McDonald’s Corporation (MCD)vsPayPal Holdings Inc (PYPL)
MCD
McDonald’s Corporation
$311.70
+1.25%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $219.68B
PYPL
PayPal Holdings Inc
$44.85
+1.45%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $41.37B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
PayPal Holdings Inc generates 23% more annual revenue ($33.17B vs $26.88B). MCD leads profitability with a 31.9% profit margin vs 15.8%. PYPL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.69. PYPL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 78/100 (B+).
MCD
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
PYPL
Strong Buy78
out of 100
Grade: B+
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
+82.3%
Fair Value
$253.19
Current Price
$44.85
$208.34 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
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Every $100 of equity generates 26 in profit
Growing faster than its price suggests
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 39.4% YoY
Generating 2.2B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
3.7% revenue growth
Distress zone — elevated risk
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 : PYPL
The strongest argument for PYPL centers on P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, PEG Ratio. Profitability is solid with margins at 15.8% and operating margin at 17.5%. PEG of 0.69 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : MCD
The primary concerns for MCD are P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : PYPL
The primary concerns for PYPL are Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
MCD profiles as a mature stock while PYPL is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
PYPL carries more volatility with a beta of 1.46 — expect wider price swings.
MCD is growing revenue faster at 9.7% — sustainability is the question.
PYPL generates stronger free cash flow (2.2B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
PYPL scores higher overall (78/100 vs 53/100), backed by strong 15.8% margins. Both earn "Strong 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 →PayPal Holdings Inc
FINANCIAL SERVICES · CREDIT SERVICES · USA
PayPal Holdings, Inc. is an American company operating an online payments system in the majority of countries that support online money transfers, and serves as an electronic alternative to traditional paper methods like checks and money orders. The company operates as a payment processor for online vendors, auction sites, and many other commercial users, for which it charges a fee.
Visit Website →Compare with Other RESTAURANTS Stocks
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