Alibaba Group Holding Limited (BABA) vs McDonald's Corporation (MCD)

MCD leads on 9 of 14 compared metrics, though BABA is the cheaper stock.

A side-by-side comparison of Alibaba Group Holding Limited and McDonald's Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 13, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Total return — BABA vs MCD

growth of $100 · last 12y
BABA +20.2%MCD +201.8%MCD compounded faster
100200300Start $100201620182020202220242026$120$302
BABA MCD

BABA vs MCD: by the numbers

  • BABA is the larger company ($270.67B vs $202.36B market cap).
  • BABA trades at the lower earnings multiple (18.22 vs 23.48 P/E).
  • MCD converts more revenue to profit (31.62% vs 10.09% net margin).
  • MCD grew revenue faster over the past five years (6.95% vs 6.31% CAGR).
  • MCD pays the higher dividend yield (2.58% vs 0.93%).

Which is better, BABA or MCD?

Metric tally: BABA 5 · MCD 9

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

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

Valuation

MetricBABAMCD
P/E ratio18.2223.48
Forward P/E20.06
P/S ratio1.877.40
P/B ratio1.77
PEG ratio0.235.30
EV / EBITDA13.8817.22
FCF yield3.46%

Profitability

MetricBABAMCD
Gross margin39.77%57.35%
Operating margin5.78%46.01%
Net margin10.09%31.62%
ROE9.58%-478.38%
ROIC3.17%17.44%

Dividends

MetricBABAMCD
Dividend yield0.93%2.58%
Payout ratio15.89%61.25%

Growth (annualized)

MetricBABAMCD
Revenue CAGR (5Y)6.31%6.95%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-4.87%13.58%
FCF CAGR (5Y)-62.38%5.78%
Total return CAGR (5Y)-10.73%6.16%

Frequently asked

Which is better, BABA or MCD?
It depends on your goal. value: BABA (lower P/E); growth: MCD (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: MCD (higher dividend yield); quality: MCD (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, MCD leads 9 to 5.
Is BABA or MCD cheaper?
On trailing earnings, BABA is cheaper: BABA trades at a 18.22 P/E and MCD at 23.48.
Which has grown faster, BABA or MCD?
Over the past five years, MCD grew revenue faster — BABA at a 6.31% CAGR versus MCD at 6.95%.
Does BABA or MCD pay a bigger dividend?
BABA yields 0.93% and MCD yields 2.58% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is BABA or MCD more profitable?
MCD runs the higher net margin — BABA at 10.09% versus MCD at 31.62%.
Which has been the better investment, BABA or MCD?
Over the past 10-year, MCD delivered the higher annualized total return — BABA at 4.68% 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 13, 2026.