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10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2009

COLGATE PALMOLIVE CO Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 31, 2009

Filed April 30, 2009For Securities:CL

Summary

Colgate-Palmolive Company reported its first-quarter results for the period ending March 31, 2009, demonstrating resilience in a challenging global economic environment. The company reported a net sales decrease of 5.5% to $3,502.8 million, primarily due to a significant negative foreign exchange impact of 13.0%, while net selling price increases of 8.0% partially offset a slight volume decline of 0.5%. Despite the top-line pressure from currency headwinds, Colgate-Palmolive achieved an 8.0% increase in organic sales, indicating strong underlying business performance driven by pricing strategies and product innovation. Profitability saw a notable improvement, with net income rising to $507.9 million from $466.5 million in the prior year, leading to a diluted earnings per share of $0.97, up from $0.86. This improvement was driven by a higher gross profit margin (57.5% vs. 56.6%), a decrease in selling, general, and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales, and a significant reduction in restructuring charges compared to the prior year. The company also announced an increase in its annualized common stock dividend, signaling confidence in its financial stability and future prospects.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net sales decreased by 5.5% to $3,502.8 million, largely impacted by a negative foreign exchange of 13.0%.
  • 2Organic sales grew by 8.0%, demonstrating strong underlying performance despite currency headwinds and divestitures.
  • 3Net income increased by 8.9% to $507.9 million, with diluted EPS rising to $0.97 from $0.86 in the prior year.
  • 4Gross profit margin improved to 57.5% from 56.6% (adjusted for restructuring charges), driven by higher pricing and cost savings.
  • 5Selling, general, and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased to 33.9% from 36.3%, aided by lower advertising spend and absence of restructuring charges.
  • 6Net cash provided by operations increased by 21% to $690.2 million, reflecting improved profitability and lower restructuring program spending.
  • 7The company increased its annualized common stock dividend by 10% to $1.76 per share.

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