Household Products Strong at Church & Dwight

Church & Dwight Co., Inc. reported net sales for the quarter ended June 26, 2009 increased 5% to $623.1 million. Operating income rose 21% to $99 million. Consumer domestic sales rose 14% to $468.1 million, primarily driven by the businesses recently acquired from Coty and higher sales of Xtra Liquid Laundry Detergent, Oxiclean laundry additive, Arm & Hammer Liquid Laundry Detergent, Arm & Hammer and value toothpastes and more, said the company. However, consumer international sales fell 16% to $94.8 million.

James R. Craigie, chairman and chief executive officer, commented, “We are very pleased with our solid second quarter results, particularly in this difficult economic environment. We were able to increase market share for six of our eight “power brands” in the quarter, achieve continued strong organic sales growth in our household product line and effect a turnaround to positive organic sales growth in our personal care product line.

“The organic sales growth was driven by consumer appeal for our high quality value-oriented products and premium priced new products, carryover benefits of 2008 pricing actions and a significant increase in marketing spending, partially offset by soft sales in the Specialty Products Division. Our results also reflect exceptional gross and operating margin expansion. The improved gross margin reflects lower commodity costs, pricing, acquisition benefits relating to the businesses acquired from Coty, Inc. and our continuing robust cost reduction programs.”