Colgate Q1 Organic Sales $5.3B, Volume Up 13x Expectations
Colgate-Palmolive reported Q1 2026 organic sales of $5.3 billion, up 2.9%, with volume growth 13 times expectations driven by double-digit Hill’s Pet Nutrition performance. The company lowered full-year gross margin outlook to down from up, citing $300 million in extra raw material and logistics costs and private label exit headwinds.
1. Q1 Financial Results
Colgate-Palmolive achieved Q1 2026 organic sales of $5.3 billion, up 2.9%, with volume growth roughly 13 times consensus estimates. Pricing contributed positively, offsetting narrower margins as gross margin outlook was revised downward.
2. Segment Performance
Hill’s Pet Nutrition segment delivered double-digit growth in Prescription Diet driven by enhanced supply chain flexibility, while emerging markets saw accelerated volume gains. North America lagged due to delayed shelf resets and late-quarter innovation rollouts.
3. Outlook and Cost Pressures
Management forecast significant cost headwinds, including approximately $300 million of incremental raw material and logistics expenses. Full-year gross margin is now expected to be down versus prior up outlook, with private label pet food exit impact tapering by midyear.