McDonald's Corporation (MCD) vs Target Corporation (TGT)

MCD leads on 8 of 15 compared metrics, though TGT is the cheaper stock.

A side-by-side comparison of McDonald's Corporation and Target Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 13, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Total return — MCD vs TGT

growth of $100 · last 30y
MCD +1092.7%TGT +1389.3%TGT compounded faster
01k2k3kStart $100200120062011201620212026$1,193$1,489
MCD TGT

MCD vs TGT: by the numbers

  • MCD is the larger company ($202.36B vs $61.42B market cap).
  • TGT trades at the lower earnings multiple (17.86 vs 23.48 P/E).
  • MCD converts more revenue to profit (31.62% vs 3.24% net margin).
  • MCD grew revenue faster over the past five years (6.95% vs 1.62% CAGR).
  • TGT pays the higher dividend yield (3.37% vs 2.58%).

Which is better, MCD or TGT?

Metric tally: MCD 8 · TGT 7

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValueTGT(lower P/E)
GrowthMCD(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
IncomeTGT(higher dividend yield)
QualityMCD(higher ROIC)

Valuation

MetricMCDTGT
P/E ratio23.4817.86
Forward P/E20.0615.09
P/S ratio7.400.58
P/B ratio3.76
PEG ratio5.30
EV / EBITDA17.227.81
FCF yield3.46%6.75%

Profitability

MetricMCDTGT
Gross margin57.35%28.14%
Operating margin46.01%4.49%
Net margin31.62%3.24%
ROE-478.38%21.04%
ROIC17.44%9.76%

Dividends

MetricMCDTGT
Dividend yield2.58%3.37%
Payout ratio61.25%55.88%

Growth (annualized)

MetricMCDTGT
Revenue CAGR (5Y)6.95%1.62%
EPS CAGR (5Y)13.58%-1.34%
FCF CAGR (5Y)5.78%-12.12%
Total return CAGR (5Y)6.16%-7.66%

Frequently asked

Which is better, MCD or TGT?
It depends on your goal. value: TGT (lower P/E); growth: MCD (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: TGT (higher dividend yield); quality: MCD (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, MCD leads 8 to 7.
Is MCD or TGT cheaper?
On trailing earnings, TGT is cheaper: MCD trades at a 23.48 P/E and TGT at 17.86.
Which has grown faster, MCD or TGT?
Over the past five years, MCD grew revenue faster — MCD at a 6.95% CAGR versus TGT at 1.62%.
Does MCD or TGT pay a bigger dividend?
MCD yields 2.58% and TGT yields 3.37% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is MCD or TGT more profitable?
MCD runs the higher net margin — MCD at 31.62% versus TGT at 3.24%.
Which has been the better investment, MCD or TGT?
Over the past 10-year, MCD delivered the higher annualized total return — MCD at 11.47% versus TGT at 10.33%. 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 June 13, 2026.