Colgate’s Sales Rise 7.5% in 2011

Colgate-Palmolive Company reported worldwide net sales rose 7.5% in 2011 to $16.7 billion. Global unit volume grew 3.5%, pricing increased 1.0% and foreign exchange was positive 3.0%. Excluding divested businesses, global unit volume grew 4.0%. The Sanex acquisition contributed 1.0% to full year sales and volume growth. Organic sales grew 4.0%.

Net income and diluted earnings per share for full year 2011 were $2.4 billion and $4.94, respectively. Full year 2011 results include an aftertax gain of $135 million ($0.27 per diluted share) resulting from the sale of the Company’s laundry detergent business in Colombia, $177 million of aftertax charges ($0.36 per diluted share) resulting from the previously disclosed implementation of various business realignment and other cost-saving initiatives, the sale of land in Mexico and a previously disclosed competition law matter in France related to a divested detergent business.

Net sales in the fourth quarter rose 5.0% to $4.1 billion. Global unit volume grew 4.0%, pricing increased 3.0% and foreign exchange was negative 2.0%. Excluding divested businesses, global unit volume grew 4.5%. The Sanex acquisition contributed 1.5% to sales and volume growth. Organic sales (net sales excluding foreign exchange, acquisitions and divestments) grew 6.0%.

Net income and Diluted earnings per share in fourth quarter 2011 were $590 million and $1.21, respectively. Net income in the quarter included $44 million of aftertax charges ($0.09 per diluted share) resulting from the previously disclosed implementation of various business realignment and other cost-saving initiatives, the sale of land in Mexico and a previously disclosed competition law matter in France related to a divested detergent business.