Risk Factors Dashboard
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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
We have a systematic and thorough risk management process, which is designed to identify, assess, prioritize and mitigate the risks that could negatively impact achievement of our strategic and operating objectives. A key component of this process is our Enterprise Risk Management (“ERM”) Committee, which is led by our Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, and includes our Chief Financial Officer, Chief Legal Officer, Chief Information Officer and other members of senior management .
We have a dedicated information security organization, led by our CISO and overseen by our Chief Information Officer, which is responsible for assessing and managing material risks from cybersecurity threats. Our Chief Information Officer reports to our Chief Financial Officer.
We maintain a Data Security Incident Response Plan (the “Plan”), which outlines the processes and procedures that we should follow to respond to, remediate and resolve a security incident involving a potential or actual compromise of our proprietary information and/or personal information. It also describes the structure, roles and responsibilities of personnel involved in responding to such incidents and provides a process for alerting senior management of such incidents. The Plan is reviewed on an annual basis and revised as necessary.
We have a comprehensive third-party cybersecurity risk review process, which prioritizes, monitors and assesses the risks associated with our third-party service provider interactions.We have a comprehensive third party cybersecurity risk review process, which prioritizes, monitors and assesses the risks associated with our third party service provider interactions. The third-party service provider assessment framework follows industry standard practices and allows us to properly understand the risk associated with the services provided which are key to our company’s daily operations. The third party service provider assessment framework follows industry standard practices and allows us to properly understand the risk associated with the services provided which are key to our company’s daily operations.
Our CISO reports to the Audit Committee on cybersecurity quarterly, or more frequently if circumstances warrant, including relevant cybersecurity incidents impacting the Company and on topics related to information security, data privacy and cyber risks and mitigation strategies. Our CISO provides a report to the Audit Committee on cybersecurity quarterly, or more frequently if circumstances warrant, including relevant cybersecurity incidents impacting the Company and on topics related to information security, data privacy and cyber risks and mitigation strategies. In addition, outside experts periodically present to the Board on cybersecurity.
In addition to the risks described elsewhere in this report, set forth below is a summary of the material risks to an investment in our securities. These risks, some of which have occurred and/or are occurring and any of which could occur in the future, 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. To the extent any of these risks actually occur, our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition could be materially and adversely impacted, which might cause the value of our securities to decline. If any of these risks actually occur, our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition could be materially and adversely impacted, which might cause the value of our securities to decline.
Business and Industry Risks
We face risks associated with significant international operations, including exposure to foreign currency fluctuations.
We operate on a global basis serving consumers in more than 200 countries and territories with approximately two-thirds of our Net sales originating in markets outside the United States. While geographic diversity helps to reduce our exposure to risks in any one country or part of the world, it also means that we face risks associated with significant international operations, including:
•changing macroeconomic conditions in our markets, including as a result of inflationary pressure, economic slowdown or recession, major developments in trade relations, volatile commodity prices and increases and/or volatility in the cost of raw and packaging materials, labor, energy and logistics;
•changes in exchange rates for foreign currencies, which may reduce the U.S. dollar value of revenues, profits and cash flows from non-U.S. markets or increase our supply costs, as measured in U.S. dollars, in those markets;
• political instability or uncertainty, including as a result of elections, economic instability, geopolitical events and tensions, wars and military conflicts, such as in Ukraine, the Middle East and Venezuela;
•changes to trade policies and agreements and other foreign or domestic legal and regulatory requirements, including those resulting in potentially adverse tax consequences or the imposition of and/or the increase in trade restrictions and/or tariffs, sanctions, price controls, labor laws, travel or immigration restrictions, profit controls or other government controls;
•environmental events, widespread health emergencies, such as pandemics or epidemics, natural disasters or social or labor unrest;
•exchange controls and other limits on our ability to import or export raw materials or finished product or to repatriate cash from overseas, including as a result of the war in Ukraine;
•lack of well-established, reliable and/or impartial legal systems in certain countries where we operate and difficulties in enforcing contractual, intellectual property or other legal rights; and
•foreign ownership and investment restrictions and the potential for nationalization or expropriation of property or other resources.
Any or all of the foregoing risks could have a significant impact on our ability to sell our products on a competitive basis in international markets and may adversely affect our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. In addition, a number of these risks have adversely impacted and may continue to adversely impact consumer sentiment (including as it relates to the perception of U.S. brands internationally) and consumption, which has reduced and may continue to reduce sales volumes of our products or result in a shift in our product mix from higher margin to lower margin product offerings.
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We face risks resulting from political and macroeconomic instability and geopolitical events and tensions, wars and military conflicts, such as in Ukraine, the Middle East and Venezuela, which 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.
Uncertainties and risks remain as to the evolving situation in Venezuela. We have operations, including a manufacturing facility, in Venezuela; however, since December 31, 2015, the local operating results from our Venezuela operations have not been included in our Consolidated Financial Statements. Nonetheless, the situation in Venezuela could have ramifications for our business in Venezuela and the broader Latin American region and on geopolitical relations more generally. The situation may impact consumer sentiment and consumption and category growth rates in the Latin American region, supply chain and logistics, and the availability and cost of raw and packaging materials and commodities, such as oil. The war has impacted and may continue to impact, among other things, supply chain and logistics, the availability and price of raw and packaging materials and commodities, such as oil, consumer sentiment and consumption and category growth rates in the region.
The war in Ukraine, and the related geopolitical tensions, have had and continue to have a significant impact on our operations in Ukraine and Russia, though it has not been material to our Consolidated Financial Statements.The war in Ukraine and the related geopolitical tensions have had and continue to have a significant impact on our operations in Ukraine and Russia, though it has not been material to our Consolidated Financial Statements. We have no manufacturing facilities in Russia. We have no manufacturing facilities in Russia and have ceased all capital investments and media activities in Russia. For the year ended December 31, 2025, our business in the Eurasia region constituted approximately 1% of our consolidated net sales and approximately 2% of our consolidated operating profit. We, however, have experienced, and expect to continue to experience, risks related to the impact of the war in Ukraine, including increases in the cost and, in certain cases, limitations on the availability of certain raw and packaging materials and commodities (including oil and natural gas), supply chain and logistics challenges, import restrictions, foreign currency volatility and reputational concerns. We also have faced and continue to face challenges to our ability to repatriate cash from Russia and to identify financial institutions and services to support our Russian operations and may face challenges to our ability to protect our assets in Russia. We also continue to monitor the impact of sanctions, export controls and import restrictions. We also continue to monitor the impact of the sanctions, export controls and import restrictions imposed in response to the war in Ukraine.
Major developments in trade relations, including the imposition of new or increased tariffs by the United States and/or other countries, such as China, including those threatened or imposed following the United States’ 2025 executive orders, retaliatory tariffs imposed by the United States’ trading partners or through the renegotiation of trade agreements, have contributed to and are expected to continue to contribute to inflationary pressures, geopolitical tensions, macroeconomic and market volatility and consumer uncertainty. These developments have also impacted and may continue to impact consumer sentiment, consumption, discretionary spending and/or purchasing patterns. In addition, they have impacted and may continue to impact the cost and/or availability of raw and packaging materials and the price of our products. While we have made and will continue to make efforts to mitigate the impact of these and any additional tariffs imposed by the United States and/or other countries or shifts in trade agreements, they or our mitigating actions could have a material effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
In an effort to minimize the impact on earnings of foreign currency rate movements, we engage in a combination of selling price increases, where permitted, sourcing strategies, cost containment measures and selective hedging of foreign currency transactions. However, the impact of these measures has not and may not in the future fully offset any negative impact of foreign currency rate movements on our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
Significant competition in our industry could adversely affect our business.
We face vigorous competition worldwide, including from strong local competitors (including private label competition) and from other companies, some of which have greater resources than we do.We face vigorous competition worldwide, including from strong local competitors and from other large, multinational companies, some of which have greater resources than we do. In addition, the substantial growth in eCommerce and the use of AI have encouraged the entry of new competitors, some of which sell products direct-to-consumer. In addition, the substantial growth in eCommerce has encouraged the entry of new competitors and business models.
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We face competition in several aspects of our business, including pricing, promotional activities, new product introductions and expansion into new geographies and channels. Some of our competitors may spend more aggressively on or have more effective advertising and promotional activities than we do, introduce competing products more quickly and/or respond more effectively to business and economic conditions and changing consumer preferences, including by launching innovative new products or products with on-trend or novel ingredients. Such competition also extends to administrative and legal challenges of product claims and advertising. Our success is and will likely increasingly be dependent on our ability to excel at omni-channel demand generation, effectively leverage AI, data analytics and other existing and emerging digital technologies to gain new commercial insights and develop relevant products, marketing and advertising to reach customers and consumers. Our success is and will likely increasingly be dependent on our ability to effectively leverage existing and emerging digital technologies, such as artificial intelligence and data analytics, to gain new commercial insights and develop relevant marketing and advertising to reach customers and consumers. Our ability to compete also depends on the strength of our brands and products and on our ability to enforce and defend our intellectual property, including patent, trademark, copyright, trade secret and trade dress rights, against infringement and legal challenges by competitors. Our ability to compete also depends on the strength of our brands and on our ability to enforce and defend our intellectual property, including patent, trademark, copyright, trade secret and trade dress rights, against infringement and legal challenges by competitors.
We may be unable to anticipate the timing and scale of such initiatives or challenges by competitors or to successfully respond to them, which could harm our business and/or reputation. In addition, the cost of responding to such initiatives and challenges, including management time, out-of-pocket expenses and price reductions, may affect our performance. A failure to compete effectively could adversely affect our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
The rapidly changing retail landscape and changing consumer preferences may adversely affect our business.
Our products are sold in a highly competitive global omni-channel marketplace that is increasingly defined by the integration of traditional and digital retail operations and evolving consumer purchasing behaviors and preferences, as consumers continue to shop online and increasingly through social commerce and with the assistance of AI. The increased presence of alternative retail channels, such as subscription services and direct-to-customer businesses, has also intensified competition for consumer attention. While we continue to sell our products to a variety of customers, including large-format retailers, discounters and eCommerce retailers, our growth is increasingly dependent on our ability to generate consumer demand across key touchpoints in the omni-channel ecosystem whether through traditional retail, eCommerce, social media or digital. We are also increasingly dependent on certain key retailers, some of which exercise greater bargaining strength than we do, including the exclusive access to valuable first-party consumer data and analytics. They have demanded and may continue to demand higher trade discounts, allowances, slotting fees, significant investment (including through display media, paid search and co-op programs) or changes to product assortments, which have led to and could continue to lead to reduced sales or profitability in certain markets. They have used and may continue to use this leverage to demand higher trade discounts, allowances, slotting fees or increased investment, including through display media, paid search and co-op programs, which have led to and could continue to lead to reduced sales or profitability in certain markets. Furthermore, the consolidation of retail customers globally may further increase our concentration risk. The loss of a key customer or distributor or a significant reduction in sales to a key customer or distributor could adversely affect our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. For additional information regarding our customers, see “Distribution; Raw Materials; Competition; Trademarks and Patents” in Item 1 “Business.”
We also have been and may continue to be negatively affected by changes in the policies or practices of our customers, such as inventory destocking, automated fulfillment requirements, AI-aided category pricing pressures and algorithms, limitations on access to shelf space (including the digital shelf), delisting of our products or sustainability, supply chain or packaging standards or initiatives. For example, a determination by a key retailer that any of our ingredients should not be used in certain consumer products or that our packaging does not comply with certain requirements and standards could adversely impact our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. In addition, “private label” products sold by our retail customers, which are typically sold at lower prices than branded products, are a source of competition for certain of our products.
If we are not successful in adapting or effectively reacting to the rapidly changing retail landscape, changes in consumer behavior, preferences or purchasing patterns and/or executing our 2030 business strategy which is, in part, focused on omni-channel demand generation, our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition could be adversely affected.If we are not successful in continuing to adapt or to effectively react to changes in consumer behaviors, preferences or purchasing patterns and/or changing market dynamics, including customer policies or the proliferation of eCommerce and alternative retail channels, our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition could be adversely affected.
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The growth of our business depends on the successful identification, development and launch of innovative new products.
Our growth depends on the continued success of existing products, the successful identification, development and launch of innovative new and differentiated products and the expansion into adjacent categories, channels of distribution or geographies. Our ability to launch new products, to sustain existing products and to expand into adjacent categories, channels of distribution or geographies is affected by whether we can successfully:
•identify, develop and fund technological innovations;
•obtain and maintain necessary intellectual property protection and avoid infringing intellectual property rights of others;
•obtain approvals and registrations of regulated products, including from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (the “FDA”) and other regulatory bodies in the United States and abroad; and
•anticipate and quickly respond to the needs and preferences of consumers and customers.
The identification, development and introduction of innovative new products that drive incremental sales involves considerable costs and effort, and any new product may not generate sufficient customer and consumer interest and sales to become a profitable product or to cover the costs of its development and promotion. Our ability to achieve a successful launch of a new product could also be adversely affected by preemptive actions taken by competitors in response to the launch, such as increased promotional activities and advertising. In addition, new products may not be accepted quickly or significantly in the marketplace.
Our ability to quickly innovate to adapt and market our products and to adapt our packaging or the sustainability profile of our products to meet evolving consumer preferences and/or regulatory requirements is an essential part of our business strategy. The failure to develop and launch successful new products or to adapt our packaging, the sustainability profile of our products or supply chain to meet such preferences could hinder the growth of our business and any delay in the development or launch of a new product could result in us not being the first to market, which could compromise our competitive position and adversely affect our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. In addition, our success in launching new products is dependent on our ability to deliver effective and efficient marketing in an evolving media landscape, which is subject to dynamic and increasingly restrictive privacy requirements and emerging regulations. In addition, our success in launching new products is also dependent on our ability to deliver effective and efficient marketing in an evolving media landscape (including digital), which is subject to dynamic and increasingly restrictive privacy requirements and emerging regulations. Our ability to launch new products, including our ability to deliver effective and efficient marketing campaigns, is also impacted by our ability to successfully adopt and effectively leverage AI, including machine learning and generative AI, and other existing and emerging technologies. Our ability to launch new products, including our ability to deliver effective and efficient marketing campaigns, is also impacted by our ability to successfully adopt new technologies, such as artificial intelligence, including generative artificial intelligence.
If, in the course of identifying or developing new products, we are found to have infringed the trademark, trade secret, copyright, patent or other intellectual property rights of others, such a finding could adversely affect our ability to develop innovative new products and adversely affect our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.If, in the course of identifying or developing new products, we are found to have infringed the trademark, trade secret, copyright, patent or other intellectual property rights of others, directly or indirectly, through the use of third-party ideas or technologies, such a finding could adversely affect our ability to develop innovative new products and adversely affect our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. Even if we are not found to infringe a third party’s intellectual property rights, claims of infringement could adversely affect us, including by increasing costs and by delaying the launch of new products.
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, social impact, brand protection, product safety, regulatory and quality initiatives and our enterprise risk management program. Accordingly, we devote significant time and resources to programs designed to protect and preserve our reputation, such as our ethics and compliance, ESG, brand protection and product safety, regulatory and quality initiatives and our enterprise risk management program. Negative publicity about us, our brands, our products, our supply chain, our ingredients, our packaging or our sustainability or social impact practices, or our employees, whether or not deserved, could jeopardize our reputation. Negative publicity about us, our brands, our products, our supply chain, our ingredients, our packaging, our ESG practices, or our employees, whether or not deserved, could jeopardize our reputation. Such negative publicity could relate to, among other things, health or quality concerns, threatened or pending litigation or regulatory proceedings, animal welfare, labor and human rights and environmental impact (including responsible sourcing, deforestation, packaging, plastic, energy and water use and waste management) or where we operate. Such negative publicity could relate to, among other things, health concerns, threatened or pending litigation or regulatory proceedings, animal welfare, labor and human rights and environmental impact (including responsible sourcing, deforestation, packaging, plastic, energy and water use and waste management) or our ESG practices. In addition, the proliferation of digital and social media has greatly increased the accessibility of information, the speed of its dissemination and the potential for negative publicity and misinformation.
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Negative publicity, posts or comments on digital and social media (including those that are AI-generated), whether true or untrue, could damage our brands and our reputation. The success of our brands could also suffer if our marketing initiatives do not have the desired impact on a brand’s image or its ability to attract consumers.
In addition, the legal, regulatory and ethics landscape around the use of AI continues to rapidly evolve.In addition, the legal, regulatory and ethics landscape around the use of artificial intelligence, including generative artificial intelligence, is rapidly evolving. Our ability to successfully adopt and leverage this emerging technology in an effective and ethical manner may impact our reputation and our ability to compete, as outputs from generative AI models could be, among other things, false, biased or inconsistent with our values or strategies. Our ability to adapt and use this emerging technology in an effective and ethical manner may impact our reputation and our ability to compete, as outputs from generative artificial intelligence models could be, among other things, false, biased or inconsistent with our values or strategies. Further, the use of generative AI tools may compromise our confidential or sensitive information or put our intellectual property at risk or subject us to claims of intellectual property infringement, which could in turn damage our reputation. Further, the use of generative artificial intelligence tools may compromise our confidential or sensitive information or put our intellectual property at risk, which could in turn damage our reputation.
Additionally, due to the scale and scope of our business, we must rely on relationships with third parties, including our suppliers, distributors, contract manufacturers, manufacturing logistics providers, joint venture partners, financial services providers and cloud-based service providers.Additionally, due to the scale and scope of our business, we must rely on relationships with third parties, including our suppliers, distributors, contractors, joint venture partners and other external business partners, for certain functions. While we have policies and procedures for managing these relationships, they inherently involve a lesser degree of control over business operations, compliance and sustainability practices, thereby potentially increasing our reputational and legal risk.
We 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.We 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.
In addition, third parties sell counterfeit versions of our products, which are inferior and may pose safety risks. While we take actions to identify and remove counterfeit versions of our products from the market, these actions may not be successful. Consumers of our brands could confuse our products with counterfeit products, 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, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. As a result, consumers of our brands could confuse our products with these counterfeit products, 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, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
Damage to our reputation or loss of consumer confidence in our products for these or any other reasons could adversely affect our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition, as well as require resources to rebuild our reputation.
Our success depends upon our ability to recruit, attract and retain key employees and the succession of senior management.”11Our success depends upon our ability to recruit, attract and retain key employees, including through the implementation of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, 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 recruit, attract and retain talented, highly qualified senior management and other key people, our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition could be adversely affected. Successfully executing organizational change, including management transitions at leadership levels of the Company, succession plans for senior management and the Strategic Growth and Productivity Program, is critical to our business success. Successfully executing organizational change, including management transitions at leadership levels of the Company and succession plans for senior management, is critical to our business success. 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. Further, changes in immigration laws and government policies and practices and developments in trade relations have made, in certain circumstances, and may continue to make it more difficult for us to recruit or relocate highly skilled technical, professional and management personnel to meet our business needs. Further, changes in immigration laws and government policies have made, in certain circumstances, and may continue to make it more difficult for us to recruit or relocate highly skilled technical, professional and management personnel to meet our business needs. We continue to embed new ways of working to adapt to a rapidly changing world, drive innovation and operational efficiency and adopt and leverage technologies such as AI. If we do not (or are perceived not to) successfully implement these initiatives and/or upskill our employees, our ability to recruit, attract and retain talent may be adversely impacted. If we do not (or are perceived not to) successfully implement these initiatives, our ability to recruit, attract and retain talent may be adversely impacted.
We have pursued and may continue to pursue acquisitions and divestitures, which could adversely impact our business.
We have pursued and may continue to pursue acquisitions of brands, businesses, assets or technologies from third parties. Acquisitions and their pursuit have involved, and can involve, numerous potential risks, including:
•realizing the full extent of the expected benefits or synergies as a result of a transaction, within the anticipated time frame, or at all;
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•successfully integrating the operations, technologies, services, products and systems of the acquired brands, assets or businesses in an effective, timely and cost-efficient manner;
•receiving necessary consents, clearances and approvals in connection with a transaction;
•diverting management’s attention from other business priorities;
•successfully operating in new lines of business, channels of distribution or markets;
•achieving distribution expansion related to products, categories and markets;
•retaining key employees, partners, suppliers and customers of the acquired business;
•conforming standards, controls, procedures and policies of the acquired business with our own;
•developing or launching products with acquired technologies; and
•other unanticipated problems or liabilities.
Moreover, acquisitions have resulted in and could in the future result in substantial additional debt, the assumption of contingent liabilities, such as litigation or earn-out obligations, or transaction costs. In addition, to the extent that the economic benefits associated with an acquisition or investment diminish in the future or the performance of an acquired company or business is less robust than expected, we may be required to record additional impairments of intangible assets, including trademarks and goodwill. For example, in the fourth quarter of 2025, we took a non-cash, aftertax impairment charge of $794 to adjust the carrying values of goodwill and intangible assets related to the skin health business. For example, in the fourth quarter of 2022, we took non-cash, aftertax impairment charges of $620 million, to adjust the carrying values of goodwill and intangible assets related to the Filorga skin health business. For additional information regarding recent impairment charges, refer to Part II, Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Results of Operations - Goodwill and Intangible Asset Impairment Charges. For additional information regarding the 2022 Global Productivity Initiative, refer to Part II, Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Restructuring and Related Implementation Charges. ” Any of these risks could adversely impact our reputation and our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
We have divested and may in the future divest brands or businesses. These divestitures may adversely impact our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition if we are unable to offset the dilutive impacts from the loss of revenue associated with the divested brands or businesses, or otherwise achieve the anticipated benefits or cost savings from the divestitures. In addition, businesses under consideration for, or otherwise subject to, divestiture may be adversely impacted prior to the divestiture, which could negatively impact our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. If any planned divestiture is not able to be completed, we may also incur negative business and financial results.
Operational Risks
Our business results are impacted by our ability to manage disruptions in our global supply chain and/or key office facilities.
We are engaged in the manufacture and sourcing of products and materials on a global scale. Our operations and those of our suppliers, contract manufacturers or logistics providers have been and may continue to be disrupted by a number of factors, including:
•geopolitical events and tensions, wars and military conflicts, such as in Ukraine, the Middle East and Venezuela;
•widespread health emergencies, such as pandemics or epidemics;
•strikes and other labor disputes;
•disruptions in logistics;
•loss or impairment of key manufacturing or distribution sites;
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•loss of key suppliers or contract manufacturers;
•capacity constraints;
•raw and packaging material and product availability and/or quality or safety issues;
•industrial accidents or other occupational health and safety issues;
•the impact on our suppliers of tighter credit or capital markets;
•the lack of availability of qualified personnel, such as truck drivers and production labor;
•governmental incentives, regulations and controls and actual and potential shifts in U.S. and foreign trade policy (including import restrictions and export controls, new or increased tariffs, new or revised trade agreements, sanctions, quotas, trade barriers or new or increased regulations related to Good Manufacturing Practices); and
•natural disasters, including climatic events (including any potential effects of climate change) and earthquakes, tornadoes, acts of war or terrorism, political unrest or uncertainty, fires or explosions, cybersecurity incidents and other external factors over which we have no control.
In addition, we purchase certain key raw and packaging materials from single-source suppliers or a limited number of suppliers and new suppliers may have to be qualified under industry, governmental and/or Colgate standards, which can require additional investment and take a significant period of time. If our existing or new suppliers fail to meet such standards or if we are unable to contract with suppliers on favorable terms, our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition could be adversely affected.
We believe that the supplies of raw and packaging materials needed to manufacture our products are adequate. In addition, we have business continuity and contingency plans in place for key manufacturing sites and contract manufacturers and the supply of raw and packaging materials. Nonetheless, a significant disruption to the manufacturing or sourcing of products or materials for any reason, including those mentioned above, have at times interrupted and could in the future interrupt product supply and, if not remedied, could have an adverse impact on our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
In addition, as a result of our global shared service organizational model, certain of our functions, such as finance and accounting, customer service and logistics, human resources, global information technology and data analytics are concentrated in key office facilities. A significant disruption to any of our key office facilities for any reason, including those mentioned above, could adversely affect our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
Volatility in material and other costs has in the past and may continue to adversely impact our profitability.
Raw and packaging material commodities, such as resins, essential oils, tropical oils, pulp, tallow, corn, poultry and
soybeans, are subject to market price variations. Increases in the costs of and/or a reduction in the availability of commodities, energy (including fuel prices), logistics (including trucks and containers) or other necessary services, including as a result of macroeconomic and geopolitical tensions, conflicts and uncertainty, such as in Ukraine, the Middle East and Venezuela, developments in trade relations (including new or increased tariffs, new or revised trade agreements, sanctions, export controls or import restrictions), widespread health emergencies, such as pandemics or epidemics, changes in supply and demand and/or the impact of climatic events have affected and, in some instances, are likely to continue to adversely affect our profit margins. We have taken and may continue to take actions to mitigate these cost increases in the form of price increases and efforts to achieve cost efficiencies in areas such as manufacturing and distribution, or otherwise manage the exposure through sourcing strategies, productivity initiatives, including our funding-the-growth initiatives and the Strategic Growth and Productivity Program, and the limited use of commodity hedging contracts. We have taken and may continue to take actions to mitigate these cost increases in the form of price increases and efforts to achieve cost efficiencies in areas such as manufacturing and distribution, or otherwise manage the exposure through sourcing strategies, ongoing productivity initiatives and the limited use of commodity hedging contracts. These actions may not, however, fully offset these higher costs and our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition have been and may continue to be adversely impacted.
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In addition, even if we are able to increase the prices of our products in response to commodity and other cost increases, we may not be able to sustain the price increases. If such price increases are sustained, they may negatively impact our sales volume, which can in turn negatively impact our margins and profitability. If competitors do not adjust their prices or if consumers decide not to pay higher prices and forego purchasing certain of our products or switch to “private label” or lower-priced product offerings, sales declines, a deterioration in our profitability and loss of market share may occur which could adversely affect our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. See “Our business results are impacted by our ability to manage disruptions in our global supply chain and/or key office facilities” above for additional information. See “Our business results depend on our ability to manage disruptions in our global supply chain and/or key office facilities” above for additional information.
There is no guarantee that our ongoing efforts to reduce costs will be successful.
One way that we generate funds needed to support the growth of our business is through our continuous, Company-wide initiatives to lower costs and increase effective asset utilization, which we refer to as our funding-the-growth initiatives. These initiatives are designed to reduce costs associated with direct materials, indirect expenses, distribution and logistics, and advertising and promotional materials, among other things. The achievement of our funding-the-growth goals depends on our ability to successfully identify and realize additional savings opportunities. Events and circumstances, such as financial or strategic difficulties, delays and unexpected costs may occur that could result in our not realizing any or all of the anticipated benefits or our not realizing the anticipated benefits on our expected timetable. If we are unable to realize the anticipated savings of our funding-the-growth initiatives, our ability to fund other initiatives and achieve our profitability goals may be adversely affected. Any failure to implement our funding-the-growth initiatives in accordance with our expectations could adversely affect our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. For additional information regarding our funding-the-growth initiatives, refer to Part II, Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Executive Overview.”
We may not realize the benefits that we expect from our Strategic Growth and Productivity Program.
Our new three-year productivity program, which we refer to as the “Strategic Growth and Productivity Program,” was approved by the Board on July 31, 2025 in an effort to drive future growth and support the Company’s 2030 strategy. The program includes initiatives to better align our organizational structure to support our strategic initiatives, optimize our global supply chain to drive agility and efficiencies and simplify and streamline our organizational structure to reduce overhead costs. The successful implementation of the program may present significant organizational challenges and, in some cases, may require successful negotiations with third parties, including works councils and unions. The successful implementation of the program may present organizational challenges and, in some cases, may require successful negotiations with third parties. As a result, we may not be able to realize the anticipated benefits from the Strategic Growth and Productivity Program. As a result, we may not be able to fully realize all of the anticipated benefits from the 2022 Global Productivity Initiative. Events and circumstances, such as financial or strategic difficulties, delays and unexpected costs may occur that could result in our not realizing all of the anticipated benefits or our not realizing such benefits on our expected timetable. In addition, changes in foreign exchange rates or in tax, labor or immigration laws may result in our not achieving anticipated cost savings. In addition, changes in foreign exchange rates or in tax, labor or immigration laws may result in our not achieving the anticipated cost savings as measured in US dollars. If we are unable to realize the anticipated savings of the Strategic Growth and Productivity Program, our ability to fund other initiatives and enhance profitability may be adversely affected. If we are unable to fully realize the anticipated savings from the 2022 Global Productivity Initiative, our ability to fund other initiatives and enhance profitability may be adversely affected. Any failure to implement the Strategic Growth and Productivity Program in accordance with our expectations could adversely affect our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. Any failure to implement the 2022 Global Productivity Initiative in accordance with our expectations could adversely affect our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. For additional information regarding the Strategic Growth and Productivity Program, refer to Part II, Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Significant Items Impacting Comparability” and “– Restructuring and Related Implementation Charges. For additional information regarding the 2022 Global Productivity Initiative, refer to Part II, Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Restructuring and Related Implementation Charges. ”
A cybersecurity incident, data incident or a failure of key technology systems could adversely impact our business.
We rely extensively on information and operational technology systems (“IT/OT Systems”), some of which are managed, hosted, provided and/or used by third parties, including cloud-based service providers, and their vendors, in order to conduct our business. Our uses of these systems include, but are not limited to:
•communicating within our company and with other parties, including our customers, suppliers and consumers;
•ordering and managing materials from suppliers;
•converting materials to finished products;
•receiving and processing orders from, shipping products to and invoicing our customers, suppliers and consumers;
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•marketing products to consumers;
•collecting, storing, transferring and/or processing customer, consumer, employee, vendor, investor and other stakeholder information and personal data, including such data from residents of states, countries and regions with comprehensive data protection laws and regulations;
•processing transactions, including employee payroll, employee and retiree benefits and payments to customers, suppliers and vendors;
•hosting, processing and sharing confidential and proprietary research, intellectual property, business plans and financial information;
•summarizing and reporting results of operations, including financial reporting;
•managing our banking and other cash liquidity systems and platforms;
•complying with legal, regulatory and tax requirements;
•providing data security; and
•handling other processes involved in managing our business.
Although we have a broad array of information and operational security measures in place, our IT/OT Systems, including those of third-party service providers with whom we have contracted, including cloud-based software providers and manufacturing logistics providers, have been, and will likely continue to be, subject to computer viruses or other malicious codes, unauthorized access attempts, phishing and other cyberattacks.Although we have a broad array of information and operational security measures in place, our IT/OT Systems, including those of third-party service providers with whom we have contracted, have been, and will likely continue to be, subject to computer viruses or other malicious codes, unauthorized access attempts, phishing and other cyberattacks. Cyberattacks and other cyber incidents are occurring more frequently, are constantly evolving in nature, are becoming more sophisticated and are being made by different threat actors including groups, individuals and nation states with a wide range of expertise and motives. Cyberattacks and other cyber incidents are occurring more frequently, are constantly evolving in nature, are becoming more sophisticated and are being made by groups, individuals and nation states with a wide range of expertise and motives. Such cyberattacks and cyber incidents can take many forms, including cyber extortion, social engineering, password theft or introduction of viruses or malware, such as ransomware. In addition, the techniques used in cyberattacks and cyber incidents continue to evolve and develop, including through the use of AI and other existing and emerging technologies. In addition, the techniques used in cyberattacks and cyber incidents continue to evolve and develop, including through the use of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence.
We cannot guarantee that our security efforts will prevent breaches or breakdowns of our or our third-party service providers’ IT/OT Systems because the techniques used in these attacks change frequently and may be difficult to detect for periods of time. In addition, although we have policies and procedures in place to ensure that all personal information collected by us or our third-party service providers is securely maintained, data leakages due to human error or intentional or unintentional conduct by our employees or third parties have occurred and likely will occur again. Furthermore, we periodically upgrade our IT/OT Systems or adopt new technologies. If such an upgrade or new technology does not function as designed or does not go as planned or if an attacker identifies a vulnerability in our IT/OT Systems, then our exposure to a cyberattack or cyber incident may increase significantly.
A cyberattack or cyber incident may adversely impact our business, including our ability to ship products to customers, issue invoices and process payments or order raw and packaging materials. Although we have seen no material impact on our business operations from the cybersecurity incidents or data incidents we have experienced to date, if we suffer a significant loss or disclosure of confidential business or stakeholder information as a result of a breach of our IT/OT Systems, including those of third-party service providers with whom we have contracted, or otherwise, we may suffer reputational, competitive and/or business harm, incur significant costs and be subject to government investigations, litigation, fines and/or damages, which may adversely impact our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. Although we have seen no material impact on our business operations from the cybersecurity incidents we have experienced to date, if we suffer a significant loss or disclosure of confidential business or stakeholder information as a result of a breach of our IT/OT Systems, including those of third-party service providers with whom we have contracted, or otherwise, we may suffer reputational, competitive and/or business harm, incur significant costs and be subject to government investigations, litigation, fines and/or damages, which may adversely impact our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. In addition, the rapid evolution and increased adoption of AI and other technologies will continue to intensify these risks. In addition, the rapid evolution and increased adoption of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, may intensify our cybersecurity risks. Further, while we currently maintain insurance coverage that, subject to its terms and conditions, is intended to address costs associated with certain aspects of cybersecurity incidents, data incidents and IT/OT System failures, this insurance coverage may not, depending on the specific facts and circumstances surrounding an incident, cover all losses or all types of claims that arise from an incident, or the damage to our business, reputation or brands that may result from an incident. Further, while we currently maintain insurance coverage that, subject to its terms and conditions, is intended to address costs associated with certain aspects of cybersecurity incidents and IT/OT System failures, this insurance coverage may not, depending on the specific facts and circumstances surrounding an incident, cover all losses or all types of claims that arise from an incident, or the damage to our business, reputation or brands that may result from an incident. As the frequency and magnitude of such incidents increase globally, we may be unable to obtain the insurance coverage that we think is appropriate or necessary to offset the risk. As the frequency and magnitude of cybersecurity incidents increase globally, we may be unable to obtain the insurance coverage that we think is appropriate or necessary to offset the risk.
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While we have disaster recovery and business continuity plans in place, if our or our third-party service providers’ IT/OT Systems are damaged, breached or cease to function properly for any reason, including the poor performance of, failure of or cyberattack on third-party service providers, catastrophic events, power outages, cybersecurity incidents, network outages, failed upgrades or other similar events and, if the disaster recovery and business continuity plans do not effectively resolve such issues on a timely basis, we may suffer interruptions in our ability to manage or conduct business as well as reputational harm, and may be subject to governmental investigations and litigation, any of which may adversely impact our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
Climate change and other sustainability matters could have an adverse impact on our business and results of operations.
Climate change resulting in the increased frequency and severity of natural disasters and other extreme weather conditions may adversely impact our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. Specifically, the predicted physical effects of climate change may pose physical risks to our facilities and those of our key suppliers, disrupt our global supply chain, impact demand for our products or exacerbate challenges regarding the cost, quality and availability of raw and packaging materials and the availability and quality of water. Specifically, the predicted physical effects of climate change may exacerbate challenges regarding the availability and quality of water and the cost, quality and availability of raw and packaging materials, pose physical risks to our facilities and those of our key suppliers, disrupt our global supply chain or impact demand for our products. In addition, concern over climate change has resulted and is likely to continue to result in transition risks, including additional legal and regulatory requirements intended to, among other things, reduce or mitigate the effects of climate change and have related and may relate to, among other things, greenhouse gas emissions (e. In addition, the increased concern over climate change has resulted and is likely to continue to result in transition risks, including additional legal and regulatory requirements intended to, among other things, reduce or mitigate the effects of climate change and have related and may relate to, among other things, greenhouse gas emissions (e. g., carbon pricing), alternative energy policy and additional disclosure obligations and extended producer responsibility obligations that relate to our product packaging., carbon pricing), alternative energy policy and additional disclosure obligations. Such risks, including additional legal and regulatory requirements, may adversely affect our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition by increasing our compliance and manufacturing costs and/or negatively impacting our reputation if we are unable to, or are perceived (whether or not valid) not to, satisfy such requirements or expectations. Such additional regulation may adversely affect our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition by increasing our compliance and manufacturing costs and/or negatively impacting our reputation if we are unable to, or are perceived (whether or not valid) not to, satisfy such requirements or expectations. Achieving our sustainability targets will require significant efforts from us and our stakeholders, such as our suppliers and other third parties. Achieving our sustainability and social impact targets will require significant efforts from us and our stakeholders, such as our suppliers and other third parties. It will also require capital investment, additional expense (e.g., renewable energy costs) and the development of technology that may not currently exist. In addition, certain of our stakeholders have expressed negative sentiment regarding corporate sustainability initiatives. Our practices and efforts in this area may not align with the expectations of all stakeholders, which could negatively affect our relationships with certain stakeholders. Furthermore, our activities in this area could expose us to increased regulatory or legal scrutiny, potential product boycotts or other actions that may harm our reputation or adversely affect our reputation, business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. There is also increased focus by certain stakeholders on these and other sustainability matters, including responsible sourcing, deforestation, animal welfare, labor, employment and human rights, ingredients of interest, the use of plastic, energy and water, the recyclability or recoverability of packaging, including single-use and other plastic packaging. From certain stakeholders, there is also a growing demand for natural or organic products and ingredient transparency, such as sources of palm oil and palm kernel oil, and an increased focus on reducing our impact on nature. Failure to achieve our sustainability targets (including our net zero carbon target) or the perception (whether or not valid) that we have failed to act responsibly with respect to such matters or to effectively respond to new or additional legal or regulatory requirements regarding climate change or other sustainability matters could result in adverse publicity and increased litigation risk and adversely affect our reputation, business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. Any failure to achieve our sustainability and social impact targets or the perception (whether or not valid) that we have failed to act responsibly with respect to such matters or to effectively respond to new or additional legal or regulatory requirements regarding climate change or other sustainability matters, could result in adverse publicity and increased litigation risk and adversely affect our business and reputation.
Our reliance on third parties in many aspects of our business could have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
We use third parties, including suppliers, contract manufacturers, distributors, manufacturing logistics providers, financial service providers and cloud-based software providers, to support many aspects of our business including those that provide support across much of the lifespan of our products from the purchasing of ingredients up to and including the sale of our products to consumers. While we maintain robust policies and procedures to govern and manage our interactions with and requirements of these third parties, including building in redundancies and alternatives wherever possible, we inherently have a lesser degree of control over the business operations, governance and compliance of these unrelated entities. As a result, disruptions in these relationships or the failure of these third parties to meet their obligations to us could have an adverse effect on our reputation and our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. In addition, tighter or more volatile 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, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
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Legal and Regulatory Risks
Our business is subject to legal and regulatory risks in the United States and abroad.
Our business is subject to extensive legal and regulatory requirements in the United States and abroad. Such legal and regulatory requirements apply to most aspects of our products, including their development, ingredients, formulation, manufacture, packaging, labeling, storage, transportation, distribution, export, import, advertising, sale and environmental impact. U.S. federal authorities, including the FDA, the Federal Trade Commission, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency, regulate different aspects of our business, along with parallel authorities at the state and local levels and comparable authorities overseas. In addition, our selling practices are regulated by competition law authorities in the United States and abroad.
New or more stringent legal or regulatory requirements, or more restrictive interpretations of existing requirements, could adversely impact our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. For example, regulatory authorities globally are increasingly reviewing ingredients or other substances in consumer products, such as fluoride, titanium dioxide, synthetic colors and per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS). While we monitor and seek to mitigate the impact of any emerging regulations, a decision by a regulatory or governmental authority that any of these or other ingredients or other substances in our products should be restricted or should otherwise be newly regulated could adversely impact our business and reputation, as could negative reactions by our consumers, customers or non-governmental organizations to our current or prior use of such ingredients or other substances. While we monitor and seek to mitigate the impact of any emerging information, a decision by a regulatory or governmental authority that any ingredient or packaging content in our products should be restricted or should otherwise be newly regulated could adversely impact our business and reputation, as could negative reactions by our consumers, trade customers or non-governmental organizations to our current or prior use of such ingredients or packaging. Additionally, an inability to develop new or reformulated products containing alternative ingredients, to obtain regulatory approval of such products or ingredients on a timely basis or to effectively market and sell such products could likewise adversely affect our business.
Because of our extensive international operations, we could be adversely affected by violations of worldwide anti-bribery laws, including those that prohibit companies and their intermediaries from making improper payments to government officials or other third parties for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business, such as the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, and laws that prohibit commercial bribery. We are also subject to laws, regulations or other government directives imposed by the United States (including those imposed by OFAC) and/or by other jurisdictions that impose tariffs, sanctions, import restrictions, export controls or other trade barriers, may prohibit us or certain of our affiliates from doing business in certain countries, or restrict the kind of business that may be conducted. While our policies mandate compliance with these laws, we cannot provide assurance that our internal control policies and procedures will always protect us from reckless or criminal acts committed by our employees, joint venture partners, agents or other third parties. Violations of these laws, or allegations of such violations, could disrupt our business and adversely affect our reputation and our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
While it is our policy and practice to comply with all legal and regulatory requirements applicable to our business, findings that we are in violation of, or out of compliance with, applicable laws or regulations have subjected us to, and could subject us to, civil remedies, including fines, damages, injunctions or product recalls, or criminal sanctions, any of which could adversely affect our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. Even if a claim is unsuccessful, is without merit or is not fully pursued, the cost of responding to such a claim, including management time and out-of-pocket expenses, and the negative publicity surrounding such assertions regarding our products, processes or business practices could adversely affect our reputation, brand image and our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. For information regarding our legal and regulatory matters, see Item 3 “Legal Proceedings” and Note 13, Commitments and Contingencies to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Legal claims and proceedings could adversely impact our business.
As a global company serving consumers in more than 200 countries and territories, we are and may continue to be subject to a wide variety of legal claims and proceedings, including disputes relating to intellectual property, contracts, product liability, marketing, advertising, foreign exchange controls, antitrust and trade regulation, labor and employment, pension and benefits, data privacy and security, environmental and tax matters and consumer class actions. Regardless of their merit, these claims can require significant time and expense to investigate and defend, and since litigation, particularly product liability and consumer class action litigation in the United States, is inherently uncertain, there is no guarantee that we will be successful in these matters. In particular, the potential impact of talc-related litigation is highly uncertain, as outcomes in cases filed against manufacturers of talcum powder products have ranged from dismissals to defense verdicts to outsized jury awards of both compensatory and punitive damages.
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While we and our legal counsel believe that we have strong legal grounds to contest any claims brought against us and we are challenging them vigorously, our assessment of the materiality of these matters, including any reserves taken in connection with them, may not be consistent with the ultimate outcome of such matters. In addition, if one of our products, or an ingredient contained in our products, is perceived or found to be defective or unsafe or have a quality issue, we have had to and may in the future need to withdraw, recall or reformulate some of our products. Whether or not a legal claim or proceeding is successful, or a withdrawal, recall or reformulation is required or advisable, such assertions could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition, and the negative publicity surrounding them could harm our reputation and brand image. The resolution of, or increase in the reserves taken in connection with, one or more of these matters in any reporting period could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition for that period. See Item 3 “Legal Proceedings” and Note 13, Commitments and Contingencies to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on certain of our legal claims and proceedings.
Financial and Economic Risks
Uncertain or unfavorable global macroeconomic and geopolitical conditions may adversely affect our business.
Uncertain or unfavorable global macroeconomic conditions could adversely affect our business.Uncertain or unfavorable global economic conditions could adversely affect our business. Unfavorable global macroeconomic conditions, such as a recession, an economic slowdown, inflation, high interest rates and/or reduced category growth rates, including as a result of geopolitical events and tensions, wars and military conflicts, such as in Ukraine, the Middle East and Venezuela, and developments in trade relations (including new or increased tariffs, sanctions, export controls, import restrictions or other trade barriers), have negatively impacted and/or could negatively impact our business and result in declining revenues, profitability and/or cash flows. There is also increased focus, including by governmental and non-governmental organizations, investors, customers, consumers, regulators, our employees and other stakeholders on these and other sustainability and social impact matters, including responsible sourcing, deforestation, animal welfare, labor, employment and human rights, the use of plastic, energy and water, the recyclability or recoverability of packaging, including single-use and other plastic packaging, and a growing demand for natural or organic products and ingredient transparency, such as sources of palm oil and palm kernel oil. Although we continue to devote significant resources to support our brands and market our products at multiple price points, during periods of uncertain or unfavorable macroeconomic or geopolitical conditions, consumers may have less consumer confidence, reduce consumption or discretionary spending and/or change their purchasing patterns by foregoing purchasing certain of our products or by switching to “private label,” or lower-priced product offerings. Although we continue to devote significant resources to support our brands and market our products at multiple price points, during periods of economic uncertainty or unfavorable economic conditions, consumers may have less consumer confidence, reduce consumption or discretionary spending and/or change their purchasing patterns by foregoing purchasing certain of our products or by switching to “private label,” or lower-priced product offerings. These changes have reduced and could continue to reduce demand for our products or result in a shift in our product mix, as consumers choose products that sell at lower prices. These changes could reduce demand for our products or result in a shift in our product mix, as consumers may choose products that sell at lower prices. Additionally, our customers may be impacted and they 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. Additionally, our retailers may be impacted and they 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. Furthermore, economic conditions can cause our customers, suppliers, distributors, contract manufacturers, logistics providers or other third-party partners to suffer financial or operational difficulties, which may impact their ability to buy our products or provide us with or distribute finished product, raw and packaging materials and/or services in a timely manner or at all. In addition, we could face difficulty collecting or recovering accounts receivable from third parties facing financial or operational difficulties, including bankruptcies. In addition, we could face difficulty collecting or recovering accounts receivables from third parties facing financial or operational difficulties, including bankruptcies.
Disruptions in the credit markets or changes to our credit ratings may adversely affect our business.
While we currently generate significant cash flows from ongoing operations and have access to global credit markets through our various financing activities, a disruption or volatility in the credit markets, interest rate increases or changes to our credit rating could negatively impact the availability or further increase the cost of funding. Reduced access to credit or increased costs could adversely affect our liquidity and capital resources or significantly increase our cost of capital. In addition, if any financial institutions that hold our cash or other investments or that are parties to our undrawn revolving credit facility supporting our commercial paper programs or other financing arrangements, such as interest rate, foreign exchange or commodity 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, foreign currency or commodity price exposures. In addition, tighter or more volatile 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, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
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Tax matters, including changes in tax rates, disagreements with taxing authorities and imposition of new taxes could negatively impact our business.
We are subject to taxes in the United States and in the foreign jurisdictions where we do business.We are subject to taxes in the US and in the foreign jurisdictions where we do business. Due to economic and political conditions, tax rates in the United States and various foreign jurisdictions have been and may be subject to significant change. Due to economic and political conditions, tax rates in the US and various foreign jurisdictions have been and may be subject to significant change. Changes in the mix of our earnings between countries with differing statutory tax rates, changes in the valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities related to changes in tax rates, changes in tax laws, including how existing tax laws are interpreted or enforced, or contemplated changes in long-standing tax principles, if finalized and adopted, could adversely impact our future effective tax rate and business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. For example, long-standing international tax norms that determine each country’s jurisdiction to tax cross-border international trade are evolving as a result of a multilateral project, the Base Erosion and Profit Shifting Project (the “BEPS Project”), that has established new principles and reporting requirements for the member countries of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (the “OECD”) and its Inclusive Framework (“IF”). In connection with the BEPS Project, companies are required to disclose more information to tax authorities and the public on operations around the world, which may lead to greater audit scrutiny of profits earned in countries outside of the United States. In connection with the BEPS Project, companies are required to disclose more information to tax authorities on operations around the world, which may lead to greater audit scrutiny of profits earned in countries outside of the US Many jurisdictions have already enacted legislation and adopted policies 18resulting from the BEPS Project. Many jurisdictions have already enacted legislation and adopted policies resulting from the BEPS Project. The OECD is also addressing the challenges of the digitization of the global economy with detailed guidance to redefine jurisdictional taxation rights in market countries and establish a global minimum tax. The OECD is also addressing the challenges of the digitization of the global economy with plans to redefine jurisdictional taxation rights in market countries and establish a global minimum tax. The European Union member states and other countries within the OECD’s IF have established minimum tax regulations (“Pillar II”) that provide for a minimum level of taxation for certain large corporations in every jurisdiction in which they operate. In addition, we are evaluating the impact of recent legislation, such as the Minimum Tax Directive in the European Union that provides for a minimum level of taxation for certain large corporations in every jurisdiction in which they operate.
Other than the significant additional time and resources required to comply with these regulations, Pillar II did not have a material impact as of December 31, 2025 and we do not believe it will have a material impact going forward on our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. In January 2026, IF reached an agreement known as the “Side-by-Side Package” that modifies key aspects of Pillar II and is effective from January 1, 2026. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of the Side-by-Side Package on its future tax liability and compliance burden. As these and other tax laws and related regulations change, our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition could be materially impacted. For more information regarding recent legislation, refer to Part II, Item 7 “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Results of Operations - Income Taxes.”
Furthermore, we are seeing an increase in regular reviews, examinations and audits by the Internal Revenue Service and increasingly aggressive enforcement actions by other taxing authorities with respect to taxes outside of the United States. Although we believe our tax positions are sustainable, when a taxing authority disagrees with the positions we have taken, we have faced, and in the future may face, additional tax liabilities, including interest and penalties, in excess of reserves. The payment of such additional amounts upon final adjudication of any disputes could adversely impact our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
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ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
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ITEM 1C. CYBERSECURITY
Cybersecurity Risk Management and Strategy
Our CISO has over 25 years of information technology experience, including leading data analytics, customer relationship management, architecture, network operations and application development teams. He has been leading our global information security program for eight years. He is a Certified Information Systems Professional, a member of Google Cloud CISO Customer Advisory Board and New Jersey InfraGard and completed the FBI CISO Academy. He joined the Company over 25 years ago and has extensive knowledge regarding our business processes and the associated information technology platforms utilized worldwide, enabling him to guide his organization to protect the Company’s systems and information.
Our Chief Information Officer joined the Company over 25 years ago and has expertise across a wide array of information technology and systems, with experience leading a large array of different functions within the global information technology organization. He has led our information technology Operational Performance and Reliability Committee for the last ten years, which reviews and provides continuous improvement processes and technology across infrastructure, information security, architecture, application and end user performance. He has led our information technology Operational Performance and Reliability Committee for the last eight years, which reviews and provides continuous improvement processes and technology across infrastructure, information security, architecture, application and end user performance. He has application development leadership experience across all functions, including the policies and controls that govern both application development and implementation of packaged software. He has a certification from Stanford University for Cybersecurity and Executive Strategy.
The Company’s information security organization seeks to employ cybersecurity best practices, including implementing new technologies to proactively identify and monitor new vulnerabilities and reduce risk, conducting due diligence of third-party vendors’ information security programs, maintaining security policies and standards and regularly updating and testing our response planning and protocols. The information security organization also works in partnership with our Internal Audit function to identify cybersecurity risks and review cybersecurity-related internal controls with third parties as part of the overall internal controls process. In addition, the information security organization gains valuable information to improve our threat and risk awareness capabilities as a member of an industry information sharing and analysis organization, which provides strategic and tactical information sharing channels. The information security organization also gains valuable information to improve our threat and risk awareness capabilities as a member of an industry information sharing and analysis organization, which provides strategic and tactical information sharing channels. Employees are provided mandatory cybersecurity awareness training on an annual basis, which includes information about how to identify and report cybersecurity concerns and incidents. Additionally, employees are provided mandatory cybersecurity awareness training on an annual basis, which includes information about how to identify and report cybersecurity concerns and incidents. The information security organization also conducts phishing simulations and testing scenarios through tabletop exercises and assessment activities, to help ensure compliance with our cyber policies and procedures.
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We maintain a cybersecurity insurance policy and have retained relevant incident response services. Additionally, we maintain an offensive security team that works both independently and with third-party cybersecurity professionals to conduct security assessments of our enterprise-wide cybersecurity practices, including penetration testing, and identify areas for continuous improvement within the information security program. The Company is a member of the Retail and Hospitality Information Sharing and Analysis Center, which provides additional intelligence associated with threats pertaining to our industry.
Our dedicated information security organization leverages various frameworks for managing cybersecurity risks, including the National Institute of Standards and Technology (“NIST”) framework. The key pillars of the NIST framework are to develop and, as applicable, implement (i) an organizational understanding to manage cybersecurity risk to systems, people, assets, data and capabilities; (ii) appropriate safeguards to ensure delivery of critical services; (iii) appropriate activities to identify the occurrence of a cybersecurity event; (iv) appropriate activities to maintain plans for resilience and to restore any capabilities or services that were impaired due to a cybersecurity incident; and (v) appropriate activities to action an incident. The key pillars of the NIST framework are to (i) develop an organizational understanding to manage cybersecurity risk to systems, people, assets, data and capabilities; (ii) develop and implement appropriate safeguards to ensure delivery of critical services; (iii) develop and implement appropriate activities to identify the occurrence of a cybersecurity event; (iv) develop and implement appropriate activities to maintain plans for resilience and to restore any capabilities or services that were impaired due to a cybersecurity incident; and (v) develop appropriate activities to action an incident.
For additional information regarding risks faced by the Company from cybersecurity threats, see Item 1A, “Risk Factors - A cybersecurity incident, data breach or a failure of key technology systems could adversely impact our business.”
Cybersecurity Governance
Our Board is focused on cybersecurity. Specific responsibility for cybersecurity oversight is delegated to the Audit Committee. The Board oversees our risk management process to ensure it is properly designed, well-functioning and consistent with our overall corporate strategy. Our Audit Committee oversees the ERM process and the implementation of appropriate risk monitoring and management systems, though all Board members attend Audit Committee meetings and participate in risk management discussions.
Our Board has adopted a written statement, known as the Independent Board Candidate Qualifications and made available on our website, outlining the qualities sought in our directors. This statement, which is refreshed periodically, is used by the Nominating, Governance and Corporate Responsibility Committee (“NGCR Committee”) to evaluate individual director candidates. This statement, which is refreshed periodically and was most recently updated in January 2023, is used by the Nominating, Governance and Corporate Responsibility Committee (“NGCR Committee”) in evaluating individual director candidates. The NGCR Committee has identified experience with overseeing and managing risk management processes, including with respect to cybersecurity, as being important to creating an effective, well-rounded and diverse Board. Directors with experience overseeing and managing risk management processes play a critical role in the Board’s oversight of our enterprise risk management process.
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| AGNC | 2 hours ago |
| TARS | 2 hours ago |
| SMMT | 2 hours ago |
| FBIN | 2 hours ago |
| CINF | 2 hours ago |
| LZ | 2 hours ago |
| EKSO | 2 hours ago |
| FRPT | 2 hours ago |
| VVX | 2 hours ago |
| IVR | 2 hours ago |
| VRE | 2 hours ago |
| RNA | 2 hours ago |
| CL | 2 hours ago |
| SAH | 2 hours ago |
| SEIC | 2 hours ago |
| UVSP | 2 hours ago |
| KEY | 3 hours ago |
| WTS | 3 hours ago |
| D | 6 hours ago |
