Colgate-Palmolive Company (CL) vs Sysco Corporation (SYY)

A side-by-side comparison of Colgate-Palmolive Company and Sysco Corporation 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.

Compare

Total returnCL vs SYY

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
CL +50.6% (+4.2%/yr)SYY +118.3% (+8.1%/yr)SYY compounded faster over this window
100150200Start $10020182020202220242026$151$218
CL SYY

CL vs SYY: by the numbers

  • CL is the larger company ($70.88B vs $40.16B market cap).
  • SYY trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (22.95 vs 35.10 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • CL converts more revenue to profit (9.68% vs 2.08% net margin).
  • SYY grew revenue faster over the past five years (13.23% vs 4.26% CAGR).
  • SYY pays the higher dividend yield (2.61% vs 2.42%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricCLSYY
P/E ratio35.1022.95
Forward P/E22.9016.55
P/S ratio3.370.47
P/B ratio300.3415.06
EV / EBITDA15.5112.75
FCF yield5.44%4.83%

Profitability

MetricCLSYY
Gross margin60.42%18.50%
Operating margin20.65%3.66%
Net margin9.68%2.08%
ROE863.14%65.90%
ROIC29.91%12.53%

Dividends

MetricCLSYY
Dividend yield2.42%2.61%
Payout ratio83.20%59.29%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCLSYY
Revenue CAGR (5Y)4.26%13.23%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-3.47%29.05%
FCF CAGR (5Y)7.70%3.08%
Total return CAGR (5Y)4.87%4.42%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, CL or SYY?
SYY has the lower trailing P/E: CL trades at 35.10 and SYY at 22.95. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, CL or SYY?
Over the past five years, SYY grew revenue faster — CL at a 4.26% CAGR versus SYY at 13.23%.
Does CL or SYY pay a bigger dividend?
CL yields 2.42% and SYY yields 2.61% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is CL or SYY more profitable?
CL runs the higher net margin — CL at 9.68% versus SYY at 2.08%.
How have CL and SYY total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, CL delivered 4.48% and SYY delivered 8.02% 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 13, 2026.