Lowe's Companies, Inc. (LOW) vs McDonald's Corporation (MCD)
A side-by-side comparison of Lowe's Companies, Inc. and McDonald's Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 11, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
LOW
Lowe's Companies, Inc.
$196.82Consumer CyclicalDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:02 PM EDT
MCD
McDonald's Corporation
$252.53Consumer CyclicalDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — LOW vs MCD
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yLOW +234.2% (+12.8%/yr)MCD +177.0% (+10.7%/yr)LOW compounded faster over this window
LOW MCD
LOW vs MCD: by the numbers
- •MCD is the larger company ($179.42B vs $110.36B market cap).
- •LOW trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (16.64 vs 20.51 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •MCD converts more revenue to profit (31.72% vs 7.34% net margin).
- •MCD grew revenue faster over the past five years (4.96% vs -0.90% CAGR).
- •MCD pays the higher dividend yield (2.94% vs 2.47%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | LOW | MCD |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 16.64 | 20.51 |
| Forward P/E | 16.04 | 19.55 |
| P/S ratio | 1.22 | 6.48 |
| EV / EBITDA | 11.70 | 15.63 |
| FCF yield | 6.34% | 4.33% |
Profitability
| Metric | LOW | MCD |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 33.08% | 57.39% |
| Operating margin | 11.38% | 45.84% |
| Net margin | 7.34% | 31.72% |
| ROIC | 21.02% | 17.85% |
Dividends
| Metric | LOW | MCD |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 2.47% | 2.94% |
| Payout ratio | 41.00% | 60.44% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | LOW | MCD |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | -0.90% | 4.96% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 8.85% | 13.58% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | -3.74% | 1.84% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 1.17% | 3.52% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, LOW or MCD?
- LOW has the lower trailing P/E: LOW trades at 16.64 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, LOW or MCD?
- Over the past five years, MCD grew revenue faster — LOW at a -0.90% CAGR versus MCD at 4.96%.
- Does LOW or MCD pay a bigger dividend?
- LOW yields 2.47% and MCD yields 2.94% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is LOW or MCD more profitable?
- MCD runs the higher net margin — LOW at 7.34% versus MCD at 31.72%.
- How have LOW and MCD total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, LOW delivered 12.69% and MCD delivered 10.88% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Lowe's Companies P/E ratioMcDonald's P/E ratioLowe's Companies dividend yieldMcDonald's dividend yieldLowe's Companies ROEMcDonald's ROELowe's Companies operating marginMcDonald's operating marginLowe's Companies revenue growthMcDonald's revenue growthLowe's Companies free cash flowMcDonald's free cash flow
Lowe's Companies & McDonald's appear in these rankings
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 11, 2026.