Focused On
Global Growth
Colgate-Palmolive Company • 2015 Annual Report
Financial Highlights
Dear Colgate Shareholders
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)
2015
2014
Change
Worldwide Net Sales
Organic Sales Growth
Gross Profit Margin
Operating Profit
Operating Profit Margin
Net Income Attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company (1)
Diluted Earnings Per Share (1)
Dividends Paid Per Share
Operating Cash Flow
Year-end Stock Price
$ 16,034
$ 17,277
58.6%
$ 2,789
17.4%
$ 1,384
$ 1.52
$ 1.50
$ 2,949
$ 66.62
58.5%
$ 3,557
20.6%
$ 2,180
$ 2.36
$ 1.42
$ 3,298
$ 69.19
-7.0%
+5.0%
+10 basis points
-22%
-320 basis points
-37%
-36%
+6%
-11%
-4%
(1) Net income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company and diluted earnings per share in 2015 include an aftertax gain of $120 million ($0.13 per diluted share)
from the sale of the Company’s laundry detergent business in the South Pacific, an aftertax charge of $1,058 million ($1.16 per diluted share) related to a
change in accounting for the Company’s Venezuelan operations and aftertax charges of $234 million ($0.26 per diluted share) related to the 2012 Restructuring
Program and certain other items. Net income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company and diluted earnings per share in 2014 include aftertax charges of
$532 million ($0.57 per diluted share) related to the 2012 Restructuring Program, remeasurement charges resulting from effective devaluations in Venezuela and
certain other items. A complete reconciliation between reported results (GAAP) and results excluding the above noted items (Non-GAAP), including a descrip-
tion of such items, is available on Colgate’s website and on page 12 of this report.
2015 Net Sales By
Geographic Region
North America
Latin America
Europe/South Pacific
20%
20%
Asia
18%
27%
18%
27%
15%
Africa/Eurasia
Hill’s Pet Nutrition
6%
15%
14%
6%
14%
2015 Net Sales By
Market Maturity
Developed Markets
Emerging Markets
49%
49%
51%
51%
Net Sales
($ billions)
Gross Profit Margin
(% of sales)
Diluted Earnings(3)
($ per share)
Dividends Paid(3)
($ per share)
17.4
17.3
17.1
16.7
58.8(1)
58.7(1)
58.7(1)
58.3(1)
58.6
58.6
58.5
2.68(2)
2.57
2.51(2)
2.47
2.84(2)
2.93(2)
2.81(2)
2.38
2.36
1.50
1.42
1.33
1.22
1.14
16.0
58.1
57.6(1)
57.3
1.52
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(1) 2013-2015 exclude charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program. 2012-2014 exclude costs related to the sale of land in Mexico. 2011 excludes costs as-
sociated with various business realignment and other cost-saving initiatives. A complete reconciliation between reported results (GAAP) and results excluding
these items (Non-GAAP), including a description of such items, is available on Colgate’s website and on page 12 of this report.
(2) 2015 excludes a gain from the sale of the Company’s laundry detergent business in the South Pacific and excludes charges related to a change in accounting
for the Company’s Venezuelan operations, the 2012 Restructuring Program and certain other 2015 items. 2013 and 2014 exclude charges related to the 2012
Restructuring Program, remeasurement charges resulting from devaluations and effective devaluations in Venezuela and certain other 2013 and 2014 items.
2012 excludes charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program and certain other 2012 items. 2011 excludes costs associated with business realignment and
other cost-saving initiatives and certain other 2011 items. A complete reconciliation between reported results (GAAP) and results excluding these items (Non-
GAAP), including a description of such items, is available on Colgate’s website and on page 12 of this report.
(3) Per share amounts have been restated for the 2013 two-for-one stock split.
We are very pleased with our solid results in 2015. While
net sales declined 7.0%, organic sales, or net sales ex-
cluding foreign exchange, acquisitions and divestments,
grew a strong 5.0%. All operating divisions contributed to
the strong organic sales growth, led by emerging markets,
where organic sales grew a robust 7.0%. Operating profit
margin and net income as a percent to sales both increased
in 2015, despite an intense competitive environment, sig-
nificant foreign exchange volatility and challenging macro-
economic conditions worldwide. Diluted earnings per share
decreased 4% on a dollar basis, but increased double digit
on a currency neutral basis.
We maintained our strong balance sheet and cash
flow, which, along with the Company’s consistent organic
sales growth, led the Board of Directors to authorize a 6%
increase in the quarterly cash dividend, effective in the sec-
ond quarter of 2015.
Ian Cook Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
Engaging With
Consumers
Is At The Heart
Of Colgate’s
Focused
Global
Strategy
Our market shares are growing around the world with Colgate’s leading share of the
global toothpaste market reaching 45.0% for the year. We are delivering solid, consistent
results despite a challenging economic environment because we remain sharply focused
on global growth. For the past decade, Colgate has been guided by four strategic initiatives
that have been fundamental to our success. These strategies are Engaging to Build Our
Brands with consumers, health professionals and customers; Innovation for Growth to
encourage new ideas, new products and processes; Effectiveness and Efficiency to
drive growth; and Leading to Win to strengthen our Colgate culture and develop the next
generation of leaders.
Strengthening Consumer Engagement
Engaging with consumers is at the heart of Colgate’s focused global strategy, and we are
strengthening this engagement in unique and innovative ways. When we launched Palmolive
Aroma Moments shower and bath products in the United Kingdom, we invited music lovers
at a popular 11-day outdoor festival in London’s Hyde Park to “Choose Their Mood” from
among the new Aroma Moments mood-enhancing fragrances. Over 345,000 festival goers
were offered colorful garlands to encircle their heads and face paint of beautiful florals
reflecting the brand’s bold colors. The success of this event helped increase market share
for Palmolive shower gels by 30 basis points in the United Kingdom in 2015.
In India, recognizing that parents everywhere always want their children to have better
lives than they had, we are using integrated marketing communications to make an emo-
tional connection with parents. For the past six years, Colgate has run a program that pro-
vides scholarships to children. More than 1,200 children have received scholarships to date.
We found that the grants have truly enriched their lives, a story we tell in a video to encour-
age others to apply. The heart-warming video, for use on social media and television, brings
The Company’s results are discussed excluding a gain from the sale of the Company’s laundry detergent business in the South Pacific and charges resulting
from a change in accounting for the Company’s Venezuelan operations, the implementation of the 2012 Restructuring Program and certain other items in 2015
and 2014. A complete reconciliation between reported results (GAAP) and results excluding these items (Non-GAAP), including a description of such items,
is available on Colgate’s website and on page 12 of this report. Diluted earnings per share growth for full year 2015, on a currency neutral basis, eliminates
from diluted earnings per share growth (GAAP) the impact of the items described above and the period-over-period changes in foreign exchange rates in the
translation of local currency results into U.S. dollars. Accordingly, for purposes of calculating diluted earnings per share growth for full year 2015, on a currency
neutral basis, full year 2015 local currency results, which include the impact of foreign currency transaction gains and losses, are translated into U.S. dollars
using 2014 average foreign exchange rates by quarter.
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to life what the scholarship has meant to one child and his family. The video has attracted
over 650,000 views online and has had over 45 million television impressions.
We are increasingly using digital media to communicate our brand messages. In 2015,
digital media accounted for 20% of our advertising investment compared to 6.5% in 2010,
and we expect this increasing trend to continue. A video we created for online use for Hill’s
Science Diet Perfect Weight pet food is a good example. The goal of the video was to
create awareness for pet obesity and provide education on the topic to pet parents. The
pet parents were then asked to take the “Perfect Weight 10-week Turnaround” challenge
and watch their pets lose weight. The emotionally engaging video ended by directing
viewers to the Hill’s website, where they could receive more information. Many pet parents
even posted their own stories to share. This video helped Hill’s Science Diet strengthen its
leading share of the weight management category in the United States by 70 basis points in
2015 to 29.3%.
We are proud that Colgate’s leading brands are winning with consumers worldwide.
In Kantar Worldpanel’s 2015 Brand Footprint report, a global ranking of the most chosen
consumer brands, Colgate ranked as the brand purchased by the most households in the
world. In fact, according to the survey, Colgate is the only consumer goods brand bought
by more than half of the world’s households.
Innovating Across All Categories
Developing innovative new products in all categories is a key driver of Colgate’s growth.
Our innovation process combines consumer insights and scientific innovation to bring to life
Engaging To Build
Our Brands With
The Profession
Colgate is driving engage-
ment and building our
leadership with dental and
veterinary professionals to
strengthen their endorsement
of our brands. Colgate helps
educate dental and veteri-
nary professionals about the
science behind Colgate and
Hill’s products by being
deeply involved with
academia, professional
organizations and conven-
tions, and with public health
activities to improve oral
health, pet health and good
hygiene habits around the
world.
BRAZIL
Globally, dental professionals
use and recommend Colgate
toothpaste more than twice
the frequency of our nearest
competitor. In Brazil, 65% of
dental professionals recom-
mend Colgate toothpaste.
We Are
Increasingly
Using Digital
Media To
Communicate
Our Brand
Messages
Engaging To Build
Our Brands With
Consumers
Stronger consumer engage-
ment begins with better
insights. We are obtaining
deeper and more meaningful
consumer insights and using
them to strengthen product
development, packaging
and the communications we
deliver through our integrated
marketing campaigns. These
innovative marketing programs
deliver our brand messages
using a combination of tradi-
tional media outlets, in-store
communications and newer
digital outlets, including
social media.
H ONG KO NG
Colgate engaged consumers
in Hong Kong to experience
the benefits of Colgate
Sensitive Pro-Relief tooth-
paste by providing product
samples together with ice
cream, a common trigger for
tooth pain from sensitivity.
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new products that consumers will enjoy.
In toothpaste, building on the success of our whitening franchise, we are now launching
Colgate Optic White Platinum High Impact White, which provides four shades visibly whiter
teeth in six weeks and starts working in just three days.
In personal care, the Sanex Advanced line of shower gels, deodorants, hand creams
and body lotions, underpinned by science and developed with dermatologists, delivers
skin expertise for specific skin needs. Fueled by this latest innovation, Sanex is one of the
fastest growing personal care brands across Europe, and, in 2015, its market share in the
shower gel and deodorant categories increased in all of the brand’s top three markets of
France, Spain and the United Kingdom.
For pets, we brought new science to the category with Hill’s Prescription Diet Metabolic
Plus. This is the only clinically proven, dual efficacy pet food that addresses conditions
which often accompany pet obesity. Hill’s Prescription Diet Metabolic Plus Mobility for dogs
is formulated to help manage weight and joint health, while Metabolic Plus Urinary for cats
manages weight and addresses common urinary conditions in overweight felines.
Leading In Emerging Markets
Emerging markets have been an important part of Colgate’s growth strategy for a long time.
By being there early, we have built strong consumer loyalty and leading market share posi-
tions in many of our core categories.
Making sure our products are broadly available, even in the tiniest, most remote
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rural areas, is fundamental to our success in these regions. In India, we are using the power
of digital technology to discover gaps in distribution by mapping villages and identifying
those that do not have Colgate products. By adding distributors and tripling the number of
vans and sales representatives to reach these remote areas, we now cover almost 60,000
villages directly, more than double the number in 2012. As a result, our rural market share
for Colgate toothpaste in India increased to 60% in 2015, with our national share at 55%.
Importantly, those numbers reflect a pattern of people migrating, over time, from rural villages
to larger towns and continuing to use Colgate toothpaste.
Consumption-building activities are also a key part of driving growth in these regions. In
2016, we are celebrating the 25th anniversary of our flagship “Bright Smiles, Bright Futures”
global oral health education program. With new components including an animated video,
interactive online games and employee engagement elements, the enriched program is
engaging kids, parents, consumers, dental care professionals and community and non-gov-
ernmental organizations more than ever before. To date, the program has reached more than
850 million children in over 80 countries and our goal is to reach 1.3 billion children by 2020.
Implementing Powerful Commercial Strategies
Colgate’s proven go-to-market strategies center on the goal of making our products avail-
able, visible and irresistible. We are committed to superior in-store execution, such as en-
Innovation
For Growth
At Colgate, developing inno-
vative new products is a key
driver of profitable growth.
Colgate’s consumer innova-
tion centers, in strategic loca-
tions throughout the world,
are focused on developing
insight-driven innovation that
provides value-added new
products across all price
points. Beyond new prod-
ucts, innovation is embedded
into the Company’s culture
to encourage new ideas
and process improvements
throughout every aspect of
the organization.
DENMARK
The new Sanex Advanced
line of shower gels, deodor-
ants, hand creams and
body lotions, developed
with dermatologists, uses
advanced technologies to
address the specific needs
of very dry and atopic-prone
skin and skin with minor
every day damages to keep
skin healthy.
We Are
Committed To
Superior
In-store
Execution
Engaging To Build
Our Brands With
Our Customers
Colgate works closely with
its retail partners to share
expertise and provide shop-
pers with the best value and
service. Colgate is engaging
its customers worldwide
by sharing unique shopper
insights, providing innovative
in-store marketing commu-
nications and merchandising
techniques and developing
and executing joint business
planning initiatives. These
activities ensure the right
product assortment at each
location and help to make
shopping a consumer-friend-
ly experience that drives
increased sales for both
Colgate and the retailer.
SOU T H AFRICA
As more and more consum-
ers make their purchase
decisions while they shop,
eye-catching in-store displays
are increasing the visibility of
Colgate’s products and driv-
ing growth for Colgate and its
retail partners.
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gaging with shoppers in what we call “experience zones.” These are large display structures
where shoppers can walk inside, get product samples and learn about product benefits. In
a skin care center “experience zone” we created to support the launch of Sanex Advanced
shower gels, deodorants, hand creams and body lotions, shoppers were invited to try the
products and a consultant was available to discuss the benefits of each item in the range.
Equally important are initiatives that increase professional recommendations for our
products. Colgate is the toothpaste brand recommended most often by dentists worldwide.
We continue to strengthen our engagement with the dental community in a variety of ways.
We are reaching more dental professionals than ever through a new content-rich, easy-to-
use, mobile-friendly website. Focusing on patient education, the site provides information
about dental conditions, treatments, home care and Colgate product benefits. There is also
a professional content section which provides information on the science behind Colgate
products and access to general dental research.
We are also increasingly using pricing as a valuable strategic tool that provides consum-
ers additional value and improves our ability to drive margins. In Guatemala, for example,
we adopted a premiumization strategy for our market-leading Protex antibacterial bar soap.
Talking to consumers, we learned that they would be willing to pay more for antibacteri-
al soaps that do not leave their skin feeling dry. Based on this insight, we recommended
that the Protex variants with ingredients of natural origin and that provide a moisturizing
sensation be priced at a 10% premium and supported the initiative with a marketing
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campaign that explained the added benefit. In just six months, sales of the premium-priced
variants grew significantly, while sustaining record high market shares for the Protex brand.
Generating Savings For Growth
Fundamental to Colgate’s success is generating savings to invest in the growth of our
business. Savings are realized through ongoing efficiency initiatives and through the 2012
Restructuring Program, a Global Growth and Efficiency Program designed to improve the
Company’s organizational capabilities and streamline our cost structure.
The 2012 Restructuring Program is proceeding smoothly. Since the start of the program,
we have established 12 new commercial hubs across all operating divisions. Clustering
single-country subsidiaries into more efficient regional hubs is leading to smarter and
faster decision making on the ground. Another key initiative is extending Colgate’s busi-
ness service centers located in Warsaw, Poland, Mumbai, India and Mexico City, Mexico
to streamline our global functions. All three centers are fully operational and are providing
best-in-class service across an expanding range of functions to Colgate’s subsidiaries and
hubs spanning 83 countries.
As part of our ongoing funding-the-growth cost-saving initiatives, we continually look
for savings throughout all aspects of our business. These projects are wide-ranging and
include many small initiatives that have added up to several hundred million dollars of
savings annually. One recent initiative is the simplification and standardization of high-
impact, point-of-purchase materials for the six countries in our Central America hub. By
standardizing display production and repurposing materials using modular, adjustable core
structures, graphic materials are now easily swapped out for the next campaign, much like
changing a photo in a picture frame. This has reduced the number of structures needed
from 15 to three, reduced development time by two months and reduced the cost of these
Leading To Win
At Colgate, employees at all
levels learn to take person-
al responsibility for being
leaders, and they commit to
conducting business with the
highest integrity, incorporating
Colgate’s values of Caring,
Continuous Improvement and
Global Teamwork into all busi-
ness activities. Colgate also
demonstrates leadership as
a member of the global com-
munity. Through our sustain-
ability efforts, we are ensuring
that the business grows
responsibly and benefits
those we serve globally, while
promoting the well-being of
future generations.
HILL’S PET NUTRITION
Two Hill’s plants, in the
Netherlands and the Czech
Republic, were the first in the
Colgate world to achieve zero
manufacturing waste sent to
landfills, an important sustain-
ability milestone.
We Continually
Look For
Savings
Throughout
All Aspects Of
Our Business
Effectiveness
And Efficiency
Integral to Colgate’s glob-
al strategy is the ability to
generate funds to invest in
business growth. Through
both established efficiency
programs applied to all
aspects of our business and
ongoing identification of new
ways to find savings, the
Company constantly strives
to improve its organizational
capabilities and speed, while
reducing costs.
CEN T R AL AMERICA
Colgate is driving greater oper-
ational efficiency by clustering
single-country subsidiaries
into more effective regional
hubs, where commercial
teams work together to align
on new product launches and
go-to-market activities across
the region.
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displays by over 30%. The greater potential is to take this initiative and apply it to all regions
to realize efficiencies and savings on a global scale.
Looking Ahead
We are obsessively focused on global growth and are confident in the power of our global
strategies. Executing these proven strategies with focus and agility, Colgate people remain
dedicated to getting done what we agree needs to get done to achieve our business goals.
We focus on what is in front of us and continue to make progress in spite of what is going on
around us. While we expect foreign currency volatility and economic challenges to continue
in 2016, Colgate people have a long record of success in managing through such challenges
and delivering results.
Our new product pipeline is as full as ever, and the more savings we achieve, the more
opportunities we see for investing in our future growth.
As we move ahead together, I wish to thank all Colgate people worldwide for their
personal commitment to achieving our goals with the highest ethical standards, and express
appreciation for the support of our consumers, customers, suppliers, shareholders and
directors.
Ian Cook Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
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Colgate’s Global Brands
Sustainability Commitment
Colgate is pleased to report excellent progress in 2015 on the Company’s 2015-2020 Sustainability Strategy commitment.
The Company was again named to the 2014-2015 Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index, recognized as a U.S. EPA
ENERGY STAR 2015 Partner of the Year for the 5th year in a row and was one of two “Consumer Staples” companies named
to the “CDP Water A List” in 2015 for leadership in water stewardship. In addition to the highlights below, more about Colgate’s
Sustainability Strategy progress is available on Colgate’s Sustainability website at www.colgatepalmolive.com/sustainability.
People
Promoting Healthier Lives
l Over half of Colgate employees have been invited to take advantage of a Health Risk Assessment tool to
help them self-evaluate health status and understand risks, and to provide confidential feedback to motivate
behavior change.
l Over 21,000 Colgate employees reached the goal of 500 minutes of healthy activity during the June Global
Healthy Activity Challenge, together logging in over 23 million minutes.
l Colgate celebrated World AIDS Day at many sites around the world to increase awareness and improve
education on the subject of HIV/AIDS. Free and confidential testing was also available in some locations.
Contributing to the Communities Where We Live and Work
l The World Health Organization identifies caries, or cavities, as the most chronic global disease. Colgate has
the unique ability to address this issue and improve the oral health of children and their families around the
world. In 2016, Colgate’s “Bright Smiles, Bright Futures” oral health education program celebrates 25 years
of educating children and improving oral health. “Bright Smiles, Bright Futures” reached over 50 million
children in 2015, for a total of over 850 million children since its inception in 1991.
l Hill’s Pet Nutrition has contributed pet food with a retail value of nearly $285 million to nearly 1,000 pet
shelters since 2002. These donations have helped more than eight million dogs and cats find their
forever homes.
Oral Care 47%
Of Global Net Sales
Personal Care 20%
Of Global Net Sales
Performance
Planet
Home Care 19%
Of Global Net Sales
Pet Nutrition 14%
Of Global Net Sales
Delivering Products That Delight Consumers and Respect Our Planet
l Approximately 85% of the products evaluated with Colgate’s Product Sustainability Scorecard were deter-
mined to be “more sustainable,” having an improvement in at least one of the following areas: responsible
sourcing and raw materials, energy and greenhouse gases, water, waste, ingredient profile, packaging and
social metrics.(1)(2)
l 37% of our packaging materials, by weight globally, now come from recycled sources.
l Colgate has made great strides in meeting our commitment to eliminate phthalates, microplastics, formal-
dehyde donors and parabens from our products. For more information see Colgate’s Policy on Ingredient
Safety on the Company’s Sustainability website.
Making Every Drop of Water Count
l From 2005 to 2015, Colgate reduced water use per ton of production by over 33%, meeting our 2015 goal
and avoiding enough water use to fill approximately 7,700 Olympic-sized swimming pools.(2)
l Colgate continues to roll out our Save Water campaign globally to promote water conservation awareness,
with on-package messaging, in-store communications and a partnership with The Nature Conservancy in
the U.S.
l Colgate’s contributions to Water For People’s Everyone Forever program helped them to reach nearly
100,000 people in 2015 with water, sanitation systems and/or health and hygiene education in Guatemala,
Peru and India.
Reducing Our Impact on Climate and the Environment
l From 2005 to 2015, Colgate reduced greenhouse gas emissions per ton of production by approximately
25%, exceeding our 2015 goal and avoiding emissions equivalent to removing over 200,000 passenger cars
from the road for one year.(2)
l Colgate was presented the 2015 Ray Anderson Radical Industrialism Award by the U.S. Green Building
Council as recognition for exemplifying sustainability leadership in the evolution of green manufacturing.
l Working toward the Company’s goal of “Zero Waste,” Colgate has reduced the amount of waste per ton of
production sent to landfills by over 40% since 2010.(2)
l Colgate continues its progress on our commitment to mobilize resources to achieve zero net deforestation
by 2020 as stated in our Policy on No Deforestation.
(1) The performance results are based on review of quantitative and qualitative data for representative products from the product portfolio
evaluated against comparable Colgate products, considering a 2010 baseline, across seven impact areas to characterize likely improve-
ment in the sustainability profile.
(2) Subject to final certification by a third-party auditor.
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Board Of Directors
Management Team
Ian Cook
John P. Bilbrey
John T. Cahill
Helene D. Gayle
Ellen M. Hancock
Richard J. Kogan
Delano E. Lewis
Michael B. Polk
J. Pedro Reinhard
Stephen I. Sadove
Lorrie M. Norrington
C. Martin Harris
Ian Cook
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
of Colgate-Palmolive Company
Ellen M. Hancock, Independent Director
Former President of Jazz Technologies, Inc.
(formerly Acquicor Technology), 2005-2007
Mr. Cook joined Colgate in the United Kingdom
in 1976 and progressed through a series of senior
management roles around the world. He became
Chief Operating Officer in 2004, with responsibility
for operations in North America, Europe, Central
Europe, Asia and Africa. In 2005, Mr. Cook was
promoted to President and Chief Operating Officer,
responsible for all Colgate operations worldwide,
and was promoted to Chief Executive Officer in
2007. Elected director in 2007 and Chairman in
2009. Age 63
John P. Bilbrey, Independent Director
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of
The Hershey Company
Mr. Bilbrey has been President and Chief Executive
Officer of Hershey since 2011 and Chairman since
2015. Mr. Bilbrey joined the management team
of Hershey as Senior Vice President, President
Hershey International in 2003, serving as Executive
Vice President and Chief Operating Officer from
2010 to 2011. He previously spent 22 years at The
Procter & Gamble Company. Elected director in
2015. Age 59
John T. Cahill, Independent Director
Vice Chairman of The Kraft Heinz Company
Mr. Cahill has been Vice Chairman of The Kraft
Heinz Company since 2015. He previously served
as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Kraft
Foods Group from 2014 to 2015 and Chairman
from 2012 to 2014. Prior to joining Kraft Foods,
Mr. Cahill was an industrial partner at Ripplewood
Holdings LLC from 2008 to 2011. Mr. Cahill was
CEO of The Pepsi Bottling Group, Inc. from 2001 to
2003, Chairman and CEO from 2003 to 2006, and
Executive Chairman from 2006 to 2007. Elected
director in 2005. Age 58
Helene D. Gayle, Independent Director
Chief Executive Officer of McKinsey Social Initiative
Prior to joining McKinsey Social Initiative in 2015,
Dr. Gayle was President and Chief Executive Officer
of CARE USA from 2006 to 2015. Prior to that,
Dr. Gayle was an executive in the Global Health
program at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
from 2001 to 2006. She previously held multiple
key positions at the U.S. Centers for Disease
Control. Elected director in 2010. Age 60
10
Mrs. Hancock previously was Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer of Exodus Communications,
Inc., Executive Vice President of Research and
Development and Chief Technology Officer at
Apple Computer Inc., Executive Vice President and
Chief Operating Officer at National Semiconductor
and Senior Vice President at IBM. Elected director
in 1988. Age 72
Richard J. Kogan, Independent Director
Former President and Chief Executive Officer of
Schering-Plough Corporation, 1996-2003
Mr. Kogan was also Chairman of Schering-Plough
Corporation from 1998 to 2002. Mr. Kogan joined
Schering-Plough as Executive Vice President,
Pharmaceutical Operations in 1982 and became
President and Chief Operating Officer in 1986.
Elected director in 1996. Age 74
Delano E. Lewis, Independent Director, Retiring
Former Senior Fellow, New Mexico State University,
2006-2011
Mr. Lewis served as U.S. Ambassador to South
Africa from December 1999 to July 2001, Chief
Executive Officer and President of National Public
Radio from 1994 to 1998, and President and Chief
Executive Officer of Chesapeake & Potomac
Telephone Company from 1988 to 1993, which he
joined in 1973. Director from 1991 to 1999 and since
2001. We sincerely thank Mr. Lewis for over two
decades of distinguished service to Colgate and
extend our best wishes for his retirement. Age 77
Michael B. Polk, Independent Director
President and Chief Executive Officer of Newell
Rubbermaid Inc.
Prior to joining Newell Rubbermaid in 2011, Mr.
Polk held a series of key positions at Unilever from
2003 to 2011, including President, Global Foods,
Home and Personal Care from 2010 to 2011. He
previously spent 16 years at Kraft Foods. Elected
director in 2014. Age 55
J. Pedro Reinhard, Independent Director
Former Executive Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer of The Dow Chemical Company,
1996-2005
series of senior international financial and operating
positions at The Dow Chemical Company. Mr.
Reinhard was a Director of The Dow Chemical
Company from 1995 to 2007. Director from 2006
to March 2016. Age 70
Stephen I. Sadove, Independent Director
Founding Partner, JW Levin Management Partners
LLC
Prior to joining JW Levin Management Partners
LLC, a private equity firm, in 2015, Mr. Sadove
was Chief Executive Officer of Saks Incorporated
from 2006 to 2013 and Chairman of Saks
Incorporated from 2007 to 2013. Mr. Sadove joined
the management team of Saks as Vice Chairman
in 2002, serving as Chief Operating Officer from
2004 to 2006. He previously held a series of key
positions at Bristol-Myers Squibb. Elected director
in 2007. Age 64
WELCOME
Lorrie M. Norrington, Independent Director
Operating Partner of Lead Edge Capital LLC
Prior to joining Lead Edge in 2013, Ms.
Norrington held several senior management
roles at eBay from 2005 to 2010, including
President of Global eBay Marketplaces, Chief
Operating Officer of eBay Marketplaces,
President of eBay International and CEO of
Shopping.com. Previously, she held senior
roles at Intuit, Inc. and General Electric
Company. Elected director in 2015. Age 56
C. Martin Harris, Independent Director
Chief Information Officer and Chairman of
the Information Technology Division of The
Cleveland Clinic Foundation
Dr. Harris has been CIO and Chairman of
the Information Technology Division of The
Cleveland Clinic Foundation since 1996 and
is a Staff Physician for The Cleveland Clinic
Hospital and The Cleveland Clinic Foundation
Department of General Internal Medicine.
He has also served as Executive Director
of e-Cleveland Clinic since 2000. Elected
director in 2016. Age 59
Mr. Reinhard served as Chief Financial Officer of
The Dow Chemical Company and Executive Vice
President from 1996 to 2005. He previously held a
More information about Colgate’s corporate governance
commitment is available on Colgate’s Governance website
at www.colgatepalmolive.com.
*Ian Cook
*Ian Cook
Chairman,
Chairman, President
President and Chief
and Chief Executive
Executive Officer
Officer (See biographical
information on page 10.)
(See biographical
information on page
*Fabian Garcia
10.)
Chief Operating Officer,
*Fabian Garcia
Global Innovation and
Chief Operating Officer,
Growth, Europe/South
Global Innovation and
Pacific & Hill’s Pet
Nutrition
Growth, Europe/South
Pacific & Hill’s Pet
*Franck J. Moison
Nutrition
Chief Operating Officer,
*Franck J. Moison
Emerging Markets &
Business Development
Chief Operating Officer,
Emerging Markets &
*Dennis Hickey
Business Development
Chief Financial Officer
*Dennis Hickey
*Jennifer M. Daniels
Chief Financial Officer
Chief Legal Officer
and Secretary
*Jennifer Daniels
Chief Legal Officer and
Biographical information
Secretary
for the above executives
is available on Colgate’s
Biographical information
Governance website at
for the above executives
www.colgatepalmolive.com
is available on Colgate’s
Governance website at
www.colgatepalmolive.com.
Manuel Arrese
Chief Procurement
Officer
Issam Bachaalani
VP & GM, Colgate-
India & South Asia
Daniel Bagley
VP, Global R&D
Angel Dario Belalcazar
VP, Global R&D
Andrea Bernard
VP, Global Legal
Joseph M. Bertolini
VP, Global Finance
*Peter Brons-Poulsen
President & CEO,
Hill’s Pet Nutrition
Marsha Butler
VP, Global Oral Care
Scott Cain
VP, Global Finance
Burc Cankat
VP & GM, Colgate-
Russia & Central Asia
James Capraro
VP, Global Information
Technology
Rosario Carlino
VP, Colgate-
Africa/Eurasia
Antonio Caro
President & GM,
Hill’s Pet Nutrition-
Europe & Russia
Maria Elisa Carvajal
VP, Colgate-
Latin America
Natasha Chen
VP & GM, Colgate-
Southern Europe
Constantina
Christopoulou
VP, Global R&D
Martin J. Collins
VP, Global Legal
*Michael A. Corbo
Chief Supply
Chain Officer
Mike Crowe
Chief Information
Officer
Rich Cuprys
VP, Global R&D
Marianne DeLorenzo
VP, Global Information
Technology
*Mukul Deoras
Chief Marketing Officer
Bill DeVizio
Chief Dental Officer
Robert W. Dietz
VP, Global Facilities
Catherine Dillane
VP, Colgate-
Latin America
*Victoria Dolan
VP & Corporate
Controller
Gordon Dumesich
VP & GM, Hill’s
Pet Nutrition-Japan
Philip Durocher
VP & GM, Colgate-U.S.
Bradley Farr
VP & GM, Colgate-
South Africa
Jean-Luc Fischer
VP & GM, Colgate-
Western Europe
Betsy Fishbone
VP, Global Legal
Laura Flavin
VP, Global Human
Resources
Nadine Flynn
VP, Global Legal
Scott Geldart
VP & GM,
Colgate-North Africa
& Middle East
Diana Geofroy
VP, Colgate-Mexico
Derek Gordon
VP & GM,
Colgate-Canada
Taylor Gordy
VP, Colgate-U.S.
Peter Graylin
VP, Global Legal
*Tom Greene
Chief Information
& Business Services
Officer
Jan Guifarro
VP, Corporate
Communications
Jack J. Haber
VP, Global
Advertising & Digital
Elise Halvorson
VP, Enterprise Risk
Management
*Suzan F. Harrison
President,
Global Oral Care
John Hazlin
VP, Colgate-
Africa/Eurasia
Raymond Ho
VP, Colgate-Asia
Bob Holland
VP, Ethics &
Compliance
Henry Hu
VP, Colgate-Asia
Nina Huffman
VP, Global Legal
Traci Hughes-Velez
VP, Colgate-Europe/
South Pacific
*John J. Huston
SVP, Chief of Staff
Henning Jakobsen
VP & GM,
Colgate-Nordic
N. Jay Jayaraman
VP, Global Technology
Elyse Kane
VP, Colgate-
North America
Eugene Kelly
VP, Global Diversity
& Inclusion
Raj Kohli
VP, Global R&D
Kostas Kontopanos
President, Hill’s
Pet Nutrition,
North America
John Kooyman
VP, Colgate-
Latin America
Wojciech Krol
VP & GM, Colgate-
Central Europe East
Andrea Lagioia
VP & GM, Colgate-
Southern Cone
Stephen Lau
VP & GM,
Colgate-Philippines
*Al Lee
Chief Ethics &
Compliance Officer
Stephane Lionnet
VP, Colgate-
North America
Javier Llinas
VP, Global Information
Technology
Diane Loiselle
VP, Hill’s Pet Nutrition
Moira Loten
VP, Global Oral Care
*Daniel B. Marsili
SVP, Global Human
Resources
Pablo Mascolo
VP, Colgate-
Latin America
Sally Massey
VP, Global Human
Resources
Paul McGarry
VP, Global Information
Technology
Lori Michelin
VP, Global
Sustainability &
Environmental,
Health & Safety
Tom Mintel
VP, Global
Toothbrush Division
Pascal Montilus
VP, Colgate-
North America
Josue M. Muñoz
VP, Global
Supply Chain
Francisco Muñoz
Ramirez
VP & GM,
Colgate-Venezuela
*Vinod Nambiar
President, Colgate-Asia
Debra Nichols
VP, Hill’s Pet Nutrition
Jesper Nordengaard
VP, Hill’s Pet Nutrition
Ed Oblon
VP, Hill’s Pet Nutrition
*Elaine Paik
VP & Corporate
Treasurer
*Prabha Parameswaran
President, Colgate-
Africa/Eurasia
Ellen Park
VP, Global Legal
Terrell Partee
VP, Global R&D
Chris E. Pedersen
VP & GM, Colgate-
South Pacific
Hector Pedraza
VP & GM,
Colgate-Andina
Brent Peterson
VP, Global Human
Resources
Robert C. Pierce
VP, Global R&D
Spencer Pingel
VP, Global Analytics
Massimo Poli
VP & GM, Colgate-
U.K. & Ireland
Warren Pruitt
VP, Global
Supply Chain
Ricardo Ramos
VP & GM,
Colgate-Brazil
Christopher Rector
VP & GM, Global
Toothbrush Division
Riccardo Ricci
VP, Colgate-Europe/
South Pacific
Michelle Ross
VP, Colgate-
Africa/Eurasia
Debashish Roy
VP, Colgate-
Africa/Eurasia
Caroline Rudd
VP, Global Oral Care
Bernal Saborio
VP & GM,
Colgate-Caribbean
Arvind Sachdev
VP & GM, Colgate-
Greater China
Ivan Sandoval
VP, Global Legal
David Scharf
VP & GM, Colgate-
Central America
Dany Schmidt
VP & GM, Colgate-
Central Europe West
Sara Scrittore
VP, Hill’s Pet Nutrition
Julio Semanate
VP, Colgate-
Latin America
Alain Semeneri
Chief Customer Officer
Jose Fernando Serrano
VP, Colgate-
Latin America
Drew Shepard
VP, Colgate-
North America
Phil Shotts
VP, Global Finance
*Justin Skala
President, Colgate-
North America &
Global Sustainability
Michael Sload
VP & GM, Global
Personal Care
Andreas Somers
VP, Global R&D
Rick Spann
VP, Global
Supply Chain
Vangelis Spyridakos
VP, Colgate-Europe/
South Pacific
Tina Stoian
VP, Colgate-Europe/
South Pacific
Neil Stout
VP, Global
Toothbrush Division
Lynne Tapper
VP, Global Human
Resources
Orlando Tenorio
VP, Colgate-Asia
*Bina H. Thompson
SVP, Investor Relations
Richard Thorogood
VP, Global Insights
Linda Topping
VP, Global
Supply Chain
Ann Tracy
VP, Colgate-Europe/
South Pacific
*Panagiotis Tsourapas
President, Colgate-
Europe/South Pacific
Bill Van de Graaf
VP & GM, Colgate-U.S.
*Patricia Verduin
Chief Technology
Officer
Lucie Claire Vincent
VP & GM,
Global Home Care
*Noel R. Wallace
President, Colgate-
Latin America
Cliff Wilkins
VP, Global Legal
Ruben Young
VP & GM, Colgate-
Greater Indo-China
Juan Pablo Zamorano
VP & GM,
Colgate-Mexico
Alberico Zenzola
VP, Global
Supply Chain
Julie A. Zerbe
VP, Hill’s Pet Nutrition
*Corporate Officer
11
15802 CPAR15_narrative cc14.indd 10
3/14/16 1:43 PM
15802 CPAR15_narrative cc14.indd 11
2/29/16 8:30 AM
Reconciliation
Of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
The following is provided to supplement cer-
tain financial measures discussed in the letter
to shareholders and the financial highlights
section of this report both as reported (on
a GAAP basis) and excluding the impact of
certain items (Non-GAAP) as explained below.
Management believes these Non-GAAP finan-
cial measures provide useful supplemental
information to investors regarding the perfor-
mance of the Company’s ongoing operations.
The Company uses these financial measures
internally in its budgeting process and as a
factor in determining compensation. While
the Company believes that these Non-GAAP
financial measures are useful in evaluating the
Company’s business, this information should
be considered as supplemental in nature and
is not meant to be considered in isolation or as
a substitute for the related financial informa-
tion prepared in accordance with GAAP. In
addition, these Non-GAAP financial measures
may not be the same as similar measures
presented by other companies. This report
also discusses organic sales growth (net
sales growth excluding the impact of foreign
exchange, acquisitions and divestments). For
a reconciliation of organic sales growth to net
sales growth for full year 2015, see page 39 of
the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Note: Per share amounts have been restated to reflect the
2013 two-for-one stock split.
(1) In 2015, the Company recorded a $1,058 million aftertax
charge resulting from a change in accounting for the
Company’s Venezuelan operations.
(2) Charges relate to the 2012 Restructuring Program that
began in the fourth quarter of 2012.
(3) In 2015, the Company recorded a $120 million aftertax
gain on the sale of its laundry detergent business in the
South Pacific. In 2011, the Company recorded a $135
million aftertax gain on the sale of its laundry detergent
business in Colombia.
(4) In 2015 and 2014, the Company recorded $22 million
and $214 million, respectively, of aftertax remeasurement
charges related to effective devaluations in Venezuela.
In 2013, the Company recorded a $111 million aftertax
charge related to a devaluation in Venezuela.
(5) Represents charges for a competition law matter in
Australia in 2015 and competition law matters in Europe
in 2011, 2013 and 2014.
(6) Represents income tax charges related to foreign tax
matters.
(7) Represents costs related to the sale of land in Mexico.
(8) Represents costs associated with various global business
realignment and other cost-saving initiatives.
12
(Dollars in Millions
Except Per Share Amounts)
Gross Profit Operating
Profit
Margin
Net Diluted
EPS
Income
2015
As Reported (GAAP)
Venezuela Accounting Change (1)
2012 Restructuring Program (2)
Sale of Non-Core Product Lines (3)
Venezuela Remeasurements (4)
Foreign Competition Law Matter (5)
Foreign Tax Matter (6)
58.6% $2,789 $1,384 $1.52
–
0.1%
–
–
–
–
1,084
254
(187)
34
14
–
1,058 1.16
183 0.20
(120) (0.13)
22 0.02
14 0.02
15 0.02
Excluding Items (Non-GAAP)
58.7% $3,988 $2,556 $2.81
2014
As Reported (GAAP)
2012 Restructuring Program (2)
Venezuela Remeasurements (4)
Foreign Competition Law Matters (5)
Mexico Land Sale (7)
Foreign Tax Matter (6)
58.5% $3,557 $2,180 $2.36
208 0.23
214 0.23
41 0.04
–
66 0.07
0.2%
–
–
–
–
286
327
41
4
–
3
Excluding Items (Non-GAAP)
58.7% $4,215 $2,712 $2.93
2013
As Reported (GAAP)
2012 Restructuring Program (2)
Venezuela Remeasurements (4)
Foreign Competition Law Matter (5)
Mexico Land Sale (7)
58.6% $3,556
371
172
23
18
0.2%
–
–
–
$2,241 $2.38
278 0.30
111 0.12
23 0.03
0.01
12
Excluding Items (Non-GAAP)
58.8% $4,140 $2,665 $2.84
2012
As Reported (GAAP)
2012 Restructuring Program (2)
Mexico Land Sale (7)
Business Realignment Initiatives (8)
58.1% $3,889
89
24
21
–
0.2%
–
$2,472 $2.57
70 0.07
18 0.02
14 0.02
Excluding Items (Non-GAAP)
58.3% $4,023 $2,574 $2.68
2011
As Reported (GAAP)
Foreign Competition Law Matter (5)
Mexico Land Sale (7)
Business Realignment Initiatives (8)
Sale of Non-Core Product Lines (3)
57.3% $3,841 $2,431 $2.47
21 0.02
0.01
147 0.15
(135) (0.14)
–
–
0.3%
–
21
13
190
(207)
9
Excluding Items (Non-GAAP)
57.6% $3,858 $2,473 $2.51
15802 CPAR15_narrative cc14.indd 12
3/10/16 11:23 AM
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
(Mark One)
FORM 10-K
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF
1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015
or
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT
OF 1934
For the transition period from to .
Commission File Number 1-644
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
DELAWARE
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
300 Park Avenue, New York, New York
(Address of principal executive offices)
13-1815595
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
10022
(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code 212-310-2000
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $1.00 par value
Floating Rate Notes due 2019
New York Stock Exchange
New York Stock Exchange
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities
Act. Yes
No
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d)
of the Act. Yes
No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or
15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90
days. Yes
No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website,
if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T
(§232.405) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit
and post such files). Yes
No
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405) is
not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or
information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form
10-K.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated
filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and
“smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Accelerated filer
Smaller reporting company
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange
Act). Yes
No
The aggregate market value of Colgate-Palmolive Company Common Stock held by non-affiliates as of June 30, 2015
(the last business day of its most recently completed second quarter) was approximately $58.7 billion.
There were 892,738,516 shares of Colgate-Palmolive Company Common Stock outstanding as of January 31, 2016.
Documents
Portions of Proxy Statement for the 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders
Form 10-K Reference
Part III, Items 10 through 14
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:
Colgate-Palmolive Company
Table of Contents
PART I
Part I
ITEM 1.
BUSINESS
Page
(a) General Development of the Business
Business
Item 1.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Item 1B.
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
Unresolved Staff Comments
Properties
Legal Proceedings
Mine Safety Disclosures
Part II
Item 5.
Item 6.
Item 7.
Item 7A.
Item 8.
Item 9.
Item 9A.
Item 9B.
Part III
Item 10.
Item 11.
Item 12.
Item 13.
Item 14.
Part IV
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of
Equity Securities
Selected Financial Data
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
Controls and Procedures
Other Information
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Executive Compensation
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder
Matters
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence
Principal Accountant Fees and Services
Item 15.
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
Signatures
1
4
11
11
12
15
16
16
17
50
50
50
50
50
51
51
52
52
52
53
54
Colgate-Palmolive Company (together with its subsidiaries, the “Company” or “Colgate”) is a leading consumer
products company whose products are marketed in over 200 countries and territories throughout the world. Colgate was
founded in 1806 and incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware in 1923.
For recent business developments and other information, refer to the information set forth under the captions
“Executive Overview and Outlook,” “Results of Operations,” “Restructuring and Related Implementation Charges” and
“Liquidity and Capital Resources” in Part II, Item 7 of this report.
(b) Financial Information about Segments
Worldwide Net sales and Operating profit by business segment and geographic region during the last three years
appear under the caption “Results of Operations” in Part II, Item 7 of this report and in Note 15, Segment Information to
the Consolidated Financial Statements.
(c) Narrative Description of the Business
The Company operates in two product segments: Oral, Personal and Home Care; and Pet Nutrition. Colgate is a global
leader in Oral Care with the leading toothpaste and manual toothbrush brands throughout many parts of the world
according to market share data. Colgate’s Oral Care products include Colgate Total, Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief, Colgate
Max Fresh, Colgate Maximum Cavity Protection with Sugar Acid Neutralizer, Colgate Optic White and Colgate Luminous
White toothpastes, Colgate 360° and Colgate Slim Soft manual toothbrushes and Colgate Optic White, Colgate Total and
Colgate Plax mouthwashes. Colgate’s Oral Care business also includes pharmaceutical products for dentists and other oral
health professionals.
Colgate is a leader in many product categories of the Personal Care market with global leadership in liquid hand soap,
which it sells under the Palmolive, Protex and Softsoap brands. Colgate’s Personal Care products also include Palmolive,
Sanex and Softsoap brand shower gels, Palmolive, Irish Spring and Protex bar soaps and Speed Stick, Lady Speed Stick
and Sanex deodorants and antiperspirants. Colgate is the market leader in liquid hand soap in the U.S. with its line of
Softsoap brand products according to market share data. Colgate’s Personal Care business outside the U.S. also includes
Palmolive and Caprice shampoos and conditioners.
Colgate manufactures and markets a wide array of products for the Home Care market, including Palmolive and Ajax
dishwashing liquids, Fabuloso and Ajax household cleaners and Murphy’s Oil Soap. Colgate is a market leader in fabric
softeners with leading brands including Suavitel in Latin America, Soupline in Europe and Cuddly in the South Pacific
according to market share data.
Sales of Oral, Personal and Home Care products accounted for 47%, 20% and 19%, respectively, of the Company’s
total worldwide Net sales in 2015. Geographically, Oral Care is a significant part of the Company’s business in
Asia, comprising approximately 86% of Net sales in that region for 2015.
1
Colgate, through its Hill’s Pet Nutrition segment (“Hill’s”), is a world leader in specialty pet nutrition products for
dogs and cats with products marketed in over 80 countries worldwide. Hill’s markets pet foods primarily under three
brands: Hill’s Science Diet, which is sold by authorized pet supply retailers and veterinarians for everyday nutritional
needs; Hill’s Prescription Diet, a range of therapeutic products sold by veterinarians and authorized pet supply retailers to
help nutritionally manage disease conditions in dogs and cats; and Hill’s Ideal Balance, a range of products with natural
ingredients, sold by authorized pet supply retailers and veterinarians. Sales of Pet Nutrition products accounted for 14% of
the Company’s total worldwide Net sales in 2015.
For more information regarding the Company’s worldwide Net sales by product category, refer to Note 1, Nature of
Operations and Note 15, Segment Information to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
For additional information regarding market share data, see “Market Share Information” in Part II, Item 7 of this
report.
Research and Development
Strong research and development capabilities and alliances enable Colgate to support its many brands with
technologically sophisticated products to meet consumers’ oral, personal and home care and pet nutrition needs. The
Company’s spending related to research and development activities was $274 million in 2015, $277 million in 2014 and
$267 million in 2013.
Distribution; Raw Materials; Competition; Trademarks and Patents
The Company’s products are marketed by a direct sales force at individual operating subsidiaries or business units and
by distributors or brokers. Oral, Personal and Home Care sales to Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and its affiliates represent
approximately 11% of the Company’s Net sales in 2015. No other customer represents more than 10% of the Company’s
Net sales.
The majority of raw and packaging materials used in the Company’s products are purchased from other companies and
are available from several sources. No single raw or packaging material represents, and no single supplier provides, a
significant portion of the Company’s total material requirements. For certain materials, however, new suppliers may have
to be qualified under industry, governmental and Colgate standards, which can require additional investment and take some
period of time. Raw and packaging material commodities such as resins, pulp, essential oils, tropical oils, tallow, poultry,
corn and soybeans are subject to market price variations.
The Company’s products are sold in a highly competitive global marketplace which has experienced increased trade
concentration and the growing presence of large-format retailers and discounters. Products similar to those produced and
sold by the Company are available from multinational and local competitors in the U.S. and overseas. Certain of the
Company’s competitors are larger and have greater resources than the Company. In certain geographies, particularly in the
emerging markets, the Company also faces strong local competitors, who may be more agile and have better local
consumer insights than the Company. In addition, private label brands sold by retail trade chains are a source of
competition for certain of the Company’s product lines. Product quality, innovation, brand recognition, marketing
capability and acceptance of new products largely determine success in the Company’s operating segments.
Trademarks are considered to be of material importance to the Company’s business. The Company follows a practice
of seeking trademark protection in the U.S. and throughout the world where the Company’s products are sold. Principal
global and regional trademarks include Colgate, Palmolive, Speed Stick, Lady Speed Stick, Softsoap, Irish Spring, Protex,
Sorriso, Kolynos, elmex, Tom’s of Maine, Sanex, Ajax, Axion, Fabuloso, Soupline and Suavitel, as well as Hill’s Science
Diet, Hill’s Prescription Diet and Hill’s Ideal Balance. The Company’s rights in these trademarks endure for as long as they
are used and/or registered. Although the Company actively develops and maintains a portfolio of patents, no single patent
is considered significant to the business as a whole.
Environmental Matters
The Company has programs that are designed to ensure that its operations and facilities meet or exceed standards
established by applicable environmental rules and regulations. Capital expenditures for environmental control facilities
totaled $43 million for 2015. For future years, expenditures are currently expected to moderately increase from historical
levels due to spending in connection with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certifications at manufacturing
facilities and continued progress on the Company’s goal to increase energy efficiencies in the manufacturing of the
Company’s products. For additional information regarding environmental matters refer to Note 13, Commitments and
Contingencies to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Employees
As of December 31, 2015, the Company employed approximately 37,900 employees.
Executive Officers of the Registrant
The following is a list of executive officers as of February 18, 2016:
Name
Ian Cook
Fabian T. Garcia
Franck J. Moison
Dennis J. Hickey
Jennifer M. Daniels
Victoria L. Dolan
John J. Huston
Delia H. Thompson
Daniel B. Marsili
P. Justin Skala
Noel R. Wallace
Patricia Verduin
Mukul Deoras
Age
63
56
62
67
52
56
61
66
55
56
51
56
52
Date First Elected
Officer
1996
2003
2002
1998
2014
2011
2002
2002
2005
2008
2009
2011
2015
Present Title
Chairman of the Board
President and Chief Executive Officer
Chief Operating Officer
Global Innovation and Growth, Europe/South Pacific
and Hill’s Pet Nutrition
Chief Operating Officer
Emerging Markets and Business Development
Chief Financial Officer
Chief Legal Officer and Secretary
Vice President and Corporate Controller
Senior Vice President
Chief of Staff
Senior Vice President
Investor Relations
Senior Vice President
Global Human Resources
President
Colgate – North America and Global Sustainability
President
Colgate – Latin America
Chief Technology Officer
Chief Marketing Officer
Each of the executive officers listed above has served the registrant or its subsidiaries in various executive capacities
for the past five years with the exception of Jennifer M. Daniels, who joined the Company in 2014 as Chief Legal Officer
and Secretary. Ms. Daniels joined the Company from NCR Corporation where she was Senior Vice President, General
Counsel and Secretary. Prior to joining NCR Corporation in 2010, Ms. Daniels was Vice President, General Counsel and
Secretary of Barnes & Noble, Inc., which she joined in 2007.
Under the Company’s By-Laws, the officers of the corporation hold office until their respective successors are chosen
and qualified or until they have resigned, retired or been removed by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Board of
Directors of the Company (the “Board”). There are no family relationships between any of the executive officers, and there
is no arrangement or understanding between any executive officer and any other person pursuant to which the executive
officer was elected.
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(d) Financial Information about Geographic Areas
For financial data by geographic region, refer to the information set forth under the caption “Results of Operations” in
Part II, Item 7, of this report and in Note 15, Segment Information to the Consolidated Financial Statements. For a
discussion of risks associated with our international operations, see Item 1A “Risk Factors.”
(e) Available Information
The Company’s website address is www.colgatepalmolive.com. The information contained on the Company’s website
is not included as a part of, or incorporated by reference into, this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The Company makes
available, free of charge, on its website its annual reports on Form 10-K, its quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, its interactive
data files posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T, its current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to such reports
filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) as soon
as reasonably practicable after the Company has electronically filed such material with, or furnished it to, the United States
Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Also available on the Company’s website are the Company’s Code of
Conduct and Corporate Governance Guidelines, the charters of the Committees of the Board, reports under Section 16 of
the Exchange Act of transactions in Company stock by directors and officers and its proxy statements.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
In addition to the risks described elsewhere in this report, set forth below is a summary of the material risks to an
investment in our securities. These risks are not the only ones we face. Additional risks not presently known to us or that
we currently deem immaterial may also have an adverse effect on us. If any of these risks actually occur, our business,
results of operations, cash flows and financial condition could be materially and adversely impacted, which might cause the
value of our securities to decline.
We face risks associated with significant international operations, including exposure to foreign currency
fluctuations.
We operate on a global basis with approximately 75% of our Net sales originating in markets outside the U.S. While
geographic diversity helps to reduce our exposure to risks in any one country or part of the world, it also means that we are
subject to the full range of risks associated with significant international operations, including, but not limited to:
changes in exchange rates for foreign currencies, which may reduce the U.S. dollar value of revenues, profits and
cash flows from non-U.S. markets or increase our supply costs, as measured in U.S. dollars, in those markets,
exchange controls and other limits on our ability to import raw materials or finished product or to repatriate
earnings from overseas,
political or economic instability, social or labor unrest or changing macroeconomic conditions in our markets,
including as a result of volatile commodity prices, including the price of oil,
lack of well-established or reliable legal systems in certain countries where we operate,
foreign ownership restrictions and the potential for nationalization or expropriation of property or other resources,
and
other foreign or domestic legal and regulatory requirements, including those resulting in potentially adverse tax
consequences or the imposition of onerous trade restrictions, price controls, labor laws, profit controls or other
government controls.
These risks could have a significant impact on our ability to sell our products on a competitive basis in international
markets and may adversely affect our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
In an effort to minimize the impact on earnings of foreign currency rate movements, we engage in a combination of
selling price increases, where permitted, sourcing strategies, cost-containment measures and selective hedging of foreign
currency transactions. However, these measures may not succeed in offsetting any negative impact of foreign currency rate
movements on our business and results of operations.
Significant competition in our industry could adversely affect our business.
We face vigorous competition worldwide, including from strong local competitors and from other large, multinational
companies, some of which may have greater resources than we do. We face this competition in several aspects of our
business, including, but not limited to, the pricing of products, promotional activities, new product introductions and
expansion into new geographies. Such competition also extends to administrative and legal challenges of product claims
and advertising. Our ability to compete also depends on the strength of our brands and on our ability to enforce and defend
our patent, trademark and trade dress rights against infringement and legal challenges by competitors.
We may be unable to anticipate the timing and scale of such initiatives or challenges by competitors or to successfully
respond to them, which could harm our business. In addition, the cost of responding to such initiatives and challenges,
including management time, out-of-pocket expenses and price reductions, may affect our performance in the relevant
period. A failure to compete effectively could adversely affect our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial
condition.
Our business is subject to legal and regulatory risks in the U.S. and abroad.
Our business is subject to extensive legal and regulatory requirements in the U.S. and abroad. Such legal and
regulatory requirements apply to most aspects of our products, including their development, ingredients, manufacture,
packaging, labeling, storage, transportation, distribution, export, import, advertising and sale. U.S. federal authorities,
including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (the “FDA”), the Federal Trade Commission, the Consumer Product
Safety Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency, regulate different aspects of our business, along with
parallel authorities at the state and local levels and comparable authorities overseas. Also, our selling practices are
regulated by competition law authorities in the U.S. and abroad.
New or more stringent legal or regulatory requirements, or more restrictive interpretations of existing requirements,
could adversely impact our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. For example, from time to
time, various regulatory authorities in Europe, the U.S. and other countries request or conduct reviews of the use of various
ingredients in consumer products. Triclosan, an ingredient used by us primarily in Colgate Total toothpaste, is an example
of an ingredient that has undergone reviews by various regulatory authorities worldwide, and Colgate Total toothpaste is
subject to the FDA’s rigorous New Drug Application (“NDA”) process for safety and efficacy. Triclosan is currently being
evaluated under the European Union’s Regulation for the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of
Chemicals (REACH), which requires the registration of all covered chemicals used in the European Union by 2018. The
FDA is also evaluating the use of benzalkoniam chloride (an ingredient used in certain of our hand soap products) and
triclosan in hand soaps and hand sanitizers. Some states and municipalities in the U.S. have proposed, and Minnesota has
passed, legislation banning the sale of certain products containing triclosan. The Minnesota legislation does not cover
Colgate Total toothpaste. Environment Canada, the federal environmental authority in Canada, is also conducting a review
to assess human and environmental risks of triclosan and is expected to issue its final assessment in 2016. A decision by a
regulatory or governmental authority that triclosan, or any other of our ingredients, should not be used in certain consumer
products or should otherwise be newly regulated, could adversely impact our business, as could negative reactions by our
consumers, trade customers or non-governmental organizations to our use of such ingredients. Additionally, an inability to
develop new or reformulated products containing alternative ingredients or to obtain regulatory approval of such products
on a timely basis could likewise adversely affect our business.
Because of our extensive international operations, we could be adversely affected by violations of the U.S. Foreign
Corrupt Practices Act (the “FCPA”) and similar worldwide anti-bribery laws. The FCPA and similar worldwide anti-bribery
laws generally prohibit companies and their intermediaries from making improper payments to government officials or
other third parties for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business. While our policies mandate compliance with these
anti-bribery laws, we cannot provide assurance that our internal control policies and procedures will always protect us from
reckless or criminal acts committed by our employees, joint-venture partners or agents. Violations of these laws, or
allegations of such violations, could disrupt our business and adversely affect our reputation and our business, results of
operations, cash flows and financial condition.
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While it is our policy and practice to comply with all legal and regulatory requirements applicable to our business, a
finding that we are in violation of, or out of compliance with, applicable laws or regulations could subject us to civil
remedies, including fines, damages, injunctions or product recalls, or criminal sanctions, any of which could adversely
affect our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. Even if a claim is unsuccessful, is without
merit or is not fully pursued, the negative publicity surrounding such assertions regarding our products, processes or
business practices could adversely affect our reputation and brand image. For information regarding our legal and
regulatory matters, see Item 3 “Legal Proceedings” and Note 13, Commitments and Contingencies to the Consolidated
Financial Statements.
Increasing dependence on key retailers in developed markets, changes in the policies of our retail trade customers
and the emergence of new sales channels may adversely affect our business.
Our products are sold in a highly competitive global marketplace which has experienced increased trade concentration
and the growing presence of large-format retailers and discounters. With the growing trend toward retail trade
consolidation, we are increasingly dependent on key retailers, and some of these retailers, including large-format retailers,
may have greater bargaining strength than we do. They may use this leverage to demand higher trade discounts, allowances
or slotting fees, which could lead to reduced sales or profitability. The loss of a key customer or a significant reduction in
sales to a key customer could adversely affect our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. For
additional information regarding our customers, see “Distribution; Raw Materials; Competition; Trademarks and Patents”
in Item 1 “Business.”
We may also be negatively affected by changes in the policies of our retail trade customers, such as inventory de-
stocking, limitations on access to shelf space, delisting of our products, environmental or sustainability initiatives and other
conditions. For example, a determination by a key retailer that any of our ingredients should not be used in certain
consumer products could adversely impact our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. In
addition, private label products sold by retail trade chains, which are typically sold at lower prices than branded products,
are a source of competition for certain of our product lines, including liquid hand soaps and shower gels. The emergence of
new sales channels for our products, such as e-commerce, may affect consumer preferences and market dynamics and
could also adversely impact our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
The growth of our business depends on the successful identification, development and launch of innovative new
products.
Our growth depends on the continued success of existing products, as well as the successful launch of innovative new
products and line extensions. Our ability to launch new products and line extensions and to sustain existing products is
affected by whether we can successfully:
identify, develop and fund technological innovations,
obtain and maintain necessary patent and trademark protection and avoid infringing intellectual property rights of
others,
obtain approvals and registrations of regulated products, including from the FDA and other regulatory bodies in
the U.S. and abroad, and
anticipate and respond to consumer needs and preferences.
The identification, development and introduction of innovative new products and line extensions involve considerable
costs, and any new product or line extension may not generate sufficient customer and consumer interest and sales to
become a profitable product or to cover the costs of its development and promotion. Our ability to achieve a successful
launch of a new product or line extension could also be adversely affected by preemptive actions taken by competitors in
response to the launch, such as increased promotional activities and advertising.
The failure to develop and launch successful new products could hinder the growth of our business and any delay in
the development or launch of a new product could result in us not being the first to market, which could compromise our
competitive position and adversely affect our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
If, in the course of identifying or developing new products, we are found to have infringed the trademark, trade secret,
copyright, patent or other intellectual property rights of others, directly or indirectly, through the use of third-party ideas or
technologies, such a finding could adversely affect our ability to develop innovative new products and adversely affect our
business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. Even if we are not found to infringe on a third party’s
intellectual property rights, claims of infringement could adversely affect us, including by increasing costs and by delaying
the launch of new products.
We may not realize the benefits that we expect from our 2012 Restructuring Program.
In the fourth quarter of 2012, we commenced a four-year Global Growth and Efficiency Program for sustained growth,
which was expanded in 2014 and 2015 (the “2012 Restructuring Program”). The 2012 Restructuring Program’s initiatives
are expected to help us ensure sustained solid worldwide growth in unit volume, organic sales and earnings per share and
enhance our global leadership positions in our core businesses. The successful implementation of the remainder of the 2012
Restructuring Program presents significant organizational challenges and in some cases may require successful
negotiations with third parties. As a result, we may not be able to realize all of the remaining anticipated benefits from the
2012 Restructuring Program. Events and circumstances, such as financial or strategic difficulties, delays and unexpected
costs may occur that could result in our not realizing all of the remaining anticipated benefits or our not realizing such
benefits on our expected timetable. In addition, changes in foreign exchange rates may result in our not achieving the
remaining anticipated cost savings as measured in U.S. dollars. If we are unable to realize the remaining anticipated
savings of the 2012 Restructuring Program, our ability to fund other initiatives and enhance profitability may be adversely
affected. Any failure to implement the 2012 Restructuring Program in accordance with our expectations could adversely
affect our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. For additional information regarding the 2012
Restructuring Program, refer to Part II, Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations – Executive Overview and Outlook” and “– Restructuring and Related Implementation Charges.”
There is no guarantee that our ongoing efforts to reduce costs will be successful.
We develop investments needed to support growth through our continuous, Company-wide initiatives to lower costs
and increase effective asset utilization, which we refer to as our funding-the-growth initiatives. These initiatives are
designed to reduce costs associated with direct materials, indirect expenses, distribution and logistics, and advertising and
promotional materials, among other things. The achievement of our funding-the-growth targets depends on our ability to
successfully identify and realize additional savings opportunities. Events and circumstances, such as financial or strategic
difficulties, delays and unexpected costs may occur that could result in our not realizing all of the anticipated benefits or
our not realizing the anticipated benefits on our expected timetable. If we are unable to realize the anticipated savings of
our funding-the-growth initiatives, our ability to fund other initiatives and achieve our profitability goals may be adversely
affected. Any failure to implement our funding-the-growth initiatives in accordance with our expectations could adversely
affect our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. For additional information regarding our
funding-the-growth initiatives, refer to Part II, Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations – Executive Overview and Outlook.”
Damage to our reputation could have an adverse effect on our business.
Maintaining our strong reputation with consumers and our trade partners globally is critical to selling our branded
products. Accordingly, we devote significant time and resources to programs designed to protect and preserve our
reputation, such as our Ethics and Compliance, Sustainability, Brand Protection and Product Safety, Regulatory and Quality
initiatives. Adverse publicity about us, our brands or our ingredients regarding health concerns, legal or regulatory
proceedings, environmental impacts (including packaging, energy and water use and waste management) or other
sustainability issues, whether or not deserved, could jeopardize our reputation. In addition, negative posts or comments
about us on any social media website, whether true or untrue, could harm our reputation. The success of our brands could
also suffer if our marketing initiatives do not have the desired impact on a brand's image or its ability to attract consumers.
Additionally, due to the scale and scope of our business, we must rely on relationships with third parties, including our
suppliers, distributors, contractors, joint venture partners and other external business partners, for certain functions. While
we have policies and procedures for managing these relationships, they inherently involve a lesser degree of control over
business operations, governance and compliance, thereby potentially increasing our reputational and legal risk.
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In addition, third parties sell counterfeit versions of our products, which are inferior or may pose safety risks. As a
result, consumers of our brands could confuse our products with these counterfeit products, which could cause them to
refrain from purchasing our brands in the future and in turn could impair our brand equity and adversely affect our
business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
Damage to our reputation or loss of consumer confidence in our products for these or any other reasons could
adversely affect our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition, as well as require resources to
rebuild our reputation.
Volatility in material and other costs could adversely impact our profitability.
Raw and packaging material commodities such as resins, pulp, essential oils, tropical oils, tallow, poultry, corn and
soybeans are subject to wide price variations. Increases in the costs and availability of these commodities and the costs of
energy, transportation and other necessary services may adversely affect our profit margins if we are unable to pass along
such higher costs in the form of price increases or otherwise achieve cost efficiencies, such as in manufacturing and
distribution.
Legal claims and proceedings could adversely impact our business.
From time to time, we may be subject to legal claims and proceedings, including disputes relating to intellectual
property, contracts, product liability, marketing, advertising, foreign exchange controls, antitrust and trade regulation, as
well as labor and employment, environmental and tax matters and consumer class actions. Regardless of their merit, these
claims can require significant time and expense to investigate and defend. Since litigation is inherently uncertain, there is
no guarantee that we will be successful in defending ourselves against such claims or proceedings, or that our assessment
of the materiality of these matters, including any reserves taken in connection therewith, will be consistent with the
ultimate outcome of such matters. In addition, if one of our products, or a raw material contained in our products, is
perceived or found to be defective or unsafe, we may need to recall some of our products. Whether or not a legal claim or
proceeding is successful, or a recall is required, such assertions could have an adverse effect on our business, results of
operations, cash flows and financial condition, and the negative publicity surrounding them could harm our reputation and
brand image. See Item 3 “Legal Proceedings” and Note 13, Commitments and Contingencies to the Consolidated Financial
Statements for additional information on certain of our legal claims and proceedings.
Disruption in our global supply chain or key office facilities could adversely impact our business.
We are engaged in manufacturing and sourcing of products and materials on a global scale. Our operations and those
of our suppliers could be disrupted by a number of factors, including, but not limited to:
environmental events,
strikes and other labor disputes,
disruptions in logistics,
loss or impairment of key manufacturing sites,
loss of key suppliers,
supplier capacity constraints,
raw material and product quality or safety issues,
industrial accidents or other occupational health and safety issues,
the impact on our suppliers of tighter credit or capital markets, and
natural disasters, including climatic events and earthquakes, acts of war or terrorism and other external factors
over which we have no control.
In addition, we purchase certain key raw and packaging materials from single-source suppliers or a limited number of
suppliers and new suppliers may have to be qualified under industry, governmental and Colgate standards, which can
require additional investment and take a significant period of time.
While we believe that the supplies of raw materials needed to manufacture our products are adequate and have
business continuity and contingency plans in place for key manufacturing sites and the supply of raw and packaging
materials, significant disruption of manufacturing or sourcing of products or materials for any of the above reasons could
interrupt product supply and, if not remedied, have an adverse impact on our business, results of operations, cash flows and
financial condition.
In addition, as a result of our clustering of single-country subsidiaries into regional commercial hubs and our
implementation of a global shared service organizational model, certain of our functions, such as marketing, finance and
accounting, and customer service and logistics, have become more concentrated in key office facilities. A significant
disruption to any of our key office facilities for any reason, including natural disasters, acts of war or terrorism, could
adversely affect our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
A cyber-security incident, data breach or a failure of a key information technology system could adversely impact
our business or reputation.
We rely extensively on information technology systems (“IT Systems”), including some which are managed, hosted,
provided and/or used by third parties and their vendors, in order to conduct our business. Our uses of these systems
include, but are not limited to:
communicating within the Company and with other parties, including our customers and consumers,
ordering and managing materials from suppliers,
converting materials to finished products,
receiving and processing orders from and shipping products to our customers,
marketing products to consumers,
collecting and storing customer, consumer, employee, investor and other stakeholder information and personal
data,
processing transactions, including but not limited to employee payroll, employee and retiree benefits and
payments to customers,
hosting, processing and sharing confidential and proprietary research, business plans and financial information,
complying with legal, regulatory and tax requirements,
providing data security, and
handling other processes involved in managing our business.
Although we have network security measures in place, our IT Systems, including those of third-party service providers
with whom we have contracted, have been, and will likely continue to be, subject to computer viruses or other malicious
codes, unauthorized access attempts, phishing and other cyber-attacks. We cannot guarantee that our security efforts will
prevent breaches or breakdowns of our, or our third-party service providers’, IT Systems since the techniques used in these
attacks change frequently and may be difficult to detect for periods of time. In addition, although we have policies and
procedures in place to ensure that all personal information collected by the Company or its third-party service providers is
securely maintained, data breaches due to human error or intentional or unintentional conduct have occurred and likely will
continue to occur. Although we have seen no material impact on our business operations from the cyber-security attacks
and data breaches we have experienced to date, if we suffer a loss or disclosure of confidential business or stakeholder
information as a result of a breach of our IT Systems, including those of third-party service providers with whom we have
contracted, we may suffer reputational, competitive and/or business harm, incur significant costs and be subject to
government investigations, civil litigation, fines and/or damages, which may adversely impact our business, results of
operations, cash flows and financial condition.
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Furthermore, while we have disaster recovery and business continuity plans in place, if our IT Systems are damaged,
breached or cease to function properly for any reason, including the poor performance of, failure of or cyber-attack on
third-party service providers, catastrophic events, power outages, cyber-security breaches, network outages, failed upgrades
or other similar events and, if the disaster recovery and business continuity plans do not effectively resolve such issues on a
timely basis, we may suffer interruptions in our ability to manage or conduct business, as well as reputational harm and
litigation, which may adversely impact our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
Uncertain global economic conditions and disruptions in the credit markets may adversely affect our business.
Uncertain global economic conditions could adversely affect our business. Recent global economic trends pose
challenges to our business and could result in declining revenues, profitability and cash flows. Although we continue to
devote significant resources to support our brands, during periods of economic uncertainty consumers may switch to
economy brands, which could reduce sales volumes of our products or result in a shift in our product mix from higher
margin to lower margin product offerings. Additionally, retailers may increase pressure on our selling prices or increase
promotional activity for lower-priced or value offerings as they seek to maintain sales volumes and margins.
While we currently generate significant cash flows from ongoing operations and have access to global credit markets
through our various financing activities, a disruption in the credit markets could limit the availability of credit. Recent and
proposed changes in the bank regulatory environment could reduce the ability of financial institutions to extend credit or
increase the cost we are charged to receive credit. Reduced access to credit or increased costs could adversely affect our
liquidity and capital resources or significantly increase our cost of capital. In addition, if any financial institutions that hold
our cash or other investments or that are parties to our revolving credit facilities supporting our commercial paper program
or other financing arrangements, such as interest rate or foreign exchange hedging instruments, were to declare bankruptcy
or become insolvent, they may be unable to perform under their agreements with us. This could leave us with reduced
borrowing capacity or unhedged against certain interest rate, foreign currency or commodity price exposures. In addition,
tighter credit markets may lead to business disruptions for certain of our suppliers, contract manufacturers or trade
customers which could, in turn, adversely impact our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
ITEM 2.
PROPERTIES
The Company owns or leases approximately 340 properties which include manufacturing, distribution, research and
office facilities worldwide. Our corporate headquarters is located in leased property at 300 Park Avenue, New York, New
York.
In the U.S., the Company operates approximately 70 properties, of which 15 are owned. Major U.S. manufacturing
and warehousing facilities used by the Oral, Personal and Home Care product segment of our business are located in
Morristown, New Jersey; Morristown, Tennessee; and Cambridge, Ohio. The Pet Nutrition segment has major
manufacturing and warehousing facilities in Bowling Green, Kentucky; Topeka, Kansas; Emporia, Kansas; and Richmond,
Indiana. The primary research center for Oral, Personal and Home Care products is located in Piscataway, New Jersey, and
the primary research center for Pet Nutrition products is located in Topeka, Kansas. Our global data center is also located in
Piscataway, New Jersey.
Overseas, the Company operates approximately 270 properties, of which 76 are owned, in over 80 countries. Major
overseas manufacturing and warehousing facilities used by the Oral, Personal and Home Care product segment of our
business are located in Australia, Brazil, China, Colombia, France, Greece, India, Italy, Mexico, Poland, South Africa,
Thailand, Turkey, Venezuela and Vietnam. The Pet Nutrition segment has major manufacturing and warehousing facilities
in the Czech Republic and the Netherlands.
The Company has shared business service centers in Mexico, Poland and India, which are located in leased properties.
Our success depends upon our ability to attract and retain key employees and the succession of senior management.
All of the facilities we operate are well maintained and adequate for the purpose for which they are intended.
Our success largely depends on the performance of our management team and other key employees. If we are unable
to attract and retain talented, highly qualified senior management and other key people, our business, results of operations,
cash flows and financial condition could be adversely affected. In addition, if we are unable to effectively provide for the
succession of senior management, including our Chief Executive Officer, our business, results of operations, cash flows
and financial condition may be adversely affected. While we follow a disciplined, ongoing succession planning process and
have succession plans in place for senior management and other key executives, these do not guarantee that the services of
qualified senior executives will continue to be available to us at particular moments in time.
We may pursue acquisitions and divestitures, which could adversely impact our results.
We may pursue acquisitions of brands, businesses or technologies from third parties. Acquisitions involve numerous
risks, including difficulties in the integration of the operations, technologies, services and products of acquired brands or
businesses, the development or launch of products with acquired technologies, the estimation of and assumption of
liabilities and contingencies, personnel turnover and the diversion of management’s attention from other business priorities,
which may adversely impact our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. In addition, we may be
unable to achieve any anticipated benefits or cost savings from acquisitions in the time frame we anticipate, or at all.
Moreover, our pursuit of acquisitions could result in substantial additional debt, exposure to contingent liabilities, such
as litigation (including for infringement of intellectual property) or earn-out obligations, the potential impairment of
goodwill or other intangible assets, or transaction costs, all of which may adversely impact our business, results of
operations, cash flows and financial condition.
We also may periodically divest brands or businesses. These divestitures may adversely impact our results of
operations if we are unable to offset the dilutive impacts from the loss of revenue associated with the divested brands or
businesses, or otherwise achieve the anticipated benefits or cost savings from the divestitures. In addition, businesses
under consideration for, or otherwise subject to, divestiture may be adversely impacted prior to the divestiture, which could
negatively impact our results of operations.
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ITEM 3.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Brazilian Matters
As a global company serving consumers in more than 200 countries and territories, the Company is routinely subject
to a wide variety of legal proceedings. These include disputes relating to intellectual property, contracts, product liability,
marketing, advertising, foreign exchange controls, antitrust and trade regulation, as well as labor and employment,
environmental and tax matters and consumer class actions. Management proactively reviews and monitors the Company’s
exposure to, and the impact of, environmental matters. The Company is party to various environmental matters and, as
such, may be responsible for all or a portion of the cleanup, restoration and post-closure monitoring of several sites.
The Company establishes accruals for loss contingencies when it has determined that a loss is probable and that the
amount of loss, or range of loss, can be reasonably estimated. Any such accruals are adjusted thereafter as appropriate to
reflect changes in circumstances.
The Company also determines estimates of reasonably possible losses or ranges of reasonably possible losses in excess
of related accrued liabilities, if any, when it has determined that a loss is reasonably possible and it is able to determine
such estimates. For those matters disclosed below, the Company currently estimates that the aggregate range of reasonably
possible losses in excess of any accrued liabilities is $0 to approximately $175 million (based on current exchange
rates). The estimates included in this amount are based on the Company’s analysis of currently available information and,
as new information is obtained, these estimates may change. Due to the inherent subjectivity of the assessments and the
unpredictability of outcomes of legal proceedings, any amounts accrued or included in this aggregate amount may not
represent the ultimate loss to the Company. Thus, the Company’s exposure and ultimate losses may be higher or lower, and
possibly significantly so, than the amounts accrued or the range disclosed above.
Based on current knowledge, management does not believe that the ultimate resolution of loss contingencies arising
from the matters discussed herein will have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or its
ongoing results of operations or cash flows. However, in light of the inherent uncertainties noted above, an adverse
outcome in one or more matters could be material to the Company’s results of operations or cash flows for any particular
quarter or year.
There are certain tax and civil proceedings outstanding, as described below, related to the Company’s 1995 acquisition
of the Kolynos oral care business from Wyeth (the “Seller”).
The Brazilian internal revenue authority has disallowed interest deductions and foreign exchange losses taken by the
Company’s Brazilian subsidiary for certain years in connection with the financing of the Kolynos acquisition. The tax
assessments with interest, at the current exchange rate, are approximately $76 million. The Company has been disputing
the disallowances by appealing the assessments since October 2001. Numerous appeals are currently pending at the
administrative level. In the event the Company is ultimately unsuccessful in its administrative appeals, further appeals are
available within the Brazilian federal courts.
In September 2015, the Company lost one of its appeals at the administrative level, and has filed a lawsuit in Brazilian
federal court. In the event the Company is unsuccessful in this filing, further appeals are available within the Brazilian
federal courts. Although there can be no assurances, management believes, based on the opinion of its Brazilian legal
counsel, that the disallowances are without merit and that the Company should ultimately prevail. The Company is
challenging these assessments vigorously.
In July 2002, the Brazilian Federal Public Attorney filed a civil action against the federal government of Brazil,
Laboratorios Wyeth-Whitehall Ltda. (the Brazilian subsidiary of the Seller) and the Company, as represented by its
Brazilian subsidiary, in the 6th. Lower Federal Court in the City of São Paulo, seeking to annul an April 2000 decision by
the Brazilian Board of Tax Appeals that found in favor of the Seller’s Brazilian subsidiary on the issue of whether it had
incurred taxable capital gains as a result of the divestiture of Kolynos. The action seeks to make the Company’s Brazilian
subsidiary jointly and severally liable for any tax due from the Seller’s Brazilian subsidiary. The case has been pending
since 2002, and the Lower Federal Court has not issued a decision. Although there can be no assurances, management
believes, based on the opinion of its Brazilian legal counsel, that the Company should ultimately prevail in this action. The
Company is challenging this action vigorously.
In December 2005, the Brazilian internal revenue authority issued to the Company’s Brazilian subsidiary a tax
assessment with interest and penalties of approximately $48 million, at the current exchange rate, based on a claim that
certain purchases of U.S. Treasury bills by the subsidiary and their subsequent disposition during the period 2000 to 2001
were subject to a tax on foreign exchange transactions. The Company had been disputing the assessment within the internal
revenue authority’s administrative appeals process. However, in November 2014, the Superior Chamber of Administrative
Tax Appeals denied the Company’s final administrative appeal, and the Company has filed a lawsuit in Brazilian federal
court. In the event the Company is unsuccessful in this filing, further appeals are available within the Brazilian federal
courts. Although there can be no assurances, management believes, based on the opinion of its Brazilian legal counsel, that
the tax assessment is without merit and that the Company should ultimately prevail. The Company is challenging this
assessment vigorously.
12
13
Competition Matters
Australian Competition Matter
The Company is subject to competition law investigations and legal proceedings in a number of countries. The
Company’s policy is to comply with antitrust and competition laws and, if a violation of any such laws is found, to take
appropriate remedial action and to cooperate fully with any related governmental inquiry. Competition and antitrust law
investigations often continue for several years and can result in substantial fines for violations that are found and associated
private actions for damages. While the Company cannot predict the final financial impact of these competition law issues,
as these matters may change, the Company evaluates developments in these matters quarterly and accrues liabilities as and
when appropriate.
European Competition Matters
Certain of the Company’s subsidiaries in Europe are subject to investigations and, in some cases, fines by
governmental authorities in a number of European countries related to potential competition law violations. The Company
understands that substantially all of these matters also involve other consumer goods companies and/or retail
customers. The status of the various pending matters is discussed below.
Fines have been imposed on the Company in the following matters, although, as noted below, the Company has
appealed each of these fines:
In December 2009, the Swiss competition law authority imposed a fine of $6 million on the Company’s
GABA subsidiary for alleged violations of restrictions on parallel imports into Switzerland, which the
Company appealed. In January 2014, this appeal was denied. The Company is appealing before the Swiss
Supreme Court.
In December 2010, the Italian competition law authority found that 16 consumer goods companies, including
the Company’s Italian subsidiary, exchanged competitively sensitive information in the cosmetics sector, for
which the Company’s Italian subsidiary was fined $3 million. The Company is appealing the fine in the
Italian courts.
In December 2014, the French competition law authority found that 13 consumer goods companies, including
the Company’s French subsidiary, exchanged competitively sensitive information related to the French home
care and personal care sectors, for which the Company’s French subsidiary was fined $57 million. In addition,
as a result of the Company’s acquisition of the Sanex personal care business in 2011 from Unilever N.V. and
Unilever PLC (together with Unilever N.V., “Unilever”) pursuant to a Business and Share Sale and Purchase
Agreement (the “Sale and Purchase Agreement”), the French competition law authority found that the
Company’s French subsidiary, along with Hillshire Brands Company (formerly Sara Lee Corporation (“Sara
Lee”)), were jointly and severally liable for fines of $25 million assessed against Sara Lee’s French
subsidiary. The Company is entitled to indemnification for this fine from Unilever as provided in the Sale and
Purchase Agreement. The Company is appealing both fines in the French courts.
In December 2013, the Australian competition law authority instituted civil proceedings in the Sydney registry of the
Federal Court of Australia alleging that three consumer goods companies, including the Company’s Australian subsidiary, a
retailer and a former employee of the Company’s Australian subsidiary violated the Australian competition law by
coordinating the launching and pricing of ultra-concentrated laundry detergents. In 2015, the Company recognized a charge
of $14 million in connection with this matter.
Talcum Powder Matters
The Company is a defendant in a number of civil actions alleging that certain talc products it sold prior to 1996 were
contaminated with asbestos. The Company is challenging these cases vigorously. As of December 31, 2015, 25 cases filed
against the Company had been voluntarily dismissed and/or had final judgment entered in favor of the Company. In
addition, as of December 31, 2015, the Company had settled 15 cases for amounts that are not material to the Company’s
results of operations.
As of December 31, 2015, there were 32 additional individual cases pending against the Company in state and federal
courts in California, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri,
New Jersey, New York, South Carolina, Texas and Wisconsin. Thirteen of these cases were filed against the Company
during the quarter ended December 31, 2015; all of these cases have multiple defendants named in addition to the
Company. Some of the cases are expected to go to trial in 2016. While the Company and its legal counsel believe that these
cases are without merit and intend to challenge them vigorously, there can be no assurances of the outcome at trial. Since
the amount of any potential losses from these cases currently cannot be estimated, the range of reasonably possible losses
in excess of accrued liabilities disclosed above does not include any amount relating to these cases.
N8
The Company is a defendant in a lawsuit pending in Utah federal court brought by N8 Medical, Inc. (“N8 Medical”),
Brigham Young University (“BYU”) and N8 Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“N8 Pharma”) (collectively, “plaintiffs”). The
complaint, originally filed in November 2013, alleges breach of contract and other torts arising out of the Company’s
evaluation of a technology owned by BYU and licensed, at various times, to Ceragenix Pharmaceuticals, Inc., now in
bankruptcy, N8 Medical and N8 Pharma.
In the third quarter of 2015, plaintiffs completed a submission of documents in the litigation alleging damages of
approximately $2,500 million. The Company and its legal counsel believe these damages allegations are without merit and
are vigorously challenging them and defending this case on its merits. The case is expected to go to trial in 2016.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Currently, the following formal claim of violations is pending against the Company:
Not Applicable.
In July 2014, the Greek competition law authority issued a statement of objections alleging the Company and
its Greek subsidiary restricted parallel imports into Greece. The Company has responded to this statement of
objections.
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15
PART II
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
For information regarding the market for the Company’s common stock, including quarterly market prices and
dividends and stock price performance graphs, refer to “Market and Dividend Information” included in Part IV, Item 15 of
this report. For information regarding the number of common shareholders of record, refer to “Historical Financial
Summary” included in Part IV, Item 15 of this report. For information regarding the securities authorized for issuance
under our equity compensation plans, refer to “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and
Related Stockholder Matters” included in Part III, Item 12 of this report.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
On February 19, 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) authorized the repurchase of shares of the
Company’s common stock having an aggregate purchase price of up to $5 billion under a new share repurchase program
(the “2015 Program”), which replaced a previously authorized share repurchase program. The Board also has authorized
share repurchases on an ongoing basis to fulfill certain requirements of the Company’s compensation and benefit programs.
The shares are repurchased from time to time in open market or privately negotiated transactions at the Company’s
discretion, subject to market conditions, blackout periods and other factors.
The following table shows the stock repurchase activity for each of the three months in the quarter ended
December 31, 2015:
Month
October 1 through 31, 2015
November 1 through 30, 2015
December 1 through 31, 2015
Total
Total Number of
Shares Purchased(1)
409,885
3,160,000
1,582,297
5,152,182
$
$
$
$
Average Price
Paid per Share
63.64
66.29
66.22
66.06
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs(2)
Approximate
Dollar Value of
Shares That May
Yet be Purchased
Under the Plans
or Programs(3)
(in millions)
347,300
3,160,000
1,524,377
5,031,677
3,990
3,780
3,679
_______
(1)
Includes share repurchases under the 2015 Program and those associated with certain employee elections under the Company’s compensation and
benefit programs.
(2)
(3)
The difference between the total number of shares purchased and the total number of shares purchased as part of publicly announced plans or
programs is 120,505 shares, all of which relate to shares deemed surrendered to the Company to satisfy certain employee elections under the
Company’s compensation and benefit programs.
Includes approximate dollar value of shares that were available to be purchased under the publicly announced plans or programs that were in
effect as of December 31, 2015.
ITEM 6.
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Refer to the information set forth under the caption “Historical Financial Summary” included in Part IV, Item 15 of
this report.
OF OPERATIONS
Executive Overview and Outlook
Colgate-Palmolive Company (together with its subsidiaries, the “Company” or “Colgate”) seeks to deliver strong,
consistent business results and superior shareholder returns by providing consumers globally with products that make their
lives healthier and more enjoyable.
To this end, the Company is tightly focused on two product segments: Oral, Personal and Home Care; and Pet
Nutrition. Within these segments, the Company follows a closely defined business strategy to develop and increase market
leadership positions in key product categories. These product categories are prioritized based on their capacity to maximize
the use of the organization’s core competencies and strong global equities and to deliver sustainable long-term growth.
Operationally, the Company is organized along geographic lines with management teams having responsibility for the
business and financial results in each region. The Company competes in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide
with established businesses in all regions contributing to the Company’s sales and profitability. Approximately 75% of the
Company’s Net sales are generated from markets outside the U.S., with over 50% of the Company’s Net sales coming from
emerging markets (which consist of Latin America, Asia (excluding Japan), Africa/Eurasia and Central Europe). This
geographic diversity and balance help to reduce the Company’s exposure to business and other risks in any one country or
part of the world.
The Oral, Personal and Home Care product segment is operated through five reportable operating segments: North
America, Latin America, Europe/South Pacific, Asia and Africa/Eurasia, all of which sell to a variety of retail and
wholesale customers and distributors. The Company, through Hill’s Pet Nutrition, also competes on a worldwide basis in
the pet nutrition market, selling its products principally through authorized pet supply retailers and veterinarians.
On an ongoing basis, management focuses on a variety of key indicators to monitor business health and performance.
These indicators include market share, net sales (including volume, pricing and foreign exchange components), organic
sales growth (net sales growth excluding the impact of foreign exchange, acquisitions and divestments), gross profit
margin, operating profit, net income and earnings per share, as well as measures used to optimize the management of
working capital, capital expenditures, cash flow and return on capital. The monitoring of these indicators and the
Company’s Code of Conduct and corporate governance practices help to maintain business health and strong internal
controls.
To achieve its business and financial objectives, the Company focuses the organization on initiatives to drive and fund
growth. The Company seeks to capture significant opportunities for growth by identifying and meeting consumer needs
within its core categories, through its focus on innovation and the deployment of valuable consumer and shopper insights
in the development of successful new products regionally, which are then rolled out on a global basis. To enhance these
efforts, the Company has developed key initiatives to build strong relationships with consumers, dental and veterinary
professionals and retail customers. Growth opportunities are greater in those areas of the world in which economic
development and rising consumer incomes expand the size and number of markets for the Company’s products.
The investments needed to support growth are developed through continuous, Company-wide initiatives to lower costs
and increase effective asset utilization. Through these initiatives, which are referred to as the Company’s funding-the-
growth initiatives, the Company seeks to become even more effective and efficient throughout its businesses. These
initiatives are designed to reduce costs associated with direct materials, indirect expenses, distribution and logistics, and
advertising and promotional materials, among other things, and encompass a wide range of projects, examples of which
include raw material substitution, reduction of packaging materials, consolidating suppliers to leverage volumes and
increasing manufacturing efficiency through SKU reductions and formulation simplification. The Company also continues
to prioritize its investments toward its higher margin businesses, specifically Oral Care, Personal Care and Pet Nutrition.
16
17
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)
As discussed in Part I, Item 1A “Risk Factors,” with approximately 75% of its Net sales generated outside the United
Effective December 31, 2015, CP Venezuela’s net assets, which include $75 and $394 of cash and government bonds,
States, the Company is exposed to changes in economic conditions and foreign currency exchange rates, as well as political
uncertainty in some countries, all of which could impact future operating results. For example, as discussed in detail below,
the operating environment in Venezuela is challenging, with economic uncertainty fueled by currency devaluations in 2010
and 2013 and effective devaluations in 2014 and 2015, high inflation and a precipitous decline in the price of oil, and
governmental restrictions in the form of import authorization controls, currency exchange and payment controls, price and
profit controls and the possibility of expropriation of property or other resources. Increasingly, the Company’s Venezuelan
subsidiary (“CP Venezuela”) has experienced various production interruptions due to material shortages caused by limited
access to U.S. dollars for imported materials, delays in the importation process due to regulations and controls imposed by
the Venezuelan government, labor unrest and high costs due to inflation coupled with the inability to increase prices
without government approval. Price controls, which became effective in April 2012, affect the majority of products in CP
Venezuela’s portfolio and restrict the Company’s ability to implement price increases without government approval, which
has limited the Company’s ability to offset the effects of continuing high inflation and the impact of currency devaluations.
In addition, during the first quarter of 2014, the Venezuelan government issued the Law on Fair Pricing, establishing a
maximum profit margin of 30% for products and services.
CP Venezuela’s business is reliant on imported materials and products and it cannot maintain regular operations
without sufficient access to U.S. dollars which is controlled by the government. In February 2015, the Venezuelan
government implemented changes in Venezuela’s foreign exchange regime. While the official exchange rate, as determined
by the National Center for Foreign Commerce (“CENCOEX”), remained at 6.30 bolivares per dollar and the SICAD I
(Supplementary System for the Administration of Foreign Currency) currency market, now known as SICAD, was
unchanged, the SICAD II market was eliminated and a new, alternative currency market, the Foreign Exchange Marginal
System (“SIMADI”), was created and became operational with a floating exchange rate determined by market participants.
CP Venezuela has funded its requirements for imported goods through a combination of U.S. dollars obtained from
CENCOEX and intercompany borrowings. Although access to U.S. dollars in Venezuela has been challenging, because the
majority of the products in CP Venezuela’s portfolio have been designated as “essential” by the Venezuelan government,
historically CP Venezuela’s access to U.S. dollars at the official rate of 6.30 bolivares per dollar was generally sufficient to
settle most of its U.S. dollar obligations for imported goods. However, CP Venezuela’s access to U.S. dollars to fund
imports became increasingly more limited and sporadic in 2015 and deteriorated even further during the fourth quarter of
2015. Although the SIMADI market has been accessible to CP Venezuela, it did not participate in that market through
December 31, 2015. Since its inception, the volume of transactions in the SIMADI market as a whole has been very
limited, and the SIMADI exchange rate at December 31, 2015 was 198.70 bolivares per dollar. Since the majority of CP
Venezuela’s product portfolio is subject to price controls, it could not operate profitably without substantial price increases
approved by the government if it had to pay for imported materials with U.S. dollars obtained from the SIMADI market.
The Company’s business in Venezuela and the Company’s ability to repatriate its earnings continue to be negatively
affected by these difficult conditions. The restrictive exchange control regulations in Venezuela and CP Venezuela’s
increasingly limited access to U.S. dollars have resulted in an ‘other-than-temporary’ lack of exchangeability between the
Venezuelan bolivar and the U.S. dollar. This lack of exchangeability, together with other government controls on pricing,
payments, profits and imports and restrictive labor laws, have significantly impacted the Company’s ability to make key
operational decisions over its business in Venezuela, including the ability to manage its capital structure, material sourcing,
product pricing and labor relations. The Company expects these conditions will continue for the foreseeable future. As a
result, effective December 31, 2015, the Company concluded it no longer meets the accounting criteria for consolidation of
CP Venezuela and began accounting for CP Venezuela using the cost method of accounting. As a result, the Company
recorded an aftertax charge of $1,058 ($1,084 pretax) or $1.16 per diluted share in 2015. The charge primarily consists of
an impairment of the Company’s investment in CP Venezuela of $952, which includes intercompany receivables from CP
Venezuela, and $111 related to the reclassification of cumulative translation losses.
respectively, are no longer included in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet. CP Venezuela’s Net sales, Operating
profit and Net income through December 31, 2015 are included in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income for
the year ended December 31, 2015. For the year ended December 31, 2015, CP Venezuela represented approximately 4%
of the Company’s consolidated Net sales and approximately 2% of the Company’s consolidated Operating profit, excluding
the impacts of charges related to the change in accounting for the Company’s Venezuelan operations, the 2015 Venezuela
Remeasurements (as defined below), a foreign competition law matter and the 2012 Restructuring Program and a gain on
the sale of the Company’s laundry detergent business in the South Pacific.
In future periods, under the cost method of accounting, the Company will no longer include the results of CP
Venezuela in its Consolidated Financial Statements and will include income relating to its Venezuelan operations only to
the extent it receives cash for sales of inventory to CP Venezuela or for dividends or royalties remitted by CP Venezuela.
Although CP Venezuela’s local operating results will no longer be included in the Company’s Consolidated Financial
Statements for accounting purposes, under current tax rules, the Company is required to continue including CP Venezuela
in its consolidated U.S. federal income tax return. Colgate has been operating in Venezuela for 72 years and the Company
expects its operations in Venezuela to continue to provide Venezuelan consumers with the Company’s market leading
brands.
Prior to the change in accounting for the Company’s Venezuelan operations, which was effective December 31, 2015,
the Company remeasured the financial statements of CP Venezuela at the end of each month at the rate at which it expected
to remit future dividends which, based on the advice of legal counsel, was the SICAD rate. During the year ended
December 31, 2015, the Company incurred pretax losses of $34 ($22 aftertax or $0.02 per diluted common share) related to
the remeasurement of CP Venezuela’s local currency-denominated net monetary assets at the quarter-end SICAD rate. The
quarter-end SICAD rate was 12.00 bolivares per dollar, 12.80 bolivares per dollar, 13.50 bolivares per dollar and 13.50
bolivares per dollar as of the end of the first, second, third and fourth quarters of 2015, respectively. The remeasurement
losses incurred in the second and third quarters of 2015 are referred to as the “2015 Venezuela Remeasurements.”
During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company incurred net pretax losses of $327 ($214 aftertax or $0.23 per
diluted common share) related to the remeasurement of CP Venezuela’s local currency-denominated net monetary assets at
the quarter-end SICAD I rate for each of the first three quarters of 2014 (the “2014 Venezuela Remeasurements”). The
SICAD I rate did not revalue during the fourth quarter of 2014 and remained at 12.00 bolivares per dollar as of December
31, 2014.
During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company incurred a pretax loss of $172 ($111 aftertax or $0.12 per
diluted common share) related to the remeasurement of CP Venezuela’s local currency-denominated net monetary assets at
the date of the devaluation that changed the official exchange rate from 4.30 to 6.30 bolivares per dollar (the “2013
Venezuela Remeasurement”). The 2015 Venezuela Remeasurements, 2014 Venezuela Remeasurements and 2013 Venezuela
Remeasurement are referred to together as the “Venezuela Remeasurements.”
Included in the remeasurement losses during 2015 and 2014 were charges related to the devaluation-protected bonds
issued by the Venezuelan government and held by CP Venezuela. Because the official exchange rate remained at 6.30
bolivares per dollar, the devaluation-protected bonds did not revalue at the SICAD rate but remained at the official
exchange rate which resulted in an impairment in the fair value of the bonds.
18
19
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)
In the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company commenced a four-year Global Growth and Efficiency Program for
sustained growth. The program’s initiatives are expected to help the Company ensure sustained solid worldwide growth in
unit volume, organic sales and earnings per share and enhance its global leadership positions in its core businesses.
On October 23, 2014, the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) approved an expansion of the Global Growth
and Efficiency Program (as expanded, the “2012 Restructuring Program”). The initiatives under the 2012 Restructuring
Program continue to be focused on the following areas:
Expanding Commercial Hubs
Extending Shared Business Services and Streamlining Global Functions
Optimizing Global Supply Chain and Facilities
The Board authorized the expansion of the 2012 Restructuring Program to take advantage of additional savings
opportunities identified in all three areas.
Cumulative pretax charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program, once all phases are approved and implemented,
are estimated to be $1,285 to $1,435 ($950 to $1,050 aftertax), exclusive of the expansion approved in October 2015
(discussed below). Savings from the 2012 Restructuring Program, substantially all of which are expected to increase future
cash flows, are projected to be approximately $405 to $475 pretax ($340 to $390 aftertax) annually by the end of the fourth
year of the program, exclusive of the expansion approved in October 2015.
In 2015, 2014 and 2013, the Company incurred aftertax costs of $183, $208 and $278, respectively, associated with the
2012 Restructuring Program.
On October 29, 2015, recognizing the macroeconomic challenges around the world and the Company’s successful
implementation of the 2012 Restructuring Program to date, the Company’s Board approved the reinvestment of the funds
from the sale of the Company’s laundry detergent business in the South Pacific (discussed below) to expand the 2012
Restructuring Program and extend it for one year through December 31, 2017. Initiatives under the expanded 2012
Restructuring Program will continue to fit within the program’s three focus areas of expanding commercial hubs, extending
shared business services and streamlining global functions and optimizing the global supply chain and facilities. The
Company expects the initiatives under the expanded program to have a similar aftertax rate of return to the existing
program, which on average has been 30%. The Company will update its disclosure to reflect the impact the expansion will
have on the range of estimated charges and savings for the 2012 Restructuring Program when the additional initiatives
under the expanded program are approved.
For more information regarding the 2012 Restructuring Program, see “Restructuring and Related Implementation
Charges” below.
In August 2015, the Company completed the sale of its laundry detergent business in the South Pacific to Henkel AG
& Co. KGaA for an aggregate purchase price of approximately 310 Australian dollars ($221) and recorded a pretax gain of
$187 ($120 aftertax or $0.13 per diluted share) in Other (income) expense, net. The gain is net of charges related to the
right-sizing of the Company’s South Pacific business, asset write-offs related to the divested laundry detergent business and
other costs related to the sale. As discussed above, the funds from the sale will be reinvested to expand the 2012
Restructuring Program.
On September 13, 2011, the Company’s Mexican subsidiary entered into an agreement to sell to the United States of
America (the “Purchaser”) the Mexico City site on which its commercial operations, technology center and soap
production facility were located. The parties have subsequently amended the agreement to extend the closing date. Under
the existing agreement, the final installment of the purchase price is due upon the transfer of the property, which is subject
to the Company’s satisfaction of certain closing conditions relating to site preparation by February 29, 2016. If these
conditions are not fully satisfied by such date, the agreement will automatically be extended to March 30, 2016. While
these conditions are not expected to be fully satisfied by March 30, 2016, in which case the Purchaser has several options
under the agreement (including termination and the return to it of the first two installments of the purchase price), based on
the discussions to date, the Company believes that an additional amendment will be negotiated and the transfer of the
property is expected to occur by the third quarter of 2016. The Company has reinvested the first two installments to
relocate its soap production to a new state-of-the-art facility at its Mission Hills, Mexico site, to relocate its commercial
and technology operations within Mexico City and to prepare the existing site for transfer. Exit costs incurred during the
project primarily relate to staff leaving indemnities, accelerated depreciation and demolition to make the site building-
ready. In 2015, 2014 and 2013, the Company incurred aftertax costs of $0, $3 and $12, respectively, related to the sale of
land in Mexico.
Looking forward, the Company expects global macroeconomic and market conditions to remain highly
challenging. While the global marketplace in which the Company operates has always been highly competitive, the
Company continues to experience heightened competitive activity in certain markets from strong local competitors and
from other large multinational companies, some of which have greater resources than the Company does. Such activities
have included more aggressive product claims and marketing challenges, as well as increased promotional spending and
geographic expansion. Additionally, the Company continues to experience volatile foreign currency fluctuations and high
raw and packaging material costs, driven by foreign exchange transaction costs. While the Company has taken, and will
continue to take, measures to mitigate the effect of these conditions, should they persist, they could adversely affect the
Company’s future results.
The Company believes it is well prepared to meet the challenges ahead due to its strong financial condition, experience
operating in challenging environments and continued focus on the Company’s strategic initiatives: engaging to build our
brands; innovation for growth; effectiveness and efficiency; and leading to win. This focus, together with the strength of
the Company’s global brands, its broad international presence in both mature and emerging markets and initiatives, such as
the 2012 Restructuring Program, should position the Company well to increase shareholder value over the long term.
20
21
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)
Results of Operations
Net Sales
Worldwide Net sales were $16,034 in 2015, down 7.0% from 2014, as volume growth of 1.5% and net selling price
increases of 3.0% were more than offset by negative foreign exchange of 11.5%. Excluding divested businesses, unit
volume increased 2.0%. Organic sales (Net sales excluding the impact of foreign exchange, acquisitions and divestments),
a non-GAAP financial measure as discussed below, increased 5.0% in 2015.
Net sales in the Oral, Personal and Home Care product segment were $13,822 in 2015, down 8.0% from 2014, as
volume growth of 1.0% and net selling price increases of 3.0% were more than offset by negative foreign exchange of
12.0%. Divestments decreased volume by 0.5%. Organic sales in the Oral, Personal and Home Care product segment
increased 4.5% in 2015.
The increase in organic sales in 2015 versus 2014 was driven by an increase in Oral Care organic sales, with the
toothpaste, manual toothbrush and mouthwash categories all contributing to growth. Personal Care and Home Care also
contributed to organic sales growth due to strong organic sales in the shower gel and the liquid cleaners categories,
respectively.
The Company’s share of the global toothpaste market was 44.7% for full year 2015 and its share of the global manual
toothbrush market was 34.7% for full year 2015. Full year 2015 market shares in toothpaste were up in North America,
Latin America, Europe/South Pacific and Africa/Eurasia and down in Asia versus full year 2014. In the manual toothbrush
category, full year 2015 market shares were up in North America, Latin America and Europe/South Pacific and down in
Asia and Africa/Eurasia versus full year 2014. For additional information regarding market shares, see “Market Share
Information” below.
Net sales for Hill’s Pet Nutrition were $2,212 in 2015, down 2.0% from 2014, as volume growth of 3.5% and net
selling price increases of 2.5% were more than offset by negative foreign exchange of 8.0%. Organic sales for Hill’s Pet
Nutrition increased 6.0% in 2015.
The increase in organic sales in 2015 versus 2014 was driven by continued growth in the Prescription Diet category.
The Advanced Nutrition and Naturals categories also contributed to organic sales growth.
Worldwide Net sales were $17,277 in 2014, down 1.0% from 2013, as volume growth of 3.0% and net selling price
increases of 2.0% were more than offset by negative foreign exchange of 6.0%. Organic sales increased 5.0% in 2014.
Gross Profit/Margin
Worldwide Gross profit decreased 7% to $9,399 in 2015 from $10,109 in 2014. Gross profit in both periods included
charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program. Gross profit in 2014 also included costs related to the sale of land in
Mexico. Excluding these items in both periods, Gross profit decreased to $9,419 in 2015 from $10,142 in 2014, due to
lower Net sales ($730), as the growth in organic sales was more than offset by the impact of negative foreign exchange.
Worldwide Gross profit margin increased to 58.6% in 2015 from 58.5% in 2014. Excluding the items described above
in both periods, Gross profit margin was 58.7% in 2015, even with 2014, as cost savings from the Company’s funding-the-
growth initiatives (220 bps) and the 2012 Restructuring Program (20 bps) and higher pricing (130 bps) were offset by
higher costs (370 bps), which included higher raw and packaging material costs, driven by significant foreign exchange
transaction costs.
Worldwide Gross profit decreased 1% to $10,109 in 2014 from $10,201 in 2013. Gross profit in both periods included
charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program and costs related to the sale of land in Mexico. Excluding these items in
both periods, Gross profit decreased to $10,142 in 2014 from $10,248 in 2013, primarily due to lower Net sales ($84), as
the growth in organic sales was more than offset by the impact of negative foreign exchange, and lower Gross profit
margin ($22).
Worldwide Gross profit margin decreased to 58.5% in 2014 from 58.6% in 2013. Excluding the items described above
in both periods, Gross profit margin decreased by 10 bps to 58.7% in 2014 from 58.8% in 2013. This decrease was
primarily due to higher raw and packaging material costs (290 bps), which included foreign exchange transaction costs,
which were offset by the benefits from cost savings from the Company’s funding-the-growth initiatives (200 bps), higher
pricing (70 bps) and cost savings from the 2012 Restructuring Program (20 bps).
Gross profit, GAAP
2012 Restructuring Program
Costs related to the sale of land in Mexico
Gross profit, non-GAAP
2015
2014
2013
9,399
$
10,109
$
10,201
20
—
29
4
32
15
9,419
$
10,142
$
10,248
$
$
Gross profit margin, GAAP
2012 Restructuring Program
Gross profit margin, non-GAAP
2015
2014
58.6%
0.1
58.7%
58.5%
0.2
58.7%
Basis Point
Change
10
—
2013
58.6%
0.2
58.8%
Basis Point
Change
(10)
(10)
22
23
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Other (Income) Expense, Net
Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased 9% to $5,464 in 2015 from $5,982 in 2014. Selling, general
and administrative expenses in both periods included charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program. Excluding these
charges in both periods, Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased to $5,400 in 2015 from $5,920 in 2014,
reflecting decreased advertising investment of $293 and lower overhead expenses of $227.
Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of Net sales decreased to 34.1% in 2015 from 34.6% in
2014. Excluding charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program in both periods, Selling, general and administrative
expenses as a percentage of Net sales were 33.7%, a decrease of 60 bps as compared to 2014. This decrease in 2015 was
primarily driven by decreased advertising investment (100 bps), partially offset by higher overhead expenses (40 bps), both
as a percentage of Net sales. In 2015, advertising investment decreased 16.4% to $1,491 as compared with $1,784 in 2014,
largely reflecting the impact of negative foreign exchange, and decreased as a percentage of Net sales to 9.3% from 10.3%
in 2014, in part reflecting a shift from advertising investment to in-store promotional activity.
Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased 4% to $5,982 in 2014 from $6,223 in 2013. Selling, general
and administrative expenses in both periods included charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program. Excluding these
charges, Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased to $5,920 in 2014 from $6,086 in 2013, reflecting
decreased advertising investment of $107 and lower overhead expenses of $59.
Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of Net sales decreased to 34.6% in 2014 from 35.7% in
2013. Excluding the charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program, Selling, general and administrative expenses as a
percentage of Net sales were 34.3%, a decrease of 60 bps as compared to 2013. This decrease in 2014 was primarily driven
by decreased advertising investment as a percentage of Net sales (60 bps). In 2014, advertising investment decreased 5.7%
to $1,784 as compared with $1,891 in 2013 and decreased as a percentage of Net sales to 10.3% from 10.9% in 2013.
Selling, general and administrative expenses, GAAP
2012 Restructuring Program
Selling, general and administrative expenses, non-GAAP
2015
2014
2013
$
$
5,464
(64)
5,400
$
$
5,982
(62)
5,920
$
$
6,223
(137)
6,086
Selling, general and administrative expenses as
a percentage of Net sales, GAAP
2012 Restructuring Program
Selling, general and administrative expenses as
a percentage of Net sales, non-GAAP
2015
2014
Basis Point
Change
2013
Basis Point
Change
34.1%
(0.4)
34.6%
(0.3)
(50)
35.7%
(0.8)
(110)
33.7%
34.3%
(60)
34.9%
(60)
Other (income) expense, net was $62, $570 and $422 in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The components of Other
(income) expense, net are presented below:
Other (income) expense, net
Amortization of intangible assets
2012 Restructuring Program
Venezuela remeasurement charges
Gain on sale of South Pacific laundry detergent business
Charges for foreign competition law matters
Costs related to the sale of land in Mexico
Equity (income)
Other, net
Total Other (income) expense, net
2015
2014
2013
$
$
33
170
34
(187)
14
—
(8)
6
62
$
$
32
195
327
—
41
—
(7)
(18)
570
$
$
32
202
172
—
23
3
(5)
(5)
422
Other (income) expense, net was $62 in 2015 as compared to $570 in 2014. Other (income) expense, net in both
periods included charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program, the Venezuela Remeasurements and foreign
competition law matters. In 2015, Other (income) expense, net also included a gain on the sale of the Company’s laundry
detergent business in the South Pacific.
Other (income) expense, net was $570 in 2014 as compared to $422 in 2013. In 2013, Other (income) expense, net
included charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program, the Venezuela Remeasurements and foreign competition law
matters and costs related to the sale of land in Mexico.
Excluding the items described above in all years, as applicable, Other (income) expense, net was $31 in 2015, $7 in
2014 and $22 in 2013.
Other (income) expense, net, GAAP
2012 Restructuring Program
Venezuela remeasurement charges
Gain on sale of South Pacific laundry detergent business
Charges for foreign competition law matters
Costs related to the sale of land in Mexico
Other (income) expense, net, non-GAAP
2015
2014
2013
$
$
62
(170)
(34)
187
(14)
—
$
570
(195)
(327)
—
(41)
—
$
31
$
7
$
422
(202)
(172)
—
(23)
(3)
22
24
25
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)
Operating Profit
Interest (Income) Expense, Net
Operating profit decreased 22% to $2,789 in 2015 from $3,557 in 2014. Operating profit in 2014 was even with 2013.
Interest (income) expense, net was $26 in 2015 compared with $24 in 2014 and $(9) in 2013. The increase in Interest
In 2015, 2014 and 2013, Operating profit included charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program, Venezuela
Remeasurements and foreign competition law matters. In 2015, Operating profit also included a charge related to the
change in accounting for the Company’s Venezuelan operations and a gain on the sale of the Company’s laundry detergent
business in the South Pacific. In 2014 and 2013, Operating profit also included costs related to the sale of land in Mexico.
Excluding these items in all years, as applicable, Operating profit decreased 5% in 2015, primarily due to lower Gross
profit, partially offset by a decrease in Selling, general and administrative expenses, and Operating profit increased 2% in
2014, primarily due to lower Selling, general and administrative expenses, which more than offset a decrease in Gross
profit.
Operating profit margin was 17.4% in 2015, compared with 20.6% in 2014 and 20.4% in 2013. Excluding the items
described above in both periods as applicable, Operating profit margin increased 50 bps to 24.9% in 2015 compared to
24.4% in 2014. This increase is mainly due to a decrease in Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of
Net sales (60 bps). Excluding the items described above in both periods as applicable, Operating profit margin increased 60
bps in 2014 compared to 2013, primarily due to a decrease in Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage
of Net sales (60 bps).
2015
2014
% Change
2013
% Change
$
2,789
$
3,557
(22)% $
3,556
—%
Operating profit, GAAP
Venezuela accounting change
2012 Restructuring Program
Venezuela remeasurement charges
Gain on sale of South Pacific laundry detergent business
Charges for foreign competition law matters
Costs related to the sale of land in Mexico
Operating profit, non-GAAP
1,084
254
34
(187)
14
—
286
327
—
41
—
3,988
$
4
4,215
$
(5)% $
—
371
172
—
23
18
4,140
(income) expense, net from 2014 to 2015 was primarily due to higher interest expense as a result of higher debt levels. The
change in Interest (income) expense, net from 2013 to 2014 was primarily due to higher debt levels as a result of the debt
issuances in the first and fourth quarters of 2014 and lower interest income on investments held outside the United States.
Income Taxes
The effective income tax rate was 44.0% in 2015, 33.8% in 2014 and 32.4% in 2013. As reflected in the table below,
the non-GAAP effective income tax rate was 31.3% in 2015, 31.5% in 2014 and 31.7% in 2013.
Effective income tax rate, GAAP
Venezuela accounting change (1)
2012 Restructuring Program
Venezuela remeasurement charges
Gain on sale of South Pacific laundry detergent business
Charges for foreign competition law matters
Charges for foreign tax matters
Effective income tax rate, non-GAAP
2015
2014
2013
44.0%
(11.7)
(0.3)
—
(0.2)
(0.1)
(0.4)
31.3%
33.8%
—
(0.5)
0.1
—
(0.3)
(1.6)
31.5%
32.4%
—
(0.7)
0.2
—
(0.2)
—
31.7%
_______
(1)
See Executive Overview and Outlook above and Note 14, Venezuela to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
The charge for a foreign tax matter in 2015 relates to several Supreme Court rulings in a foreign jurisdiction
disallowing certain tax deductions which had the effect of reversing prior decisions. The Company had taken deductions in
prior years similar to those now disallowed by the Court. As a result, as required, the Company reassessed its tax position
in light of the recent rulings and concluded it needed to increase its unrecognized tax benefits by $15.
2%
Operating profit margin, GAAP
Venezuela accounting change
2012 Restructuring Program
Venezuela remeasurement charges
Gain on sale of South Pacific laundry detergent business
Charges for foreign competition law matters
Costs related to the sale of land in Mexico
2015
2014
Basis Point
Change
2013
Basis Point
Change
17.4%
20.6%
(320)
20.4%
20
6.8
1.6
0.2
(1.2)
0.1
—
—
1.7
1.9
—
0.2
—
—
2.2
1.0
—
0.1
0.1
Operating profit margin, non-GAAP
24.9%
24.4%
50
23.8%
60
The charge of $66 for a foreign tax matter in 2014 relates to a notice of an adverse decision in a foreign court
regarding a tax position taken in prior years. As a result, as required, the Company reassessed its tax position in light of the
decision and concluded it needed to increase its unrecognized tax benefits by $30 and write off a $36 deferred tax asset.
The effective income tax rate in all years benefited from tax planning associated with the Company’s global business
initiatives.
26
27
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)
Net Income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company and Earnings per share, diluted
Segment Results
Net income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company was $1,384, or $1.52 per share on a diluted basis, in 2015
compared to $2,180, or $2.36 per share on a diluted basis, in 2014 and $2,241, or $2.38 per share on a diluted basis, in
2013. In 2015, 2014 and 2013, Net income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company included aftertax charges related to
the 2012 Restructuring Program, the Venezuela Remeasurements and foreign competition law matters. In 2015, Net income
attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company also included a charge related to the change in accounting for the Company’s
Venezuelan operations and a gain on the sale of the Company’s laundry detergent business in the South Pacific. In 2015
and 2014, Net income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company also included charges for foreign tax matters. In 2014
and 2013, Net income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company also included costs related to the sale of land in Mexico.
Excluding the items described above in all years, as applicable, Net income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive
Company decreased 6% to $2,556 in 2015 and Earnings per share, diluted decreased 4% to $2.81, and Net income
attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company increased 2% to $2,712 in 2014, as compared to $2,665 in 2013, and Earnings
per share, diluted increased 3% to $2.93 in 2014.
Net income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive
Company, GAAP
Venezuela accounting change
2012 Restructuring Program
Venezuela remeasurement charges
Gain on sale of South Pacific laundry detergent
business
Charges for foreign competition law matters
Costs related to the sale of land in Mexico
Charges for foreign tax matters
Net income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive
Company, non-GAAP
2015
2014
% Change
2013
% Change
$
1,384
$
2,180
(37)% $
2,241
(3)%
1,058
183
22
(120)
14
—
15
—
208
214
—
41
3
66
—
278
111
—
23
12
—
$
2,556
$
2,712
(6)% $
2,665
2 %
2015
2014
% Change
2013
% Change
Earnings per share, diluted, GAAP
Venezuela accounting change
2012 Restructuring Program
Venezuela remeasurement charges
Gain on sale of South Pacific laundry detergent
business
Charges for foreign competition law matters
Costs related to the sale of land in Mexico
Charges for foreign tax matters
Earnings per share, diluted, non-GAAP
$
$
1.52
1.16
0.20
0.02
(0.13)
0.02
—
0.02
2.81
$
$
2.36
—
0.23
0.23
—
0.04
—
0.07
2.93
(36)% $
(4)% $
2.38
—
0.30
0.12
—
0.03
0.01
—
2.84
(1)%
3 %
The Company markets its products in over 200 countries and territories throughout the world in two product segments:
Oral, Personal and Home Care; and Pet Nutrition. The Company evaluates segment performance based on several factors,
including Operating profit. The Company uses Operating profit as a measure of the operating segment performance
because it excludes the impact of corporate-driven decisions related to interest expense and income taxes.
Oral, Personal and Home Care
North America
Net sales
Operating profit
% of Net sales
2015
2014
$
$
$
$
3,149
974
30.9%
3,124
926
29.6%
% Change
1.0 %
5 %
130 bps
$
$
2013
3,072
927
30.2%
% Change
1.5 %
— %
(60) bps
Net sales in North America increased 1.0% in 2015 to $3,149, driven by volume growth of 2.0%, which was partially
offset by negative foreign exchange of 1.0%, while net selling prices were flat. Organic sales in North America increased
2.0% in 2015.
The increase in organic sales in North America in 2015 versus 2014 was driven by Oral Care with strong organic sales
in the toothpaste and manual toothbrush categories. Personal Care and Home Care also contributed to organic sales growth.
Personal Care organic sales growth was driven by gains in the shower gel category. Home Care organic sales growth was
due to strong organic sales in the fabric softener category.
Net sales in North America increased 1.5% in 2014 to $3,124, driven by volume growth of 3.5%, which was partially
offset by net selling price decreases of 1.0% due to increased promotional activities and negative foreign exchange of
1.0%. Organic sales in North America increased 2.5% in 2014.
Operating profit in North America increased 5% in 2015 to $974, or 130 bps to 30.9% of Net sales. This increase in
Operating profit as a percentage of Net sales was primarily due to an increase in Gross profit (80 bps) and a decrease in
Selling, general and administrative expenses (90 bps), both as a percentage of Net sales. This increase in Gross profit was
primarily driven by cost savings from the Company’s funding-the-growth initiatives (200 bps) and the 2012 Restructuring
Program (10 bps), which were partially offset by higher costs (140 bps), primarily driven by higher raw and packaging
material costs. This decrease in Selling, general and administrative expenses was primarily due to decreased advertising
investment (80 bps), in part reflecting a shift from advertising investment to in-store promotional activities.
Operating profit in North America was $926 in 2014, even with 2013, while as a percentage of Net sales it decreased
60 bps to 29.6%. This decrease in Operating profit as a percentage of Net sales was primarily due to a decrease in Gross
profit (30 bps) and an increase in Selling, general and administrative expenses (10 bps), both as a percentage of Net
sales. This decrease in Gross profit was primarily due to higher raw and packaging material costs (200 bps) and lower
pricing due to increased promotional activities, which were partially offset by cost savings from the Company’s funding-
the-growth initiatives (210 bps) and the 2012 Restructuring Program (10 bps). This increase in Selling, general and
administrative expenses was due to increased advertising investment (40 bps), which was partially offset by lower
overhead expenses (30 bps).
28
29
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)
Latin America
Net sales
Operating profit
% of Net sales
2015
2014
$
$
$
$
4,327
1,209
27.9%
4,769
1,279
26.8%
% Change
(9.5) %
(5) %
110 bps
$
$
2013
5,012
1,385
27.6%
% Change
(5.0) %
(8) %
(80) bps
Europe/South Pacific
Net sales
Operating profit
% of Net sales
2015
2014
$
$
$
$
2,870
750
26.1%
3,406
877
25.7%
% Change
(15.5) %
(14) %
40 bps
$
$
2013
% Change
0.5 %
9 %
3,396
805
23.7% 200 bps
Net sales in Latin America decreased 9.5% in 2015 to $4,327, as net selling price increases of 10.5% were more than
offset by volume declines of 1.0% and negative foreign exchange of 19.0%. Organic sales in Latin America increased 9.5%
in 2015. Volume declines in Venezuela and Brazil were partially offset by volume gains in Mexico, Ecuador and Argentina.
The increase in organic sales in Latin America in 2015 versus 2014 was due to an increase in Oral Care, Personal Care
and Home Care organic sales. The increase in Oral Care organic sales was driven by strong organic sales in the toothpaste,
manual toothbrush and mouthwash categories. Personal Care organic sales growth was driven by gains in the shower gel
and underarm protection categories. The increase in Home Care organic sales was due to strong organic sales in the liquid
cleaners category.
Net sales in Latin America decreased 5.0% in 2014 to $4,769, as volume growth of 2.5% and net selling price
increases of 7.0% were more than offset by negative foreign exchange of 14.5%. Organic sales in Latin America increased
9.0% in 2014. Volume gains were led by Venezuela, Mexico and Colombia and were partially offset by volume declines in
Brazil.
Operating profit in Latin America decreased 5% in 2015 to $1,209, while as a percentage of Net sales, it increased 110
bps to 27.9% of Net sales. This increase in Operating profit as a percentage of Net sales was primarily due to a decrease in
Selling, general and administrative expenses (130 bps), partially offset by a decrease in Gross profit (60 bps), both as a
percentage of Net sales. This decrease in Gross profit was primarily due to higher raw and packaging material costs (680
bps), driven by foreign exchange transaction costs, and higher manufacturing costs (60 bps), driven by Venezuela, which
were partially offset by cost savings from the Company’s funding-the-growth initiatives (200 bps) and higher pricing. This
decrease in Selling, general and administrative expenses was due to decreased advertising investment (130 bps), in part
reflecting a shift from advertising investment to in-store promotional activities.
Operating profit in Latin America decreased 8% in 2014 to $1,279, or 80 bps to 26.8% of Net sales. This decrease in
Operating profit as a percentage of Net sales was primarily due to a decrease in Gross profit (130 bps), which was partially
offset by a decrease in Selling, general and administrative expenses (60 bps), both as a percentage of Net sales. This
decrease in Gross profit was primarily due to higher raw and packaging material costs (570 bps), which included the
impact of foreign exchange transaction costs, which were partially offset by cost savings from the Company's funding-the-
growth initiatives (200 bps) and higher pricing. This decrease in Selling, general and administrative expenses was primarily
due to decreased advertising investment (70 bps).
Net sales in Europe/South Pacific decreased 15.5% in 2015 to $2,870, as volume growth of 2.0% was more than offset
by net selling price decreases of 3.0% and negative foreign exchange of 14.5%. Excluding the impact of the divested
laundry detergent business in the South Pacific, volume increased 4% led by volume gains in France, the United Kingdom
and Poland, which were partially offset by volume declines in Austria. Organic sales in Europe/South Pacific increased by
1.0% in 2015.
The increase in organic sales in Europe/South Pacific in 2015 versus 2014 was due to increases in Oral Care and
Personal Care organic sales, which were partially offset by declines in organic sales in the Home Care category. The
manual toothbrush category contributed to the increase in Oral Care organic sales. The shower gel category contributed to
the increase in Personal Care organic sales. The decrease in Home Care organic sales was due to a decline in organic sales
in the liquid cleaners category.
Net sales in Europe/South Pacific increased 0.5% in 2014 to $3,406, as volume growth of 3.5% was partially offset by
net selling price decreases of 2.5% due to increased promotional activities and negative foreign exchange of 0.5%. Organic
sales in Europe/South Pacific increased by 1.5% in 2014. Volume gains were led by Australia, France and the United
Kingdom.
Operating profit in Europe/South Pacific decreased 14% in 2015 to $750, while as a percentage of Net sales, it
increased 40 bps to 26.1% of Net sales. This increase in Operating profit as a percentage of Net sales was due to a decrease
in Selling, general and administrative expenses (40 bps) as a percentage of Net sales. Gross profit as a percentage of Net
sales was even with 2014, as cost savings from the Company’s funding-the-growth initiatives (240 bps) and the 2012
Restructuring Program (60 bps) were offset by higher raw and packaging material costs (220 bps), driven by foreign
exchange transaction costs, and lower pricing due to increased promotional activities. This decrease in Selling, general and
administrative expenses was due to decreased advertising investment (60 bps), in part reflecting a shift from advertising
investment to in-store promotional activities, which was partially offset by higher overhead expenses (20 bps).
Operating profit in Europe/South Pacific increased 9% in 2014 to $877, or 200 bps to 25.7% of Net sales. This
increase in Operating profit as a percentage of Net sales was due to an increase in Gross profit (170 bps) and a decrease in
Selling, general and administrative expenses (30 bps), both as a percentage of Net sales. This increase in Gross profit was
driven by cost savings from the Company's funding-the-growth initiatives (190 bps) and the 2012 Restructuring Program
(70 bps), which more than offset higher raw and packaging material costs (20 bps) and lower pricing due to increased
promotional activities. This decrease in Selling, general and administrative expenses was primarily due to decreased
advertising investment (50 bps), which was partially offset by higher overhead expenses (20 bps).
30
31
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)
Asia
Net sales
Operating profit
% of Net sales
2015
2014
$
$
$
$
2,478
753
30.4%
2,515
736
29.3%
% Change
(1.5) %
2 %
110 bps
$
$
2013
% Change
1.5 %
5 %
2,472
698
28.2% 110 bps
Net sales in Asia decreased 1.5% in 2015 to $2,478, as volume growth of 4.0% was more than offset by net selling
price decreases of 1.0% and negative foreign exchange of 4.5%. Acquisitions contributed 0.5% to volume. Organic sales in
Asia grew 2.5% in 2015. Volume gains were led by the Greater China region, the Philippines and India.
The increase in organic sales in 2015 versus 2014 was driven by an increase in Oral Care organic sales with the
toothpaste and the manual toothbrush categories contributing to growth. Personal Care organic sales also contributed to
organic sales growth with gains in the shampoo category.
Net sales in Asia increased 1.5% in 2014 to $2,515, driven by volume growth of 3.5% and net selling price increases
of 1.0% which were largely offset by negative foreign exchange of 3.0%. Organic sales in Asia grew 4.5% in 2014. Volume
gains were led by the Philippines, India and the Greater China region.
Operating profit in Asia increased 2% in 2015 to $753, or 110 bps to 30.4% of Net sales. This increase in Operating
profit as a percentage of Net sales was due to an increase in Gross profit (10 bps) and a decrease in Selling, general and
administrative expenses (110 bps), both as a percentage of Net sales. This increase in Gross profit was primarily due to cost
savings from the Company’s funding-the-growth initiatives (260 bps), which were partially offset by higher costs (230
bps), primarily driven by raw and packaging material costs, which included foreign exchange transaction costs, and lower
pricing due to increased promotional activities. This decrease in Selling, general and administrative expenses was primarily
due to decreased advertising investment (80 bps), in part reflecting a shift from advertising investment to in-store
promotional activities, and lower overhead expenses (30 bps).
Operating profit in Asia increased 5% in 2014 to $736, or 110 bps to 29.3% of Net sales. This increase in Operating
profit as a percentage of Net sales was due to a decrease in Selling, general and administrative expenses (120 bps), which
was partially offset by a decrease in Gross profit (20 bps), both as a percentage of Net sales. This decrease in Gross profit
was primarily due to higher costs (250 bps), primarily driven by raw and packaging material costs, which included foreign
exchange transaction costs, partially offset by cost savings from the Company's funding-the-growth initiatives (200 bps)
and higher pricing. This decrease in Selling, general and administrative expenses was primarily due to decreased
advertising investment (110 bps).
Africa/Eurasia
Net sales
Operating profit
% of Net sales
2015
2014
$
$
$
$
998
178
17.8%
1,208
235
19.5%
% Change
(17.5) %
(24) %
(170) bps
$
$
2013
% Change
(4.0) %
(12) %
1,257
268
21.3% (180) bps
Net sales in Africa/Eurasia decreased 17.5% in 2015 to $998, as net selling price increases of 7.5% were more than
offset by volume declines of 1.5% and negative foreign exchange of 23.5%. Organic sales in Africa/Eurasia grew 6.0% in
2015. Volume declines in the Central Asia/Caucasus region and Ukraine were partially offset by volume gains in the Sub-
Saharan Africa region and South Africa.
The increase in organic sales in 2015 versus 2014 was driven by an increase in Oral Care organic sales due to strong
organic sales in the toothpaste and the manual toothbrush categories. Home Care organic sales also contributed to organic
sales growth with gains in the fabric softener category.
Net sales in Africa/Eurasia decreased 4.0% in 2014 to $1,208. Volume growth of 6.0% and net selling price increases
of 1.0% were more than offset by negative foreign exchange of 11.0%. Organic sales in Africa/Eurasia grew 7.0% in 2014.
Volume gains were led by South Africa, the Sub-Saharan Africa region, Russia and Turkey.
Operating profit in Africa/Eurasia decreased 24% in 2015 to $178, or 170 bps to 17.8% of Net sales. This decrease in
Operating profit as a percentage of Net sales was primarily due to a decrease in Gross profit (240 bps), partially offset by a
decrease in Selling, general and administrative expenses (120 bps), both as a percentage of Net sales. This decrease in
Gross profit was primarily due to higher raw and packaging material costs (790 bps), driven by higher foreign exchange
transaction costs, which were partially offset by cost savings from the Company’s funding-the-growth initiatives (260 bps)
and higher pricing. The decrease in Selling, general and administrative expenses was due to decreased advertising
investment (190 bps), in part reflecting a shift from advertising investment to in-store promotional activities, which was
partially offset by higher overhead expenses (70 bps).
Operating profit in Africa/Eurasia decreased 12% in 2014 to $235, or 180 bps to 19.5% of Net sales. This decrease in
Operating profit as a percentage of Net sales was primarily due to a decrease in Gross profit (200 bps), while Selling,
general and administrative expenses were even with 2013. This decrease in Gross profit was primarily due to higher raw
and packaging material costs (470 bps), driven by higher foreign exchange transaction costs, which were partially offset by
cost savings from the Company's funding-the-growth initiatives (170 bps) and the 2012 Restructuring Program (10 bps)
and higher pricing. Selling, general and administrative expenses were even with 2013, as higher overhead expenses (100
bps) were offset by decreased advertising investment (100 bps).
Hill’s Pet Nutrition
Net sales
Operating profit
% of Net sales
2015
2014
$
$
$
$
2,212
612
27.7%
2,255
592
26.3%
% Change
(2.0) %
3 %
140 bps
$
$
2013
2,211
563
25.5%
% Change
2.0 %
5 %
80 bps
Net sales for Hill’s Pet Nutrition decreased 2.0% in 2015 to $2,212, as volume growth of 3.5% and net selling price
increases of 2.5%, were more than offset by negative foreign exchange of 8.0%. Organic sales in Hill’s Pet Nutrition
increased 6.0% in 2015. Volume gains were led by the United States and Taiwan.
The increase in organic sales in 2015 versus 2014 was driven by continued growth in the Prescription Diet category.
The Advanced Nutrition and Naturals categories also contributed to organic sales growth.
Net sales for Hill’s Pet Nutrition increased 2.0% in 2014 to $2,255, driven by volume growth of 1.0% and net selling
price increases of 3.0%, which were partially offset by negative foreign exchange of 2.0%. Organic sales in Hill’s Pet
Nutrition increased 4.0% in 2014. Volume gains were led by Russia and South Africa and were partially offset by volume
declines in the United States.
Operating profit in Hill’s Pet Nutrition increased 3% in 2015 to $612, or 140 bps to 27.7% of Net sales. This increase
in Operating profit as a percentage of Net sales was primarily due to an increase in Gross profit (60 bps) and a decrease in
Selling, general and administrative expenses (190 bps), which were partially offset by an increase in Other (income)
expense, net (110 bps), all as a percentage of Net sales. This increase in Gross profit was primarily due to cost savings from
the Company’s funding-the-growth initiatives (200 bps) and higher pricing, partially offset by higher costs (220 bps),
primarily driven by higher raw and packaging material costs, which included higher foreign exchange transaction costs.
This decrease in Selling, general and administrative expenses was primarily due to decreased advertising investment (170
bps). This increase in Other (income) expense, net was primarily due to the expiration of a foreign sales tax exemption.
Operating profit in Hill’s Pet Nutrition increased 5% in 2014 to $592, or 80 bps to 26.3% of Net sales. This increase in
Operating profit as a percentage of Net sales was primarily due to a decrease in Selling, general and administrative
expenses (20 bps) and a decrease in Other (income) expense, net (100 bps), which were partially offset by a decrease in
Gross profit (40 bps), all as a percentage of Net sales. This decrease in Gross profit was primarily due to higher raw and
packaging material costs (290 bps), due in part to formulation changes and foreign exchange transaction costs, which were
partially offset by cost savings from the Company's funding-the-growth initiatives (180 bps) and higher pricing. This
decrease in Selling, general and administrative expenses was primarily due to decreased advertising investment (90 bps),
partially offset by higher overhead expenses as a result of increased investment in customer development initiatives (60
bps). This decrease in Other (income) expense, net was in part due to the expiration of a third-party royalty agreement.
32
33
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)
Corporate
Restructuring and Related Implementation Charges
Operating profit (loss)
$
(1,687) $
(1,088)
2015
2014
% Change
55 %
2013
$
(1,090)
% Change
— %
2012 Restructuring Program
Corporate operations include Corporate overhead costs, research and development costs, stock-based compensation
expense related to stock options and restricted stock unit awards, restructuring and related implementation costs and gains
and losses on sales of non-core product lines. The components of Operating profit (loss) for the Corporate segment are
presented as follows:
2012 Restructuring Program
Charge for Venezuela accounting change
Venezuela remeasurement charges
Charges for foreign competition law matters
Costs related to the sale of land in Mexico
Gain on sale of South Pacific laundry detergent business
Corporate overhead costs and other, net
Total Corporate Operating profit (loss)
2015
2014
2013
(254) $
(1,084)
(34)
(14)
—
187
(488)
(1,687) $
(286) $
—
(327)
(41)
(4)
—
(430)
(1,088) $
(371)
—
(172)
(23)
(18)
—
(506)
(1,090)
$
$
In the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company commenced the 2012 Restructuring Program. The program’s initiatives are
expected to help Colgate ensure sustained solid worldwide growth in unit volume, organic sales and earnings per share and
enhance its global leadership positions in its core businesses.
The 2012 Restructuring Program is expected to produce significant benefits in the Company’s long-term business
performance. The major objectives of the program include:
Becoming even stronger on the ground through the continued evolution and expansion of proven global and
regional commercial capabilities, which have already been successfully implemented in a number of the
Company’s operations around the world.
Simplifying and standardizing how work gets done by increasing technology-enabled collaboration and
taking advantage of global data and analytic capabilities, leading to smarter and faster decisions.
Reducing structural costs to continue to increase the Company’s gross and operating profit.
Building on Colgate’s current position of strength to enhance its leading market share positions worldwide
and ensure sustained sales and earnings growth.
On October 23, 2014, the Company’s Board approved an expansion of the 2012 Restructuring Program. The initiatives
under the 2012 Restructuring Program continue to be focused on the following areas:
Expanding Commercial Hubs - Building on the success of this structure already implemented in several
divisions, continuing to cluster single-country subsidiaries into more efficient regional hubs, in order to drive
smarter and faster decision-making, strengthen capabilities available on the ground and improve cost
structure.
Extending Shared Business Services and Streamlining Global Functions - Implementing the Company’s
shared service organizational model, already successful in Europe, in all regions of the world. Initially
focused on finance and accounting, these shared services will be expanded to additional functional areas to
streamline global functions.
Optimizing Global Supply Chain and Facilities - Continuing to optimize manufacturing efficiencies, global
warehouse networks and office locations for greater efficiency, lower cost and speed to bring innovation to
market.
The Board authorized the expansion of the 2012 Restructuring Program to take advantage of additional savings
opportunities identified in all three areas.
On October 29, 2015, the Company’s Board approved the reinvestment of the funds from the sale of the Company’s
laundry detergent business in the South Pacific to expand the 2012 Restructuring Program and extend it for one year
through December 31, 2017. Initiatives under the expanded 2012 Restructuring Program will continue to fit within the
program’s three focus areas of expanding commercial hubs, extending shared business services and streamlining global
functions and optimizing the global supply chain and facilities. The Company expects the initiatives under the expanded
program to have a similar aftertax rate of return to the existing program, which on average has been 30%. The Company
will update its disclosure to reflect the impact the expansion will have on the range of estimated charges and savings for the
2012 Restructuring Program when the additional initiatives under the expanded program are approved. The charges and
savings discussed below do not reflect the impact of this expansion.
34
35
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)
Cumulative pretax charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program, once all phases are approved and implemented,
Since the inception of the 2012 Restructuring Program in the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company has incurred pretax
are estimated to be $1,285 to $1,435 ($950 to $1,050 aftertax). These pretax charges are currently estimated to be
comprised of the following categories: Employee-Related Costs, including severance, pension and other termination
benefits (50%); asset-related costs, primarily Incremental Depreciation and Asset Impairments (10%); and Other charges,
which include contract termination costs, consisting primarily of implementation-related charges resulting directly from
exit activities (20%) and the implementation of new strategies (20%). Over the course of the 2012 Restructuring Program,
it is currently estimated that approximately 75% of the charges will result in cash expenditures. Anticipated pretax charges
for 2016 are expected to amount to approximately $285 to $435 ($210 to $310 aftertax).
It is expected that the cumulative pretax charges, once all projects are approved and implemented, will relate to
initiatives undertaken in North America (15%), Europe/South Pacific (20%), Latin America (5%), Asia (5%), Africa/
Eurasia (5%), Hill’s Pet Nutrition (10%) and Corporate (40%), which includes substantially all of the costs related to the
implementation of new strategies, noted above, on a global basis. It is now expected that, by the end of 2016, the 2012
Restructuring Program will have contributed a net reduction of approximately 2,700-3,200 positions from the Company’s
global employee workforce.
Savings from the 2012 Restructuring Program, substantially all of which are expected to increase future cash flows,
are projected to be in the range of $405 to $475 pretax ($340 to $390 aftertax) annually by the fourth year of the program.
Savings in 2016 are expected to amount to approximately $60 to $70 pretax ($55 to $65 aftertax).
For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, restructuring and implementation-related charges are
reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Income as follows:
Cost of sales
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Other (income) expense, net
Total 2012 Restructuring Program charges, pretax
Total 2012 Restructuring Program charges, aftertax
2015
2014
2013
20
64
170
254
183
$
$
$
29
62
195
286
208
$
$
$
32
137
202
371
278
$
$
$
Restructuring and related implementation charges in the preceding table are recorded in the Corporate segment as
these initiatives are predominantly centrally directed and controlled and are not included in internal measures of segment
operating performance.
Total charges incurred for the 2012 Restructuring Program relate to initiatives undertaken by the following reportable
operating segments:
North America
Latin America
Europe/South Pacific
Asia
Africa/Eurasia
Hill’s Pet Nutrition
Corporate
2015
2014
2013
Program-to-date
Accumulated Charges
11%
4%
20%
3%
3%
10%
49%
11%
4%
28%
—%
7%
8%
42%
13%
4%
24%
2%
5%
7%
45%
21%
3%
15%
3%
5%
5%
48%
36
cumulative charges of $1,000 ($739 aftertax) in connection with the implementation of various projects as follows:
Employee-Related Costs
Incremental Depreciation
Asset Impairments
Other
Total
Cumulative Charges
as of December 31, 2015
$
$
404
71
7
518
1,000
The majority of costs incurred since inception relate to the following projects: the implementation of the Company’s
overall hubbing strategy; the consolidation of facilities; the extension of shared business services and streamlining of
global functions; the simplification and streamlining of the Company’s research and development capabilities and oral care
supply chain, both in Europe; restructuring how the Company will provide future retirement benefits to substantially all of
the U.S.-based employees participating in the Company’s defined benefit retirement plan by shifting them to the
Company’s defined contribution plan; and the closing of the Morristown, New Jersey personal care facility.
The following table summarizes the activity for the restructuring and implementation-related charges discussed
above and the related accruals:
Employee-Related
Costs
Incremental
Depreciation
Asset
Impairments
Other
Total
Balance at January 1, 2013
Charges
Cash payments
Charges against assets
Foreign exchange
Other
Balance at December 31, 2013
Charges
Cash payments
Charges against assets
Foreign exchange
Other
Balance at December 31, 2014
Charges
Cash payments
Charges against assets
Foreign exchange
Other
Balance at December 31, 2015
$
$
$
$
— $
1
—
(1)
—
—
— $
1
—
(1)
—
—
— $
5
—
(5)
—
—
— $
5
200
(72)
—
—
(91)
42
187
(117)
—
(5)
—
107
120
(94)
—
(2)
—
131
$
$
$
$
89
371
(169)
(44)
2
(91)
158
286
(212)
(31)
(9)
—
192
254
(179)
(42)
(10)
—
215
— $
26
—
(26)
—
—
— $
25
—
(25)
—
—
— $
20
—
(20)
—
—
— $
84
144
(97)
(17)
2
—
116
73
(95)
(5)
(4)
—
85
109
(85)
(17)
(8)
—
84
$
$
$
$
37
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)
Employee-Related Costs primarily include severance and other termination benefits and are calculated based on long-
The following tables provide a quantitative reconciliation of organic sales growth to Net sales growth for each of the
years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 versus the prior year:
Year ended December 31, 2015
Oral, Personal and Home Care
North America
Latin America
Europe/South Pacific
Asia
Africa/Eurasia
Total Oral, Personal and Home Care
Pet Nutrition
Total Company
Year ended December 31, 2014
Oral, Personal and Home Care
North America
Latin America
Europe/South Pacific
Asia
Africa/Eurasia
Total Oral, Personal and Home Care
Pet Nutrition
Total Company
Organic
Sales Growth
(Non-GAAP)
Foreign
Exchange
Impact
Acquisitions and
Divestments
Impact
Net Sales Growth
(GAAP)
2.0%
9.5%
1.0%
2.5%
6.0%
4.5%
6.0%
5.0%
(1.0)%
(19.0)%
(14.5)%
(4.5)%
(23.5)%
(12.0)%
(8.0)%
(11.5)%
—%
—%
(2.0)%
0.5%
—%
(0.5)%
—%
(0.5)%
1.0%
(9.5)%
(15.5)%
(1.5)%
(17.5)%
(8.0)%
(2.0)%
(7.0)%
Organic
Sales Growth
(Non-GAAP)
Foreign
Exchange
Impact
Acquisitions and
Divestments
Impact
Net Sales Growth
(GAAP)
2.5%
9.0%
1.5%
4.5%
7.0%
5.0%
4.0%
5.0%
(1.0)%
(14.5)%
(0.5)%
(3.0)%
(11.0)%
(6.0)%
(2.0)%
(6.0)%
—%
0.5%
(0.5)%
—%
—%
—%
—%
—%
1.5%
(5.0)%
0.5%
1.5%
(4.0)%
(1.0)%
2.0%
(1.0)%
standing benefit practices, local statutory requirements and, in certain cases, voluntary termination arrangements.
Employee-Related Costs also include pension and other retiree benefit enhancements amounting to $17, $5 and $17 for the
years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, which are reflected as Charges against assets within
Employee-Related Costs in the preceding tables, as the corresponding balance sheet amounts are reflected as a reduction of
pension assets or an increase in pension and other retiree benefit liabilities (see Note 10, Retirement Plans and Other
Retiree Benefits to the Consolidated Financial Statements).
Incremental Depreciation is recorded to reflect changes in useful lives and estimated residual values for long-lived
assets that will be taken out of service prior to the end of their normal service period. Asset Impairments are recorded to
write down assets held for sale or disposal to their fair value based on amounts expected to be realized. Charges against
assets within Asset Impairments are net of cash proceeds pertaining to the sale of certain assets.
Other charges consist primarily of charges resulting directly from exit activities and the implementation of new
strategies as a result of the 2012 Restructuring Program. These charges for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and
2013 included third-party incremental costs related to the development and implementation of new business and strategic
initiatives of $65, $65 and $50, respectively, and contract termination costs and charges resulting directly from exit
activities of $8, $40 and $34, respectively, directly related to the 2012 Restructuring Program. These charges were
expensed as incurred. Also included in Other charges for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 are other exit
costs of $47, $82 and $25, respectively, related to the consolidation of facilities. Other charges for the year ended
December 31, 2013 also included a curtailment charge of $91 related to changes to the Company’s U.S. defined benefit
retirement plans (see Note 10, Retirement Plans and Other Retiree Benefits to the Consolidated Financial Statements).
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
This Annual Report on Form 10-K discusses organic sales growth (Net sales growth excluding the impact of foreign
exchange, acquisitions and divestments) (non-GAAP). Management believes this measure provides investors with useful
supplemental information regarding the Company’s underlying sales trends by presenting sales growth excluding the
external factor of foreign exchange, as well as the impact of acquisitions and divestments. A reconciliation of organic sales
growth to Net sales growth for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 is provided below.
Worldwide Gross profit, Gross profit margin, Selling, general and administrative expenses, Selling, general and
administrative expenses as a percentage of Net sales, Other (income) expense, net, Operating profit, Operating profit
margin, effective income tax rate, Net income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company and Earnings per share on a
diluted basis are discussed in this Annual Report on Form 10-K both on a GAAP basis and, as applicable, excluding a
charge related to the change in accounting for the Company’s Venezuelan operations, charges related to the 2012
Restructuring Program, charges related to the Venezuela Remeasurements, a gain on the sale of the Company’s laundry
detergent business in the South Pacific, charges for foreign tax matters, costs related to the sale of land in Mexico and
charges for foreign competition law matters (non-GAAP). Management believes these non-GAAP financial measures
provide investors with useful supplemental information regarding the performance of the Company’s ongoing operations. A
reconciliation of each of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures
for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 is presented within the applicable section of Results of Operations.
The Company uses the above financial measures internally in its budgeting process and as a factor in determining
compensation. While the Company believes that these non-GAAP financial measures are useful in evaluating the
Company’s business, this information should be considered as supplemental in nature and is not meant to be considered in
isolation or as a substitute for the related financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP. In addition, these non-
GAAP financial measures may not be the same as similar measures presented by other companies.
38
39
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Company expects cash flow from operations and debt issuances will be sufficient to meet foreseeable business
operating and recurring cash needs (including for debt service, dividends, capital expenditures, costs related to the 2012
Restructuring Program and stock repurchases). The Company believes its strong cash generation and financial position
should continue to allow it broad access to global credit and capital markets.
Cash Flow
Net cash provided by operations was $2,949 in 2015, compared to $3,298 in 2014 and $3,204 in 2013. Net cash
provided by operations for 2015 decreased due to: a decrease in Operating profit, excluding a charge related to the change
in accounting for the Company’s Venezuelan operations, charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program, charges
related to the Venezuela Remeasurements, a gain on the sale of the Company’s laundry detergent business in the South
Pacific, costs related to the sale of land in Mexico and charges for foreign competition law matters in both periods, as
applicable; higher income tax payments; and payments for a foreign competition law matter. The increase in 2014 as
compared to 2013 was primarily due to strong operating earnings and a continued tight focus on working capital.
The Company defines working capital as the difference between current assets (excluding Cash and cash equivalents
and marketable securities, the latter of which is reported in Other current assets) and current liabilities (excluding short-
term debt). The Company’s working capital as a percentage of Net sales was 0.5% and 0.8% in 2015 and 2014,
respectively. This decrease is primarily due to the exclusion of the working capital of the Company’s Venezuelan
operations as of December 31, 2015.
In August 2015, the Company completed the sale of its laundry detergent business in the South Pacific to Henkel AG
& Co. KGaA for an aggregate purchase price of approximately 310 Australian dollars ($221) and recorded a pretax gain of
$187 ($120 aftertax or $0.13 per diluted share). The gain is net of charges related to the right-sizing of the Company’s
South Pacific business, asset write-offs related to the divested laundry detergent business and other costs related to the sale.
As discussed above, the funds from the sale will be reinvested to expand the 2012 Restructuring Program.
In 2011, the Company’s Mexican subsidiary entered into an agreement to sell the Mexico City site on which its
commercial operations, technology center and soap production facility were located. During 2011 and 2012, the Company
received the first and second installments of $24 and $36, respectively, related to the sale of land in Mexico. The parties
have subsequently amended the agreement to extend the closing date. Under the existing agreement, the final installment of
the purchase price is due upon the transfer of the property, which is subject to the Company’s satisfaction of certain closing
conditions relating to site preparation by February 29, 2016. If these conditions are not fully satisfied by such date, the
agreement will automatically be extended to March 30, 2016. While these conditions are not expected to be fully satisfied
by March 30, 2016, in which case the Purchaser has several options under the agreement (including termination and the
return to it of the first two installments of the purchase price), based on the discussions to date, the Company believes that
an additional amendment will be negotiated and the transfer of the property is expected to occur by the third quarter of
2016.
Capital expenditures were $691, $757 and $670 for 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The Company continues to
focus its capital spending on projects that are expected to yield high aftertax returns. Capital expenditures for 2016 are
expected to be approximately 4.5% of Net sales, which is higher than the historical rate of approximately 3.5% primarily
due to the 2012 Restructuring Program.
On October 29, 2015, the Company’s Board approved the reinvestment of the funds from the sale of the Company’s
laundry detergent business in the South Pacific (discussed below) to expand the 2012 Restructuring Program and extend it
through December 31, 2017. The Company will update its disclosure to reflect the impact the expansion will have on the
range of estimated charges and savings for the 2012 Restructuring Program when the additional initiatives under the
expanded program are approved. The charges and savings discussed below do not reflect the impact of this expansion.
Financing activities used $2,276 of cash during 2015 compared to $2,170 and $2,142 during 2014 and 2013,
respectively. The increase in cash used in 2015 as compared to 2014 was primarily due to higher principal payments on
debt, higher dividends paid and higher purchases of treasury shares, which were partially offset by higher proceeds from
the issuances of debt. The increase in cash used in 2014 as compared to 2013 was primarily due to higher principal
payments on debt and higher dividends paid, which were partially offset by higher proceeds from the issuances of debt.
Approximately 75% of total program charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program, estimated to be $1,285 to
$1,435 pretax ($950 to $1,050 aftertax), are expected to result in cash expenditures. Savings from the 2012 Restructuring
Program are projected to be in the range of $405 to $475 pretax ($340 to $390 aftertax) annually by the fourth year of the
program, substantially all of which are expected to increase future cash flows. The anticipated pretax charges for 2016 are
expected to amount to approximately $285 to $435 ($210 to $310 aftertax) and savings in 2016 are expected to amount to
approximately $60 to $70 pretax ($55 to $65 aftertax). It is anticipated that cash requirements for the 2012 Restructuring
Program will be funded from operating cash flows. Approximately 60% of the restructuring accrual at December 31, 2015
is expected to be paid before year end 2016.
Investing activities used $685 of cash in 2015, reflecting a reduction in cash of $75 as CP Venezuela’s cash is no
longer included in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet effective December 31, 2015, compared to $859 and $890
during 2014 and 2013, respectively. Purchases of marketable securities and investments increased in 2015 to $742 from
$340 in 2014, partially due to an increase, prior to the change in accounting for the Company’s Venezuelan operations, in
CP Venezuela’s investments in local currency-denominated fixed interest rate government bonds and a fixed interest rate
note receivable, an increase in purchases by the Company’s Argentinian subsidiary of U.S. dollar-linked fixed interest rate
government bonds and an increase in bank deposits with original maturities greater than 90 days. Proceeds from the sale of
marketable securities and investments increased in 2015 to $599 from $283 in 2014 partially due to higher proceeds, prior
to the change in accounting for the Company’s Venezuelan operations, from CP Venezuela’s investments in local currency-
denominated fixed interest rate government bonds and a fixed interest rate note receivable, higher proceeds from the
Company’s Argentinian subsidiary’s investment in U.S. dollar-linked fixed interest rate government bonds and an increase
in proceeds from the redemption of bank deposits with original maturities greater than 90 days.
Long-term debt, including the current portion, increased to $6,567 as of December 31, 2015, as compared to $6,132 as
of December 31, 2014 and total debt increased to $6,571 as of December 31, 2015 as compared to $6,148 as of
December 31, 2014. The Company’s debt issuances support its capital structure strategy objectives of funding its business
and growth initiatives while minimizing its risk-adjusted cost of capital. During the third quarter of 2015, the Company
issued $600 of thirty-year notes at a fixed rate of 4.00%. During the second quarter of 2015 the Company issued €500 of
euro-denominated four-year notes at a variable rate. During the fourth quarter of 2014, the Company issued $134 of forty-
year notes at a variable rate. During the first quarter of 2014, the Company issued $500 of five-year notes at a fixed rate of
1.75% and $500 of ten-year notes at a fixed rate of 3.25%. During the fourth quarter of 2013, the Company issued $300 of
five-year notes at a fixed rate of 1.50% and $82 of forty-year notes at a variable rate. During the second quarter of 2013,
the Company issued $400 of five-year notes at a fixed rate of 0.90% and $400 of ten-year notes at a fixed rate of 2.10%.
The debt issuances during the third quarter of 2015, the first and fourth quarters of 2014 and the second and fourth quarters
of 2013 were U.S. dollar-denominated. The debt issuances in 2015, 2014 and 2013 were under the Company’s shelf
registration statement. Proceeds from the debt issuances in the second and third quarters of 2015, first quarter of 2014 and
second and fourth quarters of 2013 were used for general corporate purposes which included the retirement of commercial
paper borrowings. Proceeds from the debt issuance in the first quarter of 2014 were also used to repay and retire $250 of
U.S. dollar-denominated notes and €250 of euro-denominated notes, both of which became due in the second quarter of
2014. Proceeds from the debt issuance in the second quarter of 2013 were also used to repay and retire $250 of notes due in
2013.
40
41
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)
At December 31, 2015, the Company had access to unused domestic and foreign lines of credit of $2,976 (including
Cash and cash equivalents decreased $119 during 2015 to $970 at December 31, 2015, compared to $1,089 at
under the facilities discussed below) and could also issue medium-term notes pursuant to an effective shelf registration
statement. In November 2011, the Company entered into a five-year revolving credit facility with a capacity of $1,850 with
a syndicate of banks. This facility was extended for an additional year in 2012 and again in 2013. In 2014, the Company
entered into an amendment of this facility whereby the facility was extended for an additional year to November 2019 and
the capacity of the facility was increased to $2,370. The Company also has the ability to draw $165 from a revolving credit
facility that expires in November 2016. In addition, the Company has the ability to draw $20 from a credit facility that
expires in December 2016. Commitment fees related to the credit facilities are not material.
Domestic and foreign commercial paper outstanding was $5 and $255 as of December 31, 2015 and December 31,
2014, respectively. The average daily balances outstanding for commercial paper in 2015 and 2014 were $1,989 and
$1,486, respectively. The Company classifies commercial paper and certain current maturities of notes payable as long-
term debt when it has the intent and ability to refinance such obligations on a long-term basis, including, if necessary, by
utilizing its line of credit that expires in November 2019.
The following is a summary of the Company’s commercial paper and global short-term borrowings as of
December 31, 2015 and 2014:
December 31, 2014, most of which ($932 and $1,034, respectively) were held by the Company’s foreign subsidiaries. The
amount at December 31, 2014 included $64 that was subject to currency exchange controls in Venezuela, limiting the total
amount of Cash and cash equivalents held by the Company’s foreign subsidiaries that could be repatriated at any particular
point in time. See Note 14, Venezuela to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding the change in
accounting for the Company’s Venezuelan operations effective December 31, 2015. The Company regularly assesses its
cash needs and the available sources to fund these needs and, as part of this assessment, the Company determines the
amount of foreign earnings it intends to repatriate to help fund its domestic cash needs and provides applicable U.S.
income and foreign withholding taxes on such earnings.
As of December 31, 2015, the Company had approximately $4,600 of undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries
for which no U.S. income or foreign withholding taxes have been provided as the Company does not currently anticipate a
need to repatriate these earnings. These earnings have been and currently are considered to be indefinitely reinvested
outside of the U.S. and, therefore, are not subject to such taxes. Should these earnings be repatriated in the future, they
would be subject to applicable U.S. income and foreign withholding taxes. As the Company operates in over 200 countries
and territories throughout the world and due to the complexities in the tax laws and the assumptions that would have to be
made, it is not practicable to determine the tax liability that would arise if these earnings were repatriated.
2015
2014
The following represents the scheduled maturities of the Company’s contractual obligations as of December 31, 2015:
Weighted
Average Interest
Rate
1.8%
—%
Payable to banks
Commercial paper
Total
Maturities Outstanding
4
$
5
9
2016
2016
$
Weighted Average
Interest Rate
1.9%
—%
Maturities Outstanding
16
$
255
271
2015
2015
$
Certain of the facilities with respect to the Company’s bank borrowings contain financial and other covenants as well
as cross-default provisions. Noncompliance with these requirements could ultimately result in the acceleration of amounts
owed. The Company is in full compliance with all such requirements and believes the likelihood of noncompliance is
remote. See Note 6, Long-Term Debt and Credit Facilities to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information
about the Company’s long-term debt and credit facilities.
Dividend payments in 2015 were $1,493, an increase from $1,446 in 2014 and $1,382 in 2013. Dividend payments
increased to $1.50 per share in 2015 from $1.42 per share in 2014 and $1.33 per share in 2013. In the first quarter of 2015,
the Company’s Board increased the quarterly common stock cash dividend to $0.38 per share from $0.36 per share,
effective in the second quarter of 2015.
The Company repurchases shares of its common stock in the open market and in private transactions to maintain its
targeted capital structure and to fulfill certain requirements of its compensation and benefit plans. The share repurchase
program approved by the Board on September 8, 2011 (the “2011 Program”) authorized the repurchase of up to 50 million
shares of the Company’s common stock. On February 19, 2015, the Board authorized the repurchase of shares of the
Company’s common stock having an aggregate purchase price of up to $5,000 under a new share repurchase program (the
“2015 Program”), which replaced the 2011 Program. The Company commenced repurchase of shares of the Company’s
common stock under the 2015 Program beginning February 19, 2015. The Board also has authorized share repurchases on
an ongoing basis to fulfill certain requirements of the Company’s compensation and benefit programs.
Aggregate share repurchases in 2015 consisted of 19.9 million common shares under the 2015 Program, 1.7 million
common shares under the 2011 Program and 1.2 million common shares to fulfill the requirements of compensation and
benefit plans, for a total purchase price of $1,551. Aggregate repurchases in 2014 consisted of 21.7 million common shares
under the 2011 Program and 1.5 million common shares to fulfill the requirements of compensation and benefit plans, for a
total purchase price of $1,530. Aggregate repurchases in 2013 consisted of 24.6 million common shares under the 2011
Program and 1.0 million common shares to fulfill the requirements of compensation and benefit plans, for a total purchase
price of $1,521.
Long-term debt including current portion
Net cash interest payments on long-term debt(1)
Leases
Purchase obligations(2)
Total
Total
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
Thereafter
$
$
6,567
1,376
926
697
9,566
$ 298
129
$ 649
110
$ 698
108
$1,045
102
$ 248
100
188
152
139
129
120
449
$1,064
125
$1,036
83
$1,028
16
$1,292
16
$ 484
$
$
3,629
827
198
8
4,662
_______
(1)
Includes the net interest payments on fixed and variable rate debt and associated interest rate swaps. Interest payments associated
with floating rate instruments are based on management’s best estimate of projected interest rates for the remaining term of variable
rate debt.
(2) The Company had outstanding contractual obligations with suppliers at the end of 2015 for the purchase of raw, packaging and
other materials and services in the normal course of business. These purchase obligation amounts represent only those items which
are based on agreements that are legally binding and that specify all significant terms including minimum quantity, price and term
and do not represent total anticipated purchases.
Long-term liabilities associated with the Company’s postretirement plans are excluded from the table above due to the
uncertainty of the timing of these cash disbursements. The amount and timing of cash funding related to these benefit plans
will generally depend on local regulatory requirements, various economic assumptions (the most significant of which are
detailed in “Critical Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates” below) and voluntary Company contributions. Based on
current information, the Company is not required to make a mandatory contribution to its qualified U.S. pension plan in
2016. Management also does not expect to make a voluntary contribution to the U.S. pension plans for the year ending
December 31, 2016. In addition, total benefit payments to be paid to participants for the year ending December 31, 2016
from the Company’s assets are estimated to be approximately $63.
Additionally, liabilities for unrecognized income tax benefits are excluded from the table above as the Company is
unable to reasonably predict the ultimate amount or timing of a settlement of such liabilities. See Note 11, Income Taxes to
the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.
As more fully described in Part I, Item 3 “Legal Proceedings” and Note 13, Commitments and Contingencies to the
Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company has commitments and contingencies with respect to lawsuits,
environmental matters, taxes and other matters arising in the ordinary course of business.
42
43
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Interest Rate Risk
The Company does not have off-balance sheet financing or unconsolidated special purpose entities.
Managing Foreign Currency, Interest Rate, Commodity Price and Credit Risk Exposure
The Company is exposed to market risk from foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates and commodity price
fluctuations. Volatility relating to these exposures is managed on a global basis by utilizing a number of techniques,
including working capital management, selling price increases, selective borrowings in local currencies and entering into
selective derivative instrument transactions, issued with standard features, in accordance with the Company’s treasury and
risk management policies. The Company’s treasury and risk management policies prohibit the use of derivatives for
speculative purposes and leveraged derivatives for any purpose.
The sensitivity of our financial instruments to market fluctuations is discussed below. See Note 2, Summary of
Significant Accounting Policies and Note 7, Fair Value Measurements and Financial Instruments to the Consolidated
Financial Statements for further discussion of derivatives and hedging policies and fair value measurements.
Foreign Exchange Risk
As the Company markets its products in over 200 countries and territories, it is exposed to currency fluctuations
related to manufacturing and selling its products in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. The Company manages its foreign
currency exposures through a combination of cost-containment measures, sourcing strategies, selling price increases and
the hedging of certain costs in an effort to minimize the impact on earnings of foreign currency rate movements. See the
“Results of Operations” section above for discussion of the foreign exchange impact on Net sales in each operating
segment.
The assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at year-end exchange rates with
resulting translation gains and losses accumulated in a separate component of shareholders’ equity. Income and expense
items are translated into U.S. dollars at average rates of exchange prevailing during the year.
Prior to the change in accounting for the Company’s Venezuelan operations, which was effective December 31, 2015,
the functional currency for CP Venezuela was the U.S. dollar since Venezuela was designated as hyper-inflationary, and
Venezuelan currency fluctuations were reported in income. The local currency-denominated non-monetary assets of the
Venezuelan operations, including inventories and property, plant and equipment were remeasured at their historical
exchange rates, while local currency-denominated monetary assets and liabilities were remeasured at period-end exchange
rates. Remeasurement adjustments for these operations were included in Net income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive
Company. Refer to Executive Overview and Outlook above and to Note 14, Venezuela to the Consolidated Financial
Statements for further discussion of the Company’s Venezuelan operations.
The Company primarily utilizes foreign currency contracts, including forward and swap contracts, local currency
deposits and local currency borrowings to hedge portions of its exposures relating to foreign currency purchases, assets and
liabilities created in the normal course of business and the net investment in certain foreign subsidiaries. The duration of
foreign currency contracts generally does not exceed 12 months and the contracts are valued using observable market rates.
The Company’s foreign currency forward contracts that qualify for cash flow hedge accounting resulted in net
unrealized gains of $35 and $22 at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Changes in the fair value of cash flow
hedges are recorded in Other comprehensive income (loss) and are reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods
during which the underlying hedged transaction is recognized in earnings. At the end of 2015, an unfavorable 10% change
in exchange rates would have resulted in a net unrealized loss of $39.
The Company manages its mix of fixed and floating rate debt against its target with debt issuances and by entering into
interest rate swaps in order to mitigate fluctuations in earnings and cash flows that may result from interest rate volatility.
The notional amount, interest payment and maturity date of the swaps generally match the principal, interest payment and
maturity date of the related debt, and the swaps are valued using observable benchmark rates.
Based on year-end 2015 variable rate debt levels, a 1% increase in interest rates would have increased Interest
(income) expense, net by $14 in 2015.
Commodity Price Risk
The Company is exposed to price volatility related to raw materials used in production, such as resins, pulp, essential
oils, tropical oils, tallow, poultry, corn and soybeans. The Company manages its raw material exposures through a
combination of cost containment measures, ongoing productivity initiatives and the limited use of commodity hedging
contracts. Futures contracts are used on a limited basis, primarily in the Hill’s Pet Nutrition segment, to manage volatility
related to anticipated raw material inventory purchases of certain traded commodities.
The Company’s open commodity derivative contracts, which qualify for cash flow hedge accounting, resulted in net
unrealized losses of $0 and $1 at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. At the end of 2015, an unfavorable 10%
change in commodity futures prices would have resulted in a net unrealized loss of $2.
Credit Risk
The Company is exposed to the risk of credit loss in the event of nonperformance by counterparties to financial
instrument contracts; however, nonperformance is considered unlikely and any nonperformance is unlikely to be material
as it is the Company’s policy to contract with diverse, credit-worthy counterparties based upon both strong credit ratings
and other credit considerations.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
On January 5, 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update
(“ASU”) No. 2016-01, “Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial
Assets and Financial Liabilities.” The updated guidance enhances the reporting model for financial instruments, which
includes amendments to address aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure. The amendment to the
standard is effective for the Company beginning on June 1, 2018. While the Company is currently assessing the impact of
the new standard, it does not expect this new guidance to have a material impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements.
On November 20, 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17 “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification
of Deferred Taxes,” which simplifies the presentation of deferred income taxes. Under the new accounting standard,
deferred tax assets and liabilities are required to be classified as noncurrent, eliminating the prior requirement to separate
deferred tax assets and liabilities into current and noncurrent. The new guidance is effective for the Company beginning on
January 1, 2017, with early adoption permitted. The standard may be adopted prospectively or retrospectively to all periods
presented. The Company is currently assessing the timing of adoption of the new guidance, but does not expect it will have
a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
On July 22, 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11 “Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of
Inventory,” which simplifies the subsequent measurement of inventories by replacing the lower of cost or market test with
a lower of cost and net realizable value test. The guidance applies only to inventories for which cost is determined by
methods other than last-in first-out (“LIFO”) and the retail inventory method. The new guidance is effective for the
Company beginning on January 1, 2017, with early adoption permitted. This new guidance is not expected to have a
material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
44
45
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)
On April 7, 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03 “Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs,” which
requires that debt issuance costs be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of related
debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. Under the former accounting standards, such costs were recorded as an asset.
On August 18, 2015, the FASB clarified that the guidance in ASU No. 2015-03 does not apply to line-of-credit
arrangements. Accordingly, companies may continue to present debt issuance costs for line-of-credit arrangements as an
asset and subsequently amortize the deferred debt costs ratably over the term of the arrangement. The new guidance in
ASU No. 2015-03 was effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2016 and is not expected to have a material impact
on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
On February 18, 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02 “Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the
Consolidation Analysis” that amends the current consolidation guidance. The amendments affect both the variable interest
entity and voting interest entity consolidation models. The new guidance was effective for the Company beginning January
1, 2016 and is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
On May 28, 2014, the FASB and the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) issued their final converged
standard on revenue recognition. The standard, issued as ASU No. 2014-09 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” by
the FASB, provides a single, comprehensive revenue recognition model for all contracts with customers and supersedes
current revenue recognition guidance. The revenue standard contains principles that an entity will apply to determine the
measurement of revenue and timing of when it is recognized. The underlying principle is that an entity will recognize
revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers at an amount that the entity expects to be entitled to in
exchange for those goods or services. The new standard also includes enhanced disclosures which are significantly more
comprehensive than those in existing revenue standards. ASU No. 2014-09 was to be effective for the Company beginning
January 1, 2017. However, on July 9, 2015, the FASB voted to approve a one-year deferral of the effective date. This new
guidance is now expected to be effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2018. The standard allows for either “full
retrospective” adoption, meaning the standard is applied to all of the periods presented, or “modified retrospective”
adoption, meaning the standard is applied only to the most current period presented in the financial statements. While the
Company is currently assessing the impact of the new standard, it does not expect this new guidance to have a material
impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements.
Critical Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United
States of America requires management to use judgment and make estimates. The level of uncertainty in estimates and
assumptions increases with the length of time until the underlying transactions are completed. Actual results could
ultimately differ from those estimates. The accounting policies that are most critical in the preparation of the Company’s
Consolidated Financial Statements are those that are both important to the presentation of the Consolidated Financial
Statements and require significant or complex judgments and estimates on the part of management. The Company’s critical
accounting policies are reviewed periodically with the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.
In certain instances, accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America allow for the selection of
alternative accounting methods. The Company’s significant policies that involve the selection of alternative methods are
accounting for shipping and handling costs and inventories.
Shipping and handling costs may be reported as either a component of Cost of sales or Selling, general and
administrative expenses. The Company reports such costs, primarily related to warehousing and outbound freight,
in the Consolidated Statements of Income as a component of Selling, general and administrative expenses.
Accordingly, the Company’s Gross profit margin is not comparable with the gross profit margin of those
companies that include shipping and handling charges in cost of sales. If such costs had been included in Cost of
sales, Gross profit margin would have decreased by 770 bps, from 58.6% to 50.9% in 2015 and decreased by 770
bps and 750 bps in 2014 and 2013, respectively, with no impact on reported earnings.
The Company accounts for inventories using both the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method (80% of inventories) and
the LIFO method (20% of inventories). There would have been no material impact on reported earnings for 2015,
2014 or 2013 had all inventories been accounted for under the FIFO method.
The areas of accounting that involve significant or complex judgments and estimates are pensions and other retiree
benefit cost assumptions, stock-based compensation, asset impairments, uncertain tax positions, tax valuation allowances,
legal and other contingency reserves and, prior to the change in accounting for the Company’s Venezuelan operations, the
selection of the exchange rate used to remeasure the financial statements of CP Venezuela.
In pension accounting, the most significant actuarial assumptions are the discount rate and the long-term rate of
return on plan assets. The discount rate used to measure the benefit obligation for U.S. defined benefit plans was
4.93%, 4.24% and 4.96% as of December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The discount rate used to
measure the benefit obligation for other U.S. postretirement plans was 4.97%, 4.36% and 5.24% as of December
31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Discount rates used for the U.S. and international defined benefit and other
postretirement plans are based on a yield curve constructed from a portfolio of high-quality bonds whose
projected cash flows approximate the projected benefit payments of the plans. The assumed long-term rate of
return on plan assets for U.S. plans was 6.80% as of December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013. In determining the long-
term rate of return, the Company considers the nature of the plans’ investments and the historical rate of return.
Average annual rates of return for the U.S. plans for the most recent 1-year, 5-year, 10-year, 15-year and 25-year
periods were (1)%, 7%, 6%, 6% and 8%, respectively. In addition, the current assumed rate of return for the U.S.
plans is based upon the nature of the plans’ investments with a target asset allocation of approximately 53% in
fixed income securities, 27% in equity securities and 20% in real estate and other investments. A 1% change in the
assumed rate of return on plan assets of the U.S. pension plans would impact future Net income attributable to
Colgate-Palmolive Company by approximately $10. A 1% change in the discount rate for the U.S. pension plans
would impact future Net income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company by approximately $3. A third
assumption is the long-term rate of compensation increase, a change in which would partially offset the impact of
a change in either the discount rate or the long-term rate of return. This rate was 3.50% as of December 31, 2015,
December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. Refer to Note 10, Retirement Plans and Other Retiree Benefits to the
Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of the Company’s pension and other postretirement
plans.
The assumption requiring the most judgment in accounting for other postretirement benefits is the medical cost
trend rate. The Company reviews external data and its own historical trends for health care costs to determine the
medical cost trend rate. The assumed rate of increase for the U.S. postretirement benefit plans is 6.67% for 2016,
declining to 4.75% by 2022 and remaining at 4.75% for the years thereafter. The effect on the total of service and
interest cost components of a 1% increase in the assumed long-term medical cost trend rate would decrease Net
income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company by $6.
The Company recognizes the cost of employee services received in exchange for awards of equity instruments,
such as stock options and restricted stock units, based on the fair value of those awards at the date of grant. The
Company uses the Black-Scholes-Merton (“Black-Scholes”) option pricing model to determine the fair value of
stock option awards. The weighted-average estimated fair value of each stock option award granted in the year
ended December 31, 2015 was $7.25. The Black-Scholes model uses various assumptions to determine the fair
value of stock option awards. These assumptions include the expected term of stock option awards, expected
volatility rate, risk-free interest rate and expected dividend yield. While these assumptions do not require
significant judgment, as the significant inputs are determined from historical experience or independent third-
party sources, changes in these inputs could result in significant changes in the fair value of stock option
awards. A one-year change in expected term would result in a change in fair value of approximately 7%. A 1%
change in volatility would change fair value by approximately 6%.
46
47
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)
Goodwill and indefinite life intangible assets, such as the Company’s global brands, are subject to impairment
tests at least annually. The Company performs either a quantitative or qualitative assessment to determine the fair
value of its reporting units for goodwill and fair value of its indefinite life intangible assets. The asset impairment
analysis performed for both goodwill and indefinite life intangible assets requires several estimates, including
future cash flows consistent with management’s strategic plans, sales growth rates, foreign exchange rates and the
selection of a discount rate. Qualitative factors, in addition to those quantitative measures discussed above,
include assessments of general macroeconomic conditions, industry-specific considerations and historical
financial performance.
The estimated fair value of the Company’s intangible assets substantially exceeds the recorded carrying value,
except for the intangible assets acquired in the Sanex acquisition in 2011, which were recorded at fair value. The
estimated fair value of the Company’s reporting units also substantially exceeds the recorded carrying value.
Therefore, it is not reasonably likely that significant changes in these estimates would occur that would result in
an impairment charge related to these assets. Asset impairment analysis related to certain fixed assets in
connection with the 2012 Restructuring Program requires management’s best estimate of net realizable values.
The recognition and measurement of uncertain tax positions involves consideration of the amounts and
probabilities of various outcomes that could be realized upon ultimate resolution.
Tax valuation allowances are established to reduce deferred tax assets, such as tax loss carryforwards, to net
realizable value. Factors considered in estimating net realizable value include historical results by tax jurisdiction,
carryforward periods, income tax strategies and forecasted taxable income.
Legal and other contingency reserves are based on management’s assessment of the risk of potential loss, which
includes consultation with outside legal counsel and other advisors. Such assessments are reviewed each period
and revised based on current facts and circumstances, if necessary. While it is possible that the Company’s cash
flows and results of operations in a particular quarter or year could be materially affected by the impact of such
contingencies, it is the opinion of management that these matters will not have a material impact on the
Company’s financial position, or its ongoing results of operations or cash flows. Refer to Note 13, Commitments
and Contingencies to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of the Company’s
contingencies.
Prior to the change in accounting for the Company’s Venezuelan operations, the selection of the exchange rate
used to remeasure the financial statements of CP Venezuela required careful consideration by management given
the various currency exchange mechanisms that exist in Venezuela. Although access to U.S. dollars in Venezuela
has been challenging, because the majority of the products in CP Venezuela’s portfolio have been designated as
“essential” by the Venezuelan government, historically CP Venezuela’s access to U.S. dollars at the official rate of
6.30 bolivares per dollar was generally sufficient to settle most of its U.S. dollar obligations for imported
materials. However, the Company did not believe this rate was applicable to foreign investments and could not be
used to pay dividends. The Company also gave consideration to using the SIMADI rate to remeasure the financial
statements of CP Venezuela; however, CP Venezuela did not participate in the SIMADI market through December
31, 2015 and had no intention to do so. As a result, the Company remeasured the financial statements of CP
Venezuela at the rate at which it believed was applicable for the remittance of future dividends which, based on
the advice of legal counsel, was the SICAD rate.
Refer to Executive Overview and Outlook above and to Note 14, Venezuela to the Consolidated Financial
Statements for further discussion of the Company’s Venezuelan operations.
The Company generates revenue through the sale of well-known consumer products to trade customers under
established trading terms. While the recognition of revenue and receivables requires the use of estimates, there is a short
time frame (typically less than 60 days) between the shipment of product and cash receipt, thereby reducing the level of
uncertainty in these estimates. Refer to Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the Consolidated Financial
Statements for further description of the Company’s significant accounting policies.
Market Share Information
Management uses market share information as a key indicator to monitor business health and performance. References
to market share in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are based on a combination of consumption and market share data
provided by third-party vendors, primarily Nielsen, and internal estimates. All market share references represent the
percentage of the dollar value of sales of our products, relative to all product sales in the category in the countries in which
the Company competes and purchases data.
Market share data is subject to limitations on the availability of up-to-date information. We believe that the third-party
vendors we use to provide data are reliable, but we have not verified the accuracy or completeness of the data or any
assumptions underlying the data. In addition, market share information calculated by the Company may be different from
market share information calculated by other companies due to differences in category definitions, the use of data from
different countries, internal estimates and other factors.
Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Statements
This Annual Report on Form 10-K may contain forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 or by the SEC in its rules, regulations and releases. Such statements may relate,
for example, to net sales or volume growth, organic sales growth, profit or profit margin growth, earnings growth, financial
goals, the impact of currency devaluations, exchange controls, price or profit controls and labor unrest, cost-reduction plans
including the 2012 Restructuring Program, tax rates, new product introductions, commercial investment levels, acquisitions
and divestitures, including the Mexico land sale, or legal proceedings, among other matters. These statements are made on
the basis of the Company’s views and assumptions as of this time and the Company undertakes no obligation to update
these statements, except as required by law. Moreover, the Company does not, nor does any other person, assume
responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of those statements. The Company cautions investors that any such
forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and that actual events or results may differ materially
from those statements. Actual events or results may differ materially because of factors that affect international businesses
and global economic conditions, as well as matters specific to the Company and the markets it serves, including the
uncertain economic environment in different countries and its effect on consumer spending habits, increased competition
and evolving competitive practices, currency rate fluctuations, exchange controls, price or profit controls, labor relations,
changes in foreign or domestic laws or regulations or their interpretation, political and fiscal developments, the availability
and cost of raw and packaging materials, the ability to maintain or increase selling prices as needed, the ability to
implement the 2012 Restructuring Program as planned or differences between the actual and the estimated costs or savings
under such program, changes in the policies of retail trade customers, the ability to continue lowering costs, the ability to
complete acquisitions and divestitures as planned and the uncertainty of the outcome of legal proceedings, whether or not
the Company believes they have merit. For information about these and other factors that could impact the Company’s
business and cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking statements, refer to Part I, Item 1A “Risk
Factors.”
48
49
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
See “Managing Foreign Currency, Interest Rate, Commodity Price and Credit Risk Exposure” in Part II, Item 7.
ITEM 8.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
See “Index to Financial Statements.”
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
See “Executive Officers of the Registrant” in Part I, Item 1 of this report.
PART III
ITEM 9.
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
Additional information required by this Item relating to directors, executive officers and corporate governance of the
Company and information regarding compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act is incorporated herein by
reference to the Company’s Proxy Statement for its 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “2016 Proxy Statement”).
None.
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The Company’s management, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s Chairman of the
Board, President and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of
the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2015 (the “Evaluation”).
Based upon the Evaluation, the Company’s Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer and Chief
Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the
Exchange Act) are effective.
Code of Ethics
The Company’s Code of Conduct promotes the highest ethical standards in all of the Company’s business dealings.
The Code of Conduct satisfies the SEC’s requirements for a Code of Ethics for senior financial officers and applies to all
Company employees, including the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer and the
Vice President and Corporate Controller, and the Company’s directors. The Code of Conduct is available on the Company’s
website at www.colgatepalmolive.com. Any amendment to the Code of Conduct will promptly be posted on the Company’s
website. It is the Company’s policy not to grant waivers of the Code of Conduct. In the extremely unlikely event that the
Company grants an executive officer a waiver from a provision of the Code of Conduct, the Company will promptly
disclose such information by posting it on its website or by using other appropriate means in accordance with SEC rules.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
The information regarding executive compensation set forth in the 2016 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by
reference.
The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial
reporting, as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act. Management, under the supervision and
with the participation of the Company’s Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial
Officer, conducted an evaluation of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based upon the framework in
Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway
Commission and concluded that it is effective as of December 31, 2015.
The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, has audited the
effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, and has expressed an
unqualified opinion in their report, which appears in this report.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Company’s
most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal
control over financial reporting. As part of the 2012 Restructuring Program, the Company is implementing a shared
business service organization model in all regions of the world. This implementation is expected to continue in a phased
approach in future years. At this time, certain financial transaction processing activities have been transitioned to these
shared business services centers. The Company does not expect this transition to materially affect its internal control over
financial reporting.
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
50
51
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND
PART IV
RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
(a) The information regarding security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management set forth in the 2016
Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a) Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules
(b) The registrant does not know of any arrangements that may at a subsequent date result in a change in control of
See “Index to Financial Statements.”
(b) Exhibits
See “Exhibits to Form 10-K.”
the registrant.
(c) Equity compensation plan information as of December 31, 2015:
(a)
(b)
Number of securities
to be issued upon
exercise of outstanding
options, warrants and
rights
(in thousands)
Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
(c)
Number of securities
remaining available for
future issuance under
equity compensation
plans (excluding
securities reflected in
column (a))
(in thousands)
47,086 (1) $
52.23 (2)
48,729 (3)
Not applicable
47,086
$
Not applicable
52.23
Not applicable
48,729
Plan Category
Equity compensation plans
approved by security holders
Equity compensation plans not
approved by security holders
Total
_______
(1)
Consists of 43,920 options outstanding and 3,166 restricted stock units awarded but not yet vested under the Company’s 2013
Incentive Compensation Plan, as more fully described in Note 8, Capital Stock and Stock-Based Compensation Plans to the
Consolidated Financial Statements.
(2)
(3)
Includes the weighted-average exercise price of stock options outstanding of $56.00 and restricted stock units of $0.00.
Amount includes 37,175 options available for issuance and 11,554 restricted stock units available for issuance under the
Company’s 2013 Incentive Compensation Plan.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR
INDEPENDENCE
The information regarding certain relationships and related transactions and director independence set forth in the
2016 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
The information regarding auditor fees and services set forth in the 2016 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by
reference.
52
53
COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
SIGNATURES
Index to Financial Statements
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly
caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Consolidated Financial Statements
Colgate-Palmolive Company
(Registrant)
Date: February 18, 2016
By
/s/ Ian Cook
Ian Cook
Chairman of the Board, President and
Chief Executive Officer
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2015 and 2014
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below on February
18, 2016, by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated.
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
(a) Principal Executive Officer
(d) Directors:
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
/s/ Ian Cook
Ian Cook
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Financial Statement Schedule
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
John P. Bilbrey, John T. Cahill,
Helene D. Gayle, Ellen M. Hancock,
Richard J. Kogan, Delano E. Lewis,
Lorrie M. Norrington, Michael B. Polk,
J. Pedro Reinhard, Stephen I. Sadove
/s/ Jennifer M. Daniels
Jennifer M. Daniels
As Attorney-in-Fact
Selected Financial Data
Market and Dividend Information
Historical Financial Summary
All other financial statements and schedules not listed have been omitted since the required information is included in
the financial statements or the notes thereto or is not applicable or required.
Page
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
105
106
108
/s/ Ian Cook
Ian Cook
Chairman of the Board, President and
Chief Executive Officer
(b) Principal Financial Officer
/s/ Dennis J. Hickey
Dennis J. Hickey
Chief Financial Officer
(c) Principal Accounting Officer
/s/ Victoria L. Dolan
Victoria L. Dolan
Vice President and
Corporate Controller
54
55
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Colgate-Palmolive Company
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the accompanying index present fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of Colgate-Palmolive Company and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) at
December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in
the period ended December 31, 2015 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United
States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule listed in the accompanying index
presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related
consolidated financial statements. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective
internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control
- Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway
Commission (“COSO”). The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements and the
financial statement schedule, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its
assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Management’s Annual
Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting, appearing under Item 9A. Our responsibility is to express
opinions on these financial statements, on the financial statement schedule, and on the Company’s internal control
over financial reporting based on our integrated audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards
of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and
perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material
respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the
amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal
control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting,
assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating
effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other
procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinions.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance
regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting
includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail,
accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable
assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made
only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable
assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the
company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect
misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that
controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the
policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP
New York, New York
February 18, 2016
56
COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
Consolidated Statements of Income
For the years ended December 31,
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)
2015
2014
2013
$
16,034
$
17,277
$
Net sales
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Other (income) expense, net
Charge for Venezuela accounting change
Operating profit
Interest (income) expense, net
Income before income taxes
Provision for income taxes
Net income including noncontrolling interests
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
Net income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company
Earnings per common share, basic
Earnings per common share, diluted
$
$
$
6,635
9,399
5,464
62
1,084
2,789
26
2,763
1,215
1,548
164
1,384
1.53
1.52
$
$
$
7,168
10,109
5,982
570
—
3,557
24
3,533
1,194
2,339
159
2,180
2.38
2.36
$
$
$
17,420
7,219
10,201
6,223
422
—
3,556
(9)
3,565
1,155
2,410
169
2,241
2.41
2.38
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
57
COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
For the years ended December 31,
(Dollars in Millions)
COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
Consolidated Balance Sheets
As of December 31,
(Dollars in Millions Except Share and Per Share Amounts)
Net income including noncontrolling interests
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Cumulative translation adjustments
Retirement plan and other retiree benefit adjustments
Gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities
Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges
Total Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Total Comprehensive income including noncontrolling interests
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
Less: Cumulative translation adjustments attributable to
noncontrolling interests
Total Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests
Total Comprehensive income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive
Company
2015
2014
2013
$
1,548
$
2,339
$
2,410
(645)
196
(7)
2
(454)
1,094
164
(11)
153
(685)
(329)
(48)
2
(1,060)
1,279
159
(4)
155
(166)
318
13
2
167
2,577
169
(3)
166
$
941
$
1,124
$
2,411
Assets
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Receivables (net of allowances of $59 and $54, respectively)
Inventories
Other current assets
Total current assets
Property, plant and equipment, net
Goodwill
Other intangible assets, net
Deferred income taxes
Other assets
Total assets
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
Current Liabilities
Notes and loans payable
Current portion of long-term debt
Accounts payable
Accrued income taxes
Other accruals
Total current liabilities
Long-term debt
Deferred income taxes
Other liabilities
Total liabilities
Commitments and contingent liabilities
Shareholders’ Equity
Common stock, $1 par value (2,000,000,000 shares authorized, 1,465,706,360 shares issued)
Additional paid-in capital
Retained earnings
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Unearned compensation
Treasury stock, at cost
Total Colgate-Palmolive Company shareholders’ equity
Noncontrolling interests
Total equity
Total liabilities and equity
2015
2014
$
970
$
1,427
1,180
807
4,384
3,796
2,103
1,346
67
262
1,089
1,552
1,382
840
4,863
4,080
2,307
1,413
76
720
$
$
11,958
$
13,459
4
$
298
1,110
277
1,845
3,534
6,269
233
1,966
12,002
—
1,466
1,438
18,861
(3,950)
(12)
(18,102)
(299)
255
(44)
16
488
1,231
294
1,917
3,946
5,644
261
2,223
12,074
—
1,466
1,236
18,832
(3,507)
(20)
(16,862)
1,145
240
1,385
$
11,958
$
13,459
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
58
59
COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity
(Dollars in Millions)
Colgate-Palmolive Company Shareholders’ Equity
Common
Stock
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
Unearned
Compensation
Treasury
Stock
Retained
Earnings
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Noncontrolling
Interests
Balance, January 1, 2013
Net income
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of
tax
Dividends
Stock-based compensation expense
Shares issued for stock options
Shares issued for restricted stock awards
Treasury stock acquired
Other
$
1,466
$
818
$
(41) $ (14,386) $
16,953
$
(2,621) $
2,241
(1,242)
170
128
82
(75)
51
201
75
(1,521)
(2)
8
Balance, December 31, 2013
$
1,466
$
1,004
$
(33) $ (15,633) $
17,952
$
(2,451) $
Net income
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of
tax
Dividends
Stock-based compensation expense
Shares issued for stock options
Shares issued for restricted stock awards
Treasury stock acquired
Other
2,180
(1,300)
(1,056)
131
100
(77)
78
225
77
(1,530)
(1)
13
Balance, December 31, 2014
$
1,466
$
1,236
$
(20) $ (16,862) $
18,832
$
(3,507) $
Net income
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of
tax
Dividends
Stock-based compensation expense
Shares issued for stock options
Shares issued for restricted stock awards
Treasury stock acquired
Other
1,384
(1,355)
(443)
125
90
(69)
56
243
69
(1,551)
(1)
8
201
169
(3)
(140)
4
231
159
(4)
(146)
240
164
(11)
(138)
Balance, December 31, 2015
$
1,466
$
1,438
$
(12) $ (18,102) $
18,861
$
(3,950) $
255
COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For the years ended December 31,
(Dollars in Millions)
Operating Activities
Net income including noncontrolling interests
$
1,548
$
2,339
$
2,410
Adjustments to reconcile net income including noncontrolling interests to net cash
2015
2014
2013
provided by operations:
Depreciation and amortization
Restructuring and termination benefits, net of cash
Venezuela remeasurement charges
Voluntary benefit plan contributions
Charge for a foreign tax matter
Stock-based compensation expense
Gain on sale of South Pacific laundry detergent business
Charge for Venezuela accounting change
Deferred income taxes
Cash effects of changes in:
Receivables
Inventories
Accounts payable and other accruals
Other non-current assets and liabilities
Net cash provided by operations
Investing Activities
Capital expenditures
Sale of property and non-core product lines
Purchases of marketable securities and investments
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities and investments
Proceeds from sale of South Pacific laundry detergent business
Payment for acquisitions, net of cash acquired
Reduction in cash due to Venezuela accounting change
Other
Net cash used in investing activities
Financing Activities
Principal payments on debt
Proceeds from issuance of debt
Dividends paid
Purchases of treasury shares
Proceeds from exercise of stock options and excess tax benefits
Net cash used in financing activities
Effect of exchange rate changes on Cash and cash equivalents
Net (decrease) increase in Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Income taxes paid
Interest paid
449
69
34
—
—
125
(187)
1,084
(51)
(75)
(13)
(67)
33
2,949
(691)
9
(742)
599
221
(13)
(75)
7
(685)
(9,181)
9,602
(1,493)
(1,551)
347
(2,276)
(107)
(119)
1,089
970
1,259
131
$
$
$
442
64
327
(2)
66
131
—
—
18
(109)
(60)
57
25
3,298
(757)
24
(340)
283
—
(87)
—
18
(859)
(8,525)
8,960
(1,446)
(1,530)
371
(2,170)
(142)
127
962
1,089
1,009
133
$
$
$
439
182
172
(101)
—
128
—
—
71
(37)
(97)
24
13
3,204
(670)
15
(505)
267
—
(3)
—
6
(890)
(7,554)
7,976
(1,382)
(1,521)
339
(2,142)
(94)
78
884
962
1,087
118
$
$
$
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
60
61
COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in Millions Except Share and Per Share Amounts)
COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Dollars in Millions Except Share and Per Share Amounts)
1.
Nature of Operations
The Company manufactures and markets a wide variety of products in the U.S. and around the world in two product
segments: Oral, Personal and Home Care; and Pet Nutrition. Oral, Personal and Home Care products include toothpaste,
toothbrushes and mouthwash, bar and liquid hand soaps, shower gels, shampoos, conditioners, deodorants and
antiperspirants, laundry and dishwashing detergents, fabric conditioners, household cleaners, bleaches and other similar
items. These products are sold primarily to retail trade customers and wholesale distributors worldwide. Pet Nutrition
products include specialty pet nutrition products manufactured and marketed by Hill’s Pet Nutrition. The principal
customers for Pet Nutrition products are authorized pet supply retailers and veterinarians. Principal global and regional
trademarks include Colgate, Palmolive, Speed Stick, Lady Speed Stick, Softsoap, Irish Spring, Protex, Sorriso, Kolynos,
elmex, Tom’s of Maine, Sanex, Ajax, Axion, Fabuloso, Soupline and Suavitel, as well as Hill’s Science Diet, Hill’s
Prescription Diet and Hill’s Ideal Balance.
The Company’s principal classes of products accounted for the following percentages of worldwide Net sales for the
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United
States of America requires management to use judgment and make estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities and disclosure of contingent gains and losses at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of
revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The level of uncertainty in estimates and assumptions increases with
the length of time until the underlying transactions are completed. As such, the most significant uncertainty in the
Company’s assumptions and estimates involved in preparing the financial statements includes pension and other retiree
benefit cost assumptions, stock-based compensation, asset impairments, uncertain tax positions, tax valuation allowances,
legal and other contingency reserves and, prior to the change in accounting for the Company’s Venezuelan operations, the
selection of the exchange rate used to remeasure the financial statements of CP Venezuela (see Note 14, Venezuela).
Additionally, the Company uses available market information and other valuation methodologies in assessing the fair value
of financial instruments and retirement plan assets. Judgment is required in interpreting market data to develop the
estimates of fair value and, accordingly, changes in assumptions or the estimation methodologies may affect the fair value
estimates. Actual results could ultimately differ from those estimates.
Revenue Recognition
2015
2014
2013
47%
20%
19%
14%
100%
46%
21%
20%
13%
100%
46%
21%
20%
13%
100%
Sales are recorded at the time products are shipped to trade customers and when risk of ownership transfers. Net sales
reflect units shipped at selling list prices reduced by sales returns and the cost of current and continuing promotional
programs. Current promotional programs, such as product listing allowances and co-operative advertising arrangements,
are recorded in the period incurred. Continuing promotional programs are predominantly consumer coupons and volume-
based sales incentive arrangements with trade customers. The redemption cost of consumer coupons is based on historical
redemption experience and is recorded when coupons are distributed. Volume-based incentives offered to trade customers
are based on the estimated cost of the program and are recorded as products are sold.
past three years:
Oral Care
Personal Care
Home Care
Pet Nutrition
Total
2.
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Principles of Consolidation
The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Colgate-Palmolive Company and its majority-owned or
controlled subsidiaries. Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. The Company’s investments in
consumer products companies with interests ranging between 20% and 50%, where the Company has significant influence
over the investee, are accounted for using the equity method. Net income (loss) from such investments is recorded in Other
(income) expense, net in the Consolidated Statements of Income. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, equity method
investments included in Other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets were $34 and $31, respectively. Unrelated third
parties hold the remaining ownership interests in these investments. Investments with less than a 20% interest are
accounted for using the cost method. Effective December 31, 2015, the Company began accounting for the operations of its
Venezuelan subsidiary (“CP Venezuela”) using the cost method of accounting and as a result its Consolidated Balance
Sheet as of December 31, 2015 no longer includes the assets and liabilities of CP Venezuela. See Note 14, Venezuela for
further information.
Shipping and Handling Costs
Shipping and handling costs are classified as Selling, general and administrative expenses and were $1,235, $1,326
and $1,304 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Marketing Costs
The Company markets its products through advertising and other promotional activities. Advertising costs are included
in Selling, general and administrative expenses and are expensed as incurred. Certain consumer and trade promotional
programs, such as consumer coupons, are recorded as a reduction of sales.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less at the time of
purchase to be cash equivalents.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. The cost of approximately 80% of inventories is determined using
the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method. The cost of all other inventories, in the U.S. and Mexico, is determined using the
last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Land, buildings and machinery and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is provided, primarily using the straight-
line method, over estimated useful lives ranging from 3 to 15 years for machinery and equipment and up to 40 years for
buildings. Depreciation attributable to manufacturing operations is included in Cost of sales. The remaining component of
depreciation is included in Selling, general and administrative expenses.
62
63
COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Dollars in Millions Except Share and Per Share Amounts)
COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Dollars in Millions Except Share and Per Share Amounts)
Goodwill and Other Intangibles
Goodwill and indefinite life intangible assets, such as the Company’s global brands, are subject to impairment tests at
least annually. These tests were performed and did not result in an impairment charge. Other intangible assets with finite
lives, such as local brands and trademarks, customer relationships and non-compete agreements, are amortized over their
estimated useful lives, generally ranging from 5 to 40 years. Amortization expense related to intangible assets is included in
Other (income) expense, net, which is included in Operating profit.
Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes is determined using the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred tax
assets and liabilities are recognized based upon the differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and
liabilities using enacted tax rates that will be in effect at the time such differences are expected to reverse. Deferred tax
assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some
portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Provision is made currently for taxes payable on remittances of
overseas earnings; no provision is made for taxes on overseas retained earnings that are deemed to be indefinitely
reinvested.
The Company uses a comprehensive model to recognize, measure, present and disclose in its financial statements
uncertain tax positions that the Company has taken or expects to take on an income tax return. The Company recognizes
interest expense and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within income tax expense.
Financial Instruments
Derivative instruments are recorded as assets and liabilities at estimated fair value based on available market
information. The Company’s derivative instruments that qualify for hedge accounting are designated as either fair value
hedges, cash flow hedges or net investment hedges. For fair value hedges, changes in the fair value of the derivative, as
well as the offsetting changes in the fair value of the hedged item, are recognized in earnings each period. For cash flow
hedges, changes in the fair value of the derivative are recorded in Other comprehensive income (loss) and are recognized in
earnings when the offsetting effect of the hedged item is also recognized in earnings. For hedges of the net investment in
foreign subsidiaries, changes in the fair value of the derivative are recorded in Other comprehensive income (loss) to offset
the change in the value of the net investment being hedged. Cash flows related to hedges are classified in the same category
as the cash flows from the hedged item in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
The Company may also enter into certain foreign currency and interest rate instruments that economically hedge
certain of its risks but do not qualify for hedge accounting. Changes in fair value of these derivative instruments, based on
quoted market prices, are recognized in earnings each period. The Company’s derivative instruments and other financial
instruments are more fully described in Note 7, Fair Value Measurements and Financial Instruments along with the related
fair value measurement considerations.
Stock-Based Compensation
The Company recognizes the cost of employee services received in exchange for awards of equity instruments, such as
stock options and restricted stock units, based on the fair value of those awards at the date of grant over the requisite
service period. The Company uses the Black-Scholes-Merton (“Black-Scholes”) option pricing model to determine the fair
value of stock option awards. Stock-based compensation plans, related expenses and assumptions used in the Black-
Scholes option pricing model are more fully described in Note 8, Capital Stock and Stock-Based Compensation Plans.
Currency Translation
The assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries, other than those operating in highly inflationary environments, are
translated into U.S. dollars at year-end exchange rates with resulting translation gains and losses accumulated in a separate
component of shareholders’ equity. Income and expense items are translated into U.S. dollars at average rates of exchange
prevailing during the year.
For subsidiaries operating in highly inflationary environments, local currency-denominated non-monetary assets,
including inventories, goodwill and property, plant and equipment, are remeasured at their historical exchange rates, while
local currency-denominated monetary assets and liabilities are remeasured at year-end exchange rates. Remeasurement
adjustments for these operations are included in Net income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company. Prior to the
change in accounting for the Company’s Venezuelan operations, CP Venezuela was designated as hyper-inflationary and
the functional currency for CP Venezuela was the U.S. dollar. See Note 14, Venezuela for further information.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
On January 5, 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update
(“ASU”) No. 2016-01, “Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial
Assets and Financial Liabilities.” The updated guidance enhances the reporting model for financial instruments, which
includes amendments to address aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure. The amendment to the
standard is effective for the Company beginning on June 1, 2018. While the Company is currently assessing the impact of
the new standard, it does not expect this new guidance to have a material impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements.
On November 20, 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17 “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification
of Deferred Taxes,” which simplifies the presentation of deferred income taxes. Under the new accounting standard,
deferred tax assets and liabilities are required to be classified as noncurrent, eliminating the prior requirement to separate
deferred tax assets and liabilities into current and noncurrent. The new guidance is effective for the Company beginning on
January 1, 2017, with early adoption permitted. The standard may be adopted prospectively or retrospectively to all periods
presented. The Company is currently assessing the timing of adoption of the new guidance, but does not expect it will have
a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
On July 22, 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11 “Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of
Inventory,” which simplifies the subsequent measurement of inventories by replacing the lower of cost or market test with
a lower of cost and net realizable value test. The guidance applies only to inventories for which cost is determined by
methods other than LIFO and the retail inventory method. The new guidance is effective for the Company beginning on
January 1, 2017, with early adoption permitted. This new guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the
Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
On April 7, 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03 “Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs,” which
requires that debt issuance costs be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of related
debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. Under the former accounting standards, such costs were recorded as an asset.
On August 18, 2015, the FASB clarified that the guidance in ASU No. 2015-03 does not apply to line-of-credit
arrangements. Accordingly, companies may continue to present debt issuance costs for line-of-credit arrangements as an
asset and subsequently amortize the deferred debt costs ratably over the term of the arrangement. The new guidance in
ASU No. 2015-03 was effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2016 and is not expected to have a material impact
on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
On February 18, 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02 “Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the
Consolidation Analysis” that amends the current consolidation guidance. The amendments affect both the variable interest
entity and voting interest entity consolidation models. The new guidance was effective for the Company beginning January
1, 2016 and is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
64
65
COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Dollars in Millions Except Share and Per Share Amounts)
COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Dollars in Millions Except Share and Per Share Amounts)
On May 28, 2014, the FASB and the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) issued their final converged
standard on revenue recognition. The standard, issued as ASU No. 2014-09 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” by
the FASB, provides a single, comprehensive revenue recognition model for all contracts with customers and supersedes
current revenue recognition guidance. The revenue standard contains principles that an entity will apply to determine the
measurement of revenue and timing of when it is recognized. The underlying principle is that an entity will recognize
revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers at an amount that the entity expects to be entitled to in
exchange for those goods or services. The new standard also includes enhanced disclosures which are significantly more
comprehensive than those in existing revenue standards. ASU No. 2014-09 was to be effective for the Company beginning
January 1, 2017. However, on July 9, 2015, the FASB voted to approve a one-year deferral of the effective date. This new
guidance is now expected to be effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2018. The standard allows for either “full
retrospective” adoption, meaning the standard is applied to all of the periods presented, or “modified retrospective”
adoption, meaning the standard is applied only to the most current period presented in the financial statements. While the
Company is currently assessing the impact of the new standard, it does not expect this new guidance to have a material
impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements.
Reclassifications
Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.
3.
Acquisitions and Divestitures
Sale of Laundry Detergent Business in the South Pacific
In August 2015, the Company completed the sale of its laundry detergent business in the South Pacific to Henkel AG
& Co. KGaA for an aggregate purchase price of approximately 310 Australian dollars ($221) and recorded a pretax gain of
$187 ($120 aftertax or $0.13 per diluted share) in Other (income) expense, net. The gain is net of charges related to the
right-sizing of the Company’s South Pacific business, asset write-offs related to the divested laundry detergent business and
other costs related to the sale. The funds from the sale will be reinvested to expand the 2012 Restructuring Program (see
Note 4, Restructuring and Related Implementation Changes).
Myanmar Acquisition
On October 3, 2014, the Company acquired an oral care business in Myanmar for $62 in cash plus additional
consideration contingent upon achievement of performance targets under a distribution services agreement.
Sale of Land in Mexico
On September 13, 2011, the Company’s Mexican subsidiary entered into an agreement to sell to the United States of
America (the “Purchaser”) the Mexico City site on which its commercial operations, technology center and soap
production facility were located. The sale price is payable in three installments. During the third quarter of 2011, the
Company received the first installment of $24 upon signing the agreement. During the third quarter of 2012, the Company
received the second installment of $36. The parties have subsequently amended the agreement to extend the closing date.
Under the existing agreement, the final installment of the purchase price is due upon the transfer of the property, which is
subject to the Company’s satisfaction of certain closing conditions relating to site preparation by February 29, 2016. If
these conditions are not fully satisfied by such date, the agreement will automatically be extended to March 30, 2016.
While these conditions are not expected to be fully satisfied by March 30, 2016, in which case the Purchaser has several
options under the agreement (including termination and the return to it of the first two installments of the purchase price),
based on the discussions to date, the Company believes that an additional amendment will be negotiated and the transfer of
the property is expected to occur by the third quarter of 2016. The Company has reinvested the first two installments to
relocate its soap production to a new state-of-the-art facility at its Mission Hills, Mexico site, to relocate its commercial
and technology operations within Mexico City and to prepare the existing site for transfer. Exit costs incurred during the
project primarily relate to staff leaving indemnities, accelerated depreciation and demolition to make the site building-
ready. In 2015, 2014 and 2013 the Company recorded $0, $4 and $18 of pretax costs ($0, $3 and $12 of aftertax costs),
respectively, related to the sale.
4.
Restructuring and Related Implementation Charges
In the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company commenced a four-year Global Growth and Efficiency Program for
sustained growth. The program’s initiatives are expected to help Colgate ensure sustained solid worldwide growth in unit
volume, organic sales and earnings per share and enhance its global leadership positions in its core businesses.
On October 23, 2014, the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) approved an expansion of the Global Growth
and Efficiency Program (as expanded the “2012 Restructuring Program”) to take advantage of additional savings
opportunities.
On October 29, 2015, the Company’s Board approved the reinvestment of the funds from the sale of the Company’s
laundry detergent business in the South Pacific to expand the 2012 Restructuring Program and extend it for one year
through December 31, 2017. Initiatives under the expanded 2012 Restructuring Program will continue to fit within the
program’s three focus areas of expanding commercial hubs, extending shared business services and streamlining global
functions and optimizing the global supply chain and facilities. The Company will update its disclosure to reflect the
impact the expansion will have on the range of estimated charges and savings for the 2012 Restructuring Program when the
additional initiatives under the expanded program are approved. The charges discussed below do not reflect the impact of
this expansion.
Cumulative pretax charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program, once all phases are approved and implemented,
are estimated to be $1,285 to $1,435 ($950 to $1,050 aftertax). The pretax charges related to the 2012 Restructuring
Program are currently estimated to be comprised of the following categories: Employee-Related Costs, including
severance, pension and other termination benefits (50%); asset-related costs, primarily Incremental Depreciation and Asset
Impairments (10%); and Other charges, which include contract termination costs, consisting primarily of implementation-
related charges resulting directly from exit activities (20%) and the implementation of new strategies (20%). Over the
course of the 2012 Restructuring Program, it is currently estimated that approximately 75% of the charges will result in
cash expenditures. Anticipated pretax charges for 2016 are expected to amount to approximately $285 to $435 ($210 to
$310 aftertax).
It is expected that the cumulative pretax charges, once all projects are approved and implemented, will relate to
initiatives undertaken in North America (15%), Europe/South Pacific (20%), Latin America (5%), Asia (5%), Africa/
Eurasia (5%), Hill’s Pet Nutrition (10%) and Corporate (40%), which includes substantially all of the costs related to the
implementation of new strategies, noted above, on a global basis. It is now expected that, by the end of 2016, the 2012
Restructuring Program will have contributed a net reduction of approximately 2,700-3,200 positions from the Company’s
global employee workforce.
For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, restructuring and implementation-related charges are
reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Income as follows:
Cost of sales
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Other (income) expense, net
Total 2012 Restructuring Program charges, pretax
Total 2012 Restructuring Program charges, aftertax
2015
2014
2013
$
$
$
20
64
170
254
183
$
$
$
29
62
195
286
208
$
$
$
32
137
202
371
278
Restructuring and related implementation charges in the preceding table are recorded in the Corporate segment as
these initiatives are predominantly centrally directed and controlled and are not included in internal measures of segment
operating performance.
66
67
COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Dollars in Millions Except Share and Per Share Amounts)
COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Dollars in Millions Except Share and Per Share Amounts)
Total charges incurred for the 2012 Restructuring Program relate to initiatives undertaken by the following reportable
above and the related accruals:
The following table summarizes the activity for the restructuring and implementation-related charges discussed
2015
2014
2013
Program-to-date
Accumulated Charges
Balance at January 1, 2013
$
84
$
— $
— $
Employee-Related
Costs
Incremental
Depreciation
Asset
Impairments
operating segments:
North America
Latin America
Europe/South Pacific
Asia
Africa/Eurasia
Hill’s Pet Nutrition
Corporate
21%
3%
15%
3%
5%
5%
48%
11%
4%
20%
3%
3%
10%
49%
11%
4%
28%
—%
7%
8%
42%
13%
4%
24%
2%
5%
7%
45%
Since the inception of the 2012 Restructuring Program in the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company has incurred pretax
cumulative charges of $1,000 ($739 aftertax) in connection with the implementation of various projects as follows:
Employee-Related Costs
Incremental Depreciation
Asset Impairments
Other
Total
Cumulative Charges
as of December 31, 2015
$
$
404
71
7
518
1,000
The majority of costs incurred since inception relate to the following projects: the implementation of the Company’s
overall hubbing strategy; the consolidation of facilities; the extension of shared business services and streamlining of
global functions; the simplification and streamlining of the Company’s research and development capabilities and oral care
supply chain, both in Europe; restructuring how the Company will provide future retirement benefits to substantially all of
the U.S.-based employees participating in the Company’s defined benefit retirement plan by shifting them to the
Company’s defined contribution plan; and the closing of the Morristown, New Jersey personal care facility.
Other
5
$
200
(72)
—
—
(91)
42
187
(117)
—
(5)
—
$
Charges
Cash payments
Charges against assets
Foreign exchange
Other
144
(97)
(17)
2
—
26
—
(26)
—
—
1
—
(1)
—
—
Balance at December 31, 2013
$
116
$
— $
— $
Charges
Cash payments
Charges against assets
Foreign exchange
Other
Balance at December 31, 2014
$
Charges
Cash payments
Charges against assets
Foreign exchange
Other
Balance at December 31, 2015
$
73
(95)
(5)
(4)
—
85
109
(85)
(17)
(8)
—
84
$
$
25
—
(25)
—
—
1
—
(1)
—
—
— $
— $
107
$
20
—
(20)
—
—
5
—
(5)
—
—
120
(94)
—
(2)
—
— $
— $
131
$
Total
89
371
(169)
(44)
2
(91)
158
286
(212)
(31)
(9)
—
192
254
(179)
(42)
(10)
—
215
Employee-Related Costs primarily include severance and other termination benefits and are calculated based on long-
standing benefit practices, local statutory requirements and, in certain cases, voluntary termination arrangements.
Employee-Related Costs also include pension and other retiree benefit enhancements amounting to $17, $5 and $17 for the
years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, which are reflected as Charges against assets within
Employee-Related Costs in the preceding tables as the corresponding balance sheet amounts are reflected as a reduction of
pension assets or an increase in pension and other retiree benefit liabilities (see Note 10, Retirement Plans and Other
Retiree Benefits).
Incremental Depreciation is recorded to reflect changes in useful lives and estimated residual values for long-lived
assets that will be taken out of service prior to the end of their normal service period. Asset Impairments are recorded to
write down assets held for sale or disposal to their fair value based on amounts expected to be realized. Charges against
assets within Asset Impairments are net of cash proceeds pertaining to the sale of certain assets.
Other charges consist primarily of charges resulting directly from exit activities and the implementation of new
strategies as a result of the 2012 Restructuring Program. These charges for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and
2013 include third-party incremental costs related to the development and implementation of new business and strategic
initiatives of $65, $65 and $50, respectively, and contract termination costs and charges resulting directly from exit
activities of $8, $40 and $34, respectively, directly related to the 2012 Restructuring Program. These charges were
expensed as incurred. Also included in Other charges for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 are other exit
costs of $47, $82 and $25, respectively, related to the consolidation of facilities. Other charges for the year ended
December 31, 2013 also included a curtailment charge of $91 related to changes to the Company’s U.S. defined benefit
retirement plans (see Note 10, Retirement Plans and Other Retiree Benefits).
68
69
COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Dollars in Millions Except Share and Per Share Amounts)
COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Dollars in Millions Except Share and Per Share Amounts)
5.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
6.
Long-Term Debt and Credit Facilities
The net carrying value of Goodwill as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, by segment was as follows:
Long-term debt consisted of the following at December 31:
Oral, Personal and Home Care
North America
Latin America
Europe/South Pacific
Asia
Africa/Eurasia
Total Oral, Personal and Home Care
Pet Nutrition
Total Goodwill
2015
2014
$
$
333
224
1,307
149
75
2,088
15
2,103
$
$
352
320
1,374
160
86
2,292
15
2,307
The change in the amount of Goodwill in each year is primarily due to the impact of foreign currency translation.
Other intangible assets as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 were comprised of the following:
2015
2014
Trademarks
Other finite life intangible assets
Indefinite life intangible assets
Total Other intangible assets
Gross
Carrying
Amount
$
$
545
216
951
1,712
$
Accumulated
Amortization
$
Gross
Carrying
Amount
552
213
987
1,752
Net
243
152
951
1,346
$
$
$
Accumulated
Amortization
$
Net
267
159
987
1,413
(285) $
(54)
—
(339) $
(302) $
(64)
—
(366) $
The changes in the net carrying amounts of Other intangible assets during 2015, 2014 and 2013 were primarily due to
amortization expense of $33, $32 and $32, respectively, as well as the impact of foreign currency translation. Annual
estimated amortization expense for each of the next five years is expected to be approximately $28.
Notes
Commercial paper
Less: Current portion of long-term debt
Total
Weighted
Average
Interest Rate
2.1%
—%
2016
2078
Maturities
-
2016
2015
$ 6,562
5
6,567
298
$ 6,269
2014
$ 5,877
255
6,132
488
$ 5,644
The weighted-average interest rate on short-term borrowings of $4 in 2015 and $16 in 2014 included in Notes and
loans payable in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 was 1.8% and 1.9%, respectively.
The Company classifies commercial paper as long-term debt when it has the intent and ability to refinance such
obligations on a long-term basis. Excluding commercial paper reclassified as long-term debt, scheduled maturities of long-
term debt and capitalized leases outstanding as of December 31, 2015, were as follows:
Years Ended December 31,
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
Thereafter
$
298
649
698
1,045
248
3,629
The Company has entered into interest rate swap agreements and foreign exchange contracts related to certain of these
debt instruments. See Note 7, Fair Value Measurements and Financial Instruments for further information about the
Company’s financial instruments.
During the third quarter of 2015, the Company issued $600 of thirty-year notes at a fixed rate of 4.00%. During the
second quarter of 2015, the Company issued €500 of euro-denominated four-year notes at a variable rate. During the fourth
quarter of 2014, the Company issued $134 of forty-year notes at a variable rate. During the first quarter of 2014, the
Company issued $500 of five-year notes at a fixed rate of 1.75% and $500 of ten-year notes at a fixed rate of 3.25%.
The Company’s debt issuances support its capital structure strategy objectives of funding its business and growth
initiatives while minimizing its risk-adjusted cost of capital. The debt issuances in 2015 and 2014 were under the
Company’s shelf registration statement. The debt issuances during the third quarter of 2015 and the first and fourth quarters
of 2014 were U.S. dollar-denominated. Proceeds from the debt issuances in the second and third quarters of 2015 and the
first and fourth quarters of 2014 were used for general corporate purposes which included the retirement of commercial
paper borrowings. Proceeds from the debt issuances in the first quarter of 2014 were also used to repay and retire $250 of
U.S. dollar-denominated notes and €250 of euro-denominated notes, both of which became due in the second quarter of
2014.
70
71
COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Dollars in Millions Except Share and Per Share Amounts)
COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Dollars in Millions Except Share and Per Share Amounts)
At December 31, 2015, the Company had access to unused domestic and foreign lines of credit of $2,976 (including
Commodity Price Risk
under the facilities discussed below) and could also issue medium-term notes pursuant to an effective shelf registration
statement. In November 2011, the Company entered into a five-year revolving credit facility with a capacity of $1,850 with
a syndicate of banks. This facility was extended for an additional year in 2012 and again in 2013. In 2014, the Company
entered into an amendment of this facility whereby the facility was extended for an additional year to November 2019 and
the capacity of the facility was increased to $2,370. The Company also has the ability to draw $165 from a revolving credit
facility that expires in November 2016 and $20 from a revolving credit facility that expires in December 2016.
Commitment fees related to the credit facilities are not material.
Certain agreements with respect to the Company’s bank borrowings contain financial and other covenants as well as
cross-default provisions. Noncompliance with these requirements could ultimately result in the acceleration of amounts
owed. The Company is in full compliance with all such requirements and believes the likelihood of noncompliance is
remote.
7.
Fair Value Measurements and Financial Instruments
The Company is exposed to market risk from foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates and commodity price
fluctuations. Volatility relating to these exposures is managed on a global basis by utilizing a number of techniques,
including working capital management, sourcing strategies, selling price increases, selective borrowings in local currencies
and entering into selective derivative instrument transactions, issued with standard features, in accordance with the
Company’s treasury and risk management policies, which prohibit the use of derivatives for speculative purposes and
leveraged derivatives for any purpose. It is the Company’s policy to enter into derivative instrument contracts with terms
that match the underlying exposure being hedged. Hedge ineffectiveness, if any, is not material for any period
presented. Provided below are details of the Company’s exposures by type of risk and derivative instruments by type of
hedge designation.
Valuation Considerations
Assets and liabilities carried at fair value are classified as follows:
Level 1: Based upon quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2: Based upon observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.
Level 3: Based upon unobservable inputs reflecting the reporting entity’s own assumptions.
Foreign Exchange Risk
As the Company markets its products in over 200 countries and territories, it is exposed to currency fluctuations
related to manufacturing and selling its products in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. The Company manages its foreign
currency exposures through a combination of cost containment measures, sourcing strategies, selling price increases and
the hedging of certain costs in an effort to minimize the impact on earnings of foreign currency rate movements.
The Company utilizes foreign currency contracts, including forward and swap contracts, local currency deposits and
local currency borrowings to hedge portions of its foreign currency purchases, assets and liabilities arising in the normal
course of business and the net investment in certain foreign subsidiaries. The duration of foreign currency contracts
generally does not exceed 12 months and the contracts are valued using observable market rates (Level 2 valuation).
Interest Rate Risk
The Company manages its targeted mix of fixed and floating rate debt with debt issuances and by entering into interest
rate swaps in order to mitigate fluctuations in earnings and cash flows that may result from interest rate volatility. The
notional amount, interest payment and maturity date of the swaps generally match the principal, interest payment and
maturity date of the related debt, and the swaps are valued using observable benchmark rates (Level 2 valuation).
72
The Company is exposed to price volatility related to raw materials used in production, such as resins, pulp, essential
oils, tropical oils, tallow, poultry, corn and soybeans. The Company manages its raw material exposures through a
combination of cost containment measures, sourcing strategies, ongoing productivity initiatives and the limited use of
commodity hedging contracts. Futures contracts are used on a limited basis, primarily in the Hill’s Pet Nutrition segment,
to manage volatility related to raw material inventory purchases of certain traded commodities, and these contracts are
measured using quoted commodity exchange prices (Level 1 valuation). The duration of the commodity contracts
generally does not exceed 12 months.
Credit Risk
The Company is exposed to the risk of credit loss in the event of nonperformance by counterparties to financial
instrument contracts; however, nonperformance is considered unlikely and any nonperformance is unlikely to be material
as it is the Company’s policy to contract with diverse, credit-worthy counterparties based upon both strong credit ratings
and other credit considerations.
The following summarizes the fair value of the Company’s derivative instruments and other financial instruments at
December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
Assets
Liabilities
Account
Fair Value
Account
Fair Value
Designated derivative
instruments
Interest rate swap contracts
Other current
assets
Interest rate swap contracts
Other assets
Foreign currency contracts
Foreign currency contracts
Commodity contracts
Total designated
Other current
assets
Other assets
Other current
assets
Derivatives not designated
Foreign currency contracts
Total not designated
Other assets
Total derivative instruments
Other financial instruments
Marketable securities
Available-for-sale securities
Note receivable
Total other financial
instruments
Other current
assets
Other assets
Other current
assets
12/31/15
12/31/14
12/31/15
12/31/14
$
— $
1 Other accruals
$
— $
—
—
5
—
—
5
$
—
— $
5
$
2
4
—
1
7
—
—
7
$
$
$
7
131
—
—
12 Other liabilities
21 Other accruals
60 Other liabilities
— Other accruals
$
138
$
94
$
$
$
$
$
$
13
13
151
61
—
—
8 Other liabilities
8
102
200
322
42
$
61
$
564
73
COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Dollars in Millions Except Share and Per Share Amounts)
COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Dollars in Millions Except Share and Per Share Amounts)
The carrying amount of cash, cash equivalents, accounts receivable and short-term debt approximated fair value as of
December 31, 2015 and 2014. The estimated fair value of the Company’s long-term debt, including the current portion, as
of December 31, 2015 and 2014, was $6,767 and $6,346, respectively, and the related carrying value was $6,567 and
$6,132, respectively. The estimated fair value of long-term debt was derived principally from quoted prices on the
Company’s outstanding fixed-term notes (Level 2 valuation).
Net Investment Hedges
The Company has designated certain foreign currency forward and option contracts and certain foreign currency-
denominated debt as net investment hedges, for which the gain or loss on the instrument is reported as a component of
Currency translation adjustments within OCI, along with the offsetting gain or loss on the hedged items.
Fair Value Hedges
Activity related to net investment hedges recorded during each period presented was as follows:
The Company has designated all interest rate swap contracts and certain foreign currency forward and option contracts
as fair value hedges, for which the gain or loss on the derivative and the offsetting gain or loss on the hedged item are
recognized in current earnings. The impact of foreign currency contracts is primarily recognized in Selling, general and
administrative expenses and the impact of interest rate swap contracts is recognized in Interest (income) expense, net.
Activity related to fair value hedges recorded during each period presented was as follows:
Foreign
Currency
Contracts
2015
Interest
Rate
Swaps
Total
Notional Value at December 31,
$
573
$
Gain (loss) on derivatives
Gain (loss) on hedged items
Cash Flow Hedges
(3)
3
1,250
(4)
4
$ 1,823
(7)
7
Foreign
Currency
Contracts
$
1,163
$
3
(3)
2014
Interest
Rate
Swaps
Total
1,438
(8)
8
$ 2,601
(5)
5
All of the Company’s commodity contracts and certain foreign currency forward contracts have been designated as
cash flow hedges, for which the effective portion of the gain or loss is reported as a component of Other comprehensive
income (“OCI”) and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects
earnings.
Activity related to cash flow hedges recorded during each period presented was as follows:
2015
Foreign
Currency
Contracts
Commodity
Contracts
Total
2014
Foreign
Currency
Contracts
Commodity
Contracts
Notional Value at December 31,
$
745
$
Gain (loss) recognized in OCI
Gain (loss) reclassified into Cost of sales
19
17
9
(1)
(1)
$
754
$
511
$
18
16
9
5
14
—
—
Total
$
525
9
5
The net gain (loss) recognized in OCI for both foreign currency contracts and commodity contracts is expected to be
recognized in Cost of sales within the next twelve months.
Foreign
Currency
Contracts
2015
Foreign
Currency
Debt
Foreign
Currency
Contracts
Total
2014
Foreign
Currency
Debt
Total
Notional Value at December 31,
$
645
$
800
$ 1,445
$
567
$
297
$
864
Gain (loss) on instruments
Gain (loss) on hedged items
73
(73)
48
(48)
121
(121)
73
(73)
11
(11)
84
(84)
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments for each period consist of a cross-currency swap that serves as an
economic hedge of a foreign currency deposit, for which the gain or loss on the instrument and the offsetting gain or loss
on the hedged item are recognized in Other (income) expense, net for each period. Derivatives not designated as hedging
instruments also include foreign currency contracts for which the gain or loss on the instrument is recognized in Other
(income) expense, net for the twelve months ended December 31, 2015.
Activity related to these contracts during each period presented was as follows:
Notional Value at December 31,
Gain (loss) on instruments
Gain (loss) on hedged items
2015
2014
Foreign
Currency
Contracts
Cross-
currency
Swap
Foreign
Currency
Contracts
Cross-
currency
Swap
$
— $
102
$
7
—
4
(4)
— $
—
—
102
5
(5)
74
75
COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Dollars in Millions Except Share and Per Share Amounts)
COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Dollars in Millions Except Share and Per Share Amounts)
Other Financial Instruments
8.
Capital Stock and Stock-Based Compensation Plans
Other financial instruments are classified as Other current assets or Other assets.
Preference Stock
Included in Other current assets at December 31, 2015 are marketable securities, which consist of bank deposits of $61
with original maturities greater than 90 days (Level 1 valuation) and the current portion of bonds issued by the Argentinian
government in the amount of $41. The long-term portion of these bonds in the amount of $20 is included in Other assets.
The Company has the authority to issue 50,262,150 shares of preference stock.
Stock Repurchases
Through its subsidiary in Argentina, the Company invested in U.S. dollar-linked devaluation-protected bonds issued
by the Argentinian government. These bonds are considered held-to-maturity and are carried at amortized cost. As of
December 31, 2015, the amortized cost of these bonds is $61, with an approximate fair value of $77.
At December 31, 2014, Other current assets included marketable securities, a fixed interest rate note receivable,
investments in U.S. dollar-linked devaluation-protected bonds and bolivar-denominated fixed interest rate bonds held by
CP Venezuela. Effective December 31, 2015, the Company began accounting for CP Venezuela using the cost method of
accounting and as a result its Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2015 no longer includes the assets and
liabilities of CP Venezuela.
On February 19, 2015, the Board authorized the repurchase of shares of the Company’s common stock having an
aggregate purchase price of up to $5,000 under a new share repurchase program (the “2015 Program”), which replaced a
previously authorized share repurchase program (the “2011 Program”). The Company commenced repurchase of shares of
the Company’s common stock under the 2015 Program beginning February 19, 2015. The Board also has authorized share
repurchases on an ongoing basis to fulfill certain requirements of the Company’s compensation and benefit programs. The
shares are repurchased from time to time in open market or privately negotiated transactions at the Company’s discretion,
subject to market conditions, customary blackout periods and other factors. The Company repurchased its common stock at
a cost of $1,551 during 2015 under the 2015 Program and 2011 Program.
The Company may use either authorized and unissued shares or treasury shares to meet share requirements resulting
The following table presents a reconciliation of the Venezuelan bonds at fair value for the twelve months ended
from the exercise of stock options and the vesting of restricted stock unit awards.
December 31:
Beginning balance as of January 1
Unrealized gain (loss) on investment
Purchases and sales during the period
Venezuela accounting change
Ending balance as of December 31
2015
2014
$
399
(17)
12
(394)
— $
685
(341)
55
—
399
$
$
Unrealized loss on investment for the year ended December 31, 2015 consisted primarily of a loss in the amount of
$50 primarily related to the remeasurement of the bolivar-denominated fixed interest rate bonds and the devaluation-
protected bonds in Venezuela as a result of the effective devaluations in the second and third quarters of 2015. Unrealized
loss on investment for the year ended December 31, 2014 consisted primarily of a loss in the amount of $324 related to the
remeasurement of the bolivar-denominated fixed interest rate bonds and the devaluation-protected bonds in Venezuela as a
result of the effective devaluations in the first and third quarters of 2014. For further information regarding Venezuela, refer
to Note 14, Venezuela.
A summary of common stock and treasury stock activity for the three years ended December 31, is as follows:
Balance, January 1, 2013
Common stock acquired
Shares issued for stock options
Shares issued for restricted stock units and other
Balance, December 31, 2013
Common stock acquired
Shares issued for stock options
Shares issued for restricted stock units and other
Balance, December 31, 2014
Common stock acquired
Shares issued for stock options
Shares issued for restricted stock units and other
Balance, December 31, 2015
Common
Stock
Outstanding
935,728,676
Treasury
Stock
529,977,684
(25,573,317)
7,883,834
1,907,382
919,946,575
25,573,317
(7,883,834)
(1,907,382)
545,759,785
(23,131,081)
7,977,124
1,919,527
906,712,145
23,131,081
(7,977,124)
(1,919,527)
558,994,215
(22,802,784)
7,394,839
1,434,318
892,738,518
22,802,784
(7,394,839)
(1,434,318)
572,967,842
76
77
COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Dollars in Millions Except Share and Per Share Amounts)
COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Dollars in Millions Except Share and Per Share Amounts)
Stock-Based Compensation
Restricted Stock Units
The Company recognizes the cost of employee services received in exchange for awards of equity instruments, such as
stock options and restricted stock units, based on the fair value of those awards at the date of grant. The value of restricted
stock units, based on market prices, is amortized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. The estimated
fair value of stock options on the date of grant is amortized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for each
separately vesting portion of the award. Awards to employees eligible for retirement prior to the award becoming fully
vested are recognized as compensation cost from the grant date through the date that the employee first becomes eligible to
retire and is no longer required to provide service to earn the award.
The Company has one incentive compensation plan, which was approved by the Company’s stockholders on May 10,
2013, pursuant to which it issues restricted stock units and stock options to employees and shares of common stock and
stock options to non-employee directors. The Personnel and Organization Committee of the Board of Directors, which is
comprised entirely of independent directors, administers the incentive compensation plan. Previously, the Company issued
these awards pursuant to four different stockholder-approved plans. The total stock-based compensation expense charged
against pretax income for these plans was $125, $131 and $128 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013,
respectively. The total income tax benefit recognized on stock-based compensation was approximately $39, $42 and $39
for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Stock-based compensation expense is recorded within Selling, general and administrative expenses in the Corporate
segment as these amounts are not included in internal measures of segment operating performance.
The Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the fair value of stock option awards. The
weighted-average estimated fair value of stock options granted in the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was
$7.25, $7.60 and $7.41, respectively. Fair value is estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the
assumptions summarized in the following table:
Expected term of options
Expected volatility rate
Risk-free interest rate
Expected dividend yield
2015
4.5 years
17.6%
1.5%
2.5%
2014
4.5 years
17.1%
1.6%
2.3%
2013
4.5 years
18.4%
1.5%
2.3%
The weighted-average expected term of options granted each year was determined with reference to historical exercise
and post-vesting cancellation experience, the vesting period of the awards and contractual term of the awards, among other
factors. Expected volatility incorporates implied share-price volatility derived from exchange traded options on the
Company’s common stock. The risk-free interest rate for the expected term of the option is based on the yield of a zero-
coupon U.S. Treasury bond with a maturity period equal to the option’s expected term.
The Company grants restricted stock unit awards to officers and other employees. Awards vest at the end of the
restriction period, which is generally three years. As of December 31, 2015, approximately 11,554,000 shares of common
stock were available for future restricted stock unit awards.
A summary of restricted stock unit activity during 2015 is presented below:
Restricted stock units as of January 1, 2015
Activity:
Granted
Vested
Forfeited
Restricted stock units as of December 31, 2015
Shares
(in thousands)
3,694
950
(1,364)
(114)
3,166
Weighted
Average Grant
Date Fair Value
Per Award
$
$
56
66
51
59
61
As of December 31, 2015, there was $57 of total unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested restricted
stock unit awards, which will be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.1 years. The total fair value of shares
vested during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $70, $71 and $69, respectively.
Stock Options
The Company issues non-qualified stock options to non-employee directors, officers and other employees. Stock
options generally have a contractual term of six years and vest over three years. As of December 31, 2015, 37,175,000
shares of common stock were available for future stock option grants.
A summary of stock option activity during 2015 is presented below:
Options outstanding, January 1, 2015
Granted
Exercised
Forfeited or expired
Options outstanding, December 31, 2015
Options exercisable, December 31, 2015
Shares
(in thousands)
42,902
9,275
(7,826)
(431)
43,920
26,524
$
$
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life
(in years)
Intrinsic Value
of Unexercised
In-the-Money
Options
52
62
42
62
56
52
4
3
$
$
485
402
As of December 31, 2015, there was $44 of total unrecognized compensation expense related to options, which will be
recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.5 years. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the years
ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $200, $211 and $180, respectively.
The benefits of tax deductions in excess of grant date fair value resulting from the exercise of stock options and
vesting of restricted stock unit awards for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $55, $63 and $51,
respectively, and was reported as a financing cash flow. Cash proceeds received from options exercised for the years ended
December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 were $299, $314 and $289, respectively.
78
79
COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Dollars in Millions Except Share and Per Share Amounts)
COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Dollars in Millions Except Share and Per Share Amounts)
9.
Employee Stock Ownership Plan
10.
Retirement Plans and Other Retiree Benefits
In 1989, the Company expanded its Employee Stock Ownership Plan (“ESOP”) through the introduction of a
leveraged ESOP that funds certain benefits for employees who have met eligibility requirements. As of December 31, 2015
and 2014, there were 23,636,184 and 26,137,798 shares of common stock, respectively, outstanding and issued to the
Company’s ESOP.
During 2000, the ESOP entered into a loan agreement with the Company under which the benefits of the ESOP may be
extended through 2035. As of December 31, 2015, the ESOP had outstanding borrowings from the Company of $12, which
represents unearned compensation shown as a reduction in Shareholders’ equity.
Dividends on stock held by the ESOP are paid to the ESOP trust and, together with cash contributions from the
Company, are (a) used by the ESOP to repay principal and interest, (b) credited to participant accounts, or (c) used for
contributions to the Company’s defined contribution plans. Stock is allocated to participants based upon the ratio of the
current year’s debt service to the sum of total outstanding principal and interest payments over the life of the debt. As of
December 31, 2015, 17,690,600 shares of common stock had been released and allocated to participant accounts and
5,945,584 shares of common stock were available for future allocation to participant accounts.
Retirement Plans
The Company and certain of its U.S. and overseas subsidiaries maintain defined benefit retirement plans. Benefits
under these plans are based primarily on years of service and employees’ career earnings.
Effective January 1, 2014, the Company changed the way it provides retirement benefits to substantially all of its U.S.
based employees participating in its defined benefit retirement plan. For these employees, the Company now provides all
future retirement benefits through the Company’s defined contribution plan. As a result, no service after December 31,
2013 is considered for these employees for accruals in the U.S. defined benefit retirement plan. Participants in the
Company’s U.S. defined benefit retirement plan whose retirement benefit was determined under the cash balance formula
continue to earn interest credits on their vested balances as of December 31, 2013 but no longer receive pay credits.
Participants whose retirement benefit was determined under the final average earnings formula continue to have their final
average earnings adjusted for pay increases until termination of employment. These changes resulted in a curtailment
charge of $91 as all of the previously unamortized prior service costs recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive
income (loss) was recognized in 2013.
Dividends on the stock used to repay principal and interest or credited to participant accounts are deductible for
income tax purposes and, accordingly, are reflected net of their tax benefit in the Consolidated Statements of Changes in
Shareholders’ Equity.
In the Company’s principal U.S. plans and certain funded overseas plans, funds are contributed to trusts in accordance
with regulatory limits to provide for current service and for any unfunded projected benefit obligation over a reasonable
period. The target asset allocation for the Company’s defined benefit plans is as follows:
Annual expense related to the ESOP was $0, $2, and $0 in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
The Company paid dividends on the shares held by the ESOP of $38 in 2015, $40 in 2014 and $41 in 2013. The
Company contributed to the ESOP $0, $2 and $0 in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Asset Category
Equity securities
Fixed income securities
Real estate and other investments
Total
United States
International
27%
53%
20%
100%
40%
41%
19%
100%
80
81
COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Dollars in Millions Except Share and Per Share Amounts)
COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Dollars in Millions Except Share and Per Share Amounts)
At December 31, 2015 the allocation of the Company’s plan assets and the level of valuation input for each major asset
At December 31, 2014 the allocation of the Company’s plan assets and the level of valuation input for each major
category were as follows:
asset category were as follows:
Investments:
Cash and cash equivalents
U.S. common stocks
International common stocks
Fixed income securities(a)
Common/collective trust funds(b):
Developed market equity index funds
Emerging market equity index funds
Other common stock funds
Fixed income funds: U.S. or foreign government and
agency securities
Fixed income funds: investment grade corporate
bonds
Fixed income funds: high yield corporate bonds and
other
Guaranteed investment contracts(c)
Real estate funds(d)
Total Investments at fair value
Level of
Valuation
Input
Level 1
Level 1
Level 1
Level 2
Level 2
Level 2
Level 3
Pension Plans
United States
International
Other Retiree
Benefit Plans
$
$
$
16
126
—
718
321
28
123
25
113
114
1
39
1,624
$
13
3
—
—
185
8
23
102
68
47
52
19
520
$
$
—
1
—
6
3
—
1
—
1
1
—
1
14
Investments:
Cash and cash equivalents
U.S. common stocks
International common stocks
Fixed income securities(a)
Common/collective trust funds(b):
Developed market equity index funds
Emerging market equity index funds
Other common stock funds
Fixed income funds: U.S. or foreign government and
agency securities
Fixed income funds: investment grade corporate
bonds
Fixed income funds: high yield corporate bonds and
other
Guaranteed investment contracts(c)
Real estate funds(d)
Total Investments at fair value
Level of
Valuation
Input
Level 1
Level 1
Level 1
Level 2
Level 2
Level 2
Level 3
Pension Plans
United States
International
Other Retiree
Benefit Plans
$
$
$
48
130
—
625
352
32
118
115
168
136
1
46
1,771
$
10
3
2
—
193
8
27
107
75
54
54
19
552
$
$
1
3
—
13
9
1
3
3
4
3
—
1
41
_______
(a) The fixed income securities are traded over the counter and certain of these securities lack daily pricing or liquidity and as such are
classified as Level 2. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, approximately 50% of the fixed income portfolio was invested in U.S.
treasury or agency securities, with the remainder invested in other government bonds and corporate bonds.
Interests in common/collective trust funds are valued using the net asset value (“NAV”) per unit in each fund. The NAV is based on
the value of the underlying investments owned by each trust, minus its liabilities, divided by the number of shares outstanding.
(c) The guaranteed investment contracts (“GICs”) represent contracts with insurance companies measured at the cash surrender value
(b)
of each contract. The Level 2 valuation reflects that the cash surrender value is based principally on a referenced pool of investment
funds with active redemption.
(d) Real estate is valued using the NAV per unit of funds that are invested in real estate property. The investment value of the real estate
property is determined quarterly using independent market appraisals as determined by the investment manager. Since the
appraisals include unobservable inputs, these investments are classified as Level 3. These unobservable inputs may include items
such as annual gross rents, projected vacancy rates, collection losses and recovery rates, yield rates, growth assumptions and risk
adjusted discount rates.
82
83
COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Dollars in Millions Except Share and Per Share Amounts)
COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Dollars in Millions Except Share and Per Share Amounts)
The following table presents a reconciliation of Level 3 plan assets measured at fair value for the year ended December
31:
Beginning balance as of January 1
Earned income, net of management expenses
Unrealized gain (loss) on investment
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net
Ending balance as of December 31
2015
2014
United States
Real Estate
Fund
International
Real Estate
Fund
United States
Real Estate
Fund
International
Real Estate
Fund
$
$
47
2
5
(14)
40
$
$
19
—
1
(1)
19
$
$
41
2
4
—
47
$
$
21
—
(1)
(1)
19
Equity securities in the U.S. plans include investments in the Company’s common stock representing 7% of U.S. plan
assets at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014. No shares of the Company’s common stock were purchased or sold
by the U.S. plans in 2015 or 2014. The plans received dividends on the Company’s common stock of $3 in 2015 and $2 in
2014.
Other Retiree Benefits
The Company and certain of its subsidiaries provide health care and life insurance benefits for retired employees to the
extent not provided by government-sponsored plans.
The Company uses a December 31 measurement date for its defined benefit and other retiree benefit plans.
Summarized information for the Company’s defined benefit and other retiree benefit plans is as follows:
Pension Plans
2015
2015
2014
2014
International
United States
Other Retiree
Benefit Plans
2014
2015
Change in Benefit Obligations
Benefit obligations at beginning of year
$ 2,406
$2,102
$ 916
$ 894
$ 1,011
$
792
Service cost
Interest cost
Participants’ contributions
Acquisitions/plan amendments
Actuarial loss (gain)
Foreign exchange impact
Termination benefits (1)
Curtailments and settlements
Benefit payments
Other (2)
Benefit obligations at end of year
Change in Plan Assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year
Actual return on plan assets
Company contributions
Participants’ contributions
Foreign exchange impact
Settlements
Benefit payments
Other
Fair value of plan assets at end of year
Funded Status
Benefit obligations at end of year
Fair value of plan assets at end of year
Net amount recognized
Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet
Noncurrent assets
Current liabilities
Noncurrent liabilities
Net amount recognized
Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Actuarial loss
Transition/prior service cost
2
100
—
—
(189)
—
16
—
(134)
—
$ 2,201
$ 1,771
(33)
20
—
—
—
(134)
—
$ 1,624
1
102
—
—
362
—
5
—
(154)
(12)
$2,406
20
28
2
3
(3)
(75)
—
(16)
(38)
(35)
$ 802
17
35
4
—
123
(88)
—
(28)
(40)
(1)
$ 916
14
44
—
—
(154)
(14)
1
—
(40)
—
10
42
—
—
203
(3)
—
—
(33)
—
$ 862
$ 1,011
$1,736
$ 552
$ 558
$
178
23
—
—
—
(154)
(12)
$1,771
20
35
65
36
2
(35)
(14)
(38)
(2)
$ 520
4
(43)
(27)
(40)
(1)
$ 552
$
41
—
13
—
—
—
(40)
—
$
14
$
41
4
29
—
—
—
(33)
—
41
$ 2,201
$2,406
$ 802
$ 916
$ 862
$ 1,011
1,624
1,771
520
$ (577) $ (635) $ (282) $ (364) $ (848) $
552
14
41
(970)
$
$ — $ — $
17
(12)
(287)
$ (577) $ (635) $ (282) $ (364) $ (848) $
$ — $ —
(41)
(929)
(970)
6
(28)
(342)
(20)
(615)
(21)
(556)
(41)
(807)
$ 852
$ 933
$ 219
$ 259
2
2
7
19
$ 854
$ 935
$ 226
$ 278
$ 305
(2)
$ 303
$
$
481
(3)
478
84
85
Accumulated benefit obligation
$ 2,100
$2,283
$ 739
$ 817
$ — $ —
COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Dollars in Millions Except Share and Per Share Amounts)
COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Dollars in Millions Except Share and Per Share Amounts)
Weighted-Average Assumptions Used to Determine Benefit
Obligations
Discount rate
Long-term rate of return on plan assets
Long-term rate of compensation increase
ESOP growth rate
Medical cost trend rate of increase
Pension Plans
2015
2015
2014
2014
International
United States
Other Retiree
Benefit Plans
2014
2015
4.93% 4.24% 3.17% 3.06% 4.97% 4.36%
6.80% 6.80% 4.62% 5.05% 6.80% 6.80%
3.50% 3.50% 2.78% 2.83%
—% —%
—% —%
—%
—%
—% 10.00% 10.00%
—% 6.67% 7.00%
—%
—%
_________
(1) Represents pension and other retiree benefit enhancements incurred in 2015 and 2014 pursuant to the 2012 Restructuring Program.
(2) Other in International Pension Plans includes a $33 impact related to the change in accounting for the Company’s Venezuelan
operations. See Note 14, Venezuela.
The overall investment objective of the plans is to balance risk and return so that obligations to employees are met.
The Company evaluates its long-term rate of return on plan assets on an annual basis. In determining the long-term rate of
return, the Company considers the nature of the plans’ investments and the historical rates of return. The assumed rate of
return as of December 31, 2015 for the U.S. plans was 6.80%. Average annual rates of return for the U.S. plans for the most
recent 1-year, 5-year, 10-year, 15-year and 25-year periods were (1)%, 7%, 6%, 6%, and 8%, respectively. Similar
assessments were performed in determining rates of return on international pension plan assets to arrive at the Company’s
2015 weighted-average rate of return of 4.62%.
The medical cost trend rate of increase assumed in measuring the expected cost of benefits is projected to decrease
from 6.67% in 2016 to 4.75% by 2022, remaining at 4.75% for the years thereafter. Changes in the assumed rate can have a
significant effect on amounts reported. A 1% change in the assumed medical cost trend rate would have the following
approximate effect:
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation
Total of service and interest cost components
One percentage point
Increase
Decrease
$
$
120
10
(96)
(8)
Expected mortality is a key assumption in the measurement for pension and other postretirement benefit obligations.
For the Company’s U.S. plans, this assumption was updated as of December 31, 2015 in order to reflect the Society of
Actuaries’ updated mortality improvement scale published in October 2015. This resulted in a decrease of 1% and 2% to
the benefit obligations for the Company’s U.S. pension plans and other postretirement benefits, respectively. This
assumption was previously updated for the Company’s U.S. plans as of December 31, 2014 in order to reflect the Society
of Actuaries’ mortality tables and mortality improvement scale published in October 2014 which resulted in an increase of
6% and 9% to the benefit obligations for the Company’s U.S. pension plans and other postretirement benefits, respectively.
Plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets and plans with accumulated benefit obligations in
excess of plan assets as of December 31 consisted of the following:
Benefit Obligation Exceeds Fair Value of Plan Assets
Projected benefit obligation
Fair value of plan assets
Accumulated benefit obligation
Fair value of plan assets
Years Ended December 31,
2015
2014
$
$
2,667
1,792
2,499
1,772
2,958
1,955
2,725
1,922
Summarized information regarding the net periodic benefit costs for the Company’s defined benefit and other retiree
benefit plans is as follows:
Pension Plans
2015
2013
2015
2014
United States
2014
International
2013
Other Retiree Benefit Plans
2013
2014
2015
Components of Net Periodic
Benefit Cost
Service cost
Interest cost
Annual ESOP allocation
$
2
$
1
$ 24
$ 20
$ 17
$ 19
$
100
—
102
—
90
—
28
—
35
—
34
—
Expected return on plan assets
(117)
(112)
(118)
(28)
(29)
(26)
Amortization of transition and
prior service costs (credits)
Amortization of actuarial loss
—
44
1
37
9
68
2
11
4
6
2
10
Net periodic benefit cost
$ 29
$ 29
$ 73
$ 33
$ 33
$ 39
Other postretirement charges
16
5
102
Total pension cost
$ 45
$ 34
$175
(1)
$ 32
(8)
$ 25
3
$ 42
$
$
14
44
—
(2)
—
25
81
1
82
$
$
$
11
42
(1)
(3)
3
16
68
—
68
$
$
$
13
38
(2)
(3)
1
21
68
6
74
Weighted-Average Assumptions
Used to Determine Net
Periodic Benefit Cost
Discount rate
4.24% 4.96% 4.14% 3.06% 3.99% 3.57%
4.36%
5.24%
4.32%
Long-term rate of return on plan
assets
Long-term rate of compensation
increase
ESOP growth rate
6.80% 6.80% 7.30% 5.05% 5.50% 5.39%
6.80%
6.80%
7.30%
3.50% 3.50% 3.50% 2.83% 3.02% 2.80%
—%
—%
—%
—% —% —% —% —% —% 10.00% 10.00% 10.00%
Medical cost trend rate of increase
—% —% —% —% —% —%
7.00%
7.00%
7.50%
Other postretirement charges in 2015 include pension and other benefit enhancements amounting to $17 incurred
pursuant to the 2012 Restructuring Program.
Other postretirement charges in 2014 include pension and other benefit enhancements amounting to $5 incurred
pursuant to the 2012 Restructuring Program.
86
87
COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Dollars in Millions Except Share and Per Share Amounts)
COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Dollars in Millions Except Share and Per Share Amounts)
Other postretirement charges in 2013 primarily relate to a curtailment charge of $91 resulting from changes to the
11.
Income Taxes
Company’s defined benefit retirement plans in the U.S. and certain other one-time pension and other retiree benefit
enhancements incurred pursuant to the 2012 Restructuring Program.
The Company made voluntary contributions of $0, $2 and $101 in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, to its U.S.
retirement plans.
The estimated actuarial loss and the estimated transition/prior service cost for defined benefit and other retiree benefit
plans that will be amortized from Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into net periodic benefit cost over the
next fiscal year is as follows:
The components of income before income taxes are as follows for the three years ended December 31:
2015
2014
2013
United States
International
Total Income before income taxes
$
$
1,118
1,645
2,763
$
$
1,094
2,439
3,533
The provision for income taxes consists of the following for the three years ended December 31:
Pension
Plans
$
Other Retiree
Benefit Plans
15
$
—
47
—
United States
International
Total Provision for income taxes
2015
2014
$
$
376
839
1,215
$
$
348
846
1,194
$
$
$
$
1,018
2,547
3,565
2013
314
841
1,155
Net actuarial loss
Net transition and prior service cost
Expected Contributions and Benefit Payments
Management’s best estimate of voluntary contributions to U.S. pension plans for the year ending December 31, 2016 is
approximately $50. Actual funding may differ from current estimates depending on the variability of the market value of
the assets as compared to the obligation and other market or regulatory conditions.
Total benefit payments to be paid to participants for the year ending December 31, 2016 from the Company’s assets
are estimated to be approximately $63. Total benefit payments expected to be paid to participants from plan assets, or
directly from the Company’s assets to participants in unfunded plans, are as follows:
Years Ended December 31,
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021-2025
Pension Plans
$
United
States
134
135
136
137
150
730
$
International
40
$
40
35
36
38
215
Other
Retiree
Benefit
Plans
$
42
43
43
44
45
238
Total
216
218
214
217
233
1,183
Temporary differences between accounting for financial statement purposes and accounting for tax purposes result in
the current provision for taxes being higher (lower) than the total provision for income taxes as follows:
Goodwill and intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Pension and other retiree benefits
Stock-based compensation
Tax loss and tax credit carryforwards
Other, net
Total deferred tax benefit (provision)
2015
2014
2013
$
$
3
(25)
36
11
(4)
98
119
$
$
(40) $
(13)
19
11
5
(19)
(37) $
(14)
—
85
10
(30)
(33)
18
The difference between the statutory U.S. federal income tax rate and the Company’s global effective tax rate as
reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Income is as follows:
Percentage of Income before income taxes
2015
2014
2013
Tax at United States statutory rate
State income taxes, net of federal benefit
Earnings taxed at other than United States statutory rate
Charge for a foreign tax matter (1)
Venezuela accounting change (2)
Other, net
Effective tax rate
35.0%
1.0
(3.6)
0.5
12.8
(1.7)
44.0%
35.0%
0.7
(2.3)
1.9
—
(1.5)
33.8%
35.0%
0.4
(1.4)
—
—
(1.6)
32.4%
_________
(1) The charge for a foreign tax matter in 2015 relates to several Supreme Court rulings in a foreign jurisdiction disallowing certain tax deductions
which had the effect of reversing prior decisions. The charge for a foreign tax matter in 2014 relates to a notice of an adverse decision in a foreign
court regarding a tax position taken in prior years.
(2)
See Note 14, Venezuela.
88
89
COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Dollars in Millions Except Share and Per Share Amounts)
The components of deferred tax assets (liabilities) are as follows at December 31:
Deferred tax liabilities:
Goodwill and intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Other
Deferred tax assets:
Pension and other retiree benefits
Tax loss and tax credit carryforwards
Accrued liabilities
Stock-based compensation
Other
Net deferred income taxes
Deferred taxes included within:
Assets:
Other current assets
Deferred income taxes
Liabilities:
Deferred income taxes
Net deferred income taxes
2015
2014
(458) $
(380)
(150)
(988)
(497)
(380)
(266)
(1,143)
541
30
235
123
151
1,080
92
2015
258
67
(233)
92
$
$
$
638
33
276
119
148
1,214
71
2014
256
76
(261)
71
$
$
$
$
Applicable U.S. income and foreign withholding taxes have not been provided on approximately $4,600 of
undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries at December 31, 2015. These earnings have been and currently are
considered to be indefinitely reinvested outside of the U.S. and currently are not subject to such taxes. As the Company
operates in over 200 countries and territories throughout the world and due to the complexities in the tax laws and the
assumptions that would have to be made, it is not practicable to determine the tax liability that would arise if these earnings
were repatriated.
In addition, net tax expense of $78 in 2015, net tax benefit of $251 in 2014, and net tax expense of $116 in 2013
recorded directly through equity predominantly include current and future tax impacts related to employee equity
compensation and benefit plans.
COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Dollars in Millions Except Share and Per Share Amounts)
The Company uses a comprehensive model to recognize, measure, present and disclose in its financial statements
uncertain tax positions that the Company has taken or expects to take on an income tax return.
Unrecognized tax benefits activity for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 is summarized below:
Unrecognized tax benefits:
Balance, January 1
Increases as a result of tax positions taken during the current year
Decreases of tax positions taken during prior years
Increases of tax positions taken during prior years
Decreases as a result of settlements with taxing authorities and the expiration of statutes
of limitations
Effect of foreign currency rate movements
Balance, December 31
2015
2014
2013
$
$
218
20
(25)
61
(79)
(9)
186
$
$
199
23
(11)
32
(10)
(15)
218
$
$
212
23
(52)
37
(22)
1
199
If all of the unrecognized tax benefits for 2015 above were recognized, approximately $157 would impact the effective
tax rate and would result in a cash outflow of approximately $135. Although it is possible that the amount of unrecognized
benefits with respect to our uncertain tax positions will increase or decrease in the next 12 months, the Company does not
expect material changes.
The Company recognized approximately $2, $4 and $5 of interest expense related to the above unrecognized tax
benefits within income tax expense in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The Company had accrued interest of
approximately $16, $24 and $24 as of December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
The Company and its subsidiaries file U.S. federal income tax returns as well as income tax returns in many state and
foreign jurisdictions. All U.S. federal income tax returns through December 31, 2009 have been audited by, and settled
with, the IRS. With a few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. state and local income tax examinations for
income tax returns through December 31, 2010. In addition, the Company has subsidiaries in various foreign jurisdictions
that have statutes of limitations for tax audits generally ranging from three to six years.
12.
Earnings Per Share
For the Year Ended 2015
For the Year Ended 2014
For the Year Ended 2013
Net
income
attributable
to Colgate-
Palmolive
Company
$
1,384
Net
income
attributable
to Colgate-
Palmolive
Company
Shares
(millions)
Per
Share
Net
income
attributable
to Colgate-
Palmolive
Company
Shares
(millions)
Per
Share
Shares
(millions)
Per
Share
902.2
$ 1.53
$
2,180
915.1
$ 2.38
$
2,241
930.8
$ 2.41
7.5
9.2
9.1
Basic EPS
Stock options and
restricted stock
units
Diluted EPS
$
1,384
909.7
$ 1.52
$
2,180
924.3
$ 2.36
$
2,241
939.9
$ 2.38
Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income available for common stockholders by the
weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period.
Diluted earnings per common share is computed using the treasury stock method on the basis of the weighted-average
number of shares of common stock plus the dilutive effect of potential common shares outstanding during the period.
Dilutive potential common shares include outstanding stock options and restricted stock units.
90
91
COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Dollars in Millions Except Share and Per Share Amounts)
COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Dollars in Millions Except Share and Per Share Amounts)
As of December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, the average number of stock options that were anti-dilutive and not
included in diluted earnings per share calculations were 3,228,359, 1,729,511 and 1,785,032, respectively. As of
December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, the average number of restricted stock units that were anti-dilutive and not included in
diluted earnings per share calculations were 120, 2,311 and 3,709, respectively.
13.
Commitments and Contingencies
Minimum rental commitments under noncancellable operating leases, primarily for office and warehouse facilities, are
$188 in 2016, $152 in 2017, $139 in 2018, $129 in 2019, $120 in 2020 and $198 thereafter. Rental expense amounted to
$214 in 2015, $234 in 2014 and $232 in 2013. Capital leases included in fixed assets, contingent rentals and sublease
income are not significant. The Company has various contractual commitments to purchase raw, packaging and other
materials totaling approximately $697 at December 31, 2015.
As a global company serving consumers in more than 200 countries and territories, the Company is routinely subject
to a wide variety of legal proceedings. These include disputes relating to intellectual property, contracts, product liability,
marketing, advertising, foreign exchange controls, antitrust and trade regulation, as well as labor and employment,
environmental and tax matters and consumer class actions. Management proactively reviews and monitors the Company’s
exposure to, and the impact of, environmental matters. The Company is party to various environmental matters and, as
such, may be responsible for all or a portion of the cleanup, restoration and post-closure monitoring of several sites.
The Company establishes accruals for loss contingencies when it has determined that a loss is probable and that the
amount of loss, or range of loss, can be reasonably estimated. Any such accruals are adjusted thereafter as appropriate to
reflect changes in circumstances.
The Company also determines estimates of reasonably possible losses or ranges of reasonably possible losses in excess
of related accrued liabilities, if any, when it has determined that a loss is reasonably possible and it is able to determine
such estimates. For those matters disclosed below, the Company currently estimates that the aggregate range of reasonably
possible losses in excess of any accrued liabilities is $0 to approximately $175 (based on current exchange rates). The
estimates included in this amount are based on the Company’s analysis of currently available information and, as new
information is obtained, these estimates may change. Due to the inherent subjectivity of the assessments and the
unpredictability of outcomes of legal proceedings, any amounts accrued or included in this aggregate amount may not
represent the ultimate loss to the Company. Thus, the Company’s exposure and ultimate losses may be higher or lower, and
possibly significantly so, than the amounts accrued or the range disclosed above.
Based on current knowledge, management does not believe that the ultimate resolution of loss contingencies arising
from the matters discussed herein will have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or its
ongoing results of operations or cash flows. However, in light of the inherent uncertainties noted above, an adverse
outcome in one or more matters could be material to the Company’s results of operations or cash flows for any particular
quarter or year.
Brazilian Matters
federal courts. Although there can be no assurances, management believes, based on the opinion of its Brazilian legal
counsel, that the disallowances are without merit and that the Company should ultimately prevail. The Company is
challenging these assessments vigorously.
In July 2002, the Brazilian Federal Public Attorney filed a civil action against the federal government of Brazil,
Laboratorios Wyeth-Whitehall Ltda. (the Brazilian subsidiary of the Seller) and the Company, as represented by its
Brazilian subsidiary, in the 6th. Lower Federal Court in the City of São Paulo, seeking to annul an April 2000 decision by
the Brazilian Board of Tax Appeals that found in favor of the Seller’s Brazilian subsidiary on the issue of whether it had
incurred taxable capital gains as a result of the divestiture of Kolynos. The action seeks to make the Company’s Brazilian
subsidiary jointly and severally liable for any tax due from the Seller’s Brazilian subsidiary. The case has been pending
since 2002, and the Lower Federal Court has not issued a decision. Although there can be no assurances, management
believes, based on the opinion of its Brazilian legal counsel, that the Company should ultimately prevail in this action. The
Company is challenging this action vigorously.
In December 2005, the Brazilian internal revenue authority issued to the Company’s Brazilian subsidiary a tax
assessment with interest and penalties of approximately $48, at the current exchange rate, based on a claim that certain
purchases of U.S. Treasury bills by the subsidiary and their subsequent disposition during the period 2000 to 2001 were
subject to a tax on foreign exchange transactions. The Company had been disputing the assessment within the internal
revenue authority’s administrative appeals process. However, in November 2014, the Superior Chamber of Administrative
Tax Appeals denied the Company’s final administrative appeal and the Company has filed a lawsuit in Brazilian federal
court. In the event the Company is unsuccessful in this filing, further appeals are available within the Brazilian federal
courts. Although there can be no assurances, management believes, based on the opinion of its Brazilian legal counsel, that
the tax assessment is without merit and that the Company should ultimately prevail. The Company is challenging this
assessment vigorously.
Competition Matters
The Company is subject to competition law investigations and legal proceedings in a number of countries. The
Company’s policy is to comply with antitrust and competition laws and, if a violation of any such laws is found, to take
appropriate remedial action and to cooperate fully with any related governmental inquiry. Competition and antitrust law
investigations often continue for several years and can result in substantial fines for violations that are found and associated
private actions for damages. While the Company cannot predict the final financial impact of these competition law issues,
as these matters may change, the Company evaluates developments in these matters quarterly and accrues liabilities as and
when appropriate.
European Competition Matters
Certain of the Company’s subsidiaries in Europe are subject to investigations and, in some cases, fines by
governmental authorities in a number of European countries related to potential competition law violations. The Company
understands that substantially all of these matters also involve other consumer goods companies and/or retail
customers. The status of the various pending matters is discussed below.
There are certain tax and civil proceedings outstanding, as described below, related to the Company’s 1995 acquisition
Fines have been imposed on the Company in the following matters, although, as noted below, the Company has
of the Kolynos oral care business from Wyeth (the “Seller”).
appealed each of these fines:
The Brazilian internal revenue authority has disallowed interest deductions and foreign exchange losses taken by the
Company’s Brazilian subsidiary for certain years in connection with the financing of the Kolynos acquisition. The tax
assessments with interest, at the current exchange rate, are approximately $76. The Company has been disputing the
disallowances by appealing the assessments since October 2001. Numerous appeals are currently pending at the
administrative level. In the event the Company is ultimately unsuccessful in its administrative appeals, further appeals are
available within the Brazilian federal courts.
In September 2015, the Company lost one of its appeals at the administrative level, and has filed a lawsuit in Brazilian
federal court. In the event the Company is unsuccessful in this filing, further appeals are available within the Brazilian
In December 2009, the Swiss competition law authority imposed a fine of $6 on the Company’s GABA
subsidiary for alleged violations of restrictions on parallel imports into Switzerland, which the Company
appealed. In January 2014, this appeal was denied. The Company is appealing before the Swiss Supreme
Court.
In December 2010, the Italian competition law authority found that 16 consumer goods companies, including
the Company’s Italian subsidiary, exchanged competitively sensitive information in the cosmetics sector, for
which the Company’s Italian subsidiary was fined $3. The Company is appealing the fine in the Italian courts.
92
93
COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Dollars in Millions Except Share and Per Share Amounts)
COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in Millions Except Share and Per Share Amounts)
In December 2014, the French competition law authority found that 13 consumer goods companies, including
the Company’s French subsidiary, exchanged competitively sensitive information related to the French home
care and personal care sectors, for which the Company’s French subsidiary was fined $57. In addition, as a
result of the Company’s acquisition of the Sanex personal care business in 2011 from Unilever N.V. and
Unilever PLC (together with Unilever N.V., “Unilever”) pursuant to a Business and Share Sale and Purchase
Agreement (the “Sale and Purchase Agreement”), the French competition law authority found that the
Company’s French subsidiary, along with Hillshire Brands Company (formerly Sara Lee Corporation (“Sara
Lee”)), were jointly and severally liable for fines of $25 assessed against Sara Lee’s French subsidiary. The
Company is entitled to indemnification for this fine from Unilever as provided in the Sale and Purchase
Agreement. The Company is appealing both fines in the French courts.
Currently, the following formal claim of violations is pending against the Company:
In July 2014, the Greek competition law authority issued a statement of objections alleging the Company and
its Greek subsidiary restricted parallel imports into Greece. The Company has responded to this statement of
objections.
Australian Competition Matter
In December 2013, the Australian competition law authority instituted civil proceedings in the Sydney registry of the
Federal Court of Australia alleging that three consumer goods companies, including the Company’s Australian subsidiary, a
retailer and a former employee of the Company’s Australian subsidiary violated the Australian competition law by
coordinating the launching and pricing of ultra-concentrated laundry detergents. The Company is defending these
proceedings. In 2015, the Company recognized a charge of $14 in connection with this matter.
Talcum Powder Matters
The Company is a defendant in a number of civil actions alleging that certain talc products it sold prior to 1996 were
contaminated with asbestos. The Company is challenging these cases vigorously. As of December 31, 2015, 25 cases filed
against the Company had been voluntarily dismissed and/or had final judgment entered in favor of the Company. In
addition, as of December 31, 2015, the Company had settled 15 cases for amounts that are not material to the Company’s
results of operations.
As of December 31, 2015, there were 32 additional individual cases pending against the Company in state and federal
courts in California, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri,
New Jersey, New York, South Carolina, Texas and Wisconsin. Thirteen of these cases were filed against the Company
during the quarter ended December 31, 2015; all of these cases have multiple defendants named in addition to the
Company. Some of the cases are expected to go to trial in 2016. While the Company and its legal counsel believe that these
cases are without merit and intend to challenge them vigorously, there can be no assurances of the outcome at trial. Since
the amount of any potential losses from these cases currently cannot be estimated, the range of reasonably possible losses
in excess of accrued liabilities disclosed above does not include any amount relating to these cases.
N8
The Company is a defendant in a lawsuit pending in Utah federal court brought by N8 Medical, Inc. (“N8 Medical”),
Brigham Young University (“BYU”) and N8 Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“N8 Pharma”) (collectively, “plaintiffs”). The
complaint, originally filed in November 2013, alleges breach of contract and other torts arising out of the Company’s
evaluation of a technology owned by BYU and licensed, at various times, to Ceragenix Pharmaceuticals, Inc., now in
bankruptcy, N8 Medical and N8 Pharma.
In the third quarter of 2015, plaintiffs completed a submission of documents in the litigation alleging damages of
approximately $2,500. The Company and its legal counsel believe these damages allegations are without merit and are
vigorously challenging them and defending this case on its merits. This case is expected to go to trial in 2016.
14.
Venezuela
Effective December 31, 2015, the Company began accounting for its Venezuelan operations using the cost method of
accounting and as a result its Consolidated Balance Sheet no longer includes the assets and liabilities of CP Venezuela. As a
result of this change in accounting, the Company recorded an aftertax charge of $1,058 ($1,084 pretax) or $1.16 per diluted
share in 2015. The charge primarily consists of an impairment of the Company’s investment in CP Venezuela of $952,
which includes intercompany receivables from CP Venezuela, and $111 related to the reclassification of cumulative
translation losses.
The restrictive exchange control regulations in Venezuela and CP Venezuela’s increasingly limited access to U.S.
dollars have resulted in an other-than-temporary lack of exchangeability between the Venezuelan bolivar and the U.S.
dollar. This lack of exchangeability, together with other government controls on pricing, payments, profits and imports and
restrictive labor laws, have significantly impacted the Company’s ability to make key operational decisions over CP
Venezuela, including the ability to manage its capital structure, material sourcing, product pricing and labor relations. The
Company expects these conditions will continue for the foreseeable future. As a result, the Company concluded that,
effective December 31, 2015, it did not meet the accounting criteria for consolidation of CP Venezuela and began
accounting for CP Venezuela using the cost method of accounting.
In future periods, under the cost method of accounting, the Company will no longer include the results of CP
Venezuela in its Consolidated Financial Statements and will include income relating to CP Venezuela only to the extent it
receives cash for sales of inventory to CP Venezuela or for dividends or royalties remitted by CP Venezuela. Although CP
Venezuela’s local operating results will no longer be included in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements for
accounting purposes, under current tax rules, the Company is required to continue including CP Venezuela in its
consolidated U.S. federal income tax return.
In February 2015, the Venezuelan government implemented changes in Venezuela’s foreign exchange regime. While
the official exchange rate, as determined by the National Center for Foreign Commerce (“CENCOEX”), remained at 6.30
bolivares per dollar, and the SICAD I (Supplementary System for the Administration of Foreign Currency) currency
market, now known as SICAD, was unchanged, the SICAD II market was eliminated and a new, alternative currency
market, the Foreign Exchange Marginal System (“SIMADI”), was created and became operational with a floating
exchange rate determined by market participants. CP Venezuela has funded its requirements for imported goods through a
combination of U.S. dollars obtained from CENCOEX and intercompany borrowings. Although access to U.S. dollars in
Venezuela has been challenging, because the majority of the products in CP Venezuela’s portfolio have been designated as
“essential” by the Venezuelan government, historically CP Venezuela’s access to U.S. dollars at the official rate of 6.30
bolivares per dollar was generally sufficient to settle most of its U.S. dollar obligations for imported goods. However, CP
Venezuela’s access to U.S. dollars to fund imports became increasingly more limited and sporadic in 2015 and deteriorated
even further during the fourth quarter of 2015. Although the SIMADI market has been accessible to CP Venezuela, it did
not participate in that market through December 31, 2015. Since its inception, the volume of transactions in the SIMADI
market as a whole has been very limited, and the exchange rate at December 31, 2015 was 198.70 bolivares per dollar.
Since the majority of CP Venezuela’s product portfolio is subject to price controls, it could not operate profitably without
substantial price increases approved by the government if it had to pay for imported materials with U.S. dollars obtained
from the SIMADI market.
94
95
COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in Millions Except Share and Per Share Amounts)
COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Dollars in Millions Except Share and Per Share Amounts)
Prior to the change in accounting for the Company’s Venezuelan operations, which was effective December 31, 2015,
the functional currency for CP Venezuela was the U.S. dollar since Venezuela had been designated hyper-inflationary and
Venezuelan currency fluctuations were reported in income. The Company remeasured the financial statements of CP
Venezuela at the end of each month at the rate at which it expected to remit future dividends which, based on the advice of
legal counsel, was the SICAD rate. During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company incurred pretax losses of $34
($22 aftertax or $0.02 per diluted common share) related to the remeasurement of CP Venezuela’s local currency-
denominated net monetary assets at the quarter-end SICAD rate for the second and third quarters of 2015. The quarter-end
SICAD rate was 12.00 bolivares per dollar, 12.80 bolivares per dollar, 13.50 bolivares per dollar and 13.50 bolivares per
dollar as of the end of the first, second, third and fourth quarters of 2015, respectively.
During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company incurred net pretax losses of $327 ($214 aftertax or $0.23 per
diluted common share) related to the remeasurement of CP Venezuela’s local currency-denominated net monetary assets at
the quarter-end SICAD I rate for each of the first three quarters of 2014. The SICAD I rate did not revalue during the
fourth quarter of 2014 and remained at 12.00 bolivares per dollar as of December 31, 2014.
During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company incurred a pretax loss of $172 ($111 aftertax or $0.12 per
diluted common share) related to the remeasurement of CP Venezuela’s local currency-denominated net monetary assets as
a result of the devaluation that changed the official exchange rate from 4.30 to 6.30 bolivares per dollar.
Included in the remeasurement losses during 2015 and 2014 were charges related to the devaluation-protected bonds
issued by the Venezuelan government and held by CP Venezuela. Because the official exchange rate remained at 6.30
bolivares per dollar, the devaluation-protected bonds did not revalue at the SICAD rate but remained at the official
exchange rate, resulting in an impairment in the fair value of the bonds.
15.
Segment Information
The Company operates in two product segments: Oral, Personal and Home Care; and Pet Nutrition. The operations of
the Oral, Personal and Home Care product segment are managed geographically in five reportable operating
segments: North America, Latin America, Europe/South Pacific, Asia and Africa/Eurasia.
The Company evaluates segment performance based on several factors, including Operating profit. The Company uses
Operating profit as a measure of the operating segment performance because it excludes the impact of corporate-driven
decisions related to interest expense and income taxes.
The accounting policies of the operating segments are generally the same as those described in Note 2, Summary of
Significant Accounting Policies. Intercompany sales have been eliminated. Corporate operations include costs related to
stock options and restricted stock unit awards, research and development costs, Corporate overhead costs, restructuring and
related implementation costs, and gains and losses on sales of non-core product lines and assets. The Company reports
these items within Corporate operations as they relate to Corporate-based responsibilities and decisions and are not
included in the internal measures of segment operating performance used by the Company to measure the underlying
performance of the operating segments.
Approximately 75% of the Company’s Net sales are generated from markets outside the U.S., with over 50% of the
Company’s Net sales coming from emerging markets (which consist of Latin America, Asia (excluding Japan), Africa/
Eurasia and Central Europe). Oral, Personal and Home Care sales to Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and its affiliates represent
approximately 11% of the Company's Net sales in 2015. No other customer represents more than 10% of Net sales.
In 2015, Corporate Operating profit (loss) includes charges of $1,084 related to the change in accounting for the
Company’s Venezuelan operations, $254 related to the 2012 Restructuring Program, $34 related to the remeasurement of
CP Venezuela’s local currency-denominated net monetary assets as a result of effective devaluations and $14 for a foreign
competition law matter and included a gain of $187 on the sale of the Company’s laundry detergent business in the South
Pacific. In 2014, Corporate Operating profit (loss) includes charges of $286 related to the 2012 Restructuring Program,
$327 related to the remeasurement of CP Venezuela’s local currency-denominated net monetary assets as a result of
effective devaluations and $41 for foreign competition law matters and costs of $4 related to the sale of land in Mexico. In
2013, Corporate Operating profit (loss) included charges of $371 related to the 2012 Restructuring Program, $172 related
to the remeasurement of CP Venezuela’s local currency-denominated net monetary assets as a result of a devaluation and
$23 for a foreign competition law matter and costs of $18 related to the sale of land in Mexico. For further information
regarding the 2012 Restructuring Program, refer to Note 4, Restructuring and Related Implementation Charges. For further
information regarding Venezuela, refer to Note 14, Venezuela. For further information regarding the foreign competition
law matters, refer to Note 13, Commitments and Contingencies. For further information regarding the sale of land in
Mexico and the sale of the Company’s laundry detergent business in the South Pacific, refer to Note 3, Acquisitions and
Divestitures.
Net sales
Oral, Personal and Home Care
North America(1)
Latin America
Europe/South Pacific
Asia
Africa/Eurasia
Total Oral, Personal and Home Care
Pet Nutrition(2)
Total Net sales
2015
2014
2013
$
3,149
$
3,124
$
4,327
2,870
2,478
998
13,822
2,212
4,769
3,406
2,515
1,208
15,022
2,255
$
16,034
$
17,277
$
3,072
5,012
3,396
2,472
1,257
15,209
2,211
17,420
_________
(1) Net sales in the U.S. for Oral, Personal and Home Care were $2,896, $2,835 and $2,771 in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
(2) Net sales in the U.S. for Pet Nutrition were $1,223, $1,149 and $1,116 in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
96
97
COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Dollars in Millions Except Share and Per Share Amounts)
COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Dollars in Millions Except Share and Per Share Amounts)
2015
2014
2013
2015
2014
2013
Operating profit
Oral, Personal and Home Care
North America
Latin America
Europe/South Pacific
Asia
Africa/Eurasia
Total Oral, Personal and Home Care
Pet Nutrition
Corporate
Total Operating profit
Capital expenditures
Oral, Personal and Home Care
North America
Latin America
Europe/South Pacific
Asia
Africa/Eurasia
Total Oral, Personal and Home Care
Pet Nutrition
Corporate
Total Capital expenditures
Depreciation and amortization
Oral, Personal and Home Care
North America
Latin America
Europe/South Pacific
Asia
Africa/Eurasia
Total Oral, Personal and Home Care
Pet Nutrition
Corporate
$
974
$
926
$
$
$
$
$
1,209
750
753
178
3,864
612
(1,687)
2,789
2015
2015
207
110
42
119
12
490
34
167
691
47
88
72
94
8
309
52
88
$
$
$
$
1,279
877
736
235
4,053
592
(1,088)
3,557
2014
2014
136
205
78
147
14
580
40
137
757
43
93
84
78
10
308
52
82
$
$
$
$
Total Depreciation and amortization
$
449
$
442
$
927
1,385
805
698
268
4,083
563
(1,090)
3,556
2013
2013
54
235
74
123
11
497
45
128
670
51
93
85
72
11
312
51
76
439
Identifiable assets
Oral, Personal and Home Care
North America
Latin America
Europe/South Pacific
Asia
Africa/Eurasia
Total Oral, Personal and Home Care
Pet Nutrition
Corporate(1)
Total Identifiable assets(2)
$
$
2,622
2,314
3,457
1,882
476
10,751
1,006
201
11,958
$
$
2,326
3,693
3,836
1,903
510
12,268
1,051
140
13,459
$
$
2,301
4,202
3,978
1,794
557
12,832
1,087
66
13,985
____________
(1)
In 2015, Corporate identifiable assets primarily consist of derivative instruments (67%) and investments in equity securities
(20%). In 2014, Corporate identifiable assets primarily consist of derivative instruments (62%) and investments in equity securities
(22%). In 2013, Corporate identifiable assets primarily consist of derivative instruments (32%) and investments in equity securities
(41%).
(2) Long-lived assets in the U.S., primarily property, plant and equipment and goodwill and other intangibles represented
approximately one-third of total long-lived assets of $7,420, $8,086 and $8,248 in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
16.
Supplemental Income Statement Information
Other (income) expense, net
Amortization of intangible assets
2012 Restructuring Program
Venezuela remeasurement charges
Gain on sale of South Pacific laundry detergent business
Charges for foreign competition law matters
Costs related to the sale of land in Mexico
Equity (income)
Other, net
Total Other (income) expense, net
Interest (income) expense, net
Interest incurred
Interest capitalized
Interest income
Total Interest (income) expense, net
Research and development
Advertising
2015
2014
2013
$
$
$
$
$
$
33
170
34
(187)
14
—
(8)
6
62
2015
139
(6)
(107)
26
2015
274
1,491
$
$
$
$
$
$
32
195
327
—
41
—
(7)
(18)
570
2014
134
(4)
(106)
24
$
$
$
$
32
202
172
—
23
3
(5)
(5)
422
2013
119
(3)
(125)
(9)
2014
2013
277
1,784
$
$
267
1,891
98
99
COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Dollars in Millions Except Share and Per Share Amounts)
COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Dollars in Millions Except Share and Per Share Amounts)
17.
Supplemental Balance Sheet Information
Inventories by major class are as follows at December 31:
Inventories
Raw materials and supplies
Work-in-process
Finished goods
Total Inventories
2015
2014
$
$
261
$
45
874
349
55
978
1,180
$
1,382
Inventories valued under LIFO amounted to $268 and $287 at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The excess
of current cost over LIFO cost at the end of each year was $6 and $18, respectively. The liquidations of LIFO inventory
quantities had no material effect on income in 2015, 2014 and 2013.
Property, plant and equipment, net
Land
Buildings
Manufacturing machinery and equipment
Other equipment
Accumulated depreciation
Total Property, plant and equipment, net
Other accruals
Accrued advertising and coupon redemption
Accrued payroll and employee benefits
Accrued taxes other than income taxes
Restructuring accrual
Pension and other retiree benefits
Accrued interest
Derivatives
Other
Total Other accruals
Other liabilities
Pension and other retiree benefits
Restructuring accrual
Other
Total Other liabilities
2015
2014
153
1,492
5,166
1,248
8,059
(4,263)
3,796
2015
512
322
121
119
74
36
5
656
1,845
2015
1,650
96
220
1,966
$
$
$
$
$
$
250
1,660
5,220
1,255
8,385
(4,305)
4,080
2014
550
332
122
114
89
28
5
677
1,917
2014
1,886
78
259
2,223
$
$
$
$
$
$
18.
Supplemental Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Information
Other comprehensive income (loss) components attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company before tax and net of tax
during the years ended December 31 were as follows:
Cumulative translation adjustments
Reclassification due to Venezuela
accounting change(1)
Cumulative translation adjustments
Pension and other benefits:
Net actuarial gain (loss) and prior
service costs arising during the
period
Amortization of net actuarial loss,
transition and prior service costs(2)
Curtailment loss - unamortized
prior service costs(2)
Reclassification due to Venezuela
accounting change(1)
Retirement Plan and other retiree benefit
adjustments
Available-for-sale securities:
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-
for-sale securities(3)
Reclassification of (gains) losses
into net earnings on available-
for-sale securities(4)
Reclassification due to Venezuela
accounting change(1)
Gains (losses) on available-for-sale
securities
Cash flow hedges:
Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow
hedges
2015
2014
2013
Pre-tax Net of Tax
Pre-tax Net of Tax
Pre-tax Net of Tax
$
(721) $
(745) $
(663) $
(681) $
(188) $
(163)
111
(610)
111
(634)
—
(663)
—
(681)
—
(188)
—
(163)
182
115
(580)
(374)
82
—
44
52
—
29
67
—
—
45
—
—
295
111
91
—
189
70
59
—
308
196
(513)
(329)
497
318
(18)
(12)
(341)
(222)
(113)
(73)
14
(10)
(14)
11
(6)
(7)
267
—
174
—
(74)
(48)
18
12
9
6
133
—
20
20
Reclassification of (gains) losses
into net earnings on cash flow
hedges(5)
Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges
Total Other comprehensive income
(loss)
_________
(1) Represents reclassifications from Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) due to the change in accounting for the
(1,056) $
(10)
2
(17)
3
(1,246) $
(443) $
(314) $
(5)
4
(4)
2
332 $
(16)
$
2
86
—
13
13
(11)
2
170
100
101
Company’s Venezuelan operations. Cumulative translation, net actuarial gain (loss) and unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-
sale securities were reclassified into the Charge for Venezuela accounting change on the Consolidated Statement of Income. See
Note 14, Venezuela for additional details.
(2) These components of Other comprehensive income (loss) are included in the computation of total pension cost. See Note 10,
Retirement Plans and Other Retiree Benefits for additional details.
COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Dollars in Millions Except Share and Per Share Amounts)
COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Dollars in Millions Except Share and Per Share Amounts)
(3) For the year ended December 31, 2015, these amounts included pretax net losses of $50 related to the remeasurement of the bolivar-
denominated fixed interest rate bonds and the devaluation-protected bonds in Venezuela.
For the year ended December 31, 2014, these amounts included pretax losses of $324 related to the remeasurement of the bolivar-
denominated fixed interest rate bonds and the devaluation-protected bonds in Venezuela.
For the year ended December 31, 2013, these amounts included pretax losses of $133 related only to the remeasurement of the
bolivar-denominated fixed interest rate bonds in Venezuela as a result of the devaluation in the first quarter of 2013. No
remeasurement charge was required on the devaluation-protected bonds in the first quarter of 2013 since the official exchange rate
changed from 4.30 to 6.30 bolivares per dollar and the devaluation-protected bonds revalued to the official exchange rate. See Note
7, Fair Value Measurements and Financial Instruments for additional details.
(4) Represents reclassification of losses on the Venezuela bonds into Other (income) expense, net due to an impairment in the fair value
of the bonds as a result of the effective devaluations in the second and third quarters of 2015 and the first and third quarters of 2014
and the devaluation in 2013. See Note 7, Fair Value Measurements and Financial Instruments for additional details.
(5) These (gains) losses are reclassified into Cost of sales. See Note 7, Fair Value Measurements and Financial Instruments for
additional details.
There were no tax impacts on Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Noncontrolling interests.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) is comprised of cumulative foreign currency translation gains and
losses, unrecognized pension and other retiree benefit costs, unrealized gains and losses from derivative instruments
designated as cash flow hedges and unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities. At December 31, 2015 and
2014, Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) consisted primarily of aftertax unrecognized pension and other
retiree benefit costs of $868 and $1,064, respectively, and cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments of $3,087
and $2,453, respectively. Foreign currency translation adjustments in 2015 primarily reflect losses from the Euro, the
Brazilian real, the Mexican peso and the Swiss franc. In 2014, foreign currency translation adjustments primarily reflect
losses from the Euro, the Brazilian real, the Mexican peso and the Swiss franc.
19.
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
Total
First
Quarter
Second
Quarter
Third
Quarter
Fourth
Quarter
2015
Net sales
Gross profit
Net income (loss) including
noncontrolling interests
Net income (loss) attributable to
Colgate-Palmolive Company
Earnings (loss) per common share:
$ 16,034
$
9,399 (1)
1,548 (2)
1,384 (2)
4,070
2,392 (3)
$
4,066
2,367 (5)
$
3,999
2,347 (7)
$
3,899
2,293 (9)
583 (4)
542 (4)
616 (6)
574 (6)
770 (8)
726 (8)
1.53 (2)
0.60 (4)
0.63 (6)
0.81 (8)
1.52 (2)
0.59 (4)
0.63 (6)
0.80 (8)
(421) (10)
(458) (10)
(0.51) (10)
(10)
(0.51)
(21)
$ 17,277
$
10,109 (11)
4,325
2,524 (13)
$
4,352
2,552 (15)
$
4,379
2,558 (17)
$
4,221
2,475 (19)
2,339 (12)
2,180 (12)
432 (14)
388 (14)
661 (16)
622 (16)
580 (18)
542 (18)
666 (20)
628 (20)
Basic
Diluted
2014
Net sales
Gross profit
Net income including noncontrolling
interests
Net income attributable to Colgate-
Palmolive Company
Earnings per common share:
Basic
Diluted
2.38 (12)
2.36 (12)
0.42 (14)
0.42 (14)
0.68 (16)
0.67 (16)
0.59 (18)
0.59 (18)
0.69 (20)
0.68 (20)
____________
Note: Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share are computed independently for each quarter and the year-to-date period
presented. Accordingly, the sum of the quarterly earnings (loss) per common share may not necessarily equal the
earnings (loss) per share for the year-to-date period.
(1) Gross profit for the full year of 2015 includes $20 of charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program.
(2) Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interests, Net income (loss) attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company and earnings (loss)
per common share for the full year of 2015 include a $1,058 aftertax charge related to the change in accounting for the Company’s
Venezuelan operations, $183 of aftertax charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program, $22 of aftertax charges related to the
remeasurement of CP Venezuela’s local currency-denominated net monetary assets as a result of effective devaluations, a $120
aftertax gain on the sale of the Company’s laundry detergent business in the South Pacific, a $15 charge for a foreign tax matter and a
$14 aftertax charge related to a foreign competition law matter.
(3) Gross profit for the first quarter of 2015 includes $4 of charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program.
(4) Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interests, Net income (loss) attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company and earnings (loss)
per common share for the first quarter of 2015 include $67 of aftertax charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program.
(5) Gross profit for the second quarter of 2015 includes $4 of charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program.
(6) Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interests, Net income (loss) attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company and earnings (loss)
per common share for the second quarter of 2015 include $40 of aftertax charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program, $10 of
aftertax charges related to the remeasurement of CP Venezuela’s local currency-denominated net monetary assets as a result of an
effective devaluation and a $15 charge for a foreign tax matter.
(7) Gross profit for the third quarter of 2015 includes $3 of charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program.
102
103
COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Dollars in Millions Except Share and Per Share Amounts)
(8) Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interests, Net income (loss) attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company and earnings (loss)
per common share for the third quarter of 2015 include $35 of aftertax charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program, a $12
aftertax charge related to the remeasurement of CP Venezuela’s local currency-denominated net monetary assets as a result of an
effective devaluation and a $120 aftertax gain on sale of the Company’s laundry detergent business in the South Pacific.
(9) Gross profit for the fourth quarter of 2015 includes $9 of charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program.
(10) Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interests, Net income (loss) attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company and earnings (loss)
per common share for the fourth quarter of 2015 include a $1,058 aftertax charge related to the change in accounting for the
Company’s Venezuelan operations, $41 of aftertax charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program and a $14 charge for a foreign
competition law matter.
(11) Gross profit for the full year of 2014 includes $29 of charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program and $4 of costs related to the
sale of land in Mexico.
(12) Net income including noncontrolling interests, Net income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company and earnings per common
share for the full year of 2014 include $208 of aftertax charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program, $214 of aftertax charges
related to the remeasurement of CP Venezuela’s local currency-denominated net monetary assets as a result of effective devaluations,
$41 of charges for a foreign competition law matter, $3 of aftertax costs related to the sale of land in Mexico and a $66 charge for a
foreign tax matter.
(13) Gross profit for the first quarter of 2014 includes $10 of charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program and $1 of costs related to
the sale of land in Mexico.
(14) Net income including noncontrolling interests, Net income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company and earnings per common
share for the first quarter of 2014 include $73 of aftertax charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program, a $174 aftertax charge
related to the remeasurement of CP Venezuela’s local currency-denominated net monetary assets as a result of an effective devaluation
and $1 of aftertax costs related to the sale of land in Mexico.
COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
(Dollars in Millions)
Year Ended December 31, 2015
Allowance for doubtful accounts and estimated
returns
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets
Year Ended December 31, 2014
Allowance for doubtful accounts and estimated
returns
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets
Year Ended December 31, 2013
Allowance for doubtful accounts and estimated
returns
Additions
Balance at
Beginning
of Period
Charged to
Costs and
Expenses
Other Deductions
Balance at
End of Period
$
$
$
$
$
$
54
$
— $
7
$ — $
— $ — $
2
$
— $
67
6
61
1
$
$
$
$
— $ — $
— $ — $
15
6
$ — $
$ — $
13
6
9
1
$
$
$
$
59
—
54
—
67
6
(15) Gross profit for the second quarter of 2014 includes $6 of charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program and $2 of costs related to
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets
the sale of land in Mexico.
(16) Net income including noncontrolling interests, Net income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company and earnings per common
share for the second quarter of 2014 include $53 of aftertax charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program and $1 of aftertax costs
related to the sale of land in Mexico.
(17) Gross profit for the third quarter of 2014 includes $7 of charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program and $1 of costs related to
the sale of land in Mexico.
(18) Net income including noncontrolling interests, Net income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company and earnings per common
share for the third quarter of 2014 include $41 of aftertax charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program, $40 of aftertax charges
related to the remeasurement of CP Venezuela’s local currency-denominated net monetary assets as a result of an effective
devaluation, an $11 charge for a foreign competition law matter, $1 of aftertax costs related to the sale of land in Mexico and a $66
charge for a foreign tax matter.
(19) Gross profit for the fourth quarter of 2014 includes $6 of charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program.
(20) Net income including noncontrolling interests, Net income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company and earnings per common
share for the fourth quarter of 2014 include $41 of aftertax charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program and a $30 charge for a
foreign competition law matter.
(21) The computation for Diluted (loss) per common share for the fourth quarter of 2015 excludes 6.6 million of incremental common
shares outstanding during the period as they are anti-dilutive.
104
105
COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
Market and Dividend Information
COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
Market and Dividend Information
The Company’s common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and its trading symbol is CL. Dividends on
the common stock have been paid every year since 1895, and the Company’s regular common stock dividend payments
have increased for 53 consecutive years.
Stock Price Performance Graphs
Market Price of Common Stock
Quarter Ended
March 31
June 30
September 30
December 31
Year-end Closing Price
Dividends Paid Per Common Share
Quarter Ended
March 31
June 30
September 30
December 31
Total
2015
2014
High
$ 71.46
70.08
69.08
69.23
Low
$ 65.12
65.34
60.37
63.72
High
$ 65.08
69.43
69.79
71.00
Low
$ 60.17
64.22
63.40
63.11
$66.62
$69.19
2015
2014
$
$
0.36
0.38
0.38
0.38
1.50
$
$
0.34
0.36
0.36
0.36
1.42
The following graphs compare cumulative total shareholder returns on Colgate-Palmolive Company common stock
against the S&P Composite-500 Stock Index and a peer company index for the twenty-year, ten-year and five-year periods
each ended December 31, 2015. The peer company index is comprised of consumer products companies that have both
domestic and international businesses. For 2015, the peer company index consisted of Avon Products, Inc., Beiersdorf AG,
The Clorox Company, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, The Procter & Gamble Company, Reckitt Benckiser Group plc and
Unilever N.V.
These performance graphs do not constitute soliciting material, are not deemed filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission and are not incorporated by reference in any of the Company’s filings under the Securities Act of 1933 or the
Exchange Act, whether made before or after the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and irrespective of any general
incorporation language in any such filing, except to the extent the Company specifically incorporates these performance
graphs by reference therein.
106
107
COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
Historical Financial Summary
For the years ended December 31,
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)
(Unaudited)
COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
Historical Financial Summary
For the years ended December 31,
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)
(Unaudited)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9)
Net income including noncontrolling interests, Net income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company and earnings per common share
in 2014 include $208 of aftertax charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program, $214 of aftertax charges related to the
remeasurement of CP Venezuela’s local currency-denominated net monetary assets as a result of effective devaluations, $41 of charges
for foreign competition law matters, $3 of aftertax costs related to the sale of land in Mexico and a $66 charge for a foreign tax matter.
Net income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company and earnings per common share in 2013 include $278 of aftertax charges related
to the 2012 Restructuring Program, a $111 aftertax charge related to the remeasurement of CP Venezuela’s local currency-denominated
net monetary assets as a result of a devaluation, a $23 charge for a foreign competition law matter and $12 of aftertax costs related to the
sale of land in Mexico.
Net income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company and earnings per common share in 2012 include $70 of aftertax charges related
to the 2012 Restructuring Program, $18 of aftertax costs related to the sale of land in Mexico and $14 of aftertax costs associated with
various business realignment and other cost-saving initiatives.
Net income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company and earnings per common share in 2011 include an aftertax gain of $135 on the
sale of the non-core laundry detergent business in Colombia, offset by $147 of aftertax costs associated with various business
realignment and other cost-saving initiatives, $9 of aftertax costs related to the sale of land in Mexico and a $21 charge for a foreign
competition law matter.
Net income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company and earnings per common share in 2010 include a $271 one-time charge related
to the transition to hyperinflationary accounting in Venezuela, $61 of aftertax charges for termination benefits related to overhead
reduction initiatives, a $30 aftertax gain on sales of non-core product lines and a $31 benefit related to the reorganization of an overseas
subsidiary.
Net income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company and earnings per common share in 2008 include $113 of aftertax charges
associated with the 2004 Restructuring Program.
Net income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company and earnings per common share in 2007 include a $29 aftertax gain for the sale
of the Company’s household bleach business in Latin America and an income tax benefit of $74 related to the reduction of a tax loss
carryforward valuation allowance in Brazil, partially offset by tax provisions for the recapitalization of certain overseas subsidiaries.
These gains were more than offset by $184 of aftertax charges associated with the 2004 Restructuring Program, $10 of pension
settlement charges and $8 of charges related to the limited voluntary recall of certain Hill’s Pet Nutrition feline products.
Net income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company and earnings per common share in 2006 include a gain for the sale of the
Company’s household bleach business in Canada of $38 aftertax. This gain was more than offset by $287 of aftertax charges associated
with the 2004 Restructuring Program and $48 of aftertax charges related to the adoption of the update to the Stock Compensation Topic
of the FASB Codification.
Continuing Operations
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
Net sales
$16,034
$17,277
$17,420
$17,085
$16,734
$15,564
$15,327
$15,330
$13,790
$12,238
Results of operations:
Net income
attributable to
Colgate-Palmolive
Company
Per common share,
basic
Per common share,
diluted
Depreciation and
1,384 (1)
2,180 (2)
2,241 (3)
2,472 (4)
2,431 (5)
2,203 (6)
2,291
1,957 (7)
1,737 (8)
1,353 (9)
1.53 (1)
2.38 (2)
2.41 (3)
2.60 (4)
2.49 (5)
2.22 (6)
2.26
1.91 (7)
1.67 (8)
1.29 (9)
1.52 (1)
2.36 (2)
2.38 (3)
2.57 (4)
2.47 (5)
2.16 (6)
2.18
1.83 (7)
1.60 (8)
1.23 (9)
amortization expense
449
442
439
425
421
376
351
348
334
329
Financial Position
Current ratio
Property, plant and
equipment, net
Capital expenditures
Total assets
Long-term debt
Colgate-Palmolive
Company
shareholders’ equity
Share and Other
Book value per common
share
Cash dividends declared
and paid per common
share
Closing price
Number of common
shares outstanding (in
millions)
Number of common
shareholders of
record
Number of employees
1.2
1.2
1.1
1.2
1.2
1.0
1.1
1.3
1.1
1.0
3,796
691
11,958
6,269
4,080
757
13,459
5,644
4,083
670
3,842
565
13,985
13,394
4,749
4,926
3,668
537
12,724
4,430
3,693
550
11,172
2,815
3,516
3,119
3,015
2,696
575
684
583
476
11,134
9,979
10,112
2,821
3,585
3,222
9,138
2,720
(299)
1,145
2,305
2,189
2,375
2,675
3,116
1,923
2,286
1,411
(0.04)
1.55
2.79
2.60
2.71
2.95
3.26
2.04
2.37
1.51
1.50
66.62
1.42
69.19
1.33
65.21
1.22
52.27
1.14
46.20
1.02
40.19
0.86
41.08
0.78
34.27
0.70
38.98
0.63
32.62
892.7
906.7
919.9
935.8
960.0
989.8
988.4
1,002.8
1,018.0
1,025.4
24,400
37,900
25,400
37,700
26,900
27,600
37,400
37,700
28,900
38,600
29,900
39,200
30,600
31,400
32,200
33,400
38,100
36,600
36,000
34,700
____________
Note: All per share amounts and numbers of shares outstanding were adjusted for the two-for-one stock split of the Company’s
common stock in 2013.
(1)
Net income including noncontrolling interests, Net income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company and earnings per common share
for the full year of 2015 include a $1,058 aftertax charge related to the change in accounting for the Company’s Venezuelan operations,
$183 of aftertax charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program, $22 of aftertax charges related to the remeasurement of CP
Venezuela’s local currency-denominated net monetary assets as a result of effective devaluations, $120 aftertax gain on the sale of the
South Pacific laundry detergent business, a $14 charge related to a foreign competition law matter and a $15 charge for a foreign tax
matter.
108
109
COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
EXHIBITS TO FORM 10-K
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015
Commission File No. 1-644
Exhibit No.
Description
3-A
3-B
Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended. (Registrant hereby incorporates by reference Exhibit 3-A
to its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2008, File No. 1-644.)
By-laws, as amended. (Registrant hereby incorporates by reference Exhibit 3.1 to its Current Report on Form
8-K filed on January 15, 2016, File No. 1-644.)
4
a)
Indenture, dated as of November 15, 1992, between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon
(formerly known as The Bank of New York) as Trustee. (Registrant hereby incorporates by reference Exhibit
4.1 to its Registration Statement on Form S-3 and Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 filed on June 26, 1992,
Registration No. 33-48840.)*
Exhibit No.
Description
b)
c)
d)
Amended and Restated Colgate-Palmolive Company Supplemental Salaried Employees’ Retirement Plan
Trust, dated August 2, 1990. (Registrant hereby incorporates by reference Exhibit 10-B (b) to its Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2007, File No. 1-644.)
Amendment, dated as of October 29, 2007, to the Amended and Restated Colgate-Palmolive Company
Supplemental Salaried Employee Trust. (Registrant hereby incorporates by reference Exhibit 10-B (c) to its
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2007, File No. 1-644.)
Amendment, dated as of December 31, 2013, to the Colgate-Palmolive Company Supplemental Salaried
Employees’ Retirement Plan. (Registrant hereby incorporates by reference Exhibit 10-C d) to its Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.)
10-D a)
Colgate-Palmolive Company Executive Severance Plan, as amended and restated through September 12,
2013. (Registrant hereby incorporates by reference Exhibit 10-A to its Current Report on Form 8-K filed on
September 16, 2013, File No. 1-644.)
b)
Colgate-Palmolive Company Executive Severance Plan Trust. (Registrant hereby incorporates by reference
Exhibit 10-E (b) to its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1987, File No. 1-644.)
b)
Colgate-Palmolive Company Employee Stock Ownership Trust Agreement dated as of June 1, 1989, as
amended. (Registrant hereby incorporates by reference Exhibit 4-B (b) to its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
for the quarter ended June 30, 2000, File No. 1-644.)
10-E
Colgate-Palmolive Company Pension Plan for Outside Directors, as amended and restated. (Registrant hereby
incorporates by reference Exhibit 10-D to its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
1999, File No. 1-644.)
10-A a)
Colgate-Palmolive Company 2013 Incentive Compensation Plan. (Registrant hereby incorporates by
reference Annex B to its 2013 Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement.)
10-F
a)
Colgate-Palmolive Company Restated and Amended Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee
Directors, as amended. (Registrant hereby incorporates by reference Exhibit 10-H to its Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997, File No. 1-644.)
b)
c)
Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement used in connection with grants under the 2013 Incentive
Compensation Plan. (Registrant hereby incorporates by reference Exhibit 10-A b) to its Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.)
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement used in connection with grants under the 2013 Incentive
Compensation Plan. (Registrant hereby incorporates by reference Exhibit 10-A c) to its Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.)
10-B a)
Colgate-Palmolive Company 2009 Executive Incentive Compensation Plan. (Registrant hereby incorporates
by reference Appendix A to its 2009 Notice of Meeting and Proxy Statement.)
b)
c)
d)
Colgate-Palmolive Company Executive Incentive Compensation Plan Trust, as amended. (Registrant hereby
incorporates by reference Exhibit 10-B (b) to its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December
31, 1987, File No. 1-644.)
Amendment, dated as of October 29, 2007, to the Colgate-Palmolive Company Executive Incentive
Compensation Plan Trust. (Registrant hereby incorporates by reference Exhibit 10-A (b) to its Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2007, File No. 1-644.)
Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement used in connection with grants to employees under the 2009
Colgate-Palmolive Company Executive Incentive Compensation Plan. (Registrant hereby incorporates by
reference Exhibit 10-P to its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, File No.
1-644.)
10-C a)
Colgate-Palmolive Company Supplemental Salaried Employees’ Retirement Plan, amended and restated as of
September 1, 2010. (Registrant hereby incorporates by reference Exhibit 10-A to its Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2010, File No. 1-644.)
b)
Amendment, dated as of September 12, 2007, to the Colgate-Palmolive Company Restated and Amended
Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors. (Registrant hereby incorporates by reference
Exhibit 10-F to its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2007, File No.
1-644.)
10-G
10-H
10-I
a)
b)
c)
Colgate-Palmolive Company Deferred Compensation Plan, amended and restated as of September 12, 2007.
(Registrant hereby incorporates by reference Exhibit 10-G to its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
quarter ended September 30, 2007, File No. 1-644.)
Colgate-Palmolive Company Above and Beyond Plan – Officer Level. (Registrant hereby incorporates by
reference Exhibit 10-A to its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2004, File
No. 1-644.)
Five Year Credit Agreement dated as of November 4, 2011, among Colgate-Palmolive Company as Borrower,
Citibank, N.A. as Administrative Agent and the Banks party thereto. (Registrant hereby incorporates by
reference Exhibit 10-K (a) to its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, File
No. 1-644.)
Amendment No. 1 to the Credit Agreement dated as of October 17, 2014, among Colgate-Palmolive
Company, as Borrower, Citibank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, and the Banks party thereto. (Registrant
hereby incorporates by reference Exhibit 10-K (a) to its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2014, File No. 1-644.)
Amendment No. 2 to the Credit Agreement dated as of July 27, 2015, among Colgate-Palmolive Company, as
Borrower, Citibank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, and the Lenders party thereto. (Registrant hereby
incorporates by reference Exhibit 10 to its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30,
2015, File No. 1-644.)
110
111
Exhibit No.
Description
Exhibit No.
Description
10-J
10-K
Colgate-Palmolive Company Supplemental Savings and Investment Plan, amended and restated as of
September 1, 2010. (Registrant hereby incorporates by reference Exhibit 10-B to its Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2010, File No. 1-644.)
Form of Indemnification Agreement between Colgate-Palmolive Company and its directors, executive
officers and certain key employees. (Registrant hereby incorporates by reference Exhibit 10-B to its Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2004, File No. 1-644.)
10-L
a)
Colgate-Palmolive Company 2005 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan. (Registrant hereby
incorporates by reference Appendix C to its 2005 Notice of Meeting and Proxy Statement.)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
h)
Form of Award Agreement used in connection with grants to non-employee directors under the Colgate-
Palmolive Company 2005 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan. (Registrant hereby incorporates by
reference Exhibit 10-B to its Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 4, 2005, File No. 1-644.)
Amendment, dated as of September 7, 2006, to the Colgate-Palmolive Company 2005 Non-Employee
Director Stock Option Plan. (Registrant hereby incorporates by reference Exhibit 10-B to its Quarterly Report
on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2006, File No. 1-644.)
Amendment, dated as of December 7, 2006, to the Colgate-Palmolive Company 2005 Non-Employee
Director Stock Option Plan. (Registrant hereby incorporates by reference Exhibit 10-S (d) to its Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, File No. 1-644.)
Amendment, dated as of October 29, 2007, to the Colgate-Palmolive Company 2005 Non-Employee Director
Stock Option Plan. (Registrant hereby incorporates by reference Exhibit 10-J to its Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2007, File No. 1-644.)
Amendment, dated as of January 13, 2011, to the Colgate-Palmolive Company 2005 Non-Employee Director
Stock Option Plan. (Registrant hereby incorporates by reference Exhibit 10-B to its Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2011, File No. 1-644.)
Amendment, dated as of July 14, 2011, to the Colgate-Palmolive Company 2005 Non-Employee Director
Stock Option Plan. (Registrant hereby incorporates by reference Exhibit 10-A to its Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2011, File No. 1-644.)
Amendment, dated as of May 11, 2012, to the Colgate-Palmolive Company 2005 Stock Plan for Non-
Employee Directors. (Registrant hereby incorporates by reference Exhibit 10-A to its Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2012, File No. 1-644.)
10-M a)
Colgate-Palmolive Company 2005 Employee Stock Option Plan. (Registrant hereby incorporates by
reference Appendix B to its 2005 Notice of Meeting and Proxy Statement.)
b)
c)
d)
Form of Award Agreement used in connection with grants to employees under the Colgate-Palmolive
Company 2005 Employee Stock Option Plan. (Registrant hereby incorporates by reference Exhibit 10-A to
its Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 4, 2005, File No. 1-644.)
Amendment, dated as of September 7, 2006, to the Colgate-Palmolive Company 2005 Employee Stock
Option Plan. (Registrant hereby incorporates by reference Exhibit 10-A to its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
for the quarter ended September 30, 2006, File No. 1-644.)
Amendment, dated as of December 7, 2006, to the Colgate-Palmolive Company 2005 Employee Stock
Option Plan. (Registrant hereby incorporates by reference Exhibit 10-T (d) to its Annual Report on Form 10-
K for the year ended December 31, 2006, File No. 1-644.)
e)
f)
g)
Action, dated as of October 29, 2007, taken pursuant to the Colgate-Palmolive Company 2005 Employee
Stock Option Plan and Colgate-Palmolive Company 1997 Stock Option Plan. (Registrant hereby incorporates
by reference Exhibit 10-I to its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2007,
File No. 1-644.)
Amendment, dated as of February 26, 2009, to the Colgate-Palmolive Company 2005 Employee Stock
Option Plan. (Registrant hereby incorporates by reference Exhibit 10-S(f) to its Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 2008, File No. 1-644.)
Amendment, dated as of July 14, 2011, to the Colgate-Palmolive Company 2005 Employee Stock Option
Plan. (Registrant hereby incorporates by reference Exhibit 10-B to its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
quarter ended September 30, 2011, File No. 1-644.)
Business and Share Sale and Purchase Agreement dated as of March 22, 2011 among Unilever N.V., Unilever
plc, Colgate-Palmolive Company Sarl and Colgate-Palmolive Company relating to the Sanex personal care
business. (Registrant hereby incorporates by reference Exhibit 10-C to its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
for the quarter ended March 31, 2011, File No. 1-644.)
Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.**
Subsidiaries of the Registrant.**
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.**
Powers of Attorney.**
10-N
12
21
23
24
31-A
Certificate of the Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of Colgate-Palmolive
Company pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.**
31-B
Certificate of the Chief Financial Officer of Colgate-Palmolive Company pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.**
32
101
Certificate of the Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial
Officer of Colgate-Palmolive Company pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 and 18 U.S.C. § 1350.**
The following materials from Colgate-Palmolive Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2015, formatted in eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) the Consolidated
Statements of Income, (ii) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Changes in
Shareholders’ Equity, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (v) the Consolidated
Statements of Cash Flows, (vi) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, and (vii) Financial Statement
Schedule.
__________
* Registrant hereby undertakes to furnish the Commission, upon request, with a copy of any instrument with respect to
long-term debt where the total amount of securities authorized thereunder does not exceed 10% of the total assets of
the registrant and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.
** Filed herewith.
112
113
The exhibits indicated above that are not included with the Form 10-K are available upon request and payment of a
reasonable fee approximating the registrant’s cost of providing and mailing the exhibits. Inquiries should be directed to:
COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
EXHIBIT 12
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)
Earnings:
Income before income taxes
Add:
Fixed charges
Less:
Income from equity investees
Capitalized interest
Income as adjusted
Fixed Charges:
Interest on indebtedness and amortization
of debt expense discount or premium
Portion of rents representative of interest factor
Capitalized interest
Total fixed charges
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
$
2,763
$
3,533
$ 3,565
$ 3,874
$ 3,789
216
212
196
157
141
(8)
(6)
2,965
$
(7)
(4)
3,734
(5)
(3)
$ 3,753
(7)
(1)
$ 4,023
(6)
(1)
$ 3,923
133
$
130
$
116
$
80
$
77
6
216
13.7
$
78
4
212
17.6
$
77
3
196
19.1
$
76
1
157
25.6
$
58
82
1
141
27.8
$
$
$
Colgate-Palmolive Company
Office of the Secretary (10-K Exhibits)
300 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10022-7499
114
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Shareholder Information
Corporate Offices
Colgate-Palmolive Company
300 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10022-7499
(212) 310-2000
Stock Exchange
The common stock of Colgate-
Palmolive Company is listed
and traded on The New York
Stock Exchange under the
symbol CL.
Transfer Agent and Registrar
Our transfer agent, Computershare, can
assist you with a variety of shareholder
services, including change of address,
transfer of stock to another person,
questions about dividend checks, direct
deposit of dividends and Colgate’s
Direct Stock Purchase Plan:
Computershare
PO Box 30170
College Station, TX 77842-3170
1-800-756-8700 or (201) 680-6578
E-mail:
shrrelations@
cpushareownerservices.com
Website:
www.computershare.com/investor
Hearing impaired:
TDD 1-800-231-5469
Direct Stock Purchase Plan
A Direct Stock Purchase Plan is avail-
able through Computershare, our trans-
fer agent. The Plan includes dividend
reinvestment options, offers optional
cash investments by check or automat-
ic monthly payments, as well as many
other features. If you would like to learn
more about the Plan or to enroll, please
contact our transfer agent to request a
Plan brochure and the forms needed to
start the process.
Annual Meeting
Colgate shareholders are invited to at-
tend our annual meeting. It will be held
on Friday, May 6, 2016, at 10:00 a.m. in
the Broadway Ballroom of the Marriott
Marquis Hotel, Sixth Floor, Broadway at
45th Street, New York, NY. Even if you
plan to attend the meeting, please vote
by proxy. You may do so by using the
telephone, the Internet or your proxy
card.
Independent Registered
Public Accounting Firm
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Communications to the
Board of Directors
Colgate shareholders and other
interested parties are encouraged
to communicate directly with the
Company’s independent directors
and committee chairs by sending an
e-mail to directors@colpal.com or by
writing to Directors, c/o Office of the
Chief Legal Officer, Colgate-Palmolive
Company, 300 Park Avenue, 11th
Floor, New York, NY 10022-7499.
Such communications are handled
in accordance with the procedures
described on the Company’s
Governance website at www.
colgatepalmolive.com.
SEC and NYSE Certifications
The certifications of Colgate’s Chief
Executive Officer and Chief Financial
Officer, required under Section 302 of
the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, have
been filed as exhibits to Colgate’s An-
nual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 2015. In addition,
in 2015, Colgate’s Chief Executive
Officer submitted the annual certifica-
tion to the NYSE regarding Colgate’s
compliance with the NYSE corporate
governance listing standards.
Forward-Looking Statements
This 2015 Annual Report may contain
forward-looking statements. These
statements are made on the basis
of our views and assumptions as
of this time, and we undertake no
obligation to update these statements.
We caution investors that any such
forward-looking statements are not
guarantees of future performance
and that actual events or results
may differ materially from those
statements. Investors should consult
the Company’s filings with the
Securities and Exchange Commission
(including the information set forth
under the caption “Risk Factors” in the
Company’s Annual Report on Form
10-K for the year ended December
31, 2015) for information about
certain factors that could cause such
differences.
Investor Relations/Reports
Copies of annual reports, press
releases, company brochures, SEC
filings and other publications are
available from Colgate’s Investor
Relations Department:
l by mail, directed to the corporate
address
l by e-mail,
investor_relations@colpal.com
l by calling 1-800-850-2654 or by
calling Investor Relations at
(212) 310-2575
Institutional Investors:
l call Bina Thompson at (212) 310-3072
Other Reports
Other reports available on our web-
site, www.colgatepalmolive.com,
include our most recent Sustainability
Report and Colgate’s policies on
Global Diversity, Code of Conduct,
Ingredient Safety, No Deforestation,
Environmental, Occupational Health
& Safety, Product Safety and Quality
Research. For information about
our products and our Programs and
Policies on Animal Research and
Development of Alternatives, please
call 1-800-468-6502.
Consumer Affairs
For Oral, Personal and Home Care
1-800-468-6502
For Hill’s Pet Nutrition
1-800-445-5777
Corporate Communications
(212) 310-2199
More information about Colgate
and our products is available on
the Company’s website at
www.colgatepalmolive.com.
© 2016 Colgate-Palmolive Company
Design by Robert Webster Inc. (RWI), www.rwidesign.com
Major Photography by Richard Alcorn
Printing by Universal Wilde
300 Park Avenue New York, NY 10022-7499
U NITED STATES
In the United States, Tom’s of
Maine oral and personal care
products are winning with
consumers in the fast-growing
naturals segment with sales for
the brand increasing over 14%
in 2015.
Colgate-Palmolive Company is a $16.0 billion global company serving people
in more than 200 countries and territories with consumer products that
make lives healthier and more enjoyable. The Company focuses on strong
global brands in its core businesses – Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care
and Pet Nutrition. Colgate follows a tightly defined strategy to grow market
shares for key products, such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, mouthwashes,
bar and liquid soaps, deodorants/antiperspirants, dishwashing detergents,
household cleaners, fabric conditioners and specialty pet food.