Quick verdict: CL vs MDLZ in 2026

Overall, Mondelez International (MDLZ) appears to have a stronger edge compared to Colgate-Palmolive (CL) in this 2026 stock comparison. MDLZ stands out as the growth leader, boasting a significantly higher revenue growth rate and more substantial implied upside from its discounted cash flow analysis. While CL maintains superior profitability margins, MDLZ presents a more compelling picture for value investors with a lower P/E and P/B ratio, and is the clear analyst favorite with a much higher percentage of ‘Buy’ ratings and a ‘Buy’ consensus, also showing more upside. Not investment advice.

CL vs MDLZ: key metrics side by side

Full side-by-side comparison of CL and MDLZ across valuation, profitability, growth and analyst sentiment. Data updated 2026-05-07.

CL vs MDLZ valuation comparison

When evaluating CL vs MDLZ valuation in 2026, Mondelez International (MDLZ) generally appears to be the more attractively priced option. Colgate-Palmolive (CL) trades at a P/E ratio of 33.53x, which is higher than MDLZ’s P/E of 30.25x. This indicates that investors are paying a slightly higher premium for CL’s earnings, suggesting MDLZ offers better value on this metric. The disparity becomes even more striking when examining the P/B ratio, where CL’s incredibly high 482.54x stands in stark contrast to MDLZ’s much more reasonable 3.07x, suggesting CL might be significantly overvalued on a book value basis or has very little tangible equity, whereas MDLZ’s P/B is far more palatable for value investors.

Furthermore, the discounted cash flow (DCF) analysis points to substantial upside for MDLZ, with a remarkable +113.7% implied potential, suggesting its current price of $61.33 is considerably below its intrinsic value of $131.05. In comparison, CL’s DCF analysis indicates an upside of +33.1% from its current price of $87.21 to a target of $116.11. This wide difference in DCF upside makes MDLZ appear to be the significantly cheaper stock with greater potential for price appreciation if it converges to its fair value. Therefore, for investors focused on value within the cl vs mdlz fundamentals and valuation perspective, MDLZ presents a more compelling case.

CL vs MDLZ growth comparison

In terms of growth, Mondelez International (MDLZ) demonstrates a stronger momentum compared to Colgate-Palmolive (CL). MDLZ reported a revenue growth of +5.8% year-over-year, significantly outperforming CL’s more modest revenue growth of +1.4%. This suggests that MDLZ is currently experiencing a more robust expansion in its top line, likely driven by its diverse portfolio of snack and confectionery brands globally, which include popular names. Investors looking for companies with stronger sales traction would find MDLZ’s performance more appealing in this cl vs mdlz stock comparison 2026.

While CL boasts superior margins (as detailed in the profitability section), MDLZ’s ability to generate nearly four times the revenue growth indicates greater market penetration or success in new product initiatives and acquisitions. This difference in growth rates is a critical factor for investors prioritizing expansion and market share gains. MDLZ’s larger revenue base of $38.54B compared to CL’s $20.38B, coupled with its higher growth rate, implies a company with stronger operational momentum and potentially better future prospects in a competitive consumer defensive sector, reflecting a more dynamic growth trajectory.

CL vs MDLZ profitability

When analyzing the profitability between CL and MDLZ, Colgate-Palmolive (CL) emerges as the clear leader in terms of operational efficiency and net earnings. CL boasts a net margin of 10.04%, which is notably higher than MDLZ’s 6.65%. This indicates that CL is more effective at converting its revenue into actual profit, suggesting better cost management or stronger pricing power within its core categories like oral care, personal care, and pet nutrition products. Furthermore, CL’s EBITDA margin of 18.84% also surpasses MDLZ’s 12.18%, reinforcing its superior operational profitability before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization.

Regarding cash generation, CL also holds an advantage with a Free Cash Flow (FCF) yield of 5.38%, significantly higher than MDLZ’s FCF yield of 3.27%. This metric suggests that CL generates a greater amount of cash flow relative to its market capitalization, providing more flexibility for debt reduction, dividends, or share buybacks. Both companies, however, report ‘N/A%’ for Return on Equity (ROE), which means we cannot use this specific metric for direct comparison. Overall, for investors prioritizing strong margins and robust cash generation capabilities, CL demonstrates superior profitability compared to MDLZ.

Analyst ratings: CL vs MDLZ

The analyst community shows a distinct preference for Mondelez International (MDLZ) over Colgate-Palmolive (CL) in their current ratings and outlook for 2026. Out of 41 analysts covering MDLZ, a significant 75.6% have issued a ‘Buy’ rating, leading to a strong ‘Buy’ consensus. Their average price target for MDLZ is $67, representing a projected upside of +9.2% from its current price of $61.33. This indicates a high level of confidence in MDLZ’s future performance and potential for capital appreciation among professional analysts, suggesting a positive outlook for the company’s trajectory.

In contrast, Colgate-Palmolive (CL) receives a more cautious assessment from analysts. Among the 45 analysts covering CL, only 42.2% recommend a ‘Buy’ rating, resulting in an overall ‘Hold’ consensus. The average price target for CL is $94.9, which suggests an +8.8% upside from its current price of $87.21. While the price target upside is somewhat comparable to MDLZ, the lower percentage of ‘Buy’ ratings and a ‘Hold’ consensus for CL suggest analysts perceive less immediate upside or higher inherent risks compared to MDLZ. Therefore, if analyst sentiment is a key factor in your investment decision, MDLZ appears to be the more favored stock.

Should I buy CL or MDLZ stock in 2026?

Deciding whether should I buy CL or MDLZ stock in 2026 depends heavily on an investor’s specific objectives and risk tolerance. For growth-oriented investors, Mondelez International (MDLZ) appears to be the more compelling choice. With a revenue growth rate of +5.8% compared to CL’s +1.4%, MDLZ demonstrates stronger top-line momentum and a larger revenue base. Furthermore, the substantial +113.7% upside indicated by its discounted cash flow (DCF) analysis suggests significant long-term appreciation potential, making it particularly attractive for those seeking robust capital growth.

Value investors considering cl vs mdlz fundamentals and valuation might also lean towards MDLZ. Its P/E ratio of 30.25x is lower than CL’s 33.53x, and its P/B ratio of 3.07x is vastly more appealing and sustainable than CL’s 482.54x. This indicates that MDLZ is trading at a more reasonable valuation relative to its earnings and book value. The higher analyst ‘Buy’ rating of 75.6% and a consensus ‘Buy’ also adds to its appeal as a potentially undervalued or fairly valued stock with strong prospects for a rebound or continued upward trajectory.

For income-focused investors, neither CL nor MDLZ currently offers a substantial dividend yield, with CL at 0.02% and MDLZ at 0.03%. While MDLZ’s yield is marginally higher, both are extremely low and unlikely to be a primary driver for investors solely seeking income. Overall, MDLZ seems to present a more balanced opportunity across growth and value metrics, coupled with stronger analyst confidence for 2026, making it potentially more appealing for a broader range of investors. This is not investment advice; always conduct your own thorough research and consider your financial goals before making any investment decisions.

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FAQ: CL vs MDLZ