WallStSmart

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp Class A (CTSH)vsMcDonald’s Corporation (MCD)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

McDonald’s Corporation generates 28% more annual revenue ($27.45B vs $21.41B). MCD leads profitability with a 31.6% profit margin vs 10.4%. CTSH appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.85. CTSH earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).

CTSH

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 4.7Profit: 7.0Value: 9.3Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 2/9

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

CTSHUndervalued (+76.7%)

Margin of Safety

+76.7%

Fair Value

$304.80

Current Price

$51.68

$253.12 discount

UndervaluedFair: $304.80Overvalued
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

CTSH3 strengths · Avg: 8.7/10
P/E RatioValuation
11.3x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

PEG RatioValuation
0.858/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Price/BookValuation
1.6x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

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

CTSH2 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
3.6%4/10

3.6% earnings growth

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

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 : CTSH

The strongest argument for CTSH centers on P/E Ratio, PEG Ratio, Price/Book. PEG of 0.85 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 : CTSH

The primary concerns for CTSH are EPS Growth, Piotroski F-Score.

Bear Case : MCD

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

CTSH carries more volatility with a beta of 0.80 — 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

CTSH scores higher overall (67/100 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.

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp Class A

TECHNOLOGY · INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES · USA

Cognizant is an American multinational technology company that provides business consulting, information technology and outsourcing services. It is headquartered in Teaneck, New Jersey, United States.

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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