McDonald's Corp vs Packaging Corporation of America — how do they compare? McDonald's Corp trades at $264.6 (market cap $190.16B), while Packaging Corporation of America trades at $228.77 (market cap $20.77B). The key difference: McDonald's Corp is far larger — about 9.2× Packaging Corporation of America's market cap, and McDonald's Corp pays the higher dividend (2.78%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| MCD | PKG | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $190.16B | $20.77B |
Volume | 2,230,036 | — |
Sector | Consumer Cyclical | Technology |
52-Week High | $341.06 | $246.31 |
52-Week Low | $264.54 | $191.41 |
Enterprise Value | $243.87B | $24.59B |
Dividend Yield | 2.78% | 2.57% |
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.
Packaging Corporation of America (PKG) trades at $228.43, down 1.99% today, with mixed technical signals showing bullish moving averages but neutral oscillators. The company reported Q1 2026 EPS of $2.40, beating estimates, but faces margin pressure with net income expected to decline to $741 million in 2026. Recent developments include a 20% dividend increase and upcoming Q2 earnings on July 22, 2026.
PKG presents a balanced outlook with strong institutional support and dividend growth offset by earnings volatility and margin compression. The consensus price target of $256.14 suggests 12% upside potential, but investors should monitor Q2 results and cost management amid inflationary 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 →Packaging Corporation of America is a leading producer of containerboard and corrugated packaging products in North America. The company also produces white papers, which include printing and writing papers. PKG operates as an integrated manufacturer, with a strong focus on high-quality and sustainable packaging solutions for e-commerce, food and beverage, and other industrial and consumer markets.
Read more on PKG →