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

ADM leads on 12 of 15 compared metrics.

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 June 24, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Compare

Total return — ADM vs EL

growth of $100 · last 30y
ADM +414.5%EL +759.1%EL compounded faster
01k2k3k4kStart $100200120062011201620212026$515$859
ADM EL

ADM vs EL: by the numbers

  • ADM is the larger company ($36.55B vs $30.29B market cap).
  • ADM is profitable (1.34% net margin) while EL runs a net loss (-1.67%).
  • ADM grew revenue faster over the past five years (3.38% vs 0.17% CAGR).
  • ADM pays the higher dividend yield (2.72% vs 1.67%).

Which is better, ADM or EL?

Metric tally: ADM 12 · EL 3

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

GrowthADM(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
IncomeADM(higher dividend yield)
QualityEL(higher ROIC)

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricADMEL
P/E ratio34.01
Forward P/E14.0226.28
P/S ratio0.462.06
P/B ratio1.617.66
EV / EBITDA12.0027.41
FCF yield13.05%4.20%

Profitability

MetricADMEL
Gross margin5.83%73.40%
Operating margin1.52%7.56%
Net margin1.34%-1.67%
ROE4.74%-6.21%
ROIC3.51%6.44%

Dividends

MetricADMEL
Dividend yield2.72%1.67%
Payout ratio92.38%

Growth (annualized)

MetricADMEL
Revenue CAGR (5Y)3.38%0.17%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-6.73%-25.98%
FCF CAGR (5Y)18.75%-12.95%
Total return CAGR (5Y)7.36%-21.48%

Frequently asked

Which is better, ADM or EL?
It depends on your goal. growth: ADM (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: ADM (higher dividend yield); quality: EL (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, ADM leads 12 to 3.
Which has grown faster, ADM or EL?
Over the past five years, ADM grew revenue faster — ADM at a 3.38% CAGR versus EL at 0.17%.
Does ADM or EL pay a bigger dividend?
ADM yields 2.72% and EL yields 1.67% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is ADM or EL more profitable?
ADM runs the higher net margin — ADM at 1.34% versus EL at -1.67%.
Which has been the better investment, ADM or EL?
Over the past 10-year, ADM delivered the higher annualized total return — ADM at 9.09% versus EL at 0.03%. 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 June 24, 2026.