Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (ADM) vs The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (EL)

A side-by-side comparison of Archer-Daniels-Midland Company and The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 13, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnADM vs EL

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
ADM +176.2% (+10.7%/yr)EL +26.3% (+2.4%/yr)ADM compounded faster over this window
100200300400Start $10020182020202220242026$276$126
ADM EL

ADM vs EL: by the numbers

  • ADM is the larger company ($39.68B vs $36.27B market cap).
  • ADM trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (22.56 vs 200.58 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • ADM converts more revenue to profit (2.16% vs 1.21% net margin).
  • ADM grew revenue faster over the past five years (1.85% vs -1.48% CAGR).
  • ADM pays the higher dividend yield (2.39% vs 1.44%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricADMEL
P/E ratio22.56200.58
Forward P/E15.33N/A
P/S ratio0.482.41
P/B ratio1.689.53
EV / EBITDA9.7126.73
FCF yield4.23%3.63%

Profitability

MetricADMEL
Gross margin6.87%75.50%
Operating margin2.46%5.18%
Net margin2.16%1.21%
ROE7.51%4.78%
ROIC4.89%2.97%

Dividends

MetricADMEL
Dividend yield2.39%1.44%
Payout ratio56.71%280.00%

Growth (annualized)

MetricADMEL
Revenue CAGR (5Y)1.85%-1.48%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-6.73%-42.44%
FCF CAGR (5Y)58.63%-15.16%
Total return CAGR (5Y)10.78%-20.75%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, ADM or EL?
ADM has the lower trailing P/E: ADM trades at 22.56 and EL at 200.58. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, ADM or EL?
Over the past five years, ADM grew revenue faster — ADM at a 1.85% CAGR versus EL at -1.48%.
Does ADM or EL pay a bigger dividend?
ADM yields 2.39% and EL yields 1.44% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is ADM or EL more profitable?
ADM runs the higher net margin — ADM at 2.16% versus EL at 1.21%.
How have ADM and EL total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, ADM delivered 10.73% and EL delivered 2.34% 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 September 13, 2026.