AstraZeneca PLC (AZN) vs McDonald's Corporation (MCD)

AZN leads on 10 of 16 compared metrics, though MCD is the cheaper stock.

A side-by-side comparison of AstraZeneca PLC and McDonald's Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 15, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Compare

Total return — AZN vs MCD

growth of $100 · last 30y
AZN +732.9%MCD +1112.0%MCD compounded faster
05001k2kStart $100200120062011201620212026$833$1,212
AZN MCD

AZN vs MCD: by the numbers

  • AZN is the larger company ($277.22B vs $202.36B market cap).
  • MCD trades at the lower earnings multiple (23.48 vs 26.92 P/E).
  • MCD converts more revenue to profit (31.62% vs 17.19% net margin).
  • AZN grew revenue faster over the past five years (16.99% vs 6.95% CAGR).
  • MCD pays the higher dividend yield (2.58% vs 1.79%).

Which is better, AZN or MCD?

Metric tally: AZN 10 · MCD 6

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValueMCD(lower P/E)
GrowthAZN(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
IncomeMCD(higher dividend yield)
QualityMCD(higher ROIC)

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricAZNMCD
P/E ratio26.9223.48
Forward P/E15.3320.07
P/S ratio4.627.40
P/B ratio5.90
PEG ratio0.145.30
EV / EBITDA14.9217.22
FCF yield2.89%3.46%

Profitability

MetricAZNMCD
Gross margin81.68%57.35%
Operating margin23.69%46.01%
Net margin17.19%31.62%
ROE21.95%-478.38%
ROIC13.03%17.44%

Dividends

MetricAZNMCD
Dividend yield1.79%2.58%
Payout ratio48.48%61.25%

Growth (annualized)

MetricAZNMCD
Revenue CAGR (5Y)16.99%6.95%
EPS CAGR (5Y)22.02%13.58%
FCF CAGR (5Y)15.68%5.78%
Total return CAGR (5Y)11.03%6.16%

Frequently asked

Which is better, AZN or MCD?
It depends on your goal. value: MCD (lower P/E); growth: AZN (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: MCD (higher dividend yield); quality: MCD (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, AZN leads 10 to 6.
Is AZN or MCD cheaper?
On trailing earnings, MCD is cheaper: AZN trades at a 26.92 P/E and MCD at 23.48.
Which has grown faster, AZN or MCD?
Over the past five years, AZN grew revenue faster — AZN at a 16.99% CAGR versus MCD at 6.95%.
Does AZN or MCD pay a bigger dividend?
AZN yields 1.79% and MCD yields 2.58% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is AZN or MCD more profitable?
MCD runs the higher net margin — AZN at 17.19% versus MCD at 31.62%.
Which has been the better investment, AZN or MCD?
Over the past 10-year, AZN delivered the higher annualized total return — AZN at 15.77% versus MCD at 11.47%. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified June 15, 2026.