McDonald’s Corporation (MCD)vsTarget Corporation (TGT)
MCD
McDonald’s Corporation
$311.70
+1.25%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $219.68B
TGT
Target Corporation
$116.37
+0.39%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $52.70B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Target Corporation generates 290% more annual revenue ($104.78B vs $26.88B). MCD leads profitability with a 31.9% profit margin vs 3.5%. MCD appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.74. MCD earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 53/100 (C-).
MCD
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
TGT
Hold46
out of 100
Grade: D+
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
-107.3%
Fair Value
$55.28
Current Price
$116.37
$61.09 premium
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
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 24 in profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Generating 2.3B 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
3.5% margin — thin
Operating margin of 4.9%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Revenue declined 1.5%
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 : TGT
The strongest argument for TGT centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, P/E Ratio.
Bear Case : MCD
The primary concerns for MCD are P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : TGT
The primary concerns for TGT are Profit Margin, Operating Margin, PEG Ratio. Thin 3.5% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
MCD profiles as a mature stock while TGT is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
TGT carries more volatility with a beta of 1.10 — expect wider price swings.
MCD is growing revenue faster at 9.7% — sustainability is the question.
TGT generates stronger free cash flow (2.3B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
MCD scores higher overall (53/100 vs 46/100), backed by strong 31.9% margins. Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" 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 →Target Corporation
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · DISCOUNT STORES · USA
Target Corporation is an American retail corporation. Their retail formats include the discount store Target, the hypermarket SuperTarget, and small-format stores previously named CityTarget and TargetExpress before being consolidated under the Target branding.
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