Nathan's Famous, Inc. (NATH)
For informational purposes only. Not financial advice. Analysis by Sedat Aydin, Founder & Editor-in-Chief | AI-powered analysis. Data sourced from SEC filings and institutional-grade financial providers. Editorially reviewed. Not financial advice.
Nathan's Famous, Inc. (NATH) trades at $100.85 with AI Score 50/100 (Hold). Nathan's Famous, Inc. operates in the foodservice industry, franchising restaurants and selling branded products through various channels. Market cap: $412.92M, Sector: Consumer cyclical.
Last analyzed: Feb 9, 2026Nathan's Famous, Inc. (NATH) Consumer Business Overview
Nathan's Famous, a beloved American brand with a rich history dating back to 1916, offers investors a unique opportunity to capitalize on its established brand recognition, diverse revenue streams through franchising and licensing, and a compelling 4.45% dividend yield within the consumer cyclical sector.
Investment Thesis
Investing in Nathan's Famous presents a notable opportunity due to its established brand, diverse revenue streams, and attractive dividend yield. The company's franchising and licensing model allows for scalable growth with limited capital expenditure. With a market capitalization of $0.41 billion and a P/E ratio of 19.30, Nathan's Famous offers a reasonable valuation relative to its earnings. The company's consistent profitability, demonstrated by a 13.6% profit margin and a 29.4% gross margin, reinforces its financial stability. The 4.45% dividend yield provides an attractive income stream for investors. Growth catalysts include expanding its franchise network in both domestic and international markets and further leveraging its brand through new licensing agreements. These factors, combined with the company's strong brand recognition, position Nathan's Famous for continued success and value creation for shareholders.
Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis
Key Highlights
- Market capitalization of $0.41 billion, reflecting the company's size and market value.
- P/E ratio of 19.30, indicating the price investors are willing to pay for each dollar of earnings.
- Profit margin of 13.6%, showcasing the company's ability to generate profit from its revenue.
- Gross margin of 29.4%, reflecting the profitability of its core products and services.
- Dividend yield of 4.45%, providing an attractive income stream for investors.
Competitors & Peers
Strengths
- Strong brand recognition and heritage.
- Established franchise network.
- Diverse revenue streams through franchising, licensing, and direct sales.
- Attractive dividend yield.
Weaknesses
- Limited number of company-owned restaurants.
- Dependence on franchisees for operational execution.
- Vulnerability to fluctuations in food costs.
- Geographic concentration in the New York City metropolitan area.
Catalysts
- Upcoming: Expansion of franchise network into new geographic markets.
- Ongoing: Continued execution of licensing agreements for branded products.
- Ongoing: Introduction of new menu items and product innovations.
- Ongoing: Enhancement of digital presence and online ordering capabilities.
Risks
- Potential: Economic downturn impacting consumer spending on dining out.
- Potential: Increase in food costs affecting profitability.
- Ongoing: Intense competition in the restaurant industry.
- Potential: Changes in consumer preferences and food trends.
- Ongoing: Dependence on franchisees for maintaining brand standards and operational excellence.
Growth Opportunities
- Expanding the 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 revenue streams. The global fast-food market is projected to reach trillions of dollars by 2030, providing a significant opportunity for Nathan's Famous to grow its franchise footprint. Timeline: Ongoing.
- Leveraging licensing agreements: Nathan's Famous can further leverage its brand through new licensing agreements for various food products and distribution channels. By partnering with manufacturers and distributors, the company can expand its product offerings and reach new customers. The market for licensed food products is substantial, offering a significant growth opportunity for Nathan's Famous. Timeline: Ongoing.
- Introducing new menu items: Nathan's Famous can attract new customers and increase sales by introducing new and innovative menu items. By staying abreast of food trends and consumer preferences, the company can develop products that appeal to a wider audience. The market for new and innovative food products is constantly evolving, providing a continuous opportunity for Nathan's Famous to innovate. Timeline: Ongoing.
- Enhancing digital presence: Nathan's Famous can enhance its digital presence through online ordering, mobile apps, and social media marketing. By improving its digital capabilities, the company can reach more customers and increase brand awareness. The online food delivery market is experiencing rapid growth, making it essential for Nathan's Famous to invest in its digital infrastructure. Timeline: Ongoing.
- Optimizing operational efficiency: Nathan's Famous can improve its profitability by optimizing its operational efficiency. By streamlining its supply chain, reducing costs, and improving productivity, the company can increase its profit margins. The restaurant industry is characterized by tight margins, making it crucial for Nathan's Famous to focus on operational efficiency. Timeline: Ongoing.
Opportunities
- Expanding the franchise network in domestic and international markets.
- Leveraging licensing agreements for new products and distribution channels.
- Introducing new menu items to attract new customers.
- Enhancing digital presence and online ordering capabilities.
Threats
- Intense competition in the restaurant industry.
- Changing consumer preferences and food trends.
- Economic downturns that could reduce consumer spending.
- Rising labor costs and regulatory compliance.
Competitive Advantages
- Brand Recognition: Nathan's Famous has a strong and recognizable brand, built over a century.
- Franchise Network: The company's franchise network provides a stable and scalable source of revenue.
- Licensing Agreements: Licensing agreements expand the company's reach and product offerings without significant capital investment.
- Proprietary Recipes: Nathan's Famous has proprietary recipes and spice blends that differentiate its products.
About NATH
Nathan's Famous, Inc. stands as an iconic figure in the foodservice industry, tracing its roots back to a single hot dog stand opened by Nathan Handwerker in Coney Island, New York, in 1916. Over the past century, the company has evolved from a local favorite to a nationally and internationally recognized brand. Nathan's Famous operates through a multifaceted business model, encompassing company-owned restaurants, franchised locations, and licensing agreements. The company's core business revolves around its signature Nathan's Famous hot dogs, but its product portfolio extends to sausages, corned beef, and other food items. These products are distributed through various channels, including retail outlets like supermarkets and club stores, as well as foodservice operators. As of March 27, 2022, Nathan's Famous boasted a restaurant system comprising four company-owned units in the New York City metropolitan area and 239 franchised units across 18 states and 12 foreign countries. The company also leverages its brand through licensing agreements, allowing other manufacturers to produce and distribute Nathan's Famous branded products, further expanding its market presence and revenue streams. In addition to its namesake brand, Nathan's Famous also provides Arthur Treacher's brand fish fillets to foodservice operators, diversifying its offerings within the industry.
What They Do
- Owns and franchises Nathan's Famous restaurants.
- Sells Nathan's Famous branded products through various distribution channels.
- Licenses the Nathan's Famous trademarks for manufacturing and distribution of products.
- Manufactures and distributes hot dogs, sausages, and corned beef products.
- Provides Arthur Treacher's brand fish fillets to foodservice operators.
- Sells products directly to foodservice operators and distributors.
- Licenses the production and sale of French fries, onion rings, and other appetizers.
Business Model
- Franchising: Generates revenue through franchise fees and royalties from franchised restaurants.
- Licensing: Earns revenue through licensing agreements for the manufacture and distribution of Nathan's Famous branded products.
- Direct Sales: Sells Nathan's Famous products directly to foodservice operators and distributors.
- Company-Owned Restaurants: Operates four company-owned restaurants in the New York City metropolitan area.
Industry Context
Nathan's Famous operates within the competitive restaurant industry, which is characterized by evolving consumer preferences and intense competition. The industry is influenced by factors such as food trends, economic conditions, and demographic shifts. The global restaurant industry is estimated to be worth billions of dollars, with a projected growth rate driven by increasing disposable incomes and urbanization. Nathan's Famous competes with a range of restaurant chains, from fast-food giants to casual dining establishments. Competitors include companies like Bloomin' Brands (BLMN), Dine Brands Global (DIN), Kura Sushi USA (KRT), El Pollo Loco Holdings (LOCO), and Modern Restaurant Concepts (MLR). Nathan's Famous differentiates itself through its iconic brand, focus on hot dogs and related products, and diverse distribution channels.
Key Customers
- Franchisees: Individuals or companies that operate Nathan's Famous franchised restaurants.
- Foodservice Operators: Restaurants, hotels, and other establishments that serve Nathan's Famous products.
- Retail Consumers: Individuals who purchase Nathan's Famous products from supermarkets, club stores, and other retail outlets.
- Foodservice Distributors: Companies that distribute Nathan's Famous products to foodservice operators.
Financials
Chart & Info
Nathan's Famous, Inc. (NATH) stock price: $100.85 (+0.00, +0.00%)
Latest News
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MA meat-packaging plant to close, lay off nearly 200 employees
Worcester Telegram & Gazette · Feb 12, 2026
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MA meat-packaging plant to close, lay off nearly 200 employees
Yahoo! Finance: NATH News · Feb 12, 2026
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Smithfield Foods (SFD) and Nathan’s Famous, Inc. Announce About Definitive Merger Agreement
Insider Monkey · Feb 10, 2026
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Smithfield Foods (SFD) and Nathan’s Famous, Inc. Announce About Definitive Merger Agreement
Yahoo! Finance: NATH News · Feb 10, 2026
Analyst Consensus
Consensus Rating
Aggregated Buy/Hold/Sell recommendations from Benzinga, Yahoo Finance, and Finnhub for NATH.
Price Targets
Wall Street price target analysis for NATH.
MoonshotScore
What does this score mean?
The MoonshotScore rates NATH's growth potential on a scale of 0-100 across multiple factors including innovation, market disruption, financial health, and momentum.
Competitors & Peers
Latest News
MA meat-packaging plant to close, lay off nearly 200 employees
MA meat-packaging plant to close, lay off nearly 200 employees
Smithfield Foods (SFD) and Nathan’s Famous, Inc. Announce About Definitive Merger Agreement
Smithfield Foods (SFD) and Nathan’s Famous, Inc. Announce About Definitive Merger Agreement
What Investors Ask About Nathan's Famous, Inc. (NATH)
What does Nathan's Famous, Inc. do?
Nathan's Famous, Inc. is a foodservice company that franchises and operates restaurants under the Nathan's Famous brand. It also licenses its trademarks for the manufacture, distribution, and sale of Nathan's Famous branded products through various channels, including retail outlets and foodservice operators. The company's core business revolves around its signature hot dogs, but it also offers sausages, corned beef, and other food items. Nathan's Famous generates revenue through franchise fees, royalties, licensing agreements, and direct sales of its products.
Is NATH stock worth researching?
NATH stock presents a mixed investment profile. Its established brand, diverse revenue streams, and attractive 4.45% dividend yield are positive factors. However, the company's relatively small size, reliance on franchisees, and vulnerability to economic downturns should be considered. The P/E ratio of 19.30 suggests a reasonable valuation, but investors should carefully assess the company's growth prospects and risk factors before making a decision. The stock may be suitable for income-seeking investors who are comfortable with moderate risk.
What are the main risks for NATH?
Nathan's Famous faces several risks, including intense competition in the restaurant industry, changing consumer preferences, and economic downturns that could reduce consumer spending. The company is also dependent on its franchisees for maintaining brand standards and operational excellence. Rising food and labor costs could negatively impact profitability. Additionally, the company's limited number of company-owned restaurants and geographic concentration in the New York City metropolitan area could pose challenges to its growth strategy.
What are the key factors to evaluate for NATH?
Nathan's Famous, Inc. (NATH) currently holds an AI score of 50/100, indicating moderate score. Key strength: Strong brand recognition and heritage.. Primary risk to monitor: Potential: Economic downturn impacting consumer spending on dining out.. This is not financial advice.
How frequently does NATH data refresh on this page?
NATH prices update in real time during U.S. market hours (9:30 AM-4:00 PM ET, weekdays). Fundamentals refresh after quarterly or annual filings. Analyst ratings and AI insights update daily. News is aggregated continuously from financial sources.
What has driven NATH's recent stock price performance?
Recent price movement in Nathan's Famous, Inc. (NATH) can be influenced by earnings results, analyst revisions, sector rotation, and broader market sentiment. Notable catalyst: Strong brand recognition and heritage.. Check the News and Technical Analysis tabs for the latest drivers. Past performance does not predict future results.
Should investors consider NATH overvalued or undervalued right now?
Determining whether Nathan's Famous, Inc. (NATH) is overvalued or undervalued requires examining multiple metrics. Compare valuation ratios (P/E, P/S, EV/EBITDA) against sector peers for a comprehensive view.
What research should beginners do before buying NATH?
Before investing in Nathan's Famous, Inc. (NATH), research these four areas: (1) the company's revenue model and competitive position (see Company Overview), (2) financial health through revenue growth, margins, and cash flow (see MoonshotScore), (3) what Wall Street analysts recommend and their price targets (see Analyst tab), and (4) specific risk factors that could impact the stock (see Risk Factors section).
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
Data provided for informational purposes only.
- Stock data pending update. Financial data based on information available as of 2022-03-27.