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 September 13, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
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.
CL
Colgate-Palmolive Company
$87.91Consumer DefensiveDelayed quote: Sep 14, 2026, 3:59 PM EDT
EMR
Emerson Electric Co.
$148.30IndustrialsDelayed quote: Sep 14, 2026, 3:59 PM EDT
Total return — CL vs EMR
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yCL +51.6% (+4.2%/yr)EMR +279.2% (+14.3%/yr)EMR compounded faster over this window
CL EMR
CL vs EMR: by the numbers
- •EMR is the larger company ($83.06B vs $70.34B market cap).
- •EMR trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (32.45 vs 34.83 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •EMR converts more revenue to profit (13.83% vs 9.68% net margin).
- •CL grew revenue faster over the past five years (4.26% vs 0.87% CAGR).
- •CL pays the higher dividend yield (2.42% vs 1.46%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | CL | EMR |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 34.83 | 32.45 |
| Forward P/E | 22.73 | 22.61 |
| P/S ratio | 3.34 | 4.46 |
| P/B ratio | 298.05 | 4.08 |
| EV / EBITDA | 15.40 | 18.72 |
| FCF yield | 5.48% | 4.17% |
Profitability
| Metric | CL | EMR |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 60.42% | 53.16% |
| Operating margin | 20.65% | 20.11% |
| Net margin | 9.68% | 13.83% |
| ROE | 863.14% | 12.65% |
| ROIC | 29.91% | 7.93% |
Dividends
| Metric | CL | EMR |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 2.42% | 1.46% |
| Payout ratio | 83.20% | 48.58% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | CL | EMR |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 4.26% | 0.87% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | -3.47% | 4.54% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 7.70% | 0.41% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 4.87% | 10.92% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, CL or EMR?
- EMR has the lower trailing P/E: CL trades at 34.83 and EMR at 32.45. 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 4.26% CAGR versus EMR at 0.87%.
- Does CL or EMR pay a bigger dividend?
- CL yields 2.42% and EMR yields 1.46% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is CL or EMR more profitable?
- EMR runs the higher net margin — CL at 9.68% versus EMR at 13.83%.
- How have CL and EMR total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, CL delivered 4.48% and EMR delivered 14.33% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Colgate-Palmolive P/E ratioEmerson Electric P/E ratioColgate-Palmolive dividend yieldEmerson Electric dividend yieldColgate-Palmolive ROEEmerson Electric ROEColgate-Palmolive operating marginEmerson Electric operating marginColgate-Palmolive revenue growthEmerson Electric revenue growthColgate-Palmolive free cash flowEmerson Electric free cash flow
Colgate-Palmolive & Emerson Electric 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.