WallStSmart

Alcon AG (ALC)vsMcDonald’s Corporation (MCD)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

McDonald’s Corporation generates 158% more annual revenue ($26.88B vs $10.40B). MCD leads profitability with a 31.9% profit margin vs 9.4%. ALC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.70. MCD earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 53/100 (C-).

ALC

Hold

49

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 4.7Profit: 5.0Value: 7.3Quality: 7.3
Piotroski: 4/9

MCD

Buy

53

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 6.0Profit: 8.0Value: 4.7Quality: 5.3
Piotroski: 3/9
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

ALCSignificantly Overvalued (-489.8%)

Margin of Safety

-489.8%

Fair Value

$13.46

Current Price

$75.26

$61.80 premium

UndervaluedFair: $13.46Overvalued
MCDSignificantly Overvalued (-31.1%)

Margin of Safety

-31.1%

Fair Value

$237.84

Current Price

$311.70

$73.86 premium

UndervaluedFair: $237.84Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ALC2 strengths · Avg: 8.5/10
Debt/EquityHealth
0.249/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Price/BookValuation
1.7x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

MCD5 strengths · Avg: 9.6/10
Market CapQuality
$219.68B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Profit MarginProfitability
31.9%10/10

Keeps 32 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
45.1%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 45.1%

Debt/EquityHealth
-38.1210/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.64B8/10

Generating 1.6B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

ALC4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.704/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
37.5x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Return on EquityProfitability
4.5%3/10

ROE of 4.5% — below average capital efficiency

EPS GrowthGrowth
-22.2%2/10

Earnings declined 22.2%

MCD4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
25.8x4/10

Moderate valuation

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
2.742/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : ALC

The strongest argument for ALC centers on Debt/Equity, Price/Book.

Bull 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%.

Bear Case : ALC

The primary concerns for ALC are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Return on Equity.

Bear Case : MCD

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

ALC profiles as a value stock while MCD is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

ALC carries more volatility with a beta of 0.70 — 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.

Bottom Line

MCD scores higher overall (53/100 vs 49/100), backed by strong 31.9% margins. 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.

Alcon AG

HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS & SUPPLIES · USA

Alcon, Inc., an eye care company, researches, develops, manufactures, distributes and sells eye care products for eye care professionals and their patients around the world. The company is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.

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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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