01—Abstract
Summary
Summary of the 8-K filed October 30, 2026. Cited figures are marked; the original filing is the authoritative source.
Colgate-Palmolive Company (CL) has reported its third-quarter 2026 financial results, demonstrating a solid performance with notable year-over-year growth.
Net sales increased by 4.6% to $5,369 milliona, and organic sales grew by 3.6%, excluding the impact of foreign exchange and divestitures. The company's earnings per share (EPS) saw a 3% increase to $0.94 on a GAAP basis, and a more substantial 7% increase to $0.97 on a "Base Business" (non-GAAP) basis. This growth was supported by an improved gross profit margin, which rose 80 basis points to 60.2% on a GAAP basis and 90 basis points to 60.3% on a Base Business basis.
The company also maintained strong market leadership in both toothpaste (41.4%b global share YTD) and manual toothbrushes (33.1% global share YTD). Looking ahead, Colgate-Palmolive has narrowed its full-year net sales guidance to a 4% to 5% increase and raised its outlook for gross profit margin and Base Business EPS growth.
Management highlighted continued growth momentum across its product categories and divisions, driven by both volume and pricing strategies, alongside significant advertising investments. The company reiterated its commitment to its 2030 strategy, emphasizing innovation and brand support, while expressing confidence in navigating current macroeconomic volatility to deliver consistent earnings per share growth and shareholder value.
02—Key points
Key Highlights
- Third quarter net sales increased 4.6% to $5.369 billion; organic sales grew 3.6%.
- GAAP Diluted EPS rose 3% to $0.94, while Base Business (non-GAAP) EPS increased 7% to $0.97.
- GAAP Gross Profit Margin improved by 80 basis points to 60.2%; Base Business Gross Profit Margin increased by 90 basis points to 60.3%.
- The company maintained strong global market leadership with a 41.4% share in toothpaste and 33.1% in manual toothbrushes (year-to-date).
- Full-year 2026 net sales guidance was narrowed to 4%-5% growth, and full-year gross profit margin and Base Business EPS guidance were raised.
- Net cash provided by operations for the first nine months of 2026 was $2,913 million.
- Significant growth was observed in Latin America (+12.5% net sales) and Hill's Pet Nutrition (+5.6% net sales) for the quarter.
03—Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the key drivers of Colgate-Palmolive's revenue growth in the third quarter?
Colgate-Palmolive's revenue growth in the third quarter was driven by a combination of organic sales growth, which increased by 3.6%, and positive pricing strategies. The company reported growth across all four of its product categories and in four out of five divisions. Specifically, Latin America and Hill's Pet Nutrition showed particularly strong net sales increases.
How did the company's profitability metrics perform in the third quarter?
Profitability improved in the third quarter. The GAAP Gross Profit Margin increased by 80 basis points to 60.2%, and the Base Business (non-GAAP) Gross Profit Margin rose by 90 basis points to 60.3%. Diluted EPS also saw an increase, with GAAP EPS up 3% to $0.94 and Base Business EPS up 7% to $0.97, reflecting effective cost management and operational efficiencies.
What is the company's outlook for the remainder of 2026?
Colgate-Palmolive has revised its full-year 2026 guidance. The company now expects net sales to be up 4% to 5% and has raised its guidance for gross profit margin and Base Business earnings per share growth, indicating optimism for continued performance despite consumer uncertainty and macroeconomic volatility.
What impact did the exit from the private label pet food business have?
The press release mentions that the organic sales growth guidance for the full year 2026 includes the impact of the company's exit from the private label pet food business. While not quantified in detail for the third quarter results, this strategic decision is noted as a factor influencing overall sales trends.
04—Continue