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Denny's Corporation (DENN)

$6.25 $-0.01 (-0.16%) |HOLD · 43 · C
MCap: $321.87M| P/E Ratio: 38.6| Vol: 4.09M|
Data from FMP · Methodology

For informational purposes only. Not financial advice. Analysis by Sedat ANAK, Founder & Editor-in-Chief | AI-powered analysis. Data sourced from SEC filings and institutional-grade financial providers. Editorially reviewed. Not financial advice.

Denny's Corporation (DENN) trades at $6.25 with AI Score 43/100 (Grade C). Denny's Corporation operates and franchises full-service restaurants under the Denny's brand. Market cap: $321.87M, Sector: Consumer cyclical.

Last analyzed: May 10, 2026
Denny's Corporation operates and franchises full-service restaurants under the Denny's brand. With a history dating back to 1953, the company has established a significant global presence, offering a diverse menu around the clock.

Analyst Coverage for DENN: DENN does not currently have published analyst price targets in our coverage universe. This is common for smaller-cap names with limited Wall Street coverage. In the absence of analyst consensus, our AI model evaluates DENN against Consumer Cyclical peers across nine fundamental dimensions and assigns an underweight signal based on the underlying data.

Council Score · Weighted Average of 3 Disciplines
HOLD 43/100 · C

DENN: the 1 perspectives are evenly split.

Council Score · 8 perspectives · See tabs for details →

Denny's Corporation (DENN) Consumer Business Overview

CEOKelli F. Valade
Employees3800
HeadquartersSpartanburg, SC, US
IPO Year1998
IndustryRestaurants

Denny's Corporation, a full-service restaurant chain founded in 1953, operates and franchises 1,640 locations worldwide. Known for its 24/7 availability and diverse menu, Denny's competes within the highly competitive restaurant industry, focusing on family dining and value-oriented offerings in the consumer cyclical sector.

Data Provenance | Financial Data Quantitative Analysis NASDAQ Analysis: May 10, 2026

What Is the Investment Thesis for DENN?

Denny's Corporation presents a mixed investment profile. The company's established brand and extensive franchise network provide a stable revenue base. However, its relatively low profit margin of 2.2% and high P/E ratio of 38.63 suggest potential overvaluation. Key growth catalysts include expansion into new markets and menu innovation to attract a broader customer base. The company's beta of 1.37 indicates higher volatility compared to the market. Investors should closely monitor Denny's ability to maintain its market share in the competitive restaurant industry and manage operational costs effectively. The absence of a dividend yield may deter income-focused investors. Successful execution of strategic initiatives and improved profitability are crucial for sustained growth.

Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis

DENN Key Highlights

  • Denny's Corporation operates 1,640 franchised, licensed, and company restaurants worldwide as of December 29, 2021, demonstrating a significant global presence.
  • The company's gross margin stands at 43.8%, indicating a solid ability to manage the cost of goods sold.
  • Denny's Corporation's market capitalization is $0.32 billion, reflecting its current valuation in the market.
  • The company's P/E ratio is 38.63, suggesting a relatively high valuation compared to its earnings.
  • Denny's Corporation's profit margin is 2.2%, indicating room for improvement in operational efficiency and cost management.

Who Are DENN's Competitors?

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

Company Price Change Market Cap AI Score
WEN The Wendy's Company $6.97 +2.65% $1.33B 43
MCD McDonald's Corporation $287.28 +0.88% $204.11B 51
SGLOF Food & Life Companies Ltd. $17.82 +0.00% $2.02B 64
ATGSY Autogrill S.p.A. $6.55 +0.00% $2.50B 58
VENU VENU $3.52 -1.40% $150.49M 58
BBQ BBQ Holdings, Inc. $17.24 +0.00% $185.50M 57
RICK RCI Hospitality Holdings, Inc. $26.97 +0.22% $206.17M 47
TWNPV Twin Hospitality Group Inc. $17.10 -5.00% $857.88M 47

AI Score by Stock Expert AI · Price data: FMP / Yahoo Finance

What Are DENN's Key Strengths?

  • Strong brand recognition and customer loyalty.
  • Extensive franchise network providing a wide geographic reach.
  • 24/7 availability at many locations offering convenience.
  • Value-oriented menu appealing to budget-conscious customers.

What Are DENN's Weaknesses?

  • Relatively low profit margin compared to competitors.
  • High P/E ratio suggesting potential overvaluation.
  • Dependence on franchise operations for revenue.
  • Exposure to fluctuations in food and labor costs.

What Could Drive DENN Stock Higher?

  • Potential menu innovations catering to health-conscious consumers could drive increased traffic and revenue.
  • Expansion of digital ordering and delivery platforms to enhance customer convenience and accessibility.
  • Strategic partnerships with complementary businesses to expand reach and customer base.
  • Franchise development initiatives targeting new geographic markets.

What Are the Key Risks for DENN?

  • Economic downturns could reduce consumer spending on dining out.
  • Rising food and labor costs could negatively impact profitability.
  • Increased competition from other restaurant chains could erode market share.
  • Changing consumer preferences and dietary trends could require significant menu adjustments.
  • Regulatory changes and compliance costs could increase operating expenses.

What Are the Growth Opportunities for DENN?

  • Growth opportunity 1: Expansion into international markets represents a significant growth opportunity for Denny's. By leveraging its established brand and franchise model, Denny's can penetrate new geographic regions with high growth potential, particularly in emerging economies. This expansion can be achieved through strategic partnerships and targeted marketing campaigns to adapt the Denny's concept to local tastes and preferences. The global restaurant market is projected to reach $4 trillion by 2027, providing ample opportunities for Denny's to increase its international footprint.
  • Growth opportunity 2: Menu innovation and diversification can attract a broader customer base and drive revenue growth. By introducing new menu items that cater to evolving consumer preferences, such as healthier options, plant-based alternatives, and globally inspired dishes, Denny's can appeal to a wider range of customers. This can be complemented by limited-time offers and seasonal promotions to create excitement and drive traffic. The market for healthy and sustainable food is growing rapidly, presenting a significant opportunity for Denny's to capitalize on this trend.
  • Growth opportunity 3: Enhancing the digital experience through online ordering, mobile apps, and loyalty programs can improve customer engagement and drive sales. By investing in technology and digital marketing, Denny's can provide a seamless and convenient ordering experience for its customers. This can be further enhanced by personalized recommendations and targeted promotions based on customer preferences. The online food delivery market is projected to reach $220 billion by 2023, highlighting the importance of digital channels for restaurant businesses.
  • Growth opportunity 4: Leveraging data analytics to optimize operations and improve decision-making can enhance efficiency and profitability. By collecting and analyzing data on customer behavior, menu preferences, and operational performance, Denny's can identify areas for improvement and make data-driven decisions. This can include optimizing staffing levels, streamlining supply chain management, and personalizing marketing campaigns. The market for data analytics in the restaurant industry is growing rapidly, driven by the increasing availability of data and the need for improved operational efficiency.
  • Growth opportunity 5: Strategic partnerships with delivery services and other businesses can expand Denny's reach and increase revenue. By partnering with third-party delivery services, Denny's can offer its menu to a wider audience and increase its online sales. This can be complemented by partnerships with other businesses, such as hotels and entertainment venues, to offer bundled packages and promotions. The market for food delivery services is growing rapidly, presenting a significant opportunity for Denny's to expand its reach and increase its revenue.

What Opportunities Does DENN Have?

  • Expansion into new international markets.
  • Menu innovation and diversification to attract new customers.
  • Enhancing the digital experience through online ordering and mobile apps.
  • Leveraging data analytics to optimize operations and improve decision-making.

What Threats Does DENN Face?

  • Intense competition from other restaurant chains.
  • Changing consumer preferences and dietary trends.
  • Economic downturns impacting consumer spending.
  • Increased regulatory scrutiny and compliance costs.

What Are DENN's Competitive Advantages?

  • Established brand recognition and customer loyalty.
  • Extensive franchise network providing a wide geographic reach.
  • 24/7 availability at many locations offering convenience.
  • Value-oriented menu appealing to budget-conscious customers.

What Does DENN Do?

Denny's Corporation, established in 1953, has evolved from a single donut stand in Lakewood, California, into a globally recognized full-service restaurant chain. Originally founded by Harold Butler and Richard Jezak, Denny's initially operated as 'Danny's Donuts' before transitioning to a broader menu and rebranding as Denny's. The company's core business revolves around providing a casual dining experience with a diverse menu available 24 hours a day at many locations. Denny's operates primarily through franchising, with a significant portion of its restaurants owned and operated by franchisees. As of December 29, 2021, Denny's had 1,640 franchised, licensed, and company restaurants worldwide. The company offers a wide range of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, catering to a broad customer base. Denny's competes with other full-service restaurant chains, quick-service restaurants, and casual dining establishments. The company focuses on providing value and convenience to its customers, emphasizing its open-all-hours service and family-friendly atmosphere. Denny's Corporation was formerly known as Advantica Restaurant Group, Inc., changing its name in 2002 to focus on the Denny's brand.

What Products and Services Does DENN Offer?

  • Operates and franchises full-service restaurants.
  • Offers a diverse menu including breakfast, lunch, and dinner options.
  • Provides 24/7 service at many locations.
  • Focuses on family dining and value-oriented offerings.
  • Manages a global network of franchised and company-owned restaurants.
  • Provides a casual dining experience for a broad customer base.
  • Offers online ordering and delivery services.

How Does DENN Make Money?

  • Generates revenue through company-owned restaurant sales.
  • Collects franchise fees and royalties from franchised restaurants.
  • Offers licensing agreements for international expansion.
  • Manages supply chain and distribution to ensure consistent product quality.

What Industry Does DENN Operate In?

Denny's Corporation operates within the competitive restaurant industry, which is characterized by evolving consumer preferences and intense competition. The industry is influenced by factors such as economic conditions, food trends, and technological advancements. Denny's competes with a variety of restaurant chains, ranging from fast-food establishments to upscale dining options. The market is seeing a growing demand for convenience, healthy options, and personalized experiences. Denny's must adapt to these trends to maintain its market share and attract new customers. The restaurant industry is projected to grow moderately over the next few years, driven by increasing disposable income and changing lifestyles.

Who Are DENN's Key Customers?

  • Families seeking affordable and convenient dining options.
  • Travelers looking for familiar and reliable restaurants.
  • Individuals seeking late-night dining options.
  • Local communities seeking a casual dining experience.
AI Confidence: 83% Updated: May 10, 2026

DENN Financials

Fundamental Snapshot

Revenue Growth (FY)
-2.5%
Net Income Growth (FY)
+8.2%
EPS Growth (FY)
+13.9%
Free Cash Flow Growth (FY)
-98.5%
P/E (TTM)
38.6
Return on Equity (TTM)
-29.7%
Current Ratio
0.4
EV/EBITDA (TTM)
13.8

Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis · FY 2024

Bull Case vs Bear Case

Bull Case

  • Denny's is leaning into its brand recognition; they're not just a late-night diner anymore, but a cultural icon. That kind of staying power is hard to replicate.
  • Recent insider buying activity suggests those in the know see value that the market hasn't fully priced in yet. It's a good sign when management puts their money where their mouth is.
  • The community sentiment seems to be that Denny's is successfully adapting to changing consumer tastes, like offering healthier options and focusing on digital ordering. It's not your grandpa's Denny's anymore.
  • Denny's has a strong franchise model, which means they can expand without taking on a ton of debt. That scalability is key for long-term growth, similar to how McDonald's built its empire.

Bear Case

  • The restaurant industry is fiercely competitive, and Denny's faces stiff competition from both fast-food chains and casual dining spots. It's a crowded field.
  • Community chatter indicates some concern about rising labor costs and supply chain issues impacting Denny's profitability. These are industry-wide headwinds, but could hit Denny's harder than some.
  • While Denny's is trying to modernize, some investors worry they might alienate their core customer base. It's a delicate balance to strike, like Coca-Cola's New Coke debacle.
  • Market perception is that Denny's growth potential is limited compared to other restaurant chains. They're seen as a mature brand, which can dampen investor enthusiasm.

AI-generated arguments based on insider flow, news sentiment and technicals — not financial advice · February 2026

DENN Latest News

DENN Analyst Consensus

Consensus Rating

Aggregated Buy/Hold/Sell recommendations from Benzinga, Yahoo Finance, and Finnhub for DENN.

Price Targets

Wall Street price target analysis for DENN.

DENN MoonshotScore

43/100

What does this score mean?

The MoonshotScore rates DENN's growth potential on a scale of 0-100 across multiple factors including innovation, market disruption, financial health, and momentum.

Leadership: Kelli F. Valade

CEO

Kelli F. Valade brings extensive experience in the restaurant and hospitality industry to her role as CEO of Denny's Corporation. Prior to joining Denny's, she held leadership positions at Chili's Grill & Bar, a division of Brinker International, where she served as President and Chief Operating Officer. Her career spans various aspects of restaurant management, including operations, marketing, and strategic planning. Valade's background also includes experience in human resources and talent development, reflecting her focus on building strong teams and fostering a positive work environment. She is known for her strategic vision and commitment to driving growth and innovation.

Track Record: Since assuming the role of CEO, Kelli F. Valade has focused on enhancing the Denny's brand and improving operational efficiency. Key initiatives include menu innovation, digital transformation, and expansion into new markets. Under her leadership, Denny's has also prioritized employee engagement and diversity and inclusion initiatives. Valade's strategic decisions have aimed to position Denny's for long-term growth and success in the competitive restaurant industry.

Denny's Corporation Consumer Cyclical Stock: Key Questions Answered

What does Denny's Corporation do?

Denny's Corporation operates and franchises full-service restaurants under the Denny's brand, offering a diverse menu of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. The company's restaurants are known for their 24/7 availability at many locations, providing a convenient dining option for a broad customer base. Denny's primarily operates through a franchise model, with a significant portion of its restaurants owned and operated by franchisees. The company focuses on providing a casual dining experience with value-oriented offerings, catering to families, travelers, and local communities. Denny's also offers online ordering and delivery services to enhance customer convenience and accessibility.

What do analysts say about DENN stock?

Analyst coverage of Denny's Corporation (DENN) typically focuses on the company's growth prospects, profitability, and competitive positioning within the restaurant industry. Key valuation metrics such as the P/E ratio and profit margin are closely scrutinized. Analyst consensus generally reflects expectations for moderate revenue growth driven by menu innovation, digital initiatives, and franchise development. However, concerns regarding rising costs and intense competition are also factored into their assessments. Analyst ratings and price targets vary depending on individual firms' perspectives and methodologies. Investors should conduct their own due diligence and consider multiple sources of information before making investment decisions.

What are the main risks for DENN?

Denny's Corporation faces several key risks that could impact its financial performance and stock price. Economic downturns could reduce consumer spending on dining out, negatively affecting revenue. Rising food and labor costs could erode profit margins, particularly if the company is unable to pass these costs on to consumers. Increased competition from other restaurant chains could lead to market share losses. Changing consumer preferences and dietary trends could require significant menu adjustments and investments in new product development. Regulatory changes and compliance costs could increase operating expenses. Additionally, the company's reliance on franchise operations exposes it to risks associated with franchisee performance and compliance.

How does Denny's Corporation manage supply chain and input cost risks?

Denny's Corporation manages supply chain and input cost risks through a combination of strategic sourcing, hedging, and menu pricing strategies. The company works closely with its suppliers to negotiate favorable pricing and ensure a reliable supply of ingredients. Denny's may also use hedging strategies to mitigate the impact of commodity price fluctuations. In addition, the company carefully monitors its menu pricing to balance affordability with profitability. Denny's also diversifies its supplier base to reduce reliance on any single source and mitigate potential disruptions. These strategies aim to minimize the impact of supply chain disruptions and input cost volatility on Denny's financial performance.

What are Denny's Corporation's strongest brands and market positions?

Denny's Corporation's strongest brand is the Denny's restaurant chain, which has a long-standing reputation for providing affordable and convenient dining options. The company's market position is characterized by its 24/7 availability at many locations, its diverse menu, and its focus on family dining. Denny's has a significant presence in the United States and a growing international footprint. The company's brand loyalty is supported by its established customer base and its consistent execution of its core value proposition. Denny's also benefits from its extensive franchise network, which provides a wide geographic reach and a strong local presence in many communities.

What are the key factors to evaluate for DENN?

Denny's Corporation (DENN) holds an AI score of 43/100 (low). P/E: 38.6x vs the S&P 500's ~20-25x. Not financial advice.

How frequently does DENN data refresh on this page?

DENN prices update in real time during U.S. market hours. Fundamentals refresh after quarterly filings; analyst ratings and AI insights update daily; news is aggregated continuously.

What has driven DENN's recent stock price performance?

Denny's Corporation (DENN) moves on earnings results, analyst revisions, sector rotation, and market sentiment. Notable catalyst: Strong brand recognition and customer loyalty. See the News tab for the latest drivers. Past performance does not predict future results.

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

Official Resources

Price as of Analysis updated AI Score refreshed daily
Data Sources & Methodology
Market data powered by Financial Modeling Prep & Yahoo Finance. AI analysis by Stock Expert AI proprietary algorithms. Technical indicators via industry-standard calculations. Last updated: .
Data Provenance
Sources: Financial Modeling Prep (FMP) — Primary · Yahoo Finance — Fallback · Alpaca — Tertiary
Last fetched:
Cache TTL: Quote 5min · Profile 7d · Financials 7d · Insider 48h
Data provided as-is for educational purposes. Not financial advice. Methodology

Data provided for informational purposes only.

Analysis Notes
  • Information is based on publicly available sources and may be subject to change.
  • Financial data is as of the latest available reporting period.
Data Sources

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