McDonald’s Corporation (MCD)vsUnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH)
MCD
McDonald’s Corporation
$275.75
-2.80%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $195.92B
UNH
UnitedHealth Group Incorporated
$379.98
+2.77%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $335.78B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
UnitedHealth Group Incorporated generates 1539% more annual revenue ($449.71B vs $27.45B). MCD leads profitability with a 31.6% profit margin vs 2.7%. UNH appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.27. MCD earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 55/100 (C-).
MCD
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C-
UNH
Buy54
out of 100
Grade: C-
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
+42.2%
Fair Value
$639.72
Current Price
$379.98
$259.74 discount
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
Generating 8.1B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
2.0% revenue growth
0.7% earnings growth
2.7% 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 31.6% and operating margin at 45.3%.
Bull Case : UNH
The strongest argument for UNH centers on Market Cap, Free Cash Flow. PEG of 1.27 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : MCD
The primary concerns for MCD are Return on Equity, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.
Bear Case : UNH
The primary concerns for UNH are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth. Thin 2.7% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
MCD profiles as a mature stock while UNH is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
UNH carries more volatility with a beta of 0.65 — expect wider price swings.
MCD is growing revenue faster at 9.4% — sustainability is the question.
UNH generates stronger free cash flow (8.1B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
MCD scores higher overall (55/100 vs 54/100), backed by strong 31.6% margins. UNH offers better value entry with a 42.2% margin of safety. 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.
Visit Website →UnitedHealth Group Incorporated
HEALTHCARE · HEALTHCARE PLANS · USA
UnitedHealth Group Incorporated is an American for-profit multinational managed healthcare and insurance company based in Minnetonka, Minnesota. It offers health care products and insurance services. In 2020, it was the second-largest healthcare company (behind CVS Health) by revenue with $257.1 billion, and the largest insurance company by net premiums. UnitedHealthcare revenues comprise 80% of the Group's overall revenue.
Visit Website →Compare with Other RESTAURANTS Stocks
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