CSX Corporation vs McDonald's Corp — how do they compare? CSX Corporation trades at $50.03 (market cap $92.88B), while McDonald's Corp trades at $274.15 (market cap $193.70B). The key difference: McDonald's Corp is far larger — about 2.1× CSX Corporation's market cap, and McDonald's Corp pays the higher dividend (2.72%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| CSX | MCD | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $92.88B | $193.70B |
Sector | Industrials | Consumer Cyclical |
52-Week High | $53.21 | $341.06 |
52-Week Low | $32.05 | $262.80 |
Enterprise Value | $110.85B | $247.47B |
Dividend Yield | 1.12% | 2.72% |
Volume | — | 2,230,036 |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
CSX trades at $50.27, down 0.85% on the day, with a neutral technical signal and bullish moving averages. Recent Q2 2026 earnings beat estimates with EPS of $0.54 versus $0.518 expected, driven by 10% revenue growth and 17% operating income increase. The company raised 2026 guidance to mid-to-high-single-digit revenue growth and margin expansion. Analyst consensus is bullish with 59% buy ratings and a $52.57 price target, implying 4.6% upside from current levels.
Outlook remains positive due to strong volume growth and operational efficiency, but risks include fuel cost pressures and economic sensitivity. The stock offers value through consistent dividends and earnings momentum, though valuation multiples appear elevated with P/E at 29.23. Investors should monitor execution against raised guidance and industry 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
Operating in the Eastern United States, Class I railroad CSX generated revenue near $12.5 billion in 2021. On its more than 21,000 miles of track, CSX hauls shipments of coal (13% of consolidated revenue), chemicals (22%), intermodal containers (16%), automotive cargo (9%), and a diverse mix of other bulk and industrial merchandise.
Read more on CSX →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 →