Darling Ingredients (DAR) vs McCormick (MKC)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
Darling Ingredients (DAR) has outperformed McCormick (MKC) over the past year, gaining 94.1% versus a loss of 31.0%. Over five years, DAR leads with a -19.2% price change compared with -43.2% for MKC. McCormick is the larger company by market cap ($12.18 billion vs $9.47 billion), about 1.3 times the size, while Darling Ingredients is growing revenue faster (+7.4% vs +1.7%).
On valuation, Darling Ingredients trades at a lower forward P/E (9.6x vs 14.1x for McCormick). McCormick pays a dividend yielding 4.18%, while Darling Ingredients does not currently pay one. McCormick converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 11.5% versus 1.0%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | DAR | MKC |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $60.02 | $45.25 |
| Market cap | $9.47B | $12.18B |
| 1-day change | -1.88% | -0.33% |
| YTD return | +66.72% | -33.56% |
| 1-year return | +94.05% | -31.04% |
| 5-year return | -19.18% | -43.17% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 16.18 | 8.18 |
| Forward P/E | 9.56 | 14.08 |
| EPS (TTM) | $3.71 | $5.53 |
| Dividend yield | 0.00% | 4.18% |
| Annual dividend | $0.00 | $1.89 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $6.14B | $6.84B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +7.36% | +1.73% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $62.80M | $789.40M |
| Gross margin | 24.01% | 37.90% |
| Operating margin | 4.46% | 15.65% |
| Net margin | 1.02% | 11.54% |
| 52-week high | $69.98 | $72.41 |
| 52-week low | $29.15 | $43.25 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -14.23% | -37.51% |
| Analyst consensus | strong_buy | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +35.92% | +21.22% |
| Average volume | 2.34M | 3.25M |
| Shares outstanding | 157.80M | 254.54M |
| Employees | 15,000 | 14,100 |
| Sector | Consumer Staples | Consumer Staples |
| Industry | Packaged Foods | Packaged Foods |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- DAR has outperformed MKC by 125.1 percentage points over the past year.
- Darling Ingredients trades at a higher earnings multiple (16.2x vs 8.2x trailing P/E).
- McCormick offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (4.18% vs 0.00%).
- McCormick is more profitable, keeping 11.5 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 1.0 cents for Darling Ingredients.
- Darling Ingredients grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+7.36% vs +1.73%).
About Darling Ingredients
DAR stock →Darling Ingredients Inc. develops, produces, and sells sustainable natural ingredients from edible and inedible bio-nutrients in North America, Europe, China, South America, and internationally.
Consumer Staples · Packaged Foods · 15,000 employees
About McCormick
MKC stock →McCormick & Company, Incorporated manufactures, markets, and distributes herbs, spices, seasoning mixes, condiments, and other flavorful products to the food industry. It operates in two segments, Consumer and Flavor Solutions.
Consumer Staples · Packaged Foods · 14,100 employees
DAR vs MKC FAQ
Which is bigger, Darling Ingredients or McCormick?
McCormick (MKC) is larger, with a market capitalization of $12.18B compared with $9.47B for Darling Ingredients (DAR).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, DAR or MKC?
DAR returned +94.05% over the past 12 months, compared with -31.04% for MKC (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, DAR or MKC?
MKC has the lower trailing P/E at 8.2, versus 16.2 for DAR. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, Darling Ingredients or McCormick?
McCormick pays a dividend yielding 4.18%, while Darling Ingredients does not currently pay a regular dividend.
Are Darling Ingredients and McCormick in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Packaged Foods industry within the Consumer Staples sector.