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).

Compare

Total return — CRI vs LKQ

growth of $100 · last 23y
CRI +239.3%LKQ +1250.5%LKQ compounded faster
01k2k3kStart $10020072011201520192023$339$1,351
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 15

It 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

MetricCRILKQ
P/E ratio16.4813.00
Forward P/E12.638.80
P/S ratio0.500.48
P/B ratio1.601.03
PEG ratio26.165.70
EV / EBITDA10.698.42
FCF yield8.58%12.08%

Profitability

MetricCRILKQ
Gross margin44.66%37.68%
Operating margin4.80%7.30%
Net margin3.07%3.71%
ROE9.76%8.00%
ROIC5.29%6.60%

Dividends

MetricCRILKQ
Dividend yield2.39%4.59%
Payout ratio38.61%51.06%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCRILKQ
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.

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.