McDonald's Corp vs PepsiCo, Inc. — how do they compare? McDonald's Corp trades at $273.98 (market cap $194.00B), while PepsiCo, Inc. trades at $138.11 (market cap $188.91B). The key difference: McDonald's Corp and PepsiCo, Inc. are close in size by market cap, and PepsiCo, Inc. pays the higher dividend (4.28%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| MCD | PEP | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $194.00B | $188.91B |
Volume | 2,230,036 | — |
Sector | Consumer Cyclical | Consumer Staples |
52-Week High | $341.06 | $170.44 |
52-Week Low | $262.80 | $134.95 |
Enterprise Value | $247.77B | $231.41B |
Dividend Yield | 2.71% | 4.28% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
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.
PepsiCo (PEP) trades at $137.69, down 0.95% on the day, with a bearish technical signal despite recent earnings beats. The company maintains strong profitability with 10.78% net margin and 51.59% ROE, though Q3 2026 earnings are pending. Recent news highlights price adjustments on snack products and sponsorship changes, while analysts maintain a consensus Buy rating with $158.79 price target.
PEP offers steady dividend income and operational stability, but faces near-term pressure from consumer resistance to price hikes and competitive threats. The stock trades below consensus target with mixed technical indicators, presenting potential value for long-term investors willing to navigate current volatility and margin pressures.
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 →PepsiCo is one of the largest food and beverage companies globally. It makes, markets, and sells a slew of brands across the beverage and snack categories, including Pepsi, Mountain Dew, Gatorade, Doritos, Lays, and Ruffles. The firm uses a largely integrated go-to-market model, though it does leverage third-party bottlers, contract manufacturers, and distributors in certain markets. In addition to company-owned trademarks, Pepsi manufactures and distributes other brands through partnerships and joint ventures with companies such as Starbucks. The firm segments its operations into five primary geographies, with North America (comprising Frito-Lay North America, Quaker Foods North America, and North America beverages) constituting around 60% of consolidated revenue.
Read more on PEP →