Colgate-Palmolive Company (CL) vs Lowe's Companies, Inc. (LOW)
A side-by-side comparison of Colgate-Palmolive Company and Lowe's Companies, Inc. 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; LOW is classified in Consumer Cyclical. Margin, capital intensity, and valuation differences should be interpreted in that sector context.
CL
Colgate-Palmolive Company
$88.17Consumer DefensiveDelayed quote: Sep 14, 2026, 3:55 PM EDT
LOW
Lowe's Companies, Inc.
$198.72Consumer CyclicalDelayed quote: Sep 14, 2026, 3:55 PM EDT
Total return — CL vs LOW
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yCL +50.6% (+4.2%/yr)LOW +234.6% (+12.8%/yr)LOW compounded faster over this window
CL LOW
CL vs LOW: by the numbers
- •LOW is the larger company ($111.42B vs $70.55B market cap).
- •LOW trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (16.80 vs 34.93 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •CL converts more revenue to profit (9.68% vs 7.34% net margin).
- •CL grew revenue faster over the past five years (4.26% vs -0.90% CAGR).
- •LOW pays the higher dividend yield (2.46% vs 2.42%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | CL | LOW |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 34.93 | 16.80 |
| Forward P/E | 22.80 | 16.18 |
| P/S ratio | 3.35 | 1.23 |
| P/B ratio | 298.95 | N/A |
| EV / EBITDA | 15.45 | 11.78 |
| FCF yield | 5.47% | 6.28% |
Profitability
| Metric | CL | LOW |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 60.42% | 33.08% |
| Operating margin | 20.65% | 11.38% |
| Net margin | 9.68% | 7.34% |
| ROE | 863.14% | N/A |
| ROIC | 29.91% | 21.02% |
Dividends
| Metric | CL | LOW |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 2.42% | 2.46% |
| Payout ratio | 83.20% | 41.00% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | CL | LOW |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 4.26% | -0.90% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | -3.47% | 8.85% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 7.70% | -3.74% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 4.87% | 1.19% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, CL or LOW?
- LOW has the lower trailing P/E: CL trades at 34.93 and LOW at 16.80. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, CL or LOW?
- Over the past five years, CL grew revenue faster — CL at a 4.26% CAGR versus LOW at -0.90%.
- Does CL or LOW pay a bigger dividend?
- CL yields 2.42% and LOW yields 2.46% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is CL or LOW more profitable?
- CL runs the higher net margin — CL at 9.68% versus LOW at 7.34%.
- How have CL and LOW total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, CL delivered 4.48% and LOW delivered 12.70% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Colgate-Palmolive P/E ratioLowe's Companies P/E ratioColgate-Palmolive dividend yieldLowe's Companies dividend yieldColgate-Palmolive ROELowe's Companies ROEColgate-Palmolive operating marginLowe's Companies operating marginColgate-Palmolive revenue growthLowe's Companies revenue growthColgate-Palmolive free cash flowLowe's Companies free cash flow
Colgate-Palmolive & Lowe's Companies 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.