McDonald's Corporation (MCD) vs Starbucks Corporation (SBUX)

A side-by-side comparison of McDonald's Corporation and Starbucks Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of August 1, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnMCD vs SBUX

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 30y
MCD +2172.1%SBUX +8553.0%SBUX compounded faster
02k4k6k8kStart $100200120062011201620212026$2,272$8,653
MCD SBUX

MCD vs SBUX: by the numbers

  • MCD is the larger company ($192.29B vs $119.98B market cap).
  • MCD trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (22.31 vs 60.49 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • MCD converts more revenue to profit (31.62% vs 5.17% net margin).
  • SBUX grew revenue faster over the past five years (7.16% vs 6.95% CAGR).
  • MCD pays the higher dividend yield (2.72% vs 2.35%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricMCDSBUX
P/E ratio22.3160.49
Forward P/E20.9741.02
P/S ratio7.043.14
PEG ratio5.303.87
EV / EBITDA16.6426.79
FCF yield3.65%2.27%

Profitability

MetricMCDSBUX
Gross margin57.35%31.75%
Operating margin46.01%9.43%
Net margin31.62%5.17%
ROE-478.11%-22.93%
ROIC17.44%8.48%

Dividends

MetricMCDSBUX
Dividend yield2.72%2.35%
Payout ratio61.25%151.53%

Growth (annualized)

MetricMCDSBUX
Revenue CAGR (5Y)6.95%7.16%
EPS CAGR (5Y)13.58%15.61%
FCF CAGR (5Y)5.78%84.65%
Total return CAGR (5Y)4.58%-0.52%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, MCD or SBUX?
MCD has the lower trailing P/E: MCD trades at 22.31 and SBUX at 60.49. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, MCD or SBUX?
Over the past five years, SBUX grew revenue faster — MCD at a 6.95% CAGR versus SBUX at 7.16%.
Does MCD or SBUX pay a bigger dividend?
MCD yields 2.72% and SBUX yields 2.35% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is MCD or SBUX more profitable?
MCD runs the higher net margin — MCD at 31.62% versus SBUX at 5.17%.
How have MCD and SBUX total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, MCD delivered 11.33% and SBUX delivered 8.42% 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 August 1, 2026.