Colgate-Palmolive Company (CL) Operating Margin: 21.21%
Is Colgate-Palmolive Company’s operating margin high or low?
Colgate-Palmolive Company's operating margin of 21.21% is in line with its 5-year average of 21.73%, around the middle of its 5-year range (19.95%–23.74%).
As of Wednesday, June 17, 2026. 1.65% below its 12-month average of 21.56%.
CL Operating Margin Chart
CL Average Operating Margin Chart
CL Current vs Average Operating Margin Chart
CL Operating Margin Metrics
OPERATING MARGIN
21.21%
OPERATING MARGIN AVG TTM
21.56%
OPERATING MARGIN AVG 3Y
21.08%
OPERATING MARGIN AVG 5Y
21.73%
OPERATING MARGIN AVG 10Y
23.26%
OPERATING MARGIN AVG 15Y
23.41%
OPERATING MARGIN AVG 20Y
23.04%
CURRENT VS TTM AVG
-1.65%
CURRENT VS 3Y AVG
+0.63%
CURRENT VS 5Y AVG
-2.38%
CURRENT VS 10Y AVG
-8.81%
CURRENT VS 15Y AVG
-9.39%
CURRENT VS 20Y AVG
-7.93%
CL Competitors' Operating Margin
| NAME | MARKET CAP | OPERATING MARGIN | TTM | 3Y | 5Y |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colgate-Palmolive Company (CL) | $72.55B | 21.21% | 21.56% | 21.08% | 21.73% |
| Target Corporation (TGT)vs › | $59.87B | 4.49% | 5.05% | 5.14% | 5.48% |
| Monster Beverage Corporation (MNST)vs › | $90.70B | 29.34% | 27.47% | 26.85% | 29.22% |
| Keurig Dr Pepper Inc. (KDP)vs › | $43.54B | 21.29% | 21.78% | 21.23% | 21.52% |
| The Kroger Co. (KR)vs › | $39.54B | 1.28% | 1.95% | 1.99% | 2.25% |
| Sysco Corporation (SYY)vs › | $37.99B | 3.59% | 3.93% | 3.82% | 3.62% |
| The Hershey Company (HSY)vs › | $37.02B | 14.08% | 19.00% | 20.66% | 21.21% |
| Kimberly-Clark Corporation (KMB)vs › | $34.61B | 13.27% | 15.23% | 13.80% | 14.22% |
| Altria Group, Inc. (MO)vs › | $116.02B | 50.73% | 64.89% | 60.93% | 58.44% |
| Kellanova (K)vs › | $29.03B | 14.61% | 13.08% | 11.88% | 11.77% |
Operating Efficiency
Gross Margin
60.1%
Operating Margin
21.2%
Colgate-Palmolive Company Operating Margin Formula & Definition
Operating Margin = Operating Income / Revenue
Operating margin is the percentage of revenue remaining after operating expenses, reflecting operating efficiency.
Expanded definitions: Investopedia, Wikipedia, Corporate Finance Institute
Colgate-Palmolive Company Operating Margin FAQ
- What is the operating margin for Colgate-Palmolive Company (CL)?
- The operating margin for CL stock is 21.21%.
- Is Colgate-Palmolive Company's operating margin high or low?
- Colgate-Palmolive Company's operating margin of 21.21% is in line with its 5-year average of 21.73%, around the middle of its 5-year range (19.95%–23.74%).
- What is the TTM average operating margin for Colgate-Palmolive Company (CL)?
- The TTM average operating margin for CL stock is 21.56%.
- What is the 3Y average operating margin for Colgate-Palmolive Company (CL)?
- The 3Y average operating margin for CL stock is 21.08%.
- What is the 5Y average operating margin for Colgate-Palmolive Company (CL)?
- The 5Y average operating margin for CL stock is 21.73%.
- What is the 10Y average operating margin for Colgate-Palmolive Company (CL)?
- The 10Y average operating margin for CL stock is 23.26%.
- What is the 15Y average operating margin for Colgate-Palmolive Company (CL)?
- The 15Y average operating margin for CL stock is 23.41%.
- What is the 20Y average operating margin for Colgate-Palmolive Company (CL)?
- The 20Y average operating margin for CL stock is 23.04%.
Colgate-Palmolive Company Operating Margin History
| DATE | OPERATING MARGIN |
|---|---|
| 2025-12-31 | 21.33% |
| 2024-12-31 | 21.80% |
| 2023-12-31 | 21.23% |
| 2022-12-31 | 19.95% |
| 2021-12-31 | 22.31% |
| 2020-12-31 | 23.74% |
| 2019-12-31 | 23.97% |
| 2018-12-31 | 24.77% |
| 2017-12-31 | 25.94% |
| 2016-12-31 | 26.06% |
| 2015-12-31 | 24.76% |
| 2014-12-31 | 24.22% |
| 2013-12-31 | 23.71% |
| 2012-12-31 | 23.45% |
| 2011-12-31 | 23.11% |
| 2010-12-31 | 24.18% |
| 2009-12-31 | 24.41% |
| 2008-12-31 | 21.69% |
| 2007-12-31 | 21.30% |
| 2006-12-31 | 21.02% |
| 2005-12-31 | 20.80% |
| 2004-12-31 | 20.80% |
| 2003-12-31 | 21.87% |
| 2002-12-31 | 21.66% |
| 2001-12-31 | 19.74% |
| 2000-12-31 | 18.39% |
| 1999-12-31 | 17.98% |
| 1998-12-31 | 16.54% |
| 1997-12-31 | 15.00% |
| 1996-12-31 | 14.24% |
About Colgate-Palmolive Company
Operating globally, Colgate-Palmolive Company and its affiliated entities are engaged in the production and distribution of a diverse range of consumer goods. Its operations are structured into two primary divisions: Oral, Personal and Home Care, and Pet Nutrition. The Oral, Personal and Home Care division encompasses a broad array of offerings, spanning oral hygiene (e.g., toothpastes, toothbrushes, mouthwashes), personal care (e.g., bar and liquid soaps, shower gels, shampoos, conditioners, deodorants, antiperspirants, skin health items), and home care solutions (e.g., dishwashing detergents, fabric conditioners, household cleaners). These products are distributed through various channels, including traditional and online retailers, wholesalers, and distributors, under well-known brand names such as Colgate, Darlie, elmex, hello, meridol, Sorriso, Tom's of Maine, Irish Spring, Palmolive, Protex, Sanex, Softsoap, Lady Speed Stick, Speed Stick, EltaMD, Filorga, PCA SKIN, Ajax, Axion, Fabuloso, Murphy, Suavitel, Soupline, and Cuddly. Furthermore, this segment supplies specialized pharmaceutical products to dentists and other professionals in oral healthcare. Conversely, the Pet Nutrition segment focuses on providing specialized pet food. This includes everyday nutritional options marketed under the Hill's Science Diet brand, as well as therapeutic diets designed to assist in managing various health conditions in dogs and cats, sold under the Hill's Prescription Diet brand. Distribution for these pet nutrition items occurs via pet supply stores, veterinary clinics, and online retail platforms. Established in 1806, Colgate-Palmolive Company maintains its corporate headquarters in New York, New York.
- Sector
- Consumer Defensive
- Industry
- Household & Personal Products
- CEO
- Noel R. Wallace