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Denny's Management
Management criteria checks 2/4
We currently do not have sufficient information about the CEO.
Key information
Kelli Valade
Chief executive officer
US$5.3m
Total compensation
| CEO salary percentage | 17.85% |
| CEO tenure | 3.6yrs |
| CEO ownership | 0.7% |
| Management average tenure | 3.5yrs |
| Board average tenure | no data |
Recent management updates
Recent updates
Narrative Update • Jan 21
DENN: Completed Takeout At US$6.25 Will Keep Shares Rangebound
Analysts have trimmed their price expectations for Denny's toward the agreed US$6.25 per share takeout level, citing the announced acquisition and updated views on revenue growth, margins and future P/E as key reasons for the shift. Analyst Commentary Recent research has largely framed Denny's around the agreed US$6.25 per share takeout price, with most commentary now centered on deal timing and closing conditions rather than long term earnings potential.Narrative Update • Jan 07
DENN: Takeout Offer Is Expected To Keep Shares Rangebound Into 2026
Analysts now anchor their Denny's price targets around the agreed US$6.25 per share takeout level, citing the announced acquisition by an investor group and limited expectations for a competing bid as the key drivers of this update. Analyst Commentary Recent research updates on Denny's have largely shifted toward a more neutral stance after the announced US$6.25 per share takeout.Narrative Update • Dec 23
DENN: Buyout Price Is Expected To Anchor Shares Near-Term
The analyst price target for Denny's has been raised slightly to $6.25 per share from $6.00, as analysts now anchor their outlook to the agreed acquisition price and the expectation that the transaction will close as planned without a competitive bidding process. Analyst Commentary Bullish analysts note that the agreed buyout price has effectively reset near term valuation expectations, with the modestly higher price target reflecting greater confidence that shareholders will ultimately realize the takeout premium embedded in the deal.
Narrative Update • Dec 09
DENN: Take Private Deal Will Anchor Shares Near Agreed Cash Offer
We are raising our Denny's price target slightly to approximately $6.25 per share from about $6.12, as analysts now anchor valuation more closely to the announced takeout price and see limited upside beyond the agreed acquisition terms. Analyst Commentary Analysts largely view the announced acquisition as a valuation ceiling in the near term, prompting a recalibration of ratings and forward expectations for the stock.Narrative Update • Nov 25
DENN: Acquisition Agreement Will Define Upside As Shares Trade Toward $6.25 Closing
Analysts have slightly raised their price target for Denny's to $6.13 from $6.08 per share, noting the agreed acquisition price of $6.25 as a key anchor for valuation. Analyst Commentary Following the acquisition announcement, analysts have reassessed their outlook on Denny's, reflecting changes in both sentiment and expectations for the company's future valuation and execution.Narrative Update • Nov 07
DENN: Acquisition Will Cap Upside As Shareholders Await $6.25 Deal Closure
Analysts have raised their price target for Denny's from $5.55 to $6.08. They cite the impact of the announced $6.25 per share acquisition and expectations that the transaction will proceed without competing bids.Narrative Update • Aug 06
Digital Investments And Loyalty Programs Will Increase Guest Traffic
Denny’s consensus price target was revised downward from $6.55 to $5.95, primarily due to a higher discount rate and a lower future P/E multiple reflecting increased perceived risk and softer growth expectations. What's in the News Denny's launched new summer-themed merchandise and collectible mugs on DinerDrip.com, alongside promoting its "4 Slams for Under $10" value meal offers and surprise giveaways.Analysis Article • Jun 10
Should You Investigate Denny's Corporation (NASDAQ:DENN) At US$4.26?
Denny's Corporation ( NASDAQ:DENN ), might not be a large cap stock, but it led the NASDAQCM gainers with a relatively...Seeking Alpha • Jun 03
Denny's: The $1 Slam That Could Cost A Fortune
Summary Denny’s Q1 was rough: same-store sales and traffic declined, margins compressed, and free cash flow stayed negative, pressuring franchisee economics. Aggressive promotions like BOGO are boosting traffic, but risk further margin erosion and may not drive sustainable profitability for franchisees. My fair value estimate is $3.50–$4.50, well below Wall Street’s optimistic targets, reflecting weak unit-level returns and ongoing operational headwinds. Despite some upside from buybacks, I maintain a 'Hold' rating due to persistent margin pressure, franchisee challenges, and lack of clear turnaround catalysts. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaAnalysis Article • May 15
Even With A 44% Surge, Cautious Investors Are Not Rewarding Denny's Corporation's (NASDAQ:DENN) Performance Completely
Those holding Denny's Corporation ( NASDAQ:DENN ) shares would be relieved that the share price has rebounded 44% in...Analysis Article • May 14
Denny's' (NASDAQ:DENN) Soft Earnings Are Actually Better Than They Appear
Denny's Corporation's ( NASDAQ:DENN ) recent soft profit numbers didn't appear to worry shareholders, as the stock...Analysis Article • Feb 08
Does This Valuation Of Denny's Corporation (NASDAQ:DENN) Imply Investors Are Overpaying?
Key Insights Using the 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity, Denny's fair value estimate is US$5.45 Denny's' US$7.04 share...
New Narrative • Sep 24
Denny's Innovations And Calculated Promotions Poised To Amplify Growth
Denny's menu innovations and value leadership strategies aim to drive customer traffic and increase revenue through a mix of premium and value offerings.CEO Compensation Analysis
| Date | Total Compensation | Salary | Company Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 24 2025 | n/a | n/a | US$10m |
| Jun 25 2025 | n/a | n/a | US$16m |
| Mar 26 2025 | n/a | n/a | US$17m |
| Dec 25 2024 | US$5m | US$938k | US$22m |
| Sep 25 2024 | n/a | n/a | US$18m |
| Jun 26 2024 | n/a | n/a | US$19m |
| Mar 27 2024 | n/a | n/a | US$24m |
| Dec 27 2023 | US$5m | US$906k | US$20m |
| Sep 27 2023 | n/a | n/a | US$30m |
| Jun 28 2023 | n/a | n/a | US$39m |
| Mar 29 2023 | n/a | n/a | US$53m |
| Dec 28 2022 | US$3m | US$464k | US$75m |
Compensation vs Market: Kelli's total compensation ($USD5.26M) is above average for companies of similar size in the US market ($USD2.29M).
Compensation vs Earnings: Kelli's compensation has been consistent with company performance over the past year.
CEO
Kelli Valade (55 yo)
3.6yrs
Tenure
US$5,257,477
Compensation
Ms. Kelli F. Valade is Chief Executive Officer of Denny's, Inc. and served as President since August 15, 2023 until September 30, 2024. She has been the Chief Executive Officer of Denny's Corporation since...
Leadership Team
| Name | Position | Tenure | Compensation | Ownership |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chief Executive Officer | 3.6yrs | US$5.26m | 0.68% $ 2.2m | |
| Executive VP & CFO | 5.9yrs | US$1.81m | 0.18% $ 594.7k | |
| Executive VP | 5.6yrs | US$1.74m | 0.19% $ 622.4k | |
| President & COO of Denny's Inc. | 1.3yrs | US$1.48m | 0.17% $ 560.5k | |
| President of Keke’s | 3.3yrs | US$1.67m | 0.20% $ 630.7k | |
| Senior VP & Chief Operating Officer | 2.7yrs | no data | no data | |
| Senior VP | 18.7yrs | no data | 0.25% $ 812.4k | |
| Senior VP & Chief Technology Officer | 1.3yrs | no data | 0.026% $ 82.7k | |
| Vice President of Investor Relations and Financial Planning & Analysis | no data | no data | no data | |
| Executive VP & Chief People Officer | 1.4yrs | no data | 0.022% $ 69.9k | |
| Executive VP & Chief Global Development Officer | 10.5yrs | US$1.35m | 0.22% $ 710.4k | |
| VP of Brand Protection & Quality and Chief Food Safety Officer | no data | no data | no data |
3.5yrs
Average Tenure
54yo
Average Age
Experienced Management: DENN's management team is considered experienced (3.5 years average tenure).
Company Analysis and Financial Data Status
| Data | Last Updated (UTC time) |
|---|---|
| Company Analysis | 2026/01/20 23:21 |
| End of Day Share Price | 2026/01/16 00:00 |
| Earnings | 2025/09/24 |
| Annual Earnings | 2024/12/25 |
Data Sources
The data used in our company analysis is from S&P Global Market Intelligence LLC. The following data is used in our analysis model to generate this report. Data is normalised which can introduce a delay from the source being available.
| Package | Data | Timeframe | Example US Source * |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company Financials | 10 years |
| |
| Analyst Consensus Estimates | +3 years |
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| Market Prices | 30 years |
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| Ownership | 10 years |
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| Management | 10 years |
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| Key Developments | 10 years |
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* Example for US securities, for non-US equivalent regulatory forms and sources are used.
Unless specified all financial data is based on a yearly period but updated quarterly. This is known as Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) or Last Twelve Month (LTM) Data. Learn more.
Analysis Model and Snowflake
Details of the analysis model used to generate this report is available on our Github page, we also have guides on how to use our reports and tutorials on Youtube.
Learn about the world class team who designed and built the Simply Wall St analysis model.
Industry and Sector Metrics
Our industry and section metrics are calculated every 6 hours by Simply Wall St, details of our process are available on Github.
Analyst Sources
Denny's Corporation is covered by 11 analysts. 3 of those analysts submitted the estimates of revenue or earnings used as inputs to our report. Analysts submissions are updated throughout the day.
| Analyst | Institution |
|---|---|
| Mark Kalinowski | Brean Capital Historical (Janney Montgomery) |
| Conrad Lyon | B. Riley Securities, Inc. |
| Jon Tower | Citigroup Inc |