10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2002

CHURCH & DWIGHT CO INC /DE/ Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 29, 2002

Filed May 10, 2002For Securities:CHD

Summary

Church & Dwight Co., Inc. reported a strong first quarter for fiscal year 2002, with net sales increasing by 13.2% to $256.8 million compared to the same period in the prior year. This growth was primarily driven by the inclusion of newly acquired businesses, notably from the Carter-Wallace acquisition. Net income saw a significant rise of 22.8%, reaching $14.9 million, leading to an increase in both basic and diluted earnings per share to $0.38 and $0.36, respectively. The company has successfully integrated new product lines and is demonstrating solid operational execution, despite increased interest expenses due to recent acquisitions. Key strategic moves, including the acquisition of Biovance Technologies and the formation of Armkel LLC, are contributing to the company's expanded product portfolio and market reach. While facing increased debt from acquisitions, the company maintains a healthy liquidity position with substantial cash reserves and an available credit facility. Management expressed confidence in their ability to meet financial covenants and liquidity needs, positioning Church & Dwight for continued growth.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net sales grew by 13.2% to $256.8 million for the three months ended March 29, 2002, compared to $226.8 million in the prior year.
  • 2Net income increased by 22.8% to $14.9 million, up from $12.1 million in the first quarter of 2001.
  • 3Basic earnings per share rose to $0.38 from $0.32, and diluted earnings per share increased to $0.36 from $0.30 year-over-year.
  • 4The company completed the acquisition of Biovance Technologies, Inc. for $7.7 million, expanding its animal nutrition product line.
  • 5Armkel LLC, a significant joint venture, began contributing to results, though initial results reflect adjustments for inventory step-up and allocation of profits.
  • 6Interest expense significantly increased due to debt financing for major acquisitions in 2001.
  • 7The company adopted new accounting standards EITF 00-14 and EITF 00-25, reclassifying certain sales incentives from marketing expenses to reductions in revenue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sales growth was primarily driven by the inclusion of newly acquired businesses, notably the Arrid antiperspirant and Lambert Kay pet care brands as part of the Carter-Wallace acquisition. Excluding these acquired brands, consumer sales saw a more modest increase of 2%, attributed to higher sales in deodorizers, cleaners, and laundry products, partially offset by lower personal care product sales. Specialty products also saw a modest increase due to new animal nutrition products.

Profitability improved significantly, with net income up 22.8% and earnings per share showing strong growth. The increase in gross profit margin was minimal year-over-year. However, interest expense increased substantially due to debt financing for recent acquisitions. Selling, general, and administrative expenses also rose, influenced by personnel costs and integration expenses, though this was partially offset by the adoption of FAS 142, which eliminated goodwill and tradename amortization.

The Armkel LLC joint venture, a 50% owned entity, has begun to contribute to the company's results, although its initial reporting included a $0.06 per share accounting charge related to inventory step-up. The company is allocated 100% of Armkel's initial profits until prior losses are recovered. The Biovance Technologies acquisition, completed in January 2002 for $7.7 million (net of cash acquired), expanded the animal nutrition product line and is expected to complement existing offerings.

The company maintains a solid liquidity position, with cash and cash equivalents totaling $53.9 million at the end of the quarter. Long-term debt stands at $407 million. Despite increased debt from recent acquisitions, the company had an unused revolving credit facility of $100 million and believes its cash on hand and credit facility are sufficient to meet its liquidity needs. Financial covenants, including leverage and interest coverage ratios, were met.