AutoNation Inc (AN)vsMcDonald’s Corporation (MCD)
AN
AutoNation Inc
$205.97
+0.33%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $6.88B
MCD
McDonald’s Corporation
$275.75
-2.80%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $195.92B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
AutoNation Inc generates 0% more annual revenue ($27.49B vs $27.45B). MCD leads profitability with a 31.6% profit margin vs 2.5%. AN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.74. AN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 63/100 (C+).
AN
Buy63
out of 100
Grade: C+
MCD
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+15.1%
Fair Value
$244.66
Current Price
$205.97
$38.69 discount
Margin of Safety
-74.8%
Fair Value
$157.74
Current Price
$275.75
$118.01 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Every $100 of equity generates 29 in profit
Growing faster than its price suggests
Earnings expanding 31.5% YoY
Keeps 32 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 45.3%
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Large-cap with strong market position
Generating 1.7B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
2.5% margin — thin
Operating margin of 4.7%
Weak financial health signals
Revenue declined 2.1%
ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : AN
The strongest argument for AN centers on P/E Ratio, Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity. PEG of 0.74 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
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 : AN
The primary concerns for AN are Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Piotroski F-Score. Thin 2.5% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Bear Case : MCD
The primary concerns for MCD are Return on Equity, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AN profiles as a value stock while MCD is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
AN carries more volatility with a beta of 0.79 — expect wider price swings.
MCD is growing revenue faster at 9.4% — sustainability is the question.
MCD generates stronger free cash flow (1.7B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
AN scores higher overall (63/100 vs 55/100). Both earn "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.
AutoNation Inc
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · AUTO & TRUCK DEALERSHIPS · USA
AutoNation, Inc. is an automobile retailer in the United States. The company is headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
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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