Colgate-Palmolive (CL) expects sluggish category growth across key regions, including the US, Europe, and parts of Latin America and India, RBC Capital Markets said in a note Monday.
Hills continues to be a bright spot, delivering mid-single-digit growth driven by volume gains and outperforming the overall flat category, the firm said.
Favorable foreign exchange trends and reduced tariff headwinds support margins, but benefits are negated by higher costs in fats and oils, keeping gross margin guidance flat, analysts said.
Colgate retains leadership in oral care, but toothpaste share declined sequentially, particularly in Latin America and the US, while manual toothbrush share improved slightly year over year, according to the note.
RBC maintained its sector perform rating on Colgate's stock, with a $97 price target.
Price: 83.01, Change: -0.50, Percent Change: -0.60
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