Edwards Lifesciences Corp (EW)vsMcDonald’s Corporation (MCD)
EW
Edwards Lifesciences Corp
$79.96
-3.38%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $47.71B
MCD
McDonald’s Corporation
$275.75
-2.80%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $195.92B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
McDonald’s Corporation generates 335% more annual revenue ($27.45B vs $6.30B). MCD leads profitability with a 31.6% profit margin vs 17.4%. EW appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.04. EW earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 61/100 (C+).
EW
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
MCD
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+69.7%
Fair Value
$261.90
Current Price
$79.96
$181.94 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
Strong operational efficiency at 31.2%
16.7% revenue growth
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
Expensive relative to growth rate
Weak financial health signals
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : EW
The strongest argument for EW centers on Operating Margin, Revenue Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 17.4% and operating margin at 31.2%. Revenue growth of 16.7% demonstrates continued momentum.
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 : EW
The primary concerns for EW are PEG Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 44.7x leaves little room for execution misses.
Bear Case : MCD
The primary concerns for MCD are Return on Equity, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
EW profiles as a growth stock while MCD is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
EW carries more volatility with a beta of 0.87 — expect wider price swings.
EW is growing revenue faster at 16.7% — sustainability is the question.
MCD generates stronger free cash flow (1.6B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
EW scores higher overall (61/100 vs 55/100), backed by strong 17.4% margins and 16.7% 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.
Edwards Lifesciences Corp
HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL DEVICES · USA
Edwards Lifesciences is an American medical technology company headquartered in Irvine, California, specializing in artificial heart valves and hemodynamic monitoring.
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 MEDICAL DEVICES Stocks
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