WallStSmart

AngloGold Ashanti plc (AU)vsMcDonald’s Corporation (MCD)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

McDonald’s Corporation generates 177% more annual revenue ($27.45B vs $9.89B). MCD leads profitability with a 31.6% profit margin vs 26.7%. AU appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.78. AU earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 82/100 (A-).

AU

Exceptional Buy

82

out of 100

Grade: A-

Growth: 10.0Profit: 10.0Value: 6.3Quality: 8.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 2.99

MCD

Buy

55

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 6.0Profit: 8.0Value: 3.3Quality: 5.3
Piotroski: 3/9
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for AU.

MCDSignificantly Overvalued (-80.4%)

Margin of Safety

-80.4%

Fair Value

$157.30

Current Price

$275.75

$118.45 premium

UndervaluedFair: $157.30Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AU6 strengths · Avg: 9.7/10
Return on EquityProfitability
34.4%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 34 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
48.0%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 48.0%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
75.3%10/10

Revenue surging 75.3% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
63.1%10/10

Earnings expanding 63.1% YoY

Market CapQuality
$50.67B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
26.7%9/10

Keeps 27 of every $100 in revenue as profit

MCD5 strengths · Avg: 9.4/10
Profit MarginProfitability
31.6%10/10

Keeps 32 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
45.3%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 45.3%

Debt/EquityHealth
-38.1210/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Market CapQuality
$195.92B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.64B8/10

Generating 1.6B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

AU0 concerns · Avg: 0/10

No major concerns identified

MCD3 concerns · Avg: 2.7/10
Return on EquityProfitability
0.0%3/10

ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
2.552/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : AU

The strongest argument for AU centers on Return on Equity, Operating Margin, Revenue Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 26.7% and operating margin at 48.0%. Revenue growth of 75.3% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull 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 45.3%.

Bear Case : AU

No major red flags identified for AU, but monitor valuation.

Bear Case : MCD

The primary concerns for MCD are Return on Equity, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AU profiles as a growth stock while MCD is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

AU carries more volatility with a beta of 0.62 — expect wider price swings.

AU is growing revenue faster at 75.3% — sustainability is the question.

MCD generates stronger free cash flow (1.6B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

AU scores higher overall (82/100 vs 55/100), backed by strong 26.7% margins and 75.3% revenue growth. Both earn "Exceptional 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.

AngloGold Ashanti plc

BASIC MATERIALS · GOLD · USA

AngloGold Ashanti Limited is a gold mining company. The company is headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa.

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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.

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