📊 NDLS Key Takeaways
Is NOODLES & Co (NDLS) a Good Investment?
Noodles & Co exhibits severe financial distress with negative stockholders' equity (-$48M), indicating balance sheet insolvency, combined with unprofitable operations (net margin -2.8%) and a liquidity crisis (current ratio 0.28x). While operating cash flow remains positive, the company cannot cover interest expenses and possesses only $1.4M in cash against $294.4M in liabilities, creating acute financial risk.
Noodles & Co is posting persistent operating and net losses with negative shareholders’ equity, severe liquidity constraints, and insufficient interest coverage. Revenue growth is flat and free cash flow is negative, limiting internal capacity to fund a turnaround. Without rapid margin improvement and liquidity relief, financial risk dominates the outlook.
NOODLES & Co Key Strengths (NDLS)
- Positive operating cash flow ($6.0M) providing short-term flexibility
- Positive free cash flow ($3.9M) despite operating losses
- Stable revenue base ($123.8M) in established quick-service restaurant sector
- Stable revenue base (+0.4% YoY)
- Positive operating cash flow ($7.28M)
- FCF near breakeven (-1.0% margin) offers potential leverage to small efficiency gains
NDLS Stock Risks: NOODLES & Co Investment Risks
- Negative stockholders' equity of -$48M indicating balance sheet insolvency
- Critical liquidity crisis with current ratio of 0.28x and quick ratio of 0.13x
- Unprofitable operations with negative net income (-$3.4M) declining 17.5% YoY
- Unable to cover interest obligations with negative interest coverage ratio
- Minimal cash reserves ($1.4M) insufficient for $294.4M liability obligations
- High leverage with $105.6M long-term debt relative to negative equity
- Severe liquidity pressure (current ratio 0.31x, quick 0.14x; cash $1.26M)
- Negative equity and leverage with inadequate interest coverage (-5.2x)
- Sustained and worsening losses (net income -$42.57M, -17.5% YoY)
Key Metrics to Watch
- Operating cash flow sustainability and burn rate
- Debt covenant compliance and refinancing risk
- Path to profitability and operating margin improvement
- Revenue growth acceleration beyond current 0.4% YoY
- Cash balance changes and working capital management
- Interest coverage
- Liquidity (current/quick ratios and cash balance)
NOODLES & Co (NDLS) Financial Metrics & Key Ratios
💡 AI Analyst Insight
The relatively thin 3.2% FCF margin may limit capital allocation flexibility. The current ratio below 1.0x warrants monitoring of short-term liquidity.
NDLS Profit Margin, ROE & Profitability Analysis
NDLS vs Consumer Sector: How NOODLES & Co Compares
How NOODLES & Co compares to Consumer sector averages
Sector benchmarks are approximate industry averages. Actual sector performance may vary.
Is NOODLES & Co Stock Overvalued? NDLS Valuation Analysis 2026
Based on fundamental analysis, NOODLES & Co has mixed fundamental signals relative to the Consumer sector in 2026.
Note: This is a fundamental analysis based on SEC filings. For P/E ratio, price targets, and market-based valuation, consult financial data providers. This is not investment advice.
NOODLES & Co Balance Sheet: NDLS Debt, Cash & Liquidity
NDLS Revenue & Earnings Growth: 5-Year Financial Trend
5-Year Trend Summary: NOODLES & Co's revenue has shown modest growth of 9% over the 5-year period. The most recent EPS of $-1.72 indicates the company is currently unprofitable.
NDLS Revenue Growth, EPS Growth & YoY Performance
NDLS Quarterly Earnings & Performance
| Quarter | Revenue | Net Income | EPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 2026 | $123.8M | -$3.4M | $-0.58 |
| Q3 2025 | $122.1M | -$6.8M | $-0.15 |
| Q2 2025 | $126.4M | -$13.6M | $-0.30 |
| Q1 2025 | $121.4M | -$6.1M | $-0.14 |
| Q3 2024 | $122.8M | $700.0K | $0.02 |
| Q2 2024 | $125.2M | -$1.3M | $-0.03 |
| Q1 2024 | $121.4M | -$3.1M | $-0.07 |
| Q3 2023 | $127.9M | $700.0K | $0.02 |
Data sourced from SEC EDGAR 10-Q quarterly filings. Figures may represent quarterly or cumulative values.
NOODLES & Co Dividends, Buybacks & Capital Allocation
NDLS SEC Filings: Latest 10-K & 10-Q Analysis
Access official SEC EDGAR filings for NOODLES & Co (CIK: 0001275158)
📋 Recent SEC Filings
| Date | Form | Document | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 19, 2026 | 4 | xslF345X06/wk-form4_1779236981.xml | View → |
| May 19, 2026 | 4 | xslF345X06/wk-form4_1779236975.xml | View → |
| May 19, 2026 | 4 | xslF345X06/wk-form4_1779236969.xml | View → |
| May 19, 2026 | 4 | xslF345X06/wk-form4_1779236963.xml | View → |
| May 19, 2026 | 4 | xslF345X06/wk-form4_1779236958.xml | View → |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions about NDLS
What is the AI rating for NDLS?
NOODLES & Co (NDLS) has a Combined AI Grade of D from Claude (D) and ChatGPT (D) with 88% combined confidence, based on fundamental analysis of SEC EDGAR filings.
What are NDLS's key strengths?
Claude: Positive operating cash flow ($6.0M) providing short-term flexibility. Positive free cash flow ($3.9M) despite operating losses. ChatGPT: Stable revenue base (+0.4% YoY). Positive operating cash flow ($7.28M).
What are the risks of investing in NDLS?
Claude: Negative stockholders' equity of -$48M indicating balance sheet insolvency. Critical liquidity crisis with current ratio of 0.28x and quick ratio of 0.13x. ChatGPT: Severe liquidity pressure (current ratio 0.31x, quick 0.14x; cash $1.26M). Negative equity and leverage with inadequate interest coverage (-5.2x).
What is NDLS's revenue and growth?
NOODLES & Co reported revenue of $123.8M.
Does NDLS pay dividends?
NOODLES & Co does not currently pay dividends.
Where can I find NDLS SEC filings?
Official SEC filings for NOODLES & Co (CIK: 0001275158) including 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K reports are available on SEC EDGAR.
What is NDLS's EPS?
NOODLES & Co has a diluted EPS of $-0.58.
How is the AI analysis conducted?
Two independent AI systems — Claude (Anthropic) and ChatGPT (OpenAI) — analyze SEC EDGAR filings including 10-K annual reports and 10-Q quarterly reports. Each AI evaluates financial health, profitability ratios, balance sheet strength, and growth metrics. The combined grade reflects both perspectives for balanced insights.
What is NDLS's fundamental grade?
Based on our AI fundamental analysis in May 2026, NOODLES & Co has a D grade with 88% confidence. Review the strengths and risks sections above for full context. This is not investment advice.
Is NDLS stock overvalued or undervalued?
Valuation metrics for NDLS: ROE of N/A (sector avg: 18%), net margin of -2.8% (sector avg: 8%). Compare these metrics with sector averages to assess valuation.
What is NDLS's AI grade for 2026?
Our dual AI analysis gives NOODLES & Co a combined D grade for 2026. Revenue is data pending, with profitability at or below sector average. Always conduct your own research.
What is NDLS's free cash flow?
NOODLES & Co's operating cash flow is $6.0M, with capital expenditures of $2.1M. FCF margin is 3.2%.
How does NDLS compare to other Consumer stocks?
Vs Consumer sector averages: Net margin -2.8% (avg: 8%), ROE N/A (avg: 18%), current ratio 0.28 (avg: 1.5).