American Tower Corp (AMT)vsMcDonald’s Corporation (MCD)
AMT
American Tower Corp
$178.19
-0.12%
REAL ESTATE · Cap: $85.12B
MCD
McDonald’s Corporation
$290.08
+1.21%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $206.20B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
McDonald’s Corporation generates 148% more annual revenue ($26.88B vs $10.82B). MCD leads profitability with a 31.9% profit margin vs 26.8%. AMT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.97. AMT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 72/100 (B).
AMT
Strong Buy72
out of 100
Grade: B
MCD
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+17.6%
Fair Value
$219.10
Current Price
$178.19
$40.91 discount
Intrinsic value data unavailable for MCD.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Strong operational efficiency at 45.3%
Earnings expanding 76.9% YoY
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 30 in profit
Keeps 27 of every $100 in revenue as profit
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
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
Trading at 23.6x book value
Distress zone — elevated risk
ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : AMT
The strongest argument for AMT centers on Operating Margin, EPS Growth, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 26.8% and operating margin at 45.3%.
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 : AMT
The primary concerns for AMT are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book.
Bear Case : MCD
The primary concerns for MCD are Return on Equity, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AMT carries more volatility with a beta of 0.93 — expect wider price swings.
MCD is growing revenue faster at 9.7% — sustainability is the question.
MCD generates stronger free cash flow (1.6B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor REIT - SPECIALTY industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
AMT scores higher overall (72/100 vs 56/100), backed by strong 26.8% margins. 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.
American Tower Corp
REAL ESTATE · REIT - SPECIALTY · USA
American Tower Corporation (also referred to as American Tower or ATC) is an American real estate investment trust and an owner and operator of wireless and broadcast communications infrastructure in several countries worldwide and is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts.
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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