MCD vs MRK
MCD vs MRK · Last updated April 5, 2026
| Metric | MCD | MRK | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $307.14 | $120.87 | — |
| Market Cap | $219.2B | $298.8B | MRK |
| P/E Ratio | 25.70 | 16.60 | MRK |
| Dividend Yield | 242.00% | 281.00% | MRK |
Performance Comparison
| Period | MCD | MRK |
|---|---|---|
| 1M | -6.20% | +4.91% |
| 3M | +3.00% | +13.33% |
| 6M | +3.23% | +37.69% |
| YTD | +1.06% | +15.68% |
| 1Y | +4.71% | +53.75% |
| 3Y | N/A | N/A |
| 5Y | N/A | N/A |
Dividend Comparison
| Ex-Date | Ticker | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| March 16, 2026 | MRK | $0.85 |
| March 3, 2026 | MCD | $1.86 |
| December 15, 2025 | MRK | $0.85 |
| December 1, 2025 | MCD | $1.86 |
| September 15, 2025 | MRK | $0.81 |
| September 2, 2025 | MCD | $1.77 |
| June 16, 2025 | MRK | $0.81 |
| June 2, 2025 | MCD | $1.77 |
| March 17, 2025 | MRK | $0.81 |
| March 3, 2025 | MCD | $1.77 |
| December 16, 2024 | MRK | $0.81 |
| December 2, 2024 | MCD | $1.77 |
| September 16, 2024 | MRK | $0.77 |
| September 3, 2024 | MCD | $1.67 |
| June 17, 2024 | MRK | $0.77 |
| June 3, 2024 | MCD | $1.67 |
| March 14, 2024 | MRK | $0.77 |
| February 29, 2024 | MCD | $1.67 |
| December 14, 2023 | MRK | $0.77 |
| November 30, 2023 | MCD | $1.67 |
Key Differences
MCD and MRK serve different roles in many portfolios. Understanding the specific differences in cost, performance, and risk profile can help clarify which asset aligns with different investment objectives.
For income-oriented investors, MRK provides a higher yield at 281.00% versus MCD's 242.00%. This 39.00% gap means MRK generates more cash flow per dollar invested, though dividend yields change daily with price movements.
MRK has a market capitalization of $298.8B (mega-cap), which is 1.4x the size of MCD's $219.2B (mega-cap). Larger companies tend to have more stable prices, while smaller companies may offer higher growth potential with greater volatility.
MCD has a trailing price-to-earnings ratio of 25.7 compared to MRK's 16.6. This difference in earnings multiples may reflect varying market expectations for future growth, profitability, and risk between the two companies.
The data above reflects the most recent available information. Market conditions change frequently, and investors should verify current figures before making decisions.
How to Compare MCD and MRK
- Compare valuations: MCD trades at a P/E of 25.7 while MRK trades at 16.6.
- Consider company size: MCD ($219.2B) vs MRK ($298.8B).
- Review historical performance across different time periods (1-month to 5-year) to understand how each has performed in various market conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is MCD or MRK a better investment?
Whether MCD or MRK is more suitable depends on your individual investment goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon. MCD and MRK differ in key metrics like P/E ratio, market capitalization, and dividend yield. This page provides objective data to help you compare the two.
Which has a higher dividend yield, MCD or MRK?
MRK currently has a higher trailing dividend yield of 281.00% compared to MCD's 242.00%. Dividend yields fluctuate daily based on stock price and are based on trailing twelve-month distributions.
Which company is larger, MCD or MRK?
MRK has a market capitalization of $298.8B, making it the larger company by market value.
What are the risks of investing in MCD vs MRK?
Both MCD and MRK carry market risk — their values can decline during market downturns. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Consider factors like volatility, sector concentration, and your own risk tolerance when evaluating either investment.
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