10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2007

PROCTER & GAMBLE Co Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Sep 30, 2006

Filed November 1, 2006For Securities:PG

Summary

Procter & Gamble (PG) reported strong performance for the first quarter of fiscal year 2007, with significant growth in net sales and net earnings, largely driven by the inclusion of The Gillette Company following its acquisition on October 1, 2005. Net sales increased by 27% to $18.79 billion, while net earnings saw a substantial 33% rise to $2.70 billion. This growth was supported by robust unit volume increases, including organic volume growth of 5%, and strategic price adjustments. The company successfully integrated Gillette, with its Blades and Razors segment showing strong performance, including the launch of the Fusion product line. The company also demonstrated improved operational efficiency, with gross margin expanding by 120 basis points and operating margin increasing by 90 basis points. Operating cash flow rose by 36%, leading to healthy free cash flow productivity of 88%. Despite integration costs related to Gillette and certain one-time charges, PG delivered solid earnings per share growth, with diluted EPS reaching $0.79. Management highlighted broad-based organic volume growth across all reportable segments, indicating the strength of its diversified product portfolio and ongoing innovation.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net sales increased 27% to $18.79 billion, driven by a 23% unit volume increase and a 6% organic sales growth, meeting the company's long-term target.
  • 2Net earnings surged 33% to $2.70 billion, benefiting from sales growth, the inclusion of Gillette, and improved profit margins.
  • 3Diluted earnings per share (EPS) rose 3% to $0.79, although this included an estimated $0.05-$0.06 dilution from the Gillette acquisition.
  • 4Gross margin expanded by 120 basis points to 52.8% of net sales, driven by scale leverage, price increases, and cost savings, partially offsetting commodity cost increases.
  • 5Operating cash flow increased significantly by 36% to $2.95 billion, resulting in strong free cash flow productivity of 88%.
  • 6The integration of The Gillette Company is progressing, with the Blades and Razors segment showing significant net sales growth (12% vs. pro forma prior year) and successful product launches like Fusion.
  • 7Share-based compensation expense increased to $158 million from $95 million in the prior year period, reflecting the adoption of SFAS 123(R).

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver of the substantial increase in net sales and earnings was the full inclusion of The Gillette Company's results following its acquisition in October 2005. This acquisition contributed significantly to overall sales volume and revenue growth across various segments, particularly in Blades and Razors.

While the Gillette acquisition contributed to overall net earnings growth, it also had a dilutive effect on earnings per share. Diluted EPS was $0.79, an increase of 3% year-over-year, but management estimated that the acquisition caused a dilution of approximately $0.05 to $0.06 per share.

The company reported organic sales growth of 6% for the quarter, which was at the top end of their long-term target range of 4% to 6%. This indicates a healthy underlying performance in the core business, independent of acquisitions and foreign exchange impacts.

Yes, the company incurred integration costs related to the Gillette acquisition. These included approximately $160 million in acquisition-related expenses in SG&A, such as intangible asset amortization and integration costs. The company also recognized a $1.23 billion liability for Gillette exit costs, primarily related to workforce separations, with substantial completion expected by June 30, 2008.