10-KPeriod: FY2007

COLGATE PALMOLIVE CO Annual Report, Year Ended Dec 31, 2007

Filed February 28, 2008For Securities:CL

Summary

Colgate-Palmolive Company's 2007 10-K filing reveals a company with strong global brand recognition and a diversified product portfolio across Oral, Personal, and Home Care, as well as Pet Nutrition segments. The company demonstrated robust sales growth driven by volume increases and positive foreign exchange impacts, despite divestitures of non-core businesses. Strategic initiatives, including a significant 2004 Restructuring Program aimed at operational efficiency and cost savings, are progressing, with projected annual savings of $425-475 million. Financially, Colgate-Palmolive reported increased net income and earnings per share in 2007. The company maintains a strong cash flow from operations, enabling consistent dividend payments and significant share repurchases, reflecting a commitment to shareholder returns. While facing competitive market conditions and raw material cost volatility, Colgate-Palmolive's management expressed confidence in its well-positioned global presence and brand strength to drive future growth and profitability.

Financial Highlights

20 data points
Beta

Revenue

$13.79B

56.2% Gross Margin

Net Income

$1.74B

12.6% Net Margin

EPS (Diluted)

$1.60

Cash & Equivalents

$429.00M

Free Cash Flow

$2.25B

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$13.79B
Cost of Revenue$6.04B
Gross Profit$7.75B
SG&A Expenses$4.97B
Operating Income$2.72B
Net Income$1.74B
EPS (Basic)$1.68
EPS (Diluted)$1.60

Key Highlights

  • 1Worldwide net sales increased by 12.5% in 2007, driven by a 6.5% volume growth and a 5.0% positive foreign exchange impact.
  • 2The 2004 Restructuring Program, aimed at enhancing global leadership and efficiency, is on schedule for completion by December 2008, with estimated cumulative pretax charges of $1,000-$1,075 million and projected annual savings of $425-$475 million.
  • 3Net income for 2007 was $1,737.4 million, or $3.20 per diluted share, an increase from $1,353.4 million ($2.46 per diluted share) in 2006.
  • 4The company repurchased approximately 15.8 million common shares under its 2006 Program in 2007 and authorized a new 2008 Program for up to 30 million shares.
  • 5Colgate-Palmolive operates globally with approximately 75% of net sales derived from international operations, highlighting significant exposure to foreign currency fluctuations and geopolitical risks.
  • 6Research and development spending remained consistent, totaling $247.0 million in 2007, underscoring the company's focus on product innovation.
  • 7The company's financial condition is strong, with ample access to credit facilities and expectations that cash flow from operations will sufficiently cover foreseeable needs, including dividends and capital expenditures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Colgate-Palmolive's sales growth in 2007 was primarily driven by volume growth of 6.5% and a positive foreign exchange impact of 5.0%. Net selling price increases contributed an additional 1.0%. Divestitures of non-core businesses slightly reduced overall reported sales growth by 0.5%.

The 2004 Restructuring Program, designed to enhance global leadership and operational efficiency, is progressing on schedule for completion by December 31, 2008. The program is estimated to incur cumulative pretax charges between $1,000 million and $1,075 million. Upon completion, it is projected to generate annual savings ranging from $425 million to $475 million, substantially all of which is expected to increase future cash flows.

Colgate-Palmolive has significant international operations, with approximately 75% of its net sales generated outside the U.S. The company actively manages risks associated with these operations, including currency fluctuations, by employing cost-containment measures, adjusting selling prices, and utilizing foreign currency hedging strategies for certain costs. While geographic diversity helps mitigate risk, the company remains subject to political, economic, and regulatory changes in its major markets.

Colgate-Palmolive demonstrates a strong commitment to shareholder returns through consistent dividend payments and significant share repurchase programs. The company increased its common stock dividend per share and repurchased millions of shares in 2007 under its share repurchase program, with new programs authorized to continue these efforts.