McDonald’s Corporation (MCD)vsMercadoLibre Inc. (MELI)
MCD
McDonald’s Corporation
$279.84
+0.82%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $203.29B
MELI
MercadoLibre Inc.
$1,607.80
-1.65%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $83.47B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
MercadoLibre Inc. generates 16% more annual revenue ($31.80B vs $27.45B). MCD leads profitability with a 31.6% profit margin vs 6.0%. MELI appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.02. MELI earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 58/100 (C).
MCD
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
MELI
Buy58
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-84.4%
Fair Value
$151.11
Current Price
$279.84
$128.73 premium
Margin of Safety
+61.7%
Fair Value
$5264.50
Current Price
$1607.80
$3656.70 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 44.3%
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Generating 1.7B in free cash flow
Revenue surging 49.0% year-over-year
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 26 in profit
Generating 1.3B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 11.2x book value
6.0% margin — thin
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
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 31.6% and operating margin at 44.3%.
Bull Case : MELI
The strongest argument for MELI centers on Revenue Growth, Market Cap, Return on Equity. Revenue growth of 49.0% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.02 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : MCD
The primary concerns for MCD are Return on Equity, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.
Bear Case : MELI
The primary concerns for MELI are Price/Book, Profit Margin, Debt/Equity. A P/E of 43.5x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 1.70 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
MCD profiles as a mature stock while MELI is a hypergrowth play — different risk/reward profiles.
MELI carries more volatility with a beta of 1.35 — expect wider price swings.
MELI is growing revenue faster at 49.0% — sustainability is the question.
MCD generates stronger free cash flow (1.7B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
MELI scores higher overall (58/100 vs 56/100) and 49.0% 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.
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 →MercadoLibre Inc.
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · INTERNET RETAIL · USA
MercadoLibre, Inc. operates online trading platforms in Latin America. The company is headquartered in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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