Colgate-Palmolive 2013 full year sales up 4%
The company reported a 4% increase on 2012, and a 2% increase in the fourth quarter.
Colgate-Palmolive Company has reported net sales of $4.36bn for the fourth quarter of 2013, an increase of 2% versus the same period of 2012.
Global unit volume grew 6.5%, while organic sales – excluding foreign exchange, acquisitions and divestments – increased 6.5%.
Net income was $697m, up 4% on the prior year period.
For the full year 2013, worldwide net sales were $17.42bn, up 2% on 2012. Global unit volume grew 5.0%, and organic sales grew 6%.
The company reported a net sales increase of 2.5% in North America, which accounts for 18% of its sales. Colgate-Palmolive’s overall figures continued to benefit from a boost in Latin America where net sales grew 1%, led by Venezuela, Brazil, Mexico and Colombia.Organic sales for the region increased by 12.5% during the fourth quarter. The region accounts for 29% of the company's overall sales – the largest share globally. Colgate's strong leadership in oral care throughout Latin America continued during the quarter with toothpaste market share gains in Brazil, Chile, Uruguay, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. Strong sales of toothpaste, toothbrush, and mouthwash products including 360° Luminous White, Total Professional Gum Health, and Plax Fresh Tea strengthened the company's leadership throughout the region. Other beauty brand products that contributed to volume growth include Palmolive Naturals Olive and Aloe and Palmolive Naturals Argan Oil bar soaps.
In the rest of the world, Europe/South Pacific net sales decreased by 0.5%, Asia net sales saw an increase of 4.5%, and Africa/Eurasia net sales increased by 0.5%.