Colgate-Palmolive Company
American multinational consumer products company specializing in oral care, personal care, home care, and pet nutrition products.
Company Type
public
Founded
1806
Headquarters
New York, New York, USA
Stock
NYSE: CL
Revenue
approximately $20.1 billion (FY2024)
Employees
Approximately 35,000
Primary Market
Global
science based targetssustainable packagingwater conservation
About Colgate-Palmolive Company
What does Colgate-Palmolive own?
Colgate-Palmolive owns a portfolio of consumer brands across four categories: oral care (Colgate, elmex), personal care (Palmolive, Softsoap, Irish Spring, Speed Stick), home care (Ajax, Fabuloso, Murphy Oil Soap), and pet nutrition (Hill's Science Diet, Hill's Prescription Diet). The Colgate brand holds the number one global market share in toothpaste.
Colgate-Palmolive owns a portfolio of consumer brands across four categories: oral care (Colgate, elmex), personal care (Palmolive, Softsoap, Irish Spring, Speed Stick), home care (Ajax, Fabuloso, Murphy Oil Soap), and pet nutrition (Hill's Science Diet, Hill's Prescription Diet). The Colgate brand holds the number one global market share in toothpaste.
Is Colgate-Palmolive publicly traded?
Yes, Colgate-Palmolive Company trades on the New York Stock Exchange under ticker symbol CL. The company has no controlling shareholder, with ownership distributed among institutional investors including Vanguard Group and BlackRock.
Yes, Colgate-Palmolive Company trades on the New York Stock Exchange under ticker symbol CL. The company has no controlling shareholder, with ownership distributed among institutional investors including Vanguard Group and BlackRock.
What is Colgate-Palmolive's annual revenue?
In FY2024, Colgate-Palmolive reported net sales of approximately $20.1 billion, a 3.3% increase from $19.46 billion in FY2023. Hill's Pet Nutrition contributed approximately $4.48 billion, representing approximately 22% of total revenue.
In FY2024, Colgate-Palmolive reported net sales of approximately $20.1 billion, a 3.3% increase from $19.46 billion in FY2023. Hill's Pet Nutrition contributed approximately $4.48 billion, representing approximately 22% of total revenue.
Who is Colgate-Palmolive's CEO?
Noel Wallace has served as Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Colgate-Palmolive since 2019 (CEO) and 2020 (Chairman). He joined the company in 1987 and progressed through senior management roles across multiple geographies before becoming CEO.
Noel Wallace has served as Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Colgate-Palmolive since 2019 (CEO) and 2020 (Chairman). He joined the company in 1987 and progressed through senior management roles across multiple geographies before becoming CEO.
Who founded Colgate-Palmolive?
The Colgate business was founded by William Colgate in 1806 in New York City as a starch, soap, and candle manufacturer. The modern Colgate-Palmolive Company was formed through the 1928 merger of Colgate Company and Palmolive-Peet Company.
The Colgate business was founded by William Colgate in 1806 in New York City as a starch, soap, and candle manufacturer. The modern Colgate-Palmolive Company was formed through the 1928 merger of Colgate Company and Palmolive-Peet Company.
What is Hill's Pet Nutrition?
Hill's Pet Nutrition is a Colgate-Palmolive subsidiary that markets premium science-based pet food under the Hill's Science Diet and Hill's Prescription Diet brands. Acquired by Colgate-Palmolive in 1976, Hill's pioneered the concept of veterinary-channel pet food and generated approximately $4.48 billion in net sales in FY2024, making it one of the most valuable assets in the Colgate-Palmolive portfolio.
Hill's Pet Nutrition is a Colgate-Palmolive subsidiary that markets premium science-based pet food under the Hill's Science Diet and Hill's Prescription Diet brands. Acquired by Colgate-Palmolive in 1976, Hill's pioneered the concept of veterinary-channel pet food and generated approximately $4.48 billion in net sales in FY2024, making it one of the most valuable assets in the Colgate-Palmolive portfolio.
History of Colgate-Palmolive Company
The company's origins trace to 1806, when William Colgate founded a starch, soap, and candle business on Dutch Street in New York City. Colgate was a British-born entrepreneur who had immigrated to the United States and built a successful soap and candle manufacturing business. The company grew steadily through the 19th century as demand for manufactured soap and personal care products expanded alongside urbanization.
In 1873, Colgate introduced its first toothpaste, sold in a jar. In 1896, the company introduced toothpaste in a collapsible tube, a packaging innovation that became the industry standard and remains the dominant format for toothpaste globally. By the early 20th century, Colgate had become one of the leading toothpaste brands in the United States.
The Palmolive Company, founded in 1898 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, developed the Palmolive soap brand using palm and olive oils, which gave the brand its name. Palmolive merged with Peet Brothers, a soap manufacturer, in 1926 to form Palmolive-Peet Company. In 1928, Colgate Company merged with Palmolive-Peet to create Colgate-Palmolive-Peet Company, which was later shortened to Colgate-Palmolive Company.
The combined company expanded aggressively internationally through the mid-20th century, establishing manufacturing and distribution operations across Latin America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Colgate's international expansion was particularly successful in emerging markets, where the company built strong brand positions in countries including Brazil, Mexico, India, China, and across sub-Saharan Africa.
In 1976, Colgate-Palmolive acquired Hill's Pet Nutrition, a Kansas-based company that had developed science-based pet food formulations in collaboration with veterinarians. Hill's had pioneered the concept of prescription pet food, sold through veterinary clinics rather than retail channels. The acquisition proved to be one of the most valuable in the company's history, as the premium pet food market grew substantially over subsequent decades.
The company made several significant acquisitions in the 1990s, including the purchase of Kolynos, a leading oral care brand in Latin America, from American Home Products in 1995 for approximately $1 billion. The Kolynos acquisition strengthened Colgate's position in Brazil and other Latin American markets.
Noel Wallace became President and CEO in 2019 and Chairman in 2020, succeeding Ian Cook. Wallace has led the company through a period of pricing-driven revenue growth in 2022 and 2023 as commodity cost inflation required price increases across the product portfolio, followed by a return to volume-led growth in 2024.
Colgate-Palmolive Company Sustainability & Ethics
Colgate-Palmolive has established comprehensive sustainability and ethical practices centered on environmental responsibility, social impact, and corporate governance in the consumer products industry. The company is committed to a healthier future for all people, their pets, and the planet through its 2025 Sustainability & Social Impact Strategy focusing on three ambitions: Driving Social Impact, Helping Millions of Homes, and Preserving Our Environment.
Environmental initiatives include ambitious climate action commitments with net zero carbon emissions across operations by 2040, aligning with Science Based Targets initiative and the Paris Agreement. The company has achieved 93% of packaging being recyclable, reusable, or compostable as of December 2024, up from 89.5% the previous year, demonstrating significant progress in sustainable packaging.
Sustainable packaging innovation includes transitioning approximately 75% of toothpaste SKUs globally and about 95% of toothpaste tubes in North America to recyclable tubes as of December 2024. The recyclable tube is now accessible in over 70 countries worldwide. In 2025, the company began introducing innovative, recyclable paper-based packaging for manual toothbrushes to reduce virgin plastic usage.
Renewable energy commitments include a long-term virtual power purchase agreement for a wind farm in Europe, expected to cover approximately 60% of Europe-based operational electricity needs. The company continues to invest in renewable energy and energy efficiency across its global operations.
Social responsibility programs focus on empowering communities, promoting oral health education, and creating meaningful opportunities for people inside and outside Colgate-Palmolive. The company maintains inclusive culture initiatives and community engagement programs across its global operations.
Awards & Recognition
Colgate-Palmolive has received extensive recognition for sustainability leadership, corporate responsibility, and workplace excellence in the consumer products industry.
- 14th Successive Sustainability Award: Colgate-Palmolive earned its 14th successive sustainability award, recognizing the company's commitment to its 2025 Sustainability & Social Impact Strategy and ongoing leadership in environmental and social responsibility.
- Chairman's Global You Can Make a Difference (YCMAD) Award: Since 1986, this has been Colgate-Palmolive's highest recognition of individual and team excellence, celebrating outstanding contributions to the company's mission and values.
- Sustainability Magazine Recognition: Multiple awards for environmental leadership, climate action, and sustainable supply chain impact, including recognition for progress toward 2025 environmental goals.
- ESG Leadership Awards: Recognition for comprehensive ESG reporting, transparency in sustainability disclosures, and progress toward science-based climate targets.
- Workplace Excellence Awards: Recognition for workplace culture, diversity and inclusion programs, and employee satisfaction across global operations.
- Innovation Recognition: Awards for sustainable packaging innovation, including the recyclable toothpaste tube technology and paper-based packaging initiatives.
- Corporate Responsibility Awards: Recognition for social impact programs, community engagement, and ethical business practices in the consumer products sector.
- Environmental Leadership: Awards for water conservation, waste reduction, and renewable energy adoption in manufacturing operations.
Controversy, Regulation & Public Scrutiny
Colgate-Palmolive operates under regulatory scrutiny related to environmental practices, supply chain ethics, and consumer product safety in the highly regulated consumer goods industry.
Environmental compliance challenges include oversight regarding plastic waste management, packaging sustainability, and environmental impact assessments across global operations. The company faces questions about plastic pollution and the environmental footprint of consumer products, particularly toothpaste tubes and packaging materials.
Supply chain ethics scrutiny includes oversight of raw material sourcing, manufacturing practices, and supplier relationships across international operations. The company must ensure ethical labor practices, environmental compliance, and responsible sourcing throughout its extensive global supply chain.
Consumer product safety and regulatory compliance include oversight from agencies like the FDA regarding product formulations, labeling requirements, and health claims for oral care, personal care, and pet nutrition products. The company must maintain strict quality control and safety standards across its diverse product portfolio.
Marketing and advertising practices face scrutiny regarding product claims, especially in oral care categories where health benefit claims are regulated. The company must ensure compliance with advertising standards and consumer protection regulations across different markets.
Animal testing and product safety questions have emerged regarding testing practices for personal care and pet nutrition products. While the company has implemented alternatives to animal testing where possible, it faces ongoing scrutiny from animal welfare organizations and consumers.
Market competition and antitrust considerations include oversight regarding market dominance in oral care categories and competitive practices in the consumer products industry. The company must navigate complex regulatory environments while maintaining competitive market positions.
Brands Owned by Colgate-Palmolive Company
Colgate-Palmolive Company owns 3 brands in our database.
Ajax
Owned by Colgate-Palmolive Company
American household cleaning brand launched in 1947 by Colgate-Palmolive, known for its powdered cleanser and the iconic "Stronger than dirt" tagline.
cleaninghouseholdsurface-cleaner
Colgate
Owned by Colgate-Palmolive Company
American oral care brand known for its toothpaste, toothbrushes, and mouthwash products, maintaining global leadership in dental hygiene.
oral-caretoothpastedental-hygiene
Palmolive
Owned by Colgate-Palmolive Company
Household cleaning and personal care brand founded in 1898, best known for its dishwashing liquid. Owned by Colgate-Palmolive Company since the 1928 merger.
dishwashingsoaphousehold-cleaning
Shop Colgate-Palmolive Company Brands
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Stock Information
Colgate-Palmolive Company Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Number one global market share in toothpaste, a category with consistent demand and strong brand loyalty
- +Exceptional emerging market presence with leading positions in Latin America, Africa, and Asia
- +Hill's Pet Nutrition provides exposure to the fast-growing premium pet food market
- +Consistent dividend payer with a track record of dividend growth spanning decades
- +Geographically diversified revenue across more than 200 countries reduces dependence on any single market
Considerations
- -Intense competition from Procter & Gamble in oral care, particularly in the premium and electric toothbrush segments
- -Significant exposure to currency fluctuations given the large proportion of revenue from emerging markets
- -Hill's Pet Nutrition faces competition from well-funded rivals including Royal Canin and Purina Pro Plan
- -Commodity cost volatility affecting raw material costs for soap, packaging, and pet food ingredients
- -Slower growth profile than technology or specialty consumer companies limits valuation multiple expansion
Frequently Asked Questions About Colgate-Palmolive Company
What does Colgate-Palmolive own?
Colgate-Palmolive owns a portfolio of consumer brands across four categories: oral care (Colgate, elmex), personal care (Palmolive, Softsoap, Irish Spring, Speed Stick), home care (Ajax, Fabuloso, Murphy Oil Soap), and pet nutrition (Hill's Science Diet, Hill's Prescription Diet). The Colgate brand holds the number one global market share in toothpaste.
Is Colgate-Palmolive publicly traded?
Yes, Colgate-Palmolive Company trades on the New York Stock Exchange under ticker symbol CL. The company has no controlling shareholder, with ownership distributed among institutional investors including Vanguard Group and BlackRock.
What is Colgate-Palmolive's annual revenue?
In FY2024, Colgate-Palmolive reported net sales of approximately $20.1 billion, a 3.3% increase from $19.46 billion in FY2023. Hill's Pet Nutrition contributed approximately $4.48 billion, representing approximately 22% of total revenue.
Who is Colgate-Palmolive's CEO?
Noel Wallace has served as Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Colgate-Palmolive since 2019 (CEO) and 2020 (Chairman). He joined the company in 1987 and progressed through senior management roles across multiple geographies before becoming CEO.
Who founded Colgate-Palmolive?
The Colgate business was founded by William Colgate in 1806 in New York City as a starch, soap, and candle manufacturer. The modern Colgate-Palmolive Company was formed through the 1928 merger of Colgate Company and Palmolive-Peet Company.
What is Hill's Pet Nutrition?
Hill's Pet Nutrition is a Colgate-Palmolive subsidiary that markets premium science-based pet food under the Hill's Science Diet and Hill's Prescription Diet brands. Acquired by Colgate-Palmolive in 1976, Hill's pioneered the concept of veterinary-channel pet food and generated approximately $4.48 billion in net sales in FY2024, making it one of the most valuable assets in the Colgate-Palmolive portfolio.
Sources & Further Reading
- Colgate-Palmolive Official Website
- Colgate-Palmolive Investor Relations
- Colgate-Palmolive Sustainability Report
- 2024 Sustainability & Social Impact Report
- Science Based Targets Initiative
- SEC EDGAR: Colgate-Palmolive (CL)
- NYSE: Colgate-Palmolive (CL)
- Consumer Products Industry Analysis
- Oral Care Market Research
- Pet Nutrition Industry Reports
- Sustainable Packaging Coalition
- Ellen MacArthur Foundation
- CDP Climate Disclosure
- Sustainability Magazine
- Corporate Responsibility Magazine
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