Emerson Electric Co. (EMR) vs Kimberly-Clark Corporation (KMB)

A side-by-side comparison of Emerson Electric Co. 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: EMR is classified in Industrials; KMB is classified in Consumer Defensive. Margin, capital intensity, and valuation differences should be interpreted in that sector context.

Total returnEMR vs KMB

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
EMR +267.7% (+13.9%/yr)KMB +15.1% (+1.4%/yr)EMR compounded faster over this window
100200300400Start $10020182020202220242026$368$115
EMR KMB

EMR vs KMB: by the numbers

  • EMR is the larger company ($83.06B vs $32.89B market cap).
  • KMB trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (16.85 vs 32.45 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • EMR converts more revenue to profit (13.83% vs 11.80% net margin).
  • EMR grew revenue faster over the past five years (0.87% vs -2.69% CAGR).
  • KMB pays the higher dividend yield (5.20% vs 1.46%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricEMRKMB
P/E ratio32.4516.85
Forward P/E22.6113.36
P/S ratio4.461.99
P/B ratio4.0818.80
EV / EBITDA18.7214.56
FCF yield4.17%5.35%

Profitability

MetricEMRKMB
Gross margin53.16%36.69%
Operating margin20.11%12.38%
Net margin13.83%11.80%
ROE12.65%111.71%
ROIC7.93%12.46%

Dividends

MetricEMRKMB
Dividend yield1.46%5.20%
Payout ratio48.58%86.73%

Growth (annualized)

MetricEMRKMB
Revenue CAGR (5Y)0.87%-2.69%
EPS CAGR (5Y)4.54%-2.50%
FCF CAGR (5Y)0.41%-8.19%
Total return CAGR (5Y)10.92%-2.75%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, EMR or KMB?
KMB has the lower trailing P/E: EMR trades at 32.45 and KMB at 16.85. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, EMR or KMB?
Over the past five years, EMR grew revenue faster — EMR at a 0.87% CAGR versus KMB at -2.69%.
Does EMR or KMB pay a bigger dividend?
EMR yields 1.46% and KMB yields 5.20% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is EMR or KMB more profitable?
EMR runs the higher net margin — EMR at 13.83% versus KMB at 11.80%.
How have EMR and KMB total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, EMR delivered 14.33% 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.