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Cresco Labs

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FY2016 Annual Report · Cresco Labs
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Powerful Strategies  
Driving Global Growth

Colgate-Palmolive Company / 2016 Annual Report

Financial Highlights

(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts) 

2016 

2015 

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 

$ 15,195  

$ 16,034  

  60.0% 
$  3,837  
  25.3% 
$  2,441  
$  2.72  
$  1.55  
$  3,141  
$  65.44 

  58.6% 
$  2,789  
  17.4% 
$  1,384  
$  1.52  
$  1.50  
$  2,949  
$  66.62 

-5.0%
+4.0%
+140 basis points
+38%
+790 basis points
+76%
+79%
+3%
+7%
-2%

(1) Net income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company and diluted earnings per share in 2016 include a gain from the sale of land in Mexico, charges related to 
the 2012 Restructuring Program and certain other items. Net income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company and diluted earnings per share in 2015 include 
a gain from the sale of the Company’s laundry detergent business in the South Pacific, a charge related to the deconsolidation of the Company’s Venezuelan 
operations, charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program and certain other items. 

North America 21%
Latin America 24%
Europe 16% 
Asia Pacific 18%   
Africa/Eurasia 6%
Hill’s Pet Nutrition 15%

2016 Net Sales By Geographic Region

2016 Net Sales By Market Maturity

Hill's Pet Nutrition

Hill's Pet Nutrition

Africa/Eurasia

Asia

Dear Colgate Shareholders

Europe/South Pacific

Latin America

North America 21%
Latin America 24%
Europe 16% 
Asia Pacific 18%   
Africa/Eurasia 6%
Hill’s Pet Nutrition 15%

Gross Profit Margin (1)  
(% of sales)

60.3 (1)

Diluted Earnings (2)(3)  
($ per share)

Africa/Eurasia

Developed Markets 51%
Asia
Emerging Markets 49% 

Europe/South Pacific

Latin America

Dividends Paid (3)  
($ per share)

Developed Markets 51%
58.7 (1)
Emerging Markets 49% 

58.8 (1)

58.7 (1)

58.3 (1)

58.6

58.5

58.6

60.0

2.68 (2)

2.57

2.93 (2)

2.84 (2)

2.81(2)

2.81(2)

2.38

2.36

2.72

1.33

1.22

58.1

1.52

North America

1.55

1.50

1.42

Emerging Markets

Developed Market

Net Sales   
($ billions)

17.4

17.3

17.1

16.0 

15.2

’12

’13

’14

’15

’16

’12

’13

’14

’15

’16

’12

’13

’14

’15

’16

’12

’13

’14

’15

’16

(1) 2013-2016 exclude charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program. 2012 excludes costs related to the sale of land in Mexico. 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) 2016 excludes a gain from the sale of land in Mexico, charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program and certain other items. 2015 excludes a gain from 
the sale of the Company’s laundry detergent business in the South Pacific, a charge related to the deconsolidation of the Company’s Venezuelan operations, 
charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program and certain other 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 items. 2012 excludes charges related to the 2012 
Restructuring Program and certain other 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) All per share amounts have been restated for the 2013 two-for-one stock split.

Cover: Photo taken in South Africa.

In the face of challenging macroeconomic 

conditions worldwide, significant foreign 

North America

  Our market shares remain strong around 

the world with Colgate’s leading share of the 

exchange volatility and slowing category 

global toothpaste market at 44.0% for the 

growth, we are pleased to have achieved 
Emerging Markets
another year of solid results in 2016. While 

net sales declined 5.0%, organic sales, 

Developed Market
or net sales excluding foreign exchange, 

year. As referenced in the title of this year’s 

annual report, Powerful Strategies Driving 

Global Growth, we continue to drive our 

growth with clear strategies that provide the 

acquisitions, divestments and the impact 

agility needed to meet the headwinds that 

of the deconsolidation of the Company’s 

come in any given year. We remain sharply 

Venezuelan operations, grew 4.0%. This 

focused on our four strategic initiatives, 

growth was led by emerging markets where 

Engaging To Build Our Brands, Innovation 

organic sales grew a strong 6.5%. Gross 

For Growth, Effectiveness And Efficiency and 

profit margin, operating profit margin and net 

Leading To Win, in order to deliver sustained 

income as a percent to sales all increased in 

profitable growth.

2016. Diluted earnings per share were flat on 

a dollar basis but increased double digit on 

Strengthening Engagement  

a currency-neutral basis, after also excluding 

To Build Our Brands

Venezuela’s results in both periods.*

Engaging consumers everywhere with 

  We maintained our strong balance 

integrated marketing campaigns that 

sheet and cash flow, which, along with the 

deliver our brand messages has long been 

Company’s consistent organic sales growth, 

a cornerstone of our growth strategy. Now, 

led the Board of Directors to authorize a 

we are strengthening that engagement by 

3% increase in the quarterly cash dividend, 

increasing our use of digital media across 

effective in the second quarter of 2016. This 

the board from websites to social media to 

represents our 54th consecutive year of div-

mobile. On a global basis, digital media now 

idend increases and our 121st consecutive 

accounts for 20% to 25% of our working 

year of paying a dividend.

media expenditure, up ten-fold in the last 

IAN C OOK 

Chairman, President  
and Chief Executive Officer

*The Company’s results are discussed 
excluding a charge resulting from the 
deconsolidation of the Company’s 
Venezuelan operations, charges 
related to the 2012 Restructuring 
Program and certain other 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. Diluted 
earnings per share growth for full 
year 2016, 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 2016, on a currency-neutral 
basis, full year 2016 local currency 
results, which include the impact of 
foreign currency transaction gains 
and losses, are translated into U.S. 
dollars using 2015 average foreign 
exchange rates by quarter.

1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Highlights

(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts) 

2016 

2015 

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 

$ 15,195  

$ 16,034  

  60.0% 
$  3,837  
  25.3% 
$  2,441  
$  2.72  
$  1.55  
$  3,141  
$  65.44 

  58.6% 
$  2,789  
  17.4% 
$  1,384  
$  1.52  
$  1.50  
$  2,949  
$  66.62 

-5.0%
+4.0%
+140 basis points
+38%
+790 basis points
+76%
+79%
+3%
+7%
-2%

(1) Net income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company and diluted earnings per share in 2016 include a gain from the sale of land in Mexico, charges related to 
the 2012 Restructuring Program and certain other items. Net income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company and diluted earnings per share in 2015 include 
a gain from the sale of the Company’s laundry detergent business in the South Pacific, a charge related to the deconsolidation of the Company’s Venezuelan 
operations, charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program and certain other items. 

North America 21%
Latin America 24%
Europe 16% 
Asia Pacific 18%   
Africa/Eurasia 6%
Hill’s Pet Nutrition 15%

2016 Net Sales By Geographic Region

2016 Net Sales By Market Maturity

Hill's Pet Nutrition

Hill's Pet Nutrition

Africa/Eurasia

Asia

Dear Colgate Shareholders

Europe/South Pacific

Latin America

North America 21%
Latin America 24%
Europe 16% 
Asia Pacific 18%   
Africa/Eurasia 6%
Hill’s Pet Nutrition 15%

Gross Profit Margin (1)  
(% of sales)

60.3 (1)

Diluted Earnings (2)(3)  
($ per share)

Africa/Eurasia

Developed Markets 51%
Asia
Emerging Markets 49% 

Europe/South Pacific

Latin America

Dividends Paid (3)  
($ per share)

Developed Markets 51%
58.7 (1)
Emerging Markets 49% 

58.8 (1)

58.7 (1)

58.3 (1)

58.6

58.5

58.6

60.0

2.68 (2)

2.57

2.93 (2)

2.84 (2)

2.81(2)

2.81(2)

2.38

2.36

2.72

1.33

1.22

58.1

1.52

North America

1.55

1.50

1.42

Emerging Markets

Developed Market

Net Sales   
($ billions)

17.4

17.3

17.1

16.0 

15.2

’12

’13

’14

’15

’16

’12

’13

’14

’15

’16

’12

’13

’14

’15

’16

’12

’13

’14

’15

’16

(1) 2013-2016 exclude charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program. 2012 excludes costs related to the sale of land in Mexico. 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) 2016 excludes a gain from the sale of land in Mexico, charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program and certain other items. 2015 excludes a gain from 
the sale of the Company’s laundry detergent business in the South Pacific, a charge related to the deconsolidation of the Company’s Venezuelan operations, 
charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program and certain other 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 items. 2012 excludes charges related to the 2012 
Restructuring Program and certain other 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) All per share amounts have been restated for the 2013 two-for-one stock split.

Cover: Photo taken in South Africa.

In the face of challenging macroeconomic 

conditions worldwide, significant foreign 

North America

  Our market shares remain strong around 

the world with Colgate’s leading share of the 

exchange volatility and slowing category 

global toothpaste market at 44.0% for the 

growth, we are pleased to have achieved 
Emerging Markets
another year of solid results in 2016. While 

net sales declined 5.0%, organic sales, 

Developed Market
or net sales excluding foreign exchange, 

year. As referenced in the title of this year’s 

annual report, Powerful Strategies Driving 

Global Growth, we continue to drive our 

growth with clear strategies that provide the 

acquisitions, divestments and the impact 

agility needed to meet the headwinds that 

of the deconsolidation of the Company’s 

come in any given year. We remain sharply 

Venezuelan operations, grew 4.0%. This 

focused on our four strategic initiatives, 

growth was led by emerging markets where 

Engaging To Build Our Brands, Innovation 

organic sales grew a strong 6.5%. Gross 

For Growth, Effectiveness And Efficiency and 

profit margin, operating profit margin and net 

Leading To Win, in order to deliver sustained 

income as a percent to sales all increased in 

profitable growth.

2016. Diluted earnings per share were flat on 

a dollar basis but increased double digit on 

Strengthening Engagement  

a currency-neutral basis, after also excluding 

To Build Our Brands

Venezuela’s results in both periods.*

Engaging consumers everywhere with 

  We maintained our strong balance 

integrated marketing campaigns that 

sheet and cash flow, which, along with the 

deliver our brand messages has long been 

Company’s consistent organic sales growth, 

a cornerstone of our growth strategy. Now, 

led the Board of Directors to authorize a 

we are strengthening that engagement by 

3% increase in the quarterly cash dividend, 

increasing our use of digital media across 

effective in the second quarter of 2016. This 

the board from websites to social media to 

represents our 54th consecutive year of div-

mobile. On a global basis, digital media now 

idend increases and our 121st consecutive 

accounts for 20% to 25% of our working 

year of paying a dividend.

media expenditure, up ten-fold in the last 

IAN C OOK 

Chairman, President  
and Chief Executive Officer

*The Company’s results are discussed 
excluding a charge resulting from the 
deconsolidation of the Company’s 
Venezuelan operations, charges 
related to the 2012 Restructuring 
Program and certain other 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. Diluted 
earnings per share growth for full 
year 2016, 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 2016, on a currency-neutral 
basis, full year 2016 local currency 
results, which include the impact of 
foreign currency transaction gains 
and losses, are translated into U.S. 
dollars using 2015 average foreign 
exchange rates by quarter.

1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 pro-

grams deliver our brand mes-

sages using a combination 

of traditional media outlets, 

in-store communications and 

newer digital outlets, including 

social media.

Engaging To Build  
Our Brands With  
The Profession

Colgate is driving engagement 

and building our leadership 

with dental and veterinary pro-

fessionals to strengthen their 

endorsement of our brands. 

Colgate helps educate dental 

and veterinary 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.  

BRAZ IL 

Colgate is creating an 

emotional connection 

with consumers via social 

decade and continuing to rise. In some of 

  We are strengthening our engagement 

media and online videos 

that support the Colgate 

brand message, “Everyone 

our businesses, like Hill’s, nearly our entire 

with the profession as well, with new 

media budget is in digital, as we work to 

capabilities. Hill’s representatives are using 

influence the consumer when they first begin 

technology on their mobile tablets to design 

to explore the category.

a “Perfect Vet Clinic,” which lets pet care 

deserves a future they can 

  We are engaging with consumers more 

professionals visualize how recommended 

smile about.” In Brazil, this 

Facebook campaign helped 

deeply online by connecting emotionally 

Hill’s displays will look in their offices.

with messaging that is more brand-purpose 

  Technology is also helping us engage with 

driven. Our research tells us that this type of 

young dental professionals across Europe, 

drive Colgate’s toothpaste 

messaging has a strong impact on consum-

where we hosted our first virtual dental 

market share to a near 

record high in 2016.  

FRANCE 

ers and drives greater return on investment. 

conference in 2016. Branded #ColgateTalks, 

While consumers want to learn about the 

the one-day conference included educational 

benefits that products provide, they also 

sessions, live chats and virtual networking. 

value an emotional connection with their 

Over 1,600 young dental professionals 

favorite brands. For the Hill’s brand, this 

attended the live event and over 16,000 

insight led us to create a video described 

professionals visited the virtual conference 

as a special Mother’s Day message to all 

website during the four months that followed.

pet moms. The video shows a number of 

dogs and cats “saying thank you” to their 

Innovating For Growth

human moms. The video, posted to the Hill’s 

Innovation is key to driving growth at 

Facebook page, received 13.5 million views 

Colgate and has long been embedded 

and 71 million organic impressions.

in our culture. Today, more than ever, our 

  Another terrific example is a social media 

approach to innovation is insight driven. We 

Through office visits 

video campaign for the Tom’s of Maine brand 

are competing better locally by tapping into 

and online resources, 

Colgate educates dental 

in the United States. In a series of videos, 

insights market-by-market and leveraging 

women share their personal stories about 

trends across regions. In China, the 

when and why they made the decision to 

insight that consumers value natural local 

professionals on the benefits 

switch to Tom’s natural deodorant. These 

ingredients rooted in their culture led to 

of Colgate products and 

provides them with tools to 

improve communications 

powerful ads helped grow sales for the Tom’s 

the launch of Colgate Naturals toothpaste 

of Maine brand by over 12% in 2016.

with twin lotus flower for soothing gums. 

  We have also established a number of 

Similarly, in India, Colgate Cibaca Vedshakti 

Consumer Engagement Centers in Colgate 

toothpaste was developed based on the 

with their patients about 

locations around the world where Colgate 

learning that consumers in that country 

oral health. These activities 

support more dialogue 

on oral health and drive 

people can listen and engage with con-

believe in the power of natural ingredients in 

sumers and track media activity in real 

preventing dental problems. 

time. Through these centers, our teams are 

  We are also gaining an even deeper 

getting closer to consumers and having more 

understanding of our consumers by immers-

increased recommendations 

relevant communications with them. This 

ing ourselves in their daily lives. These 

for the Colgate brand.   

interaction also helps us identify influencers 

immersions include deep dives by country, 

and trending topics and allows us to track 

by consumer group, such as low-income 

overall consumer sentiment for our brands. 

consumers or millennials, and by topic, such 

2

3

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 pro-

grams deliver our brand mes-

sages using a combination 

of traditional media outlets, 

in-store communications and 

newer digital outlets, including 

social media.

Engaging To Build  
Our Brands With  
The Profession

Colgate is driving engagement 

and building our leadership 

with dental and veterinary pro-

fessionals to strengthen their 

endorsement of our brands. 

Colgate helps educate dental 

and veterinary 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.  

BRAZ IL 

Colgate is creating an 

emotional connection 

with consumers via social 

decade and continuing to rise. In some of 

  We are strengthening our engagement 

media and online videos 

that support the Colgate 

brand message, “Everyone 

our businesses, like Hill’s, nearly our entire 

with the profession as well, with new 

media budget is in digital, as we work to 

capabilities. Hill’s representatives are using 

influence the consumer when they first begin 

technology on their mobile tablets to design 

to explore the category.

a “Perfect Vet Clinic,” which lets pet care 

deserves a future they can 

  We are engaging with consumers more 

professionals visualize how recommended 

smile about.” In Brazil, this 

Facebook campaign helped 

deeply online by connecting emotionally 

Hill’s displays will look in their offices.

with messaging that is more brand-purpose 

  Technology is also helping us engage with 

driven. Our research tells us that this type of 

young dental professionals across Europe, 

drive Colgate’s toothpaste 

messaging has a strong impact on consum-

where we hosted our first virtual dental 

market share to a near 

record high in 2016.  

FRANCE 

ers and drives greater return on investment. 

conference in 2016. Branded #ColgateTalks, 

While consumers want to learn about the 

the one-day conference included educational 

benefits that products provide, they also 

sessions, live chats and virtual networking. 

value an emotional connection with their 

Over 1,600 young dental professionals 

favorite brands. For the Hill’s brand, this 

attended the live event and over 16,000 

insight led us to create a video described 

professionals visited the virtual conference 

as a special Mother’s Day message to all 

website during the four months that followed.

pet moms. The video shows a number of 

dogs and cats “saying thank you” to their 

Innovating For Growth

human moms. The video, posted to the Hill’s 

Innovation is key to driving growth at 

Facebook page, received 13.5 million views 

Colgate and has long been embedded 

and 71 million organic impressions.

in our culture. Today, more than ever, our 

  Another terrific example is a social media 

approach to innovation is insight driven. We 

Through office visits 

video campaign for the Tom’s of Maine brand 

are competing better locally by tapping into 

and online resources, 

Colgate educates dental 

in the United States. In a series of videos, 

insights market-by-market and leveraging 

women share their personal stories about 

trends across regions. In China, the 

when and why they made the decision to 

insight that consumers value natural local 

professionals on the benefits 

switch to Tom’s natural deodorant. These 

ingredients rooted in their culture led to 

of Colgate products and 

provides them with tools to 

improve communications 

powerful ads helped grow sales for the Tom’s 

the launch of Colgate Naturals toothpaste 

of Maine brand by over 12% in 2016.

with twin lotus flower for soothing gums. 

  We have also established a number of 

Similarly, in India, Colgate Cibaca Vedshakti 

Consumer Engagement Centers in Colgate 

toothpaste was developed based on the 

with their patients about 

locations around the world where Colgate 

learning that consumers in that country 

oral health. These activities 

support more dialogue 

on oral health and drive 

people can listen and engage with con-

believe in the power of natural ingredients in 

sumers and track media activity in real 

preventing dental problems. 

time. Through these centers, our teams are 

  We are also gaining an even deeper 

getting closer to consumers and having more 

understanding of our consumers by immers-

increased recommendations 

relevant communications with them. This 

ing ourselves in their daily lives. These 

for the Colgate brand.   

interaction also helps us identify influencers 

immersions include deep dives by country, 

and trending topics and allows us to track 

by consumer group, such as low-income 

overall consumer sentiment for our brands. 

consumers or millennials, and by topic, such 

2

3

Engaging To Build  
Our Brands With  
Our Customers

Colgate works closely with its 

retail partners to share exper-

tise and provide shoppers with 

the best value and service. 

Colgate is engaging its cus-

tomers worldwide by sharing 

unique shopper insights, 

providing innovative in-store 

marketing communications 

and merchandising techniques 

and developing and executing 

joint business planning initia-

tives. These activities ensure 

the right product assortment 

at each location and help to 

make shopping a consumer- 

friendly experience that drives 

increased sales for both  

Colgate and the retailer.

Innovation  
For Growth

Developing innovative new 

products is a key driver 

of our profitable growth. 

The Company’s consumer 

innovation centers, in 

strategic locations throughout 

the world, are focused on 

developing insight-driven 

innovation that provides 

value-added new products 

across all price points. 

Beyond new products, 

innovation is embedded 

into the Company’s culture 

to encourage new ideas 

and process improvements 

throughout every aspect of  

the organization.

MEXICO 

Captivating in-store  

displays are reinforcing the 

Company’s brand messages 

as skin care. In Europe, for example, we 

workshops to brainstorm collaboratively on 

and driving growth for  

Colgate and its retail 

learned that consumers feel their skin is very 

marketing innovations, including ideas for 

demanding and they look for products that 

in-store displays and other launch support, 

can help improve it, are widely available and 

to drive growth together. 

partners. In Mexico, for 

are not too expensive. This led to the launch 

example, this “Gracias 

Mamá” marketing campaign 

of the Sanex Advanced line of shower gels, 

Increasing Effectiveness  

deodorants, hand creams and body lotions 

And Efficiency Everywhere

which delivers skin expertise for specific skin 

We believe deeply that business simplifica-

for Suavitel fabric conditioner 

needs.

engaged consumers in and 

out of the store with the 

message, “Thank you Mom, 

Implementing Powerful  

Commercial Strategies

tion and operational efficiencies increase 

our agility so we can be smarter and faster. 

Colgate people around the world are more 

focused than ever on generating savings to 

Colgate’s powerful commercial strategies 

fund increased investment for growth.

for all your love.” 

support our longstanding commitment to 

  One major initiative is using advanced 

superior go-to-market execution. We are 

analytics in our supply chain. For exam-

advancing these strategies to assure that our 

ple, we have rolled out a demand-sensing 

products continue to be available, visible and 

application that has improved our short-term 

irresistible wherever consumers shop. That 

production forecast by more than 10%. We 

means online as well as in traditional retail 

are also using advanced modeling to design 

stores. While e-commerce is still relatively 

our end-to-end supply chain, allowing us to 

small in our product categories, our intent is 

better allocate capacity and to optimize our 

to invest ahead of the growth curve, espe-

warehouse locations and materials sourcing. 

cially in must-win areas, such as in China 

This initiative delivered more than $7 million 

HILL’S PET NUTRITION 

Innovative new products 

and with our Hill’s business. The objective is 

in savings in 2016.

are driving volume growth 

worldwide. New Prescription 

Diet Derm Defense, Hill’s 

to be market leaders online just as we are in 

  We are also leveraging our SAP enter-

brick-and-mortar stores.

prise-wide planning system to standardize 

In addition to our brand-specific research, 

and automate our business processes. We 

we are investing to understand the general 

are developing a new platform to review our 

first nutrition specially 

thinking and behavior of online shoppers 

operating divisions that we call the “Business 

formulated to help manage 

environmental sensitivities in 

and we are optimizing our page and content 

Review of the Future.” Standardized reports 

design based on analytics and other testing. 

populated with real-time data will allow 

This work is already paying off in the United 

us to review any business at any time we 

dogs, is off to a strong start 

States, where Colgate is now the market 

choose. While still in its early days, we are 

in North America, Europe, 

Latin America and Australia 

and will be rolled out to the 

leading manufacturer online in toothpaste 

working towards a faster review in real time 

and manual toothbrushes.

that allows us to get right to the issues 

In Europe, we are taking customer 

and spend more time discussing business 

engagement to the next level. In 2016, over a 

opportunities. 

rest of the world in early 

week’s time, we hosted a full-day interactive 

  Our ongoing funding-the-growth 

2017.

innovation summit for each of our five largest 

cost-saving initiatives continue to generate 

retail customers. We presented strategies for 

savings across all areas of our business. Our 

Colgate’s most important brands and held 

Energy Treasure Hunt program, for example, 

4

5

 
 
 
Engaging To Build  
Our Brands With  
Our Customers

Colgate works closely with its 

retail partners to share exper-

tise and provide shoppers with 

the best value and service. 

Colgate is engaging its cus-

tomers worldwide by sharing 

unique shopper insights, 

providing innovative in-store 

marketing communications 

and merchandising techniques 

and developing and executing 

joint business planning initia-

tives. These activities ensure 

the right product assortment 

at each location and help to 

make shopping a consumer- 

friendly experience that drives 

increased sales for both  

Colgate and the retailer.

Innovation  
For Growth

Developing innovative new 

products is a key driver 

of our profitable growth. 

The Company’s consumer 

innovation centers, in 

strategic locations throughout 

the world, are focused on 

developing insight-driven 

innovation that provides 

value-added new products 

across all price points. 

Beyond new products, 

innovation is embedded 

into the Company’s culture 

to encourage new ideas 

and process improvements 

throughout every aspect of  

the organization.

MEXICO 

Captivating in-store  

displays are reinforcing the 

Company’s brand messages 

as skin care. In Europe, for example, we 

workshops to brainstorm collaboratively on 

and driving growth for  

Colgate and its retail 

learned that consumers feel their skin is very 

marketing innovations, including ideas for 

demanding and they look for products that 

in-store displays and other launch support, 

can help improve it, are widely available and 

to drive growth together. 

partners. In Mexico, for 

are not too expensive. This led to the launch 

example, this “Gracias 

Mamá” marketing campaign 

of the Sanex Advanced line of shower gels, 

Increasing Effectiveness  

deodorants, hand creams and body lotions 

And Efficiency Everywhere

which delivers skin expertise for specific skin 

We believe deeply that business simplifica-

for Suavitel fabric conditioner 

needs.

engaged consumers in and 

out of the store with the 

message, “Thank you Mom, 

Implementing Powerful  

Commercial Strategies

tion and operational efficiencies increase 

our agility so we can be smarter and faster. 

Colgate people around the world are more 

focused than ever on generating savings to 

Colgate’s powerful commercial strategies 

fund increased investment for growth.

for all your love.” 

support our longstanding commitment to 

  One major initiative is using advanced 

superior go-to-market execution. We are 

analytics in our supply chain. For exam-

advancing these strategies to assure that our 

ple, we have rolled out a demand-sensing 

products continue to be available, visible and 

application that has improved our short-term 

irresistible wherever consumers shop. That 

production forecast by more than 10%. We 

means online as well as in traditional retail 

are also using advanced modeling to design 

stores. While e-commerce is still relatively 

our end-to-end supply chain, allowing us to 

small in our product categories, our intent is 

better allocate capacity and to optimize our 

to invest ahead of the growth curve, espe-

warehouse locations and materials sourcing. 

cially in must-win areas, such as in China 

This initiative delivered more than $7 million 

HILL’S PET NUTRITION 

Innovative new products 

and with our Hill’s business. The objective is 

in savings in 2016.

are driving volume growth 

worldwide. New Prescription 

Diet Derm Defense, Hill’s 

to be market leaders online just as we are in 

  We are also leveraging our SAP enter-

brick-and-mortar stores.

prise-wide planning system to standardize 

In addition to our brand-specific research, 

and automate our business processes. We 

we are investing to understand the general 

are developing a new platform to review our 

first nutrition specially 

thinking and behavior of online shoppers 

operating divisions that we call the “Business 

formulated to help manage 

environmental sensitivities in 

and we are optimizing our page and content 

Review of the Future.” Standardized reports 

design based on analytics and other testing. 

populated with real-time data will allow 

This work is already paying off in the United 

us to review any business at any time we 

dogs, is off to a strong start 

States, where Colgate is now the market 

choose. While still in its early days, we are 

in North America, Europe, 

Latin America and Australia 

and will be rolled out to the 

leading manufacturer online in toothpaste 

working towards a faster review in real time 

and manual toothbrushes.

that allows us to get right to the issues 

In Europe, we are taking customer 

and spend more time discussing business 

engagement to the next level. In 2016, over a 

opportunities. 

rest of the world in early 

week’s time, we hosted a full-day interactive 

  Our ongoing funding-the-growth 

2017.

innovation summit for each of our five largest 

cost-saving initiatives continue to generate 

retail customers. We presented strategies for 

savings across all areas of our business. Our 

Colgate’s most important brands and held 

Energy Treasure Hunt program, for example, 

4

5

 
 
 
Effectiveness  
And Efficiency

Integral to Colgate’s global 

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. 

Leading To Win

At Colgate, employees at all 

levels learn to take personal 

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 

business activities. Colgate 

also demonstrates leadership 

as a member of the global 

community. Through our 

sustainability efforts, we are 

ensuring that the business 

grows responsibly and benefits 

those we serve globally, while 

promoting the well-being of 

future generations.  

GLOBAL 

Colgate is reducing formula 

and fragrance complexity in 

its personal care and home 

care products by leveraging 

the best performing 

now conducted at 75% of our sites, has 

on the performance of our strategies by 

identified more than 1,500 projects and $20 

region and category, and on how we are 

million in potential savings since the program 

strengthening the most important capabili-

fragrances and technologies 

began. During this three-day event, a team 

ties needed for success.

globally. This initiative is 

driving greater efficiency 

of Colgate’s global energy experts work with 

plant personnel from all areas of operations 

Outlook 

to “hunt” for savings ideas. Over 600 Colgate 

Looking to 2017, we believe the macroeco-

while strengthening the 

people have participated in this hands-on, 

nomic challenges, foreign exchange volatility 

quality and performance of 

our products worldwide.

fun event which helps sites strengthen their 
energy culture and reduce CO2 emissions.

Leading To Win

and slowing category growth we saw at the 

end of 2016 will continue. In light of this, 

our overarching priority and objective for 

2017 is to focus on profitable growth. Our 

Critical to developing strong, effective 

new product pipeline is as full as ever and 

leaders and to the personal growth of all 

will be supported with engaging marketing 

Colgate people is establishing a culture that 

programs and strong advertising investment. 

reinforces our values of Caring, Continuous 

To fund this investment, we will be relentless 

Improvement and Global Teamwork. One 

in our focus on delivering cost savings on all 

recent initiative encourages all Colgate peo-

lines of the P&L and on reducing our overall 

ple to participate in strengthening internal 

cost structure. 

 GLOBAL

coaching through a series of podcasts and 

  Over the long run, our discipline and 

videos that provide guidance on how to 

focus on the fundamentals have served us 

Colgate’s “Bright Smiles, 

enhance coaching skills to further build one’s 

well and will continue to serve us well. We 

Bright Futures” oral 

health education program 

celebrated its 25-year 

personal leadership capabilities.

feel confident that our business strategies, 

  Colgate also demonstrates strong 

which we have been deploying for over a 

leadership and caring as a member of the 

decade, will provide us the agility we need to 

global community through our sustainability 

continue winning on the ground despite any 

anniversary in 2016. To date, 

efforts. As part of our Making Every Drop of 

headwinds we may face as the year unfolds.

the program has reached 

more than 900 million 

Water Count commitment, on World Water 

  As we move ahead together, I wish to 

Day in March 2016, Colgate implemented a 

thank all Colgate people worldwide for their 

global marketing campaign in more than 60 

personal commitment to achieving our goals 

children in over 80 countries 

countries, partnering with over 15 retailers, 

with the highest ethical standards, and 

with a goal of reaching 1.3 

billion children by 2020.

which significantly enhanced awareness for 

express appreciation for the support of our 

Colgate and its water conservation mes-

consumers, customers, suppliers, sharehold-

sage. Colgate remains fully committed to 

ers and directors.

improving the health and well-being of our 

communities, making our products more 

sustainable and helping to conserve the 

planet’s vital resources.

  Leadership at Colgate also extends to our 

Ian Cook 

strong corporate governance principles. Our 

Chairman, President  

Board of Directors receives regular updates 

and Chief Executive Officer 

6

7

Effectiveness  
And Efficiency

Integral to Colgate’s global 

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. 

Leading To Win

At Colgate, employees at all 

levels learn to take personal 

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 

business activities. Colgate 

also demonstrates leadership 

as a member of the global 

community. Through our 

sustainability efforts, we are 

ensuring that the business 

grows responsibly and benefits 

those we serve globally, while 

promoting the well-being of 

future generations.  

GLOBAL 

Colgate is reducing formula 

and fragrance complexity in 

its personal care and home 

care products by leveraging 

the best performing 

now conducted at 75% of our sites, has 

on the performance of our strategies by 

identified more than 1,500 projects and $20 

region and category, and on how we are 

million in potential savings since the program 

strengthening the most important capabili-

fragrances and technologies 

began. During this three-day event, a team 

ties needed for success.

globally. This initiative is 

driving greater efficiency 

of Colgate’s global energy experts work with 

plant personnel from all areas of operations 

Outlook 

to “hunt” for savings ideas. Over 600 Colgate 

Looking to 2017, we believe the macroeco-

while strengthening the 

people have participated in this hands-on, 

nomic challenges, foreign exchange volatility 

quality and performance of 

our products worldwide.

fun event which helps sites strengthen their 
energy culture and reduce CO2 emissions.

Leading To Win

and slowing category growth we saw at the 

end of 2016 will continue. In light of this, 

our overarching priority and objective for 

2017 is to focus on profitable growth. Our 

Critical to developing strong, effective 

new product pipeline is as full as ever and 

leaders and to the personal growth of all 

will be supported with engaging marketing 

Colgate people is establishing a culture that 

programs and strong advertising investment. 

reinforces our values of Caring, Continuous 

To fund this investment, we will be relentless 

Improvement and Global Teamwork. One 

in our focus on delivering cost savings on all 

recent initiative encourages all Colgate peo-

lines of the P&L and on reducing our overall 

ple to participate in strengthening internal 

cost structure. 

 GLOBAL

coaching through a series of podcasts and 

  Over the long run, our discipline and 

videos that provide guidance on how to 

focus on the fundamentals have served us 

Colgate’s “Bright Smiles, 

enhance coaching skills to further build one’s 

well and will continue to serve us well. We 

Bright Futures” oral 

health education program 

celebrated its 25-year 

personal leadership capabilities.

feel confident that our business strategies, 

  Colgate also demonstrates strong 

which we have been deploying for over a 

leadership and caring as a member of the 

decade, will provide us the agility we need to 

global community through our sustainability 

continue winning on the ground despite any 

anniversary in 2016. To date, 

efforts. As part of our Making Every Drop of 

headwinds we may face as the year unfolds.

the program has reached 

more than 900 million 

Water Count commitment, on World Water 

  As we move ahead together, I wish to 

Day in March 2016, Colgate implemented a 

thank all Colgate people worldwide for their 

global marketing campaign in more than 60 

personal commitment to achieving our goals 

children in over 80 countries 

countries, partnering with over 15 retailers, 

with the highest ethical standards, and 

with a goal of reaching 1.3 

billion children by 2020.

which significantly enhanced awareness for 

express appreciation for the support of our 

Colgate and its water conservation mes-

consumers, customers, suppliers, sharehold-

sage. Colgate remains fully committed to 

ers and directors.

improving the health and well-being of our 

communities, making our products more 

sustainable and helping to conserve the 

planet’s vital resources.

  Leadership at Colgate also extends to our 

Ian Cook 

strong corporate governance principles. Our 

Chairman, President  

Board of Directors receives regular updates 

and Chief Executive Officer 

6

7

Colgate’s Global Brands

Sustainability Commitment 

Colgate is pleased to report excellent progress in 2016 on the Company’s 2015-2020 Sustainability Strategy commitment. 
The Company was again named to the 2015-2016 Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index, recognized as a U.S. EPA 
ENERGY STAR 2016 Partner of the Year for the sixth year in a row and was named to both the CDP Water A List and CDP 
Climate A List in 2016. 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 21,100 Colgate employees reached the goal of 500 minutes of healthy activity during the June Global 

Healthy Activity Challenge, together logging in over 27 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 celebrated 25 years 
of educating children and improving oral health. “Bright Smiles, Bright Futures” reached over 50 million 
children in 2016, for a total of over 900 million children since its inception in 1991. 

l	 Hill’s Pet Nutrition has contributed pet food with a retail value of over $288 million to nearly 1,000 pet shelters 
since 2002. These donations have helped more than eight million dogs and cats find their forever homes.

Performance 

Delivering Products That Delight Consumers and Respect Our Planet
l  Approximately 78% of the products evaluated with Colgate’s Product Sustainability Scorecard were 
determined 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)

l 78% of our packaging is considered recyclable.(2)
l  Colgate has made great strides in its commitment to improving the sustainability profile of our products, 

eliminating the use of microbeads, phthalates and parabens as ingredients in our products. In early 2017,  
we will also complete the exit of formaldehyde donors as ingredients in our products. 

Planet

Making Every Drop of Water Count
l  In 2016, Colgate reduced water use per ton of production by over 48% vs. 2002, avoiding enough water use 

to fill approximately 20,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools.(3)

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 over 100,000 
people in 2016 with water, sanitation systems and/or health and hygiene education in Guatemala, Peru and 
India. 

Reducing Our Impact on Climate and the Environment 
l  Colgate continues to reduce its absolute greenhouse gas emissions. From 2002-2016 greenhouse gas  

emissions have been reduced by 25%.(3)

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 41% since 2010.(3)

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 2015 baseline, across seven impact areas to characterize likely  
improvement in the sustainability profile. 

(2) Colgate considers a package recyclable if it: 1) is made of a material that is recyclable, 2) can be separated into materials that are 

recyclable, and 3) can be reprocessed into a valuable feedstock. The estimate is by weight.

(3) Subject to final certification by a third-party auditor.

Oral Care 47% of Net Sales

Personal Care 20% of Net Sales

Home Care 18% of Net Sales

Pet Nutrition 15% of Net Sales

8

9

Colgate’s Global Brands

Sustainability Commitment 

Colgate is pleased to report excellent progress in 2016 on the Company’s 2015-2020 Sustainability Strategy commitment. 
The Company was again named to the 2015-2016 Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index, recognized as a U.S. EPA 
ENERGY STAR 2016 Partner of the Year for the sixth year in a row and was named to both the CDP Water A List and CDP 
Climate A List in 2016. 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 21,100 Colgate employees reached the goal of 500 minutes of healthy activity during the June Global 

Healthy Activity Challenge, together logging in over 27 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 celebrated 25 years 
of educating children and improving oral health. “Bright Smiles, Bright Futures” reached over 50 million 
children in 2016, for a total of over 900 million children since its inception in 1991. 

l	 Hill’s Pet Nutrition has contributed pet food with a retail value of over $288 million to nearly 1,000 pet shelters 
since 2002. These donations have helped more than eight million dogs and cats find their forever homes.

Performance 

Delivering Products That Delight Consumers and Respect Our Planet
l  Approximately 78% of the products evaluated with Colgate’s Product Sustainability Scorecard were 
determined 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)

l 78% of our packaging is considered recyclable.(2)
l  Colgate has made great strides in its commitment to improving the sustainability profile of our products, 

eliminating the use of microbeads, phthalates and parabens as ingredients in our products. In early 2017,  
we will also complete the exit of formaldehyde donors as ingredients in our products. 

Planet

Making Every Drop of Water Count
l  In 2016, Colgate reduced water use per ton of production by over 48% vs. 2002, avoiding enough water use 

to fill approximately 20,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools.(3)

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 over 100,000 
people in 2016 with water, sanitation systems and/or health and hygiene education in Guatemala, Peru and 
India. 

Reducing Our Impact on Climate and the Environment 
l  Colgate continues to reduce its absolute greenhouse gas emissions. From 2002-2016 greenhouse gas  

emissions have been reduced by 25%.(3)

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 41% since 2010.(3)

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 2015 baseline, across seven impact areas to characterize likely  
improvement in the sustainability profile. 

(2) Colgate considers a package recyclable if it: 1) is made of a material that is recyclable, 2) can be separated into materials that are 

recyclable, and 3) can be reprocessed into a valuable feedstock. The estimate is by weight.

(3) Subject to final certification by a third-party auditor.

Oral Care 47% of Net Sales

Personal Care 20% of Net Sales

Home Care 18% of Net Sales

Pet Nutrition 15% of Net Sales

8

9

Board Of Directors

IAN COOK 

Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer  
of Colgate-Palmolive Company

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 64

JOHN P. BILBREY, INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR

Non-Executive Chairman of The Hershey Company 

Mr. Bilbrey has been Non-Executive Chairman of 
Hershey since March 2017. He previously served as 
President and Chief Executive Officer of Hershey from 
2011 and Chairman from 2015 until his retirement in 
March 2017. Mr. Bilbrey joined the management team 
of Hershey as Senior Vice President, President Hershey 
International in 2003, serving as Senior Vice President, 
President Hershey North America from 2007 to 2010 
and 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 60 

C. MARTIN HARRIS, INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR

Associate Vice President of the Health Enterprise and 
Chief Business Officer of the Dell Medical School at the 
University of Texas at Austin 

Dr. Harris has been Associate Vice President of the 
Health Enterprise and Chief Business Officer of the Dell 
Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin 
since December 2016. Previously, he was CIO and 
Chairman of the Information Technology Division of The 
Cleveland Clinic Foundation and a Staff Physician for 
The Cleveland Clinic Hospital and The Cleveland Clinic 
Foundation Department of General Internal Medicine 
from 1996 to 2016. Elected director in 2016. Age 60 

RICHARD J. KOGAN, INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR, RETIRING

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. Elected director in 
1996. We sincerely thank Mr. Kogan for two decades of 
distinguished service to Colgate and extend our best 
wishes for his retirement. Age 75 

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 57

JOHN T. CAHILL, INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR

MICHAEL B. POLK, INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR

Vice Chairman of The Kraft Heinz Company 

Chief Executive Officer of Newell Brands Inc.

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 59

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 61 

ELLEN M. HANCOCK, INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR

Former President of Jazz Technologies, Inc.  
(formerly Acquicor Technology), 2005-2007 

Mrs. Hancock previously was Chairman and Chief 
Executive Officer of Exodus Communications, Inc., 
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at 
National Semiconductor and Senior Vice President at 
IBM. Elected director in 1988. Age 73 

More information about Colgate’s corporate governance commitment is 
available on Colgate’s Governance website at www.colgatepalmolive.com.

10

Mr. Polk was also President and Chief Executive Officer 
of Newell Rubbermaid Inc. from 2011 to 2016. 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. He previously spent 16 years at Kraft Foods. 
Elected director in 2014. Age 56 

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 65 

WELCOME  

CHARLES A. BANCROFT, INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR

Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer  
and Global Business Operations of Bristol-Myers 
Squibb Company  

Mr. Bancroft joined Bristol-Myers Squibb in 1984 and 
held a series of positions of increasing responsibility 
within Bristol-Myers Squibb’s finance organization, 
including international assignments, as well as senior 
leadership positions in the global pharmaceutical 
business. He became Chief Financial Officer in 2010 
and has served in his current role since 2016. Elected 
director in 2017. Age 57

Management Team 

*Ian Cook
Chairman, 
President and Chief 
Executive Officer 
(See biographical 
information on  
page 10.)

*Franck J. Moison
Vice Chairman

*Dennis Hickey  
Chief Financial 
Officer

*Jennifer M. Daniels
Chief Legal Officer  
and Secretary

*P. Justin Skala
Chief Operating 
Officer, North 
America, Europe, 
Africa/Eurasia and 
Global Sustainability

*Noel Wallace
Chief Operating 
Officer, Global 
Innovation & Growth 
and Hill’s Pet 
Nutrition

Biographical information 
for the above executives 
is available on Colgate’s 
Governance website at  
www.colgatepalmolive.
com

Issam Bachaalani
VP & GM, Colgate-
India & South Asia

Daniel Bagley
VP, Global R&D

Don Beatty
VP, Hill’s  
Pet Nutrition

Angel Dario 
Belalcazar 
VP, Global R&D

Andrea Bernard
VP, Global Legal

Joseph M. Bertolini
VP, Global Finance

Yves Briantais
VP, Global  
Packaging & Design

*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, Global Marketing 
Communications

Natasha Chen
VP & GM, Colgate-
Southern Europe

Constantina 
Christopoulou
VP, Global R&D

Martin J. Collins 
VP, Hill’s  
Pet Nutrition

*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

William DeVizio
Chief Dental Officer

Robert W. Dietz
VP, Global Facilities

Catherine Dillane
VP, Colgate- 
Latin America

Julie Dillon
VP & GM, Colgate-
North America

*Victoria Dolan
Chief Transformation 
Officer & Corporate 
Controller

Gordon Dumesich
VP & GM, Hill’s  
Pet Nutrition-Japan

Philip Durocher
VP & GM, Colgate-
UK & Ireland

*John Faucher
SVP, Investor 
Relations

*Jean-Luc Fischer
President, Colgate- 
Africa/Eurasia 

Betsy Fishbone
VP, Global Legal

Laura Flavin
VP, Global  
Human Resources

Nadine Flynn
VP, Global Legal

David Foster
VP, Global 
Information 
Technology

Scott Geldart
VP & GM, Colgate-
North Africa & 
Middle East

Diana Geofroy
VP, Colgate-Mexico

Derek Gordon
VP & GM, 
Colgate-Canada

Taylor Gordy
VP, Colgate- 
North America

Peter Graylin
VP, Global Legal

*Thomas Greene
Chief Information & 
Business Services 
Officer

Jan Guifarro
VP, Corporate 
Communications & 
Community Giving

Elise Halvorson
VP, Enterprise  
Risk Management

*Suzan F. Harrison
President,  
Global Oral Care

John Hazlin
VP & GM, Global 
Personal Care

Raymond Ho
VP, Colgate- 
Asia Pacific

Robert Hofmann
VP, Colgate- 
Asia Pacific

Bob Holland
VP, Ethics  
& Compliance

Henry Hu
VP, Colgate- 
Asia Pacific

Nina Huffman
VP, Global Legal

Traci Hughes-Velez
VP, Colgate-Europe

*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

Iain Kielty
VP, Colgate- 
Asia Pacific

Charalabos Klados
VP, Global Legal

Raj Kohli
VP, Global R&D

Kostas Kontopanos
President, Hill’s  
Pet Nutrition,  
North America

John Kooyman
VP, Colgate- 
North America

Wojciech Krol
VP & GM, Colgate-
Central Europe East

Andrea Lagioia
VP & GM, 
Colgate-Brazil

Stephen Lau
VP & GM, Colgate-
Greater China

*Al Lee
Chief Ethics & 
Compliance Officer

Adriana Leite
VP & GM, Colgate-
Southern Cone

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

Gregory Malcolm
VP, Corporate Audit

*Daniel B. Marsili
Chief Human 
Resources Officer

Pablo Mascolo
VP, Colgate- 
Latin America

Sally Massey
VP, Global Human 
Resources

Lisa Mather
VP, Global Legal

Paul McGarry
VP, Global 
Information 
Technology

Lori Michelin
VP, Global 
Sustainability & 
Environmental, 
Health & Safety

Thomas Mintel
VP, Global 
Toothbrush 

Pascal Montilus
VP, Colgate- 
North America

Anne-Marie Motte
VP & GM, Colgate-
North America 

Francisco Muñoz
VP & GM, 
Colgate-Venezuela

Josue M. Muñoz
VP, Global  
Supply Chain

*Vinod Nambiar
President, Colgate-
Asia Pacific 

Debra Nichols
VP, Hill’s  
Pet Nutrition

Eddie Niem
VP & GM,  
Hawley & Hazel

Jesper Nordengaard
VP, Hill’s  
Pet Nutrition

Godfrey Nthunzi
VP, Colgate- 
Africa/Eurasia

Edward Oblon
VP, Hill’s  
Pet Nutrition

*Elaine Paik
VP & Corporate 
Treasurer

Nancy Pak
VP & GM,  
Tom’s of Maine

*Prabha 
Parameswaran
President, 
Colgate-Europe

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, Colgate- 
Latin America

Warren Pruitt
VP, Global  
Supply Chain

Ricardo Ramos
President, 
Colgate-Mexico

Christopher Rector
VP & GM, Global 
Toothbrush 

Riccardo Ricci
VP, Colgate-Europe

Lauren Richardson
Chief Procurement 
Officer

Michele Ross
VP, Colgate- 
Africa/Eurasia

Paolo Rossetto
VP, Colgate-Europe

Debashish Roy
VP, Colgate- 
Africa/Eurasia

Caroline Rudd
VP, Global  
Oral Care

Bernal Saborio
VP & GM, 
Colgate-Caribbean 

Arvind Sachdev
VP & GM, Colgate-
Philippines

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

Andrew Shepard
VP & GM, Colgate-
Western Europe

Philip Shotts
VP, Global Finance

Rick Spann
VP, Global  
Supply Chain

Vangelis Spyridakos
VP, Colgate-Europe

Neil Stout
VP, Global 
Toothbrush 

Lynne Tapper
VP, Global Human 
Resources

Orlando Tenorio
VP, Colgate- 
South Africa

Richard Thorogood
VP, Global Insights

Linda Topping
VP, Global  
Supply Chain

Ann Tracy
VP, Colgate-Europe

*Panagiotis 
Tsourapas
President, Colgate-
Latin America 

Bill Van de Graaf
VP & GM, Colgate-
North America

*Patricia Verduin
Chief Technology 
Officer

Lucie Claire Vincent
VP & GM, Global 
Home Care

Cliff Wilkins
VP, Global Legal

Alan Wolpert
VP & GM, Colgate-
North America

Ruben Young
VP & GM, Colgate-
Greater Indo-China

*Juan Pablo
Zamorano
President, Colgate-
North America 

Alberico Zenzola
VP, Global  
Supply Chain

*Corporate Officer

11

Board Of Directors

IAN COOK 

Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer  
of Colgate-Palmolive Company

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 64

JOHN P. BILBREY, INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR

Non-Executive Chairman of The Hershey Company 

Mr. Bilbrey has been Non-Executive Chairman of 
Hershey since March 2017. He previously served as 
President and Chief Executive Officer of Hershey from 
2011 and Chairman from 2015 until his retirement in 
March 2017. Mr. Bilbrey joined the management team 
of Hershey as Senior Vice President, President Hershey 
International in 2003, serving as Senior Vice President, 
President Hershey North America from 2007 to 2010 
and 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 60 

C. MARTIN HARRIS, INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR

Associate Vice President of the Health Enterprise and 
Chief Business Officer of the Dell Medical School at the 
University of Texas at Austin 

Dr. Harris has been Associate Vice President of the 
Health Enterprise and Chief Business Officer of the Dell 
Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin 
since December 2016. Previously, he was CIO and 
Chairman of the Information Technology Division of The 
Cleveland Clinic Foundation and a Staff Physician for 
The Cleveland Clinic Hospital and The Cleveland Clinic 
Foundation Department of General Internal Medicine 
from 1996 to 2016. Elected director in 2016. Age 60 

RICHARD J. KOGAN, INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR, RETIRING

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. Elected director in 
1996. We sincerely thank Mr. Kogan for two decades of 
distinguished service to Colgate and extend our best 
wishes for his retirement. Age 75 

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 57

JOHN T. CAHILL, INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR

MICHAEL B. POLK, INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR

Vice Chairman of The Kraft Heinz Company 

Chief Executive Officer of Newell Brands Inc.

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 59

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 61 

ELLEN M. HANCOCK, INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR

Former President of Jazz Technologies, Inc.  
(formerly Acquicor Technology), 2005-2007 

Mrs. Hancock previously was Chairman and Chief 
Executive Officer of Exodus Communications, Inc., 
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at 
National Semiconductor and Senior Vice President at 
IBM. Elected director in 1988. Age 73 

More information about Colgate’s corporate governance commitment is 
available on Colgate’s Governance website at www.colgatepalmolive.com.

10

Mr. Polk was also President and Chief Executive Officer 
of Newell Rubbermaid Inc. from 2011 to 2016. 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. He previously spent 16 years at Kraft Foods. 
Elected director in 2014. Age 56 

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 65 

WELCOME  

CHARLES A. BANCROFT, INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR

Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer  
and Global Business Operations of Bristol-Myers 
Squibb Company  

Mr. Bancroft joined Bristol-Myers Squibb in 1984 and 
held a series of positions of increasing responsibility 
within Bristol-Myers Squibb’s finance organization, 
including international assignments, as well as senior 
leadership positions in the global pharmaceutical 
business. He became Chief Financial Officer in 2010 
and has served in his current role since 2016. Elected 
director in 2017. Age 57

Management Team 

*Ian Cook
Chairman, 
President and Chief 
Executive Officer 
(See biographical 
information on  
page 10.)

*Franck J. Moison
Vice Chairman

*Dennis Hickey  
Chief Financial 
Officer

*Jennifer M. Daniels
Chief Legal Officer  
and Secretary

*P. Justin Skala
Chief Operating 
Officer, North 
America, Europe, 
Africa/Eurasia and 
Global Sustainability

*Noel Wallace
Chief Operating 
Officer, Global 
Innovation & Growth 
and Hill’s Pet 
Nutrition

Biographical information 
for the above executives 
is available on Colgate’s 
Governance website at  
www.colgatepalmolive.
com

Issam Bachaalani
VP & GM, Colgate-
India & South Asia

Daniel Bagley
VP, Global R&D

Don Beatty
VP, Hill’s  
Pet Nutrition

Angel Dario 
Belalcazar 
VP, Global R&D

Andrea Bernard
VP, Global Legal

Joseph M. Bertolini
VP, Global Finance

Yves Briantais
VP, Global  
Packaging & Design

*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, Global Marketing 
Communications

Natasha Chen
VP & GM, Colgate-
Southern Europe

Constantina 
Christopoulou
VP, Global R&D

Martin J. Collins 
VP, Hill’s  
Pet Nutrition

*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

William DeVizio
Chief Dental Officer

Robert W. Dietz
VP, Global Facilities

Catherine Dillane
VP, Colgate- 
Latin America

Julie Dillon
VP & GM, Colgate-
North America

*Victoria Dolan
Chief Transformation 
Officer & Corporate 
Controller

Gordon Dumesich
VP & GM, Hill’s  
Pet Nutrition-Japan

Philip Durocher
VP & GM, Colgate-
UK & Ireland

*John Faucher
SVP, Investor 
Relations

*Jean-Luc Fischer
President, Colgate- 
Africa/Eurasia 

Betsy Fishbone
VP, Global Legal

Laura Flavin
VP, Global  
Human Resources

Nadine Flynn
VP, Global Legal

David Foster
VP, Global 
Information 
Technology

Scott Geldart
VP & GM, Colgate-
North Africa & 
Middle East

Diana Geofroy
VP, Colgate-Mexico

Derek Gordon
VP & GM, 
Colgate-Canada

Taylor Gordy
VP, Colgate- 
North America

Peter Graylin
VP, Global Legal

*Thomas Greene
Chief Information & 
Business Services 
Officer

Jan Guifarro
VP, Corporate 
Communications & 
Community Giving

Elise Halvorson
VP, Enterprise  
Risk Management

*Suzan F. Harrison
President,  
Global Oral Care

John Hazlin
VP & GM, Global 
Personal Care

Raymond Ho
VP, Colgate- 
Asia Pacific

Robert Hofmann
VP, Colgate- 
Asia Pacific

Bob Holland
VP, Ethics  
& Compliance

Henry Hu
VP, Colgate- 
Asia Pacific

Nina Huffman
VP, Global Legal

Traci Hughes-Velez
VP, Colgate-Europe

*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

Iain Kielty
VP, Colgate- 
Asia Pacific

Charalabos Klados
VP, Global Legal

Raj Kohli
VP, Global R&D

Kostas Kontopanos
President, Hill’s  
Pet Nutrition,  
North America

John Kooyman
VP, Colgate- 
North America

Wojciech Krol
VP & GM, Colgate-
Central Europe East

Andrea Lagioia
VP & GM, 
Colgate-Brazil

Stephen Lau
VP & GM, Colgate-
Greater China

*Al Lee
Chief Ethics & 
Compliance Officer

Adriana Leite
VP & GM, Colgate-
Southern Cone

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

Gregory Malcolm
VP, Corporate Audit

*Daniel B. Marsili
Chief Human 
Resources Officer

Pablo Mascolo
VP, Colgate- 
Latin America

Sally Massey
VP, Global Human 
Resources

Lisa Mather
VP, Global Legal

Paul McGarry
VP, Global 
Information 
Technology

Lori Michelin
VP, Global 
Sustainability & 
Environmental, 
Health & Safety

Thomas Mintel
VP, Global 
Toothbrush 

Pascal Montilus
VP, Colgate- 
North America

Anne-Marie Motte
VP & GM, Colgate-
North America 

Francisco Muñoz
VP & GM, 
Colgate-Venezuela

Josue M. Muñoz
VP, Global  
Supply Chain

*Vinod Nambiar
President, Colgate-
Asia Pacific 

Debra Nichols
VP, Hill’s  
Pet Nutrition

Eddie Niem
VP & GM,  
Hawley & Hazel

Jesper Nordengaard
VP, Hill’s  
Pet Nutrition

Godfrey Nthunzi
VP, Colgate- 
Africa/Eurasia

Edward Oblon
VP, Hill’s  
Pet Nutrition

*Elaine Paik
VP & Corporate 
Treasurer

Nancy Pak
VP & GM,  
Tom’s of Maine

*Prabha 
Parameswaran
President, 
Colgate-Europe

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, Colgate- 
Latin America

Warren Pruitt
VP, Global  
Supply Chain

Ricardo Ramos
President, 
Colgate-Mexico

Christopher Rector
VP & GM, Global 
Toothbrush 

Riccardo Ricci
VP, Colgate-Europe

Lauren Richardson
Chief Procurement 
Officer

Michele Ross
VP, Colgate- 
Africa/Eurasia

Paolo Rossetto
VP, Colgate-Europe

Debashish Roy
VP, Colgate- 
Africa/Eurasia

Caroline Rudd
VP, Global  
Oral Care

Bernal Saborio
VP & GM, 
Colgate-Caribbean 

Arvind Sachdev
VP & GM, Colgate-
Philippines

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

Andrew Shepard
VP & GM, Colgate-
Western Europe

Philip Shotts
VP, Global Finance

Rick Spann
VP, Global  
Supply Chain

Vangelis Spyridakos
VP, Colgate-Europe

Neil Stout
VP, Global 
Toothbrush 

Lynne Tapper
VP, Global Human 
Resources

Orlando Tenorio
VP, Colgate- 
South Africa

Richard Thorogood
VP, Global Insights

Linda Topping
VP, Global  
Supply Chain

Ann Tracy
VP, Colgate-Europe

*Panagiotis 
Tsourapas
President, Colgate-
Latin America 

Bill Van de Graaf
VP & GM, Colgate-
North America

*Patricia Verduin
Chief Technology 
Officer

Lucie Claire Vincent
VP & GM, Global 
Home Care

Cliff Wilkins
VP, Global Legal

Alan Wolpert
VP & GM, Colgate-
North America

Ruben Young
VP & GM, Colgate-
Greater Indo-China

*Juan Pablo
Zamorano
President, Colgate-
North America 

Alberico Zenzola
VP, Global  
Supply Chain

*Corporate Officer

11

Reconciliation  
Of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The following is provided to supplement 
certain financial measures discussed in 
the letter to shareholders and the financial 
highlights section of this report both as 
reported (GAAP) and excluding the impact 
of certain items (Non-GAAP) as explained 
at right. Investors and analysts use these 
financial measures in assessing the 
Company’s business performance, and 
management believes that presenting these 
financial measures on a Non-GAAP basis 
provides them with useful supplemental 
information to enhance their understanding 
of the Company’s underlying business 
performance and trends. These Non-GAAP 
financial measures also enhance the ability 
to compare period-to-period financial results. 
The Company uses these financial measures 
internally in its budgeting process, to evaluate 
segment and overall operating performance 
and as factors in determining compensation. 
While the Company believes that these 
financial measures are useful in evaluating the 
Company’s underlying business performance 
and trends, 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. 
This report also discusses organic sales 
growth, which is net sales growth excluding 
the impact of foreign exchange, acquisitions, 
divestments and the deconsolidation of the 
Company’s Venezuelan operations. For a 
reconciliation of organic sales growth to net 
sales growth for full year 2016, see page 40 of 
the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 Note: All per share amounts have been restated to reflect  
the 2013 two-for-one stock split.
(1) Represents charges related to the 2012 Restructuring 
Program that began in the fourth quarter of 2012.

(2) In 2016, represents a gain on the sale of land in Mexico.  
In 2012-2014, represents costs related to the sale of land 
in Mexico.

(3) Represents charges for previously disclosed litigation 

matters.

(4) Represents income tax (benefits) charges related to 

previously disclosed tax matters.

(5) Represents a charge resulting from the deconsolidation  

of the Company’s Venezuelan operations.

(6) Represents a gain on the sale of the Company’s laundry 

detergent business in the South Pacific. 

(7) In 2015 and 2014, represents remeasurement charges 
related to effective devaluations in Venezuela. In 2013, 
represents a charge related to a devaluation in Venezuela.
(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 

2016 

As Reported (GAAP) 
2012 Restructuring Program (1) 
Mexico Land Sale (2) 
Litigation Matters (3) 
Tax Matters (4) 

0.3% 

60.0%  $3,837   $2,441  $2.72 
 168    0.19 
 (63)   (0.07)
 0.01 
 11  
 (35)   (0.04) 

 228  
 (97) 
 17  

 –    
–    
 –    

 –    

Excluding Items (Non-GAAP) 

60.3%  $3,985  $2,522  $2.81

2015 

As Reported (GAAP) 
Venezuela Deconsolidation (5) 
2012 Restructuring Program (1) 
Sales Of Non-Core Product Lines (6) 
Venezuela Remeasurements (7) 
Litigation Matters (3) 
Tax Matters (4) 

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 (1) 
Venezuela Remeasurements (7) 
Litigation Matters (3) 
Mexico Land Sale (2) 
Tax Matters (4) 

0.2% 

58.5%  $3,557   $2,180  $2.36
 208    0.23 
 214    0.23 
 41    0.04 
–  
 66    0.07 

 286  
 327  
 41  
 4  
 –    

 –    
 –    
 –    
 –    

 3 

Excluding Items (Non-GAAP) 

58.7%  $4,215  $2,712  $2.93

2013 

As Reported (GAAP) 
2012 Restructuring Program (1) 
Venezuela Remeasurements (7) 
Litigation Matters (3) 
Mexico Land Sale (2) 

0.2% 

58.6%  $3,556 
 371  
 172  
 23  
 18  

 –    
 –    
 –    

 $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 (1) 
Mexico Land Sale (2) 
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

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, 2016 

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, 2016 

(the last business day of its most recently completed second quarter) was approximately $65.1 billion.

There were 882,856,721 shares of Colgate-Palmolive Company Common Stock outstanding as of January 31, 2017.

Documents
Portions of Proxy Statement for the 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders

Form 10-K Reference
Part III, Items 10 through 14

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:

23663 10K P1 ONLY cc2017.indd   1

2/24/17   12:21 PM

 
 
Reconciliation  
Of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The following is provided to supplement 
certain financial measures discussed in 
the letter to shareholders and the financial 
highlights section of this report both as 
reported (GAAP) and excluding the impact 
of certain items (Non-GAAP) as explained 
at right. Investors and analysts use these 
financial measures in assessing the 
Company’s business performance, and 
management believes that presenting these 
financial measures on a Non-GAAP basis 
provides them with useful supplemental 
information to enhance their understanding 
of the Company’s underlying business 
performance and trends. These Non-GAAP 
financial measures also enhance the ability 
to compare period-to-period financial results. 
The Company uses these financial measures 
internally in its budgeting process, to evaluate 
segment and overall operating performance 
and as factors in determining compensation. 
While the Company believes that these 
financial measures are useful in evaluating the 
Company’s underlying business performance 
and trends, 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. 
This report also discusses organic sales 
growth, which is net sales growth excluding 
the impact of foreign exchange, acquisitions, 
divestments and the deconsolidation of the 
Company’s Venezuelan operations. For a 
reconciliation of organic sales growth to net 
sales growth for full year 2016, see page 40 of 
the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 Note: All per share amounts have been restated to reflect  
the 2013 two-for-one stock split.
(1) Represents charges related to the 2012 Restructuring 
Program that began in the fourth quarter of 2012.

(2) In 2016, represents a gain on the sale of land in Mexico.  
In 2012-2014, represents costs related to the sale of land 
in Mexico.

(3) Represents charges for previously disclosed litigation 

matters.

(4) Represents income tax (benefits) charges related to 

previously disclosed tax matters.

(5) Represents a charge resulting from the deconsolidation  

of the Company’s Venezuelan operations.

(6) Represents a gain on the sale of the Company’s laundry 

detergent business in the South Pacific. 

(7) In 2015 and 2014, represents remeasurement charges 
related to effective devaluations in Venezuela. In 2013, 
represents a charge related to a devaluation in Venezuela.
(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 

2016 

As Reported (GAAP) 
2012 Restructuring Program (1) 
Mexico Land Sale (2) 
Litigation Matters (3) 
Tax Matters (4) 

0.3% 

60.0%  $3,837   $2,441  $2.72 
 168    0.19 
 (63)   (0.07)
 0.01 
 11  
 (35)   (0.04) 

 228  
 (97) 
 17  

 –    
–    
 –    

 –    

Excluding Items (Non-GAAP) 

60.3%  $3,985  $2,522  $2.81

2015 

As Reported (GAAP) 
Venezuela Deconsolidation (5) 
2012 Restructuring Program (1) 
Sales Of Non-Core Product Lines (6) 
Venezuela Remeasurements (7) 
Litigation Matters (3) 
Tax Matters (4) 

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 (1) 
Venezuela Remeasurements (7) 
Litigation Matters (3) 
Mexico Land Sale (2) 
Tax Matters (4) 

0.2% 

58.5%  $3,557   $2,180  $2.36
 208    0.23 
 214    0.23 
 41    0.04 
–  
 66    0.07 

 286  
 327  
 41  
 4  
 –    

 –    
 –    
 –    
 –    

 3 

Excluding Items (Non-GAAP) 

58.7%  $4,215  $2,712  $2.93

2013 

As Reported (GAAP) 
2012 Restructuring Program (1) 
Venezuela Remeasurements (7) 
Litigation Matters (3) 
Mexico Land Sale (2) 

0.2% 

58.6%  $3,556 
 371  
 172  
 23  
 18  

 –    
 –    
 –    

 $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 (1) 
Mexico Land Sale (2) 
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

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, 2016 

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, 2016 

(the last business day of its most recently completed second quarter) was approximately $65.1 billion.

There were 882,856,721 shares of Colgate-Palmolive Company Common Stock outstanding as of January 31, 2017.

Documents
Portions of Proxy Statement for the 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders

Form 10-K Reference
Part III, Items 10 through 14

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:

23663 10K P1 ONLY cc2017.indd   1

2/24/17   12:21 PM

 
 
Colgate-Palmolive Company
Table of Contents

PART I

Part I

Page

ITEM 1. 

BUSINESS

(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

Item 15.
Item 16.

Signatures

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

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
Form 10-K Summary

1
4
11
12
13
16

17
17
18
50
50
51
51
51

52
52

53
53
53

54
54

55

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 
“Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations–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 plus 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 18%, respectively, of the Company’s 

total worldwide Net sales in 2016. Geographically, Oral Care is a significant part of the Company’s business in Asia 
Pacific, comprising approximately 81% of Net sales in that region for 2016.

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, a range of products for everyday nutritional needs; Hill’s Prescription Diet, a range of 
therapeutic products to help nutritionally manage disease conditions in dogs and cats; and Hill’s Ideal Balance, a range of 
products with natural ingredients. Sales of Pet Nutrition products accounted for 15% of the Company’s total worldwide Net 
sales in 2016.

1

  
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
  
Colgate-Palmolive Company
Table of Contents

PART I

Part I

Page

ITEM 1. 

BUSINESS

(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

Item 15.
Item 16.

Signatures

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

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
Form 10-K Summary

1
4
11
12
13
16

17
17
18
50
50
51
51
51

52
52

53
53
53

54
54

55

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 
“Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations–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 plus 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 18%, respectively, of the Company’s 

total worldwide Net sales in 2016. Geographically, Oral Care is a significant part of the Company’s business in Asia 
Pacific, comprising approximately 81% of Net sales in that region for 2016.

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, a range of products for everyday nutritional needs; Hill’s Prescription Diet, a range of 
therapeutic products to help nutritionally manage disease conditions in dogs and cats; and Hill’s Ideal Balance, a range of 
products with natural ingredients. Sales of Pet Nutrition products accounted for 15% of the Company’s total worldwide Net 
sales in 2016.

1

  
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
  
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. 

As of December 31, 2016, the Company employed approximately 36,700 employees.

Employees

For additional information regarding market share data, see “Market Share Information” in Part II, Item 7 of this 

Executive Officers of the Registrant

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 $289 million in 2016, $274 million in 2015 and 
$277 million in 2014.

Distribution; Raw Materials; Competition; Trademarks and Patents

The Company’s Oral, Personal and Home Care products are marketed by a direct sales force at individual operating 

subsidiaries or business units, and by distributors or brokers. Pet Nutrition products are sold by authorized pet supply 
retailers and veterinarians. The Company’s products are also sold online through various e-commerce platforms and 
retailers. The Company’s sales to Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and its affiliates represent approximately 11% of the Company’s 
Net sales in 2016. 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 e-commerce retailers, 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 $60 million for 2016. For future years, expenditures are currently expected to be of a similar magnitude. For 
additional information regarding environmental matters refer to Note 13, Commitments and Contingencies to the 
Consolidated Financial Statements.

The following is a list of executive officers as of February 23, 2017:

Name

Ian Cook

Franck J. Moison
Dennis J. Hickey
Jennifer M. Daniels
P. Justin Skala

Noel R. Wallace

Victoria L. Dolan

John J. Huston

Delia H. Thompson
Daniel B. Marsili
Patricia Verduin
Mukul Deoras

Age
64

63
68
53
57

52

57

62

67
56
57
53

Date First Elected
Officer

1996

2002
1998
2014
2008

2009

2011

2002

2002
2005
2011
2015

Present Title

Chairman of the Board
President and Chief Executive Officer
Vice Chairman
Chief Financial Officer
Chief Legal Officer and Secretary
Chief Operating Officer,
North America, Europe, Africa/Eurasia
and Global Sustainability
Chief Operating Officer,
Global Innovation and Growth
and Hill’s Pet Nutrition
Chief Transformation Officer
and Corporate Controller
Senior Vice President
Chief of Staff
Chief Investor Relations Officer
Chief Human Resources Officer
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.

(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.”

2

3

 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
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. 

As of December 31, 2016, the Company employed approximately 36,700 employees.

Employees

For additional information regarding market share data, see “Market Share Information” in Part II, Item 7 of this 

Executive Officers of the Registrant

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 $289 million in 2016, $274 million in 2015 and 
$277 million in 2014.

Distribution; Raw Materials; Competition; Trademarks and Patents

The Company’s Oral, Personal and Home Care products are marketed by a direct sales force at individual operating 

subsidiaries or business units, and by distributors or brokers. Pet Nutrition products are sold by authorized pet supply 
retailers and veterinarians. The Company’s products are also sold online through various e-commerce platforms and 
retailers. The Company’s sales to Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and its affiliates represent approximately 11% of the Company’s 
Net sales in 2016. 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 e-commerce retailers, 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 $60 million for 2016. For future years, expenditures are currently expected to be of a similar magnitude. For 
additional information regarding environmental matters refer to Note 13, Commitments and Contingencies to the 
Consolidated Financial Statements.

The following is a list of executive officers as of February 23, 2017:

Name

Ian Cook

Franck J. Moison
Dennis J. Hickey
Jennifer M. Daniels
P. Justin Skala

Noel R. Wallace

Victoria L. Dolan

John J. Huston

Delia H. Thompson
Daniel B. Marsili
Patricia Verduin
Mukul Deoras

Age
64

63
68
53
57

52

57

62

67
56
57
53

Date First Elected
Officer

1996

2002
1998
2014
2008

2009

2011

2002

2002
2005
2011
2015

Present Title

Chairman of the Board
President and Chief Executive Officer
Vice Chairman
Chief Financial Officer
Chief Legal Officer and Secretary
Chief Operating Officer,
North America, Europe, Africa/Eurasia
and Global Sustainability
Chief Operating Officer,
Global Innovation and Growth
and Hill’s Pet Nutrition
Chief Transformation Officer
and Corporate Controller
Senior Vice President
Chief of Staff
Chief Investor Relations Officer
Chief Human Resources Officer
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.

(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.”

2

3

 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
(e) Available Information

Significant competition in our industry could adversely affect our business.

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 Board Guidelines on Significant Corporate Governance Issues, the charters of the Committees of the Board, 
Form SD and the related Conflict Minerals Disclosure and Report, 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 or export 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 and/or tariffs, price controls, labor laws, travel or 
immigration restrictions, 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.

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 intellectual property, including patent, trademark, copyright, trade secret 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 in 
the U.S. is subject to the FDA’s rigorous New Drug Application (“NDA”) process for safety and efficacy. In September 
2016, the FDA issued a Final Rule on ingredients permitted in antibacterial consumer soaps in the U.S., which will restrict 
the use of 19 active ingredients, including triclosan and triclocarban, as of September 2017. The FDA ruling will impact 
our antibacterial bar soap sold in Puerto Rico, which contains triclocarban. 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. In November 2016, Environment and Climate Change Canada 
(“ECCC”), the federal environmental authority in Canada, finalized its review of the potential human and environmental 
risks of triclosan, concluding that triclosan is not entering the environment in a quantity or concentration or under 
conditions that constitute or may constitute a danger in Canada to human life or health and that triclosan is not 
bioaccumulative or persistent under Canadian standards, but that triclosan could be entering the environment at levels that 
could potentially cause harm to some aquatic organisms. The Canadian government will now work with stakeholders to 
ensure triclosan remains at safe levels for the environment, and we will participate in this process. Triclosan is currently 
being evaluated under the European Union’s Regulation for the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of 
Chemicals (“REACH”), which evaluation process is expected to take multiple years to complete. 

4

5

(e) Available Information

Significant competition in our industry could adversely affect our business.

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 Board Guidelines on Significant Corporate Governance Issues, the charters of the Committees of the Board, 
Form SD and the related Conflict Minerals Disclosure and Report, 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 or export 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 and/or tariffs, price controls, labor laws, travel or 
immigration restrictions, 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.

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 intellectual property, including patent, trademark, copyright, trade secret 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 in 
the U.S. is subject to the FDA’s rigorous New Drug Application (“NDA”) process for safety and efficacy. In September 
2016, the FDA issued a Final Rule on ingredients permitted in antibacterial consumer soaps in the U.S., which will restrict 
the use of 19 active ingredients, including triclosan and triclocarban, as of September 2017. The FDA ruling will impact 
our antibacterial bar soap sold in Puerto Rico, which contains triclocarban. 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. In November 2016, Environment and Climate Change Canada 
(“ECCC”), the federal environmental authority in Canada, finalized its review of the potential human and environmental 
risks of triclosan, concluding that triclosan is not entering the environment in a quantity or concentration or under 
conditions that constitute or may constitute a danger in Canada to human life or health and that triclosan is not 
bioaccumulative or persistent under Canadian standards, but that triclosan could be entering the environment at levels that 
could potentially cause harm to some aquatic organisms. The Canadian government will now work with stakeholders to 
ensure triclosan remains at safe levels for the environment, and we will participate in this process. Triclosan is currently 
being evaluated under the European Union’s Regulation for the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of 
Chemicals (“REACH”), which evaluation process is expected to take multiple years to complete. 

4

5

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.

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 or practices 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 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 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. While we are four years into the implementation of the 
2012 Restructuring Program and many of the initiatives under the program have been successfully implemented or are 
nearing completion, the successful implementation of the remainder of the 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 or in tax, labor or immigration laws 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.”

6

7

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.

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 or practices 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 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 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. While we are four years into the implementation of the 
2012 Restructuring Program and many of the initiatives under the program have been successfully implemented or are 
nearing completion, the successful implementation of the remainder of the 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 or in tax, labor or immigration laws 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.”

6

7

There is no guarantee that our ongoing efforts to reduce costs will be successful.

Legal claims and proceedings could adversely impact our business.

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.”

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, privacy, 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.

Damage to our reputation could have an adverse effect on our business.

Disruption in our global supply chain or key office facilities could adversely impact our business.

Maintaining our strong reputation with consumers and our trade partners globally is critical to selling our branded 

We are engaged in manufacturing and sourcing of products and materials on a global scale. Our operations and those 

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, our supply chain or our ingredients regarding health concerns, legal or 
regulatory proceedings, environmental impacts (including packaging, energy and water use and waste management) or 
other sustainability or policy 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.

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. 

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.

8

9

There is no guarantee that our ongoing efforts to reduce costs will be successful.

Legal claims and proceedings could adversely impact our business.

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.”

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, privacy, 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.

Damage to our reputation could have an adverse effect on our business.

Disruption in our global supply chain or key office facilities could adversely impact our business.

Maintaining our strong reputation with consumers and our trade partners globally is critical to selling our branded 

We are engaged in manufacturing and sourcing of products and materials on a global scale. Our operations and those 

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, our supply chain or our ingredients regarding health concerns, legal or 
regulatory proceedings, environmental impacts (including packaging, energy and water use and waste management) or 
other sustainability or policy 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.

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. 

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.

8

9

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 and vendors,

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 and market our products at multiple price points, during periods of 
economic uncertainty consumers may reduce consumption or 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 negatively impact the availability or cost 
of funding. 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.

hosting, processing and sharing confidential and proprietary research, business plans and financial information,

Our success depends upon our ability to attract and retain key employees and the succession of senior management.

complying with legal, regulatory and tax requirements,

providing data security, and 

handling other processes involved in managing our business.

Although we have a broad array of information 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. 

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. 

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.

ITEM 1B.  UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

10

11

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 and vendors,

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 and market our products at multiple price points, during periods of 
economic uncertainty consumers may reduce consumption or 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 negatively impact the availability or cost 
of funding. 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.

hosting, processing and sharing confidential and proprietary research, business plans and financial information,

Our success depends upon our ability to attract and retain key employees and the succession of senior management.

complying with legal, regulatory and tax requirements,

providing data security, and 

handling other processes involved in managing our business.

Although we have a broad array of information 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. 

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. 

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.

ITEM 1B.  UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

10

11

ITEM 2. 

PROPERTIES 

ITEM 3. 

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The Company owns or leases approximately 330 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 
Greenwood, South Carolina; 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 260 properties, of which 74 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.

All of the facilities we operate are well maintained and adequate for the purpose for which they are intended.

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, privacy, 
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 $225 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.

12

13

ITEM 2. 

PROPERTIES 

ITEM 3. 

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The Company owns or leases approximately 330 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 
Greenwood, South Carolina; 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 260 properties, of which 74 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.

All of the facilities we operate are well maintained and adequate for the purpose for which they are intended.

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, privacy, 
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 $225 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.

12

13

Brazilian Matters

Competition Matters

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 $143 million. This amount includes additional 
assessments received from the Brazilian internal revenue authority in April 2016 relating to net operating loss 
carryforwards used by the Company’s Brazilian subsidiary to offset taxable income that had also been deducted from the 
authority’s original assessments. 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 February 2017, the Company lost an additional administrative appeal, and plans to file a similar federal 
court action. 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 $59 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 2015, 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.

Certain of the Company’s subsidiaries have been subject to investigations, and, in some cases, fines, by governmental 

authorities in a number of countries related to alleged competition law violations. Substantially all of these matters also 
have involved other consumer goods companies and/or retail customers. These investigations often continue for several 
years and can result in substantial fines for violations that are found, as well as associated private actions for damages. 
While the Company cannot predict the final financial impact of pending competition law matters, as these matters may 
change, the Company evaluates developments in these matters quarterly and accrues liabilities as and when appropriate. 
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. The status of the 
competition law matters that were pending in 2016 is set forth below.

European Competition Matters

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 fines were confirmed by the Court of Appeal in October 2016. The Company is 
appealing the decision of the Court of Appeal on behalf of the Company and Sara Lee in the French Supreme 
Court.

In July 2014, the Greek competition law authority issued a statement of objections alleging a restriction of 
parallel imports into Greece. The Company has responded to this statement of objections.

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 had appealed before the Swiss 
Supreme Court, but its appeal was denied in June 2016.

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 had appealed the fine in the 
Italian courts, but has decided not to further pursue its appeal.

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. In 2015, the Company recognized a charge 
of $14 million in connection with this matter. In March 2016, the Company and the Australian competition law authority 
reached an agreement to settle these proceedings for a total of $14 million, which includes a fine and cost reimbursement to 
the competition law authority. The former employee of the Company also reached an agreement to settle. The settlement 
agreements were approved by the court in May 2016.

14

15

 
 
Brazilian Matters

Competition Matters

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 $143 million. This amount includes additional 
assessments received from the Brazilian internal revenue authority in April 2016 relating to net operating loss 
carryforwards used by the Company’s Brazilian subsidiary to offset taxable income that had also been deducted from the 
authority’s original assessments. 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 February 2017, the Company lost an additional administrative appeal, and plans to file a similar federal 
court action. 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 $59 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 2015, 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.

Certain of the Company’s subsidiaries have been subject to investigations, and, in some cases, fines, by governmental 

authorities in a number of countries related to alleged competition law violations. Substantially all of these matters also 
have involved other consumer goods companies and/or retail customers. These investigations often continue for several 
years and can result in substantial fines for violations that are found, as well as associated private actions for damages. 
While the Company cannot predict the final financial impact of pending competition law matters, as these matters may 
change, the Company evaluates developments in these matters quarterly and accrues liabilities as and when appropriate. 
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. The status of the 
competition law matters that were pending in 2016 is set forth below.

European Competition Matters

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 fines were confirmed by the Court of Appeal in October 2016. The Company is 
appealing the decision of the Court of Appeal on behalf of the Company and Sara Lee in the French Supreme 
Court.

In July 2014, the Greek competition law authority issued a statement of objections alleging a restriction of 
parallel imports into Greece. The Company has responded to this statement of objections.

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 had appealed before the Swiss 
Supreme Court, but its appeal was denied in June 2016.

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 had appealed the fine in the 
Italian courts, but has decided not to further pursue its appeal.

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. In 2015, the Company recognized a charge 
of $14 million in connection with this matter. In March 2016, the Company and the Australian competition law authority 
reached an agreement to settle these proceedings for a total of $14 million, which includes a fine and cost reimbursement to 
the competition law authority. The former employee of the Company also reached an agreement to settle. The settlement 
agreements were approved by the court in May 2016.

14

15

 
 
Talcum Powder Matters

PART II

The Company has been named as a defendant in civil actions alleging that certain talcum powder products that were 

ITEM 5.  MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS 

sold prior to 1996 were contaminated with asbestos. Most of these actions involve a number of co-defendants from a 
variety of different industries, including suppliers of asbestos and manufacturers of products that, unlike the Company’s 
products, were designed to contain asbestos. As of December 31, 2016, there were 115 individual cases pending against the 
Company in state and federal courts throughout the United States and a number of the pending cases are expected to go to 
trial in 2017. The Company believes that a significant portion of its costs incurred in defending and resolving these claims 
will be covered by insurance policies issued by several primary and excess insurance carriers, subject to deductibles, 
exclusions, retentions and policy limits.

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 regarding the ultimate resolution of these matters. Since the amount of any potential 
losses from these cases currently cannot be reasonably 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”). 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 2016, the court indicated that the claims brought by N8 Pharma would be dismissed in their 
entirety; N8 Pharma requested that the Court reconsider that decision, but that request was denied. Also in the third quarter 
of 2016, the Company and BYU agreed to resolve BYU’s claims and in December 2016, the Company and N8 Medical 
agreed to resolve N8 Medical’s claims. These claims were resolved in an amount that is not material to the Company’s 
results of operations. 

ITEM 4.   MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not Applicable.

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 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, 2016:

Month

October 1 through 31, 2016

November 1 through 30, 2016

December 1 through 31, 2016

Total

Total Number of 
Shares Purchased(1)
824,946

2,694,040

2,723,435

6,242,421

$

$

$

$

Average Price
Paid per Share

72.28

67.93

65.88

67.61

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)

775,000

2,693,900

2,668,707

6,137,607

2,758

2,575

2,399

_______
(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 104,814 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, 2016.

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.

16

17

 
Talcum Powder Matters

PART II

The Company has been named as a defendant in civil actions alleging that certain talcum powder products that were 

ITEM 5.  MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS 

sold prior to 1996 were contaminated with asbestos. Most of these actions involve a number of co-defendants from a 
variety of different industries, including suppliers of asbestos and manufacturers of products that, unlike the Company’s 
products, were designed to contain asbestos. As of December 31, 2016, there were 115 individual cases pending against the 
Company in state and federal courts throughout the United States and a number of the pending cases are expected to go to 
trial in 2017. The Company believes that a significant portion of its costs incurred in defending and resolving these claims 
will be covered by insurance policies issued by several primary and excess insurance carriers, subject to deductibles, 
exclusions, retentions and policy limits.

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 regarding the ultimate resolution of these matters. Since the amount of any potential 
losses from these cases currently cannot be reasonably 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”). 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 2016, the court indicated that the claims brought by N8 Pharma would be dismissed in their 
entirety; N8 Pharma requested that the Court reconsider that decision, but that request was denied. Also in the third quarter 
of 2016, the Company and BYU agreed to resolve BYU’s claims and in December 2016, the Company and N8 Medical 
agreed to resolve N8 Medical’s claims. These claims were resolved in an amount that is not material to the Company’s 
results of operations. 

ITEM 4.   MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not Applicable.

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 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, 2016:

Month

October 1 through 31, 2016

November 1 through 30, 2016

December 1 through 31, 2016

Total

Total Number of 
Shares Purchased(1)
824,946

2,694,040

2,723,435

6,242,421

$

$

$

$

Average Price
Paid per Share

72.28

67.93

65.88

67.61

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)

775,000

2,693,900

2,668,707

6,137,607

2,758

2,575

2,399

_______
(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 104,814 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, 2016.

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.

16

17

 
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)

(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)

 ITEM 7.  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS 

To achieve its business and financial objectives, the Company focuses the organization on initiatives to drive and fund 

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 approximately 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 managed geographically in five reportable operating segments: 

North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific 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. The 
Company’s products are also sold online through various e-commerce platforms and retailers.

Through March 31, 2016, the Oral, Personal and Home Care product segment included the North America, Latin 

America, Europe/South Pacific, Asia and Africa/Eurasia geographic operating segments. As a result of management 
changes effective April 1, 2016, the Company realigned the geographic structure of its Europe/South Pacific and Asia 
reportable operating segments within the Oral, Personal and Home Care product segment. Management responsibility for 
the South Pacific operations was transferred from Europe/South Pacific management to Asia management. Accordingly, 
commencing with the Company’s financial reporting for the quarter ended June 30, 2016, the results of the South Pacific 
operations are reported in the Asia Pacific reportable operating segment, which results in a slight modification to the 
geographic components of the Oral, Personal and Home Care product segment, with no impact on historical Company 
results overall. The Company has recast its historical geographic segment information to conform to the new reporting 
structure. These changes have no impact on the Company’s historical consolidated financial position, results of operations 
or cash flows.  

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, divestments and the deconsolidation 
of the Company’s Venezuelan operations) and gross profit margin, operating profit, net income and earnings per share both 
on a GAAP and non-GAAP basis, 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.

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. In addition, the Company has strengthened its capabilities in e-commerce, developing 
its relationships with online only retailers and its digital marketing capabilities. 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. 

In September 2016, the Company’s Mexican subsidiary completed the sale to the United States of America of the 
Mexico City site on which its commercial operations, technology center and soap production facility were previously 
located and received $60 as the third and final installment of the sale price. The total sale price (including the third 
installment and the previously received first and second installments) was $120. The Company recognized a pretax gain of 
$97 ($63 aftertax gain) in the third quarter of 2016, net of costs primarily related to site preparation.

Effective December 31, 2015, the Company concluded it no longer met the accounting criteria for consolidation of its 
Venezuelan subsidiary (“CP Venezuela”) and began accounting for CP Venezuela using the cost method of accounting. As 
such, effective December 31, 2015, the Company’s 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. Prior periods have not been restated and CP Venezuela’s Net sales, 
Operating profit and Net income are included in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income through December 31, 
2015. 

Since January 1, 2016, under the cost method of accounting, the Company no longer includes the local operating 
results of CP Venezuela in its Consolidated Financial Statements and includes 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, all of 
which have been immaterial. Although CP Venezuela’s local operating results are no longer 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 the first quarter of 2016, Provision for income 
taxes included a $210 U.S. income tax benefit principally related to changes in Venezuela’s foreign exchange regime 
implemented in March 2016. See Note 11, Income Taxes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional details. 

Prior to the change in accounting, which was effective December 31, 2015,  CP Venezuela’s functional currency was 
the U.S. dollar since Venezuela had been designated hyper-inflationary and, as such, 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 (formerly 
known as the SICAD I 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 SICAD rate did not 
revalue during the fourth quarter of 2015 and was 13.50 bolivares per dollar as of December 31, 2015. The remeasurement 
losses incurred in the second and third quarters of 2015 are referred to as the “2015 Venezuela Remeasurements.”

18

19

(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)

(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)

 ITEM 7.  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS 

To achieve its business and financial objectives, the Company focuses the organization on initiatives to drive and fund 

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 approximately 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 managed geographically in five reportable operating segments: 

North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific 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. The 
Company’s products are also sold online through various e-commerce platforms and retailers.

Through March 31, 2016, the Oral, Personal and Home Care product segment included the North America, Latin 

America, Europe/South Pacific, Asia and Africa/Eurasia geographic operating segments. As a result of management 
changes effective April 1, 2016, the Company realigned the geographic structure of its Europe/South Pacific and Asia 
reportable operating segments within the Oral, Personal and Home Care product segment. Management responsibility for 
the South Pacific operations was transferred from Europe/South Pacific management to Asia management. Accordingly, 
commencing with the Company’s financial reporting for the quarter ended June 30, 2016, the results of the South Pacific 
operations are reported in the Asia Pacific reportable operating segment, which results in a slight modification to the 
geographic components of the Oral, Personal and Home Care product segment, with no impact on historical Company 
results overall. The Company has recast its historical geographic segment information to conform to the new reporting 
structure. These changes have no impact on the Company’s historical consolidated financial position, results of operations 
or cash flows.  

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, divestments and the deconsolidation 
of the Company’s Venezuelan operations) and gross profit margin, operating profit, net income and earnings per share both 
on a GAAP and non-GAAP basis, 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.

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. In addition, the Company has strengthened its capabilities in e-commerce, developing 
its relationships with online only retailers and its digital marketing capabilities. 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. 

In September 2016, the Company’s Mexican subsidiary completed the sale to the United States of America of the 
Mexico City site on which its commercial operations, technology center and soap production facility were previously 
located and received $60 as the third and final installment of the sale price. The total sale price (including the third 
installment and the previously received first and second installments) was $120. The Company recognized a pretax gain of 
$97 ($63 aftertax gain) in the third quarter of 2016, net of costs primarily related to site preparation.

Effective December 31, 2015, the Company concluded it no longer met the accounting criteria for consolidation of its 
Venezuelan subsidiary (“CP Venezuela”) and began accounting for CP Venezuela using the cost method of accounting. As 
such, effective December 31, 2015, the Company’s 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. Prior periods have not been restated and CP Venezuela’s Net sales, 
Operating profit and Net income are included in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income through December 31, 
2015. 

Since January 1, 2016, under the cost method of accounting, the Company no longer includes the local operating 
results of CP Venezuela in its Consolidated Financial Statements and includes 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, all of 
which have been immaterial. Although CP Venezuela’s local operating results are no longer 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 the first quarter of 2016, Provision for income 
taxes included a $210 U.S. income tax benefit principally related to changes in Venezuela’s foreign exchange regime 
implemented in March 2016. See Note 11, Income Taxes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional details. 

Prior to the change in accounting, which was effective December 31, 2015,  CP Venezuela’s functional currency was 
the U.S. dollar since Venezuela had been designated hyper-inflationary and, as such, 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 (formerly 
known as the SICAD I 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 SICAD rate did not 
revalue during the fourth quarter of 2015 and was 13.50 bolivares per dollar as of December 31, 2015. The remeasurement 
losses incurred in the second and third quarters of 2015 are referred to as the “2015 Venezuela Remeasurements.”

18

19

(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)

(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)

Looking forward, the Company expects global macroeconomic and market conditions to remain highly challenging 
and category growth rates continuing to be slow. 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. In addition, the emergence of new sales channels for the 
Company’s products, such as e-commerce, may affect consumer preferences and market dynamics. Given that 
approximately 75% of the Company’s Net sales originate in markets outside the U.S., 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 developed and emerging markets and initiatives, such 
as the 2012 Restructuring Program, should position the Company well to increase shareholder value over the long term.

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 was 12.00 bolivares per dollar as of December 31, 
2014.

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. 

In the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company commenced a Global Growth and Efficiency Program (as expanded in 
2014 and 2015 as described below, the “2012 Restructuring 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 2012 

Restructuring Program to take advantage of additional savings opportunities. On October 29, 2015, the 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 through December 31, 2017. The Board approved the implementation plan for 
this expansion on March 10, 2016.

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

Cumulative pretax charges resulting from the 2012 Restructuring Program, once all phases are approved and 
implemented, are estimated to be $1,405 to $1,585 ($1,050 to $1,170 aftertax). Savings from the 2012 Restructuring 
Program, substantially all of which are expected to increase future cash flows, are projected to be approximately $430 to 
$495 pretax ($400 to $475 aftertax) annually once all projects are approved and implemented.

In 2016, 2015 and 2014, the Company incurred aftertax costs of $168, $183 and $208, respectively, associated with the 

2012 Restructuring Program.  

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 were reinvested to expand the 2012 
Restructuring Program.

20

21

(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)

(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)

Looking forward, the Company expects global macroeconomic and market conditions to remain highly challenging 
and category growth rates continuing to be slow. 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. In addition, the emergence of new sales channels for the 
Company’s products, such as e-commerce, may affect consumer preferences and market dynamics. Given that 
approximately 75% of the Company’s Net sales originate in markets outside the U.S., 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 developed and emerging markets and initiatives, such 
as the 2012 Restructuring Program, should position the Company well to increase shareholder value over the long term.

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 was 12.00 bolivares per dollar as of December 31, 
2014.

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. 

In the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company commenced a Global Growth and Efficiency Program (as expanded in 
2014 and 2015 as described below, the “2012 Restructuring 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 2012 

Restructuring Program to take advantage of additional savings opportunities. On October 29, 2015, the 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 through December 31, 2017. The Board approved the implementation plan for 
this expansion on March 10, 2016.

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

Cumulative pretax charges resulting from the 2012 Restructuring Program, once all phases are approved and 
implemented, are estimated to be $1,405 to $1,585 ($1,050 to $1,170 aftertax). Savings from the 2012 Restructuring 
Program, substantially all of which are expected to increase future cash flows, are projected to be approximately $430 to 
$495 pretax ($400 to $475 aftertax) annually once all projects are approved and implemented.

In 2016, 2015 and 2014, the Company incurred aftertax costs of $168, $183 and $208, respectively, associated with the 

2012 Restructuring Program.  

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 were reinvested to expand the 2012 
Restructuring Program.

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 $15,195 in 2016, down 5.0% from 2015, as net selling price increases of 2.5% were more 

than offset by volume declines of 3.0% and negative foreign exchange of 4.5%. Excluding divested businesses and the 
impact of the deconsolidation of the Company’s Venezuelan operations, volume increased 1.5%. Organic sales (Net sales 
excluding the impact of foreign exchange, acquisitions, divestments and the deconsolidation of the Company’s Venezuelan 
operations), a non-GAAP financial measure as discussed below, increased 4.0% in 2016.

Net sales in the Oral, Personal and Home Care product segment were $12,931 in 2016, down 6.5% from 2015, as net 

selling price increases of 2.5% were more than offset by volume declines of  4.0% and negative foreign exchange of 5.0%.  
Excluding divested businesses and the impact of the deconsolidation of the Company’s Venezuelan operations, volume 
increased 1.5%. Organic sales in the Oral, Personal and Home Care product segment increased 4.0% in 2016.

The increase in organic sales in 2016 versus 2015 was driven by an increase in Oral Care organic sales, with the 

toothpaste and manual toothbrush categories 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 fabric softener categories, respectively. 

The Company’s share of the global toothpaste market was 44.0% for full year 2016, down 0.3 share points from full 
year 2015 and its share of the global manual toothbrush market was 33.1% for full year 2016, down 0.3 share points from 
full year 2015. Full year 2016 market shares in toothpaste were up in North America and down in Europe and Asia Pacific 
versus full year 2015. In the manual toothbrush category, full year 2016 market shares were up in North America and 
Europe and down in Latin America, Asia Pacific and Africa/Eurasia versus full year 2015. For additional information 
regarding the Company’s use of market share data and limitations on such data, see “Market Share Information” below.

Net sales for Hill’s Pet Nutrition were $2,264 in 2016, an increase of 2.5% from 2015, driven by net selling price 
increases of 2.5%, while volume and foreign exchange were flat. Organic sales for Hill’s Pet Nutrition increased 2.5% in 
2016.

The increase in organic sales in 2016 versus 2015 was due to an increase in organic sales in the Prescription Diet 

category, partially offset by a decline in organic sales in the Advanced Nutrition and Natural categories.

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%. Organic sales increased 5.0% in 2015. 

Gross Profit/Margin

Worldwide Gross profit decreased 3% to $9,123 in 2016 from $9,399 in 2015. Gross profit in both periods included 
charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program. Excluding these items in both periods, Gross profit decreased to $9,169 
in 2016 from $9,419 in 2015, reflecting a decrease of $492 resulting from the impact of the deconsolidation of the 
Company’s Venezuelan operations effective December 31, 2015 and negative foreign exchange, partially offset by growth 
in organic sales. This decrease in Gross profit was partially offset by an increase of $242 resulting from higher Gross profit 
margin.

Worldwide Gross profit margin increased to 60.0% in 2016 from 58.6% in 2015. Excluding charges related to the 2012 

Restructuring Program in both periods, Gross profit margin increased by 160 basis points (bps) to 60.3% in 2016, from 
58.7% in 2015. This increase in Gross profit margin was primarily driven by cost savings from the Company’s funding-the-
growth initiatives (190 bps) and the 2012 Restructuring Program (10 bps) and higher pricing (100 bps), partially offset by 
higher costs (170 bps), which included higher raw and packaging material costs driven by significant foreign exchange 
transaction costs and the impact of the deconsolidation of the Company’s Venezuelan operations effective December 31, 
2015.

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.

Gross profit, GAAP

2012 Restructuring Program

Costs related to the sale of land in Mexico

Gross profit, non-GAAP

2016

2015

2014

9,123

$

9,399

$

10,109

46

—

20

—

29

4

9,169

$

9,419

$

10,142

$

$

Gross profit margin, GAAP

2012 Restructuring Program

Gross profit margin, non-GAAP

2016

2015

60.0%

0.3

60.3%

58.6%

0.1

58.7%

Basis Point
Change

140

160

2014

58.5%

0.2

58.7%

Basis Point
Change

10

—

22

23

(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)

(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)

Results of Operations

Net Sales

Worldwide Net sales were $15,195 in 2016, down 5.0% from 2015, as net selling price increases of 2.5% were more 

than offset by volume declines of 3.0% and negative foreign exchange of 4.5%. Excluding divested businesses and the 
impact of the deconsolidation of the Company’s Venezuelan operations, volume increased 1.5%. Organic sales (Net sales 
excluding the impact of foreign exchange, acquisitions, divestments and the deconsolidation of the Company’s Venezuelan 
operations), a non-GAAP financial measure as discussed below, increased 4.0% in 2016.

Net sales in the Oral, Personal and Home Care product segment were $12,931 in 2016, down 6.5% from 2015, as net 

selling price increases of 2.5% were more than offset by volume declines of  4.0% and negative foreign exchange of 5.0%.  
Excluding divested businesses and the impact of the deconsolidation of the Company’s Venezuelan operations, volume 
increased 1.5%. Organic sales in the Oral, Personal and Home Care product segment increased 4.0% in 2016.

The increase in organic sales in 2016 versus 2015 was driven by an increase in Oral Care organic sales, with the 

toothpaste and manual toothbrush categories 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 fabric softener categories, respectively. 

The Company’s share of the global toothpaste market was 44.0% for full year 2016, down 0.3 share points from full 
year 2015 and its share of the global manual toothbrush market was 33.1% for full year 2016, down 0.3 share points from 
full year 2015. Full year 2016 market shares in toothpaste were up in North America and down in Europe and Asia Pacific 
versus full year 2015. In the manual toothbrush category, full year 2016 market shares were up in North America and 
Europe and down in Latin America, Asia Pacific and Africa/Eurasia versus full year 2015. For additional information 
regarding the Company’s use of market share data and limitations on such data, see “Market Share Information” below.

Net sales for Hill’s Pet Nutrition were $2,264 in 2016, an increase of 2.5% from 2015, driven by net selling price 
increases of 2.5%, while volume and foreign exchange were flat. Organic sales for Hill’s Pet Nutrition increased 2.5% in 
2016.

The increase in organic sales in 2016 versus 2015 was due to an increase in organic sales in the Prescription Diet 

category, partially offset by a decline in organic sales in the Advanced Nutrition and Natural categories.

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%. Organic sales increased 5.0% in 2015. 

Gross Profit/Margin

Worldwide Gross profit decreased 3% to $9,123 in 2016 from $9,399 in 2015. Gross profit in both periods included 
charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program. Excluding these items in both periods, Gross profit decreased to $9,169 
in 2016 from $9,419 in 2015, reflecting a decrease of $492 resulting from the impact of the deconsolidation of the 
Company’s Venezuelan operations effective December 31, 2015 and negative foreign exchange, partially offset by growth 
in organic sales. This decrease in Gross profit was partially offset by an increase of $242 resulting from higher Gross profit 
margin.

Worldwide Gross profit margin increased to 60.0% in 2016 from 58.6% in 2015. Excluding charges related to the 2012 

Restructuring Program in both periods, Gross profit margin increased by 160 basis points (bps) to 60.3% in 2016, from 
58.7% in 2015. This increase in Gross profit margin was primarily driven by cost savings from the Company’s funding-the-
growth initiatives (190 bps) and the 2012 Restructuring Program (10 bps) and higher pricing (100 bps), partially offset by 
higher costs (170 bps), which included higher raw and packaging material costs driven by significant foreign exchange 
transaction costs and the impact of the deconsolidation of the Company’s Venezuelan operations effective December 31, 
2015.

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.

Gross profit, GAAP

2012 Restructuring Program

Costs related to the sale of land in Mexico

Gross profit, non-GAAP

2016

2015

2014

9,123

$

9,399

$

10,109

46

—

20

—

29

4

9,169

$

9,419

$

10,142

$

$

Gross profit margin, GAAP

2012 Restructuring Program

Gross profit margin, non-GAAP

2016

2015

60.0%

0.3

60.3%

58.6%

0.1

58.7%

Basis Point
Change

140

160

2014

58.5%

0.2

58.7%

Basis Point
Change

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 4% to $5,249 in 2016 from $5,464 in 2015. 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 $5,172 in 2016 from $5,400 in 2015, 
reflecting decreased advertising investment of $63 and lower overhead expenses of $165.

Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of Net sales increased to 34.5% in 2016 from 34.1% in 
2015. Excluding charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program in both periods, Selling, general and administrative 
expenses as a percentage of Net sales were 34.0%, an increase of 30 bps as compared to 2015. This increase in 2016 was 
driven by increased advertising investment (10 bps) and higher overhead expenses (20 bps), both as a percentage of Net 
sales. In 2016, advertising investment decreased 4.2% to $1,428 as compared with $1,491 in 2015, while as a percentage of 
Net sales, it increased to 9.4% from 9.3% in 2015.

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, 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 the charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program, 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 activities.

Selling, general and administrative expenses, GAAP

2012 Restructuring Program

Selling, general and administrative expenses, non-GAAP

2016

2015

2014

$

$

5,249
(77)
5,172

$

$

5,464
(64)
5,400

$

$

5,982
(62)
5,920

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

2016

2015

Basis Point
Change

2014

Basis Point
Change

34.5%

(0.5)

34.1%
(0.4)

34.0%

33.7%

40

30

34.6%
(0.3)

34.3%

(50)

(60)

Other (income) expense, net was $37, $62 and $570 in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The components of Other 

(income) expense, net are presented below:

Other (income) expense, net
2012 Restructuring Program
Amortization of intangible assets
Gain on sale of land in Mexico
Charges for previously disclosed litigation matters
Venezuela remeasurement charges
Gain on sale of South Pacific laundry detergent business
Equity (income)
Other, net
Total Other (income) expense, net

2016

2015

2014

$

$

105
33
(97)
17
—
—
(10)
(11)
37

$

$

170
33
—
14
34
(187)
(8)
6
62

$

$

195
32
—
41
327
—
(7)
(18)
570

Other (income) expense, net was $37 in 2016 as compared to $62 in 2015. Other (income) expense, net in both periods 

included charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program and charges for previously disclosed litigation matters. Other 
(income) expense, net in 2016 also included a gain on the sale of land in Mexico. In 2015, Other (income) expense, net also 
included a gain on the sale of the Company’s laundry detergent business in the South Pacific and charges related to the 
2015 Venezuela Remeasurements.

Other (income) expense, net was $62 in 2015 as compared to $570 in 2014. In 2014, Other (income) expense, net 
included charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program, the 2014 Venezuela Remeasurements and previously disclosed 
litigation matters.

Excluding the items described above in all periods, as applicable, Other (income) expense, net was $12 in 2016, $31 in 

2015 and $7 in 2014. 

Other (income) expense, net, GAAP

2012 Restructuring Program

Gain on sale of land in Mexico

Charges for previously disclosed litigation matters

Venezuela remeasurement charges

Gain on sale of South Pacific laundry detergent business

Other (income) expense, net, non-GAAP

2016

2015

2014

$

$

37
(105)
97
(17)
—

—

12

$

$

62
(170)
—
(14)
(34)
187

$

31

$

570
(195)
—
(41)
(327)
—

7

24

25

(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 4% to $5,249 in 2016 from $5,464 in 2015. 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 $5,172 in 2016 from $5,400 in 2015, 
reflecting decreased advertising investment of $63 and lower overhead expenses of $165.

Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of Net sales increased to 34.5% in 2016 from 34.1% in 
2015. Excluding charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program in both periods, Selling, general and administrative 
expenses as a percentage of Net sales were 34.0%, an increase of 30 bps as compared to 2015. This increase in 2016 was 
driven by increased advertising investment (10 bps) and higher overhead expenses (20 bps), both as a percentage of Net 
sales. In 2016, advertising investment decreased 4.2% to $1,428 as compared with $1,491 in 2015, while as a percentage of 
Net sales, it increased to 9.4% from 9.3% in 2015.

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, 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 the charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program, 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 activities.

Selling, general and administrative expenses, GAAP

2012 Restructuring Program

Selling, general and administrative expenses, non-GAAP

2016

2015

2014

$

$

5,249
(77)
5,172

$

$

5,464
(64)
5,400

$

$

5,982
(62)
5,920

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

2016

2015

Basis Point
Change

2014

Basis Point
Change

34.5%

(0.5)

34.1%
(0.4)

34.0%

33.7%

40

30

34.6%
(0.3)

34.3%

(50)

(60)

Other (income) expense, net was $37, $62 and $570 in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The components of Other 

(income) expense, net are presented below:

Other (income) expense, net
2012 Restructuring Program
Amortization of intangible assets
Gain on sale of land in Mexico
Charges for previously disclosed litigation matters
Venezuela remeasurement charges
Gain on sale of South Pacific laundry detergent business
Equity (income)
Other, net
Total Other (income) expense, net

2016

2015

2014

$

$

105
33
(97)
17
—
—
(10)
(11)
37

$

$

170
33
—
14
34
(187)
(8)
6
62

$

$

195
32
—
41
327
—
(7)
(18)
570

Other (income) expense, net was $37 in 2016 as compared to $62 in 2015. Other (income) expense, net in both periods 

included charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program and charges for previously disclosed litigation matters. Other 
(income) expense, net in 2016 also included a gain on the sale of land in Mexico. In 2015, Other (income) expense, net also 
included a gain on the sale of the Company’s laundry detergent business in the South Pacific and charges related to the 
2015 Venezuela Remeasurements.

Other (income) expense, net was $62 in 2015 as compared to $570 in 2014. In 2014, Other (income) expense, net 
included charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program, the 2014 Venezuela Remeasurements and previously disclosed 
litigation matters.

Excluding the items described above in all periods, as applicable, Other (income) expense, net was $12 in 2016, $31 in 

2015 and $7 in 2014. 

Other (income) expense, net, GAAP

2012 Restructuring Program

Gain on sale of land in Mexico

Charges for previously disclosed litigation matters

Venezuela remeasurement charges

Gain on sale of South Pacific laundry detergent business

Other (income) expense, net, non-GAAP

2016

2015

2014

$

$

37
(105)
97
(17)
—

—

12

$

$

62
(170)
—
(14)
(34)
187

$

31

$

570
(195)
—
(41)
(327)
—

7

24

25

(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)

(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)

Operating Profit

Interest (Income) Expense, Net

Operating profit increased 38% to $3,837 in 2016 from $2,789 in 2015. Operating profit decreased 22% to $2,789 in 

2015 from $3,557 in 2014.  

In 2016, 2015 and 2014, Operating profit included charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program and previously 

disclosed litigation matters. In 2016, Operating Profit also included a gain on sale of land in Mexico. In 2015 and 2014, 
Operating profit included charges related to the 2015 and 2014 Venezuela Remeasurements, respectively. In 2015, 
Operating profit also included a charge related to the deconsolidation of the Company’s Venezuelan operations and a gain 
on the sale of the Company’s laundry detergent business in the South Pacific. In 2014, Operating profit also included costs 
related to the sale of land in Mexico. Excluding these items in all periods, as applicable, Operating profit in 2016 was even 
with 2015, primarily due to lower Gross profit which was offset by a decrease in Selling, general and administrative 
expenses. Operating profit decreased 5% in 2015 compared to 2014, primarily due to lower Gross profit, partially offset by 
a decrease in Selling, general and administrative expenses.

Operating profit margin was 25.3% in 2016, compared with 17.4% in 2015 and 20.6% in 2014. Excluding the items 
described above in 2016 and 2015 as applicable, Operating profit margin increased 130 bps to 26.2% in 2016 compared to 
24.9% in 2015. This increase is primarily due to an increase in Gross profit (160 bps), partially offset by an increase in 
Selling, general and administrative expenses (30 bps), both as a percentage of Net sales. Excluding the items described 
above in 2015 and 2014 as applicable, Operating profit margin increased 50 bps in 2015 compared to 2014, primarily due 
to a decrease in Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of Net sales (60 bps). 

Operating profit, GAAP

2012 Restructuring Program

Gain on sale of land in Mexico
Charges for previously disclosed litigation matters
Venezuela deconsolidation

Venezuela remeasurement charges
Gain on sale of South Pacific laundry detergent
business
Costs related to the sale of land in Mexico
Operating profit, non-GAAP

2016

2015

% Change

2014

% Change

$

3,837

$

2,789

38 % $

3,557

(22)%

228
(97)
17
—

—

—

—
3,985

$

$

254

—
14
1,084

34

(187)
—
3,988

286

—
41
—

327

—

— % $

4
4,215

(5)%

Operating profit margin, GAAP

2012 Restructuring Program

Gain on sale of land in Mexico

Charges for previously disclosed litigation matters

Venezuela deconsolidation

Venezuela remeasurement charges
Gain on sale of South Pacific laundry detergent
business
Costs related to the sale of land in Mexico

2016

2015

Basis Point
Change

2014

Basis Point
Change

25.3%

17.4%

790

20.6%

(320)

1.5
(0.7)
0.1

—

—

—

—

1.6

—

0.1

6.8

0.2

(1.2)
—

1.7

—

0.2

—

1.9

—

—

Operating profit margin, non-GAAP

26.2%

24.9%

130

24.4%

50

Interest (income) expense, net was $99 in 2016 compared with $26 in 2015 and $24 in 2014, primarily due to lower 

interest income on investments held outside the United States, which reflects the impact of the deconsolidation of the 
Company’s Venezuelan operations effective December 31, 2015, and higher interest expense as a result of higher average 
interest rates on debt. The change in Interest (income) expense, net from 2014 to 2015 was primarily due to higher interest 
expense as a result of higher debt levels.

Income Taxes

The effective income tax rate was 30.8% in 2016, 44.0% in 2015 and 33.8% in 2014. As reflected in the table below, 

the non-GAAP effective income tax rate was 31.3% in 2016 and 2015 and 31.5% in 2014.

As Reported GAAP

2012 Restructuring Program

Gain on sale of land in Mexico

Benefits from previously disclosed tax matters

Charges for a previously disclosed litigation matter

Non-GAAP

As Reported GAAP
Venezuela deconsolidation (3)
2012 Restructuring Program

Venezuela remeasurement charges
Gain on sale of South Pacific laundry detergent business

Charge for a previously disclosed litigation matter

Charge for a previously disclosed tax matter

Non-GAAP

As Reported GAAP

2012 Restructuring Program

Venezuela remeasurement charges
Charge for a previously disclosed litigation matter

Costs related to the sale of land in Mexico
Charge for a previously disclosed tax matter

Non-GAAP

2016

Income Before
Income Taxes

Provision For 
Income Taxes(1)

Effective Income 
Tax Rate (2)

$

$

$

$

$

$

3,738

$

1,152

228
(97)
—

17

59
(34)
35

6

3,886

$

1,218

2015

30.8%
(0.3)
(0.1)
0.9

—

31.3%

Income Before
Income Taxes

Provision For 
Income Taxes(1)

Effective Income 
Tax Rate (2)

2,763

$

1,084

254

34
(187)
14

—

3,962

$

1,215

26

69

12
(67)
—
(15)
1,240

44.0%
(11.7)
(0.3)
—
(0.2)
(0.1)
(0.4)
31.3%

2014

Income Before
Income Taxes

Provision For 
Income Taxes(1)

Effective Income 
Tax Rate (2)

3,533

$

286

327

41

4

—

4,191

$

1,194

78

113

—

1
(66)
1,320

33.8%
(0.5)
0.1
(0.3)
—
(1.6)
31.5%

(1) 

The income tax effect on non-GAAP items is calculated based upon the tax laws and statutory income tax rates applicable in the tax jurisdiction(s) of 
the underlying non-GAAP adjustment. 

26

27

(2) 

(3) 

The impact of non-GAAP items on the Company’s effective tax rate represents the difference in the effective tax rate calculated with and without the 
non-GAAP adjustment on Income before income taxes and Provision for income taxes.
See Executive Overview and Outlook above and Note 14, Venezuela to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)

(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)

Operating Profit

Interest (Income) Expense, Net

Operating profit increased 38% to $3,837 in 2016 from $2,789 in 2015. Operating profit decreased 22% to $2,789 in 

2015 from $3,557 in 2014.  

In 2016, 2015 and 2014, Operating profit included charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program and previously 

disclosed litigation matters. In 2016, Operating Profit also included a gain on sale of land in Mexico. In 2015 and 2014, 
Operating profit included charges related to the 2015 and 2014 Venezuela Remeasurements, respectively. In 2015, 
Operating profit also included a charge related to the deconsolidation of the Company’s Venezuelan operations and a gain 
on the sale of the Company’s laundry detergent business in the South Pacific. In 2014, Operating profit also included costs 
related to the sale of land in Mexico. Excluding these items in all periods, as applicable, Operating profit in 2016 was even 
with 2015, primarily due to lower Gross profit which was offset by a decrease in Selling, general and administrative 
expenses. Operating profit decreased 5% in 2015 compared to 2014, primarily due to lower Gross profit, partially offset by 
a decrease in Selling, general and administrative expenses.

Operating profit margin was 25.3% in 2016, compared with 17.4% in 2015 and 20.6% in 2014. Excluding the items 
described above in 2016 and 2015 as applicable, Operating profit margin increased 130 bps to 26.2% in 2016 compared to 
24.9% in 2015. This increase is primarily due to an increase in Gross profit (160 bps), partially offset by an increase in 
Selling, general and administrative expenses (30 bps), both as a percentage of Net sales. Excluding the items described 
above in 2015 and 2014 as applicable, Operating profit margin increased 50 bps in 2015 compared to 2014, primarily due 
to a decrease in Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of Net sales (60 bps). 

Operating profit, GAAP

2012 Restructuring Program

Gain on sale of land in Mexico
Charges for previously disclosed litigation matters
Venezuela deconsolidation

Venezuela remeasurement charges
Gain on sale of South Pacific laundry detergent
business
Costs related to the sale of land in Mexico
Operating profit, non-GAAP

2016

2015

% Change

2014

% Change

$

3,837

$

2,789

38 % $

3,557

(22)%

228
(97)
17
—

—

—

—
3,985

$

$

254

—
14
1,084

34

(187)
—
3,988

286

—
41
—

327

—

— % $

4
4,215

(5)%

Operating profit margin, GAAP

2012 Restructuring Program

Gain on sale of land in Mexico

Charges for previously disclosed litigation matters

Venezuela deconsolidation

Venezuela remeasurement charges
Gain on sale of South Pacific laundry detergent
business
Costs related to the sale of land in Mexico

2016

2015

Basis Point
Change

2014

Basis Point
Change

25.3%

17.4%

790

20.6%

(320)

1.5
(0.7)
0.1

—

—

—

—

1.6

—

0.1

6.8

0.2

(1.2)
—

1.7

—

0.2

—

1.9

—

—

Operating profit margin, non-GAAP

26.2%

24.9%

130

24.4%

50

Interest (income) expense, net was $99 in 2016 compared with $26 in 2015 and $24 in 2014, primarily due to lower 

interest income on investments held outside the United States, which reflects the impact of the deconsolidation of the 
Company’s Venezuelan operations effective December 31, 2015, and higher interest expense as a result of higher average 
interest rates on debt. The change in Interest (income) expense, net from 2014 to 2015 was primarily due to higher interest 
expense as a result of higher debt levels.

Income Taxes

The effective income tax rate was 30.8% in 2016, 44.0% in 2015 and 33.8% in 2014. As reflected in the table below, 

the non-GAAP effective income tax rate was 31.3% in 2016 and 2015 and 31.5% in 2014.

As Reported GAAP

2012 Restructuring Program

Gain on sale of land in Mexico

Benefits from previously disclosed tax matters

Charges for a previously disclosed litigation matter

Non-GAAP

As Reported GAAP
Venezuela deconsolidation (3)
2012 Restructuring Program

Venezuela remeasurement charges
Gain on sale of South Pacific laundry detergent business

Charge for a previously disclosed litigation matter

Charge for a previously disclosed tax matter

Non-GAAP

As Reported GAAP

2012 Restructuring Program

Venezuela remeasurement charges
Charge for a previously disclosed litigation matter

Costs related to the sale of land in Mexico
Charge for a previously disclosed tax matter

Non-GAAP

2016

Income Before
Income Taxes

Provision For 
Income Taxes(1)

Effective Income 
Tax Rate (2)

$

$

$

$

$

$

3,738

$

1,152

228
(97)
—

17

59
(34)
35

6

3,886

$

1,218

2015

30.8%
(0.3)
(0.1)
0.9

—

31.3%

Income Before
Income Taxes

Provision For 
Income Taxes(1)

Effective Income 
Tax Rate (2)

2,763

$

1,084

254

34
(187)
14

—

3,962

$

1,215

26

69

12
(67)
—
(15)
1,240

44.0%
(11.7)
(0.3)
—
(0.2)
(0.1)
(0.4)
31.3%

2014

Income Before
Income Taxes

Provision For 
Income Taxes(1)

Effective Income 
Tax Rate (2)

3,533

$

286

327

41

4

—

4,191

$

1,194

78

113

—

1
(66)
1,320

33.8%
(0.5)
0.1
(0.3)
—
(1.6)
31.5%

(1) 

The income tax effect on non-GAAP items is calculated based upon the tax laws and statutory income tax rates applicable in the tax jurisdiction(s) of 
the underlying non-GAAP adjustment. 

26

27

(2) 

(3) 

The impact of non-GAAP items on the Company’s effective tax rate represents the difference in the effective tax rate calculated with and without the 
non-GAAP adjustment on Income before income taxes and Provision for income taxes.
See Executive Overview and Outlook above and Note 14, Venezuela to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)

(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)

The effective tax rate in 2016 included a $210 U.S. income tax benefit recognized in the first quarter of 2016 
principally related to changes in Venezuela’s foreign exchange regime implemented in March 2016. Although, effective 
December 31, 2015, the operating results of CP Venezuela are no longer included in the Company’s Consolidated Financial 
Statements, under current tax rules, the Company is required to continue including CP Venezuela’s results in its 
consolidated U.S. federal income tax return. See Note 11, Income Taxes and Note 14, Venezuela to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements. In order to fully recognize the $210 tax benefit in 2016, the Company repatriated an 
incremental $1,500 of earnings of foreign subsidiaries it previously considered indefinitely reinvested outside of the U.S., 
and accordingly, recorded a tax charge of $210 during the first quarter of 2016. 

In 2014, the Company received a notice of an adverse decision in the foreign court regarding a tax position it has taken 

since 2002. 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. In 2015, the Company 
became aware of several Supreme Court rulings in the foreign jurisdiction disallowing certain tax deductions which had the 
effect of reversing prior decisions. Since the Company had taken deductions in prior years similar to those now disallowed 
by the Court, the Company, as required, reassessed its tax position and increased its unrecognized tax benefits by $15.

In 2016, the Supreme Court in the foreign jurisdiction decided the matter in the Company’s favor for the years 2002 
through 2005. Also in 2016, the Administrative Court in the foreign jurisdiction decided the matter in the Company’s favor 
for the years 2008 through 2011 by acknowledging the Supreme Court’s ruling for the years 2002 through 2005, which 
eliminated the possibility of future appeals. As a result, the Company recorded a tax benefit of $30, including interest. The 
tax benefit of deductions related to this tax position taken for the years 2006 through 2007 and 2012 through 2014 totals 
approximately $14 at current exchange rates. These deductions are currently being challenged by the tax authorities in the 
foreign jurisdiction either in the lower courts or at the administrative level and, if resolved in the Company’s favor, will 
result in the Company recording additional tax benefits, including interest.

The effective income tax rate in all years benefited from tax planning associated with the Company’s global business 

initiatives.  

Net Income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company and Earnings per share, diluted

Net income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company was $2,441, or $2.72 per share on a diluted basis, in 2016 
compared to $1,384, or $1.52 per share on a diluted basis, in 2015 and $2,180, or $2.36 per share on a diluted basis, in 
2014. In 2016, 2015 and 2014, Net income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company included aftertax charges related to 
the 2012 Restructuring Program and charges for previously disclosed litigation matters. In 2016, Net income attributable to 
Colgate-Palmolive Company also included a gain on sale of land in Mexico and benefits from previously disclosed tax 
matters. In 2015, Net income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company also included a charge related to the 
deconsolidation of 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 included charges 
related to the 2015 and 2014 Venezuela Remeasurements and previously disclosed tax matters. In 2014, Net income 
attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company 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 1% to $2,522 in 2016 and Earnings per share, diluted was even at $2.81, and Net income attributable 
to Colgate-Palmolive Company decreased 6% to $2,556 in 2015, as compared to $2,712 in 2014, and Earnings per share, 
diluted decreased 4% to $2.81 in 2015. 

As Reported GAAP

2012 Restructuring Program

Gain on sale of land in Mexico
Benefits from previously disclosed
tax matters
Charge for a previously disclosed
litigation matter
Non-GAAP

As Reported GAAP

Venezuela deconsolidation

2012 Restructuring Program
Venezuela remeasurement
charges
Gain on sale of South Pacific
laundry detergent business
Charge for a previously disclosed
litigation matter
Charge for a previously disclosed
tax matter
Non-GAAP

As Reported GAAP

2012 Restructuring Program
Charge for a previously disclosed
tax matter
Charge for a previously disclosed
litigation matter
Venezuela remeasurement
charges
Costs related to the sale of land in
Mexico
Non-GAAP

2016

Income
Before
Income
Taxes

$ 3,738

Provision 
For 
Income 
Taxes(1)
1,152
$

Net Income
Including
Noncontrolling
Interests

Less: Income
Attributable To
Noncontrolling
Interests

Net Income
Attributable
To Colgate-
Palmolive
Company

$

2,586

$

145

$

2,441

Diluted 
Earnings 
Per 
Share(2)
2.72
$

228

(97)

—

17

59

(34)

35

6

169
(63)

(35)

11

1

—

—

—

168
(63)

0.19
(0.07)

(35)

(0.04)

11

0.01

2.81

Diluted 
Earnings 
Per 
Share(2)
1.52
$

1.16

0.20

0.02

(120)

(0.13)

1,384

1,058

183

22

14

15

$ 3,886

$

1,218

$

2,668

$

146

$

2,522

$

2015

Net Income
Including
Noncontrolling
Interests

Less: Income
Attributable To
Noncontrolling
Interests

Net Income
Attributable to
Colgate-
Palmolive
Company

Income
Before
Income
Taxes

$ 2,763

1,084

254

34

(187)

14

—

Provision 
For 
Income 
Taxes(1)
1,215
$

26

69

12

(67)

—

(15)

$

1,548

$

164

$

1,058

185

22

(120)

14

15

—

2

—

—

—

—

$ 3,962

$

1,240

$

2,722

$

166

$

2,556

$

Income Before
Income Taxes
3,533
$

Provision For 
Income Taxes(1)
1,194
$

2014

Net Income
Including
Noncontrolling
Interests

Net Income
Attributable to
Colgate-
Palmolive
Company

$

2,339

$

Diluted 
Earnings 
Per Share(2)
2.36
$

286

—

41

327

4

78

(66)

—

113

1

208

66

41

214

3

2,180

208

66

41

214

3

$

4,191

$

1,320

$

2,871

$

2,712

$

0.02

0.02

2.81

0.23

0.07

0.04

0.23

—

2.93

28

29

(1) The income tax effect on non-GAAP items is calculated based upon the tax laws and statutory income tax rates applicable in the tax jurisdiction(s) of 

the underlying non-GAAP adjustment.

(2) The impact of non-GAAP adjustments on Diluted earnings per share may not necessarily equal the difference between “GAAP” and “non-GAAP” as a 

result of rounding.

(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)

(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)

The effective tax rate in 2016 included a $210 U.S. income tax benefit recognized in the first quarter of 2016 
principally related to changes in Venezuela’s foreign exchange regime implemented in March 2016. Although, effective 
December 31, 2015, the operating results of CP Venezuela are no longer included in the Company’s Consolidated Financial 
Statements, under current tax rules, the Company is required to continue including CP Venezuela’s results in its 
consolidated U.S. federal income tax return. See Note 11, Income Taxes and Note 14, Venezuela to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements. In order to fully recognize the $210 tax benefit in 2016, the Company repatriated an 
incremental $1,500 of earnings of foreign subsidiaries it previously considered indefinitely reinvested outside of the U.S., 
and accordingly, recorded a tax charge of $210 during the first quarter of 2016. 

In 2014, the Company received a notice of an adverse decision in the foreign court regarding a tax position it has taken 

since 2002. 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. In 2015, the Company 
became aware of several Supreme Court rulings in the foreign jurisdiction disallowing certain tax deductions which had the 
effect of reversing prior decisions. Since the Company had taken deductions in prior years similar to those now disallowed 
by the Court, the Company, as required, reassessed its tax position and increased its unrecognized tax benefits by $15.

In 2016, the Supreme Court in the foreign jurisdiction decided the matter in the Company’s favor for the years 2002 
through 2005. Also in 2016, the Administrative Court in the foreign jurisdiction decided the matter in the Company’s favor 
for the years 2008 through 2011 by acknowledging the Supreme Court’s ruling for the years 2002 through 2005, which 
eliminated the possibility of future appeals. As a result, the Company recorded a tax benefit of $30, including interest. The 
tax benefit of deductions related to this tax position taken for the years 2006 through 2007 and 2012 through 2014 totals 
approximately $14 at current exchange rates. These deductions are currently being challenged by the tax authorities in the 
foreign jurisdiction either in the lower courts or at the administrative level and, if resolved in the Company’s favor, will 
result in the Company recording additional tax benefits, including interest.

The effective income tax rate in all years benefited from tax planning associated with the Company’s global business 

initiatives.  

Net Income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company and Earnings per share, diluted

Net income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company was $2,441, or $2.72 per share on a diluted basis, in 2016 
compared to $1,384, or $1.52 per share on a diluted basis, in 2015 and $2,180, or $2.36 per share on a diluted basis, in 
2014. In 2016, 2015 and 2014, Net income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company included aftertax charges related to 
the 2012 Restructuring Program and charges for previously disclosed litigation matters. In 2016, Net income attributable to 
Colgate-Palmolive Company also included a gain on sale of land in Mexico and benefits from previously disclosed tax 
matters. In 2015, Net income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company also included a charge related to the 
deconsolidation of 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 included charges 
related to the 2015 and 2014 Venezuela Remeasurements and previously disclosed tax matters. In 2014, Net income 
attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company 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 1% to $2,522 in 2016 and Earnings per share, diluted was even at $2.81, and Net income attributable 
to Colgate-Palmolive Company decreased 6% to $2,556 in 2015, as compared to $2,712 in 2014, and Earnings per share, 
diluted decreased 4% to $2.81 in 2015. 

As Reported GAAP

2012 Restructuring Program

Gain on sale of land in Mexico
Benefits from previously disclosed
tax matters
Charge for a previously disclosed
litigation matter
Non-GAAP

As Reported GAAP

Venezuela deconsolidation

2012 Restructuring Program
Venezuela remeasurement
charges
Gain on sale of South Pacific
laundry detergent business
Charge for a previously disclosed
litigation matter
Charge for a previously disclosed
tax matter
Non-GAAP

As Reported GAAP

2012 Restructuring Program
Charge for a previously disclosed
tax matter
Charge for a previously disclosed
litigation matter
Venezuela remeasurement
charges
Costs related to the sale of land in
Mexico
Non-GAAP

2016

Income
Before
Income
Taxes

$ 3,738

Provision 
For 
Income 
Taxes(1)
1,152
$

Net Income
Including
Noncontrolling
Interests

Less: Income
Attributable To
Noncontrolling
Interests

Net Income
Attributable
To Colgate-
Palmolive
Company

$

2,586

$

145

$

2,441

Diluted 
Earnings 
Per 
Share(2)
2.72
$

228

(97)

—

17

59

(34)

35

6

169
(63)

(35)

11

1

—

—

—

168
(63)

0.19
(0.07)

(35)

(0.04)

11

0.01

2.81

Diluted 
Earnings 
Per 
Share(2)
1.52
$

1.16

0.20

0.02

(120)

(0.13)

1,384

1,058

183

22

14

15

$ 3,886

$

1,218

$

2,668

$

146

$

2,522

$

2015

Net Income
Including
Noncontrolling
Interests

Less: Income
Attributable To
Noncontrolling
Interests

Net Income
Attributable to
Colgate-
Palmolive
Company

Income
Before
Income
Taxes

$ 2,763

1,084

254

34

(187)

14

—

Provision 
For 
Income 
Taxes(1)
1,215
$

26

69

12

(67)

—

(15)

$

1,548

$

164

$

1,058

185

22

(120)

14

15

—

2

—

—

—

—

$ 3,962

$

1,240

$

2,722

$

166

$

2,556

$

Income Before
Income Taxes
3,533
$

Provision For 
Income Taxes(1)
1,194
$

2014

Net Income
Including
Noncontrolling
Interests

Net Income
Attributable to
Colgate-
Palmolive
Company

$

2,339

$

Diluted 
Earnings 
Per Share(2)
2.36
$

286

—

41

327

4

78

(66)

—

113

1

208

66

41

214

3

2,180

208

66

41

214

3

$

4,191

$

1,320

$

2,871

$

2,712

$

0.02

0.02

2.81

0.23

0.07

0.04

0.23

—

2.93

28

29

(1) The income tax effect on non-GAAP items is calculated based upon the tax laws and statutory income tax rates applicable in the tax jurisdiction(s) of 

the underlying non-GAAP adjustment.

(2) The impact of non-GAAP adjustments on Diluted earnings per share may not necessarily equal the difference between “GAAP” and “non-GAAP” as a 

result of rounding.

(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)

(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)

Segment Results

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.

Latin America

Net sales
Operating profit
% of Net sales

2016

2015

$
$

$
$

3,650
1,132
31.0%

4,327
1,209
27.9%

% Change
(15.5) %
(6) %
310 bps

$
$

2014

% Change
(9.5) %
(5) %

4,769
1,279
26.8% 110 bps

Oral, Personal and Home Care

North America

Net sales
Operating profit
% of Net sales

2016

2015

$
$

$
$

3,183
1,030
32.4%

3,149
974
30.9%

% Change
1.0 %
6 %
150 bps

$
$

2014

% Change
1.0 %
5 %

3,124
926
29.6% 130 bps

Net sales in North America increased 1.0% in 2016 to $3,183, driven by volume growth of 2.5%, which was partially 

offset by net selling price decreases of 1.0% and negative foreign exchange of 0.5%. Organic sales in North America 
increased 1.5% in 2016.

The increase in organic sales in North America in 2016 versus 2015 was driven by Oral Care with strong organic sales 

in the toothpaste category. Personal Care also contributed to organic sales growth due to strong sales in the shower gel 
category. 

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.

Operating profit in North America increased 6% in 2016 to $1,030, or 150 bps to 32.4% of Net sales. This increase in 

Operating profit as a percentage of Net sales was primarily due to an increase in Gross profit (100 bps) and a decrease in 
Selling, general and administrative expenses (70 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 (190 bps), which were partially offset 
by higher raw and packaging material costs (70 bps). This decrease in Selling, general and administrative expenses was due 
to lower overhead expenses (40 bps) and decreased advertising investment (30 bps), in part reflecting a shift from 
advertising investment to in-store promotional activities.

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.

Net sales in Latin America decreased 15.5% in 2016 to $3,650, as net selling price increases of 8.5% were more than 
offset by volume declines of 14.0% and negative foreign exchange of 10.0%. Excluding the impact of the deconsolidation 
of the Company’s Venezuelan operations, volume increased 1.5%, led by volume gains in Mexico, partially offset by 
volume declines in Argentina. Organic sales in Latin America increased 10.0% in 2016.

The increase in organic sales in Latin America in 2016 versus 2015 was due to increases 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 
and manual toothbrush categories. Personal Care organic sales growth was driven by gains in the bar soap, underarm 
protection and shampoo categories. The increase in Home Care organic sales was due to strong organic sales in the fabric 
softener and liquid cleaners categories.

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.

Operating profit in Latin America decreased 6% in 2016 to $1,132, while as a percentage of Net sales it increased 310 
bps to 31.0% of Net sales. This increase in Operating profit as a percentage of Net sales was primarily due to an increase in 
Gross profit (390 bps), partially offset by an increase in Selling, general and administrative expenses (70 bps), both as a 
percentage of Net sales. This increase in Gross profit was mainly driven by cost savings from the Company’s funding-the-
growth initiatives (150 bps) and higher pricing, which were partially offset by higher raw and packaging material costs 
(100 bps), which included foreign exchange transaction costs and the impact of the deconsolidation of the Company’s 
Venezuelan operations effective December 31, 2015. This increase in Selling, general and administrative expenses was due 
to increased advertising investment (90 bps), which was partially offset by lower overhead expenses (20 bps).

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.

30

31

 
 
 
 
 
 
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)

(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)

Segment Results

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.

Latin America

Net sales
Operating profit
% of Net sales

2016

2015

$
$

$
$

3,650
1,132
31.0%

4,327
1,209
27.9%

% Change
(15.5) %
(6) %
310 bps

$
$

2014

% Change
(9.5) %
(5) %

4,769
1,279
26.8% 110 bps

Oral, Personal and Home Care

North America

Net sales
Operating profit
% of Net sales

2016

2015

$
$

$
$

3,183
1,030
32.4%

3,149
974
30.9%

% Change
1.0 %
6 %
150 bps

$
$

2014

% Change
1.0 %
5 %

3,124
926
29.6% 130 bps

Net sales in North America increased 1.0% in 2016 to $3,183, driven by volume growth of 2.5%, which was partially 

offset by net selling price decreases of 1.0% and negative foreign exchange of 0.5%. Organic sales in North America 
increased 1.5% in 2016.

The increase in organic sales in North America in 2016 versus 2015 was driven by Oral Care with strong organic sales 

in the toothpaste category. Personal Care also contributed to organic sales growth due to strong sales in the shower gel 
category. 

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.

Operating profit in North America increased 6% in 2016 to $1,030, or 150 bps to 32.4% of Net sales. This increase in 

Operating profit as a percentage of Net sales was primarily due to an increase in Gross profit (100 bps) and a decrease in 
Selling, general and administrative expenses (70 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 (190 bps), which were partially offset 
by higher raw and packaging material costs (70 bps). This decrease in Selling, general and administrative expenses was due 
to lower overhead expenses (40 bps) and decreased advertising investment (30 bps), in part reflecting a shift from 
advertising investment to in-store promotional activities.

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.

Net sales in Latin America decreased 15.5% in 2016 to $3,650, as net selling price increases of 8.5% were more than 
offset by volume declines of 14.0% and negative foreign exchange of 10.0%. Excluding the impact of the deconsolidation 
of the Company’s Venezuelan operations, volume increased 1.5%, led by volume gains in Mexico, partially offset by 
volume declines in Argentina. Organic sales in Latin America increased 10.0% in 2016.

The increase in organic sales in Latin America in 2016 versus 2015 was due to increases 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 
and manual toothbrush categories. Personal Care organic sales growth was driven by gains in the bar soap, underarm 
protection and shampoo categories. The increase in Home Care organic sales was due to strong organic sales in the fabric 
softener and liquid cleaners categories.

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.

Operating profit in Latin America decreased 6% in 2016 to $1,132, while as a percentage of Net sales it increased 310 
bps to 31.0% of Net sales. This increase in Operating profit as a percentage of Net sales was primarily due to an increase in 
Gross profit (390 bps), partially offset by an increase in Selling, general and administrative expenses (70 bps), both as a 
percentage of Net sales. This increase in Gross profit was mainly driven by cost savings from the Company’s funding-the-
growth initiatives (150 bps) and higher pricing, which were partially offset by higher raw and packaging material costs 
(100 bps), which included foreign exchange transaction costs and the impact of the deconsolidation of the Company’s 
Venezuelan operations effective December 31, 2015. This increase in Selling, general and administrative expenses was due 
to increased advertising investment (90 bps), which was partially offset by lower overhead expenses (20 bps).

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.

30

31

 
 
 
 
 
 
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)

(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)

Europe

Net sales
Operating profit
% of Net sales

2016

2015

$
$

$
$

2,342
579
24.7%

2,411
615
25.5%

% Change
(3.0) %
(6) %
(80) bps

$
$

2014

2,840
712
25.1%

% Change
(15.0) %
(14) %
40 bps

Asia Pacific

Net sales
Operating profit
% of Net sales

2016

2015

$
$

$
$

2,796
887
31.7%

2,937
888
30.2%

% Change
(5.0) %
— %
150 bps

$
$

2014

% Change
(4.5) %
(1) %

3,081
901
29.2% 100 bps

Net sales in Europe decreased 3.0% in 2016 to $2,342, as volume growth of 2.5% was more than offset by net selling 
price decreases of 2.5% and negative foreign exchange of 3.0%. Organic sales in Europe were flat in 2016. Volume gains 
were led by Germany, the United Kingdom and Poland, partially offset by volume declines in France. 

 Organic sales increases in Oral Care were offset by declines in organic sales in the Personal Care and Home Care 
categories. The toothpaste and manual toothbrush categories contributed to the increase in Oral Care organic sales. The 
underarm protection category contributed to the decrease in Personal Care organic sales. The decrease in Home Care 
organic sales was due to a decline in organic sales in the liquid cleaners and hand dish categories.

Net sales in Asia Pacific decreased 5.0% in 2016 to $2,796, driven by volume declines of 1.0% and negative foreign 

exchange of 4.0%, while net selling prices were flat. Excluding the impact of the divestment of the Company’s laundry 
detergent business in the South Pacific, volume increased 2.0%, led by volume gains in the Philippines, Australia and the 
Greater China region. Organic sales in Asia Pacific grew 2.0% in 2016. 

The increase in organic sales in 2016 versus 2015 was driven by an increase in Oral Care organic sales with the 
toothpaste and the manual toothbrush categories contributing to growth. Personal Care and Home Care organic sales also 
contributed to organic sales growth with gains in the shampoo and fabric softener categories, respectively. 

Net sales in Europe decreased 15.0% in 2015 to $2,411, as volume growth of 3.0% was more than offset by net selling 
price decreases of 3.5% and negative foreign exchange of 14.5%. Organic sales in Europe were flat in 2015. Volume gains 
in France, the United Kingdom and Poland were partially offset by volume declines in Austria.

Net sales in Asia Pacific decreased 4.5% in 2015 to $2,937, as volume growth of 2.5% was more than offset by net 

selling price decreases of 1.0% and negative foreign exchange of 6.0%. Organic sales in Asia Pacific grew 3.0% in 2015. 
Volume gains were led by the Philippines, India and the Greater China region. 

Operating profit in Europe decreased 6% in 2016 to $579, or 80 bps to 24.7% of Net sales. This decrease in Operating 

profit as a percentage of Net sales was primarily due to a decrease in Gross profit (100 bps), partially offset by a decrease 
in Selling, general and administrative expenses (50 bps), both as a percentage of Net sales. This decrease in Gross profit 
was primarily driven by higher costs (200 bps), primarily due to higher raw and packaging material costs, which included 
foreign exchange transaction costs, and lower pricing due to increased in-store promotional activities. These decreases in 
Gross profit were partially offset by cost savings from the Company’s funding-the-growth initiatives (160 bps) and the 
2012 Restructuring Program (30 bps). This decrease in Selling, general and administrative expenses was due to decreased 
advertising investment (100 bps), in part reflecting a shift from advertising investment to in-store promotional activities, 
which was partially offset by higher overhead expenses (50 bps).

Operating profit in Europe decreased 14% in 2015 to $615, while as a percentage of Net sales it increased 40 bps to 

25.5% 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 (60 bps), partially offset by a decrease in Gross Profit (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), driven by foreign exchange transaction costs, and lower pricing due to increased promotional activities, which were 
partially offset by cost savings from the Company’s funding-the-growth initiatives (230 bps) and the 2012 Restructuring 
Program (70 bps). This decrease in Selling, general and administrative expenses was due to decreased advertising 
investment (70 bps), in part reflecting a shift from advertising investment to in-store promotional activities, which was 
partially offset by higher overhead expenses (10 bps). 

Operating profit in Asia Pacific decreased to $887 in 2016, while as a percentage of Net sales it increased 150 bps to 
31.7% of Net sales. This increase in Operating profit as a percentage of Net sales was primarily due to an increase in Gross 
profit (50 bps) and a decrease in Selling, general and administrative expenses (40 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) and sales mix, which were partially offset by higher costs (290 bps), primarily driven by raw and packaging 
material costs, which included foreign exchange transaction costs. This decrease in Selling, general and administrative 
expenses was due to decreased advertising investment (10 bps), in part reflecting a shift from advertising investment to in-
store promotional activities, and lower overhead expenses (30 bps).

Operating profit in Asia Pacific decreased 1% in 2015 to $888, while as a percentage of Net sales, it increased 100 bps 
to 30.2% 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 (90 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 (270 bps), 
which were partially offset by higher costs (250 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 due to decreased advertising investment (60 bps), in part reflecting a shift 
from advertising investment to in-store promotional activities,  and lower overhead expenses (30 bps). 

Africa/Eurasia

Net sales
Operating profit
% of Net sales

2016

2015

$
$

$
$

960
186
19.4%

998
178
17.8%

% Change
(4.0) %
4 %
160 bps

$
$

2014

% Change
(17.5) %
(24) %

1,208
235
19.5% (170) bps

Net sales in Africa/Eurasia decreased 4.0% in 2016 to $960, as net selling price increases of 9.5% were more than 
offset by volume declines of 4.0% and negative foreign exchange of 9.5%. Organic sales in Africa/Eurasia grew 5.5% in 
2016. Volume declines in the Sub-Saharan Africa region and South Africa were partially offset by volume gains in the Gulf 
States.

The increase in organic sales in 2016 versus 2015 was driven by Oral Care with strong sales growth in the toothpaste 
and the manual toothbrush categories. Personal Care also contributed to organic sales growth with gains in the shower gel 
and bar soap categories.

32

33

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)

(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)

Europe

Net sales
Operating profit
% of Net sales

2016

2015

$
$

$
$

2,342
579
24.7%

2,411
615
25.5%

% Change
(3.0) %
(6) %
(80) bps

$
$

2014

2,840
712
25.1%

% Change
(15.0) %
(14) %
40 bps

Asia Pacific

Net sales
Operating profit
% of Net sales

2016

2015

$
$

$
$

2,796
887
31.7%

2,937
888
30.2%

% Change
(5.0) %
— %
150 bps

$
$

2014

% Change
(4.5) %
(1) %

3,081
901
29.2% 100 bps

Net sales in Europe decreased 3.0% in 2016 to $2,342, as volume growth of 2.5% was more than offset by net selling 
price decreases of 2.5% and negative foreign exchange of 3.0%. Organic sales in Europe were flat in 2016. Volume gains 
were led by Germany, the United Kingdom and Poland, partially offset by volume declines in France. 

 Organic sales increases in Oral Care were offset by declines in organic sales in the Personal Care and Home Care 
categories. The toothpaste and manual toothbrush categories contributed to the increase in Oral Care organic sales. The 
underarm protection category contributed to the decrease in Personal Care organic sales. The decrease in Home Care 
organic sales was due to a decline in organic sales in the liquid cleaners and hand dish categories.

Net sales in Asia Pacific decreased 5.0% in 2016 to $2,796, driven by volume declines of 1.0% and negative foreign 

exchange of 4.0%, while net selling prices were flat. Excluding the impact of the divestment of the Company’s laundry 
detergent business in the South Pacific, volume increased 2.0%, led by volume gains in the Philippines, Australia and the 
Greater China region. Organic sales in Asia Pacific grew 2.0% in 2016. 

The increase in organic sales in 2016 versus 2015 was driven by an increase in Oral Care organic sales with the 
toothpaste and the manual toothbrush categories contributing to growth. Personal Care and Home Care organic sales also 
contributed to organic sales growth with gains in the shampoo and fabric softener categories, respectively. 

Net sales in Europe decreased 15.0% in 2015 to $2,411, as volume growth of 3.0% was more than offset by net selling 
price decreases of 3.5% and negative foreign exchange of 14.5%. Organic sales in Europe were flat in 2015. Volume gains 
in France, the United Kingdom and Poland were partially offset by volume declines in Austria.

Net sales in Asia Pacific decreased 4.5% in 2015 to $2,937, as volume growth of 2.5% was more than offset by net 

selling price decreases of 1.0% and negative foreign exchange of 6.0%. Organic sales in Asia Pacific grew 3.0% in 2015. 
Volume gains were led by the Philippines, India and the Greater China region. 

Operating profit in Europe decreased 6% in 2016 to $579, or 80 bps to 24.7% of Net sales. This decrease in Operating 

profit as a percentage of Net sales was primarily due to a decrease in Gross profit (100 bps), partially offset by a decrease 
in Selling, general and administrative expenses (50 bps), both as a percentage of Net sales. This decrease in Gross profit 
was primarily driven by higher costs (200 bps), primarily due to higher raw and packaging material costs, which included 
foreign exchange transaction costs, and lower pricing due to increased in-store promotional activities. These decreases in 
Gross profit were partially offset by cost savings from the Company’s funding-the-growth initiatives (160 bps) and the 
2012 Restructuring Program (30 bps). This decrease in Selling, general and administrative expenses was due to decreased 
advertising investment (100 bps), in part reflecting a shift from advertising investment to in-store promotional activities, 
which was partially offset by higher overhead expenses (50 bps).

Operating profit in Europe decreased 14% in 2015 to $615, while as a percentage of Net sales it increased 40 bps to 

25.5% 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 (60 bps), partially offset by a decrease in Gross Profit (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), driven by foreign exchange transaction costs, and lower pricing due to increased promotional activities, which were 
partially offset by cost savings from the Company’s funding-the-growth initiatives (230 bps) and the 2012 Restructuring 
Program (70 bps). This decrease in Selling, general and administrative expenses was due to decreased advertising 
investment (70 bps), in part reflecting a shift from advertising investment to in-store promotional activities, which was 
partially offset by higher overhead expenses (10 bps). 

Operating profit in Asia Pacific decreased to $887 in 2016, while as a percentage of Net sales it increased 150 bps to 
31.7% of Net sales. This increase in Operating profit as a percentage of Net sales was primarily due to an increase in Gross 
profit (50 bps) and a decrease in Selling, general and administrative expenses (40 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) and sales mix, which were partially offset by higher costs (290 bps), primarily driven by raw and packaging 
material costs, which included foreign exchange transaction costs. This decrease in Selling, general and administrative 
expenses was due to decreased advertising investment (10 bps), in part reflecting a shift from advertising investment to in-
store promotional activities, and lower overhead expenses (30 bps).

Operating profit in Asia Pacific decreased 1% in 2015 to $888, while as a percentage of Net sales, it increased 100 bps 
to 30.2% 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 (90 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 (270 bps), 
which were partially offset by higher costs (250 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 due to decreased advertising investment (60 bps), in part reflecting a shift 
from advertising investment to in-store promotional activities,  and lower overhead expenses (30 bps). 

Africa/Eurasia

Net sales
Operating profit
% of Net sales

2016

2015

$
$

$
$

960
186
19.4%

998
178
17.8%

% Change
(4.0) %
4 %
160 bps

$
$

2014

% Change
(17.5) %
(24) %

1,208
235
19.5% (170) bps

Net sales in Africa/Eurasia decreased 4.0% in 2016 to $960, as net selling price increases of 9.5% were more than 
offset by volume declines of 4.0% and negative foreign exchange of 9.5%. Organic sales in Africa/Eurasia grew 5.5% in 
2016. Volume declines in the Sub-Saharan Africa region and South Africa were partially offset by volume gains in the Gulf 
States.

The increase in organic sales in 2016 versus 2015 was driven by Oral Care with strong sales growth in the toothpaste 
and the manual toothbrush categories. Personal Care also contributed to organic sales growth with gains in the shower gel 
and bar soap categories.

32

33

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)

(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)

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.

Corporate

Operating profit (loss)

$

(630) $

(1,687)

2016

2015

% Change
(63) %

2014

$

(1,088)

% Change
55 %

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
Gain on sale of land in Mexico
Charges for previously disclosed litigation matters
Venezuela deconsolidation
Venezuela remeasurement charges
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)

2016

2015

2014

(228) $
97
(17)
—
—
—
—
(482)
(630) $

(254) $
—
(14)
(1,084)
(34)
—
187
(488)
(1,687) $

(286)
—
(41)
—
(327)
(4)
—
(430)
(1,088)

$

$

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.

Operating profit in Africa/Eurasia increased 4% in 2016 to $186, or 160 bps to 19.4% of Net sales. This increase in 
Operating profit as a percentage of Net sales was primarily due to an increase in Gross profit (300 bps), partially offset by 
an increase in Selling, general and administrative expenses (150 bps), both as a percentage of Net sales. This increase in 
Gross profit was mainly driven by cost savings from the Company’s funding-the-growth initiatives (170 bps) and higher 
pricing, which were partially offset by higher raw and packaging material costs (350 bps), driven by higher foreign 
exchange transaction costs. The increase in Selling, general and administrative expenses was due to higher overhead 
expenses (120 bps) and increased advertising investment (30 bps). 

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).

Hill’s Pet Nutrition

Net sales
Operating profit
% of Net sales

2016

2015

$
$

$
$

2,264
653
28.8%

2,212
612
27.7%

% Change
2.5 %
7 %
110 bps

$
$

2014

% Change
(2.0) %
3 %

2,255
592
26.3% 140 bps

Net sales for Hill’s Pet Nutrition increased 2.5% in 2016 to $2,264, driven by net selling price increases of 2.5% while 
volume and foreign exchange were flat. Organic sales in Hill’s Pet Nutrition increased 2.5% in 2016. Volume gains led by 
Russia, Western Europe, South Africa, Canada and Taiwan were offset by volume declines in the United States and Japan. 
The volume declines in Japan were attributable to a continued contraction in the market. 

The increase in organic sales in 2016 versus 2015 was due to an increase in organic sales in the Prescription Diet 

category, partially offset by a decline in organic sales in the Advanced Nutrition and Natural categories.

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.

Operating profit in Hill’s Pet Nutrition increased 7% in 2016 to $653, or 110 bps to 28.8% of Net sales. This increase 

in Operating profit as a percentage of Net sales was primarily due to an increase in Gross profit (20 bps), a decrease in 
Selling, general and administrative expenses (10 bps), and a decrease in Other (income) expense, net (80 bps), all 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 (190 bps) and higher pricing, partially offset by higher costs (270 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 lower overhead expenses (10 bps). This decrease in Other 
(income) expense, net was in part due to a foreign sales tax benefit.

34

35

 
 
 
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)

(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)

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.

Corporate

Operating profit (loss)

$

(630) $

(1,687)

2016

2015

% Change
(63) %

2014

$

(1,088)

% Change
55 %

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
Gain on sale of land in Mexico
Charges for previously disclosed litigation matters
Venezuela deconsolidation
Venezuela remeasurement charges
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)

2016

2015

2014

(228) $
97
(17)
—
—
—
—
(482)
(630) $

(254) $
—
(14)
(1,084)
(34)
—
187
(488)
(1,687) $

(286)
—
(41)
—
(327)
(4)
—
(430)
(1,088)

$

$

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.

Operating profit in Africa/Eurasia increased 4% in 2016 to $186, or 160 bps to 19.4% of Net sales. This increase in 
Operating profit as a percentage of Net sales was primarily due to an increase in Gross profit (300 bps), partially offset by 
an increase in Selling, general and administrative expenses (150 bps), both as a percentage of Net sales. This increase in 
Gross profit was mainly driven by cost savings from the Company’s funding-the-growth initiatives (170 bps) and higher 
pricing, which were partially offset by higher raw and packaging material costs (350 bps), driven by higher foreign 
exchange transaction costs. The increase in Selling, general and administrative expenses was due to higher overhead 
expenses (120 bps) and increased advertising investment (30 bps). 

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).

Hill’s Pet Nutrition

Net sales
Operating profit
% of Net sales

2016

2015

$
$

$
$

2,264
653
28.8%

2,212
612
27.7%

% Change
2.5 %
7 %
110 bps

$
$

2014

% Change
(2.0) %
3 %

2,255
592
26.3% 140 bps

Net sales for Hill’s Pet Nutrition increased 2.5% in 2016 to $2,264, driven by net selling price increases of 2.5% while 
volume and foreign exchange were flat. Organic sales in Hill’s Pet Nutrition increased 2.5% in 2016. Volume gains led by 
Russia, Western Europe, South Africa, Canada and Taiwan were offset by volume declines in the United States and Japan. 
The volume declines in Japan were attributable to a continued contraction in the market. 

The increase in organic sales in 2016 versus 2015 was due to an increase in organic sales in the Prescription Diet 

category, partially offset by a decline in organic sales in the Advanced Nutrition and Natural categories.

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.

Operating profit in Hill’s Pet Nutrition increased 7% in 2016 to $653, or 110 bps to 28.8% of Net sales. This increase 

in Operating profit as a percentage of Net sales was primarily due to an increase in Gross profit (20 bps), a decrease in 
Selling, general and administrative expenses (10 bps), and a decrease in Other (income) expense, net (80 bps), all 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 (190 bps) and higher pricing, partially offset by higher costs (270 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 lower overhead expenses (10 bps). This decrease in Other 
(income) expense, net was in part due to a foreign sales tax benefit.

34

35

 
 
 
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)

(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)

Restructuring and Related Implementation Charges 

2012 Restructuring Program 

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 Board approved an expansion of the 2012 Restructuring Program to take advantage of 
additional savings opportunities. On October 29, 2015, the 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 
through December 31, 2017. The Board approved the implementation plan for this expansion on March 10, 2016. 

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 in all regions of the world. While initially focused on finance and 
accounting, these shared services are now being 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. 

Cumulative pretax charges resulting from the 2012 Restructuring Program, once all phases are approved and 

implemented, are estimated to be $1,405 to $1,585 ($1,050 to $1,170 aftertax). The pretax charges resulting from 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 related 
implementation 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 2017 are expected to approximate $180 to $360 ($140 to $260 aftertax). 
It is expected that substantially all charges resulting from the 2012 Restructuring Program will be incurred by December 
31, 2017.

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 (20%), Latin America (5%), Asia Pacific (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 expected that, when it has been fully implemented, 
the 2012 Restructuring Program will contribute a net reduction of approximately 3,300 to 3,800 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 $430 to $495 pretax ($400 to $475 aftertax) annually, once all projects are approved and 
implemented. Savings in 2017 are expected to amount to approximate $40 to $60 pretax ($30 to $50 aftertax). 

For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, restructuring and related implementation 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

2016

2015

2014

$

$

$

46
77
105
228

168

$

$

$

20
64
170
254

183

$

$

$

29
62
195
286

208

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 (1)
Asia Pacific (1)
Africa/Eurasia
Hill’s Pet Nutrition
Corporate

2016

2015

2014

Program-to-date
Accumulated Charges

35%

5%

12%

4%
14%
7%

23%

21%

3%

14%

4%
5%
5%

48%

11%

4%

20%

3%
3%
10%

49%

17%

4%

22%

3%
7%
7%

40%

(1) The Company has recast its historical geographic segment information to conform to the new reporting structure. See “Executive Overview and 
Outlook” above for additional details. 

36

37

(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)

(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)

Restructuring and Related Implementation Charges 

2012 Restructuring Program 

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 Board approved an expansion of the 2012 Restructuring Program to take advantage of 
additional savings opportunities. On October 29, 2015, the 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 
through December 31, 2017. The Board approved the implementation plan for this expansion on March 10, 2016. 

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 in all regions of the world. While initially focused on finance and 
accounting, these shared services are now being 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. 

Cumulative pretax charges resulting from the 2012 Restructuring Program, once all phases are approved and 

implemented, are estimated to be $1,405 to $1,585 ($1,050 to $1,170 aftertax). The pretax charges resulting from 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 related 
implementation 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 2017 are expected to approximate $180 to $360 ($140 to $260 aftertax). 
It is expected that substantially all charges resulting from the 2012 Restructuring Program will be incurred by December 
31, 2017.

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 (20%), Latin America (5%), Asia Pacific (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 expected that, when it has been fully implemented, 
the 2012 Restructuring Program will contribute a net reduction of approximately 3,300 to 3,800 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 $430 to $495 pretax ($400 to $475 aftertax) annually, once all projects are approved and 
implemented. Savings in 2017 are expected to amount to approximate $40 to $60 pretax ($30 to $50 aftertax). 

For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, restructuring and related implementation 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

2016

2015

2014

$

$

$

46
77
105
228

168

$

$

$

20
64
170
254

183

$

$

$

29
62
195
286

208

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 (1)
Asia Pacific (1)
Africa/Eurasia
Hill’s Pet Nutrition
Corporate

2016

2015

2014

Program-to-date
Accumulated Charges

35%

5%

12%

4%
14%
7%

23%

21%

3%

14%

4%
5%
5%

48%

11%

4%

20%

3%
3%
10%

49%

17%

4%

22%

3%
7%
7%

40%

(1) The Company has recast its historical geographic segment information to conform to the new reporting structure. See “Executive Overview and 
Outlook” above for additional details. 

36

37

(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)

(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)

Since the inception of the 2012 Restructuring Program in the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company has incurred 
cumulative pretax charges of $1,228 ($907 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, 2016

$

$

465

80

27

656

1,228

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; the closing of the Morristown, New Jersey personal care facility; and 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.

The following table summarizes the activity for the restructuring and related implementation charges discussed above 

and the related accruals:

Employee-Related
Costs

Incremental
Depreciation

Asset
Impairments 

Other

Total

Balance at January 1, 2014
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
Charges
Cash payments
Charges against assets
Foreign exchange
Other
Balance at December 31, 2016

$

$

$

$

116
73
(95)
(5)
(4)
—
85
109
(85)
(17)
(8)
—
84
61
(84)
(4)
(1)
—
56

$

$

$

$

— $
25
—
(25)
—
—
— $
20
—
(20)
—
—
— $
9
—
(9)
—
—
— $

— $
1
—
(1)
—
—
— $
5
—
(5)
—
—
— $
20
—
(20)
—
—
— $

42
187
(117)
—
(5)
—
107
120
(94)
—
(2)
—
131
138
(153)
—
—
9
125

$

$

$

$

158
286
(212)
(31)
(9)
—
192
254
(179)
(42)
(10)
—
215
228
(237)
(33)
(1)
9
181

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 $4, $17 and $5 for the 
years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively, which are reflected as Charges against assets within 
Employee-Related Costs in the preceding table, 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, 2016, 2015 and 
2014 include third-party incremental costs related to the development and implementation of new business and strategic 
initiatives of $116, $65 and $65, respectively, and contract termination costs and charges resulting directly from exit 
activities of $21, $8 and $40, 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, 2016, 2015 and 2014 are other exit 
costs of $1, $47 and $82, respectively, related to the consolidation of facilities. 

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This Annual Report on Form 10-K discusses certain financial measures on both a GAAP and a non-GAAP basis. The 
Company uses the non-GAAP financial measures described below internally in its budgeting process, to evaluate segment 
and overall operating performance and as a factor in determining compensation. The Company believes that these non-
GAAP financial measures are useful in evaluating the Company’s underlying business performance and trends; however, 
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. 

Net sales growth (GAAP) and organic sales growth (Net sales growth excluding the impact of foreign exchange, 
acquisitions, divestments and the deconsolidation of the Company’s Venezuelan operations) (non-GAAP) are discussed in 
this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Management believes the organic sales growth measure provides investors and analysts 
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, divestments and the 
deconsolidation of the Company’s Venezuelan operations. A reconciliation of organic sales growth to Net sales growth for 
the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 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 
charges resulting from the 2012 Restructuring Program, a gain on the sale of land in Mexico, benefits from previously 
disclosed tax matters, a charge from a previously disclosed tax matter, charges from previously disclosed litigation matters, 
costs related to the sale of land in Mexico, a gain on the sale of the Company’s South Pacific laundry detergent business, 
charges related to effective devaluations in Venezuela and a charge for the deconsolidation of the Company’s Venezuelan 
operations (non-GAAP). These non-GAAP financial measures exclude items that, either by their nature or amount, 
management would not expect to occur as part of the Company’s normal business on a regular basis, such as restructuring 
charges, charges for certain litigation and tax matters, gains and losses from certain divestitures and certain unusual, non-
recurring items. Investors and analysts use these financial measures in assessing the Company’s business performance, and 
management believes that presenting these financial measures on a non-GAAP basis provides them with useful 
supplemental information to enhance their understanding of the Company’s underlying business performance and trends. 
These non-GAAP financial measures also enhance the ability to compare period-to-period financial results. A 
reconciliation of each of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures 
for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 is presented within the applicable section of Results of Operations.

38

39

 
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)

(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)

Since the inception of the 2012 Restructuring Program in the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company has incurred 
cumulative pretax charges of $1,228 ($907 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, 2016

$

$

465

80

27

656

1,228

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; the closing of the Morristown, New Jersey personal care facility; and 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.

The following table summarizes the activity for the restructuring and related implementation charges discussed above 

and the related accruals:

Employee-Related
Costs

Incremental
Depreciation

Asset
Impairments 

Other

Total

Balance at January 1, 2014
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
Charges
Cash payments
Charges against assets
Foreign exchange
Other
Balance at December 31, 2016

$

$

$

$

116
73
(95)
(5)
(4)
—
85
109
(85)
(17)
(8)
—
84
61
(84)
(4)
(1)
—
56

$

$

$

$

— $
25
—
(25)
—
—
— $
20
—
(20)
—
—
— $
9
—
(9)
—
—
— $

— $
1
—
(1)
—
—
— $
5
—
(5)
—
—
— $
20
—
(20)
—
—
— $

42
187
(117)
—
(5)
—
107
120
(94)
—
(2)
—
131
138
(153)
—
—
9
125

$

$

$

$

158
286
(212)
(31)
(9)
—
192
254
(179)
(42)
(10)
—
215
228
(237)
(33)
(1)
9
181

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 $4, $17 and $5 for the 
years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively, which are reflected as Charges against assets within 
Employee-Related Costs in the preceding table, 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, 2016, 2015 and 
2014 include third-party incremental costs related to the development and implementation of new business and strategic 
initiatives of $116, $65 and $65, respectively, and contract termination costs and charges resulting directly from exit 
activities of $21, $8 and $40, 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, 2016, 2015 and 2014 are other exit 
costs of $1, $47 and $82, respectively, related to the consolidation of facilities. 

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This Annual Report on Form 10-K discusses certain financial measures on both a GAAP and a non-GAAP basis. The 
Company uses the non-GAAP financial measures described below internally in its budgeting process, to evaluate segment 
and overall operating performance and as a factor in determining compensation. The Company believes that these non-
GAAP financial measures are useful in evaluating the Company’s underlying business performance and trends; however, 
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. 

Net sales growth (GAAP) and organic sales growth (Net sales growth excluding the impact of foreign exchange, 
acquisitions, divestments and the deconsolidation of the Company’s Venezuelan operations) (non-GAAP) are discussed in 
this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Management believes the organic sales growth measure provides investors and analysts 
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, divestments and the 
deconsolidation of the Company’s Venezuelan operations. A reconciliation of organic sales growth to Net sales growth for 
the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 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 
charges resulting from the 2012 Restructuring Program, a gain on the sale of land in Mexico, benefits from previously 
disclosed tax matters, a charge from a previously disclosed tax matter, charges from previously disclosed litigation matters, 
costs related to the sale of land in Mexico, a gain on the sale of the Company’s South Pacific laundry detergent business, 
charges related to effective devaluations in Venezuela and a charge for the deconsolidation of the Company’s Venezuelan 
operations (non-GAAP). These non-GAAP financial measures exclude items that, either by their nature or amount, 
management would not expect to occur as part of the Company’s normal business on a regular basis, such as restructuring 
charges, charges for certain litigation and tax matters, gains and losses from certain divestitures and certain unusual, non-
recurring items. Investors and analysts use these financial measures in assessing the Company’s business performance, and 
management believes that presenting these financial measures on a non-GAAP basis provides them with useful 
supplemental information to enhance their understanding of the Company’s underlying business performance and trends. 
These non-GAAP financial measures also enhance the ability to compare period-to-period financial results. A 
reconciliation of each of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures 
for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 is presented within the applicable section of Results of Operations.

38

39

 
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)

(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)

The following tables provide a quantitative reconciliation of Net sales growth to organic sales growth for each of the 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 versus the prior year:

Year ended December 31, 2016

Oral, Personal and Home Care

North America

Latin America

Europe

Asia Pacific

Africa/Eurasia

Total Oral, Personal and Home Care

Pet Nutrition
Total Company

Year ended December 31, 2015

Oral, Personal and Home Care

North America

Latin America

Europe

Asia Pacific

Africa/Eurasia

Total Oral, Personal and Home Care

Pet Nutrition
Total Company

Net Sales Growth
(GAAP)

Foreign
Exchange
Impact

Acquisitions and 
Divestments
Impact (1)

Organic
Sales Growth
(Non-GAAP)

1.0%

(15.5)%
(3.0)%

(5.0)%

(4.0)%

(6.5)%

2.5%

(5.0)%

(0.5)%

(10.0)%

(3.0)%

(4.0)%

(9.5)%

(5.0)%

—%

(4.5)%

—%

(15.5)%

—%

(3.0)%

—%

(5.5)%

—%

(4.5)%

1.5%

10.0%

—%

2.0%

5.5%

4.0%

2.5%

4.0%

Net Sales Growth
(GAAP)

Foreign
Exchange
Impact

Acquisitions and 
Divestments
Impact (1)

Organic
Sales Growth
(Non-GAAP)

1.0%

(9.5)%

(15.0)%

(4.5)%

(17.5)%

(8.0)%

(2.0)%

(7.0)%

(1.0)%

(19.0)%

(14.5)%

(6.0)%

(23.5)%

(12.0)%

(8.0)%

(11.5)%

—%

—%

(0.5)%

(1.5)%

—%

(0.5)%

—%

(0.5)%

2.0%

9.5%

—%

3.0%

6.0%

4.5%

6.0%

5.0%

(1) Represents the impact of acquisitions, divestments and the deconsolidation of the Company’s Venezuelan operations, as applicable.

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 (excluding Venezuela from all periods). 

Market share data is subject to limitations on the availability of up-to-date information. The Company measures year-

to-date market shares from January 1 of the relevant year through the most recent period for which market share data is 
available, which typically reflects a lag time of one or two months. 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.

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 resulting from 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 $3,141 in 2016, compared to $2,949 in 2015 and $3,298 in 2014. Net cash 
provided by operations for 2016 increased due to strong operating earnings and the timing of income tax payments, 
partially offset by the impact of the deconsolidation of the Company’s Venezuelan operations effective December 31, 2015 
and voluntary contributions to employee postretirement plans. The decrease in 2015 as compared to 2014 was 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 2015 and 2014 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 previously disclosed litigation matters in both periods, as applicable; higher income 
tax payments; and a payment for a previously disclosed litigation matter. 

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 (2.2)% and 0.5% in 2016 and 2015, 
respectively. This decrease is primarily due to the Company’s tight focus on working capital and the impact of reclassifying 
current deferred tax assets to noncurrent deferred tax assets upon the adoption of a new accounting standard.

 Approximately 75% of total program charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program, estimated to be $1,405 to 
$1,585 pretax ($1,050 to $1,170 aftertax), are expected to result in cash expenditures. Savings from the 2012 Restructuring 
Program are projected to be in the range of $430 to $495 pretax ($400 to $475 aftertax) annually, once all projects are 
approved and implemented, substantially all of which are expected to increase future cash flows. The anticipated pretax 
charges for 2017 are expected to amount to approximately $180 to $360 ($140 to $260 aftertax) and savings in 2017 are 
expected to approximate $40 to $60 pretax ($30 to $50 aftertax). It is anticipated that cash requirements for the 2012 
Restructuring Program will continue to be funded from operating cash flows. Approximately 60% of the restructuring 
accrual at December 31, 2016 is expected to be paid before year end 2017.

Investing activities used $499 of cash in 2016, compared to $685 and $859 during 2015 and 2014, respectively. 

Purchases of marketable securities and investments decreased in 2016 to $336 from $742 in 2015, due to the 
deconsolidation of the Company’s Venezuelan operations, a decrease in bank deposits with original maturities greater than 
90 days and a decrease in purchases by the Company’s Argentinian subsidiary of U.S. dollar-linked fixed interest rate 
government bonds. Proceeds from the sale of marketable securities and investments decreased in 2016 to $378 from $599 
in 2015, due to the deconsolidation of the Company’s Venezuelan operations and an increase in proceeds from the 
redemption of bank deposits with original maturities greater than 90 days, partially offset by higher proceeds from the 
Company’s Argentinian subsidiary’s investment in U.S. dollar-linked fixed interest rate government bonds.

In September 2016, the Company’s Mexican subsidiary completed the sale to the United States of America of the 
Mexico City site on which its commercial operations, technology center and soap production facility were previously 
located and received $60 as the third and final installment of the sale price. The total sale price (including the third 
installment and the previously received first and second installments) was $120. The Company recognized a pretax gain of 
$97 ($63 aftertax gain) in the third quarter of 2016, net of costs primarily related to site preparation.

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 were reinvested to expand the 2012 Restructuring Program.

40

41

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)

(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)

The following tables provide a quantitative reconciliation of Net sales growth to organic sales growth for each of the 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 versus the prior year:

Year ended December 31, 2016

Oral, Personal and Home Care

North America

Latin America

Europe

Asia Pacific

Africa/Eurasia

Total Oral, Personal and Home Care

Pet Nutrition
Total Company

Year ended December 31, 2015

Oral, Personal and Home Care

North America

Latin America

Europe

Asia Pacific

Africa/Eurasia

Total Oral, Personal and Home Care

Pet Nutrition
Total Company

Net Sales Growth
(GAAP)

Foreign
Exchange
Impact

Acquisitions and 
Divestments
Impact (1)

Organic
Sales Growth
(Non-GAAP)

1.0%

(15.5)%
(3.0)%

(5.0)%

(4.0)%

(6.5)%

2.5%

(5.0)%

(0.5)%

(10.0)%

(3.0)%

(4.0)%

(9.5)%

(5.0)%

—%

(4.5)%

—%

(15.5)%

—%

(3.0)%

—%

(5.5)%

—%

(4.5)%

1.5%

10.0%

—%

2.0%

5.5%

4.0%

2.5%

4.0%

Net Sales Growth
(GAAP)

Foreign
Exchange
Impact

Acquisitions and 
Divestments
Impact (1)

Organic
Sales Growth
(Non-GAAP)

1.0%

(9.5)%

(15.0)%

(4.5)%

(17.5)%

(8.0)%

(2.0)%

(7.0)%

(1.0)%

(19.0)%

(14.5)%

(6.0)%

(23.5)%

(12.0)%

(8.0)%

(11.5)%

—%

—%

(0.5)%

(1.5)%

—%

(0.5)%

—%

(0.5)%

2.0%

9.5%

—%

3.0%

6.0%

4.5%

6.0%

5.0%

(1) Represents the impact of acquisitions, divestments and the deconsolidation of the Company’s Venezuelan operations, as applicable.

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 (excluding Venezuela from all periods). 

Market share data is subject to limitations on the availability of up-to-date information. The Company measures year-

to-date market shares from January 1 of the relevant year through the most recent period for which market share data is 
available, which typically reflects a lag time of one or two months. 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.

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 resulting from 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 $3,141 in 2016, compared to $2,949 in 2015 and $3,298 in 2014. Net cash 
provided by operations for 2016 increased due to strong operating earnings and the timing of income tax payments, 
partially offset by the impact of the deconsolidation of the Company’s Venezuelan operations effective December 31, 2015 
and voluntary contributions to employee postretirement plans. The decrease in 2015 as compared to 2014 was 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 2015 and 2014 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 previously disclosed litigation matters in both periods, as applicable; higher income 
tax payments; and a payment for a previously disclosed litigation matter. 

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 (2.2)% and 0.5% in 2016 and 2015, 
respectively. This decrease is primarily due to the Company’s tight focus on working capital and the impact of reclassifying 
current deferred tax assets to noncurrent deferred tax assets upon the adoption of a new accounting standard.

 Approximately 75% of total program charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program, estimated to be $1,405 to 
$1,585 pretax ($1,050 to $1,170 aftertax), are expected to result in cash expenditures. Savings from the 2012 Restructuring 
Program are projected to be in the range of $430 to $495 pretax ($400 to $475 aftertax) annually, once all projects are 
approved and implemented, substantially all of which are expected to increase future cash flows. The anticipated pretax 
charges for 2017 are expected to amount to approximately $180 to $360 ($140 to $260 aftertax) and savings in 2017 are 
expected to approximate $40 to $60 pretax ($30 to $50 aftertax). It is anticipated that cash requirements for the 2012 
Restructuring Program will continue to be funded from operating cash flows. Approximately 60% of the restructuring 
accrual at December 31, 2016 is expected to be paid before year end 2017.

Investing activities used $499 of cash in 2016, compared to $685 and $859 during 2015 and 2014, respectively. 

Purchases of marketable securities and investments decreased in 2016 to $336 from $742 in 2015, due to the 
deconsolidation of the Company’s Venezuelan operations, a decrease in bank deposits with original maturities greater than 
90 days and a decrease in purchases by the Company’s Argentinian subsidiary of U.S. dollar-linked fixed interest rate 
government bonds. Proceeds from the sale of marketable securities and investments decreased in 2016 to $378 from $599 
in 2015, due to the deconsolidation of the Company’s Venezuelan operations and an increase in proceeds from the 
redemption of bank deposits with original maturities greater than 90 days, partially offset by higher proceeds from the 
Company’s Argentinian subsidiary’s investment in U.S. dollar-linked fixed interest rate government bonds.

In September 2016, the Company’s Mexican subsidiary completed the sale to the United States of America of the 
Mexico City site on which its commercial operations, technology center and soap production facility were previously 
located and received $60 as the third and final installment of the sale price. The total sale price (including the third 
installment and the previously received first and second installments) was $120. The Company recognized a pretax gain of 
$97 ($63 aftertax gain) in the third quarter of 2016, net of costs primarily related to site preparation.

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 were reinvested to expand the 2012 Restructuring Program.

40

41

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)

(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)

Capital expenditures in 2016 were $593, a decrease from $691 in 2015 and $757 in 2014. Capital expenditures 

decreased in 2016 primarily due to lower spending on the 2012 Restructuring Program as it is entering its final stages. The 
Company continues to focus its capital spending on projects that are expected to yield high aftertax returns. Capital 
expenditures for 2017 are expected to be approximately 4.0% of Net sales, which remains higher than the historical rate of 
approximately 3.5% primarily due to the 2012 Restructuring Program. 

Financing activities used $2,233 of cash during 2016 compared to $2,276 and $2,170 during 2015 and 2014, 
respectively. The decrease in cash used in 2016 as compared to 2015 was primarily due to lower purchases of treasury 
shares and higher proceeds from the exercise of stock options and excess tax benefits, partially offset by lower net proceeds 
from the issuance of debt. 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.

Long-term debt, including the current portion, decreased to $6,520 as of December 31, 2016, as compared to $6,544 as 

of December 31, 2015 and total debt decreased to $6,533 as of December 31, 2016 as compared to $6,548 as of 
December 31, 2015. 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. The debt issuances in 2015 were under the Company’s shelf 
registration statement. Proceeds from the debt issuances in the second and third quarters of 2015 were used for general 
corporate purposes, which included the retirement of commercial paper borrowings. 

At December 31, 2016, the Company had access to unused domestic and foreign lines of credit of $2,927 (including 

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. In 2016, the facility was extended for an additional year to November 
2020. The Company also has the ability to draw $165 from a revolving credit facility that expires in November 2017.  
Commitment fees related to the credit facilities are not material.

Domestic and foreign commercial paper outstanding was $295 and $5 as of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 

2015, respectively. The average daily balances outstanding for commercial paper in 2016 and 2015 were $1,642 and 
$1,989, 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 2020.

The following is a summary of the Company’s commercial paper and global short-term borrowings as of 

December 31, 2016 and 2015:

2016

2015

Dividend payments in 2016 were $1,508, an increase from $1,493 in 2015 and $1,446 in 2014. Dividend payments 
increased to $1.55 per share in 2016 from $1.50 per share in 2015 and $1.42 per share in 2014. In the first quarter of 2016, 
the Company’s Board increased the quarterly common stock cash dividend to $0.39 per share from $0.38 per share, 
effective in the second quarter of 2016. 

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. 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 share repurchase program (the “2015 Program”), which replaced the previous program approved by the 
Board in 2011 (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 2016 consisted of 18.3 million common shares under the 2015 Program and 1.0 
million common shares to fulfill the requirements of compensation and benefit plans, for a total purchase price of $1,335. 
Aggregate 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.

Cash and cash equivalents increased $345 during 2016 to $1,315 at December 31, 2016, compared to $970 at 

December 31, 2015, most of which ($1,273 and $932, respectively) were held by the Company’s foreign subsidiaries. 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, 2016, the Company had approximately $3,400 of undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries 
for which no U.S. income or foreign withholding taxes have been provided as the Company considered such earnings to be 
indefinitely reinvested outside of the U.S. and, therefore, not subject to such taxes. 

In order to fully recognize a $210 U.S. income tax benefit in 2016 principally related to changes in Venezuela’s foreign 
exchange regime, during the quarter ended March 31, 2016, the Company decided to repatriate in 2016 $1,500 of earnings 
of foreign subsidiaries it previously considered indefinitely reinvested outside of the U.S., and accordingly, recorded a tax 
charge of $210. The Company currently does not anticipate a need to repatriate additional undistributed earnings of foreign 
subsidiaries. Any future repatriation 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. 

Weighted
Average Interest
Rate

1.6 %
(0.3)%

Payable to banks
Commercial paper
Total

Maturities Outstanding
13
$
295
308

2017
2017

$

Weighted Average 
Interest Rate

1.8%
—%

Maturities Outstanding
4
$
5
9

2016
2016

$

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.

42

43

 
 
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)

(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)

Capital expenditures in 2016 were $593, a decrease from $691 in 2015 and $757 in 2014. Capital expenditures 

decreased in 2016 primarily due to lower spending on the 2012 Restructuring Program as it is entering its final stages. The 
Company continues to focus its capital spending on projects that are expected to yield high aftertax returns. Capital 
expenditures for 2017 are expected to be approximately 4.0% of Net sales, which remains higher than the historical rate of 
approximately 3.5% primarily due to the 2012 Restructuring Program. 

Financing activities used $2,233 of cash during 2016 compared to $2,276 and $2,170 during 2015 and 2014, 
respectively. The decrease in cash used in 2016 as compared to 2015 was primarily due to lower purchases of treasury 
shares and higher proceeds from the exercise of stock options and excess tax benefits, partially offset by lower net proceeds 
from the issuance of debt. 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.

Long-term debt, including the current portion, decreased to $6,520 as of December 31, 2016, as compared to $6,544 as 

of December 31, 2015 and total debt decreased to $6,533 as of December 31, 2016 as compared to $6,548 as of 
December 31, 2015. 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. The debt issuances in 2015 were under the Company’s shelf 
registration statement. Proceeds from the debt issuances in the second and third quarters of 2015 were used for general 
corporate purposes, which included the retirement of commercial paper borrowings. 

At December 31, 2016, the Company had access to unused domestic and foreign lines of credit of $2,927 (including 

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. In 2016, the facility was extended for an additional year to November 
2020. The Company also has the ability to draw $165 from a revolving credit facility that expires in November 2017.  
Commitment fees related to the credit facilities are not material.

Domestic and foreign commercial paper outstanding was $295 and $5 as of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 

2015, respectively. The average daily balances outstanding for commercial paper in 2016 and 2015 were $1,642 and 
$1,989, 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 2020.

The following is a summary of the Company’s commercial paper and global short-term borrowings as of 

December 31, 2016 and 2015:

2016

2015

Dividend payments in 2016 were $1,508, an increase from $1,493 in 2015 and $1,446 in 2014. Dividend payments 
increased to $1.55 per share in 2016 from $1.50 per share in 2015 and $1.42 per share in 2014. In the first quarter of 2016, 
the Company’s Board increased the quarterly common stock cash dividend to $0.39 per share from $0.38 per share, 
effective in the second quarter of 2016. 

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. 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 share repurchase program (the “2015 Program”), which replaced the previous program approved by the 
Board in 2011 (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 2016 consisted of 18.3 million common shares under the 2015 Program and 1.0 
million common shares to fulfill the requirements of compensation and benefit plans, for a total purchase price of $1,335. 
Aggregate 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.

Cash and cash equivalents increased $345 during 2016 to $1,315 at December 31, 2016, compared to $970 at 

December 31, 2015, most of which ($1,273 and $932, respectively) were held by the Company’s foreign subsidiaries. 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, 2016, the Company had approximately $3,400 of undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries 
for which no U.S. income or foreign withholding taxes have been provided as the Company considered such earnings to be 
indefinitely reinvested outside of the U.S. and, therefore, not subject to such taxes. 

In order to fully recognize a $210 U.S. income tax benefit in 2016 principally related to changes in Venezuela’s foreign 
exchange regime, during the quarter ended March 31, 2016, the Company decided to repatriate in 2016 $1,500 of earnings 
of foreign subsidiaries it previously considered indefinitely reinvested outside of the U.S., and accordingly, recorded a tax 
charge of $210. The Company currently does not anticipate a need to repatriate additional undistributed earnings of foreign 
subsidiaries. Any future repatriation 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. 

Weighted
Average Interest
Rate

1.6 %
(0.3)%

Payable to banks
Commercial paper
Total

Maturities Outstanding
13
$
295
308

2017
2017

$

Weighted Average 
Interest Rate

1.8%
—%

Maturities Outstanding
4
$
5
9

2016
2016

$

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.

42

43

 
 
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)

(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)

The following represents the scheduled maturities of the Company’s contractual obligations as of December 31, 2016:

Foreign Exchange Risk

Long-term debt including current portion(1)
Net cash interest payments on long-term debt(2)

Leases
Purchase obligations(3)
Total

Total

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

Thereafter

$

5,575

$ — $ 698

$1,025

$ 248

$ 297

$

3,307

1,394

860

820

128

178

534

121

160

141

118

143

110

106

130

24

104

104

7

817

145

4

$

8,649

$ 840

$1,120

$1,396

$ 508

$ 512

$

4,273

_______
(1)  The Company classifies commercial paper and notes maturing within the next 12 months as long-term debt when it has the intent 

(2) 

and ability to refinance such obligations on a long-term basis. The amounts in this table exclude such obligations.
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.

(3)  The Company had outstanding contractual obligations with suppliers at the end of 2016 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 
2017. Management’s best estimate of voluntary contributions the Company will make to U.S. pension plans for the year 
ending December 31, 2017 is approximately $57. In addition, total benefit payments to be paid to participants for the year 
ending December 31, 2017 from the Company’s assets are estimated to be approximately $81.

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.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

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.

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 deconsolidation of 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, option contracts, 
foreign and 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 $20 and $35 at December 31, 2016 and 2015, 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 2016, an unfavorable 10% change 
in exchange rates would have resulted in a net unrealized loss of $45.

Interest Rate Risk

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 2016 variable rate debt levels, a 1% increase in interest rates would have increased Interest 

(income) expense, net by $13 in 2016.

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 in December 31, 2016 and 2015. At the end of 2016, an unfavorable 10% change in commodity 
futures prices would have resulted in a net unrealized loss of $1.

44

45

 
 
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)

(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)

The following represents the scheduled maturities of the Company’s contractual obligations as of December 31, 2016:

Foreign Exchange Risk

Long-term debt including current portion(1)
Net cash interest payments on long-term debt(2)

Leases
Purchase obligations(3)
Total

Total

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

Thereafter

$

5,575

$ — $ 698

$1,025

$ 248

$ 297

$

3,307

1,394

860

820

128

178

534

121

160

141

118

143

110

106

130

24

104

104

7

817

145

4

$

8,649

$ 840

$1,120

$1,396

$ 508

$ 512

$

4,273

_______
(1)  The Company classifies commercial paper and notes maturing within the next 12 months as long-term debt when it has the intent 

(2) 

and ability to refinance such obligations on a long-term basis. The amounts in this table exclude such obligations.
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.

(3)  The Company had outstanding contractual obligations with suppliers at the end of 2016 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 
2017. Management’s best estimate of voluntary contributions the Company will make to U.S. pension plans for the year 
ending December 31, 2017 is approximately $57. In addition, total benefit payments to be paid to participants for the year 
ending December 31, 2017 from the Company’s assets are estimated to be approximately $81.

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.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

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.

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 deconsolidation of 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, option contracts, 
foreign and 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 $20 and $35 at December 31, 2016 and 2015, 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 2016, an unfavorable 10% change 
in exchange rates would have resulted in a net unrealized loss of $45.

Interest Rate Risk

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 2016 variable rate debt levels, a 1% increase in interest rates would have increased Interest 

(income) expense, net by $13 in 2016.

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 in December 31, 2016 and 2015. At the end of 2016, an unfavorable 10% change in commodity 
futures prices would have resulted in a net unrealized loss of $1.

44

45

 
 
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)

(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)

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 October 24, 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update 

(“ASU”) No. 2016-16, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other than Inventory,” which 
eliminates the requirement to defer recognition of income taxes on intra-entity transfers until the asset is sold to an outside 
party. The new guidance requires the recognition of current and deferred income taxes on intra-entity transfers of assets 
other than inventory, such as intellectual property and property, plant and equipment, when the transfer occurs. The 
guidance is effective for the Company on January 1, 2018 and early adoption is permitted. The standard requires a 
“modified retrospective” adoption, meaning the standard is applied through a cumulative adjustment in retained earnings as 
of the beginning of the period of adoption. This new guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s 
Consolidated Financial Statements.

On August 26, 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of 
Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments,” which clarifies how certain cash receipts and payments are to be presented in 
the statement of cash flows. The guidance is effective for the Company on January 1, 2018 and early adoption is permitted. 
This new guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

On March 30, 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, “Compensation–Stock Compensation (Topic 718): 
Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting,” which amends accounting for income taxes related to 
share-based compensation, the related classification in the statement of cash flows and share award forfeiture accounting. 
This guidance requires recognition of excess tax benefits and deficiencies (resulting from an increase or decrease in the fair 
value of an award from grant date to the vesting or exercise date) in the provision for income taxes as a discrete item in the 
quarterly period in which they occur. Currently, excess tax benefits are recognized in equity. In addition, these amounts will 
be classified as an operating activity in the Statement of Cash Flows instead of as a financing activity. 

For the years 2014 to 2016, the Company recognized excess tax benefits in equity in the range of $55 to $63 per year. 
These amounts may not necessarily be indicative of future amounts that may be recognized subsequent to the adoption of 
this new standard, as any excess tax benefits recognized would be dependent on future stock prices, employee exercise 
behavior and applicable tax rates. The new guidance was effective for the Company beginning on January 1, 2017. 

On March 15, 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-07, “Investments–Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): 

Simplifying the Transition to the Equity Method of Accounting,” which eliminates the requirement to retroactively adjust 
an investment that subsequently qualifies for equity method accounting (as a result of an increase in level of ownership 
interest or degree of influence) as if the equity method of accounting had been applied during all prior periods that the 
investment was held. The new standard requires that the investor add the cost of acquiring additional ownership interest in 
the investee to its current basis and prospectively adopt the equity method of accounting. Any unrealized gains or losses in 
an available-for-sale investment that subsequently qualifies as an equity method investment should be recognized in 
earnings at the date the investment qualifies as an equity method investment. The new guidance was effective for the 
Company beginning on January 1, 2017. This new guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s 
Consolidated Financial Statements.

On February 25, 2016, the FASB issued its final standard on lease accounting, ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 
842),” which supersedes Topic 840, “Leases.” The new accounting standard requires the recognition of right-of-use assets 
and lease liabilities for all long-term leases, including operating leases, on the balance sheet. The new standard also 
provides additional guidance on the measurement of the right-of-use assets and lease liabilities and will require enhanced 
disclosures about the Company’s leasing arrangements. Under current accounting standards, substantially all of the 
Company’s leases are considered operating leases and, as such, are not recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. This 
new standard is effective for the Company beginning on January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted. The standard 
requires a “modified retrospective” adoption, meaning the standard is applied to leases existing at, or entered into after, the 
beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements. The Company is currently assessing the 
impact of the new standard on its Consolidated Financial Statements.

On January 5, 2016, the FASB issued 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 January 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. As permitted, the Company early-adopted the new standard 
on March 31, 2016, on a prospective basis, and did not retrospectively adjust prior periods. 

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 was effective for the 
Company beginning on January 1, 2017. This new guidance 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 issued their final converged standard 

on revenue recognition. The standard, issued as ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)” 
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. This new guidance is effective for the Company beginning on 
January 1, 2018. During 2016, the FASB issued several accounting updates (ASU No. 2016-08, 2016-10 and 2016-12) to 
clarify implementation guidance and correct unintended application of the guidance. 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. The 
Company continues to make progress in its implementation and assessment of the new standard and while the completion 
of this assessment is still ongoing, based on the progress to date, the Company does not expect the new standard will have a 
material impact on its revenue recognition accounting policy or its Consolidated Financial Statements.  

46

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(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)

(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)

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 October 24, 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update 

(“ASU”) No. 2016-16, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other than Inventory,” which 
eliminates the requirement to defer recognition of income taxes on intra-entity transfers until the asset is sold to an outside 
party. The new guidance requires the recognition of current and deferred income taxes on intra-entity transfers of assets 
other than inventory, such as intellectual property and property, plant and equipment, when the transfer occurs. The 
guidance is effective for the Company on January 1, 2018 and early adoption is permitted. The standard requires a 
“modified retrospective” adoption, meaning the standard is applied through a cumulative adjustment in retained earnings as 
of the beginning of the period of adoption. This new guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s 
Consolidated Financial Statements.

On August 26, 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of 
Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments,” which clarifies how certain cash receipts and payments are to be presented in 
the statement of cash flows. The guidance is effective for the Company on January 1, 2018 and early adoption is permitted. 
This new guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

On March 30, 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, “Compensation–Stock Compensation (Topic 718): 
Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting,” which amends accounting for income taxes related to 
share-based compensation, the related classification in the statement of cash flows and share award forfeiture accounting. 
This guidance requires recognition of excess tax benefits and deficiencies (resulting from an increase or decrease in the fair 
value of an award from grant date to the vesting or exercise date) in the provision for income taxes as a discrete item in the 
quarterly period in which they occur. Currently, excess tax benefits are recognized in equity. In addition, these amounts will 
be classified as an operating activity in the Statement of Cash Flows instead of as a financing activity. 

For the years 2014 to 2016, the Company recognized excess tax benefits in equity in the range of $55 to $63 per year. 
These amounts may not necessarily be indicative of future amounts that may be recognized subsequent to the adoption of 
this new standard, as any excess tax benefits recognized would be dependent on future stock prices, employee exercise 
behavior and applicable tax rates. The new guidance was effective for the Company beginning on January 1, 2017. 

On March 15, 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-07, “Investments–Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): 

Simplifying the Transition to the Equity Method of Accounting,” which eliminates the requirement to retroactively adjust 
an investment that subsequently qualifies for equity method accounting (as a result of an increase in level of ownership 
interest or degree of influence) as if the equity method of accounting had been applied during all prior periods that the 
investment was held. The new standard requires that the investor add the cost of acquiring additional ownership interest in 
the investee to its current basis and prospectively adopt the equity method of accounting. Any unrealized gains or losses in 
an available-for-sale investment that subsequently qualifies as an equity method investment should be recognized in 
earnings at the date the investment qualifies as an equity method investment. The new guidance was effective for the 
Company beginning on January 1, 2017. This new guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s 
Consolidated Financial Statements.

On February 25, 2016, the FASB issued its final standard on lease accounting, ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 
842),” which supersedes Topic 840, “Leases.” The new accounting standard requires the recognition of right-of-use assets 
and lease liabilities for all long-term leases, including operating leases, on the balance sheet. The new standard also 
provides additional guidance on the measurement of the right-of-use assets and lease liabilities and will require enhanced 
disclosures about the Company’s leasing arrangements. Under current accounting standards, substantially all of the 
Company’s leases are considered operating leases and, as such, are not recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. This 
new standard is effective for the Company beginning on January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted. The standard 
requires a “modified retrospective” adoption, meaning the standard is applied to leases existing at, or entered into after, the 
beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements. The Company is currently assessing the 
impact of the new standard on its Consolidated Financial Statements.

On January 5, 2016, the FASB issued 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 January 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. As permitted, the Company early-adopted the new standard 
on March 31, 2016, on a prospective basis, and did not retrospectively adjust prior periods. 

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 was effective for the 
Company beginning on January 1, 2017. This new guidance 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 issued their final converged standard 

on revenue recognition. The standard, issued as ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)” 
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. This new guidance is effective for the Company beginning on 
January 1, 2018. During 2016, the FASB issued several accounting updates (ASU No. 2016-08, 2016-10 and 2016-12) to 
clarify implementation guidance and correct unintended application of the guidance. 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. The 
Company continues to make progress in its implementation and assessment of the new standard and while the completion 
of this assessment is still ongoing, based on the progress to date, the Company does not expect the new standard will have a 
material impact on its revenue recognition accounting policy or its Consolidated Financial Statements.  

46

47

 
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)

(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)

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 750 bps, from 60.0% to 52.5% in 2016 and decreased by 770 
bps in 2015 and 2014, respectively, with no impact on reported earnings.

The Company accounts for inventories using both the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method (75% of inventories) and 
the LIFO method (25% of inventories). There would have been no material impact on reported earnings for 2016, 
2015 or 2014 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 deconsolidation of 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 
4.27%, 4.93% and 4.24% as of December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The discount rate used to 
measure the benefit obligation for other U.S. postretirement plans was 4.41%, 4.97% and 4.36% as of December 
31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, 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, 2016, 2015 and 2014. 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 6%, 8%, 5%, 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 $2. 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, 2016, 
2015 and 2014. 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 6.33% for 2017, 
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, 2016 was $8.10. 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 7%.

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 is generally performed using an income method, which 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. For the Company’s goodwill impairment analysis, fair value is also determined using the market 
approach, which is generally derived from metrics of comparable publicly traded companies. When multiple 
valuation methodologies are used, the results are weighted appropriately. 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, based on current knowledge it is the opinion of management that these matters will not have a 
material effect 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.

48

49

 
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)

(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)

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 750 bps, from 60.0% to 52.5% in 2016 and decreased by 770 
bps in 2015 and 2014, respectively, with no impact on reported earnings.

The Company accounts for inventories using both the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method (75% of inventories) and 
the LIFO method (25% of inventories). There would have been no material impact on reported earnings for 2016, 
2015 or 2014 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 deconsolidation of 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 
4.27%, 4.93% and 4.24% as of December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The discount rate used to 
measure the benefit obligation for other U.S. postretirement plans was 4.41%, 4.97% and 4.36% as of December 
31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, 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, 2016, 2015 and 2014. 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 6%, 8%, 5%, 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 $2. 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, 2016, 
2015 and 2014. 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 6.33% for 2017, 
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, 2016 was $8.10. 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 7%.

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 is generally performed using an income method, which 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. For the Company’s goodwill impairment analysis, fair value is also determined using the market 
approach, which is generally derived from metrics of comparable publicly traded companies. When multiple 
valuation methodologies are used, the results are weighted appropriately. 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, based on current knowledge it is the opinion of management that these matters will not have a 
material effect 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.

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(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)

Prior to the deconsolidation of 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 had 
been challenging, because the majority of the products in CP Venezuela’s portfolio were 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 believed this rate was not 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.

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 Securities and Exchange Commission in its rules, regulations and 
releases. Such statements may relate, for example, to sales or volume growth, organic sales growth, profit or profit margin 
growth, earnings growth, financial goals, the impact of foreign exchange volatility, cost-reduction plans including the 2012 
Restructuring Program, tax rates, the need to repatriate undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries, new product 
introductions, commercial investment levels, acquisitions and divestitures, or legal or tax 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, including changes in trade, tax and immigration policies, 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.”

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 9. 

CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND 
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

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, 2016 (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.

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

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, 2016. 

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, 2016, 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

(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)

Prior to the deconsolidation of 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 had 
been challenging, because the majority of the products in CP Venezuela’s portfolio were 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 believed this rate was not 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.

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 Securities and Exchange Commission in its rules, regulations and 
releases. Such statements may relate, for example, to sales or volume growth, organic sales growth, profit or profit margin 
growth, earnings growth, financial goals, the impact of foreign exchange volatility, cost-reduction plans including the 2012 
Restructuring Program, tax rates, the need to repatriate undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries, new product 
introductions, commercial investment levels, acquisitions and divestitures, or legal or tax 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, including changes in trade, tax and immigration policies, 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.”

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 9. 

CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND 
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

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, 2016 (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.

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

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, 2016. 

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, 2016, 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 10.  DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

(a)  The information regarding security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management set forth in the 2017 

PART III

ITEM 12.  SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND 

RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

See “Executive Officers of the Registrant” in Part I, Item 1 of this report.

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 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “2017 Proxy Statement”).

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 
Chief Transformation Officer 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

The information regarding executive compensation set forth in the 2017 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by 

reference.

Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

(b)  The registrant does not know of any arrangements that may at a subsequent date result in a change in control of 

the registrant.

(c)  Equity compensation plan information as of December 31, 2016:

(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)

46,637 (1) $

57.14 (2)

39,151 (3)

Not applicable  
46,637  

$

Not applicable  
57.14  

Not applicable  
39,151  

Plan Category

Equity compensation plans

approved by security holders
Equity compensation plans not
approved by security holders

Total

_______
(1) 

Consists of 43,692 options outstanding and 2,945 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 $61.00 and restricted stock units of $0.00.

Amount includes 28,401 options available for issuance and 10,750 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 

2017 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 2017 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by 

reference.

52

53

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 10.  DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

(a)  The information regarding security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management set forth in the 2017 

PART III

ITEM 12.  SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND 

RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

See “Executive Officers of the Registrant” in Part I, Item 1 of this report.

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 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “2017 Proxy Statement”).

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 
Chief Transformation Officer 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

The information regarding executive compensation set forth in the 2017 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by 

reference.

Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

(b)  The registrant does not know of any arrangements that may at a subsequent date result in a change in control of 

the registrant.

(c)  Equity compensation plan information as of December 31, 2016:

(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)

46,637 (1) $

57.14 (2)

39,151 (3)

Not applicable  
46,637  

$

Not applicable  
57.14  

Not applicable  
39,151  

Plan Category

Equity compensation plans

approved by security holders
Equity compensation plans not
approved by security holders

Total

_______
(1) 

Consists of 43,692 options outstanding and 2,945 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 $61.00 and restricted stock units of $0.00.

Amount includes 28,401 options available for issuance and 10,750 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 

2017 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 2017 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by 

reference.

52

53

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART IV

ITEM 15.  EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

(a)  Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules

See “Index to Financial Statements.”

(b)  Exhibits

See “Exhibits to Form 10-K.”

ITEM 16.  FORM 10-K SUMMARY

None.

 COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
SIGNATURES

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.

Colgate-Palmolive Company
            (Registrant)

Date: February 23, 2017

By

/s/ Ian Cook
Ian Cook
Chairman of the Board, President and
Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below on February 

23, 2017, by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated.

(a)           Principal Executive Officer

  (d)           Directors:

/s/ Ian Cook
Ian Cook

  Charles A. Bancroft, John P. Bilbrey,
John T. Cahill, Helene D. Gayle, 
Ellen M. Hancock, C. Martin Harris, 
Richard J. Kogan, Lorrie M. Norrington, 
Michael B. Polk, Stephen I. Sadove

/s/ Jennifer M. Daniels
Jennifer M. Daniels
As Attorney-in-Fact

/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
Chief Transformation Officer and
Corporate Controller

54

55

 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
   
  
   
   
   
PART IV

ITEM 15.  EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

(a)  Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules

See “Index to Financial Statements.”

(b)  Exhibits

See “Exhibits to Form 10-K.”

ITEM 16.  FORM 10-K SUMMARY

None.

 COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
SIGNATURES

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.

Colgate-Palmolive Company
            (Registrant)

Date: February 23, 2017

By

/s/ Ian Cook
Ian Cook
Chairman of the Board, President and
Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below on February 

23, 2017, by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated.

(a)           Principal Executive Officer

  (d)           Directors:

/s/ Ian Cook
Ian Cook

  Charles A. Bancroft, John P. Bilbrey,
John T. Cahill, Helene D. Gayle, 
Ellen M. Hancock, C. Martin Harris, 
Richard J. Kogan, Lorrie M. Norrington, 
Michael B. Polk, Stephen I. Sadove

/s/ Jennifer M. Daniels
Jennifer M. Daniels
As Attorney-in-Fact

/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
Chief Transformation Officer and
Corporate Controller

54

55

 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
   
  
   
   
   
Index to Financial Statements

Consolidated Financial Statements

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2016 and 2015

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Financial Statement Schedule

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014

Selected Financial Data

Market and Dividend Information

Historical Financial Summary

Page

57

58

59

60

61

62

63

104

105

107

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.

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, 2016 and 2015, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in 
the period ended December 31, 2016 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, 2016, 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.

56

/s/ PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP

New York, New York
February 23, 2017

57

  
 
  
 
  
 
  
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
Index to Financial Statements

Consolidated Financial Statements

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2016 and 2015

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Financial Statement Schedule

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014

Selected Financial Data

Market and Dividend Information

Historical Financial Summary

Page

57

58

59

60

61

62

63

104

105

107

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.

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, 2016 and 2015, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in 
the period ended December 31, 2016 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, 2016, 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.

56

/s/ PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP

New York, New York
February 23, 2017

57

  
 
  
 
  
 
  
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY

Consolidated Statements of Income

For the years ended December 31,

(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)

2016

2015

2014

$

15,195

$

16,034

$

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

$

$

$

6,072

9,123

5,249

37

—

3,837

99
3,738

1,152

2,586

145

2,441

2.74

2.72

$

$

$

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

$

$

$

17,277

7,168

10,109

5,982

570

—

3,557

24
3,533

1,194

2,339

159

2,180

2.38

2.36

 COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

For the years ended December 31,

 (Dollars in Millions)

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

2016

2015

2014

$

2,586

$

1,548

$

2,339

(137)
(109)
(1)
5
(242)
2,344

145

(12)
133

(645)
196
(7)
2
(454)
1,094

164

(11)
153

(685)
(329)
(48)
2
(1,060)
1,279

159

(4)
155

$

2,211

$

941

$

1,124

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

58

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

59

COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY

Consolidated Statements of Income

For the years ended December 31,

(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)

2016

2015

2014

$

15,195

$

16,034

$

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

$

$

$

6,072

9,123

5,249

37

—

3,837

99
3,738

1,152

2,586

145

2,441

2.74

2.72

$

$

$

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

$

$

$

17,277

7,168

10,109

5,982

570

—

3,557

24
3,533

1,194

2,339

159

2,180

2.38

2.36

 COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

For the years ended December 31,

 (Dollars in Millions)

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

2016

2015

2014

$

2,586

$

1,548

$

2,339

(137)
(109)
(1)
5
(242)
2,344

145

(12)
133

(645)
196
(7)
2
(454)
1,094

164

(11)
153

(685)
(329)
(48)
2
(1,060)
1,279

159

(4)
155

$

2,211

$

941

$

1,124

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

58

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

59

COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY

 Consolidated Balance Sheets

As of December 31,

 (Dollars in Millions Except Share and Per Share Amounts)

Assets

Current Assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Receivables (net of allowances of $73 and $59, 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

$

$

2016

2015

(A)

$

1,315

$

1,411

1,171

441

4,338

3,840

2,107

1,313

301

224

970

1,427

1,180

807

4,384

3,796

2,103

1,346

67

239

$

13

—

1,124

441

1,727

3,305

6,520

246

2,035
12,106
—

1,466

1,691

19,922

(4,180)

(7)

(19,135)

(243)

260

17

4

298

1,110

277

1,845

3,534

6,246

233

1,966
11,979
—

1,466

1,438

18,861

(3,950)

(12)

(18,102)

(299)

255

(44)

$

12,123

$

11,935

12,123

$

11,935

Net income

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, 2014

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

$

1,004

$

(33) $ (15,633) $

17,952

$

(2,451) $

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) $

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

125

90

(69)

56

243

69

(1,551)

(1)

8

1,384

(1,355)

(443)

Balance, December 31, 2015

$

1,466

$

1,438

$

(12) $ (18,102) $

18,861

$

(3,950) $

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

2,441

(1,380)

(230)

123

128

(60)

62

242

60

(1,335)

5

Balance, December 31, 2016

$

1,466

$

1,691

$

(7) $ (19,135) $

19,922

$

(4,180) $

260

231

159

(4)

(146)

240

164

(11)

(138)

255

145

(12)

(128)

(A)  Prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation of debt issuance costs required by Accounting 

Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2015-03 “Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs.” See Note 2, Summary of 
Significant Accounting Policies to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

60

61

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY

 Consolidated Balance Sheets

As of December 31,

 (Dollars in Millions Except Share and Per Share Amounts)

Assets

Current Assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Receivables (net of allowances of $73 and $59, 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

$

$

2016

2015

(A)

$

1,315

$

1,411

1,171

441

4,338

3,840

2,107

1,313

301

224

970

1,427

1,180

807

4,384

3,796

2,103

1,346

67

239

$

13

—

1,124

441

1,727

3,305

6,520

246

2,035
12,106
—

1,466

1,691

19,922

(4,180)

(7)

(19,135)

(243)

260

17

4

298

1,110

277

1,845

3,534

6,246

233

1,966
11,979
—

1,466

1,438

18,861

(3,950)

(12)

(18,102)

(299)

255

(44)

$

12,123

$

11,935

12,123

$

11,935

Net income

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, 2014

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

$

1,004

$

(33) $ (15,633) $

17,952

$

(2,451) $

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) $

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

125

90

(69)

56

243

69

(1,551)

(1)

8

1,384

(1,355)

(443)

Balance, December 31, 2015

$

1,466

$

1,438

$

(12) $ (18,102) $

18,861

$

(3,950) $

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

2,441

(1,380)

(230)

123

128

(60)

62

242

60

(1,335)

5

Balance, December 31, 2016

$

1,466

$

1,691

$

(7) $ (19,135) $

19,922

$

(4,180) $

260

231

159

(4)

(146)

240

164

(11)

(138)

255

145

(12)

(128)

(A)  Prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation of debt issuance costs required by Accounting 

Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2015-03 “Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs.” See Note 2, Summary of 
Significant Accounting Policies to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

60

61

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 

For the years ended December 31,

(Dollars in Millions)

Operating Activities

Net income including noncontrolling interests

$

2,586

$

1,548

$

2,339

Adjustments to reconcile net income including noncontrolling interests to net cash

2016

2015

2014

provided by operations:

Depreciation and amortization

Restructuring and termination benefits, net of cash

Venezuela remeasurement charges

Charge for a foreign tax matter

Stock-based compensation expense

Gain on sale of land in Mexico

Gain on sale of South Pacific laundry detergent business

Charge for Venezuela accounting change

Deferred income taxes

Voluntary benefit plan contributions

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 land in Mexico

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

443

(9)

—

—

123

(97)

—

—

56

(53)

(17)

(4)

100

13

449

69

34

—

125

—

(187)

1,084

(51)

—

(75)

(13)

(67)

33

3,141

2,949

(593)

—

(336)

378

60

—

(5)

—

(3)

(499)

(7,274)

7,438

(1,508)

(1,335)

446

(2,233)

(64)

345

970

1,315

932

162

$

$

$

(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

66

131

—

—

—

18

(2)

(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

$

$

$

COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY

 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

(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. Products from both product 
segments are also sold to e-commerce retailers. 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 

past three years:

Oral Care
Personal Care
Home Care
Pet Nutrition

Total

2016

2015

2014

47%
20%
18%
15%
100%

47%
20%
19%
14%
100%

46%
21%
20%
13%
100%

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, 2016 and 2015, equity method 
investments included in Other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets were $38 and $34, 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 concluded it no longer met the 
accounting criteria for consolidation of its Venezuelan subsidiary (“CP Venezuela”) and began accounting for CP Venezuela 
using the cost method of accounting. As a result, effective December 31, 2015, CP Venezuela’s net assets and operating 
results are no longer included in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. See Note 14, Venezuela for further 
information.

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

62

63

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 

For the years ended December 31,

(Dollars in Millions)

Operating Activities

Net income including noncontrolling interests

$

2,586

$

1,548

$

2,339

Adjustments to reconcile net income including noncontrolling interests to net cash

2016

2015

2014

provided by operations:

Depreciation and amortization

Restructuring and termination benefits, net of cash

Venezuela remeasurement charges

Charge for a foreign tax matter

Stock-based compensation expense

Gain on sale of land in Mexico

Gain on sale of South Pacific laundry detergent business

Charge for Venezuela accounting change

Deferred income taxes

Voluntary benefit plan contributions

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 land in Mexico

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

443

(9)

—

—

123

(97)

—

—

56

(53)

(17)

(4)

100

13

449

69

34

—

125

—

(187)

1,084

(51)

—

(75)

(13)

(67)

33

3,141

2,949

(593)

—

(336)

378

60

—

(5)

—

(3)

(499)

(7,274)

7,438

(1,508)

(1,335)

446

(2,233)

(64)

345

970

1,315

932

162

$

$

$

(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

66

131

—

—

—

18

(2)

(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

$

$

$

COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY

 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

(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. Products from both product 
segments are also sold to e-commerce retailers. 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 

past three years:

Oral Care
Personal Care
Home Care
Pet Nutrition

Total

2016

2015

2014

47%
20%
18%
15%
100%

47%
20%
19%
14%
100%

46%
21%
20%
13%
100%

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, 2016 and 2015, equity method 
investments included in Other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets were $38 and $34, 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 concluded it no longer met the 
accounting criteria for consolidation of its Venezuelan subsidiary (“CP Venezuela”) and began accounting for CP Venezuela 
using the cost method of accounting. As a result, effective December 31, 2015, CP Venezuela’s net assets and operating 
results are no longer included in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. See Note 14, Venezuela for further 
information.

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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)

Use of Estimates

Goodwill and Other Intangibles

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 deconsolidation of 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

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.

Shipping and Handling Costs

Shipping and handling costs are classified as Selling, general and administrative expenses and were $1,140, $1,235 

and $1,326 for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, 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 75% 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.

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 Provision for income taxes.

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.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Currency Translation

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.

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.

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)

Use of Estimates

Goodwill and Other Intangibles

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 deconsolidation of 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

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.

Shipping and Handling Costs

Shipping and handling costs are classified as Selling, general and administrative expenses and were $1,140, $1,235 

and $1,326 for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, 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 75% 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.

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 Provision for income taxes.

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.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Currency Translation

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.

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.

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)

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 
deconsolidation of 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 October 24, 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update 

(“ASU”) No. 2016-16, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other than Inventory,” which 
eliminates the requirement to defer recognition of income taxes on intra-entity transfers until the asset is sold to an outside 
party. The new guidance requires the recognition of current and deferred income taxes on intra-entity transfers of assets 
other than inventory, such as intellectual property and property, plant and equipment, when the transfer occurs. The 
guidance is effective for the Company on January 1, 2018 and early adoption is permitted. The standard requires a 
“modified retrospective” adoption, meaning the standard is applied through a cumulative adjustment in retained earnings as 
of the beginning of the period of adoption. This new guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s 
Consolidated Financial Statements.

On August 26, 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of 
Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments,” which clarifies how certain cash receipts and payments are to be presented in 
the statement of cash flows. The guidance is effective for the Company on January 1, 2018 and early adoption is permitted. 
This new guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

On March 30, 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, “Compensation–Stock Compensation (Topic 718): 
Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting,” which amends accounting for income taxes related to 
share-based compensation, the related classification in the statement of cash flows and share award forfeiture accounting. 
This guidance requires recognition of excess tax benefits and deficiencies (resulting from an increase or decrease in the fair 
value of an award from grant date to the vesting or exercise date) in the provision for income taxes as a discrete item in the 
quarterly period in which they occur. Currently, excess tax benefits are recognized in equity. In addition, these amounts will 
be classified as an operating activity in the Statement of Cash Flows instead of as a financing activity. 

For the years 2014 to 2016, the Company recognized excess tax benefits in equity in the range of $55 to $63 per year. 
These amounts may not necessarily be indicative of future amounts that may be recognized subsequent to the adoption of 
this new standard, as any excess tax benefits recognized would be dependent on future stock prices, employee exercise 
behavior and applicable tax rates. The new guidance was effective for the Company beginning on January 1, 2017. 

On March 15, 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-07, “Investments–Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): 

Simplifying the Transition to the Equity Method of Accounting,” which eliminates the requirement to retroactively adjust 
an investment that subsequently qualifies for equity method accounting (as a result of an increase in level of ownership 
interest or degree of influence) as if the equity method of accounting had been applied during all prior periods that the 
investment was held. The new standard requires that the investor add the cost of acquiring additional ownership interest in 
the investee to its current basis and prospectively adopt the equity method of accounting. Any unrealized gains or losses in 
an available-for-sale investment that subsequently qualifies as an equity method investment should be recognized in 
earnings at the date the investment qualifies as an equity method investment. The new guidance was effective for the 
Company beginning on January 1, 2017. This new guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s 
Consolidated Financial Statements.

On February 25, 2016, the FASB issued its final standard on lease accounting, ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 
842),” which supersedes Topic 840, “Leases.” The new accounting standard requires the recognition of right-of-use assets 
and lease liabilities for all long-term leases, including operating leases, on the balance sheet. The new standard also 
provides additional guidance on the measurement of the right-of-use assets and lease liabilities and will require enhanced 
disclosures about the Company’s leasing arrangements. Under current accounting standards, substantially all of the 
Company’s leases are considered operating leases and, as such, are not recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. This 
new standard is effective for the Company beginning on January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted. The standard 
requires a “modified retrospective” adoption, meaning the standard is applied to leases existing at, or entered into after, the 
beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements. The Company is currently assessing the 
impact of the new standard on its Consolidated Financial Statements.

On January 5, 2016, the FASB issued 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 January 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. As permitted, the Company early-adopted the new standard 
on March 31, 2016, on a prospective basis, and did not retrospectively adjust prior periods. 

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 was effective for the Company beginning on 
January 1, 2017. This new guidance 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 issued their final converged standard 

on revenue recognition. The standard, issued as ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)” 
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. This new guidance is effective for the Company beginning on 
January 1, 2018. During 2016, the FASB issued several accounting updates (ASU No. 2016-08, 2016-10 and 2016-12) to 
clarify implementation guidance and correct unintended application of the guidance. 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. The 
Company continues to make progress in its implementation and assessment of the new standard and while the completion 
of this assessment is still ongoing, based on the progress to date, the Company does not expect the new standard will have a 
material impact on its revenue recognition accounting policy or its Consolidated Financial Statements. 

Reclassifications

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. The Company adopted 
ASU No. 2015-03, “Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs,” on January 1, 2016. To conform to the current 
year’s presentation, debt issuance costs have been reclassified from Other assets and are now presented as a direct 
deduction to the carrying amount of the related debt balance at December 31, 2015. The reclassification had no further 
effect on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

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)

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 
deconsolidation of 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 October 24, 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update 

(“ASU”) No. 2016-16, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other than Inventory,” which 
eliminates the requirement to defer recognition of income taxes on intra-entity transfers until the asset is sold to an outside 
party. The new guidance requires the recognition of current and deferred income taxes on intra-entity transfers of assets 
other than inventory, such as intellectual property and property, plant and equipment, when the transfer occurs. The 
guidance is effective for the Company on January 1, 2018 and early adoption is permitted. The standard requires a 
“modified retrospective” adoption, meaning the standard is applied through a cumulative adjustment in retained earnings as 
of the beginning of the period of adoption. This new guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s 
Consolidated Financial Statements.

On August 26, 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of 
Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments,” which clarifies how certain cash receipts and payments are to be presented in 
the statement of cash flows. The guidance is effective for the Company on January 1, 2018 and early adoption is permitted. 
This new guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

On March 30, 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, “Compensation–Stock Compensation (Topic 718): 
Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting,” which amends accounting for income taxes related to 
share-based compensation, the related classification in the statement of cash flows and share award forfeiture accounting. 
This guidance requires recognition of excess tax benefits and deficiencies (resulting from an increase or decrease in the fair 
value of an award from grant date to the vesting or exercise date) in the provision for income taxes as a discrete item in the 
quarterly period in which they occur. Currently, excess tax benefits are recognized in equity. In addition, these amounts will 
be classified as an operating activity in the Statement of Cash Flows instead of as a financing activity. 

For the years 2014 to 2016, the Company recognized excess tax benefits in equity in the range of $55 to $63 per year. 
These amounts may not necessarily be indicative of future amounts that may be recognized subsequent to the adoption of 
this new standard, as any excess tax benefits recognized would be dependent on future stock prices, employee exercise 
behavior and applicable tax rates. The new guidance was effective for the Company beginning on January 1, 2017. 

On March 15, 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-07, “Investments–Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): 

Simplifying the Transition to the Equity Method of Accounting,” which eliminates the requirement to retroactively adjust 
an investment that subsequently qualifies for equity method accounting (as a result of an increase in level of ownership 
interest or degree of influence) as if the equity method of accounting had been applied during all prior periods that the 
investment was held. The new standard requires that the investor add the cost of acquiring additional ownership interest in 
the investee to its current basis and prospectively adopt the equity method of accounting. Any unrealized gains or losses in 
an available-for-sale investment that subsequently qualifies as an equity method investment should be recognized in 
earnings at the date the investment qualifies as an equity method investment. The new guidance was effective for the 
Company beginning on January 1, 2017. This new guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s 
Consolidated Financial Statements.

On February 25, 2016, the FASB issued its final standard on lease accounting, ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 
842),” which supersedes Topic 840, “Leases.” The new accounting standard requires the recognition of right-of-use assets 
and lease liabilities for all long-term leases, including operating leases, on the balance sheet. The new standard also 
provides additional guidance on the measurement of the right-of-use assets and lease liabilities and will require enhanced 
disclosures about the Company’s leasing arrangements. Under current accounting standards, substantially all of the 
Company’s leases are considered operating leases and, as such, are not recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. This 
new standard is effective for the Company beginning on January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted. The standard 
requires a “modified retrospective” adoption, meaning the standard is applied to leases existing at, or entered into after, the 
beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements. The Company is currently assessing the 
impact of the new standard on its Consolidated Financial Statements.

On January 5, 2016, the FASB issued 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 January 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. As permitted, the Company early-adopted the new standard 
on March 31, 2016, on a prospective basis, and did not retrospectively adjust prior periods. 

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 was effective for the Company beginning on 
January 1, 2017. This new guidance 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 issued their final converged standard 

on revenue recognition. The standard, issued as ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)” 
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. This new guidance is effective for the Company beginning on 
January 1, 2018. During 2016, the FASB issued several accounting updates (ASU No. 2016-08, 2016-10 and 2016-12) to 
clarify implementation guidance and correct unintended application of the guidance. 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. The 
Company continues to make progress in its implementation and assessment of the new standard and while the completion 
of this assessment is still ongoing, based on the progress to date, the Company does not expect the new standard will have a 
material impact on its revenue recognition accounting policy or its Consolidated Financial Statements. 

Reclassifications

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. The Company adopted 
ASU No. 2015-03, “Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs,” on January 1, 2016. To conform to the current 
year’s presentation, debt issuance costs have been reclassified from Other assets and are now presented as a direct 
deduction to the carrying amount of the related debt balance at December 31, 2015. The reclassification had no further 
effect on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

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)

3. 

Acquisitions and Divestitures

Sale of Land in Mexico

In September 2016, the Company’s Mexican subsidiary completed the sale to the United States of America of the 
Mexico City site on which its commercial operations, technology center and soap production facility were previously 
located and received $60 as the third and final installment of the sale price. The total sale price (including the third 
installment and the previously received first and second installments) was $120. The Company recognized a pretax gain of 
$97 ($63 aftertax or $0.07 per diluted share) in the third quarter of 2016, net of costs primarily related to site preparation.

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 were 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. 

4. 

Restructuring and Related Implementation Charges 

In the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company commenced a Global Growth and Efficiency Program (as expanded in 
2014 and 2015 as described below, the “2012 Restructuring 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 2012 

Restructuring Program to take advantage of additional savings opportunities. 

Recognizing the macroeconomic challenges around the world and the successful implementation of the 2012 
Restructuring Program, on October 29, 2015, the 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. The Board approved the implementation plan for this expansion on March 10, 2016. 
Initiatives under the 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. Cumulative pretax charges resulting from the 2012 Restructuring Program, once all phases are 
approved and implemented, are estimated to be $1,405 to $1,585 ($1,050 to $1,170 aftertax). 

The pretax charges resulting from 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 related implementation 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 2017 are expected to 
approximate $180 to $360 ($140 to $260 aftertax). It is expected that substantially all charges resulting from the 2012 
Restructuring Program will be incurred by December 31, 2017.

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 (20%), Latin America (5%), Asia Pacific (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 expected that, when it has been fully implemented, 
the 2012 Restructuring Program will contribute a net reduction of approximately 3,300 to 3,800 positions from the 
Company’s global employee workforce. 

For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, restructuring and related implementation 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

2016

2015

2014

$

$

$

46
77
105
228

168

$

$

$

20
64
170
254

183

$

$

$

29
62
195
286

208

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 (1) 
Asia Pacific (1)
Africa/Eurasia
Hill’s Pet Nutrition
Corporate

2016

2015

2014

Program-to-date
Accumulated Charges

35%

5%

12%

4%
14%
7%

23%

21%

3%

14%

4%
5%
5%

48%

11%

4%

20%

3%
3%
10%

49%

17%

4%

22%

3%
7%
7%

40%

(1) The Company has recast its historical geographic segment information to conform to the reporting structure effective as of April 1, 

2016. See Note 15, Segment Information for additional details. 

Since the inception of the 2012 Restructuring Program in the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company has incurred 
cumulative pretax charges of $1,228 ($907 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, 2016

$

$

465

80

27

656

1,228

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)

3. 

Acquisitions and Divestitures

Sale of Land in Mexico

In September 2016, the Company’s Mexican subsidiary completed the sale to the United States of America of the 
Mexico City site on which its commercial operations, technology center and soap production facility were previously 
located and received $60 as the third and final installment of the sale price. The total sale price (including the third 
installment and the previously received first and second installments) was $120. The Company recognized a pretax gain of 
$97 ($63 aftertax or $0.07 per diluted share) in the third quarter of 2016, net of costs primarily related to site preparation.

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 were 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. 

4. 

Restructuring and Related Implementation Charges 

In the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company commenced a Global Growth and Efficiency Program (as expanded in 
2014 and 2015 as described below, the “2012 Restructuring 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 2012 

Restructuring Program to take advantage of additional savings opportunities. 

Recognizing the macroeconomic challenges around the world and the successful implementation of the 2012 
Restructuring Program, on October 29, 2015, the 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. The Board approved the implementation plan for this expansion on March 10, 2016. 
Initiatives under the 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. Cumulative pretax charges resulting from the 2012 Restructuring Program, once all phases are 
approved and implemented, are estimated to be $1,405 to $1,585 ($1,050 to $1,170 aftertax). 

The pretax charges resulting from 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 related implementation 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 2017 are expected to 
approximate $180 to $360 ($140 to $260 aftertax). It is expected that substantially all charges resulting from the 2012 
Restructuring Program will be incurred by December 31, 2017.

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 (20%), Latin America (5%), Asia Pacific (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 expected that, when it has been fully implemented, 
the 2012 Restructuring Program will contribute a net reduction of approximately 3,300 to 3,800 positions from the 
Company’s global employee workforce. 

For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, restructuring and related implementation 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

2016

2015

2014

$

$

$

46
77
105
228

168

$

$

$

20
64
170
254

183

$

$

$

29
62
195
286

208

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 (1) 
Asia Pacific (1)
Africa/Eurasia
Hill’s Pet Nutrition
Corporate

2016

2015

2014

Program-to-date
Accumulated Charges

35%

5%

12%

4%
14%
7%

23%

21%

3%

14%

4%
5%
5%

48%

11%

4%

20%

3%
3%
10%

49%

17%

4%

22%

3%
7%
7%

40%

(1) The Company has recast its historical geographic segment information to conform to the reporting structure effective as of April 1, 

2016. See Note 15, Segment Information for additional details. 

Since the inception of the 2012 Restructuring Program in the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company has incurred 
cumulative pretax charges of $1,228 ($907 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, 2016

$

$

465

80

27

656

1,228

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)

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; the closing of the Morristown, New Jersey personal care facility; and 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.

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, 2016, 2015 and 
2014 include third-party incremental costs related to the development and implementation of new business and strategic 
initiatives of $116, $65 and $65, respectively, and contract termination costs and charges resulting directly from exit 
activities of $21, $8 and $40, 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, 2016, 2015 and 2014 are other exit 
costs of $1, $47 and $82, respectively, related to the consolidation of facilities. 

The following table summarizes the activity for the restructuring and related implementation charges discussed above 

and the related accruals:

5. 

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Total 

The net carrying value of Goodwill as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, by segment was as follows:

Balance at January 1, 2014

$

116

$

— $

— $

Employee-Related
Costs 

Incremental
Depreciation

Asset
Impairments 

Other 
42

$

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

$

Charges

Cash payments

Charges against assets

Foreign exchange

Other

Balance at December 31, 2016

$

73

(95)

(5)

(4)

—

85

109

(85)

(17)

(8)

—

84

61

(84)

(4)

(1)

—

56

$

$

$

25

—
(25)
—

—

1

—
(1)
—

—

187
(117)
—
(5)
—

— $

— $

107

$

20

—
(20)
—

—

5

—
(5)
—

—

120
(94)
—
(2)
—

— $

— $

131

$

9

—
(9)
—

—

20

—
(20)
—

—

138
(153)
—

—

9

— $

— $

125

$

158

286
(212)
(31)
(9)
—

192

254
(179)
(42)
(10)
—

215

228
(237)
(33)
(1)
9

181

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 $4, $17 and $5 for the 
years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively, which are reflected as Charges against assets within 
Employee-Related Costs in the preceding table 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.

Oral, Personal and Home Care

North America
Latin America
Europe (1)
Asia Pacific (1)
Africa/Eurasia

Total Oral, Personal and Home Care
Pet Nutrition
Total Goodwill

2016

2015

$

$

336
260
1,233
187
76
2,092
15
2,107

$

$

333
224
1,268
188
75
2,088
15
2,103

(1) The Company has recast its historical geographic segment information to conform to the reporting structure effective as of April 1, 

2016. See Note 15, Segment Information for additional details. 

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, 2016 and 2015 were comprised of the following:

2016

2015

Trademarks
Other finite life intangible assets
Indefinite life intangible assets
Total Other intangible assets

Gross
Carrying
Amount

$

$

539
231
938
1,708

$

Accumulated
Amortization
$

Gross
Carrying
Amount

545
216
951
1,712

Net

222
153
938
1,313

$

$

$

Accumulated
Amortization
$

Net

243
152
951
1,346

(302) $
(64)
—
(366) $

(317) $
(78)
—
(395) $

The changes in the net carrying amounts of Other intangible assets during 2016, 2015 and 2014 were primarily due to 

amortization expense of $33, $33 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 $30.

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)

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; the closing of the Morristown, New Jersey personal care facility; and 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.

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, 2016, 2015 and 
2014 include third-party incremental costs related to the development and implementation of new business and strategic 
initiatives of $116, $65 and $65, respectively, and contract termination costs and charges resulting directly from exit 
activities of $21, $8 and $40, 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, 2016, 2015 and 2014 are other exit 
costs of $1, $47 and $82, respectively, related to the consolidation of facilities. 

The following table summarizes the activity for the restructuring and related implementation charges discussed above 

and the related accruals:

5. 

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Total 

The net carrying value of Goodwill as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, by segment was as follows:

Balance at January 1, 2014

$

116

$

— $

— $

Employee-Related
Costs 

Incremental
Depreciation

Asset
Impairments 

Other 
42

$

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

$

Charges

Cash payments

Charges against assets

Foreign exchange

Other

Balance at December 31, 2016

$

73

(95)

(5)

(4)

—

85

109

(85)

(17)

(8)

—

84

61

(84)

(4)

(1)

—

56

$

$

$

25

—
(25)
—

—

1

—
(1)
—

—

187
(117)
—
(5)
—

— $

— $

107

$

20

—
(20)
—

—

5

—
(5)
—

—

120
(94)
—
(2)
—

— $

— $

131

$

9

—
(9)
—

—

20

—
(20)
—

—

138
(153)
—

—

9

— $

— $

125

$

158

286
(212)
(31)
(9)
—

192

254
(179)
(42)
(10)
—

215

228
(237)
(33)
(1)
9

181

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 $4, $17 and $5 for the 
years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively, which are reflected as Charges against assets within 
Employee-Related Costs in the preceding table 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.

Oral, Personal and Home Care

North America
Latin America
Europe (1)
Asia Pacific (1)
Africa/Eurasia

Total Oral, Personal and Home Care
Pet Nutrition
Total Goodwill

2016

2015

$

$

336
260
1,233
187
76
2,092
15
2,107

$

$

333
224
1,268
188
75
2,088
15
2,103

(1) The Company has recast its historical geographic segment information to conform to the reporting structure effective as of April 1, 

2016. See Note 15, Segment Information for additional details. 

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, 2016 and 2015 were comprised of the following:

2016

2015

Trademarks
Other finite life intangible assets
Indefinite life intangible assets
Total Other intangible assets

Gross
Carrying
Amount

$

$

539
231
938
1,708

$

Accumulated
Amortization
$

Gross
Carrying
Amount

545
216
951
1,712

Net

222
153
938
1,313

$

$

$

Accumulated
Amortization
$

Net

243
152
951
1,346

(302) $
(64)
—
(366) $

(317) $
(78)
—
(395) $

The changes in the net carrying amounts of Other intangible assets during 2016, 2015 and 2014 were primarily due to 

amortization expense of $33, $33 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 $30.

70

71

 
  
 
 
  
  
COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY

 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(Dollars in Millions Except Share and Per Share Amounts)

6. 

Long-Term Debt and Credit Facilities

Long-term debt consisted of the following at December 31:

Notes
Commercial paper

Less: Current portion of long-term debt
Total

Weighted
Average
Interest Rate

2.0%
(0.3)%

2017

2078

Maturities
-
2017

2016
$ 6,225
295
6,520
—
  $ 6,520

2015
$ 6,539
5
6,544
298
$ 6,246

The weighted-average interest rate on short-term borrowings of $13 in 2016 and $4 in 2015 included in Notes and 
loans payable in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 was 1.6% and 1.8%, respectively.

The Company classifies commercial paper and notes maturing within the next twelve months as long-term debt when 

it has the intent and ability to refinance such obligations on a long-term basis. Excluding such obligations, scheduled 
maturities of long-term debt and capitalized leases outstanding as of December 31, 2016, were as follows:  

Years Ended December 31,
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
Thereafter

$

—
698
1,025
248
297
3,307

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. 

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 were under the Company’s shelf 
registration statement. The debt issuance during the third quarter of 2015 was U.S. dollar-denominated. Proceeds from the 
debt issuances in the second and third quarters of 2015 were used for general corporate purposes which included the 
retirement of commercial paper borrowings. 

At December 31, 2016, the Company had access to unused domestic and foreign lines of credit of $2,927 (including 

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. In 2016, the facility was extended for an additional year to November 
2020. The Company also has the ability to draw $165 from a revolving credit facility that expires in November 2017. 
Commitment fees related to the credit facilities are not material.

COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY

 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(Dollars in Millions Except Share and Per Share Amounts)

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 uses available market information and other valuation methodologies in assessing the fair value of 

financial instruments. 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. 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 only with diverse, credit-worthy counterparties based upon both strong credit ratings and other credit 
considerations.

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 primarily utilizes foreign currency contracts, including forward and swap contracts, option contracts, 

foreign and 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

73

  
 
 
 
COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY

 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(Dollars in Millions Except Share and Per Share Amounts)

6. 

Long-Term Debt and Credit Facilities

Long-term debt consisted of the following at December 31:

Notes
Commercial paper

Less: Current portion of long-term debt
Total

Weighted
Average
Interest Rate

2.0%
(0.3)%

2017

2078

Maturities
-
2017

2016
$ 6,225
295
6,520
—
  $ 6,520

2015
$ 6,539
5
6,544
298
$ 6,246

The weighted-average interest rate on short-term borrowings of $13 in 2016 and $4 in 2015 included in Notes and 
loans payable in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 was 1.6% and 1.8%, respectively.

The Company classifies commercial paper and notes maturing within the next twelve months as long-term debt when 

it has the intent and ability to refinance such obligations on a long-term basis. Excluding such obligations, scheduled 
maturities of long-term debt and capitalized leases outstanding as of December 31, 2016, were as follows:  

Years Ended December 31,
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
Thereafter

$

—
698
1,025
248
297
3,307

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. 

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 were under the Company’s shelf 
registration statement. The debt issuance during the third quarter of 2015 was U.S. dollar-denominated. Proceeds from the 
debt issuances in the second and third quarters of 2015 were used for general corporate purposes which included the 
retirement of commercial paper borrowings. 

At December 31, 2016, the Company had access to unused domestic and foreign lines of credit of $2,927 (including 

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. In 2016, the facility was extended for an additional year to November 
2020. The Company also has the ability to draw $165 from a revolving credit facility that expires in November 2017. 
Commitment fees related to the credit facilities are not material.

COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY

 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(Dollars in Millions Except Share and Per Share Amounts)

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 uses available market information and other valuation methodologies in assessing the fair value of 

financial instruments. 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. 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 only with diverse, credit-worthy counterparties based upon both strong credit ratings and other credit 
considerations.

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 primarily utilizes foreign currency contracts, including forward and swap contracts, option contracts, 

foreign and 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

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)

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, 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 table summarizes the fair value of the Company’s derivative instruments and other financial instruments 

at December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015:

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

Total other financial

instruments

Other current
assets

12/31/16

12/31/15

12/31/16

12/31/15

$

— Other accruals

$

— $

—

4

—

—

4

$

—

— $

4

$

$

$

$

—

—

5

—

—

5

—

—

5

$

$

$

$

$

$

1

1

29

5

—

36

—

7 Other liabilities

131 Other accruals

— Other liabilities

— Other accruals

$

138

13 Other liabilities

— $

13

36

$

151

23

23

$

$

61

61

The carrying amount of cash, cash equivalents, accounts receivable and short-term debt approximated fair value as of 
December 31, 2016 and 2015. The estimated fair value of the Company’s long-term debt, including the current portion, as 
of December 31, 2016 and 2015, was $6,717 and $6,767, respectively, and the related carrying value was $6,520 and 
$6,544, 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).

Fair Value Hedges

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

Notional Value at December 31,

$

204

$

Gain (loss) on derivatives

Gain (loss) on hedged items

Cash Flow Hedges

5

(5)

2016

Interest
Rate
Swaps

1,250
(5)
5

Foreign
Currency
Contracts

2015

Interest
Rate
Swaps

Total

$

573
(3)
3

1,250
(4)
4

$ 1,823
(7)
7

Total

$ 1,454

$

—

—

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:

2016

Foreign
Currency
Contracts

Commodity
Contracts

Total

2015

Foreign
Currency
Contracts

Commodity
Contracts

Notional Value at December 31,

$

643

$

Gain (loss) recognized in OCI

Gain (loss) reclassified into Cost of sales

12

4

7
(1)
—

$

650

$

745

$

11

4

19

17

9
(1)
(1)

Total

$

754

18

16

The net gain (loss) recognized in OCI for both foreign currency contracts and commodity contracts is generally 

expected to be recognized in Cost of sales within the next twelve months.

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)

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, 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 table summarizes the fair value of the Company’s derivative instruments and other financial instruments 

at December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015:

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

Total other financial

instruments

Other current
assets

12/31/16

12/31/15

12/31/16

12/31/15

$

— Other accruals

$

— $

—

4

—

—

4

$

—

— $

4

$

$

$

$

—

—

5

—

—

5

—

—

5

$

$

$

$

$

$

1

1

29

5

—

36

—

7 Other liabilities

131 Other accruals

— Other liabilities

— Other accruals

$

138

13 Other liabilities

— $

13

36

$

151

23

23

$

$

61

61

The carrying amount of cash, cash equivalents, accounts receivable and short-term debt approximated fair value as of 
December 31, 2016 and 2015. The estimated fair value of the Company’s long-term debt, including the current portion, as 
of December 31, 2016 and 2015, was $6,717 and $6,767, respectively, and the related carrying value was $6,520 and 
$6,544, 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).

Fair Value Hedges

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

Notional Value at December 31,

$

204

$

Gain (loss) on derivatives

Gain (loss) on hedged items

Cash Flow Hedges

5

(5)

2016

Interest
Rate
Swaps

1,250
(5)
5

Foreign
Currency
Contracts

2015

Interest
Rate
Swaps

Total

$

573
(3)
3

1,250
(4)
4

$ 1,823
(7)
7

Total

$ 1,454

$

—

—

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:

2016

Foreign
Currency
Contracts

Commodity
Contracts

Total

2015

Foreign
Currency
Contracts

Commodity
Contracts

Notional Value at December 31,

$

643

$

Gain (loss) recognized in OCI

Gain (loss) reclassified into Cost of sales

12

4

7
(1)
—

$

650

$

745

$

11

4

19

17

9
(1)
(1)

Total

$

754

18

16

The net gain (loss) recognized in OCI for both foreign currency contracts and commodity contracts is generally 

expected to be recognized in Cost of sales within the next twelve months.

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)

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 
Cumulative translation adjustments within OCI, along with the offsetting gain or loss on the hedged items. 

At December 31, 2014, Other current assets included marketable securities and the current portion of bonds issued by 

the Venezuelan government. 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.

The following table presents a reconciliation of the Venezuelan bonds at fair value for the twelve months ended 

Activity related to net investment hedges recorded during each period presented was as follows:

December 31, 2015 and 2014:

Foreign
Currency
Contracts

2016

Foreign
Currency
Debt

Foreign
Currency
Contracts

Total

2015

Foreign
Currency
Debt

Total

Notional Value at December 31,

$

498

$

1,118

$ 1,616

$

645

$

800

$ 1,445

Gain (loss) on instruments

Gain (loss) on hedged items

22

(25)

35
(35)

57
(60)

73
(73)

48
(48)

121
(121)

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, 2016.

Beginning balance as of January 1

Unrealized gain (loss) on investment

Purchases and sales during the period

Venezuela deconsolidation

Ending balance as of December 31

2015

2014

$

$

$

399
(17)
12
(394)

— $

685
(341)
55

—

399

Unrealized loss on investment for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 consisted primarily of a loss in the 
amount of $50 and $324, respectively, 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 those periods. For further 
information regarding Venezuela, refer to Note 14, Venezuela.

8. 

Capital Stock and Stock-Based Compensation Plans

Preference Stock

Activity related to these contracts during each period presented was as follows:

The Company has the authority to issue 50,262,150 shares of preference stock. 

Notional Value at December 31,

Gain (loss) on instruments

Gain (loss) on hedged items

Other Financial Instruments

2016

2015

Foreign Currency
Contracts

Foreign Currency
Contracts

$

4

$

5
(5)

102

11
(4)

Other financial instruments are classified as Other current assets or Other assets.

Included in Other current assets at December 31, 2016 are marketable securities, which consist of bank deposits of $23 

with original maturities greater than 90 days carried at fair value (Level 1 valuation) and the current portion of bonds 
issued by the Argentinian government in the amount of $48 classified as held-to-maturity and carried at amortized cost. 
The long-term portion of these bonds in the amount of $4 is included in Other assets. 

Through its subsidiary in Argentina, the Company has invested in U.S. dollar-linked devaluation-protected bonds and 

Argentinian peso-denominated bonds issued by the Argentinian government. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the 
amortized cost of these bonds was $52 and $61, respectively, and their approximate fair value was $64 and $77, 
respectively (Level 2 valuation). 

Stock Repurchases

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 share repurchase program (the “2015 Program”), which replaced a 
previously authorized share repurchase 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 
$1,335 during 2016 under the 2015 Program.

The Company may use either authorized and unissued shares or treasury shares to meet share requirements resulting 

from the exercise of stock options and the vesting of restricted stock unit awards.

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)

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 
Cumulative translation adjustments within OCI, along with the offsetting gain or loss on the hedged items. 

At December 31, 2014, Other current assets included marketable securities and the current portion of bonds issued by 

the Venezuelan government. 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.

The following table presents a reconciliation of the Venezuelan bonds at fair value for the twelve months ended 

Activity related to net investment hedges recorded during each period presented was as follows:

December 31, 2015 and 2014:

Foreign
Currency
Contracts

2016

Foreign
Currency
Debt

Foreign
Currency
Contracts

Total

2015

Foreign
Currency
Debt

Total

Notional Value at December 31,

$

498

$

1,118

$ 1,616

$

645

$

800

$ 1,445

Gain (loss) on instruments

Gain (loss) on hedged items

22

(25)

35
(35)

57
(60)

73
(73)

48
(48)

121
(121)

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, 2016.

Beginning balance as of January 1

Unrealized gain (loss) on investment

Purchases and sales during the period

Venezuela deconsolidation

Ending balance as of December 31

2015

2014

$

$

$

399
(17)
12
(394)

— $

685
(341)
55

—

399

Unrealized loss on investment for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 consisted primarily of a loss in the 
amount of $50 and $324, respectively, 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 those periods. For further 
information regarding Venezuela, refer to Note 14, Venezuela.

8. 

Capital Stock and Stock-Based Compensation Plans

Preference Stock

Activity related to these contracts during each period presented was as follows:

The Company has the authority to issue 50,262,150 shares of preference stock. 

Notional Value at December 31,

Gain (loss) on instruments

Gain (loss) on hedged items

Other Financial Instruments

2016

2015

Foreign Currency
Contracts

Foreign Currency
Contracts

$

4

$

5
(5)

102

11
(4)

Other financial instruments are classified as Other current assets or Other assets.

Included in Other current assets at December 31, 2016 are marketable securities, which consist of bank deposits of $23 

with original maturities greater than 90 days carried at fair value (Level 1 valuation) and the current portion of bonds 
issued by the Argentinian government in the amount of $48 classified as held-to-maturity and carried at amortized cost. 
The long-term portion of these bonds in the amount of $4 is included in Other assets. 

Through its subsidiary in Argentina, the Company has invested in U.S. dollar-linked devaluation-protected bonds and 

Argentinian peso-denominated bonds issued by the Argentinian government. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the 
amortized cost of these bonds was $52 and $61, respectively, and their approximate fair value was $64 and $77, 
respectively (Level 2 valuation). 

Stock Repurchases

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 share repurchase program (the “2015 Program”), which replaced a 
previously authorized share repurchase 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 
$1,335 during 2016 under the 2015 Program.

The Company may use either authorized and unissued shares or treasury shares to meet share requirements resulting 

from the exercise of stock options and the vesting of restricted stock unit awards.

76

77

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY

 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(Dollars in Millions Except Share and Per Share Amounts)

A summary of common stock and treasury stock activity for the three years ended December 31, is as follows:

Balance, January 1, 2014

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 acquired

Shares issued for stock options

Shares issued for restricted stock units and other

Balance, December 31, 2016

Stock-Based Compensation

Common
Stock
Outstanding
919,946,575

Treasury
Stock

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

(19,271,304)
8,536,639

1,105,110

883,108,963

19,271,304
(8,536,639)
(1,105,110)
582,597,397

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 fair value of 
restricted stock units, generally 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 $123, $125 and $131 for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, 
respectively. The total income tax benefit recognized on stock-based compensation was approximately $40, $39 and $42 
for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, 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.

COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY

 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(Dollars in Millions Except Share and Per Share Amounts)

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, 2016, 2015 and 2014 was 
$8.10, $7.25 and $7.60, 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

2016
4.5 years
16.7%
1.2%
2.1%

2015
4.5 years
17.6%
1.5%
2.5%

2014
4.5 years
17.1%
1.6%
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.

Restricted Stock Units

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, 2016, approximately 10,750,000 shares of common 
stock were available for future restricted stock unit awards.

A summary of restricted stock unit activity during 2016 is presented below:

Restricted stock units as of January 1, 2016
Activity:
Granted
Vested
Forfeited

Restricted stock units as of December 31, 2016

Shares
(in thousands)
3,166

933
(1,048)
(106)
2,945

Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair Value
Per Award

$

$

61

70
58
59
66

As of December 31, 2016, there was $56 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, 2016, 2015 and 2014 was $61, $70 and $71, 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, 2016, 28,401,438 
shares of common stock were available for future stock option grants. 

78

79

  
  
  
COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY

 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(Dollars in Millions Except Share and Per Share Amounts)

A summary of common stock and treasury stock activity for the three years ended December 31, is as follows:

Balance, January 1, 2014

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 acquired

Shares issued for stock options

Shares issued for restricted stock units and other

Balance, December 31, 2016

Stock-Based Compensation

Common
Stock
Outstanding
919,946,575

Treasury
Stock

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

(19,271,304)
8,536,639

1,105,110

883,108,963

19,271,304
(8,536,639)
(1,105,110)
582,597,397

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 fair value of 
restricted stock units, generally 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 $123, $125 and $131 for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, 
respectively. The total income tax benefit recognized on stock-based compensation was approximately $40, $39 and $42 
for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, 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.

COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY

 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(Dollars in Millions Except Share and Per Share Amounts)

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, 2016, 2015 and 2014 was 
$8.10, $7.25 and $7.60, 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

2016
4.5 years
16.7%
1.2%
2.1%

2015
4.5 years
17.6%
1.5%
2.5%

2014
4.5 years
17.1%
1.6%
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.

Restricted Stock Units

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, 2016, approximately 10,750,000 shares of common 
stock were available for future restricted stock unit awards.

A summary of restricted stock unit activity during 2016 is presented below:

Restricted stock units as of January 1, 2016
Activity:
Granted
Vested
Forfeited

Restricted stock units as of December 31, 2016

Shares
(in thousands)
3,166

933
(1,048)
(106)
2,945

Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair Value
Per Award

$

$

61

70
58
59
66

As of December 31, 2016, there was $56 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, 2016, 2015 and 2014 was $61, $70 and $71, 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, 2016, 28,401,438 
shares of common stock were available for future stock option grants. 

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)

A summary of stock option activity during 2016 is presented below:

10. 

Retirement Plans and Other Retiree Benefits

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 provides all future retirement benefits through the Company’s defined 
contribution plan. As a result, service after December 31, 2013 is not considered for participants in the Company’s 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. 

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:

Asset Category
Equity securities
Fixed income securities
Real estate and other investments

Total

United States

International

27%
53%
20%
100%

41%
40%
19%
100%

Options outstanding, January 1, 2016
Granted
Exercised
Forfeited or expired
Options outstanding, December 31, 2016
Options exercisable, December 31, 2016

Shares
(in thousands)
43,920
9,163
(8,903)
(488)
43,692
26,396

$

$

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

Weighted 
Average 
Remaining 
Contractual Life
(in years)

Intrinsic Value 
of Unexercised 
In-the-Money 
Options

56
73
46
60
61
57

4
3

$
$

261
236

As of December 31, 2016, there was $49 of total unrecognized compensation expense related to options, which will be 

recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.7 years. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the years 
ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 was $221, $200 and $211, 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, 2016, 2015 and 2014 was $59, $55 and $63, 
respectively. Through December 31, 2016 these amounts were recognized in equity and were reported as a financing cash 
flow. Effective January 1, 2017, as a result of the required adoption of ASU No. 2016-09, excess tax benefits will be 
recognized in the provision for income taxes as a discrete item in the quarterly period in which they occur and classified as 
an operating cash flow. Cash proceeds received from options exercised for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 
2014 were $386, $299 and $314, respectively.

9. 

Employee Stock Ownership Plan

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, 2016 
and 2015, there were 21,082,162 and 23,636,184 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, 2016, the ESOP had outstanding borrowings from the Company of $7, 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, 2016, 16,409,918 shares of common stock had been released and allocated to participant accounts and 
4,672,244 shares of common stock were available for future allocation to participant accounts. 

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.

Annual expense related to the ESOP was $0, $0, and $2 in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. 

 The Company paid dividends on the shares held by the ESOP of $35 in 2016, $38 in 2015 and $40 in 2014. The 

Company contributed to the ESOP $0, $0 and $2 in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

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)

A summary of stock option activity during 2016 is presented below:

10. 

Retirement Plans and Other Retiree Benefits

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 provides all future retirement benefits through the Company’s defined 
contribution plan. As a result, service after December 31, 2013 is not considered for participants in the Company’s 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. 

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:

Asset Category
Equity securities
Fixed income securities
Real estate and other investments

Total

United States

International

27%
53%
20%
100%

41%
40%
19%
100%

Options outstanding, January 1, 2016
Granted
Exercised
Forfeited or expired
Options outstanding, December 31, 2016
Options exercisable, December 31, 2016

Shares
(in thousands)
43,920
9,163
(8,903)
(488)
43,692
26,396

$

$

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

Weighted 
Average 
Remaining 
Contractual Life
(in years)

Intrinsic Value 
of Unexercised 
In-the-Money 
Options

56
73
46
60
61
57

4
3

$
$

261
236

As of December 31, 2016, there was $49 of total unrecognized compensation expense related to options, which will be 

recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.7 years. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the years 
ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 was $221, $200 and $211, 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, 2016, 2015 and 2014 was $59, $55 and $63, 
respectively. Through December 31, 2016 these amounts were recognized in equity and were reported as a financing cash 
flow. Effective January 1, 2017, as a result of the required adoption of ASU No. 2016-09, excess tax benefits will be 
recognized in the provision for income taxes as a discrete item in the quarterly period in which they occur and classified as 
an operating cash flow. Cash proceeds received from options exercised for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 
2014 were $386, $299 and $314, respectively.

9. 

Employee Stock Ownership Plan

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, 2016 
and 2015, there were 21,082,162 and 23,636,184 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, 2016, the ESOP had outstanding borrowings from the Company of $7, 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, 2016, 16,409,918 shares of common stock had been released and allocated to participant accounts and 
4,672,244 shares of common stock were available for future allocation to participant accounts. 

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.

Annual expense related to the ESOP was $0, $0, and $2 in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. 

 The Company paid dividends on the shares held by the ESOP of $35 in 2016, $38 in 2015 and $40 in 2014. The 

Company contributed to the ESOP $0, $0 and $2 in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

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, 2016 the allocation of the Company’s plan assets and the level of valuation input, as applicable, for 

 At December 31, 2015 the allocation of the Company’s plan assets and the level of valuation input, as applicable, for 

each major asset category were as follows:

each major asset category were as follows:

Level of
Valuation
Input

Level 1
Level 1
Level 1
Level 1
Level 2
Level 2

Cash and cash equivalents
U.S. common stocks
International common stocks
Pooled funds(1)
Fixed income securities(2)
Guaranteed investment contracts(3)

Investments valued using NAV per share(4)
Domestic, developed and emerging markets equity
funds
Fixed income funds(5)
Hedge funds(6)
Multi-Asset funds(7)
Real estate funds(8)

Pension Plans

United States

International

Other Retiree
Benefit Plans

$

$

27
127
—
134
767
1
1,056

323
118
96
52
43
632

13
3
3
84
22
49
174

155
155
3
3
19
335

—
509

$

$

—
—
—
—
—
—
—

—
—
—
—
—
—

—
—

Level of
Valuation
Input

Level 1
Level 1
Level 1
Level 2
Level 2

Cash and cash equivalents
U.S. common stocks
Pooled funds(1)
Fixed income securities(2)
Guaranteed investment contracts(3)

Investments valued using NAV per share(4)
Domestic, developed and emerging markets equity
funds
Fixed income funds(5)
Hedge funds(6)
Multi-Asset funds(7)
Real estate funds(8)

Pension Plans

United States

International

Other Retiree
Benefit Plans

$

$

16
126
112
718
1
973

309

123
131
49

39

651

13
3
76
24
52
168

158

165
6
4

19

352

—
520

$

$

—
1
1
6
—
8

3

1
1
—

1

6

—
14

Other assets and liabilities, net(9)
Total Investments

(42)
1,646

$

$

Other assets and liabilities, net(9)
Total Investments

—
1,624

$

$

_______
(1)  Pooled funds primarily invest in U.S. and foreign equity securities, debt and money market securities. 
(2)  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, 2016 and 2015, approximately 50% of the U.S. pension plan fixed income portfolio was 
invested in U.S. treasury or agency securities, with the remainder invested in other government bonds and corporate bonds.
(3)  The guaranteed investment contracts (“GICs”) represent contracts with insurance companies measured at the cash surrender value 

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.

(4) 

In accordance with ASU 2015-07, investments that are measured at fair value using net asset value (“NAV”) per share as a practical 
expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy.  The Company has applied ASU 2015-07 retrospectively for the year 
ended December 31, 2016. The NAV is based on the value of the underlying investments owned, minus its liabilities, divided by the 
number of shares outstanding.  There are no unfunded commitments related to these investments. Redemption notice period 
primarily ranges from 0-3 months and redemption frequency windows range from daily to quarterly.  

(5)  Fixed income funds primarily invest in U.S. government and investment grade corporate bonds.
(6)  Consists of investments in underlying hedge fund strategies that are primarily implemented through the use of long and short equity 

and fixed income securities and derivative instruments such as futures and options.

(7)  Multi-Asset funds primarily invest across a variety of asset classes, including global stocks and bonds, as well as alternative 

strategies.

(8)  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. 
(9)  This category primarily includes unsettled trades for investments purchased and sold and dividend receivables. 

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)

At December 31, 2016 the allocation of the Company’s plan assets and the level of valuation input, as applicable, for 

 At December 31, 2015 the allocation of the Company’s plan assets and the level of valuation input, as applicable, for 

each major asset category were as follows:

each major asset category were as follows:

Level of
Valuation
Input

Level 1
Level 1
Level 1
Level 1
Level 2
Level 2

Cash and cash equivalents
U.S. common stocks
International common stocks
Pooled funds(1)
Fixed income securities(2)
Guaranteed investment contracts(3)

Investments valued using NAV per share(4)
Domestic, developed and emerging markets equity
funds
Fixed income funds(5)
Hedge funds(6)
Multi-Asset funds(7)
Real estate funds(8)

Pension Plans

United States

International

Other Retiree
Benefit Plans

$

$

27
127
—
134
767
1
1,056

323
118
96
52
43
632

13
3
3
84
22
49
174

155
155
3
3
19
335

—
509

$

$

—
—
—
—
—
—
—

—
—
—
—
—
—

—
—

Level of
Valuation
Input

Level 1
Level 1
Level 1
Level 2
Level 2

Cash and cash equivalents
U.S. common stocks
Pooled funds(1)
Fixed income securities(2)
Guaranteed investment contracts(3)

Investments valued using NAV per share(4)
Domestic, developed and emerging markets equity
funds
Fixed income funds(5)
Hedge funds(6)
Multi-Asset funds(7)
Real estate funds(8)

Pension Plans

United States

International

Other Retiree
Benefit Plans

$

$

16
126
112
718
1
973

309

123
131
49

39

651

13
3
76
24
52
168

158

165
6
4

19

352

—
520

$

$

—
1
1
6
—
8

3

1
1
—

1

6

—
14

Other assets and liabilities, net(9)
Total Investments

(42)
1,646

$

$

Other assets and liabilities, net(9)
Total Investments

—
1,624

$

$

_______
(1)  Pooled funds primarily invest in U.S. and foreign equity securities, debt and money market securities. 
(2)  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, 2016 and 2015, approximately 50% of the U.S. pension plan fixed income portfolio was 
invested in U.S. treasury or agency securities, with the remainder invested in other government bonds and corporate bonds.
(3)  The guaranteed investment contracts (“GICs”) represent contracts with insurance companies measured at the cash surrender value 

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.

(4) 

In accordance with ASU 2015-07, investments that are measured at fair value using net asset value (“NAV”) per share as a practical 
expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy.  The Company has applied ASU 2015-07 retrospectively for the year 
ended December 31, 2016. The NAV is based on the value of the underlying investments owned, minus its liabilities, divided by the 
number of shares outstanding.  There are no unfunded commitments related to these investments. Redemption notice period 
primarily ranges from 0-3 months and redemption frequency windows range from daily to quarterly.  

(5)  Fixed income funds primarily invest in U.S. government and investment grade corporate bonds.
(6)  Consists of investments in underlying hedge fund strategies that are primarily implemented through the use of long and short equity 

and fixed income securities and derivative instruments such as futures and options.

(7)  Multi-Asset funds primarily invest across a variety of asset classes, including global stocks and bonds, as well as alternative 

strategies.

(8)  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. 
(9)  This category primarily includes unsettled trades for investments purchased and sold and dividend receivables. 

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)

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, 2016 and December 31, 2015. No shares of the Company’s common stock were purchased or sold 
by the U.S. plans in 2016 or 2015. The plans received dividends on the Company’s common stock of $3 in 2016 and 2015.

Other Retiree Benefits

Change in Benefit Obligations

Pension Plans
2015
2016
2015
2016
International
United States

Other Retiree
Benefit Plans
2015

2016

The Company and certain of its subsidiaries provide health care and life insurance benefits for retired employees to the 

Benefit obligations at beginning of year

$ 2,201

$2,406

$ 802

$ 916

$ 862

$ 1,011

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:

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

1

105

—

—

129

—

3
—
(141)
—

2

100

—

—
(189)
—

16
—
(134)
—

$ 2,298

$2,201

16

25

2

1

76
(47)
—
(37)
(36)
(2)
$ 800

20

28

2

3
(3)
(75)
—
(16)
(38)
(35)
$ 802

13

43

—

—

39

1

1
—
(36)
—

$ 923

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year

$ 1,624

$ 520

$ 552

$

14

44

—

—
(154)
(14)
1
—
(40)
—

862

41

—

13

—

—

—
(40)
—

14

$1,771
(33)
20

—

—

—
(134)
—

88

75

—

—

—
(141)
—

46

54

20

35

2
(43)
(33)
(36)
(1)
$ 509

2
(35)
(14)
(38)
(2)
$ 520

$

$

14

1

21

—

—

—
(36)
—

$ 1,646

$1,624

$ — $

$ 2,298

$2,201

$ 800

$ 802

$ 923

$

862

1,646

1,624

509
$ (652) $ (577) $ (291) $ (282) $ (923) $

520

—

14
(848)

$

$ — $ — $

8
(12)
(287)
$ (652) $ (577) $ (291) $ (282) $ (923) $

$ — $ —
(41)
(807)
(848)

17
(12)
(287)

(21)
(556)

(24)
(628)

(44)
(879)

$ 962

$ 852

$ 254

$ 219

2

2

5

7

$ 964

$ 854

$ 259

$ 226

$ 330
(2)
$ 328

$

$

305
(2)
303

Actual return on plan assets

Company contributions

Participants’ contributions

Foreign exchange impact

Settlements and acquisitions

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

84

85

Accumulated benefit obligation

$ 2,230

$2,100

$ 739

$ 739

$ — $ —

  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
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)

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, 2016 and December 31, 2015. No shares of the Company’s common stock were purchased or sold 
by the U.S. plans in 2016 or 2015. The plans received dividends on the Company’s common stock of $3 in 2016 and 2015.

Other Retiree Benefits

Change in Benefit Obligations

Pension Plans
2015
2016
2015
2016
International
United States

Other Retiree
Benefit Plans
2015

2016

The Company and certain of its subsidiaries provide health care and life insurance benefits for retired employees to the 

Benefit obligations at beginning of year

$ 2,201

$2,406

$ 802

$ 916

$ 862

$ 1,011

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:

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

1

105

—

—

129

—

3
—
(141)
—

2

100

—

—
(189)
—

16
—
(134)
—

$ 2,298

$2,201

16

25

2

1

76
(47)
—
(37)
(36)
(2)
$ 800

20

28

2

3
(3)
(75)
—
(16)
(38)
(35)
$ 802

13

43

—

—

39

1

1
—
(36)
—

$ 923

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year

$ 1,624

$ 520

$ 552

$

14

44

—

—
(154)
(14)
1
—
(40)
—

862

41

—

13

—

—

—
(40)
—

14

$1,771
(33)
20

—

—

—
(134)
—

88

75

—

—

—
(141)
—

46

54

20

35

2
(43)
(33)
(36)
(1)
$ 509

2
(35)
(14)
(38)
(2)
$ 520

$

$

14

1

21

—

—

—
(36)
—

$ 1,646

$1,624

$ — $

$ 2,298

$2,201

$ 800

$ 802

$ 923

$

862

1,624

1,646

509
$ (652) $ (577) $ (291) $ (282) $ (923) $

520

—

14
(848)

$

$ — $ — $

8
(12)
(287)
$ (652) $ (577) $ (291) $ (282) $ (923) $

$ — $ —
(41)
(807)
(848)

17
(12)
(287)

(21)
(556)

(24)
(628)

(44)
(879)

$ 962

$ 852

$ 254

$ 219

2

2

5

7

$ 964

$ 854

$ 259

$ 226

$ 330
(2)
$ 328

$

$

305
(2)
303

Actual return on plan assets

Company contributions

Participants’ contributions

Foreign exchange impact

Settlements and acquisitions

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

84

85

Accumulated benefit obligation

$ 2,230

$2,100

$ 739

$ 739

$ — $ —

  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
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
2016
2015
2016
International
United States

Other Retiree
Benefit Plans
2015
2016

4.27% 4.93% 2.59% 3.17% 4.41% 4.97%
6.80% 6.80% 4.14% 4.62% 6.80% 6.80%

3.50% 3.50% 2.58% 2.78%
—% —%
—% —%

—%
—%
—% 10.00% 10.00%
—% 6.33% 6.67%

—%
—%

_________
(1)  Represents pension and other retiree benefit enhancements incurred in 2016 and 2015 pursuant to the 2012 Restructuring Program.
(2)  Other in International Pension Plans for 2015 includes a $33 impact related to the deconsolidation of 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, 2016 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 6%, 8%, 5%, 6%, and 8%, respectively. Similar 
assessments were performed in determining rates of return on international pension plan assets to arrive at the Company’s 
2016 weighted-average rate of return of 4.14%.

The medical cost trend rate of increase assumed in measuring the expected cost of benefits is projected to decrease 
from 6.33% in 2017 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

$

$

119
9

(96)
(7)

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, 2016 in order to reflect the Society of 
Actuaries’ updated mortality improvement scale published in October 2016. 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, 2015 in order to reflect the Society 
of Actuaries’ mortality tables and mortality improvement scale published in October 2015 which 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.

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,

2016

2015

$

$

2,973
2,024

2,840
2,003

2,667
1,792

2,499
1,772

Summarized information regarding the net periodic benefit costs for the Company’s defined benefit and other retiree 

benefit plans is as follows:

Pension Plans
2016
2014

2016

2015
United States

2015
International

2014

Other Retiree Benefit Plans
2014
2015
2016

Components of Net Periodic

Benefit Cost

Service cost

Interest cost

Annual ESOP allocation

$

1

$

2

$

1

$ 16

$ 20

$ 17

$ 13

$

105

—

100

—

102

—

25

—

28

—

35

—

Expected return on plan assets

(109)

(117)

(112)

(23)

(28)

(29)

Amortization of transition and
prior service costs (credits)

Amortization of actuarial loss

—

41

—

44

1

37

—

8

2

11

4

6

Net periodic benefit cost

$ 38

$ 29

$ 29

$ 26

$ 33

$ 33

$ 69

Other postretirement charges

3

16

5

11

Total pension cost

$ 41

$ 45

$ 34

$ 37

(1)
$ 32

(8)
$ 25

1

$ 70

$

$

43

—

(1)

—

14

14

44

—

(2)

—

25

81

1

82

$ 11

42
(1)

(3)

3

16

$ 68

—

$ 68

Weighted-Average Assumptions

Used to Determine Net
Periodic Benefit Cost

Discount rate

4.93% 4.24% 4.96% 3.17% 3.06% 3.99% 4.97%

4.36% 5.24%

Long-term rate of return on plan

assets

Long-term rate of compensation

increase

ESOP growth rate
Medical cost trend rate of
increase

6.80% 6.80% 6.80% 4.62% 5.05% 5.50% 6.80%

6.80% 6.80%

3.50% 3.50% 3.50% 2.78% 2.83% 3.02%

—%

—%

—%

—% —% —% —% —% —% 10.00% 10.00% 10.00%

—% —% —% —% —% —% 6.67%

7.00% 7.00%

Other postretirement charges in 2016, 2015 and 2014 include pension and other benefit enhancements amounting to 
$4, $17 and $5 respectively, incurred pursuant to the 2012 Restructuring Program. Other postretirement charges in 2016 
also includes $11 related to pension plan settlements incurred primarily 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)

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
2016
2015
2016
International
United States

Other Retiree
Benefit Plans
2015
2016

4.27% 4.93% 2.59% 3.17% 4.41% 4.97%
6.80% 6.80% 4.14% 4.62% 6.80% 6.80%

3.50% 3.50% 2.58% 2.78%
—% —%
—% —%

—%
—%
—% 10.00% 10.00%
—% 6.33% 6.67%

—%
—%

_________
(1)  Represents pension and other retiree benefit enhancements incurred in 2016 and 2015 pursuant to the 2012 Restructuring Program.
(2)  Other in International Pension Plans for 2015 includes a $33 impact related to the deconsolidation of 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, 2016 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 6%, 8%, 5%, 6%, and 8%, respectively. Similar 
assessments were performed in determining rates of return on international pension plan assets to arrive at the Company’s 
2016 weighted-average rate of return of 4.14%.

The medical cost trend rate of increase assumed in measuring the expected cost of benefits is projected to decrease 
from 6.33% in 2017 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

$

$

119
9

(96)
(7)

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, 2016 in order to reflect the Society of 
Actuaries’ updated mortality improvement scale published in October 2016. 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, 2015 in order to reflect the Society 
of Actuaries’ mortality tables and mortality improvement scale published in October 2015 which 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.

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,

2016

2015

$

$

2,973
2,024

2,840
2,003

2,667
1,792

2,499
1,772

Summarized information regarding the net periodic benefit costs for the Company’s defined benefit and other retiree 

benefit plans is as follows:

Pension Plans
2016
2014

2016

2015
United States

2015
International

2014

Other Retiree Benefit Plans
2014
2015
2016

Components of Net Periodic

Benefit Cost

Service cost

Interest cost

Annual ESOP allocation

$

1

$

2

$

1

$ 16

$ 20

$ 17

$ 13

$

105

—

100

—

102

—

25

—

28

—

35

—

Expected return on plan assets

(109)

(117)

(112)

(23)

(28)

(29)

Amortization of transition and
prior service costs (credits)

Amortization of actuarial loss

—

41

—

44

1

37

—

8

2

11

4

6

Net periodic benefit cost

$ 38

$ 29

$ 29

$ 26

$ 33

$ 33

$ 69

Other postretirement charges

3

16

5

11

Total pension cost

$ 41

$ 45

$ 34

$ 37

(1)
$ 32

(8)
$ 25

1

$ 70

$

$

43

—

(1)

—

14

14

44

—

(2)

—

25

81

1

82

$ 11

42
(1)

(3)

3

16

$ 68

—

$ 68

Weighted-Average Assumptions

Used to Determine Net
Periodic Benefit Cost

Discount rate

4.93% 4.24% 4.96% 3.17% 3.06% 3.99% 4.97%

4.36% 5.24%

Long-term rate of return on plan

assets

Long-term rate of compensation

increase

ESOP growth rate
Medical cost trend rate of
increase

6.80% 6.80% 6.80% 4.62% 5.05% 5.50% 6.80%

6.80% 6.80%

3.50% 3.50% 3.50% 2.78% 2.83% 3.02%

—%

—%

—%

—% —% —% —% —% —% 10.00% 10.00% 10.00%

—% —% —% —% —% —% 6.67%

7.00% 7.00%

Other postretirement charges in 2016, 2015 and 2014 include pension and other benefit enhancements amounting to 
$4, $17 and $5 respectively, incurred pursuant to the 2012 Restructuring Program. Other postretirement charges in 2016 
also includes $11 related to pension plan settlements incurred primarily 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)

The Company made voluntary contributions of $53, $0 and $2 in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively, to its U.S. 

Temporary differences between accounting for financial statement purposes and accounting for tax purposes result in 

retirement plans.

the current provision for taxes being higher (lower) than the total Provision for income taxes as follows:

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:

Net actuarial loss
Net transition and prior service cost

Expected Contributions and Benefit Payments

Pension
Plans

$

Other Retiree
Benefit Plans
17
$
—

57
—

Management’s best estimate of voluntary contributions the Company will make to U.S. pension plans for the year 
ending December 31, 2017 is approximately $57. 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, 2017 from the Company’s assets 

are estimated to be approximately $81. 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,
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022-2026

11. 

Income Taxes 

Pension Plans

$

United
States

137
137
140
144
150
733

$

International
37
$
32
32
34
36
202

Other
Retiree
Benefit
Plans

$

45
46
46
47
48
256

219
215
218
225
234
1,191

The components of Income before income taxes are as follows for the three years ended December 31:

2016

2015

2014

United States
International
Total Income before income taxes

$

$

1,191
2,547
3,738

$

$

1,118
1,645
2,763

The Provision for income taxes consists of the following for the three years ended December 31:

United States
International
Total Provision for income taxes

2016

2015

$

$

395
757
1,152

$

$

376
839
1,215

$

$

$

$

1,094
2,439
3,533

2014

348
846
1,194

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)

2016

2015

2014

$

$

$

18
(3)
—
15
5
(106)
(71) $

3
(25)
36
11
(4)
98
119

$

$

(40)
(13)
19
11
5
(19)
(37)

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

2016

2015

2014

Tax at United States statutory rate
State income taxes, net of federal benefit
Earnings taxed at other than United States statutory rate
(Benefit) charge for previously disclosed tax matters(1)
(Benefit) on Venezuela remeasurement(2)
Tax charge on incremental repatriation of foreign earnings(2)
Venezuela deconsolidation(3)
Other, net

35.0%
0.5
(2.7)
(0.8)
(5.6)
5.6
—
(1.2)
30.8%

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%

_________
(1)  The benefit from a previously disclosed tax matter in 2016 relates to several Supreme Court and Administrative Court rulings in a foreign 

jurisdiction allowing certain tax deductions which had the effect of reversing prior decisions. The charge for a previously disclosed 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)  The effective tax rate in 2016 included a $210 U.S. income tax benefit recognized in the first quarter of 2016 principally related to changes in 

Venezuela’s foreign exchange regime implemented in March 2016. Although, effective December 31, 2015, the operating results of CP Venezuela 
are no longer included in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements, under current tax rules, the Company is required to continue including 
CP Venezuela’s results in its consolidated U.S. federal income tax return. In order to fully recognize the $210 tax benefit in 2016, the Company 
repatriated an incremental $1,500 of earnings of foreign subsidiaries it previously considered indefinitely reinvested outside of the U.S., and 
accordingly, recorded a tax charge of $210 during the first quarter of 2016. 

(3) 

See Note 14, Venezuela. 

Total

Effective tax rate

88

89

  
  
 
  
  
  
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 Company made voluntary contributions of $53, $0 and $2 in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively, to its U.S. 

Temporary differences between accounting for financial statement purposes and accounting for tax purposes result in 

retirement plans.

the current provision for taxes being higher (lower) than the total Provision for income taxes as follows:

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:

Net actuarial loss
Net transition and prior service cost

Expected Contributions and Benefit Payments

Pension
Plans

$

Other Retiree
Benefit Plans
17
$
—

57
—

Management’s best estimate of voluntary contributions the Company will make to U.S. pension plans for the year 
ending December 31, 2017 is approximately $57. 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, 2017 from the Company’s assets 

are estimated to be approximately $81. 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,
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022-2026

11. 

Income Taxes 

Pension Plans

$

United
States

137
137
140
144
150
733

$

International
37
$
32
32
34
36
202

Other
Retiree
Benefit
Plans

$

45
46
46
47
48
256

219
215
218
225
234
1,191

The components of Income before income taxes are as follows for the three years ended December 31:

2016

2015

2014

United States
International
Total Income before income taxes

$

$

1,191
2,547
3,738

$

$

1,118
1,645
2,763

The Provision for income taxes consists of the following for the three years ended December 31:

United States
International
Total Provision for income taxes

2016

2015

$

$

395
757
1,152

$

$

376
839
1,215

$

$

$

$

1,094
2,439
3,533

2014

348
846
1,194

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)

2016

2015

2014

$

$

$

18
(3)
—
15
5
(106)
(71) $

3
(25)
36
11
(4)
98
119

$

$

(40)
(13)
19
11
5
(19)
(37)

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

2016

2015

2014

Tax at United States statutory rate
State income taxes, net of federal benefit
Earnings taxed at other than United States statutory rate
(Benefit) charge for previously disclosed tax matters(1)
(Benefit) on Venezuela remeasurement(2)
Tax charge on incremental repatriation of foreign earnings(2)
Venezuela deconsolidation(3)
Other, net

35.0%
0.5
(2.7)
(0.8)
(5.6)
5.6
—
(1.2)
30.8%

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%

_________
(1)  The benefit from a previously disclosed tax matter in 2016 relates to several Supreme Court and Administrative Court rulings in a foreign 

jurisdiction allowing certain tax deductions which had the effect of reversing prior decisions. The charge for a previously disclosed 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)  The effective tax rate in 2016 included a $210 U.S. income tax benefit recognized in the first quarter of 2016 principally related to changes in 

Venezuela’s foreign exchange regime implemented in March 2016. Although, effective December 31, 2015, the operating results of CP Venezuela 
are no longer included in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements, under current tax rules, the Company is required to continue including 
CP Venezuela’s results in its consolidated U.S. federal income tax return. In order to fully recognize the $210 tax benefit in 2016, the Company 
repatriated an incremental $1,500 of earnings of foreign subsidiaries it previously considered indefinitely reinvested outside of the U.S., and 
accordingly, recorded a tax charge of $210 during the first quarter of 2016. 

(3) 

See Note 14, Venezuela. 

Total

Effective tax rate

88

89

  
  
 
  
  
  
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 components of deferred tax assets (liabilities) are as follows at December 31:

Unrecognized tax benefits activity for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 is summarized below:

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(1)
Deferred income taxes

Liabilities:

Deferred income taxes
Net deferred income taxes

2016

2015

(451) $
(380)
(202)
(1,033)

599
34
246
127
82
1,088
55

$

(458)
(380)
(150)
(988)

541
30
235
123
151
1,080
92

2016

2015

— $
301

(246)
55

$

258
67

(233)
92

$

$

$

$

________
(1) As permitted, the Company early adopted ASU 2015-17 on March 31, 2016 on a prospective basis. The new guidance eliminated the 
requirement to separate deferred income taxes into current and noncurrent. See Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies 
for additional details.

Applicable U.S. income and foreign withholding taxes have not been provided on approximately $3,400 of 
undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries at December 31, 2016. 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 benefit of $85 in 2016, net tax expense of $78 in 2015, and net tax benefit of $251 in 2014 
recorded directly through equity predominantly include current and future tax impacts related to employee equity 
compensation and benefit plans.

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:
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

2016

2015

2014

$

$

186
9
(45)
71

(18)
(2)
201

$

$

218
20
(25)
61

(79)
(9)
186

$

$

199
23
(11)
32

(10)
(15)
218

If all of the unrecognized tax benefits for 2016 above were recognized, approximately $180 would impact the effective 
tax rate and would result in a cash outflow of approximately $175. 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, $2 and $4 of interest expense related to the above unrecognized tax 

benefits within income tax expense in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The Company had accrued interest of 
approximately $17, $16 and $24 as of December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, 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, 2011 have been audited by the IRS and 
there are limited matters which the Company plans to appeal for years 2010 through 2011, the settlement of which is not 
expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows or financial condition. 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, 2011. 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 years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, earnings per share were as follows:

2016

2015

2014

Net
income
attributable
to Colgate-
Palmolive
Company

$

2,441

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

891.8

$ 2.74

$

1,384

902.2

$ 1.53

$

2,180

915.1

$ 2.38

6.6

7.5

9.2

Basic EPS
Stock options and
restricted stock
units

Diluted EPS

$

2,441

898.4

$ 2.72

$

1,384

909.7

$ 1.52

$

2,180

924.3

$ 2.36

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)

The components of deferred tax assets (liabilities) are as follows at December 31:

Unrecognized tax benefits activity for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 is summarized below:

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(1)
Deferred income taxes

Liabilities:

Deferred income taxes
Net deferred income taxes

2016

2015

(451) $
(380)
(202)
(1,033)

599
34
246
127
82
1,088
55

$

(458)
(380)
(150)
(988)

541
30
235
123
151
1,080
92

2016

2015

— $
301

(246)
55

$

258
67

(233)
92

$

$

$

$

________
(1) As permitted, the Company early adopted ASU 2015-17 on March 31, 2016 on a prospective basis. The new guidance eliminated the 
requirement to separate deferred income taxes into current and noncurrent. See Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies 
for additional details.

Applicable U.S. income and foreign withholding taxes have not been provided on approximately $3,400 of 
undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries at December 31, 2016. 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 benefit of $85 in 2016, net tax expense of $78 in 2015, and net tax benefit of $251 in 2014 
recorded directly through equity predominantly include current and future tax impacts related to employee equity 
compensation and benefit plans.

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:
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

2016

2015

2014

$

$

186
9
(45)
71

(18)
(2)
201

$

$

218
20
(25)
61

(79)
(9)
186

$

$

199
23
(11)
32

(10)
(15)
218

If all of the unrecognized tax benefits for 2016 above were recognized, approximately $180 would impact the effective 
tax rate and would result in a cash outflow of approximately $175. 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, $2 and $4 of interest expense related to the above unrecognized tax 

benefits within income tax expense in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The Company had accrued interest of 
approximately $17, $16 and $24 as of December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, 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, 2011 have been audited by the IRS and 
there are limited matters which the Company plans to appeal for years 2010 through 2011, the settlement of which is not 
expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows or financial condition. 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, 2011. 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 years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, earnings per share were as follows:

2016

2015

2014

Net
income
attributable
to Colgate-
Palmolive
Company

$

2,441

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

891.8

$ 2.74

$

1,384

902.2

$ 1.53

$

2,180

915.1

$ 2.38

6.6

7.5

9.2

Basic EPS
Stock options and
restricted stock
units

Diluted EPS

$

2,441

898.4

$ 2.72

$

1,384

909.7

$ 1.52

$

2,180

924.3

$ 2.36

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, 2016, 2015 and 2014, the average number of stock options that were anti-dilutive and not 

In September 2015, the Company lost one of its appeals at the administrative level, and has filed a lawsuit in Brazilian 

included in diluted earnings per share calculations were 3,187,485, 3,228,359 and 1,729,511, respectively. As of 
December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, the average number of restricted stock units that were anti-dilutive and not included in 
diluted earnings per share calculations were 2,693, 120 and 2,311, respectively.

13. 

Commitments and Contingencies

Minimum rental commitments under noncancellable operating leases, primarily for office and warehouse facilities, are 

$178 in 2017, $160 in 2018, $143 in 2019, $130 in 2020, $104 in 2021 and $145 thereafter. Rental expense amounted to 
$204 in 2016, $214 in 2015 and $234 in 2014. 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 $820 at December 31, 2016.

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, privacy, 
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 $225 (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

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 $143. This amount includes additional 
assessments received from the Brazilian internal revenue authority in April 2016 relating to net operating loss 
carryforwards used by the Company’s Brazilian subsidiary to offset taxable income that had also been deducted from the 
authority’s original assessments. 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. 

federal court. In February 2017, the Company lost an additional administrative appeal, and plans to file a similar federal 
court action. 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 $59, 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 2015, 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

Certain of the Company’s subsidiaries have been subject to investigations, and, in some cases, fines by governmental 

authorities in a number of countries related to alleged competition law violations. Substantially all of these matters also 
have involved other consumer goods companies and/or retail customers. These investigations often continue for several 
years and can result in substantial fines for violations that are found, as well as associated private actions for damages. 
While the Company cannot predict the final financial impact of pending competition law matters, as these matters may 
change, the Company evaluates developments in these matters quarterly and accrues liabilities as and when appropriate. 
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. The status of the 
competition law matters that were pending in 2016 is set forth below.

European Competition Matters

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 fines were confirmed by the Court of Appeal in October 2016. The Company is appealing the 
decision of the Court of Appeal on behalf of the Company and Sara Lee in the French Supreme Court.

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 (continued)

(Dollars in Millions Except Share and Per Share Amounts)

As of December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, the average number of stock options that were anti-dilutive and not 

In September 2015, the Company lost one of its appeals at the administrative level, and has filed a lawsuit in Brazilian 

included in diluted earnings per share calculations were 3,187,485, 3,228,359 and 1,729,511, respectively. As of 
December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, the average number of restricted stock units that were anti-dilutive and not included in 
diluted earnings per share calculations were 2,693, 120 and 2,311, respectively.

13. 

Commitments and Contingencies

Minimum rental commitments under noncancellable operating leases, primarily for office and warehouse facilities, are 

$178 in 2017, $160 in 2018, $143 in 2019, $130 in 2020, $104 in 2021 and $145 thereafter. Rental expense amounted to 
$204 in 2016, $214 in 2015 and $234 in 2014. 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 $820 at December 31, 2016.

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, privacy, 
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 $225 (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

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 $143. This amount includes additional 
assessments received from the Brazilian internal revenue authority in April 2016 relating to net operating loss 
carryforwards used by the Company’s Brazilian subsidiary to offset taxable income that had also been deducted from the 
authority’s original assessments. 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. 

federal court. In February 2017, the Company lost an additional administrative appeal, and plans to file a similar federal 
court action. 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 $59, 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 2015, 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

Certain of the Company’s subsidiaries have been subject to investigations, and, in some cases, fines by governmental 

authorities in a number of countries related to alleged competition law violations. Substantially all of these matters also 
have involved other consumer goods companies and/or retail customers. These investigations often continue for several 
years and can result in substantial fines for violations that are found, as well as associated private actions for damages. 
While the Company cannot predict the final financial impact of pending competition law matters, as these matters may 
change, the Company evaluates developments in these matters quarterly and accrues liabilities as and when appropriate. 
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. The status of the 
competition law matters that were pending in 2016 is set forth below.

European Competition Matters

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 fines were confirmed by the Court of Appeal in October 2016. The Company is appealing the 
decision of the Court of Appeal on behalf of the Company and Sara Lee in the French Supreme Court.

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 (continued)

(Dollars in Millions Except Share and Per Share Amounts)

In July 2014, the Greek competition law authority issued a statement of objections alleging a restriction of 
parallel imports into Greece. The Company has responded to this statement of objections.

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 had appealed before the Swiss Supreme 
Court, but its appeal was denied in June 2016.

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 had appealed the fine in the Italian 
courts, but has decided not to further pursue its appeal.

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. In 2015, the Company recognized a charge 
of $14 in connection with this matter. In March 2016, the Company and the Australian competition law authority reached 
an agreement to settle these proceedings for a total of $14, which includes a fine and cost reimbursement to the competition 
law authority. The former employee of the Company also reached an agreement to settle. The settlement agreements were 
approved by the court in May 2016.

Talcum Powder Matters

The Company has been named as a defendant in civil actions alleging that certain talcum powder products that were 

sold prior to 1996 were contaminated with asbestos. Most of these actions involve a number of co-defendants from a 
variety of different industries, including suppliers of asbestos and manufacturers of products that, unlike the Company’s 
products, were designed to contain asbestos. As of December 31, 2016, there were 115 individual cases pending against the 
Company in state and federal courts throughout the United States and a number of the pending cases are expected to go to 
trial in 2017. The Company believes that a significant portion of its costs incurred in defending and resolving these claims 
will be covered by insurance policies issued by several primary and excess insurance carriers, subject to deductibles, 
exclusions, retentions and policy limits.

14. 

Venezuela

Effective December 31, 2015, the Company concluded it no longer met the accounting criteria for consolidation of CP 
Venezuela and began accounting for CP Venezuela using the cost method of accounting.  As such, effective December 31, 
2015, the Company’s 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. Prior periods have not been restated and CP Venezuela’s Net sales, Operating profit and Net income are included in 
the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income through December 31, 2015.

Since January 1, 2016, under the cost method of accounting, the Company no longer includes the local operating 
results of CP Venezuela in its Consolidated Financial Statements and includes 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, all of 
which have been immaterial. Although CP Venezuela’s local operating results are no longer 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 the first quarter of 2016, provision for income 
taxes included a $210 U.S. income tax benefit principally related to changes in Venezuela’s foreign exchange regime 
implemented in March 2016. See Note 11, Income Taxes for additional details. 

Prior to the change in accounting, which was effective December 31, 2015, CP Venezuela’s functional currency was 
the U.S. dollar since Venezuela had been designated hyper-inflationary and, as such, 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 (formerly 
known as the SICAD I 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 SICAD rate did not 
revalue during the fourth quarter of 2015 and was 13.50 bolivares per dollar as of December 31, 2015.

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 was 12.00 bolivares per dollar as of December 31, 2014.

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 regarding the ultimate resolution of these matters. Since the amount of any potential 
losses from these cases currently cannot be reasonably estimated, the range of reasonably possible losses in excess of 
accrued liabilities disclosed above does not include any amount relating to these cases.

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.

N8

15. 

Segment Information

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”). 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 2016, the court indicated that the claims brought by N8 Pharma would be dismissed in their 
entirety; N8 Pharma requested that the Court reconsider that decision, but that request was denied. Also in the third quarter 
of 2016, the Company and BYU agreed to resolve BYU’s claims and in December 2016, the Company and N8 Medical 
agreed to resolve N8 Medical’s claims. These claims were resolved in an amount that is not material to the Company’s 
results of operations. 

The Company operates in two product segments: Oral, Personal and Home Care; and Pet Nutrition. 

Effective April 1, 2016, the operations of the Oral, Personal and Home Care product segment are managed 
geographically in five reportable operating segments: North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Africa/
Eurasia.

Through March 31, 2016, the Oral, Personal and Home Care product segment included the North America, Latin 

America, Europe/South Pacific, Asia and Africa/Eurasia geographic operating segments. As a result of management 
changes effective April 1, 2016, the Company realigned the geographic structure of its Europe/South Pacific and Asia 
reportable operating segments. Management responsibility for the South Pacific operations was transferred from Europe/
South Pacific management to Asia management. Accordingly, commencing with the Company’s financial reporting for the 
quarter ended June 30, 2016, the results of the South Pacific operations are reported in the Asia Pacific reportable operating 
segment. The Company has recast its historical geographic segment information to conform to the new reporting structure. 

94

95

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)

In July 2014, the Greek competition law authority issued a statement of objections alleging a restriction of 
parallel imports into Greece. The Company has responded to this statement of objections.

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 had appealed before the Swiss Supreme 
Court, but its appeal was denied in June 2016.

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 had appealed the fine in the Italian 
courts, but has decided not to further pursue its appeal.

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. In 2015, the Company recognized a charge 
of $14 in connection with this matter. In March 2016, the Company and the Australian competition law authority reached 
an agreement to settle these proceedings for a total of $14, which includes a fine and cost reimbursement to the competition 
law authority. The former employee of the Company also reached an agreement to settle. The settlement agreements were 
approved by the court in May 2016.

Talcum Powder Matters

The Company has been named as a defendant in civil actions alleging that certain talcum powder products that were 

sold prior to 1996 were contaminated with asbestos. Most of these actions involve a number of co-defendants from a 
variety of different industries, including suppliers of asbestos and manufacturers of products that, unlike the Company’s 
products, were designed to contain asbestos. As of December 31, 2016, there were 115 individual cases pending against the 
Company in state and federal courts throughout the United States and a number of the pending cases are expected to go to 
trial in 2017. The Company believes that a significant portion of its costs incurred in defending and resolving these claims 
will be covered by insurance policies issued by several primary and excess insurance carriers, subject to deductibles, 
exclusions, retentions and policy limits.

14. 

Venezuela

Effective December 31, 2015, the Company concluded it no longer met the accounting criteria for consolidation of CP 
Venezuela and began accounting for CP Venezuela using the cost method of accounting.  As such, effective December 31, 
2015, the Company’s 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. Prior periods have not been restated and CP Venezuela’s Net sales, Operating profit and Net income are included in 
the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income through December 31, 2015.

Since January 1, 2016, under the cost method of accounting, the Company no longer includes the local operating 
results of CP Venezuela in its Consolidated Financial Statements and includes 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, all of 
which have been immaterial. Although CP Venezuela’s local operating results are no longer 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 the first quarter of 2016, provision for income 
taxes included a $210 U.S. income tax benefit principally related to changes in Venezuela’s foreign exchange regime 
implemented in March 2016. See Note 11, Income Taxes for additional details. 

Prior to the change in accounting, which was effective December 31, 2015, CP Venezuela’s functional currency was 
the U.S. dollar since Venezuela had been designated hyper-inflationary and, as such, 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 (formerly 
known as the SICAD I 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 SICAD rate did not 
revalue during the fourth quarter of 2015 and was 13.50 bolivares per dollar as of December 31, 2015.

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 was 12.00 bolivares per dollar as of December 31, 2014.

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 regarding the ultimate resolution of these matters. Since the amount of any potential 
losses from these cases currently cannot be reasonably estimated, the range of reasonably possible losses in excess of 
accrued liabilities disclosed above does not include any amount relating to these cases.

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.

N8

15. 

Segment Information

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”). 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 2016, the court indicated that the claims brought by N8 Pharma would be dismissed in their 
entirety; N8 Pharma requested that the Court reconsider that decision, but that request was denied. Also in the third quarter 
of 2016, the Company and BYU agreed to resolve BYU’s claims and in December 2016, the Company and N8 Medical 
agreed to resolve N8 Medical’s claims. These claims were resolved in an amount that is not material to the Company’s 
results of operations. 

The Company operates in two product segments: Oral, Personal and Home Care; and Pet Nutrition. 

Effective April 1, 2016, the operations of the Oral, Personal and Home Care product segment are managed 
geographically in five reportable operating segments: North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Africa/
Eurasia.

Through March 31, 2016, the Oral, Personal and Home Care product segment included the North America, Latin 

America, Europe/South Pacific, Asia and Africa/Eurasia geographic operating segments. As a result of management 
changes effective April 1, 2016, the Company realigned the geographic structure of its Europe/South Pacific and Asia 
reportable operating segments. Management responsibility for the South Pacific operations was transferred from Europe/
South Pacific management to Asia management. Accordingly, commencing with the Company’s financial reporting for the 
quarter ended June 30, 2016, the results of the South Pacific operations are reported in the Asia Pacific reportable operating 
segment. The Company has recast its historical geographic segment information to conform to the new reporting structure. 

94

95

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)

These changes have no impact on the Company’s historical consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash 
flows.

The Company evaluates segment performance based on several factors, including Operating profit. The Company uses 

Operating profit as a measure of 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 units, 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 approximately 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 2016. No other customer represents more than 10% of Net 
sales.

In 2016, Corporate Operating profit (loss) includes charges of $228 resulting from the 2012 Restructuring Program, 

$17 for a previously disclosed litigation matter and a gain of $97 on the sale of land in Mexico. In 2015, Corporate 
Operating profit (loss) included a charge of $1,084 related to the deconsolidation of 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 previously disclosed litigation matter 
and a gain of $187 on the sale of the Company’s laundry detergent business in the South Pacific. In 2014, Corporate 
Operating profit (loss) included 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 a devaluation and $41 for 
a previously disclosed litigation matter and costs of $4 related to the sale of land in Mexico. 

Net sales
Oral, Personal and Home Care
North America(1)
Latin America

Europe

Asia Pacific

Africa/Eurasia

Total Oral, Personal and Home Care
Pet Nutrition(2)
Total Net sales

2016

2015

2014

$

3,183

$

3,149

$

3,650

2,342

2,796

960

12,931

2,264

4,327

2,411

2,937

998

13,822

2,212

$

15,195

$

16,034

$

3,124

4,769

2,840

3,081

1,208

15,022

2,255

17,277

_________
(1)  Net sales in the U.S. for Oral, Personal and Home Care were $2,932, $2,896 and $2,835 in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
(2)  Net sales in the U.S. for Pet Nutrition were $1,243, $1,223 and $1,149 in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Operating profit

Oral, Personal and Home Care

North America

Latin America

Europe

Asia Pacific

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

Asia Pacific

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

Asia Pacific

Africa/Eurasia

Total Oral, Personal and Home Care

Pet Nutrition

Corporate

2016

2015

2014

$

1,030

$

974

$

1,132

579

887

186

3,814

653
(630)
3,837

$

1,209

615

888

178

3,864

612
(1,687)
2,789

$

$

926

1,279

712

901

235

4,053

592
(1,088)
3,557

2016

2015

2014

$

151

$

2016

$

$

94

51

120

17

433

38

122

593

54

76

64

96

7

297

53

93

2015

$

$

$

$

$

207

110

40

121

12

490

34

167

691

47

88

67

99

8

309

52

88

2014

136

205

74

151

14

580

40

137

757

43

93

77

85

10

308

52

82

442

Total Depreciation and amortization

$

443

$

449

$

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)

These changes have no impact on the Company’s historical consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash 
flows.

The Company evaluates segment performance based on several factors, including Operating profit. The Company uses 

Operating profit as a measure of 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 units, 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 approximately 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 2016. No other customer represents more than 10% of Net 
sales.

In 2016, Corporate Operating profit (loss) includes charges of $228 resulting from the 2012 Restructuring Program, 

$17 for a previously disclosed litigation matter and a gain of $97 on the sale of land in Mexico. In 2015, Corporate 
Operating profit (loss) included a charge of $1,084 related to the deconsolidation of 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 previously disclosed litigation matter 
and a gain of $187 on the sale of the Company’s laundry detergent business in the South Pacific. In 2014, Corporate 
Operating profit (loss) included 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 a devaluation and $41 for 
a previously disclosed litigation matter and costs of $4 related to the sale of land in Mexico. 

Net sales
Oral, Personal and Home Care
North America(1)
Latin America

Europe

Asia Pacific

Africa/Eurasia

Total Oral, Personal and Home Care
Pet Nutrition(2)
Total Net sales

2016

2015

2014

$

3,183

$

3,149

$

3,650

2,342

2,796

960

12,931

2,264

4,327

2,411

2,937

998

13,822

2,212

$

15,195

$

16,034

$

3,124

4,769

2,840

3,081

1,208

15,022

2,255

17,277

_________
(1)  Net sales in the U.S. for Oral, Personal and Home Care were $2,932, $2,896 and $2,835 in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
(2)  Net sales in the U.S. for Pet Nutrition were $1,243, $1,223 and $1,149 in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Operating profit

Oral, Personal and Home Care

North America

Latin America

Europe

Asia Pacific

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

Asia Pacific

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

Asia Pacific

Africa/Eurasia

Total Oral, Personal and Home Care

Pet Nutrition

Corporate

2016

2015

2014

$

1,030

$

974

$

1,132

579

887

186

3,814

653
(630)
3,837

$

1,209

615

888

178

3,864

612
(1,687)
2,789

$

$

926

1,279

712

901

235

4,053

592
(1,088)
3,557

2016

2015

2014

$

151

$

2016

$

$

94

51

120

17

433

38

122

593

54

76

64

96

7

297

53

93

2015

$

$

$

$

$

207

110

40

121

12

490

34

167

691

47

88

67

99

8

309

52

88

2014

136

205

74

151

14

580

40

137

757

43

93

77

85

10

308

52

82

442

Total Depreciation and amortization

$

443

$

449

$

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)

2016

2015

2014

17. 

Supplemental Balance Sheet Information

Inventories by major class are as follows at December 31:

Identifiable assets(1)
Oral, Personal and Home Care

North America
Latin America
Europe
Asia Pacific
Africa/Eurasia

Total Oral, Personal and Home Care
Pet Nutrition
Corporate(2)
Total Identifiable assets(3)

$

$

2,685
2,314
3,554
2,006
499
11,058
1,009
56
12,123

$

$

2,622
2,314
3,308
2,031
476
10,751
1,006
178
11,935

$

$

2,326
3,693
3,669
2,070
510
12,268
1,051
121
13,440

____________
(1)  Prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation of debt issuance costs required by ASU No. 

2015-03, “Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs.” See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional 
information.

(2) 

In 2016, Corporate identifiable assets primarily consist of derivative instruments (24%) and investments in equity securities 
(68%). In 2015, Corporate identifiable assets primarily consist of derivative instruments (76%) and investments in equity securities 
(23%). In 2014, Corporate identifiable assets primarily consist of derivative instruments (72%) and investments in equity securities 
(25%). 

(3)  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 $7,642, $7,420 and $8,086 in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

16. 

Supplemental Income Statement Information

Other (income) expense, net
2012 Restructuring Program
Amortization of intangible assets
Gain on sale of land in Mexico
Charges for previously disclosed litigation matters
Venezuela remeasurement charges
Gain on sale of South Pacific laundry detergent business
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

2016

2015

2014

$

$

$

$

105
33
(97)
17
—
—
(10)
(11)
37

2016

155
(6)
(50)
99

$

$

$

$

170
33
—
14
34
(187)
(8)
6
62

2015

139
(6)
(107)
26

$

$

$

$

195
32
—
41
327
—
(7)
(18)
570

2014

134
(4)
(106)
24

2016

2015

2014

$
$

289
1,428

$
$

274
1,491

$
$

277
1,784

Inventories

Raw materials and supplies

Work-in-process

Finished goods

Total Inventories

2016

2015

$

$

266

$

42

863

261

45

874

1,171

$

1,180

Inventories valued under LIFO amounted to $278 and $268 at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The excess 

of current cost over LIFO cost at the end of each year was $30 and $6, respectively. The liquidations of LIFO inventory 
quantities had no material effect on income in 2016, 2015 and 2014.

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

2016

2015

$

$

$

$

$

$

147
1,544
4,971
1,280
7,942
(4,102)
3,840

2016

491
309
112
112
80
29
4
590
1,727

2016

1,794
69
172
2,035

$

$

$

$

$

$

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

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)

2016

2015

2014

17. 

Supplemental Balance Sheet Information

Inventories by major class are as follows at December 31:

Identifiable assets(1)
Oral, Personal and Home Care

North America
Latin America
Europe
Asia Pacific
Africa/Eurasia

Total Oral, Personal and Home Care
Pet Nutrition
Corporate(2)
Total Identifiable assets(3)

$

$

2,685
2,314
3,554
2,006
499
11,058
1,009
56
12,123

$

$

2,622
2,314
3,308
2,031
476
10,751
1,006
178
11,935

$

$

2,326
3,693
3,669
2,070
510
12,268
1,051
121
13,440

____________
(1)  Prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation of debt issuance costs required by ASU No. 

2015-03, “Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs.” See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional 
information.

(2) 

In 2016, Corporate identifiable assets primarily consist of derivative instruments (24%) and investments in equity securities 
(68%). In 2015, Corporate identifiable assets primarily consist of derivative instruments (76%) and investments in equity securities 
(23%). In 2014, Corporate identifiable assets primarily consist of derivative instruments (72%) and investments in equity securities 
(25%). 

(3)  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 $7,642, $7,420 and $8,086 in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

16. 

Supplemental Income Statement Information

Other (income) expense, net
2012 Restructuring Program
Amortization of intangible assets
Gain on sale of land in Mexico
Charges for previously disclosed litigation matters
Venezuela remeasurement charges
Gain on sale of South Pacific laundry detergent business
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

2016

2015

2014

$

$

$

$

105
33
(97)
17
—
—
(10)
(11)
37

2016

155
(6)
(50)
99

$

$

$

$

170
33
—
14
34
(187)
(8)
6
62

2015

139
(6)
(107)
26

$

$

$

$

195
32
—
41
327
—
(7)
(18)
570

2014

134
(4)
(106)
24

2016

2015

2014

$
$

289
1,428

$
$

274
1,491

$
$

277
1,784

Inventories

Raw materials and supplies

Work-in-process

Finished goods

Total Inventories

2016

2015

$

$

266

$

42

863

261

45

874

1,171

$

1,180

Inventories valued under LIFO amounted to $278 and $268 at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The excess 

of current cost over LIFO cost at the end of each year was $30 and $6, respectively. The liquidations of LIFO inventory 
quantities had no material effect on income in 2016, 2015 and 2014.

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

2016

2015

$

$

$

$

$

$

147
1,544
4,971
1,280
7,942
(4,102)
3,840

2016

491
309
112
112
80
29
4
590
1,727

2016

1,794
69
172
2,035

$

$

$

$

$

$

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

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)

(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. 

(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, 2016 and 
2015, Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) consisted primarily of aftertax unrecognized pension and other 
retiree benefit costs of $977 and $868, respectively, and cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments of $3,212 and 
$3,087, respectively. Foreign currency translation adjustments in 2016 primarily reflect losses from the Mexican peso and 
the Euro, partially offset by gains from the Brazilian real. In 2015, foreign currency translation adjustments primarily 
reflect losses from the Euro, the Brazilian real, the Mexican peso and the Swiss franc.

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 
deconsolidation(1)
Cumulative translation adjustments

Pension and other benefits:

   Net actuarial gain (loss), prior
   service costs and settlements
   during the period

   Amortization of net actuarial loss,
   transition and prior service costs(2)
Reclassification due to Venezuela 
deconsolidation(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 
deconsolidation(1)
Gains (losses) on available-for-sale 
securities
Cash flow hedges:

   Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow 
   hedges

2016

2015

2014

Pre-tax Net of Tax

Pre-tax Net of Tax

Pre-tax Net of Tax

$

(97) $

(125) $

(721) $

(745) $

(663) $

(681)

—

(97)

—
(125)

111
(610)

111
(634)

—
(663)

—
(681)

(231)

(152)

182

115

(580)

(374)

63

—

43

—

82

44

52

29

67

—

45

—

(168)

(109)

308

196

(513)

(329)

—

(1)

—

(1)

(18)

(12)

(341)

(222)

14

(10)

(14)

11

(6)

(7)

267

—

174

—

(74)

(48)

—

(1)

—

(1)

11

8

18

12

9

   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 deconsolidation of the Company’s 

(16)
2

(10)
2

(1,246) $

(443) $

(230) $

(314) $

(259) $

(5)
4

(3)
5

(4)

$

7

(1,056)

6

(4)
2

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. 

(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.

(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.

100

101

 
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)

(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. 

(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, 2016 and 
2015, Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) consisted primarily of aftertax unrecognized pension and other 
retiree benefit costs of $977 and $868, respectively, and cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments of $3,212 and 
$3,087, respectively. Foreign currency translation adjustments in 2016 primarily reflect losses from the Mexican peso and 
the Euro, partially offset by gains from the Brazilian real. In 2015, foreign currency translation adjustments primarily 
reflect losses from the Euro, the Brazilian real, the Mexican peso and the Swiss franc.

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 
deconsolidation(1)
Cumulative translation adjustments

Pension and other benefits:

   Net actuarial gain (loss), prior
   service costs and settlements
   during the period

   Amortization of net actuarial loss,
   transition and prior service costs(2)
Reclassification due to Venezuela 
deconsolidation(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 
deconsolidation(1)
Gains (losses) on available-for-sale 
securities
Cash flow hedges:

   Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow 
   hedges

2016

2015

2014

Pre-tax Net of Tax

Pre-tax Net of Tax

Pre-tax Net of Tax

$

(97) $

(125) $

(721) $

(745) $

(663) $

(681)

—

(97)

—
(125)

111
(610)

111
(634)

—
(663)

—
(681)

(231)

(152)

182

115

(580)

(374)

63

—

43

—

82

44

52

29

67

—

45

—

(168)

(109)

308

196

(513)

(329)

—

(1)

—

(1)

(18)

(12)

(341)

(222)

14

(10)

(14)

11

(6)

(7)

267

—

174

—

(74)

(48)

—

(1)

—

(1)

11

8

18

12

9

   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 deconsolidation of the Company’s 

(10)
2

(16)
2

(1,246) $

(230) $

(443) $

(314) $

(259) $

(5)
4

(3)
5

(4)

$

7

(1,056)

6

(4)
2

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. 

(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.

(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.

100

101

 
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)  Net income including noncontrolling interests, Net income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company and earnings per common 

share for the third quarter of 2016 include $32 of aftertax charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program, a $63 aftertax gain on the 
sale of land in Mexico, a $4 aftertax charge for a previously disclosed litigation matter and $22 of benefits from previously disclosed 
tax matters.

(10)  Gross profit for the fourth quarter of 2016 includes $15 of charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program.
(11)  Net income including noncontrolling interests, Net income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company and earnings per common 

share for the fourth quarter of 2016 include $54 of aftertax charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program and a $7 aftertax charge 
for a previously disclosed litigation matter.

(12)  Gross profit for the full year of 2015 includes $20 of charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program.
(13)  Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interests for the full year of 2015 includes $185 of aftertax charges related to the 2012 

Restructuring Program. 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 deconsolidation of 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 previously disclosed tax matter and a $14 aftertax charge for a 
previously disclosed litigation matter.

(14)  Gross profit for the first quarter of 2015 includes $4 of charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program. 
(15)  Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interests for the first quarter of 2015 includes $69 of aftertax charges related to the 2012 
Restructuring Program. Net income (loss) attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company and earnings (loss) per common share include 
$67 of aftertax charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program.

(16)  Gross profit for the second quarter of 2015 includes $4 of charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program.
(17)  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 previously disclosed tax matter.

(18)  Gross profit for the third quarter of 2015 includes $3 of charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program.
(19)  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, $12 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 $120 aftertax gain on sale of the Company’s laundry detergent business in the South Pacific.

(20)  Gross profit for the fourth quarter of 2015 includes $9 of charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program.
(21)  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 deconsolidation of the Company’s 
Venezuelan operations, $41 of aftertax charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program and a $14 aftertax charge for a previously 
disclosed litigation matter.

(22)  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 were anti-dilutive. 

19. 

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

2016

Net sales

Gross profit
Net income including noncontrolling

interests

Net income attributable to Colgate-

Palmolive Company

Earnings per common share:

Basic

Diluted

2015

Net sales

Gross profit

Net income (loss) including
noncontrolling interests

Net income (loss) attributable to
Colgate-Palmolive Company

Earnings (loss) per common share:

Basic

Diluted

Total

First
Quarter

Second
Quarter

Third
Quarter

Fourth
Quarter

$ 15,195

$

9,123 (1)

2,586 (2)

2,441 (2)

2.74 (2)
2.72 (2)

3,762
2,248 (3)

$

3,845
2,304 (6)

$

3,867
2,324 (8)

$

3,721
2,247 (10)

574 (4)
(4)

(5)

533

0.60 (4)
0.59 (4)

638 (7)

600 (7)

0.67 (7)
0.67 (7)

746 (9)

702 (9)

0.79 (9)
0.78 (9)

628 (11)

606 (11)

0.68 (11)
0.68 (11)

$ 16,034

$

9,399 (12)

1,548 (13)

1,384 (13)

4,070
2,392 (14)

$

4,066
2,367 (16)

$

3,999
2,347 (18)

$

3,899
2,293 (20)

583 (15)

542 (15)

616 (17)

574 (17)

770 (19)

(421) (21)

726 (19)

(458) (21)

1.53 (13)

0.60 (15)

0.63 (17)

0.81 (19)

1.52 (13)

0.59 (15)

0.63 (17)

0.80 (19)

(0.51) (21)
(21)

(0.51)

(22)

____________
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 2016 includes $46 of charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program.
(2)  Net income including noncontrolling interests for the full year of 2016 includes $169 of aftertax charges related to the 2012 

Restructuring Program. Net income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company and earnings per common share for the full year of 
2016 include $168 of aftertax charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program, a $63 aftertax gain on the sale of land in Mexico, 
$11 of aftertax charges for a previously disclosed litigation matter and $35 of benefits from previously disclosed tax matters.

(3)  Gross profit for the first quarter of 2016 includes $8 of charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program.
(4)  Net income including noncontrolling interests, Net income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company and earnings per common 

share for the first quarter of 2016 include $38 of aftertax charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program.

(5) 

In the first quarter of 2016, provision for income taxes included a $210 U.S. income tax benefit principally related to changes in 
Venezuela’s foreign exchange regime implemented in March 2016. In order to fully recognize the $210 tax benefit in 2016, the 
Company repatriated an incremental $1,500 of earnings of foreign subsidiaries it previously considered indefinitely reinvested outside 
of the U.S., and accordingly, recorded a tax charge of $210 during the first quarter of 2016. See Note 11, Income Taxes.

(6)  Gross profit for the second quarter of 2016 includes $12 of charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program.
(7)  Net income including noncontrolling interests for the second quarter of 2016 includes $45 of aftertax charges related to the 2012 
Restructuring Program and a $13 benefit from a previously disclosed tax matter. Net income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive 
Company and earnings per common share include $44 of aftertax charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program and a $13 benefit 
from a previously disclosed tax matter.

(8)  Gross profit for the third quarter of 2016 includes $11 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)

COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY

 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(Dollars in Millions Except Share and Per Share Amounts)

(9)  Net income including noncontrolling interests, Net income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company and earnings per common 

share for the third quarter of 2016 include $32 of aftertax charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program, a $63 aftertax gain on the 
sale of land in Mexico, a $4 aftertax charge for a previously disclosed litigation matter and $22 of benefits from previously disclosed 
tax matters.

(10)  Gross profit for the fourth quarter of 2016 includes $15 of charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program.
(11)  Net income including noncontrolling interests, Net income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company and earnings per common 

share for the fourth quarter of 2016 include $54 of aftertax charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program and a $7 aftertax charge 
for a previously disclosed litigation matter.

(12)  Gross profit for the full year of 2015 includes $20 of charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program.
(13)  Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interests for the full year of 2015 includes $185 of aftertax charges related to the 2012 

Restructuring Program. 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 deconsolidation of 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 previously disclosed tax matter and a $14 aftertax charge for a 
previously disclosed litigation matter.

(14)  Gross profit for the first quarter of 2015 includes $4 of charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program. 
(15)  Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interests for the first quarter of 2015 includes $69 of aftertax charges related to the 2012 
Restructuring Program. Net income (loss) attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company and earnings (loss) per common share include 
$67 of aftertax charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program.

(16)  Gross profit for the second quarter of 2015 includes $4 of charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program.
(17)  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 previously disclosed tax matter.

(18)  Gross profit for the third quarter of 2015 includes $3 of charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program.
(19)  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, $12 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 $120 aftertax gain on sale of the Company’s laundry detergent business in the South Pacific.

(20)  Gross profit for the fourth quarter of 2015 includes $9 of charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program.
(21)  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 deconsolidation of the Company’s 
Venezuelan operations, $41 of aftertax charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program and a $14 aftertax charge for a previously 
disclosed litigation matter.

(22)  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 were anti-dilutive. 

19. 

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

2016

Net sales

Gross profit
Net income including noncontrolling

interests

Net income attributable to Colgate-

Palmolive Company

Earnings per common share:

Basic

Diluted

2015

Net sales

Gross profit

Net income (loss) including
noncontrolling interests

Net income (loss) attributable to
Colgate-Palmolive Company

Earnings (loss) per common share:

Basic

Diluted

Total

First
Quarter

Second
Quarter

Third
Quarter

Fourth
Quarter

$ 15,195

$

9,123 (1)

2,586 (2)

2,441 (2)

2.74 (2)
2.72 (2)

3,762
2,248 (3)

$

3,845
2,304 (6)

$

3,867
2,324 (8)

$

3,721
2,247 (10)

574 (4)
(4)

(5)

533

0.60 (4)
0.59 (4)

638 (7)

600 (7)

0.67 (7)
0.67 (7)

746 (9)

702 (9)

0.79 (9)
0.78 (9)

628 (11)

606 (11)

0.68 (11)
0.68 (11)

$ 16,034

$

9,399 (12)

1,548 (13)

1,384 (13)

4,070
2,392 (14)

$

4,066
2,367 (16)

$

3,999
2,347 (18)

$

3,899
2,293 (20)

583 (15)

542 (15)

616 (17)

574 (17)

770 (19)

(421) (21)

726 (19)

(458) (21)

1.53 (13)

0.60 (15)

0.63 (17)

0.81 (19)

1.52 (13)

0.59 (15)

0.63 (17)

0.80 (19)

(0.51) (21)
(21)

(0.51)

(22)

____________
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 2016 includes $46 of charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program.
(2)  Net income including noncontrolling interests for the full year of 2016 includes $169 of aftertax charges related to the 2012 

Restructuring Program. Net income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company and earnings per common share for the full year of 
2016 include $168 of aftertax charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program, a $63 aftertax gain on the sale of land in Mexico, 
$11 of aftertax charges for a previously disclosed litigation matter and $35 of benefits from previously disclosed tax matters.

(3)  Gross profit for the first quarter of 2016 includes $8 of charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program.
(4)  Net income including noncontrolling interests, Net income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company and earnings per common 

share for the first quarter of 2016 include $38 of aftertax charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program.

(5) 

In the first quarter of 2016, provision for income taxes included a $210 U.S. income tax benefit principally related to changes in 
Venezuela’s foreign exchange regime implemented in March 2016. In order to fully recognize the $210 tax benefit in 2016, the 
Company repatriated an incremental $1,500 of earnings of foreign subsidiaries it previously considered indefinitely reinvested outside 
of the U.S., and accordingly, recorded a tax charge of $210 during the first quarter of 2016. See Note 11, Income Taxes.

(6)  Gross profit for the second quarter of 2016 includes $12 of charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program.
(7)  Net income including noncontrolling interests for the second quarter of 2016 includes $45 of aftertax charges related to the 2012 
Restructuring Program and a $13 benefit from a previously disclosed tax matter. Net income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive 
Company and earnings per common share include $44 of aftertax charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program and a $13 benefit 
from a previously disclosed tax matter.

(8)  Gross profit for the third quarter of 2016 includes $11 of charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program.

102

103

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY

SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

(Dollars in Millions)

Additions

Balance at
Beginning
of Period

Charged to
Costs and
Expenses

Other Deductions

Balance at
End of Period

Year Ended December 31, 2016

Allowance for doubtful accounts and estimated

returns

Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets

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

$

$

$

$

$

$

59

$

— $

18

$ — $

— $ — $

4

$

— $

54

$

— $

7

$ — $

— $ — $

2

$

— $

67

6

$

$

— $ — $

— $ — $

13

6

$

$

73

—

59

—

54

—

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 54 consecutive years.

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

2016

2015

High
$ 70.72
73.20
75.27
73.62

Low
$ 62.45
68.96
70.86
64.63

High
$ 71.46
70.08
69.08
69.23

Low
$ 65.12
65.34
60.37
63.72

$65.44

$66.62

2016

2015

$

$

0.38
0.39
0.39
0.39
1.55

$

$

0.36
0.38
0.38
0.38
1.50

104

105

  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY

SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

(Dollars in Millions)

Additions

Balance at
Beginning
of Period

Charged to
Costs and
Expenses

Other Deductions

Balance at
End of Period

Year Ended December 31, 2016

Allowance for doubtful accounts and estimated

returns

Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets

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

$

$

$

$

$

$

59

$

— $

18

$ — $

— $ — $

4

$

— $

54

$

— $

7

$ — $

— $ — $

2

$

— $

67

6

$

$

— $ — $

— $ — $

13

6

$

$

73

—

59

—

54

—

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 54 consecutive years.

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

2016

2015

High
$ 70.72
73.20
75.27
73.62

Low
$ 62.45
68.96
70.86
64.63

High
$ 71.46
70.08
69.08
69.23

Low
$ 65.12
65.34
60.37
63.72

$65.44

$66.62

2016

2015

$

$

0.38
0.39
0.39
0.39
1.55

$

$

0.36
0.38
0.38
0.38
1.50

104

105

  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY

Market and Dividend Information

Stock Price Performance Graphs

The following graphs compare cumulative total shareholder returns on Colgate-Palmolive Company common stock 

against the S&P Composite-500 Stock Index and two peer company indices for the twenty-year, ten-year and five-year 
periods each ended December 31, 2016. The peer company indices are comprised of consumer products companies that 
have both domestic and international businesses. In 2016, to ensure more accurate and useful comparisons for investors, 
the Company determined to increase the size of the peer group to lessen the likelihood of the performance of a single 
company distorting the results. For 2016, the peer company index consisted of Avon Products, Inc., Campbell Soup 
Company, The Clorox Company, The Coca-Cola Company, ConAgra Foods, Inc., The Estee Lauder Companies, Inc., 
General Mills, Inc., Johnson & Johnson, Kellogg Company, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, The Kraft Heinz Company, 
Mondelez International, Inc., PepsiCo, Inc., The Procter & Gamble Company, Reckitt Benckiser Group plc and Unilever 
N.V. This index is identified as the “New Peer Group” on the graphs. Last year, 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. The prior year index is identified as the “Old Peer Group” on the graphs.

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.

COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY

Historical Financial Summary
For the years ended December 31,
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)
(Unaudited)

Continuing Operations

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

Net sales

$15,195

$16,034

$17,277  

$17,420

$17,085

$16,734

$15,564  

$15,327  

$15,330  

$13,790  

Results of operations:

Net income

attributable to
Colgate-Palmolive
Company

Per common share,

basic

Per common share,

diluted

Depreciation and

2,441 (1)

1,384 (2)

2,180 (3)

2,241 (4)

2,472 (5)

2,431 (6)

2,203 (7)

2,291

1,957 (8)

1,737 (9)

2.74 (1)

1.53 (2)

2.38 (3)

2.41 (4)

2.60 (5)

2.49 (6)

2.22 (7)

2.26

1.91 (8)

1.67 (9)

2.72 (1)

1.52 (2)

2.36 (3)

2.38 (4)

2.57 (5)

2.47 (6)

2.16 (7)

2.18

1.83 (8)

1.6 (9)

amortization expense

443

449

442  

439

425

421

376  

351

348  

334  

Financial Position

Current ratio

Property, plant and
equipment, net

Capital expenditures
Total assets(10)
Long-term debt(10)

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

1.3

1.2

1.2  

1.1

1.2

1.2

1.0  

1.1  

1.3  

1.1  

3,840

593

12,123

6,520

3,796

691

11,935

6,246

4,080  

757  

4,083

670

13,440  

13,859

5,625  

4,732

3,842

565

13,379

4,911

3,668

537

12,711

4,417

3,693  

3,516  

3,119  

3,015  

550  

575  

684  

583  

11,163  

11,125  

9,970  

10,104  

2,806

2,812

3,576  

3,214  

(243)

(299)

1,145  

2,305

2,189

2,375

2,675

3,116  

1,923  

2,286  

0.03

(0.04)

1.55  

2.79

2.6

2.71

2.95

3.26

2.04

2.37

1.55

65.44

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

883.1

892.7

906.7  

919.9

935.8

960.0

989.8  

988.4  

1,002.8  

1,018.0  

23,600

36,700

24,400

37,900

25,400  

26,900

37,700  

37,400

27,600

37,700

28,900

38,600

29,900  

30,600  

31,400  

32,200  

39,200  

38,100  

36,600  

36,000  

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 for the full year of 2016 includes $169 of aftertax charges related to the 2012 
Restructuring Program. Net income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company and earnings per common share for the full year of 2016 
include $168 of aftertax charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program, a $63 aftertax gain on the sale of land in Mexico, $11 of 
aftertax charges for a previously disclosed litigation matter and $35 of benefits from previously disclosed tax matters.

106

107

 
  
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY

Market and Dividend Information

Stock Price Performance Graphs

The following graphs compare cumulative total shareholder returns on Colgate-Palmolive Company common stock 

against the S&P Composite-500 Stock Index and two peer company indices for the twenty-year, ten-year and five-year 
periods each ended December 31, 2016. The peer company indices are comprised of consumer products companies that 
have both domestic and international businesses. In 2016, to ensure more accurate and useful comparisons for investors, 
the Company determined to increase the size of the peer group to lessen the likelihood of the performance of a single 
company distorting the results. For 2016, the peer company index consisted of Avon Products, Inc., Campbell Soup 
Company, The Clorox Company, The Coca-Cola Company, ConAgra Foods, Inc., The Estee Lauder Companies, Inc., 
General Mills, Inc., Johnson & Johnson, Kellogg Company, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, The Kraft Heinz Company, 
Mondelez International, Inc., PepsiCo, Inc., The Procter & Gamble Company, Reckitt Benckiser Group plc and Unilever 
N.V. This index is identified as the “New Peer Group” on the graphs. Last year, 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. The prior year index is identified as the “Old Peer Group” on the graphs.

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.

COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY

Historical Financial Summary
For the years ended December 31,
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)
(Unaudited)

Continuing Operations

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

Net sales

$15,195

$16,034

$17,277  

$17,420

$17,085

$16,734

$15,564  

$15,327  

$15,330  

$13,790  

Results of operations:

Net income

attributable to
Colgate-Palmolive
Company

Per common share,

basic

Per common share,

diluted

Depreciation and

2,441 (1)

1,384 (2)

2,180 (3)

2,241 (4)

2,472 (5)

2,431 (6)

2,203 (7)

2,291

1,957 (8)

1,737 (9)

2.74 (1)

1.53 (2)

2.38 (3)

2.41 (4)

2.60 (5)

2.49 (6)

2.22 (7)

2.26

1.91 (8)

1.67 (9)

2.72 (1)

1.52 (2)

2.36 (3)

2.38 (4)

2.57 (5)

2.47 (6)

2.16 (7)

2.18

1.83 (8)

1.6 (9)

amortization expense

443

449

442  

439

425

421

376  

351

348  

334  

Financial Position

Current ratio

Property, plant and
equipment, net

Capital expenditures
Total assets(10)
Long-term debt(10)

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

1.3

1.2

1.2  

1.1

1.2

1.2

1.0  

1.1  

1.3  

1.1  

3,840

593

12,123

6,520

3,796

691

11,935

6,246

4,080  

757  

4,083

670

13,440  

13,859

5,625  

4,732

3,842

565

13,379

4,911

3,668

537

12,711

4,417

3,693  

3,516  

3,119  

3,015  

550  

575  

684  

583  

11,163  

11,125  

9,970  

10,104  

2,806

2,812

3,576  

3,214  

(243)

(299)

1,145  

2,305

2,189

2,375

2,675

3,116  

1,923  

2,286  

0.03

(0.04)

1.55  

2.79

2.6

2.71

2.95

3.26

2.04

2.37

1.55

65.44

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

883.1

892.7

906.7  

919.9

935.8

960.0

989.8  

988.4  

1,002.8  

1,018.0  

23,600

36,700

24,400

37,900

25,400  

26,900

37,700  

37,400

27,600

37,700

28,900

38,600

29,900  

30,600  

31,400  

32,200  

39,200  

38,100  

36,600  

36,000  

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 for the full year of 2016 includes $169 of aftertax charges related to the 2012 
Restructuring Program. Net income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company and earnings per common share for the full year of 2016 
include $168 of aftertax charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program, a $63 aftertax gain on the sale of land in Mexico, $11 of 
aftertax charges for a previously disclosed litigation matter and $35 of benefits from previously disclosed tax matters.

106

107

 
  
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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) 

(10) 

Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interests for the full year of 2015 includes $185 of aftertax charges related to the 2012 
Restructuring Program. 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, $120 aftertax gain on the sale of the South Pacific 
laundry detergent business, a $14 aftertax charge for a previously disclosed litigation matter and a $15 charge for a previously disclosed 
tax matter.

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 previously disclosed litigation matters, $3 of aftertax costs related to the sale of land in Mexico and a $66 charge for a previously 
disclosed tax matter.

Net income including noncontrolling interests, 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 previously disclosed 
litigation matter and $12 of aftertax costs related to the sale of land in Mexico.

Net income including noncontrolling interests, 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 including noncontrolling interests, 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 previously disclosed litigation matter. 

Net income including noncontrolling interests, 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 including noncontrolling interests, Net income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company and earnings per common share 
in 2008 include $113 of aftertax charges related to the 2004 Restructuring Program.

Net income including noncontrolling interests, 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 related to 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.

Prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation of debt issuance costs required by Accounting 
Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2015-03, “Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs.” See Note 2 to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements for additional information.

108

COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY

EXHIBITS TO FORM 10-K

YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 

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.)*

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-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.)

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 to its Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2016.)

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.)

109

 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
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) 

(10) 

Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interests for the full year of 2015 includes $185 of aftertax charges related to the 2012 
Restructuring Program. 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, $120 aftertax gain on the sale of the South Pacific 
laundry detergent business, a $14 aftertax charge for a previously disclosed litigation matter and a $15 charge for a previously disclosed 
tax matter.

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 previously disclosed litigation matters, $3 of aftertax costs related to the sale of land in Mexico and a $66 charge for a previously 
disclosed tax matter.

Net income including noncontrolling interests, 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 previously disclosed 
litigation matter and $12 of aftertax costs related to the sale of land in Mexico.

Net income including noncontrolling interests, 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 including noncontrolling interests, 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 previously disclosed litigation matter. 

Net income including noncontrolling interests, 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 including noncontrolling interests, Net income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company and earnings per common share 
in 2008 include $113 of aftertax charges related to the 2004 Restructuring Program.

Net income including noncontrolling interests, 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 related to 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.

Prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation of debt issuance costs required by Accounting 
Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2015-03, “Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs.” See Note 2 to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements for additional information.

108

COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY

EXHIBITS TO FORM 10-K

YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 

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.)*

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-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.)

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 to its Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2016.)

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.)

109

 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
Exhibit No.

Description

Exhibit No.

Description

b)

c)

d)

e)

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.)

Amendment, dated as of January 1, 2016 to the Colgate-Palmolive Company Supplemental Salaried
Employees’ Retirement Plan.**

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.)

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-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)

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)

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, Amended and Restated as of July 27, 2015 by
Amendment Number 2 thereto (the “Amended and Restated Credit Agreement”), 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.)

b)

Amendment No. 1 dated as of November 4, 2016 to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, among
Colgate-Palmolive Company, as Borrower, Citibank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, and the Lenders
party thereto.**

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.)

110

111

 
  
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
Exhibit No.

Description

Exhibit No.

Description

b)

c)

d)

e)

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.)

Amendment, dated as of January 1, 2016 to the Colgate-Palmolive Company Supplemental Salaried
Employees’ Retirement Plan.**

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.)

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-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)

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)

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, Amended and Restated as of July 27, 2015 by
Amendment Number 2 thereto (the “Amended and Restated Credit Agreement”), 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.)

b)

Amendment No. 1 dated as of November 4, 2016 to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, among
Colgate-Palmolive Company, as Borrower, Citibank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, and the Lenders
party thereto.**

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.)

110

111

 
  
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
Exhibit No.

Description

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
Office of the Secretary (10-K Exhibits)
300 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10022-7499

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, 2016, 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

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
Exhibit No.

Description

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
Office of the Secretary (10-K Exhibits)
300 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10022-7499

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, 2016, 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

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
EXHIBIT 12

Shareholder Information

COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

(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
Rents of one-third representative of interest

factor

Capitalized interest
Total fixed charges
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

$

3,738

$

2,763

$ 3,533

$ 3,565

$ 3,874

229

216

212

196

157

(10)
(6)
3,951

$

(8)
(6)
2,965

(7)
(4)
$ 3,734

(5)
(3)
$ 3,753

(7)
(1)
$ 4,023

149

$

133

$

130

$

116

$

80

74
6
229
17.3

$

77
6
216
13.7

$

78
4
212
17.6

$

77
3
196
19.1

$

76
1
157
25.6

$

$

$

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 
attend our annual meeting. It will be 
held on Friday, May 12, 2017, 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
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the 
year ended December 31, 2016. In 
addition, in 2016, Colgate’s Chief 
Executive Officer submitted the annual 
certification to the NYSE regarding
Colgate’s compliance with the NYSE 
corporate governance listing standards.

Forward-Looking Statements
This 2016 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, 2016) 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 John Faucher at (212) 310-3653

Other Reports 
Other reports available on our website, 
www.colgatepalmolive.com, include 
our most recent Sustainability Report 
and Colgate’s policies on Global 
Diversity, Code of Conduct, Ingredient
Safety, No Deforestation, Environ-
mental, 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.

© 2017 Colgate-Palmolive Company
Design by Robert Webster Inc. (RWI),  

www.rwidesign.com

Major Photography by Richard Alcorn 
Printing by Universal Wilde

 
 
 
 
 
 
EXHIBIT 12

Shareholder Information

COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

(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
Rents of one-third representative of interest

factor

Capitalized interest
Total fixed charges
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

$

3,738

$

2,763

$ 3,533

$ 3,565

$ 3,874

229

216

212

196

157

(10)
(6)
3,951

$

(8)
(6)
2,965

(7)
(4)
$ 3,734

(5)
(3)
$ 3,753

(7)
(1)
$ 4,023

149

$

133

$

130

$

116

$

80

74
6
229
17.3

$

77
6
216
13.7

$

78
4
212
17.6

$

77
3
196
19.1

$

76
1
157
25.6

$

$

$

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 
attend our annual meeting. It will be 
held on Friday, May 12, 2017, 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
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the 
year ended December 31, 2016. In 
addition, in 2016, Colgate’s Chief 
Executive Officer submitted the annual 
certification to the NYSE regarding
Colgate’s compliance with the NYSE 
corporate governance listing standards.

Forward-Looking Statements
This 2016 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, 2016) 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 John Faucher at (212) 310-3653

Other Reports 
Other reports available on our website, 
www.colgatepalmolive.com, include 
our most recent Sustainability Report 
and Colgate’s policies on Global 
Diversity, Code of Conduct, Ingredient
Safety, No Deforestation, Environ-
mental, 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.

© 2017 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

INDIA 

For the sixth consecutive 

year, The Economic Times 

Brand Equity Annual Survey 

in India ranked Colgate as the 

Number One Most Trusted 

Brand in 2016.  

Colgate-Palmolive Company is a $15.2 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, deodor-
ants/antiperspirants, dishwashing detergents, household cleaners, fabric conditioners and specialty pet food.