Colgate-Palmolive reports Q4 net earnings of US$598M, up from year-ago earnings of US$590M as net sales rise 2.5% to US$4.28B

Nevin Barich

NEW YORK , January 31, 2013 (press release) – Colgate-Palmolive Company (NYSE:CL) today reported worldwide Net sales of $4,286 million in fourth quarter 2012, an increase of 2.5% versus fourth quarter 2011. Global unit volume grew 1.5%, pricing increased 2.5% and foreign exchange was negative 1.5%. Organic sales (Net sales excluding foreign exchange, acquisitions and divestments) grew 4.0%.

Net income and Diluted earnings per share in fourth quarter 2012 were $598 million and $1.26, respectively. Net income in fourth quarter 2012 included $73 million ($0.15 per diluted share) of aftertax charges resulting from the implementation of the previously disclosed four-year Global Growth and Efficiency Program (the "2012 Restructuring Program") and costs associated with the sale of land in Mexico.

Net income and Diluted earnings per share in fourth quarter 2011 were $590 million and $1.21, respectively. As previously disclosed, Net income in fourth quarter 2011 included aftertax charges of $44 million ($0.09 per diluted share) resulting from the items described in Table 8.

Excluding the above noted items in both periods, Net income in fourth quarter 2012 was $671 million, an increase of 6% versus fourth quarter 2011, and Diluted earnings per share in fourth quarter 2012 was $1.41, an increase of 8% versus fourth quarter 2011.

Gross profit margin was 58.4% in fourth quarter 2012 versus 57.4% in the year ago quarter. Excluding the above noted items in both periods, Gross profit margin was 58.6% in fourth quarter 2012, an increase of 90 basis points versus the year ago quarter, as higher pricing and cost savings from the Company's funding-the-growth initiatives more than offset the impact of increases in raw and packaging material costs and higher production costs in Venezuela.

Selling, general and administrative expenses were 34.7% of Net sales in fourth quarter 2012 versus 34.6% in fourth quarter 2011. Excluding the above noted items in both periods, Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by 10 basis points to 34.6% of Net sales in fourth quarter 2012, as overhead expenses increased by 20 basis points and advertising decreased by 10 basis points. Worldwide advertising spending on an absolute basis increased 1.4% versus the year ago quarter to $434 million.

Operating profit increased 2% to $942 million in fourth quarter 2012 compared to $923 million in fourth quarter 2011. Excluding the above noted items in both periods, Operating profit increased 6% to $1,035 million.

Net cash provided by operations for the full year 2012 increased 10% to $3,196 million compared to $2,896 million for the full year 2011. The increase was driven by strong operating earnings as well as a continued tight focus on working capital, especially accounts receivable and inventory management. Free cash flow before dividends exceeded 100% of Net income. Working capital as a percentage of Net sales was 0.7%, even with the year ago period.

For the full year 2012, worldwide Net sales were $17,085 million, up 2.0% versus full year 2011. Global unit volume grew 3.0%, pricing increased 3.0% and foreign exchange was negative 4.0%. Excluding divested businesses, global unit volume grew 3.5%. The Sanex acquisition contributed 0.5% to full year sales and volume growth. Organic sales grew 6.0%.

Net income and Diluted earnings per share for full year 2012 were $2,472 million and $5.15, respectively. Full year 2012 results include $102 million ($0.21 per diluted share) of aftertax charges resulting from the implementation of the 2012 Restructuring Program, the implementation of the previously disclosed business realignment and other cost-saving initiatives and costs associated with the sale of land in Mexico.

Net income and Diluted earnings per share for full year 2011 were $2,431 million and $4.94, respectively. As previously disclosed, full year 2011 results included net aftertax charges of $42 million ($0.09 per diluted share) resulting from the items described in Table 9.

Excluding the items noted above in both periods, Net income for full year 2012 increased 4% versus full year 2011 and Diluted earnings per share increased 7% versus full year 2011.

Gross profit margin was 58.1% for full year 2012 versus 57.3% in full year 2011. Excluding the items noted above in both periods, gross profit margin was 58.3% in full year 2012, up 70 basis points versus full year 2011, as higher pricing and cost savings from the Company's funding-the-growth initiatives more than offset the impact of increases in raw and packaging material costs and negative foreign exchange transaction costs.

As previously disclosed, the 2012 Restructuring Program is projected to result in cumulative pretax charges, once all phases are approved and implemented, totaling between $1,100 and $1,250 million ($775 and $875 million aftertax), with pretax savings projected to be in the range of $365 to $435 million ($275 to $325 million aftertax) annually by the fourth year of the program. Fourth quarter projects under the 2012 Restructuring Program have been initiated largely as planned, with savings from the 2012 Restructuring Program expected to be realized beginning in 2013.

Ian Cook, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented on the results and outlook excluding the 2012 and 2011 items noted above, "We are very pleased to have ended the year with another quarter of strong profitability. Gross profit margin, operating profit margin and net income as a percent of sales all increased versus the year ago period.

"As we began 2012, we anticipated an intense competitive environment, and challenging foreign currency exchange and macroeconomic conditions worldwide. Despite this, we planned to improve worldwide market shares and volume growth, achieve gross margin expansion, increase commercial spending and grow diluted earnings per share at a double-digit rate, on a currency-neutral basis.

"We are delighted that we were able to achieve all of these objectives in 2012. It was another year of healthy top-line growth as well, with organic sales increasing 6.0%, led by the emerging markets where organic sales grew a robust 10.0%. Pleasingly, this growth was well balanced between solid unit volume gains and higher pricing worldwide.

"Colgate's global market shares in toothpaste and manual toothbrushes are both at record highs year to date. Colgate's share of the global toothpaste market strengthened to 44.6% year to date, up 0.5 share points versus year ago. Our global leadership in manual toothbrushes also strengthened during the quarter with Colgate's global market share in that category reaching 32.7% year to date, up 0.8 share points versus year ago.

"Looking forward, we expect our growth momentum to continue as we enter 2013. Our new product pipeline is very full around the world and we are pleased that our global restructuring program is on track and proceeding smoothly. We also continue to be sharply focused on our aggressive funding-the-growth programs and our strategic worldwide pricing initiatives.

"Based on this, we anticipate another year of gross margin expansion in 2013 and that diluted earnings per share will grow at a double-digit rate, on a dollar basis, excluding charges related to the 2012 Restructuring Program and absent any major currency devaluations or significant macroeconomic events."

At 11:00 a.m. ET today, Colgate will host a conference call to elaborate on fourth quarter results. To access this call as a webcast, please go to Colgate's web site at http://www.colgatepalmolive.com.

The following are comments about divisional performance for fourth quarter 2012 versus the year ago period. See attached Geographic Sales Analysis and Segment Information schedules for additional information on divisional sales and operating profit.

North America (18% of Company Sales)

North America Net sales increased 4.0% in fourth quarter 2012. Unit volume increased 1.5% with 2.0% higher pricing and 0.5% positive foreign exchange. Organic sales increased 3.5% during the quarter.

Operating profit in North America increased 23% in the fourth quarter of 2012 to $236 million, or 30.0% of Net sales. This increase in Operating profit was due to an increase in Gross profit and a decrease in Selling, general and administrative expenses, both as a percentage of Net sales. This increase in Gross profit was driven by cost savings from the Company's funding-the-growth initiatives and higher pricing, which were partially offset by higher raw and packaging material costs. This decrease in Selling, general and administrative expenses was primarily due to lower advertising expenses.

In the U.S., Colgate's toothpaste market share reached 36.1% year to date, up 1.0 share point versus year ago, driven by strong sales of Colgate Optic White and Colgate Optic White Enamel White toothpastes. In manual toothbrushes, Colgate's leading market share reached 35.7% year to date, up 2.1 share points versus year ago, driven by the success of Colgate 360° Optic White, Colgate 360° Sensitive Pro-Relief and Colgate Extra Clean manual toothbrushes.

Successful products driving growth in the U.S. in other categories include Colgate Optic White mouthwash, Softsoap brand Pampered Hands Coconut Lime Parfait foaming hand soap, Softsoap brand Citrus Splash & Berry Fusion body wash, Palmolive Soft Touch with Coconut Butter dish liquid, Suavitel fabric conditioner and Fabuloso liquid cleaner.

Exciting new products launching in first quarter 2013 include Colgate 360° Total Advanced Floss Tip bristles manual toothbrush, Colgate Optic White Dual Action toothpaste and Colgate Total Zx Pro-Shield Plus Sensitivity toothpaste offering long-lasting protection for teeth, gums and sensitivity.

Latin America (29% of Company Sales)

Latin America Net sales increased 1.5% in fourth quarter 2012. Unit volume decreased 1.5% with 5.0% higher pricing and 2.0% negative foreign exchange. Excluding divested businesses, Latin America unit volume decreased 1.0%. Volume gains in Brazil and Central America were offset by volume declines in Venezuela. Organic sales for Latin America increased 4.0% during the quarter.

Operating profit in Latin America decreased 4% in the fourth quarter of 2012 to $348 million, or 28.5% of Net sales. This decrease in Operating profit was due to a decrease in Gross profit and an increase in Selling, general and administrative expenses, both as a percentage of Net sales. This decrease in Gross profit was due to higher raw and packaging material costs and the increasingly difficult economic and labor environment in Venezuela, which likewise impacted unit volume in that country. Increasingly during the quarter, production at CP Venezuela was negatively impacted by labor issues that we understand also affected a number of other companies within the country. The decrease in Gross profit was partially offset by cost savings from the Company's funding-the-growth initiatives and higher pricing. This increase in Selling, general and administrative expenses was primarily due to higher overhead expenses and higher advertising expenses, both as a percentage of Net sales. This increase in overhead expenses was mainly due to higher costs due to inflation, particularly in Venezuela.

Colgate's strong leadership in oral care throughout Latin America continued during the quarter with year to date toothpaste market share gains led by Brazil, Chile, Uruguay and the Dominican Republic. Strong sales of Colgate Luminous White, Colgate Total Pro Gum Health and Colgate Triple Action Extra Whitening toothpastes contributed to growth throughout the region. Colgate strengthened its leadership of the manual toothbrush market throughout the region, driven by strong sales of Colgate 360° Surround, Colgate 360° Luminous White and Colgate Triple Action manual toothbrushes. In mouthwash, Colgate's year-to-date market share is at a record high in the region with gains driven by Colgate Luminous White mouthwash and the relaunch of Colgate Plax mouthwash.

Products in other categories contributing to market share gains included Protex Men and Palmolive Naturals Pomegranate bar soaps, Speed Stick Naturals & Protect deodorant and the relaunch of Suavitel Good Bye Ironing fabric conditioner.

Europe/South Pacific (20% of Company Sales)

Europe/South Pacific Net sales in fourth quarter 2012 were even with the year ago period. Unit volume increased 2.5% with 1.0% lower pricing and 1.5% negative foreign exchange. Volume gains in Australia, Denmark and France more than offset volume declines in Germany and Iberia. Organic sales for Europe/South Pacific increased 1.5%.

Operating profit in Europe/South Pacific increased 14% in the fourth quarter of 2012 to $187 million, or 22.1% of Net sales. This increase in Operating profit was due to an increase in Gross profit and a decrease in Selling, general and administrative expenses, both as a percentage of Net sales. This increase in Gross profit was driven by savings from the Company's funding-the-growth initiatives, which were partially offset by higher raw and packaging material costs. This decrease in Selling, general and administrative expenses was driven by lower overhead expenses.

Colgate strengthened its oral care leadership in the Europe/South Pacific region with toothpaste share gains led by Germany, Austria, Norway, Czech Republic, Serbia, Croatia and Bulgaria. Successful premium products driving share gains include Colgate Total Pro Gum Health, Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief Enamel Repair and Colgate Max White One toothpastes. In the manual toothbrush category, Colgate 360° Max White One and Colgate Total Pro Gum Health manual toothbrushes contributed to growth throughout the region.

Recent premium innovations contributing to strength in other product categories include Colgate Total Pro Gum Health and Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief mouthwashes, Colgate 360° battery toothbrush, Sanex Zero% shower gel, Palmolive Ayurituel shower gels and liquid hand soaps inspired by ancient Indian Ayurvedic rituals and ingredients known traditionally to help restore the wellbeing of body and mind, Soupline Aroma Sensations fabric conditioner and Ajax Pure Home liquid cleaner.

Greater Asia/Africa (20% of Company Sales)

Greater Asia/Africa Net sales and unit volume increased 9.0% and 8.0%, respectively, during fourth quarter 2012. Volume gains were led by India, the Greater China region, Russia, the Philippines and South Africa. Pricing increased 2.0% and foreign exchange was negative 1.0%. Organic sales for Greater Asia/Africa increased 10.0%.

While Operating profit in Greater Asia/Africa increased 6% in the fourth quarter of 2012 to $215 million, it decreased as a percentage of Net Sales to 24.7%. This decrease in Operating profit as a percentage of Net sales was due to an increase in Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of Net sales, which was partially offset by an increase in Gross profit as a percentage to Net sales. This increase in Gross profit was due to cost savings from the Company's funding-the-growth initiatives and higher pricing, partially offset by higher raw and packaging material costs. This increase in Selling, general and administrative expenses was driven by higher overhead expenses due to sales force expansion to support business growth and higher advertising expenses.

Colgate continued its toothpaste leadership in Greater Asia, driven by market share gains in India, China, Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong. Successful new products including Colgate Optic White, Colgate Total Pro Gum Health, Darlie Enamel and Darlie Expert White toothpastes contributed to growth throughout the region.

Successful products contributing to growth in other categories in the region include Colgate Slim Soft and Colgate 360° Surround manual toothbrushes, Colgate Optic White and Colgate Plax Fruity Fresh mouthwashes and Protex for Men shower gel.

Hill's Pet Nutrition (13% of Company Sales)

Hill's Net sales decreased 1.0% during fourth quarter 2012. Unit volume decreased 2.5%, pricing increased 2.5% and foreign exchange was negative 1.0%. Volume declines in the U.S., Europe and Japan were partially offset by volume gains in Brazil and South Africa. Hill's organic sales were even with the year ago period.

Hill's Operating profit decreased 2% in the fourth quarter of 2012 to $149 million, or 26.7% of Net sales. This decrease in Operating profit as a percentage of Net sales was due to an increase in Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of Net sales, which was partially offset by an increase in Gross profit as a percentage to Net sales. This increase in Gross profit was driven by cost savings from the Company's funding-the-growth initiatives and higher pricing, which were partially offset by higher raw and packaging material costs. This increase in Selling, general and administrative expenses was primarily due to higher overhead and advertising expenses.

Recent new product introductions contributing to sales in the U.S. include Science Diet Ideal Balance canine and feline, which combine natural ingredients with the power of advanced nutrition in one balanced package, Science Diet Tender Dinners feline, Prescription Diet i/d Canine Low Fat GI Restore, specially formulated to help manage gastrointestinal disorders, and the relaunch of Science Diet Canine with new formulas and improved package design.

New pet food products contributing to international sales include new flavors for Prescription Diet i/d, k/d and c/d pouches, the launch of Science Plan and Science Plan VetEssentials pouches, reformulated Science Plan Puppy Large Breed, Prescription Diet y/d Feline Thyroid Health, reformulated Science Plan Adult and Mature Adult Canine and Feline with improved taste and the relaunch of Science Plan Nature's Best with upgraded ingredients and package design.

***

About Colgate-Palmolive: Colgate-Palmolive is a leading global consumer products company, tightly focused on Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care and Pet Nutrition. Colgate sells its products in over 200 countries and territories around the world under such internationally recognized brand names as Colgate, Palmolive, Mennen, Speed Stick, Lady Speed Stick, Softsoap, Irish Spring, Protex, Sorriso, Kolynos, elmex, Tom's of Maine, Sanex, Ajax, Axion, Fabuloso, Soupline and Suavitel, as well as Hill's Science Diet and Hill's Prescription Diet. For more information about Colgate's global business, visit the Company's web site at http://www.colgatepalmolive.com. To learn more about Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures® oral health education program, please visit http://www.colgatebsbf.com. CL-E

Click here to read the full press release.

© 2024 Business Wire, Inc., All rights reserved.