10-QPeriod: Q2 FY2003

Mondelez International, Inc. Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended Jun 30, 2003

Filed August 13, 2003For Securities:MDLZ

Summary

Mondelez International, Inc. (MDLZ), formerly Kraft Foods Inc., reported its quarterly results for the period ending June 30, 2003. The company demonstrated solid top-line growth, with net revenues increasing by 3.7% to $15.2 billion for the first six months of 2003 compared to the same period in 2002. This growth was driven by a combination of favorable currency movements, increased pricing, and a slight rise in volume. Profitability also saw an improvement, with net earnings for the six-month period rising by 12.7% to $1.8 billion. This was primarily attributed to the absence of significant one-time charges incurred in the prior year related to integration and separation programs, alongside lower interest expenses due to debt refinancing and a stronger operating performance. The company's financial position remains robust, with total assets growing to $59.9 billion, though liabilities also increased, partly due to short-term borrowings. Investors should note the ongoing efforts to manage costs, strategic acquisitions, and potential divestitures as the company navigates a competitive market and fluctuating commodity prices.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net revenues increased by 3.7% to $15.2 billion for the first six months of 2003 compared to the prior year.
  • 2Net earnings rose by 12.7% to $1.8 billion for the first six months of 2003, indicating improved profitability.
  • 3Operating income increased by 6.6% for the six-month period, benefiting from the absence of prior year charges and improved operational efficiency.
  • 4Total assets grew to $59.9 billion as of June 30, 2003, up from $57.1 billion at year-end 2002.
  • 5Short-term borrowings significantly increased to $2.31 billion from $220 million, impacting liquidity but providing cash resources.
  • 6The company experienced a credit rating downgrade due to issues unrelated to its direct operations, leading to increased borrowing costs.
  • 7Marketing, administration, and research costs increased by $229 million for the six months ended June 30, 2003, reflecting strategic investments.

Frequently Asked Questions

The increase in net revenues for the first six months of 2003 was driven by a combination of favorable currency movements ($228 million), higher pricing ($213 million), and a slight increase in volume ($128 million), partially offset by the impact of divested businesses.

Total debt increased to $15.5 billion at June 30, 2003, from $14.4 billion at December 31, 2002. This increase was influenced by significant short-term borrowings, partly to compensate for reduced access to the commercial paper market following credit rating downgrades.

The credit rating downgrades, which were a result of a judgment against Altria Group, Inc. and not directly related to Kraft Foods' operations, led to an increase in borrowing costs for the company. However, the company regained access to the commercial paper market and has a strong liquidity position.

The current period's profitability benefited from the absence of significant one-time charges that affected the prior year, such as separation programs ($142 million) and integration costs ($119 million). This makes the year-over-year comparison of net earnings more favorable.