McDonald’s Corporation (MCD)vsPapa John's International Inc (PZZA)
MCD
McDonald’s Corporation
$250.35
-4.81%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $178.70B
PZZA
Papa John's International Inc
$20.15
-1.23%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $651.19M
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
McDonald’s Corporation generates 1308% more annual revenue ($27.70B vs $1.97B). MCD leads profitability with a 31.7% profit margin vs 1.4%. MCD appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.18. MCD earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 53/100 (C-).
MCD
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
PZZA
Hold35
out of 100
Grade: F
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-59.5%
Fair Value
$155.74
Current Price
$250.35
$94.61 premium
Margin of Safety
+34.8%
Fair Value
$52.15
Current Price
$20.15
$32.00 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Keeps 32 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 46.5%
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Large-cap with strong market position
Generating 2.0B in free cash flow
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
3.7% revenue growth
ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency
1.4% margin — thin
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 31.7% and operating margin at 46.5%.
Bull Case : PZZA
The strongest argument for PZZA centers on Debt/Equity.
Bear Case : MCD
The primary concerns for MCD are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Return on Equity.
Bear Case : PZZA
The primary concerns for PZZA are PEG Ratio, Market Cap, Return on Equity. Thin 1.4% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
PZZA carries more volatility with a beta of 1.06 — expect wider price swings.
MCD is growing revenue faster at 3.7% — sustainability is the question.
MCD generates stronger free cash flow (2.0B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor RESTAURANTS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
MCD scores higher overall (53/100 vs 35/100), backed by strong 31.7% margins. PZZA offers better value entry with a 34.8% margin of safety. 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 →Papa John's International Inc
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · RESTAURANTS · USA
Papa John's International, Inc. operates and franchises pizza delivery and take-out restaurants under the Papa John's trademark in the United States and internationally. The company is headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky.
Visit Website →Compare with Other RESTAURANTS Stocks
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