Colgate reports 9 months sales at Rs 2,272.5 Cr!

Colgate-Palmolive (India) Limited has reported Net Sales for the nine months ended December 31, 2012 at Rs. 2,272.5 Crore, a 17% increase over the same period of the previous year. Reported Net Profit After Tax for the nine months ended December 31, 2012 is Rs 373.6 Crore, a 18% increase over the same period of the previous year.

3Q 2012-13: Net Sales for the third quarter of the financial year 2012-13 is Rs. 762.7 Crore, a 14% increase over the same quarter of the previous year. Net Profit After Tax for the quarter is Rs. 111.1 Crore with Earnings per Share of Rs. 8.17.

DRIVING GROWTH

During the nine months ended December 31, 2012, the Company achieved a volume growth of 9% over the same period of the previous year. The toothpaste volume market share has increased to 54.2% (Jan’12 - Dec’12) as against 52.4% for the same period of the previous year. Toothpaste registered a strong volume growth of 10% through its flagship brands “Colgate Dental Cream”, “Colgate Active Salt”, “Colgate Total”, “Colgate Max Fresh”. With focussed efforts and new launches during the year, the toothbrush volume market share has increased by 370 basis points to 39.5% (Jan’12 – Dec’12) as against 35.8% for the same period of the previous year.

In the Mouthwash category, the Company registered a volume market share of 26.7% (Jan’12 – Dec’12).

INNOVATION

In line with the Company’s long standing commitment to provide the very best in oral care to the Indian consumers, the Company has launched “Colgate Total Pro Gum Health” toothpaste that is an advanced oral care solution, clinically proven to effectively work on gum problems. It’s unique formula fights harmful germs that cause gum problems and helps prevent tooth decay.

The Company also launched “Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief™ Multi-Protection” toothpaste that provides superior sensitivity relief and all the benefits of a complete care toothpaste for best all-round protection.
                                                                
FUNDING GROWTH

Despite significant inflationary pressures, the Company has maintained its Gross margin through prudent price increases and cost management efforts. These continuing efforts and focussed programs to enhance efficiencies and to reduce costs continue to yield strong, positive results that enabled the Company to maintain margin and fund investments in strengthening brand equity and business.

DIVIDEND

In December 2012, the Company declared and paid its second interim dividend of Rs. 6 per share. Including the First Interim Dividend of Rs. 13 per share paid in October 2012, the Company has paid a total of Rs. 19 per share for the nine months ended December 31, 2012.

For the financial year ended March 31, 2012, the Company had declared a Total Dividend of Rs. 25 per share.