Lowe's Companies, Inc. (LOW) vs Ross Stores, Inc. (ROST)
A side-by-side comparison of Lowe's Companies, Inc. and Ross Stores, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of October 3, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
LOW
Lowe's Companies, Inc.
$180.80Consumer CyclicalDelayed quote: Oct 2, 2026, 4:01 PM EDT
ROST
Ross Stores, Inc.
$228.54Consumer CyclicalDelayed quote: Oct 2, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — LOW vs ROST
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yLOW +207.3% (+11.9%/yr)ROST +292.7% (+14.7%/yr)ROST compounded faster over this window
LOW ROST
LOW vs ROST: by the numbers
- •LOW is the larger company ($101.38B vs $73.31B market cap).
- •LOW trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (15.28 vs 27.67 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •ROST converts more revenue to profit (10.85% vs 7.34% net margin).
- •ROST grew revenue faster over the past five years (7.18% vs -0.90% CAGR).
- •LOW pays the higher dividend yield (2.68% vs 0.76%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | LOW | ROST |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 15.28 | 27.67 |
| Forward P/E | 14.73 | 27.02 |
| PEG ratio | 1.72 | 0.29 |
| P/S ratio | 1.12 | 2.99 |
| P/B ratio | N/A | 10.87 |
| EV / EBITDA | 10.99 | 17.62 |
| FCF yield | 6.90% | 3.81% |
Profitability
| Metric | LOW | ROST |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 33.08% | 29.89% |
| Operating margin | 11.38% | 13.75% |
| Net margin | 7.34% | 10.85% |
| ROE | N/A | 39.43% |
| ROIC | 21.02% | 22.56% |
Dividends
| Metric | LOW | ROST |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 2.68% | 0.76% |
| Payout ratio | 41.00% | 21.07% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | LOW | ROST |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | -0.90% | 7.18% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 8.85% | 94.40% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | -3.74% | 13.59% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | -0.45% | 16.79% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, LOW or ROST?
- LOW has the lower trailing P/E: LOW trades at 15.28 and ROST at 27.67. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, LOW or ROST?
- Over the past five years, ROST grew revenue faster — LOW at a -0.90% CAGR versus ROST at 7.18%.
- Does LOW or ROST pay a bigger dividend?
- LOW yields 2.68% and ROST yields 0.76% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is LOW or ROST more profitable?
- ROST runs the higher net margin — LOW at 7.34% versus ROST at 10.85%.
- How have LOW and ROST total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, LOW delivered 11.68% and ROST delivered 14.63% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Lowe's Companies P/E ratioRoss Stores P/E ratioLowe's Companies dividend yieldRoss Stores dividend yieldLowe's Companies ROERoss Stores ROELowe's Companies operating marginRoss Stores operating marginLowe's Companies revenue growthRoss Stores revenue growthLowe's Companies free cash flowRoss Stores free cash flow
Lowe's Companies & Ross Stores 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 October 3, 2026.