Apple Inc (AAPL)vsMcDonald’s Corporation (MCD)
AAPL
Apple Inc
$252.62
+0.39%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $3.70T
MCD
McDonald’s Corporation
$311.70
+1.25%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $219.68B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Apple Inc generates 1520% more annual revenue ($435.62B vs $26.88B). MCD leads profitability with a 31.9% profit margin vs 27.0%. AAPL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.24. AAPL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (C+).
AAPL
Buy65
out of 100
Grade: C+
MCD
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+11.8%
Fair Value
$285.39
Current Price
$252.62
$32.77 discount
Margin of Safety
-31.1%
Fair Value
$237.84
Current Price
$311.70
$73.86 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Strong operational efficiency at 35.4%
Generating 51.6B in free cash flow
Keeps 27 of every $100 in revenue as profit
15.7% revenue growth
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Keeps 32 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 45.1%
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Generating 1.6B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
ROE of 1.5% — below average capital efficiency
Elevated debt levels
Moderate valuation
ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : AAPL
The strongest argument for AAPL centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin, Free Cash Flow. Profitability is solid with margins at 27.0% and operating margin at 35.4%. Revenue growth of 15.7% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : MCD
The strongest argument for MCD centers on Market Cap, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 31.9% and operating margin at 45.1%.
Bear Case : AAPL
The primary concerns for AAPL are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Return on Equity.
Bear Case : MCD
The primary concerns for MCD are P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AAPL profiles as a growth stock while MCD is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
AAPL carries more volatility with a beta of 1.12 — expect wider price swings.
AAPL is growing revenue faster at 15.7% — sustainability is the question.
AAPL generates stronger free cash flow (51.6B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
AAPL scores higher overall (65/100 vs 53/100), backed by strong 27.0% margins and 15.7% revenue growth. Both earn "Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
Apple Inc
TECHNOLOGY · CONSUMER ELECTRONICS · USA
Apple Inc. is an American multinational technology company that specializes in consumer electronics, computer software, and online services. Apple is the world's largest technology company by revenue (totalling $274.5 billion in 2020) and, since January 2021, the world's most valuable company. As of 2021, Apple is the world's fourth-largest PC vendor by unit sales, and fourth-largest smartphone manufacturer. It is one of the Big Five American information technology companies, along with Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and Facebook.
Visit Website →McDonald’s Corporation
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · RESTAURANTS · USA
McDonald's Corporation is an American fast food company, founded in 1940 as a restaurant operated by Richard and Maurice McDonald, in San Bernardino, California, United States. They rechristened their business as a hamburger stand, and later turned the company into a franchise, with the Golden Arches logo being introduced in 1953 at a location in Phoenix, Arizona.
Visit Website →Compare with Other CONSUMER ELECTRONICS Stocks
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