Kimberly-Clark Corporation (KMB) vs Microsoft Corporation (MSFT)
A side-by-side comparison of Kimberly-Clark Corporation and Microsoft Corporation 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; MSFT is classified in Technology. 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
MSFT
Microsoft Corporation
$495.63TechnologyDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — KMB vs MSFT
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yKMB +15.5% (+1.4%/yr)MSFT +861.8% (+25.4%/yr)MSFT compounded faster over this window
Log scale — wide-divergence pair
KMB MSFT
KMB vs MSFT: by the numbers
- •MSFT is the larger company ($3.68T vs $32.58B market cap).
- •KMB trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (16.69 vs 27.61 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •MSFT converts more revenue to profit (40.31% vs 11.80% net margin).
- •MSFT grew revenue faster over the past five years (14.57% vs -2.69% CAGR).
- •KMB pays the higher dividend yield (5.18% vs 0.74%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | KMB | MSFT |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 16.69 | 27.61 |
| Forward P/E | 13.18 | 25.13 |
| P/S ratio | 1.97 | 11.09 |
| P/B ratio | 18.62 | 8.32 |
| EV / EBITDA | 14.44 | 19.55 |
| FCF yield | 5.40% | 1.82% |
Profitability
| Metric | KMB | MSFT |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 36.69% | 67.94% |
| Operating margin | 12.38% | 46.78% |
| Net margin | 11.80% | 40.31% |
| ROE | 111.71% | 30.23% |
| ROIC | 12.46% | 20.90% |
Dividends
| Metric | KMB | MSFT |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 5.18% | 0.74% |
| Payout ratio | 86.73% | 20.28% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | KMB | MSFT |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | -2.69% | 14.57% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | -2.50% | 17.26% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | -8.19% | 3.60% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | -2.69% | 11.66% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, KMB or MSFT?
- KMB has the lower trailing P/E: KMB trades at 16.69 and MSFT at 27.61. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, KMB or MSFT?
- Over the past five years, MSFT grew revenue faster — KMB at a -2.69% CAGR versus MSFT at 14.57%.
- Does KMB or MSFT pay a bigger dividend?
- KMB yields 5.18% and MSFT yields 0.74% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is KMB or MSFT more profitable?
- MSFT runs the higher net margin — KMB at 11.80% versus MSFT at 40.31%.
- How have KMB and MSFT total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, KMB delivered 1.35% and MSFT delivered 25.72% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Kimberly-Clark P/E ratioMicrosoft P/E ratioKimberly-Clark dividend yieldMicrosoft dividend yieldKimberly-Clark ROEMicrosoft ROEKimberly-Clark operating marginMicrosoft operating marginKimberly-Clark revenue growthMicrosoft revenue growthKimberly-Clark free cash flowMicrosoft free cash flow
Kimberly-Clark & Microsoft appear in these rankings
Related comparisons
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.