McDonald’s Corporation (MCD)vsMerck & Company Inc (MRK)
MCD
McDonald’s Corporation
$275.75
-2.80%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $195.92B
MRK
Merck & Company Inc
$111.38
-0.82%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $277.36B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Merck & Company Inc generates 140% more annual revenue ($65.77B vs $27.45B). MCD leads profitability with a 31.6% profit margin vs 13.6%. MCD appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.55. MCD earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 55/100 (C-).
MCD
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C-
MRK
Hold50
out of 100
Grade: D+
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
-14.9%
Fair Value
$97.76
Current Price
$111.38
$13.62 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
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Strong operational efficiency at 38.6%
Generating 2.9B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
4.9% revenue growth
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
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 : MRK
The strongest argument for MRK centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin, Free Cash Flow.
Bear Case : MCD
The primary concerns for MCD are Return on Equity, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.
Bear Case : MRK
The primary concerns for MRK are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
MCD profiles as a mature stock while MRK is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
MCD carries more volatility with a beta of 0.44 — expect wider price swings.
MCD is growing revenue faster at 9.4% — sustainability is the question.
MRK generates stronger free cash flow (2.9B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
MCD scores higher overall (55/100 vs 50/100), backed by strong 31.6% margins. Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" 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 →Merck & Company Inc
HEALTHCARE · DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL · USA
Merck & Co. is an American multinational pharmaceutical company headquartered in Kenilworth, New Jersey. It is named after the Merck family, which set up Merck Group in Germany in 1668.
Visit Website →Compare with Other RESTAURANTS Stocks
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