What five years of weekly data say
- MCD returned +2.5% a year and SBUX −1.1% a year over the past five years, dividends reinvested.
- MCD was the calmer ride: 18% annual volatility, against 32%.
- Loosely linked (correlation 0.37). They often part ways, so each can soften the other’s bad weeks.
- MCD pays more income: a 2.99% yield, against 2.57% for SBUX.
The numbers side by side
| Metric | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | $248.24 | $95.83 |
| Market value | $175.66B | $109.25B |
| 1-year return | −15.8% | +16.2% (ahead) |
| 3-year return, a year | −0.7% | +3.3% (ahead) |
| 5-year return, a year | +2.5% (ahead) | −1.1% |
| Volatility, a year | 18% (ahead) | 32% |
| Worst drawdown | −26% (ahead) | −38% |
| Worst week | −7.6% (ahead)Oct 2024 | −17.2%Apr 2024 |
| Beta | 0.41 | 0.96 |
| P/E ratio | 20.2× | 55.4× |
| Dividend yield | 2.99% | 2.57% |
Do MCD and SBUX move together?
Correlation compares MCD’s and SBUX’s weekly returns from Sep 2021 to Sep 2026. Two holdings near +1 fall on the same weeks, so owning both doesn’t cushion anything. Your portfolio has more than two lines, and Portfolio Terminal runs this check across every pair you hold.
How far each one fell
MCD
−26%
From its Feb 2026 high to Sep 2026. Still 26% below it today.
SBUX
−38%
From its Dec 2021 high to Jun 2022. Back at that high by Apr 2023.
Worst peak-to-trough fall on weekly closes · dividends reinvested
MCD vs SBUX: what people ask
Is MCD better than SBUX?
Over the past five years, MCD delivered the higher return: +2.5% a year against −1.1% for SBUX, dividends reinvested. Its worst fall was also shallower (−26% against −38%). Which is better depends on the job it does in your portfolio, and past returns don’t predict future ones.
What is the difference between MCD and SBUX?
MCD is McDonald's Corporation (Restaurants), worth $175.66B. SBUX is Starbucks Corporation (Restaurants), worth $109.25B.
Should I own both MCD and SBUX?
Their weekly returns had a correlation of 0.37 over the past five years. They often part ways, so each can soften the other’s bad weeks. Whether that suits you depends on everything else you hold, which is the check Portfolio Terminal runs across a whole portfolio.
Which is riskier, MCD or SBUX?
SBUX swung more: 32% annual volatility against 18% for MCD. At their worst, MCD fell 26% and SBUX 38% from a previous high. Against the broad market, their betas are 0.41 and 0.96.
Which pays a higher dividend, MCD or SBUX?
MCD currently yields 2.99%, against 2.57% for SBUX. Yields move with price, so a higher yield can also mean a falling price.
Returns use weekly closes adjusted for dividends and splits, from Sep 2021 to Sep 2026. Quotes, fees and holdings come from public market data and refresh hourly. This page describes what happened; it is not investment advice, and past performance doesn’t predict future returns.