Colgate's Net Sales 9m up 17%, 3q up 14%

Mumbai, January 30, 2013

Financial Highlights  
9M 2012-13 : Colgate-Palmolive (India) Limited today 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.

About Colgate-Palmolive
Colgate-Palmolive (India) Limited is India's leading provider of scientifically proven oral care products with multiple benefits at various price points. The range includes toothpastes, toothpowder, toothbrushes and mouthwashes under the "Colgate" brand, as well as a specialized range of dental therapies under the banner of Colgate Oral Pharmaceuticals. These have become an essential part of daily oral hygiene and therapeutic oral care in India. The Company also provides a range of personal care products under the 'Palmolive' brand name. Colgate has been ranked as India's #1 Most Trusted Brand across all categories for four consecutive years from 2003 to 2007 and in 2011 and 2012 by Brand Equity's Most Trusted Brand Survey. It is the only brand to be in the top three from 2001-2012.
For more information about Colgate's business and products, visit the Company's website on the internet at www.colgate.co.in.



distributed by