Colgate-Palmolive net sales inch up 2% in Q2 2012

Oral care products manufacturer Colgate-Palmolive has posted a 2% rise in net sales to $4.27bn for the second quarter ended 30 June 2012, compared to $4.19bn for the same quarter in 2011.

The company reported a net income of $627m for the present quarter as against $622m in the corresponding period for the previous year.

Colgate’s operating profit for the second quarter increased by 1% to $982 m, compared to $968m in second quarter of 2011.

The company said operating profit excluded the costs associated with the business realignment initiatives and the sale of land in Mexico.

Colgate-Palmolive chief executive officer, chairman and president Ian Cook said the organic sales reported 8% growth, which is the largest increase the firm has achieved compared with previous eight quarters, driven by unit volume gains and higher pricing on a worldwide basis.

"The robust growth was led by the emerging markets where organic sales grew 13.0% in the quarter, and we are encouraged by the 2.5% organic sales growth in the developed markets," said Cook.

In the US, the new product launches included Colgate Optic White and Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief toothpastes, which have strengthened the firm’s leadership in toothpaste, with its market share there reaching 36.6%.

American-based Colgate-Palmolive is a consumer products company, whose portfolio includes toothpaste and toothbrushes with brands such as Colgate Total Advanced, Colgate Optic White, Colgate ProClinical White, Colgate 360°, Colgate Max White, Colgate Total Professional, besides personal care, home care and pet nutrition products.