Growth sparkle missing yet again in Colgate results, sales disappoint

After 14% decline in price, attractive valuations could support stock

Among fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies, Colgate-Palmolive (India) has hardly been a star on the returns front. India’s largest toothpaste maker delivered a measly 6 per cent returns over the last year, while the Nifty FMCG generated returns of about 30 per cent. Given the muted September quarter (Q2) show, the returns picture is unlikely to change soon.
 
Sales growth of 5.2 per cent year-on-year (YoY) in Q2 was below expectations. Most of the growth was on account of higher volumes that were boosted by increased promotions, while realisations came under pressure. The company highlighted good growth momentum across