SHEL vs MCD Comparison

Shell is an integrated oil and gas company that explores for, produces, and refines oil around the world. In 2024, it produced 1.5 million barrels of liquids and 7.7 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day. At year-end 2024, reserves stood at 9.6 billion barrels of oil equivalent, 48% of which consisted of liquids. Its production and reserves are in Europe, Asia, Oceania, Africa, and North and South America. The company operates refineries with a capacity of 1.6 mmb/d located in the Americas, Asia, and Europe, and sells about 12 million tons per year of chemicals. Its largest chemical plants, often integrated with its local refineries, are in Central Europe, China, Singapore, and North America.

McDonald's is the largest restaurant owner-operator in the world, with 2024 system sales of $131 billion across more than 43,000 stores and 115 markets. McDonald's pioneered the franchise model, building its footprint through partnerships with independent restaurant franchisees and master franchise partners around the globe. The firm earns roughly 60% of its revenue from franchise royalty fees and lease payments, with most of the remainder coming from company-operated stores across its three core segments: the United States, internationally operated markets, and international developmental/licensed markets.