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

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 September 11, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnCLX vs MKC

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
CLX -5.5% (-0.6%/yr)MKC +29.8% (+2.6%/yr)MKC compounded faster over this window
100150200250Start $10020182020202220242026$94$130
CLX MKC

CLX vs MKC: by the numbers

  • MKC is the larger company ($13.80B vs $10.61B market cap).
  • MKC trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (8.54 vs 18.25 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • MKC converts more revenue to profit (22.05% vs 8.74% net margin).
  • MKC grew revenue faster over the past five years (4.15% vs -1.75% CAGR).
  • CLX pays the higher dividend yield (5.60% vs 3.70%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricCLXMKC
P/E ratio18.258.54
Forward P/E15.1216.63
P/S ratio1.581.87
P/B ratio117.911.97
EV / EBITDA8.3813.24
FCF yield3.82%7.15%

Profitability

MetricCLXMKC
Gross margin42.32%38.62%
Operating margin24.73%15.34%
Net margin8.74%22.05%
ROE652.22%23.28%
ROIC20.67%6.16%

Dividends

MetricCLXMKC
Dividend yield5.60%3.70%
Payout ratio103.33%31.45%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCLXMKC
Revenue CAGR (5Y)-1.75%4.15%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-3.13%0.98%
FCF CAGR (5Y)-15.59%-1.93%
Total return CAGR (5Y)-9.01%-7.71%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, CLX or MKC?
MKC has the lower trailing P/E: CLX trades at 18.25 and MKC at 8.54. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, CLX or MKC?
Over the past five years, MKC grew revenue faster — CLX at a -1.75% CAGR versus MKC at 4.15%.
Does CLX or MKC pay a bigger dividend?
CLX yields 5.60% and MKC yields 3.70% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is CLX or MKC more profitable?
MKC runs the higher net margin — CLX at 8.74% versus MKC at 22.05%.
How have CLX and MKC total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, CLX delivered -0.24% and MKC delivered 2.61% 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 11, 2026.