Colgate-Palmolive Company
Colgate-Palmolive Company, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells consumer products in the United States and internationally. It operates through two segments: Oral, Personal and Home Care; and Pet Nutrition. The Oral, Personal and Home Care segment offers toothpaste, toothbrushes, m…
What to know about CL
Colgate-Palmolive Company is a large Consumer Defensive company with a mixed financial profile. It scores well on risk and profitability, but valuation is worth keeping an eye on.
Should you consider CL?
Based on 31 financial metrics and sector comparison. Not financial advice.
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Colgate-Palmolive Company is a large-cap Consumer Defensive company with a mixed overall financial profile — it is in the lower half of its Consumer Defensive peers (24 of 35).
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Profit margins are a clear strength, though the balance sheet warrants a closer look — make sure the debt levels are manageable.
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The stock trades at a premium — investors are paying more per dollar of earnings than most S&P 500 companies. That's fine if strong growth justifies it, but leaves little room for disappointment.
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Growth has been slower than most peers. That's not necessarily a dealbreaker, but it means the investment case rests more on current earnings than future expansion.
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This stock pays no dividend — your return depends entirely on the share price rising over time.
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Risk is relatively low — the stock tends to be less volatile than the broader market, which typically means a smoother ride during uncertain periods.
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There are several areas of concern. This may suit investors with a higher risk tolerance or a specific contrarian view on the Consumer Defensive sector.
At a glance
How it scores
We look at 31 different financial metrics and group them into categories. Here's how CL compares to the other S&P 500 stocks.
Dive deeper — all 31 metrics 9 categories · valuation, growth, health, dividends & more Show all Hide
Valuation
Is the stock cheap or expensive relative to its earnings, sales, and assets? Lower multiples often mean better value.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| P/E Ratio (Trailing) | 34.68 | Average |
| Forward P/E | 22.13 | Average |
| PEG Ratio | 1.62 | Above avg |
| Price to Sales | 3.44 | Average |
| Price to Book | 494.36 | Below avg |
| EV/EBITDA | 16.14 | Average |
| Earnings Yield | 2.88% | Average |
Profitability
How efficiently does the company turn revenue into profit? Higher margins mean more money kept from each dollar earned.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Margin | 60.06% | Above avg |
| Operating Margin | 20.92% | Above avg |
| Net Profit Margin | 10.04% | Average |
| Return on Equity | 363.58% | Top 25% |
| Return on Invested Capital | 16.10% | Top 25% |
Growth
How fast is the business expanding? Strong growth in revenue and earnings signals increasing market demand.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue Growth (YoY) | 8.40% | Average |
| Revenue Growth (3Y CAGR) | 4.29% | Average |
| EPS Growth (YoY) | -5.90% | Below avg |
| Free Cash Flow Growth | 2.48% | Average |
Health
Can the company cover its debts and obligations? A healthy balance sheet reduces the risk of financial trouble.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Current Ratio | 1.02 | Average |
| Debt to Equity | 16.41 | Below avg |
| Interest Coverage | 12.46 | Above avg |
| Altman Z-Score | 6.81 | Top 25% |
Dividends
Does the company pay shareholders, and is that payment growing and sustainable?
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend Yield | — | N/A |
| Payout Ratio | — | N/A |
| Dividend Growth (5Y) | -10.12% | Average |
Cash Flow
Is real cash flowing into the business — not just accounting profits? Strong cash flow funds growth and dividends.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Free Cash Flow Yield | 5.26% | Above avg |
| OCF to Sales | 20.89% | Average |
Risk
How volatile is the stock compared to the broader market? Lower beta and volatility mean a smoother ride.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Beta (1-Year) | 0.32 | Top 25% |
| Volatility (30-Day) | 24.96% | Above avg |
Sentiment
What do analysts and short-sellers think? High analyst ratings and low short interest signal broad confidence.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Short % of Float | 2.95% | Above avg |
| Avg. Analyst Rating | 2.05 | Average |
| Target Upside % | 7.12% | Average |
Size
How large is the company by market value? Size affects stability, growth potential, and index inclusion.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Market Capitalization | 71.6B | Above avg |
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