WallStSmart

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp Class A (CTSH)vsMcDonald’s Corporation (MCD)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

McDonald’s Corporation generates 27% more annual revenue ($26.88B vs $21.11B). MCD leads profitability with a 31.9% profit margin vs 10.6%. CTSH appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.02. CTSH earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 71/100 (B).

CTSH

Strong Buy

71

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 5.3Profit: 7.5Value: 10.0Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 2/9

MCD

Buy

53

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 6.0Profit: 8.0Value: 4.7Quality: 5.3
Piotroski: 3/9
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CTSHUndervalued (+63.1%)

Margin of Safety

+63.1%

Fair Value

$192.25

Current Price

$59.79

$132.46 discount

UndervaluedFair: $192.25Overvalued
MCDSignificantly Overvalued (-31.1%)

Margin of Safety

-31.1%

Fair Value

$237.84

Current Price

$311.70

$73.86 premium

UndervaluedFair: $237.84Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CTSH3 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
13.1x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.9x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
22.1%8/10

Earnings expanding 22.1% YoY

MCD5 strengths · Avg: 9.6/10
Market CapQuality
$219.68B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Profit MarginProfitability
31.9%10/10

Keeps 32 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
45.1%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 45.1%

Debt/EquityHealth
-38.1210/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.64B8/10

Generating 1.6B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

CTSH2 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
4.9%4/10

4.9% revenue growth

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

MCD4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
25.8x4/10

Moderate valuation

Return on EquityProfitability
0.0%3/10

ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
2.742/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : CTSH

The strongest argument for CTSH centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, EPS Growth. PEG of 1.02 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

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 : CTSH

The primary concerns for CTSH are Revenue Growth, Piotroski F-Score.

Bear Case : MCD

The primary concerns for MCD are P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, Piotroski F-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CTSH profiles as a value stock while MCD is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

CTSH carries more volatility with a beta of 0.98 — expect wider price swings.

MCD is growing revenue faster at 9.7% — sustainability is the question.

MCD generates stronger free cash flow (1.6B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

CTSH scores higher overall (71/100 vs 53/100). Both earn "Strong 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.

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp Class A

TECHNOLOGY · INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES · USA

Cognizant is an American multinational technology company that provides business consulting, information technology and outsourcing services. It is headquartered in Teaneck, New Jersey, United States.

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.

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