10-QPeriod: Q2 FY2006

COLGATE PALMOLIVE CO Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended Jun 30, 2006

Filed July 27, 2006For Securities:CL

Summary

Colgate-Palmolive Company reported net sales of $3.014 billion for the second quarter of 2006, a 6% increase year-over-year, driven by a 4% volume gain and a 1.5% price increase. For the first six months of 2006, net sales reached $5.885 billion, up 5.5% from the prior year. Despite topline growth, net income for the second quarter declined by 17% to $283.6 million, or $0.51 per diluted share, compared to $342.9 million, or $0.62 per diluted share, in the same period last year. This decline was primarily attributed to a significant charge of $115.9 million ($0.21 per share) related to the company's 2004 Restructuring Program, including a voluntary early retirement program, and incremental stock-based compensation expenses due to the adoption of SFAS 123R. The company acquired 84% of Tom's of Maine, Inc. in May 2006, a strategic move into the "Naturals" oral care market. Geographically, Latin America and Greater Asia/Africa showed particularly strong sales and operating profit growth. The company is managing ongoing challenges such as rising raw material and energy costs through cost-saving initiatives and a focus on higher-margin businesses.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net sales increased by 6.0% to $3.014 billion for the second quarter of 2006, driven by volume gains and pricing.
  • 2Net income for the quarter decreased by 17% to $283.6 million, largely due to a $115.9 million after-tax charge related to the 2004 Restructuring Program.
  • 3Diluted earnings per share for the quarter were $0.51, down from $0.62 in the prior year's second quarter.
  • 4The company acquired 84% of Tom's of Maine, Inc. for approximately $100 million plus transaction costs to expand its presence in the "Naturals" market.
  • 5Latin America and Greater Asia/Africa segments demonstrated robust sales growth (14.0% and 8.0% respectively) and significant operating profit increases.
  • 6The 2004 Restructuring Program, which includes facility rationalization and workforce reduction, incurred charges of $167.9 million in the quarter, impacting profitability.
  • 7Stock-based compensation expense increased due to the adoption of SFAS 123R, impacting both net income and earnings per share.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary reason for the decrease in net income was a significant after-tax charge of $115.9 million related to the ongoing 2004 Restructuring Program, which included costs associated with a voluntary early retirement program and changes in the global supply chain. Additionally, incremental stock-based compensation expenses from the adoption of SFAS 123R also contributed to the decline.

The acquisition of Tom's of Maine, completed on May 1, 2006, contributed to the company's North American operating segment. While the acquisition is strategic for entering the 'Naturals' market, its financial impact in this initial quarter was not material enough to significantly alter the overall reported sales or net income for the three and six-month periods compared to prior year data. The purchase price was approximately $100 million plus transaction costs.

The report highlights strong performance in Latin America, with sales up 14.0% driven by volume and pricing, and in Greater Asia/Africa, with sales up 8.0% driven by volume, pricing, and favorable foreign exchange. The Pet Nutrition segment (Hill's) also showed healthy growth of 9.5% in sales for the quarter.

Colgate-Palmolive is managing rising costs through a combination of strategies including pricing increases, ongoing cost-saving programs, and a strategic shift towards higher-margin businesses like Oral Care, Personal Care, and Pet Nutrition. The 2004 Restructuring Program also aims to generate significant annual savings by 2008.