McDonald’s Corporation (MCD)vsMorgan Stanley (MS)
MCD
McDonald’s Corporation
$275.75
-2.80%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $195.92B
MS
Morgan Stanley
$193.09
+1.54%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $299.95B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Morgan Stanley generates 167% more annual revenue ($73.17B vs $27.45B). MCD leads profitability with a 31.6% profit margin vs 24.7%. MS appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.33. MS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 73/100 (B).
MCD
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C-
MS
Strong Buy73
out of 100
Grade: B
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-80.4%
Fair Value
$157.30
Current Price
$275.75
$118.45 premium
Intrinsic value data unavailable for MS.
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 40.6%
Keeps 25 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
16.3% revenue growth
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
Weak financial health signals
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
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 : MS
The strongest argument for MS centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 24.7% and operating margin at 40.6%. Revenue growth of 16.3% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : MCD
The primary concerns for MCD are Return on Equity, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.
Bear Case : MS
The primary concerns for MS are PEG Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, Free Cash Flow.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
MCD profiles as a mature stock while MS is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
MS carries more volatility with a beta of 1.21 — expect wider price swings.
MS is growing revenue faster at 16.3% — sustainability is the question.
MCD generates stronger free cash flow (1.6B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
MS scores higher overall (73/100 vs 55/100), backed by strong 24.7% margins and 16.3% 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.
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 →Morgan Stanley
FINANCIAL SERVICES · CAPITAL MARKETS · USA
Morgan Stanley is an American multinational investment bank and financial services company headquartered at 1585 Broadway in the Morgan Stanley Building, Midtown Manhattan, New York City.
Compare with Other RESTAURANTS Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?