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 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; 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 30y
CL +1635.1%GPC +1087.3%CL compounded faster
05001k2k2kStart $100200120062011201620212026$1,735$1,187
CL GPC

CL vs GPC: by the numbers

  • CL is the larger company ($74.20B vs $17.88B market cap).
  • CL trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (35.73 vs 532.08 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • CL converts more revenue to profit (10.04% vs 0.13% net margin).
  • GPC grew revenue faster over the past five years (7.01% vs 4.46% CAGR).
  • GPC pays the higher dividend yield (3.28% vs 2.27%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricCLGPC
P/E ratio35.73532.08
Forward P/E24.16N/A
P/S ratio3.560.70
P/B ratio510.713.89
EV / EBITDA15.9815.10
FCF yield5.09%4.31%

Profitability

MetricCLGPC
Gross margin60.06%36.22%
Operating margin21.21%4.01%
Net margin10.04%0.13%
ROE1439.31%0.72%
ROIC30.34%9.87%

Dividends

MetricCLGPC
Dividend yield2.27%3.28%
Payout ratio79.17%890.43%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCLGPC
Revenue CAGR (5Y)4.46%7.01%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-3.47%N/A
FCF CAGR (5Y)3.88%-13.88%
Total return CAGR (5Y)4.91%2.71%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, CL or GPC?
CL has the lower trailing P/E: CL trades at 35.73 and GPC at 532.08. 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 4.46% CAGR versus GPC at 7.01%.
Does CL or GPC pay a bigger dividend?
CL yields 2.27% and GPC yields 3.28% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is CL or GPC more profitable?
CL runs the higher net margin — CL at 10.04% versus GPC at 0.13%.
How have CL and GPC total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, CL delivered 4.96% and GPC delivered 5.35% 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.