Apple Inc. (AAPL) vs Colgate-Palmolive Company (CL)
A side-by-side comparison of Apple Inc. and Colgate-Palmolive Company across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 10, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
Different business models: AAPL is classified in Technology; CL is classified in Consumer Defensive. Margin, capital intensity, and valuation differences should be interpreted in that sector context.
AAPL
Apple Inc.
$332.27TechnologyDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
CL
Colgate-Palmolive Company
$86.80Consumer DefensiveDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — AAPL vs CL
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yAAPL +1157.2% (+28.8%/yr)CL +52.5% (+4.3%/yr)AAPL compounded faster over this window
Log scale — wide-divergence pair
AAPL CL
AAPL vs CL: by the numbers
- •AAPL is the larger company ($4.88T vs $69.46B market cap).
- •CL trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (34.39 vs 38.06 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •AAPL converts more revenue to profit (27.62% vs 9.68% net margin).
- •AAPL grew revenue faster over the past five years (6.10% vs 4.26% CAGR).
- •CL pays the higher dividend yield (2.39% vs 0.32%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | AAPL | CL |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 38.06 | 34.39 |
| Forward P/E | 37.62 | 22.44 |
| P/S ratio | 10.45 | 3.30 |
| P/B ratio | 45.39 | 294.31 |
| EV / EBITDA | 29.32 | 15.23 |
| FCF yield | 2.80% | 5.55% |
Profitability
| Metric | AAPL | CL |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 48.65% | 60.42% |
| Operating margin | 33.17% | 20.65% |
| Net margin | 27.62% | 9.68% |
| ROE | 119.91% | 863.14% |
| ROIC | 51.87% | 29.91% |
Dividends
| Metric | AAPL | CL |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 0.32% | 2.39% |
| Payout ratio | 12.14% | 83.20% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | AAPL | CL |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 6.10% | 4.26% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 17.73% | -3.47% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 7.60% | 7.70% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 17.58% | 5.14% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, AAPL or CL?
- CL has the lower trailing P/E: AAPL trades at 38.06 and CL at 34.39. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, AAPL or CL?
- Over the past five years, AAPL grew revenue faster — AAPL at a 6.10% CAGR versus CL at 4.26%.
- Does AAPL or CL pay a bigger dividend?
- AAPL yields 0.32% and CL yields 2.39% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is AAPL or CL more profitable?
- AAPL runs the higher net margin — AAPL at 27.62% versus CL at 9.68%.
- How have AAPL and CL total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, AAPL delivered 30.06% and CL delivered 4.62% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Apple P/E ratioColgate-Palmolive P/E ratioApple dividend yieldColgate-Palmolive dividend yieldApple ROEColgate-Palmolive ROEApple operating marginColgate-Palmolive operating marginApple revenue growthColgate-Palmolive revenue growthApple free cash flowColgate-Palmolive free cash flow
Apple & Colgate-Palmolive appear in these rankings
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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 10, 2026.