AngloGold Ashanti plc (AU)vsMcDonald’s Corporation (MCD)
AU
AngloGold Ashanti plc
$89.55
+4.36%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $43.34B
MCD
McDonald’s Corporation
$311.70
-0.88%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $219.68B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
McDonald’s Corporation generates 172% more annual revenue ($26.88B vs $9.89B). MCD leads profitability with a 31.9% profit margin vs 26.7%. AU appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.78. AU earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 84/100 (A-).
AU
Exceptional Buy84
out of 100
Grade: A-
MCD
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+53.8%
Fair Value
$242.89
Current Price
$89.55
$153.34 discount
Margin of Safety
-31.1%
Fair Value
$237.84
Current Price
$311.70
$73.86 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Every $100 of equity generates 34 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 47.2%
Revenue surging 75.3% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 63.1% YoY
Keeps 27 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Growing faster than its price suggests
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
Areas to Watch
No major concerns identified
Moderate valuation
ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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 47.2%. Revenue growth of 75.3% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull 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%.
Bear Case : AU
No major red flags identified for AU, but monitor valuation.
Bear Case : MCD
The primary concerns for MCD are P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, Piotroski F-Score.
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 0.55 — 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 (84/100 vs 53/100), 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.
Visit Website →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 →Compare with Other GOLD Stocks
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