WallStSmart

AngloGold Ashanti plc (AU)vsWestern Digital Corporation (WDC)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Western Digital Corporation generates 5% more annual revenue ($11.78B vs $11.17B). WDC leads profitability with a 55.3% profit margin vs 31.1%. WDC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.58. AU earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 84/100 (A-).

AU

Exceptional Buy

84

out of 100

Grade: A-

Growth: 10.0Profit: 10.0Value: 7.0Quality: 8.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 3.73

WDC

Exceptional Buy

80

out of 100

Grade: A-

Growth: 7.3Profit: 9.5Value: 5.7Quality: 6.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 1.51

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AU6 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Return on EquityProfitability
40.7%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 41 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
31.1%10/10

Keeps 31 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
56.1%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 56.1%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
64.9%10/10

Revenue surging 64.9% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
185.2%10/10

Earnings expanding 185.2% YoY

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.7310/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

WDC6 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Market CapQuality
$225.26B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
67.0%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 67 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
55.3%10/10

Keeps 55 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
37.0%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 37.0%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
45.5%10/10

Revenue surging 45.5% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
482.9%10/10

Earnings expanding 482.9% YoY

Areas to Watch

AU0 concerns · Avg: 0/10

No major concerns identified

WDC3 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
39.1x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.514/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Price/BookValuation
27.5x2/10

Trading at 27.5x book value

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : AU

The strongest argument for AU centers on Return on Equity, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 31.1% and operating margin at 56.1%. Revenue growth of 64.9% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : WDC

The strongest argument for WDC centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 55.3% and operating margin at 37.0%. Revenue growth of 45.5% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : AU

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

Bear Case : WDC

The primary concerns for WDC are P/E Ratio, Altman Z-Score, Price/Book.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

WDC carries more volatility with a beta of 2.20 — expect wider price swings.

AU is growing revenue faster at 64.9% — sustainability is the question.

AU generates stronger free cash flow (1.3B), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor GOLD industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

AU scores higher overall (84/100 vs 80/100), backed by strong 31.1% margins and 64.9% revenue growth. Both earn "Exceptional Buy" and "Exceptional 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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Western Digital Corporation

TECHNOLOGY · COMPUTER HARDWARE · USA

Western Digital Corporation (WDC, commonly known as Western Digital or WD) is an American computer hard disk drive manufacturer and data storage company, headquartered in San Jose, California. It designs, manufactures and sells data technology products, including storage devices, data center systems and cloud storage services.

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