Dollar General Corporation (DG)vsMcDonald’s Corporation (MCD)
DG
Dollar General Corporation
$119.55
+1.42%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $25.96B
MCD
McDonald’s Corporation
$311.70
-0.88%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $219.68B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Dollar General Corporation generates 59% more annual revenue ($42.72B vs $26.88B). MCD leads profitability with a 31.9% profit margin vs 3.5%. DG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.44. DG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (C+).
DG
Buy65
out of 100
Grade: C+
MCD
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+54.1%
Fair Value
$320.58
Current Price
$119.55
$201.03 discount
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
Earnings expanding 121.9% YoY
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Generating 1.3B in free cash flow
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
3.5% margin — thin
Elevated debt levels
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 : DG
The strongest argument for DG centers on EPS Growth, P/E Ratio, Free Cash Flow. PEG of 1.44 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 : DG
The primary concerns for DG are Profit Margin, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 2.02 is elevated, increasing financial risk. Thin 3.5% 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
DG 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.
MCD is growing revenue faster at 9.7% — sustainability is the question.
MCD generates stronger free cash flow (1.6B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
DG scores higher overall (65/100 vs 53/100). 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.
Dollar General Corporation
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · DISCOUNT STORES · USA
Dollar General Corporation is an American chain of variety stores headquartered in Goodlettsville, Tennessee.
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 DISCOUNT STORES Stocks
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