Colgate-Palmolive beats Q1 forecasts but cuts FY guidance

(Sharecast News) - Colgate-Palmolive delivered a mixed earnings report on Friday as it beat analysts' forecasts with quarterly profits and simultaneously lowered its full-year outlook. The American household and consumer products giant said that full-year profits are expected to rise by only a low-single-digit percentage in 2025, compared with earlier guidance of a mid-single-digit improvement, the company citing the impact of trade tariffs on its operations.

Net sales in the first quarter totalled $4.91bn, down 3.1% compared with last year due to a 4.4% negative impact from foreign exchange movements, but still better than the $4.87bn consensus forecast. However, organic sales improved by 1.4%.

Earnings per share were $0.85, up 2% from the $0.83 reported the year before.

The company reported a mixed performance across its geographies, registering organic growth in Latin America (+4.0%) and Europe (+5.4%) but declines in North America (-3.0%) and Asia Pacific (-3.1%).

The company cited "very difficult market conditions worldwide" and slowing category growth in "many markets".

"As we look ahead, uncertainty and volatility in global markets, including the impact of tariffs, remain challenging," said chair, president and chief executive Noel Wallace.

"We are confident in our strategy and will continue to execute with focus and agility to mitigate these factors and achieve our revised 2025 financial targets."

Shares were up nearly 1% at $93.58 by 1111 in New York.