McDonald’s Corporation (MCD)vsNoodles & Company (NDLS)
MCD
McDonald’s Corporation
$311.70
+1.25%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $219.68B
NDLS
Noodles & Company
$6.06
-7.48%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $36.81M
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
McDonald’s Corporation generates 5341% more annual revenue ($26.88B vs $494.09M). MCD leads profitability with a 31.9% profit margin vs -9.2%. MCD earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 53/100 (C-).
MCD
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
NDLS
Avoid23
out of 100
Grade: F
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-31.1%
Fair Value
$237.84
Current Price
$311.70
$73.86 premium
Intrinsic value data unavailable for NDLS.
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
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
ROE of -9.8% — below average capital efficiency
Revenue declined 0.5%
Earnings declined 11.8%
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 : NDLS
The strongest argument for NDLS centers on Debt/Equity.
Bear Case : MCD
The primary concerns for MCD are P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : NDLS
The primary concerns for NDLS are Market Cap, Return on Equity, Revenue Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
MCD profiles as a mature stock while NDLS is a turnaround play — different risk/reward profiles.
NDLS carries more volatility with a beta of 1.49 — 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
MCD scores higher overall (53/100 vs 23/100), backed by strong 31.9% margins. Both earn "Buy" and "Avoid" 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 →Noodles & Company
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · RESTAURANTS · USA
Noodles & Company develops and operates fast casual restaurants. The company is headquartered in Broomfield, Colorado.
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