Colgate-Palmolive vs Altria (CL vs MO)
Colgate-Palmolive (CL) vs Altria (MO) in plain English: P/E, growth, margins, debt and dividend side by side, key differences and which fits each investor profile.
Colgate-Palmolive (CL) and Altria (MO) compete in consumer staples. Here are Colgate-Palmolive and Altria side by side with their real figures as of November 4, 2026: what sets them apart, which fits each kind of investor and the most common questions, without telling you whether to buy Colgate-Palmolive or Altria.
Colgate-Palmolive vs Altria: the figures
| Figure | Colgate-Palmolive | Altria |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $98.76 (November 4, 2026) | $78.01 (November 4, 2026) |
| Market cap | $78.5 billion | $129.8 billion |
| P/E (TTM) | 38.4x | 16.1x |
| Forward P/E | 24.1x | 13.2x |
| Revenue growth (quarter) | +4.6% | +3.6% |
| Net margin (TTM) | 9.6% | 39.3% |
| Net debt / EBITDA | 1.2x | 1.7x |
| Dividend yield | 2.22% | 5.77% |
| Beta | 0.31 | 0.46 |
Colgate-Palmolive and Altria figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that Colgate-Palmolive or Altria figure is not available, and we never estimate it.
3 key differences between Colgate-Palmolive and Altria
- Valuation: Colgate-Palmolive trades at 38.4x its annual earnings and Altria at 16.1x; the market pays more for each dollar of Colgate-Palmolive profit, usually because it expects more growth.
- Profitability: for every 100 of sales, Altria keeps 39.3 as net profit and Colgate-Palmolive keeps 9.6.
- Dividend: Altria yields 5.77% at today's price and Colgate-Palmolive yields 2.22%.
Colgate-Palmolive or Altria: which fits your profile
- If you want growth: Colgate-Palmolive is growing faster today, so it fits better with investors who put business growth first, usually accepting a higher P/E and a bumpier ride.
- If you want income (dividends): Altria pays the higher dividend relative to its price.
- If you prefer caution: Colgate-Palmolive has less debt relative to its profit, which usually gives more room in a bad year.
- If price is what matters most to you: Altria trades on the lower P/E; check first whether that is an opportunity or a sign of a business that grows less.
Neither Colgate-Palmolive nor Altria wins on everything, and owning both is also an option: spreading money across several companies or an index fund reduces what rides on each one.
How Colgate-Palmolive and Altria make money
Colgate-Palmolive (CL)
Colgate-Palmolive reports two businesses. Oral, Personal and Home Care, the larger, sells Colgate toothpaste and toothbrushes, its main category, plus Palmolive and Protex soaps, Speed Stick deodorants and Ajax and Fabuloso cleaners across regions worldwide. Pet Nutrition sells Hill's Science Diet and Prescription Diet pet food. Full Colgate-Palmolive analysis.
Altria (MO)
Altria sells tobacco products only in the United States. Its largest segment is smokeable products, led by Marlboro cigarettes and Black & Mild cigars. Oral tobacco includes Copenhagen, Skoal and on! nicotine pouches, and it also sells NJOY e-vapor products. It holds an equity stake in AB InBev as well. Full Altria analysis.
Frequently asked questions: Colgate-Palmolive vs Altria
Is Colgate-Palmolive or Altria the better stock?
Choosing between Colgate-Palmolive and Altria depends on what you are looking for. Colgate-Palmolive is growing faster right now, and Altria trades on the lower P/E. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy Colgate-Palmolive or Altria: it shows you the differences so you can decide.
Which pays a higher dividend, Colgate-Palmolive or Altria?
As of November 4, 2026, Altria yields 5.77% and Colgate-Palmolive yields 2.22%. Also check how much of their profit Colgate-Palmolive and Altria pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.
Which is more expensive, Colgate-Palmolive or Altria?
On P/E, Colgate-Palmolive (38.4x) is more expensive than Altria (16.1x) as of November 4, 2026. A higher P/E can be justified if earnings grow faster, so compare it with each company's growth in the table.
Can I own both Colgate-Palmolive and Altria?
Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as Colgate-Palmolive and Altria, or use index funds so they do not depend on just one. If you are starting out, decide how much you want to invest and for how long before buying Colgate-Palmolive or Altria.
More comparisons with Colgate-Palmolive or Altria
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- Mondelez vs Altria
More companies like Colgate-Palmolive and Altria: consumer staples stocks. Educational content about Colgate-Palmolive and Altria, not investment advice.