Aramark (ARMK) vs Starbucks (SBUX)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 9, 2026.
Summary
Aramark (ARMK) has outperformed Starbucks (SBUX) over the past year, gaining 43.7% versus a gain of 16.5%. Over five years, ARMK leads with a +111.6% price change compared with -16.4% for SBUX. Starbucks is the larger company by market cap ($106.26 billion vs $14.64 billion), about 7.3 times the size, while Aramark is growing revenue faster (+6.4% vs +2.8%).
On valuation, Aramark trades at a lower forward P/E (19.7x vs 29.9x for Starbucks). Starbucks offers the higher dividend yield (2.66% vs 0.86%). Starbucks converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 5.0% versus 1.8%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | ARMK | SBUX |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $55.54 | $93.21 |
| Market cap | $14.64B | $106.26B |
| 1-day change | +0.22% | -0.40% |
| YTD return | +50.68% | +10.69% |
| 1-year return | +43.74% | +16.45% |
| 5-year return | +111.62% | -16.37% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 38.84 | 53.88 |
| Forward P/E | 19.75 | 29.87 |
| EPS (TTM) | $1.43 | $1.73 |
| Dividend yield | 0.86% | 2.66% |
| Annual dividend | $0.48 | $2.48 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $18.51B | $37.18B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +6.35% | +2.79% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $326.39M | $1.86B |
| Gross margin | 8.36% | — |
| Operating margin | 4.28% | 7.90% |
| Net margin | 1.76% | 4.99% |
| 52-week high | $62.65 | $110.51 |
| 52-week low | $35.07 | $77.99 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -11.35% | -15.65% |
| Analyst consensus | strong_buy | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +23.33% | +19.70% |
| Average volume | 2.41M | 6.92M |
| Shares outstanding | 263.63M | 1.14B |
| Employees | 278,390 | 381,000 |
| Sector | Consumer Discretionary | Consumer Discretionary |
| Industry | Restaurants | Restaurants |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- Starbucks is about 7.3 times larger than Aramark by market value ($106.26B vs $14.64B).
- ARMK has outperformed SBUX by 27.3 percentage points over the past year.
- Starbucks trades at a higher earnings multiple (53.9x vs 38.8x trailing P/E).
- Starbucks offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (2.66% vs 0.86%).
About Aramark
ARMK stock →Aramark provides food and facilities services to education, healthcare, business and industry, sports, leisure, and corrections clients in the United States and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Food and Support Services United States, and Food and Support Services International.
Consumer Discretionary · Restaurants · 278,390 employees
About Starbucks
SBUX stock →Starbucks Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a roaster, marketer, and retailer of coffee internationally. The company operates through three segments: North America, International, and Channel Development.
Consumer Discretionary · Restaurants · 381,000 employees
ARMK vs SBUX FAQ
Which is bigger, Aramark or Starbucks?
Starbucks (SBUX) is larger, with a market capitalization of $106.26B compared with $14.64B for Aramark (ARMK).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, ARMK or SBUX?
ARMK returned +43.74% over the past 12 months, compared with +16.45% for SBUX (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, ARMK or SBUX?
ARMK has the lower trailing P/E at 38.8, versus 53.9 for SBUX. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, Aramark or Starbucks?
Starbucks has the higher yield at 2.66%, compared with 0.86% for Aramark.
Are Aramark and Starbucks in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Restaurants industry within the Consumer Discretionary sector.