10-QPeriod: Q2 FY2001

CHURCH & DWIGHT CO INC /DE/ Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended Jun 29, 2001

Filed August 9, 2001For Securities:CHD

Summary

For the second quarter and first half of 2001, Church & Dwight Co., Inc. (CHD) demonstrated revenue growth driven significantly by the acquisition of USA Detergents (USAD). Net sales increased by 27% for the quarter and 29.6% year-to-date. While this acquisition bolstered top-line performance, it also impacted profitability metrics. Gross margins declined due to the inclusion of lower-margin USAD brands, and Selling, General & Administrative expenses rose due to integration costs and increased professional fees. Despite these pressures, the company reported modest earnings per share growth, with adjusted diluted EPS for the quarter at $0.33 and year-to-date at $0.65. A significant event during the period was the completion of the USAD merger, which was financed through a bridge loan, with plans to secure a larger credit facility. Investors should note the ongoing integration of USAD and the announcement of a pending acquisition of Carter-Wallace's consumer products business, which signals an aggressive growth strategy through M&A.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net sales increased by 27% to $257.1 million in Q2 2001 and by 29.6% to $513.6 million for the first six months of 2001, largely due to the acquisition of USA Detergents (USAD).
  • 2Gross profit margin decreased from 44.4% to 37.7% in Q2 2001 and from 43.9% to 37.2% year-to-date, primarily attributed to the integration of lower-margin USAD brands.
  • 3Selling, General & Administrative expenses increased significantly, up $4.5 million in the quarter and $10.2 million year-to-date, driven by USAD acquisition and integration costs, as well as higher professional fees.
  • 4Net income for the quarter was $13.5 million ($0.33/share diluted) compared to $12.4 million ($0.31/share diluted) in the prior year, and year-to-date net income was $25.6 million ($0.63/share diluted) versus $24.1 million ($0.60/share diluted) in the prior year.
  • 5The company completed the acquisition of USA Detergents for an estimated $135 million, financed by a short-term bridge loan, and is preparing for a larger $510 million senior credit facility.
  • 6An agreement was announced to acquire the consumer products business of Carter-Wallace, Inc. for $739 million in partnership with Kelso & Company, a move that significantly expands the company's brand portfolio.
  • 7Goodwill and Other Intangibles increased substantially from $84.0 million at year-end 2000 to $176.5 million at June 29, 2001, primarily due to the USAD acquisition.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver of the revenue increase was the acquisition of USA Detergents (USAD), which was completed on May 25, 2001. This acquisition significantly boosted net sales, contributing to a 27% increase in the second quarter and a 29.6% increase for the first six months of the year.

The USAD acquisition had a mixed impact on profitability. While it drove top-line growth, it also led to a decrease in gross profit margin due to the inclusion of lower-margin USAD brands. Additionally, Selling, General & Administrative expenses increased due to acquisition and integration costs.

The company is pursuing an aggressive growth strategy through mergers and acquisitions. Beyond the recent USAD acquisition, Church & Dwight announced an agreement to acquire the consumer products business of Carter-Wallace, Inc. in partnership with a private equity group, indicating a focus on expanding its brand portfolio and market presence.

The USAD acquisition was financed with a short-term bridge loan. For future growth, including the Carter-Wallace acquisition, the company has secured commitment letters for a $510 million senior secured credit facility. The company is actively managing its financing needs to support its expansion plans.