McCormick (MKC) vs Smithfield Foods (SFD)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
Smithfield Foods (SFD) has outperformed McCormick (MKC) over the past year, losing 17.1% versus a loss of 31.0%. McCormick is the larger company by market cap ($12.18 billion vs $7.28 billion), about 1.7 times the size, while Smithfield Foods is growing revenue faster (+9.8% vs +1.7%). On valuation, Smithfield Foods trades at a lower forward P/E (8.4x vs 14.1x for McCormick).
Smithfield Foods offers the higher dividend yield (6.08% vs 4.18%). McCormick converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 11.5% versus 6.4%.
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 | MKC | SFD |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $45.25 | $18.50 |
| Market cap | $12.18B | $7.28B |
| 1-day change | -0.33% | -1.49% |
| YTD return | -33.56% | -17.15% |
| 1-year return | -31.04% | -17.11% |
| 5-year return | -43.17% | — |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 8.21 | 6.88 |
| Forward P/E | 14.08 | 8.43 |
| EPS (TTM) | $5.51 | $2.69 |
| Dividend yield | 4.18% | 6.08% |
| Annual dividend | $1.89 | $1.13 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $6.84B | $15.53B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +1.73% | +9.82% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $789.40M | $987.00M |
| Gross margin | 37.90% | 13.45% |
| Operating margin | 15.65% | 8.32% |
| Net margin | 11.54% | 6.36% |
| 52-week high | $72.41 | $29.81 |
| 52-week low | $43.25 | $18.43 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -37.51% | -37.93% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +21.22% | +40.92% |
| Average volume | 3.24M | 1.69M |
| Shares outstanding | 254.54M | 393.77M |
| Employees | 14,100 | 34,000 |
| Sector | Consumer Staples | Consumer Staples |
| Industry | Packaged Foods | Meat/Poultry/Fish |
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
- SFD has outperformed MKC by 13.9 percentage points over the past year.
- Smithfield Foods offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (6.08% vs 4.18%).
- McCormick is more profitable, keeping 11.5 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 6.4 cents for Smithfield Foods.
- Smithfield Foods grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+9.82% vs +1.73%).
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
About Smithfield Foods
SFD stock →Smithfield Foods, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, produces various packaged meats and fresh pork products in the United States and internationally. It operates through Packaged Meats, Fresh Pork, Hog Production, and Other segments.
Consumer Staples · Meat/Poultry/Fish · 34,000 employees
MKC vs SFD FAQ
Which is bigger, McCormick or Smithfield Foods?
McCormick (MKC) is larger, with a market capitalization of $12.18B compared with $7.28B for Smithfield Foods (SFD).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, MKC or SFD?
SFD returned -17.11% 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, MKC or SFD?
SFD has the lower trailing P/E at 6.9, versus 8.2 for MKC. 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, McCormick or Smithfield Foods?
Smithfield Foods has the higher yield at 6.08%, compared with 4.18% for McCormick.
Are McCormick and Smithfield Foods in the same industry?
Both are in the Consumer Staples sector, but in different industries: Packaged Foods for McCormick and Meat/Poultry/Fish for Smithfield Foods.