COLGATE PALMOLIVE CO
For the period ended Dec 31, 2024. Filed Feb 13, 2025.
View on SEC.govAbout this filing
A company's yearly report to the SEC, with audited financial statements. It is the fullest account a company gives of its business, its finances and the risks it sees.
FY2024 · Filed Feb 13, 2025
What changed in Management’s Discussion and Analysis?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-K
Period ended 2023-12-31; filed 2024-02-15.
0000021665-24-000003
Item 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONSCurrent report: 10-K
Period ended 2024-12-31; filed 2025-02-13.
0000021665-25-000008
Item 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONSThe baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.
Compared 200 previous paragraphs and 197 current paragraphs.
81 unchanged; 87 reworded; 27 added; 32 removed; 0 previous and 2 current paragraphs rearranged.
Tables are not compared: 29 previous and 29 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.
A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.
Added paragraphs (27)
Current report
In connection with management changes, we realigned the reporting structure of our skin health business effective July 1, 2024. Accordingly, commencing with the quarter ended September 30, 2024, the results of the skin health business previously reported within the Europe reportable operating segment are reported with our other skin health businesses in the North America reportable operating segment, with no impact on the Company's consolidated results of operations or financial position. The Company has recast its historical geographic segment information to conform to the new reporting structure.
Current report
The Conflict in the Middle East
Current report
Recent developments in trade relations and the imposition of new and/or additional tariffs by the United States and other countries, including following the United States’ February 2025 executive orders imposing tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico and China, may contribute to inflationary pressures and, as a result, may impact consumer demand for our products. We are following the dynamic situation closely and evaluating the impact of such tariffs and any retaliatory actions taken by other countries on our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. While we have made and will make efforts to mitigate the impact of these and any additional tariffs imposed by the United States and/or other countries, they could impact the cost and/or price of our products, the cost and availability of raw and packaging materials and commodities and/or consumer demand for our products due to, among other things, the impact of such tariffs on the global economy, inflationary pressures or geopolitical relations.
Current report
The increase in organic sales in 2024 versus 2023 was due to increases in Oral Care, Home Care and Personal Care organic sales. The increase in Oral Care was primarily due to organic sales growth in the toothpaste and manual toothbrush categories. The increase in Home Care was primarily due to organic sales growth in the surface cleaner and fabric softener categories. The increase in Personal Care was primarily due to organic sales growth in the liquid hand soap and body wash categories, partially offset by organic sales declines in the skin health category.
Current report
The increase in organic sales in 2024 versus 2023 was due to increases in organic sales in the therapeutic and wellness categories.
Current report
Interest Expense
Current report
Interest expense was $292 in 2024 as compared to $287 in 2023.
Current report
Interest Income
Current report
Interest income was $67 in 2024 as compared to $55 in 2023.
Current report
The increase in organic sales in North America in 2024 versus 2023 was due to increases in Home Care and Oral Care organic sales, partially offset by a decrease in Personal Care organic sales. The increase in Home Care was primarily due to organic sales growth in the surface cleaner category, partially offset by an organic sales decline in the hand dish category. The increase in Oral Care was primarily due to organic sales growth in the toothpaste and manual toothbrush categories. The decrease in Personal Care was primarily due to organic sales declines in the skin health and underarm protection categories, partially offset by organic sales growth in the liquid hand soap category.
Current report
Operating profit in North America decreased 4% in 2024 to $839, or 90 bps to 20.4% as a percentage of Net Sales. This decrease in Operating profit as a percentage of Net sales was due to an increase in Gross profit (60 bps), more than 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 primarily due to cost savings from the Company’s funding-the-growth initiatives (210 bps), partially offset by lower pricing and higher raw and packaging material costs (50 bps). This increase in Selling, general and administrative expenses was primarily due to increased advertising investment (140 bps).
Current report
Net sales in Latin America increased 3.1% in 2024 to $4,782, driven by volume growth of 3.9% and net selling price increases of 12.9%, partially offset by negative foreign exchange of 13.7%. Organic sales in Latin America increased 16.8% in 2024. Organic sales growth was led by Argentina, Brazil and Mexico.
Current report
Operating profit in Latin America increased 8% in 2024 to $1,526, or 140 bps to 31.9% as a percentage of Net sales. This increase in Operating profit as a percentage of Net sales was primarily due to an increase in Gross profit (220 bps), partially offset by an increase in Selling, general and administrative expenses (100 bps), both as a percentage of Net sales. This increase in Gross profit was due to higher pricing and cost savings from the Company’s funding-the-growth initiatives (290 bps), partially offset by significantly higher raw and packaging material costs (540 bps), which included foreign exchange transaction costs. This increase in Selling, general and administrative expenses was due to higher overhead expenses (60 bps) and increased advertising investment (50 bps).
Current report
Operating profit in Europe increased 15% in 2024 to $658, or 140 bps to 23.7% as a percentage of Net sales. This increase in Operating profit as a percentage of Net sales was primarily due to an increase in Gross profit (370 bps), partially offset by an increase in Selling, general and administrative expense (230 bps), both as a percentage of Net sales. This increase in Gross profit was due to cost savings from the Company’s funding-the-growth initiatives (290 bps), higher pricing and favorable mix (70 bps), partially offset by higher raw and packaging material costs (100 bps). This increase in Selling, general and administrative expenses was primarily due to increased advertising investment (220 bps).
Current report
Net sales in Africa/Eurasia increased 1.2% in 2024 to $1,095, driven by volume growth of 7.6% and net selling price increases of 5.7%, partially offset by negative foreign exchange of 12.1%. Organic sales in Africa/Eurasia increased 13.3% in 2024. Organic sales growth was led by Türkiye, Nigeria and the North Africa/Middle East region.
Current report
The increase in organic sales in 2024 versus 2023 was primarily due to increases in Oral Care and Home Care organic sales. The increase in Oral Care was primarily due to organic sales growth in the toothpaste and manual toothbrush categories. The increase in Home Care was primarily due to organic sales growth in the bleach category.
Current report
Operating profit in Africa/Eurasia was flat at $253 versus 2023, and as a percentage of Net sales decreased by 40 bps to 23.1%. This decrease in Operating profit as a percentage of Net sales was due to an increase in Gross profit (140 bps), more than offset by an increase in Selling, general, and administrative expense (120 bps) and an increase in Other (income) expense, net (60 bps), all as a percentage of Net sales. This increase in Gross profit was due to cost savings from the Company’s funding-the-growth initiatives (250 bps), higher pricing and favorable mix (30 bps), partially offset by significantly higher raw and packaging material costs (340 bps), which included foreign exchange transaction costs. This increase in Selling, general and administrative expense was due to higher overhead expense (70 bps) and increased advertising investment (50 bps).
Current report
Net sales for Hill’s Pet Nutrition increased 4.5% in 2024 to $4,483, driven by volume growth of 0.8% and net selling price increases of 4.1%, partially offset by negative foreign exchange of 0.4%. Organic sales in Hill’s Pet Nutrition increased 4.9% in 2024. Organic sales growth was led by the United States despite a negative impact from lower private label pet nutrition sales of 210 bps.
Current report
The increase in organic sales in 2024 versus 2023 was due to organic sales growth in the therapeutic and wellness categories.
Current report
Operating profit in Hill’s Pet Nutrition increased 20% in 2024 to $965, or 270 bps to 21.5% as a percentage of Net sales. This increase in Operating profit as a percentage of Net sales was primarily due to an increase in Gross profit (410 bps), partially offset by an increase in Selling, general, and administrative expense (180 bps), both as a percentage of Net sales. This increase in Gross profit was due to cost savings from the Company’s funding-the-growth initiatives (340 bps), higher pricing and favorable mix (50 bps), partially offset by higher raw and packaging material costs (170 bps). This increase in Selling, general and administrative expense was primarily due to increased advertising investment (190 bps).
Current report
Total annualized pretax savings from the 2022 Global Productivity Initiative were approximately $125 ($100 aftertax).
Current report
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 inventories and 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, as applicable.
Current report
Investing activities used $534 of cash in 2024 compared to $742 during 2023.
Current report
Recent Accounting Pronouncements and Disclosure Rules
Current report
In November 2024, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2024-04, “Debt—Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20): Induced Conversions of Convertible Debt Instruments.” This ASU clarifies the requirements for determining whether certain settlements of convertible debt instruments should be accounted for as induced conversions. This guidance is effective for the Company for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2025 and is not expected to have an impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
Current report
In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU No. 2024-03, “Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income—Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses.” This ASU requires additional disclosures related to the disaggregation of income statement expense categories. This guidance is effective for the Company for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2027. Other than the new disclosure requirements, this guidance will not have an impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
Current report
In March 2024, the SEC finalized rules intended to enhance and standardize climate-related disclosures in registrants’ registration statements and Annual Reports on Form 10-K. The new rules would require climate-related disclosures, including as they relate to governance, strategy, risk management, targets and goals and greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, the rules would require certain climate-related disclosures as it relates to severe weather events and other natural conditions and carbon offsets and renewable energy credits. In April 2024, the SEC voluntarily stayed the rules due to pending judicial review. Other than the new disclosure requirements, this guidance will not have an impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
Removed paragraphs (32)
Previous report
COVID-19
Previous report
While the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business has largely abated, uncertainties continue in China, which is experiencing the ongoing effects of the pandemic and an economic slowdown, and in the travel retail channel, where we have experienced and may continue to experience disruptions in our Filorga business. While we currently expect to be able to continue operating our business as described above, uncertainty resulting from COVID-19 could result in unforeseen additional disruptions to our business, particularly in China and in the travel retail channel.
Previous report
The Israel-Hamas War
Previous report
During the fourth quarter of 2022, we recorded a non-cash charge of $721 pretax ($620 aftertax) to adjust the carrying values of goodwill and intangible assets related to the Filorga skin health business. The impairment was due primarily to the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Filorga business, particularly in China, as a result of government restrictions and reduced consumer mobility, which negatively impacted consumption in the duty-free, travel retail and pharmacy channels, and the impact of significantly higher interest rates. See Note 5, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.
Previous report
On September 30, 2022, the Company acquired a business, which operates three dry pet food manufacturing plants in the United States, for a purchase price, as adjusted, of $719, from Red Collar Pet Foods Holdings, Inc. and Red Collar Pet Foods Holdings, L.P. (collectively, “Red Collar Pet Foods”) to further support the global growth of the Hill’s Pet Nutrition business. See Note 3, Acquisitions to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Previous report
In July 2022, one of the Company’s subsidiaries in Asia Pacific completed a sale of land and recognized a pretax gain of $47 ($15 aftertax attributable to the Company).
Previous report
The increase in organic sales in 2023 versus 2022 was due to increases in Oral Care, Personal Care and Home Care organic sales. The increase in Oral Care was primarily due to organic sales growth in the toothpaste and mouthwash categories. The increase in Personal Care was primarily due to organic sales growth in the bar soap, underarm protection, hair care and body wash categories. The increase in Home Care was primarily due to organic sales growth in the surface cleaner, fabric softener and hand dish categories.
Previous report
The increase in organic sales in 2023 versus 2022 was due to increases in organic sales in the wellness and therapeutic categories.
Previous report
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Impairment Charges
Previous report
In the fourth quarter of 2022, the Company made revisions to the internal forecasts relating to its Filorga reporting unit due primarily to the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in China, as a result of government restrictions and reduced consumer mobility, which negatively impacted consumption in the duty-free, travel retail and pharmacy channels. The Company concluded that the changes in circumstances in this reporting unit and the impact of significantly higher interest rates triggered the need for an interim impairment review of its indefinite-lived trademark, goodwill and long-lived assets which consists primarily of customer relationships. As a result of the interim impairment test, the Company concluded that the carrying value of the trademark and customer relationships exceeded their estimated fair value and recorded impairment charges of $300 and $89, respectively. After adjusting the carrying values of the trademark and customer relationship intangible assets, the Company completed a quantitative impairment test for goodwill and recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $332 in the Filorga reporting unit.
Previous report
See Note 5, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.
Previous report
Interest (Income) Expense, Net
Previous report
Interest (income) expense, net was $232 in 2023 compared to $153 in 2022, primarily due to higher average interest rates on debt.
Previous report
Operating profit in North America increased 17% in 2023 to $892, or 280 bps to 22.7%. This increase in Operating profit as a percentage of Net sales was primarily due to an increase in Gross profit (250 bps) as a percentage of Net sales. This increase in Gross profit was primarily due to higher pricing and cost savings from the Company’s funding-the-growth initiatives (230 bps), partially offset by higher raw and packaging material costs (270 bps).
Previous report
Net sales in Latin America increased 16.5% in 2023 to $4,640, driven by volume growth of 2.5%, net selling price increases of 13.0% and positive foreign exchange of 1.0%. Organic sales in Latin America increased 15.5% in 2023. Organic sales growth was led by Argentina, Mexico, Brazil and Colombia.
Previous report
Operating profit in Latin America increased 28% in 2023 to $1,417, or 270 bps to 30.5% as a percentage of Net sales. This increase in Operating profit as a percentage of Net sales was due to an increase in Gross profit (470 bps), partially offset by an increase in Other (income) expense, net (190 bps), both as a percentage of Net sales. This increase in Gross profit was primarily due to higher pricing and cost savings from the Company’s funding-the-growth initiatives (250 bps), which were partially offset by significantly higher raw and packaging material costs (310 bps), which included foreign exchange transaction costs. This increase in Other (income) expense, net was primarily due to losses from marketable securities, a gain on the sale of other assets and a value-added tax refund in 2022.
Previous report
Operating profit in Europe increased 7% in 2023 to $552, while as a percentage of Net sales it was flat at 20.2%. Operating profit was flat as a percentage of Net sales due to an increase in Gross profit (140 bps) and a decrease in Other (income) expense, net, (20 bps), offset by an increase in Selling, general and administrative expense (160 bps), all as a percentage of Net sales. This increase in Gross profit was primarily due to higher pricing and cost savings from the Company’s funding-the-growth initiatives (310 bps), partially offset by significantly higher raw and packaging material costs (630 bps). This increase in Selling, general and administrative expenses largely was due to increased advertising investment (180 bps).
Previous report
The increase in organic sales in 2023 versus 2022 was primarily due to increases in Oral Care, Personal Care and Home Care organic sales. The increase in Oral Care was driven by organic sales growth in the toothpaste category, partially offset by organic sales declines in the manual toothbrush category. The increase in Personal Care was driven by organic sales growth in the hair care, body wash and bar soap categories. The increase in Home Care was driven by organic sales growth in the fabric softener category.
Previous report
Net sales in Africa/Eurasia were flat in 2023, as volume growth of 4.5% and net selling price increases of 13.0% were offset by negative foreign exchange of 17.5%. Organic sales in Africa/Eurasia increased 17.5% in 2023. Organic sales growth was led by Turkiye, the Eurasia region, South Africa and Nigeria.
Previous report
The increase in organic sales in 2023 versus 2022 was primarily due to increases in Oral Care and Personal Care organic sales. The increase in Oral Care was driven by organic sales growth in the toothpaste category. The increase in Personal Care was driven by organic sales growth in the body wash, bar soap, underarm protection and hair care categories.
Previous report
Operating profit in Africa/Eurasia increased 11% in 2023 to $254, or 240 bps to 23.5% as a percentage of Net sales. This increase in Operating profit as a percentage of Net sales was due to an increase in Gross profit (50 bps), a decrease in Selling, general, and administrative expense (110 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 due to higher pricing and cost savings from the Company’s funding-the-growth initiatives (340 bps), partially offset by significantly higher raw and packaging material costs (740 bps), which included foreign exchange transaction costs. This decrease in Selling, general and administrative expense was due to lower overhead expense (170 bps), partially offset by increased advertising investment (60 bps). Lower overhead expenses were due to lower logistics costs (230 bps), partially offset by higher other overhead expense (60 bps). This decrease in Other (income) expense, net was due to costs incurred in 2022 as a result of the war in Ukraine and start-up costs associated with a manufacturing plant.
Previous report
Net sales for Hill’s Pet Nutrition increased 15.5% in 2023 to $4,290, driven by volume growth of 5.0% and net selling price increases of 11.0%, partially offset by negative foreign exchange of 0.5%. The Company’s previously disclosed acquisitions of pet food businesses contributed 5.5% to volume. Organic sales in Hill’s Pet Nutrition increased 10.5% in 2023. Organic sales growth was led by the United States and Europe.
Previous report
The increase in organic sales in 2023 versus 2022 was due to organic sales growth in the wellness and therapeutic categories.
Previous report
Operating profit in Hill’s Pet Nutrition decreased 5% in 2023 to $806, or 410 bps to 18.8% as a percentage of Net sales. This decrease in Operating profit as a percentage of Net sales was primarily due to a decrease in Gross profit (350 bps) as a percentage of Net sales. This decrease in Gross profit was primarily due to significantly higher raw and packaging material costs (780 bps) and unfavorable mix due to private label sales resulting from the previously disclosed acquisitions of pet food businesses (240 bps), partially offset by higher pricing and cost savings from the Company’s funding-the-growth initiatives (270 bps).
Previous report
It is expected that the cumulative pretax charges, once all projects are approved and implemented, will relate to initiatives undertaken in North America (5%), Latin America (10%), Europe (45%), Asia Pacific (5%), Africa/Eurasia (10%), Hill’s Pet Nutrition (10%) and Corporate (15%).
Previous report
Investing activities used $742 of cash in 2023 compared to $1,601 during 2022. Investing activities in 2022 included the Company’s acquisition of businesses from Red Collar Pet Foods and Nutriamo discussed in Note 3, Acquisitions to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Previous report
The Company’s foreign currency forward contracts that qualify for cash flow hedge accounting resulted in a net unrealized loss of $13 at December 31, 2023 versus an unrealized gain of $4 at December 31, 2022. 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 2023, an unfavorable 10% change in exchange rates would have resulted in a net unrealized loss of $100.
Previous report
The Company’s open commodity derivative contracts that qualify for cash flow hedge accounting resulted in a net unrealized loss of $1 at December 31, 2023 versus a net unrealized gain of $1 in 2022. At the end of 2023, an unfavorable 10% change in commodity futures prices would have resulted in a net unrealized loss of $2.
Previous report
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Previous report
In March 2022, the FASB issued ASU No. 2022-02, “Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures.” This ASU eliminates the accounting guidance for troubled debt restructurings by creditors while enhancing disclosure requirements for certain loan refinancing and restructurings by creditors made to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty. The amendments also require disclosure of current-period gross write-offs by year of origination for financing receivables. This guidance was effective for the Company beginning on January 1, 2023 and did not have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
Previous report
In March 2022, the FASB issued ASU No. 2022-01, “Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Fair Value Hedging-Portfolio Layer Method.” This ASU clarifies the accounting and promotes consistency in reporting for hedges where the portfolio layer method is applied. This guidance was effective for the Company beginning on January 1, 2023 and did not have an impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
Previous report
In October 2021, the FASB issued ASU No. 2021-08, “Business Combinations (Topic 805): Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers.” This ASU requires contract assets and contract liabilities acquired in a business combination to be recognized and measured by the acquirer on the acquisition date in accordance with ASU No. 2016-10, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606).” This guidance was effective for the Company beginning on January 1, 2023 and did not have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
Reworded paragraphs (87)
Previous wording
Colgate-Palmolive Company (together with its subsidiaries, “we,” “us,” “our,” the “Company” or “Colgate”) is a caring, innovative growth company reimagining a healthier future for all people, their pets and our planet. We seek to deliver sustainable, profitable growth and superior shareholder returns, as well as to provide Colgate people with an innovative and inclusive work environment. We do this by developing and selling science-led products globally that make people’s and their pets’ lives healthier and more enjoyable and by embracing our sustainability and social impact and diversity, equity and inclusion (“DE&I”) strategies across our organization.
Current wording
Colgate-Palmolive Company (together with its subsidiaries, “we,” “us,” “our,” the “Company” or “Colgate”) is a caring, innovative growth company reimagining a healthier future for all people, their pets and our planet. We seek to deliver consistent compounded earnings per share growth to help drive superior total shareholder return, as well as to provide Colgate people with an innovative and inclusive work environment. We do this by developing and selling science-led products globally that make people’s and their pets’ lives healthier and more enjoyable and by embracing our Sustainability & Social Impact Strategy across our organization.
Previous wording
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 primarily to a variety of traditional and eCommerce retailers, wholesalers, distributors, dentists and, in some segments, skin health professionals. Through Hill’s Pet Nutrition, we also compete on a worldwide basis in the pet nutrition market, selling products principally through authorized pet supply retailers, veterinarians and eCommerce retailers. We also sell certain of our products direct-to-consumer. We are engaged in manufacturing and sourcing of products and materials on a global scale and have major manufacturing facilities, warehousing facilities and distribution centers in every region around the world.
Current wording
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 primarily to a variety of retailers, wholesalers, distributors, dentists and, in some geographies, skin health professionals. Through Hill’s Pet Nutrition, we also compete on a worldwide basis in the pet nutrition market, selling products principally through authorized pet supply retailers, veterinarians and eCommerce retailers. We also sell certain of our products direct-to-consumer. We are engaged in manufacturing and sourcing of products and materials on a global scale and have major manufacturing facilities, warehousing facilities and distribution centers in every region around the world.
Previous wording
On an ongoing basis, management focuses on a variety of key indicators to monitor business health and performance. These indicators include net sales (including volume, pricing and foreign exchange components), organic sales growth (net sales growth excluding the impact of foreign exchange, acquisitions and divestments), a non-GAAP financial measure, and gross profit margin, selling, general and administrative expenses, operating profit, net income and earnings per share, in each case, on a GAAP and a non-GAAP basis, as well as measures used to optimize the management of working capital, capital expenditures, cash flow and return on capital. In addition, we review market share and other data to assess how our brands are performing within their categories on a global and regional basis. The monitoring of these indicators and our Code of Conduct and corporate governance practices help to maintain business health and strong internal controls. For additional information regarding non-GAAP financial measures and the Company’s use of market share data and the limitations of such data, see “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” and “Market Share Information” below.
Current wording
On an ongoing basis, management focuses on a variety of key indicators to monitor business health and performance. These indicators include net sales (including volume, pricing and foreign exchange components), organic sales growth (net sales growth excluding the impact of foreign exchange, acquisitions and divestments), a non-GAAP financial measure, and gross profit margin, selling, general and administrative expenses, operating profit, net income and earnings per share, in each case, on a GAAP and a non-GAAP basis, as well as measures used to optimize the management of working capital, capital expenditures, cash flow and return on capital. In addition, we review market share, household penetration and other data to assess how our brands are performing within their categories on a global and regional basis. The monitoring of these indicators and our Code of Conduct and corporate governance practices help to maintain business health and strong internal controls. For additional information regarding non-GAAP financial measures and the Company’s use of market share data and the limitations of such data, see “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” and “Market Share Information” below.
Previous wording
The war in Ukraine and the related geopolitical tensions have had and continue to have a significant impact on our operations in Ukraine and Russia, though it has not been material to our Consolidated Financial Statements. The safety of our employees and partners in Ukraine has been and remains our first priority. While our ability to do business in Ukraine has been significantly impacted, we remain committed to providing access to our products to people in the region. In
Current wording
The war in Ukraine, and the related geopolitical tensions, have had and continue to have a significant impact on our operations in Ukraine and Russia, though it has not been material to our Consolidated Financial Statements. We have no manufacturing facilities in Russia. For the year ended December 31, 2024, our business in the Eurasia region constituted approximately 1% of our consolidated net sales and approximately 2% of our consolidated operating profit.
Previous wording
Russia, we are importing and selling a reduced portfolio of health and hygiene products for everyday use. We have no manufacturing facilities in Russia and have ceased all capital investments and media activities in Russia. For the year ended December 31, 2023 our business in the Eurasia region constituted approximately 2% of our consolidated net sales and approximately 3% of our consolidated operating profit. We, however, have experienced, and expect to continue to experience, risks related to the impact of the war in Ukraine, including increases in the costs and, in certain cases, limitations on the availability of certain raw and packaging materials and commodities (including oil and natural gas), supply chain and logistics challenges, import restrictions, foreign currency volatility and reputational concerns. We also have faced and continue to face challenges to our ability to repatriate cash from Russia and find banking partners in Russia and we may face challenges to our ability to protect our assets in Russia. We also continue to monitor the impact of sanctions, export controls and import restrictions imposed in response to the war in Ukraine.
Current wording
We have experienced, and expect to continue to experience, risks related to the impact of the war in Ukraine, including increases in the costs and, in certain cases, limitations on the availability of certain raw and packaging materials and commodities (including oil and natural gas), supply chain and logistics challenges, import restrictions, foreign currency volatility and reputational concerns. We also have faced and continue to face challenges to our ability to repatriate cash from Russia and identify banking partners to support our Russian operations and we may face challenges to our ability to protect our assets in Russia. We also continue to monitor the impact of sanctions, export controls and import restrictions imposed generally and in response to the war in Ukraine.
Previous wording
The Israel-Hamas war has not had a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements. Uncertainties and risks remain as to the duration of the war and its impact on geopolitical relations and stability in North Africa, the Middle East and nearby regions. The war has impacted and may continue to impact, among other things, supply chain and logistics, the availability and price of raw and packaging materials and commodities, such as oil, consumer sentiment and consumption and category growth rates in the region.
Current wording
The conflict in the Middle East has not had a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements. Uncertainties and risks remain as to the duration of the conflict and its impact on geopolitical relations and stability in North Africa, the wider Middle East and nearby regions. The conflict has impacted and may continue to impact, among other things, supply chain and logistics, the availability and price of raw and packaging materials and commodities such as oil, consumer sentiment and consumption and category growth rates in the region.
Previous wording
For more information about factors that could impact our business, including due to geopolitical conflicts, such as the war in Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas war, refer to Part I, Item 1A “Risk Factors” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Current wording
For more information about factors that could impact our business, including due to geopolitical conflicts, such as the war in Ukraine and the conflict in the Middle East, refer to Part I, Item 1A “Risk Factors” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Previous wording
To achieve our business and financial objectives, we are focused on driving organic sales growth and long-term profitable growth through science-led, core and premium innovation; pursuing higher-growth adjacent categories and segments; expanding in faster-growing channels and markets and delivering margin expansion through operating leverage and efficiency. We continue to prioritize our investments in high growth segments within our Oral Care, Personal Care and Pet Nutrition businesses. We are also seeking to lead in the development of human capital, and to maximize the impact of our sustainability and social impact and DE&I strategies. We are strengthening and leveraging our capabilities in areas such as innovation, digital, artificial intelligence, eCommerce and data and analytics, enabling us to be more responsive in today’s rapidly changing world. In particular, we believe our digital transformation is of paramount importance to our success going forward. We continue to invest behind our brands, including through advertising, and to develop initiatives to build strong relationships with consumers, dental, veterinary and skin health professionals and traditional and eCommerce retailers. We also continue to broaden our eCommerce offerings, including direct-to-consumer and subscription services. We continue to believe that 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 our products.
Current wording
To achieve our business and financial objectives, we are focused on delivering consistent compounded earnings per share growth through driving organic sales growth, operational efficiencies and leveraging the strength of our balance sheet. We believe increased household penetration and improved brand health are the keys to consistent organic sales growth and aim to achieve these through science-led, core and premium innovation, pursuing higher-growth adjacent categories and segments and expanding in faster-growing channels and markets. We aim to deliver margin expansion and cash flow growth through operating leverage and efficiency. We continue to prioritize our investments in high growth segments within our Oral Care, Personal Care and Pet Nutrition businesses. We also seek to lead in the development of human capital and to maximize the impact of our Sustainability & Social Impact Strategy. We are building and scaling our capabilities in areas such as innovation, digital, data, analytics and artificial intelligence, enabling us to be more responsive in today’s rapidly changing world. We continue to invest behind our brands, including through advertising, and to develop initiatives to build strong relationships with consumers, retailers and dental, veterinary and skin health professionals. We continue to believe that 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 our products.
Previous wording
During the quarter ended June 30, 2023, we reassessed with our legal and tax advisers certain tax deductions taken in prior years by one of our subsidiaries and concluded that it is more likely than not that the deductions would not be sustained by the courts in that jurisdiction. The value of the tax deductions was not material to us in any year in which they were taken. The cumulative effect of the change in tax position of $148 was reflected as a discrete item in the income tax expense in the quarter ended June 30, 2023, partially offset by the reversal of certain prior years’ withholding tax reserves of $22 that are no longer required (hereinafter referred to as the “foreign tax matter”). The tax liability was paid in the quarter ended September 30, 2023. The current year impact of these changes is included in our full year effective income tax rate. See Note 11, Income Taxes, to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Current wording
During the quarter ended June 30, 2023, we reassessed with our legal and tax advisers certain tax deductions taken in prior years by one of our subsidiaries and concluded that it was more likely than not that the deductions would not be sustained by the courts in that jurisdiction. The value of the tax deductions was not material to us in any year in which they were taken. The cumulative effect of the change in tax position of $148 was reflected as a discrete item in the quarter ended June 30, 2023 income tax expense, partially offset by the reversal of certain prior years’ withholding tax reserves of $22 that were no longer required (hereinafter referred to as the “foreign tax matter”). The tax liability was paid in the quarter ended September 30, 2023. See Note 10, Income Taxes, to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Previous wording
During the quarter ended March 31, 2023, we recorded a charge of $267 as a result of a decision of the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit affirming a grant of summary judgment to the plaintiffs in a lawsuit under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act seeking the recalculation of benefits and other relief associated with a 2005 residual annuity amendment to the Colgate-Palmolive Company Employees’ Retirement Income Plan (the “Retirement Plan”). The decision resulted in an increase in the obligations of the Retirement Plan, which based on the current funded status of the Retirement Plan will require no immediate cash contribution by the Company. In June 2023, we filed a petition for certiorari to the United States Supreme Court requesting permission for an appeal to that court, which was denied in October 2023, and the plaintiffs filed a motion to enter a revised final judgment in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York to address certain unresolved calculation issues, which we opposed. See Note 13, Commitments and Contingencies to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Current wording
During the quarter ended March 31, 2023, we recorded a charge of $267 as a result of a decision of the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit (the “Second Circuit”) affirming a grant of summary judgment to the plaintiffs in a lawsuit under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (“ERISA”) seeking the recalculation of benefits and other relief associated with a 2005 residual annuity amendment to the Colgate-Palmolive Company Employees’ Retirement Income Plan (the “Retirement Plan”). The decision resulted in an increase in the obligations of the Retirement Plan, which based on the current funded status of the Retirement Plan and depending on further developments in the litigation, may require a cash contribution by the Company in 2025. In June 2023, we filed a petition for certiorari to the United States Supreme Court requesting permission for an appeal to that court, which was denied in October 2023. Also, in June 2023, the plaintiffs filed a motion to enter a revised final judgment in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York (the “District Court”) to address certain unresolved calculation issues, which we opposed. In March 2024, the District Court granted the plaintiffs’ motion and found for the plaintiffs on those calculation issues. We have appealed that decision to the Second Circuit. See Note 12, Commitments and Contingencies to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Previous wording
During the quarter ended March 31, 2023, we announced a voluntary recall of select Fabuloso multi-purpose cleaner products sold in the United States and Canada. The costs associated with the voluntary recall had a $25 impact on our Operating profit in the quarter.
Current wording
During the quarter ended March 31, 2023, we announced a voluntary recall of select Fabuloso multi-purpose cleaner products sold in the United States and Canada. The costs associated with the voluntary recall had a $25 impact on our Operating profit in the quarter ended March 31, 2023.
Previous wording
On January 27, 2022, the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) approved a targeted productivity program (the “2022 Global Productivity Initiative”). The program is intended to reallocate resources towards our strategic priorities and faster growth businesses, drive efficiencies in our operations and streamline our supply chain to reduce structural costs. Implementation of the 2022 Global Productivity Initiative, which is expected to be substantially completed by mid-year 2024, is estimated to result in cumulative pretax charges, once all phases are approved and implemented, in the range of $200 to $240 ($170 to $200 aftertax). Annualized pretax savings are projected to be in the range of $90 to $110 ($70 to $85 aftertax), once all projects are approved and implemented. Savings achieved since the implementation of the 2022 Global Productivity Initiative were approximately $100 pretax ($80 aftertax). For more information regarding the 2022 Global Productivity Initiative, see “Restructuring and Related Implementation Charges” below.
Current wording
On January 27, 2022, the Board approved a targeted productivity program (the “2022 Global Productivity Initiative”). All initiatives under the program have been implemented and the program concluded on December 31, 2024. The 2022 Global Productivity Initiative resulted in the reallocation of resources towards our strategic priorities and faster growth businesses, efficiencies in our operations and the streamlining of our supply chain to reduce structural costs. Total pretax charges from the implementation of the 2022 Global Productivity Initiative were $228 ($186 aftertax). Total annualized pretax savings from the 2022 Global Productivity Initiative were approximately $125 ($100 aftertax). See “Restructuring and Related Implementation Charges” below and Note 3, Restructuring and Related Implementation Charges to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Previous wording
In the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, we incurred pretax costs of $32 (aftertax costs of $25) and $110 (after tax costs of $87), respectively, resulting from the 2022 Global Productivity Initiative.
Current wording
In the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, we incurred pretax costs of $85 (aftertax costs of $73) and $32 (aftertax costs of $25), respectively, resulting from the 2022 Global Productivity Initiative.
Previous wording
Looking forward, we expect global macroeconomic, political and market conditions to remain challenging, including as a result of inflation and higher interest rates. During the year ended December 31, 2023, all of our divisions experienced significantly higher raw and packaging material costs. We have taken and are taking additional pricing to try to offset these increases in raw and packaging material costs. This has negatively impacted and may continue to negatively impact consumer demand for our products. Additionally, inflation is impacting the broader economy with consumers around the world facing widespread rising prices as well as higher interest rates resulting from measures to address inflation. Such inflation and higher interest rates may negatively impact consumer consumption or discretionary spending and/or change their purchasing patterns by foregoing purchasing certain of our products or by switching to “private label” or to our lower-priced product offerings. Although we continue to devote significant resources to support our brands and market our products at multiple price points, these changes could reduce demand for and sales volumes of our products or result in a shift in our product mix from higher margin to lower margin product offerings. In light of this challenging environment, we expect continued volatility across all of our categories and it is therefore difficult to predict category growth rates in the near term.
Current wording
Such inflation and developments in trade relations as well as high interest rates may negatively impact consumer consumption or discretionary spending and/or change their purchasing patterns by foregoing purchasing certain of our products or by switching to “private label” or to our lower-priced product offerings. Although we continue to devote significant resources to support our brands and market our products at multiple price points, these changes could reduce demand for and sales volumes of our products or result in a shift in our product mix from higher margin to lower margin product offerings. In light of this challenging environment, we expect continued volatility across all of our categories and it is therefore difficult to predict category growth rates in the near term.
Previous wording
Given that approximately two-thirds of our Net sales originate in markets outside the U.S., we have experienced and will likely continue to experience volatile foreign currency fluctuations. As discussed above, we have also experienced higher raw and packaging material costs. While we have taken, and will continue to take, measures to mitigate the effect of these conditions, such as the 2022 Global Productivity Initiative and our funding-the-growth and revenue growth management initiatives, in the current environment, it may become increasingly difficult to implement certain of these mitigation strategies. Should these conditions persist, they could adversely affect our future results.
Current wording
Given that approximately two-thirds of our Net sales originate in markets outside the U.S., we have experienced and will likely continue to experience volatile foreign currency fluctuations, particularly in Argentina and Türkiye, which are considered hyper-inflationary economies. Effective January 1, 2025, we designated Nigeria as a hyper-inflationary economy. Consequently, the functional currency for our Nigerian subsidiary will be the U.S. dollar and the impact of all future Nigerian currency fluctuations will be recorded in income. However, this designation is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements. As discussed above, we continue to experience higher raw and packaging material costs, including the impact of transactional foreign exchange. While we have taken, and will continue to take, measures to mitigate the effect of these conditions, such as our funding-the-growth and revenue growth management initiatives, in the current environment it may become increasingly difficult to implement certain of these mitigation strategies. Should these conditions persist, they could adversely affect our future results.
Previous wording
While the global marketplace in which we operate has always been highly competitive, we continue to experience heightened competitive activity in certain markets from strong local competitors, from other large multinational companies, some of which have greater resources than we do, and from new entrants into the market in many of our categories. Such activities have included more aggressive product claims and marketing challenges, as well as increased promotional spending and geographic expansion.
Current wording
While the global marketplace in which we operate has always been highly competitive, we continue to experience heightened competitive activity in certain markets from strong local competitors (including private label competitors), from other large multinational companies, some of which have greater resources than we do, and from new entrants into the market in many of our categories. Such activities have included more aggressive product claims and marketing challenges, as well as increased promotional spending and geographic expansion.
Previous wording
We have been negatively affected by changes in the policies and practices of our trade customers in key markets, such as inventory destocking, fulfillment requirements, limitations on access to shelf space, delisting of our products and certain sustainability, supply chain and packaging standards or initiatives. In addition, the retail landscape in many of our markets continues to evolve as a result of the continued growth of eCommerce, changing consumer preferences (as consumers increasingly shop online and via mobile and social applications) and the increased presence of alternative retail channels, such as subscription services and direct-to-consumer businesses. We plan to continue to invest behind our data strategy, digital and analytics capabilities and higher growth businesses. The substantial growth in eCommerce and the emergence of alternative retail channels have created and may continue to create pricing pressures and/or adversely affect our relationships with our key retailers.
Current wording
We have been negatively affected by changes in the policies and practices of our trade customers in key markets, such as inventory destocking, fulfillment requirements, technology-aided category pricing pressures, limitations on access to shelf space, delisting of our products and sustainability, supply chain and packaging standards or initiatives. In addition, the retail landscape in many of our markets continues to evolve as a result of the continued growth of eCommerce, changing consumer preferences (as consumers increasingly shop online, including to compare prices and product availability) and the increased presence of alternative retail channels, such as subscription services and direct-to-consumer businesses. We are building and scaling our capabilities in areas such as innovation, digital, data, analytics and artificial intelligence and investing behind higher growth businesses. The substantial growth in eCommerce and the emergence of alternative retail channels have created and may continue to create pricing pressures and/or adversely affect our relationships with our key retailers.
Previous wording
We continue to closely monitor the impact of geopolitical events and tensions, such as the war in Ukraine, the Israel-Hamas war and tensions between China and Taiwan and the challenging market conditions discussed above on our business and the related uncertainties and risks. While we have taken, and will continue to take, measures to mitigate the effects of these events and conditions, we cannot estimate with certainty the full extent of their impact on our business, results of operations, cash flows and/or financial condition. For more information about factors that could impact our business, see “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Current wording
We continue to closely monitor the impact of geopolitical events and tensions, such as the war in Ukraine, the conflict in the Middle East, tensions between China and Taiwan and the developments in trade relations, and the challenging market conditions discussed above, on our business and the related uncertainties and risks. While we have taken, and will continue to take, measures to mitigate the effects of these events and conditions, we cannot estimate with certainty the full extent of their impact on our business, results of operations, cash flows and/or financial condition. For more information about factors that could impact our business, see “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Previous wording
We believe that we are well prepared to meet the challenges ahead due to our strong financial condition, experience operating in challenging environments, resilient global supply chain, dedicated and diverse global team and focused business strategy. Our strategy is based on driving organic sales growth and long-term profitable growth; pursuing higher-growth adjacent categories and segments, expanding in faster growing channels and markets and delivering margin expansion through operating leverage and efficiency. We are also seeking to maximize the impact of our environmental, social and governance programs and to lead in the development of human capital, including our sustainability and social impact and DE&I strategies, which we are working to integrate across our organization. Our commitment to these priorities, the strength of our brands, the breadth of our global footprint and a commitment to profitability and driving efficiency in cash generation should position us well to manage through the challenges we face and increase shareholder value over time.
Current wording
We believe that we are well prepared to meet the challenges ahead due to our strong financial condition, experience operating in challenging environments, resilient global supply chain, dedicated and diverse global team and focused business strategy. Our strategy is based on delivering consistent compounded earnings per share growth through driving organic sales growth, operational efficiencies and leveraging the strength of our balance sheet. We believe increased household penetration and improved brand health are the keys to consistent organic sales growth and aim to achieve these through science-led, core and premium innovation, pursuing higher-growth adjacent categories and segments and expanding in faster-growing channels and markets. We aim to deliver margin expansion and cash flow growth through operating leverage and efficiency. We also seek to lead in the development of human capital and to maximize our Sustainability & Social Impact Strategy. Our commitment to these priorities, the strength of our brands, the breadth of our global footprint and a commitment to profitability and driving efficiency in cash generation should position us well to manage through the challenges we face and increase shareholder value over time.
Previous wording
Worldwide Net sales were $19,457 in 2023, up 8.5% from 2022, due to net selling price increases of 10.0%, partially offset by volume declines of 0.5% and negative foreign exchange of 1.0%. Acquisitions contributed 1.0% to volume. Organic sales (Net sales excluding, as applicable, the impact of foreign exchange, acquisitions and divestments), a non-GAAP financial measure as discussed below, increased 8.5% in 2023.
Current wording
Worldwide Net sales were $20,101 in 2024, up 3.3% from 2023, driven by volume growth of 3.1% and net selling price increases of 4.4%, partially offset by negative foreign exchange of 4.1%. Organic sales (Net sales excluding, as applicable, the impact of foreign exchange, acquisitions and divestments), a non-GAAP financial measure as discussed below, increased 7.4% in 2024.
Previous wording
Net sales in the Oral, Personal and Home Care product segment were $15,167 in 2023, up 6.5% from 2022, due to net selling price increases of 9.5%, partially offset by volume declines of 1.5% and negative foreign exchange of 1.5%. Organic sales in the Oral, Personal and Home Care product segment increased 8.0% in 2023.
Current wording
Net sales in the Oral, Personal and Home Care product segment were $15,618 in 2024, up 3.0% from 2023, driven by volume growth of 3.7% and net selling price increases of 4.4%, partially offset by negative foreign exchange of 5.2%. Organic sales in the Oral, Personal and Home Care product segment increased 8.1% in 2024.
Previous wording
The Company’s share of the global toothpaste market was 41.1% for full year 2023, up 1.1 share points from full year 2022, and its share of the global manual toothbrush market was 31.5% for full year 2023, flat versus full year 2022. Full year 2023 market shares in toothpaste were up in Europe, Asia Pacific and Africa/Eurasia, down in North America and flat in Latin America versus full year 2022. In the manual toothbrush category, full year 2023 market shares were up in Europe, down in North America, Asia Pacific and Africa/Eurasia and flat in Latin America versus full year 2022. For additional information regarding the Company’s use of market share data and limitations of such data, see “Market Share Information” below.
Current wording
The Company’s share of the global toothpaste market was 41.4% for full year 2024, up 0.3 share points from full year 2023, and its share of the global manual toothbrush market was 32.2% for full year 2024, up 0.7 share points versus full year 2023. Full year 2024 market shares in toothpaste were up in Latin America, Europe and Africa/Eurasia, flat in Asia Pacific and down in North America versus full year 2023. In the manual toothbrush category, full year 2024 market shares were up in North America, Latin America and Asia Pacific and flat in Europe and Africa/Eurasia versus full year 2023. For additional information regarding the Company’s use of market share data and limitations of such data, see “Market Share Information” below.
Previous wording
Net sales for Hill’s Pet Nutrition were $4,290 in 2023, an increase of 15.5% from 2022, driven by volume growth of 5.0% and net selling price increases of 11.0%, partially offset by negative foreign exchange of 0.5%. Acquisitions contributed 5.5% to volume. Organic sales for Hill’s Pet Nutrition increased 10.5% in 2023.
Current wording
Net sales for Hill’s Pet Nutrition were $4,483 in 2024, up 4.5% from 2023, driven by volume growth of 0.8% and net selling price increases of 4.1%, partially offset by negative foreign exchange of 0.4%. Organic sales for Hill’s Pet Nutrition increased 4.9% in 2024.
Previous wording
Worldwide Gross profit increased 11% to $11,326 in 2023 from $10,248 in 2022. Worldwide Gross profit in 2023 included charges resulting from the 2022 Global Productivity Initiative. Excluding charges resulting from the 2022 Global Productivity Initiative in 2023, worldwide Gross profit increased to $11,327 in 2023 compared to $10,248 in 2022, reflecting an increase of $849 resulting from higher Net sales and an increase of $230 resulting from higher Gross profit margin.
Current wording
Worldwide Gross profit increased 7% to $12,161 in 2024 from $11,326 in 2023. Worldwide Gross profit in both periods included charges resulting from the 2022 Global Productivity Initiative. Excluding these charges in both periods, worldwide Gross profit increased to $12,181 in 2024 compared to $11,327 in 2023, reflecting an increase of $482 resulting from higher Gross profit margin and an increase of $372 resulting from higher Net sales.
Previous wording
Worldwide Gross profit margin increased to 58.2% in 2023 from 57.0% in 2022. This increase in Gross profit margin was due to higher pricing (390 bps) and cost savings from the Company’s funding-the-growth initiatives (270 bps), partially offset by higher raw and packaging material costs (480 bps) and unfavorable mix (60 bps).
Current wording
Worldwide Gross profit margin increased to 60.5% in 2024 from 58.2% in 2023. Excluding charges resulting from the 2022 Global Productivity Initiative in 2024, Gross profit margin increased to 60.6% in 2024 from 58.2% in 2023. This increase in Gross profit margin was due to cost savings from the Company’s funding-the-growth initiatives (280 bps), higher pricing (170 bps) and favorable mix (20 bps), partially offset by higher raw and packaging material costs (230 bps), which included foreign exchange transaction costs.
Previous wording
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 9% to $7,151 in 2023 from $6,565 in 2022. Selling, general and administrative expenses in both periods included charges resulting from the 2022 Global Productivity Initiative. Excluding these charges in both periods, Selling, general and administrative expenses increased to $7,149 in 2023 from $6,560 in 2022, reflecting increased advertising investment of $374 and higher overhead expenses of $215.
Current wording
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 8% to $7,729 in 2024 from $7,151 in 2023. Selling, general and administrative expenses in both periods included charges resulting from the 2022 Global Productivity Initiative. Excluding these charges in both periods, Selling, general and administrative expenses increased to $7,723 in 2024 from $7,149 in 2023, reflecting increased advertising investment of $349 and higher overhead expenses of $225.
Previous wording
Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of Net sales increased to 36.8% in 2023 from 36.5% in 2022. Excluding charges resulting from the 2022 Global Productivity Initiative, Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of Net sales increased to 36.7% in 2023 from 36.5% in 2022. This increase was due to increased advertising investment (110 bps), partially offset by lower overhead expenses (90 bps), both as a percentage of Net sales. Lower overhead expenses were driven by lower logistics costs (130 bps), partially offset by higher other overhead expenses (40 bps). In 2023, advertising investment increased as a percentage of Net sales to 12.2% from 11.1% in 2022 and increased by 18.7% in absolute terms to $2,371 as compared with $1,997 in 2022.
Current wording
Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of Net sales increased to 38.5% in 2024 from 36.8% in 2023. Excluding charges resulting from the 2022 Global Productivity Initiative in both periods, Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of Net sales increased to 38.4% in 2024 from 36.7% in 2023. This increase was due to increased advertising investment (130 bps) and higher overhead expenses (40 bps), both as a percentage of Net sales. In 2024, advertising investment increased as a percentage of Net sales to 13.5% from 12.2% in 2023 and increased by 14.7% in absolute terms to $2,720 as compared with $2,371 in 2023.
Previous wording
Other (income) expense, net was $191 and $69 in 2023 and 2022, respectively. Other (income) expense, net in 2023 included product recall costs and charges resulting from the 2022 Global Productivity Initiative. Other (income) expense, net in 2022 included charges resulting from the 2022 Global Productivity Initiative, a gain on the sale of land in Asia Pacific and acquisition-related costs.
Current wording
Other (income) expense, net was $164 and $191 in 2024 and 2023, respectively. Other (income) expense, net in 2024 included charges resulting from the 2022 Global Productivity Initiative. Other (income) expense, net in 2023 included product recall costs and charges resulting from the 2022 Global Productivity Initiative.
Previous wording
Excluding the items described above in both periods, as applicable, Other (income) expense, net was $142 in 2023 and $7 in 2022, comprised of the following:
Current wording
Excluding the items described above in both periods, as applicable, Other (income) expense, net was $105 in 2024 and $142 in 2023, comprised of the following:
Previous wording
Operating profit increased 38% to $3,984 in 2023 from $2,893 in 2022. In 2023, Operating profit included charges resulting from the 2022 Global Productivity Initiative and product recall costs. In 2022, Operating profit included goodwill and intangible assets impairment charges related to the Filorga reporting unit, charges resulting from the 2022 Global Productivity Initiative, a gain on the sale of land in Asia Pacific and acquisition-related costs. Excluding these items in both periods, as applicable, Operating profit increased 10% to $4,036 in 2023 from $3,681 in 2022.
Current wording
Operating profit increased 7% to $4,268 in 2024 from $3,984 in 2023. In 2024, Operating profit included charges resulting from the 2022 Global Productivity Initiative. In 2023, Operating profit included charges resulting from the 2022 Global Productivity Initiative and product recall costs. Excluding these items in both periods, as applicable, Operating profit increased 8% to $4,353 in 2024 from $4,036 in 2023 primarily due to an increase in Gross profit, partially offset by an increase in Selling, general and administrative expenses.
Previous wording
Operating profit margin was 20.5% in 2023, an increase of 440 bps compared with 16.1% in 2022. Excluding the items described above in both periods, as applicable, Operating profit margin was 20.7% in 2023, an increase of 20 bps from 20.5% in 2022. This increase in Operating profit in 2023 was due to an increase in Gross profit (120 bps), partially offset by an increase in Other (income) expense, net (80 bps) and an increase in selling, general and administrative expenses (20 bps), all as a percentage of Net sales.
Current wording
Operating profit margin was 21.2% in 2024, an increase of 70 bps compared with 20.5% in 2023. Excluding the items described above in both periods, as applicable, Operating profit margin was 21.7% in 2024, an increase of 100 bps from 20.7% in 2023, primarily due to an increase in Gross profit (240 bps), partially offset by an increase in Selling, general and administrative expenses (170 bps), both as a percentage of Net sales.
Previous wording
Non-service related postretirement costs were $360 in 2023 compared to $80 in 2022. In 2023, Non-service related postretirement costs included charges related to the ERISA litigation matter and charges resulting from the 2022 Global Productivity Initiative. In 2022, Non-service related postretirement costs included charges resulting from the 2022 Global Productivity Initiative. Excluding these charges in both periods, as applicable, Non-service related postretirement costs were $88 in 2023 compared to $65 in 2022.
Current wording
Non-service related postretirement costs were $87 in 2024 compared to $360 in 2023. In 2023, Non-service related postretirement costs included charges related to the ERISA litigation matter and the 2022 Global Productivity Initiative. Excluding these charges in 2023, Non-service related postretirement costs were $87 in 2024 compared to $88 in 2023.
Previous wording
The effective income tax rate was 27.6% in 2023 and 26.1% in 2022. As reflected in the table below, the non-GAAP effective income tax rate was 23.6% in 2023 and 23.3% in 2022.
Current wording
The effective income tax rate was 22.9% in 2024 and 27.6% in 2023. As reflected in the table below, the non-GAAP effective income tax rate was 22.7% in 2024 and 23.6% in 2023.
Previous wording
In the third quarter of 2023, the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) issued a notice giving taxpayers temporary relief from the effects of certain U.S. tax regulations that were issued in December 2021, which place greater restrictions on foreign taxes that are creditable against U.S. taxes on foreign-source income. This notice allowed taxpayers to defer the application of these new regulations through the end of 2023. In December 2023, the IRS issued further guidance modifying this temporary relief period to the date that a notice or other guidance withdrawing or modifying the temporary relief is issued.
Current wording
In the third quarter of 2023, the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) issued a notice giving taxpayers temporary relief from the effects of certain U.S. tax regulations that were issued in December 2021, which place greater restrictions on foreign taxes that are creditable against U.S. taxes on foreign-source income. This notice allowed taxpayers to defer the application of these new regulations through the end of 2023. In December 2023, the IRS issued further guidance modifying this temporary relief period to the date that a notice or other guidance withdrawing or modifying the temporary relief is issued. The Company will recognize the impact, if any, in the period in which the temporary relief is withdrawn or modified.
Previous wording
In the second quarter of 2023, the Company reassessed with its legal and tax advisers certain tax deductions taken in prior years by one of its subsidiaries and concluded that it is more likely than not that the deductions would not be sustained by the courts in that jurisdiction. The value of the tax deductions was not material to the Company in any year in which they were taken. The cumulative effect of the change in tax position of $148 was reflected as a discrete item in the second quarter’s income tax expense, partially offset by the reversal of certain prior years’ withholding tax reserves of $22 that are no longer required. The tax liability was paid in the quarter ended September 30, 2023. The current year impact of these changes is included in the Company’s full year effective income tax rate.
Current wording
During the quarter ended June 30, 2023, we reassessed with our legal and tax advisers certain tax deductions taken in prior years by one of our subsidiaries and concluded that it was more likely than not that the deductions would not be sustained by the courts in that jurisdiction. The value of the tax deductions was not material to us in any year in which they were taken. The cumulative effect of the change in tax position of $148 was reflected as a discrete item in the quarter ended June 30, 2023 income tax expense, partially offset by the reversal of certain prior years’ withholding tax reserves of $22 that were no longer required. The tax liability was paid in the quarter ended September 30, 2023.
Previous wording
On August 16, 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (“IRA”) was enacted, which among other things, implements a 15% minimum tax on book income of certain large corporations effective for years beginning after December 31, 2022. Based on the Company’s analysis, as well as recently published guidance by the IRS, the IRA, and in particular the 15% minimum tax, did not have an impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company will continue to evaluate the potential impact of this law as additional guidance and clarification becomes available.
Current wording
On August 16, 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (the “IRA”) was enacted, which among other things, implements a 15% minimum tax on book income of certain large corporations effective for years beginning after December 31, 2022. Based on the Company’s analysis, as well as guidance published by the IRS, the IRA, and in particular the 15% minimum tax, did not have an impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. Subsequent to the aforementioned guidance published by the IRS, on September 12, 2024, the U.S. Treasury Department and IRS released proposed regulations relating to this 15% minimum tax. Based on the Company’s analysis, these proposed regulations, if finalized in their current form, are not expected to have an impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. However, the Company will continue to evaluate any additional guidance and clarification that becomes available.
Previous wording
Additionally, on December 15, 2022, the 27 member states of the European Union (“EU”) reached an agreement on a minimum level of taxation for certain large corporations to pay a minimum corporate tax rate of 15% in every jurisdiction in which they operate. This agreement, which is known as the Minimum Tax Directive (part of the “Pillar II Model Rules”), was supposed to be transposed into the laws of all EU member states by December 31, 2023. Most member states complied while some were granted extensions of time. In addition, many other jurisdictions outside the EU have also committed to implement this Directive while others have implemented a similar minimum tax regime consistent with the policy of the Pillar II Model Rules. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this Directive and believes that the impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements will not be material.
Current wording
Additionally, on December 15, 2022, the 27 member states of the European Union (“EU”) reached an agreement on a minimum level of taxation for certain large corporations to pay a minimum corporate tax rate of 15% in every jurisdiction in which they operate. This agreement, which is known as the Minimum Tax Directive (part of the “Pillar II Model
Previous wording
The Company has ongoing federal, state and international income tax audits in various jurisdictions and evaluates uncertain tax positions that may be challenged by local tax authorities and not fully sustained. All U.S. federal income tax returns through December 31, 2013 have been audited by the IRS and there are limited matters which the Company plans to appeal for years 2010 through 2013. One such matter relates to the IRS assessment of taxes on the Company by imputing income on certain activities within one of our international operations, which is also under audit for the years 2014 through 2018. There were U.S. Tax Court rulings during 2023 in favor of the IRS against unrelated third parties on similar matters. Despite the U.S. Tax Court rulings, the Company continues to believe that the tax assessment against the Company is without merit. While there can be no assurances, the Company believes this matter will ultimately be decided in favor of the Company. The amount of tax plus interest for the years 2010 through 2018 is estimated to be approximately $145, which is not included in the Company’s uncertain tax positions.
Current wording
The Company has ongoing federal, state and international income tax audits in various jurisdictions and evaluates uncertain tax positions that may be challenged by local tax authorities and not fully sustained. All U.S. federal income tax returns through December 31, 2013 have been audited by the IRS and there are limited matters which the Company plans to appeal for years 2010 through 2013. One such matter relates to the IRS assessment of taxes on the Company by imputing income on certain activities within one of our international operations, which is also under audit for the years 2014 through 2018. There were U.S. Tax Court rulings during 2023 in favor of the IRS against unrelated third parties on similar matters. Despite the U.S. Tax Court rulings, the Company continues to believe that the tax assessment against the Company is without merit. While there can be no assurances, the Company believes this matter will ultimately be decided in favor of the Company. The amount of tax plus interest for the years 2010 through 2018 is estimated to be approximately $153, which is not included in the Company’s uncertain tax positions. In May 2024, the IRS initiated an audit for the years 2019 through 2021.
Previous wording
Net income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company was $2,300, or $2.77 per share on a diluted basis, in 2023, an increase from $1,785, or $2.13 per share on a diluted basis, in 2022. In 2023, Net income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company included charges resulting from the ERISA litigation matter, the foreign tax matter, the 2022 Global Productivity Initiative and product recall costs. In 2022, Net income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company included goodwill and intangible assets impairment charges, charges resulting from the 2022 Global Productivity Initiative, a gain on the sale of land in Asia Pacific and acquisition-related costs.
Current wording
Net income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company was $2,889, or $3.51 per share on a diluted basis, in 2024, an increase from $2,300, or $2.77 per share on a diluted basis, in 2023. In 2024, Net income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company included charges resulting from the 2022 Global Productivity Initiative. In 2023, Net income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company included charges resulting from the ERISA litigation matter, the foreign tax matter and the 2022 Global Productivity Initiative and product recall costs.
Previous wording
Excluding the items described above in both periods, as applicable, Net income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company increased 8% to $2,682 in 2023 from $2,493 in 2022, and Earnings per common share on a diluted basis increased 9% to $3.23 in 2023 from $2.97 in 2022.
Current wording
Excluding the items described above in both periods, as applicable, Net income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company increased 10% to $2,962 in 2024 from $2,682 in 2023, and Earnings per common share on a diluted basis increased 11% to $3.60 in 2024 from $3.23 in 2023.
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Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
Looking forward, we expect global macroeconomic, political and market conditions to remain challenging, including as a result of inflation, high interest rates, foreign currency volatility and developments in trade relations following the imposition of new and/or additional tariffs by the United States and other countries. We have taken and are taking additional pricing to try to offset the increases in raw and packaging material costs we have seen in recent years. This has negatively impacted consumer demand for our products. Additionally, inflation has impacted the broader economy with consumers around the world facing widespread rising prices as well as high interest rates resulting from measures to address inflation.
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
Rules”), was supposed to be transposed into the laws of all EU member states by December 31, 2023. Most member states complied, while some were granted extensions of time. In addition, many other jurisdictions outside the EU have implemented a similar minimum tax regime consistent with the policy of the Pillar II Model Rules. Detailed regulations of these minimum tax regimes are still being considered in certain countries and, in some cases, enactment and timing is still uncertain. Based on current legislation and available guidance, apart from a significant additional compliance burden, Pillar II did not have a material impact as of December 31, 2024 and the Company does not believe it will have a material impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements. However, as these rules and related regulations are revised and implemented, the Company will evaluate the impact, if any, on its Consolidated Financial Statements.