Colgate-Palmolive Company (CL) vs Microsoft Corporation (MSFT)
A side-by-side comparison of Colgate-Palmolive Company and Microsoft Corporation 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.
Different business models: CL is classified in Consumer Defensive; MSFT is classified in Technology. Margin, capital intensity, and valuation differences should be interpreted in that sector context.
CL
Colgate-Palmolive Company
$86.80Consumer DefensiveDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
MSFT
Microsoft Corporation
$495.63TechnologyDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — CL vs MSFT
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yCL +52.5% (+4.3%/yr)MSFT +874.1% (+25.6%/yr)MSFT compounded faster over this window
Log scale — wide-divergence pair
CL MSFT
CL vs MSFT: by the numbers
- •MSFT is the larger company ($3.68T vs $69.46B market cap).
- •MSFT trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (27.61 vs 34.39 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •MSFT converts more revenue to profit (40.31% vs 9.68% net margin).
- •MSFT grew revenue faster over the past five years (14.57% vs 4.26% CAGR).
- •CL pays the higher dividend yield (2.39% vs 0.74%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | CL | MSFT |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 34.39 | 27.61 |
| Forward P/E | 22.44 | 25.13 |
| P/S ratio | 3.30 | 11.09 |
| P/B ratio | 294.31 | 8.32 |
| EV / EBITDA | 15.23 | 19.55 |
| FCF yield | 5.55% | 1.82% |
Profitability
| Metric | CL | MSFT |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 60.42% | 67.94% |
| Operating margin | 20.65% | 46.78% |
| Net margin | 9.68% | 40.31% |
| ROE | 863.14% | 30.23% |
| ROIC | 29.91% | 20.90% |
Dividends
| Metric | CL | MSFT |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 2.39% | 0.74% |
| Payout ratio | 83.20% | 20.28% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | CL | MSFT |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 4.26% | 14.57% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | -3.47% | 17.26% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 7.70% | 3.60% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 5.14% | 11.66% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, CL or MSFT?
- MSFT has the lower trailing P/E: CL trades at 34.39 and MSFT at 27.61. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, CL or MSFT?
- Over the past five years, MSFT grew revenue faster — CL at a 4.26% CAGR versus MSFT at 14.57%.
- Does CL or MSFT pay a bigger dividend?
- CL yields 2.39% and MSFT yields 0.74% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is CL or MSFT more profitable?
- MSFT runs the higher net margin — CL at 9.68% versus MSFT at 40.31%.
- How have CL and MSFT total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, CL delivered 4.62% and MSFT delivered 25.72% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Colgate-Palmolive P/E ratioMicrosoft P/E ratioColgate-Palmolive dividend yieldMicrosoft dividend yieldColgate-Palmolive ROEMicrosoft ROEColgate-Palmolive operating marginMicrosoft operating marginColgate-Palmolive revenue growthMicrosoft revenue growthColgate-Palmolive free cash flowMicrosoft free cash flow
Colgate-Palmolive & Microsoft appear in these rankings
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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.