Upside case
Bull case
$151+69.0%
CL would need investors to value it at roughly 40x earnings — about 16x more generous than today's 24x forward P/E. That requires meaningful multiple expansion on top of continued earnings growth.
Analysis OverviewHoldUpdated Jun 18, 2026
Colgate-Palmolive Company (CL) Stock Analysis
Wall Street verdict, consensus price target, and analyst rating breakdown — everything needed to frame the risk/reward at today's price.
Analyst consensus
Hold
Covering
45
analysts
19 bullish · 2 bearish · 45 covering CL
Strong Buy
0
Buy
19
Hold
24
Sell
2
Strong Sell
0
Consensus Target
$96
+7.3% vs today
Scenario Range
$72 – $151
Model bear to bull value window
Coverage
45
Published analyst ratings
Valuation Context
23.5x
Forward P/E · Market cap $71.8B
CL price targets
Three scenarios for where CL stock could go
Current
~$89
Confidence
53 / 100
Updated
Jun 18, 2026
Where we are now
Current · $89
Bear
$72
Base
$115
Bull
$151
Market caseClosest to today
Base case
$115+28.3%
At 30x on FY1 earnings, the base case reflects a reasonable but not stretched valuation. It prices in continued growth without assuming an exceptional setup.
Stress case
Bear case
$72-19.2%
If investor confidence fades or macro conditions deteriorate, a 5x multiple contraction could push CL down roughly 19% from where it trades now.
Not financial advice. Model confidence reflects internal scenario assumptions, not a guarantee of returns. Past performance does not predict future results.
Colgate-Palmolive Company
CL · NYSEConsumer DefensiveHousehold & Personal ProductsDecember year-end
Colgate-Palmolive is a global consumer goods company that manufactures and sells oral care, personal care, home care, and pet nutrition products. It generates revenue primarily from its Oral, Personal and Home Care segment — which contributes roughly 85% of sales — and its Pet Nutrition segment, which makes up the remaining 15%. The company's competitive advantage lies in its powerful global brand portfolio, particularly the dominant Colgate brand in oral care, and its extensive distribution network reaching over 200 countries.
Market Cap
$71.8B
Revenue TTM
$20.4B
Net Income TTM
$2.1B
Net Margin
10.5%
CL Revenue and Earnings Performance
Quarterly beat-or-miss track record against analyst estimates, plus forward revenue and EPS outlook for the next two fiscal years.
EPS Beat Rate
100%Exceptional
12 quarters tracked
Revenue Beat Rate
92%Exceptional
vs consensus estimates
Avg EPS Surprise
+3.7%
above Street consensus
Beat / Miss Record
BeatMissLeft = EPS · Right = Revenue
Q3 2025
Q4 2025
Q1 2026
Q2 2026
Last 4 Quarters
EPS beats: 4 of 4Q3 2025
EPS
$0.92/$0.90
Revenue
$5.1B/$5.0B
Q4 2025
EPS
$0.91/$0.89
Revenue
$5.1B/$5.1B
Q1 2026
EPS
$0.95/$0.91
Revenue
$5.2B/$5.1B
Q2 2026
EPS
$0.97/$0.94
Revenue
$5.3B/$5.2B
| Quarter | EPS (Actual / Est) | EPS Surprise | Revenue (Actual / Est) | Rev Surprise |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q3 2025 | $0.92/$0.90 | +2.6% | $5.1B/$5.0B | +1.5% |
| Q4 2025 | $0.91/$0.89 | +2.4% | $5.1B/$5.1B | +0.1% |
| Q1 2026 | $0.95/$0.91 | +4.2% | $5.2B/$5.1B | +2.1% |
| Q2 2026 | $0.97/$0.94 | +2.9% | $5.3B/$5.2B | +2.1% |
FY1–FY2 Estimates
Revenue Outlook
FY1
$21.2B
+4.1% YoY
FY2
$22.0B
+3.6% YoY
EPS Outlook
FY1
$3.16
+19.5% YoY
FY2
$3.37
+6.6% YoY
Trailing FCF (TTM)$3.6B
FCF Margin: 17.8%
Next Earnings
July 31, 2026
Expected EPS
$0.96
Expected Revenue
$5.4B
CL beat EPS estimates in 4 of 4 tracked quarters. A perfect track record raises the bar for the upcoming report.
CL Revenue Breakdown by Segment
Product and geographic revenue mix from the latest annual disclosure, with year-over-year growth by segment.
Latest disclosure
FY 2025
Total disclosed revenue $20.4B
Product Mix
Latest annual revenue by segment or product family
Oral, Personal and Home Care
77.4%
+1.0% YoY
Tap, hover, or focus a slice to inspect segment detail.
Geographic Mix
Latest annual revenue by reported region
Oral, Personal and Home Care
60.9%
YoY unavailable
Tap, hover, or focus a slice to inspect segment detail.
Oral, Personal and Home Care is the largest disclosed segment at 77.4% of FY 2025 revenue, up 1.0% YoY.
Oral, Personal and Home Care is the largest reported region at 60.9%, with no year-over-year comparison yet.
CL Valuation Snapshot
Current multiples compared to the S&P 500, the company's sector, and its own five-year average.
Relative Value Signal
Premium mostly justified
Fair value est. $76 — implies -14.8% from today's price.
Premium to Fair Value
14.8%
above fair value
Deep DiscountFair ValueVery Expensive
vs S&P 500 Trailing P/E
CL
34.0x
vs
S&P 500
24.4x
+39% premium
vs Consumer Defensive Trailing P/E
CL
34.0x
vs
Consumer Defensive
18.9x
+80% premium
vs CL 5Y Avg P/E
Today
34.0x
vs
5Y Average
31.0x
+10% premium
Forward PE
23.5x
S&P 500
18.8x
+25%
Consumer Defensive
14.2x
+66%
5Y Avg
—
—
Trailing PE
34.0x
S&P 500
24.4x
+39%
Consumer Defensive
18.9x
+80%
5Y Avg
31.0x
+10%
PEG Ratio
—
S&P 500
1.66x
—
Consumer Defensive
1.92x
—
5Y Avg
—
—
EV/EBITDA
15.8x
S&P 500
15.2x
+4%
Consumer Defensive
11.1x
+42%
5Y Avg
16.5x
-4%
Price/FCF
19.8x
S&P 500
20.7x
-5%
Consumer Defensive
15.3x
+29%
5Y Avg
24.4x
-19%
Price/Sales
3.5x
S&P 500
3.1x
+14%
Consumer Defensive
0.9x
+300%
5Y Avg
3.6x
-3%
Dividend Yield
2.51%
S&P 500
1.91%
+31%
Consumer Defensive
3.06%
-18%
5Y Avg
2.55%
-2%
| Metric | CL | S&P 500 | Consumer Defensive | 5Y Avg CL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forward PE | 23.5x | 18.8x+25% | 14.2x+66% | — |
| Trailing PE | 34.0x | 24.4x+39% | 18.9x+80% | 31.0x |
| PEG Ratio | — | 1.66x | 1.92x | — |
| EV/EBITDA | 15.8x | 15.2x | 11.1x+42% | 16.5x |
| Price/FCF | 19.8x | 20.7x | 15.3x+29% | 24.4x-19% |
| Price/Sales | 3.5x | 3.1x+14% | 0.9x+300% | 3.6x |
| Dividend Yield | 2.51% | 1.91% | 3.06% | 2.55% |
CL trades above S&P 500 benchmarks on 3 of 5 measured multiples — is elevated on some multiples, but competitive on others — a mixed valuation picture.
Forward P/E and PEG reflect analyst consensus estimates. Historical averages use trailing ratios where forward data is unavailable.S&P 500 and sector benchmarks both use trailing median P/E — similar readings indicate the broader index and sector are priced alike.
Open valuation toolCL Financial Health
Verdict
Exceptional
CL generates $3.6B in free cash flow at a 17.8% margin — 43.4% ROIC signals a durable competitive advantage · returns 4.2% of market cap to shareholders annually.
Cash Engine
Revenue, margins, and cash generation
Revenue (TTM)
Trailing-twelve-month sales base
$20.4B
Revenue Growth
TTM vs prior year
+1.4%
Gross Margin
Gross profit as a share of revenue
60.1%
Operating Margin
Operating income divided by revenue
21.3%
Net Margin
Net income divided by revenue
10.5%
EPS (TTM)
Diluted earnings per share, trailing twelve months
$2.65
Free Cash Flow (TTM)
Cash generation after capex
$3.6B
FCF Margin
FCF as share of revenue — the primary cash quality signal
17.8%
Capital Quality
ROIC, leverage, and debt serviceability
ROIC
Return on invested capital — primary competitive quality signal
43.4%
ROA
Return on assets, trailing twelve months
12.5%
Cash & Equivalents
Liquid assets on the balance sheet
$1.3B
Net Debt
Total debt minus cash
$6.7B
Debt Serviceability
Net debt as a multiple of annual free cash flow
1.8× FCF
~1.8 years to full repayment at current FCF run-rate
ROE *
Return on equity, trailing twelve months
251.6%
* Elevated by buyback-compressed equity — compare ROIC (43.4%) for an undistorted picture of capital efficiency.
Shareholder Returns
How capital is returned to owners
Total shareholder yield
4.2%
Dividend
2.5%
Buyback
1.7%
Share Repurchases
Trailing buyback outflow — dollar magnitude of capital returned
$1.2B
Dividend / Share
Annualized trailing dividend per share
$2.25
Payout Ratio
Share of earnings distributed as dividends
85.5%
Shares Outstanding
Declining as buybacks retire shares
802M
All figures from the trailing twelve months. ROIC uses invested capital (equity + net debt). ROE marked * where buyback-compressed equity base may inflate the figure.
Open full ratios pageCL Stock Risk Factors
Key factors that could pressure the stock price, compress the multiple, or weigh on future results.
AI analysis · updated June 17, 2026
Medium
Risk factor disclosure
Colgate-Palmolive disclosed 19 risk factors in its most recent earnings report, indicating potential challenges across various aspects of its business.
High Risk
Competitive pressures
As a global leader in consumer products, Colgate-Palmolive faces intense competition in oral care, personal care, and home care segments, which could impact market share and margins.
Medium
Regulatory risks
The company operates in highly regulated industries, and changes in regulations could affect product formulations, marketing, and compliance costs.
Lower
Brand trust erosion
While Colgate-Palmolive's products are trusted globally, any failure to maintain quality or innovation could harm brand reputation and consumer loyalty.
Medium
Economic sensitivity
As a consumer goods company, Colgate-Palmolive's performance is tied to global economic conditions, which could affect demand for its products.
High Risk
Commodity cost volatility
Fluctuations in raw material prices could impact production costs and profitability, given the company's reliance on commodities for its products.
These are risk mechanisms, not predictions. The key question is which would force a cut to earnings estimates or a lower multiple than the market currently prices in.
Why CL Stock Could Outperform
Structural drivers behind the upside case and why the stock could outperform over the next 12 months.
AI analysis · updated June 17, 2026
Strong sales growth
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.
Premium product innovation
The company focuses on premium product innovation, particularly in oral care, with offerings like Colgate Total that address multiple oral health issues.
Global market leadership
Colgate-Palmolive is the world's leading brand in toothpaste and toothbrushes by market share, reinforcing its dominant position in the oral care sector.
Strategic growth initiatives
The company has expanded its multi-year Strategic Growth and Productivity Program, aiming to enhance operational efficiency and drive long-term growth.
Trusted global brand
Colgate-Palmolive's products are trusted by millions worldwide, spanning oral care, personal care, pet nutrition, and home care, underscoring its strong brand equity.
Reaffirmed sales outlook
The company reaffirmed its full-year 2026 sales outlook, signaling confidence in its ability to maintain growth momentum.
A real bull case compounds — each driver matters most when it strengthens margins, supports capital returns, and keeps the company above the market's minimum growth bar simultaneously.
CL Stock Price Performance
52-week range context and price returns across multiple time horizons. Dividend contribution is shown separately in the Capital Return section.
Current Price
$89.48
52W Range Position
60%
52-Week Range
Current price plotted between the 52-week low and high.
52-Week Low
$74.55
+20.0% from the low
52-Week High
$99.33
-9.9% from the high
1 Month
-0.49%
3 Month
+2.24%
YTD
+15.2%
1 Year
+1.5%
3Y CAGR
+4.9%
5Y CAGR
+2.0%
10Y CAGR
+2.2%
Range context matters because valuation compression and earnings misses rarely hit from the same starting point. A stock already far below its high can still fall, but it is no longer carrying the same embedded optimism as one pressing a fresh peak.
CL vs Peers
Valuation, growth, and margin comparison against the closest publicly traded peers for this company.
Peer Set
Accurate peer set
Forward PE
23.5x
vs 18.4x median
+27% above peer median
Revenue Growth
+4.1%
vs +1.7% median
+147% above peer median
Net Margin
10.5%
vs 11.8% median
-11% below peer median
| Company | Mkt Cap | Fwd PE | Rev Grw | Margin | Rating | Upside |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
CL CL Colgate-Palmolive Company | $71.8B | 23.5x | +4.1% | 10.5% | Hold | +7.3% |
PG PG The Procter & Gamble Company | $351.4B | 21.8x | +1.3% | 14.7% | Buy | +5.7% |
UL UL Unilever PLC | $127.6B | 18.4x | +2.5% | 10.2% | Hold | +21.6% |
KMB KMB Kimberly-Clark Corporation | $34.0B | 13.6x | +0.6% | 12.8% | Hold | +3.8% |
CHD CHD Church & Dwight Co., Inc. | $22.7B | 25.5x | +4.3% | 11.8% | Buy | +9.8% |
ENR ENR Energizer Holdings, Inc. | $1.5B | 6.1x | +1.7% | 6.5% | Hold | +6.9% |
This peer comparison reflects companies with similar business models, product lines, or market positioning, supplemented by industry grouping when direct matches are limited.
CL Dividend and Capital Return
CL returns 4.2% total yield, led by a 2.51% dividend, raised 53 consecutive years. Buybacks add another 1.7%.
Dividend At RiskFCF Well Covered
Total Shareholder Yield
4.2%
Dividend + buyback return per year
Buyback Yield
1.7%
Dividend Yield
2.51%
Payout Ratio
85.5%
How CL Splits Its Return
Div 2.51%
Buyback 1.7%
Dividend 2.51%Buybacks 1.7%
Dividend Profile
Yield, cadence, and growth quality
Dividend / Share
Trailing annualized cash dividend
$2.25
Growth Streak
Consecutive years of dividend increases
53Y
3Y Div CAGR
3.5%
5Y Div CAGR
3.3%
Ex-Dividend Date
—
Payment Cadence
Quarterly
5 payments over the last 12 months
Buyback Engine
How much per-share support comes from repurchases
Repurchases (TTM)
Cash used for buybacks in the latest trailing period
$1.2B
Estimated Shares Retired
14M
Approx. Share Reduction
1.7%
Shares Outstanding
Current diluted share count from the screening snapshot
802M
At 1.7%/year, buybacks mechanically lift EPS even with flat earnings — each remaining share represents a slightly larger piece of the company.
| Year | Div / Share | YoY Grw | BB Yield | Total Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $1.58 | — | — | — |
| 2025 | $2.06 | +4.0% | 1.9% | 4.7% |
| 2024 | $1.98 | +3.7% | 2.3% | 4.7% |
| 2023 | $1.91 | +2.7% | 1.7% | 4.4% |
| 2022 | $1.86 | +3.9% | 2.0% | 4.5% |
FAQ
7 questionsCL Investor Questions
Common questions answered from live analyst data and company financials.
01Is Colgate-Palmolive Company (CL) stock a buy or sell in 2026?
Colgate-Palmolive Company (CL) is rated Hold by Wall Street analysts as of 2026. Of 45 analysts covering the stock, 19 rate it Buy or Strong Buy, 24 rate it Hold, and 2 rate it Sell or Strong Sell. The consensus 12-month price target is $96, implying +7.3% from the current price of $89. The bear case scenario is $72 and the bull case is $151.
02What is the CL stock price target for 2026?
The Wall Street consensus price target for CL is $96 based on 45 analyst estimates. The high-end target is $102 (+14.0% from today), and the low-end target is $79 (-11.7%). The base case model target is $115.
03Is Colgate-Palmolive Company (CL) stock overvalued in 2026?
CL trades at 23.5x times forward earnings. The stock trades at a notable premium to the broad market, which is typical for businesses with strong free cash flow and above-average growth expectations. Based on current multiples versus the peer group, the relative model signals premium mostly justified. Whether the stock is over or undervalued ultimately depends on whether consensus earnings estimates are achievable.
04What are the main risks for Colgate-Palmolive Company (CL) stock in 2026?
The primary risks for CL in 2026 are: (1) Competitive pressures — As a global leader in consumer products, Colgate-Palmolive faces intense competition in oral care, personal care, and home care segments, which could impact market share and margins. (2) Commodity cost volatility — Fluctuations in raw material prices could impact production costs and profitability, given the company's reliance on commodities for its products. (3) Risk factor disclosure — Colgate-Palmolive disclosed 19 risk factors in its most recent earnings report, indicating potential challenges across various aspects of its business. Each factor has the potential to pressure earnings or compress the stock's valuation multiple.
05What is Colgate-Palmolive Company's revenue and earnings forecast?
Analyst consensus estimates CL will report consensus revenue of $21.2B (+4.1% year-over-year) and EPS of $3.16 (+19.5% year-over-year) for the upcoming fiscal year. The following year, analysts project $22.0B in revenue.
06When does Colgate-Palmolive Company (CL) report its next earnings?
Colgate-Palmolive Company is expected to report its next earnings on approximately 2026-07-31. Consensus expects EPS of $0.96 and revenue of $5.4B. Over recent quarters, CL has beaten EPS estimates 100% of the time.
07How much free cash flow does Colgate-Palmolive Company generate?
Colgate-Palmolive Company (CL) generated $3.6B in free cash flow over the trailing twelve months — a free cash flow margin of 17.8%. CL returns capital to shareholders through dividends (2.5% yield) and share repurchases ($1.2B TTM).