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 July 28, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
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.
KR
The Kroger Co.
$59.19Consumer DefensiveDelayed quote: Jul 28, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
MA
Mastercard Incorporated
$562.75Financial ServicesDelayed quote: Jul 28, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — KR vs MA
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 20yKR +764.8%MA +13386.5%MA compounded faster
Log scale — wide-divergence pair
KR MA
KR vs MA: by the numbers
- •MA is the larger company ($497.23B vs $36.26B market cap).
- •MA trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (31.93 vs 33.91 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •MA converts more revenue to profit (45.88% vs 0.71% net margin).
- •MA grew revenue faster over the past five years (17.05% vs 2.33% CAGR).
- •KR pays the higher dividend yield (2.41% vs 0.59%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | KR | MA |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 33.91 | 31.93 |
| Forward P/E | 12.07 | 28.09 |
| P/S ratio | 0.24 | 14.52 |
| P/B ratio | 5.51 | 73.29 |
| PEG ratio | N/A | 1.83 |
| EV / EBITDA | 10.44 | N/A |
| FCF yield | 8.09% | N/A |
Profitability
| Metric | KR | MA |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 23.18% | 82.96% |
| Operating margin | 1.33% | 59.40% |
| Net margin | 0.71% | 45.88% |
| ROE | 16.27% | 231.63% |
| ROIC | 4.70% | 48.63% |
Dividends
| Metric | KR | MA |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 2.41% | 0.59% |
| Payout ratio | 89.74% | 19.70% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | KR | MA |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 2.33% | 17.05% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | -13.96% | 20.93% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | -1.62% | N/A |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 10.73% | 8.55% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, KR or MA?
- MA has the lower trailing P/E: KR trades at 33.91 and MA at 31.93. 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 17.05%.
- Does KR or MA pay a bigger dividend?
- KR yields 2.41% and MA yields 0.59% 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 45.88%.
- How have KR and MA total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, KR delivered 7.90% and MA delivered 20.01% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Kroger P/E ratioMastercard P/E ratioKroger dividend yieldMastercard dividend yieldKroger ROEMastercard ROEKroger operating marginMastercard operating marginKroger revenue growthMastercard revenue growthKroger free cash flowMastercard free cash flow
Kroger & Mastercard appear in these rankings
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.