Is CL a good stock to buy right now?

Based on our 6-factor quantitative model, COLGATE PALMOLIVE CO (CL) receives a "Hold" rating with a composite score of 49.9/100. It is ranked #1,181 out of 4,446 stocks. Key factor scores: Quality 50/100, Value 57/100, Momentum 47/100. The timing signal is "Neutral". This is quantitative analysis only — not investment advice.

What is the stock rating for CL?

COLGATE PALMOLIVE CO (CL) has a "Hold" rating and 3-star score. The composite score of 49.9 ranks it #1,181 among 4,446 U.S. stocks. Ratings are updated weekly using academically-proven factor models.

What sector is CL in?

COLGATE PALMOLIVE CO operates in the Consumer Discretionary sector (Consumer Goods industry) with a market cap of $68.52 billion. It is classified as a large-cap stock.

Does CL pay a dividend?

CL does not currently pay a regular dividend. The company may be reinvesting profits for growth.

What is CL's P/E ratio?

CL has a trailing P/E ratio of 21.93x. The Consumer Discretionary sector average is 24.5x. This P/E is in a moderate range relative to the broader market.

How profitable is CL?

CL's quality factor score is 50/100. Gross margin: 60.3%. ROE: 833.1% vs sector average 6.2%. High margins suggest pricing power and competitive moats.

How is CL valued compared to peers?

CL's value factor score is 57/100 (higher = cheaper). Key multiples: P/E 21.9x, EV/EBITDA 17.4x. Valuation is roughly in line with peers.

What is CL's debt level?

CL's debt-to-equity ratio is 2148%. Sector average: 89%. Elevated leverage increases credit risk.

CL has a beta of 0.16, meaning it is less volatile than the market. Stability score: 91/100.

Does CL have high short interest?

CL's short interest factor score is 22/100 (higher = less short selling). Elevated short interest may indicate bearish sentiment or short squeeze potential.

CL Stock Analysis: Hold (Score 49.9/100) | Blank Capital Research

Data Series	1D	5D	1M	YTD	1Y	3Y	5Y	10Y
CL	-1.98%	-0.94%	-8.81%	+6.73%	-8.13%	-	-	-
Industry Proxy XLY	+0.13%	+4.38%	-1.35%	-5.46%	-39.92%	-	-	-
U.S. Market SPY	-0.07%	+3.60%	+0.34%	-0.36%	+29.52%	-	-	-
Alpha vs Market	-1.91%	-4.54%	-9.15%	+7.09%	-37.65%	-	-	-
Alpha vs Sector	-2.11%	-5.32%	-7.46%	+12.19%	+31.79%	-	-	-

Metric	CL	Benchmark
P/E Ratio	21.9x	-10%
EV/EBITDA	17.4x	+255%
Price / Book	182.7x

Stock Entity	Score▼	Quality	Value	Momentum	P/E Ratio	ROE	Gross Margin	Net Margin	Rev Growth	D/E Ratio	Market Cap	Compare
CASY CASEYS GENERAL STORES INC	57	50	68	67	42.2x	16.9%	24.0%	3.8%	0.3%	123.0x	$27.2B	VS
TGT TARGET CORP	53	50	70	56	16.2x	20.7%	28.4%	3.4%	-0.7%	89.0x	$54.5B	VS
APEI AMERICAN PUBLIC EDUCATION INC	53	49	58	72	78.3x	4.6%	52.8%	2.1%	6.8%	32.0x	$1.1B	VS
LINC LINCOLN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CORP	52	50	48	75	116.7x	5.6%	59.2%	2.3%	37.4%	147.0x	$1.3B	VS
FIVE FIVE BELOW, INC	52	50	56	73	105.5x	5.4%	32.5%	3.1%	26.5%	125.0x	$13.0B	VS
IMKTA INGLES MARKETS INC	51	50	51	62	17.4x	6.2%	23.9%	1.9%	0.4%	57.0x	$1.7B	VS
PRDO PERDOCEO EDUCATION Corp	51	50	70	57	14.2x	16.7%	100.0%	20.4%	27.1%	28.0x	$2.4B	VS
MCRI MONARCH CASINO & RESORT INC	51	50	66	47	16.7x	19.7%	24.5%	19.4%	11.5%	33.0x	$1.7B	VS
CL COLGATE PALMOLIVE CO	50	50	57	47	21.9x	833.2%	60.3%	15.1%	1.4%	2,148.0x	$68.5B
FCFS FirstCash Holdings, Inc.	49	50	29	66	34.7x	10.8%	50.2%	8.0%	26.6%	98.0x	$8.4B	VS
ESCA ESCALADE INC	48	50	65	51	15.2x	9.0%	26.1%	6.2%	8.4%	11.0x	$249M	VS

Key Ratio	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
Gross Margin %	0.6%	0.6%	0.6%	0.6%	0.6%	0.6%	0.6%	0.6%	0.6%	0.6%	0.6%
Operating Margin %	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.3%
EBITDA Margin %	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.3%	0.3%	0.3%	0.3%	0.3%
Net Margin %	0.2%	0.1%	0.2%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.1%	0.2%
FCF Margin %	-	-	-	-	-	-	20.1%	17.8%	16.9%	16.2%	16.8%
ROE %	8.3%	6.2%	5.6%	2.6%	2.4%	2.4%	3.8%	21.6%	-2,507.8%	-3,623.3%	-1,064.2%
ROA %	0.2%	0.1%	0.2%	0.1%	0.1%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%
ROIC %	0.4%	31.8%	44.7%	328.9%	283.6%	271.1%	41.2%	39.7%	52.7%	56.9%	62.8%

Key Ratio

TTM

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

Gross Margin %

0.6%

Operating Margin %

0.2%

0.3%

EBITDA Margin %

0.2%

0.3%

Net Margin %

0.2%

0.1%

0.2%

0.1%

0.2%

0.1%

0.2%

FCF Margin %

20.1%

17.8%

16.9%

16.2%

16.8%

ROE %

8.3%

6.2%

5.6%

2.6%

2.4%

3.8%

21.6%

-2,507.8%

-3,623.3%

-1,064.2%

ROA %

0.2%

0.1%

0.2%

0.1%

0.2%

ROIC %

0.4%

31.8%

44.7%

328.9%

283.6%

271.1%

41.2%

39.7%

52.7%

56.9%

62.8%

Line Item	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
	$20.2B	$20.4B	$20.1B	$19.5B	$18.0B	$17.4B	$16.5B	$15.7B	$15.5B	$15.5B	$15.2B	$16.0B
	—	$8.1B	$7.9B	$8.1B	$7.7B	$7.0B	—	—	—	—	—	—
	$12.2B	$12.3B	$12.2B	$11.3B	$10.2B	$10.4B	$10.0B	$9.3B	$9.2B	$9.3B	$9.1B	$9.4B
Gross Margin	60.3%	60.1%	60.5%	58.2%	57.0%	59.6%	60.8%	59.4%	59.4%	60.1%	60.0%	58.6%
	—	$7.9B	$7.7B	$7.2B	$6.6B	$6.4B	—	—	—	—	—	—
Research & Development	—	$366M	$355M	$343M	$320M	$307M	—	—	—	—	—	—
Depreciation	—	—	—	—	—	—	$539M	$519M	$511M	$475M	$443M	$449M
Total Operating Expenses	—	$8.9B	$7.9B	$7.3B	$7.4B	$7.0B	—	—	—	—	—	—
	$4.3B	$3.3B	$4.3B	$4.0B	$2.9B	$3.3B	$3.9B	$3.6B	$3.7B	$3.6B	$4.0B	$2.8B
EBIT	$4.3B	$3.3B	$4.3B	$4.0B	$2.9B	$3.3B	$3.9B	$3.6B	$3.7B	$3.6B	$4.0B	$2.8B
EBITDA	$4.3B	$3.3B	$4.3B	$4.0B	$2.9B	$3.3B	$4.3B	$4.0B	$4.1B	$4.2B	$4.3B	$3.2B
Operating Margin	21.2%	16.2%	21.2%	20.5%	16.1%	19.1%	23.6%	22.7%	23.8%	24.0%	26.0%	17.4%
EBITDA Margin	21.2%	16.2%	21.2%	20.5%	16.1%	19.1%	26.4%	25.3%	26.5%	27.1%	28.2%	20.2%
	—	—	—	—	—	—	$164M	$145M	$230M	$102M	$99M	$26M
	—	$3.1B	$4.0B	$3.4B	$2.7B	$3.1B	—	—	—	—	—	—
Income Tax Expense	—	$798M	$907M	$937M	$693M	$749M	$787M	$774M	$906M	$1.3B	$1.2B	$1.2B
	$3.0B	$2.3B	$3.0B	$2.5B	$2.0B	$2.3B	$2.9B	$2.5B	$2.6B	$2.2B	$2.6B	$1.5B
Net Margin	15.1%	11.1%	15.2%	12.6%	10.9%	13.4%	17.4%	16.1%	16.5%	14.1%	17.0%	9.7%
	$2.64	$2.64	$3.53	$2.78	$2.13	$2.56	$3.15	$2.76	$2.76	$2.30	$2.74	$1.53
Diluted EPS	$2.64	$2.63	$3.51	$2.77	$2.13	$2.55	$3.15	$2.76	$2.76	$2.30	$2.74	$1.53
Weighted Avg Basic	—	809M	819M	827M	836M	845M	—	—	—	—	—	—
Weighted Avg Diluted	—	811M	823M	829M	839M	848M	—	—	—	—	—	—

Line Item

TTM

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

$20.2B

$20.4B

$20.1B

$19.5B

$18.0B

$17.4B

$16.5B

$15.7B

$15.5B

$15.2B

$16.0B

—

$8.1B

$7.9B

$8.1B

$7.7B

$7.0B

—

$12.2B

$12.3B

$12.2B

$11.3B

$10.2B

$10.4B

$10.0B

$9.3B

$9.2B

$9.3B

$9.1B

$9.4B

Gross Margin

60.3%

60.1%

60.5%

58.2%

57.0%

59.6%

60.8%

59.4%

60.1%

60.0%

58.6%

—

$7.9B

$7.7B

$7.2B

$6.6B

$6.4B

—

Research & Development

—

$366M

$355M

$343M

$320M

$307M

—

Depreciation

—

$539M

$519M

$511M

$475M

$443M

$449M

Total Operating Expenses

—

$8.9B

$7.9B

$7.3B

$7.4B

$7.0B

—

$4.3B

$3.3B

$4.3B

$4.0B

$2.9B

$3.3B

$3.9B

$3.6B

$3.7B

$3.6B

$4.0B

$2.8B

EBIT

$4.3B

$3.3B

$4.3B

$4.0B

$2.9B

$3.3B

$3.9B

$3.6B

$3.7B

$3.6B

$4.0B

$2.8B

EBITDA

$4.3B

$3.3B

$4.3B

$4.0B

$2.9B

$3.3B

$4.3B

$4.0B

$4.1B

$4.2B

$4.3B

$3.2B

Operating Margin

21.2%

16.2%

21.2%

20.5%

16.1%

19.1%

23.6%

22.7%

23.8%

24.0%

26.0%

17.4%

EBITDA Margin

21.2%

16.2%

21.2%

20.5%

16.1%

19.1%

26.4%

25.3%

26.5%

27.1%

28.2%

20.2%

—

$164M

$145M

$230M

$102M

$99M

$26M

—

$3.1B

$4.0B

$3.4B

$2.7B

$3.1B

—

Income Tax Expense

—

$798M

$907M

$937M

$693M

$749M

$787M

$774M

$906M

$1.3B

$1.2B

$3.0B

$2.3B

$3.0B

$2.5B

$2.0B

$2.3B

$2.9B

$2.5B

$2.6B

$2.2B

$2.6B

$1.5B

Net Margin

15.1%

11.1%

15.2%

12.6%

10.9%

13.4%

17.4%

16.1%

16.5%

14.1%

17.0%

9.7%

$2.64

$3.53

$2.78

$2.13

$2.56

$3.15

$2.76

$2.30

$2.74

$1.53

Diluted EPS

$2.64

$2.63

$3.51

$2.77

$2.13

$2.55

$3.15

$2.76

$2.30

$2.74

$1.53

Weighted Avg Basic

—

809M

819M

827M

836M

845M

—

Weighted Avg Diluted

—

811M

823M

829M

839M

848M

—

COLGATE PALMOLIVE CO (CL) Stock Analysis — April 2026 Rating, Price, and Forecast

Last updated: April 2026

Company Overview — What Does COLGATE PALMOLIVE CO Do?

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. COLGATE PALMOLIVE CO (CL) is classified as a large-cap stock in the Consumer Discretionary sector, specifically within the Consumer Goods industry. The company is led by CEO Noel R. Wallace and employs approximately 33,800 people, headquartered in New York, New York. With a market capitalization of $68.5B, CL is one of the prominent companies in the Consumer Discretionary sector.

COLGATE PALMOLIVE CO (CL) Stock Rating — Hold (April 2026)

As of April 2026, COLGATE PALMOLIVE CO receives a Hold rating with a composite score of 49.9/100 and 3 out of 5 stars from the Blank Capital Research quantitative model.CL ranks #1,181 out of 4,446 stocks in our coverage universe. Within the Consumer Discretionary sector, COLGATE PALMOLIVE CO ranks #92 of 442 stocks, placing it in the top quartile of its Consumer Discretionary peers. The rating is generated by a multi-factor model that weighs quality (30%), momentum (25%), value (15%), investment (10%), stability (10%), and short interest (10%).

CL Stock Price and 52-Week Range

COLGATE PALMOLIVE CO (CL) currently trades at $84.42. The stock lost $1.62 (1.9%) in the most recent trading session. The 52-week high for CL is $99.33, which means the stock is currently trading -15.0% from its annual peak. The 52-week low is $74.55, putting the stock 13.2% above its annual trough. Recent trading volume was 3.7M shares, reflecting moderate market activity.

Is CL Overvalued or Undervalued? — Valuation Analysis

COLGATE PALMOLIVE CO (CL) carries a value factor score of 57/100 in the Blank Capital model, indicating fair valuation relative to historical norms. The trailing price-to-earnings ratio is 21.93x, compared to the Consumer Discretionary sector average of 24.47x — a discount of 10%. The price-to-book ratio stands at 182.73x, versus the sector average of 1.99x. The price-to-sales ratio is 3.30x, compared to 0.27x for the average Consumer Discretionary stock. On an enterprise value basis, CL trades at 17.41x EV/EBITDA, versus 4.91x for the sector.

Overall, CL's valuation appears roughly in line with sector benchmarks, suggesting the market is pricing the stock fairly given its current fundamentals and growth trajectory. Neither deep value nor significantly overpriced, the stock occupies a middle ground on valuation.

COLGATE PALMOLIVE CO Profitability — ROE, Margins, and Quality Score

COLGATE PALMOLIVE CO (CL) earns a quality factor score of 50/100, indicating solid business quality with consistent operational execution. The return on equity (ROE) is 833.1%, compared to the Consumer Discretionary sector average of 6.2%, which demonstrates strong shareholder value creation. Return on assets (ROA) comes in at 18.6% versus the sector average of 2.5%.

On a margin basis, COLGATE PALMOLIVE CO reports gross margins of 60.3%, compared to 36.9% for the sector. The operating margin is 21.2% (sector: 3.8%). Net profit margin stands at 15.1%, versus 2.1% for the average Consumer Discretionary stock. Revenue growth is running at 1.4% on a trailing basis, compared to 3.3% for the sector. The overall profitability profile is adequate, though there may be room for margin expansion.

CL Debt, Balance Sheet, and Financial Health

COLGATE PALMOLIVE CO has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2148.0%, compared to the Consumer Discretionary sector average of 89.0%. This elevated leverage warrants close monitoring, as it increases the company's sensitivity to rising interest rates and economic downturns. The current ratio is 0.83x, which may signal near-term liquidity tightness. Total debt on the balance sheet is $7.84B. Cash and equivalents stand at $1.28B.

CL has a beta of 0.16, meaning it is less volatile than the S&P 500, making it a relatively defensive holding. The stability factor score for COLGATE PALMOLIVE CO is 91/100, indicating low-volatility characteristics and consistent price behavior that appeals to risk-averse investors.

COLGATE PALMOLIVE CO Revenue and Earnings History — Quarterly Trend

In TTM 2026, COLGATE PALMOLIVE CO reported revenue of $20.18B and earnings per share (EPS) of $2.64. Net income for the quarter was $3.04B. Gross margin was 60.3%. Operating income came in at $4.28B.

In FY 2025, COLGATE PALMOLIVE CO reported revenue of $20.38B and earnings per share (EPS) of $2.64. Net income for the quarter was $2.26B. Gross margin was 60.1%. Revenue grew 1.4% year-over-year compared to FY 2024. Operating income came in at $3.31B.

In Q3 2025, COLGATE PALMOLIVE CO reported revenue of $5.13B and earnings per share (EPS) of $0.91. Net income for the quarter was $766M. Gross margin was 59.4%. Revenue grew 1.9% year-over-year compared to Q3 2024. Operating income came in at $1.06B.

In Q2 2025, COLGATE PALMOLIVE CO reported revenue of $5.11B and earnings per share (EPS) of $0.92. Net income for the quarter was $773M. Gross margin was 60.1%. Revenue grew 1.0% year-over-year compared to Q2 2024. Operating income came in at $1.08B.

Over the past 8 quarters, COLGATE PALMOLIVE CO has demonstrated a growth trajectory, with revenue expanding from $5.06B to $20.18B. Investors analyzing CL stock should weigh these quarterly trends alongside the valuation and quality metrics discussed above.

CL Dividend Yield and Income Analysis

COLGATE PALMOLIVE CO (CL) does not currently pay a dividend. This is common among growth-oriented companies in the Consumer Goods industry that prefer to reinvest cash flows into business expansion rather than returning capital to shareholders. Income-focused investors looking for Consumer Discretionary dividend stocks may want to explore other Consumer Discretionary stocks or use the stock screener to filter by dividend yield.

CL Momentum and Technical Analysis Profile

COLGATE PALMOLIVE CO (CL) has a momentum factor score of 47/100, reflecting neutral trend characteristics. The stock is neither significantly outperforming nor underperforming the broader market on a momentum basis. The investment factor score is 33/100, which measures capital allocation efficiency and asset growth patterns. The short interest score of 22/100 signals elevated short interest, which can indicate bearish sentiment among institutional investors.

CL vs Competitors — Consumer Discretionary Sector Ranking and Peer Comparison

Within the Consumer Discretionary sector, COLGATE PALMOLIVE CO (CL) ranks #92 out of 442 stocks based on the Blank Capital composite score. This places CL in the top quartile of all Consumer Discretionary stocks in our coverage universe. Key competitors and sector peers include MONARCH CASINO & RESORT INC (MCRI) with a score of 50.5/100, CASEYS GENERAL STORES INC (CASY) with a score of 57.3/100, INGLES MARKETS INC (IMKTA) with a score of 51.0/100, FIVE BELOW, INC (FIVE) with a score of 51.6/100, and TARGET CORP (TGT) with a score of 52.6/100.

Comparing CL against the S&P 500 benchmark is also instructive for understanding relative performance. Investors can view the full CL vs S&P 500 (SPY) comparison to assess how COLGATE PALMOLIVE CO stacks up against the broader market across all factor dimensions.

CL Next Earnings Date

No upcoming earnings date has been announced for COLGATE PALMOLIVE CO (CL) at this time. Check the earnings calendar for the latest scheduling updates across all stocks in our coverage universe.

Should You Buy CL? — Investment Thesis Summary

COLGATE PALMOLIVE CO presents a balanced picture with arguments on both sides. Low volatility (stability score 91/100) reduces downside risk.

In summary, COLGATE PALMOLIVE CO (CL) earns a Hold rating with a composite score of 49.9/100 as of April 2026. The rating is derived from the Blank Capital Research methodology, which combines six factor dimensions into a single quantitative ranking. Investors should consider these quantitative signals alongside their own fundamental research, risk tolerance, and investment time horizon before making buy or sell decisions on CL stock.

Related Resources for CL Investors

Explore more research and tools: CL vs S&P 500 comparison, top Consumer Discretionary stocks, stock screener, our methodology, quality factor explained, value factor explained, momentum factor explained. Compare CL head-to-head with peers: CL vs MCRI, CL vs CASY, CL vs IMKTA.

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COLGATE PALMOLIVE CO (CL) Stock Analysis — April 2026 Rating, Price, and Forecast

Company Overview — What Does COLGATE PALMOLIVE CO Do?

COLGATE PALMOLIVE CO (CL) Stock Rating — Hold (April 2026)

CL Stock Price and 52-Week Range

Is CL Overvalued or Undervalued? — Valuation Analysis

COLGATE PALMOLIVE CO Profitability — ROE, Margins, and Quality Score

CL Debt, Balance Sheet, and Financial Health

COLGATE PALMOLIVE CO Revenue and Earnings History — Quarterly Trend

CL Dividend Yield and Income Analysis

CL Momentum and Technical Analysis Profile

CL vs Competitors — Consumer Discretionary Sector Ranking and Peer Comparison

CL Next Earnings Date

Should You Buy CL? — Investment Thesis Summary

Related Resources for CL Investors

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