Proctor and Gamble 2016 Annual Report Download - page 16

2 The Procter & Gamble Company
In part, our success can be attributed to the existence and
continued protection of these trademarks, patents and licenses.
Competitive Condition. The markets in which our products
are sold are highly competitive. Our products compete against
similar products of many large and small companies, including
well-known global competitors. In many of the markets and
industry segments in which we sell our products we compete
against other branded products as well as retailers' private-label
brands. We are well positioned in the industry segments and
markets in which we operate, often holding a leadership or
significant market share position. We support our products
with advertising, promotions and other marketing vehicles to
build awareness and trial of our brands and products in
conjunction with an extensive sales force. We believe this
combination provides the most efficient method of marketing
for these types of products. Product quality, performance, value
and packaging are also important differentiating factors.
Research and Development Expenditures. Research and
development expenditures enable us to develop technologies
and obtain patents across all categories in order to meet the
needs and improve the lives of our consumers. Research and
development expenses were $1.9 billion in 2016, $2.0 billion
in 2015 and $1.9 billion in 2014 (reported in Net earnings from
continuing operations).
Expenditures for Environmental Compliance. Expenditures
for compliance with federal, state and local environmental laws
and regulations are fairly consistent from year to year and are
not material to the Company. No material change is expected
in fiscal year 2017.
Employees. Total number of employees is an estimate of total
Company employees excluding interns, co-ops and employees
of joint ventures as of the years ended June 30. The number
of employees includes manufacturing and non-manufacturing
employees. A discussion of progress on non-manufacturing
enrollment objectives is included in Note 3 to our Consolidated
Financial Statements. The number of employees includes
employees of discontinued operations.
Total Number of Employees
2016 105,000
2015 110,000
2014 118,000
2013 121,000
2012 126,000
2011 129,000
Financial Information about Foreign and Domestic
Operations. Net sales in the U.S. account for 41% of total net
sales. No other individual country exceeds 10% of total net
sales. Operations outside the U.S. are generally characterized
by the same conditions discussed in the description of the
business above and may be affected by additional factors
including changing currency values, different rates of inflation,
economic growth and political and economic uncertainties and
disruptions.
Our sales by geography for the fiscal years ended June 30 were
as follows:
2016 2015 2014
North America
(1)
44% 41% 39%
Europe 23% 24% 26%
Asia Pacific 9% 8% 8%
Greater China 8% 9% 9%
IMEA
(2)
8% 8% 8%
Latin America 8% 10% 10%
(1)
North America includes results for the United States, Canada and
Puerto Rico only.
(2)
IMEA includes India, Middle East and Africa.
Net sales and total assets in the United States and
internationally were as follows (in billions):
Net Sales (years ended June 30) United States International
2016 $27.0 $38.3
2015 $26.8 $43.9
2014 $26.7 $47.7
Total Assets (years ended June 30)
2016 $64.4 $62.7
2015 $65.0 $64.5
2014 $68.8 $75.5
Item 1A. Risk Factors.
We discuss our expectations regarding future performance,
events and outcomes, such as our business outlook and
objectives in this Form 10-K, quarterly reports, press releases
and other written and oral communications. All statements,
except for historical and present factual information, are
“forward-looking statements” and are based on financial data
and business plans available only as of the time the statements
are made, which may become outdated or incomplete. We
assume no obligation to update any forward-looking
statements as a result of new information, future events or other
factors. Forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain,
and investors must recognize that events could significantly
differ from our expectations.
The following discussion of “risk factors” identifies significant
factors that may adversely affect our business, operations,
financial position or future financial performance. This
information should be read in conjunction with the MD&Aand
the Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes
incorporated in this report. The following discussion of risks
is not all inclusive, but is designed to highlight what we believe
are important factors to consider when evaluating our
expectations. These and other factors could cause our future
results to differ from those in the forward-looking statements
and from historical trends.