10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2011

CHURCH & DWIGHT CO INC /DE/ Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2011

Filed November 4, 2011For Securities:CHD

Summary

Church & Dwight Co., Inc. reported a strong third quarter for 2011, demonstrating robust top-line growth and improved profitability. Net sales increased by 6.7% year-over-year for the quarter, driven by a combination of higher product volumes and strategic acquisitions, notably the BATISTE dry shampoo brand. This growth extended to the nine-month period, with net sales up 4.4%. The company's operational efficiency is also evident, with gross profit increasing and gross margin showing slight improvement year-over-year for the quarter. This performance reflects successful cost-reduction programs and favorable product mix, partially offset by rising commodity costs. Financially, the company shows a healthy increase in Net Income attributable to Church & Dwight Co., Inc., up from $69.5 million to $79.6 million in the quarter. Diluted EPS also saw a notable rise. The balance sheet reflects increased cash reserves and a significant reduction in short-term borrowings, partly due to strategic debt management. The company also announced a new $300 million share repurchase authorization, signaling confidence in its financial position and commitment to shareholder returns. Overall, the filing indicates a company executing well on its growth strategy and managing its financial resources effectively.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net sales for the third quarter of 2011 increased by 6.7% to $701.0 million compared to the prior year quarter.
  • 2Net income attributable to Church & Dwight Co., Inc. rose to $79.6 million for the third quarter of 2011, up from $69.5 million in the same period of 2010.
  • 3Diluted Earnings Per Share (EPS) increased to $0.54 for the third quarter of 2011, from $0.48 in the prior year quarter.
  • 4The company acquired the BATISTE dry shampoo brand for $64.8 million in June 2011, contributing to sales growth.
  • 5Cash and cash equivalents increased significantly to $275.0 million as of September 30, 2011, from $189.2 million at December 31, 2010.
  • 6The company announced a $300 million share repurchase authorization on August 3, 2011.
  • 7Interest expense decreased significantly due to lower average debt outstanding as a result of refinancing activities in late 2010.

Frequently Asked Questions

Church & Dwight Co., Inc. reported a net sales increase of 6.7% in the third quarter of 2011, reaching $701.0 million, compared to $656.9 million in the same period of 2010.

The acquisition of the BATISTE dry shampoo brand for $64.8 million on June 28, 2011, contributed to the overall sales growth. Its sales are managed within the Consumer International segment and are included in the reported figures.

As of September 30, 2011, Church & Dwight Co., Inc. had $275.0 million in cash and cash equivalents. Total debt was $253.6 million, resulting in a net cash position where cash exceeded debt by $21.4 million. This is an improvement from December 31, 2010, when net debt was $150.5 million.

Yes, on August 3, 2011, the Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program of up to $300 million of the company's common stock. The company also paid cash dividends, with dividends per share increasing from $0.09 in the prior year quarter to $0.17 in the current quarter.