MCD vs SBUX: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 2, 2026, MCD (McDonald's Corporation) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 7 of 8 head-to-head metrics. MCD offers the higher yield at 2.99%, MCD has the higher dividend-safety score, and MCD looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 35% below its share price).
Key facts: MCD vs SBUX
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 2, 2026, McDonald's Corporation (MCD) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.99%, versus 2.43% for Starbucks Corporation (SBUX).
- As of Nov 2, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MCD's dividend safety A (86/100) and SBUX's B (78/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 2, 2026, MCD has raised its dividend for 17 consecutive years and SBUX for 15.
- As of Nov 2, 2026, MCD pays out 60% of its earnings as dividends and SBUX pays out 143%.
- As of Nov 2, 2026, MCD's fair-value estimate is 35% below its share price and SBUX's fair-value estimate is 45% below its share price, so MCD looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MCD vs SBUX: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 2, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/mcd-vs-sbux
| Metric | MCD | SBUX |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.99% | 2.43% |
| Annual dividend | $7.72 | $2.52 |
| Payout ratio | 60% | 143% |
| Years of growth | 17 yr | 15 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 7.3% | 7.8% |
| 5-yr total return | 6% | -5% |
| Dividend safety score | 86 (A) | 78 (B) |
| Fair value estimate | $167.63 | $57.32 |
| Upside to fair value | -35% | -45% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $182.7B | $118.2B |
| P/E ratio | 21.0 | 46.9 |
Higher yield
MCD
2.99%
Safer dividend
MCD
Grade A
Faster growth
SBUX
7.8%
Better value
MCD
-35% upside
MCD vs SBUX — FAQ
Is MCD or SBUX a better dividend stock?
On the data, MCD wins more head-to-head categories (7 vs 1). MCD offers the higher yield (2.99%), while MCD has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, MCD or SBUX?
MCD has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.99%, versus 2.43% for SBUX.
Is MCD or SBUX safer?
MCD has the higher dividend-safety score (86/100 vs 78/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MCD or SBUX better value right now?
As of Nov 2, 2026, MCD looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 35% below its share price (overvalued). For SBUX, its fair-value estimate is 45% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.