10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2006

CHURCH & DWIGHT CO INC /DE/ Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 29, 2006

Filed November 7, 2006For Securities:CHD

Summary

Church & Dwight Co., Inc. (CHD) reported strong performance for the nine months ended September 29, 2006, driven by significant revenue growth and improved gross margins. Net sales increased by 8.8% to $1.42 billion, largely attributable to strategic acquisitions, including Orange Glo International, Inc. (OGI), and price increases implemented early in the year. The company successfully integrated OGI, contributing substantially to both top-line growth and profitability, despite facing increased commodity costs. Profitability metrics showed positive trends, with Net Income rising to $115.0 million for the nine-month period, an increase of 7.8% over the prior year. Diluted Earnings Per Share also saw a healthy increase to $1.71 from $1.58 in the comparable period. Management highlighted the successful integration of acquired businesses and ongoing cost management efforts. While the company experienced increased interest expenses due to financing the OGI acquisition, its financial covenants remained strong, indicating robust liquidity and debt management.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net sales increased by 17.1% to $518.6 million in the third quarter of 2006 compared to the prior year, driven by acquisitions and price increases.
  • 2Nine-month net sales grew by 8.8% to $1.42 billion, with acquisitions (notably Orange Glo International) contributing significantly.
  • 3Gross profit margin improved to 39.1% in Q3 2006 and 39.2% year-to-date, despite rising commodity costs, reflecting successful pricing strategies and cost management.
  • 4Net income for the nine months ended September 29, 2006, was $115.0 million, up 7.8% from $106.7 million in the prior year.
  • 5Diluted EPS increased to $1.71 for the nine months, compared to $1.58 in the same period last year.
  • 6The company adopted SFAS No. 123R, resulting in a recognized stock-based compensation expense that negatively impacted EPS by $0.07 for the nine-month period.
  • 7Total assets grew significantly to $2.36 billion from $1.96 billion, largely due to acquisitions, while long-term debt also increased to fund these growth initiatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Revenue growth was primarily driven by the strategic acquisitions of Orange Glo International, Inc. (OGI) and the SPINBRUSH business, along with price increases implemented in February 2006 across approximately 35% of the U.S. consumer products portfolio. Favorable foreign exchange rates also contributed to the increase.

The adoption of SFAS No. 123R (Share Based Payment) on January 1, 2006, required the company to recognize the fair value of share-based compensation. For the nine months ended September 29, 2006, this resulted in a pre-tax charge of $7.6 million, negatively impacting basic and diluted EPS by $0.07 per share.

The company's total debt increased to $982.8 million from $756.5 million, largely due to financing the OGI acquisition with a $250 million addition to its credit facility and available cash. Net debt also increased. Despite the higher debt levels, the company's leverage and interest coverage ratios remained within the limits set by its primary credit facility, indicating effective debt management.

Total assets increased significantly to $2.36 billion from $1.96 billion primarily due to acquisitions, with notable increases in Goodwill and Tradenames and other Intangibles. Long-term debt also rose substantially to $840.1 million from $635.3 million to fund these acquisitions. Retained earnings increased, and accumulated other comprehensive income shifted from a loss to a gain.