Hill’s Pet Nutrition reported net sales of US$1.205 billion in the third quarter of 2026, a 5.6% increase from US$1.142 billion in the same period last year, according to parent company Colgate-Palmolive’s October 30 earnings report. The pet nutrition division outpaced Colgate-Palmolive’s overall net sales growth of 4.6%.
Hill’s accounted for approximately 22% of Colgate-Palmolive’s total quarterly sales of US$5.369 billion. The division’s organic sales increased 5.7%, compared with 3.6% for the overall company. Hill’s growth reflected a 1.8% increase in volume and a 3.9% contribution from pricing. Companywide, volume increased 1.7%, while pricing contributed 2%.
Hill’s operating profit increased 5% to US$267 million, compared with US$255 million in the third quarter of 2025. However, its operating profit margin declined 20 basis points to 22.2%. Colgate-Palmolive’s overall reported operating profit increased 3% to US$1.088 billion, while its operating margin declined 30 basis points to 20.3%.
For the first nine months of 2026, Hill’s generated US$3.594 billion in net sales, compared with US$3.417 billion during the same period in 2025. Operating profit increased to US$816 million from US$778 million.
Prescription Diet and Science Diet drive growth
“Growth was broad-based across both the Prescription Diet and Science Diet brands with particularly strong performance in cat,” Colgate-Palmolive management stated in prepared remarks accompanying the earnings release.
Hill’s Prescription Diet recorded high-single-digit growth, supported by its therapeutic positioning and veterinary professional relationships, according to the company.
Hill’s also introduced Prescription Diet k/d + Derm Complete, formulated for dogs with chronic kidney disease alongside food or environmental sensitivities. The company described the product as addressing an unmet nutritional need in veterinary channels.
An updated Hill’s Science Diet wet pet food line also featured in the earnings presentation. The relaunch included packaging and graphic changes intended to emphasize ingredients and help consumers better visualize the food.
Prime100 supports expansion into fresh pet food
Colgate-Palmolive reported continued growth from its Prime100 acquisition, which recorded double-digit volume growth and high-single-digit pricing increases, resulting in double-digit organic sales growth.
The company has used its experience with Prime100 to support Hill’s expansion into the fresh pet food category in the United States.
In July, Hill’s began a phased rollout of Science Diet Single Protein dog food rolls. The products are being introduced through retail outlets and veterinary channels under the marketing tagline “Science has entered the fridge.”
According to the company’s earnings presentation, the products use single-animal-protein formulations and are marketed for digestive, coat and overall health benefits.
Private-label exit continues to affect sales
Hill’s growth occurred despite the continuing effects of Colgate-Palmolive’s withdrawal from private-label pet food production.
The exit reduced Hill’s third-quarter organic sales growth by 70 basis points. Excluding that impact, organic sales would have increased 6.4%, while volume growth would have reached 2.5%, compared with the reported 1.8%.
Colgate-Palmolive Chairman, President and CEO Noel Wallace said the company's strategy continues to place “an emphasis on driving premium, science-based innovation,” alongside increased brand investment.
