15 Dividend Zombies to Invest in

7. Colgate-Palmolive Company (NYSE:CL)

Consecutive Years of Dividend Payments: 129

Colgate-Palmolive Company (NYSE:CL) is an American multinational consumer products company known for its presence in Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care, and Pet Nutrition. As a consumer staples company, it is relatively resilient during economic downturns, as consumers are less likely to cut back on essentials like dish soap and deodorant compared to discretionary purchases. While many household goods companies have faced declining sales volumes due to industry challenges, Colgate-Palmolive has managed to buck the trend.

In its fiscal year 2024 earnings report, Colgate-Palmolive Company (NYSE:CL) surpassed $20 billion in annual revenue for the first time, reflecting a 4% increase from the previous year. This marked the sixth consecutive year of organic sales growth within or above its target range of 3% to 5%. Strong sales performance and operational efficiency contributed to a solid bottom line, with net income and earnings per share posting double-digit growth compared to 2023.

Colgate-Palmolive Company (NYSE:CL) continues to be a strong dividend stock, increasing its dividend for 62 consecutive years, supported by robust cash flow generation. In fiscal 2024, operating cash flow exceeded $4 billion, reflecting a 10% year-over-year increase, while free cash flow rose to over $3.5 billion from $3 billion in the prior year. Reinforcing its commitment to shareholder returns, the company distributed $3.4 billion through dividends and share repurchases during the fiscal year. CL has distributed regular dividends to shareholders for 129 years in a row.