A strong brand portfolio with leading market shares in many categories; Strong cash flow generation; Geographic diversity to its earnings, and Conservative financial policies. Operates in a very highly competitive industry with many other large players. Commodity and packaging material costs exposure. The ratings on New York, N.Y.-based Colgate-Palmolive Co. reflect its diversified portfolio of consumer brands, extensive international presence, strong cash flow generating ability, and conservative financial policies. The company maintains strong market shares in a number of core categories, including oral care (Colgate), personal care (Speed Stick, Irish Spring, and Softsoap), household products (Palmolive, Ajax, and Murphy's Oil Soap), and premium pet nutrition (Hill's). Colgate-Palmolive's diverse product portfolio and its broad international presence (about 75% of revenues and
