10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2001

Mondelez International, Inc. Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2001

Filed November 13, 2001For Securities:MDLZ

Summary

Mondelez International, Inc. (MDLZ), operating as Kraft Foods Inc. during this period, reported its third-quarter and nine-month results ending September 30, 2001. A significant event impacting the financials was the company's Initial Public Offering (IPO) on June 13, 2001, which raised $8.4 billion and was primarily used to pay down debt to its parent, Philip Morris. The acquisition of Nabisco in December 2000 significantly boosted reported revenues and volumes, though pro forma comparisons provide a more normalized view of underlying business performance. Net earnings for the nine months decreased year-over-year on a reported basis, largely due to increased goodwill amortization and interest expenses related to the Nabisco acquisition, but improved on a pro forma basis. The company is actively managing its portfolio, planning to divest certain Nabisco businesses and focusing on integration efforts. From an investor's perspective, the IPO marks a transition towards greater financial independence, though Philip Morris retains significant control. The integration of Nabisco presents both opportunities for synergy and challenges related to restructuring costs, which are being managed. Investors should note the divergence between reported and pro forma results due to the timing of the Nabisco acquisition and the IPO, with pro forma figures offering better insights into comparable operational trends. The company's debt levels have been significantly reduced post-IPO, and it initiated its first regular quarterly dividend, signaling a commitment to returning value to shareholders.

Key Highlights

  • 1Kraft Foods Inc. completed its Initial Public Offering (IPO) on June 13, 2001, raising $8.4 billion, which was largely used to reduce debt owed to its parent company, Philip Morris.
  • 2The acquisition of Nabisco in December 2000 significantly increased reported revenues and volumes, with Nabisco's results included in full for 2001 but not for the comparable 2000 period.
  • 3Pro forma net earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2001, increased by 15.6% to $1.54 billion, indicating underlying business growth despite a reported net earnings decline.
  • 4Reported net earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2001, decreased by 15.9% to $1.33 billion, primarily due to higher goodwill amortization and interest expenses stemming from the Nabisco acquisition.
  • 5The company is actively integrating Nabisco operations, anticipating integration and restructuring charges estimated between $500 million and $600 million, to be adjusted to excess purchase price rather than expensed.
  • 6Total debt decreased significantly from $25.8 billion at year-end 2000 to $16.7 billion at September 30, 2001, largely due to the IPO proceeds used for debt repayment.
  • 7Kraft Foods declared its first regular quarterly dividend of $0.13 per share in the third quarter of 2001, annualizing at $0.52 per share.

Frequently Asked Questions

The acquisition of Nabisco in December 2000 significantly boosted reported operating revenues and volumes in 2001, as Nabisco's financial results are fully consolidated. However, it also led to increased goodwill amortization and interest expenses, which negatively impacted reported net earnings and earnings per share compared to the pro forma results. Pro forma figures, which assume Nabisco was acquired earlier, show stronger underlying earnings growth.

The IPO, completed on June 13, 2001, was a major event for Kraft Foods. It raised $8.4 billion, which was primarily used to reduce a significant long-term note payable to its parent, Philip Morris. This transaction reduced the company's debt burden and marked a step towards greater financial independence, although Philip Morris still holds a controlling stake.

Kraft Foods anticipates charges for closing facilities and integrating Nabisco operations estimated to be in the range of $500 million to $600 million. These costs will not be recorded as charges to the consolidated statement of earnings. Instead, they will be treated as adjustments to the excess purchase price on the consolidated balance sheet once plans are finalized and announced to employees.

The company's total debt decreased substantially from $25.8 billion at the end of 2000 to $16.7 billion by September 30, 2001. This reduction was primarily driven by the $8.4 billion raised from the IPO, which was used to pay down long-term debt owed to Philip Morris. This significantly improved the company's debt-to-equity ratio.