Sales & Earnings In Brief

Colgate restages Total: Colgate Total is being re-launched with upgraded packaging featuring "improved graphics and a newly designed stand-up cap," Colgate-Palmolive announces during Oct. 28 third quarter earnings call. The relaunch will be "heavily" supported with a new integrated marketing campaign as well as "new communications to dental professionals, both focused on highlighting the clinically proven, 12-hour antibacterial protection" of Colgate Total, the firm said. Net sales in North America advanced 1.7% in the quarter to $753 mil. Company noted that product launches across price tiers - including Colgate Triple Action, Colgate Sensitive MultiProtection and Colgate Max White with Mini Bright Strips toothpastes - are contributing to growth in oral care. Beyond oral care, new products performing well include Softsoap Sea Minerals hand soap and Speed Stick and Lady Speed Stick stain guard antiperspirants. Colgate's net sales for the quarter fell 1.5% to $3.94 bil., and profit rose 4.9% to $619 mil., reflecting cost-savings efforts