15 Best Defensive Stocks Amid Market Volatility

7. Colgate-Palmolive Company (NYSE:CL)

Beta: 0.40

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 62

Colgate-Palmolive Company (NYSE:CL) is one of the most recognized brands worldwide and a global leader in oral care, personal care, and household products. The company’s portfolio includes well-known brands such as Colgate, Palmolive, and Hill’s Pet Nutrition. With operations spanning over 200 countries, it holds a strong foothold in emerging markets.

In 2024, the company generated $20 billion in net sales, reflecting a 3.3% year-over-year increase and surpassing its strategic target a full year ahead of schedule. This achievement highlights Colgate-Palmolive’s strong sales momentum and effective execution. While net sales declined 0.1% in Q4, organic sales grew by 4.3%. Additionally, the company returned $3.4 billion to shareholders in 2024 through dividends and share repurchases.

In early February, a Raymond James analyst reduced the price target on Colgate-Palmolive Company (NYSE:CL) to $105 from $110 while maintaining an Outperform rating. The analyst expressed a more cautious outlook heading into 2025 due to a larger-than-expected Q4 sales decline but remains positive on the company’s long-term potential. Meanwhile, the impact of new tariffs on imports from Mexico and China is expected to have a minimal effect on annualized EPS, supported by accelerating savings from the company’s Funding the Growth initiative. In a more recent update on March 14, JPMorgan analyst Andrea Teixeira raised the firm’s price target on Colgate-Palmolive Company (NYSE:CL) to $99 from $97 while reiterating an Overweight rating.