McDonald’s Corporation (MCD)vsNoodles & Company (NDLS)
MCD
McDonald’s Corporation
$279.84
+0.01%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $196.36B
NDLS
Noodles & Company
$13.07
+1.48%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $74.83M
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
McDonald’s Corporation generates 5444% more annual revenue ($27.45B vs $495.08M). MCD leads profitability with a 31.6% profit margin vs -7.5%. MCD earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 55/100 (C-).
MCD
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C-
NDLS
Avoid26
out of 100
Grade: F
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-85.8%
Fair Value
$150.63
Current Price
$279.84
$129.21 premium
Intrinsic value data unavailable for NDLS.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Keeps 32 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 44.3%
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Large-cap with strong market position
Generating 1.7B in free cash flow
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Areas to Watch
ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
0.0% revenue growth
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
Operating margin of 1.6%
Weak financial health signals
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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 44.3%.
Bull Case : NDLS
The strongest argument for NDLS centers on Debt/Equity.
Bear Case : MCD
The primary concerns for MCD are Return on Equity, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.
Bear Case : NDLS
The primary concerns for NDLS are Revenue Growth, Market Cap, Operating Margin.
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 1.43 — expect wider price swings.
MCD is growing revenue faster at 9.4% — sustainability is the question.
MCD generates stronger free cash flow (1.7B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
MCD scores higher overall (55/100 vs 26/100), backed by strong 31.6% 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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