Colgate-Palmolive Company (CL) vs Kimberly-Clark Corporation (KMB)

A side-by-side comparison of Colgate-Palmolive Company and Kimberly-Clark Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of July 31, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnCL vs KMB

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 30y
CL +1651.3%KMB +688.9%CL compounded faster
05001k2k2kStart $100200120062011201620212026$1,751$789
CL KMB

CL vs KMB: by the numbers

  • CL is the larger company ($73.30B vs $36.58B market cap).
  • KMB trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (17.30 vs 35.59 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • KMB converts more revenue to profit (12.81% vs 10.04% net margin).
  • CL grew revenue faster over the past five years (4.46% vs -2.61% CAGR).
  • KMB pays the higher dividend yield (4.61% vs 2.28%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricCLKMB
P/E ratio35.5917.30
Forward P/E24.0614.65
P/S ratio3.552.22
P/B ratio508.6020.44
EV / EBITDA15.9215.23
FCF yield5.11%7.02%

Profitability

MetricCLKMB
Gross margin60.06%35.86%
Operating margin21.21%13.27%
Net margin10.04%12.81%
ROE1439.31%117.98%
ROIC30.34%17.41%

Dividends

MetricCLKMB
Dividend yield2.28%4.61%
Payout ratio79.17%83.55%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCLKMB
Revenue CAGR (5Y)4.46%-2.61%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-3.47%-2.50%
FCF CAGR (5Y)3.88%-8.19%
Total return CAGR (5Y)5.35%-0.36%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, CL or KMB?
KMB has the lower trailing P/E: CL trades at 35.59 and KMB at 17.30. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, CL or KMB?
Over the past five years, CL grew revenue faster — CL at a 4.46% CAGR versus KMB at -2.61%.
Does CL or KMB pay a bigger dividend?
CL yields 2.28% and KMB yields 4.61% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is CL or KMB more profitable?
KMB runs the higher net margin — CL at 10.04% versus KMB at 12.81%.
How have CL and KMB total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, CL delivered 4.53% and KMB delivered 1.91% 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 31, 2026.