Who Buys Colgate’s Cast-Off Brands? Why the Obvious Answers Are Unlikely.

Altria (MO) paid $6.96B in dividends against $6.95B in net income for FY2025, raising concerns about its dividend safety. Colgate-Palmolive (CL) covers its dividend with earnings and cash flow, but reported a Q4 loss. Altria's 10-year total return was 123%, outperforming Colgate's 55%.

Colgate-Palmolive is reportedly considering the sale of select mass-market personal care brands, including Softsoap, Irish Spring, and Speed Stick, for over $1 billion. The company is working with Goldman Sachs on the potential divestment to focus on higher-margin businesses amid North American competition. Personal care accounted for 17% of its 2025 net sales of $20.38 billion.

Colgate-Palmolive (CL) is reportedly exploring the sale of non-core personal care brands, valued at over $1 billion, with Goldman Sachs' advisory. The move aims to reallocate capital toward higher-growth segments. CL shares are down 12% year-to-date, trading below major moving averages, but offer a 2.44% dividend yield. Institutional investors remain bullish, and the consensus rating is 'Moderate Buy' with a mean price target of $160.

Colgate-Palmolive (NYSE:CL) is exploring the sale of mass-market personal care brands, including Softsoap, Irish Spring, and Speed Stick, potentially generating over $1 billion. The move aims to simplify its portfolio and focus on higher-growth areas like oral care and pet nutrition, amid competitive pressure in North America. The company reported a 4.9% increase in net sales, but organic sales in North America declined 3%. Proceeds could be used for debt reduction, share repurchases, or acquisi

Kimberly-Clark (KMB) is selling assets to address EU antitrust concerns over its $40B Kenvue acquisition, aiming for approval by September 29. The deal, expected to create a $32B revenue company, faces similar scrutiny in Australia. KMB anticipates $1.9B in annual cost synergies but may need to divest assets to secure approval.

Colgate-Palmolive (CL) has engaged Goldman Sachs to explore selling parts of its Personal Care division, worth over $1 billion. The move aims to free resources for higher-potential areas, following similar strategies by Unilever and Nestlé. Personal Care generated $3.5 billion (17% of net revenue) in 2025. CL's market cap is around $70 billion, with shares up 11% YTD.