Colgate-Palmolive Company (CL) — ESG & Values Scores

Environment story

Colgate-Palmolive's 10-K discloses a net-zero carbon aspiration and sustainability targets but provides no quantified Scope 1/2/3 emissions data, renewable-electricity percentage, or a specific net-zero target year in the filings reviewed. The filing also flags ongoing regulatory scrutiny of ingredients (fluoride, titanium dioxide, synthetic colors, PFAS) and broader stakeholder concern over packaging, plastics, water use, and deforestation. Absent disclosed Scope 3 trends and a credible near-term net-zero year, and given unresolved ingredient/environmental controversies, Environmental scoring reflects material disclosure and credibility gaps. This is a descriptive research assessment, not investment advice.

Criticisms on file

Regulatory scrutiny of ingredients including fluoride, titanium dioxide, synthetic colors, and PFAS across global jurisdictions, with potential restriction or reformulation requirements.
Source: CL_10k.txt - Item 1A Risk Factors, Legal and Regulatory Risks section
Stakeholder criticism regarding deforestation, palm oil/palm kernel oil sourcing transparency, plastic packaging, and water/energy use disclosed as reputational and regulatory risk factors.
Source: CL_10k.txt - Item 1A Risk Factors, Climate change and sustainability matters section

Disclosed initiatives

Sustainability Targets Referenced in Risk Factors

10-K references a 'net zero carbon target' and broader sustainability targets tied to responsible sourcing, packaging recyclability, and water/energy use, without providing quantified metrics in this filing.

Undetermined from disclosed data

Social story

Disclosed materials do not provide a quantified CEO-to-median-worker pay ratio, workforce turnover rate, or documented union suppression activity or strikes within the last 24 months. Board-level diversity metrics (40% women, 30% from underrepresented communities) are disclosed, and the company states a policy of pay determined 'irrespective of gender, race, ethnicity.' No supply-chain human-rights audit findings (e.g., cobalt/lithium sourcing) were identified in the reviewed filings. This is a descriptive research assessment, not investment advice.

Criticisms on file

ERISA litigation related to a 2005 residual annuity amendment to the Colgate-Palmolive Employees' Retirement Income Plan, resulting in a $65 pretax charge following an adverse Second Circuit ruling in 2025.
Source: CL_10k.txt - MD&A, Significant Items Impacting Comparability
Talc-related product liability litigation with highly uncertain outcomes, ranging from case dismissals to substantial jury awards across the industry.
Source: CL_10k.txt - Item 1A Risk Factors, Legal claims and proceedings section

Disclosed initiatives

Pay Equity Policy Statement

Company states compensation is set 'irrespective of gender, race, ethnicity or any other category protected by law,' per Proxy Statement compensation philosophy section.

Stated policy; no quantified pay-gap audit data disclosed

Governance story

Colgate-Palmolive maintains a single-class share structure and reports 9 of 10 director nominees as independent (90%), exceeding the 75% independence threshold, with fully independent board committees. The company maintains a long-standing policy against direct or indirect political contributions. However, ongoing talc-related product liability litigation and an adverse ERISA court ruling represent active, material legal proceedings warranting a governance deduction. This is a descriptive research assessment, not investment advice.

Criticisms on file

IRS dispute over imputed income on international operations for tax years 2010-2018 (~$165 estimated tax plus interest), plus ongoing federal audit for 2019-2021.
Source: CL_10k.txt - MD&A, Income Taxes section
Talc-related litigation representing material, unresolved legal exposure with outcomes ranging from dismissals to significant jury awards.
Source: CL_10k.txt - Item 1A Risk Factors, Legal claims and proceedings section

Disclosed initiatives

Enhanced Political Contributions Policy

Company enhanced its Political Contributions Policy in response to stockholder engagement, reinforcing prohibition on direct/indirect political contributions.

Reduces disclosed political spending risk
Reduced Special Meeting Threshold

Lowered stockholder special meeting call threshold from 25% to 15% following stockholder engagement.

Increases shareholder rights

These are Missionomics' own editorial scores — directional signals built from disclosed facts under a published method, not certifications or definitive ratings of Colgate-Palmolive Company. Coverage and confidence vary by data point, and figures can lag real-world changes. Read the full Methodology for sourcing, scoring, and correction details — or open Colgate-Palmolive Company in the app for interactive charts and portfolio building.

More in Consumer Staples

Walmart Inc. (WMT) Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST) The Coca-Cola Company (KO) The Procter & Gamble Company (PG) Philip Morris International Inc. (PM) PepsiCo Inc. (PEP)