The Colgate-Palmolive Company has reported worldwide net sales of $US4.070 billion for first quarter 2015 led by market share gains in toothpaste and toothbrushes. Sales fell 6.0% versus first quarter 2014 against a foreign exchange negative of 10.0%, while global unit volumes grew 1.5% and pricing increased 2.5%.
Organic sales grew 4.0%. Net profit for the quarter was $542 million. Worldwide advertising investment decreased 10% to $430 million versus the year ago quarter.
Ian Cook, chairman, Colgate-Palmolive president and CEO said: “In the face of challenging macroeconomic conditions worldwide, we are pleased to have started the year with solid organic sales growth and higher profitability as a percentage to sales, despite significant foreign currency headwinds. Gross profit margin and operating profit margin both increased versus the year ago period.”
Colgate’s leading share of the global toothpaste market strengthened during the quarter to 45.2% year to date, up 0.7 share points versus the year ago period.
The company’s leadership in manual toothbrushes also strengthened during the quarter with Colgate’s global market share in the category reaching 33.8% year to date, up 0.3 share points versus the year ago period.