Colgate Palmolive's biggest risks in the FY2024 10-K
- Colgate faces significant international exposure with two-thirds of sales outside the US.
- Global supply chain disruptions and raw material volatility threaten profitability.
- Geopolitical tensions and intense eCommerce and retail competition pressure margins.
The risks most specific to Colgate Palmolive
- Business and Industry Risks
We face risks associated with significant international operations, including exposure to foreign currency fluctuations
Approximately two-thirds of our net sales originate outside the U.S., exposing us to significant foreign currency fluctuations and international operational risks across more than 200 countries.
- Business and Industry Risks
andtensions may also heighten other risks disclosed in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, any of which could have an adverse impact on our business, results of operations, cash flows or financial condition
The war in Ukraine and geopolitical tensions continue to impact our operations in Ukraine and Russia.
- Business and Industry Risks
Significant competition in our industry could adversely affect our business
Vigorous worldwide competition from local players, private label brands, and new eCommerce business models could adversely affect our business.
- Business and Industry Risks
Increasing dependence on key retailers in developed markets, changes in the policies of our retail trade customers, the emergence of alternative retail channels and the rapidly changing retail landscape and changing consumer preferences may adversely affect our business
Increased trade concentration, large-format discounters, and changing consumer preferences in developed markets heighten our dependence on key retail customers.
- Operational Risks
Our business results are impacted by our ability to manage disruptions in our global supply chain and/or key office facilities
Geopolitical events, wars, and military conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East can disrupt our global supply chain, manufacturing, and logistics.
- Operational Risks
Volatility in material and other costs has in the past and may continue to adversely impact our profitability
Market price variations in raw and packaging commodities such as resins, essential oils, tropical oils, pulp, tallow, corn, poultry, and soybeans can impact our profitability.
- Operational Risks
A cybersecurity incident, data breach or a failure of key technology systems could adversely impact our business
Reliance on third-party cloud-based service providers and IT/OT systems exposes us to potential cybersecurity incidents and data breaches.
All 21 risk factors
Headings as the filing states them, in filing order.
Business and Industry Risks
- 01We face risks associated with significant international operations, including exposure to foreign currency fluctuations
- 02andtensions may also heighten other risks disclosed in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, any of which could have an adverse impact on our business, results of operations, cash flows or financial condition
- 03Significant competition in our industry could adversely affect our business
- 04Increasing dependence on key retailers in developed markets, changes in the policies of our retail trade customers, the emergence of alternative retail channels and the rapidly changing retail landscape and changing consumer preferences may adversely affect our business
- 05The growth of our business depends on the successful identification, development and launch of innovative new products
- 06Damage to our reputation could have an adverse effect on our business
- 07We have taken and in the future may take certain actions to safeguard our reputation and uphold our ethical values, such as changes to how and where we sell, advertise and invest behind our products and operations, which could adversely affect our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition
- 08We face various risks related to pandemics, epidemics or other widespread public health concerns, which may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition
- 09Our success depends upon our ability to recruit, attract and retain key employees and the succession of senior management
- 10We have pursued and may continue to pursue acquisitions and divestitures, which could adversely impact our business
Operational Risks
- 11Our business results are impacted by our ability to manage disruptions in our global supply chain and/or key office facilities
- 12Volatility in material and other costs has in the past and may continue to adversely impact our profitability
- 13There is no guarantee that our ongoing efforts to reduce costs will be successful
- 14A cybersecurity incident, data breach or a failure of key technology systems could adversely impact our business
- 15Climate change and other sustainability matters could have an adverse impact on our business and results of operations
- 16Our reliance on third parties in many aspects of our business could have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations
Legal and Regulatory Risks
- 17Our business is subject to legal and regulatory risks in the U.S. and abroad
- 18Legal claims and proceedings could adversely impact our business
Financial and Economic Risks
- 19Uncertain or unfavorable global economic conditions may adversely affect our business
- 20Disruptions in the credit markets or changes to our credit ratings may adversely affect our business
- 21Tax matters, including changes in tax rates, disagreements with taxing authorities and imposition of new taxes could negatively impact our business
Other Colgate Palmolive 10-Ks
- FY2025 10-K risk factors20 risks3 new4 dropped13 reworded
Colgate introduced a three-year Strategic Growth and Productivity Program to reduce overhead and optimize supply chains.
Filed Feb 23, 2026
About this page
The headings are the filing's own. The one-line readings and the overview are automated and can be wrong: read Item 1A of the 10-K for the exact wording.