Colgate credited the increase in organic sales to oral care, personal care and home care products. Oral care rose on the strength of toothpaste and mouthwash sales. The company’s share of the global toothpaste market was 41.1% for 2023, up 1.1 points. Its share of the global manual toothbrush market was 31.5%, flat versus 2022. Full year 2023 market shares in toothpaste were up in Europe, Asia Pacific and Africa/Eurasia, down in North America and flat in Latin America versus full year 2022. In the manual toothbrush category, full year 2023 market shares were up in Europe, down in North America, Asia Pacific and Africa/Eurasia and flat in Latin America versus full year 2022

Personal care sales rose primarily due to growth in the bar soap, underarm protection, hair care and body wash categories. The increase in home care was primarily due to organic sales growth in the surface cleaner, fabric softener and hand dish categories.

By region, oral, personal and home care sales in North America rose 3% to $3.9 billion. The gains were attributed to higher toothpaste sales, as well as gains in liquid hand soap, AP/deo and bar soap. These were partially offset by a decline in body wash sales.

Latin American sales jumped 16.5% on gains in Argentina, Mexico, Brazil and Colombia. By product category, oral care got a boost from toothpaste, mouthwash and manual toothbrush sales. Personal care got a lift from bar soap, underarm protection and hair care categories. Home care sales rose in the hand dish, surface cleaner and fabric softener categories.

Sales in Europe increased 7.5% to $2.2 billion, driven by net selling price increases of 9.5% and positive foreign exchange of 2.5%, partially offset by volume declines of 4.5%. Organic sales growth was led by the UK, Germany and Poland, partially offset by declines in the Filorga cosmetics business.

Asia-Pacific sales fell 1.5% to $2.7 billion due to a 3.5% decline in volume and negative forex (-4%). Organic sales growth was led by India, the Philippines and Australia, partially offset by organic sales declines in the Greater China region.

Sales in Africa/Eurasia were flat at nearly $1.1 billion. Volume growth of 4.5% and net selling price increases of 13.0% were offset by negative foreign exchange of 17.5%. Organic sales in Africa/Eurasia increased 17.5% in 2023. Organic sales growth was led by Turkiye, the Eurasia region, South Africa and Nigeria, according to Colgate.

For Q1 2024, corporate sales rose 6.2% to $5.0 billion.

“We are very pleased to have started 2024 with another quarter of strong top and bottom line performance as we continued to execute our strategy successfully,” said Noel Wallace, chairman, president and chief executive officer.

Sales rose in North America (4.0%), Latin America (16.5%) and Europe (9.5%). Sales fell in Asia Pacific (-15%) and Africa/Eurasia (-4.5%).

Corporate sales rose 3% to nearly $18 billion. Sales of oral, personal and home care products increased 1%. In the all-important oral care segment, at the end of 2022, Colgate’s share of the global toothpaste market was 39.8%. Colgate’s share of the global manual toothbrush market was 31.7%. Toothpaste shares were up in Europe and flat in North America, Latin America, Asia Pacific and Africa/Eurasia. In the manual toothbrush category, full year 2022 market shares were up in North America, down in Latin America and flat in Europe, Asia Pacific and Africa/Eurasia. Latin America accounted for 22% of 2022 sales, followed by North America (21%), Asia Pacific (16%), Europe (14%) and Africa/Eurasia (6%). Hill’s Pet Nutrition, represented 21% of sales. North American sales rose 3.5% to $3.8 billion. Gains were attributed to growth in the toothpaste and manual toothbrush categories. The increase in personal care was primarily due sales of bar soap and underarm protection products, partially offset by organic sales declines in the skin care category. The home care gain was due to fabric softener and surface cleaner sales.
Due to 4% volume declines and negative foreign exchange, sales in Europe fell 10.5% to $2.5 billion. Gains in oral care and home care sales were offset by declines in personal care sales. The oral care increase came from gains in toothpaste and manual toothbrush sales, partially offset by declines in mouthwash sales. Home care sales rose thanks to gains in fabric softener sales, partially offset by declines in hand dish. The decrease in personal care was primarily due to declines in the skin care and liquid hand soap sales.

Asia Pacific sales fell 1.5% to $2.8 billion, due to volume declines of 0.5% and negative forex of 6.5%. They were partially offset by net selling price increases of 5.5%. Organic sales in Asia Pacific increased 5.0%. Organic sales growth was led by the Greater China region, Australia and the Philippines. Colgate credits oral care and home care for the increase in organic sales. The increase in oral care was driven by toothpaste and manual toothbrush sales. Home care sales rose on sales growth in the fabric softener and hand dish categories.

Sales in Africa/Eurasia rose 3.5% to nearly $1.1 billion. Price increases of 21.5% were partially offset by volume declines (-9.5%) and forex (-8.5%). Sales growth was led by Turkiye and South Africa. increases in oral care were due to growth in toothpaste and manual toothbrush sales. Personal care sales rose on the strength of bar soap sales.

Oral care will always be the primary focus at Colgate. Earlier this year, in February, Colgate launched several teeth whitening products. A smart phone-powered ComfortFit LED device emits high-energy purple light, helping hydrogen peroxide serum pen break down stains. For those who prefer a more manual method, there’s Colgate Optic White Express Teeth Whitening Pen.In March, Colgate launched Colgate Total Plaque Pro Release. According to Colgate, plaque is the No. 1 reported dental problem in the US, with 75% of consumers concerned about the issue. The formula’s smart foam technology disrupts plaque formation when used twice daily for at least two weeks.

For Q1 2023, corporate sales rose 8.5% to about $4.8 billion.

Sales: $14.1 billion

Corporate sales rose 6% last year to $17.4 billion. Oral care accounted for 44% of sales, followed by personal care (20%), homecare (17%), and pet nutrition (19%). Sales of oral, personal and home care products increased 4%, due to net selling price increases of 2.5% and positive Forex of 1.5%. Volume was flat. The increase in organic sales in 2021 versus 2020 was due to an increase in oral care organic sales, partially offset by a decrease in personal care organic sales. The increase in oral care was primarily due to organic sales growth in the toothpaste, manual toothbrush and mouthwash categories. The decrease in personal care was primarily due to organic sales declines in the liquid hand soap and bar soap categories.

The company proudly notes that it is No. 1 toothpaste company in the world. Colgate’s share of the global toothpaste market was 39.4% for 2021, down 0.3 share points from 2020, and its share of the global manual toothbrush market was 30.9%, up 0.1 share points from 2020. Full year 2021 market shares in toothpaste were up in Europe and Africa/Eurasia and down in North America, Latin America and Asia Pacific. Manual toothbrush shares were up in Latin America, Europe and Africa/Eurasia and down in North America and Asia Pacific. By region, sales of oral, personal and home care products fell 1% in North America. However, sales were up in every other region, led by gains in Latin America (70%), Africa/Eurasia (6.5%), Asia Pacific (6.0%) and Europe (3.5%). North America and Latin America each accounted for 21% of sales, followed by Asia Pacific (17%), Europe (16%) and Africa/Eurasia (6%). Hill’s Pet Nutrition represented 19% of sales last year.

Classic soap and body care brand Irish Spring got a packaging makeover in 2021.

For the first quarter of 2022, corporate sales rose 1.5% to nearly $4.4 billion. Sales of oral, personal and home care products declined less than 1% to $3.5 billion. By region, sales in North America rose 0.5% and sales in in Latin America increased 5.5%. However, sales fell in Europe (-9.0%), Asia Pacific (-1.5%) and Africa/Eurasia (-2.0%). Oral care accounted for 45% of Q1 sales. Personal care represented (18% and home care, 17%. The company’s share of the global toothpaste market fell 0.1 share points to 39.2%.

Approximately 70% of Colgate’s Q1 sales were generated from markets outside the US, with approximately 45% of sales coming from emerging markets (Latin America, Asia (excluding Japan), Africa/Eurasia and Central Europe).

In Q1, Colgate rolled out a recyclable toothpaste tube in the US—the first to be recognized by external recycling authorities as recyclable—and the company is taking steps to ensure the tubes don’t end up in landfill. The tube is made from high density polyethylene (HDPE).

Sales: $13.6 billion for oral, personal and home care products
Corporate sales: $16.4 billion

No matter what was happening in the world last year, consumers kept brushing their teeth. Colgate posted a 5% increase in sales last year—it’s biggest gain in more than a decade. CEO Noel Wallace credited increased investments in innovation, digital transformation and advertising for contributing to growth across the entire portfolio and in all geographies. By category, oral care accounted for 44% of sales, followed by personal care (21%) and home care (18%). Pet nutrition, a category not covered by Happi, represented 17% of sales.

Hum by Colgate, the brand’s smart electric toothbrush, has formed a new partnership with obé Fitness, in which the digital fitness platform will host “Fitness Friday” programming in the hum by Colgate app.

North American sales of oral, personal and home care products rose 9.5% to more than $3.7 billion last year. Oral care gains were credited to increased toothpaste sales. Colgate said the increase in personal care was primarily due to organic growth in liquid hand soaps, offset by a decline in AP/deo sales. Home care sales rose on greater demand for hand dish and liquid cleaner products.

Sales in Latin America fell 5% to $3.4 billion, primarily due to unfavorable forex. Organic sales increased 9%, led by Brazil, Argentina, Mexico and Colombia. Organic oral care sales rose on the strength of toothpaste brands. Organic personal care sales were up on greater demand for liquid soap and organic home care sales rose on greater demand for hand dish and liquid cleaner products.

Sales in Europe jumped 12% to more than $2.7 billion on the strength of personal and home care sales. Personal care rose on greater demand for liquid hand soap and body wash, partially offset by lower AP/deo sales. Home care sales increased due to greater demand for bleach, hand dish, spray cleaner and fabric softener.

Asia Pacific sales fell less than 1% to $2.7 billion. Volume slipped 1.5%. Organic growth was led by Australia, New Zealand and the Philippines, partially offset by declines in Thailand and China. Colgate said increased demand for home and personal care products was partially offset by a decline in oral care sales, due to lower manual toothbrush sales. Sales in Africa/Eurasia were flat at $981 million. While volume rose 5% and net selling price increased 3.5%, they were offset by negative forex of 8.5%. Demand for toothpaste and toothbrushes provided a lift to oral care sales. The increase in personal care sales was attributed to gains in the bar soap, body wash and liquid hand soap categories. During the year, Colgate acquired controlling interest in Nigeria-based Hypo Homecare Products Ltd.

Like other Top 50 companies, Colgate saw a big jump, 46%, in online sales last year.

The gains continued into 2021. The company reported first quarter sales rose 6% to more than $4.3 billion. Sales of oral, personal and home care products rose 5.5% to more than $3.5 billion. Colgate’s share of the global toothpaste market fell 1.1 share points to 39.2% during the period. Its share of the global manual toothbrush market fell 0.7 share points to 30.6%. By region, market shares in toothpaste were up in North America and Africa/Eurasia and down in Latin America, Europe and Asia Pacific. In the manual toothbrush category, year-to-date market shares were up in Latin America and Africa/Eurasia and down in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific versus the comparable 2020 period.

In an interview with Deutsche Bank, Colgate CEO Noel Wallace provided insight on how far the company has come and what long-term opportunities remain. In 2019, Wallace challenged employees to embrace innovation and the strength of brands like Colgate and Hill’s Nutrition, while moving faster with more agility, getting rid of waste and embracing digital transformation.

$13.1 billion for oral, personal and home care products.
Corporate sales: $15.7 billion

Sales of oral, personal and home care products were flat year. By region, sales in North America increased 2.0% to $3.4 billion, as volume growth (2.0%) and net selling price (0.5%) were partially offset by negative foreign exchange of 0.5%. Organic sales in North America increased 2.5% in 2019. The increase in North America organic sales was due to increases in oral care, personal care and home care organic sales. Oral care increased due to organic sales growth in the toothpaste category, partially offset by declines in organic sales in the manual toothbrush and mouthwash categories.

Personal care rose due to organic sales growth in the skin health, body wash and bar soap categories, partially offset by a decline in organic sales in the liquid hand soap category. Home care gains were attributed to organic sales growth in the liquid cleaner and fabric softener categories, partially offset by a decline in organic sales in the hand dish category.

Latin American sales were flat at $3.6 billion, as volume growth (3%) and net selling price increases (4%), were offset by negative foreign exchange (-7.0%). Volume gains were led by Mexico, Brazil and Central America. Organic sales in Latin America increased 7.0% in 2019 due to increases in oral care, personal care and home care organic sales. Oral care gains came in the toothpaste and manual toothbrush categories. The increase in personal care was primarily due to growth in the bar soap and shampoo categories. Home care growth was due to growth in the liquid cleaner, fabric softener and hand dish categories.

Sales in Europe fell 2.0% to $2.4 billion, as volume growth (4.0%) was more than offset by net selling price decreases of 0.5% and negative foreign exchange of 5.5%. Volume gains were led by France, Spain and the United Kingdom. The Filorga acquisition, which closed on September 19, 2019, contributed 3.0% to volume in Europe. Organic sales in Europe increased 0.5% in 2019. The increase in organic sales primarily due to an increase in oral care, partially offset by a decline in personal care. Oral care was driven by organic sales growth in the toothpaste category, partially offset by a decline in organic sales in the battery-powered toothbrush category. The personal care decline was primarily due to lower organic sales in the liquid hand soap and shampoo categories.

Asia-Pacific sales fell 1.0% to $2.7 billion, as volume growth of 0.5% and net selling price increases of 1.0% were more than offset by negative foreign exchange of 2.5%. Volume gains were led by the Philippines, Australia and Thailand. Organic sales in Asia-Pacific increased 1.5%, helped by gains in oral care.

Sales in Africa/Eurasia increased 1.5% to $981 million, as volume growth of 3.5% and net selling price increases of 4.0% were partially offset by negative foreign exchange of 6.0%. Volume gains were led by Russia, Kenya and the Gulf States. The company’s acquisition of a 51% controlling interest in Colgate Toloram Pte. Ltd., a joint venture which owns the Nigeria-based Hypo Homecare Products Limited, contributed 0.5% to volume in Africa/Eurasia. Organic sales in Africa/Eurasia increased 7.0%, which the company attributed to an increase in toothpaste and manual toothbrush sales.

In new product news, Colgate called its Optic White Renewal toothpaste with 3% hydrogen peroxide its best whitening toothpaste.

In January, Colgate acquired Hello oral care from Tenth Avenue Holdings. A purchase price was not disclosed. Hello, which bills itself as “natural-friendly,” includes adult and kids’ toothpaste, mouthrinse, toothbrushes and dental floss. Company founder Craig Dubitsky will remain with the company.

Sales: $13.1 billion for oral care, personal care and home care products.
Corporate sales: $15.5 billion.

Corporate sales rose less than 1% last year and net sales of oral, personal care and home care products were flat, dragged down slightly by sales of bar soap and underarm protection products. Oral care sales were up due to gains in toothpaste. The company reported that its share of the global toothpaste market fell 1.3 share points, but still dominated with a 42.0% market share. Home care sales rose on higher sales of liquid cleaner and fabric softener sales. By category, oral care accounted for 47% of corporate sales; personal care, 20%; and home care, 18%. The remaining 15% of sales came from pet nutrition.

Sales in North America rebounded last year, rising 7.5% to more than $3.3 billion after declining 2% in 2017. Colgate credited this to increases in toothpaste and toothbrush, liquid hand soap, liquid cleaner and fabric softener sales.

Colgate stumbled in one of its key regions, as sales in Latin America fell 7.5% to $3.6 billion in 2018, after increasing 6.5% in 2017. The company blamed declines in toothpaste and bar soap sales, which were partially offset by gains in manual toothbrush sales and an increase in home care sales, especially liquid cleaner, hand dish and fabric softener.

Sales in Europe rose 4.5% to over $2.5 billion, helped by volume gains in France, the UK and Italy. Leading the way was oral care, which was driven by organic sales growth in the toothpaste category.
Asia-Pacific sales fell 1.5% to about $2.7 billion, due to declines in greater China and Thailand, which were partially offset by volume gains in India and the Philippines.

Finally, sales in Africa/Eurasia fell 1.5% to $967 million on declines in Russia, Turkey and South Africa, which were partially offset by gains in the Gulf States. An increase in oral care sales was outpaced in declines in personal care.

The declines continued into 2019, as Colgate said Q1 sales fell 3% to just below $3.9 billion, due to forex effects. Sales in North America rose 3%. In contrast, Latin American sales fell 4.5%; European sales fell 7%; Asia-Pacific sales declined 8%; and Africa/Eurasia sales dropped 6%.

There was a changing of the guard at Colgate-Palmolive this year. In April, Noel Wallace was named president and chief executive officer, replacing Ian Cook, who is now executive chairman. Wallace joined the company in 1987 and progressed through a number of global positions, most recently serving as president and chief operating officer. Prior to that, Wallace was chief operating officer, global innovation and growth and Hill’s Pet Nutrition. Cook joined Colgate in 1976 and progressed through a series of senior management roles around the world. He was promoted to president and chief operating officer in 2005.

In new product news, Colgate says its new TotalSF toothpaste offers a range of benefits including teeth whitening, fresh breath, cavity-fighting, enamel protection, plaque elimination and gingivitis and tartar control. Plus, it’s great for sensitive teeth. But according to online reviews from users, the new formula has left a bad taste, literally, in users’ mouths.

Colgate-Palmolive has an ambitious sustainability program in place, including its high-profile Save Water campaign which, since 2016, has urged consumers to shut off the water while they brush their teeth. Some 70% of Americans who were aware of the Save Water campaign said it influenced their personal actions with regard to saving water, according to a YouGov survey fielded for Colgate. Further, 58% of those influenced reported turning off the faucet more often while brushing their teeth after hearing the campaign’s message.

Globally, the turn-off-the-faucet campaign can lead to a potential reduction of 50 billion gallons of water per year, said Colgate. Since water and wastewater treatment systems are energy intensive, every drop of water saved means less energy used. The projected global water savings comes with an additional benefit of approximately two million metric tons of greenhouse gas saved.

Finally, Colgate-Palmolive expects to complete its Global Growth and Efficiency Program at the end of the year, according to the company. The initiatives include expanding commercial hubs, extending shared business services, streamlining global functions and optimizing global supply chain and facilities.

Sales: $13.8 billion for oral care, personal care and household products.
Corporate sales: $16 billion. Net income: $1.3 billion.

Blame it on euro, and yen and won too, for that matter. Forex effects hurt results in 2015 and as a result, sales were nothing to smile about for Colgate-Palmolive last year. Corporate sales fell 7%, as volume (1.5%) and net selling price increases (3.0%) were more than offset by negative foreign exchange, -11.5%.

Oral care remains the dominant business at Colgate, accounting for 47% of sales last year, up from 46% in 2014. Personal care was next at 20% of sales, down from 21% and home care accounted for 19% of sales, off from 20% in 2014.

The company noted that oral, personal and home care sales fell 8% due to Forex effects of 12%. However, organic sales in the oral, personal and home care product segment increased 4.5%. The company’s share of the global toothpaste market was 44.7% for full year 2015 and its share of the global manual toothbrush market was 34.7% for full year 2015. Full year 2015 market shares in toothpaste were up in North America, Latin America, Europe/South Pacific and Africa/Eurasia and down in Asia versus full year 2014. In the manual toothbrush category, full year 2015 market shares were up in North America, Latin America and Europe/South Pacific and down in Asia and Africa/Eurasia versus full year 2014.

By region, net sales of oral, personal and home care in North America increased 1.0% in 2015 to $3.1 billion, driven by volume growth of 2.0%, which was partially offset by negative foreign exchange of 1.0%, while net selling prices were flat. Organic sales in North America increased 2.0% in 2015. The increase in organic sales in North America was driven by oral care with strong organic sales in the toothpaste and manual toothbrush categories. Personal care and home care also contributed to organic sales growth. Personal care organic sales growth was driven by gains in the shower gel category. Home care organic sales growth was due to strong organic sales in the fabric softener category. The US makes up just 25% of Colgate’s global sales.

Latin American net sales fell 9.5% to $4.3 billion. While organic sales increased more than 9%, negative Forex effects of 19.0% pummeled results. However, volume declines in Venezuela and Brazil were partially offset by volume gains in Mexico, Ecuador and Argentina.

In Europe/South Pacific, net sales fell 15.5% to nearly $2.9 billion, as volume growth of 2.0% was more than offset by net selling price decreases of 3.0% and negative foreign exchange of 14.5%. The increase in organic sales in Europe/South Pacific in 2015 versus 2014 was due to increases in oral care and personal care organic sales, which were partially offset by declines in organic sales in the home care category. According to Colgate, the manual toothbrush category contributed to the increase in oral care organic sales. The shower gel category contributed to the increase in personal care organic sales. The decrease in home care organic sales was due to a decline in organic sales in the liquid cleaners category.

Net sales in Asia fell 1.5% to $2.4 billion, as volume growth of 4.0% was more than offset by net selling price decreases of 1.0% and negative foreign exchange of 4.5%. However, organic sales in Asia grew 2.5%, as volume gains were led by the Greater China region, the Philippines and India. Colgate noted that organic sales increases were due to toothpaste and manual sales. Personal care sales were up, on the strength of shampoo sales.

Forex crushed results in Africa/Eurasia. Sales fell 17.5% in the region, as net selling price increases of 7.5% were more than offset by volume declines of 1.5% and negative foreign exchange of 23.5%. Organic sales in Africa/Eurasia grew 6.0% in 2015.

Volume declines in the Central Asia/Caucasus region and Ukraine were partially offset by volume gains in the Sub-Saharan Africa region and South Africa, according to Colgate. Organic sales rose due to strong organic sales in the toothpaste and the manual toothbrush categories. Home care organic sales also contributed to organic sales growth with gains in the fabric softener category.

Sales continued to decline through the first quarter of 2016. Oral, home and personal care sales dropped 10% to $3.5 billion. Going forward, the company realigned the geographic structure of its Europe/South Pacific and Asia reportable operating segments within the oral, personal and home care product segment. Management responsibility for the South Pacific operations was transferred from Europe/South Pacific management to Asia management.

Sales: $14.5 billion for oral, personal and home care products.
Corporate sales: $16.7 billion. Net income: $2.4 billion.

Corporate sales rose 7.5% last year. Sales of oral, personal and home care products rose 8%, driven by volume growth of 4%, net selling price increases of 1.0% and a positive foreign exchange impact of 3.0%. Excluding the impact of the divestment of the non-core detergent business in Colombia, volume increased 4.5%. The Sanex business contributed 1.0% to sales and volume growth in 2011. Organic sales in the oral, personal and home care segment increased 4.5% on organic volume growth of 3.5% in 2011.

Of course, the bulk of Colgate’s sales come from toothpaste and the company is quick to note that its worldwide share is approaching 45%—well ahead of its nearest competitor. Colgate says the share growth is due, in part, to professional recommendations. Back in 2004, 28% of dentists worldwide recommended Colgate. Last year, that percentage rose to 48%.

Approximately 80% of Colgate’s net sales are generated from markets outside the US, with approximately 50% of net sales coming from emerging markets—which consist of Latin America, Greater Asia/Africa (excluding Japan) and Central Europe. Last year, sales in North America declined .5% to nearly $3 billion, due to a 3% decline in selling price. Sales in Latin America jumped 12% to nearly $4.8 billion, driven by volume growth of 3% and a 7% surge in selling price. Europe/South Pacific sales jumped 9% to $3.5 billion on a 5% gain in volume and a positive impact of foreign exchange of 7.0%. The United Kingdom, Spain, France, Denmark and the GABA oral care business led volume gains. Sales in Greater Asia/Africa increased 9.5% to nearly $3.3 billion driven by a 6.5% volume growth. Gains were led by India, the Greater China region, Russia, and South Africa.

On July 29, 2011, in connection with the Sanex acquisition, Colgate sold its laundry detergent business in Colombia to Unilever for $215 million, resulting in a pretax gain of $207 million ($135 million aftertax gain).

Taking the Initiative
In 2012, Colgate is focused on four strategic initiatives:

• Engaging to build its brands;
• Innovation for growth;
• Effectiveness and efficiency; and
• Leading to win.

That means engaging with consumers, shoppers, customers and professionals through products, packaging, communication and in-store promotion. For example, Colgate is ranked as the No. 1 most trusted brand in India and has a 52.3% share of the market (compared to 25.6% for the No. 2 brand). In Brazil, Colgate’s toothpaste share exceeds 70%. In the US, it provides oral health education for more than 10 million children each year.

In terms of innovation, Colgate says its new Optic White toothpaste formula contains the same whitening ingredient as whitening strips. Meanwhile new Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief with Pro-Argin technology is said to provide instant and long-lasting relief from sensitivity. Meanwhile, Colgate is promoting its new Sanex Zero% with the tagline “contains only what your skin needs.” That means, 0% parabens, 0% colorants, 0% phthalates and 0% phenoxyethanol.

To promote efficiency, Colgate is generating efficiency through a variety of programs. One of the biggest has resulted in a 35% reduction in product formulas during the past four years.

Finally, leading to win, means Colgate is living its values, helping Colgate staff to perform at their best and fulfilling its commitment to the communities it serves.

For the first quarter of 2012, corporate sales rose 5% to $4.2 billion. Sales in the oral, personal and home care segment rose 6% to more than $3.6 billion. Net sales in North America increased 5.0% to $755 million, as volume growth of 5.0% and net selling price increases of 0.5% were partially offset by a negative foreign exchange impact of 0.5%.Net sales in Latin America increased 6.5% in the first quarter of 2012 to nearly $1.2 billion, as volume growth of 1.0% and net selling price increases of 10.0% were partially offset by a negative foreign exchange impact of 4.5%. Net sales in Europe/South Pacific increased 2.5% in the first quarter of 2012 to $854 million, as volume growth of 7.0% was partially offset by net selling price decreases of 2.5% and a negative impact of foreign exchange of 2.0%.

Sales: $13.3 billion for oral, personal care and household products.
Corporate sales: $15.5 billion. Net income: $2.2 billion.

Corporate sales rose 1.5% to a record high, but net income declined 4% to $2.2 billion. Unit volume was up 3%. Sales of oral, personal care and home care products rose 2% on a 4% gain in volume.

Emerging markets represent half of Colgate’s sales and the acceptance of Colgate oral care products plays a big role in that success. For example, in Brazil, 77% of professionals recommend Colgate, and those recommendations are even more numerous in India and China, where professionals prefer Colgate at 81% and 85%, respectively.

By region, sales in North America rose 2% to just over $3 billion to account for 19% of sales last year. Unit volume increased 3.5%. The company credited the gain to Colgate Triple Action and Colgate Sensitive MultiProtection toothpastes and the relaunch of Colgate Total. Also, Colgate’s share of the US manual toothbrush market rose 1.3 share points to a record 33.4% on the strength of Colgate 360° ActiFlex and Colgate Wisp mini-brush.

Sales in Latin America accounted for 27% of 2010 sales, but they fell 1.5% to about $4.2 billion on a 2.0% gain in unit volume. The success of Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief and Colgate Total toothpastes, Colgate 360° ActiFlex, Colgate Plax Complete Care mouthwash, Palmolive Naturals Perfect Tone bar soap and Lady Speed Stick Waterproof deodorant contributed to market share gains throughout the region.

Europe/South Pacific accounted for 21% of sales last year (about $3.2 billion), but while volume rose 2%, sales declined 1%. The company credited the volume gain to toothpastes such as Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief and Pro-Relief Whitening, as well as Palmolive Nutra Fruit shower cream and the Natura Verde home care product line.

Greater Asia/Africa represented 19% of sales (nearly $3 billion). Regional results were encouraging as sales jumped 13% and unit volume increased 10.5%. What led to the big increase? Strong sales of Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief, Colgate Total and Colgate Herbal Salt toothpastes, Colgate 360° ActiFlex, Colgate Massager and Colgate Twister Gum Care manual toothbrushes and Colgate Plax Complete Care mouthwash.

Finally, pet care (primarily food), a segment not tracked by Happi, accounted for 14% of sales in 2010.

For the first quarter of 2011, the company reported a 4% increase in sales to nearly $4 billion. Sales in Latin America jumped 9% to nearly $1.1 billion, sales in Europe/South Pacific rose 1% to $832 million and sales in Greater Asia/Africa surged 11.5% to $813 million.

On June 20, Colgate-Palmolive completed its $952 million purchase of the personal care brand Sanex from Unilever PLC. The deal strengthens Colgate’s positions in the shower gel, deodorant and personal care business in Europe. The purchase is Colgate’s biggest purchase in more than a decade and analysts view it as an opportunity for Colgate to reduce its dependence on oral care. Unilever was forced to sell Sanex after acquiring the international toiletries business from Sara Lee.

Also last month, investment bank Rothschild hired Steve Patrick, the former vice chairman of Colgate, as a senior advisor. Patrick will counsel the investment bank’s mergers and financing advisory teams on consumer and retail companies.

Sales: $13.1 billion for oral, personal and home care products. Net sales: $15.3 billion. Net income: $2.2 billion

Corporate sales were flat on volume growth of 0.5%. Similarly, net sales in the oral, personal and home care segment were flat, although volume was up 2%.

Despite the flat results, Colgate’s market shares “are healthy and growing around the world,” chairman Ian Cook told shareholders at the annual meeting in May. For example, last year Colgate’s global toothpaste share reached 44.2%, compared to 31.0% in 1994.

Cook credited the company’s exceptional return to investors on four key strategies:
• Focus on the consumer, the dental professional and the retailer;
• Effectiveness and efficiency in everything;
• Innovation everywhere; and
• Leadership.

According to Cook, while consumer insight is always important, during the recession it took on even greater urgency. As a result, Colgate employees stepped up efforts to understand the consumer by going on shopping trips with them and even living with them.

“This new approach is especially important in emerging markets, where we’re living with consumers in India to see how they clean their homes and their oral hygiene habits, and find out who the community leaders are,” he told shareholders.

At the same time, Colgate is increasing the number of endorsements it receives from dental professionals. Endorsements rose 43% last year, according to Cook.

In areas of effectiveness and efficiency, Colgate posted $400 million in procurement savings and recently completed construction of a toothbrush plant in Vietnam.

A new innovative approach for Colgate is using virtual reality to learn new ways to engage and sway the consumer. According to Cook, while traditional media will always have an important rolein Colgate’s marketing plans, there is plenty of room for online media. Just such a campaign provided a big boost to sales of Colgate Wisp, the company’s portable oral care system. In fact, Wisp now holds a 6% share of the U.S. manual toothbrush market.

Along the way, Colgate hasn’t neglected its own employees. It offers 150 classroom courses and 120 e-learning courses. Recently, Colgate’s interactive online training program instructed 600 executives in 55 countries in a single day, according to Cook.

Colgate Sales: Holding their Own
Taking a closer look at 2009 sales by region, Colgate’s net sales in North America increased 3.5% to more than $2.9 billion due to a 4% gain in volume that was partially offset by a 0.5% negative impact of foreign exchange. Organic sales in North America grew 4% in 2009. Products contributing to growth in oral care included Colgate Total Enamel Strength, Colgate Sensitive Enamel Protect and Colgate Max White with Mini Bright Strips toothpastes, Colgate 360° ActiFlex, Colgate Max Fresh and Colgate Max White manual toothbrushes and the Colgate Wisp mini-brush. Products contributing to growth in other categories included Softsoap Nutri Serums, Softsoap Body Butter Coconut Scrub, Irish Spring Hair and Body and Cool Relief body washes, and Palmolive Pure + Caring and Ajax Lime with Bleach Alternative dish liquids.

Net sales in Latin America increased 5.5% in 2009 to $4.3 billion on a 3% volume gain and net selling price increases of 13.5%, partially offset by an 11% negative impact of foreign exchange. Organic sales

in Latin America grew 16.5% in 2009. Volume gains were led by Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia and Mexico. Products contributing to growth in oral care included Colgate Total Professional Sensitive, Colgate Total Professional Whitening and Colgate Triple Action toothpastes, Colgate 360° ActiFlex, Colgate 360° Deep Clean and Colgate Max White manual toothbrushes and Colgate Plax Complete Care and Colgate Plax Sensitive mouthwashes. Products contributing to growth in other categories included Protex Aloe bar soap, Axion Professional dish liquid, Lady Speed Stick Depil Control and Speed Stick Waterproof deodorants, and Suavitel GoodBye Ironing and Suavitel Magic Moments fabric conditioners.

Net sales in Europe/South Pacific fell 8.5% to $3.2 billion as net selling price increases of 0.5% were more than offset by 0.5% in volume declines and an 8.5% negative impact of foreign exchange. The 2008 divestment of a non-core brand in Germany impacted sales growth for 2009 by 0.5% versus 2008. Excluding the impact of this divestment, net sales decreased 8% in 2009 and volume was level with 2008. Organic sales in Europe/South Pacific grew 0.5% in 2009. Volume gains in the UK, Greece, Denmark and Australia were more than offset by volume declines in Spain, Germany, Slovenia and Ireland. Products contributing to growth in oral care included Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief, Colgate Total Advanced Clean and Colgate Max Fresh with Mouthwash Beads toothpastes, Colgate 360° ActiFlex and Colgate Max White manual toothbrushes and Colgate Plax Alcohol Free and Colgate Plax Ice mouth rinses. Products contributing to growth in other categories included Palmolive Aromatherapy Morning Tonic shower gel, Ajax Professional bucket dilutable and Ajax Professional glass cleaners, Lady Speed Stick Clinical Protection and Lady Speed Stick Depil Protect deodorants and Soupline Magic Moments and Soupline Aroma Tranquility fabric conditioners.

Net sales in Greater Asia/Africa were flat at $2.6 billion, as volume growth of 2% and net selling prices of 6% were offset by an 8% negative impact of foreign exchange. Organic sales in Greater Asia/Africa grew 8% in 2009. Volume gains were led by India, the Greater China region, Turkey and Thailand, the company said. Products driving oral care growth included Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief, Colgate Total Professional Clean and Colgate 360° Whole Mouth Clean toothpastes, Colgate 360° ActiFlex and Colgate Max White manual toothbrushes and Colgate Plax Ice and Colgate Plax Complete Care mouthwashes. Products contributing to growth in other categories included Palm-olive Spa Banya shower liquid and bar soap and Lady Speed Stick Depil Control deodorant.

But what a difference a quarter makes! For the first quarter of 2010, Colgate’s worldwide sales rose 9.5% to nearly $3.9 billion and unit volume increased 6%. North American sales grew 3% in the first quarter. Unit volume increased 5%. Latin American sales grew 10.5% and unit volume increased 8%. Volume gains were achieved in nearly every country, led by significant increases in Brazil, Colombia and Mexico, according to the company. Europe/South Pacific sales increased 14.5% and unit volume increased 7% led by France, Italy, Spain, Denmark, the UK, Poland and the GABA business, which Colgate acquired in 2003. Greater Asia/Africa sales and unit volume increased 14.5% and 9%, respectively. Volume gains in India, the Greater China region, Thailand, Philippines and Malaysia more than offset a volume decline in South Africa.

Sales: $13.1 billion for household and personal care products.
Corporate sales: $15.3 billion. Net income: $1.9 billion.

Colgate rolled out Wisp in April.

Corporate sales rose 11%, unit volume was up 4% and net income jumped 13%. Sales within the oral, personal and home care segments jumped 10.5%, driven by volume growth of 3.5%, price increases of 4.5% and positive foreign exchange impact of 2.5%. This was offset by the sale of the Latin American household bleach business and the 2008 divestment of the Senegal fabric care business.

By region, net sales in North America increased 5% in 2008 to $2.8 billion as a result of 1.5% volume growth and net selling price increases of 3.5%. Products contributing to growth in oral care included Colgate Total Advanced Clean, Colgate Total Advanced Whitening and Colgate Max Fresh toothpastes, Colgate 360°, Colgate 360° Sensitive and Colgate 360° Deep Clean manual toothbrushes and Colgate 360° Sonic Power battery toothbrush.

Products contributing to growth in other categories included Irish Spring Moisture Blast and Irish Spring Reviving Mint body wash, Palmolive Pure & Clear dish liquid and Softsoap Body Butter Coconut Scrub moisturizing body wash.

Net sales in Latin America increased 17% to just over $4 billion on 6% volume growth, net selling price increases of 9.5% and 1.5% positive impact of foreign exchange. The sale of the Latin American household bleach business reduced 2008 sales growth by 0.5%. Organic sales grew 16% in 2008. Volume gains were led by Brazil, Mexico, Venezuela, Colombia and Argentina. Products contributing to growth in oral care included Colgate Total Professional Clean, Colgate Total Professional Sensitive and Colgate Max White toothpastes, Colgate 360°, Colgate 360° Sensitive, Colgate 360° Deep Clean and Colgate Max Fresh manual toothbrushes and Colgate Plax Whitening and Colgate Plax Ice mouthwashes. Products contributing to growth in other categories included Palmolive bar soap and shower gel with ingredients from the Amazon, Lady Speed Stick Aloe Defense multi-form deodorants, Palmolive Caprice shampoo and Suavitel Magic Moments fabric conditioner.

Net sales in Europe/South Pacific increased 6% to more than $3.5 billion on 0.5% volume growth and a 5.5% positive impact of foreign exchange. Organic sales grew 0.5% in 2008. Volume gains in the UK, Denmark, Austria, Greece, Poland, Czech Republic, Romania, Adria and Australia more than offset volume declines in France, Italy, Portugal and Spain. Products contributing to growth in oral care included Colgate Max Fresh, Colgate Max White, Colgate Total andColgate Sensitive Enamel Protect toothpastes, Colgate 360°, Colgate 360° Sensitive, Colgate 360° Deep Clean and Colgate Max Fresh manual toothbrushes, Colgate 360° Sonic Power battery toothbrush and Colgate Plax Whitening mouth rinse.

Net sales in Greater Asia/Africa increased 14% to $2.66 billion on 7% volume growth, an increase in net selling prices of 5.5% and a 1.5% positive impact of foreign exchange. The divestment of the Senegal fabric care business reduced 2008 sales growth by 0.5%. Organic sales grew 13% in 2008. Volume gains were led by India, Russia and the rest of the CIS countries, the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, South Africa, and the Gulf States/Saudi Arabia region. Products driving oral care growth included Colgate Total Professional Clean, Colgate Max White, Colgate 360° Whole Mouth Clean and Darlie Salt White toothpastes, Colgate 360° Deep Clean and Colgate Max Fresh manual toothbrushes and Colgate Plax Overnight Herbal Sensations mouthwash.

For the first quarter of 2009, however, sales declined 5.5% to $3.5 billion and unit volume declined 0.5%. Gross profit margin, a key statistic to Colgate, increased to 57.5% in the first quarter. Ian Cook, the company’s chairman, president and chief executive officer, put a positive spin on the quarterly results, noting that organic sales increased 8%. Furthermore, Colgate maintained its global leadership share in toothpaste (44.4%) and strengthened its leadership in manual toothbrushes, as its global market share reached a record 30.8%.

Oral Care That’s On-the-Go

In today’s fast-paced environment, most folks don’t have time to eat at their desks, let alone go out for a three-martini lunch; and brushing after meals away from home? Forget about it…until now. In April, Colgate rolled out Wisp, a portable, self-contained oral care device that lets consumers practice good oral hygiene—even when they can’t find a sink.

Wisp is a small, one-use toothbrush that contains a breath-freshening bead built right into the brush head. It enables the user to brush his teeth discreetly at his desk or while he’s on the move, whether on his way to work or walking through an airport. The Wisp handle even features a toothpick-like shape for consumers who want to give their teeth an extra bit of attention after eating.

“A lot of people rely on gums and mints to freshen their breath, but that’s just a quick fix,” explained Barry Reichgott, brand manager at Colgate, during a press event. “With Wisp, they don’t have to settle any more.”

The product includes several patent-pending features, including that encapsulated mint oil bead.

“The gelatin bead dissolves to release a cooling ingredient,” explained Alan V. Sorrentino, manager of technology, Colgate. “There are also patents on the product package.”

In today’s environmentally-conscious society, a one-use toothbrush may seem a bit extravagant, but in consumer tests, subjects never raised concerns about too much packaging. Maybe that’s because Wisp uses minimal packaging—there’s less waste than a disposable fork or knife, according to Colgate. The outer package contains recycled material.

A Wisp four-pack retails for $2.39—a price point that Colgate is confident will appeal to consumers facing an economic downturn. A 16-pack is $7.99.

Wisp is positioned strictly as a personal care item. It doesn’t contain ingredients such as fluoride, but Colgate is already filling its pipeline with new ideas for on-the-go oral care. In the future, will there be a Wisp with teeth whitening ingredients? Maybe. The Colgate executives wouldn’t say for sure.

Sales: $11.9 billion for oral, personal and home care products. Corporate sales: $13.8 billion. Net income: $1.7 billion.

Corporate sales rose 12.5% on volume gains of 6.5% and net income increased 28%. The jump in net income was due, in part, to the sale of the household bleach business in Latin America. By business segment, oral care accounted for 40% of sales, followed by home care (24%), personal care (23%) and pet nutrition (13%).

Within the oral, home and personal care category, Latin America accounted for 29% of sales; followed by Europe, South Pacific (28%), North America (23%) and Greater Asia/Africa (20%). In North America, sales rose 5% on the strength of new product launches such as Colgate Total Advanced Clean and Clean Max Fresh Burst toothpastes, along with the continued success of the Colgate 360° and Colgate 360° Sensitive manual toothpastes. Other strong selling products included Irish Spring body wash for men, Softsoap brand Nutra-Oil moisturizing body wash, Mennen Speed Stick 24/7 deodorant, Fabuloso liquid cleaner, Suavitel fabric conditioner and Irish Spring bar soap.

Sales in Latin America increased more than 15% on a 9% volume gain. Volume gains were led by Brazil, Venezuela, Argentina and Central America. Top selling products in the region included Colgate Total Professional Clean, Colgate Sensitive and Colgate Max White toothpastes and Colgate 360° and Colgate 360° Sensitive manual toothbrushes. Other top sellers in Latin America included Colgate Plax Alcohol Free and Colgate Plax Ice mouthwashes, Palmolive Naturals Yogurt and Fruits, Palmolive Nutri-Milk and Protex Deo 12 bar soaps, Axion Tri-Cloro dish liquid, Lady Speed Stick Double Defense multi-form deodorant, Palmolive Caprice shampoo and Palmolive Nutri-Milk shower gels.

Net sales in Europe/South Pacific increased 14.5% on a volume gain of 6.5%. The best-performing regions included the UK, France, Denmark, Poland, Spain, Greece, Australia and the GABA business. Among the top selling products were Colgate Total and Colgate Max Fresh toothpastes; Colgate 360°, Colgate 360° Sensitive and Colgate Max Fresh manual toothbrushes; Colgate 360° Sonic Power battery toothbrush; Colgate Plax Whitening mouthrinse; Palmolive Pure Cashmere and Palmolive Aromatherapy Happyful shower gels, Palmolive Soft and Gentle Eden deodorant; and Ajax Professional bucket dilutable and Ajax Professional glass cleaners.

Net sales in Greater Asia/Africa increased 16.5% on volume gains of 8.5%. Strong results were posted in India, Russia, Malaysia, South Africa, the Gulf States and the Greater China region. Best performing new products included Colgate Total Professional Clean, Colgate Herbal Seabuckthorn, Colgate Herbal Gel and Darlie Double Action toothpastes; Colgate 360°, Colgate 360° Sensitive and Colgate Twister Fresh manual toothbrushes; Palmolive Vitamins and Oil shower gel; Palmolive Thermal Spa Seabuckthorn shower gel, bar soap and liquid hand soap; Palmolive Pure Cashmere shower cream and bar soap and Lady Speed Stick for Teens multi-form deodorant.

Colgate maintains that innovation remains a key factor in its growth plans. To facilitate growth, researchers are focused on three areas: oral care, pet nutrition and, new for 2008, body cleansing. The company notes that it conducts 175 clinical trials in 30 countries every year. To enhance its ability to develop new products and processes, Colgate is partnering with its suppliers, academia and research companies around the world to increase the rate of innovation. For example, Colgate partnered with a European supplier to develop Colgate 360° manual and power toothbrushes. Meanwhile, Colgate’s “Big Hits” program is designed to identify new product opportunities with the greatest growth potential. Thanks to Big Hits, Colgate rolled out its Colgate Total Professional Clean toothpaste to 18 Latin American countries in just six months.

But besides new product innovation, Colgate is committed to bringing innovation to all its business processes. Long a proponent of SAP, last year Colgate became the first company to implement SAP software in more than 100 countries. At the same time, the company’s ongoing cost-savings program is on track to produce $325-350 million, after taxes, a year. In other moves, in January, Colgate opened a new oral care plant in Morristown, TN. The site makes toothpaste faster than ever, in addition to using less energy, water and materials. As a result, the U.S. Green Building Council awarded the Morristown facility certification under its Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system. In another move, a new global process called Colgate Business Planning enables the company to grow net sales, market shares and margin through increased transparency on commercial investment, better cross-functional collaboration and longer-term planning goals.

For the first quarter of 2008, global sales rose 15.5% to more than $3.7 billion. Net income fell 4% to $466 million. The company noted its toothpaste market share rose in key countries around the world including the U.S., Mexico, Brazil, China and India. Colgate’s worldwide share of the manual toothbrush market also increased during the quarter to another record high.  Other categories achieving global share gains include mouth rinse, bar soaps, shower gels, hand dish liquid and pet nutrition.

“We are delighted to begin 2008 with excellent top and bottom line growth, building on the strong growth momentum we saw in 2007,” noted Ian Cook, president and chief executive officer. “Importantly, top-line growth was nicely balanced between developed and developing countries. Every operating division achieved sales, unit volume and operating profit increases.”