Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (ADM) vs Colgate-Palmolive Company (CL)

A side-by-side comparison of Archer-Daniels-Midland Company and Colgate-Palmolive Company across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of August 23, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnADM vs CL

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
ADM +146.5% (+9.4%/yr)CL +55.1% (+4.5%/yr)ADM compounded faster over this window
100150200250Start $10020182020202220242026$246$155
ADM CL

ADM vs CL: by the numbers

  • CL is the larger company ($72.88B vs $38.70B market cap).
  • ADM trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (22.00 vs 36.09 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • CL converts more revenue to profit (9.68% vs 2.16% net margin).
  • CL grew revenue faster over the past five years (4.26% vs 1.85% CAGR).
  • ADM pays the higher dividend yield (2.58% vs 2.31%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricADMCL
P/E ratio22.0036.09
Forward P/E15.3423.55
P/S ratio0.473.49
P/B ratio1.65310.99
EV / EBITDA9.5316.01
FCF yield4.31%5.26%

Profitability

MetricADMCL
Gross margin6.87%60.42%
Operating margin2.46%20.65%
Net margin2.16%9.68%
ROE7.51%863.14%
ROIC4.89%29.91%

Dividends

MetricADMCL
Dividend yield2.58%2.31%
Payout ratio92.83%79.55%

Growth (annualized)

MetricADMCL
Revenue CAGR (5Y)1.85%4.26%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-6.73%-3.47%
FCF CAGR (5Y)58.63%7.70%
Total return CAGR (5Y)9.44%5.41%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, ADM or CL?
ADM has the lower trailing P/E: ADM trades at 22.00 and CL at 36.09. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, ADM or CL?
Over the past five years, CL grew revenue faster — ADM at a 1.85% CAGR versus CL at 4.26%.
Does ADM or CL pay a bigger dividend?
ADM yields 2.58% and CL yields 2.31% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is ADM or CL more profitable?
CL runs the higher net margin — ADM at 2.16% versus CL at 9.68%.
How have ADM and CL total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, ADM delivered 9.51% and CL delivered 4.46% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

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 August 23, 2026.