Colgate’s Sales and Unit Volume Up Strongly

Colgate-Palmolive Company announced strong worldwide sales and unit volume growth for the fourth quarter 2005. Global sales increased 10.5% and global unit volume increased 9%, company executives said. The global unit increase is the strongest quarterly growth rate in almost 10 years. Excluding a restructuring charge, operating profit declined 5% from fourth quarter 2003 after a 13% increase in total advertising worldwide.

“We are pleased to end the year with excellent top-line momentum,” said Reuben Mark, chairman and chief executive officer.

Mr. Mark added that the company reached a new milestone in manual toothbrushes in 2004, with Colgate becoming the new global market share leader in the category. He concluded, “Looking forward, we expect our growth momentum to continue as we enter 2005.”