Colgate-Palmolive reported a solid start to 2026, with first-quarter net sales rising 8.4% to $5.3 billion, driven by growth across most categories and regions. Organic sales increased 2.9%, despite a slight drag from lower private label pet food sales. The company also generated $747 million in operating cash flow during the quarter, reflecting continued strength in its core business.
While GAAP earnings per share declined 6% to $0.80, base business EPS rose 7% to $0.97, highlighting underlying operational growth. Gross profit margin came in at 60.6%, down 20 basis points year over year, as cost pressures persisted. Even so, Colgate maintained its global leadership positions, with toothpaste market share at 41.1% and manual toothbrush share at 32.6% year to date.
Performance varied by region, with strong gains in Latin America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and Asia Pacific, while North America saw a slight decline. Hill’s Pet Nutrition also delivered moderate growth. Overall, the company achieved a balance of pricing and volume increases across its portfolio.
CEO Noel Wallace emphasized the company’s resilience, pointing to broad-based growth and continued investment in advertising. He noted that, despite ongoing macroeconomic volatility, Colgate remains focused on its long-term 2030 strategy aimed at driving consistent earnings growth and shareholder value.
The company also announced an expansion of its Strategic Growth and Productivity Program, increasing expected pretax charges to between $350 million and $550 million, with projected annual savings of $200 million to $300 million once fully implemented.
Looking ahead, Colgate-Palmolive reaffirmed its full-year 2026 guidance for net sales growth of 2% to 6% and organic sales growth of 1% to 4%, while updating its gross margin outlook to reflect anticipated pressures.
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