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 September 13, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
MCD
McDonald's Corporation
$252.78Consumer CyclicalDelayed quote: Sep 15, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
SBUX
Starbucks Corporation
$96.58Consumer CyclicalDelayed quote: Sep 15, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — MCD vs SBUX
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yMCD +176.5% (+10.7%/yr)SBUX +128.0% (+8.6%/yr)MCD compounded faster over this window
MCD SBUX
MCD vs SBUX: by the numbers
- •MCD is the larger company ($179.60B vs $110.10B market cap).
- •MCD trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (20.53 vs 55.51 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •MCD converts more revenue to profit (31.72% vs 5.17% net margin).
- •SBUX grew revenue faster over the past five years (7.16% vs 4.96% CAGR).
- •MCD pays the higher dividend yield (2.95% vs 2.51%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | MCD | SBUX |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 20.53 | 55.51 |
| Forward P/E | 19.57 | 36.95 |
| P/S ratio | 6.48 | 2.87 |
| EV / EBITDA | 15.64 | 24.81 |
| FCF yield | 4.32% | 3.31% |
Profitability
| Metric | MCD | SBUX |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 57.39% | 31.75% |
| Operating margin | 45.84% | 9.43% |
| Net margin | 31.72% | 5.17% |
| ROIC | 17.85% | 10.00% |
Dividends
| Metric | MCD | SBUX |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 2.95% | 2.51% |
| Payout ratio | 60.44% | 142.53% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | MCD | SBUX |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 4.96% | 7.16% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 13.58% | 15.61% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 1.84% | 84.65% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 3.48% | -1.40% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, MCD or SBUX?
- MCD has the lower trailing P/E: MCD trades at 20.53 and SBUX at 55.51. 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 4.96% CAGR versus SBUX at 7.16%.
- Does MCD or SBUX pay a bigger dividend?
- MCD yields 2.95% and SBUX yields 2.51% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is MCD or SBUX more profitable?
- MCD runs the higher net margin — MCD at 31.72% versus SBUX at 5.17%.
- How have MCD and SBUX total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, MCD delivered 10.85% and SBUX delivered 8.46% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
McDonald's P/E ratioStarbucks P/E ratioMcDonald's dividend yieldStarbucks dividend yieldMcDonald's ROEStarbucks ROEMcDonald's operating marginStarbucks operating marginMcDonald's revenue growthStarbucks revenue growthMcDonald's free cash flowStarbucks free cash flow
McDonald's & Starbucks 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 13, 2026.