The Kroger Co. (KR) vs Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ)

A side-by-side comparison of The Kroger Co. and Verizon Communications Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 8, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

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

Total returnKR vs VZ

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
KR +133.7% (+8.9%/yr)VZ +64.4% (+5.1%/yr)KR compounded faster over this window
50100150200250300Start $10020182020202220242026$234$164
KR VZ

KR vs VZ: by the numbers

  • VZ is the larger company ($210.43B vs $35.29B market cap).
  • VZ trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (13.06 vs 34.26 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • VZ converts more revenue to profit (11.64% vs 0.71% net margin).
  • KR grew revenue faster over the past five years (2.33% vs 0.89% CAGR).
  • VZ pays the higher dividend yield (5.57% vs 2.46%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricKRVZ
P/E ratio34.2613.06
Forward P/E12.2010.04
P/S ratio0.241.51
P/B ratio5.572.01
EV / EBITDA10.508.32
FCF yield8.01%10.25%

Profitability

MetricKRVZ
Gross margin23.18%45.64%
Operating margin1.33%20.54%
Net margin0.71%11.64%
ROE16.27%15.56%
ROIC4.89%5.84%

Dividends

MetricKRVZ
Dividend yield2.46%5.57%
Payout ratio84.21%72.79%

Growth (annualized)

MetricKRVZ
Revenue CAGR (5Y)2.33%0.89%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-13.96%-1.14%
FCF CAGR (5Y)-1.62%-1.27%
Total return CAGR (5Y)6.95%4.43%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, KR or VZ?
VZ has the lower trailing P/E: KR trades at 34.26 and VZ at 13.06. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, KR or VZ?
Over the past five years, KR grew revenue faster — KR at a 2.33% CAGR versus VZ at 0.89%.
Does KR or VZ pay a bigger dividend?
KR yields 2.46% and VZ yields 5.57% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is KR or VZ more profitable?
VZ runs the higher net margin — KR at 0.71% versus VZ at 11.64%.
How have KR and VZ total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, KR delivered 8.31% and VZ delivered 4.99% 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 8, 2026.