10-QPeriod: Q2 FY2017

CHURCH & DWIGHT CO INC /DE/ Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended Jun 30, 2017

Filed August 3, 2017For Securities:CHD

Summary

Church & Dwight Co., Inc. reported solid top-line growth for the first half of 2017, with net sales increasing by 2.8% to $1.775 billion. This growth was primarily driven by increased product volumes across all segments, supported by strategic acquisitions like Viviscal and Agro BioSciences. However, profitability faced headwinds, with net income for the six months declining by 8.9% to $204.4 million, largely due to a significant $39.2 million pre-tax charge related to an international pension plan settlement, increased marketing and SG&A expenses, and unfavorable price/mix impacts. Despite these pressures, the company demonstrated strong operational cash flow generation of $249.3 million for the six-month period, enabling robust share repurchases totaling $300.0 million and a 7% increase in the quarterly dividend. Importantly, subsequent to the quarter, Church & Dwight announced the significant acquisition of Water Pik for an estimated $1,033.0 million, signaling a strategic move to expand its product portfolio and market reach, which will be financed through a substantial senior notes offering. This acquisition underscores the company's commitment to growth and strategic investment.

Financial Statements
Beta

Key Highlights

  • 1Net sales for the first six months of 2017 increased by 2.8% to $1,775.2 million, driven by higher product volumes across all segments.
  • 2Acquisitions, including Viviscal and Agro BioSciences, contributed to net sales growth.
  • 3A significant international pension settlement charge of $39.2 million negatively impacted SG&A expenses and net income.
  • 4Diluted EPS decreased to $0.29 for the quarter and $0.79 for the six months, down from $0.43 and $0.85 respectively in the prior year.
  • 5Operating cash flow remained strong at $249.3 million for the first six months of 2017.
  • 6The company repurchased $300.0 million of its common stock in the first half of 2017.
  • 7Subsequent to the quarter, a major acquisition of Water Pik for approximately $1,033.0 million was announced, to be financed by a significant debt offering.

Frequently Asked Questions

The net sales increase of 2.8% to $1,775.2 million was primarily driven by an increase in product volumes across the Consumer Domestic, Consumer International, and Specialty Products Divisions. Strategic acquisitions, such as Viviscal and Agro BioSciences, also contributed to this growth.

Profitability was impacted by several factors. A significant international pension settlement charge of $39.2 million was recorded, substantially increasing SG&A expenses. Additionally, higher marketing expenses and unfavorable price/mix (partially due to increased promotional spending) also put pressure on margins and net income.

The announced acquisition of Water Pik for an estimated $1,033.0 million is a major strategic move to expand Church & Dwight's product portfolio, particularly in the water-jet technology space with oral water flossers and showerheads. This acquisition, expected to close in Q3 2017, is one of the largest in the company's history and will be financed through a substantial senior notes offering.

Church & Dwight continued its commitment to returning capital to shareholders. In the first six months of 2017, the company repurchased approximately $300.0 million of its common stock. Furthermore, the regular quarterly dividend was increased by 7% in February 2017, maintaining a payout ratio of approximately 40% of net income.