Summary
Procter & Gamble (PG) reported its fiscal first-quarter results for the period ending September 30, 2010, showing a modest increase in net sales to $20.1 billion, a 2% rise year-over-year. This growth was primarily driven by an 8% increase in unit volume, indicating strong consumer demand across many of its product categories, especially Fabric Care & Home Care and Baby Care & Family Care. However, net earnings saw a decline of 7% to $3.1 billion, largely due to the absence of the previously divested pharmaceuticals business, which significantly impacted the prior year's comparative results. Despite challenges like unfavorable foreign exchange rates and price reductions, the company demonstrated resilience. Diluted net earnings per share from continuing operations saw a healthy 5% increase to $1.02, outperforming net earnings growth due to active share repurchase programs. While operating cash flow decreased due to higher working capital needs, free cash flow remained substantial at $1.9 billion. Investors should note the ongoing legal proceedings in Europe concerning competition law violations, for which the company has reserved $275 million, although the ultimate impact remains uncertain and could be material.
Financial Highlights
50 data points| Revenue | $19.78B |
| Cost of Revenue | $9.69B |
| Gross Profit | $10.10B |
| SG&A Expenses | $5.93B |
| Operating Income | $4.42B |
| Interest Expense | $208.00M |
| Net Income | $3.08B |
| EPS (Basic) | $1.07 |
| EPS (Diluted) | $1.02 |
| Shares Outstanding (Diluted) | 3.03B |
Key Highlights
- 1Net sales increased 2% to $20.1 billion, driven by an 8% rise in unit volume.
- 2Organic sales grew 4%, excluding the impact of acquisitions, divestitures, and foreign exchange.
- 3Net earnings declined 7% to $3.1 billion primarily due to the prior year's inclusion of divested pharmaceutical business results.
- 4Diluted EPS from continuing operations increased 5% to $1.02, outperforming net earnings growth due to share repurchases.
- 5Operating cash flow decreased significantly to $2.5 billion, impacted by higher working capital, but free cash flow was $1.9 billion.
- 6The company has established a reserve of $275 million for potential fines related to European competition law investigations.
- 7Significant share repurchase activity continued, with approximately $3 billion in treasury stock purchases during the quarter.