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).
MCD
McDonald's Corporation
$284.81Consumer Cyclical
TGT
Target Corporation
$135.23Consumer Defensive
Total return — MCD vs TGT
growth of $100 · last 30yMCD +1092.7%TGT +1389.3%TGT compounded faster
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 7It depends on what you're optimizing for:
ValueTGT(lower P/E)
GrowthMCD(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
IncomeTGT(higher dividend yield)
QualityMCD(higher ROIC)
Valuation
| Metric | MCD | TGT |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 23.48 | 17.86● |
| Forward P/E | 20.06 | 15.09● |
| P/S ratio | 7.40 | 0.58● |
| P/B ratio | — | 3.76 |
| PEG ratio | 5.30 | — |
| EV / EBITDA | 17.22 | 7.81● |
| FCF yield | 3.46% | 6.75%● |
Profitability
| Metric | MCD | TGT |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 57.35%● | 28.14% |
| Operating margin | 46.01%● | 4.49% |
| Net margin | 31.62%● | 3.24% |
| ROE | -478.38% | 21.04%● |
| ROIC | 17.44%● | 9.76% |
Dividends
| Metric | MCD | TGT |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 2.58% | 3.37%● |
| Payout ratio | 61.25% | 55.88% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | MCD | TGT |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
McDonald's P/E ratioTarget P/E ratioMcDonald's dividend yieldTarget dividend yieldMcDonald's ROETarget ROEMcDonald's operating marginTarget operating marginMcDonald's revenue growthTarget revenue growthMcDonald's free cash flowTarget free cash flow
McDonald's & Target 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 June 13, 2026.