Carter's, Inc. (CRI) vs LKQ Corporation (LKQ)
LKQ leads on 15 of 17 compared metrics.
A side-by-side comparison of Carter's, Inc. and LKQ Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 16, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).
Total return — CRI vs LKQ
growth of $100 · last 23yCRI +239.3%LKQ +1250.5%LKQ compounded faster
CRI LKQ
CRI vs LKQ: by the numbers
- •LKQ is the larger company ($6.67B vs $1.54B market cap).
- •LKQ trades at the lower earnings multiple (13.00 vs 16.48 P/E).
- •LKQ converts more revenue to profit (3.71% vs 3.07% net margin).
- •LKQ grew revenue faster over the past five years (3.37% vs -1.35% CAGR).
- •LKQ pays the higher dividend yield (4.59% vs 2.39%).
Which is better, CRI or LKQ?
Metric tally: CRI 2 · LKQ 15It depends on what you're optimizing for:
ValueLKQ(lower P/E)
GrowthLKQ(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
IncomeLKQ(higher dividend yield)
QualityLKQ(higher ROIC)
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | CRI | LKQ |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 16.48 | 13.00● |
| Forward P/E | 12.63 | 8.80● |
| P/S ratio | 0.50 | 0.48● |
| P/B ratio | 1.60 | 1.03● |
| PEG ratio | 26.16 | 5.70● |
| EV / EBITDA | 10.69 | 8.42● |
| FCF yield | 8.58% | 12.08%● |
Profitability
| Metric | CRI | LKQ |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 44.66%● | 37.68% |
| Operating margin | 4.80% | 7.30%● |
| Net margin | 3.07% | 3.71%● |
| ROE | 9.76%● | 8.00% |
| ROIC | 5.29% | 6.60%● |
Dividends
| Metric | CRI | LKQ |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 2.39% | 4.59%● |
| Payout ratio | 38.61% | 51.06% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | CRI | LKQ |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | -1.35% | 3.37%● |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 0.63% | 2.28%● |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | -24.78% | -12.79%● |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | -13.92% | -9.36%● |
Frequently asked
- Which is better, CRI or LKQ?
- It depends on your goal. value: LKQ (lower P/E); growth: LKQ (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: LKQ (higher dividend yield); quality: LKQ (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, LKQ leads 15 to 2.
- Is CRI or LKQ cheaper?
- On trailing earnings, LKQ is cheaper: CRI trades at a 16.48 P/E and LKQ at 13.00.
- Which has grown faster, CRI or LKQ?
- Over the past five years, LKQ grew revenue faster — CRI at a -1.35% CAGR versus LKQ at 3.37%.
- Does CRI or LKQ pay a bigger dividend?
- CRI yields 2.39% and LKQ yields 4.59% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is CRI or LKQ more profitable?
- LKQ runs the higher net margin — CRI at 3.07% versus LKQ at 3.71%.
- Which has been the better investment, CRI or LKQ?
- Over the past 10-year, LKQ delivered the higher annualized total return — CRI at -6.17% versus LKQ at -0.87%. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Carter's P/E ratioLKQ P/E ratioCarter's dividend yieldLKQ dividend yieldCarter's ROELKQ ROECarter's operating marginLKQ operating marginCarter's revenue growthLKQ revenue growthCarter's free cash flowLKQ free cash flow
Carter's & LKQ appear in these rankings
Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified June 16, 2026.