Dover Corporation (DOV) vs Kimberly-Clark Corporation (KMB)

A side-by-side comparison of Dover Corporation and Kimberly-Clark 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.

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Different business models: DOV is classified in Industrials; KMB is classified in Consumer Defensive. Margin, capital intensity, and valuation differences should be interpreted in that sector context.

Total returnDOV vs KMB

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
DOV +278.5% (+14.2%/yr)KMB +15.1% (+1.4%/yr)DOV compounded faster over this window
100200300400Start $10020182020202220242026$379$115
DOV KMB

DOV vs KMB: by the numbers

  • KMB is the larger company ($32.94B vs $25.45B market cap).
  • KMB trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (16.88 vs 22.83 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • DOV converts more revenue to profit (13.48% vs 11.80% net margin).
  • DOV grew revenue faster over the past five years (2.54% vs -2.69% CAGR).
  • KMB pays the higher dividend yield (5.20% vs 1.10%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricDOVKMB
P/E ratio22.8316.88
Forward P/E17.6713.38
P/S ratio3.021.99
P/B ratio3.3018.82
EV / EBITDA14.8814.58
FCF yield4.61%5.34%

Profitability

MetricDOVKMB
Gross margin39.58%36.69%
Operating margin16.87%12.38%
Net margin13.48%11.80%
ROE14.73%111.71%
ROIC9.56%12.46%

Dividends

MetricDOVKMB
Dividend yield1.10%5.20%
Payout ratio25.18%86.73%

Growth (annualized)

MetricDOVKMB
Revenue CAGR (5Y)2.54%-2.69%
EPS CAGR (5Y)10.95%-2.50%
FCF CAGR (5Y)2.55%-8.19%
Total return CAGR (5Y)2.98%-2.75%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, DOV or KMB?
KMB has the lower trailing P/E: DOV trades at 22.83 and KMB at 16.88. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, DOV or KMB?
Over the past five years, DOV grew revenue faster — DOV at a 2.54% CAGR versus KMB at -2.69%.
Does DOV or KMB pay a bigger dividend?
DOV yields 1.10% and KMB yields 5.20% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is DOV or KMB more profitable?
DOV runs the higher net margin — DOV at 13.48% versus KMB at 11.80%.
How have DOV and KMB total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, DOV delivered 14.80% and KMB delivered 1.32% 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.