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.
MCD
McDonald's Corporation
$270.64Consumer CyclicalAt close: Jul 31, 2026, 4:00 PM ET
SBUX
Starbucks Corporation
$105.25Consumer CyclicalAt close: Jul 31, 2026, 4:00 PM ET
Total return — MCD vs SBUX
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 30yMCD +2172.1%SBUX +8553.0%SBUX compounded faster
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
| Metric | MCD | SBUX |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 22.31 | 60.49 |
| Forward P/E | 20.97 | 41.02 |
| P/S ratio | 7.04 | 3.14 |
| PEG ratio | 5.30 | 3.87 |
| EV / EBITDA | 16.64 | 26.79 |
| FCF yield | 3.65% | 2.27% |
Profitability
| Metric | MCD | SBUX |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 57.35% | 31.75% |
| Operating margin | 46.01% | 9.43% |
| Net margin | 31.62% | 5.17% |
| ROE | -478.11% | -22.93% |
| ROIC | 17.44% | 8.48% |
Dividends
| Metric | MCD | SBUX |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 2.72% | 2.35% |
| Payout ratio | 61.25% | 151.53% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | MCD | SBUX |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
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 August 1, 2026.