Danaher Corporation vs McDonald's Corp — how do they compare? Danaher Corporation trades at $201.33 (market cap $140.88B), while McDonald's Corp trades at $267.5 (market cap $191.08B). The key difference: McDonald's Corp is the larger of the two by market cap, and McDonald's Corp pays the higher dividend (2.77%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| DHR | MCD | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $140.88B | $191.08B |
Sector | Health | Consumer Cyclical |
52-Week High | $242.05 | $341.06 |
52-Week Low | $161.91 | $264.54 |
Enterprise Value | $153.66B | $244.79B |
Dividend Yield | 0.8% | 2.77% |
Volume | — | 2,230,036 |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Danaher (DHR) trades at $200.16, up 0.56% today, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages and strong analyst support. The company reported Q1 2026 EPS of $2.06, beating estimates of $1.94, marking the third consecutive quarterly beat. Revenue for 2025 was $24.57 billion with a net income margin of 14.89%, though margins have compressed from prior years. Recent news includes the acquisition of Masimo and a $172.5 million legal settlement finalized in April 2026.
The outlook remains positive with a consensus price target of $211.33, implying ~5.6% upside, supported by 69% buy ratings. Key risks include margin pressure, integration challenges from acquisitions, and macroeconomic sensitivity. The stock offers a dividend yield from its $0.40 quarterly payout, with solid cash flow generation offsetting debt levels.
McDonald's (MCD) trades at $272.61, down 0.72% on the day, with a bearish technical signal from moving averages but neutral oscillators. The company reported revenue of $26.89 billion in 2025, with a net income margin of 31.62%, and recently unveiled its 'McDonald's NEXT' growth strategy focusing on automation and menu innovation. Analyst consensus is a Buy with a $325.50 price target, indicating significant upside potential.
The outlook for MCD is positive due to strong fundamentals, consistent profitability, and strategic initiatives to drive growth. Key risks include inflationary pressures on franchisee margins and competitive threats. The stock presents a long-term opportunity supported by analyst optimism and a resilient business model, though near-term volatility may persist.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
In 1984, Danaher's founders transformed a real estate organization into an industrial-focused manufacturing company. Through a series of mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures, including the Fortive separation in 2016, Danaher now focuses primarily on manufacturing scientific instruments and consumables in three segments: life sciences, diagnostics, and environmental and applied solutions. In late 2019, Danaher separated from its dental business through an initial public offering process, and in early 2020, it acquired GE's Biopharma business, now called Cytiva, which added to its life sciences segment.
Read more on DHR →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 →