Colgate-Palmolive Company (CL) vs Target Corporation (TGT)

CL and TGT are evenly matched — 8 metrics each of 16.

A side-by-side comparison of Colgate-Palmolive Company and Target Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 13, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Total return — CL vs TGT

growth of $100 · last 30y
CL +774.4%TGT +1389.3%TGT compounded faster
01k2k3kStart $100200120062011201620212026$874$1,489
CL TGT

CL vs TGT: by the numbers

  • CL is the larger company ($71.58B vs $61.42B market cap).
  • TGT trades at the lower earnings multiple (17.86 vs 34.75 P/E).
  • CL converts more revenue to profit (10.04% vs 3.24% net margin).
  • CL grew revenue faster over the past five years (4.46% vs 1.62% CAGR).
  • TGT pays the higher dividend yield (3.37% vs 2.34%).

Which is better, CL or TGT?

Metric tally: CL 8 · TGT 8

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValueTGT(lower P/E)
GrowthCL(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
IncomeTGT(higher dividend yield)
QualityCL(higher ROIC)

Valuation

MetricCLTGT
P/E ratio34.7517.86
Forward P/E22.2215.09
P/S ratio3.460.58
P/B ratio496.663.76
EV / EBITDA21.177.81
FCF yield5.23%6.75%

Profitability

MetricCLTGT
Gross margin60.06%28.14%
Operating margin21.21%4.49%
Net margin10.04%3.24%
ROE1439.31%21.04%
ROIC30.34%9.76%

Dividends

MetricCLTGT
Dividend yield2.34%3.37%
Payout ratio79.17%55.88%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCLTGT
Revenue CAGR (5Y)4.46%1.62%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-3.47%-1.34%
FCF CAGR (5Y)3.88%-12.12%
Total return CAGR (5Y)3.78%-7.66%

Frequently asked

Which is better, CL or TGT?
It depends on your goal. value: TGT (lower P/E); growth: CL (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: TGT (higher dividend yield); quality: CL (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, they are evenly matched.
Is CL or TGT cheaper?
On trailing earnings, TGT is cheaper: CL trades at a 34.75 P/E and TGT at 17.86.
Which has grown faster, CL or TGT?
Over the past five years, CL grew revenue faster — CL at a 4.46% CAGR versus TGT at 1.62%.
Does CL or TGT pay a bigger dividend?
CL yields 2.34% and TGT yields 3.37% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is CL or TGT more profitable?
CL runs the higher net margin — CL at 10.04% versus TGT at 3.24%.
Which has been the better investment, CL or TGT?
Over the past 10-year, TGT delivered the higher annualized total return — CL at 4.61% versus TGT at 10.33%. 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 June 13, 2026.