Nathan's Famous, Inc. (NATH) Stock Analysis

Why this analysis is different

• A sector-relative MoonshotScore — five pillars (business quality, financial safety, valuation, growth durability, momentum) re-ranked nightly against the full universe of US-listed common stocks.
• An AI Council read across up to eight perspectives — value, macro, quantitative, and momentum lenses — that shows where they disagree instead of averaging the tension away.
• Figures come straight from FMP and Yahoo Finance filings data. The AI writes the narrative around the numbers — it never edits the numbers.

Nathan's Famous, Inc. (NATH) Consumer Business Overview

Nathan's Famous, Inc. is a foodservice company renowned for its hot dogs and branded products, operating through company-owned and franchised restaurants. With a history dating back to 1916, the company leverages licensing agreements and diverse distribution channels to maintain its market presence in the competitive restaurant industry.

What Is the Investment Thesis for NATH?

The company's franchising model provides a scalable approach to expanding its restaurant footprint with limited capital expenditure. The licensing agreements for branded products offer a steady stream of royalty income. With a market capitalization of $401M and a P/E ratio of 20.08, Nathan's Famous demonstrates profitability, supported by a profit margin of 13.6% and a gross margin of 29.4%. The dividend yield of 4.44% provides an attractive return to shareholders. Key catalysts include expanding the franchise network and increasing penetration of branded products in retail channels. Potential risks include competition in the restaurant industry and dependence on licensing partners.

Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis

NATH Key Highlights

Market Cap of $401M reflects the company's current valuation in the market.

• P/E ratio of 20.08 indicates the price investors are willing to pay for each dollar of Nathan's Famous' earnings.
• Profit Margin of 13.6% demonstrates the company's ability to generate profit from its revenue.
• Gross Margin of 29.4% shows the profitability of Nathan's Famous' core products and services.
• Dividend Yield of 4.44% provides a significant return to shareholders, making it an attractive income stock.

Who Are NATH's Competitors?

NATH is benchmarked below against 8 industry peers on price, market cap, and our AI MoonshotScore.

AI Score by Stock Expert AI · Price data: FMP / Yahoo Finance This table mixes two scoring engines — compare a number only with others carrying the same tag.

What Are NATH's Key Strengths?

Strong brand recognition and heritage.

• Diversified revenue streams through franchising and licensing.
• Established franchise network.
• High dividend yield.

What Are NATH's Weaknesses?

Limited company-owned restaurant locations.

• Dependence on licensing partners.
• Exposure to commodity price fluctuations.
• Geographic concentration in the New York City metropolitan area.

What Could Drive NATH Stock Higher?

Expansion of franchise network into new geographic markets.

• Increased penetration of branded products in retail channels.
• Strategic licensing agreements for new product categories.
• Menu innovation and development to attract new customers.

What Are the Key Risks for NATH?

Intense competition in the restaurant industry.

• Rising food and labor costs impacting profitability.
• Economic downturns affecting consumer spending.
• Dependence on licensing partners for brand integrity and quality control.

What Are the Growth Opportunities for NATH?

• Expansion of Franchise Network: Nathan's Famous has the opportunity to expand its franchise network both domestically and internationally. By targeting new markets and partnering with experienced franchisees, the company can increase its brand presence and generate additional royalty income. The global fast-food market is expected to reach $931.7 billion by 2027, providing a significant opportunity for Nathan's Famous to grow its franchise operations. Timeline: Ongoing.
• Increased Penetration of Branded Products: Nathan's Famous can increase the penetration of its branded products in retail channels such as supermarkets, groceries, and club stores. By expanding its product offerings and distribution network, the company can tap into the growing demand for convenient and high-quality food products. Timeline: Ongoing.
• Strategic Licensing Agreements: Nathan's Famous can pursue strategic licensing agreements to expand its brand into new product categories and markets. By partnering with reputable manufacturers and distributors, the company can leverage its brand equity to generate additional revenue and increase its market presence. The global licensing market is expected to reach $342.7 billion by 2027, providing a significant opportunity for Nathan's Famous to grow its licensing business. Timeline: Ongoing.
• Menu Innovation and Development: Nathan's Famous can drive growth through menu innovation and development, introducing new and appealing menu items to attract a wider customer base. By leveraging consumer trends and preferences, the company can enhance its brand image and increase customer loyalty. The restaurant industry is constantly evolving, with consumers seeking new and exciting dining experiences. Timeline: Ongoing.
• Digital Marketing and E-commerce Initiatives: Nathan's Famous can leverage digital marketing and e-commerce initiatives to reach a broader audience and drive online sales. By investing in online advertising, social media marketing, and e-commerce platforms, the company can enhance its brand awareness and increase customer engagement. Timeline: Ongoing.

What Are NATH's Competitive Advantages?

• Brand Recognition: Nathan's Famous has a strong brand reputation built over a century.
• Franchise Network: Established network of franchised restaurants provides a stable revenue stream.
• Licensing Agreements: Diversified revenue streams through licensing agreements for branded products.

What Does NATH Do?

Nathan's Famous, Inc., established in 1916 in Coney Island, New York, has evolved from a single hot dog stand into a multifaceted foodservice company. The company owns and franchises restaurants under the Nathan's Famous brand, offering a menu centered around its signature hot dogs, along with other classic American fare. Beyond its restaurant operations, Nathan's Famous leverages its brand recognition through licensing agreements, allowing other companies to manufacture, distribute, and market Nathan's Famous branded products such as hot dogs, sausages, and corned beef in retail channels. These products are available in supermarkets, groceries, mass merchandisers, and club stores. Nathan's Famous also extends its brand through licensing agreements for the production of hot dog and sausage products for the foodservice industry, as well as for manufacturing proprietary spices, sauerkraut, pickles, French fries, onion rings, and various hors d'oeuvres. The company sells its products directly to foodservice operators and distributors, and also offers Arthur Treacher's brand fish fillets. As of March 27, 2022, Nathan's Famous operated four company-owned restaurants in the New York City metropolitan area and 239 franchised units across 18 states and 12 foreign countries. The company is based in Jericho, New York, and continues to focus on expanding its brand presence through both its restaurant operations and its licensing programs.

What Products and Services Does NATH Offer?

• Owns and franchises Nathan's Famous restaurants.
• Sells Nathan's Famous branded products through various distribution channels.
• Licenses Nathan's Famous trademarks for manufacturing and distribution.
• Manufactures and distributes hot dogs, sausages, and corned beef products.
• Provides Arthur Treacher's brand fish fillets.
• Sells products directly to foodservice operators and distributors.

How Does NATH Make Money?

• Franchising: Generates revenue through franchise fees and royalties from franchised restaurants.
• Licensing: Earns revenue by licensing its trademarks for the manufacture and distribution of branded products.
• Direct Sales: Sells Nathan's Famous products directly to foodservice operators and distributors.

What Industry Does NATH Operate In?

Nathan's Famous operates within the competitive restaurant industry, which is characterized by evolving consumer preferences and intense competition. The market includes a mix of established chains and independent operators, all vying for market share. Nathan's Famous differentiates itself through its iconic brand and diversified revenue streams, including franchising and licensing. The company benefits from the growing demand for convenient and affordable dining options, while also facing challenges such as rising food costs and labor expenses. The restaurant industry is projected to continue growing, driven by factors such as increasing disposable income and changing lifestyles.

Who Are NATH's Key Customers?

• Franchisees: Independent business owners who operate Nathan's Famous restaurants.
• Foodservice Operators: Restaurants, hotels, and other foodservice establishments that purchase Nathan's Famous products.
• Retail Consumers: Individuals who purchase Nathan's Famous branded products in supermarkets, groceries, and club stores.

Over the past six months, Nathan's Famous, Inc. insiders filed 3 SEC Form 4 transactions — 2 sales and 1 purchases. On net that is roughly 7K shares disposed (about $685K), a signal worth weighing alongside the fundamentals.

Quarterly Financial Performance: Nathan's Famous, Inc.

Revenue for Nathan's Famous, Inc. came in at $54.1M during Q1 FY2026, a 54.2% improvement versus the preceding quarter. The company recorded net income of $8.8M, with diluted EPS of $2.14. Revenue has increased across the last three reported quarters, suggesting sustained momentum for this small-cap Consumer Cyclical company. Across the four most recent quarters, NATH averaged $1.21 in diluted EPS.

NATH Valuation & Market Position

With a $401M market cap, Nathan's Famous, Inc. sits in the small-cap segment of the market. Relative to its peer group, NATH's quantitative score of 83/100 is above the peer average of 59/100.

Return on assets is 30.7%, showing how much profit it generates from its asset base. NATH trades at a trailing price-to-earnings ratio of 20.08, below the Consumer Cyclical sector average of ~32.70x. Its free cash flow yield is 4.8%, a gauge of the cash the business throws off relative to its market value. A current ratio of 2.45 indicates the company holds enough short-term assets to cover its near-term obligations. Its earnings yield is 5.0%, the inverse of the P/E and a quick read on earnings relative to price.

Nathan's Famous, Inc.'s Piotroski F-Score is 5/9, a 9-point checklist of profitability, leverage and efficiency — a middling fundamental profile. Its Altman Z-Score of 8.49 places it in the safe zone, indicating low near-term bankruptcy risk.

Company Profile

Nathan's Famous, Inc. operates in the Restaurants industry within the Consumer Cyclical sector. It is headquartered in Jericho, US. The company is led by CEO Eric Gatoff. NATH has traded publicly since 1993.

NATH Financials

NATH Latest News

NATH Analyst Consensus

NATH MoonshotScore

What Investors Ask About Nathan's Famous, Inc. (NATH) — Consumer Cyclical

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Always do your own research and consult a financial advisor.

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