However, the increase in CL stock has been far from consistent. Returns for the stock were 2% in 2021, -5% in 2022, and 4% in 2023. In comparison, returns for the S&P 500 have been 27% in 2021, -19% in 2022, and 24% in 2023 - indicating that CL underperformed the S&P in 2021 and 2023.
Colgate-Palmolive's Oral, Personal & Home Care EBITDA Margin : Oral Care's EBITDA Margin has historically fluctuated between 25% and 30%. As of 2023, it currently stands at 26.2%.
We expect that Colgate-Palmolive's cost-saving measures will help drive its margins to just under 30% over our forecast period. However, there could be an approximate 15% upside to the Trefis price estimate if margins expand to 35% over the Trefis forecast period, due to stabilization of input costs and currency headwinds, and lower marketing costs due to a shift to digital and social media advertising.
Colgate-Palmolive is a global multinational corporation with operations in over 200 countries focusing on manufacturing, marketing and distribution of Oral Care (toothpaste, toothbrush, mouthwash, dental floss etc), Personal Care (soaps and shampoos), Home Care (detergents and cleaners), and Pet Nutrition products. With over 75% of net sales coming from outside the U.S., Colgate-Palmolive has a very geographically diversified business.
Colgate-Palmolive is a global leader in Oral Care with a leading market share in toothpaste and manual toothbrush brands in most parts of the world. Colgate's Oral Care products include Colgate Total, Colgate Max Fresh toothpastes, Colgate 360° manual toothbrushes, Colgate Plax mouth rinses, dental floss and pharmaceutical products for dentists and oral health professionals.
Colgate-Palmolive manufactures and markets a wide array of products for Home Care, including Palmolive and Ajax dish washing liquids, Fabuloso and Ajax household cleaners, and Murphy's Oil Soap. Colgate is a market leader in fabric conditioners with leading brands including Suavitel in Latin America and Soupline in Europe.
Colgate-Palmolive is also a global leader in liquid hand soap. Colgate-Palmolive's Personal Care products include Palmolive and Softsoap brand shower gels, Palmolive, Irish Spring and Protex bar soaps, and Speed Stick/Lady Speed Stick deodorants. Colgate-Palmolive's Personal Care business outside of the U.S. also includes Palmolive and Caprice shampoo and conditioners.
Colgate-Palmolive, through its Hill's Pet Nutrition segment, is a global leader in specialty pet nutrition products for dogs and cats. Hill's markets pet foods primarily under two trademarks: 1) Science Diet, which is sold by authorized pet supply retailers and veterinarians for everyday nutritional needs and 2) Prescription Diet, a range of therapeutic products sold by veterinarians to help nutritionally manage disease conditions in dogs and cats.
Trefis believes that Colgate-Palmolive's Oral Care business is its most valuable component because of the following reasons:
Colgate-Palmolive has about a 20% share in the $34 billion global oral care market. The primary reason for Colgate's strong market position is its presence in multiple geographies, especially in emerging markets like Latin America and Asia. In some regional markets, Colgate has a monopoly in oral health. Higher market share coupled with substantial brand equity and brand loyalty accrued over several years helps Colgate reach a larger number of consumers and shields its market position from larger competing brands (such as Procter & Gamble's Oral-B) and low-cost private labels.
On the other hand, Colgate-Palmolive has just under 4% share in the combined $88 billion global market for deodorants, bath and shower products, and hair care products.
Colgate has undertaken several initiatives that have increased the popularity of its brands among consumers and oral health care professionals. These initiatives have helped its products outsell other oral care brands available in the market.
