Colgate-Palmolive Company (CL) vs QUALCOMM Incorporated (QCOM)
A side-by-side comparison of Colgate-Palmolive Company and QUALCOMM Incorporated 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; QCOM 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
QCOM
QUALCOMM Incorporated
$181.97TechnologyDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — CL vs QCOM
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yCL +53.3% (+4.4%/yr)QCOM +266.6% (+13.9%/yr)QCOM compounded faster over this window
CL QCOM
CL vs QCOM: by the numbers
- •QCOM is the larger company ($191.07B vs $69.46B market cap).
- •QCOM trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (20.77 vs 34.39 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •QCOM converts more revenue to profit (21.01% vs 9.68% net margin).
- •QCOM grew revenue faster over the past five years (6.23% vs 4.26% CAGR).
- •CL pays the higher dividend yield (2.39% vs 2.05%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | CL | QCOM |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 34.39 | 20.77 |
| Forward P/E | 22.44 | 17.26 |
| P/S ratio | 3.30 | 4.34 |
| P/B ratio | 294.31 | 6.91 |
| EV / EBITDA | 15.23 | 17.11 |
| FCF yield | 5.55% | 5.45% |
Profitability
| Metric | CL | QCOM |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 60.42% | 54.23% |
| Operating margin | 20.65% | 23.19% |
| Net margin | 9.68% | 21.01% |
| ROE | 863.14% | 33.48% |
| ROIC | 29.91% | 17.42% |
Dividends
| Metric | CL | QCOM |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 2.39% | 2.05% |
| Payout ratio | 83.20% | 41.32% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | CL | QCOM |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 4.26% | 6.23% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | -3.47% | 2.02% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 7.70% | 2.09% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 5.14% | 6.80% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, CL or QCOM?
- QCOM has the lower trailing P/E: CL trades at 34.39 and QCOM at 20.77. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, CL or QCOM?
- Over the past five years, QCOM grew revenue faster — CL at a 4.26% CAGR versus QCOM at 6.23%.
- Does CL or QCOM pay a bigger dividend?
- CL yields 2.39% and QCOM yields 2.05% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is CL or QCOM more profitable?
- QCOM runs the higher net margin — CL at 9.68% versus QCOM at 21.01%.
- How have CL and QCOM total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, CL delivered 4.62% and QCOM delivered 14.33% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Colgate-Palmolive P/E ratioQUALCOMM P/E ratioColgate-Palmolive dividend yieldQUALCOMM dividend yieldColgate-Palmolive ROEQUALCOMM ROEColgate-Palmolive operating marginQUALCOMM operating marginColgate-Palmolive revenue growthQUALCOMM revenue growthColgate-Palmolive free cash flowQUALCOMM free cash flow
Colgate-Palmolive & QUALCOMM 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 11, 2026.