Procter & Gamble Vs Colgate: Which is a Smarter Stock to Own Now?

Core Insights - The article compares Procter & Gamble (PG) and Colgate-Palmolive (CL), highlighting their market positions, financial performance, and strategic priorities within the consumer-packaged goods (CPG) industry [1][2]. Procter & Gamble (PG) - PG operates in over 180 countries with a market capitalization close to $400 billion, offering a diverse product lineup including Tide, Pampers, Gillette, and Olay, which provides a competitive advantage [3]. - In Q3 fiscal 2025, PG reported earnings per share (EPS) of $1.54, meeting analyst expectations, while maintaining or growing market share in seven of its ten core categories [4]. - The company focuses on premiumization and innovation, launching high-performance products and investing in advertising rather than discount promotions, which supports long-term brand strength [5]. - PG anticipates approximately $200 million in after-tax headwinds from commodity costs and foreign exchange in fiscal 2025, alongside projected tariff-related costs of $1-$1.5 billion annually [6]. - The company plans to return $16-17 billion to shareholders through dividends and buybacks, demonstrating a commitment to long-term value creation [7]. Colgate-Palmolive (CL) - CL is a leader in oral care with a 41% share of the global toothpaste market and a 32% share in manual toothbrushes, while also expanding into pet nutrition and skincare [9][10]. - In Q1 2025, CL reported sales exceeding $4.91 billion, beating estimates despite a 3% year-over-year decline, with an EPS of 91 cents also surpassing expectations [11]. - The company expects $200 million in incremental tariff impacts in 2025 but is mitigating these through supply-chain flexibility and productivity gains, having invested $2 billion in U.S. supply-chain upgrades over the past five years [12]. - CL maintains a focus on advertising ROI and AI-driven analytics to optimize spending while continuing to innovate and premiumize its offerings [13]. - The company is positioned to deliver sustainable shareholder value through its strong balance sheet and disciplined execution, despite short-term pressures [14][26]. Financial Estimates - For fiscal 2025, PG's sales and EPS are expected to grow by 0.4% and 3%, respectively, with EPS estimates down by 1.2% in the past week [15]. - CL's sales and EPS estimates suggest year-over-year growth of 0.6% and 1.4%, with EPS estimates down by 0.5% recently [18]. - Both companies have experienced downward estimate revisions, but CL's revisions are less severe compared to PG [20]. Price Performance & Valuation - Year-to-date, PG shares have declined by 3.1%, while CL stock has gained 1.4% [21]. - PG is trading at a forward P/E multiple of 23.06X, below its five-year median of 23.65X, indicating a potentially undervalued position [23]. - CL's forward P/E multiple is at 24.47X, above its five-year median of 24.1X, reflecting its solid fundamentals and growth strategy [24]. Conclusion - PG's extensive global presence and diversified brand portfolio provide a foundation for long-term revenue stability, though it faces geopolitical and market-specific challenges [25]. - CL's strong brand equity and adaptability position it as an attractive investment option, particularly with lower tariff risks and solid fundamentals [27].