Colgate-Palmolive Q2 net profit up 16% to Rs 181.31 crore

Colgate-Palmolive (India) Ltd, on Thursday, posted a 16 % jump in net profit at Rs 181.31 crore for the second quarter ended September 30, 2016, from Rs 156.85 crore in the same period of last fiscal.

Net sales increased to Rs 1,195 crore from Rs 1,088 crore in the quarter ended September 30, 2015, the consumer products company said in a statement in Mumbai. Net sales for the half-year ended September 30, 2016 stood at Rs 2,336 crore, an increase of 11 % over H1 of last year. Net profit for H1 was Rs 307 crore, a rise of 13 % over the same period of the previous year. The company has maintained its leadership position in both toothpaste and toothbrush categories in January-Sept 2016 period. Its volume market share in toothpaste category stood at 55.7 % and 46.6 % in toothbrush segment.

The board declared a first interim dividend for the financial year 2016-17 of Rs 4 per share of Re 1 each face value on the expanded capital base post the bonus issue. The dividend payout to the shareholders will be Rs 130.9 crore. Issam Bachaalani, Managing Director, said "Colgate continues to focus on innovation and consumer insights while leveraging its strong heritage in the oral care category. Despite slowing market conditions, Colgate maintains its leadership position and continues to offer customised products for each market segment. "We are focused on our priorities of strengthening the core of our business and drive competitive and profitable growth while staying committed to our sustainability initiatives."