Colgate-Palmolive Company is a global consumer products company that operates in the Oral, Personal and Home Care, and Pet Nutrition segments. The company sells a wide range of products, including oral care items like toothpaste and toothbrushes, personal care products such as shampoos and deodorants, and home care goods like dishwashing detergents and household cleaners . Additionally, Colgate-Palmolive offers specialty pet nutrition products for dogs and cats under the Hill's Science Diet and Hill's Prescription Diet brands . These products are marketed in over 200 countries and territories, with a significant portion of sales coming from outside the U.S., including emerging markets .
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Oral, Personal and Home Care - Offers a variety of products including toothpaste, toothbrushes, mouthwash, bar and liquid hand soaps, shower gels, shampoos, conditioners, deodorants, antiperspirants, skin health products, dishwashing detergents, fabric conditioners, and household cleaners. These products are sold to traditional and eCommerce retailers, wholesalers, distributors, dentists, and skin health professionals .
- Oral Care - Includes products like toothpaste, toothbrushes, and mouthwash.
- Personal Care - Comprises items such as shampoos, conditioners, deodorants, and skin health products.
- Home Care - Encompasses products like dishwashing detergents, fabric conditioners, and household cleaners.
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Pet Nutrition - Provides specialty pet nutrition products for dogs and cats, marketed under brands like Hill's Science Diet and Hill's Prescription Diet. These products are sold through authorized pet supply retailers, veterinarians, and eCommerce retailers .
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| Name | Position | External Roles | Short Bio | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Noel Wallace ExecutiveBoard | Chairman, President, and CEO | None | Joined CL in 1987. Held various leadership roles, including COO and President of Latin America. Focused on sustainability and global operations. | View Report → |
Gregory O. Malcolm Executive | Executive Vice President and Controller | None | Joined CL in 2022. Oversees financial reporting and internal controls. | |
Jennifer M. Daniels Executive | Chief Legal Officer and Secretary | None | Joined CL in 2014. Oversees legal, compliance, and corporate governance functions. | |
Panagiotis Tsourapas Executive | Group President, Europe and Developing Markets | None | Joined CL in 2019. Oversees operations in Europe and developing markets. | |
Prabha Parameswaran Executive | Group President, Growth and Strategy | None | Joined CL in 2019. Leads global growth and strategy initiatives. | |
Sally Massey Executive | Chief Human Resources Officer | None | Joined CL in 2020. Leads human resources strategy and initiatives. | |
Stanley J. Sutula III Executive | Chief Financial Officer | None | Joined CL in 2020. Previously CFO at Pitney Bowes. Brings expertise in financial management and operational leadership. | |
Brian Newman Board | Director | EVP and CFO at UPS | Joined CL Board in 2024. Former PepsiCo executive. Expertise in finance, risk management, and digital transformation. | |
C. Martin Harris Board | Director | VP and Chief Business Officer at Dell Medical School; Director at Agiliti, MultiPlan, Thermo Fisher | Joined CL Board in 2016. Expertise in digital technology, innovation, and cybersecurity. | |
John P. Bilbrey Board | Director | Executive Chair at Olaplex; Director at Elanco, Tapestry | Joined CL Board in 2015. Former CEO of Hershey. Expertise in leadership and consumer goods. | |
John T. Cahill Board | Director | Vice Chair at Kraft Heinz; Director at American Airlines | Joined CL Board in 2005. Expertise in finance, risk management, and corporate governance. | |
Kimberly A. Nelson Board | Director | Director at Cummins, Tate & Lyle | Joined CL Board in 2021. Former SVP at General Mills. Expertise in sustainability, corporate governance, and leadership. | |
Lisa M. Edwards Board | Director | Executive Chair of Diligent Institute | Joined CL Board in 2019. Expertise in finance, corporate governance, and digital transformation. | |
Lorrie M. Norrington Board | Independent Lead Director | Operating Partner at Lead Edge Capital; Director at Asana, Autodesk, HubSpot | Joined CL Board in 2015. Extensive experience in digital transformation, eCommerce, and ESG. | |
Martina Hund-Mejean Board | Director | Director at Prudential Financial | Joined CL Board in 2020. Former CFO of Mastercard. Expertise in finance, risk management, and international operations. | |
Steve Cahillane Board | Director | Chairman, President, and CEO of Kellanova | Joined CL Board in 2023. Extensive leadership experience in consumer goods and health/nutrition industries. |
- In North America, you mentioned shipment timing issues and e-commerce pullbacks impacting the quarter; can you elaborate on the specific disruptions that caused shipments to be pushed from Q3 to Q4, and how confident are you that these issues are resolved and won't recur?
- Despite strong results in Europe this quarter, some of your peers suggest such performance may not be sustainable; given the challenges of pricing and historical softness in the European market, what strategies do you have in place to maintain momentum and address potential headwinds?
- The Skin Health business faced softness due to online retailers pulling back orders and sluggishness in key markets; how are you adjusting your approach to address these challenges, and what steps are you taking to drive sustainable growth in this segment?
- In U.S. Oral Care, market share has been roughly flat with some declines, and competitors seem to be gaining ground; can you provide more detail on what is contributing to this share loss, what competitors are doing differently, and how you plan to regain momentum in this critical market?
- With increased advertising and reinvestment spending, is there a point where returns begin to diminish, and how do you assess the optimal level of investment to ensure you're not overspending without sufficient return on investment?
Research analysts who have asked questions during COLGATE PALMOLIVE earnings calls.
Andrea Teixeira
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
4 questions for CL
Bonnie Herzog
Goldman Sachs
4 questions for CL
Christopher Carey
Wells Fargo & Company
4 questions for CL
Dara Mohsenian
Morgan Stanley
4 questions for CL
Filippo Falorni
Citigroup Inc.
4 questions for CL
Kaumil Gajrawala
Jefferies
4 questions for CL
Kevin Grundy
BNP Paribas
4 questions for CL
Lauren Lieberman
Barclays
4 questions for CL
Olivia Tong Cheang
Raymond James Financial, Inc.
4 questions for CL
Robert Ottenstein
Evercore ISI
4 questions for CL
Bryan Spillane
Bank of America
3 questions for CL
Korinne Wolfmeyer
Piper Sandler & Co.
3 questions for CL
Mark Astrachan
Stifel
3 questions for CL
Peter Grom
UBS Group
3 questions for CL
Robert Moskow
TD Cowen
3 questions for CL
Stephen Robert Powers
Deutsche Bank
3 questions for CL
Edward Lewis
Redburn Atlantic
2 questions for CL
Peter Galbo
Bank of America
1 question for CL
Sergio Matsumoto
TD Cowen
1 question for CL
Steve Powers
Deutsche Bank
1 question for CL
Competitors mentioned in the company's latest 10K filing.
| Company | Description |
|---|---|
Included in the peer company index for 2023, which consists of consumer products companies with significant presence in oral care, personal care, and/or home care. | |
Included in the peer company index for 2023, which consists of consumer products companies with significant presence in oral care, personal care, and/or home care. | |
Included in the peer company index for 2023, which consists of consumer products companies with significant presence in oral care, personal care, and/or home care. | |
Included in the peer company index for 2023, which consists of consumer products companies with significant presence in oral care, personal care, and/or home care. | |
Included in the peer company index for 2023, which consists of consumer products companies with significant presence in oral care, personal care, and/or home care. | |
Included in the peer company index for 2023, which consists of consumer products companies with significant presence in oral care, personal care, and/or home care. | |
Included in the peer company index for 2023, which consists of consumer products companies with significant presence in oral care, personal care, and/or home care. | |
Included in the peer company index for 2023, which consists of consumer products companies with significant presence in oral care, personal care, and/or home care, following its spin-off from Johnson & Johnson. | |
Included in the peer company index for 2023, which consists of consumer products companies with significant presence in oral care, personal care, and/or home care. | |
Included in the peer company index for 2023, which consists of consumer products companies with significant presence in oral care, personal care, and/or home care. | |
Included in the peer company index for 2023, which consists of consumer products companies with significant presence in oral care, personal care, and/or home care. | |
Included in the peer company index for 2023, which consists of consumer products companies with significant presence in oral care, personal care, and/or home care. | |
Included in the peer company index for 2023, which consists of consumer products companies with significant presence in oral care, personal care, and/or home care. | |
Reckitt Benckiser Group plc | Included in the peer company index for 2023, which consists of consumer products companies with significant presence in oral care, personal care, and/or home care. |
Included in the peer company index for 2023, which consists of consumer products companies with significant presence in oral care, personal care, and/or home care. |
| Customer | Relationship | Segment | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
Walmart, Inc. | Retail distribution | All | Walmart accounted for 11% of total net sales in 2024 ($20,101 million ), amounting to $2,211 million (0.11 × 20,101). |
Notable M&A activity and strategic investments in the past 3 years.
| Company | Year | Details |
|---|---|---|
Pet Food Businesses Acquisition | 2023 | The acquisition contributed 9.5% and 7.0% to volume growth in Q1 and Q2 respectively for Hill’s Pet Nutrition, with an overall company impact of 2.0% and 1.5% in the same quarters. It also resulted in private label sales that impacted gross profit margins by 90, 70, and 50 basis points in Q1, Q2, and Q3 2023 respectively. |
Red Collar Pet Foods | 2022 | Completed on September 30, 2022 for $727 million in cash (financed with debt and cash), this acquisition added three U.S.-based dry pet food manufacturing plants to support Hill’s Pet Nutrition’s global growth. The transaction, accounted for as a business combination per ASC 805, was expected to free up capacity in Hill’s supply chain. |
Nutriamo S.r.l. | 2022 | Completed on April 28, 2022, this acquisition of the Italian canned pet food manufacturer expanded Hill’s wet pet nutrition capacity in Europe. It was accounted for as a business combination per ASC 805 and is aimed at bolstering growth in one of Europe’s fastest-growing pet food segments. |
Recent press releases and 8-K filings for CL.
- On November 3, 2025, Colgate-Palmolive executed an underwriting agreement with Barclays Bank PLC and Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. to sell €600 million of 3.250% Senior Notes due November 10, 2035, issued under its November 15, 1992 indenture.
- The joint book-running managers are Barclays and BBVA, with a syndicate of 15 co-managers, and the notes will be cleared through Euroclear and Clearstream and listed on the NYSE.
- Notes priced at 98.579% of par (yield 3.369%, MS + 70 bps), generating €594.024 million of gross proceeds, to settle on November 10, 2025 (T+5).
- Net sales rose 2.0%, with organic sales up 0.4% (volume –1.9%, price +2.3%) despite exiting non-strategic private label pet sales.
- Base Business EPS was flat compared to Q3 2024.
- Global oral care market share gains: toothpaste +10 bps and manual toothbrushes +50 bps YTD.
- Announced a three-year Strategic Growth and Productivity Program with $200–300 million of cumulative pre-tax charges to support the 2030 strategy.
- 2025 guidance maintained at low single-digit net sales growth, while organic growth outlook lowered to 1–2%.
- Maintained FY 2025 guidance: net sales up low‐single digits, organic sales growth of ~1.2% (including a 70 bp headwind from private-label exit) and unchanged EPS outlook, supported by built-in P&L flexibility and cost savings.
- Q3 gross margin down YoY due to higher raw-material inflation (notably fats & oils), lower volume leverage, tariffs, FX headwinds and a Latin America formula change; full-year margin forecast of 60.1%, with Q4 expected to improve sequentially as input costs moderate.
- Strategic Growth and Productivity Program underway with $200–300 million of charges through 2028 to fund incremental investments and deliver savings, with initial charges hitting in Q4; program aims to simplify processes, boost speed and drive dollar-based EPS growth.
- Regional trends: North America improved sequentially but remains weak; Europe saw positive pricing; Latin America up mid-single digits in Mexico and Brazil but weaker in other markets; China’s Colgate up mid-single digits vs. Dali’s premium e-commerce softness; India down mid-single digits on GST-driven price cuts, poised for recovery in Q4 and 2026.
- Accelerating AI deployment as a core enabler of the 2030 strategy—launched AI hubs and pilots in marketing, innovation and demand planning to enhance content creation, speed new-product development and drive productivity gains.
- Delivered 1.2% organic sales growth year-to-date, with Q3 categories growing ~2% globally amid flat volumes and pricing, pressured by consumer uncertainty and inflation.
- Maintained full-year 2025 guidance for net sales up low-single digits (including a 70 bps headwind from private-label exit) and gross profit margin of ~60.1%, with advertising spend flat and continued dollar-based EPS growth.
- Accelerating its 2030 strategy via a Sales Growth & Productivity Program (with $200–300 M restructuring charges through 2028) and investing in AI-powered innovation, omnichannel demand generation, and revenue growth management.
- Exited the private-label pet food business in Q3, creating a consistent 70 bps negative year-over-year impact on organic sales in both Q3 and Q4.
- Highlighted strength in emerging markets (approx. 50% exposure) and resilient Hill’s pet nutrition, while focusing on pricing in Europe and revamping the China Hawley & Hazel business to restore growth.
- Facing consumer uncertainty, tariffs and high-cost inflation, Colgate-Palmolive is rolling out its 2030 strategy, including a Strategic Growth and Productivity Program (SGPP) to accelerate innovation, omnichannel demand generation and AI deployment.
- In Q3 2025, organic sales were pressured globally with sequential improvement in North America excluding skin health; Western Europe outperformed, while Latin America and China experienced mixed volume and pricing challenges.
- Colgate Total reformulation in Latin America led to a 150 bps organic sales decline and a 40–50 bps gross margin hit due to flavor-related consumer complaints and variant replacements.
- Hill’s Pet Nutrition delivered 2.5% organic growth ex-private label, offsetting a 300 bps headwind from exiting private-label contracts, driven by strong therapeutic sales and supply-chain leverage.
- The company maintains full-year low-single-digit net sales guidance and dollar-based EPS growth, leveraging SGPP-funded investments and a flexible P&L to offset persistent inflation and FX headwinds.
- Net sales rose 2.0% to $5.131 billion; organic sales increased 0.4% in Q3 2025.
- GAAP EPS grew 1% to $0.91; Base Business EPS remained flat at $0.91.
- Gross profit margin declined 170 bps to 59.4%; Base Business margin down 190 bps to 59.4%.
- Net cash provided by operations was $2,745 million for the first nine months of 2025.
- Updated full-year 2025 organic sales growth guidance to 1–2% and maintained outlook for low-single-digit EPS growth.
- Reported 2.4% organic growth excluding private label in Q2 2025 and has delivered six consecutive years of 3–5%+ organic growth since 2019, with 2025 expected at the low end of 2–4% organic growth.
- Grew revenue from $15 billion to $20 billion over the 2019–2025 strategic cycle.
- Invested in science-led innovation (Elmex, EltaMD, Hill’s Science Diet upgrades) and built an AI-driven revenue growth management platform, advancing from descriptive to predictive and now prescriptive analytics.
- Unveiled its 2030 strategy focused on omni demand generation, enhanced digital/AI capabilities, and targeted investment in key geographies (North America, health & wellness in China), funded by a new productivity initiative to realign resources.
- Growth Strategy & Innovation: The company emphasized a renewed growth mindset by leveraging innovation, digital capabilities, and increased advertising (advertising to sales ratio raised from 9.1% to 13.5%) to drive organic sales and dollar-based EPS growth.
- Latin America Focus: Colgate-Palmolive detailed its strong presence in Latin America, highlighting key markets like Brazil and Mexico with robust market share in oral care, personal care, and home care.
- Channel & Pricing Adjustments: The discussion included evolving retail environments—with a focus on expanding e-commerce and reinventing the pharmacy channel—alongside strategic pricing to offset currency fluctuations.
- Premiumization & Product Innovation: The relaunch of Colgate Total, now positioned at a higher price index (between 180–220), was presented as a key premiumization initiative with early positive market traction.
- Global Consumer Insights: Emphasized a cautious consumer landscape in the US and varied regional dynamics, with notable volatility in category performance and positive signals from Europe and Africa.
- Strategic Transformation: Revisited the 2025 strategic plan initiated in 2019, aimed at reversing stagnant top-line growth through selective category focus, premiumization, and innovation.
- Digital and AI Investments: Highlighted significant investments in digital transformation, including integration of IT systems and AI capabilities to enhance efficiency and decision-making across the organization.
- Regional Growth Focus: Outlined long-term opportunities in markets like India and maintained strong market share in oral care, reinforcing the company’s commitment to sustainable global growth.
- Shane Grant has been appointed as Chief Operating Officer, Americas, effective June 16, 2025, bringing extensive industry experience from Danone and Coca-Cola.
- The compensation arrangement for Mr. Grant includes a base salary of $1,100,000, target bonus, multiple equity awards (including 90,000 restricted stock units and annual grants of stock options and restricted stock units), plus a one-time sign-on bonus and transition allowance.
- Additional executive changes include the promotion of Panagiotis Tsourapas to COO, Europe, Asia Pacific, Africa Eurasia, Skin Health & Global Customer Development; John Hazlin to Chief Growth Officer; and the appointment of Prabha Parameswaran as Vice Chair (following her planned retirement effective October 1, 2025).