Compare McDonald's Corp (MCD) vs NRG Energy Inc (NRG) Price & Performance
Price performance (Past 24H)
Key statistics
Key statistics
McDonald's Corp vs NRG Energy Inc — how do they compare? McDonald's Corp trades at $264.92 (market cap $190.16B), while NRG Energy Inc trades at $133.51 (market cap $27.55B). The key difference: McDonald's Corp is far larger — about 6.9× NRG Energy Inc's market cap, and McDonald's Corp pays the higher dividend (2.78%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| MCD | NRG | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $190.16B | $27.55B |
Volume | 2,230,036 | — |
Sector | Consumer Cyclical | Utilities |
52-Week High | $341.06 | $184.03 |
52-Week Low | $264.54 | $120.65 |
Enterprise Value | $243.87B | $51.38B |
Dividend Yield | 2.78% | 1.46% |
Aura AI Summary
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Aura AI Summary
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.
NRG Energy trades at $131.02, up 1.48% with a bearish technical signal despite recent earnings beats. The stock shows mixed fundamentals with strong revenue growth to $30.71B but thin net margins of 0.74%. Analyst consensus remains bullish with a $196.33 price target, representing 50% upside potential from current levels. Recent news highlights expanding generation capacity and data center deals as growth catalysts.
The outlook balances strong analyst support against elevated valuation multiples and technical weakness. Key opportunities include power demand growth and strategic positioning, while risks involve margin pressure and debt levels exceeding 56% of assets. The upcoming Q2 2026 earnings report on August 4 will be critical for confirming growth trajectory.
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
Top news
Latest headlines on both assets
Top news
Latest headlines on both assets
About McDonald's Corp
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 →About NRG Energy Inc
NRG Energy is one of the largest retail energy providers in the U.S., with 7 million customers, including its 2021 acquisition of Direct Energy. It also is one of the largest U.S. independent power producers, with 16 gigawatts of nuclear, coal, gas, and oil power generation capacity primarily in Texas. Since 2018, NRG has divested its 47% stake in NRG Yield, among other renewable energy and conventional generation investments. NRG exited Chapter 11 bankruptcy as a stand-alone entity in December 2003.
Read more on NRG →
