Colgate-Palmolive Company (CL) vs Emerson Electric Co. (EMR)

A side-by-side comparison of Colgate-Palmolive Company and Emerson Electric Co. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of July 28, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

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Different business models: CL is classified in Consumer Defensive; EMR is classified in Industrials. Margin, capital intensity, and valuation differences should be interpreted in that sector context.

Total returnCL vs EMR

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 30y
CL +1694.5%EMR +1508.2%CL compounded faster
05001k2k2kStart $100200120062011201620212026$1,795$1,608
CL EMR

CL vs EMR: by the numbers

  • EMR is the larger company ($85.03B vs $74.20B market cap).
  • EMR trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (34.48 vs 35.73 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • EMR converts more revenue to profit (13.35% vs 10.04% net margin).
  • CL grew revenue faster over the past five years (4.46% vs 1.43% CAGR).
  • CL pays the higher dividend yield (2.27% vs 1.47%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricCLEMR
P/E ratio35.7334.48
Forward P/E24.1622.95
P/S ratio3.564.59
P/B ratio510.714.14
PEG ratioN/A1.78
EV / EBITDA15.9818.76
FCF yield5.09%3.71%

Profitability

MetricCLEMR
Gross margin60.06%52.66%
Operating margin21.21%19.96%
Net margin10.04%13.35%
ROE1439.31%12.04%
ROIC30.34%7.26%

Dividends

MetricCLEMR
Dividend yield2.27%1.47%
Payout ratio79.17%53.87%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCLEMR
Revenue CAGR (5Y)4.46%1.43%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-3.47%4.54%
FCF CAGR (5Y)3.88%0.94%
Total return CAGR (5Y)4.91%11.23%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, CL or EMR?
EMR has the lower trailing P/E: CL trades at 35.73 and EMR at 34.48. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, CL or EMR?
Over the past five years, CL grew revenue faster — CL at a 4.46% CAGR versus EMR at 1.43%.
Does CL or EMR pay a bigger dividend?
CL yields 2.27% and EMR yields 1.47% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is CL or EMR more profitable?
EMR runs the higher net margin — CL at 10.04% versus EMR at 13.35%.
How have CL and EMR total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, CL delivered 4.96% and EMR delivered 13.28% 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 July 28, 2026.