10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2013

CHURCH & DWIGHT CO INC /DE/ Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 31, 2013

Filed May 2, 2013For Securities:CHD

Summary

For the first quarter of 2013, Church & Dwight Co., Inc. reported a notable increase in net sales, primarily driven by the inclusion of recently acquired product lines from Avid Health, which contributed significantly to revenue growth. This top-line expansion, coupled with volume increases in key segments and ongoing productivity initiatives, led to a healthy rise in gross profit and operating income. The company also demonstrated strong earnings per share growth compared to the prior year, indicating effective operational management. While the acquisition and associated interest expenses presented some pressures, the company's overall financial health remains robust. Liquidity is strong, supported by substantial cash from operations and available credit facilities. Management's decision to increase the quarterly dividend and continue share repurchases signals confidence in future performance and a commitment to returning value to shareholders. Investors should note the positive impact of the Avid Health acquisition on sales, the ongoing efforts to improve margins, and the company's proactive approach to managing its debt and capital structure.

Financial Statements
Beta

Key Highlights

  • 1Net sales increased by 12.8% to $779.3 million, largely driven by the acquisition of Avid Health (contributing 9.9% to the growth) and increased sales volumes in Consumer Domestic and Consumer International segments.
  • 2Gross profit rose by 15.7% to $350.1 million, with gross margin improving by 110 basis points to 44.9%, attributed to acquired product lines, higher volumes, and productivity improvements, partially offset by lower pricing/mix.
  • 3Income from operations grew by 18.6% to $169.3 million, reflecting strong revenue growth and controlled operating expenses relative to sales.
  • 4Net income increased by 12.4% to $107.7 million, resulting in diluted earnings per share of $0.76, up from $0.66 in the prior year's quarter.
  • 5The company increased its regular quarterly dividend by approximately 16.7% from $0.24 to $0.28 per share, signaling confidence in future cash flows.
  • 6Cash flow from operating activities decreased to $72.3 million from $113.9 million in the prior year, primarily due to a significant deferral of a federal tax payment to the first quarter of 2013.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver of the significant increase in net sales was the acquisition of Avid Health on October 1, 2012. The net sales from these acquired product lines contributed approximately 9.9% to the overall 12.8% net sales growth reported for the quarter.

While the Avid Health acquisition boosted net sales significantly, its products have a lower gross margin than the company's average, which partially offset the overall gross margin improvement. However, productivity improvement programs and higher sales volumes helped to increase gross profit in absolute terms and improved the gross margin by 110 basis points year-over-year.

The company anticipates that its cash from operations, combined with its existing borrowing capacity, will be sufficient to meet its capital expenditure program, fund its share repurchase program, and pay dividends at the increased rate. Management's decision to raise the dividend and continue share buybacks reflects optimism about sustained performance and cash generation.

The company is involved in various legal proceedings, including a class action lawsuit regarding the 'natural' claims of ARM & HAMMER ESSENTIALS Natural Deodorant, which is currently pending a motion to dismiss. Additionally, the company is engaged in discussions with Brazilian environmental authorities regarding remediation at a former plant site, with potential costs estimated between $30 million and $50 million for landfill removal if required. While these matters exist, the company is actively managing them, and their ultimate impact is uncertain at this stage.