Alcon AG vs McDonald's Corp — how do they compare? Alcon AG trades at $75 (market cap $35.19B), while McDonald's Corp trades at $273.95 (market cap $193.70B). The key difference: McDonald's Corp is far larger — about 5.5× Alcon AG's market cap, and McDonald's Corp pays the higher dividend (2.72%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| ALC | MCD | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $35.19B | $193.70B |
Sector | Health | Consumer Cyclical |
52-Week High | $90.12 | $341.06 |
52-Week Low | $62.02 | $262.80 |
Enterprise Value | $39.03B | $247.47B |
Dividend Yield | 0.49% | 2.72% |
Volume | — | 2,230,036 |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
ALC trades at $71.81, up 3.26% today, with a bullish technical signal supported by moving averages and ADX indicators. The company reported Q2 2026 EPS of $0.84, beating estimates, and raised its profit guidance on August 11, 2026, citing strong product launches. Revenue grew to $10.4B in 2025, though net income margin dipped to 9.42%. Valuation ratios include a P/E of 43 and P/S of 3.34, reflecting premium pricing.
Outlook is positive with analyst consensus at 54% buy ratings and a 27.8% upside target, but risks include margin pressure and high debt. The stock offers growth potential from innovation but faces competitive and macroeconomic headwinds.
McDonald's (MCD) trades at $274.15, down slightly by 0.12% on the day, with technical indicators showing a neutral overall signal. The company demonstrates strong fundamentals with consistent revenue growth, reaching $26.89 billion in 2025, and robust profitability with a 31.72% net income margin. Recent earnings have consistently beaten expectations, and the company has announced a new global growth strategy focused on automation and menu innovation to drive future performance.
The outlook for MCD is positive, supported by strong analyst consensus with a $322.45 price target implying significant upside. Key opportunities include the successful execution of its new growth plan and its defensive qualities in a challenging economy. Primary risks involve inflationary pressures on franchisee margins and intense competition in the quick-service restaurant sector.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
Alcon, headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, is the global eyecare leader with a diverse portfolio in ophthalmology including contact lenses, eye drops, surgical equipment, and related surgical products. Novartis purchased Alcon from Nestle in 2010 and, following nine years as a Novartis subsidiary, the company was spun off as a public company in April 2019. The company reports five distinct segments: implantables (16% of revenue), consumables (31%), equipment (9%), contact lenses (27%), and ocular health (17%). The company is geographically diversified, with only about 40% of revenue from the U.S. market, and the firm has a strong presence in the European Union and Japan.
Read more on ALC →McDonald's Corporation franchises and operates fast-food restaurants in the global restaurant industry. The Company's restaurants serves a variety of value-priced menu products in countries around the world.
Read more on MCD →