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.

Compare

Total returnALC vs ZTS

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 7y
ALC +26.9% (+3.5%/yr)ZTS -20.7% (-3.3%/yr)ALC compounded faster over this window
100150200250Start $100202120232025$127$79
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

MetricALCZTS
P/E ratio55.5612.36
Forward P/E20.4912.00
P/S ratio3.283.29
P/B ratio1.639.95
EV / EBITDA17.449.76
FCF yield4.77%7.55%

Profitability

MetricALCZTS
Gross margin56.43%70.87%
Operating margin10.26%37.00%
Net margin5.95%27.49%
ROE2.96%83.10%
ROIC3.35%21.63%

Dividends

MetricALCZTS
Dividend yield0.50%2.75%
Payout ratio18.06%34.16%

Growth (annualized)

MetricALCZTS
Revenue CAGR (5Y)6.57%5.13%
EPS CAGR (5Y)N/A11.88%
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.

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.