Colgate Palmolive Co (NYSE: CL)

Colgate-Palmolive Company (CL), a multinational consumer goods company, operates in the oral care, personal care, and pet nutrition industries. Established in 1806, the company's headquarters is located in New York City. Its main business activities involve the development, manufacture, and distribution of a wide range of consumer goods, including toothpaste, toothbrushes, mouthwash, soap, shampoo, and pet food, which are sold in over 200 countries and territories worldwide. These products are marketed under various brand names, such as Colgate, Palmolive, Darlie, elmex, hello, meridol, Sorriso, Tom's of Maine, and Hill's Science Diet.

Colgate generates revenue through the sale of its products to a variety of customers, including traditional and e-commerce retailers, wholesalers, and distributors. Approximately two-thirds of its revenues are generated from markets outside the United States. One of the company's largest and most profitable segments is the Oral, Personal and Home Care segment, which includes the company's oral care products, personal care products, and home care products. Colgate's oral care products are marketed under a variety of brand names, including Colgate, Darlie, elmex, hello, meridol, and Sorriso. Its toothpaste products are available in a range of flavors and forms, while its toothbrushes are designed to provide effective cleaning and are available in a range of styles.

Another significant segment of Colgate's business is the Pet Nutrition segment, which includes the company's Hill's Science Diet pet food products, designed to provide nutrition and health benefits to dogs and cats. Hill's Science Diet products are available in a range of formulas and formats, including dry food, wet food, and treats, and are marketed under the Hill's Science Diet brand name, and are sold in over 80 countries and territories.

Colgate's strong brand portfolio, global reach, and commitment to innovation and quality have helped it to maintain its competitive position and continue to grow its business in the oral care and pet nutrition industries. The company faces competition from other multinational consumer goods companies, specialty pet food companies, and online retailers. However, Colgate's competitive advantages include its widely recognized and respected products, and a variety of marketing channels, including traditional retail, e-commerce, and direct-to-consumer sales.

Colgate's products are sold to a variety of customers, including traditional and e-commerce retailers, wholesalers, and distributors. The company's largest customer is Walmart, Inc., which accounted for approximately 11% of Colgate's net sales in 2023.

Colgate purchases a range of raw materials and packaging materials from suppliers around the world. The company's raw materials include ingredients such as water, palm oil, and soybeans, as well as packaging materials such as plastic, glass, and paper. Colgate works closely with its suppliers to ensure that the company's products are manufactured to the highest standards of quality and safety.

Colgate is committed to making a positive impact on the world, and is focused on sustainability and social impact initiatives that benefit both the company and society. The company's sustainability and social impact initiatives include programs such as its oral health education and well-being initiative, its Hill's Food, Shelter & Love program, and its efforts to reduce plastic waste and increase recycling. Colgate's sustainability and social impact initiatives are guided by the company's 2025 Sustainability & Social Impact Strategy, which is focused on three key ambitions: preserving the environment, helping millions of homes, and driving social impact.