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).
CL
Colgate-Palmolive Company
$89.45Consumer Defensive
TGT
Target Corporation
$135.23Consumer Defensive
Total return — CL vs TGT
growth of $100 · last 30yCL +774.4%TGT +1389.3%TGT compounded faster
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 8It depends on what you're optimizing for:
ValueTGT(lower P/E)
GrowthCL(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
IncomeTGT(higher dividend yield)
QualityCL(higher ROIC)
Valuation
| Metric | CL | TGT |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 34.75 | 17.86● |
| Forward P/E | 22.22 | 15.09● |
| P/S ratio | 3.46 | 0.58● |
| P/B ratio | 496.66 | 3.76● |
| EV / EBITDA | 21.17 | 7.81● |
| FCF yield | 5.23% | 6.75%● |
Profitability
| Metric | CL | TGT |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 60.06%● | 28.14% |
| Operating margin | 21.21%● | 4.49% |
| Net margin | 10.04%● | 3.24% |
| ROE | 1439.31%● | 21.04% |
| ROIC | 30.34%● | 9.76% |
Dividends
| Metric | CL | TGT |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 2.34% | 3.37%● |
| Payout ratio | 79.17% | 55.88% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | CL | TGT |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Colgate-Palmolive P/E ratioTarget P/E ratioColgate-Palmolive dividend yieldTarget dividend yieldColgate-Palmolive ROETarget ROEColgate-Palmolive operating marginTarget operating marginColgate-Palmolive revenue growthTarget revenue growthColgate-Palmolive free cash flowTarget free cash flow
Colgate-Palmolive & Target 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 June 13, 2026.