form10k.htm


UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K
 
(Mark One)
T
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009
or
£
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

Logo 1
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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:

Title of each class
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $1.00 par value
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 T 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 £ NoT
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 T No£
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted 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 T 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. £
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer T
Accelerated filer £
Non-accelerated filer £ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company £
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes£ NoT
The aggregate market value of Colgate-Palmolive Company Common Stock held by non-affiliates as of June 30, 2009 (the last business day of its most recently completed second quarter) was approximately $35.2 billion.

There were 493,747,179 shares of Colgate-Palmolive Company Common Stock outstanding as of January 31, 2010.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:
Documents
Form 10-K Reference
Portions of Proxy Statement for the 2010 Annual Meeting
Part III, Items 10 through 14
 


 


Colgate-Palmolive Company
Table of Contents


Part I
 
Page
     
Item 1.
1
Item 1A.
5
Item 1B.
10
Item 2.
10
Item 3.
10
Item 4.
13
     
Part II
   
Item 5.
14
Item 6.
15
Item 7.
15
Item 7A.
35
Item 8.
35
Item 9.
35
Item 9A.
36
Item 9B.
36
     
Part III
   
Item 10.
37
Item 11.
37
Item 12.
37
Item 13.
38
Item 14.
38
     
Part IV
   
Item 15.
39
     
40

i


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 “Executive Overview and Outlook,” “Results of Operations” and “Liquidity and Capital Resources” in Part II, Item 7 of this report.

(b) Financial Information about Segments

Worldwide Net sales and Operating profit by business segment and geographic region during the last three years appear under the caption “Results of Operations” in Part II, Item 7 of this report and in Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

(c) Narrative Description of the Business

The Company manages its business in two product segments: Oral, Personal and Home Care; and Pet Nutrition. Colgate is a global leader in Oral Care with the leading toothpaste and manual toothbrush brands throughout many parts of the world according to value share data provided by ACNielsen. Colgate’s Oral Care products include Colgate Total and Colgate Max Fresh toothpastes, Colgate 360° manual toothbrushes and Colgate and Colgate Plax mouth rinses.  Colgate’s Oral Care business also includes dental floss and 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. Colgate’s Personal Care products include Palmolive and Softsoap brand shower gels, Palmolive, Irish Spring and Protex bar soaps and Speed Stick and Lady Speed Stick deodorants and antiperspirants.  Colgate is the market leader in liquid hand soap in the U.S. with its line of Softsoap brand products according to value share data provided by ACNielsen.  Colgate’s Personal Care business outside the U.S. also includes Palmolive and Caprice shampoo and conditioners.

Colgate manufactures and markets a wide array of products for Home Care, including Palmolive and Ajax dishwashing liquids, Fabuloso and Ajax household cleaners and Murphy’s Oil Soap. Colgate is a market leader in fabric conditioners with leading brands including Suavitel in Latin America and Soupline in Europe.

Sales of Oral, Personal and Home Care products accounted for 41%, 22% and 23%, respectively, of total worldwide sales in 2009. Geographically, Oral Care is a significant part of the Company’s business in Greater Asia/Africa, comprising approximately 69% of sales in that region for 2009.
 
1

 
Colgate, through its Hill’s Pet Nutrition segment (Hill’s), is a world leader in specialty pet nutrition products for dogs and cats with products marketed in over 95 countries around the world. Hill’s markets pet foods primarily under two trademarks: Science Diet, which is sold by authorized pet supply retailers and veterinarians for everyday nutritional needs; and Prescription Diet, a range of therapeutic products sold by veterinarians to help nutritionally manage disease conditions in dogs and cats.  Sales of Pet Nutrition products accounted for 14% of the Company’s total worldwide sales in 2009.

For more information regarding the Company’s worldwide sales by product categories, refer to Notes 1 and 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Research and Development

Strong research and development capabilities and alliances enable Colgate to support its many brands with technologically sophisticated products to meet consumers’ oral, personal and home care and pet nutrition needs. The Company’s spending related to research and development activities was $269 million, $253 million and $247 million during 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Distribution; Raw Materials; Competition; Trademarks and Patents

The Company’s products are generally marketed by a direct sales force at individual operating subsidiaries or business units. In some instances, distributors or brokers are used. No single customer accounts for 10% or more of the Company’s sales.

Most raw and packaging materials are 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, government and Colgate standards, which can require additional investment and take some period of time. Raw and packaging material commodities such as resins, tallow, corn and soybeans are subject to market price variations.

The Company’s products are sold in a highly competitive global marketplace, which has experienced increased trade concentration and the growing presence of large-format retailers and discounters. Products similar to those produced and sold by the Company are available from competitors in the U.S. and overseas. Certain of the Company’s competitors are larger and have greater resources than the Company. In addition, private label brands sold by retail trade chains are a source of competition for certain product lines of the Company. Product quality and innovation, brand recognition, marketing capability and acceptance of new products largely determine success in the Company’s business segments.

Trademarks are considered to be of material importance to the Company’s 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, Mennen, Speed Stick, Lady Speed Stick, Softsoap, Irish Spring, Protex, Sorriso, Kolynos, Elmex, Tom’s of Maine, Ajax, Axion, Fabuloso, Soupline, Suavitel, 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 registered. Although the Company actively develops and maintains a portfolio of patents, no single patent is considered significant to the business as a whole.
 
2

 
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 $15 million for 2009. For future years, expenditures are currently expected to be of a similar magnitude. For additional information regarding environmental matters refer to Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Employees

As of December 31, 2009, the Company employed approximately 38,100 employees.

Executive Officers of the Registrant

The following is a list of executive officers as of February 25, 2010:

Name
 
Age
 
Date First Elected Officer
 
Present Title
Ian Cook
 
57
 
1996
 
Chairman of the Board
           
President and Chief Executive Officer
Michael J. Tangney
 
65
 
1993
 
Vice Chairman
Stephen C. Patrick
 
60
 
1990
 
Chief Financial Officer
Andrew D. Hendry
 
62
 
1991
 
Senior Vice President
           
General Counsel and Secretary
Fabian T. Garcia
 
50
 
2003
 
Chief Operating Officer,
           
Europe, Global Marketing, Customer Development, Supply Chain and Technology
Franck J. Moison
 
56
 
2002
 
Chief Operating Officer
           
Emerging Markets
Dennis J. Hickey
 
61
 
1998
 
Vice President and Corporate Controller
Ronald T. Martin
 
61
 
2001
 
Vice President
           
Global Social Responsibility
John J. Huston
 
55
 
2002
 
Vice President
           
Office of the Chairman
Delia H. Thompson
 
60
 
2002
 
Vice President
           
Investor Relations
Hector I. Erezuma
 
65
 
2005
 
Vice President
           
Taxation
Daniel B. Marsili
 
49
 
2005
 
Vice President
           
Global Human Resources
Gregory P. Woodson
 
58
 
2007
 
Vice President
           
Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer
Nina D. Gillman
 
56
 
2008
 
Vice President
           
Deputy General Counsel, Global Legal Organization and Assistant Secretary
 
 
Name   Age   Date First Elected Officer   Present Title
David R. Groener
 
55
 
2008
 
Vice President
           
Global Supply Chain
Alexandre de Guillenchmidt
 
64
 
2008
 
President
           
Colgate-Europe
Rosemary Nelson
 
62
 
2008
 
Vice President
           
Deputy General Counsel, Operations
Derrick E.M. Samuel
 
53
 
2008
 
President
           
Colgate – Greater Asia
Justin P. Skala
 
50
 
2008
 
President
           
Colgate-Latin America
Noel R. Wallace
 
46
 
2009
 
President
           
Colgate North America and Global Sustainability
Neil Thompson
 
54
 
2009
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
           
Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc
Elaine Paik
 
45
 
2009
 
Vice President and Corporate Treasurer

Each of the executive officers listed above has served the registrant or its subsidiaries in various executive capacities for the past five years.

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.  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.

(d) Financial Information about Geographic Areas

For financial data by geographic region, refer to the information set forth under the caption “Results of Operations” in Part II, Item 7, of this report and in Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.  For a discussion of risks associated with our international operations, see Item 1A, “Risk Factors.”

(e) Available Information

The Company’s web site address is   www.colgate.com. The information contained on the Company’s web site 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 web site 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 web site are the Company’s Code of Conduct and Corporate Governance Guidelines, the charters of the Committees of the Board of Directors, reports under Section 16 of the Exchange Act of transactions in Company stock by directors and officers and its proxy statements.
 
4

 
ITEM 1A.
RISK FACTORS

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 the below risks actually occur, our business, results of operations, cash flows or financial condition could suffer, which might cause the value of our securities to decline.

We face risks associated with significant international operations.

We operate on a global basis with approximately 75% of our net sales coming from markets outside the U.S. While geographic diversity helps to reduce the Company’s 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:

 
·
changes in exchange rates for foreign currencies, which may reduce the U.S. dollar value of revenue we receive from non-U.S. markets or increase our labor or supply costs in those markets,

 
·
exchange controls and other limits on our ability to repatriate earnings from overseas,

 
·
political or economic instability or changing macroeconomic conditions in our major markets,

 
·
lack of well-established or reliable legal systems in certain areas where the Company operates,

 
·
foreign ownership restrictions and nationalization or expropriation of property or other resources, and

 
·
foreign or domestic legal and regulatory requirements resulting in potentially adverse tax consequences or the imposition of onerous trade restrictions or other government controls.

These risks could have a significant impact on our ability to sell our products on a competitive basis in international markets and may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. We monitor our foreign currency exposure to minimize the impact on earnings of foreign currency rate movements through a combination of cost-containment measures, selling price increases and foreign currency hedging. We cannot provide assurances, however, that these measures will succeed in offsetting any negative impact of foreign currency rate movements on our business and results of operations.

For example, our results of operations will be adversely impacted by the recent designation of Venezuela as hyper-inflationary and the subsequent currency devaluation in Venezuela.  Exchange controls in Venezuela could also have an adverse impact on our results of operations.   For additional information regarding the potential impact of the risks associated with our operations in Venezuela, refer to Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Executive Overview and Outlook” and Note 18 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

5


 Uncertain global economic conditions and disruptions in the credit markets may adversely affect our business.

Uncertain global economic conditions could adversely affect our business.  Recent global economic trends pose challenges to our business and could result in declining revenues, profitability and cash flow.  Although we continue to devote significant resources to support our brands, during periods of economic uncertainty consumers may switch to 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, retailers 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 our ongoing operations and have access to global credit markets through our various financing activities, any disruption in the credit markets could limit the availability of credit or the ability or willingness of financial institutions to extend credit, which could adversely affect our liquidity and capital resources.  If any financial institutions that are parties to our revolving credit facility supporting our commercial paper program or other financing arrangements, such as interest rate or foreign exchange 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 or foreign currency 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.

Significant competition in our industry could adversely affect our business.

We face vigorous competition around the world, including from other large, multinational consumer product companies, some of which have greater resources than we do. We face this competition in several aspects of our business, including, but not limited to, the pricing of products, promotional activities, advertising and new product introductions.

We may be unable to anticipate the timing and scale of such activities or initiatives by competitors or to successfully counteract them, which could harm our business. In addition, the cost of responding to such activities and initiatives may affect our financial performance in the relevant period. Our ability to compete also depends on the strength of our brands and on our ability to protect our patent, trademark and trade dress rights and to defend against related challenges brought by competitors. A failure to compete effectively could adversely affect our growth and profitability.

Changes in the policies of our retail trade customers and increasing dependence on key retailers in developed markets 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 and discounters. With the growing trend toward retail trade consolidation, we are increasingly dependent on key retailers, and some of these retailers, including large-format 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. We may also be negatively affected by changes in the policies of our retail trade customers, such as inventory de-stocking, limitations on access to shelf space, delisting of our products, environmental initiatives and other conditions.  In addition, private label products sold by retail trade chains, which are typically sold at lower prices than branded products, are a source of competition for certain of our product lines, including liquid hand soap.
 
6

 
The growth of our business depends on the successful development and introduction of new products.

Our growth depends on the continued success of existing products as well as the successful development and introduction of new products and line extensions, which face the uncertainty of retail and consumer acceptance and reaction from competitors. In addition, our ability to create new products and line extensions and to sustain existing products is affected by whether we can:

 
develop and fund technological innovations,

 
receive and maintain necessary patent and trademark protection,

 
obtain governmental approvals and registrations of regulated products,

 
comply with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other governmental regulations, and

 
anticipate consumer needs and preferences successfully.

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 the Company not being the first to market, which could compromise our competitive position.

Volatility in material and other costs and our increasing dependence on key suppliers could adversely impact our profitability.

Raw and packaging material commodities such as resins, tallow, corn and soybeans are subject to wide price variations. Increases in the costs and availability of these commodities and the costs of energy, transportation and other necessary services may adversely affect our profit margins if we are unable to pass along any higher costs in the form of price increases or otherwise achieve cost efficiencies such as in manufacturing and distribution. In addition, our move to global suppliers, for materials and other services in order to achieve cost reductions and simplify our business, has resulted in an increasing dependence on key suppliers. For certain materials, new suppliers may have to be qualified under industry, government and Colgate standards, which can require additional investment and take some period of time. While we believe that the supplies of raw materials needed to manufacture our products are adequate, global economic conditions, supplier capacity constraints and other factors could affect the availability of, or prices for, those raw materials.

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.  In particular, adverse publicity about product safety or quality and similar types of concerns, real or imagined, or the allegations of product contamination or tampering, whether or not valid, may result in a product recall or reduced demand for our products. A significant product recall could tarnish the image of the affected brands and cause consumers to choose other products.
 
7

 
In addition, from time to time, third parties sell counterfeit versions of our products.  To the extent that third parties sell products that are counterfeit versions of our brands, consumers of our brands could confuse our products with products that they consider inferior, or that pose safety risks, 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.

Similarly, adverse publicity regarding our responses to health concerns, our environmental impacts, including packaging, energy and water use and waste management, or other sustainability issues, whether or not deserved, could jeopardize our reputation.  Damage to our reputation or loss of consumer confidence in our products for any of these reasons could have a material adverse effect on our business, as well as require resources to rebuild our reputation.

Our business is subject to regulation in the U.S. and abroad.

The manufacture, packaging, labeling, storage, distribution, advertising and sale of our products are subject to extensive regulation in the U.S. and abroad. This regulation includes, but is not limited to, the following:

 
in the U.S.

 
our products and the manufacture of our products are subject to regulation and review and/or approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as well as by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),
 
our product claims and advertising are regulated by the Federal Trade Commission, the FDA and the EPA and, in addition,
 
state and local agencies regulate in parallel to the above agencies;

 
we are also subject to similar regulation in the foreign countries in which we manufacture and sell our products; and

 
our selling practices are regulated by competition authorities in the U.S. and abroad.

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 have a material adverse effect on our business. Even if a claim is unsuccessful, is not merited or is not fully pursued, the negative publicity surrounding such assertions regarding our products or processes could adversely affect our reputation and brand image.  For information regarding our European competition matters, see Item 3, “Legal Proceedings” and Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

8


We comply with the regulatory requirements applicable to the manufacture and sale of the products we currently market.  New or more restrictive regulations or more restrictive interpretations of existing regulations, however, could have an adverse impact on our business.  For example, from time to time, various regulatory authorities and consumer groups in Europe, the U.S. and other countries request or conduct reviews of the use of certain ingredients in consumer products, including triclosan.  A finding by a regulatory authority that triclosan, or any other of our ingredients, should not be used in certain consumer products or should otherwise be newly regulated, could have an adverse impact on our business, as could negative reactions by our consumers, trade customers or non-governmental organizations to our use of such ingredients.  Currently, Colgate uses triclosan in certain of its oral, personal and home care products, including Colgate Total toothpaste, Softsoap brand liquid hand soap, Palmolive dish liquid and Protex bar soap.
 
Our business is subject to the risks inherent in global manufacturing and sourcing activities.

The Company is engaged in manufacturing and sourcing of products and materials on a global scale.  We are subject to the risks inherent in such activities, including, but not limited to:

 
industrial accidents or other occupational health and safety issues,

 
environmental events,

 
strikes and other labor disputes,

 
disruptions in logistics,

 
loss or impairment of key manufacturing sites,

 
raw material and product quality or safety issues,

 
natural disasters, acts of war or terrorism and other external factors over which we have no control.

While we have business continuity and contingency plans for key manufacturing sites and the supply of raw materials, significant disruption of manufacturing for any of the above reasons could interrupt product supply and, if not remedied, have an adverse impact on our business. In addition, if our products, or raw materials contained in our products, are found or perceived to be defective or unsafe, we may need to recall some of our products; our reputation and brand image could be diminished; and we could lose market share or become subject to liability claims, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business.
 
9

 
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 future operations could be adversely affected.  In addition, if we are unable to effectively provide for the succession of senior management, including our Chief Executive Officer, our business may be materially 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.

ITEM 1B.
UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

ITEM 2.
PROPERTIES

The Company owns or leases approximately 330 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 approximately 60 properties of which 14 are owned. Major U.S. manufacturing and warehousing facilities used by the Oral, Personal and Home Care segment of our business are located in Morristown, New Jersey; Morristown, Tennessee; and Cambridge, Ohio. The Pet Nutrition segment has major facilities in Bowling Green, Kentucky; Topeka, Kansas; Emporia, Kansas; Commerce, California; and Richmond, Indiana. The primary research center for Oral, Personal and Home Care products is located in Piscataway, New Jersey and the primary research center for Pet Nutrition products is located in Topeka, Kansas.  Piscataway, New Jersey also serves as our global data center.

Overseas, the Company operates approximately 270 properties, of which 70 are owned, in over 70 countries. Major overseas facilities used by the Oral, Personal and Home Care segment of our business are located in Australia, Brazil, China, Colombia, France, Italy, Mexico, Poland, South Africa, Thailand, Venezuela, Vietnam and elsewhere throughout the world. The Pet Nutrition segment has a major facility in the Czech Republic.

All of the facilities we operate are well maintained and adequate for the purpose for which they are intended.

ITEM 3.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The Company is contingently liable with respect to lawsuits, environmental matters and other matters arising in the normal course of business.
 
10

 
Brazilian Matters

In 2001, the Central Bank of Brazil sought to impose a substantial fine on the Company’s Brazilian subsidiary (approximately $150 million at the current exchange rate) based on alleged foreign exchange violations in connection with the financing of the Company’s 1995 acquisition of the Kolynos oral care business from Wyeth (formerly American Home Products) (the Seller), as described in the Company’s Form 8-K dated January 10, 1995. The Company appealed the imposition of the fine to the Brazilian Monetary System Appeals Council (the Council), and on January 30, 2007, the Council decided the appeal in the Company’s favor, dismissing the fine entirely. However, certain tax and civil proceedings that began as a result of this Central Bank matter are still outstanding as described below.

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, at the current exchange rate, approximate $115 million. The Company has been disputing the disallowances by appealing the assessments within the internal revenue authority’s appellate process with the following results to date:

 
·
In June 2005, the First Board of Taxpayers ruled in the Company’s favor and allowed all of the previously claimed deductions for 1996 through 1998. In March 2007, the First Board of Taxpayers ruled in the Company’s favor and allowed all of the previously claimed deductions for 1999 through 2001. The tax authorities appealed these decisions to the next administrative level.

 
·
In August 2009, the First Taxpayers’ Council (the next and final administrative level of appeal) overruled the decisions of the First Board of Taxpayers, upholding the majority of the assessments, disallowing a portion of the assessments and remanding a portion of the assessments for further consideration by the First Board of Taxpayers.

The Company has filed a motion for reconsideration with the First Taxpayers’ Council and further appeals are available within the Brazilian federal courts.  The Company intends to challenge these assessments vigorously. Although there can be no assurances, management believes, based on the opinion of its Brazilian legal counsel and other advisors, that the disallowances are without merit and that the Company should ultimately prevail on appeal, if necessary, in the Brazilian federal courts.

In 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, 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. 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 intends to challenge this action vigorously.
 
11

 
 In December 2005, the Brazilian internal revenue authority issued to the Company’s Brazilian subsidiary a tax assessment with interest and penalties of approximately $69 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 is disputing the assessment within the internal revenue authority’s administrative appeals process. In October 2007, the Second Board of Taxpayers, which has jurisdiction over these matters, ruled in favor of the internal revenue authority. In January 2008, the Company appealed this decision to the next administrative level. Although there can be no assurances, management believes, based on the advice of its Brazilian legal counsel, that the tax assessment is without merit and that the Company should prevail on appeal either at the administrative level or, if necessary, in the Brazilian federal courts. The Company intends to challenge this assessment vigorously.

European Competition Matters

During the period from February 2006 to June 2009, the Company learned that investigations relating to potential competition law violations involving the Company’s subsidiaries had been commenced by governmental authorities in the European Union (EU), France, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Romania, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom (UK).  The Company understands that many of these investigations also involve other consumer goods companies and/or retail customers.  While several of the investigations are ongoing, there have been the following results to date:

In February 2008, the federal competition authority in Germany imposed fines on four of the Company’s competitors, but the Company was not fined due to its cooperation with the German authorities.
In November 2009, the UK Office of Fair Trading informed the Company that it was no longer pursuing its investigation of the Company.
In December 2009, the Swiss competition law authority imposed a fine of $5 million on the Company’s GABA subsidiary for alleged violations of restrictions on parallel imports into Switzerland.  The Company is appealing the fine in the Swiss courts.
In January 2010, the Spanish competition law authority found that four suppliers of shower gel had entered into an agreement regarding product down-sizing, for which Colgate’s Spanish subsidiary was fined $3 million. The Company intends to appeal the fine in the Spanish courts.
While the investigations of the Company’s Romanian subsidiary by the Romanian competition authority are now closed, a complainant has petitioned the court to reopen one of the investigations.

Currently, formal claims of violations, or statements of objections, are pending against the Company in France and Italy.  The French competition authority alleges agreements on pricing and promotion of heavy duty detergents among four consumer goods companies, including the Company’s French subsidiary.   The Italian competition authority alleges that 17 consumer goods companies, including the Company’s Italian subsidiary, exchanged competitively sensitive information in the cosmetics sector.  The Company will have an opportunity to respond to each of these statements of objections.  Investigations are ongoing in the EU, France, Germany, Greece and the Netherlands, but no formal claims of violations have been filed in these jurisdictions.
 
12

 
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 Company has undertaken a comprehensive review of its selling practices and related competition law compliance in Europe and elsewhere and, where the Company has identified a lack of compliance, it has undertaken remedial action. Competition and antitrust law investigations often continue for several years and can result in substantial fines for violations that are found. Such fines, depending on the gravity and duration of the infringement as well as the value of the sales involved, have amounted, in some cases, to hundreds of millions of dollars. While the Company cannot predict the final financial impact of these competition law issues as these matters may change, the Company has taken and will, as necessary, take additional reserves as and when appropriate.

ERISA Matters

In October 2007, a putative class action claiming that certain aspects of the cash balance portion of the Colgate-Palmolive Company Employees’ Retirement Income Plan (the Plan) do not comply with the Employee Retirement Income Security Act was filed against the Plan and the Company in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. Specifically, Proesel, et al. v. Colgate-Palmolive Company Employees’ Retirement Income Plan, et al. alleges improper calculation of lump sum distributions, age discrimination and failure to satisfy minimum accrual requirements, thereby resulting in the underpayment of benefits to Plan participants. Two other putative class actions filed earlier in 2007, Abelman, et al. v. Colgate-Palmolive Company Employees’ Retirement Income Plan, et al., in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, and Caufield v. Colgate-Palmolive Company Employees’ Retirement Income Plan, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana, both alleging improper calculation of lump sum distributions and, in the case of Abelman, claims for failure to satisfy minimum accrual requirements, were transferred to the Southern District of New York and consolidated with Proesel into one action, In re Colgate-Palmolive ERISA Litigation. The complaint in the consolidated action alleges improper calculation of lump sum distributions and failure to satisfy minimum accrual requirements, but does not include a claim for age discrimination. The relief sought includes recalculation of benefits in unspecified amounts, pre- and post-judgment interest, injunctive relief and attorneys’ fees. This action has not been certified as a class action as yet. The Company and the Plan intend to contest this action vigorously should the parties be unable to reach a settlement.

For additional discussion of the Company’s contingencies refer to Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

ITEM 4.
SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

None.

13


PART II

ITEM 5.
MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Refer to the information regarding the market for the Company’s common stock and the quarterly market price information appearing under the caption “Market and Dividend Information”, and the “Number of common shareholders of record” under the caption “Historical Financial Summary”. 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 Item 12 of this report.

 Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

For each of the three months in the quarter ended December 31, 2009, the Company repurchased its common stock under a share repurchase program that was approved by the Board of Directors in January 2008 (the 2008 Program). Under the 2008 Program, the Company was authorized to purchase up to 30 million shares of the Company’s common stock.  The Board’s authorization also provided for share repurchases on an on-going basis to fulfill certain requirements of the Company’s compensation and benefit programs. The shares were repurchased in open market transactions 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, 2009:
 
 
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)
   
Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
 
October 1 through 31, 2009
    437,885     $ 77.75       415,700       6,996,647  
November 1 through 30, 2009
    2,040,557     $ 81.95       2,005,000       4,991,647  
December 1 through 31, 2009
    2,528,399     $ 83.64       2,515,000       2,476,647  
Total
    5,006,841     $ 82.44       4,935,700          
____________
(1)
Includes share repurchases under the 2008 Program and those associated with certain employee elections under the Company’s compensation and benefit programs.
(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 71,141 shares, all of which relate to shares surrendered to the Company to satisfy certain employee elections under its compensation and benefit programs.
 
14

 
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)
 
On February 4, 2010, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase program (the 2010 Program) effective as of that date.  The 2010 Program authorizes the repurchase of up to 40 million shares of the Company’s common stock.  As with the prior program, the Board’s authorization also provides for share repurchases on an on-going basis to fulfill certain requirements of the Company’s compensation and benefit programs. The shares will be repurchased from time to time in open market transactions or privately negotiated transactions at the Company’s discretion, subject to market conditions, customary blackout periods and other factors.

ITEM 6.
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

Refer to the information set forth under the caption “Historical Financial Summary.”
 
ITEM 7.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Executive Overview and Outlook

Colgate-Palmolive Company seeks to deliver strong, consistent business results and superior shareholder returns by providing consumers on a global basis 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 develop and increase market leadership positions in key product categories. These product categories are prioritized 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 specific regional 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. 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 segment is operated through four reportable operating segments: North America, Latin America, Europe/South Pacific and Greater Asia/Africa, all of which sell to a variety of retail and wholesale customers 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 the veterinary profession and specialty pet retailers.

On an ongoing basis, management focuses on a variety of key indicators to monitor business health and performance. These indicators include market share, sales (including volume, pricing and foreign exchange components), organic sales growth, gross profit margin, operating profit, net income and earnings per share, 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 corporate governance practices (including the Company’s Code of Conduct) help to maintain business health and strong internal controls.
 
15

 
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)
 
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 are then rolled out on a global basis. To enhance these efforts, the Company has developed key initiatives to build strong relationships with consumers, dental and veterinary professionals and retail customers.  Growth opportunities are greater in emerging markets where economic development is likely to expand the markets for the Company’s products.

The investments needed to fund this growth are developed through continuous, Company-wide initiatives to lower costs and increase effective asset utilization through which the Company seeks to become even more effective and efficient throughout its businesses. The Company also continues to prioritize its investments toward its higher margin businesses, specifically Oral Care, Personal Care and Pet Nutrition.

The Company operates in a highly competitive global marketplace and looking forward, expects global macroeconomic and market conditions to remain highly challenging.  As disclosed in “Item 1A. Risk Factors”, with approximately 75% of its Net sales generated outside of the United States, the Company is exposed to changes in economic conditions and foreign currency exchange rates, as well as political uncertainty in some countries, all of which could impact future operating results.

Venezuela has been designated hyper-inflationary effective January 1, 2010.  Consequently, the functional currency for the Company’s Venezuelan subsidiary will be the U.S. dollar and the impact of all future Venezuelan currency fluctuations will be recorded in income.  See “Managing Foreign Currency, Interest Rate and Commodity Price Exposure—Foreign Exchange Risk” below and Note 18 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
Also, on January 8, 2010, the Venezuelan government announced its decision to devalue its currency and implement a two-tier exchange rate structure.  As a result, the official exchange rate changed from 2.15 to 2.60 for essential goods and 4.30 for non-essential goods.  While we currently believe that many of our products may receive the 2.60 rate of exchange, we will remeasure the financial statements of our Venezuelan subsidiary for 2010 and future periods at the rate at which we expect to remit dividends, which currently is 4.30.  While difficult to project, our preliminary estimate is that the impact of the devaluation will be a net reduction in 2010 diluted earnings per share of between $0.06 and $0.10 per share.  This includes the ongoing negative impact from foreign exchange translation, partially offset by one-time benefits from lower taxes on accrued but unpaid remittances and the remeasurement of the local balance sheet at the devaluation date.  As actual results may differ, please see “Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Statements” below.  The Venezuelan government continues to impose currency exchange controls.  We could be negatively affected if we are unable to obtain U.S. dollars at either of the official rates, in which case we may have to obtain dollars through transactions on the parallel market, where the exchange rate is less favorable.  In 2009, our Venezuelan operations contributed 6% of consolidated net sales.

Lower commodity and oil prices as compared with 2008 had a favorable impact on the Company’s results for 2009. The Company believes that this effect should continue in 2010 and, coupled with ongoing aggressive savings programs and favorable currency trends, should offset the impact of any pressures on selling prices or the costs of any consumption building programs that may be implemented to drive volume given the uncertain economic environment.  However, continued difficult macroeconomic conditions and uncertainties in the global credit markets could negatively impact the Company’s suppliers, customers and consumers which could, in turn, have an adverse impact on the Company’s business.
 
16

 
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)
 
As a result of the Company’s four-year restructuring and business-building program (the 2004 Restructuring Program), which was finalized as of December 31, 2008, the Company streamlined its global supply chain, reallocated resources to enhance its sales, marketing and new product organizations in high-potential developing countries and other key markets and consolidated these organizations in certain mature markets.  The savings and benefits from the 2004 Restructuring Program, along with the Company’s other ongoing cost-savings and growth initiatives, are providing funds for investment in support of key categories and markets and new product development, while also supporting an increased level of profitability.

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 strategic initiatives: getting closer to the consumer, the profession and customers; effectiveness and efficiency in everything; innovation everywhere; and leadership. This focus, together with the strength of the Company’s global brand names and its broad international presence in both mature and emerging markets, should position the Company well to increase shareholder value over the long-term.

Results of Operations

Net Sales

Worldwide Net sales were $15,327 in 2009, level with 2008 as volume growth of 0.5% and net selling price increases of 6.0% were offset by a negative foreign exchange impact of 6.5%. Worldwide organic sales (Net sales excluding the impact of foreign exchange, acquisitions and divestments) grew 6.5% in 2009.

Net sales in the Oral, Personal and Home Care segment were $13,195 in 2009, level with 2008, as volume growth of 2.0% and net selling price increases of 5.5% were offset by a negative foreign exchange impact of 7.5%. The 2008 divestment of a non-core brand in Germany impacted sales growth in 2009 by 0.5% versus 2008. Excluding the impact of this divestment, Net sales increased 0.5% in 2009 on volume growth of 2.5%. Organic sales in the Oral, Personal and Home Care segment grew 8.0% in 2009.

Net sales in Hill’s Pet Nutrition were $2,132 in 2009, down 0.5% from 2008 as net selling price increases of 8.5% were more than offset by 7.5% volume declines and a 1.5% negative impact of foreign exchange. Organic sales in Hill’s Pet Nutrition grew 1.0% in 2009.

Worldwide Net sales were $15,330 in 2008, up 11.0% from 2007, driven by volume growth of 3.5%, net selling price increases of 5.5% and a positive foreign exchange impact of 2.0%. The 2007 divestment of the Latin American household bleach business and the 2008 divestment of the Senegal fabric care business reduced sales growth for 2008 by 0.5% versus 2007. Excluding the impact of these divestments, Net sales increased 11.5% in 2008 on volume growth of 4.0%. Worldwide organic sales grew 9.5% in 2008.

17

 
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)

Gross Profit

Worldwide gross profit margin was 58.8% in 2009, 56.3% in 2008 and 56.2% in 2007.  Restructuring and implementation-related charges incurred under the 2004 Restructuring Program included in Cost of sales for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 were $59 and $154, respectively. The 2004 Restructuring Program lowered the reported gross profit margin by 40 basis points (bps) and 110 bps in 2008 and 2007, respectively. Excluding the impact of the 2004 Restructuring Program, gross profit margin was 56.7% in 2008 and 57.3% in 2007. The gross profit increase in 2009 was driven by higher pricing and a continued focus on cost-savings programs, partially offset by a negative foreign exchange impact and costs related to the remeasurement of liabilities related to inventory purchases in Venezuela. Excluding the impact of the 2004 Restructuring Program, the decrease in 2008 was due to increases in raw and packaging material costs, partially offset by higher pricing and a continued focus on cost-savings programs.

For additional information regarding the Company’s 2004 Restructuring Program, refer to “Restructuring and Related Implementation Charges” below and Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
During 2009, due to currency exchange control limitations in Venezuela, the Company’s Venezuelan subsidiary (CP Venezuela) settled certain of its U.S. dollar-denominated liabilities with dollars obtained through securities transactions in the parallel market at an exchange rate less favorable than the official rate. As a result, in the second half of 2009, CP Venezuela incurred $92 of higher costs related to the remeasurement of U.S. dollar liabilities to be settled with proceeds from these transactions, $65 of which is included in Gross profit for liabilities related to the purchase of inventory and $27 of which is included in Other (income) expense, net for all other liabilities. Additionally, in order to manage its overall currency exposure, CP Venezuela has purchased $210 of U.S. dollar-denominated bonds issued by a Venezuelan state-owned corporation and $50 of U.S. dollar-linked, devaluation-protected bonds issued by the Venezuelan government.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of Net sales were 34.5% in 2009, 35.4% in 2008 and 36.1% in 2007. Included in Selling, general and administrative expenses are charges related to the 2004 Restructuring Program of $81 (0.5% of Net sales) in 2008 and $49 (0.4% of Net sales) in 2007.  The 90 bps decrease in 2009 was driven primarily by the absence of charges related to the 2004 Restructuring Program in 2009, lower advertising costs (80 bps) and a continued focus on cost-savings programs, partially offset by higher pension and benefit costs. Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of Net sales in 2008 decreased by 70 bps due to moderating levels of advertising investment (40 bps) and a continued focus on cost savings programs.
 
18

 
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)
 
Other (Income) Expense, Net

Other (income) expense, net was $111, $103 and $54 in 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The components of Other (income) expense, net are presented below:


Other (income) expense, net
 
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Amortization of intangible assets
  $ 22     $ 19     $ 18  
Legal and environmental matters
    27       23        
Remeasurement of certain liabilities in Venezuela
    27              
Asset impairments
    16              
Equity (income)
    (5 )     (4 )     (4 )
2004 Restructuring Program
          24       56  
Investment losses (income)
          25       (2 )
Gain on sales of non-core product lines, net
                (49 )
Pension settlement charges
                15  
Hill’s limited voluntary recall
                13  
Other, net
    24       16       7  
Total Other (income) expense, net
  $ 111     $ 103     $ 54  
 
Operating Profit

In 2009, Operating profit increased 17% to $3,615 from $3,101 in 2008. In 2008, Operating profit increased 14% from $2,720 in 2007.  Excluding the impact of the 2004 Restructuring Program and other items set forth below, Operating profit increased 11% in 2009 and 10% in 2008 as follows:

               
%
         
%
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
Change
   
2007
   
Change
 
Operating profit, GAAP
  $ 3,615     $ 3,101       17 %   $ 2,720       14 %
2004 Restructuring Program
          164               259          
Gain on sale of non-core product lines, net
                        (49 )        
Pension settlement charges
                        15          
Hill’s limited voluntary recall
                        14          
Operating profit, non-GAAP
  $ 3,615     $ 3,265       11 %   $ 2,959       10 %

Interest Expense, Net

Interest expense, net was $77 in 2009 compared with $96 in 2008 and $157 in 2007. The decrease in Interest expense, net from 2008 to 2009 was due to lower average interest rates and lower debt levels.  The decrease in Interest expense, net from 2007 to 2008 was due to lower average interest rates.
 
19

 
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)
 
Income Taxes

The effective income tax rate was 32.2% in both 2009 and 2008, and 29.6% in 2007. The tax rate in all years benefited from global tax planning strategies. The 2007 effective tax rate reflects a 300 bps reduction from the recognition of $74 of tax benefits as a result of the reduction of a tax loss carryforward valuation allowance in Brazil of $95 that was partially offset by tax provisions for the recapitalization of certain overseas subsidiaries and increases of 40 bps from the impact of the Company’s 2004 Restructuring Program and 10 bps from the sale of the household bleach business in Latin America.

The impact of the 2004 Restructuring Program on the effective income tax rate for an individual period depended on the projects and the related tax jurisdictions involved. The tax benefit derived from the charges incurred in 2008 and 2007 for the 2004 Restructuring Program was at a rate of 31.4% and 28.9%, respectively.

For additional information regarding the Company’s income taxes, refer to Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Net Income

Net income was $2,291, or $4.37 per share on a diluted basis in 2009 compared with $1,957, or $3.66 per share on a diluted basis in 2008 and $1,737 or $3.20 per share in 2007. Net income in 2008 included $113 ($0.21 per share) of charges related to the Company’s 2004 Restructuring Program.  Net income in 2007 included a $30 ($0.05 per share) gain on the sale of the household bleach business in Latin America and an income tax benefit of $74 ($0.14 per share) related to the tax items noted above, which were more than offset by $184 ($0.34 per share) of charges related to the Company’s 2004 Restructuring Program, $10 ($0.02 per share) of pension settlement charges and $8 ($0.01 per share) of charges related to the limited voluntary recall of certain Hill’s Pet Nutrition feline products.

Segment Results

The Company markets its products in over 200 countries and territories throughout the world in two distinct business 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.

To conform to the current year presentation required by the Consolidation Topic of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Codification, the amounts of Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in less-than-wholly owned subsidiaries of $80 and $67 for years ended December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively, which were previously deducted from Greater Asia/Africa Operating profit, have been reclassified to a new line below Operating profit.

20

 
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)

Worldwide Net Sales by Business Segment and Geographic Region

   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Oral, Personal and Home Care
                 
North America
  $ 2,950     $ 2,852     $ 2,721  
Latin America
    4,319       4,088       3,489  
Europe/South Pacific
    3,271       3,582       3,383  
Greater Asia/Africa
    2,655       2,660       2,338  
Total Oral, Personal and Home Care
    13,195       13,182       11,931  
Pet Nutrition
    2,132       2,148       1,859  
Total Net sales
  $ 15,327     $ 15,330     $ 13,790  

Worldwide Operating Profit by Business Segment and Geographic Region
 
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Oral, Personal and Home Care
                 
North America
  $ 843     $ 689     $ 667  
Latin America
    1,360       1,181       1,006  
Europe/South Pacific
    748       746       764  
Greater Asia/Africa
    631       527       430  
Total Oral, Personal and Home Care
    3,582       3,143       2,867  
Pet Nutrition
    555       542       487  
Corporate
    (522 )     (584 )     (634 )
Total Operating profit
  $ 3,615     $ 3,101     $ 2,720  

North America

Net sales in North America increased 3.5% in 2009 to $2,950 as a result of 4.0% volume growth and level selling prices, partially offset by a 0.5% negative impact of foreign exchange. Organic sales in North America grew 4.0% in 2009. Products contributing to growth in oral care included Colgate Total Enamel Strength, Colgate Sensitive Enamel Protect and Colgate Max White with Mini Bright Strips toothpastes, Colgate 360° ActiFlex, Colgate Max Fresh and Colgate Max White manual toothbrushes and the new Colgate Wisp mini-brush. Products contributing to growth in other categories included Softsoap Nutri Serums, Softsoap Body Butter Coconut Scrub, Irish Spring Hair and Body and Cool Relief body washes, and Palmolive Pure + Caring and Ajax Lime with Bleach Alternative dish liquids. Net sales in North America increased 5.0% in 2008 to $2,852 as a result of 1.5% volume growth and net selling price increases of 3.5%.

Operating profit in North America increased 22% in 2009 to $843 due to sales growth, cost-saving initiatives and lower raw and packaging material costs.  In 2008, Operating profit in North America increased 3% to $689 due to sales growth and the benefits from restructuring and other cost-saving initiatives, partially offset by higher raw and packaging material costs.
 
21

 
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)
 
Latin America

Net sales in Latin America increased 5.5% in 2009 to $4,319 as a result of 3.0% volume growth and net selling price increases of 13.5%, partially offset by an 11.0% negative impact of foreign exchange. Organic sales in Latin America grew 16.5% in 2009. Volume gains were led by Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia, and Mexico. Products contributing to growth in oral care included Colgate Total Professional Sensitive, Colgate Total Professional Whitening and Colgate Triple Action toothpastes, Colgate 360° ActiFlex, Colgate 360° Deep Clean and Colgate Max White manual toothbrushes and Colgate Plax Complete Care and Colgate Plax Sensitive mouthwashes. Products contributing to growth in other categories included Protex Aloe bar soap, Axion Professional dish liquid, Lady Speed Stick Depil Control and Speed Stick Waterproof deodorants, and Suavitel GoodBye Ironing and Suavitel Magic Moments fabric conditioners. In 2008, Net sales in Latin America increased 17.0% to $4,088 as a result of 6.0% volume growth, net selling price increases of 9.5% and 1.5% positive impact of foreign exchange. The divestment of the Latin American household bleach business reduced 2008 sales growth by 0.5% versus the comparable period of 2007. Excluding the impact of this divestment, Net sales increased 17.5% in 2008 on volume growth of 6.5%. Organic sales grew in Latin America 16.0% in 2008.
 
Operating profit in Latin America increased 15% in 2009 to $1,360 as a result of sales growth and cost-saving initiatives.  In 2008, Operating profit in Latin America increased 17% to $1,181 as a result of sales growth and the benefits from restructuring and other cost-saving initiatives, which more than offset increased raw material costs and advertising spending.

Europe/South Pacific

Net sales in Europe/South Pacific decreased 8.5% in 2009 to $3,271 as net selling price increases of 0.5% were more than offset by 0.5% in volume declines and an 8.5% negative impact of foreign exchange. The 2008 divestment of a non-core brand in Germany impacted sales growth for 2009 by 0.5% versus 2008. Excluding the impact of this divestment, Net sales decreased 8.0% in 2009 and volume was level with 2008. Organic sales in Europe/South Pacific grew 0.5% in 2009. Volume gains in the United Kingdom, Greece, Denmark and Australia were more than offset by volume declines in Spain, Germany, Slovenia and Ireland. Products contributing to growth in oral care included Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief, Colgate Total Advanced Clean and Colgate Max Fresh with Mouthwash Beads toothpastes, Colgate 360° ActiFlex and Colgate Max White manual toothbrushes and Colgate Plax Alcohol Free and Colgate Plax Ice mouth rinses. Products contributing to growth in other categories included Palmolive Aromatherapy Morning Tonic shower gel, Ajax Professional bucket dilutable and Ajax Professional glass cleaners, Lady Speed Stick Clinical Protection and Lady Speed Stick Depil Protect deodorants and Soupline Magic Moments and Soupline Aroma Tranquility fabric conditioners. In 2008, Net sales in Europe/South Pacific increased 6.0% to $3,582 as a result of 0.5% volume growth and a 5.5% positive impact of foreign exchange. Organic sales in Europe/South Pacific grew 0.5% in 2008.

Operating profit in Europe/South Pacific was level at $748 in 2009, as a continued focus on cost-savings programs, lower advertising costs and lower raw and packaging material costs offset the negative impact of foreign exchange. In 2008, Operating profit in Europe/South Pacific decreased 2% to $746, reflecting higher raw and packaging material costs, as well as higher selling, general and administrative costs, partially due to increased advertising spending.
 
22

 
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)
 
Greater Asia/Africa

Net sales in Greater Asia/Africa were level in 2009 at $2,655 as volume growth of 2.0% and net selling prices of 6.0% were offset by a 8.0% negative impact of foreign exchange. Organic sales in Greater Asia/Africa grew 8.0% in 2009. Volume gains were led by India, the Greater China region, Turkey and Thailand. Products driving oral care growth included Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief, Colgate Total Professional Clean and Colgate 360° Whole Mouth Clean toothpastes, Colgate 360° ActiFlex and Colgate Max White manual toothbrushes and Colgate Plax Ice and Colgate Plax Complete Care mouthwashes. Products contributing to growth in other categories included Palmolive Spa Banya shower liquid and bar soap and Lady Speed Stick Depil Control deodorant. In 2008, Net sales in Greater Asia/Africa increased 14.0% to $2,660 as a result of 7.0% volume growth, an increase in net selling prices of 5.5% and a 1.5% positive impact of foreign exchange. The divestment of the Senegal fabric care business reduced 2008 sales growth by 0.5% versus 2007. Excluding the impact of this divestment, sales increased 14.5% in 2008 on volume growth of 7.5%. Organic sales in Greater Asia/Africa grew 13.0% in 2008.

Operating profit in Greater Asia/Africa increased 20% in 2009 to $631, reflecting higher pricing, lower raw and packaging material costs and cost-saving initiatives. In 2008, Operating profit in Greater Asia/Africa increased 23% to $527 as a result of sales growth and cost-saving initiatives, which more than offset higher raw material costs and advertising spending.

Hill’s Pet Nutrition

Net sales for Hill’s Pet Nutrition decreased 0.5% in 2009 to $2,132 as 8.5% net selling price increases were more than offset by 7.5% volume declines and a 1.5% negative impact of foreign exchange. Volume was negatively impacted in part due to price increases taken in late 2008 and early 2009 in response to significantly higher commodity costs. Organic sales in Hill’s Pet Nutrition grew 1.0% in 2009. New products contributing to sales in the U.S. specialty channel include a significantly expanded line of Science Diet Simple Essentials Treats Canine. New pet food products contributing to international sales include Science Plan Snacks Canine and Science Plan Healthy Mobility Canine. In 2008, Net sales for Hill’s Pet Nutrition increased 15.5% to $2,148 as a result of 2.5% volume growth, an increase in net selling prices of 10.5% and a 2.5% positive impact of foreign exchange.  Organic sales in Hill’s Pet Nutrition grew 13.0% in 2008.

Operating profit for Hill’s Pet Nutrition increased 2% to $555 in 2009 due to higher pricing, lower raw and packaging material costs and cost-saving initiatives. In 2008, the Operating profit increased 11% to $542 due to increased sales partially offset by higher agricultural commodities costs and higher advertising spending.

Like most major North American pet food producers, Hill’s Pet Nutrition was affected by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s pet food recall in March 2007. Hill’s took the precaution of conducting a voluntary recall of a small number of its products that may have been affected. These products accounted for less than 0.5% of Hill’s Pet Nutrition’s annual Net sales. The related sales loss did not have a significant impact on the Company’s 2007 annual Net sales or Operating profit. Hill’s Pet Nutrition’s Operating profit for 2007 does not reflect the impact of the recall as these costs have been included in the Corporate segment.
 
23

 
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)
 
Corporate

Operating profit (loss) for the Corporate segment was ($522), ($584) and ($634) in 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Corporate operations include Corporate overhead costs, research and development costs, stock-based compensation related to stock options and restricted stock awards, restructuring and related implementation costs, gains and losses on sales of non-core product lines and assets, and, in 2007, certain pension settlement charges as well as the impact on Operating profit of the limited voluntary recall of certain Hill’s Pet Nutrition feline products. The components of Operating profit (loss) for the Corporate segment are presented below:

   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Gain on sales of non-core product lines, net
  $     $     $ 49  
2004 Restructuring Program
          (164 )     (259 )
Pension settlement charges
                (15 )
Hill’s limited voluntary recall
                (14 )
Corporate overhead costs and other, net
    (522 )     (420 )     (395 )
Total Corporate Operating profit (loss)
  $ (522 )   $ (584 )   $ (634 )

Corporate Operating profit (loss) in 2009 decreased as compared to 2008, primarily due to the absence of  charges related to the 2004 Restructuring Program, offset by higher Corporate overhead costs, primarily pension and benefit costs.

Corporate Operating profit (loss) in 2008 decreased as compared to 2007, primarily due to lower charges related to the 2004 Restructuring Program, partially offset by higher charges for legal and environmental costs and investment losses.  In addition, 2007 includes the negative impact of pension settlement charges and the negative impact of the limited voluntary recall of certain Hill’s Pet Nutrition feline products.

For additional information regarding the Company’s 2004 Restructuring Program, refer to “Restructuring and Related Implementation Charges” below and Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Net sales and volume growth, both worldwide and in relevant geographic divisions, are discussed in this Annual Report on Form 10-K both on a GAAP basis and excluding divestments (non-GAAP). Management believes these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful supplemental information to investors as they allow comparisons of Net sales and volume growth from ongoing operations.  This Annual Report on Form 10-K also discusses organic sales growth (Net sales growth excluding the impact of foreign exchange, acquisitions and divestments) (non-GAAP).  Management believes this measure provides investors with useful supplemental information regarding the Company’s underlying sales trends by presenting sales growth excluding the external factor of foreign exchange, as well as the impact of acquisitions and divestments.

Worldwide Gross profit margin and Operating profit are discussed in this Annual Report on Form 10-K both on a GAAP basis and excluding the impact of the 2004 Restructuring Program and other items (non-GAAP). Management believes these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful supplemental information to investors regarding the underlying business trends and performance of the Company’s ongoing operations and are useful for period-over-period comparisons of such operations.
 
24

 
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)
 
The Company uses the above financial measures internally in its budgeting process and as a factor in determining compensation. While the Company believes that these non-GAAP financial measures are useful in evaluating the Company’s business, 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.

Restructuring and Related Implementation Charges

2004 Restructuring Program

The Company’s 2004 Restructuring Program to enhance the Company’s global leadership position in its core businesses was finalized as of December 31, 2008 and there were no charges incurred in the twelve months ended December 31, 2009. The restructuring accrual decreased from $33 at December 31, 2008 to $15 at December 31, 2009, primarily due to cash payments for termination benefits, exit activities and the implementation of strategies.

Charges incurred in connection with the implementation of various projects since inception were as follows:

   
Cumulative Charges as of December 31, 2008
 
Termination Benefits
  $ 426  
Incremental Depreciation
    222  
Asset Impairments
    47  
Other
    374  
Total cumulative 2004 Restructuring Program charges, pretax
  $ 1,069  

Other charges primarily consisted of implementation-related charges resulting directly from exit activities and the implementation of new strategies as a result of the 2004 Restructuring Program. These charges included ramp-down costs related to the closure of existing facilities, start-up costs for new facilities and third-party incremental costs related to the development and implementation of new business and strategic initiatives. Since the inception of the 2004 Restructuring Program in December 2004, the Company has incurred $46 of charges related to start-up costs for new manufacturing facilities and $137 of costs for the development and implementation of new business and strategic initiatives.

Total charges related to the 2004 Restructuring Program were as follows: North America (36%), Europe/South Pacific (28%), Latin America (4%), Greater Asia/Africa (10%), Hill’s Pet Nutrition (1%) and Corporate (21%).
 
25

 
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)
 
For the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, restructuring and implementation-related charges were reflected in the income statement as follows:

   
2008
   
2007
 
Cost of sales
  $ 59     $ 154  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    81       49  
Other (income) expense, net
    24       56  
Total 2004 Restructuring Program charges, pretax
  $ 164     $ 259  
Total 2004 Restructuring Program charges, aftertax
  $ 113     $ 184  

Restructuring and implementation-related charges in the preceding table were recorded in the Corporate segment as these decisions were centrally directed and controlled and were not included in internal measures of segment operating performance.

The following table summarizes the activity for the restructuring and implementation-related charges discussed above and the related accrual balances:

   
Termination Benefits
   
Incremental Depreciation
   
Asset Impairments
   
Other
   
Total
 
Balance at December 31, 2006
  $ 53     $     $     $ 12     $ 65  
Charges
    81       41             137       259  
Cash payments
    (65 )                 (138 )     (203 )
Charges against assets
    (14 )     (41 )           (5 )     (60 )
Other
    (2 )                 3       1  
Foreign exchange
    2                         2  
Balance at December 31, 2007
  $ 55     $     $     $ 9     $ 64  
Charges
    33       20       (12 )     123       164  
Cash payments
    (74 )                 (121 )     (195 )
Charges against assets
    (3 )     (20 )     12       21       10  
Other
                      (7 )     (7 )
Foreign exchange
    1                   (4 )     (3 )
Balance at December 31, 2008
  $ 12     $     $     $ 21     $ 33  
Charges
                             
Cash payments
    (7 )                 (11 )     (18 )
Charges against assets
                             
Other
                             
Foreign exchange
    (1 )                 1        
Balance at December 31, 2009
  $ 4     $     $     $ 11     $ 15  

Termination benefits incurred pursuant to the 2004 Restructuring Program were calculated based on long-standing benefit practices, local statutory requirements and, in certain cases, voluntary termination arrangements. Termination benefits also include pension enhancements amounting to $3 in 2008, which are reflected as Charges against assets within Termination benefits in the preceding table, as the corresponding balance sheet amounts are reflected as a reduction of pension assets or an increase in pension liabilities.
 
26

 
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)
 
Incremental depreciation was recorded to reflect changes in useful lives and estimated residual values for long-lived assets that are taken out of service prior to the end of their normal service period. Asset impairments have been recorded to write down assets held for sale or disposal to their fair value based on amounts expected to be realized. Within Asset impairments, charges are net of gains realized on the sale of assets.

During 2008, Other charges related to start-up costs for new manufacturing facilities were $5 and costs incurred for the development and implementation of new business and strategic initiatives were $66.  Start-up costs for new facilities and third-party incremental costs related to the development and implementation of new business and strategic initiatives were expensed as incurred.

 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 debt service, dividends, capital expenditures and planned stock repurchases). The Company believes its strong cash-generating capability and financial condition should continue to allow it broad access to financial markets worldwide.

Cash Flow

Net cash provided by operations in 2009 was $3,277 as compared with $2,302 in 2008 and $2,252 in 2007. The increase in 2009 as compared to 2008 is primarily related to improved profitability, decreased working capital and lower cash spending related to the 2004 Restructuring Program, partially offset by higher tax payments.  The increase in 2008 as compared to 2007 reflects the Company’s improved profitability, offset by increased working capital, higher tax payments and higher voluntary cash contributions to the Company’s U.S. postretirement benefit plans.

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). Overall, the Company’s working capital decreased to (0.4%) of Net sales in 2009 as compared with 2.5% in 2008. The decrease in working capital in 2009 is primarily related to improved accounts receivable days’ sales outstanding and decreased inventory days outstanding, while current liabilities including income taxes increased with our profitability.  In 2008, higher balances in accounts receivable were due primarily to higher Net sales.  Additionally, inventory and accounts payable and other accruals increased in 2008 as a result of raw material cost increases and inventory build-up for new product launches and promotional activities.

Investing activities used $841 of cash during 2009 compared with uses of $613 and $528 during 2008 and 2007, respectively. Investing activities for 2009 included the purchase of $210 of U.S. dollar-denominated bonds issued by a Venezuelan state-owned corporation and $50 of U.S. dollar-linked, devaluation-protected bonds issued by the Venezuelan government. The increase in use in 2008 as compared to 2007 was primarily due to higher capital spending and lower proceeds from the sale of property and non-core product lines, offset by lower payments for acquisitions.
 
27

 
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)
 
Capital expenditures were $575, $684 and $583 for 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Lower capital expenditures in 2009 reflected the completion during the year of certain capacity expansions, as well as the completion of the 2004 Restructuring Program at the end of 2008.  Capital spending continues to focus primarily on projects that yield high aftertax returns. Overall capital expenditures for 2010 are expected to represent approximately 3.5% of Net sales.

Investing activities in 2009 and 2008 included $17 and $58, respectively, of proceeds from the sale of certain assets, including certain asset sales in 2008 related to the 2004 Restructuring Program.  Investing activities in 2007 included $67 of net proceeds from the sale of the Company’s Latin American household bleach business and $43 of proceeds from the sale of other property related to the 2004 Restructuring Program.  In 2007, the Company increased its ownership interest in one of its subsidiaries in China to 100% at a cost of $27.

Financing activities used $2,270 of cash during 2009 compared to $1,530 and $1,803 during 2008 and 2007, respectively.  The increase in 2009 was primarily due to higher net debt payments and an increase in dividends paid.  The decrease in 2008 was primarily due to fewer repurchases of common stock.

Long-term debt decreased to $3,147 as of December 31, 2009 as compared to $3,676 as of December 31, 2008 and total debt decreased to $3,182 as of December 31, 2009 as compared to $3,783 as of December 31, 2008. The Company’s long-term debt is rated AA- by Standard & Poor’s and Aa3 by Moody’s Investors Service.

At December 31, 2009, the Company had access to unused domestic and foreign lines of credit of $3,014 and could also issue medium-term notes pursuant to an effective shelf registration statement. In August 2008, the Company increased the borrowing capacity under its domestic revolving credit facility from $1,500 to $1,600 by adding two banks to the syndicate of banks participating in the revolving credit facility.  The facility has an expiration date of November 2012.  These domestic lines are available for general corporate purposes and to support the issuance of commercial paper.

During the third quarter of 2009, the Company issued $300 of U.S. dollar-denominated six-year notes at a fixed rate of 3.15% under the Company’s shelf registration statement. Proceeds from the debt issuance were primarily used to reduce commercial paper borrowings. In addition, during the third quarter of 2009, to effectively convert a portion of the Company’s fixed rate debt portfolio to a variable rate, the Company also entered into interest rate swaps, with a total notional value of $330.

During 2008, the Company issued $250 of five-year notes at a fixed rate of 4.2% under the Company’s shelf registration statement.  The Company simultaneously entered into interest rate swaps to effectively convert the fixed interest rate of the notes to a variable rate.  During 2008, the Company also issued approximately $75 of forty-year notes at a variable rate, also under the shelf registration statement.  Proceeds from the debt issuances were used to repay $100 of medium-term notes with an original maturity of May 2017 and to reduce commercial paper borrowings.

During 2007, the Company issued 250 million of Euro-denominated medium-term notes maturing in June 2014 at a fixed interest rate of 4.75%, payable annually.  The net proceeds of approximately $332 (248 million Euros) from the issuance were used to pay down U.S. dollar-denominated commercial paper.
 
28

 
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)
 
Domestic and foreign commercial paper outstanding was $0 and $735 as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The average daily balances outstanding for commercial paper in 2009 and 2008 were $1,144 and $1,284, respectively.  These borrowings carry a Standard & Poor’s rating of A-1+ and a Moody’s Investors Service rating of P-1. The Company regularly classifies commercial paper and certain current maturities of notes payable as long-term debt as 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 2012.

Certain of the facilities with respect to the Company’s bank borrowings contain 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 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information about the Company’s long-term debt and credit facilities.

Dividend payments in 2009 were $981, an increase from $889 in 2008 and $798 in 2007. Common stock dividend payments increased to $1.72 per share in 2009 from $1.56 per share in 2008 and $1.40 per share in 2007. The Series B Preference stock dividend payments increased to $13.76 per share in 2009 from $12.48 per share in 2008 and $11.20 per share in 2007.  On February 4, 2010, the Company’s Board of Directors increased the quarterly common stock cash dividend to $0.53 per share, effective as of the second quarter 2010.

The Effect of exchange rate changes on Cash and cash equivalents in 2009 primarily reflects the premium associated with acquiring U.S. dollar currency through parallel market transactions in Venezuela.

The Company repurchases its shares of 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. The repurchases are made pursuant to programs authorized by the Company’s Board of Directors.  Shares repurchased from January 30, 2008 through February 4, 2010 were repurchased pursuant to a program authorized by the Board on January 30, 2008 (the 2008 Program) and shares repurchased from March 9, 2006 to January 29, 2008 were repurchased pursuant to a program authorized by the Board on March 9, 2006 (the 2006 Program).  On February 4, 2010, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase program (the 2010 Program) which replaced the 2008 Program. The 2010 Program authorizes the repurchase of up to 40 million shares of the Company’s common stock.

Aggregate repurchases in 2009 included 13.9 million common shares under the 2008 Program and 1.0 million common shares to fulfill the requirements of compensation and benefit plans, for a total purchase price of $1,063.  Aggregate repurchases in 2008 included 13.8 million common shares under both the 2008 Program and the 2006 Program, and 0.9 million common shares to fulfill the requirements of compensation and benefit plans, for a total purchase price of $1,073.  Aggregate repurchases in 2007 included 20.8 million common shares for a total purchase price of $1,269.
 
29

 
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)
 
The following represents the scheduled maturities of the Company’s contractual obligations as of December 31, 2009:

         
Payments Due by Period
 
   
Total
   
2010
   
2011
   
2012
   
2013
   
2014
   
Thereafter
 
Long-term debt including current portion
  $ 3,147     $ 326     $ 639     $ 341     $ 262     $ 358     $ 1,221  
Net cash interest payments on long-term debt(1)
    686       110       98       87       68       58       265  
Leases
    1,283       185       158       140       121       109       570  
Purchase obligations(2)
    551       287       140       77       25       11       11  
Total(3)
  $ 5,667     $ 908     $ 1,035     $ 645     $ 476     $ 536     $ 2,067  
____________
(1)
Includes the net interest payments on fixed and variable rate debt and associated interest rate swaps. Interest payments associated with floating rate instruments are based on management’s best estimate of projected interest rates for the remaining term of variable rate debt.
(2)
The Company had outstanding contractual obligations with suppliers at the end of 2009 for the purchase of raw, packaging and other materials and services in the normal course of business. These purchase obligation amounts represent only those items which are based on agreements that are enforceable and legally binding and that specify minimum quantity, price and term and do not represent total anticipated purchases.
(3)
Long-term liabilities associated with the Company’s postretirement plans are excluded from the table above due to the uncertainty of the timing of these cash disbursements. The amount and timing of cash funding related to these benefit plans will generally depend on local regulatory requirements, various economic assumptions (the most significant of which are detailed in “Critical Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates,” below) and voluntary Company contributions.  Based on current information, the Company does not anticipate having to make any mandatory contributions to its qualified U.S. pension plan until 2012.  Management’s best estimate of cash requirements to be paid directly from the Company’s assets for its postretirement plans for the year ending December 31, 2010, is approximately $120, including approximately $35 for other retiree benefit plans. These estimated cash requirements include approximately $55 of projected contributions to the Company’s postretirement plans, comprised of $35 of voluntary contributions to our U.S. pension plans and approximately $20 of projected benefit payments made directly to participants of unfunded plans.

Liabilities for unrecognized income tax benefits are excluded from the table above as the Company is unable to reasonably predict the ultimate amount or timing of a settlement of such liabilities.  See Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.

As more fully described in Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company is contingently liable with respect to lawsuits, environmental matters, taxes and other matters arising in the ordinary course of business.
 
30

 
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)
 
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

The Company does not have off-balance sheet financing or unconsolidated special purpose entities.

Managing Foreign Currency, Interest Rate and Commodity Price Exposure

The Company is exposed to market risk from foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates and commodity price fluctuations. Volatility relating to these exposures is managed on a global basis by utilizing a number of techniques, including working capital management, selling price increases, selective borrowings in local currencies and entering into selective derivative instrument transactions, issued with standard features, in accordance with the Company’s treasury and risk management policies. The Company’s treasury and risk management policies prohibit the use of leveraged derivatives for any purpose as well as derivatives for trading purposes.

The sensitivity of our financial instruments to these market fluctuations is discussed below. See Note 2 and Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of derivatives and hedging policies and fair value measurements.

Foreign Exchange Risk

As the Company markets its products in over 200 countries and territories, it is exposed to currency fluctuations related to manufacturing and selling its products in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Our foreign currency exposures reflect the Company’s operations in the markets in Latin America (28% of Net sales), Europe/South Pacific (21% of Net sales) and Asia/Africa (17% of Net sales). The Company manages its foreign currency exposures in these markets through a combination of cost-containment measures, selling price increases and foreign currency hedging of certain costs in an effort to minimize the impact on earnings of foreign currency rate movements. See the “Results of Operations” section above for discussion of the foreign exchange impact on Net sales in each segment.

The assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries, other than those operating in highly inflationary environments, are translated into U.S. dollars at year-end exchange rates with resulting translation gains and losses accumulated in a separate component of shareholders’ equity. Income and expense items are translated into U.S. dollars at average rates of exchange prevailing during the year.

For subsidiaries operating in highly inflationary environments, inventories, prepaids, goodwill and property, plant and equipment are remeasured at their historical exchange rates, while other assets and liabilities are remeasured at year-end exchange rates. Remeasurement adjustments for these operations are included in Net income.

The Company primarily utilizes foreign currency contracts, including forward and swap contracts, local currency deposits and local currency borrowings to hedge portions of its exposures relating to foreign currency purchases, assets and liabilities created in the normal course of business and the net investment in certain foreign subsidiaries.  The duration of foreign currency contracts generally does not exceed 12 months and the contracts are valued using observable forward rates.
 
31

 
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)
 
Our foreign currency forward contracts that qualify for cash flow hedge accounting resulted in net unrealized gains of $4 at December 31, 2009 and net unrealized losses of $5 at December 31, 2008. Changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges are recorded in Other comprehensive income (loss) and are reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the underlying hedged transaction is recognized in earnings. At the end of 2009, an unfavorable 10% change in exchange rates would have resulted in a net unrealized loss of $17.
 
Interest Rate Risk

The Company manages its targeted mix of fixed and floating rate debt with debt issuances and by entering into interest rate swaps in order to mitigate fluctuations in earnings and cash flows that may result from interest rate volatility.  The notional amount, interest payment and maturity date of the swaps match the principal, interest payment and maturity date of the related debt in all cases, and the swaps are valued using observable benchmark rates.

Based on year-end 2009 variable rate debt levels, a 1-percentage-point increase in interest rates would have increased Interest expense, net by $10 in 2009.

Commodity Price Risk

The Company is exposed to price volatility related to raw materials used in production, such as resins, tallow, corn and soybeans. The Company manages its raw material exposures through a combination of cost containment measures, ongoing productivity initiatives and the limited use of commodity hedging contracts. Futures contracts are used on a limited basis, primarily in the Pet Nutrition segment, to manage volatility related to anticipated raw material inventory purchases of certain traded commodities.

Our open commodity derivative contracts, which qualify for cash flow hedge accounting, resulted in net unrealized losses of $0 and $7 for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. At the end of 2009, an unfavorable 10% change in commodity futures prices would have resulted in an unrealized net loss of $1.

Credit Risk

The Company is exposed to the risk of credit loss in the event of nonperformance by counterparties to financial instrument contracts; however, nonperformance is considered unlikely as it is the Company’s policy to contract with highly rated diverse counterparties.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

No new accounting pronouncement issued or which became effective during the fiscal year has had or is expected to have a material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
32

 
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)
 
Critical Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements requires management to use judgment and make estimates. The level of uncertainty in estimates and assumptions increases with the length of time until the underlying transactions are completed. Actual results could ultimately differ from those estimates. The accounting policies that are most critical in the preparation of the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements are those that are both important to the presentation of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations and require significant or complex judgments and estimates on the part of management. The Company’s critical accounting policies are reviewed periodically with the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.

In certain instances, accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America allow for the selection of alternative accounting methods. The Company’s significant policies that involve the selection of alternative methods are accounting for shipping and handling costs and inventories.

 
Shipping and handling costs may be reported as either a component of cost of sales or selling, general and administrative expenses. The Company reports such costs, primarily related to warehousing and outbound freight, in the Consolidated Statements of Income as a component of Selling, general and administrative expenses. Accordingly, the Company’s gross profit margin is not comparable with the gross profit margin of those companies that include shipping and handling charges in cost of sales. If such costs had been included in cost of sales, gross profit margin as a percent of sales would have decreased by 730 bps, from 58.8% to 51.5%, in 2009 and decreased by 780 and 790 bps in 2008 and 2007, respectively, with no impact on reported earnings.

 
The Company accounts for inventories using both the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method (approximately 79% of inventories) and the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method (approximately 21% of inventories). There would have been no material impact on reported earnings for 2009, 2008 and 2007 had all inventories been accounted for under the FIFO method.

The areas of accounting that involve significant or complex judgments and estimates are pensions and other postretirement benefits, stock options, asset impairments, uncertain tax positions, tax valuation allowances and legal and other contingencies.

 
In pension accounting, the most significant actuarial assumptions are the discount rate and the long-term rate of return on plan assets. The discount rate for U.S. defined benefit plans was 5.75%, 6.30% and 6.50% as of December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The discount rate for other U.S. postretirement plans was 5.75%, 5.80% and 6.50% as of December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  Discount rates used for the U.S. defined benefit and other postretirement plans are based on a yield curve constructed from a portfolio of high-quality bonds for which the timing and amount of cash outflows approximate the estimated payouts of the U.S. plans. For the Company’s international plans, the discount rates are set by benchmarking against investment-grade corporate bonds rated AA. The assumed long-term rate of return on plan assets for U.S. plans was 8.0% as of December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007. In determining the long-term rate of return, the Company considers the nature of the plans’ investments, an expectation for the plans’ investment strategies and the historical rate of return.
 
33

 
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)
 
Average annual rates of return for the U.S. plans for the most recent 1-year, 5-year, 10-year, 15-year and 25-year periods were 17%, 5%, 4%, 6%, and 9%, respectively. In addition, the current rate of return assumption for the U.S. plans is based upon a targeted asset allocation of approximately 33% in fixed income securities (which are expected to earn approximately 6% in the long-term), 63% in equity securities (which are expected to earn approximately 9.25% in the long-term) and 4% in real estate and other (which are expected to earn approximately 6% in the long-term). A 1% change in either the discount rate or the assumed rate of return on plan assets of the U.S. pension plans would impact future Net income by approximately $10. A third assumption is the long-term rate of compensation increase, a change in which would partially offset the impact of a change in either the discount rate or the long-term rate of return.  This rate was 4.0% as of December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007. Refer to Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of the Company’s pension and other postretirement plans.

 
The assumption requiring the most judgment in accounting for other postretirement benefits is the medical cost trend rate. The Company reviews external data and its own historical trends for health care costs to determine the medical cost trend rate. The assumed rate of increase is 9.00% for 2010, declining to 5.00% by 2016 and remaining at 5.00% for the years thereafter. The effect of a 1% increase in the assumed long-term medical cost trend rate would reduce Net income by $5.

 
The Company recognizes the cost of employee services received in exchange for awards of equity instruments, such as stock options and restricted stock, based on the fair value of those awards at the date of grant.  The Company uses the Black-Scholes-Merton (Black-Scholes) option pricing model to determine the fair value of stock-option awards.  The weighted-average estimated fair value of each stock option granted for the year ended December 31, 2009 was $12.06. The Black-Scholes model uses various assumptions to determine the fair value of options. These assumptions include expected term of options, expected volatility, risk-free interest rate and expected dividend yield. While these assumptions do not require significant judgment, as the significant inputs are determined from historical experience or independent third-party sources, changes in these inputs could result in significant changes in fair value.  A one-year change in term would result in a change in fair value of approximately 9%. A one percent change in volatility would change fair value by approximately 5%.

 
The asset impairment analysis performed for goodwill and intangible assets requires several estimates including future cash flows, growth rates and the selection of a discount rate. Since the estimated fair value of the Company’s intangible assets substantially exceeds the recorded book value, significant changes in these estimates would have to occur to result in an impairment charge related to these assets.

 
The recognition and measurement of uncertain tax positions involves consideration of the amounts and probabilities of various outcomes that could be realized upon ultimate settlement.

 
Tax valuation allowances are established to reduce tax assets such as tax loss carryforwards, to net realizable value. Factors considered in estimating net realizable value include historical results by tax jurisdiction, carryforward periods, income tax strategies and forecasted taxable income.

34

 
(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)

 
Legal and other contingency reserves are based on management’s assessment of the risk of potential loss, which includes consultation with outside legal counsel and advisors. Such assessments are reviewed each period and revised, based on current facts and circumstances, if necessary. While it is possible that the Company’s cash flows and results of operations in a particular quarter or year could be materially affected by the impact of such contingencies, it is the opinion of management that these matters will not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, on-going results of operations or cash flows. Refer to Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of the Company’s contingencies.

The Company generates revenue through the sale of well-known consumer products to trade customers under established trading terms. While the recognition of revenue and receivables requires the use of estimates, there is a short time frame (typically less than 60 days) between the shipment of product and cash receipt, thereby reducing the level of uncertainty in these estimates. Refer to Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further description of the Company’s significant accounting policies.

Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Statements

This Annual Report on Form 10-K may contain “forward-looking statements” as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 or by the SEC in its rules, regulations and releases. Such statements may relate, for example, to sales or volume growth, profit and profit margin growth, earnings growth, financial goals, the impact of the recent currency devaluation in Venezuela, cost-reduction plans, tax rates and new product introductions, among other matters. These statements are made on the basis of the Company’s views and assumptions as of this time and the Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements. Moreover, the Company does not, nor does any other person, assume responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of those statements.  The Company cautions investors that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and that actual events or results may differ materially from those statements. Actual events or results may differ materially because of factors that affect international businesses and global economic conditions, as well as matters specific to us and the markets we serve, including  currency rate fluctuations, changes in foreign or domestic laws or regulations or their interpretation, political and fiscal developments, the availability and cost of raw and packaging materials, our ability to maintain or increase selling prices as required, changes in the policies of retail trade customers and our ability to continue lowering costs and to mitigate the impact of the recent currency devaluation in Venezuela.  For information about these and other factors that could impact our business and cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking statements, refer to “Risk Factors” in Item 1A.

ITEM 7A.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

See “Managing Foreign Currency, Interest Rate and Commodity Price Exposure” in Item 7.

ITEM 8.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

See “Index to Financial Statements.”

ITEM 9.
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.
 
35

 
ITEM 9A.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company’s management, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2009 (the Evaluation). Based upon the Evaluation, the Company’s Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Exchange Act) are effective.

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed under the supervision of its Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of the Company’s financial statements for external reporting in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Management evaluates the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting using the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in “Internal Control—Integrated Framework.” Management, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009 and concluded that it is effective.

The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, has audited the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, and has expressed an unqualified opinion in their report, which appears in this report.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Company’s most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

ITEM 9B.
OTHER INFORMATION
 
On February 25, 2010, the Company amended the Colgate-Palmolive Company Supplemental Salaried Employees’ Retirement Plan to limit the benefit payable thereunder so that such benefit, when expressed as a lump sum value, together with the benefit payable under the Colgate-Palmolive Company Employees’ Retirement Income Plan, also expressed as a lump sum, will not exceed a cap of $20 million, with such cap to be adjusted at an annual rate of 6%.  The plan amendment is filed as Exhibit 10-B(d) to this report.  For additional information regarding the Company’s retirement plans, see the Company’s Proxy Statement for its 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.


PART III

ITEM 10.
DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

See “Executive Officers of the Registrant” in Part I of this report.

Additional information required by this Item relating to directors, executive officers and corporate governance of the registrant and information regarding compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act is incorporated herein by reference to the Company’s Proxy Statement for its 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the 2010 Proxy Statement).

Code of Ethics

The Company’s Code of Conduct promotes the highest ethical standards in all of the Company’s business dealings. The Code of Conduct satisfies the SEC’s requirements for a Code of Ethics for senior financial officers and applies to all Company employees, including the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer, and the Company’s directors. The Code of Conduct is available on the Company’s website at www.colgate.com. Any amendment to the Code of Conduct will promptly be posted on the Company’s website. It is the Company’s policy not to grant waivers of the Code of Conduct. In the extremely unlikely event that the Company grants an executive officer a waiver from a provision of the Code of Conduct, the Company will promptly disclose such information by posting it on its website or by using other appropriate means in accordance with SEC rules.

ITEM 11.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The information regarding executive compensation set forth in the 2010 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 12.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

 
(a)
The information regarding security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management set forth in the 2010 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

 
(b)
The registrant does not know of any arrangements that may at a subsequent date result in a change in control of the registrant.
 
37

 
 
(c)
Equity compensation plan information as of December 31, 2009:

 
 
(a)
   
(b)
   
(c)
 
Plan Category
 
Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights
(in thousands)
   
Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights
   
Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a))
(in thousands)
 
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
    27,892 (1)   $ 58 (2)     29,579 (3)
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders
 
Not applicable
   
Not applicable
   
Not applicable
 
Total
    27,892     $ 58       29,579  
____________
(1)
Consists of 25,091 options outstanding and 2,801 restricted shares awarded but not yet vested under the Company’s Stock Option and Incentive Stock Plans, respectively, which are more fully described in Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
(2)
Includes the weighted-average exercise price of stock options outstanding of $65 and restricted shares of $0.
(3)
Amount includes 18,426 options available for issuance under the Company’s Stock Option Plans and 11,153 of restricted shares available for issuance under the Company’s Incentive Stock Plan.

ITEM 13.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

The information regarding certain relationships and related transactions and director independence set forth in the 2010 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 14.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

The information regarding auditor fees and services set forth in the 2010 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

38


PART IV

ITEM 15.
EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

(a)    Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules

See “Index to Financial Statements.”

(b)    Exhibits.

See “Exhibits to Form 10-K.”

39


COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 
Colgate-Palmolive Company
                 (Registrant)
     
Date: February 25, 2010
By
/s/ Ian Cook
 
 
Ian Cook
Chairman of the Board, President and
Chief Executive Officer
 
40

 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below on February 25, 2010, by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated.
 
 
 (a)           Principal Executive Officer
 
(d)           Directors
     
     
/s/ Ian Cook
 
/s/ John T. Cahill
Ian Cook
Chairman of the Board, President and
Chief Executive Officer
 
John T. Cahill
     
     
   
/s/ Jill K. Conway
   
Jill K. Conway
     
     
(b)           Principal Financial Officer
   
/s/ Stephen C. Patrick
 
/s/ Ian Cook
Stephen C. Patrick
Chief Financial Officer
 
Ian Cook
     
     
(c)           Principal Accounting Officer
 
/s/ Ellen M. Hancock
   
Ellen M. Hancock
     
     
/s/Dennis J. Hickey
 
/s/ David W. Johnson
Dennis J. Hickey
Vice President and
Corporate Controller
 
David W. Johnson
     
     
   
/s/ Richard J. Kogan
   
Richard J. Kogan
     
     
   
/s/ Delano E. Lewis
   
Delano E. Lewis
     
     
   
/s/ J. Pedro Reinhard
   
J. Pedro Reinhard
     
     
   
/s/ Stephen I. Sadove
   
Stephen I. Sadove

41


Index to Financial Statements


 
Page
Consolidated Financial Statements
   
     
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
43
 
     
Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
44
 
     
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2009 and 2008
45
 
     
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
46
 
     
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
48
 
     
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
49
 
     
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
92
 
     
Selected Financial Data
   
     
Market and Dividend Information
93
 
     
Historical Financial Summary
95
 

All other financial statements and schedules not listed have been omitted since the required information is included in the financial statements or the notes thereto or is not applicable or required.

42


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Colgate-Palmolive Company

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the accompanying index present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Colgate-Palmolive Company and its subsidiaries (the Company) at December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2009 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule listed in the accompanying index presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements.  Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).  The Company's management is responsible for these financial statements and financial statement schedule, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Management's Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting, appearing under Item 9A.  Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements, on the financial statement schedule, and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits.  We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.  Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk.  Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.  A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.  Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
New York, New York
February 25, 2010

43


COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY

Consolidated Statements of Income

For the years ended December 31,

(Dollars in Millions Except Per Share Amounts)

   
2009
   
2008(A)
   
2007(A)
 
Net sales
  $ 15,327     $ 15,330     $ 13,790  
Cost of sales
    6,319       6,704       6,043  
Gross profit
    9,008       8,626       7,747  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    5,282       5,422       4,973  
Other (income) expense, net
    111       103       54  
Operating profit
    3,615       3,101       2,720  
Interest expense, net
    77       96       157  
Income before income taxes
    3,538       3,005       2,563  
Provision for income taxes
    1,141       968       759  
Net income including noncontrolling interests
    2,397       2,037       1,804  
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
    106       80       67  
Net income
  $ 2,291     $ 1,957     $ 1,737  
Earnings per common share, basic
  $ 4.53     $ 3.81     $ 3.35  
Earnings per common share, diluted
  $ 4.37     $ 3.66     $ 3.20  

(A)
Prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation required by the Consolidation Topic of the FASB Codification. See Note 2 to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

44


COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY

Consolidated Balance Sheets

As of December 31,

(Dollars in Millions Except Share Amounts)

   
2009
   
2008(A)
 
Assets
           
Current Assets
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 600     $ 555  
Receivables (net of allowances of $52 and $47, respectively)
    1,626       1,592  
Inventories
    1,209       1,197  
Other current assets
    375       366  
Total current assets
    3,810       3,710  
Property, plant and equipment, net
    3,516       3,119  
Goodwill, net
    2,302       2,152  
Other intangible assets, net
    821       834  
Other assets
    685       164  
Total assets
  $ 11,134     $ 9,979  
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
               
Current Liabilities
               
Notes and loans payable
  $ 35     $ 107  
Current portion of long-term debt
    326       91  
Accounts payable
    1,172       1,061  
Accrued income taxes
    387       272  
Other accruals
    1,679       1,421  
Total current liabilities
    3,599       2,952  
Long-term debt
    2,821       3,585  
Deferred income taxes
    82       82  
Other liabilities
    1,375       1,316  
Total liabilities
    7,877       7,935  
Commitments and contingent liabilities
           
Shareholders’ Equity
               
Preference stock
    169       181  
Common stock, $1 par value (2,000,000,000 shares authorized, 732,853,180 shares issued)
    733       733  
Additional paid-in capital
    1,764       1,610  
Retained earnings
    13,157       11,760  
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    (2,096 )     (2,477 )
      13,727       11,807  
Unearned compensation
    (133 )     (187 )
Treasury stock, at cost
    (10,478 )     (9,697 )
Total Colgate-Palmolive Company shareholders’ equity
    3,116       1,923  
Noncontrolling interests
    141       121  
Total shareholders’ equity
    3,257       2,044  
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 11,134     $ 9,979  

(A)
Prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation required by the Consolidation Topic of the FASB Codification.  See Note 2 to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

45


COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity

(Dollars in Millions)

   
Colgate-Palmolive Company Shareholder’s Equity
   
Noncontrolling Interests(A)
 
   
Preference Stock
   
Common Stock
   
Additional Paid-In Capital
   
Unearned Compensation
   
Treasury Stock
   
Retained Earnings
   
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
   
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
       
Balance, January 1, 2007
  $ 223     $ 733     $ 1,218     $ (251 )   $ (8,074 )   $ 9,644     $ (2,081 )         $ 112  
Net income
                                            1,737             $ 1,737       67  
Other comprehensive income:
                                                                       
Cumulative translation adjustment
                                                    250       250       7  
Retirement Plan and other retiree benefit adjustments, net of taxes
                                                    164       164          
Other
                                                                   
Total comprehensive income
                                                          $ 2,151          
Adjustment to initially apply FIN 48
                                            (4 )                        
Purchase of Noncontrolling interests
                                                                    (27 )
Dividends declared:
                                                                       
Series B Convertible Preference stock, net of taxes
                                            (28 )                        
Common stock
                                            (721 )                        
Noncontrolling interests in Company’s subsidiaries
                                                                    (49 )
Stock-based compensation expense
                    110                                                  
Stock options exercised
                    175               255                                  
Treasury stock acquired
                                    (1,269 )                                
Preference stock conversion
    (25 )             (92 )             117                                  
Other
                    107       32       67                                  
Balance, December 31, 2007
  $ 198     $ 733     $ 1,518     $ (219 )   $ (8,904 )   $ 10,628     $ (1,667 )           $ 110  
Net income
                                            1,957             $ 1,957       80  
Other comprehensive income:
                                                                       
Cumulative translation adjustment
                                                    (450 )     (450 )     (5 )
Retirement Plan and other retiree benefit adjustments, net of taxes
                                                    (352 )     (352 )        
Other
                                                    (8 )     (8 )        
Total comprehensive income
                                                          $ 1,147          
 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
 
COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity

(Dollars in Millions)
 
   
Colgate-Palmolive Company Shareholder’s Equity
      Noncontrolling Interests(A)  
      Preference Stock       Common Stock       Additional Paid-In Capital       Unearned Compensation       Treasury Stock       Retained Earnings       Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)       Comprehensive Income (Loss)          
Dividends declared:
                                                                       
Series B Convertible Preference stock, net of taxes
                                            (28 )                        
Common stock
                                            (797 )                        
Noncontrolling interests in Company’s subsidiaries
                                                                    (64 )
Stock-based compensation expense
                    100                                                  
Stock options exercised
                    61               157          <