WallStSmart

Apollo Global Management LLC Class A (APO)vsMcDonald’s Corporation (MCD)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Apollo Global Management LLC Class A generates 14% more annual revenue ($31.29B vs $27.45B). MCD leads profitability with a 31.6% profit margin vs 3.7%. APO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.67. MCD earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 55/100 (C-).

APO

Hold

44

out of 100

Grade: D

Growth: 4.7Profit: 5.0Value: 5.0Quality: 2.8
Piotroski: 1/9Altman Z: 0.07

MCD

Buy

55

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 6.0Profit: 8.0Value: 3.3Quality: 5.3
Piotroski: 3/9
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for APO.

MCDSignificantly Overvalued (-80.4%)

Margin of Safety

-80.4%

Fair Value

$157.30

Current Price

$275.75

$118.45 premium

UndervaluedFair: $157.30Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

APO3 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$73.67B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

PEG RatioValuation
0.678/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Free Cash FlowQuality
$2.82B8/10

Generating 2.8B in free cash flow

MCD5 strengths · Avg: 9.4/10
Profit MarginProfitability
31.6%10/10

Keeps 32 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
45.3%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 45.3%

Debt/EquityHealth
-38.1210/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Market CapQuality
$195.92B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.64B8/10

Generating 1.6B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

APO4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Profit MarginProfitability
3.7%3/10

3.7% margin — thin

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
1/93/10

Weak financial health signals

P/E RatioValuation
80.9x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-9.2%2/10

Revenue declined 9.2%

MCD3 concerns · Avg: 2.7/10
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
2.552/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : APO

The strongest argument for APO centers on Market Cap, PEG Ratio, Free Cash Flow. PEG of 0.67 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull 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%.

Bear Case : APO

The primary concerns for APO are Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 80.9x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 3.7% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : MCD

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

APO carries more volatility with a beta of 1.52 — expect wider price swings.

MCD is growing revenue faster at 9.4% — sustainability is the question.

APO generates stronger free cash flow (2.8B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

MCD scores higher overall (55/100 vs 44/100), backed by strong 31.6% 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.

Apollo Global Management LLC Class A

FINANCIAL SERVICES · ASSET MANAGEMENT · USA

Apollo Global Management LLC Class A (APO) is a premier global alternative investment firm renowned for its strategic focus on private equity, credit, and real estate investments across diverse sectors including healthcare, financial services, and technology. The firm utilizes a rigorous investment approach, drawing on extensive industry expertise and operational insights to optimize portfolio performance and drive long-term growth. With a commitment to identifying lucrative investment opportunities in both developed and emerging markets, Apollo aims to generate attractive risk-adjusted returns for its investors, backed by its significant capital resources and innovative strategies.

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 →

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?