10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2004

PROCTER & GAMBLE Co Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Sep 30, 2003

Filed October 28, 2003For Securities:PG

Summary

Procter & Gamble reported strong performance for the first quarter of fiscal year 2004, with net sales increasing 13% to $12.2 billion and net earnings rising 20% to $1.76 billion. This growth was driven by a 12% increase in unit volume across all business segments and geographic regions, aided by double-digit growth in the Health Care and Beauty Care segments. Diluted earnings per share saw a significant increase of 21% to $1.26. The most notable event during the quarter was the acquisition of an 81% controlling interest in Wella AG for approximately $5.1 billion, which has been accounted for as a purchase business combination and is expected to contribute to the Beauty Care segment. Despite the significant investment and associated costs, the company demonstrated robust operational performance with improved gross margins and operating margins, reflecting effective cost management and benefits from completed restructuring programs.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net sales increased by 13% to $12.2 billion, driven by a 12% rise in unit volume.
  • 2Net earnings grew by 20% to $1.76 billion, with diluted earnings per share up 21% to $1.26.
  • 3The company completed the acquisition of an 81% controlling interest in Wella AG for approximately $5.1 billion, adding to the Beauty Care segment.
  • 4Gross margin improved by 260 basis points to 51.8%, attributed to lower cost of products sold and savings from completed restructuring programs.
  • 5Operating margin increased by 150 basis points to 21.7%.
  • 6Cash generated from operating activities was $1.61 billion, though lower than the prior year period due to increases in working capital.
  • 7Investing activities used $5.30 billion primarily due to the Wella acquisition, a significant increase from the prior year.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver was the acquisition of Wella AG in September 2003, which involved a purchase price of approximately $5.1 billion. This acquisition led to a substantial increase in both assets (including goodwill and intangible assets) and liabilities (including short-term debt to finance the acquisition).

The Wella acquisition was accounted for as a purchase business combination and its results are included in the consolidated financial statements from September 2, 2003. It significantly boosted net sales and volume in the Beauty Care segment. The acquisition also led to a large increase in goodwill and intangible assets on the balance sheet and a significant use of cash in investing activities for the quarter.

The company reported strong double-digit growth in sales and earnings for the quarter. While the Wella acquisition is expected to contribute positively, management noted that business and market uncertainties could affect future results. The company highlighted lower manufacturing costs, benefits from completed restructuring, and marketing investments as key factors influencing earnings. For the Health Care segment specifically, while the Prilosec OTC launch was a strong contributor, future quarterly results are expected to normalize to consumption levels.

Cash flow from operations decreased to $1.61 billion from $2.01 billion year-over-year, mainly due to increased working capital and timing differences. However, financing activities provided significant cash inflow of $1.96 billion compared to an outflow of $0.52 billion in the prior year, largely due to the issuance of short-term debt to fund the Wella acquisition. Overall, the company's cash and cash equivalents decreased by $1.86 billion during the quarter, ending at $4.05 billion.