10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2007

Mondelez International, Inc. Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2007

Filed November 2, 2007For Securities:MDLZ

Summary

Kraft Foods Inc.'s (MDLZ) Q3 2007 10-Q filing reveals a solid increase in net revenues, up 9.8% year-over-year to $9.1 billion for the quarter, and 7.4% for the nine-month period to $26.8 billion. This growth was driven by a combination of favorable currency movements, higher pricing, increased volume, and strategic acquisitions. However, the company reported a decrease in diluted Earnings Per Share (EPS) for both the quarter ($0.38 from $0.45) and the nine-month period ($1.25 from $1.47), primarily impacted by higher restructuring charges, asset impairments related to divestitures, and increased marketing and administrative costs. Significant strategic initiatives are underway, including the announced acquisition of Groupe Danone S.A.'s global biscuit business for approximately $7.5 billion, expected to close by year-end. The company is also actively executing a share repurchase program, having bought back approximately $3.0 billion worth of stock year-to-date. A notable event impacting the company's financial reporting was the completion of its spin-off from Altria Group, Inc. in March 2007, making this one of the first standalone quarterly reports. The company reaffirmed its full-year EPS guidance, signaling confidence despite the short-term impact of restructuring and integration costs.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net revenues increased by 9.8% to $9.1 billion in Q3 2007 and by 7.4% to $26.8 billion for the first nine months of 2007.
  • 2Diluted EPS decreased to $0.38 in Q3 2007 from $0.45 in the prior year's quarter and to $1.25 for the nine-month period from $1.47.
  • 3The company announced a significant acquisition of Groupe Danone S.A.'s global biscuit business for approximately $7.5 billion, expected to close by year-end.
  • 4Kraft Foods repurchased approximately $3.0 billion of its common stock year-to-date under its share repurchase program.
  • 5Restructuring Program charges were $81 million in Q3 2007, contributing to a total of $326 million for the nine-month period.
  • 6The company issued $3.5 billion in senior unsecured notes in August 2007 to fund general corporate purposes.
  • 7The spin-off from Altria Group, Inc. was completed in March 2007, resulting in Kraft Foods operating as an independent entity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Revenue growth was driven by a combination of factors including favorable currency movements (especially the U.S. dollar weakness against the euro), higher pricing net of promotional spending, increased volume, favorable product mix, and contributions from acquisitions. The European Union and Developing Markets segments showed notable volume growth.

The decrease in diluted EPS was primarily due to several factors. These include higher restructuring charges, a significant asset impairment charge related to the divestiture of flavored water and juice brand assets, increased marketing, administration, and research costs, and higher interest expense. The prior year's quarter also benefited from a gain on the redemption of the United Biscuits investment.

The announced acquisition of Danone's global biscuit business for approximately $7.5 billion is a major strategic move aimed at significantly expanding Kraft's presence in the global biscuit market. This acquisition is expected to enhance the company's portfolio and market position in a key category, aligning with their growth strategies.

The spin-off from Altria in March 2007 marked Kraft Foods' transition to an independent, publicly traded company. This 10-Q represents one of the first standalone quarterly reports. It influenced financial reporting by requiring the company to manage its own tax structure (no longer part of Altria's consolidated return) and by transferring certain tax contingencies. Operationally, it allowed Kraft to pursue its own growth strategies and capital allocation decisions, such as the share repurchase program and major acquisitions, without the constraints of being a subsidiary.