Colgate AR_ 2001

Colgate achieved record financial results in 2001, with sales growth of 0.7%, earnings per share growth of 11%, and return on capital reaching a new high of 29.7%. Every operating division contributed to strong 5% volume growth. Colgate continues to focus on speeding innovative new products to market globally in order to drive growth, with a record 39% of sales coming from products launched in the past five years. Speed and efficiency in new product development and global rollout is a key competitive advantage for Colgate.