Colgate-Palmolive Company (CL) is listed on NYSE and operates in the Household & Personal Products industry (Consumer Defensive sector).
Colgate-Palmolive Company, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells consumer products worldwide. The company operates through two segments, Oral, Personal and Home Care; and Pet Nutrition. The Oral, Personal and Home Care segment offers toothpaste, toothbrushes, mouthwash, bar and liquid hand soaps, shower gels, shampoos, conditioners, deodorants and antiperspirants, skin health products, dishwashing detergents, fabric conditioners, household cleaners, and other related items. This segment markets and sells its products under various brands, which include Colgate, Darlie, elmex, hello, meridol, Sorriso, Tom's of Maine, Irish Spring, Palmolive, Protex, Sanex, Softsoap, Lady Speed Stick, Speed Stick, EltaMD, Filorga, PCA SKIN, Ajax, Axion, Fabuloso, Murphy, Suavitel, Soupline, and Cuddly to a range of traditional and eCommerce retailers, wholesalers, and distributors. It also includes pharmaceutical products for dentists and other oral health professionals. The Pet Nutrition segment offers pet nutrition products for everyday nutritional needs under the Hill's Science Diet brand; and a range of therapeutic products to manage disease conditions in dogs and cats under the Hill's Prescription Diet brand. This segment markets and sells its products through pet supply retailers, veterinarians, and eCommerce retailers. Colgate-Palmolive Company was founded in 1806 and is headquartered in New York, New York.
| Rating | Analysts |
|---|---|
| Strong Buy | 0 |
| Buy | 19 |
| Hold | 24 |
| Sell | 2 |
| Strong Sell | 0 |
Colgate-Palmolive Company, along with its subsidiaries, produces and distributes consumer products globally. The company operates in two main segments: Oral, Personal and Home Care, and Pet Nutrition. The Oral, Personal and Home Care segment includes products such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, mouthwash, soaps, shower gels, shampoos, conditioners, deodorants, skin health products, dishwashing detergents, fabric conditioners, and household cleaners. These products are marketed under various brands, including Colgate, Palmolive, and Softsoap, and are sold through traditional and eCommerce retailers, wholesalers, and distributors. This segment also provides pharmaceutical products for dental professionals. The Pet Nutrition segment offers everyday and therapeutic pet nutrition products under the Hill's Science Diet and Hill's Prescription Diet brands. These products are distributed through pet supply retailers, veterinarians, and eCommerce platforms. Founded in 1806, Colgate-Palmolive is headquartered in New York, New York.
Over the past three fiscal years, the company has demonstrated a steady growth trajectory, with revenue increasing at a 2.3% CAGR from $19.46 billion in 2023 to $20.38 billion in 2025. Despite this growth, the company's earnings per share (EPS) showed inconsistency, declining from $2.77 to $2.63, reflecting a -2.6% CAGR. This decline in EPS can be attributed to a slight compression in net margins, which decreased by 1.4pp from 11.8% to 10.5%. However, the company's cash generation capabilities have strengthened, with operating cash flow (OCF) and free cash flow (FCF) consistently increasing. OCF grew from $3.75 billion to $4.20 billion, while FCF rose from $3.04 billion to $3.63 billion, with FCF margins expanding by 2.2pp to 17.8%. This improvement in cash flow is supported by a strong cash conversion ratio of 1.97, indicating that earnings are well-backed by actual cash. Additionally, the company has effectively managed its net debt, reducing it from $8.10 billion to $6.70 billion, showcasing prudent financial management. Despite the positive cash flow and debt reduction, liquidity remains a concern with a current ratio below 1, indicating potential short-term financial constraints. Overall, the company's focus on cash generation and debt management has been a key strength, even as it navigates challenges in profitability and liquidity.
Colgate-Palmolive is set to release its first-quarter earnings on May 1, 2026, with expectations of growth, according to recent reports. This comes amid broader market movements where investors are refocusing on bank earnings and the impact of rising crude prices on margins. Analyst discussions have highlighted Colgate-Palmolive as a potentially undervalued dividend stock, suggesting investor interest in its stability amid market volatility. In terms of trading activity, Merit Financial Group LLC increased its holdings in Colgate-Palmolive, now valued at $3.46 million, while AE Wealth Management LLC holds a $2.34 million stake. Conversely, Asset Management One Co. Ltd. reduced its position, reflecting varied institutional strategies. These transactions indicate routine portfolio adjustments rather than significant shifts in company outlook. As the company prepares for its earnings release, attention will be on how external economic factors, such as tariffs and energy costs, might influence its margin outlook for 2026.