Colgate-Palmolive Company (CL) vs The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (EL)

A side-by-side comparison of Colgate-Palmolive Company and The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of August 25, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnCL vs EL

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
CL +54.8% (+4.5%/yr)EL +29.4% (+2.6%/yr)CL compounded faster over this window
100200300400Start $10020182020202220242026$155$129
CL EL

CL vs EL: by the numbers

  • CL is the larger company ($74.06B vs $37.66B market cap).
  • CL trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (36.67 vs 203.88 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • CL converts more revenue to profit (9.68% vs 1.21% net margin).
  • CL grew revenue faster over the past five years (4.26% vs -1.48% CAGR).
  • CL pays the higher dividend yield (2.27% vs 1.37%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricCLEL
P/E ratio36.67203.88
Forward P/E23.93N/A
P/S ratio3.542.47
P/B ratio316.019.77
EV / EBITDA16.2526.74
FCF yield5.17%3.54%

Profitability

MetricCLEL
Gross margin60.42%75.50%
Operating margin20.65%5.18%
Net margin9.68%1.21%
ROE863.14%4.78%
ROIC29.91%2.97%

Dividends

MetricCLEL
Dividend yield2.27%1.37%
Payout ratio79.55%280.00%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCLEL
Revenue CAGR (5Y)4.26%-1.48%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-3.47%-42.44%
FCF CAGR (5Y)7.70%-15.16%
Total return CAGR (5Y)6.06%-19.74%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, CL or EL?
CL has the lower trailing P/E: CL trades at 36.67 and EL at 203.88. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, CL or EL?
Over the past five years, CL grew revenue faster — CL at a 4.26% CAGR versus EL at -1.48%.
Does CL or EL pay a bigger dividend?
CL yields 2.27% and EL yields 1.37% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is CL or EL more profitable?
CL runs the higher net margin — CL at 9.68% versus EL at 1.21%.
How have CL and EL total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, CL delivered 4.65% and EL delivered 2.36% 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 25, 2026.