Colgate-Palmolive (NYSE: CL) lifts Q1 sales and expands savings program
Filing Impact
Filing Sentiment
Form Type
8-K
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
Colgate-Palmolive Company reported mixed first quarter 2026 results and expanded its Strategic Growth and Productivity Program. Net sales rose to $5,324 million, up 8.4% from $4,911 million, with organic sales up 2.9%. GAAP diluted EPS declined 6% to $0.80, while Base Business diluted EPS increased 7% to $0.97. Operating profit on a GAAP basis fell 10% to $964 million, but Base Business operating profit grew 4% to $1,134 million. Net cash provided by operations was $747 million, producing free cash flow before dividends of $609 million.
The Board approved an expansion of the Strategic Growth and Productivity Program, now expected to generate cumulative pre-tax charges of $350 million to $550 million, up from $200 million to $300 million, with 80% to 90% of these charges in cash and substantially all incurred by December 31, 2028. The program targets organizational changes and supply chain optimization across all regions and businesses. Colgate maintained its 2026 sales and EPS guidance but now expects gross profit margin to be down on both GAAP and Base Business bases.
Positive
- None.
Negative
- None.
Insights
Q1 shows solid sales, non-GAAP EPS growth and a larger cost program with lower margin guidance.
Colgate-Palmolive delivered 8.4% net sales growth to $5,324 million, with organic sales up 2.9%. GAAP EPS fell 6% to $0.80 due mainly to restructuring and related items, while Base Business EPS rose 7% to $0.97, indicating healthier underlying profitability.
The expanded Strategic Growth and Productivity Program now carries cumulative pre-tax charges of $350–$550 million, with 80–90% expected as cash. Management projects annual cumulative pre-tax savings of $200–$300 million once all projects are implemented, spreading initiatives across all major regions and Hill’s Pet Nutrition.
For full-year 2026, Colgate kept its net and organic sales and EPS outlook, but now anticipates gross profit margin to be down on both GAAP and Base Business bases versus prior expectations of an increase. Investors may focus on how quickly the higher restructuring spend translates into the targeted $200–$300 million annual savings and whether margin pressure moderates in subsequent quarters.
8-K Event Classification
3 items: 2.02, 2.05, 9.01
3 items
Item 2.02
Results of Operations and Financial Condition
Financial
Disclosure of earnings results, typically an earnings press release or preliminary financials.
Item 2.05
Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities
Financial
The company committed to an exit plan involving layoffs, facility closures, or restructuring charges.
Item 9.01
Financial Statements and Exhibits
Exhibits
Financial statements, pro forma financial information, and exhibit attachments filed with this report.
Key Figures
Net sales Q1 2026: $5,324 million
Organic sales growth: 2.9%
GAAP diluted EPS: $0.80
+5 more
8 metrics
Net sales Q1 2026
$5,324 million
Quarter ended March 31, 2026; up 8.4% vs 2025
Organic sales growth
2.9%
Q1 2026 vs Q1 2025
GAAP diluted EPS
$0.80
Q1 2026; down 6% from $0.85 in 2025
Base Business diluted EPS
$0.97
Q1 2026; up 7% from $0.91 in 2025
Net cash from operations
$747 million
First three months of 2026
Free cash flow before dividends
$609 million
Q1 2026; net cash from operations less capex
Program pre-tax charges
$350–$550 million
Estimated cumulative charges for SGPP after expansion
Projected annual savings
$200–$300 million
Cumulative pre-tax savings once SGPP projects implemented
Key Terms
Strategic Growth and Productivity Program, organic sales growth, Base Business, free cash flow before dividends, +1 more
5 terms
Strategic Growth and Productivity Program financial
"the Company’s Board approved an expansion of the Strategic Growth and Productivity Program"
A strategic growth and productivity program is a coordinated set of actions a company uses to grow its sales while lowering costs and improving how efficiently it operates — like following a detailed roadmap that aims to make the business bigger and leaner at the same time. Investors care because successful programs can boost revenue, margins and cash flow over time (similar to renovating a house to add rooms and cut utility bills), whereas poorly executed plans can drain resources and hurt short-term results.
organic sales growth financial
"Organic sales growth to be 1% to 4%. This includes the impact from our exit"
Organic sales growth measures how much a company’s revenue rises from its regular business activity — like selling more products, charging higher prices, or selling to more customers — without counting money from buying other businesses or one-time currency effects. Investors watch it because it shows whether demand and the company’s core operations are genuinely getting stronger, similar to judging a garden by how much the plants you planted yourself are growing rather than by adding bought potted plants.
Base Business financial
"GAAP EPS decreased 6% to $0.80; Base Business EPS* increased 7% to $0.97"
free cash flow before dividends financial
"Free cash flow before dividends (Net cash provided by operations less Capital expenditures)"
Free cash flow before dividends is the cash a company keeps from its operations after covering everyday expenses and spending on long‑term items like equipment or projects, measured before any dividend payments are made. It’s like a household’s leftover money before deciding to share it with others—useful to investors because it shows whether a company has the financial room to maintain or increase payouts, invest for growth, pay down debt, or handle downturns.
non-GAAP financial measures financial
"Please refer to “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” later in this release for definitions"
Non-GAAP financial measures are numbers companies use to show their financial performance that exclude certain expenses or income. They help investors see how the company might perform without one-time costs or other unusual items, giving a different perspective from official reports. However, since they can be adjusted, they don’t always tell the full story and should be looked at alongside standard financial figures.
Earnings Snapshot
Net Sales: $5,324 million · Guidance included
Q1 2026
Net Sales
$5,324 million
+8.4% vs Q1 2025
GAAP diluted EPS
$0.80
-6% vs Q1 2025
Base Business diluted EPS
$0.97
+7% vs Q1 2025
Organic sales growth
2.9%
Q1 2026 vs Q1 2025
Operating profit (GAAP)
$964 million
-10% vs Q1 2025
Guidance
For full year 2026, the company expects net sales up 2–6% and organic sales up 1–4%, now forecasting gross profit margin to be down on both GAAP and Base Business bases while maintaining earnings per share growth targets.
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
________________
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) May 1, 2026 (April 30, 2026 )
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation) | (Commission File Number) | (IRS Employer Identification No.) | ||||||
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) | (Zip Code) | |||||||||||||
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (212) 310-2000
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):
Securities registered pursuant to Securities 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||||||
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (17 CFR §230.405) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (17 CFR §240.12b-2).
Emerging growth company ☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Item 2.02. Results of Operations and Financial Condition.
On May 1, 2026, Colgate-Palmolive Company (the “Company”) issued a press release announcing its earnings for the quarter ended March 31, 2026. This press release is attached as Exhibit 99 and is incorporated herein by reference.
The information in Item 2.02 of this Current Report is being furnished and shall not be deemed “filed” for the purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that Section. The information in Item 2.02 of this Current Report shall not be incorporated by reference into any registration statement or other document pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
Item 2.05. Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities.
As previously disclosed, on July 31, 2025, the Company’s Board of Directors (“Board”) approved a three-year productivity program to drive future growth and support the Company’s 2030 strategy (the “Strategic Growth and Productivity Program”). The program includes initiatives to better align the Company’s organizational structure to support its strategic initiatives, optimize the Company’s global supply chain to drive agility and efficiencies and simplify and streamline its organizational structure to reduce overhead costs.
Building on the successful implementation of the Strategic Growth and Productivity Program to date, on April 30, 2026, the Company’s Board approved an expansion of the program to continue to align the Company’s operations to drive future growth and support the Company’s 2030 strategy.
The Strategic Growth and Productivity Program is now estimated to result in cumulative pre-tax charges, once all initiatives are approved and implemented, totaling between $350 million and $550 million, increased from $200 million to $300 million. These pretax charges are currently estimated to be comprised of the following: employee-related costs, including severance and other termination benefits (70% to 80%) and asset-related costs and other charges (20% to 30%), which include accelerated depreciation, asset write-offs, contract termination and other exit costs. It is estimated that approximately 80% to 90% of the charges will result in cash expenditures and substantially all charges resulting from the program will be incurred by December 31, 2028.
It is now estimated that the cumulative pretax charges, once all projects are approved and implemented, will relate to initiatives undertaken in North America (5% to 10%), Latin America (15% to 20%), Europe, Middle East & Africa (25% to 30%), Asia Pacific (10% to 15%), Hill’s Pet Nutrition (10% to 15%) and Corporate (20% to 25%).
This Current Report on Form 8-K contains forward-looking statements (as that term is defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 or by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) in its rules, regulations and releases) about the Strategic Growth and Productivity Program. These statements are made on the basis of the Company’s views and assumptions as of this time and the Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements unless required by law. These statements are not guarantees of future performance; they involve risks and uncertainties and actual events or results may differ materially from these statements. Potential risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from expected results include, among others, whether the Company will be able to implement the Strategic Growth and Productivity Program as planned, whether the expected amount of the costs associated with the Strategic Growth and Productivity Program will exceed the Company’s forecasts and whether the Company will be able to realize the full amount of estimated savings from the Strategic Growth and Productivity Program. Investors should consult the Company’s filings with the SEC (including the information set forth under the caption “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025 and subsequent filings with the SEC) for information about certain other factors that could cause such differences. Copies of these filings may be obtained upon request from the Company’s Investor Relations Department or on the Company’s web site at http://www.colgatepalmolive.com.
2
Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(d) Exhibits. The following exhibits are filed with this document:
Exhibit Number | Description | ||||
99 | Press release, dated May 1, 2026, issued by Colgate-Palmolive Company | ||||
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline eXtensible Business Reporting Language (Inline XBRL) document) | ||||
3
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
>
COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY | |||||||||||
Date: May 1, 2026 | By: | /s/ Stanley J. Sutula III | |||||||||
| Name: Stanley J. Sutula III | |||||||||||
| Title: Chief Financial Officer | |||||||||||
4
Exhibit 99
Colgate Announces 1st Quarter 2026 Results
•Net sales increased 8.4%; Organic sales* increased 2.9%, including a 0.6% negative impact from lower private label pet food sales
•GAAP EPS decreased 6% to $0.80; Base Business EPS* increased 7% to $0.97
•GAAP Gross profit margin and Base Business Gross profit margin* decreased 20 basis points to 60.6%
•Net cash provided by operations was $747 million for the first three months of 2026
•The Company’s leadership in toothpaste continued with its global market share at 41.1% year to date
•The Company’s leadership in manual toothbrushes continued with its global market share at 32.6% year to date
•The Company maintained its sales and earnings per share guidance and updated its gross profit margin guidance for full year 2026
First Quarter Total Company Results (GAAP) | |||||||||||
| ($ in millions except per share amounts) | 2026 | 2025 | Change | ||||||||
| Net Sales | $5,324 | $4,911 | +8.4 | % | |||||||
| EPS (diluted) | $0.80 | $0.85 | -6 | % | |||||||
First Quarter Total Company Results (Base Business - Non-GAAP)* | |||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | Change | |||||||||
| Organic Sales Growth | +2.9 | % | |||||||||
| Base Business EPS (diluted) | $0.97 | $0.91 | +7 | % | |||||||
*Indicates a non-GAAP financial measure. Please refer to “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” later in this release for definitions of non-GAAP financial measures and to “Table 5 - Geographic Sales Analysis Percentage Changes” and “Table 6 - Non-GAAP Reconciliations” included with this release for a reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to the related GAAP measures.
New York, New York, May 1, 2026…Colgate-Palmolive Company (NYSE:CL) today reported results for first quarter 2026. Noel Wallace, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented on the Base Business first quarter results, “We delivered a strong start to 2026, with broad-based top and bottom-line growth. Net sales and organic sales grew in every category and in four of five divisions with a nice balance of volume and pricing growth. Gross profit margin increased sequentially versus fourth quarter 2025 and operating profit, net income, earnings per share and free cash flow all increased year over year along with an increase in advertising spending.
"These results underscore the resilience of our business model as we are able to execute against our long-term strategy while delivering strong results in a difficult operating environment. While we expect the volatile macroeconomic conditions and slower category growth to continue in 2026, we are aligned behind our 2030 strategy to deliver consistent, compounded earnings per share growth and drive long-term shareholder value.”
Separately, building on the Company’s successful implementation of the Strategic Growth and Productivity Program (the “SGPP”) to date, on April 30, 2026, the Company's Board of Directors approved an expansion of the SGPP to continue to align the Company’s operations to drive future growth and support the Company’s 2030 strategy. The Company still expects substantially all of the charges to be incurred by December 31, 2028. As a result of the expansion, cumulative pretax charges related to the SGPP, once all projects are approved and implemented, are now estimated to be $350 million to $550 million, increased from $200 million to $300 million. Cumulative pretax savings are projected to be $200 million to $300 million, annually, once all projects are approved and implemented.
Full Year 2026 Guidance
Based on current spot rates and including the estimated impact of tariffs announced and finalized as of April 29, 2026:
•The Company still expects net sales to be up 2% to 6%, including a low-single-digit positive impact from foreign exchange.
•The Company still expects organic sales growth to be 1% to 4%. This includes the impact from our exit from the private label pet food business.
•On a GAAP basis, the Company now expects gross profit margin to be down (versus up previously) and still expects advertising to be up on both a dollar basis and as a percentage of net sales and double-digit earnings per share growth.
•On a non-GAAP (Base Business) basis, the Company now expects gross profit margin to be down (versus up previously) and still expects advertising to be up on both a dollar basis and as a percentage of net sales; it also still expects low to mid-single-digit earnings per share growth.
Divisional Performance
See attached "Table 5 - Geographic Sales Analysis Percentage Changes" and "Table 4 - Segment Information" for additional information on net sales and operating profit by division.
First Quarter Sales Growth By Division (% change 1Q 2026 vs. 1Q 2025 except % of Total Company Sales) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| % of Total Company Sales | Net Sales | Organic Sales* | As Reported Volume** | Pricing | FX | |||||||||||||||
North America(1) | 17% | -1.8% | -2.2% | -3.2% | +1.0% | +0.4% | ||||||||||||||
| Latin America | 25% | +14.8% | +5.4% | +2.0% | +3.4% | +9.5% | ||||||||||||||
Europe, Middle East & Africa(1) | 21% | +11.9% | +3.5% | +2.2% | +1.2% | +8.5% | ||||||||||||||
Asia Pacific(1) | 15% | +8.9% | +5.6% | +4.6% | +1.0% | +3.3% | ||||||||||||||
| Hill's Pet Nutrition | 22% | +6.7% | +2.1% | +0.2% | +3.8% | +2.7% | ||||||||||||||
| Total Company | 100% | +8.4% | +2.9% | +1.1% | +2.2% | +5.1% | ||||||||||||||
Note: Table may not sum due to rounding.
(1) The Company has recast its historical geographic segment information to conform to the reporting structure effective for the quarter ended March 31, 2026. The results of the Europe and Africa/Eurasia (excluding Russia and Belarus) reportable operating segments and the skin health business (previously within the North America reportable operating segment) have been combined in a new Europe, Middle East & Africa reportable operating segment. In conjunction with this realignment, Russia and Belarus, which were previously reported within the Africa/Eurasia reportable operating segment, are now reported within the Asia Pacific reportable operating segment. Recast historical geographic segment information can be found on the Company's website.
*Indicates a non-GAAP financial measure. Please refer to “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” later in this release for definitions of non-GAAP financial measures and to “Table 5 - Geographic Sales Analysis Percentage Changes” included with this release for a reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to the related GAAP measures.
**The impact of the acquisition of the Prime100 pet food business on as reported volume was 1.9% and 0.4% for Hill's Pet Nutrition and Total Company, respectively.
First Quarter Operating Profit By Division ($ in millions) | ||||||||||||||
1Q 2026 | % Change vs 1Q 2025 | % to Net Sales | Change in basis points vs 1Q 2025 % to Net Sales | |||||||||||
North America(1) | $141 | -28% | 15.8% | -590 | ||||||||||
| Latin America | $401 | 15% | 30.6% | +20 | ||||||||||
Europe, Middle East & Africa(1) | $266 | 20% | 23.6% | +160 | ||||||||||
Asia Pacific(1) | $222 | 9% | 27.6% | -10 | ||||||||||
| Hill's Pet Nutrition | $280 | 8% | 23.4% | +30 | ||||||||||
| Total Company, As Reported | $964 | -10% | 18.1% | -380 | ||||||||||
| Total Company, Base Business* | $1,134 | 4% | 21.3% | -90 | ||||||||||
(1) The Company has recast its historical geographic segment information to conform to the reporting structure effective for the quarter ended March 31, 2026.
*Indicates a non-GAAP financial measure. Please refer to “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” later in this release for definitions of non-GAAP financial measures and to “Table 6 - Non-GAAP Reconciliations” included with this release for a reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to the related GAAP measures.
Prepared Materials and Webcast Information
At approximately 7:00 a.m. ET today, the Company will post its prepared materials regarding first quarter results to the Investor Center section of its website at https://investor.colgatepalmolive.com/events-and-presentations.
At 8:00 a.m. ET today, the Company will host a conference call regarding first quarter results. To access this call as a webcast, please go to Colgate-Palmolive’s website at www.colgatepalmolive.com.
About Colgate-Palmolive
Colgate-Palmolive Company is a caring, innovative growth company that is reimagining a healthier future for all people, their pets and our planet. Focused on Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care and Pet Nutrition, we sell our products in more than 200 countries and territories under brands such as Colgate, Palmolive, Ajax, Axion, Darlie, elmex, EltaMD, Fabuloso, Filorga, hello, Hill’s Prescription Diet, Hill’s Science Diet, Irish Spring, Lady Speed Stick, meridol, PCA SKIN, Prime100, Protex, Sanex, Softsoap, Sorriso, Soupline, Speed Stick, Suavitel and Tom’s of Maine. We are recognized for our leadership and innovation in promoting sustainability and community wellbeing, including our achievements in decreasing plastic waste and promoting recyclability, saving water and improving children’s oral health through our Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures program, which has reached approximately two billion children and their families since 1991. For more information about Colgate-Palmolive and how we make more smiles, visit www.colgatepalmolive.com. CL-E
Market Share Information
Management uses market share information as a key indicator to monitor business health and performance. References to market share in this press release are based on a combination of consumption and market share data provided by third-party vendors, primarily Nielsen, and internal estimates. Except as otherwise noted, all market share references represent the percentage of the dollar value of sales of our products, relative to all product sales in the category in the countries in which the Company competes and purchases data (excluding Venezuela from all periods).
Market share data is subject to limitations on the availability of up-to-date information. In particular, market share data is currently not generally available for certain retail channels, such as eCommerce and certain club retailers and discounters. The Company measures year-to-date market shares from January 1 of the relevant year through the most recent period for which market share data is available, which typically reflects a lag time of one or two months. The Company believes that the third-party vendors it uses to provide data are reliable, but it has not verified the accuracy or completeness of the data or any assumptions underlying the data. In addition, market share information reported by the Company may be different from market share information reported by other companies due to differences in category definitions, the use of data from different countries, internal estimates and other factors.
Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Statements
This press release and the related prepared materials and webcast may contain forward-looking statements (as that term is defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 or by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in its rules, regulations and releases) that set forth anticipated results based on management’s current plans and assumptions. Such statements may relate, for example, to sales or volume growth, net selling price increases, organic sales growth, profit or profit margin levels, earnings per share levels, financial goals, category growth rates, the impact of foreign exchange, the impact of developments in global trade relations and tariffs, the impact of geopolitical events and tensions, wars and military conflicts, such as in Ukraine and the Middle East, cost reduction plans (including the Strategic Growth and Productivity Program), tax rates, interest rates, new product introductions, digital capabilities, commercial investment levels, acquisitions, divestitures, share repurchases or legal or tax proceedings, among other matters. These statements are made, except as otherwise noted with respect to tariffs, on the basis of the Company’s views and assumptions as of May 1, 2026. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law or by the rules and regulations of the SEC. Moreover, the Company does not, nor does any other person, assume responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of these statements. The Company cautions investors that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and that actual events or results may differ materially from those statements. For more information about factors that could impact the Company’s business and cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking statements, investors should refer to the Company’s filings with the SEC (including, but not limited to, the information set forth under the captions “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Statements” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025 and subsequent filings with the SEC). Copies of these filings may be obtained upon request from the Company’s Investor Relations Department or on the Company’s website at www.colgatepalmolive.com.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
The following provides definitions and other information regarding the non-GAAP financial measures used in this press release and the related prepared materials and webcast, which may not be the same as or comparable to similar measures presented by other companies:
•Base Business: Base Business refers to non-GAAP measures of operating results that exclude certain items. Base Business operating results exclude, as applicable, charges related to the Strategic Growth and Productivity Program and the ERISA litigation matter.
•Organic sales growth: Net sales growth excluding the impact of foreign exchange, acquisitions and divestments.
•Free cash flow before dividends: Net cash provided by operations less Capital expenditures.
This press release and the related prepared materials and webcast discuss Net sales growth (GAAP) and Organic sales growth (non-GAAP). Management believes the organic sales growth measure provides investors and analysts with useful supplemental information regarding the Company’s underlying sales trends by presenting sales growth excluding the external factor of foreign exchange as well as the impact from acquisitions and divestments. See “Geographic Sales Analysis Percentage Changes” for the three months ended March 31, 2026 versus 2025 included with this release for a comparison of Organic sales growth to Net sales growth in accordance with GAAP.
Selling, general and administrative expenses, Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of Net sales, Other (income) expense, net, Operating profit, Operating profit margin, Non-service related postretirement costs, Effective income tax rate, Net income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company and Diluted earnings per common share are disclosed on both an as reported (GAAP) and Base Business (non-GAAP) basis. These non-GAAP financial measures exclude items that, either by their nature or amount, management would not expect to occur as part of the Company’s normal business on a regular basis, such as restructuring charges, charges for certain litigation and tax matters, acquisition-related costs, gains and losses from certain divestitures and certain other unusual, non-recurring items. Investors and analysts use these financial measures in assessing the Company’s business performance, and management believes that presenting these financial measures on a non-GAAP basis provides them with useful supplemental information to enhance their understanding of the Company’s underlying business performance and trends. These non-GAAP financial measures also enhance the ability to compare period-to-period financial results. See “Non-GAAP Reconciliations” for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025 included with this release for a reconciliation of these financial measures to the related GAAP measures.
The Company uses these financial measures internally in its budgeting process, to evaluate segment and overall operating performance and as factors in determining compensation. While the Company believes that these financial measures are useful in evaluating the Company’s underlying business performance and trends, this information should be considered as supplemental in nature and is not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the related financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP.
As management uses free cash flow before dividends to evaluate the Company’s ability to satisfy current and future obligations, pay dividends, fund future business opportunities and repurchase stock, the Company believes that it provides useful information to investors. Free cash flow before dividends is not a measure of cash available for discretionary expenditures since the Company has certain non-discretionary obligations such as debt service that are not deducted from the measure. See “Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows” for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025 for a comparison of free cash flow before dividends to Net cash provided by operations as reported in accordance with GAAP.
(See attached tables for first quarter results.)
Contacts
Investor Relations: investor_relations@colpal.com
Communications: colgate_palmolive_media_inquiry@colpal.com
| Table 1 | ||||||||||||||
| Colgate-Palmolive Company | ||||||||||||||
| Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income | ||||||||||||||
| For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2026 and 2025 | ||||||||||||||
| (Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts) (Unaudited) | ||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | |||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 5,324 | $ | 4,911 | ||||||||||
| Cost of sales | 2,098 | 1,924 | ||||||||||||
| Gross profit | 3,226 | 2,987 | ||||||||||||
| Gross profit margin | 60.6 | % | 60.8 | % | ||||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative expenses | 2,076 | 1,898 | ||||||||||||
| Other (income) expense, net | 186 | 13 | ||||||||||||
| Operating profit | 964 | 1,076 | ||||||||||||
| Operating profit margin | 18.1 | % | 21.9 | % | ||||||||||
| Non-service related postretirement costs | 26 | 72 | ||||||||||||
| Interest expense | 62 | 66 | ||||||||||||
| Interest income | 16 | 15 | ||||||||||||
| Income before income taxes | 892 | 953 | ||||||||||||
| Provision for income taxes | 211 | 227 | ||||||||||||
| Effective tax rate | 23.6 | % | 23.7 | % | ||||||||||
| Net income including noncontrolling interests | 681 | 726 | ||||||||||||
| Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests | 35 | 36 | ||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company | $ | 646 | $ | 690 | ||||||||||
| Earnings per common share | ||||||||||||||
| Basic | $ | 0.81 | $ | 0.85 | ||||||||||
| Diluted | $ | 0.80 | $ | 0.85 | ||||||||||
| Supplemental Income Statement Information | ||||||||||||||
| Average common shares outstanding | ||||||||||||||
| Basic | 802.3 | 812.0 | ||||||||||||
| Diluted | 805.1 | 815.0 | ||||||||||||
| Advertising | $ | 734 | $ | 668 | ||||||||||
| Table 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Colgate-Palmolive Company | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets | ||||||||||||||||||||
| As of March 31, 2026, December 31, 2025 and March 31, 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| (Dollars in Millions) (Unaudited) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| March 31, | December 31, | March 31, | ||||||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 1,335 | $ | 1,288 | $ | 1,112 | ||||||||||||||
| Receivables, net | 1,889 | 1,675 | 1,725 | |||||||||||||||||
| Inventories | 2,086 | 2,032 | 2,125 | |||||||||||||||||
| Other current assets | 772 | 714 | 852 | |||||||||||||||||
| Property, plant and equipment, net | 4,622 | 4,660 | 4,416 | |||||||||||||||||
| Goodwill | 3,107 | 3,122 | 3,334 | |||||||||||||||||
| Other intangible assets, net | 1,521 | 1,536 | 1,782 | |||||||||||||||||
| Other assets | 1,278 | 1,303 | 1,301 | |||||||||||||||||
| Total assets | $ | 16,610 | $ | 16,330 | $ | 16,647 | ||||||||||||||
| Total debt | $ | 7,973 | $ | 7,988 | $ | 8,269 | ||||||||||||||
| Other current liabilities | 5,898 | 5,736 | 5,163 | |||||||||||||||||
| Other non-current liabilities | 2,253 | 2,241 | 2,482 | |||||||||||||||||
| Total liabilities | 16,124 | 15,965 | 15,914 | |||||||||||||||||
| Total Colgate-Palmolive Company shareholders’ equity | 145 | 54 | 363 | |||||||||||||||||
| Noncontrolling interests | 341 | 311 | 370 | |||||||||||||||||
| Total liabilities and equity | $ | 16,610 | $ | 16,330 | $ | 16,647 | ||||||||||||||
| Supplemental Balance Sheet Information | ||||||||||||||||||||
Debt less cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities(1) | $ | 6,554 | $ | 6,593 | $ | 6,958 | ||||||||||||||
| Working capital % of sales | (5.7) | % | (7.0) | % | (3.3) | % | ||||||||||||||
Note:
(1) Marketable securities of $84, $107 and $199 as of March 31, 2026, December 31, 2025 and March 31, 2025, respectively, are included in Other current assets.
| Table 3 | ||||||||||||||
| Colgate-Palmolive Company | ||||||||||||||
| Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows | ||||||||||||||
| For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2026 and 2025 | ||||||||||||||
| (Dollars in Millions) (Unaudited) | ||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | |||||||||||||
| Operating Activities | ||||||||||||||
| Net income including noncontrolling interests | $ | 681 | $ | 726 | ||||||||||
| Adjustments to reconcile Net income including noncontrolling interests to Net cash provided by operations: | ||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 156 | 148 | ||||||||||||
| ERISA litigation matter | — | 65 | ||||||||||||
| Restructuring and termination benefits, net of cash | 165 | (7) | ||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | 40 | 23 | ||||||||||||
| Deferred income taxes | (18) | (24) | ||||||||||||
| Cash effects of changes in: | ||||||||||||||
| Receivables | (215) | (174) | ||||||||||||
| Inventories | (41) | (86) | ||||||||||||
| Accounts payable and other working capital | (11) | (57) | ||||||||||||
| Other non-current assets | 19 | (1) | ||||||||||||
| Other non-current liabilities | (29) | (13) | ||||||||||||
| Net cash provided by (used in) operations | 747 | 600 | ||||||||||||
| Investing Activities | ||||||||||||||
| Capital expenditures | (138) | (124) | ||||||||||||
| Purchases of marketable securities and investments | (70) | (134) | ||||||||||||
| Proceeds from sale of marketable securities and investments | 94 | 97 | ||||||||||||
| Other investing activities | (8) | 2 | ||||||||||||
| Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | (122) | (159) | ||||||||||||
| Financing Activities | ||||||||||||||
| Short-term borrowing (repayment) less than 90 days, net | 1,138 | 164 | ||||||||||||
| Principal payments on debt | (1,082) | (4) | ||||||||||||
| Proceeds from issuance of debt | — | — | ||||||||||||
| Dividends paid | (417) | (406) | ||||||||||||
| Purchases of treasury shares | (306) | (284) | ||||||||||||
| Proceeds from exercise of stock options | 127 | 40 | ||||||||||||
| Other financing activities | (23) | 32 | ||||||||||||
| Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | (563) | (458) | ||||||||||||
| Effect of exchange rate changes on Cash and cash equivalents | (15) | 33 | ||||||||||||
| Net increase (decrease) in Cash and cash equivalents | 47 | 16 | ||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period | 1,288 | 1,096 | ||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period | $ | 1,335 | $ | 1,112 | ||||||||||
| Supplemental Cash Flow Information | ||||||||||||||
| Free cash flow before dividends (Net cash provided by operations less Capital expenditures) | ||||||||||||||
| Net cash provided by operations | $ | 747 | $ | 600 | ||||||||||
| Less: Capital expenditures | (138) | (124) | ||||||||||||
| Free cash flow before dividends | $ | 609 | $ | 476 | ||||||||||
| Income taxes paid | $ | 176 | $ | 139 | ||||||||||
| Interest paid | $ | 96 | $ | 109 | ||||||||||
| Table 4 | ||||||||||||||
| Colgate-Palmolive Company | ||||||||||||||
| Segment Information | ||||||||||||||
| For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2026 and 2025 | ||||||||||||||
| (Dollars in Millions) (Unaudited) | ||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | |||||||||||||
| Net Sales | ||||||||||||||
| Oral, Personal and Home Care | ||||||||||||||
North America(1) | $ | 888 | $ | 904 | ||||||||||
| Latin America | 1,313 | 1,143 | ||||||||||||
Europe, Middle East & Africa(1) | 1,126 | 1,007 | ||||||||||||
Asia Pacific(1) | 804 | 738 | ||||||||||||
| Total Oral, Personal and Home Care | 4,131 | 3,792 | ||||||||||||
| Pet Nutrition | 1,194 | 1,118 | ||||||||||||
| Total Net Sales | $ | 5,324 | $ | 4,911 | ||||||||||
| Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | |||||||||||||
| Operating Profit | ||||||||||||||
| Oral, Personal and Home Care | ||||||||||||||
North America(1) | $ | 141 | $ | 197 | ||||||||||
| Latin America | 401 | 348 | ||||||||||||
Europe, Middle East & Africa(1) | 266 | 222 | ||||||||||||
Asia Pacific(1) | 222 | 204 | ||||||||||||
| Total Oral, Personal and Home Care | 1,030 | 971 | ||||||||||||
| Pet Nutrition | 280 | 258 | ||||||||||||
Corporate(2) | (346) | (153) | ||||||||||||
| Total Operating Profit | $ | 964 | $ | 1,076 | ||||||||||
Tables may not sum due to rounding.
Notes:
(1) The Company has recast its historical geographic segment information to conform to the reporting structure effective for the quarter ended March 31, 2026.
(2) Corporate operations include costs related to stock options and restricted stock units, research and development costs, Corporate overhead costs, restructuring and related implementation charges and gains and losses on sales of non-core product lines and assets.
Corporate Operating profit (loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2026 included charges resulting from the Strategic Growth and Productivity Program of $171.
Corporate Operating profit (loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2025 included charges resulting from the ERISA litigation matter of $15.
| Table 5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Colgate-Palmolive Company | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Geographic Sales Analysis Percentage Changes | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2026 vs. 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Unaudited) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| COMPONENTS OF SALES CHANGE | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pricing | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Coupons | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sales | Consumer & | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Change | Organic | As Reported | Organic | Trade | Foreign | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Region | As Reported | Sales Change | Volume(1) | Volume | Incentives | Exchange | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Company | 8.4% | 2.9% | 1.1% | 0.6% | 2.2% | 5.1% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
North America(2) | (1.8)% | (2.2)% | (3.2)% | (3.2)% | 1.0% | 0.4% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Latin America | 14.8% | 5.4% | 2.0% | 2.0% | 3.4% | 9.5% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Europe, Middle East & Africa(2) | 11.9% | 3.5% | 2.2% | 2.2% | 1.2% | 8.5% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Asia Pacific(2) | 8.9% | 5.6% | 4.6% | 4.6% | 1.0% | 3.3% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total CP Products | 8.9% | 3.1% | 1.3% | 1.3% | 1.8% | 5.9% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hill’s Pet Nutrition | 6.7% | 2.1% | 0.2% | (1.7)% | 3.8% | 2.7% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Emerging Markets(3) | 12.9% | 6.2% | 3.5% | 3.5% | 2.7% | 6.7% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Developed Markets | 4.9% | 0.2% | (0.9)% | (1.7)% | 1.9% | 3.9% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Table may not sum due to rounding.
Notes:
(1) The impact of the acquisition of the Prime100 pet food business on as reported volume was 0.4%, 1.9% and 0.8% for Total Company, Hill's Pet Nutrition and Developed Markets, respectively.
(2) The Company has recast its historical geographic segment information to conform to the reporting structure effective for the quarter ended March 31, 2026.
(3) Emerging Markets include Latin America, Asia (excluding Japan), Africa, the Middle East and Eastern and Central Europe.
| Table 6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Colgate-Palmolive Company | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-GAAP Reconciliations | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2026 and 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts) (Unaudited) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | 2026 | 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative expenses, GAAP | $ | 2,076 | $ | 1,898 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Strategic Growth and Productivity Program | (6) | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ERISA litigation matter | — | (15) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative expenses, non-GAAP | $ | 2,071 | $ | 1,883 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Basis Point | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Selling, General and Administrative Expenses as a Percentage of Net Sales | 2026 | 2025 | Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of Net sales, GAAP | 39.0 | % | 38.6 | % | 40 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Strategic Growth and Productivity Program | (0.1) | % | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ERISA litigation matter | — | % | (0.3) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of Net sales, non-GAAP | 38.9 | % | 38.3 | % | 60 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other (Income) Expense, Net | 2026 | 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other (income) expense, net, GAAP | $ | 186 | $ | 13 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Strategic Growth and Productivity Program | (165) | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other (income) expense, net, non-GAAP | $ | 21 | $ | 13 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating Profit | 2026 | 2025 | % Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating profit, GAAP | $ | 964 | $ | 1,076 | (10) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Strategic Growth and Productivity Program | 171 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ERISA litigation matter | — | 15 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating profit, non-GAAP | $ | 1,134 | $ | 1,091 | 4 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Basis Point | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating Profit Margin | 2026 | 2025 | Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating profit margin, GAAP | 18.1 | % | 21.9 | % | (380) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Strategic Growth and Productivity Program | 3.2 | % | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ERISA litigation matter | — | % | 0.3 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating profit margin, non-GAAP | 21.3 | % | 22.2 | % | (90) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-Service Related Postretirement Costs | 2026 | 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-service related postretirement costs, GAAP | $ | 26 | $ | 72 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Strategic Growth and Productivity Program | (5) | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ERISA litigation matter | — | (50) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-service related postretirement costs, non-GAAP | $ | 20 | $ | 22 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Note: The impact of non-GAAP adjustments may not necessarily equal the difference between “GAAP” and “non-GAAP” as a result of rounding. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Table 6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Continued | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Colgate-Palmolive Company | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-GAAP Reconciliations | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2026 and 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts) (Unaudited) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2026 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income Before Income Taxes | Provision For Income Taxes(1) | Net Income Including Noncontrolling Interests | Less: Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests | Net Income Attributable To Colgate-Palmolive Company | Effective Income Tax Rate(2) | Diluted Earnings Per Share | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| As Reported GAAP | $ | 892 | $ | 211 | $ | 681 | $ | 35 | $ | 646 | 23.6 | % | $ | 0.80 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Strategic Growth and Productivity Program | 176 | 37 | 139 | 1 | 138 | (0.4) | % | 0.17 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-GAAP | $ | 1,068 | $ | 248 | $ | 820 | $ | 36 | $ | 784 | 23.2 | % | $ | 0.97 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income Before Income Taxes | Provision For Income Taxes(1) | Net Income Including Noncontrolling Interests | Less: Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests | Net Income Attributable To Colgate-Palmolive Company | Effective Income Tax Rate(2) | Diluted Earnings Per Share | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| As Reported GAAP | $ | 953 | $ | 227 | $ | 726 | $ | 36 | $ | 690 | 23.7 | % | $ | 0.85 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ERISA litigation matter | 65 | 12 | 53 | — | 53 | (0.3) | % | 0.06 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-GAAP | $ | 1,018 | $ | 239 | $ | 779 | $ | 36 | $ | 743 | 23.4 | % | $ | 0.91 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The impact of non-GAAP adjustments may not necessarily equal the difference between “GAAP” and “non-GAAP” as a result of rounding.
Notes:
(1) The income tax effect on non-GAAP items is calculated based upon the tax laws and statutory income tax rates applicable in the tax jurisdiction(s) of the underlying non-GAAP adjustment.
(2) The impact of non-GAAP items on the Company’s effective tax rate represents the difference in the effective tax rate calculated with and without the non-GAAP adjustment on Income before income taxes and Provision for income taxes.
FAQ
How did Colgate-Palmolive (CL) perform in Q1 2026?
Colgate-Palmolive grew net sales 8.4% to $5,324 million in Q1 2026, with organic sales up 2.9%. GAAP diluted EPS declined 6% to $0.80, but Base Business diluted EPS rose 7% to $0.97, reflecting stronger underlying operations.
What changes did Colgate-Palmolive (CL) make to its cost savings program?
Colgate-Palmolive expanded its Strategic Growth and Productivity Program, now estimating cumulative pre-tax charges of $350–$550 million, up from $200–$300 million. The company still expects substantially all charges to be incurred by December 31, 2028, supporting its 2030 strategy.
What are the expected savings from Colgate-Palmolive’s Strategic Growth and Productivity Program?
Colgate-Palmolive projects the expanded program will deliver $200–$300 million in cumulative pre-tax savings annually once all projects are approved and implemented. These savings are expected to come from organizational changes, supply chain optimization and reduced overhead across global operations.
Did Colgate-Palmolive (CL) change its 2026 financial guidance?
Colgate-Palmolive maintained its 2026 outlook for net sales growth of 2–6% and organic sales growth of 1–4%. However, it now expects gross profit margin to be down for both GAAP and Base Business measures, while still targeting earnings per share growth for the year.
How strong was Colgate-Palmolive’s cash flow in Q1 2026?
Colgate-Palmolive generated $747 million in net cash provided by operations during Q1 2026. After $138 million of capital expenditures, free cash flow before dividends reached $609 million, giving the company flexibility to fund its productivity program, dividends and share repurchases.
How did Colgate-Palmolive’s divisions perform in Q1 2026?
In Q1 2026, Latin America net sales grew 14.8%, EMEA 11.9%, Asia Pacific 8.9% and Hill’s Pet Nutrition 6.7%, while North America declined 1.8%. Base Business operating profit increased in most regions, but total reported operating profit fell 10% due to corporate-level charges.