Colgate‑Palmolive Reports Third‑Quarter Results

Colgate‑Palmolive Co. (NYSE: CL) released its third‑quarter 2025 earnings on Friday, October 31 2025. The consumer‑staples company, headquartered in New York, reported a revenue increase of 2 % over the third‑quarter 2024 period, matching its forecasted growth. Net sales for the quarter rose to $4.80 billion, a 2 % rise compared with $4.70 billion in the same quarter last year.

Earnings and Profitability

  • Net profit: $735 million, or $0.91 per share, slightly above the $737 million ( $0.90 per share ) reported in the same quarter of 2024.
  • Adjusted earnings: The adjusted operating income for the quarter was $1.19 billion, reflecting a 4 % increase from the previous year’s $1.14 billion.
  • Adjusted earnings per share: $0.89, in line with the consensus estimate of $0.89 made by 16 analysts.

These figures surpassed Wall Street expectations, driven by disciplined pricing and stable volumes in emerging markets.

Guidance for 2025

  • Full‑year sales forecast: The company has cut its annual sales guidance in response to signs of sluggish consumer demand and heightened economic uncertainty.
  • Organic sales growth outlook: Colgate‑Palmolive has trimmed its organic sales growth target for fiscal 2025, reflecting a more cautious view on demand for higher‑priced items even within essential categories.
  • Earnings and adjusted earnings guidance: Despite the sales forecast cut, the company reaffirmed its guidance for earnings per share (EPS) and adjusted earnings per share (Adj. EPS) for the full year.

Market Context

The company’s performance came amid a broader backdrop of consumer restraint. Economic uncertainty has been dampening spending on premium household and personal‑care products, prompting Colgate‑Palmolive to moderate its expectations. The company’s 52‑week high and low for 2025 were $100.18 and $75.38 respectively, with the current close at $76.51. Its market capitalization stands at approximately $61.69 billion, and the price‑earnings ratio is 21.24.

Investor Reaction

Analysts and investors noted that while the company’s core profitability remains strong, the adjusted outlook for organic sales growth and the revised annual sales forecast signal caution. Diamond Hill Select Strategy added the stock on a dip, indicating a potential buying opportunity for long‑term investors. Options volatility and implied earnings moves were monitored closely by market participants during the earnings announcement.

Overall, Colgate‑Palmolive’s third‑quarter results demonstrate resilient earnings performance, yet the company’s guidance reflects concerns about sustained consumer demand in the current economic climate.