McDonald’s Corporation (MCD)vsCharles Schwab Corp (SCHW)
MCD
McDonald’s Corporation
$311.70
+1.25%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $219.68B
SCHW
Charles Schwab Corp
$95.68
-0.72%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $169.34B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
McDonald’s Corporation generates 12% more annual revenue ($26.88B vs $23.92B). SCHW leads profitability with a 37.0% profit margin vs 31.9%. SCHW appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.12. SCHW earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 75/100 (B+).
MCD
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
SCHW
Strong Buy75
out of 100
Grade: B+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-31.1%
Fair Value
$237.84
Current Price
$311.70
$73.86 premium
Margin of Safety
+56.0%
Fair Value
$217.62
Current Price
$95.68
$121.94 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Keeps 32 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 45.1%
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Generating 1.6B in free cash flow
Keeps 37 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 49.7%
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Large-cap with strong market position
18.9% revenue growth
Earnings expanding 41.1% YoY
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : MCD
The strongest argument for MCD centers on Market Cap, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 31.9% and operating margin at 45.1%.
Bull Case : SCHW
The strongest argument for SCHW centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Debt/Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 37.0% and operating margin at 49.7%. Revenue growth of 18.9% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : MCD
The primary concerns for MCD are P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : SCHW
The primary concerns for SCHW are Free Cash Flow.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
MCD profiles as a mature stock while SCHW is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
SCHW carries more volatility with a beta of 0.92 — expect wider price swings.
SCHW is growing revenue faster at 18.9% — sustainability is the question.
MCD generates stronger free cash flow (1.6B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
SCHW scores higher overall (75/100 vs 53/100), backed by strong 37.0% margins and 18.9% 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 →Charles Schwab Corp
FINANCIAL SERVICES · CAPITAL MARKETS · USA
The Charles Schwab Corporation is an American multinational financial services company. It offers banking, commercial banking, an electronic trading platform, and wealth management advisory services to both retail and institutional clients.
Visit Website →Compare with Other RESTAURANTS Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?