Colgate's Q4 results led by oral-care growth

Colgate-Palmolive's total revenue came at Rs 1,480.66 crore, rising 10.35 percent in the year-ago quarter, the personal-care company said in a regulatory filing on 13 May.The company reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 379.82 crore for the March quarter, a growth of 20.11 percent from the year-ago period.

Price increase will be moderate in FY25. Comfortable with margin at current levels. Palmolive will see a 3x growth vs overall organisation, said Prabha Narasimhan, managing director & CEO, Colgate-Palmolive (India). She said, "Our job is to gain share in the personal space category"

Three things that Prabha Narasimhan highlighted were: "Rural recovery is playing out and coming back." She added, "There are opportunities in the oral care business. Premiumisation will drive value growth in oral care products." And finally, the group will expand beyond oral and skin care, and Colgate-Palmolive (India) plans to diversify its brand portfolio.

A year ago, when Colgate’s Narasimhan spoke at the ElitePlus conference, she said she is up for the challenge to grow a business that’s already penetrated nine out of tean Indian homes. At that time, she had outlined her expectations about packaging implications and what type of PACS (protect product, aesthetic, cost-effective, sustainable) philosophy. On the occasion, she threw a gauntlet to the 2,000 delegates in the audience when she said "Packaging has not really evolved."

Colgate is an Indian oral care brand selling toothpaste, mouthwash, and toothbrushes. It also sells Palmolive-branded shower gels. Today, Colgate draws a bulk of its India business from selling toothpastes and toothbrushes. The company has benefitted from the re-launch of its Colgate Strong Teeth toothpaste brand, especially in rural India.