El Pollo Loco Holdings Inc (LOCO)vsMcDonald’s Corporation (MCD)
LOCO
El Pollo Loco Holdings Inc
$14.12
+0.07%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $422.68M
MCD
McDonald’s Corporation
$311.70
+1.25%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $219.68B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
McDonald’s Corporation generates 5386% more annual revenue ($26.88B vs $490.05M). MCD leads profitability with a 31.9% profit margin vs 5.4%. LOCO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.16. LOCO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).
LOCO
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
MCD
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+39.8%
Fair Value
$17.78
Current Price
$14.12
$3.66 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
Reasonable price relative to book value
Attractively priced relative to earnings
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
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
5.4% margin — thin
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 : LOCO
The strongest argument for LOCO centers on Price/Book, P/E Ratio. PEG of 1.16 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 : LOCO
The primary concerns for LOCO are Market Cap, Profit Margin.
Bear Case : MCD
The primary concerns for MCD are P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
LOCO profiles as a value stock while MCD is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
LOCO carries more volatility with a beta of 0.94 — 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
LOCO scores higher overall (59/100 vs 53/100). 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.
El Pollo Loco Holdings Inc
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · RESTAURANTS · USA
El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc., through its subsidiary El Pollo Loco, Inc., develops, franchises, licenses and operates quick service restaurants under the name El Pollo Loco. The company is headquartered in Costa Mesa, California.
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 RESTAURANTS Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?