McDonald's (MCD) vs Yum China (YUMC)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
Yum China (YUMC) has outperformed McDonald's (MCD) over the past year, losing 4.5% versus a loss of 22.1%. Over five years, MCD leads with a -4.7% price change compared with -33.2% for YUMC. McDonald's is the larger company by market cap ($163.38 billion vs $13.73 billion), about 11.9 times the size, while Yum China is growing revenue faster (+4.4% vs +3.7%).
On valuation, Yum China trades at a lower forward P/E (12.0x vs 16.7x for McDonald's). McDonald's offers the higher dividend yield (3.18% vs 2.61%). McDonald's converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 31.9% versus 7.9%.
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 | YUMC |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $230.88 | $40.65 |
| Market cap | $163.38B | $13.73B |
| 1-day change | -0.68% | +0.07% |
| YTD return | -24.46% | -14.85% |
| 1-year return | -22.08% | -4.51% |
| 5-year return | -4.69% | -33.21% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 18.88 | 14.89 |
| Forward P/E | 16.75 | 12.02 |
| EPS (TTM) | $12.23 | $2.73 |
| Dividend yield | 3.18% | 2.61% |
| Annual dividend | $7.35 | $1.06 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $26.89B | $11.80B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +3.72% | +4.37% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $8.56B | $929.00M |
| Operating margin | 46.10% | 10.93% |
| Net margin | 31.85% | 7.87% |
| 52-week high | $341.75 | $58.39 |
| 52-week low | $229.20 | $39.72 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -32.44% | -30.38% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | strong_buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +27.23% | +52.32% |
| Average volume | 4.99M | 1.51M |
| Shares outstanding | 707.64M | 337.86M |
| Employees | 150,000 | 130,000 |
| Sector | Consumer Discretionary | Consumer Cyclical |
| 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
- McDonald's is about 11.9 times larger than Yum China by market value ($163.38B vs $13.73B).
- YUMC has outperformed MCD by 17.6 percentage points over the past year.
- McDonald's trades at a higher earnings multiple (18.9x vs 14.9x trailing P/E).
- McDonald's is more profitable, keeping 31.9 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 7.9 cents for Yum China.
- The two companies sit in different sectors: McDonald's in Consumer Discretionary and Yum China in Consumer Cyclical.
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 Yum China
YUMC stock →Yum China Holdings, Inc. owns, operates, and franchises restaurants in the People's Republic of China.
Consumer Cyclical · Restaurants · 130,000 employees
MCD vs YUMC FAQ
Which is bigger, McDonald's or Yum China?
McDonald's (MCD) is larger, with a market capitalization of $163.38B compared with $13.73B for Yum China (YUMC).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, MCD or YUMC?
YUMC returned -4.51% 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 YUMC?
YUMC has the lower trailing P/E at 14.9, versus 18.9 for MCD. 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 Yum China?
McDonald's has the higher yield at 3.18%, compared with 2.61% for Yum China.
Are McDonald's and Yum China in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Restaurants industry within the Consumer Discretionary sector.