McDonald’s Corporation (MCD)vsMedline Inc. Class A Common Stock (MDLN)
MCD
McDonald’s Corporation
$311.70
-0.88%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $219.68B
MDLN
Medline Inc. Class A Common Stock
$42.67
+1.52%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $34.68B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Medline Inc. Class A Common Stock generates 6% more annual revenue ($28.43B vs $26.88B). MCD leads profitability with a 31.9% profit margin vs 4.1%. MCD trades at a lower P/E of 25.8x. MCD earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 53/100 (C-).
MCD
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
MDLN
Buy52
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-31.1%
Fair Value
$237.84
Current Price
$311.70
$73.86 premium
Margin of Safety
+32.7%
Fair Value
$66.92
Current Price
$42.67
$24.25 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
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
No standout strengths identified
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
ROE of 6.5% — below average capital efficiency
4.1% margin — thin
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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%.
Bull Case : MDLN
Revenue growth of 14.8% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : MCD
The primary concerns for MCD are P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : MDLN
The primary concerns for MDLN are P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Thin 4.1% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
MCD profiles as a mature stock while MDLN is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
MDLN is growing revenue faster at 14.8% — sustainability is the question.
MCD generates stronger free cash flow (1.6B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor RESTAURANTS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
MCD scores higher overall (53/100 vs 52/100), backed by strong 31.9% margins. MDLN offers better value entry with a 32.7% margin of safety. 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.
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 →Medline Inc. Class A Common Stock
HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS & SUPPLIES · USA
Medline Inc. manufactures med-surg products serving the hospital, surgery centers, physician offices, post-acute facilities, and nursing home sites of care in the United States and Internationally. The company is headquartered in Northfield, Illinois.
Visit Website →Compare with Other RESTAURANTS Stocks
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