COLGATE PALMOLIVE Q2 FY26 earnings call CL

Colgate-Palmolive delivered strong Q2 FY26 results, with broad-based organic sales growth across 4 of 5 divisions and 3 of 4 categories. The company's global operating model and execution drove performance, particularly in emerging markets like India, Brazil, Mexico, and China, which were up mid-single digits. European markets also contributed with organic growth and market share gains. The Hill's Pet Nutrition business continued to outperform its category, driven by premium science-led innovation.

Management expressed dissatisfaction with the US performance, citing heightened competition and inventory reductions from key retailers, which led to shipments being down 3% versus consumption being flat. To improve trajectory in the second half, actions include scaling up 2026 and 2027 innovation, taking surgical actions on pricing and promotion to address specific price gaps, and planning for higher levels of brand support across core businesses. The goal is sequential improvement, though not necessarily linear.

Gross margin expanded by 100 basis points, or 90 basis points excluding a modest tariff benefit, driven by effective revenue growth management, productivity, pricing, and mix. While Q3 material prices are largely locked in, Q4 might see slightly lower assumptions due to oil prices in the $90 range. The company raised its full-year gross margin guidance to 'roughly flat,' acknowledging expected higher raw material costs and tariffs in the second half of the year.

Hill's delivered solid 4% organic growth (ex-private label) in a largely flat category, demonstrating strong market share performance, with the therapeutic business growing nicely. The company is strategically rolling out its Prime fresh pet food in the US, focusing on professional backing and science-driven efficacy with single-protein diets, rather than immediate volume generation. Management believes the category has bottomed out but remains pressured, with opportunities in under-indexed segments like wet, cat, and small paws.

Colgate-Palmolive is aggressively integrating AI across its operations, with 70% of its workforce trained in advanced AI. Initiatives include building an internal AI hub, developing data products, and embedding agents into annual processes to enhance productivity and accelerate execution. AI is also pivotal in transforming marketing processes for content creation and optimizing innovation discovery, moving from pilot programs to scaled implementation to leverage learnings and benefits for productivity and growth.

The first half of the year was characterized by pricing-driven growth. For the second half, the company anticipates a shift towards more volume-driven growth, particularly internationally, as new products are executed and brand penetration is driven. Despite this, management noted continued global volatility^🌐, including wars and fluctuating consumer confidence, leading to month-to-month category growth volatility and a cautious outlook on overall market inflection.