Colgate-Palmolive reported a strong start to 2026 with broad-based top and bottom-line growth, driven by increases in net sales, organic sales, and operating profit across most categories and divisions. Despite a challenging macroeconomic environment, the company demonstrated resilience and continued execution of its long-term strategy, supported by an expansion of its Strategic Growth and Productivity Program.
Net sales increased 8.4% to $5,324 million, with organic sales up 2.9%.
positiveBase Business EPS increased 7% to $0.97, demonstrating strong bottom-line performance.
positiveBroad-based growth across categories and four of five divisions, with a balance of volume and pricing.
positiveGlobal market share leadership maintained in toothpaste (41.1% YTD) and manual toothbrushes (32.6% YTD).
positiveNet cash provided by operations was $747 million, an increase from the prior year.
positiveGAAP diluted EPS decreased 6% to $0.80, impacted by special items and a shift in the SGPP program.
attentionGAAP Gross profit margin and Base Business Gross profit margin decreased 20 basis points to 60.6%.
attentionNorth America division experienced a sales decline of 1.8% and operating profit decrease of 28%, with operating profit margin down 590 basis points.
attentionFull year 2026 gross profit margin guidance revised to down (previously up) on both GAAP and Base Business bases.
attentionThe Strategic Growth and Productivity Program (SGPP) expansion increased estimated charges to $350-$550 million from $200-$300 million.
attentionNegative impact from lower private label pet food sales (-0.6% on organic sales) and exit from this business.
attentionMargin expansion indicates improving profitability and operational efficiency. Measured in basis points (bps): 100 bps = 1.0%.
| Segment | Current | Prior Yr | YoY | % Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Oral, Personal and Home Care | N/A | — | — | — |
Pet Nutrition | N/A | — | — | — |
| Total Revenue | $0.00M | — | — | 100.0% |
Segment performance shows business unit health and growth drivers.
Special items are non-recurring events that may distort period-over-period comparisons. Analysts typically adjust for these when calculating normalized earnings.
Delivered a strong start to 2026, with broad-based top and bottom-line growth.
Nice balance of volume and pricing growth across categories and divisions.
Resilience of our business model in a difficult operating environment.
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Operational metrics provide insight into business drivers and customer engagement beyond traditional financial measures.