Kimberly-Clark Corporation (KMB) vs Mastercard Incorporated (MA)
A side-by-side comparison of Kimberly-Clark Corporation and Mastercard 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.
Different business models: KMB is classified in Consumer Defensive; MA is classified in Financial Services. Margin, capital intensity, and valuation differences should be interpreted in that sector context.
KMB
Kimberly-Clark Corporation
$98.15Consumer DefensiveDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
MA
Mastercard Incorporated
$569.19Financial ServicesDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — KMB vs MA
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yKMB +9.6% (+0.9%/yr)MA +498.8% (+19.6%/yr)MA compounded faster over this window
Log scale — wide-divergence pair
KMB MA
KMB vs MA: by the numbers
- •MA is the larger company ($499.20B vs $32.58B market cap).
- •KMB trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (16.69 vs 31.31 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •MA converts more revenue to profit (46.34% vs 11.80% net margin).
- •MA grew revenue faster over the past five years (16.09% vs -2.69% CAGR).
- •KMB pays the higher dividend yield (5.18% vs 0.60%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | KMB | MA |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 16.69 | 31.31 |
| Forward P/E | 13.18 | 28.52 |
| P/S ratio | 1.97 | 14.23 |
| P/B ratio | 18.62 | 88.97 |
| EV / EBITDA | 14.44 | N/A |
| FCF yield | 5.40% | N/A |
Profitability
| Metric | KMB | MA |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 36.69% | 100.00% |
| Operating margin | 12.38% | 59.84% |
| Net margin | 11.80% | 46.34% |
| ROE | 111.71% | 289.73% |
| ROIC | 12.46% | N/A |
Dividends
| Metric | KMB | MA |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 5.18% | 0.60% |
| Payout ratio | 86.73% | 18.54% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | KMB | MA |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | -2.69% | 16.09% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | -2.50% | 20.93% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | -8.19% | N/A |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | -2.69% | 10.88% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, KMB or MA?
- KMB has the lower trailing P/E: KMB trades at 16.69 and MA at 31.31. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, KMB or MA?
- Over the past five years, MA grew revenue faster — KMB at a -2.69% CAGR versus MA at 16.09%.
- Does KMB or MA pay a bigger dividend?
- KMB yields 5.18% and MA yields 0.60% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is KMB or MA more profitable?
- MA runs the higher net margin — KMB at 11.80% versus MA at 46.34%.
- How have KMB and MA total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, KMB delivered 1.35% and MA delivered 19.83% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Kimberly-Clark P/E ratioMastercard P/E ratioKimberly-Clark dividend yieldMastercard dividend yieldKimberly-Clark ROEMastercard ROEKimberly-Clark operating marginMastercard operating marginKimberly-Clark revenue growthMastercard revenue growthKimberly-Clark free cash flow
Kimberly-Clark & Mastercard 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 September 11, 2026.