Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (ADM) vs Kimberly-Clark Corp (KMB)

KMB leads on 9 of 16 compared metrics.

A side-by-side comparison of Archer-Daniels-Midland Company and Kimberly-Clark Corp 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 KMB

growth of $100 · last 30y
ADM +414.5%KMB +184.2%ADM compounded faster
200400600Start $100200120062011201620212026$515$284
ADM KMB

ADM vs KMB: by the numbers

  • ADM is the larger company ($36.55B vs $34.51B market cap).
  • KMB trades at the lower earnings multiple (16.32 vs 34.01 P/E).
  • KMB converts more revenue to profit (12.81% vs 1.34% net margin).
  • ADM grew revenue faster over the past five years (3.38% vs -2.61% CAGR).
  • KMB pays the higher dividend yield (4.89% vs 2.72%).

Which is better, ADM or KMB?

Metric tally: ADM 7 · KMB 9

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValueKMB(lower P/E)
GrowthADM(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
IncomeKMB(higher dividend yield)
QualityKMB(higher ROIC)

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricADMKMB
P/E ratio34.0116.32
Forward P/E14.0213.72
P/S ratio0.462.09
P/B ratio1.6119.29
EV / EBITDA12.0013.44
FCF yield13.05%7.44%

Profitability

MetricADMKMB
Gross margin5.83%35.86%
Operating margin1.52%13.27%
Net margin1.34%12.81%
ROE4.74%117.98%
ROIC3.51%17.41%

Dividends

MetricADMKMB
Dividend yield2.72%4.89%
Payout ratio92.38%83.55%

Growth (annualized)

MetricADMKMB
Revenue CAGR (5Y)3.38%-2.61%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-6.73%-2.50%
FCF CAGR (5Y)18.75%3.38%
Total return CAGR (5Y)7.36%-0.71%

Frequently asked

Which is better, ADM or KMB?
It depends on your goal. value: KMB (lower P/E); growth: ADM (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: KMB (higher dividend yield); quality: KMB (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, KMB leads 9 to 7.
Is ADM or KMB cheaper?
On trailing earnings, KMB is cheaper: ADM trades at a 34.01 P/E and KMB at 16.32.
Which has grown faster, ADM or KMB?
Over the past five years, ADM grew revenue faster — ADM at a 3.38% CAGR versus KMB at -2.61%.
Does ADM or KMB pay a bigger dividend?
ADM yields 2.72% and KMB yields 4.89% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is ADM or KMB more profitable?
KMB runs the higher net margin — ADM at 1.34% versus KMB at 12.81%.
Which has been the better investment, ADM or KMB?
Over the past 10-year, ADM delivered the higher annualized total return — ADM at 9.09% versus KMB at 0.98%. 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.