Colgate-Palmolive vs Hershey (CL vs HSY)
Colgate-Palmolive (CL) vs Hershey (HSY) in plain English: P/E, growth, margins, debt and dividend side by side, key differences and which fits each investor profile.
Colgate-Palmolive (CL) and Hershey (HSY) compete in consumer staples. Here are Colgate-Palmolive and Hershey side by side with their real figures as of November 4, 2026: what sets them apart, which fits each kind of investor and the most common questions, without telling you whether to buy Colgate-Palmolive or Hershey.
Colgate-Palmolive vs Hershey: the figures
| Figure | Colgate-Palmolive | Hershey |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $98.76 (November 4, 2026) | $174.50 (November 4, 2026) |
| Market cap | $78.5 billion | $35.1 billion |
| P/E (TTM) | 38.4x | 19.7x |
| Forward P/E | 24.1x | 18.4x |
| Revenue growth (quarter) | +4.6% | +3.0% |
| Net margin (TTM) | 9.6% | 14.6% |
| Net debt / EBITDA | 1.2x | 1.5x |
| Dividend yield | 2.22% | 3.47% |
| Beta | 0.31 | 0.07 |
Colgate-Palmolive and Hershey figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that Colgate-Palmolive or Hershey figure is not available, and we never estimate it.
3 key differences between Colgate-Palmolive and Hershey
- Valuation: Colgate-Palmolive trades at 38.4x its annual earnings and Hershey at 19.7x; the market pays more for each dollar of Colgate-Palmolive profit, usually because it expects more growth.
- Dividend: Hershey yields 3.47% at today's price and Colgate-Palmolive yields 2.22%.
- Profitability: for every 100 of sales, Hershey keeps 14.6 as net profit and Colgate-Palmolive keeps 9.6.
Colgate-Palmolive or Hershey: which fits your profile
- If you want growth: Colgate-Palmolive is growing faster today, so it fits better with investors who put business growth first, usually accepting a higher P/E and a bumpier ride.
- If you want income (dividends): Hershey pays the higher dividend relative to its price.
- If you prefer caution: Colgate-Palmolive has less debt relative to its profit, which usually gives more room in a bad year.
- If price is what matters most to you: Hershey trades on the lower P/E; check first whether that is an opportunity or a sign of a business that grows less.
Neither Colgate-Palmolive nor Hershey wins on everything, and owning both is also an option: spreading money across several companies or an index fund reduces what rides on each one.
How Colgate-Palmolive and Hershey make money
Colgate-Palmolive (CL)
Colgate-Palmolive reports two businesses. Oral, Personal and Home Care, the larger, sells Colgate toothpaste and toothbrushes, its main category, plus Palmolive and Protex soaps, Speed Stick deodorants and Ajax and Fabuloso cleaners across regions worldwide. Pet Nutrition sells Hill's Science Diet and Prescription Diet pet food. Full Colgate-Palmolive analysis.
Hershey (HSY)
Hershey sells chocolate, candy and salty snacks under brands like Hershey's, Reese's, Kisses, Kit Kat in the U.S., SkinnyPop and Dot's Pretzels. Its segments are North America Confectionery, the core of the business, North America Salty Snacks and International, selling through grocery, convenience and big-box stores. Full Hershey analysis.
Frequently asked questions: Colgate-Palmolive vs Hershey
Is Colgate-Palmolive or Hershey the better stock?
Choosing between Colgate-Palmolive and Hershey depends on what you are looking for. Colgate-Palmolive is growing faster right now, and Hershey trades on the lower P/E. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy Colgate-Palmolive or Hershey: it shows you the differences so you can decide.
Which pays a higher dividend, Colgate-Palmolive or Hershey?
As of November 4, 2026, Hershey yields 3.47% and Colgate-Palmolive yields 2.22%. Also check how much of their profit Colgate-Palmolive and Hershey pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.
Which is more expensive, Colgate-Palmolive or Hershey?
On P/E, Colgate-Palmolive (38.4x) is more expensive than Hershey (19.7x) as of November 4, 2026. A higher P/E can be justified if earnings grow faster, so compare it with each company's growth in the table.
Can I own both Colgate-Palmolive and Hershey?
Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as Colgate-Palmolive and Hershey, or use index funds so they do not depend on just one. If you are starting out, decide how much you want to invest and for how long before buying Colgate-Palmolive or Hershey.
More comparisons with Colgate-Palmolive or Hershey
- Colgate-Palmolive vs Mondelez
- Colgate-Palmolive vs Altria
- Colgate-Palmolive vs Pernod Ricard
- Hershey vs Mondelez
More companies like Colgate-Palmolive and Hershey: consumer staples stocks. Educational content about Colgate-Palmolive and Hershey, not investment advice.