Colgate-Palmolive Company vs Unilever plc — how do they compare? Colgate-Palmolive Company trades at $91.1 (market cap $72.84B), while Unilever plc trades at $60.22 (market cap $129.73B). The key difference: Unilever plc is the larger of the two by market cap, and Unilever plc pays the higher dividend (3.75%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| CL | UL | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $72.84B | $129.73B |
Sector | Consumer Staples | Consumer Staples |
52-Week High | $99.14 | $74.59 |
52-Week Low | $74.98 | $55.05 |
Enterprise Value | $79.48B | $155.17B |
Dividend Yield | 2.33% | 3.75% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Colgate-Palmolive (CL) trades at $93.21, up 1.05% with a bullish technical signal and consistent earnings beats. The stock shows strong profitability with 60.06% gross margins and 822.05% ROE, though valuation metrics appear elevated with a P/E of 36.13. Recent dividend declarations and positive analyst coverage (42% buy rating) support the defensive stock's appeal amid market rotation into stable cash flow names.
Outlook remains positive with a $97 consensus price target representing 4% upside, though premium valuation and North American segment softness present headwinds. The company's 64-year dividend growth streak and global diversification provide stability, while inflation pressures and competitive threats require monitoring for sustained outperformance.
Unilever (UL) trades at $61.48, down 0.39% on the day, with a bullish technical signal driven by moving averages. The company reported $60.76B in 2024 revenue but missed Q1 and Q2 2025 EPS estimates. Recent news highlights strategic moves including a potential bid for Thorne and a $270M innovation center investment. The stock shows strong profitability with a 18.75% net margin and 53.32% ROE, though valuation ratios like P/E of 20.84 suggest fair pricing amid mixed analyst sentiment.
Outlook remains cautious with near-term earnings misses offset by long-term growth initiatives. Investment appeal hinges on successful integration of acquisitions and margin improvement. Key risks include competitive pressures and macroeconomic volatility. Analysts are divided with 24% buy ratings, reflecting balanced risk-reward at current levels.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
Since its founding in 1806, Colgate-Palmolive has grown to become a leading global consumer product company. In addition to its namesake oral care line, the firm manufactures shampoos, shower gels, deodorants, and home care products that are sold in over 200 countries (international sales account for about 70% of its consolidated total, including approximately 45% from emerging regions). It also owns specialty pet food maker Hill's, which sells its products through veterinarians and specialty pet retailers.
Read more on CL →Unilever is a diversified personal product (42% of 2021 sales by value), home care (20%), and packaged food (38%) company. Its brands include Knorr soups and sauces, Hellmann's mayonnaise, Lipton teas, Axe and Dove skin products, and the TRESemme haircare brand. The firm has been acquisitive in recent years
Read more on UL →