10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2005

Mondelez International, Inc. Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 31, 2005

Filed May 6, 2005For Securities:MDLZ

Summary

Mondelez International, Inc. (MDLZ), reported its first-quarter 2005 financial results, reflecting a period of both growth and strategic repositioning. The company demonstrated top-line growth with net revenues increasing by 6.4% year-over-year, reaching $8.1 billion, driven by a combination of higher volume, favorable currency movements, and increased pricing. Net earnings saw a significant rise of 27.3% to $713 million, with diluted EPS from continuing operations also improving to $0.41 from $0.32 in the prior year's quarter. This quarter was marked by significant divestiture activity, including the announced sale of its sugar confectionery business and the completed sale of its U.K. desserts and U.S. yogurt businesses. These actions are part of a broader strategy to streamline the company's portfolio. The company also incurred asset impairment, exit, and implementation costs, particularly related to a restructuring program and the pending sale of its fruit snacks business, which impacted year-over-year comparisons. Despite these charges, underlying operational improvements and strategic divestitures contributed to a stronger financial performance.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net revenues increased by 6.4% to $8.1 billion compared to the prior year's quarter, driven by volume, currency, and pricing.
  • 2Net earnings rose by 27.3% to $713 million, with diluted EPS from continuing operations improving to $0.41.
  • 3The company is in the process of divesting its sugar confectionery business, with the transaction expected to close in Q2 2005.
  • 4Asset impairment, exit, and implementation costs totaled $169 million in Q1 2005, largely due to a restructuring program and the sale of the fruit snacks business.
  • 5Operating income saw a significant increase of 18.9% to $1.16 billion, primarily due to lower restructuring charges and gains on business sales.
  • 6The effective income tax rate decreased to 28.7% from 31.8% in the prior year's quarter.
  • 7Cash provided by operating activities decreased to $242 million from $494 million, largely due to higher pension contributions and restructuring payments.

Frequently Asked Questions

The increase in net revenues was primarily driven by higher volume/mix ($174 million), favorable currency movements ($164 million), higher net pricing ($119 million), and the impact of acquisitions ($42 million), partially offset by the impact of divested businesses.

The company announced the sale of substantially all of its sugar confectionery business for approximately $1.5 billion, expected to close in Q2 2005. They also completed the sale of their U.K. desserts business, U.S. yogurt business, and a minor trademark in Mexico during Q1 2005, generating $190 million in proceeds and $116 million in pre-tax gains. An agreement was also reached to sell the fruit snacks business for approximately $30 million, expected to close in Q2 2005.

The company incurred $76 million in pre-tax charges related to its restructuring program in Q1 2005. While these charges are a drag on earnings, the program is expected to yield significant cost savings in the future, and the reduction in these charges compared to the prior year quarter ($279 million in Q1 2004) contributed positively to operating income growth.

The company lowered its full-year 2005 diluted EPS guidance from continuing operations to a range of $1.73 to $1.78. This guidance includes anticipated charges of $0.22 for restructuring and impairment costs, and $0.04 in gains on business sales. The effective income tax rate is now forecast at approximately 31.5%.