The Coca-Cola Company (KO)vsMcDonald’s Corporation (MCD)
KO
The Coca-Cola Company
$78.42
-0.01%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $337.40B
MCD
McDonald’s Corporation
$275.75
-2.80%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $195.92B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
The Coca-Cola Company generates 80% more annual revenue ($49.28B vs $27.45B). MCD leads profitability with a 31.6% profit margin vs 27.8%. MCD appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.55. KO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (B-).
KO
Strong Buy65
out of 100
Grade: B-
MCD
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-22.2%
Fair Value
$64.19
Current Price
$78.42
$14.23 premium
Margin of Safety
-80.4%
Fair Value
$157.30
Current Price
$275.75
$118.45 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
Strong operational efficiency at 35.1%
Keeps 28 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Generating 1.8B in free cash flow
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 1.6B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Trading at 10.0x book value
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
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, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 27.8% and operating margin at 35.1%. Revenue growth of 12.1% demonstrates continued momentum.
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 : KO
The primary concerns for KO are Price/Book, Debt/Equity, PEG Ratio.
Bear Case : MCD
The primary concerns for MCD are Return on Equity, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
MCD carries more volatility with a beta of 0.44 — expect wider price swings.
KO is growing revenue faster at 12.1% — sustainability is the question.
KO generates stronger free cash flow (1.8B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor BEVERAGES - NON-ALCOHOLIC industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
KO scores higher overall (65/100 vs 55/100), backed by strong 27.8% margins and 12.1% revenue growth. 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.
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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