Colgate-Palmolive Company vs Ulta Beauty Inc — how do they compare? Colgate-Palmolive Company trades at $91.1 (market cap $72.84B), while Ulta Beauty Inc trades at $469.56 (market cap $20.17B). The key difference: Colgate-Palmolive Company is far larger — about 3.6× Ulta Beauty Inc's market cap, and Colgate-Palmolive Company pays a 2.33% dividend while Ulta Beauty Inc pays none. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| CL | ULTA | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $72.84B | $20.17B |
Sector | Consumer Staples | Consumer Cyclical |
52-Week High | $99.14 | $706.82 |
52-Week Low | $74.98 | $450.75 |
Enterprise Value | $79.48B | $22.25B |
Dividend Yield | 2.33% | — |
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.
ULTA trades at $473.33, up 0.88% today, with a bullish technical signal despite mixed moving averages. The company reported Q1 2026 EPS of $7.74, beating expectations, and maintains strong profitability with a 39.33% gross margin and 47.45% ROE. Recent news highlights international expansion and a partnership with Bath & Body Works, while analyst consensus remains strongly positive with a $623.73 price target.
ULTA presents a compelling investment case with robust fundamentals and growth initiatives, though risks include competitive pressures and potential margin compression. The stock's current valuation below analyst targets suggests upside potential, supported by strong loyalty program engagement and strategic expansions.
Trailing returns across standard periods
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 →With more than 1,300 stores and a partnership with Target, Ulta Beauty is the largest specialized beauty retailer in the U.S. The firm offers makeup (43% of 2021 sales), fragrances, skin care, and hair care products (20% of 2021 sales), and bath and body items. Ulta offers private-label products and merchandise from more than 500 vendors. It also offers salon services, including hair, makeup, skin, and brow services, in all stores. Most Ulta stores are approximately 10,000 square feet and are in suburban strip centers. Ulta was founded in 1990 and is based in Bolingbrook, Illinois.
Read more on ULTA →