Compare McDonald's Corp (MCD) vs Paychex, Inc. (PAYX) Price & Performance
Price performance (Past 24H)
Key statistics
Key statistics
McDonald's Corp vs Paychex, Inc. — how do they compare? McDonald's Corp trades at $265.24 (market cap $190.16B), while Paychex, Inc. trades at $112.94 (market cap $40.98B). The key difference: McDonald's Corp is far larger — about 4.6× Paychex, Inc.'s market cap, and Paychex, Inc. pays the higher dividend (4.13%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| MCD | PAYX | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $190.16B | $40.98B |
Volume | 2,230,036 | — |
Sector | Consumer Cyclical | Industrials |
52-Week High | $341.06 | $147.99 |
52-Week Low | $264.54 | $85.57 |
Enterprise Value | $243.87B | $44.47B |
Dividend Yield | 2.78% | 4.13% |
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.
Paychex (PAYX) trades at $115.15, up 0.66% today, with strong technical momentum indicated by bullish moving averages. The company demonstrates robust fundamentals with consistent earnings beats, including Q1 2026 EPS of $1.32 beating expectations of $1.31, and maintains high profitability with a 27.03% net income margin. Recent developments include dividend declarations and positive small business job growth trends.
Outlook remains positive with steady revenue growth and AI expansion driving future performance, though valuation metrics appear elevated with P/E at 23.39. Key risks include macroeconomic sensitivity to small business hiring and competitive pressures. Analyst consensus is mixed with 63.33% hold ratings and a $110 price target slightly below current levels.
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 Paychex, Inc.
Paychex is a leading provider of payroll, human capital management, and insurance solutions servicing small and midsize clients primarily in the United States. The company, established in 1979, services over 730,000 clients and pays over 1 in 12 U.S. private-sector workers. Alongside its traditional payroll services, Paychex offers HCM solutions such as benefits administration and time and attendance software, as well as human resources outsourcing and insurance agency services.
Read more on PAYX →
