Colgate Increases Dividend 21%

Colgate Increases Dividend 21%
Effective 2nd Quarter 2005 


NEW YORK, February 10, 2005  /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Reflecting the Company's
positive outlook discussed in their January 27th announcement of fourth quarter
and full year 2004 results, the Board of Directors of Colgate- Palmolive
Company today, increased the ongoing quarterly common stock cash dividend by
21%.  This increased dividend was declared by the Board effective as of the
second quarter, 2005.  The new rate of $.29 per share is up from $.24 and the
second quarter dividend will be paid on May 13, 2005 to shareholders of record
as of April 26, 2005.  On an annualized basis, the new dividend rate is $1.16
vs. $.96 per share previously.

Reuben Mark, Chairman and CEO, said:  "The significant dividend increase
demonstrates the Board's confidence in Colgate's ability to generate strong,
profitable growth.  We are pleased that our excellent cash generation worldwide
will enable us to maintain our strong balance sheet while funding a higher
dividend and continuing our previously announced accelerated share repurchase
program."

The Company's regular common stock dividend payments have increased for
forty-two consecutive years.

***

This press release (other than historical information) may contain
forward-looking statements.  Actual events or results may differ materially
from those statements.  Investors should consult the Company's filings with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (including the information set forth under
the caption "Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Statements" in the
Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003) for information about
factors that could cause such differences.  Copies of these filings may be
obtained upon request from the Company's Investor Relations Department or the
Company's website at http://www.colgate.com/.

About Colgate-Palmolive:  Colgate-Palmolive is a leading global consumer
products company, tightly focused on Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care,
Fabric Care and Pet Nutrition.  Colgate sells its products in over 200
countries and territories around the world under such internationally
recognized brand names as Colgate, Palmolive, Mennen, Softsoap, Irish Spring,
Protex, Sorriso, Kolynos, Ajax, Axion, Soupline, Suavitel and Fab, as well as
Hill's Science Diet and Hill's Prescription Diet pet foods.  For more
information about Colgate's global business, visit the Company's website at
http://www.colgate.com/. 

DATASOURCE: Colgate-Palmolive



CONTACT:  Bina Thompson, [phone], or Hope Spiller,

[phone], both of Colgate-Palmolive



Web site:  http://www.colgate.com/ 

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