Colgate-Palmolive's gross margin has held between 59.4% and 61.5% across the last ten quarters, suggesting durable pricing power and a premium brand mix, while trailing free cash flow margin of 19.3% in Q3 2026 indicates strong cash generation.
Price trend, volume and key moving averages
Start with the evidence for owning the stock and the risks that can break the thesis.
Revenue reaccelerated to $5.4B in Q3 2026 (4.6% year-over-year growth) with gross margin steady near 60%, yet operating margin slipped from 22.1% to 19.0% and EPS of $0.86 in Q2 2026 missed a $0.93 estimate.
Colgate-Palmolive reported a significant increase in net sales, rising to US$5,324 million from US$4,911 million year-over-year, indicating robust demand for its products.
The company focuses on premium product innovation, particularly in oral care, with offerings like Colgate Total that address multiple oral health issues.
Colgate-Palmolive is the world's leading brand in toothpaste and toothbrushes by market share, reinforcing its dominant position in the oral care sector.
Trailing total returns as of 11/7/2026, which may include dividends or other distributions. Benchmark is S&P 500 (^GSPC).
Check whether operating performance supports the current valuation.
Recent results and news deserve attention only when they alter the forward view.
| Quarter | EPS (Act vs Est) | Revenue (Act vs Est) |
|---|---|---|
Q4 2026Latest Oct 30, 2026 | $0.97+4.8% vs $0.93 | $5.4B+0.6% vs $5.3B |
Q3 2026 Jul 31, 2026 | $0.99+4.5% vs $0.95 | $5.4B+0.1% vs $5.4B |
Q2 2026 May 1, 2026 | $0.97+2.9% vs $0.94 | $5.3B+2.1% vs $5.2B |
Q1 2026 Jan 30, 2026 | $0.95+4.2% vs $0.91 | $5.2B+2.1% vs $5.1B |
The Fund returned 3.18% compared to a 2.61% return for the Russell 1000 Value Index. Key contributors include Microsoft, Salesforce and Thermo Fisher Scientific. Key detractors include Aon, Carrier Global and Builders FirstSource.
Both consumer giants beat earnings, yet their margins are moving in opposite directions as oil prices climb and a cautious U.S. shopper holds back. One dividend carries a thin balance sheet buffer, and retirees need to know which one.
Colgate-Palmolive's trailing-12-month revenue grew about 6% to $21 billion, with $3.8 billion in free cash flow. Hershey's revenue rose 6.7% to $12.2 billion, and it trades at a lower forward P/E than Colgate.
Coca-Cola, Procter & Gamble, and Colgate-Palmolive are attracting investors seeking reliable earnings and dividends amid political uncertainty. Recent earnings results demonstrate the resilience of their consumer-staples businesses, although growth rates vary considerably.
Benchmark CL against direct peers instead of judging its metrics in isolation.
Key metrics vs top competitors for Colgate-Palmolive Company (CL)
| Company | Price | Market Cap | P/E Ratio | Rev Growth (1Y) | Net Margin | ROE | Div Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $96.56 | $77.27B | 37.58 | 1.4% | 9.65% | 399.22% | 2.33% | |
| $165.40 | $385.15B | 24.84 | 3.26% | 18.23% | 29.42% | 2.55% | |
| $66.00 | $144.09B | 22.86 | -16.88% | — | — | 3.29% | |
| $108.43 | $35.99B | 10.96 | -14.17% | 19.93% | 151.82% | 4.6% | |
| $109.33 | $25.91B | 33.68 | 1.57% | 12.41% | 18.21% | 1.08% | |
| $23.84 | $1.63B | 20.24 | 2.28% | 2.73% | 47.41% | 5.07% |
Colgate-Palmolive Company (CL) vs competitors — business, growth, and fundamentals comparison against the closest industry rivals.
Verify the primary filings, follow material updates, and answer the remaining questions.
Colgate-Palmolive Company (CL) SEC filings — annual & quarterly reports (10-K, 10-Q)
Oct 30, 2026·SEC
Jul 31, 2026·SEC
May 13, 2026·SEC
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Colgate-Palmolive Company (CL) stock FAQ — growth, dividends, profitability & financials explained
Colgate-Palmolive Company (CL) reported $21.28B in revenue over the trailing twelve months. Revenue was $20.38B in fiscal year 2025. That is 133% more than the $8.75B of fiscal year 1996.
Colgate-Palmolive Company (CL) grew revenue by 5.9% over the trailing twelve months, compared with the twelve months before.
Yes. Colgate-Palmolive Company (CL) earned $2.05B in net income over the trailing twelve months (a 9.6% net margin).
Yes. Colgate-Palmolive Company (CL) pays a dividend that yields 2.33% at the current price, a moderate yield.
Colgate-Palmolive Company (CL) had a return on equity (ROE) of 399.2% over the trailing twelve months. That is well above the market's typical 10-15%.
Colgate-Palmolive Company (CL) generated $3.79B in free cash flow over the trailing twelve months.
