10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2002

Mondelez International, Inc. Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 31, 2002

Filed May 13, 2002For Securities:MDLZ

Summary

Kraft Foods Inc. (the "Company") reported its first quarter 2002 financial results, showing a significant increase in net earnings compared to the prior year period. Net earnings rose to $693 million from $326 million in Q1 2001, largely driven by lower interest expenses following the IPO and the cessation of goodwill amortization due to the adoption of new accounting standards (SFAS 141 and 142). Reported diluted Earnings Per Share (EPS) also saw a substantial increase, reaching $0.40 from $0.22 in the prior year quarter. Operationally, the company experienced a slight decrease in reported net revenues to $7.147 billion from $7.197 billion in Q1 2001, primarily due to unfavorable currency movements and lower coffee prices. However, on a pro forma basis, which adjusts for businesses sold and the IPO impact, net revenues saw a slight decrease of 0.4%. The company's pro forma operating companies income, a measure of segment profitability excluding certain corporate expenses and amortization, increased by 7.4% to $1.519 billion, indicating underlying operational improvements across its segments. Significant charges related to voluntary retirement programs impacted reported operating companies income.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net earnings more than doubled to $693 million in Q1 2002, up from $326 million in Q1 2001.
  • 2Reported diluted EPS increased significantly to $0.40 from $0.22 in the prior year quarter.
  • 3Adoption of SFAS 141 and 142 resulted in the cessation of goodwill amortization, positively impacting earnings.
  • 4Reported net revenues slightly decreased by 0.7% to $7.147 billion, while pro forma net revenues decreased by 0.4%.
  • 5Pro forma operating companies income increased by 7.4% to $1.519 billion, indicating underlying operational strength.
  • 6The company made a prepayment of $1.0 billion on its note payable to its parent, Philip Morris.
  • 7The company is subject to ongoing legal proceedings, including a lawsuit related to chocolate product safety and various other environmental and product liability matters, though management believes these will not materially impact financial results.

Frequently Asked Questions

The significant increase in net earnings was primarily driven by two key factors: a substantial reduction in interest and other debt expense following the repayment of Nabisco acquisition borrowings with IPO proceeds, and the cessation of goodwill amortization due to the adoption of new accounting standards (SFAS 141 and 142), which had a significant positive impact on the current quarter's results compared to the prior year.

The adoption of SFAS 141 and 142 on January 1, 2002, eliminated the requirement to amortize goodwill and indefinite-life intangible assets. This resulted in a significant favorable impact on reported net earnings and EPS, as amortization charges from prior periods were no longer recognized. The company estimates that if these standards had been applied in Q1 2001, net earnings would have been approximately $564 million and diluted EPS $0.39.

The company's total debt was $16.0 billion at March 31, 2002. It has access to significant credit facilities totaling approximately $6.8 billion, providing ample liquidity. The company prepaid $1.0 billion on its note payable to Philip Morris and plans to use proceeds from a new shelf registration statement to refinance indebtedness to Philip Morris and other maturing debt. Management believes its cash from operations, credit facilities, and access to capital markets will provide sufficient liquidity for its needs.

The company is involved in various legal proceedings, including a lawsuit alleging potentially dangerous levels of lead and cadmium in chocolate products, which management believes is without merit. It also faces ongoing litigation related to National Cheese Exchange activities, environmental matters in Ohio, and product liability claims stemming from Nabisco's former operations. While these matters exist, management currently believes the final outcomes will not have a material adverse effect on the company's consolidated financial position or results of operations.