McDonald’s Corporation (MCD)vsYum! Brands Inc (YUM)
MCD
McDonald’s Corporation
$308.85
-0.24%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $220.40B
YUM
Yum! Brands Inc
$156.41
+0.10%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $43.43B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
McDonald’s Corporation generates 227% more annual revenue ($26.88B vs $8.21B). MCD leads profitability with a 31.9% profit margin vs 19.0%. YUM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.96. YUM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).
MCD
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
YUM
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-30.1%
Fair Value
$237.45
Current Price
$308.85
$71.40 premium
Margin of Safety
+38.8%
Fair Value
$259.74
Current Price
$156.41
$103.33 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
Strong operational efficiency at 31.9%
Earnings expanding 27.7% YoY
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency
Weak financial health signals
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 : YUM
The strongest argument for YUM centers on Operating Margin, EPS Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 19.0% and operating margin at 31.9%.
Bear Case : MCD
The primary concerns for MCD are P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : YUM
The primary concerns for YUM are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Return on Equity.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
YUM carries more volatility with a beta of 0.64 — expect wider price swings.
MCD is growing revenue faster at 9.7% — sustainability is the question.
MCD generates stronger free cash flow (1.6B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor RESTAURANTS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
YUM scores higher overall (59/100 vs 53/100), backed by strong 19.0% margins. 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 →Yum! Brands Inc
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · RESTAURANTS · USA
Yum! Brands, Inc. is an American fast food corporation listed on the Fortune 1000. Yum! operates the brands KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, The Habit Burger Grill, and WingStreet worldwide, except in China, where the brands are operated by a separate company, Yum China.
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