McDonald’s Corporation (MCD)vsSeagate Technology PLC (STX)
MCD
McDonald’s Corporation
$284.10
+0.38%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $201.95B
STX
Seagate Technology PLC
$771.01
+4.40%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $163.00B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
McDonald’s Corporation generates 144% more annual revenue ($26.88B vs $11.01B). MCD leads profitability with a 31.9% profit margin vs 21.6%. STX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.50. STX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 76/100 (B+).
MCD
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
STX
Strong Buy76
out of 100
Grade: B+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-85.2%
Fair Value
$154.01
Current Price
$284.10
$130.09 premium
Intrinsic value data unavailable for STX.
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
Growing faster than its price suggests
Strong operational efficiency at 35.7%
Revenue surging 44.1% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 108.3% YoY
Large-cap with strong market position
Keeps 22 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Areas to Watch
ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 367.1x book value
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 : STX
The strongest argument for STX centers on PEG Ratio, Operating Margin, Revenue Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 21.6% and operating margin at 35.7%. Revenue growth of 44.1% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : MCD
The primary concerns for MCD are Return on Equity, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.
Bear Case : STX
The primary concerns for STX are P/E Ratio, Price/Book. A P/E of 69.0x leaves little room for execution misses.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
MCD profiles as a mature stock while STX is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
STX carries more volatility with a beta of 1.63 — expect wider price swings.
STX is growing revenue faster at 44.1% — sustainability is the question.
MCD generates stronger free cash flow (1.6B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
STX scores higher overall (76/100 vs 56/100), backed by strong 21.6% margins and 44.1% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong 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 →Seagate Technology PLC
TECHNOLOGY · COMPUTER HARDWARE · USA
Seagate Technology Holdings plc, an Irish public limited company (commonly referred to as Seagate) is an American data storage company.
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