Are CL's earnings surprises getting smaller?
3/29/2025 05:26pm
**Colgate-Palmolive's (CL) earnings surprises are not currently forming a trend of decreasing magnitude.** Here's an analysis based on the latest data:
1. **Recent Performance**: Colgate-Palmolive has shown resilience and growth in recent quarters. For the fiscal year 2024, analysts estimate earnings per share (EPS) growth. In the first quarter of 2025, Colgate-Palmolive (India) reported a significant increase in net income and revenue compared to the same quarter in 2024, with EPS also showing a notable rise.
2. **Earnings Surprises Trends**:
- Colgate-Palmolive has a history of exceeding earnings expectations, with an average earnings surprise of 4.2% over the trailing four quarters. This indicates a consistent pattern of delivering better-than-expected results.
- In the most recent quarter for which data is available, the company's adjusted gross margin is expected to expand year-over-year by 150 basis points. This suggests that not only are earnings exceeding expectations, but the company's profitability is also improving.
3. **Market Expectations and Company Performance**:
- Analysts' estimates for the fiscal year 2025 project earnings growth in mid-single-digit percentage and adjusted earnings growth in low to mid-single-digit percentage. These projections reflect a cautious optimism, which has been consistent with the company's historical performance and market conditions.
- The company's strong market position, diverse product portfolio, and strategic initiatives such as innovation, premiumization, and digital transformation are likely contributing to its ability to exceed expectations.
4. **Conclusion**: While the data indicates that Colgate-Palmolive has a track record of earning surprises, the trend is not currently forming a pattern of decreasing surprise magnitude. The company's consistent performance, strategic initiatives, and strong market position support the likelihood of continued earnings outperformance. However, it is important to monitor future earnings reports and comparisons to expectations to assess any potential changes in the trend.