The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (EL) vs The Kroger Co. (KR)

KR leads on 12 of 15 compared metrics.

A side-by-side comparison of The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. and The Kroger Co. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 20, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Compare

Total return — EL vs KR

growth of $100 · last 30y
EL +795.6%KR +1072.0%KR compounded faster
01k2k3k4kStart $100200120062011201620212026$896$1,172
EL KR

EL vs KR: by the numbers

  • KR is the larger company ($34.90B vs $30.67B market cap).
  • KR is profitable (0.71% net margin) while EL runs a net loss (-1.67%).
  • KR grew revenue faster over the past five years (2.33% vs 0.17% CAGR).
  • KR pays the higher dividend yield (2.47% vs 1.65%).

Which is better, EL or KR?

Metric tally: EL 3 · KR 12

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

GrowthKR(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
IncomeKR(higher dividend yield)
QualityEL(higher ROIC)

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricELKR
P/E ratio33.11
Forward P/E26.6310.21
P/S ratio2.090.23
P/B ratio7.765.37
EV / EBITDA27.6910.38
FCF yield4.15%8.29%

Profitability

MetricELKR
Gross margin73.40%23.18%
Operating margin7.56%1.33%
Net margin-1.67%0.71%
ROE-6.21%16.26%
ROIC6.44%4.70%

Dividends

MetricELKR
Dividend yield1.65%2.47%
Payout ratio89.74%

Growth (annualized)

MetricELKR
Revenue CAGR (5Y)0.17%2.33%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-25.98%-13.96%
FCF CAGR (5Y)-12.95%9.43%
Total return CAGR (5Y)-20.94%10.19%

Frequently asked

Which is better, EL or KR?
It depends on your goal. growth: KR (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: KR (higher dividend yield); quality: EL (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, KR leads 12 to 3.
Which has grown faster, EL or KR?
Over the past five years, KR grew revenue faster — EL at a 0.17% CAGR versus KR at 2.33%.
Does EL or KR pay a bigger dividend?
EL yields 1.65% and KR yields 2.47% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is EL or KR more profitable?
KR runs the higher net margin — EL at -1.67% versus KR at 0.71%.
Which has been the better investment, EL or KR?
Over the past 10-year, KR delivered the higher annualized total return — EL at 0.47% versus KR at 7.05%. 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 20, 2026.