What You Need to Know Ahead of Colgate-Palmolive Earnings Release

With a market cap of $71.7 billion, Colgate-Palmolive Company (CL) is a global consumer staples company known for its strong leadership in oral care and a broad portfolio of everyday products across personal care, home care, and pet nutrition. The New York-based company is present in over 200 countries, and the company benefits from high brand loyalty, steady demand, and strong cash flows, making it a defensive player in the market.

The company is expected to announce its fiscal Q3 2026 results shortly. Ahead of this event, analysts forecast Colgate-Palmolive to post an adjusted EPS of $0.92, up 1.1% from $0.91 in the year-ago quarter. It has exceeded Wall Street's earnings estimates in the last four quarters, which is admirable. 

For fiscal 2026, analysts project the company to report an adjusted EPS of $3.87, a rise of 4.9% from $3.69 in fiscal 2025. Moreover, adjusted EPS is expected to grow 5.2% year over year to $4.07 in fiscal 2027.

Shares of Colgate-Palmolive have soared 18.3% over the past 52 weeks, outpacing both the S&P 500 Index's ($SPX) 16.2% return and the State Street Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR ETF’s (XLP) 8.8% rise over the same period.

Colgate-Palmolive has regained investor confidence in 2026, buoyed by improving earnings expectations, resilient demand for everyday essentials, and a recovery in oral-care market share following a challenging 2025. Easier year-over-year comparisons and better-than-expected profitability have further strengthened its outlook. This momentum is underpinned by a powerful business model, with an average gross margin of 60.5% and a free cash flow margin of 17.6% over the past two years, giving the company ample room to invest in growth while rewarding shareholders. 

Adding to its appeal, on Sept. 17, Colgate-Palmolive declared a quarterly dividend of $0.53 per share payable Nov. 13, 2026. With an uninterrupted dividend history dating back to 1895, the company continues to demonstrate its longstanding commitment to shareholder returns.

Analysts' consensus view on CL stock is cautiously optimistic, with a "Moderate Buy" rating overall. Among 22 analysts covering the stock, ten recommend "Strong Buy," three "Moderate Buys," eight suggest "Hold," and one has a "Strong Sell." The average analyst price target for Colgate-Palmolive is $97.19, indicating a potential upside of 4.8% from the current levels. 

On the date of publication, Kritika Sarmah did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.