Profit MarginProfitability
36.4%10/10

Keeps 36 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
48.5%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 48.5%

Return on EquityProfitability
21.3%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 21 in profit

Price/BookValuation
1.5x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Free Cash FlowQuality
$2.45B8/10

Generating 2.5B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

DRI4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.814/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Price/BookValuation
11.0x4/10

Trading at 11.0x book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
-3.3%2/10

Earnings declined 3.3%

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.332/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

SYF2 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
3.272/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.032/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : DRI

The strongest argument for DRI centers on Return on Equity.

Bull Case : SYF

The strongest argument for SYF centers on P/E Ratio, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 36.4% and operating margin at 48.5%.

Bear Case : DRI

The primary concerns for DRI are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, EPS Growth.

Bear Case : SYF

The primary concerns for SYF are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

SYF carries more volatility with a beta of 1.41 — expect wider price swings.

DRI is growing revenue faster at 5.9% — sustainability is the question.

SYF generates stronger free cash flow (2.5B), providing more financial flexibility.

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

Bottom Line

SYF scores higher overall (71/100 vs 55/100), backed by strong 36.4% margins. 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.

Darden Restaurants Inc

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · RESTAURANTS · USA

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

Synchrony Financial

FINANCIAL SERVICES · CREDIT SERVICES · USA

Synchrony Financial is a consumer financial services company headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, United States. The company offers consumer financing products, including credit, promotional financing and loyalty programs, installment lending to industries, and FDIC-insured consumer savings products through Synchrony Bank, its wholly owned online bank subsidiary.

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