The Coca-Cola Company (KO)vsMcDonald’s Corporation (MCD)
KO
The Coca-Cola Company
$75.25
+0.78%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $321.39B
MCD
McDonald’s Corporation
$311.70
+1.25%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $219.68B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
The Coca-Cola Company generates 78% more annual revenue ($47.94B vs $26.88B). MCD leads profitability with a 31.9% profit margin vs 27.3%. KO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.33. KO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 57/100 (C).
KO
Buy57
out of 100
Grade: C
MCD
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-97.1%
Fair Value
$38.18
Current Price
$75.25
$37.07 premium
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
Every $100 of equity generates 43 in profit
Keeps 27 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 24.7%
Generating 2.9B 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
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 10.1x book value
2.4% revenue growth
3.6% earnings growth
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 : KO
The strongest argument for KO centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 27.3% and operating margin at 24.7%.
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 : KO
The primary concerns for KO are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, Revenue Growth.
Bear Case : MCD
The primary concerns for MCD are P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
KO profiles as a value stock while MCD is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
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.
KO generates stronger free cash flow (2.9B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
KO scores higher overall (57/100 vs 53/100), backed by strong 27.3% 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.
The Coca-Cola Company
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · BEVERAGES - NON-ALCOHOLIC · USA
The Coca-Cola Company is an American multinational beverage corporation incorporated under Delaware's General Corporation Law and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. The Coca-Cola Company has interests in the manufacturing, retailing, and marketing of nonalcoholic beverage concentrates and syrups.
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 BEVERAGES - NON-ALCOHOLIC Stocks
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