The Kroger Co. (KR) vs Mastercard Incorporated (MA)

A side-by-side comparison of The Kroger Co. and Mastercard Incorporated across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 10, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

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Different business models: KR is classified in Consumer Defensive; MA is classified in Financial Services. Margin, capital intensity, and valuation differences should be interpreted in that sector context.

Total returnKR vs MA

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
KR +112.9% (+7.8%/yr)MA +520.3% (+20.0%/yr)MA compounded faster over this window
200400600Start $10020182020202220242026$213$620
KR MA

KR vs MA: by the numbers

  • MA is the larger company ($499.20B vs $35.83B market cap).
  • MA trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (31.31 vs 34.20 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • MA converts more revenue to profit (46.34% vs 0.71% net margin).
  • MA grew revenue faster over the past five years (16.09% vs 2.33% CAGR).
  • KR pays the higher dividend yield (2.55% vs 0.60%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricKRMA
P/E ratio34.2031.31
Forward P/E11.2628.52
P/S ratio0.2414.23
P/B ratio5.5488.97
EV / EBITDA10.47N/A
FCF yield8.05%N/A

Profitability

MetricKRMA
Gross margin23.18%100.00%
Operating margin1.33%59.84%
Net margin0.71%46.34%
ROE16.27%289.73%
ROIC4.89%N/A

Dividends

MetricKRMA
Dividend yield2.55%0.60%
Payout ratio84.21%18.54%

Growth (annualized)

MetricKRMA
Revenue CAGR (5Y)2.33%16.09%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-13.96%20.93%
FCF CAGR (5Y)-1.62%N/A
Total return CAGR (5Y)6.39%10.88%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, KR or MA?
MA has the lower trailing P/E: KR trades at 34.20 and MA at 31.31. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, KR or MA?
Over the past five years, MA grew revenue faster — KR at a 2.33% CAGR versus MA at 16.09%.
Does KR or MA pay a bigger dividend?
KR yields 2.55% and MA yields 0.60% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is KR or MA more profitable?
MA runs the higher net margin — KR at 0.71% versus MA at 46.34%.
How have KR and MA total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, KR delivered 8.24% and MA delivered 19.83% 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 10, 2026.