Arcos Dorados Holdings Inc (ARCO)vsMcDonald’s Corporation (MCD)
ARCO
Arcos Dorados Holdings Inc
$8.37
+3.46%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $1.76B
MCD
McDonald’s Corporation
$311.70
+1.25%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $219.68B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
McDonald’s Corporation generates 475% more annual revenue ($26.88B vs $4.68B). MCD leads profitability with a 31.9% profit margin vs 4.5%. ARCO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.54. ARCO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C).
ARCO
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C
MCD
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-22.4%
Fair Value
$6.87
Current Price
$8.37
$1.50 premium
Margin of Safety
-31.1%
Fair Value
$237.84
Current Price
$311.70
$73.86 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Every $100 of equity generates 33 in profit
Growing faster than its price suggests
Reasonable price relative to book value
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
Areas to Watch
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
4.5% margin — thin
Weak financial health signals
Earnings declined 56.9%
Moderate valuation
ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ARCO
The strongest argument for ARCO centers on P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, PEG Ratio. Revenue growth of 10.7% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.54 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
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 : ARCO
The primary concerns for ARCO are Market Cap, Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score. Debt-to-equity of 2.77 is elevated, increasing financial risk. Thin 4.5% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Bear Case : MCD
The primary concerns for MCD are P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ARCO profiles as a value stock while MCD is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
MCD carries more volatility with a beta of 0.50 — expect wider price swings.
ARCO is growing revenue faster at 10.7% — sustainability is the question.
MCD generates stronger free cash flow (1.6B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
ARCO scores higher overall (60/100 vs 53/100) and 10.7% revenue growth. 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.
Arcos Dorados Holdings Inc
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · RESTAURANTS · USA
Arcos Dorados Holdings Inc. is a McDonald's restaurant franchise. The company is headquartered in Montevideo, Uruguay.
Visit Website →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 →Compare with Other RESTAURANTS Stocks
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