Colgate-Palmolive Company (CL) vs Dover Corporation (DOV)
A side-by-side comparison of Colgate-Palmolive Company and Dover Corporation 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.
Different business models: CL is classified in Consumer Defensive; DOV is classified in Industrials. Margin, capital intensity, and valuation differences should be interpreted in that sector context.
CL
Colgate-Palmolive Company
$88.17Consumer DefensiveDelayed quote: Sep 14, 2026, 3:55 PM EDT
DOV
Dover Corporation
$189.00IndustrialsDelayed quote: Sep 14, 2026, 3:55 PM EDT
Total return — CL vs DOV
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yCL +51.6% (+4.2%/yr)DOV +298.1% (+14.8%/yr)DOV compounded faster over this window
CL DOV
CL vs DOV: by the numbers
- •CL is the larger company ($70.55B vs $25.45B market cap).
- •DOV trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (22.83 vs 34.93 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •DOV converts more revenue to profit (13.48% vs 9.68% net margin).
- •CL grew revenue faster over the past five years (4.26% vs 2.54% CAGR).
- •CL pays the higher dividend yield (2.42% vs 1.10%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | CL | DOV |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 34.93 | 22.83 |
| Forward P/E | 22.80 | 17.67 |
| P/S ratio | 3.35 | 3.02 |
| P/B ratio | 298.95 | 3.30 |
| EV / EBITDA | 15.45 | 14.88 |
| FCF yield | 5.47% | 4.61% |
Profitability
| Metric | CL | DOV |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 60.42% | 39.58% |
| Operating margin | 20.65% | 16.87% |
| Net margin | 9.68% | 13.48% |
| ROE | 863.14% | 14.73% |
| ROIC | 29.91% | 9.56% |
Dividends
| Metric | CL | DOV |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 2.42% | 1.10% |
| Payout ratio | 83.20% | 25.18% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | CL | DOV |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 4.26% | 2.54% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | -3.47% | 10.95% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 7.70% | 2.55% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 4.87% | 2.98% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, CL or DOV?
- DOV has the lower trailing P/E: CL trades at 34.93 and DOV at 22.83. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, CL or DOV?
- Over the past five years, CL grew revenue faster — CL at a 4.26% CAGR versus DOV at 2.54%.
- Does CL or DOV pay a bigger dividend?
- CL yields 2.42% and DOV yields 1.10% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is CL or DOV more profitable?
- DOV runs the higher net margin — CL at 9.68% versus DOV at 13.48%.
- How have CL and DOV total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, CL delivered 4.48% and DOV delivered 14.80% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Colgate-Palmolive P/E ratioDover P/E ratioColgate-Palmolive dividend yieldDover dividend yieldColgate-Palmolive ROEDover ROEColgate-Palmolive operating marginDover operating marginColgate-Palmolive revenue growthDover revenue growthColgate-Palmolive free cash flowDover free cash flow
Colgate-Palmolive & Dover 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 September 13, 2026.