10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2002

CHURCH & DWIGHT CO INC /DE/ Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 27, 2002

Filed November 8, 2002For Securities:CHD

Summary

For the nine months ended September 27, 2002, Church & Dwight Co., Inc. demonstrated robust top-line growth, with net sales increasing by 12.1% to $779.1 million compared to the same period in 2001. This growth was driven by both consumer and specialty product segments, bolstered by strategic acquisitions like Biovance Technologies and the integration of Carter-Wallace consumer product businesses into the Armkel joint venture. The company successfully managed its gross profit margins, which remained stable year-over-year at 29.6% despite some operational startup costs and inventory adjustments. Net income for the nine-month period saw a significant increase of 25.1% to $51.15 million, translating to diluted earnings per share of $1.23, up from $1.00 in the prior year. This improvement was supported by operational efficiencies, a reduction in amortization expenses due to the adoption of SFAS 142, and effective management of marketing and SG&A expenses. The company also reported strong operating cash flow of $72.98 million for the nine months, indicating healthy liquidity and financial stability, further supported by an unused $100 million revolving credit facility.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net sales increased by 10.7% to $263.8 million for the third quarter and 12.1% to $779.1 million for the nine months ended September 27, 2002, driven by acquisitions and organic growth.
  • 2Net income rose to $17.6 million for the third quarter and $51.15 million for the nine months, representing significant year-over-year improvements.
  • 3Diluted earnings per share (EPS) grew to $0.42 for the quarter and $1.23 for the nine months, up from $0.37 and $1.00, respectively, in the prior year.
  • 4Gross profit margin remained stable at 29.6% for the nine-month period, indicating effective cost management despite integration costs.
  • 5Operating cash flow was strong at $73.0 million for the nine months ended September 27, 2002, providing ample liquidity.
  • 6The company adopted new accounting standards, including SFAS 142, which eliminated goodwill amortization and positively impacted reported earnings.
  • 7Strategic acquisitions, including Biovance Technologies and the integration of Carter-Wallace brands, contributed to the sales growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

The sales increase was primarily driven by the addition of businesses acquired in the Carter-Wallace acquisition, including Arrid antiperspirant and Lambert Kay pet care, and the acquisition of Biovance Technologies, Inc. Organic growth from existing products also contributed, though at a slower pace.

The adoption of SFAS 142, 'Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,' eliminated the amortization of goodwill. This change positively impacted net income and EPS by reducing reported expenses. Additionally, the adoption of EITF 00-14 and EITF 00-25 reclassified certain sales incentives from marketing expenses to a reduction of revenue, which impacted net sales figures but not net income.

The company reported strong liquidity with cash and cash equivalents totaling $76.1 million at September 27, 2002. Coupled with an unused $100 million revolving credit facility and healthy operating cash flow generation, management believes its liquidity is sufficient to meet its needs, including future capital projects.

The company is involved in legal actions, notably concerning the Carter-Wallace pharmaceutical business acquisition where Armkel (a joint venture) could be liable up to $12 million and Church & Dwight up to $2 million. The company believes its consideration was fair and cannot predict the outcome, but management does not expect these actions or other ordinary course legal actions to have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial statements.