A strong brand portfolio with leading market shares in many categories; Strong cash flow generation; Substantial geographic diversity to its earnings, and Conservative financial policies. Operates in a very highly competitive industry with many other large players, and Commodity and packaging material costs exposure. The ratings on New York-based Colgate-Palmolive Co. reflect our view that the company has an excellent business profile based on its diversified portfolio of consumer brands and an extensive international presence. We also consider the company's financial risk profile to be minimal, based on the company's strong cash flow generating ability, and strong credit protection measures as a result of its conservative financial policy. The company maintains strong market shares in a number of core categories,
