Colgate-Palmolive Company (CL) vs The Kroger Co. (KR)

A side-by-side comparison of Colgate-Palmolive Company and The Kroger Co. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 9, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnCL vs KR

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
CL +53.8% (+4.4%/yr)KR +115.7% (+8.0%/yr)KR compounded faster over this window
50100150200250Start $10020182020202220242026$154$216
CL KR

CL vs KR: by the numbers

  • CL is the larger company ($70.49B vs $34.88B market cap).
  • KR trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (33.45 vs 35.03 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • CL converts more revenue to profit (9.68% vs 0.71% net margin).
  • CL grew revenue faster over the past five years (4.26% vs 2.33% CAGR).
  • KR pays the higher dividend yield (2.52% vs 2.38%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricCLKR
P/E ratio35.0333.45
Forward P/E22.8611.91
P/S ratio3.390.24
P/B ratio301.875.44
EV / EBITDA15.5810.35
FCF yield5.41%8.20%

Profitability

MetricCLKR
Gross margin60.42%23.18%
Operating margin20.65%1.33%
Net margin9.68%0.71%
ROE863.14%16.27%
ROIC29.91%4.89%

Dividends

MetricCLKR
Dividend yield2.38%2.52%
Payout ratio83.20%84.21%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCLKR
Revenue CAGR (5Y)4.26%2.33%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-3.47%-13.96%
FCF CAGR (5Y)7.70%-1.62%
Total return CAGR (5Y)5.06%6.61%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, CL or KR?
KR has the lower trailing P/E: CL trades at 35.03 and KR at 33.45. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, CL or KR?
Over the past five years, CL grew revenue faster — CL at a 4.26% CAGR versus KR at 2.33%.
Does CL or KR pay a bigger dividend?
CL yields 2.38% and KR yields 2.52% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is CL or KR more profitable?
CL runs the higher net margin — CL at 9.68% versus KR at 0.71%.
How have CL and KR total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, CL delivered 4.37% and KR delivered 8.45% 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 9, 2026.