WallStSmart

Dennys Corp (DENN)vsMcDonald’s Corporation (MCD)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

McDonald’s Corporation generates 5903% more annual revenue ($27.45B vs $457.21M). MCD leads profitability with a 31.6% profit margin vs 2.2%. DENN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.06. MCD earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 55/100 (C-).

DENN

Hold

41

out of 100

Grade: D

Growth: 3.3Profit: 5.0Value: 4.7Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 1.08

MCD

Buy

55

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 6.0Profit: 8.0Value: 3.3Quality: 6.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.79
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

DENNOvervalued (-13.0%)

Margin of Safety

-13.0%

Fair Value

$5.53

Current Price

$6.25

$0.72 premium

UndervaluedFair: $5.53Overvalued
MCDSignificantly Overvalued (-85.8%)

Margin of Safety

-85.8%

Fair Value

$150.63

Current Price

$279.84

$129.21 premium

UndervaluedFair: $150.63Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

DENN1 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Debt/EquityHealth
-12.7410/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

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

Keeps 32 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
44.3%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 44.3%

Debt/EquityHealth
-42.6810/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Market CapQuality
$196.36B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.73B8/10

Generating 1.7B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

DENN4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
P/E RatioValuation
31.3x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Revenue GrowthGrowth
1.3%4/10

1.3% revenue growth

Market CapQuality
$321.87M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Return on EquityProfitability
0.0%3/10

ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency

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
2.532/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : DENN

The strongest argument for DENN centers on Debt/Equity. PEG of 1.06 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 44.3%.

Bear Case : DENN

The primary concerns for DENN are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, Market Cap. Thin 2.2% 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

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

DENN carries more volatility with a beta of 1.37 — expect wider price swings.

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

MCD generates stronger free cash flow (1.7B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

MCD scores higher overall (55/100 vs 41/100), 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.

Dennys Corp

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · RESTAURANTS · USA

Denny's Corporation, through its subsidiary, Denny's, Inc., owns and operates full-service restaurant chains under the Denny's brand. The company is headquartered in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

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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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