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.

Compare

Total returnMCD vs SBUX

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
MCD +176.5% (+10.7%/yr)SBUX +128.0% (+8.6%/yr)MCD compounded faster over this window
100200300Start $10020182020202220242026$276$228
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

MetricMCDSBUX
P/E ratio20.5355.51
Forward P/E19.5736.95
P/S ratio6.482.87
EV / EBITDA15.6424.81
FCF yield4.32%3.31%

Profitability

MetricMCDSBUX
Gross margin57.39%31.75%
Operating margin45.84%9.43%
Net margin31.72%5.17%
ROIC17.85%10.00%

Dividends

MetricMCDSBUX
Dividend yield2.95%2.51%
Payout ratio60.44%142.53%

Growth (annualized)

MetricMCDSBUX
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.

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.