McDonald's (MCD) vs Starbucks (SBUX)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
Starbucks (SBUX) has outperformed McDonald's (MCD) over the past year, gaining 15.1% versus a loss of 22.1%. Over five years, MCD leads with a -4.7% price change compared with -16.0% for SBUX. McDonald's is the larger company by market cap ($163.38 billion vs $106.68 billion), about 1.5 times the size.
On valuation, McDonald's trades at a lower forward P/E (16.7x vs 30.0x for Starbucks). McDonald's offers the higher dividend yield (3.18% vs 2.65%). McDonald's converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 31.9% versus 5.0%.
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 | MCD | SBUX |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $230.88 | $93.58 |
| Market cap | $163.38B | $106.68B |
| 1-day change | -0.68% | -2.63% |
| YTD return | -24.46% | +11.13% |
| 1-year return | -22.08% | +15.12% |
| 5-year return | -4.69% | -16.03% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 18.88 | 55.70 |
| Forward P/E | 16.75 | 29.99 |
| EPS (TTM) | $12.23 | $1.68 |
| Dividend yield | 3.18% | 2.65% |
| Annual dividend | $7.35 | $2.48 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $26.89B | $37.18B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +3.72% | +2.79% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $8.56B | $1.86B |
| Operating margin | 46.10% | 7.90% |
| Net margin | 31.85% | 4.99% |
| 52-week high | $341.75 | $110.51 |
| 52-week low | $229.20 | $77.99 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -32.44% | -15.32% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +27.23% | +19.22% |
| Average volume | 4.99M | 6.88M |
| Shares outstanding | 707.64M | 1.14B |
| Employees | 150,000 | 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
- SBUX has outperformed MCD by 37.2 percentage points over the past year.
- Starbucks trades at a higher earnings multiple (55.7x vs 18.9x trailing P/E).
- McDonald's is more profitable, keeping 31.9 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 5.0 cents for Starbucks.
About McDonald's
MCD stock →McDonald's Corporation owns, operates, and franchises restaurants under the McDonald's brand in the United States and internationally. It offers food and beverages, including hamburgers and cheeseburgers, various chicken sandwiches, fries, shakes, frozen desserts, sundaes, soft serve cones, cookies, pies, soft drinks, coffee, and other beverages; and full or limited breakfast, as well as sells various other products during limited-time promotions.
Consumer Discretionary · Restaurants · 150,000 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
MCD vs SBUX FAQ
Which is bigger, McDonald's or Starbucks?
McDonald's (MCD) is larger, with a market capitalization of $163.38B compared with $106.68B for Starbucks (SBUX).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, MCD or SBUX?
SBUX returned +15.12% over the past 12 months, compared with -22.08% for MCD (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, MCD or SBUX?
MCD has the lower trailing P/E at 18.9, versus 55.7 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, McDonald's or Starbucks?
McDonald's has the higher yield at 3.18%, compared with 2.65% for Starbucks.
Are McDonald's and Starbucks in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Restaurants industry within the Consumer Discretionary sector.