NATH is leveraging brand strength and franchise growth to expand, though rising costs and supply risks remain key challenges.
Nathan's Famous reports double-digit earnings growth in fiscal 2025, powered by strong licensing and strategic pricing.
Nathan's Famous delivered another strong quarter, driven by its high-margin licensing model and resilient branded product program despite industry headwinds. Buyout rumors with Smithfield Foods add a potential 34% upside, but even without M&A, shares remain undervalued versus sector multiples. The company's asset-light, cash-generative business model delivers robust free cash flow and stable dividends with minimal capital requirements.
Nathan's Famous stock has surged 51% since January, driven by unusual trading volume and speculation of a potential sale or strong Q4 results. A sale makes sense given aging major shareholders, underleveraged balance sheet, and a business model attractive to private equity or strategic buyers like Smithfield. Despite a 50% rally, Nathan's remains a high-quality, asset-light licensing business with strong Q4 results and continued operating leverage.
The recent market pullback may offer a buying opportunity for Nathan's Famous, as the famed hot dog purveyor is likely still exploring a corporate sale. In recent years, NATH has become primarily a brand-licensing company, and its largest licensee may be incentivized to pay up for the business. Based on the valuation of other fast food franchise companies, a takeover offer of up to $125 per share may not be out of the question.
NATH is leveraging its brand strength and expanding its retail presence to drive growth. However, rising commodity costs pose potential risks to its performance.
Nathan's Famous is undervalued despite strong performance and a solid, underleveraged balance sheet, suggesting significant potential for value creation. A 2015 recapitalization shows management understands financial engineering and suggests recent decisions may be setting Nathan's up for a sale. Chairman Howard Lorber has recently departed two public companies; might Nathan's be the third?
NATH reports strong Q3 earnings with revenue and profit growth, driving stock gains as branded product and licensing segments outperform.
Nathan's Famous reported strong Q3 FY 2025 results, driven by 9.1% revenue growth and a 32.2% increase in EBITDA, highlighting its robust business model. The Branded Products Program and Product Licensing are key revenue drivers, with Product Licensing growing 16.9% year over year, contributing significantly to profitability. Despite challenges in the NYC restaurant scene, Nathan's Restaurant Operations grew 6.8%, showcasing resilience and strong performance in its hometown.
Nathan's Famous has successfully transitioned to an asset-light model, focusing on licensed products, ghost kitchens, and strategic partnerships, reducing its reliance on traditional restaurant operations. The company's partnership with John Morrell Food Group significantly improved its financial health, reducing long-term debt by 56% and boosting free cash flow. Revenue growth is driven by the Branded Products Program and licensing royalties, with the latter accounting for 23% of total revenue, despite challenges in franchised restaurants.
Strength in the majority of Nathan's Famous' segments drives its second-quarter fiscal 2025 performance.
Nathan's Famous: The Royalty Approach Is Underappreciated