Colgate-Palmolive Company: Monthly Stock Report - January 01, 2026

Company Overview

Colgate-Palmolive Company, headquartered in New York, is a prominent player in the Household & Personal Products industry, part of the larger Consumer Defensive sector. With a diverse product portfolio that includes well-known brands like Colgate, Palmolive, and Hill's Science Diet, the company operates across two main segments: Oral, Personal, and Home Care, alongside Pet Nutrition. Colgate-Palmolive sells its products through a combination of traditional retail channels and eCommerce, alongside specialized distribution through veterinarians and dental professionals. Given its solid financial position and brand recognition, Colgate-Palmolive represents a compelling investment opportunity, underscored by a "buy" recommendation from analysts.

52-Week Price Performance Analysis

52-Week Price Performance Chart

The stock price of Colgate-Palmolive (Ticker: CL) has faced significant fluctuations over the past year, recording a 52-week high of $100.18 and a low of $74.55. Currently, the stock trades at approximately $79.45, about 20% lower than its peak. A closer analysis of the stock's chart reveals a predominantly bearish trend marked by a steady decline from March through December, with the price decreasing roughly 10.62% over this timeframe.

Technical Insights

• Resistance Levels: The $90 mark has repeatedly acted as a significant resistance level, reflecting multiple failed attempts to breach this threshold throughout the year.
• Support Levels: A more robust support level is observed in the $75-$77 range, where buyers have shown interest in stemming further declines during November and December.
• Moving Averages: The current stock price is slightly above its fifty-day moving average of $78.46, suggesting potential bullish movement if momentum can be sustained. However, the moving average has trended downward and acted as resistance amidst attempts at recovery, emphasizing the bearish sentiment around Colgate-Palmolive's performance.

Momentum Indicators

In recent weeks, price action has consolidated within the $77 to $81 range, indicating a potential stabilization point that may precede a trend reversal. Traders should monitor for a decisive breakout above the downward sloping resistance line and the moving average to signal a potential shift in momentum towards recovery.

Financial Performance and Metrics

Colgate-Palmolive has reported robust financial performance, with total revenue hitting approximately $20.1 billion and an EBITDA of roughly $4.81 billion, showcasing the firm's strong operational capabilities. Below are some of the key financial indicators:

• Total Revenue: $20.1 billion
• EBITDA: $4.81 billion
• Shares Outstanding: 806,064,942
• Short Interest: 13,516,071 shares (1.87% of total float)
• Current Stock Price: $79.45
• Target High Price: $95.00
• Mean Target Price: $87.32
• Median Target Price: $88.00

The analysis indicates a promising upside for investors, suggesting that the stock could appreciate significantly should market conditions turn favorable.

Recent News and Developments

Colgate-Palmolive's stock performance reflects not only market trends but also organic growth challenges. Recent reports indicate that the company has adjusted its organic sales growth forecast to a modest 1% to 2%, down from a previously projected 2% to 4% due to weaker-than-expected consumer demand in North America, particularly in September.

In addition to market pressures, Colgate-Palmolive has maintained a strong commitment to shareholder returns. The company declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.50 per common share, underscoring its enduring dedication to delivering shareholder value despite navigating challenging market conditions. This dividend is set to be payable on February 14, 2025, to shareholders of record on January 21, 2025.

Market Sentiment and Analyst Recommendations

Overall, analyst sentiment towards Colgate-Palmolive leans favorably, as evidenced by a consensus recommendation to "buy." This is supported by a recommendation mean of 2.14, based on insights from 19 analyst opinions. Analysts are optimistic, with a target high price set at $95.00 and a target mean price of approximately $87.32, indicating substantial upside potential from the current price level.

Despite facing a decline of approximately 23.24% in stock value over the past year, Colgate-Palmolive's commitment to maintaining dividend payments for 55 consecutive years further solidifies its position as a fundamentally attractive investment. The low short interest of only 1.87% also signals that investors remain cautiously optimistic, with little bearish sentiment currently prevailing.

Conclusion

In summary, while Colgate-Palmolive has encountered a challenging year characterized by price declines and adjusted growth forecasts, its strong financial fundamentals, commitment to dividends, and overall market position suggest potential recovery opportunities ahead. With an attractive target price set at $95.00 and an overall analyst recommendation of "buy," investors should cautiously consider entering or adding to positions in this well-established consumer defensive company. As always, careful monitoring of broader market trends and company developments will be crucial in capitalizing on potential upside while managing associated risks.