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

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 September 10, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnBABA vs MCD

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
BABA +12.7% (+1.2%/yr)MCD +177.0% (+10.7%/yr)MCD compounded faster over this window
100200300Start $10020182020202220242026$113$277
BABA MCD

BABA vs MCD: by the numbers

  • BABA is the larger company ($261.98B vs $179.42B market cap).
  • MCD trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (20.51 vs 25.88 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • MCD converts more revenue to profit (31.72% vs 7.02% net margin).
  • BABA grew revenue faster over the past five years (5.11% vs 4.96% CAGR).
  • MCD pays the higher dividend yield (2.94% vs 0.97%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricBABAMCD
P/E ratio25.8820.51
Forward P/EN/A19.55
P/S ratio1.746.48
P/B ratio1.70N/A
EV / EBITDA31.1415.63
FCF yieldN/A4.33%

Profitability

MetricBABAMCD
Gross margin38.12%57.39%
Operating margin4.23%45.84%
Net margin7.02%31.72%
ROE6.83%N/A
ROIC1.99%17.85%

Dividends

MetricBABAMCD
Dividend yield0.97%2.94%
Payout ratio24.87%60.44%

Growth (annualized)

MetricBABAMCD
Revenue CAGR (5Y)5.11%4.96%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-4.87%13.58%
FCF CAGR (5Y)-62.38%1.84%
Total return CAGR (5Y)-7.24%3.52%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, BABA or MCD?
MCD has the lower trailing P/E: BABA trades at 25.88 and MCD at 20.51. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, BABA or MCD?
Over the past five years, BABA grew revenue faster — BABA at a 5.11% CAGR versus MCD at 4.96%.
Does BABA or MCD pay a bigger dividend?
BABA yields 0.97% and MCD yields 2.94% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is BABA or MCD more profitable?
MCD runs the higher net margin — BABA at 7.02% versus MCD at 31.72%.
How have BABA and MCD total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, BABA delivered 1.49% and MCD delivered 10.88% annualized total return. 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 September 10, 2026.