Air Products and Chemicals Inc (APD)vsMcDonald’s Corporation (MCD)
APD
Air Products and Chemicals Inc
$295.41
+0.14%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $65.78B
MCD
McDonald’s Corporation
$275.75
-2.80%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $195.92B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
McDonald’s Corporation generates 120% more annual revenue ($27.45B vs $12.46B). MCD leads profitability with a 31.6% profit margin vs 16.9%. APD appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.46. APD earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 57/100 (C).
APD
Buy57
out of 100
Grade: C
MCD
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-76.9%
Fair Value
$166.96
Current Price
$295.41
$128.45 premium
Margin of Safety
-74.8%
Fair Value
$157.74
Current Price
$275.75
$118.01 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Large-cap with strong market position
Strong operational efficiency at 23.6%
Keeps 32 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 45.3%
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Large-cap with strong market position
Generating 1.7B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : APD
The strongest argument for APD centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 16.9% and operating margin at 23.6%.
Bull Case : MCD
The strongest argument for MCD centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Debt/Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 31.6% and operating margin at 45.3%.
Bear Case : APD
The primary concerns for APD are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Debt/Equity.
Bear Case : MCD
The primary concerns for MCD are Return on Equity, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
APD carries more volatility with a beta of 0.78 — expect wider price swings.
MCD is growing revenue faster at 9.4% — sustainability is the question.
MCD generates stronger free cash flow (1.7B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor SPECIALTY CHEMICALS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
APD scores higher overall (57/100 vs 55/100), backed by strong 16.9% margins. 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.
Air Products and Chemicals Inc
BASIC MATERIALS · SPECIALTY CHEMICALS · USA
Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. is an American international corporation whose principal business is selling gases and chemicals for industrial uses. Air Products' headquarters is in Allentown, Pennsylvania.
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 SPECIALTY CHEMICALS Stocks
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