Colgate Announces 2nd Quarter Results

Colgate’s strong leadership in oral care throughout Latin America continued during the quarter with toothpaste market share gains year to date led by Mexico, Brazil, Central America, Chile and the Dominican Republic. Strong sales of Colgate Luminous White, Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief Multi-Protection, Colgate Total Pro Gum Health and Colgate Triple Action Extra Whitening toothpastes contributed to growth throughout the region. Colgate strengthened its leadership of the manual toothbrush market throughout the region, driven by strong sales of Colgate 360° Surround, Colgate 360° Luminous White and Colgate Triple Action manual toothbrushes. In mouthwash, Colgate’s year-to-date market share is at a record high in the region with gains driven by Colgate Luminous White mouthwash and the relaunch of Colgate Plax mouthwash.

Products in other categories contributing to market share gains included Palmolive Naturals Relaxing Softness Cream and Lavender and Protex Advanced Clean bar soaps, Lady Speed Stick pH Active and Speed Stick X5 Multi-Protect deodorants, Suavitel Good-Bye Ironing fabric conditioner and Axion with Ajax dish liquid.

Europe/South Pacific (20% of Company Sales)

Europe/South Pacific Net sales decreased 1.0% during second quarter 2012. Unit volume increased 9.5% with 1.5% lower pricing and 9.0% negative foreign exchange. The Sanex acquisition contributed 6.5% to Net sales and volume growth for the region. Volume gains were led by France, Iberia, Australia, the United Kingdom and the GABA business. Organic sales for Europe/South Pacific increased 1.5%.

Operating profit in Europe/South Pacific increased 5% in the second quarter of 2012 to $179 million, or 21.1% of Net sales. The increase in Operating profit was due to an increase in Gross profit and a decrease in Selling, general and administrative expenses, both as a percentage of Net sales. The increase in Gross profit was driven by savings from the Company’s funding-the-growth initiatives, which were partially offset by lower pricing and higher raw and packaging material costs. The decrease in Selling, general and administrative expenses was driven by lower overhead expenses.

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