Key Takeaways Uncertainty around Fed rate cuts has made defensive, low-beta stocks more attractive to investors. ATO, FTS, CL, and KO all offer low beta, dividend yield, and positive earnings estimate revisions. Each stock holds a favorable Zacks Rank and operates in the utility or consumer staples sectors.The uncertainty over the timing of the next rate cut persists as the Federal Reserve is still maintaining a cautious stance, with policymakers concerned about the inflationary pressures that are going t ...

Core Insights - Colgate-Palmolive Company's shares have increased by 7.1% over the past three months, outperforming the Zacks Consumer Products - Staples industry's growth of 1% and the broader Consumer Staples sector's increase of 6.6% [1] - The company maintains a strong position in the consumer products market, holding a 40.9% global market share in toothpaste and a 31.9% share in manual toothbrushes year to date [2] Financial Performance - In the first quarter of 2025, Colgate reported earnings that exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate, with year-over-year earnings improvement despite a decline in sales [3] - Organic sales grew by 1.4% in the first quarter, driven by a 1.5% increase in pricing, supported by aggressive pricing strategies [6] - Management projects net sales to grow in low single digits, with organic sales expected to increase by 2-4% year over year in 2025 [13] Strategic Initiatives - The company is focused on innovation and premiumization of its product offerings, including the re-launch of Colgate Total and the Hill's Science Diet with ActivBiome technology [8] - Colgate has invested approximately $2 billion in its supply chain in the United States over the last five years to enhance its operational capabilities [9] - Management is confident in its strategic initiatives to address challenges such as tariffs and inflation, aiming for consistent earnings per share growth [12] Market Challenges - The company faces macroeconomic challenges, including inflationary pressures and tariff concerns, which may impact performance [10] - Sales for 2025 are expected to be negatively affected by unfavorable currency exchange rates [11]

Core Viewpoint - Colgate-Palmolive Company reported first-quarter 2025 results with earnings and sales exceeding expectations, driven by organic sales growth, strong volume and pricing performance, and gross profit margin expansion [1][2][3] Financial Performance - Earnings on a Base Business basis were 91 cents per share, a 6% increase year over year, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 86 cents [2] - Net sales totaled $4,911 million, a 3.1% decline from the previous year but above the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $4,855 million; organic sales grew by 1.4% despite a 4.4% negative impact from foreign exchange [3][4] - Gross profit was $2,987 million, down from $3,039 million year over year, but gross profit margin expanded by 80 basis points to 60.8% [6] - Operating profit increased to $1,076 million from $1,047 million year over year, with an operating profit margin expansion of 120 basis points to 21.9% [7] Segment Performance - North America's net sales, accounting for 20% of total sales, decreased by 3.6% year over year; Latin America's net sales fell by 8.7% due to currency impacts, although organic sales rose by 4% [8] - Europe's net sales increased by 2.5% year over year, driven by volume and pricing gains, while the Asia Pacific segment saw a 5% decline in net sales [9] - Africa/Eurasia's net sales dipped by 1.5% year over year, but organic sales advanced by 1.8% [10] - Hill's Pet Nutrition's net sales improved by 1.5% year over year, with a 3.2% rise in pricing [11] Cash Flow and Debt - The company ended the first quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $1,112 million and total debt of $8,269 million; net cash provided by operating activities was $600 million [12] 2025 Outlook - Colgate projects low single-digit growth in net sales, with an anticipated adverse impact from foreign exchange; organic sales growth is now expected to be between 2-4% [13][15] - The company anticipates earnings per share to increase in low single digits, with gross profit margin and advertising investment remaining stable as a percentage of sales [15][16] Stock Performance - Colgate's shares have risen by 2.1% over the past three months, contrasting with a 1.9% decline in the industry [17]

Company celebrates its signature Helping Hands Day in support of nonprofit partner Convoy of Hope with $1.7 million in product donations and a $100,000 check to aid disaster relief effortsGRAND RAPIDS, Mich., April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Food solutions company SpartanNash® (the "Company") (Nasdaq: SPTN) advanced its commitment to disaster relief by mobilizing 850 volunteers for its annual Helping Hands Day. This year, the company packed 500,000 meals and 5,000 hygiene kits, an estimated retail value of $1 ...