GlaxoSmithKline PLC ADR (GSK)vsMcDonald’s Corporation (MCD)
GSK
GlaxoSmithKline PLC ADR
$54.71
+3.32%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $104.12B
MCD
McDonald’s Corporation
$311.70
+1.25%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $219.68B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
GlaxoSmithKline PLC ADR generates 22% more annual revenue ($32.67B vs $26.88B). MCD leads profitability with a 31.9% profit margin vs 17.5%. GSK appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.50. GSK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 70/100 (B).
GSK
Strong Buy70
out of 100
Grade: B
MCD
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+66.0%
Fair Value
$172.22
Current Price
$54.71
$117.51 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
Growing faster than its price suggests
Every $100 of equity generates 43 in profit
Earnings expanding 54.7% YoY
Large-cap with strong market position
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Generating 1.5B in free cash flow
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
Trading at 10.1x book value
Elevated debt levels
Distress zone — elevated risk
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 : GSK
The strongest argument for GSK centers on PEG Ratio, Return on Equity, EPS Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 17.5% and operating margin at 18.9%. PEG of 0.50 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 : GSK
The primary concerns for GSK are Price/Book, Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : MCD
The primary concerns for MCD are P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
MCD carries more volatility with a beta of 0.50 — 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.
Monitor DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
GSK scores higher overall (70/100 vs 53/100), backed by strong 17.5% margins. 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.
GlaxoSmithKline PLC ADR
HEALTHCARE · DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL · USA
GlaxoSmithKline plc is dedicated to the creation, discovery, development, manufacture and marketing of pharmaceuticals, vaccines, over-the-counter drugs and health-related consumer products in the UK, US and internationally. The company is headquartered in Brentford, the United Kingdom.
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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