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 September 11, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnCL vs MO

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
CL +52.5% (+4.3%/yr)MO +115.1% (+8.0%/yr)MO compounded faster over this window
100150200Start $10020182020202220242026$152$215
CL MO

CL vs MO: by the numbers

  • MO is the larger company ($115.17B vs $69.46B market cap).
  • MO trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (14.55 vs 34.39 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • MO converts more revenue to profit (36.46% vs 9.68% net margin).
  • CL grew revenue faster over the past five years (4.26% vs -0.68% CAGR).
  • MO pays the higher dividend yield (6.17% vs 2.39%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricCLMO
P/E ratio34.3914.55
Forward P/E22.4412.15
P/S ratio3.305.27
P/B ratio294.31N/A
EV / EBITDA15.2311.03
FCF yield5.55%7.21%

Profitability

MetricCLMO
Gross margin60.42%70.99%
Operating margin20.65%55.95%
Net margin9.68%36.46%
ROE863.14%N/A
ROIC29.91%34.45%

Dividends

MetricCLMO
Dividend yield2.39%6.17%
Payout ratio83.20%89.45%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCLMO
Revenue CAGR (5Y)4.26%-0.68%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-3.47%11.36%
FCF CAGR (5Y)7.70%6.93%
Total return CAGR (5Y)5.14%14.94%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, CL or MO?
MO has the lower trailing P/E: CL trades at 34.39 and MO at 14.55. 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 4.26% CAGR versus MO at -0.68%.
Does CL or MO pay a bigger dividend?
CL yields 2.39% and MO yields 6.17% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is CL or MO more profitable?
MO runs the higher net margin — CL at 9.68% versus MO at 36.46%.
How have CL and MO total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, CL delivered 4.62% and MO delivered 7.93% 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 11, 2026.