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 September 11, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnHRL vs MKC

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
HRL -27.2% (-3.1%/yr)MKC +29.8% (+2.6%/yr)MKC compounded faster over this window
100150200250Start $10020182020202220242026$73$130
HRL MKC

HRL vs MKC: by the numbers

  • MKC is the larger company ($13.80B vs $11.32B market cap).
  • MKC trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (8.54 vs 32.65 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • MKC converts more revenue to profit (22.05% vs 2.82% net margin).
  • MKC grew revenue faster over the past five years (4.15% vs 3.25% CAGR).
  • HRL pays the higher dividend yield (5.60% vs 3.70%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricHRLMKC
P/E ratio32.658.54
Forward P/E13.8416.63
P/S ratio0.931.87
P/B ratio1.441.97
EV / EBITDA15.7713.24
FCF yield6.90%7.15%

Profitability

MetricHRLMKC
Gross margin15.68%38.62%
Operating margin4.72%15.34%
Net margin2.82%22.05%
ROE4.37%23.28%
ROIC3.16%6.16%

Dividends

MetricHRLMKC
Dividend yield5.60%3.70%
Payout ratio185.32%31.45%

Growth (annualized)

MetricHRLMKC
Revenue CAGR (5Y)3.25%4.15%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-12.47%0.98%
FCF CAGR (5Y)-6.83%-1.93%
Total return CAGR (5Y)-10.20%-7.71%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, HRL or MKC?
MKC has the lower trailing P/E: HRL trades at 32.65 and MKC at 8.54. 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, MKC grew revenue faster — HRL at a 3.25% CAGR versus MKC at 4.15%.
Does HRL or MKC pay a bigger dividend?
HRL yields 5.60% and MKC yields 3.70% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is HRL or MKC more profitable?
MKC runs the higher net margin — HRL at 2.82% versus MKC at 22.05%.
How have HRL and MKC total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, HRL delivered -2.73% and MKC delivered 2.61% 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 September 11, 2026.