Hormel Foods Corporation (HRL) vs McCormick & Company, Incorporated (MKC)

A side-by-side comparison of Hormel Foods Corporation and McCormick & Company, Incorporated across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of July 28, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnHRL vs MKC

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 30y
HRL +1615.9%MKC +1861.7%MKC compounded faster
01k2k3kStart $100200120062011201620212026$1,716$1,962
HRL MKC

HRL vs MKC: by the numbers

  • HRL is the larger company ($14.07B vs $13.85B market cap).
  • MKC trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (8.42 vs 30.65 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • MKC converts more revenue to profit (22.05% vs 3.82% net margin).
  • HRL grew revenue faster over the past five years (4.36% vs 4.15% CAGR).
  • HRL pays the higher dividend yield (4.47% vs 3.73%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricHRLMKC
P/E ratio30.658.42
Forward P/E17.4716.39
P/S ratio1.171.84
P/B ratio1.811.95
PEG ratioN/A8.59
EV / EBITDA16.8413.84
FCF yield4.83%8.50%

Profitability

MetricHRLMKC
Gross margin15.72%38.62%
Operating margin5.75%15.34%
Net margin3.82%22.05%
ROE5.87%23.28%
ROIC4.31%7.93%

Dividends

MetricHRLMKC
Dividend yield4.47%3.73%
Payout ratio133.91%64.29%

Growth (annualized)

MetricHRLMKC
Revenue CAGR (5Y)4.36%4.15%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-11.68%0.98%
FCF CAGR (5Y)-6.83%-1.93%
Total return CAGR (5Y)-7.87%-7.29%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, HRL or MKC?
MKC has the lower trailing P/E: HRL trades at 30.65 and MKC at 8.42. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, HRL or MKC?
Over the past five years, HRL grew revenue faster — HRL at a 4.36% CAGR versus MKC at 4.15%.
Does HRL or MKC pay a bigger dividend?
HRL yields 4.47% and MKC yields 3.73% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is HRL or MKC more profitable?
MKC runs the higher net margin — HRL at 3.82% versus MKC at 22.05%.
How have HRL and MKC total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, HRL delivered -0.61% and MKC delivered 2.14% annualized total return. 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 28, 2026.