Alcon Inc. (ALC) vs Zoetis Inc. (ZTS)
A side-by-side comparison of Alcon Inc. and Zoetis Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of August 28, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
ALC
Alcon Inc.
$71.47HealthcareDelayed quote: Aug 28, 2026, 12:44 PM EDT
ZTS
Zoetis Inc.
$76.62HealthcareDelayed quote: Aug 28, 2026, 12:45 PM EDT
Total return — ALC vs ZTS
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 7yALC +26.9% (+3.5%/yr)ZTS -20.7% (-3.3%/yr)ALC compounded faster over this window
ALC ZTS
ALC vs ZTS: by the numbers
- •ALC is the larger company ($34.86B vs $32.12B market cap).
- •ZTS trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (12.36 vs 55.56 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •ZTS converts more revenue to profit (27.49% vs 5.95% net margin).
- •ALC grew revenue faster over the past five years (6.57% vs 5.13% CAGR).
- •ZTS pays the higher dividend yield (2.75% vs 0.50%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | ALC | ZTS |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 55.56 | 12.36 |
| Forward P/E | 20.49 | 12.00 |
| P/S ratio | 3.28 | 3.29 |
| P/B ratio | 1.63 | 9.95 |
| EV / EBITDA | 17.44 | 9.76 |
| FCF yield | 4.77% | 7.55% |
Profitability
| Metric | ALC | ZTS |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 56.43% | 70.87% |
| Operating margin | 10.26% | 37.00% |
| Net margin | 5.95% | 27.49% |
| ROE | 2.96% | 83.10% |
| ROIC | 3.35% | 21.63% |
Dividends
| Metric | ALC | ZTS |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 0.50% | 2.75% |
| Payout ratio | 18.06% | 34.16% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | ALC | ZTS |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 6.57% | 5.13% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | N/A | 11.88% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 40.55% | 6.81% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | -2.16% | -17.20% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, ALC or ZTS?
- ZTS has the lower trailing P/E: ALC trades at 55.56 and ZTS at 12.36. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, ALC or ZTS?
- Over the past five years, ALC grew revenue faster — ALC at a 6.57% CAGR versus ZTS at 5.13%.
- Does ALC or ZTS pay a bigger dividend?
- ALC yields 0.50% and ZTS yields 2.75% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is ALC or ZTS more profitable?
- ZTS runs the higher net margin — ALC at 5.95% versus ZTS at 27.49%.
- How have ALC and ZTS total returns compared?
- Over the past 5 years, ALC delivered -2.16% and ZTS delivered 4.90% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Alcon P/E ratioZoetis P/E ratioAlcon dividend yieldZoetis dividend yieldAlcon ROEZoetis ROEAlcon operating marginZoetis operating marginAlcon revenue growthZoetis revenue growthAlcon free cash flowZoetis free cash flow
Alcon & Zoetis appear in these rankings
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 28, 2026.