Colgate-Palmolive Company (CL) vs Genuine Parts Company (GPC)

A side-by-side comparison of Colgate-Palmolive Company and Genuine Parts Company 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.

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

Total returnCL vs GPC

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
CL +51.6% (+4.2%/yr)GPC +81.7% (+6.2%/yr)GPC compounded faster over this window
50100150200Start $10020182020202220242026$152$182
CL GPC

CL vs GPC: by the numbers

  • CL is the larger company ($70.34B vs $18.36B market cap).
  • CL trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (34.83 vs 554.94 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • CL converts more revenue to profit (9.68% vs 0.13% net margin).
  • GPC grew revenue faster over the past five years (7.01% vs 4.26% CAGR).
  • GPC pays the higher dividend yield (3.15% vs 2.42%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricCLGPC
P/E ratio34.83554.94
Forward P/E22.73N/A
P/S ratio3.340.73
P/B ratio298.054.06
EV / EBITDA15.4015.57
FCF yield5.48%4.14%

Profitability

MetricCLGPC
Gross margin60.42%36.22%
Operating margin20.65%4.01%
Net margin9.68%0.13%
ROE863.14%0.72%
ROIC29.91%8.03%

Dividends

MetricCLGPC
Dividend yield2.42%3.15%
Payout ratio83.20%1757.29%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCLGPC
Revenue CAGR (5Y)4.26%7.01%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-3.47%N/A
FCF CAGR (5Y)7.70%-13.88%
Total return CAGR (5Y)4.87%5.45%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, CL or GPC?
CL has the lower trailing P/E: CL trades at 34.83 and GPC at 554.94. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, CL or GPC?
Over the past five years, GPC grew revenue faster — CL at a 4.26% CAGR versus GPC at 7.01%.
Does CL or GPC pay a bigger dividend?
CL yields 2.42% and GPC yields 3.15% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is CL or GPC more profitable?
CL runs the higher net margin — CL at 9.68% versus GPC at 0.13%.
How have CL and GPC total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, CL delivered 4.48% and GPC delivered 6.34% 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 September 13, 2026.