The Clorox Company (CLX) vs McCormick & Company, Incorporated (MKC)

CLX and MKC are evenly matched — 8 metrics each of 16.

A side-by-side comparison of The Clorox Company and McCormick & Company, Incorporated 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 — CLX vs MKC

growth of $100 · last 30y
CLX +373.7%MKC +780.4%MKC compounded faster
05001k2k2kStart $100200120062011201620212026$474$880
CLX MKC

CLX vs MKC: by the numbers

  • MKC is the larger company ($13.16B vs $11.71B market cap).
  • MKC trades at the lower earnings multiple (8.02 vs 15.72 P/E).
  • MKC converts more revenue to profit (23.12% vs 11.18% net margin).
  • MKC grew revenue faster over the past five years (3.90% vs -2.11% CAGR).
  • CLX pays the higher dividend yield (5.12% vs 3.80%).

Which is better, CLX or MKC?

Metric tally: CLX 8 · MKC 8

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValueMKC(lower P/E)
GrowthMKC(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
IncomeCLX(higher dividend yield)
QualityCLX(higher ROIC)

Valuation

MetricCLXMKC
P/E ratio15.728.02
Forward P/E15.5714.75
P/S ratio1.741.86
P/B ratio37.261.89
PEG ratio0.108.19
EV / EBITDA11.5114.63
FCF yield3.22%6.45%

Profitability

MetricCLXMKC
Gross margin43.85%37.94%
Operating margin15.68%15.51%
Net margin11.18%23.12%
ROE252.34%23.54%
ROIC24.10%7.93%

Dividends

MetricCLXMKC
Dividend yield5.12%3.80%
Payout ratio75.61%63.27%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCLXMKC
Revenue CAGR (5Y)-2.11%3.90%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-2.54%0.98%
FCF CAGR (5Y)-21.87%3.15%
Total return CAGR (5Y)-8.20%-9.28%

Frequently asked

Which is better, CLX or MKC?
It depends on your goal. value: MKC (lower P/E); growth: MKC (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: CLX (higher dividend yield); quality: CLX (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, they are evenly matched.
Is CLX or MKC cheaper?
On trailing earnings, MKC is cheaper: CLX trades at a 15.72 P/E and MKC at 8.02.
Which has grown faster, CLX or MKC?
Over the past five years, MKC grew revenue faster — CLX at a -2.11% CAGR versus MKC at 3.90%.
Does CLX or MKC pay a bigger dividend?
CLX yields 5.12% and MKC yields 3.80% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is CLX or MKC more profitable?
MKC runs the higher net margin — CLX at 11.18% versus MKC at 23.12%.
Which has been the better investment, CLX or MKC?
Over the past 10-year, MKC delivered the higher annualized total return — CLX at -0.13% versus MKC at 1.73%. 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.