Restaurant Brands International (QSR) 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 Restaurant Brands International (QSR) over the past year, gaining 15.1% versus a gain of 3.2%. Over five years, QSR leads with a +13.1% price change compared with -16.0% for SBUX. Starbucks is the larger company by market cap ($102.37 billion vs $32.48 billion), about 3.2 times the size, while Restaurant Brands International is growing revenue faster (+12.2% vs +2.8%).
On valuation, Restaurant Brands International trades at a lower forward P/E (16.0x vs 28.8x for Starbucks). Restaurant Brands International offers the higher dividend yield (3.58% vs 2.76%). Restaurant Brands International converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 11.4% 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 | QSR | SBUX |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $70.89 | $89.80 |
| Market cap | $32.48B | $102.37B |
| 1-day change | +2.10% | -4.04% |
| YTD return | +1.76% | +11.13% |
| 1-year return | +3.23% | +15.12% |
| 5-year return | +13.13% | -16.03% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 17.81 | 51.91 |
| Forward P/E | 16.01 | 28.78 |
| EPS (TTM) | $3.98 | $1.73 |
| Dividend yield | 3.58% | 2.76% |
| Annual dividend | $2.54 | $2.48 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $9.43B | $37.18B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +12.23% | +2.79% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $1.07B | $1.86B |
| Operating margin | 23.34% | 7.90% |
| Net margin | 11.39% | 4.99% |
| 52-week high | $81.96 | $110.51 |
| 52-week low | $64.52 | $77.99 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -13.51% | -18.74% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +21.26% | +24.24% |
| Average volume | 2.74M | 6.92M |
| Shares outstanding | 348.76M | 1.14B |
| Employees | 53,500 | 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 3.2 times larger than Restaurant Brands International by market value ($102.37B vs $32.48B).
- SBUX has outperformed QSR by 11.9 percentage points over the past year.
- Starbucks trades at a higher earnings multiple (51.9x vs 17.8x trailing P/E).
- Restaurant Brands International is more profitable, keeping 11.4 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 5.0 cents for Starbucks.
- Restaurant Brands International grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+12.23% vs +2.79%).
About Restaurant Brands International
QSR stock →Restaurant Brands International Inc. operates as a quick service restaurant company in Canada, the United States, and internationally.
Consumer Discretionary · Restaurants · 53,500 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
QSR vs SBUX FAQ
Which is bigger, Restaurant Brands International or Starbucks?
Starbucks (SBUX) is larger, with a market capitalization of $102.37B compared with $32.48B for Restaurant Brands International (QSR).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, QSR or SBUX?
SBUX returned +15.12% over the past 12 months, compared with +3.23% for QSR (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, QSR or SBUX?
QSR has the lower trailing P/E at 17.8, versus 51.9 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, Restaurant Brands International or Starbucks?
Restaurant Brands International has the higher yield at 3.58%, compared with 2.76% for Starbucks.
Are Restaurant Brands International and Starbucks in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Restaurants industry within the Consumer Discretionary sector.