10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2009

CHURCH & DWIGHT CO INC /DE/ Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 27, 2009

Filed May 5, 2009For Securities:CHD

Summary

Church & Dwight Co., Inc. (CHD) reported solid first-quarter 2009 results, demonstrating resilience amidst a challenging economic environment. Net sales increased 5.1% year-over-year, driven by the successful integration of the Orajel acquisition and organic growth from price increases and higher volumes in key product lines like ARM & HAMMER laundry detergents. The company also achieved a notable improvement in gross margin to 42.9%, up from 40.5% in the prior year, attributed to favorable commodity costs, product mix from the acquisition, and cost reduction initiatives. Despite increased marketing investments to support new product introductions and acquisitions, the company managed SG&A expenses effectively. Profitability saw a significant boost, with Net Income rising to $62.6 million from $56.2 million in the prior year, and Diluted Earnings Per Share (EPS) increasing to $0.88 from $0.81. The company also maintained a strong liquidity position, with substantial cash on hand and available credit facilities, enabling it to fund its capital expenditure program, including the new Pennsylvania manufacturing facility, and continue its dividend payments.

Financial Highlights

6 data points
Beta

Revenue

$580.90M

42.9% Gross Margin

Net Income

$62.50M

10.8% Net Margin

EPS (Diluted)

$0.22

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$580.90M
Gross Profit$249.30M
Operating Income$104.70M
Net Income$62.50M
EPS (Basic)$0.23
EPS (Diluted)$0.22

Key Highlights

  • 1Net Sales increased by 5.1% to $580.9 million in Q1 2009 compared to Q1 2008, driven by the Orajel acquisition and organic growth.
  • 2Gross margin improved significantly to 42.9% from 40.5% in the prior year, benefiting from lower commodity costs and acquisition synergies.
  • 3Net Income rose by 11.4% to $62.6 million, with Diluted EPS increasing to $0.88 from $0.81 in the prior year.
  • 4Marketing expenses increased by $12.9 million, reflecting investment in acquired products and core brands, though SG&A was well-managed.
  • 5The company announced plans to construct a new $151 million laundry detergent plant in York County, Pennsylvania, while closing its North Brunswick, New Jersey facility.
  • 6Cash Flow from Operations increased substantially to $92.0 million from $62.7 million, indicating strong operational performance.
  • 7The company maintained a healthy liquidity position with $280.2 million in cash and significant availability under credit facilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Orajel acquisition, completed in July 2008, significantly contributed to the 5.1% increase in net sales, accounting for approximately 4.5% of the growth. It also positively impacted gross margin due to higher margins on acquired products and contributed to increased marketing expenses as the company integrated and promoted these new brands.

Church & Dwight expressed confidence that its liquidity position remains strong, with $280.2 million in cash and ample availability under its credit facilities. The company believes these resources, combined with operating cash flow, will be sufficient to meet its capital expenditure program, dividend payments, and debt obligations over the next twelve months, despite the uncertain economic climate.

The company has reduced its net debt from $658.1 million at the end of 2008 to $591.0 million at the end of Q1 2009. Interest expense decreased due to lower interest rates and slightly lower average debt outstanding, partially offset by higher average debt from the Orajel acquisition. The company also utilizes cash flow hedge agreements to mitigate interest rate fluctuations on its term loan debt.

The company is undertaking a significant capital expenditure program, including the construction of a new $151 million integrated laundry detergent manufacturing plant and distribution center in York County, Pennsylvania, scheduled to be operational by the end of 2009. This is being done in conjunction with the closure of its North Brunswick, New Jersey facility.