What caused CL's Q4 2024 earnings miss?

Colgate-Palmolive's Q4 2024 earnings miss was primarily caused by a combination of factors:

1. **Foreign Exchange Rates**: The company was negatively impacted by foreign exchange rates, which dragged down its fourth-quarter revenue. The strong dollar, in particular, affected its revenue as the company generates a significant portion of its revenue from overseas markets.
2. **Demand Slowdown in Key Regions**: Colgate-Palmolive experienced a demand slowdown in its core markets, including North America and Latin America. Consumers have been switching to cheaper private label brands to manage inflationary pressures, which has affected the company's sales volumes.
3. **Price Hikes and Consumer Behavior**: The company's previous price hikes may have deterred consumer spending, especially for essential products like toothpaste and pet nutrition. This shift in consumer behavior contributed to the decline in sales volumes.

In summary, Colgate-Palmolive's Q4 2024 earnings miss can be attributed to a combination of foreign exchange rates, demand slowdown in key regions, and price hikes and consumer behavior.