India's Colgate-Palmolive quarterly profit dips on rising competition, tepid urban demand

Colgate Palmolive India reported a decline in first-quarter profit on Tuesday, as feeble urban demand and intensified competition in its core oral care business weighed on sales.
July 22 (Reuters) - Colgate Palmolive India (COLG.NS), opens new tab reported a decline in first-quarter profit on Tuesday, as feeble urban demand and intensified competition in its core oral care business weighed on sales.
The toothpaste maker's net profit fell 12% to 3.21 billion rupees ($37.20 million) in the quarter ended June 30.
Revenue from operations for the toothpaste-to-shower gels maker dropped 4.4% to 14.21 billion rupees.
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KEY CONTEXT

The local arm of Colgate-Palmolive (CL.N), opens new tab, known for its eponymous range of Colgate toothpastes, has said in a prior call with analysts that weak urban demand was causing consumers to use staples such as toothpaste for longer, impacting overall volumes.
The company's results in the current reporting quarter reflect subdued urban demand and elevated competition with local players, it said in a statement.
Colgate has been sharpening its focus on differentiated offerings that promise higher quality oral benefits to tackle these challenges, leading with a more premium portfolio.
Colgate-Palmolive India's peers are yet to report quarterly results.
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APRIL-JUNE STOCK PERFORMANCE
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