Colgate-Palmolive Co.

Strong Financial Performance in 2024: Colgate-Palmolive achieved net sales of $20 billion in 2024, driven by an organic sales growth of high-single-digit percentages, outperforming their long-term target of 3% to 5%. The company experienced volume growth across all divisions and categories, emphasizing its focus on increasing household penetration for sustainable long-term growth.

Positive Outlook for 2025 with Organic Growth Forecast: Colgate forecasts organic growth of 3% to 5% for 2025, with an expectation to stay above the category growth rates of 2% to 4%. This forecast reflects confidence in operational flexibility and improvements in brand health stemming from strategic investments in advertising and innovation.

Gross Margin Expansion Despite Headwinds: The company reported a gross margin expansion of 70 basis points year-over-year, even amidst significant foreign exchange pressures and increased spending on advertising. Colgate's gross margin strategy aims to outpace the reduction in margins due to EX impacts by focusing on product mix and productivity improvements.