McDonald’s Corporation (MCD)vsAltria Group (MO)
MCD
McDonald’s Corporation
$275.75
-2.80%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $195.92B
MO
Altria Group
$68.12
-1.33%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $115.29B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
McDonald’s Corporation generates 35% more annual revenue ($27.45B vs $20.38B). MO leads profitability with a 39.5% profit margin vs 31.6%. MO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.86. MO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 61/100 (C+).
MCD
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C-
MO
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-80.4%
Fair Value
$157.30
Current Price
$275.75
$118.45 premium
Margin of Safety
-37.3%
Fair Value
$48.02
Current Price
$68.12
$20.10 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
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
Keeps 40 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 62.3%
Earnings expanding 106.3% YoY
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Large-cap with strong market position
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Areas to Watch
ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Expensive relative to growth rate
ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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%.
Bull Case : MO
The strongest argument for MO centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, EPS Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 39.5% and operating margin at 62.3%.
Bear Case : MCD
The primary concerns for MCD are Return on Equity, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.
Bear Case : MO
The primary concerns for MO are PEG Ratio, Return on Equity.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
MO carries more volatility with a beta of 0.52 — expect wider price swings.
MCD is growing revenue faster at 9.4% — sustainability is the question.
MO generates stronger free cash flow (2.2B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor RESTAURANTS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
MO scores higher overall (61/100 vs 55/100), backed by strong 39.5% 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.
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 →Altria Group
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · TOBACCO · USA
Altria Group, Inc. (previously known as Philip Morris Companies, Inc.) is an American corporation and one of the world's largest producers and marketers of tobacco, cigarettes and related products. It operates worldwide and is headquartered in unincorporated Henrico County, Virginia, just outside the city of Richmond.
Visit Website →Compare with Other RESTAURANTS Stocks
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