General Motors Company (GM) vs McDonald's Corporation (MCD)

GM and MCD are evenly matched — 7 metrics each of 14.

A side-by-side comparison of General Motors Company 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 — GM vs MCD

growth of $100 · last 16y
GM +138.4%MCD +260.4%MCD compounded faster
100200300400Start $10020132016201920222025$238$360
GM MCD

GM vs MCD: by the numbers

  • MCD is the larger company ($202.36B vs $73.49B market cap).
  • MCD trades at the lower earnings multiple (23.48 vs 32.60 P/E).
  • MCD converts more revenue to profit (31.62% vs 1.38% net margin).
  • GM grew revenue faster over the past five years (8.60% vs 6.95% CAGR).
  • MCD pays the higher dividend yield (2.58% vs 0.81%).

Which is better, GM or MCD?

Metric tally: GM 7 · MCD 7

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

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

Valuation

MetricGMMCD
P/E ratio32.6023.48
Forward P/E20.06
P/S ratio0.417.40
P/B ratio1.20
PEG ratio5.30
EV / EBITDA11.8417.22
FCF yield16.67%3.46%

Profitability

MetricGMMCD
Gross margin6.10%57.35%
Operating margin1.34%46.01%
Net margin1.38%31.62%
ROE4.05%-478.38%
ROIC1.16%17.44%

Dividends

MetricGMMCD
Dividend yield0.81%2.58%
Payout ratio19.82%61.25%

Growth (annualized)

MetricGMMCD
Revenue CAGR (5Y)8.60%6.95%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-5.25%13.58%
FCF CAGR (5Y)14.14%5.78%
Total return CAGR (5Y)6.65%6.16%

Frequently asked

Which is better, GM or MCD?
It depends on your goal. value: MCD (lower P/E); growth: GM (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: MCD (higher dividend yield); quality: MCD (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, they are evenly matched.
Is GM or MCD cheaper?
On trailing earnings, MCD is cheaper: GM trades at a 32.60 P/E and MCD at 23.48.
Which has grown faster, GM or MCD?
Over the past five years, GM grew revenue faster — GM at a 8.60% CAGR versus MCD at 6.95%.
Does GM or MCD pay a bigger dividend?
GM yields 0.81% and MCD yields 2.58% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is GM or MCD more profitable?
MCD runs the higher net margin — GM at 1.38% versus MCD at 31.62%.
Which has been the better investment, GM or MCD?
Over the past 10-year, GM delivered the higher annualized total return — GM at 13.06% 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.