McDonald’s Corporation (MCD)vsSeagate Technology PLC (STX)
MCD
McDonald’s Corporation
$308.85
-0.24%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $220.40B
STX
Seagate Technology PLC
$411.23
-5.38%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $97.36B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
McDonald’s Corporation generates 167% more annual revenue ($26.88B vs $10.06B). MCD leads profitability with a 31.9% profit margin vs 19.6%. STX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.67. STX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 72/100 (B).
MCD
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
STX
Strong Buy72
out of 100
Grade: B
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-30.1%
Fair Value
$237.45
Current Price
$308.85
$71.40 premium
Margin of Safety
+1.9%
Fair Value
$415.12
Current Price
$411.23
$3.89 discount
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
Earnings expanding 67.7% YoY
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit
Growing faster than its price suggests
Strong operational efficiency at 29.9%
Revenue surging 21.5% year-over-year
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
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 195.8x 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 EPS Growth, Market Cap, Return on Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 19.6% and operating margin at 29.9%. Revenue growth of 21.5% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : MCD
The primary concerns for MCD are P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : STX
The primary concerns for STX are P/E Ratio, Price/Book. A P/E of 49.0x 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 1.65 — expect wider price swings.
STX is growing revenue faster at 21.5% — sustainability is the question.
MCD generates stronger free cash flow (1.6B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
STX scores higher overall (72/100 vs 53/100), backed by strong 19.6% margins and 21.5% 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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