WallStSmart

McDonald’s Corporation (MCD)vsNorthrop Grumman Corporation (NOC)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Northrop Grumman Corporation generates 54% more annual revenue ($42.37B vs $27.45B). MCD leads profitability with a 31.6% profit margin vs 10.8%. MCD appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.55. NOC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 63/100 (C+).

MCD

Buy

55

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 6.0Profit: 8.0Value: 3.3Quality: 5.3
Piotroski: 3/9

NOC

Buy

63

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.0Profit: 7.0Value: 4.0Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 1.96
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

MCDSignificantly Overvalued (-80.4%)

Margin of Safety

-80.4%

Fair Value

$157.30

Current Price

$275.75

$118.45 premium

UndervaluedFair: $157.30Overvalued
NOCSignificantly Overvalued (-60.9%)

Margin of Safety

-60.9%

Fair Value

$421.87

Current Price

$549.52

$127.65 premium

UndervaluedFair: $421.87Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

MCD5 strengths · Avg: 9.4/10
Profit MarginProfitability
31.6%10/10

Keeps 32 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
45.3%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 45.3%

Debt/EquityHealth
-38.1210/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Market CapQuality
$195.92B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.64B8/10

Generating 1.6B in free cash flow

NOC4 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
84.9%10/10

Earnings expanding 84.9% YoY

Market CapQuality
$78.44B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Return on EquityProfitability
28.5%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 29 in profit

P/E RatioValuation
17.3x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Areas to Watch

MCD3 concerns · Avg: 2.7/10
Return on EquityProfitability
0.0%3/10

ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
2.552/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

NOC4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
4.4%4/10

4.4% revenue growth

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.964/10

Grey zone — moderate risk

Debt/EquityHealth
1.183/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

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%.

Bull Case : NOC

The strongest argument for NOC centers on EPS Growth, Market Cap, Return on Equity.

Bear Case : MCD

The primary concerns for MCD are Return on Equity, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.

Bear Case : NOC

The primary concerns for NOC are Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

MCD profiles as a mature stock while NOC 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.

MCD generates stronger free cash flow (1.6B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

NOC scores higher overall (63/100 vs 55/100). 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.

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.

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Northrop Grumman Corporation

INDUSTRIALS · AEROSPACE & DEFENSE · USA

Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) is an American multinational aerospace and defense technology company.

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