VOL. XCIV, NO. 247

★ WIDE MOAT STOCKS COMPARISON ★

NO ADVICE

Wednesday, December 31, 2025

Stock Comparison

McDonald's Corporation vs Symrise AG

Compare moat strength, market structure, and segment coverage to understand how each company defends its edge.

McDonald's Corporation

MCD · New York Stock Exchange

Market cap (USD)$221.3B
SectorConsumer
CountryUS
Data as of2025-12-30
Moat score
80/ 100

Weighted average of segment moat scores, combining moat strength, durability, confidence, market structure, pricing power, and market share.

Full stock profile

Dive deeper into McDonald's Corporation's moat claims, evidence, and risks.

View MCD analysis

Symrise AG

SY1 · Xetra

Market cap (USD)$14.5B
SectorMaterials
CountryDE
Data as of2025-12-29
Moat score
69/ 100

Weighted average of segment moat scores, combining moat strength, durability, confidence, market structure, pricing power, and market share.

Full stock profile

Dive deeper into Symrise AG's moat claims, evidence, and risks.

View SY1 analysis

Comparison highlights

  • Moat score gap: McDonald's Corporation leads (80 / 100 vs 69 / 100 for Symrise AG).
  • Segment focus: McDonald's Corporation has 3 segments (48.7% in International Operated Markets); Symrise AG has 2 segments (61.8% in Taste, Nutrition & Health).
  • Primary market structure: Competitive vs Oligopoly. Pricing power: Moderate vs Moderate.
  • Moat breadth: McDonald's Corporation has 5 moat types across 2 domains; Symrise AG has 5 across 3.

Primary market context

McDonald's Corporation

International Operated Markets

Market

Quick-service restaurants and informal eating out (IEO)

Geography

International operated markets (e.g., Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, U.K.)

Customer

Consumers (end customers) and franchisees (B2B system partners)

Role

Franchisor / restaurant operator

Revenue share

48.7%

Symrise AG

Taste, Nutrition & Health

Market

Food & beverage flavor ingredients and pet food ingredients

Geography

Global

Customer

B2B (food & beverage, pet food, aquafeed manufacturers)

Role

Ingredient/formulation supplier

Revenue share

61.8%

Side-by-side metrics

McDonald's Corporation
Symrise AG
Ticker / Exchange
MCD - New York Stock Exchange
SY1 - Xetra
Market cap (USD)
$221.3B
$14.5B
Sector
Consumer
Materials
HQ country
US
DE
Primary segment
International Operated Markets
Taste, Nutrition & Health
Market structure
Competitive
Oligopoly
Market share
n/a
12%-16% (implied)
HHI estimate
n/a
958
Pricing power
Moderate
Moderate
Moat score
80 / 100
69 / 100
Moat domains
Demand, Supply
Demand, Supply, Legal
Last update
2025-12-30
2025-12-29

Moat coverage

Shared moat types

No overlap yet.

McDonald's Corporation strengths

Brand TrustPhysical Network DensityDistribution ControlOperational ExcellenceLong Term Contracts

Symrise AG strengths

Design In QualificationPreferential Input AccessScope EconomiesIP Choke PointCapex Knowhow Scale

Segment mix

McDonald's Corporation segments

Full profile >

U.S.

Competitive

41%

International Operated Markets

Competitive

48.7%

International Developmental Licensed Markets & Corporate

Competitive

10.3%

Symrise AG segments

Full profile >

Taste, Nutrition & Health

Oligopoly

61.8%

Scent & Care

Oligopoly

38.2%

Want the full wide moat stocks list?

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Curation & Accuracy

This directory blends AI‑assisted discovery with human curation. Entries are reviewed, edited, and organized with the goal of expanding coverage and sharpening quality over time. Your feedback helps steer improvements (because no single human can capture everything all at once).

Details change. Pricing, features, and availability may be incomplete or out of date. Treat listings as a starting point and verify on the provider’s site before making decisions. If you spot an error or a gap, send a quick note and I’ll adjust.