Colgate-Palmolive Company (CL) vs Altria Group, Inc. (MO)

A side-by-side comparison of Colgate-Palmolive Company and Altria Group, Inc. 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.

Compare

Total returnCL vs MO

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 30y
CL +1694.5%MO +1164.1%CL compounded faster
05001k2k2kStart $100200120062011201620212026$1,795$1,264
CL MO

CL vs MO: by the numbers

  • MO is the larger company ($124.92B vs $74.20B market cap).
  • MO trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (15.25 vs 35.73 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • MO converts more revenue to profit (36.91% vs 10.04% net margin).
  • CL grew revenue faster over the past five years (4.46% vs -0.68% CAGR).
  • MO pays the higher dividend yield (5.82% vs 2.27%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricCLMO
P/E ratio35.7315.25
Forward P/E24.1612.81
P/S ratio3.565.59
P/B ratio510.71N/A
PEG ratioN/A1.34
EV / EBITDA15.9812.67
FCF yield5.09%7.07%

Profitability

MetricCLMO
Gross margin60.06%86.59%
Operating margin21.21%74.80%
Net margin10.04%36.91%
ROE1439.31%-198.37%
ROIC30.34%42.95%

Dividends

MetricCLMO
Dividend yield2.27%5.82%
Payout ratio79.17%103.16%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCLMO
Revenue CAGR (5Y)4.46%-0.68%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-3.47%11.36%
FCF CAGR (5Y)3.88%1.28%
Total return CAGR (5Y)4.91%18.96%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, CL or MO?
MO has the lower trailing P/E: CL trades at 35.73 and MO at 15.25. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, CL or MO?
Over the past five years, CL grew revenue faster — CL at a 4.46% CAGR versus MO at -0.68%.
Does CL or MO pay a bigger dividend?
CL yields 2.27% and MO yields 5.82% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is CL or MO more profitable?
MO runs the higher net margin — CL at 10.04% versus MO at 36.91%.
How have CL and MO total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, CL delivered 4.96% and MO delivered 8.55% 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.