Colgate-Palmolive maintains momentum in second quarter

Colgate-Palmolive has experienced continued growth in the second quarter of 2012, while also expanding its share in the dental products market.

The company's global net sales for the period came to $4.27 billion (2.75 billion pounds) during the period, up by two percent year over year, while global unit volume rose by five percent.

Its eight percent organic sales growth during Q2 was the largest increase seen in eight quarters, while its shares of the toothpaste and manual toothbrush markets are both at record highs for the year to date.

Meanwhile, the UK was named among the territories leading growth in the Europe/South Pacific region.

Ian Cook, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Colgate-Palmolive, said: "We are very pleased that our top and bottom-line growth momentum continued this quarter, with net sales, gross profit, operating profit, net income and diluted earnings per share all increasing versus a year ago."

Last month, the company declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.62 per common share, maintaining its run of paying uninterrupted dividends on its common stock since 1895.