Lamb Weston (LW) vs McCormick (MKC.V)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 9, 2026.
Summary
Lamb Weston (LW) has outperformed McCormick (MKC.V) over the past year, losing 22.7% versus a loss of 27.7%. Over five years, LW leads with a -12.1% price change compared with -40.1% for MKC.V. McCormick is the larger company by market cap ($12.43 billion vs $6.66 billion), about 1.9 times the size.
On valuation, McCormick trades at a lower trailing P/E (8.4x vs 26.4x for Lamb Weston). McCormick offers the higher dividend yield (4.09% vs 3.12%).
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 | LW | MKC.V |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $48.36 | $46.20 |
| Market cap | $6.66B | $12.43B |
| 1-day change | -2.23% | -3.23% |
| YTD return | +18.07% | -29.80% |
| 1-year return | -22.74% | -27.70% |
| 5-year return | -12.06% | -40.07% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 26.42 | 8.35 |
| Forward P/E | 13.69 | — |
| EPS (TTM) | $1.83 | $5.53 |
| Dividend yield | 3.12% | 4.09% |
| Annual dividend | $1.51 | $1.89 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $6.61B | — |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +2.50% | — |
| Net income (latest FY) | $290.00M | — |
| Gross margin | 20.56% | — |
| Operating margin | 8.94% | — |
| Net margin | 4.39% | — |
| 52-week high | $67.07 | $72.14 |
| 52-week low | $37.62 | $44.30 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -27.90% | -35.96% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | — |
| Avg. price target upside | +15.62% | — |
| Average volume | 1.92M | 10.21K |
| Shares outstanding | 137.78M | 14.52M |
| Employees | 10,000 | 14,100 |
| Sector | Consumer Staples | Consumer Defensive |
| 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
- Lamb Weston trades at a higher earnings multiple (26.4x vs 8.4x trailing P/E).
- The two companies sit in different sectors: Lamb Weston in Consumer Staples and McCormick in Consumer Defensive.
About Lamb Weston
LW stock →Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. engages in the production, distribution, and marketing of frozen potato products in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and internationally.
Consumer Staples · Packaged Foods · 10,000 employees
About McCormick
MKC.V 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 Defensive · Packaged Foods · 14,100 employees
LW vs MKC.V FAQ
Which is bigger, Lamb Weston or McCormick?
McCormick (MKC.V) is larger, with a market capitalization of $12.43B compared with $6.66B for Lamb Weston (LW).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, LW or MKC.V?
LW returned -22.74% over the past 12 months, compared with -27.70% for MKC.V (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, LW or MKC.V?
MKC.V has the lower trailing P/E at 8.4, versus 26.4 for LW. 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, Lamb Weston or McCormick?
McCormick has the higher yield at 4.09%, compared with 3.12% for Lamb Weston.
Are Lamb Weston and McCormick in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Packaged Foods industry within the Consumer Staples sector.