Carnival Corporation (CCL)vsMcDonald’s Corporation (MCD)
CCL
Carnival Corporation
$26.38
-2.30%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $37.40B
MCD
McDonald’s Corporation
$275.75
-2.80%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $195.92B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
McDonald’s Corporation generates 2% more annual revenue ($27.45B vs $26.98B). MCD leads profitability with a 31.6% profit margin vs 11.5%. CCL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.09. CCL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 70/100 (B).
CCL
Strong Buy70
out of 100
Grade: B
MCD
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+30.7%
Fair Value
$47.73
Current Price
$26.38
$21.35 discount
Margin of Safety
-80.4%
Fair Value
$157.30
Current Price
$275.75
$118.45 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Every $100 of equity generates 28 in profit
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 35.8% YoY
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
Areas to Watch
Distress zone — elevated risk
Elevated debt levels
ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : CCL
The strongest argument for CCL centers on P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, Price/Book. PEG of 1.09 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 : CCL
The primary concerns for CCL are Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 2.28 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : MCD
The primary concerns for MCD are Return on Equity, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CCL profiles as a value stock while MCD is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
CCL carries more volatility with a beta of 2.33 — expect wider price swings.
MCD is growing revenue faster at 9.4% — sustainability is the question.
MCD generates stronger free cash flow (1.6B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
CCL scores higher overall (70/100 vs 55/100). Both earn "Strong 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.
Carnival Corporation
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · TRAVEL SERVICES · USA
Carnival Corporation & plc is a British-American cruise operator, currently the world's largest travel leisure company, with a combined fleet of over 100 vessels across 10 cruise line brands.
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 TRAVEL SERVICES Stocks
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