Colgate Reports Full Year Results

Colgate-Palmolive Company’s net sales in fourth quarter 2015 fell 7.5% versus fourth quarter 2014 to of $3.89 billion. Global unit volume was even with the year ago quarter.  Excluding divested businesses, unit volume increased 1.0%, and organic sales grew 5.0%, the firm said.
 
For the full year 2015, worldwide net sales were $16.0 billion, a decrease of 7.0% versus the prior year. However, Colgate said global unit volume grew 1.5%, pricing increased 3.0% and foreign exchange was negative 11.5%. Excluding divested businesses, unit volume increased 2.0%. Organic sales grew 5.0%.
 
 “In the face of continued challenging macroeconomic conditions worldwide, we are pleased to have finished the year with another quarter of strong organic sales growth, with every operating division contributing,” said Ian Cook, chairman, president and CEO. “The 5.0% worldwide organic sales growth was led by emerging markets where organic sales grew a robust 6.5%, despite economic challenges in certain countries.”
 
According to Cook, “Colgate’s leading share of the global toothpaste market increased to 44.7% year to date, up 0.5 share points versus the year ago period. Our global leadership in manual toothbrushes also strengthened with Colgate’s global market share in that category reaching 34.7% year to date, up 1.0 share point versus the year ago period.”
 
Cook addded, “As we look ahead, macroeconomic conditions and foreign exchange volatility remain challenging. Despite that, we anticipate another year of solid organic sales growth in 2016 driven by a full new product pipeline across all categories and geographies.”