Carter's Inc. (CRI) vs Macy's, Inc. (M)

M leads on 14 of 17 compared metrics.

A side-by-side comparison of Carter's Inc. and Macy's, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of July 9, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Compare

Total return — CRI vs M

growth of $100 · last 23y
CRI +207.7%M -2.4%CRI compounded faster
02004006008001kStart $10020072011201520192023$308$98
CRI M

CRI vs M: by the numbers

  • M is the larger company ($5.97B vs $1.44B market cap).
  • M trades at the lower earnings multiple (9.42 vs 14.95 P/E).
  • CRI converts more revenue to profit (3.07% vs 2.94% net margin).
  • M grew revenue faster over the past five years (2.77% vs -1.35% CAGR).
  • M pays the higher dividend yield (3.37% vs 2.64%).

Which is better, CRI or M?

Metric tally: CRI 3 · M 14

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValueM(lower P/E)
GrowthM(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
IncomeM(higher dividend yield)
QualityM(higher ROIC)

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricCRIM
P/E ratio14.959.42
Forward P/E11.4510.37
P/S ratio0.460.27
P/B ratio1.451.28
PEG ratio23.730.66
EV / EBITDA10.475.26
FCF yield9.46%24.27%

Profitability

MetricCRIM
Gross margin44.66%36.54%
Operating margin4.80%4.47%
Net margin3.07%2.94%
ROE9.76%13.79%
ROIC5.29%6.63%

Dividends

MetricCRIM
Dividend yield2.64%3.37%
Payout ratio38.61%32.32%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCRIM
Revenue CAGR (5Y)-1.35%2.77%
EPS CAGR (5Y)0.63%4.50%
FCF CAGR (5Y)-24.78%10.73%
Total return CAGR (5Y)-14.59%9.50%

Frequently asked

Which is better, CRI or M?
It depends on your goal. value: M (lower P/E); growth: M (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: M (higher dividend yield); quality: M (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, M leads 14 to 3.
Is CRI or M cheaper?
On trailing earnings, M is cheaper: CRI trades at a 14.95 P/E and M at 9.42.
Which has grown faster, CRI or M?
Over the past five years, M grew revenue faster — CRI at a -1.35% CAGR versus M at 2.77%.
Does CRI or M pay a bigger dividend?
CRI yields 2.64% and M yields 3.37% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is CRI or M more profitable?
CRI runs the higher net margin — CRI at 3.07% versus M at 2.94%.
Which has been the better investment, CRI or M?
Over the past 10-year, M delivered the higher annualized total return — CRI at -7.50% versus M at 0.33%. 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 July 9, 2026.