Document
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
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x | ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018
or
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¨ | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the transition period from to .
Commission File Number 1-644
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) |
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DELAWARE | 13-1815595 |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
300 Park Avenue, New York, New York | 10022 |
(Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) |
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code 212-310-2000 Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: |
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Title of each class | Name of each exchange on which registered |
Common Stock, $1.00 par value | New York Stock Exchange |
Floating Rate Notes due 2019 | New York Stock Exchange |
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
Yes x No ¨
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.
Yes ¨ No x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No ¨
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. |
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Large accelerated filer x | Accelerated filer ¨ |
Non-accelerated filer ¨ | Smaller reporting company ¨ |
Emerging growth company ¨ |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes ¨ No x
The aggregate market value of Colgate-Palmolive Company Common Stock held by non-affiliates as of June 30, 2018 (the last business day of its most recently completed second quarter) was approximately $56.0 billion.
There were 861,676,494 shares of Colgate-Palmolive Company Common Stock outstanding as of January 31, 2019.
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DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE: |
Documents | Form 10-K Reference |
Portions of Proxy Statement for the 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders | Part III, Items 10 through 14 |
Colgate-Palmolive Company
Table of Contents
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Part I | | Page |
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Item 1. | Business | |
Item 1A. | Risk Factors | |
Item 1B. | Unresolved Staff Comments | |
Item 2. | Properties | |
Item 3. | Legal Proceedings | |
Item 4. | Mine Safety Disclosures | |
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Part II | | |
Item 5. | Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities | |
Item 6. | Selected Financial Data | |
Item 7. | Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations | |
Item 7A. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk | |
Item 8. | Financial Statements and Supplementary Data | |
Item 9. | Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure | |
Item 9A. | Controls and Procedures | |
Item 9B. | Other Information | |
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Part III | | |
Item 10. | Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance | |
Item 11. | Executive Compensation | |
Item 12. | Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters | |
Item 13. | Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence | |
Item 14. | Principal Accountant Fees and Services | |
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Part IV | | |
Item 15. | Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules | |
Item 16. | Form 10-K Summary | |
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Signatures | |
PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
(a) General Development of the Business
Colgate-Palmolive Company (together with its subsidiaries, the “Company” or “Colgate”) is a leading consumer products company whose products are marketed in over 200 countries and territories throughout the world. Colgate was founded in 1806 and incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware in 1923.
For recent business developments and other information, refer to the information set forth under the captions “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations–Executive Overview,” “– Outlook,” “–Results of Operations,” “–Restructuring and Related Implementation Charges” and “– Liquidity and Capital Resources” in Part II, Item 7 of this report.
(c) Narrative Description of the Business
The Company operates in two product segments: Oral, Personal and Home Care; and Pet Nutrition. Colgate is a leader in Oral Care with global leadership in the toothpaste and manual toothbrush categories throughout many parts of the world according to market share data. Colgate’s Oral Care products include Colgate Total, Colgate Maximum Cavity Protection, Colgate Triple Action, Darlie Double Action, Colgate Max Fresh, Colgate Optic White, Colgate Whitening and Colgate Max White toothpastes, Colgate 360°, Colgate Extra Clean and Colgate Slim Soft manual toothbrushes and Colgate Plax, meridol and Colgate Total mouthwashes. Colgate’s Oral Care business also includes pharmaceutical products for dentists and other oral health professionals.
Colgate is a leader in many product categories of the Personal Care market with global leadership in liquid hand soap, which it sells under the Softsoap, Palmolive and Protex brands. Colgate’s Personal Care products also include Palmolive, Protex and Irish Spring bar soaps, Palmolive, Sanex and Softsoap brand shower gels, Speed Stick, Lady Speed Stick, Sanex deodorants and antiperspirants, Elta MD and PCA Skin professional skin care products and Palmolive and Caprice shampoos and conditioners.
Colgate manufactures and markets a wide array of products for the Home Care market, including Palmolive and Ajax dishwashing liquids and Fabuloso, Murphy’s Oil Soap and Ajax household cleaners. Colgate is a market leader in fabric conditioners with leading brands, including Suavitel in Latin America, Soupline in Europe and Cuddly in the South Pacific according to market share data.
Sales of Oral, Personal and Home Care products accounted for 47%, 20% and 18%, respectively, of the Company’s total worldwide Net sales in 2018. Geographically, Oral Care is a significant part of the Company’s business in Asia Pacific, comprising approximately 82% of Net sales in that region for 2018.
Colgate, through its Hill’s Pet Nutrition segment (“Hill’s” or “Pet Nutrition”), is a world leader in specialty pet nutrition products for dogs and cats with products marketed in over 80 countries and territories worldwide. Hill’s markets pet foods primarily under two brands. Hill’s Science Diet, which is called Hill’s Science Plan in Europe, is a range of products for everyday nutritional needs. Hill’s Prescription Diet is a range of therapeutic products to help nutritionally manage disease conditions in dogs and cats. Sales of Pet Nutrition products accounted for 15% of the Company’s total worldwide Net sales in 2018.
For more information regarding the Company’s worldwide Net sales by product category, refer to Note 1, Nature of Operations and Note 14, Segment Information to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
For additional information regarding market share data, see “Market Share Information” in Part II, Item 7 of this report.
Distribution; Raw Materials; Competition; Trademarks and Patents
The Company’s Oral, Personal and Home Care products are sold to a variety of traditional and e-commerce retailers, wholesalers and distributors worldwide. Pet Nutrition products are sold by authorized pet supply retailers, veterinarians and e-commerce retailers. The Company’s sales to Wal-Mart, Inc. and its affiliates represent approximately 11% of the Company’s Net sales in 2018. No other customer represents more than 10% of the Company’s Net sales. The Company supports its products with advertising, promotion and other marketing (including digital) to build awareness and trial of the Company’s products. The Company’s products are marketed by a direct sales force at individual operating subsidiaries or business units, and by distributors or brokers.
The majority of raw and packaging materials used in the Company’s products is purchased from other companies and are available from several sources. No single raw or packaging material represents, and no single supplier provides, a significant portion of the Company’s total material requirements. For certain materials, however, new suppliers may have to be qualified under industry, governmental and Colgate standards, which can require additional investment and take some period of time. Raw and packaging material commodities such as resins, pulp, essential oils, tropical oils, tallow, poultry, corn and soybeans are subject to market price variations. For further information regarding the impact of changes in commodity prices, see Item 1A, “Risk Factors - Volatility in material and other costs could adversely impact our profitability” and Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and results of Operations.”
The Company’s products are sold in a highly competitive global marketplace which has experienced increased trade concentration, the rapid growth of e-commerce, the integration of traditional and digital operations at key retailers and the growing presence of large-format retailers and discounters. Products similar to those produced and sold by the Company are available from multinational and local competitors in the U.S. and overseas. Certain of the Company’s competitors are larger and have greater resources than the Company. In certain geographies, particularly in the emerging markets, the Company also faces strong local competitors, who may be more agile and have better local consumer insights than the Company. Private label brands sold by retailers are also a source of competition for certain of the Company’s products.
The retail landscape in many of the Company’s markets continues to be impacted by the rapid growth of e-commerce retailers, changing consumer preferences (as consumers increasingly shop online) and the emergence of alternative retail channels, such as subscription services and direct-to-customer businesses. The Company faces competition in several aspects of its business, including pricing, promotional activities, new product introductions and expansion into new geographies and channels. Product quality, innovation, brand recognition, marketing capability and acceptance of new products largely determine success in the Company’s operating segments.
The Company considers trademarks to be of material importance to its business. The Company follows a practice of seeking trademark protection in the U.S. and throughout the world where the Company’s products are sold. Principal global and regional trademarks include Colgate, Palmolive, elmex, Tom’s of Maine, Sorriso, Speed Stick, Lady Speed Stick, Softsoap, Irish Spring, Protex, Sanex, Elta MD, PCA Skin, Ajax, Axion, Fabuloso, Soupline and Suavitel, as well as Hill’s Science Diet and Hill’s Prescription Diet. The Company’s rights in these trademarks endure for as long as they are used and/or registered. Although the Company actively develops and maintains a portfolio of patents, no single patent is considered significant to the business as a whole.
Environmental Matters
The Company has programs that are designed to ensure that its operations and facilities meet or exceed standards established by applicable environmental rules and regulations. Capital expenditures for environmental control facilities totaled approximately $43 million for 2018. For future years, expenditures are currently expected to be of a similar magnitude. For additional information regarding environmental matters refer to Note 13, Commitments and Contingencies, to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Employees
As of December 31, 2018, the Company employed approximately 34,500 employees.
Executive Officers of the Registrant
The following is a list of executive officers as of February 21, 2019: |
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Name | | Age | | Date First Elected Officer | | Present Title |
Ian Cook | | 66 | | 1996 | | Chairman of the Board |
| | | | | | and Chief Executive Officer |
Dennis J. Hickey | | 70 | | 1998 | | Vice Chairman |
Henning I. Jakobsen | | 58 | | 2017 | | Chief Financial Officer |
Noel R. Wallace | | 54 | | 2009 | | President and Chief Operating Officer |
P. Justin Skala | | 59 | | 2008 | | Executive Vice President |
| | | | | | Chief Growth and Strategy Officer |
John J. Huston | | 64 | | 2002 | | Senior Vice President, Chief of Staff |
Daniel B. Marsili | | 58 | | 2005 | | Chief Human Resources Officer |
Patricia Verduin | | 59 | | 2011 | | Chief Technology Officer |
Jennifer M. Daniels | | 55 | | 2014 | | Chief Legal Officer and Secretary |
Philip G. Shotts | | 64 | | 2018 | | Vice President and Controller |
John W. Kooyman | | 54 | | 2019 | | Chief Marketing Officer |
Each of the executive officers listed above has served the registrant or its subsidiaries in various executive capacities for the past five years with the exception of Jennifer M. Daniels, who joined the Company in 2014 as Chief Legal Officer and Secretary. Prior to joining the Company, Ms. Daniels was Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of NCR Corporation, which she joined in 2010.
Under the Company’s By-Laws, the officers of the corporation hold office until their respective successors are chosen and qualified or until they have resigned, retired or been removed by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”). There are no family relationships between any of the executive officers, and there is no arrangement or understanding between any executive officer and any other person pursuant to which the executive officer was elected.
(e) Available Information
The Company’s website address is www.colgatepalmolive.com. The information contained on the Company’s website is not included as a part of, or incorporated by reference into, this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The Company makes available, free of charge, on its website its Annual Reports on Form 10-K, its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, its interactive data files posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T, its Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to such reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) as soon as reasonably practicable after the Company has electronically filed such material with, or furnished it to, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Also available on the Company’s website are the Company’s Code of Conduct and Board Guidelines on Significant Corporate Governance Issues, the charters of the Committees of the Board, Specialized Disclosure Reports on Form SD, reports under Section 16 of the Exchange Act of transactions in Company stock by directors and executive officers and its proxy statements.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
In addition to the risks described elsewhere in this report, set forth below is a summary of the material risks to an investment in our securities. These risks are not the only ones we face. Additional risks not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also have an adverse effect on us. If any of these risks actually occur, our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition could be materially and adversely impacted, which might cause the value of our securities to decline.
We face risks associated with significant international operations, including exposure to foreign currency fluctuations.
We operate on a global basis serving consumers in more than 200 countries and territories with approximately 70% of our Net sales originating in markets outside the U.S. While geographic diversity helps to reduce our exposure to risks in any one country or part of the world, it also means that we are subject to the full range of risks associated with significant international operations, including, but not limited to:
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▪ | changes in exchange rates for foreign currencies, which may reduce the U.S. dollar value of revenues, profits and cash flows from non-U.S. markets or increase our supply costs, as measured in U.S. dollars, in those markets; |
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▪ | exchange controls and other limits on our ability to import or export raw materials or finished product or to repatriate earnings from overseas; |
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▪ | political or economic instability, geopolitical events, environmental events, natural disasters, social or labor unrest or changing macroeconomic conditions in our markets, including as a result of volatile commodity prices, including the price of oil; |
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▪ | lack of well-established, reliable and/or impartial legal systems in certain countries where we operate and difficulties in enforcing contractual, intellectual property or other legal rights; |
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▪ | foreign ownership and investment restrictions and the potential for nationalization or expropriation of property or other resources; and |
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▪ | changes to trade policies and agreements and other foreign or domestic legal and regulatory requirements, including those resulting in potentially adverse tax consequences or the imposition of onerous trade restrictions and/or tariffs, sanctions, price controls, labor laws, travel or immigration restrictions, profit controls or other government controls. |
All of the foregoing risks could have a significant impact on our ability to sell our products on a competitive basis in international markets and may adversely affect our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. In addition, a number of these risks may adversely impact consumer confidence and consumption, which could reduce sales volumes of our products or result in a shift in our product mix from higher margin to lower margin product offerings.
In addition, the United Kingdom’s decision to leave the European Union (“Brexit”) has created legal and economic uncertainty. If no deal is reached between the United Kingdom and the European Union by March 29, 2019, we could experience disruptions to trade and the free movement of goods to and from the United Kingdom and increased foreign exchange volatility with respect to the British pound though we do not believe Brexit will have a material impact on our business, result of operations, cash flows or financial condition.
In an effort to minimize the impact on earnings of foreign currency rate movements, we engage in a combination of selling price increases, where permitted, sourcing strategies, cost-containment measures and selective hedging of foreign currency transactions. However, the impact of these measures may not fully offset any negative impact of foreign currency rate movements on our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
Significant competition in our industry could adversely affect our business.
We face vigorous competition worldwide, including from strong local competitors and from other large, multinational companies, some of which may have greater resources than we do. In addition, the substantial growth in e-commerce has encouraged the entry of new competitors and business models.
We face competition in several aspects of our business, including pricing, promotional activities, new product introductions and expansion into new geographies and channels. Some of our competitors may spend more aggressively on or have more effective advertising and promotional activities than we do, introduce competing products more quickly and/or respond more effectively to changing consumer preferences and business and economic conditions. Such competition also extends to administrative and legal challenges of product claims and advertising. Our ability to compete also depends on the strength of our brands and on our ability to enforce and defend our intellectual property, including patent, trademark, copyright, trade secret and trade dress rights against infringement and legal challenges by competitors.
We may be unable to anticipate the timing and scale of such initiatives or challenges by competitors or to successfully respond to them, which could harm our business. In addition, the cost of responding to such initiatives and challenges, including management time, out-of-pocket expenses and price reductions, may affect our performance in the relevant period. A failure to compete effectively could adversely affect our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
Increasing dependence on key retailers in developed markets, changes in the policies of our retail trade customers, the emergence of alternative retail channels and the rapidly changing retail landscape may adversely affect our business.
Our products are sold in a highly competitive global marketplace which has experienced increased trade concentration and the growing presence of large-format retailers, discounters and e-commerce retailers. With the growing trend toward retail trade consolidation, the rapid growth of e-commerce and the integration of traditional and digital operations at key retailers, we are increasingly dependent on certain retailers, and some of these retailers, may have greater bargaining strength than we do. They may use this leverage to demand higher trade discounts, allowances or slotting fees, which could lead to reduced sales or profitability. The loss of a key customer or a significant reduction in sales to a key customer could adversely affect our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. For additional information regarding our customers, see “Distribution; Raw Materials; Competition; Trademarks and Patents” in Item 1 “Business.”
We also have been and may continue to be negatively affected by changes in the policies or practices of our retail trade customers, such as inventory de-stocking, limitations on access to shelf space, delisting of our products, environmental or sustainability initiatives and other conditions. For example, a determination by a key retailer that any of our ingredients should not be used in certain consumer products could adversely impact our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. In addition, “private label” products sold by retail customers, which are typically sold at lower prices than branded products, are a source of competition for certain of our products.
In addition, the retail landscape in many of our markets continues to be impacted by the rapid growth of e-commerce retailers, changing consumer preferences (as consumers increasingly shop online) and the emergence of alternative retail channels, such as subscription services and direct-to-customer businesses. The rapid growth in e-commerce and emergence of alternative retail channels may create pricing pressures and/or adversely affect our relationships with our key retailers. If we are not successful in adapting or effectively reacting to changes in consumer preferences and market dynamics and/or expanding sales through e-commerce retailers and other alternative retail channels, our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition could be adversely affected.
Our business is subject to legal and regulatory risks in the U.S. and abroad.
Our business is subject to extensive legal and regulatory requirements in the U.S. and abroad. Such legal and regulatory requirements apply to most aspects of our products, including their development, ingredients, manufacture, packaging, labeling, storage, transportation, distribution, export, import, advertising, sale and environmental impact. U.S. federal authorities, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (the “FDA”), the Federal Trade Commission, the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency, regulate different aspects of our business, along with parallel authorities at the state and local levels and comparable authorities overseas. In addition, our selling practices are regulated by competition law authorities in the U.S. and abroad.
New or more stringent legal or regulatory requirements, or more restrictive interpretations of existing requirements, could adversely impact our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. For example, from time to time, various regulatory authorities in Europe, the U.S. and other countries review the use of various ingredients in consumer products. Triclosan, an ingredient that was used by us in the manufacture of Colgate Total toothpaste until the first quarter of 2019, is an example of an ingredient that has undergone and is undergoing reviews by various regulatory authorities worldwide, both by itself and in the context of its use in specific products or types of products. A decision by a regulatory or governmental authority that any of our ingredients, should not be used in certain consumer products or should otherwise be newly regulated, could adversely impact our business and reputation, as could negative reactions by our consumers, trade customers or non-governmental organizations to our current or prior use of such ingredients. Additionally, an inability to develop new or reformulated products containing alternative ingredients or to obtain regulatory approval of such products on a timely basis could likewise adversely affect our business.
Because of our extensive international operations, we could be adversely affected by violations of worldwide anti-bribery laws, including those that prohibit companies and their intermediaries from making improper payments to government officials or other third parties for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business, such as the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (the “FCPA”), and laws that prohibit commercial bribery. While our policies mandate compliance with these anti-bribery laws, we cannot provide assurance that our internal control policies and procedures will always protect us from reckless or criminal acts committed by our employees, joint-venture partners or agents. Violations of these laws, or allegations of such violations, could disrupt our business and adversely affect our reputation and our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
While it is our policy and practice to comply with all legal and regulatory requirements applicable to our business, a finding that we are in violation of, or out of compliance with, applicable laws or regulations could subject us to civil remedies, including fines, damages, injunctions or product recalls, or criminal sanctions, any of which could adversely affect our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. Even if a claim is unsuccessful, is without merit or is not fully pursued, the negative publicity surrounding such assertions regarding our products, processes or business practices could adversely affect our reputation and brand image. For information regarding our legal and regulatory matters, see Item 3 “Legal Proceedings” and Note 13, Commitments and Contingencies to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
The growth of our business depends on the successful identification, development and launch of innovative new products.
Our growth depends on the continued success of existing products, as well as the successful launch of innovative new products and line extensions. Our ability to launch new products and line extensions and to sustain existing products is affected by whether we can successfully:
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▪ | identify, develop and fund technological innovations; |
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▪ | obtain and maintain necessary intellectual property protection and avoid infringing intellectual property rights of others; |
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▪ | obtain approvals and registrations of regulated products, including from the FDA and other regulatory bodies in the U.S. and abroad; and |
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▪ | anticipate and respond to consumer needs and preferences. |
The identification, development and introduction of innovative new products and line extensions involve considerable costs and effort, and any new product or line extension may not generate sufficient customer and consumer interest and sales to become a profitable product or to cover the costs of its development and promotion. Our ability to achieve a successful launch of a new product or line extension could also be adversely affected by preemptive actions taken by competitors in response to the launch, such as increased promotional activities and advertising.
The failure to develop and launch successful new products could hinder the growth of our business and any delay in the development or launch of a new product could result in us not being the first to market, which could compromise our competitive position and adversely affect our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
If, in the course of identifying or developing new products, we are found to have infringed the trademark, trade secret, copyright, patent or other intellectual property rights of others, directly or indirectly, through the use of third-party ideas or technologies, such a finding could adversely affect our ability to develop innovative new products and adversely affect our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. Even if we are not found to infringe a third party’s intellectual property rights, claims of infringement could adversely affect us, including by increasing costs and by delaying the launch of new products.
Damage to our reputation could have an adverse effect on our business.
Maintaining our strong reputation with consumers and our trade partners globally is critical to selling our branded products. Accordingly, we devote significant time and resources to programs designed to protect and preserve our reputation, such as our Ethics and Compliance, Sustainability, Brand Protection and Product Safety, Regulatory and Quality initiatives. Negative publicity about us, our brands, our products, our supply chain, our ingredients or our employees, whether or not deserved, could jeopardize our reputation. Such negative publicity could relate to, among other things, health concerns, threatened or pending litigation or regulatory proceedings, environmental impacts (including packaging, energy and water use and waste management) or other sustainability or policy issues. In addition, widespread use of digital and social media by consumers has greatly increased the accessibility of information and the speed of its dissemination. Negative publicity, posts or comments on social media about us, our brands, our products or our employees, whether true or untrue, could damage our brands and our reputation. The success of our brands could also suffer if our marketing initiatives do not have the desired impact on a brand’s image or its ability to attract consumers.
Additionally, due to the scale and scope of our business, we must rely on relationships with third parties, including our suppliers, distributors, contractors, joint venture partners and other external business partners, for certain functions. While we have policies and procedures for managing these relationships, they inherently involve a lesser degree of control over business operations, governance and compliance, thereby potentially increasing our reputational and legal risk.
In addition, third parties sell counterfeit versions of our products, which are inferior or may pose safety risks. As a result, consumers of our brands could confuse our products with these counterfeit products, which could cause them to refrain from purchasing our brands in the future and in turn could impair our brand equity and adversely affect our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
Damage to our reputation or loss of consumer confidence in our products for these or any other reasons could adversely affect our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition, as well as require resources to rebuild our reputation.
There is no guarantee that our ongoing efforts to reduce costs will be successful.
One way that we generate funds needed to support the growth of our business is through our continuous, Company-wide initiatives to lower costs and increase effective asset utilization, which we refer to as our funding-the-growth initiatives. These initiatives are designed to reduce costs associated with direct materials, indirect expenses, distribution and logistics, and advertising and promotional materials, among other things. The achievement of our funding-the-growth goals depends on our ability to successfully identify and realize additional savings opportunities. Events and circumstances, such as financial or strategic difficulties, delays and unexpected costs may occur that could result in our not realizing any or all of the anticipated benefits or our not realizing the anticipated benefits on our expected timetable. If we are unable to realize the anticipated savings of our funding-the-growth initiatives, our ability to fund other initiatives and achieve our profitability goals may be adversely affected. Any failure to implement our funding-the-growth initiatives in accordance with our expectations could adversely affect our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. For additional information regarding our funding-the-growth initiatives, refer to Part II, Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Executive Overview.”
Volatility in material and other costs could adversely impact our profitability.
Raw and packaging material commodities such as resins, pulp, essential oils, tropical oils, tallow, poultry, corn and soybeans are subject to market price variations. Increases in the costs and/or a reduction in the availability of commodities, energy and transportation and other necessary services have affected and may continue to adversely affect our profit margins. If commodity and other cost increases continue in the future and we are unable to pass along such higher costs in the form of price increases, achieve cost efficiencies, such as in manufacturing and distribution, or otherwise manage the exposure through sourcing strategies, ongoing productivity initiatives and the limited use of commodity hedging contracts, our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition could be adversely impacted. In addition, even if we are able to increase the prices of our products in response to commodity and other cost increases, we may not be able to sustain the price increases. Also, sustained price increases may lead to declines in volume as competitors may not adjust their prices or consumers may decide not to pay the higher prices, which could lead to sales declines and loss of market share and could adversely affect our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. See “Disruption in our global supply chain or key office facilities could adversely impact our business” below for additional information.
Our success depends upon our ability to attract and retain key employees and the succession of senior management.
Our success largely depends on the performance of our management team and other key employees. If we are unable to attract and retain talented, highly qualified senior management and other key people, our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition could be adversely affected. In addition, if we do not successfully implement our succession plans for senior management, including our Chief Executive Officer, our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition may be adversely affected. While we follow a disciplined, ongoing succession planning process and have succession plans in place for senior management and other key executives, these do not guarantee that the services of qualified senior executives will continue to be available to us at particular moments in time.
Legal claims and proceedings could adversely impact our business.
As a global company serving consumers in more than 200 countries and territories, we may be subject to a wide variety of legal claims and proceedings, including disputes relating to intellectual property, contracts, product liability, marketing, advertising, foreign exchange controls, antitrust and trade regulation, as well as labor and employment, pension, data privacy and security, environmental and tax matters and consumer class actions. Regardless of their merit, these claims can require significant time and expense to investigate and defend. Since litigation is inherently uncertain, there is no guarantee that we will be successful in defending ourselves against such claims or proceedings, or that our assessment of the materiality of these matters, including any reserves taken in connection therewith, will be consistent with the ultimate outcome of such matters. In addition, if one of our products, or an ingredient contained in our products, is perceived or found to be defective or unsafe, we may need to recall or reformulate some of our products. Whether or not a legal claim or proceeding is successful, or a recall or reformulation is required, such assertions could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition, and the negative publicity surrounding them could harm our reputation and brand image. The resolution of, or increase in the reserves taken in connection with, one or more of these matters in any reporting period could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition for that period. See Item 3 “Legal Proceedings” and Note 13, Commitments and Contingencies to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on certain of our legal claims and proceedings.
Disruption in our global supply chain or key office facilities could adversely impact our business.
We are engaged in manufacturing and sourcing of products and materials on a global scale. Our operations and those of our suppliers could be disrupted by a number of factors, including, but not limited to:
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▪ | strikes and other labor disputes; |
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▪ | disruptions in logistics; |
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▪ | loss or impairment of key manufacturing sites; |
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▪ | supplier capacity constraints; |
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▪ | raw material and product quality or safety issues; |
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▪ | industrial accidents or other occupational health and safety issues; |
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▪ | the impact on our suppliers of tighter credit or capital markets; and |
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▪ | natural disasters, including climatic events (including any potential effect of climate change) and earthquakes, acts of war or terrorism, political unrest, fires or explosions and other external factors over which we have no control. |
In addition, we purchase certain key raw and packaging materials from single-source suppliers or a limited number of suppliers and new suppliers may have to be qualified under industry, governmental and Colgate standards, which can require additional investment and take a significant period of time.
While we believe that the supplies of raw materials needed to manufacture our products are adequate and have business continuity and contingency plans in place for key manufacturing sites and the supply of raw and packaging materials, significant disruption of manufacturing or sourcing of products or materials for any reason, including any of the above reasons, could interrupt product supply and, if not remedied, have an adverse impact on our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
In addition, as a result of our global shared service organizational model, certain of our functions, such as marketing, finance and accounting, customer service and logistics, and human resources, are concentrated in key office facilities. A significant disruption to any of our key office facilities for any reason, including natural disasters, acts of war or terrorism, could adversely affect our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
A cyber-security incident, data breach or a failure of a key information technology system could adversely impact our business.
We rely extensively on information technology systems (“IT Systems”), including some which are managed, hosted, provided and/or used by third parties, including cloud-based service providers, and their vendors, in order to conduct our business. Our uses of these systems include, but are not limited to:
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▪ | communicating within our company and with other parties, including our customers and consumers; |
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▪ | ordering and managing materials from suppliers; |
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▪ | converting materials to finished products; |
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▪ | receiving and processing orders from and shipping products to our customers and consumers; |
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▪ | marketing products to consumers; |
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▪ | collecting, storing transferring and/or processing customer, consumer, employee, vendor, investor and other stakeholder information and personal data, including such data from residents of the European Union who are covered by the General Data Protection Regulation and residents of the State of California who will be covered by the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018, which goes into effect on January 1, 2020; |
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▪ | processing transactions, including but not limited to employee payroll, employee and retiree benefits and payments to customers and vendors; |
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▪ | hosting, processing and sharing confidential and proprietary research, intellectual property, business plans and financial information; |
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▪ | summarizing and reporting results of operations, including financial reporting; |
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▪ | managing our banking and other cash liquidity systems and platforms; |
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▪ | complying with legal, regulatory and tax requirements; |
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▪ | providing data security; and |
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▪ | handling other processes involved in managing our business. |
Although we have a broad array of information security measures in place, our IT Systems, including those of third-party service providers with whom we have contracted, have been, and will likely continue to be, subject to computer viruses or other malicious codes, unauthorized access attempts, phishing and other cyber-attacks. Cyber-attacks and other cyber incidents are occurring more frequently, are constantly evolving in nature, are becoming more sophisticated and are being made by groups, individuals and nation states with a wide range of expertise and motives. Such cyber-attacks and cyber incidents can take many forms, including cyber extortion, social engineering, password theft or introduction of viruses or malware, such as ransomware through phishing emails. We cannot guarantee that our security efforts will prevent breaches or breakdowns of our, or our third-party service providers’, IT Systems since the techniques used in these attacks change frequently and may be difficult to detect for periods of time. In addition, although we have policies and procedures in place to ensure that all personal information collected by us or our third-party service providers is securely maintained, data breaches due to human error or intentional or unintentional conduct have occurred and likely will continue to occur. Although we have seen no material impact on our business operations from the cyber-security attacks and data breaches we have experienced to date, if we suffer a loss or disclosure of confidential business or stakeholder information as a result of a breach of our IT Systems, including those of third-party service providers with whom we have contracted, we may suffer reputational, competitive and/or business harm, incur significant costs and be subject to government investigations, litigation, fines and/or damages, which may adversely impact our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
Furthermore, while we have disaster recovery and business continuity plans in place, if our IT Systems are damaged, breached or cease to function properly for any reason, including the poor performance of, failure of or cyber-attack on third-party service providers, catastrophic events, power outages, cyber-security breaches, network outages, failed upgrades or other similar events and, if the disaster recovery and business continuity plans do not effectively resolve such issues on a timely basis, we may suffer interruptions in our ability to manage or conduct business as well as reputational harm, and may be subject to governmental investigations and litigation, any of which may adversely impact our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
Uncertain global economic conditions and disruptions in the credit markets may adversely affect our business.
Uncertain global economic conditions could adversely affect our business. Unfavorable global economic conditions, such as a recession, economic slowdown and/or reduced category growth rates, could negatively impact our business and could result in declining revenues, profitability and cash flows. Although we continue to devote significant resources to support our brands and market our products at multiple price points, during periods of economic uncertainty consumers may reduce consumption or switch to “private label” or economy brands, which could reduce sales volumes of our products or result in a shift in our product mix from higher margin to lower margin product offerings. Additionally, our retailers may be impacted and they may increase pressure on our selling prices or increase promotional activity for lower-priced or value offerings as they seek to maintain sales volumes and margins.
While we currently generate significant cash flows from ongoing operations and have access to global credit markets through our various financing activities, a disruption in the credit markets, interest rate increases or changes to our credit ratings could negatively impact the availability or cost of funding. Reduced access to credit or increased costs could adversely affect our liquidity and capital resources or significantly increase our cost of capital. In addition, if any financial institutions that hold our cash or other investments or that are parties to our undrawn revolving credit facility supporting our commercial paper program or other financing arrangements, such as interest rate, foreign exchange or commodity hedging instruments, were to declare bankruptcy or become insolvent, they may be unable to perform under their agreements with us. This could leave us with reduced borrowing capacity or unhedged against certain interest rate, foreign currency or commodity price exposures. In addition, tighter credit markets may lead to business disruptions for certain of our suppliers, contract manufacturers or trade customers which could, in turn, adversely impact our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
We may not realize the benefits that we expect from our Global Growth and Efficiency Program.
Our restructuring program, which we refer to as the “Global Growth and Efficiency Program,” commenced in the fourth quarter of 2012 and runs through December 31, 2019. The Global Growth and Efficiency Program’s initiatives are expected to help us ensure sustained solid worldwide growth in unit volume, organic sales, operating profit and earnings per share and enhance our global leadership positions in our core businesses. While implementation of the Global Growth and Efficiency Program remains on track and is in its final year and most of the initiatives under the program have been successfully implemented or are nearing completion, the successful implementation of the remainder of the program may present significant organizational challenges and, in some cases, may require successful negotiations with third parties. As a result, we may not be able to realize all of the remaining anticipated benefits from the Global Growth and Efficiency Program. Events and circumstances, such as financial or strategic difficulties, delays and unexpected costs may occur that could result in our not realizing all of the remaining anticipated benefits or our not realizing such benefits on our expected timetable. In addition, changes in foreign exchange rates or in tax, labor or immigration laws may result in our not achieving the remaining anticipated cost savings as measured in U.S. dollars. If we are unable to realize the remaining anticipated savings of the Global Growth and Efficiency Program, our ability to fund other initiatives and enhance profitability may be adversely affected. Any failure to implement the Global Growth and Efficiency Program in accordance with our expectations could adversely affect our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. For additional information regarding the Global Growth and Efficiency Program, refer to Part II, Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Significant Items Impacting Comparability” and “– Restructuring and Related Implementation Charges.”
We have pursued and may continue to pursue acquisitions and divestitures, which could adversely impact our business.
We have pursued and may continue to pursue acquisitions of brands, businesses or technologies from third parties. Acquisitions and their pursuit involve numerous potential risks, including, among other things:
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▪ | realizing the full extent of the expected benefits or synergies as a result of a transaction, within the anticipated time frame, or at all; |
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▪ | successfully integrating the operations, technologies, services, products and systems of the acquired brands or businesses in an effective, timely and cost-efficient manner; |
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▪ | receiving necessary consents, clearances and approvals in connection with a transaction; |
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▪ | diverting management’s attention from other business priorities; |
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▪ | successfully operating in new lines of business or markets; |
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▪ | retaining key employees, partners, suppliers and customers of the acquired business; |
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▪ | conforming standards, controls, procedures and policies of the acquired business with our own; |
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▪ | developing or launching products with acquired technologies; and |
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▪ | other unanticipated problems or liabilities. |
Moreover, acquisitions could result in substantial additional debt, exposure to contingent liabilities, such as litigation or earn-out obligations, the potential impairment of goodwill or other intangible assets, or transaction costs. Any of these risks, should they materialize, could adversely impact our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
We also may periodically divest brands or businesses. These divestitures may adversely impact our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition if we are unable to offset the dilutive impacts from the loss of revenue associated with the divested brands or businesses, or otherwise achieve the anticipated benefits or cost savings from the divestitures. In addition, businesses under consideration for, or otherwise subject to, divestiture may be adversely impacted prior to the divestiture, which could negatively impact our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
Tax matters, including changes in tax rates, disagreements with taxing authorities and imposition of new taxes could negatively impact our business.
We are subject to taxes in the U.S. and in the foreign jurisdictions where we do business. Due to economic and political conditions, tax rates in the U.S. and various foreign jurisdictions have been and may be subject to significant change. Changes in the mix of our earnings from countries with differing statutory tax rates, changes in the valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities, changes in tax laws, including how existing tax laws are interpreted or enforced, or contemplated changes in long-standing tax principles, if finalized and adopted, could adversely impact our future effective tax rate and business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. For example, longstanding international tax norms that determine each country’s jurisdiction to tax cross-border international trade are evolving as a result of the Base Erosion and Profit Shifting reporting requirements (“BEPS”) recommended by the G8, G20 and Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. In connection with BEPS, companies are required to disclose more information to tax authorities on operations around the world, which may lead to greater audit scrutiny of profits earned in countries outside of the U.S. As these and other tax laws and related regulations change, our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition could be materially impacted. For more information regarding U.S. tax reform, see Note 11, Income Taxes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Furthermore, we are subject to regular reviews, examinations and audits by the Internal Revenue Service and other taxing authorities with respect to taxes inside and outside of the U.S. Although we believe our tax positions are reasonable, if a taxing authority disagrees with the positions we have taken, we could face additional tax liabilities, including interest and penalties, in excess of reserves. The payment of such additional amounts upon final adjudication of any disputes could adversely impact our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
Climate change may have an adverse impact on our business and results of operations.
It has been reported that carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere have an adverse impact on global temperatures, weather patterns and the frequency and severity of extreme weather and natural disasters. The predicted effects of climate change may also exacerbate challenges regarding the availability and quality of water. In addition, concern over climate change may result in new or additional legal and regulatory requirements to reduce or mitigate the effects of climate change on the environment. Despite our sustainability efforts, any failure to achieve our sustainability goals to reduce our impact on the environment or the perception (whether or not valid) that we have failed to act responsibly with respect to the environment or to effectively respond to new or additional legal or regulatory requirements regarding climate change could result in adverse publicity and adversely affect our business and reputation. There is also increased focus, including by governmental and non-governmental organizations, investors, customers, consumers and other stakeholders on these and other sustainability matters, including deforestation and the use of plastic, energy and water. Our reputation could be damaged if we do not (or are perceived not to) act responsibly with respect to sustainability matters, which could adversely affect our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
The Company owns or leases approximately 320 properties, which include manufacturing, distribution, research and office facilities worldwide. Our corporate headquarters is located in leased property at 300 Park Avenue, New York, New York.
In the U.S., the Company operates in approximately 60 properties, of which 13 are owned. Major U.S. manufacturing and warehousing facilities used by the Oral, Personal and Home Care product segment of our business are located in Greenwood, South Carolina; Morristown, Tennessee; and Cambridge, Ohio. The Pet Nutrition segment has major manufacturing and warehousing facilities in Bowling Green, Kentucky; Emporia, Kansas; Richmond, Indiana and Topeka, Kansas. The primary research center for Oral and Personal Care products is located in Piscataway, New Jersey, the primary research center for Home Care products is located in Mexico and the primary research center for Pet Nutrition products is located in Topeka, Kansas. Our global data center is also located in Piscataway, New Jersey.
Overseas, the Company operates in approximately 260 properties, of which 60 are owned, in over 80 countries. Major overseas manufacturing and warehousing facilities used by the Oral, Personal and Home Care product segment of our business are located in Australia, Brazil, China, Colombia, France, Greece, Guatemala, India, Italy, Mexico, Poland, South Africa, Thailand, Turkey, Venezuela and Vietnam. The Pet Nutrition segment has major manufacturing and warehousing facilities in the Czech Republic and the Netherlands.
In addition to company-owned or leased properties described above, the Company also utilizes a network of warehouses and distribution centers that are owned or leased by logistics service providers, co-packers, contract manufacturers.
The Company has shared business service centers in India, Mexico and Poland, which are located in leased properties.
All of the facilities we operate are well maintained and adequate for the purpose for which they are intended.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
As a global company serving consumers in more than 200 countries and territories, the Company is routinely subject to a wide variety of legal proceedings. These include disputes relating to intellectual property, contracts, product liability, marketing, advertising, foreign exchange controls, antitrust and trade regulation, as well as labor and employment, pension, data privacy and security, environmental and tax matters, and consumer class actions. Management proactively reviews and monitors the Company’s exposure to, and the impact of, environmental matters. The Company is party to various environmental matters and, as such, may be responsible for all or a portion of the cleanup, restoration and post-closure monitoring of several sites.
The Company establishes accruals for loss contingencies when it has determined that a loss is probable and that the amount of loss, or range of loss, can be reasonably estimated. Any such accruals are adjusted thereafter as appropriate to reflect changes in circumstances.
The Company also determines estimates of reasonably possible losses or ranges of reasonably possible losses in excess of related accrued liabilities, if any, when it has determined that a loss is reasonably possible and it is able to determine such estimates. For those matters disclosed below for which the amount of any potential losses can be reasonably estimated, the Company currently estimates that the aggregate range of reasonably possible losses in excess of any accrued liabilities is $0 to approximately $225 million (based on current exchange rates). The estimates included in this amount are based on the Company’s analysis of currently available information and, as new information is obtained, these estimates may change. Due to the inherent subjectivity of the assessments and the unpredictability of outcomes of legal proceedings, any amounts accrued or included in this aggregate amount may not represent the ultimate loss to the Company. Thus, the Company’s exposure and ultimate losses may be higher or lower, and possibly significantly so, than the amounts accrued or the range disclosed above.
Based on current knowledge, management does not believe that the ultimate resolution of loss contingencies arising from the matters discussed herein will have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or its ongoing results of operations or cash flows. However, in light of the inherent uncertainties noted above, an adverse outcome in one or more matters could be material to the Company’s results of operations or cash flows for any particular quarter or year.
Brazilian Matters
There are certain tax and civil proceedings outstanding, as described below, related to the Company’s 1995 acquisition of the Kolynos oral care business from Wyeth (the “Seller”).
The Brazilian internal revenue authority has disallowed interest deductions and foreign exchange losses taken by the Company’s Brazilian subsidiary for certain years in connection with the financing of the Kolynos acquisition. The tax assessments with interest, penalties and any court-mandated fees, at the current exchange rate, are approximately $151 million. This amount includes additional assessments received from the Brazilian internal revenue authority in April 2016 relating to net operating loss carryforwards used by the Company’s Brazilian subsidiary to offset taxable income that had also been deducted from the authority’s original assessments. The Company has been disputing the disallowances by appealing the assessments since October 2001. Appeals are currently pending at the administrative level. In the event the Company is ultimately unsuccessful in its administrative appeals, further appeals are available within the Brazilian federal courts.
In September 2015, the Company lost one of its appeals at the administrative level and filed a lawsuit in Brazilian federal court. In February 2017, the Company lost an additional administrative appeal and filed a lawsuit in Brazilian federal court. Although there can be no assurances, management believes, based on the opinion of its Brazilian legal counsel, that the disallowances are without merit and that the Company should ultimately prevail. The Company is challenging these disallowances vigorously.
In July 2002, the Brazilian Federal Public Attorney filed a civil action against the federal government of Brazil, Laboratorios Wyeth-Whitehall Ltda. (the Brazilian subsidiary of the Seller) and the Company, as represented by its Brazilian subsidiary, in the 6th. Lower Federal Court in the City of São Paulo, seeking to annul an April 2000 decision by the Brazilian Board of Tax Appeals that found in favor of the Seller’s Brazilian subsidiary on the issue of whether it had incurred taxable capital gains as a result of the divestiture of Kolynos. The action seeks to make the Company’s Brazilian subsidiary jointly and severally liable for any tax due from the Seller’s Brazilian subsidiary. The case has been pending since 2002, and the Lower Federal Court has not issued a decision. Although there can be no assurances, management believes, based on the opinion of its Brazilian legal counsel, that the Company should ultimately prevail in this action. The Company is challenging this action vigorously.
In December 2005, the Brazilian internal revenue authority issued to the Company’s Brazilian subsidiary a tax assessment with interest, penalties and any court-mandated fees of approximately $65 million, at the current exchange rate, based on a claim that certain purchases of U.S. Treasury bills by the subsidiary and their subsequent disposition during the period 2000 to 2001 were subject to a tax on foreign exchange transactions. The Company had been disputing the assessment within the internal revenue authority’s administrative appeals process. However, in November 2015, the Superior Chamber of Administrative Tax Appeals denied the Company’s final administrative appeal and the Company has filed a lawsuit in the Brazilian federal court. In the event the Company is unsuccessful in this lawsuit, further appeals are available within the Brazilian federal courts. Although there can be no assurances, management believes, based on the opinion of its Brazilian legal counsel, that the tax assessment is without merit and that the Company should ultimately prevail. The Company is challenging this assessment vigorously.
Competition Matters
Certain of the Company’s subsidiaries have historically been subject to investigations, and, in some cases, fines, by governmental authorities in a number of countries related to alleged competition law violations. Substantially all of these matters also involved other consumer goods companies and/or retail customers. The Company’s policy is to comply with antitrust and competition laws and, if a violation of any such laws is found, to take appropriate remedial action and to cooperate fully with any related governmental inquiry. The status of pending competition law matters as of December 31, 2018 is set forth below.
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▪ | In December 2014, the French competition law authority found that 13 consumer goods companies, including the Company’s French subsidiary, exchanged competitively sensitive information related to the French home care and personal care sectors, for which the Company’s French subsidiary was fined $57 million. In addition, as a result of the Company’s acquisition of the Sanex personal care business in 2011 from Unilever N.V. and Unilever PLC (together with Unilever N.V., “Unilever”) pursuant to a Business and Share Sale and Purchase Agreement (the “Sale and Purchase Agreement”), the French competition law authority found that the Company’s French subsidiary, along with Hillshire Brands Company (formerly Sara Lee Corporation (“Sara Lee”)), were jointly and severally liable for fines of $25 million assessed against Sara Lee’s French subsidiary. The Company is indemnified for these fines by Unilever pursuant to the Sale and Purchase Agreement. The fines were confirmed by the Court of Appeal in October 2016. The Company is appealing the decision of the Court of Appeal on behalf of the Company and Sara Lee in the French Supreme Court. |
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▪ | In July 2014, the Greek competition law authority issued a statement of objections alleging a restriction of parallel imports into Greece. The Company responded to this statement of objections. In July 2017, the Company received the decision from the Greek competition law authority in which the Company was fined $11 million. The Company is appealing the decision to the Greek courts. |
Talcum Powder Matters
The Company has been named as a defendant in civil actions alleging that certain talcum powder products that were sold prior to 1996 were contaminated with asbestos. Most of these actions involve a number of co-defendants from a variety of different industries, including suppliers of asbestos and manufacturers of products that, unlike the Company’s products, were designed to contain asbestos. As of December 31, 2018, there were 239 individual cases pending against the Company in state and federal courts throughout the United States, as compared to 193 cases as of December 31, 2017. During the year ended December 31, 2018, 132 new cases were filed and 86 cases were resolved by voluntary dismissal, judgment in the Company’s favor or settlement. The value of settlements in the years presented was not material, either individually or in the aggregate, to each such period’s results of operations.
The Company believes that a significant portion of its costs incurred in defending and resolving these claims will be covered by insurance policies issued by several primary, excess and umbrella insurance carriers, subject to deductibles, exclusions, retentions and policy limits.
While the Company and its legal counsel believe that these cases are without merit and intend to challenge them vigorously, there can be no assurances regarding the ultimate resolution of these matters. Since the amount of any potential losses from these cases currently cannot be reasonably estimated, the range of reasonably possible losses in excess of accrued liabilities disclosed above does not include any amount relating to these cases.
ERISA Matter
In June 2016, a putative class action claiming that residual annuity payments made to certain participants in the Colgate-Palmolive Company Employees’ Retirement Income Plan (the “Plan”) did not comply with the Employee Retirement Income Security Act was filed against the Plan, the Company and certain individuals in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. This action has been certified as a class action. The relief sought includes recalculation of benefits, pre- and post-judgment interest and attorneys’ fees. The Company is contesting this action vigorously. Since the amount of any potential loss from this case currently cannot be reasonably estimated, the range of reasonably possible losses in excess of accrued liabilities disclosed above does not include any amount relating to the case.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not Applicable.
PART II
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ITEM 5. | MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES |
For information regarding the market for the Company’s common stock, including stock price performance graphs, refer to “Market Information” included in Part IV, Item 15 of this report. For information regarding the number of common shareholders of record, refer to “Historical Financial Summary” included in Part IV, Item 15 of this report. For information regarding the securities authorized for issuance under our equity compensation plans, refer to “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters” included in Part III, Item 12 of this report.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
On June 18, 2018, the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) authorized the repurchase of shares of the Company’s common stock having an aggregate purchase price of up to $5 billion under a new share repurchase program (the “2018 Program”), which replaced the previous program approved by the Board in 2015 (the “2015 Program”). The Board also has authorized share repurchases on an ongoing basis to fulfill certain requirements of the Company’s compensation and benefit programs. The shares are repurchased from time to time in open market or privately negotiated transactions at the Company’s discretion, subject to market conditions, customary blackout periods and other factors.
The following table shows the stock repurchase activity for each of the three months in the quarter ended December 31, 2018: |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Month | | Total Number of Shares Purchased(1) | | Average Price Paid per Share | | Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs(2) | | Approximate Dollar Value of Shares That May Yet be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs(3) (in millions) |
October 1 through 31, 2018 | | 828,129 |
| | $ | 62.72 |
| | 776,159 |
| | 4,658 |
|
November 1 through 30, 2018 | | 1,748,795 |
| | $ | 61.87 |
| | 1,748,427 |
| | 4,550 |
|
December 1 through 31, 2018 | | 2,027,730 |
| | $ | 61.87 |
| | 1,994,781 |
| | 4,427 |
|
Total | | 4,604,654 |
| | $ | 62.02 |
| | 4,519,367 |
| | |
|
_______
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(1) | Includes share repurchases under the 2018 Program and those associated with certain employee elections under the Company’s compensation and benefit programs. |
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(2) | The difference between the total number of shares purchased and the total number of shares purchased as part of publicly announced plans or programs is 85,287 shares, which represents shares deemed surrendered to the Company to satisfy certain employee elections under the Company’s compensation and benefit programs. |
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(3) | Includes approximate dollar value of shares that were available to be purchased under the publicly announced plans or programs that were in effect as of December 31, 2018. |
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Refer to the information set forth under the caption “Historical Financial Summary” included in Part IV, Item 15 of this report.
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)
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ITEM 7. | MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS |
Executive Overview
Colgate-Palmolive Company (together with its subsidiaries, the “Company” or “Colgate”) seeks to deliver strong, consistent business results and superior shareholder returns by providing consumers globally with products that make their lives healthier and more enjoyable.
To this end, the Company is tightly focused on two product segments: Oral, Personal and Home Care; and Pet Nutrition. Within these segments, the Company follows a closely defined business strategy to grow our key product categories and increase our overall market share. Within the categories in which the Company competes, the Company prioritizes its efforts based on their capacity to maximize the use of the organization’s core competencies and strong global equities and to deliver sustainable long-term growth.
Operationally, the Company is organized along geographic lines with management teams having responsibility for the business and financial results in each region. The Company competes in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide with established businesses in all regions contributing to the Company’s sales and profitability. Approximately 70% of the Company’s Net sales are generated from markets outside the U.S., with approximately 50% of the Company’s Net sales coming from emerging markets (which consist of Latin America, Asia (excluding Japan), Africa/Eurasia and Central Europe). This geographic diversity and balance help to reduce the Company’s exposure to business and other risks in any one country or part of the world.
The Oral, Personal and Home Care product segment is managed geographically in five reportable operating segments: North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Africa/Eurasia, all of which sell to a variety of traditional and e-commerce retailers, wholesalers and distributors. The Company, through Hill’s Pet Nutrition, also competes on a worldwide basis in the pet nutrition market, selling its products principally through authorized pet supply retailers, veterinarians and e-commerce retailers.
On an ongoing basis, management focuses on a variety of key indicators to monitor business health and performance. These indicators include market share, net sales (including volume, pricing and foreign exchange components), organic sales growth (net sales growth excluding, as applicable, the impact of foreign exchange, acquisitions, and divestments), a non-GAAP financial measure, and gross profit margin, operating profit, net income and earnings per share, in each case, on a GAAP and non-GAAP basis, as well as measures used to optimize the management of working capital, capital expenditures, cash flow and return on capital. The monitoring of these indicators and the Company’s Code of Conduct and corporate governance practices help to maintain business health and strong internal controls. For additional information regarding non-GAAP financial measures, see “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below.
To achieve its business and financial objectives, the Company focuses the organization on initiatives to drive and fund growth. The Company seeks to capture significant opportunities for growth by identifying and meeting consumer needs within its core categories, through its focus on innovation and the deployment of valuable consumer and shopper insights in the development of successful new products regionally, which can then be rolled out on a global basis. To enhance these efforts, the Company has developed key initiatives to build strong relationships with consumers, dental, veterinary and skin care professionals and traditional and e-commerce retailers. In addition, the Company has enhanced its digital marketing capabilities and intends to broaden its e-commerce offerings, including direct-to-consumer and subscription services. Growth opportunities are greater in those areas of the world in which economic development and rising consumer incomes expand the size and number of markets for the Company’s products.
The investments needed to support growth are developed through continuous, Company-wide initiatives to lower costs and increase effective asset utilization. Through these initiatives, which are referred to as the Company’s funding-the-growth initiatives, the Company seeks to become even more effective and efficient throughout its businesses. These initiatives are designed to reduce costs associated with direct materials, indirect expenses, distribution and logistics, and advertising and promotional materials, among other things, and encompass a wide range of projects, examples of which include raw material substitution, reduction of packaging materials, consolidating suppliers to leverage volumes and increasing manufacturing efficiency through SKU reductions and formulation simplification. The Company also continues to prioritize its investments toward its higher margin businesses, specifically Oral Care, Personal Care and Pet Nutrition.
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)
Significant Items Impacting Comparability
In January 2018, the Company acquired all of the outstanding equity interests of Physicians Care Alliance, LLC (“PCA Skin”) and Elta MD Holdings, Inc. (“Elta MD”), professional skin care businesses, for aggregate cash consideration of approximately $730. With these acquisitions, the Company entered the professional skin care category, which complements its existing global personal care businesses. See Note 3, Acquisitions and Divestitures to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “TCJA” or “U.S. tax reform”) was enacted, which, among other things, lowered the U.S. corporate income tax rate to 21% from 35% and established a modified territorial system requiring a mandatory deemed repatriation tax on undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries. Beginning in 2018, the TCJA also requires a minimum tax on certain future earnings generated by foreign subsidiaries while providing for future tax-free repatriation of such earnings through a 100% dividends-received deduction.
As a result of the enactment of the TCJA, in the fourth quarter of 2017, the Company recorded a provisional charge of $275 based on its initial analysis of the TCJA using information and estimates available as of February 15, 2018, the date on which the Company filed its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017. During 2018, the Company finalized its assessment of the impact of the TCJA and recognized an additional tax expense of $80 reflecting the impact of transition tax guidance issued by the U.S. Treasury and the update of certain estimates and calculations based on information available through the end of 2018. Any further guidance issued after December 31, 2018 may have an impact to the Company’s Provision for income tax in the period such guidance is effective. Refer to “Results of Operations–Income Taxes” below for additional details.
In September 2016, the Company’s Mexican subsidiary completed the sale to the United States of America of the Mexico City site on which its commercial operations, technology center and soap production facility were previously located and received $60 as the third and final installment of the sale price. The total sale price (including the third installment and the previously received first and second installments) was $120. The Company recognized a pretax gain of $97 ($63 aftertax) in the third quarter of 2016, net of costs primarily related to site preparation.
Effective December 31, 2015, the Company concluded it no longer met the accounting criteria for consolidation of its Venezuelan subsidiary (“CP Venezuela”) and began accounting for CP Venezuela using the cost method of accounting.
Since January 1, 2016, under the cost method of accounting, the Company no longer includes the local operating results of CP Venezuela in its Consolidated Financial Statements and includes income relating to CP Venezuela only to the extent it receives cash for sales of inventory to CP Venezuela or for dividends or royalties remitted by CP Venezuela, all of which have been immaterial. Although CP Venezuela’s local operating results are no longer included in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements for accounting purposes, under current tax rules, the Company is required to continue including CP Venezuela in its consolidated U.S. federal income tax return. In the first quarter of 2016, Provision for income taxes included a $210 U.S. income tax benefit principally related to changes in Venezuela’s foreign exchange regime implemented in March 2016. See Note 11, Income Taxes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional details.
The Company’s restructuring program known as the “Global Growth and Efficiency Program” runs through December 31, 2019. The program’s initiatives are expected to help the Company ensure sustained solid worldwide growth in unit volume, organic sales, operating profit and earnings per share and to enhance its global leadership positions in its core businesses. Implementation of the Global Growth and Efficiency Program remains on track and is in its final year.
The initiatives under the Global Growth and Efficiency Program are focused on the following areas:
| |
▪ | Expanding Commercial Hubs |
| |
▪ | Extending Shared Business Services and Streamlining Global Functions |
| |
▪ | Optimizing Global Supply Chain and Facilities |
Savings, substantially all of which are expected to increase future cash flows, are projected to be in the range of $590 to $635 pretax ($550 to $575 aftertax) annually, once all projects are approved and implemented. Cumulative pretax charges resulting from the Global Growth and Efficiency Program, once all phases are approved and implemented, are estimated to be in the range of $1,820 to $1,870 ($1,350 to $1,380 aftertax).
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)
In 2018, 2017 and 2016, the Company incurred aftertax costs of $125, $246 and $168, respectively, resulting from the Global Growth and Efficiency Program. For more information regarding the Global Growth and Efficiency Program, see “Restructuring and Related Implementation Charges” below and Note 4, Restructuring and Related Implementation Charges to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Effective January 1, 2018, as required by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”), the Company adopted Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) No. 2017-07, “Compensation-Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost,” on a retrospective basis. As a result, for all periods presented, only the service related component of pension and other postretirement benefit costs is included in Operating profit. The non-service related components (interest cost, expected return on assets and amortization of actuarial gains and losses) are included in a new line item, “Non-service related postretirement costs,” which is below Operating profit. Adoption of this standard had no effect on Net income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company, Earnings per common share or Cash flow. See Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
As a result of adopting ASU No. 2016-09 “Compensation–Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting,” effective January 1, 2017, the Company recognizes excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation (resulting from an increase in the fair value of an award from the grant date to the vesting or exercise date, as applicable) in the Provision for income taxes as a discrete item. Prior to January 1, 2017, excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation were recognized in equity.
Outlook
Looking forward, the Company expects global macroeconomic and market conditions to remain challenging. While the Company has recently seen improvement in category growth rates, the Company expects category growth rates to remain below prior historical levels. While the global marketplace in which the Company operates has always been highly competitive, the Company continues to experience heightened competitive activity in certain markets from strong local competitors and from other large multinational companies, some of which have greater resources than the Company does. Such activities have included more aggressive product claims and marketing challenges, as well as increased promotional spending and geographic expansion. The Company has also been negatively affected by changes in the policies or practices of its retail trade customers in key markets, such as inventory de-stocking, limitations on access to shelf space or delisting of the Company’s products. In addition, the retail landscape in many of the Company’s markets continues to be impacted by the rapid growth of e-commerce retailers, changing consumer preferences (as consumers increasingly shop online) and the emergence of alternative retail channels, such as subscription services and direct-to-consumer businesses. This rapid growth in e-commerce and emergence of alternative retail channels may create pricing pressures and/or adversely affect the Company’s relationships with its key retailers. In addition, given that approximately 70% of the Company’s Net sales originate in markets outside the U.S., the Company has experienced and may continue to experience volatile foreign currency fluctuations and high raw and packaging material costs. While the Company has taken, and will continue to take, measures to mitigate the effect of these conditions, should they persist, they could adversely affect the Company’s future results.
In summary, the Company believes it is well prepared to meet the challenges ahead due to its strong financial condition, experience operating in challenging environments and continued focus on the Company’s key priorities: growing sales through engaging with consumers, developing world-class innovation and working with retail partners; driving efficiency on every line of the income statement to increase margins; generating strong cash flow performance and utilizing that cash effectively to enhance total shareholder return; and leading to win by staying true to the Company’s culture and focusing on its stakeholders. The Company’s commitment to these priorities, together with the strength of the Company’s global brands, its broad international presence in both developed and emerging markets and cost-saving initiatives, such as the Company’s funding-the-growth initiatives and the Global Growth and Efficiency Program, should position the Company well to increase shareholder value over the long term.
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)
Results of Operations
Net Sales
Worldwide Net sales were $15,544 in 2018, up 0.5% from 2017, as volume growth of 1.0% and net selling price increases of 0.5% were partially offset by negative foreign exchange of 1.0%. The Company’s professional skin care acquisitions increased volume by 1.0%. Organic sales (Net sales excluding, as applicable, the impact of foreign exchange, acquisitions and divestments), a non-GAAP financial measure as discussed below, increased 0.5% in 2018.
Net sales in the Oral, Personal and Home Care product segment were $13,156 in 2018, even with 2017, as volume growth of 1.0% and net selling price increases of 0.5% were offset by negative foreign exchange of 1.5%. The Company’s professional skin care acquisitions increased volume by 1.5%. Organic sales in the Oral, Personal and Home Care product segment in 2018 were even with 2017.
Organic sales in 2018 were even with 2017 as increases in Oral Care and Home Care organic sales were offset by a decline in Personal Care organic sales. The increase in Oral Care organic sales was primarily due to organic sales growth in the toothpaste category. The increase in the Home Care organic sales was primarily due to organic sales growth in the liquid cleaners and fabric softener categories. The decrease in Personal Care organic sales was due to declines in organic sales in the bar soap and underarm protection categories, which were partially offset by organic sales growth in the shower gel category.
The Company’s share of the global toothpaste market was 42.0% for full year 2018, down 1.3 share points from full year 2017, and its share of the global manual toothbrush market was 32.3% for full year 2018, down 0.7 share points from full year 2017. Full year 2018 market shares in toothpaste were down in North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Africa/Eurasia versus full year 2017. In the manual toothbrush category, full year 2018 market shares were up in North America and Africa/Eurasia and down in Latin America, Europe and Asia Pacific versus full year 2017. For additional information regarding the Company’s use of market share data and limitations on such data, see “Market Share Information” below.
Net sales for Hill’s Pet Nutrition were $2,388 in 2018, an increase of 4.0% from 2017, driven by volume growth of 1.5%, net selling price increases of 2.0% and positive foreign exchange of 0.5%. Organic sales for Hill’s Pet Nutrition increased 3.5% in 2018.
The increase in organic sales in 2018 versus 2017 was due to increases in organic sales in the Prescription Diet and Advanced Nutrition categories, partially offset by a decline in organic sales in the Naturals category.
Worldwide Net sales were $15,454 in 2017, up 1.5% from 2016, driven by volume growth of 0.5%, net selling price increases of 0.5% and positive foreign exchange of 0.5%. Organic sales increased 1.0% in 2017.
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)
Gross Profit/Margin
Worldwide Gross profit decreased 1% to $9,231 in 2018 from $9,280 in 2017. Gross profit in both periods included charges related to the Global Growth and Efficiency Program. Excluding these charges in both periods, Gross profit decreased to $9,262 in 2018 from $9,355 in 2017, reflecting a decrease of $147 resulting from lower Gross profit margin, partially offset by an increase of $54 resulting from higher Net sales.
Worldwide Gross profit margin decreased to 59.4% in 2018 from 60.0% in 2017. Excluding charges related to the Global Growth and Efficiency Program in both periods, Gross profit margin decreased by 90 basis points (bps) to 59.6% in 2018, from 60.5% in 2017. This decrease in Gross profit margin was primarily due to higher raw and packaging material costs (340 bps), partially offset by cost savings from the Company’s funding-the-growth initiatives (200 bps) and higher pricing (40 bps).
Worldwide Gross profit increased 2% to $9,280 in 2017 from $9,123 in 2016. Gross profit in both periods included charges related to the Global Growth and Efficiency Program. Excluding these charges in both periods, Gross profit increased to $9,355 in 2017 from $9,169 in 2016, reflecting an increase of $156 resulting from higher Net sales and an increase of $30 resulting from higher Gross profit margin.
Worldwide Gross profit margin was 60.0% in 2017, even with 2016. Excluding charges related to the Global Growth and Efficiency Program in both periods, Gross profit margin increased by 20 bps to 60.5% in 2017, from 60.3% in 2016. This increase in Gross profit margin was primarily driven by cost savings from the Company’s funding-the-growth initiatives and the Global Growth and Efficiency Program (200 bps) and higher pricing (20 bps), partially offset by higher raw and packaging material costs (190 bps).
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2018 | | 2017 | | 2016 |
Gross profit, GAAP | | $ | 9,231 |
| | $ | 9,280 |
| | $ | 9,123 |
|
Global Growth and Efficiency Program | | 31 |
| | 75 |
| | 46 |
|
Gross profit, non-GAAP | | $ | 9,262 |
| | $ | 9,355 |
| | $ | 9,169 |
|
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2018 | | 2017 | | Basis Point Change | | 2016 | | Basis Point Change |
Gross profit margin, GAAP | | 59.4 | % | | 60.0 | % | | (60 | ) | | 60.0 | % | | — |
Global Growth and Efficiency Program | | 0.2 |
| | 0.5 |
| | | | 0.3 |
| | |
Gross profit margin, non-GAAP | | 59.6 | % | | 60.5 | % | | (90 | ) | | 60.3 | % | | 20 |
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased to $5,389 in 2018 from $5,400 in 2017. Selling, general and administrative expenses in both periods included charges related to the Global Growth and Efficiency Program. Excluding these charges in both periods, Selling, general and administrative expenses increased to $5,356 in 2018 from $5,314 in 2017, reflecting higher overhead expenses of $25 and increased advertising investment of $17.
Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of Net sales decreased to 34.7% in 2018 from 34.9% in 2017. Excluding charges related to the Global Growth and Efficiency Program in both periods, Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of Net sales were 34.5% in 2018, an increase of 10 bps as compared to 2017. This increase as a percentage of Net sales in 2018 was due to higher overhead expenses (10 bps), primarily driven by increased logistics costs. In 2018, advertising investment increased 1% to $1,590 as compared with $1,573 in 2017, while as a percentage of Net sales it was 10.2%, even with 2017.
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 5% to $5,400 in 2017 from $5,143 in 2016. Selling, general and administrative expenses in both periods included charges related to the Global Growth and Efficiency Program. Excluding these charges in both periods, Selling, general and administrative expenses increased to $5,314 in 2017 from $5,066 in 2016, reflecting increased advertising investment of $145 and higher overhead expenses of $103.
Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of Net sales increased to 34.9% in 2017 from 33.8% in 2016. Excluding charges related to the Global Growth and Efficiency Program in both periods, Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of Net sales were 34.4%, an increase of 110 bps as compared to 2016. This increase in 2017 was driven by increased advertising investment (80 bps) and higher overhead expenses (30 bps), both as a percentage of Net sales. In 2017, advertising investment increased 10.2% to $1,573 as compared with $1,428 in 2016, and increased as a percentage of Net sales to 10.2% from 9.4% in 2016.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2018 | | 2017 | | 2016 |
Selling, general and administrative expenses, GAAP | | $ | 5,389 |
| | $ | 5,400 |
| | $ | 5,143 |
|
Global Growth and Efficiency Program | | (33 | ) | | (86 | ) | | (77 | ) |
Selling, general and administrative expenses, non-GAAP | | $ | 5,356 |
| | $ | 5,314 |
| | $ | 5,066 |
|
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2018 | | 2017 | | Basis Point Change | | 2016 | | Basis Point Change |
Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of Net sales, GAAP | | 34.7 | % | | 34.9 | % | | (20 | ) | | 33.8 | % | | 110 |
Global Growth and Efficiency Program | | (0.2 | ) | | (0.5 | ) | | | | (0.5 | ) | | |
Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of Net sales, non-GAAP | | 34.5 | % | | 34.4 | % | | 10 |
| | 33.3 | % | | 110 |
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)
Other (Income) Expense, Net
Other (income) expense, net was $148, $173 and $25 in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The components of Other (income) expense, net are presented below:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Other (income) expense, net | | 2018 | | 2017 | | 2016 |
Global Growth and Efficiency Program | | $ | 88 |
| | $ | 152 |
| | $ | 93 |
|
Amortization of intangible assets | | 59 |
| | 35 |
| | 33 |
|
Gain on sale of land in Mexico | | — |
| | — |
| | (97 | ) |
Charges for a litigation matter | | — |
| | — |
| | 17 |
|
Equity income | | (10 | ) | | (11 | ) | | (10 | ) |
Other, net | | 11 |
| | (3 | ) | | (11 | ) |
Total Other (income) expense, net | | $ | 148 |
| | $ | 173 |
| | $ | 25 |
|
Other (income) expense, net was $148 in 2018 as compared to $173 in 2017. Other (income) expense, net in both periods included charges related to the Global Growth and Efficiency Program.
Other (income) expense, net was $173 in 2017 as compared to $25 in 2016. Other (income) expense, net in both periods included charges related to the Global Growth and Efficiency Program. Other (income) expense, net in 2016 also included a gain on the sale of land in Mexico and charges for a litigation matter.
Excluding the items described above in all periods, as applicable, Other (income) expense, net was $60 in 2018, $21 in 2017 and $12 in 2016.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2018 | | 2017 | | 2016 |
Other (income) expense, net, GAAP | | $ | 148 |
| | $ | 173 |
| | $ | 25 |
|
Global Growth and Efficiency Program | | (88 | ) | | (152 | ) | | (93 | ) |
Gain on sale of land in Mexico | | — |
| | — |
| | 97 |
|
Charges for a litigation matter | | — |
| | — |
| | (17 | ) |
Other (income) expense, net, non-GAAP | | $ | 60 |
| | $ | 21 |
| | $ | 12 |
|
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)
Operating Profit
Operating profit decreased to $3,694 in 2018 from $3,707 in 2017. Operating profit decreased 6% to $3,707 in 2017 from $3,955 in 2016.
In 2018, 2017 and 2016, Operating profit included charges related to the Global Growth and Efficiency Program. In 2016, Operating profit also included charges for a litigation matter and a gain on sale of land in Mexico. Excluding these items in all periods, as applicable, Operating profit in 2018 decreased 4% compared to 2017, primarily due to a decrease in Gross profit and an increase in Selling, general and administrative expenses, and Operating profit in 2017 decreased 2% compared to 2016, primarily due to an increase in Selling, general and administrative expenses which was partially offset by higher Gross profit.
Operating profit margin was 23.8% in 2018, compared with 24.0% in 2017 and 26.0% in 2016. Excluding charges related to the Global Growth and Efficiency Program in 2018 and 2017, Operating profit margin decreased 130 bps to 24.7% in 2018 compared to 26.0% in 2017. This decrease in Operating profit in 2018 is primarily due to a decrease in Gross profit (90 bps) and an increase in Selling, general and administrative expenses (10 bps), both as a percentage of Net sales. Excluding the items described above in 2017 and 2016, as applicable, Operating profit margin decreased 90 bps in 2017 compared to 2016, due to an increase in Selling, general and administrative expenses (110 bps), partially offset by an increase in Gross profit (20 bps), both as a percentage of Net sales.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2018 | | 2017 | | % Change | | 2016 | | % Change |
Operating profit, GAAP | | $ | 3,694 |
| | $ | 3,707 |
| | — | % | | $ | 3,955 |
| | (6 | )% |
Global Growth and Efficiency Program | | 152 |
| | 313 |
| | | | 216 |
| | |
Gain on sale of land in Mexico | | — |
| | — |
| | | | (97 | ) | | |
Charges for a litigation matter | | — |
| | — |
| | | | 17 |
| | |
Operating profit, non-GAAP | | $ | 3,846 |
| | $ | 4,020 |
| | (4 | )% | | $ | 4,091 |
| | (2 | )% |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2018 | | 2017 | | Basis Point Change | | 2016 | | Basis Point Change |
Operating profit margin, GAAP | | 23.8 | % | | 24.0 | % | | (20 | ) | | 26.0 | % | | (200 | ) |
Global Growth and Efficiency Program | | 0.9 |
| | 2.0 |
| | | | 1.4 |
| | |
Gain on sale of land in Mexico | | — |
| | — |
| | | | (0.6 | ) | | |
Charges for a litigation matter | | — |
| | — |
| | | | 0.1 |
| | |
Operating profit margin, non-GAAP | | 24.7 | % | | 26.0 | % | | (130 | ) | | 26.9 | % | | (90 | ) |
Non-Service Related Postretirement Costs
Non-service related postretirement costs were $87 in 2018 compared with $118 in 2017 and $118 in 2016. Non-service related postretirement costs included charges resulting from the Global Growth and Efficiency Program. Excluding these charges, Non-service related postretirement costs were $78 in 2018 compared to $98 in 2017 and $106 in 2016. The decreases in Non-service related postretirement costs in 2018 as compared to 2017 and 2017 as compared to 2016 were primarily due to decreases in interest costs.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2018 | | 2017 | | 2016 |
Non-service related postretirement costs, GAAP | | $ | 87 |
| | $ | 118 |
| | $ | 118 |
|
Global Growth and Efficiency Program | | (9 | ) | | (20 | ) | | (12 | ) |
Non-service related postretirement costs, non-GAAP | | $ | 78 |
| | $ | 98 |
| | $ | 106 |
|
Interest (Income) Expense, Net
Interest (income) expense, net was $143 in 2018 compared with $102 in 2017 and $99 in 2016. The increase in Interest (income) expense, net in 2018 as compared to 2017 and 2017 as compared to 2016 was primarily due to higher average interest rates on debt.
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)
Income Taxes
The effective income tax rate in 2018, 2017 and 2016 was 26.2%, 37.7% and 30.8%, respectively. As reflected in the table below, the non-GAAP effective income tax rate was 24.2% in 2018, 29.5% in 2017 and 31.3% in 2016. The decrease in the non-GAAP effective income tax rate in 2018 as compared to 2017 is primarily due to the enactment of the TCJA, as discussed in more detail below. The decrease in the non-GAAP effective income tax rate in 2017 as compared to 2016 is primarily due to the inclusion of excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation in the Provision for income taxes, as discussed in more detail below.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2018 |
| | Income Before Income Taxes | | Provision For Income Taxes(1) | | Effective Income Tax Rate(2) |
As Reported GAAP | | $ | 3,464 |
| | $ | 906 |
| | 26.2 | % |
Global Growth and Efficiency Program | | 161 |
| | 37 |
| | (0.1 | ) |
Benefit from a foreign tax matter | | — |
| | 15 |
| | 0.4 |
|
U.S. tax reform | | — |
| | (80 | ) | | (2.3 | ) |
Non-GAAP | | $ | 3,625 |
| | $ | 878 |
| | 24.2 | % |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2017 |
| | Income Before Income Taxes | | Provision For Income Taxes(1) | | Effective Income Tax Rate(2) |
As Reported GAAP | | $ | 3,487 |
| | $ | 1,313 |
| | 37.7 | % |
Global Growth and Efficiency Program | | 333 |
| | 87 |
| | (1.0 | ) |
U.S. tax reform | | — |
| | (275 | ) | | (7.2 | ) |
Non-GAAP | | $ | 3,820 |
| | $ | 1,125 |
| | 29.5 | % |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2016 |
| | Income Before Income Taxes | | Provision For Income Taxes(1) | | Effective Income Tax Rate(2) |
As Reported GAAP | | $ | 3,738 |
| | $ | 1,152 |
| | 30.8 | % |
Global Growth and Efficiency Program | | 228 |
| | 59 |
| | (0.3 | ) |
Gain on sale of land in Mexico | | (97 | ) | | (34 | ) | | (0.1 | ) |
Benefits from tax matters | | — |
| | 35 |
| | 0.9 |
|
Charges for a litigation matter | | 17 |
| | 6 |
| | — |
|
Non-GAAP | | $ | 3,886 |
| | $ | 1,218 |
| | 31.3 | % |
_______
| |
(1) | The income tax effect on non-GAAP items is calculated based upon the tax laws and statutory income tax rates applicable in the tax jurisdiction(s) of the underlying non-GAAP adjustment. |
| |
(2) | The impact of non-GAAP items on the Company’s effective tax rate represents the difference in the effective tax rate calculated with and without the non-GAAP adjustment on Income before income taxes and Provision for income taxes. |
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)
On December 22, 2017, the TCJA was enacted, which, among other things, lowered the U.S. corporate income tax rate to 21% from 35% and established a modified territorial system requiring a mandatory deemed repatriation tax on undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries. Beginning in 2018, the TCJA also requires a minimum tax on certain earnings generated by foreign subsidiaries while providing for tax-free repatriation of such earnings through a 100% dividends-received deduction. The Company’s effective income tax rate in 2017 included a provisional charge of $275, recorded in the fourth quarter of 2017, based on its initial analysis of the TCJA using information and estimates available as of February 15, 2018, the date on which the Company filed its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017. During 2018, the Company finalized its assessment of the impact of the TCJA and recognized an additional tax expense of $80 reflecting the impact of transition tax guidance issued by the U.S. Treasury and the update of certain estimates and calculations based on information available through the end of 2018. Any further guidance issued after December 31, 2018 may have an impact to the Company’s Provision for income tax in the period such guidance is effective.
The effective income tax rate in 2018 and 2017 also included $12 and $47, respectively, of stock compensation excess tax benefits in the Provision for income taxes as a result of the adoption of ASU No. 2016-09, “Compensation–Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting” effective January 1, 2017. See Note 11, Income Taxes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, for additional details.
The effective income tax rate in 2016 included a $210 U.S. income tax benefit principally related to changes in Venezuela’s foreign exchange regime implemented in March 2016. In order to fully utilize the $210 tax benefit in 2016, the Company repatriated an incremental $1,500 of earnings of foreign subsidiaries it previously considered indefinitely reinvested outside of the U.S., and accordingly, recorded a tax charge of $210.
The Company had taken a tax position in a foreign jurisdiction since 2002 that was challenged by the local tax authorities. In 2016, the Supreme Court in the foreign jurisdiction decided the matter in the Company’s favor for the years 2002 through 2005. Also in 2016, the Administrative Court in the foreign jurisdiction decided the matter in the Company’s favor for the years 2008 through 2011 by acknowledging the Supreme Court’s ruling for the years 2002 through 2005, which eliminated the possibility of future appeals. As a result, the Company recorded a tax benefit of $30, including interest, in 2016.
In March 2018, the lower courts ruled in the Company’s favor for the years 2006, 2007 and 2012 through 2014. The deadline for the local tax authorities to appeal has now passed, and the Company considers all outstanding disputes on this matter resolved. As a result, the Company recorded an additional tax benefit of $15, including interest.
The effective income tax rate in all years benefited from tax planning associated with the Company’s global business initiatives.
The Company expects its effective income tax rate in 2019 to be in the range of 25.5% to 26.5% both on a GAAP basis and excluding charges related to the Global Growth and Efficiency Program.
Net Income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company and Earnings per share, diluted
Net income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company was $2,400, or $2.75 per share on a diluted basis, in 2018 compared to $2,024, or $2.28 per share on a diluted basis, in 2017 and $2,441, or $2.72 per share on a diluted basis, in 2016. In 2018, 2017 and 2016, Net income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company included aftertax charges related to the Global Growth and Efficiency Program. In 2018 and 2017, Net income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company also included charges related to U.S. tax reform. In 2018, Net income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company also included a benefit from a foreign tax matter. In 2016, Net income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company also included charges for a litigation matter, a gain on sale of land in Mexico and benefits from tax matters.
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)
Excluding the items described above in all years, as applicable, Net income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company increased 2% to $2,590 in 2018 and Earnings per share, diluted increased 3% to $2.97, and Net income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company increased 1% to $2,545 in 2017, as compared to $2,522 in 2016, and Earnings per share, diluted increased 2% to $2.87 in 2017 from $2.81 in 2016. |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2018 |
| Income Before Income Taxes | | Provision For Income Taxes(1) | | Net Income Including Noncontrolling Interests | | Less: Income Attributable To Noncontrolling Interests | | Net Income Attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company | | Diluted Earnings Per Share(2) |
As Reported GAAP | $ | 3,464 |
| | $ | 906 |
| | $ | 2,558 |
| | $ | 158 |
| | $ | 2,400 |
| | $ | 2.75 |
|
Global Growth and Efficiency Program | 161 |
| | 37 |
| | 124 |
| | (1 | ) | | 125 |
| | 0.15 |
|
Benefit from a foreign tax matter | — |
| | 15 |
| | (15 | ) | | — |
| | (15 | ) | | (0.02 | ) |
U.S. tax reform | — |
| | (80 | ) | | 80 |
| | — |
| | 80 |
| | 0.09 |
|
Non-GAAP | $ | 3,625 |
| | $ | 878 |
| | $ | 2,747 |
| | $ | 157 |
| | $ | 2,590 |
| | $ | 2.97 |
|
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2017 |
| Income Before Income Taxes | | Provision For Income Taxes(1) | | Net Income Including Noncontrolling Interests | | Net Income Attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company | | Diluted Earnings Per Share(2) |
As Reported GAAP | $ | 3,487 | | | $ | 1,313 |
| | $ | 2,174 |
| | $ | 2,024 |
| | $ | 2.28 |
|
Global Growth and Efficiency Program | 333 | | | 87 |
| | 246 |
| | 246 |
| | 0.28 |
|
U.S. tax reform | — | | | (275 | ) | | 275 |
| | 275 |
| | 0.31 |
|
Non-GAAP | $ | 3,820 | | | $ | 1,125 |
| | $ | 2,695 |
| | $ | 2,545 |
| | $ | 2.87 |
|
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2016 |
| Income Before Income Taxes | | Provision For Income Taxes(1) | | Net Income Including Noncontrolling Interests | | Less: Income Attributable To Noncontrolling Interests | | Net Income Attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company | | Diluted Earnings Per Share(2) |
As Reported GAAP | $ | 3,738 |
| | $ | 1,152 |
| | $ | 2,586 |
| | $ | 145 |
| | $ | 2,441 |
| | $ | 2.72 |
|
Global Growth and Efficiency Program | 228 |
| | 59 |
| | 169 |
| | 1 |
| | 168 |
| | 0.19 |
|
Gain on sale of land in Mexico | (97 | ) | | (34 | ) | | (63 | ) | | — |
| | (63 | ) | | (0.07 | ) |
Benefits from tax matters | — |
| | 35 |
| | (35 | ) | | — |
| | (35 | ) | | (0.04 | ) |
Charges for a litigation matter | 17 |
| | 6 |
| | 11 |
| | — |
| | 11 |
| | 0.01 |
|
Non-GAAP | $ | 3,886 |
| | $ | 1,218 |
| | $ | 2,668 |
| | $ | 146 |
| | $ | 2,522 |
| | $ | 2.81 |
|
_______
| |
(1) | The income tax effect on non-GAAP items is calculated based upon the tax laws and statutory income tax rates applicable in the tax jurisdiction(s) of the underlying non-GAAP adjustment. |
| |
(2) | The impact of non-GAAP adjustments on Diluted earnings per share may not necessarily equal the difference between “GAAP” and “non-GAAP” as a result of rounding. |
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)
Segment Results
The Company markets its products in over 200 countries and territories throughout the world in two product segments: Oral, Personal and Home Care; and Pet Nutrition. The Company evaluates segment performance based on several factors, including Operating profit. The Company uses Operating profit as a measure of the operating segment performance because it excludes the impact of corporate-driven decisions related to interest expense and income taxes.
Oral, Personal and Home Care
North America
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2018 | | 2017 | | % Change | | 2016 | | % Change |
Net sales | $ | 3,348 |
| | $ | 3,117 |
| | 7.5 |
| % | | $ | 3,183 |
| | (2.0 | ) | % |
Operating profit | $ | 1,037 |
| | $ | 1,043 |
| | (1 | ) | % | | $ | 1,087 |
| | (4 | ) | % |
% of Net sales | 31.0 | % | | 33.5 | % | | (250 | ) | bps | | 34.2 | % | | (70 | ) | bps |
Net sales in North America increased 7.5% in 2018 to $3,348, driven by volume growth of 6.5% and net selling price increases of 1.0%, while foreign exchange was flat. The Company’s professional skin care acquisitions increased volume by 5.0%. Organic sales in North America increased 2.5% in 2018.
The increase in organic sales in North America in 2018 versus 2017 was due to increases in Oral Care, Personal Care and Home Care organic sales. The increase in Oral Care was due to organic sales growth in the toothpaste and toothbrush categories. The increase in Personal Care was primarily due to organic sales growth in the liquid hand soap category. The increase in Home Care was due to organic sales growth in the liquid cleaner and fabric softener categories.
Net sales in North America decreased 2.0% in 2017 to $3,117, driven by net selling price decreases of 2.0%, while volume and foreign exchange were flat. Organic sales in North America decreased 2.0% in 2017.
Operating profit in North America decreased 1% in 2018 to $1,037, or 250 bps to 31.0% of Net sales. This decrease in Operating profit as a percentage of Net sales was due to a decrease in Gross profit (40 bps), an increase in Selling, general and administrative expenses (120 bps) and an increase in Other (income) expense, net (90 bps), all as a percentage of Net sales. This decrease in Gross profit was primarily due to higher raw and packaging material costs (220 bps), which were partially offset by cost savings from the Company’s funding-the-growth initiatives (160 bps). This increase in Selling, general and administrative expenses was due to higher overhead expenses (140 bps), primarily driven by increased logistics costs, which were partially offset by decreased advertising investment (20 bps). This increase in Other (income) expense, net was primarily due to the amortization of intangible assets resulting from the professional skin care acquisitions.
Operating profit in North America decreased 4% in 2017 to $1,043, or 70 bps to 33.5% of Net sales. This decrease in Operating profit as a percentage of Net sales was primarily due to a decrease in Gross profit (40 bps) and an increase in Selling, general and administrative expenses (60 bps), both as a percentage of Net sales. This decrease in Gross profit was primarily driven by higher raw and packaging material costs (160 bps) and lower pricing due to increased in-store promotional activities, which were partially offset by cost savings from the Company’s funding-the-growth initiatives and the Global Growth and Efficiency Program (220 bps). This increase in Selling, general and administrative expenses was due to increased advertising investment (60 bps).
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)
Latin America
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2018 | | 2017 | | % Change | | 2016 | | % Change |
Net sales | $ | 3,605 |
| | $ | 3,887 |
| | (7.5 | ) | % | | $ | 3,650 |
| | 6.5 |
| % |
Operating profit | $ | 995 |
| | $ | 1,171 |
| | (15 | ) | % | | $ | 1,139 |
| | 3 |
| % |
% of Net sales | 27.6 | % | | 30.1 | % | | (250 | ) | bps | | 31.2 | % | | (110 | ) | bps |
Net sales in Latin America decreased 7.5% in 2018 to $3,605. Volume declines of 2.5% and negative foreign exchange of 6.5% were partially offset by net selling price increases of 1.5%. Volume declines in Brazil, Central America and Argentina were partially offset by volume gains in Greater Caribbean. Organic sales in Latin America decreased 1.0% in 2018.
The decrease in organic sales in Latin America in 2018 versus 2017 was driven by declines in Oral Care and Personal Care organic sales, partially offset by an increase in Home Care organic sales. The decline in Oral Care was due to a decline in organic sales in the toothpaste category, partially offset by organic sales growth in the manual toothbrush category. The decline in Personal Care was primarily due to a decline in organic sales in the bar soap category. The increase in Home Care was due to organic sales growth in the liquid cleaner, hand dish and fabric softener categories.
Net sales in Latin America increased 6.5% in 2017 to $3,887, driven by volume growth of 2.5%, net selling price increases of 3.0% and positive foreign exchange of 1.0%. Volume gains were led by Brazil, the Southern Cone and the Andean Region. Organic sales in Latin America increased 5.5% in 2017.
Operating profit in Latin America decreased 15% in 2018 to $995, or 250 bps to 27.6% of Net sales. This decrease in Operating profit as a percentage of Net sales was primarily due to a decrease in Gross profit (220 bps) and an increase in Selling, general and administrative expenses (20 bps), both as a percentage of Net sales. This decrease in Gross profit was due to higher raw and packaging material costs (470 bps), which included foreign exchange transaction costs, which were partially offset by cost savings from the Company’s funding-the-growth initiatives (250 bps). This increase in Selling, general and administrative expenses was due to higher overhead expenses (40 bps), primarily driven by increased logistics costs, which were partially offset by decreased advertising investment (20 bps).
Operating profit in Latin America increased 3% in 2017 to $1,171, while as a percentage of Net sales it decreased 110 bps to 30.1% of Net sales. This decrease in Operating profit as a percentage of Net sales was primarily due to an increase in Selling, general and administrative expenses (180 bps), partially offset by an increase in Gross profit (40 bps), both as a percentage of Net sales. This increase in Gross profit was mainly driven by cost savings from the Company’s funding-the-growth initiatives (170 bps) and higher pricing, which were partially offset by higher raw and packaging material costs (260 bps). This increase in Selling, general and administrative expenses was due to increased advertising investment (120 bps) and higher overhead expenses (60 bps).
Effective July 1, 2018, Argentina was designated as a hyper-inflationary economy under GAAP. Consequently, the functional currency for the Company’s Argentinian subsidiary is the U.S. dollar and the impact of Argentinian currency fluctuations has been and will be recorded in income. However, this designation has not had and is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)
Europe
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2018 | | 2017 | | % Change | | 2016 | | % Change |
Net sales | $ | 2,502 |
| | $ | 2,394 |
| | 4.5 |
| % | | $ | 2,342 |
| | 2.0 |
| % |
Operating profit | $ | 634 |
| | $ | 605 |
| | 5 |
| % | | $ | 586 |
| | 3 |
| % |
% of Net sales | 25.3 | % | | 25.3 | % | | — |
| bps | | 25.0 | % | | 30 |
| bps |
Net sales in Europe increased 4.5% in 2018 to $2,502, as volume growth of 2.5% and positive foreign exchange of 4.0% were partially offset by net selling price decreases of 2.0%. Volume gains were led by France, the United Kingdom and Italy. Organic sales in Europe increased 0.5% in 2018.
The increase in organic sales in Europe in 2018 versus 2017 was primarily due to an increase in Oral Care organic sales. The increase in Oral Care was driven by organic sales growth in the toothpaste category, partially offset by a decline in organic sales in the manual toothbrush category.
Net sales in Europe increased 2.0% in 2017 to $2,394, as volume growth of 2.0% and positive foreign exchange of 1.0% were partially offset by net selling price decreases of 1.0%. Volume gains were led by France, the Netherlands, Spain and Poland. Organic sales in Europe increased 1.0% in 2017.
Operating profit in Europe increased 5% in 2018 to $634, while as a percentage of Net sales it was 25.3%, even with 2017. Operating profit was even with 2017 as a decrease in Gross profit (20 bps) and an increase in Selling, general and administrative expenses (10 bps) were offset by a decrease in Other (income) expense, net (30 bps), all as a percentage of Net sales. This decrease in Gross profit was primarily due to higher raw and packaging material costs (180 bps) and lower pricing, which were partially offset by cost savings from the Company’s funding-the-growth initiatives (200 bps). This increase in Selling, general and administrative expenses was due to increased advertising investment (60 bps), which was partially offset by lower overhead expenses (50 bps).
Operating profit in Europe increased 3% in 2017 to $605, or 30 bps to 25.3% of Net sales. This increase in Operating profit as a percentage of Net sales was primarily due to an increase in Gross profit (30 bps) and a decrease in Selling, general and administrative expenses (20 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 and the Global Growth and Efficiency Program (230 bps) and category sales mix, which were partially offset by higher raw and packaging material costs (230 bps), which included foreign exchange transaction costs, and lower pricing due to increased in-store promotional activities. This decrease in Selling, general and administrative expenses was due to lower overhead expenses (70 bps), which were partially offset by increased advertising investment (50 bps).
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)
Asia Pacific
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2018 | | 2017 | | % Change | | 2016 | | % Change |
Net sales | $ | 2,734 |
| | $ | 2,781 |
| | (1.5 | ) | % | | $ | 2,796 |
| | (0.5 | ) | % |
Operating profit | $ | 777 |
| | $ | 842 |
| | (8 | ) | % | | $ | 888 |
| | (5 | ) | % |
% of Net sales | 28.4 | % | | 30.3 | % | | (190 | ) | bps | | 31.8 | % | | (150 | ) | bps |
Net sales in Asia Pacific decreased 1.5% in 2018 to $2,734, as a result of volume declines of 1.5%, while net selling prices and foreign exchange were flat. Volume declines in the Greater China region and Thailand were partially offset by volume gains in India and the Philippines. Organic sales in Asia Pacific declined 1.5% in 2018.
The decrease in organic sales in 2018 versus 2017 was due to a decrease in Oral Care and Personal Care organic sales. The decrease in Oral Care was due to declines in organic sales in the toothpaste and manual toothbrush categories. The decrease in Personal Care was primarily due to declines in organic sales in the shampoo and bar soap categories.
Net sales in Asia Pacific decreased 0.5% in 2017 to $2,781, as a result of volume declines of 0.5%, while net selling prices and foreign exchange were flat. Volume declines in Australia, Thailand and India were partially offset by volume gains in the Philippines. Organic sales in Asia Pacific declined 0.5% in 2017.
Operating profit in Asia Pacific decreased 8% in 2018 to $777, or 190 bps to 28.4% of Net sales. This decrease in Operating profit as a percentage of Net sales was primarily due to a decrease in Gross profit (80 bps) and an increase in Selling, general and administrative expenses (80 bps), both as a percentage of Net sales. This decrease in Gross profit was primarily due to higher raw and packaging material costs (320 bps), which were partially offset by cost savings from the Company’s funding-the-growth initiatives (270 bps). This increase in Selling, general and administrative expenses was due to higher overhead expenses (50 bps) and increased advertising investment (30 bps).
Operating profit in Asia Pacific decreased 5% in 2017 to $842, or 150 bps to 30.3% of Net sales. This decrease in Operating profit as a percentage of Net sales was primarily due to a decrease in Gross profit (20 bps) and an increase in Selling, general and administrative expenses (120 bps), both as a percentage of Net sales. This decrease in Gross profit was primarily due to higher costs (290 bps), primarily driven by raw and packaging material costs, which were partially offset by cost savings from the Company’s funding-the-growth initiatives (250 bps). This increase in Selling, general and administrative expenses was due to higher overhead expenses (90 bps) and increased advertising investment (30 bps).
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)
Africa/Eurasia
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2018 | | 2017 | | % Change | | 2016 | | % Change |
Net sales | $ | 967 |
| | $ | 983 |
| | (1.5 | ) | % | | $ | 960 |
| | 2.5 |
| % |
Operating profit | $ | 173 |
| | $ | 180 |
| | (4 | ) | % | | $ | 187 |
| | (4 | ) | % |
% of Net sales | 17.9 | % | | 18.3 | % | | (40 | ) | bps | | 19.5 | % | | (120 | ) | bps |
Net sales in Africa/Eurasia decreased 1.5% in 2018 to $967, as volume declines of 1.0% and negative foreign exchange of 4.0% were partially offset by net selling price increases of 3.5%. Volume declines in Russia, Turkey and South Africa were partially offset by volume gains in the Gulf States. Organic sales in Africa/Eurasia increased 2.5% in 2018.
The increase in organic sales in 2018 versus 2017 was primarily due to an increase in Oral Care organic sales, partially offset by a decline in Personal Care organic sales. The increase in Oral Care was due to organic sales growth in the toothpaste and manual toothbrush categories. The decrease in Personal Care was primarily due to declines in organic sales in the bar soap and underarm protection categories, partially offset by organic sales growth in the shower gel category.
Net sales in Africa/Eurasia increased 2.5% in 2017 to $983, as net selling price increases of 3.5% and positive foreign exchange of 3.5% were partially offset by volume declines of 4.5%. Volume declines in the Sub-Saharan Africa region, Turkey and South Africa were partially offset by volume gains in Russia. Organic sales in Africa/Eurasia declined 1.0% in 2017.
Operating profit in Africa/Eurasia decreased 4% in 2018 to $173, or 40 bps to 17.9% of Net sales. This decrease in Operating profit as a percentage of Net sales was primarily due to a decrease in Gross Profit (130 bps), partially offset by a decrease in Selling, general and administrative expenses (70 bps), both as a percentage of Net sales. This decrease in Gross profit was mainly driven by higher raw and packaging material costs (430 bps), which included foreign exchange transaction costs, which were partially offset by cost savings from the Company’s funding-the-growth initiatives (110 bps) and higher pricing. The decrease in Selling, general and administrative expenses was due to lower overhead expenses (50 bps) and decreased advertising investment (20 bps).
Operating profit in Africa/Eurasia decreased 4% in 2017 to $180, or 120 bps to 18.3% of Net sales. This decrease in Operating profit as a percentage of Net sales was primarily due to an increase in Selling, general and administrative expenses (260 bps), partially offset by an increase in Gross profit (160 bps), both as a percentage of Net sales. This increase in Gross profit was mainly driven by cost savings from the Company’s funding-the-growth initiatives (120 bps) and higher pricing, which were partially offset by higher raw and packaging material costs (100 bps). The increase in Selling, general and administrative expenses was due to increased advertising investment (310 bps), which was partially offset by lower overhead expenses (50 bps).
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)
Hill’s Pet Nutrition
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2018 | | 2017 | | % Change | | 2016 | | % Change |
Net sales | $ | 2,388 |
| | $ | 2,292 |
| | 4.0 |
| % | | $ | 2,264 |
| | 1.0 |
| % |
Operating profit | $ | 680 |
| | $ | 677 |
| | — |
| % | | $ | 677 |
| | — |
| % |
% of Net sales | 28.5 | % | | 29.5 | % | | (100 | ) | bps | | 29.9 | % | | (40 | ) | bps |
Net sales for Hill’s Pet Nutrition increased 4.0% in 2018 to $2,388, driven by volume growth of 1.5%, net selling price increases of 2.0% and positive foreign exchange of 0.5%. Volume gains were led by the United States and Australia. Organic sales in Hill’s Pet Nutrition increased 3.5% in 2018.
The increase in organic sales in 2018 versus 2017 was due to organic sales growth in the Prescription Diet and Advanced Nutrition categories, partially offset by a decline in organic sales in the Naturals category.
Net sales for Hill’s Pet Nutrition increased 1.0% in 2017 to $2,292, driven by net selling price increases of 1.5% and positive foreign exchange of 0.5%, partially offset by volume declines of 1.0%. Volume declines in the United States, Japan and Western and Eastern Europe were partially offset by volume gains in Australia and Latin America. The volume declines in the United States were attributable to trade disruption, while the volume declines in Japan were attributable to a continued contraction in the market. Organic sales in Hill’s Pet Nutrition increased 0.5% in 2017.
Operating profit in Hill’s Pet Nutrition increased to $680 in 2018 from $677 in 2017, while as a percentage of Net sales it decreased 100 bps to 28.5%. This decrease in Operating profit as a percentage of Net sales was due to a decrease in Gross profit (70 bps) and an increase in Other (income) expense, net (70 bps), partially offset by a decrease in Selling, general and administrative expenses (40 bps), all as a percentage of Net sales. This decrease in Gross profit was primarily due to higher raw and packaging material costs (300 bps), partially offset by cost savings from the Company’s funding-the-growth initiatives (150 bps) and higher pricing. This decrease in Selling, general and administrative expenses was due to lower overhead expenses (30 bps) and decreased advertising investment (10 bps). This increase in Other (income) expense, net was primarily due to the expiration of a foreign sales tax benefit.
Operating profit in Hill’s Pet Nutrition was $677 in 2017, even with 2016, while as a percentage of Net sales it decreased 40 bps to 29.5%. This decrease in Operating profit as a percentage of Net sales was primarily due to an increase in Selling, general and administrative expenses (90 bps), partially offset by an increase in Gross profit (60 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 (170 bps) and higher pricing, partially offset by higher raw and packaging material costs (110 bps), net of foreign exchange transaction costs. This increase in Selling, general and administrative expenses was due to increased advertising investment (60 bps) and higher overhead expenses (30 bps).
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)
Corporate
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2018 | | 2017 | | % Change | | 2016 | | % Change |
Operating profit (loss) | $ | (602 | ) | | $ | (811 | ) | | (26 | ) | % | | $ | (609 | ) | | 33 | % |
Corporate operations include Corporate overhead costs, research and development costs, stock-based compensation expense related to stock options and restricted stock unit awards, restructuring and related implementation costs and gains and losses on sales of non-core product lines. The components of Operating profit (loss) for the Corporate segment are presented as follows:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2018 | | 2017 | | 2016 |
Global Growth and Efficiency Program | | $ | (152 | ) | | $ | (313 | ) | | $ | (216 | ) |
Gain on sale of land in Mexico | | — |
| | — |
| | 97 |
|
Charges for a litigation matter | | — |
| | — |
| | (17 | ) |
Corporate overhead costs and other, net | | (450 | ) | | (498 | ) | | (473 | ) |
Total Corporate Operating profit (loss) | | $ | (602 | ) | | $ | (811 | ) | | $ | (609 | ) |
Excluding charges related to the Global Growth and Efficiency Program in 2018, 2017 and 2016, charges for a litigation matter in 2016 and the gain on sale of land in Mexico in 2016, Corporate Operating profit (loss) decreased in 2018 as compared to 2017, driven by lower Corporate overhead costs and other, net, primarily as a result of lower compensation expense.
Restructuring and Related Implementation Charges
Global Growth and Efficiency Program
In the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company commenced the Global Growth and Efficiency Program. The program was expanded in 2014 and expanded and extended in each of 2015 and 2017. The program runs through December 31, 2019.
Initiatives under the Global Growth and Efficiency Program are expected to help the Company ensure sustained solid worldwide growth in unit volume, organic sales, operating profit and earnings per share and to enhance its global leadership positions in its core businesses, producing significant benefits in the Company’s long-term business performance. The major objectives of the program include:
| |
▪ | Becoming even stronger on the ground through the continued evolution and expansion of proven global and regional commercial capabilities, which have already been successfully implemented in a number of the Company’s operations around the world. |
| |
▪ | Simplifying and standardizing how work gets done by increasing technology-enabled collaboration and taking advantage of global data and analytic capabilities, leading to smarter and faster decisions. |
| |
▪ | Reducing structural costs to continue to increase the Company’s gross and operating profit. |
| |
▪ | Building on Colgate’s current position of strength to enhance its leading market share positions worldwide and ensure sustained sales and earnings growth. |
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)
The initiatives under the Global Growth and Efficiency Program continue to be focused on the following areas:
| |
▪ | Expanding Commercial Hubs – Building on the success of the hub structure implemented around the world, streamlining operations in order to drive smarter and faster decision-making, strengthen capabilities available on the ground and improve cost structure. |
| |
▪ | Extending Shared Business Services and Streamlining Global Functions – Optimizing the Company’s shared service organizational model in all regions of the world and continuing to streamline global functions to improve cost structure. |
| |
▪ | Optimizing Global Supply Chain and Facilities – Continuing to optimize manufacturing efficiencies, global warehouse networks and office locations for greater efficiency, lower cost and speed to bring innovation to market. |
Implementation of the Global Growth and Efficiency Program remains on track and is in its final year. Savings, substantially all of which are expected to increase future cash flows, are projected to be in the range of $590 to $635 pretax ($550 to $575 aftertax) annually, once all projects are approved and implemented. Savings achieved in 2018 were in line with the Company’s previously disclosed estimate of $90 to $120 pretax ($100 to $125 aftertax). The Company expects savings in 2019 to be approximately $25 to $55 pretax ($40 to $60 aftertax). Cumulative pretax charges resulting from the Global Growth and Efficiency Program, once all phases are approved and implemented, are estimated to be in the range of $1,820 to $1,870 ($1,350 to $1,380 aftertax). The Company anticipates that pretax charges for 2019 will approximate $100 to $150 ($70 to $100 aftertax). It is expected that substantially all charges resulting from the Global Growth and Efficiency Program will be incurred by December 31, 2019.
The pretax charges resulting from the Global Growth and Efficiency Program are currently estimated to be comprised of the following categories: Employee-Related Costs, including severance, pension and other termination benefits (45%); asset-related costs, primarily Incremental Depreciation and Asset Impairments (5%); and Other charges, which include contract termination costs, consisting primarily of related implementation charges resulting directly from exit activities (30%) and the implementation of new strategies (20%). Over the course of the Global Growth and Efficiency Program, it is currently estimated that approximately 80% of the charges will result in cash expenditures.
The Company expects that the cumulative pretax charges, once all projects are approved and implemented, will relate to initiatives undertaken in North America (15%), Europe (20%), Latin America (5%), Asia Pacific (5%), Africa/Eurasia (5%), Hill’s Pet Nutrition (10%) and Corporate (40%), which includes substantially all of the costs related to the implementation of new strategies, noted above, on a global basis. The Company expects that, when it has been fully implemented, the Global Growth and Efficiency Program will have contributed a net reduction of approximately 4,000 to 4,400 positions from the Company’s global employee workforce.
For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, restructuring and related implementation charges are reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Income as follows:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2018 | | 2017 | | 2016 |
Cost of sales | | $ | 31 |
| | $ | 75 |
| | $ | 46 |
|
Selling, general and administrative expenses | | 33 |
| | 86 |
| | 77 |
|
Other (income) expense, net | | 88 |
| | 152 |
| | 93 |
|
Non-service related postretirement costs | | 9 |
| | 20 |
| | 12 |
|
Total Global Growth and Efficiency Program charges, pretax | | $ | 161 |
| | $ | 333 |
| | $ | 228 |
|
| | | | | | |
Total Global Growth and Efficiency Program charges, aftertax | | $ | 125 |
| | $ | 246 |
| | $ | 168 |
|
Restructuring and related implementation charges in the preceding table are recorded in the Corporate segment as these initiatives are predominantly centrally directed and controlled and are not included in internal measures of segment operating performance.
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)
Total charges incurred for the Global Growth and Efficiency Program relate to initiatives undertaken by the following reportable operating segments:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | Program-to-date |
| 2018 | | 2017 | | 2016 | | Accumulated Charges |
North America | 18 | % | | 23 | % | | 35 | % | | 18 | % |
Latin America | 10 | % | | 2 | % | | 5 | % | | 4 | % |
Europe | (2 | )% | | 21 | % | | 12 | % | | 20 | % |
Asia Pacific | 13 | % | | 5 | % | | 4 | % | | 4 | % |
Africa/Eurasia | 5 | % | | 3 | % | | 14 | % | | 6 | % |
Hill’s Pet Nutrition | 19 | % | | 6 | % | | 7 | % | | 8 | % |
Corporate | 37 | % | | 40 | % | | 23 | % | | 40 | % |
Total | 100 | % | | 100 | % | | 100 | % | | 100 | % |
Since the inception of the Global Growth and Efficiency Program in the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company has incurred cumulative pretax charges of $1,722 ($1,278 aftertax) in connection with the implementation of various projects as follows:
|
| | | |
| Cumulative Charges |
| as of December 31, 2018 |
Employee-Related Costs | $ | 681 |
|
Incremental Depreciation | 92 |
|
Asset Impairments | 52 |
|
Other | 897 |
|
Total | $ | 1,722 |
|
The majority of costs incurred since inception relate to the following projects: the implementation of the Company’s overall hubbing strategy; the extension of shared business services and streamlining of global functions; the consolidation of facilities; the closing of the Morristown, New Jersey personal care facility; the simplification and streamlining of the Company’s research and development capabilities and oral care supply chain, both in Europe; redesigning the European commercial organization; restructuring how the Company will provide future retirement benefits to substantially all of the U.S.-based employees participating in the Company’s defined benefit retirement plan by shifting them to the Company’s defined contribution plan; and the implementation of a Corporate efficiencies program.
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)
The following table summarizes the activity for the restructuring and related implementation charges, in the respective periods, discussed above and the related accruals:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Employee-Related Costs | | Incremental Depreciation | | Asset Impairments | | Other | | Total |
Balance at January 1, 2016 | | $ | 84 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 131 |
| | $ | 215 |
|
Charges | | 61 |
| | 9 |
| | 20 |
| | 138 |
| | 228 |
|
Cash payments | | (84 | ) | | — |
| | — |
| | (153 | ) | | (237 | ) |
Charges against assets | | (4 | ) | | (9 | ) | | (20 | ) | | — |
| | (33 | ) |
Foreign exchange | | (1 | ) | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (1 | ) |
Other | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 9 |
| | 9 |
|
Balance at December 31, 2016 | | $ | 56 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 125 |
| | $ | 181 |
|
Charges | | 163 |
| | 10 |
| | 9 |
| | 151 |
| | 333 |
|
Cash payments | | (74 | ) | | — |
| | — |
| | (170 | ) | | (244 | ) |
Charges against assets | | (21 | ) | | (10 | ) | | (9 | ) | | — |
| | (40 | ) |
Foreign exchange | | 3 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 1 |
| | 4 |
|
Other | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
|
Balance at December 31, 2017 | | $ | 127 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 107 |
| | $ | 234 |
|
Charges | | 53 |
| | 2 |
| | 16 |
| | 90 |
| | 161 |
|
Cash payments | | (107 | ) | | — |
| | — |
| | (60 | ) | | (167 | ) |
Charges against assets | | (9 | ) | | (2 | ) | | (16 | ) | | — |
| | (27 | ) |
Foreign exchange | | (4 | ) | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (4 | ) |
Other | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 5 |
| | 5 |
|
Balance at December 31, 2018 | | $ | 60 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 142 |
| | $ | 202 |
|
Employee-Related Costs primarily include severance and other termination benefits and are calculated based on long-standing benefit practices, local statutory requirements and, in certain cases, voluntary termination arrangements. Employee-Related Costs also include pension and other retiree benefit enhancements amounting to $9, $21 and $4 for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively, which are reflected as Charges against assets within Employee-Related Costs in the preceding table, as the corresponding balance sheet amounts are reflected as a reduction of pension assets or an increase in pension and other retiree benefit liabilities (see Note 10, Retirement Plans and Other Retiree Benefits to the Consolidated Financial Statements).
Incremental Depreciation is recorded to reflect changes in useful lives and estimated residual values for long-lived assets that will be taken out of service prior to the end of their normal service period. Asset Impairments are recorded to write down 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.
Other charges consist primarily of charges resulting directly from exit activities and the implementation of new strategies as a result of the Global Growth and Efficiency Program. These charges for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 include third-party incremental costs related to the development and implementation of new business and strategic initiatives of $42, $145 and $116, respectively, and contract termination costs and charges resulting directly from exit activities of $48, $6 and $21, respectively. These charges were expensed as incurred. Also included in Other charges for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 are other exit costs of $0, $0 and $1, respectively, related to the consolidation of facilities.
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
This Annual Report on Form 10-K discusses certain financial measures on both a GAAP and a non-GAAP basis. The Company uses the non-GAAP financial measures described below internally in its budgeting process, to evaluate segment and overall operating performance and as a factor in determining compensation. The Company believes that these non-GAAP financial measures are useful in evaluating the Company’s underlying business performance and trends; however, this information should be considered as supplemental in nature and is not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the related financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP. In addition, these non-GAAP financial measures may not be the same as similar measures presented by other companies.
Net sales growth (GAAP) and organic sales growth (Net sales growth excluding the impact of foreign exchange, acquisitions and divestments) (non-GAAP) are discussed in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Management believes the organic sales growth measure provides investors and analysts with useful supplemental information regarding the Company’s underlying sales trends by presenting sales growth excluding, as applicable, the external factor of foreign exchange, as well as the impact of acquisitions and divestments. A reconciliation of organic sales growth to Net sales growth for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 is provided below.
Worldwide Gross profit, Gross profit margin, Selling, general and administrative expenses, Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of Net sales, Other (income) expense, net, Operating profit, Operating profit margin, Non-service related postretirement costs, effective income tax rate, Net income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company and Earnings per share on a diluted basis are discussed in this Annual Report on Form 10-K both on a GAAP basis and excluding, as applicable, charges resulting from the Global Growth and Efficiency Program, a benefit from a foreign tax matter, charges related to U.S. tax reform, a gain on the sale of land in Mexico, benefits from tax matters and charges for a litigation matter (non-GAAP). These non-GAAP financial measures exclude items that, either by their nature or amount, management would not expect to occur as part of the Company’s normal business on a regular basis, such as restructuring charges, charges for certain litigation and tax matters, gains and losses from certain divestitures and certain unusual, non-recurring items. Investors and analysts use these financial measures in assessing the Company’s business performance and management believes that presenting these financial measures on a non-GAAP basis provides them with useful supplemental information to enhance their understanding of the Company’s underlying business performance and trends. These non-GAAP financial measures also enhance the ability to compare period-to-period financial results. A reconciliation of each of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 is presented within the applicable section of Results of Operations.
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)
The following tables provide a quantitative reconciliation of Net sales growth to organic sales growth for each of the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 versus the prior year:
|
| | | | |
Year ended December 31, 2018 | Net Sales Growth (GAAP) | Foreign Exchange Impact | Acquisitions and Divestments Impact | Organic Sales Growth (Non-GAAP) |
Oral, Personal and Home Care | | | | |
North America | 7.5% | —% | 5.0% | 2.5% |
Latin America | (7.5)% | (6.5)% | —% | (1.0)% |
Europe | 4.5% | 4.0% | —% | 0.5% |
Asia Pacific | (1.5)% | —% | —% | (1.5)% |
Africa/Eurasia | (1.5)% | (4.0)% | —% | 2.5% |
Total Oral, Personal and Home Care | —% | (1.5)% | 1.5% | —% |
Pet Nutrition | 4.0% | 0.5% | —% | 3.5% |
Total Company | 0.5% | (1.0)% | 1.0% | 0.5% |
|
| | | | |
Year ended December 31, 2017 | Net Sales Growth (GAAP) | Foreign Exchange Impact | Acquisitions and Divestments Impact | Organic Sales Growth (Non-GAAP) |
Oral, Personal and Home Care | | | | |
North America | (2.0)% | —% | —% | (2.0)% |
Latin America | 6.5% | 1.0% | —% | 5.5% |
Europe | 2.0% | 1.0% | —% | 1.0% |
Asia Pacific | (0.5)% | —% | —% | (0.5)% |
Africa/Eurasia | 2.5% | 3.5% | —% | (1.0)% |
Total Oral, Personal and Home Care | 2.0% | 1.0% | —% | 1.0% |
Pet Nutrition | 1.0% | 0.5% | —% | 0.5% |
Total Company | 1.5% | 0.5% | —% | 1.0% |
Market Share Information
Management uses market share information as a key indicator to monitor business health and performance. References to market share in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are based on a combination of consumption and market share data provided by third-party vendors, primarily Nielsen, and internal estimates. All market share references represent the percentage of the dollar value of sales of our products, relative to all product sales in the category in the countries in which the Company competes and purchases data (excluding Venezuela from all periods).
Market share data is subject to limitations on the availability of up-to-date information. The Company measures year-to-date market shares from January 1 of the relevant year through the most recent period for which market share data is available, which typically reflects a lag time of one or two months. We believe that the third-party vendors we use to provide data are reliable, but we have not verified the accuracy or completeness of the data or any assumptions underlying the data. In addition, market share information calculated by the Company may be different from market share information calculated by other companies due to differences in category definitions, the use of data from different countries, internal estimates and other factors.
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Company expects cash flow from operations and debt issuances will be sufficient to meet foreseeable business operating and recurring cash needs (including for debt service, dividends, capital expenditures, charges resulting from the Global Growth and Efficiency Program and stock repurchases). The Company believes its strong cash generation and financial position should continue to allow it broad access to global credit and capital markets.
Cash Flow
Net cash provided by operations was $3,056 in 2018, compared to $3,054 in 2017 and $3,141 in 2016. Net cash provided by operations for 2018 increased as compared to 2017 primarily due to lower income tax payments, partially offset by an increase in working capital. The decrease in 2017 as compared to 2016 was primarily due to the timing of income tax payments.
The Company defines working capital as the difference between current assets (excluding Cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities, the latter of which is reported in Other current assets) and current liabilities (excluding short-term debt). The Company continues to be tightly focused on working capital. The Company’s working capital as a percentage of Net sales was (1.7)% in 2018 as compared to (2.0)% in 2017.
In the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company commenced the Global Growth and Efficiency Program. The program was expanded in 2014 and expanded and extended in each of 2015 and 2017. The program runs through December 31, 2019.
Implementation of the Global Growth and Efficiency Program remains on track and is in its final year. Including the most recent expansion, total program charges resulting from the Global Growth and Efficiency Program are estimated to be in the range of $1,820 to $1,870 ($1,350 to $1,380 aftertax). Approximately 80% of total program charges resulting from the Global Growth and Efficiency Program are expected to result in cash expenditures. Savings from the Global Growth and Efficiency Program, substantially all of which are expected to increase future cash flows, are projected to be in the range of $590 to $635 pretax ($550 to $575 aftertax) annually, once all projects are approved and implemented. Savings achieved in 2018 were in line with the Company’s previously disclosed estimate of $90 to $120 pretax ($100 to $125 aftertax).
The Company anticipates that pretax charges for 2019 will approximate $100 to $150 ($70 to $100 aftertax). The Company expects savings in 2019 to amount to approximately $25 to $55 pretax ($40 to $60 aftertax). It is anticipated that cash requirements for the Global Growth and Efficiency Program will be funded from operating cash flows. Approximately 70% of the restructuring accrual at December 31, 2018 is expected to be paid before year-end 2019.
Investing activities used $1,170 of cash in 2018, compared to $471 and $499 during 2017 and 2016, respectively. Investing activities in 2018 include the Company’s acquisition of the outstanding equity interests of PCA Skin and Elta MD, professional skin care businesses, for aggregate cash consideration of approximately $730. Purchases of marketable securities and investments decreased in 2018 to $169 from $347 in 2017. Proceeds from the sale of marketable securities and investments decreased in 2018 to $156 from $391 in 2017.
In September 2016, the Company’s Mexican subsidiary completed the sale to the United States of America of the Mexico City site on which its commercial operations, technology center and soap production facility were previously located and received $60 as the third and final installment of the sale price. The total sale price (including the third installment and the previously received first and second installments) was $120. The Company recognized a pretax gain of $97 ($63 aftertax) in the third quarter of 2016, net of costs primarily related to site preparation.
Capital expenditures in 2018 were $436, a decrease from $553 in 2017 and $593 in 2016. Capital expenditures decreased in 2018 primarily due to lower spending on manufacturing facilities and capital projects related to the Global Growth and Efficiency Program. Capital expenditures for 2019 are expected to be approximately 2.5% to 3.0% of Net sales. The Company continues to focus its capital spending on projects that are expected to yield high aftertax returns.
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)
Financing activities used $2,679 of cash during 2018 compared to $2,450 and $2,233 during 2017 and 2016, respectively. The increase in cash used in 2018 as compared to 2017 was primarily due to higher net payments on debt and lower proceeds from the exercise of stock options. The increase in cash used in 2017 as compared to 2016 was primarily due to lower net proceeds from the issuance of debt and higher purchases of treasury shares.
Long-term debt, including the current portion, decreased to $6,354 as of December 31, 2018, as compared to $6,566 as of December 31, 2017 and total debt decreased to $6,366 as of December 31, 2018 as compared to $6,577 as of December 31, 2017. The Company’s debt issuances support its capital structure strategy objectives of funding its business and growth initiatives while minimizing its risk-adjusted cost of capital. During the fourth quarter of 2017, the Company issued $400 of five-year notes at a fixed rate of 2.25%. During the third quarter of 2017, the Company issued $500 of thirty-year notes at a fixed rate of 3.70%. The debt issuances in 2017 were under the Company’s shelf registration statement. Proceeds from the debt issuances in 2017 were used for general corporate purposes, which included the retirement of commercial paper borrowings.
At December 31, 2018, the Company had access to unused domestic and foreign lines of credit of $3,023 (including under the facility discussed below) and could also issue medium-term notes pursuant to an effective shelf registration statement. In November 2018, the Company amended and restated its five-year revolving credit facility, on substantially similar terms, for a five-year term expiring November 2023 and increasing the facility’s capacity to $2,650. Commitment fees related to the credit facility are not material.
Domestic and foreign commercial paper outstanding was $534 and $24 as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. The average daily balances outstanding of commercial paper in 2018 and 2017 were $1,773 and $1,606, respectively. The Company classifies commercial paper and certain current maturities of notes payable as long-term debt when it has the intent and ability to refinance such obligations on a long-term basis, including, if necessary, by utilizing its line of credit that expires in November 2023.
The following is a summary of the Company’s commercial paper and global short-term borrowings as of December 31, 2018 and 2017:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2018 | | 2017 |
| | Weighted Average Interest Rate | | Maturities | | Outstanding | | Weighted Average Interest Rate | | Maturities | | Outstanding |
Payable to banks | | 5.3 | % | | 2019 | | $ | 12 |
| | 2.8 | % | | 2018 | | $ | 11 |
|
Commercial paper | | 2.5 | % | | 2019 | | 534 |
| | 1.5 | % | | 2018 | | 24 |
|
Total | | | | | | $ | 546 |
| | | | | | $ | 35 |
|
Certain of the agreements with respect to the Company’s bank borrowings contain financial and other covenants as well as cross-default provisions. Noncompliance with these requirements could ultimately result in the acceleration of amounts owed. The Company is in full compliance with all such requirements and believes the likelihood of noncompliance is remote. See Note 6, Long-Term Debt and Credit Facilities to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information about the Company’s long-term debt and credit facilities.
Dividend payments in 2018 were $1,591, an increase from $1,529 in 2017 and $1,508 in 2016. Dividend payments increased to $1.66 per share in 2018 from $1.59 per share in 2017 and $1.55 per share in 2016. In the first quarter of 2018, the Company’s Board increased the quarterly common stock cash dividend to $0.42 per share from $0.40 per share, effective in the second quarter of 2018.
The Company repurchases shares of its common stock in the open market and in private transactions to maintain its targeted capital structure and to fulfill certain requirements of its compensation and benefit plans. On June 18, 2018, the Board authorized the repurchase of shares of the Company’s common stock having an aggregate purchase price of up to $5,000 under the 2018 Program, which replaced a previously authorized share repurchase program. The Board also has authorized share repurchases on an ongoing basis to fulfill certain requirements of the Company’s compensation and benefit programs. The shares are repurchased from time to time in open market or privately negotiated transactions at the Company’s discretion, subject to market conditions, customary blackout periods and other factors.
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)
Aggregate share repurchases in 2018 consisted of 8.9 million common shares under the 2018 Program, 8.7 million common shares under the 2015 Program and 1.1 million common shares to fulfill the requirements of compensation and benefit plans, for a total purchase price of $1,238. Aggregate repurchases in 2017 consisted of 18.3 million common shares under the 2015 Program and 0.9 million common shares to fulfill the requirements of compensation and benefit plans, for a total purchase price of $1,399. Aggregate repurchases in 2016 consisted of 18.3 million common shares under the 2015 Program and 1.0 million common shares to fulfill the requirements of compensation and benefit plans, for a total purchase price of $1,335.
Cash and cash equivalents decreased $809 during 2018 to $726 at December 31, 2018, compared to $1,535 at December 31, 2017, primarily due to the acquisitions of PCA Skin and Elta MD and reduced levels of debt. Cash and cash equivalents held by the Company’s foreign subsidiaries was $651 and $1,467, respectively, at December 31, 2018 and 2017.
In 2016, in order to fully utilize a $210 U.S. income tax benefit principally related to changes in Venezuela’s foreign exchange regime, the Company decided to repatriate $1,500 of earnings of foreign subsidiaries it previously considered indefinitely reinvested outside of the U.S., and accordingly, recorded a tax charge of $210.
The following represents the scheduled maturities of the Company’s contractual obligations as of December 31, 2018:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | |
| | Total | | 2019 | | 2020 | | 2021 | | 2022 | | 2023 | | Thereafter |
Long-term debt including current portion(1) | | $ | 4,748 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 249 |
| | $ | 298 |
| | $ | 886 |
| | $ | 893 |
| | $ | 2,422 |
|
Net cash interest payments on long-term debt(2) | | 1,993 |
| | 148 |
| | 143 |
| | 136 |
| | 121 |
| | 92 |
| | 1,353 |
|
Leases | | 666 |
| | 193 |
| | 165 |
| | 123 |
| | 102 |
| | 51 |
| | 32 |
|
Purchase obligations(3) | | 440 |
| | 179 |
| | 151 |
| | 96 |
| | 4 |
| |