Is Colgate-Palmolive Shares Lagging Behind the Nasdaq?

Colgate-Palmolive: A Global Consumer Goods Powerhouse

Founded in 1806 and based in New York City, Colgate-Palmolive Company (CL) stands as a worldwide leader in oral hygiene, personal care, household cleaning, and pet nutrition. With operations spanning more than 200 countries and territories, the company boasts a market capitalization of approximately $76.6 billion, underscoring its position as a major player in the consumer staples industry.

Large-cap stocks are typically defined as companies with a market value exceeding $10 billion, and Colgate-Palmolive easily meets this criterion. The company has established a commanding presence in the daily essentials sector, especially in oral care products.

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In March 2025, Colgate’s share price peaked at $100.18 over the past year, though it has since slipped roughly 4.7% from that high. Over the last three months, the stock has climbed 22.1%, even as the broader Nasdaq Composite ($NASX) fell by about 4% during the same period.

During the previous 52 weeks, Colgate’s shares advanced 2.9%. Year-to-date, the stock has surged 20.9%. In comparison, the NASX index rose 22.7% over the past year but has dropped 3.1% so far this year.

Currently, Colgate’s stock price is trading well above both its 50-day and 200-day moving averages, highlighting strong upward momentum.

Colgate-Palmolive’s recent rally can be attributed to robust earnings and growing investor confidence following its latest quarterly report. The company posted fourth-quarter revenue of around $5.2 billion, a 5.8% increase year-over-year. Adjusted earnings per share reached $0.95, up from $0.91 the previous year, surpassing analyst expectations and reflecting continued demand for its core products.

When compared to Kimberly-Clark Corporation (KMB), which saw its stock decline 27% over the last year but rise 3.7% this year, Colgate stands out as the stronger performer.

Analyst sentiment on Wall Street remains cautiously optimistic for Colgate. Out of 21 analysts, the consensus rating is “Moderate Buy.” The average price target is $96.05, suggesting modest upside potential, while the highest target of $105 implies a possible gain of 9.9% from current levels.