McDonald’s Corporation (MCD)vsVistra Energy Corp (VST)
MCD
McDonald’s Corporation
$311.70
-0.88%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $219.68B
VST
Vistra Energy Corp
$151.51
-0.79%
UTILITIES · Cap: $51.70B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
McDonald’s Corporation generates 52% more annual revenue ($26.88B vs $17.74B). MCD leads profitability with a 31.9% profit margin vs 5.3%. VST appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.27. VST earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 53/100 (C-).
MCD
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
VST
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
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
-980.6%
Fair Value
$14.82
Current Price
$151.51
$136.69 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
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 19.5x book value
5.3% margin — thin
Weak financial health signals
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
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 : VST
The strongest argument for VST centers on Market Cap. Revenue growth of 13.6% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.27 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 : VST
The primary concerns for VST are Price/Book, Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score. A P/E of 70.1x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 3.36 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
MCD profiles as a mature stock while VST is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
VST carries more volatility with a beta of 1.45 — expect wider price swings.
VST is growing revenue faster at 13.6% — 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 53/100), backed by strong 31.9% margins. 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 →Vistra Energy Corp
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCERS · USA
Vistra Corp. The company is headquartered in Irving, Texas.
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