Colgate posts record profits in third quarter

Colgate has posted a record operating profit during the third quarter of 2010, according to the dental products firm's new financial report.

The company accrued $3.9 billion (2.4 billion pounds) in global sales for the three-month period, with worldwide volumes, net income and diluted earnings per share totals all increasing compared to Q3 2009.

During the quarter, Colgate saw its shares of the toothpaste and manual toothbrush markets reach their highest levels ever at 44.2 percent and 31.5 percent respectively.

Moreover, the firm has made significant progress with its cost-saving initiatives, which it believes will position Colgate strongly for further gains in 2010-11.

Ian Cook, chairman, president and chief executive officer at Colgate, said: "Overall, we are very pleased with our solid results this quarter, despite aggressive competitive activity and difficult economic conditions around the world."

In September 2010, the company conducted Colgate Oral Health Month, a UK-wide initiative designed to help raise awareness of how to improve oral care standards.