Colgate-Palmolive (CL) vs Estee Lauder Companies (EL)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 7, 2026.
Summary
Colgate-Palmolive (CL) has outperformed Estee Lauder Companies (EL) over the past year, gaining 11.0% versus a gain of 1.9%. Over five years, CL leads with a +15.1% price change compared with -70.6% for EL. Colgate-Palmolive is the larger company by market cap ($69.52 billion vs $34.22 billion), about 2.0 times the size, while Estee Lauder Companies is growing revenue faster (+5.0% vs +1.4%).
On valuation, Colgate-Palmolive trades at a lower forward P/E (21.3x vs 24.1x for Estee Lauder Companies). Colgate-Palmolive offers the higher dividend yield (2.40% vs 1.48%). Colgate-Palmolive converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 10.5% versus 1.2%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | CL | EL |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $87.21 | $94.45 |
| Market cap | $69.52B | $34.22B |
| 1-day change | -0.05% | +1.17% |
| YTD return | +11.10% | -9.81% |
| 1-year return | +10.97% | +1.91% |
| 5-year return | +15.13% | -70.56% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 34.33 | 188.90 |
| Forward P/E | 21.28 | 24.08 |
| EPS (TTM) | $2.54 | $0.50 |
| Dividend yield | 2.40% | 1.48% |
| Annual dividend | $2.09 | $1.40 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $20.38B | $15.05B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +1.40% | +5.05% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $2.13B | $182.00M |
| Gross margin | 60.11% | 75.50% |
| Operating margin | 16.22% | 5.18% |
| Net margin | 10.46% | 1.21% |
| 52-week high | $99.33 | $121.64 |
| 52-week low | $74.55 | $66.22 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -12.20% | -22.35% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +12.77% | +13.65% |
| Average volume | 4.74M | 2.96M |
| Shares outstanding | 797.17M | 247.82M |
| Employees | 33,600 | 37,950 |
| Sector | Consumer Discretionary | Consumer Discretionary |
| Industry | Package Goods/Cosmetics | Package Goods/Cosmetics |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- Colgate-Palmolive is about 2.0 times larger than Estee Lauder Companies by market value ($69.52B vs $34.22B).
- Estee Lauder Companies trades at a higher earnings multiple (188.9x vs 34.3x trailing P/E).
- Colgate-Palmolive is more profitable, keeping 10.5 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 1.2 cents for Estee Lauder Companies.
About Colgate-Palmolive
CL stock →Colgate-Palmolive Company, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells consumer products in the United States and internationally. It operates through two segments: Oral, Personal and Home Care; and Pet Nutrition.
Consumer Discretionary · Package Goods/Cosmetics · 33,600 employees
About Estee Lauder Companies
EL stock →The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. manufactures, markets, and sells skin care, makeup, fragrance, and hair care products worldwide.
Consumer Discretionary · Package Goods/Cosmetics · 37,950 employees
CL vs EL FAQ
Which is bigger, Colgate-Palmolive or Estee Lauder Companies?
Colgate-Palmolive (CL) is larger, with a market capitalization of $69.52B compared with $34.22B for Estee Lauder Companies (EL).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, CL or EL?
CL returned +10.97% over the past 12 months, compared with +1.91% for EL (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, CL or EL?
CL has the lower trailing P/E at 34.3, versus 188.9 for EL. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, Colgate-Palmolive or Estee Lauder Companies?
Colgate-Palmolive has the higher yield at 2.40%, compared with 1.48% for Estee Lauder Companies.
Are Colgate-Palmolive and Estee Lauder Companies in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Package Goods/Cosmetics industry within the Consumer Discretionary sector.