McDonald's Corp vs Altria Group Inc — how do they compare? McDonald's Corp trades at $264.64 (market cap $190.16B), while Altria Group Inc trades at $73.46 (market cap $124.67B). The key difference: McDonald's Corp is the larger of the two by market cap, and Altria Group Inc pays the higher dividend (5.68%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| MCD | MO | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $190.16B | $124.67B |
Volume | 2,230,036 | — |
Sector | Consumer Cyclical | Consumer Staples |
52-Week High | $341.06 | $74.66 |
52-Week Low | $264.54 | $54.72 |
Enterprise Value | $243.87B | $145.75B |
Dividend Yield | 2.78% | 5.68% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
McDonald's (MCD) trades at $267.71, down 2.1% on the day, with a bearish technical signal driven by moving averages. The company reported steady revenue growth to $26.89 billion in 2025 and a net income margin of 31.62%, though Q2 2026 earnings are pending. Recent news highlights a new 'McDonald's NEXT' strategy focusing on automation and menu improvements to boost competitiveness.
The stock presents a buying opportunity with a consensus price target of $329, implying 23% upside, supported by strong analyst sentiment (58% buy ratings). Risks include inflationary pressures on franchisee margins and high long-term debt of $38.42 billion. Earnings execution and strategy rollout will be key for near-term performance.
Altria (MO) trades at $74.14, down slightly by 0.09% on the day, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages and neutral oscillators. The stock shows strong profitability with a 39.52% net income margin and consistent dividend payments, including a recent $1.06 dividend declared for July 2026. Revenue remains stable around $20.1B for 2025, though net income dipped to $6.95B from prior peaks. Analyst consensus is predominantly bullish with 16 buys and a $71.00 price target.
Outlook: MO offers a high-yield dividend appeal and defensive positioning amid market volatility, but faces risks from declining smoking trends and regulatory pressures. Earnings beats in recent quarters provide support, though debt levels and competitive shifts in nicotine products warrant caution for long-term growth investors.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
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 →Altria comprises Philip Morris USA, U.S. Smokeless Tobacco, John Middleton, Helix Innovations, and Philip Morris Capital, although the company plans to wind down Philip Morris Capital by the end of 2022. It holds a 10% interest in the world's largest brewer, Anheuser-Busch InBev. Through its tobacco subsidiaries, Altria holds the leading position in cigarettes and smokeless tobacco in the United States and the number-two spot in machine-made cigars. The company's Marlboro brand is the leading cigarette brand in the U.S. with a 43% share in 2020. Altria holds strategic investments in JUUL Labs (35% economic interest) and Cronos (42%).
Read more on MO →