10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2013

CHURCH & DWIGHT CO INC /DE/ Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2013

Filed November 1, 2013For Securities:CHD

Summary

Church & Dwight Co., Inc. (CHD) reported a strong third quarter and year-to-date performance for the period ending September 30, 2013. Net sales increased by 11.0% in the third quarter and 12.3% for the first nine months compared to the prior year, driven significantly by the acquisition of Avid Health and solid volume growth across most segments, particularly in Household and Personal Care products within the Consumer Domestic segment. The company demonstrated improved profitability, with gross profit increasing by 11.5% in Q3 and 11.3% year-to-date, leading to higher operating income. Diluted Earnings Per Share (EPS) also saw a healthy increase to $0.76 for the quarter and $2.14 for the nine months, up from $0.66 and $1.88 respectively in the prior year. Management highlighted effective productivity improvement programs and the successful integration of acquired product lines as key contributors to these results. Despite increased marketing and SG&A expenses, including R&D, the company managed to improve its operating margins.

Financial Highlights

55 data points
Beta

Revenue

$804.80M

45.4% Gross Margin

Net Income

$107.90M

13.4% Net Margin

EPS (Diluted)

$0.38

Total Assets

$4.20B

Cash & Equivalents

$445.50M

Free Cash Flow

$205.40M

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$804.80M
Cost of Revenue$439.60M
Gross Profit$365.20M
R&D Expenses$16.30M
SG&A Expenses$97.70M
Operating Income$167.80M
Interest Expense$7.00M
Net Income$107.90M
EPS (Basic)$0.39
EPS (Diluted)$0.38
Shares Outstanding (Basic)277.60M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)282.60M

Key Highlights

  • 1Net sales increased by 11.0% in Q3 2013 and 12.3% year-to-date, largely due to the Avid Health acquisition and volume growth.
  • 2Diluted EPS rose to $0.76 in Q3 and $2.14 year-to-date, demonstrating improved profitability.
  • 3Gross profit increased by 11.5% in Q3 and 11.3% year-to-date, with gross margin improving by 20 basis points in Q3 and 80 basis points year-to-date.
  • 4Operating income grew substantially, reflecting strong sales and effective cost management and productivity improvements.
  • 5Cash flow from operations increased by $60.7 million year-to-date to $376.6 million, indicating robust operational cash generation.
  • 6The company increased its regular quarterly dividend from $0.24 to $0.28 per share, signaling confidence in future performance and commitment to returning value to shareholders.
  • 7Despite increased debt from acquisitions, leverage and interest coverage ratios remain well within covenants, with net debt decreasing from $560.2 million at year-end 2012 to $358.0 million at September 30, 2013.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver behind the significant increase in net sales is the acquisition of Avid Health, Inc. on October 1, 2012. The sales from these acquired product lines are now fully integrated into Church & Dwight's results, contributing substantially to the growth. Additionally, volume increases across most segments, particularly in Household Products and Personal Care Products within the Consumer Domestic segment, have also played a crucial role.

Profitability has improved significantly. Gross profit increased, and gross margin expanded both for the quarter and year-to-date, driven by higher sales volumes, productivity improvements, and the contribution of acquired product lines, partially offset by increased trade promotions and unfavorable product mix. Operating income also saw substantial growth. Diluted Earnings Per Share (EPS) rose to $0.76 in the third quarter and $2.14 for the first nine months, indicating a strong bottom-line performance.

The company maintains a strong liquidity position with $445.5 million in cash and significant availability under its revolving credit facility and commercial paper program. Net debt has decreased from $560.2 million at the end of 2012 to $358.0 million at September 30, 2013. The company anticipates that its cash from operations, combined with its borrowing capacity, will be sufficient to fund its capital expenditure program, stock repurchase plans, and increased dividend payments. Financial covenants related to leverage and interest coverage are well within required limits.

The company is involved in several legal and regulatory proceedings. Notably, a class action lawsuit concerning 'ARM & HAMMER ESSENTIALS Natural Deodorant' advertising is ongoing, with the court denying dismissal for label-based claims. There are also environmental remediation matters in Brazil and other routine legal proceedings. While the company intends to defend itself vigorously, an adverse outcome in these matters could potentially have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.