UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
(Mark One)
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| x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2004 OR oTRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the transition period from to
Commission File Number: 333-76055
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware | 43-1025604 | ||
incorporation or organization) |
Identification No.) | ||
2150 Schuetz Road | |||
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(314) 427-0780 | |||
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ýx No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No ýx
As of May 14,August 16, 2004, the registrant had 30,121,16235,954,496 Class A voting and 30,121,16235,954,496 Class B nonvoting shares of common stock outstanding.
UNITED INDUSTRIES CORPORATION
QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31,JUNE 30, 2004
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Spectracide®, Spectracide Triazicide®, Spectracide Terminate®, Spectracide Pro®, Hot Shot®, Garden Safe®, Schultz™, Rid-a-Bug®, Bag-a-Bug®, Real-Kill®, No-Pest®, Repel®, Vigoro®, Sta-Green®, Bandini®, 2
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This Quarterly Report contains forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this Quarterly Report, including statements regarding our strategy, future operations or financial position, estimated revenues, projected costs, projections, plans and objectives of management, are forward-looking statements. As may be used in this Quarterly Report, the words “will,” “should,” “believe,” “plan,” “may,” “strategies,” “goals,” “anticipate,” “indicate,” “intend,” “determine,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. All forward-looking statements apply only as of the date they are disclosed and are based on our expectations at that time. We do not undertake any obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Although we believe that our plans, intentions and expectations reflected in or suggested by any forward-looking statements we make in this Quarterly Report are reasonable, we can give no assurance that such plans, intentions or expectations will be achieved. Our actual results could differ significantly from the results discussed in any forward-looking statements contained in this Quarterly Report. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, without limitation, the following: ·general economic and business conditions; ·the loss or bankruptcy of major customers, suppliers or parties with whom we have a strategic relationship; ·the loss of a significant amount of products purchased by major customers; ·weather conditions and/or historical seasonality; ·our ability to repay our indebtedness or meet other obligations; ·industry trends and competition; ·our ability to manage rapid growth, the integration of acquisitions and the diversification of our businesses; ·our ability to achieve the benefits we expect from acquisitions, including The Nu-Gro Corporation and United Pet Group, Inc. transactions; ·our ability to successfully implement or integrate our information systems; ·public perception regarding the safety of our products; ·governmental regulations; ·terrorist attacks or acts of war; ·cost and availability of raw materials or product components; ·changes in our business strategy or development plans; ·our ability to recruit and retain quality personnel; ·availability, terms and deployment of capital resources; and ·the other risks described in our filings with the SEC, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K. 3 ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTSUNITED INDUSTRIES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 4 UNITED INDUSTRIES CORPORATION AND SUBISIDIARIES
(Dollars in thousands)
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 5 UNITED INDUSTRIES CORPORATION AND SUBISIDIARIES
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 6 UNITED INDUSTRIES CORPORATION AND SUBISIDIARIES
Note 1—Description of Business and Basis of Presentation Under a variety of brand names, and operating as Spectrum Brands and Nu-Gro, United Industries Corporation (the Company) manufactures and markets one of the broadest lines of products in the industry, including herbicides and indoor and outdoor insecticides, as well as insect repellents, fertilizers, growing media and soils. The Company’s value brands are targeted toward consumers who want products and packaging that are comparable or superior to, and at lower prices than, premium-priced brands, while its opening price point brands are designed for cost-conscious consumers who want quality products. The Company’s products are marketed to mass merchandisers, home improvement centers, hardware, grocery and drug chains, nurseries and garden centers throughout North America.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts and balances of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All material intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for interim financial information and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures typically included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K have been condensed or omitted for this report. As such, this report should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003. Certain amounts in the 2003 consolidated financial statements included herein have been reclassified to conform to the 2004 presentation. The accompanying consolidated financial statements are unaudited. In the opinion of management, such financial statements include all adjustments, which consist of only normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the periods presented. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from such estimates and assumptions. UNITED INDUSTRIES CORPORATION AND SUBISIDIARIES Note 2—Definitive Agreement to Acquire
Note 3—Acquisition of The Nu-Gro Corporation On April 30, 2004, the Company completed the acquisition of all of the outstanding common shares of Nu-Gro, a lawn and garden products company then incorporated under the laws of Ontario, Canada. As a result of the acquisition, Nu-Gro and its subsidiaries became wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company. The total purchase price included cash consideration of $146.4 million, including $5.0 million of related acquisition costs, and the assumption of $26.7 million of outstanding debt, which was immediately repaid by the Company at closing. The transaction was financed with proceeds from the Company’s New Senior Credit Facility (see Note 10). The acquisition was executed to expand the Company’s reach throughout North America, broaden its product offerings and customer base, vertically integrate certain of its operations, including gaining access to advanced fertilizer technologies, and to achieve economies of scale and synergistic efficiencies. The transaction was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting and, accordingly, the results of operations have been included in the consolidated financial statements from April 30, 2004, the date of acquisition. The purchase price was allocated to assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on estimated fair values. The Company preliminarily allocated $66.4 million of the purchase price to intangible assets and $40.5 million to goodwill for consideration paid in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired, which is not deductible for tax purposes. The acquired intangible assets consist primarily of trade names, which are currently being amortized using the straight-line method over periods ranging from fifteen to thirty years, and to customer relationships, which are currently being amortized using the straight-line method over periods ranging from five to ten years. In addition, the Company increased the value of inventory acquired from Nu-Gro by $6.1 million to reflect estimated fair value on the date of acquisition, which is currently being recorded as cost of goods sold commensurate with related subsequent sales activity during 2004. For the three months ended June 30, 2004, amortization expense associated with such write-up of inventory to estimated fair value of $5.2 million was recorded in cost of goods sold. UNITED INDUSTRIES CORPORATION AND SUBISIDIARIES Note 3—Acquisition of The Nu-Gro Corporation (Continued) The purchase price allocation is based on preliminary information, which is subject to adjustment upon obtaining the final report of an independent third-party valuation firm. The Company is currently in the process of obtaining such report and expects the final purchase price allocation to be completed during the third quarter of 2004. The following table summarizes the preliminary purchase price calculation and the preliminary estimated fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of April 30, 2004, the date of acquisition:
The following table presents the Company’s unaudited consolidated results of operations on a pro forma basis, as if the Nu-Gro acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2004 and 2003, as applicable:
UNITED INDUSTRIES CORPORATION AND SUBISIDIARIES Note 3—Acquisition of The Nu-Gro Corporation (Continued) The unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information presented herein is not necessarily indicative of the consolidated results of operations or financial position that would have resulted had the acquisition been completed at the beginning of or as of the periods presented, nor is it indicative of the results of operations in future periods or the future financial position of the combined companies. With the acquisition of Nu-Gro, the Company has become subject to foreign currency translation gains and losses, as the Canadian dollar is the functional currency of Nu-Gro’s Canadian subsidiaries. For translation of the Canadian subsidiaries’ financial statements, assets and liabilities are
transaction date. Note The Company accounts for stock options issued to employees in accordance with Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” and applies the disclosure provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” and SFAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation—Transition and Disclosure, an amendment of FASB Statement No. 123.” Under APB No. 25 and related interpretations, compensation expense is recognized using the intrinsic value method for the difference between the exercise price of the options and the estimated fair value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. SFAS No. 123 requires pro forma disclosure of the impact on earnings as if the Company determined stock-based compensation expense using the fair value method. The following table presents net income, as reported, stock-based compensation expense that would have been recorded using the fair value method and pro forma net income that would have been reported had the fair value method been applied:
UNITED INDUSTRIES CORPORATION AND SUBISIDIARIES Note Inventories consist of the following:
Note Equipment and leasehold improvements consist of the following:
For the three months ended
UNITED INDUSTRIES CORPORATION AND SUBISIDIARIES Note Intangible assets consist of the following:
Intangible assets include trade names, customer relationships, supply agreements and other intangible assets, which are valued upon acquisition through independent third-party appraisals, where material, or using other valuation methods. Intangible assets are amortized using the straight-line method over periods ranging from five to forty years, or in the case of the supply agreements, over the period in which their economic benefits are expected to be utilized, or three to ten years. The table above reflects reclassifications of approximately $4.4 million from trade names to customer relationships and approximately $4.1 million from goodwill to customer relationships recorded during the second and third quarters of 2003 due to the final independent third-party valuation reports received during such quarters and the establishment of related deferred tax liabilities. Amounts recorded for goodwill in connection with the
The Company had initially reflected the guidance outlined in EITF 02-17, “Recognition of Customer Relationship Intangible Assets Acquired in a Business Combination” as of the date it finalized the UNITED INDUSTRIES CORPORATION AND SUBISIDIARIES Note 7—Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Continued) allocation of the purchase price of Schultz Company, in the first quarter of 2003, and began amortizing the customer relationship intangible asset over its remaining useful life. In March 2004, the Company determined that the effect of the application of EITF 02-17 should have been applied from the date of acquisition and, as such should have resulted in a $2.4 million noncash charge for the additional amortization related to the final valuation of the $24.6 million customer relationship intangible asset. Accordingly, in the fourth quarter of 2003, the Company restated the March 31, 2003 quarterly financial information to include the noncash adjustment which increased first quarter 2003 selling, general and administrative expenses by $2.4 million and decreased income before income tax expense and net income by $2.4 million, as the intangible assets are not deductible for tax purposes. Operating income and net income as originally reported for the three months ended March 31, 2003 of $31,058 and $13,453, respectively, were higher than the respective restated first quarter amounts of $28,658 and $11,053 due to the additional amortization expense described above.
Customer AgreementOn February 12, 2004, the Company and its largest customer executed a licensing, manufacturing and supply agreement (the Agreement). Under the Agreement, the Company will license certain of its trademarks and be the exclusive manufacturer and supplier for certain products branded with such trademarks from January 1, 2004, the effective date of the Agreement, through December 31, 2008 or such later date as is specified in the Agreement. Provided the customer achieves certain required minimum purchase volumes and other conditions during such period, and the manufacturing and supply portion of the Agreement is extended for an additional three-year period as specified in the Agreement, the Company will assign the trademarks to the customer not earlier than May 1, 2009, but otherwise within thirty days after the date upon which such required minimum purchase volumes are achieved. The carrying value of such trademarks as of UNITED INDUSTRIES CORPORATION AND SUBISIDIARIES Note 7—Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Continued) For the three months ended
Note Other assets consist of the following:
As described in Note 10, during the three months ended June 30, 2004, the Company recorded deferred financing fees of $10.0 million in connection with its New Senior Credit Facility and wrote-off $1.7 million of deferred financing fees in connection with the repayment of obligations under its Prior Senior Credit Facility. 14 UNITED INDUSTRIES CORPORATION AND SUBISIDIARIES Note Accrued expenses consist of the following:
Note Long-term debt, excluding capital lease obligations, consists of the following:
UNITED INDUSTRIES CORPORATION AND SUBISIDIARIES
Note 10—Long-Term Debt (Continued) Senior Credit Facility in Effect The senior credit facility, as amended as of March 14, 2003, in effect The Prior Senior Credit Facility agreement contained affirmative, negative and financial covenants. Affirmative and negative covenants placed restrictions on, among other things, levels of investments, indebtedness, insurance, capital expenditures and dividend payments. The financial covenants required the maintenance of certain financial ratios at defined levels. As of and during the The Prior Senior Credit Facility agreement allowed the Company to make prepayments in whole or in part at any time without premium or penalty. During the June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively, and $1.7 million and $1.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The Prior Senior Credit Facility was secured by substantially all of the Company’s properties and assets and by substantially all of the properties and assets of the Company’s current domestic subsidiaries. The carrying amount of the Company’s obligations under the Prior Senior Credit Facility approximated fair value because the interest rates were based on floating interest rates identified by reference to market rates. UNITED INDUSTRIES CORPORATION AND SUBISIDIARIES Note 10—Long-Term Debt (Continued) New Senior Credit Facility in Effect as of April 30, 2004 In conjunction with the closing of the acquisition of Nu-Gro, on April 30, 2004, the Company entered into a new $510.0 million senior credit facility (the New Senior Credit Facility) with Bank of America, N.A., Banc of America Securities LLC, Citigroup Global Markets, Inc., Citicorp North America, Inc. and certain other lenders to
The New Senior Credit Facility agreement contains affirmative, negative and financial covenants that are more favorable than those of the Prior Senior Credit Facility. The negative covenants place restrictions on, among other things, levels of investments, indebtedness, capital expenditures and dividend payments that the Company may make or incur. The financial covenants require the maintenance of certain financial ratios at defined levels. Under the New Senior Credit Facility agreement, interest rates on the new revolving credit facility can range from 1.75% to 2.50% plus LIBOR, or from 0.75% to 1.50% plus a base rate, subject to adjustment and depending on certain financial ratios. As of In connection with the closing of the Nu-Gro acquisition, Bank of America, N.A., Canada Branch, separately loaned the Company Cdn $110.0 million for structuring purposes, which loan was repaid on April 30, 2004. UNITED INDUSTRIES CORPORATION AND SUBISIDIARIES Note 10—Long-Term Debt (Continued) Amendment to New Senior Credit Facility in Effect as of July 30, 2004 On July 30, 2004, in connection with the closing of and to partially fund its merger with UPG, the Company amended and restated the credit agreement related to the New Senior Credit Facility to increase the revolving credit facility from $125.0 million to $130.0 million, increase the U.S. term loan from $335.0 million to $510.0 million, add a $75.0 million second lien term loan and leave the Canadian term loan of U.S. $50 million unchanged for a total New Senior Credit Facility, as amended, of $765.0 million. Subject to the terms of the New Senior Credit Facility agreement, as amended, the second lien term loan is to be repaid in 29 consecutive quarterly installments commencing on September 30, 2004, with a final installment due on September 30, 2011, and matures on October 31, 2011. Interest on the second lien term loan accrues at 4.50% plus LIBOR or 3.5% plus a base rate, subject to adjustment and depending on certain financial ratios. The second lien term loan is subject to affirmative, negative and financial covenants. The Company incurred $5.0 million in costs related to the amendment, which were recorded as deferred financing fees and are being amortized over the remaining term of the New Senior Credit Facility. The amendment did not change any other key terms or existing covenants of the New Senior Credit Facility. Senior Subordinated Notes In November 1999, the Company issued $150.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 97 In March 2003, the Company issued $85.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 97 In May 2003, the Company registered $235.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 97 The fair value of the Senior Subordinated Notes was UNITED INDUSTRIES CORPORATION AND SUBISIDIARIES Note 10—Long-Term Debt (Continued) Subordinated Notes are unconditionally and jointly and severally guaranteed by the Company’s wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries (see Note The Company’s agreements that govern the New Senior Credit Facility and the Senior Subordinated Notes contain a number of significant covenants that could restrict or limit the Company’s ability to:
The ability to comply with these provisions may be affected by events beyond the Company’s control. The breach of any of these covenants will result in a default under the applicable debt agreement or instrument and could trigger acceleration of repayment under the applicable agreements. Any default under such agreements might adversely affect the Company’s growth, financial condition, results of operations and the ability to make payments on indebtedness or meet other obligations. As of and during the UNITED INDUSTRIES CORPORATION AND SUBISIDIARIES Note 10—Long-Term Debt (Continued) As of
Note In the normal course of business, the Company is a party to certain guarantees and financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk, such as standby letters of credit and indemnifications, which are not reflected in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. As of The Company is the lessee under a number of equipment and property leases. It is common in such commercial lease agreements for the Company to agree to indemnify the lessor for the value of the property or equipment leased should it be damaged during the course of the Company’s operations. The Company expects that any losses that may occur with respect to the leased property would be covered by insurance, subject to deductible amounts. As a result, the Company determined such indemnifications do not have significant value and has not recorded any related amounts in its accompanying consolidated financial
such remote loss exposure. The Company is involved from time to time in routine legal matters and other claims incidental to its business. When it appears probable in management’s judgment that the Company will incur monetary damages or other costs in connection with such claims and proceedings, and such costs can be reasonably estimated, liabilities are recorded in the consolidated financial statements and charges are recorded to results of operations. Management believes that it is remote the resolution of such routine matters and UNITED INDUSTRIES CORPORATION AND SUBISIDIARIES Note 11—Contingencies (Continued) other incidental claims, taking into account established reserves and insurance, will have a material adverse impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity.
Note In the normal course of business, the Company is exposed to fluctuations in interest rates and raw materials prices. The Company has established policies and procedures that govern the management of these exposures through the use of derivative hedging instruments, including swap agreements. The Company’s objective in managing its exposure to such fluctuations is to decrease the volatility of earnings and cash flows associated with changes in interest rates and certain raw materials prices. To achieve this objective, the Company periodically enters into swap agreements with values that change in the opposite direction of anticipated cash flows. Derivative instruments related to forecasted transactions are considered to hedge future cash flows, and the effective portion of any gains or losses is included in accumulated other comprehensive income until earnings are affected by the variability of cash flows. Any remaining gain or loss is recognized currently in results of operations. The Company formally documents, designates and assesses the effectiveness of any transactions that receive hedge accounting treatment. The cash flows of derivative hedging instruments the Company enters into are generally expected to be highly effective in achieving offsetting cash flows attributable to fluctuations in the cash flows of the hedged risk. Changes in the fair value of agreements designated as derivative hedging instruments are reported as either an asset or liability in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets with the associated unrealized gains or losses reflected in accumulated other comprehensive income. As of June 30, 2003. If it becomes probable that a forecasted transaction will not occur, any gains or losses in accumulated other comprehensive income will be recognized in results of operations. The Company has not incurred any gains or losses for hedge ineffectiveness or due to excluding a portion of the value from measuring effectiveness. The Company has not generally entered into derivatives or other hedging arrangements for trading or speculative purposes but may consider doing so in the future if strategic circumstances warrant, and its bank covenants and bond indentures permit, such transactions.
UNITED INDUSTRIES CORPORATION AND SUBISIDIARIES Note 12—Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Continued) derivative hedging instruments
assurance can be provided that such instruments will be effective in fully mitigating exposure to these risks, nor can assurance be provided that the Company will be successful in passing on pricing increases to its customers. Note Bayer Transactions On June 14, 2002, the Company consummated a transaction with Bayer Corporation and Bayer Advanced, L.L.C. (together referred to herein as Bayer) which allows the Company to gain access to certain Bayer active ingredient technologies through a Supply Agreement and to perform certain merchandising services for Bayer through an In-Store Service Agreement. In consideration for the Supply and In-Store Service Agreements, and in exchange for the promissory notes previously issued to Bayer by U.S. Fertilizer, the Company issued to Bayer 3,072,000 shares of Class A voting common stock valued at $15.4 million and 3,072,000 shares of Class B nonvoting common stock valued at $15.4 million (collectively representing approximately 9.3% of the Company’s fully-diluted common stock) and recorded $0.4 million of related issuance costs. The Company reserved for the entire face value of the promissory notes due from U.S. Fertilizer, as the Company did not believe the notes were collectible and an independent third party valuation did not ascribe any significant value to them. The independent third party valuation also indicated that value should be ascribed to the repurchase option which is reflected in stockholders’ equity (deficit) in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of Under the terms of the agreements, Bayer was required to make payments to the Company which total $5.0 million annually through June 15, 2009, the present value of which equaled the value assigned to the common stock subscription receivable as of June 14, 2002, which has been reflected in stockholders’ equity (deficit) in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of The value of the Supply Agreement has been and is being amortized to cost of goods sold over the period in which its economic benefits are expected to be utilized which was initially anticipated to be over a three to five-year period. The Company has been amortizing the obligation associated with the In-Store Service Agreement to revenues over the seven-year life of the agreement, the period in which its obligations were originally expected to be fulfilled. However, in December 2002, the Company and Bayer amended the In-Store Service Agreement to reduce the scope of services provided by approximately 80%. As a result, the Company reduced its obligation under the In-Store Service Agreement accordingly and reclassified $3.6 million to additional paid-in capital to reflect the increase in value of the In-Store Service Agreement. UNITED INDUSTRIES CORPORATION AND SUBISIDIARIES
Note 13—Stockholders’ Equity (Continued) On October 22, 2003, the Company gave notice to Bayer regarding the termination of the In-Store Service Agreement, as amended. Upon termination, which became effective on December 21, 2003, the Company was relieved of its obligation to perform merchandising services for Bayer. Accordingly, the remaining liability of $0.7 million on the date of termination was fully written off and recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2003.
Following the termination of the In-Store Service Agreement, on December 22, 2003, the Company exercised its option to repurchase all outstanding common stock previously issued to Bayer. Bayer disputed the Company’s interpretation of The Company recorded treasury stock of $24.4 million, based on the consideration given to Bayer, reduced the common stock subscription receivable by $22.5 million, the remaining balance on the date of repurchase, and reversed the common stock repurchase option of $2.6 million as a result of its exercise and recorded a corresponding amount to additional paid-in capital. As a result of this transaction, both parties agreed that the Exchange Agreement and In-Store Service Agreement are fully terminated, with the exception of certain provisions contained therein that expressly survive termination, and that the Supply Agreement shall remain in full force and effect according to its terms. Under the terms of the Supply Agreement, any remaining balance at January 30, 2009 is unconditionally and immediately payable to the Company by Bayer regardless of whether or not the Company purchases ingredients under the Supply Agreement. As of UNITED INDUSTRIES CORPORATION AND SUBISIDIARIES Note 13—Stockholders’ Equity (Continued) Based on the independent third party valuation as of June 14, 2002, the original transaction date, the Company assigned a fair value of $30.7 million to the transaction components recorded in connection with the common stock issued to Bayer. The following table presents the values of these components as of June 30, 2004 and 2003 and December 31, 2003 based on such valuation and as a result of the activities and transactions previously described, net of amortization and excluding accrued interest:
Bayer recently sent notice to the Company purporting to terminate the Supply Agreement, effective August 17, 2004. The Company responded by notifying Bayer that it did not have a right to terminate. The Company therefore returned to Bayer the payment due upon termination, which Bayer had tendered to the Company. The parties are in agreement that the amount due in the event of termination was $5.2 million, including $0.5 million of accrued interest. The outcome of the Company’s disagreement with Bayer concerning termination of the Supply Agreement is not expected to have a material adverse impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Issuance of Common Stock In conjunction with its acquisition of UPG (see Note 2) on July 30, 2004, the Company issued 5.8 million shares each of Class A and Class B common stock for proceeds of $70.0 million. Repurchase of Preferred Stock In conjunction with Such repurchase resulted in a decline in additional paid-in capital of $37.7 million. Note The Company has estimated the fair value of its financial instruments as of UNITED INDUSTRIES CORPORATION AND SUBISIDIARIES Note 14—Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Continued) The carrying amounts of cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable and other current assets and liabilities approximate fair value because of the short maturity of such instruments. The Company’s Senior Credit Facility bears interest at current market rates and, thus, carrying value approximates fair value as of
Note As of Segments were established primarily by brand and product type, which represents the basis upon which management, including the Chief Executive Officer who is the chief operating decision-maker of the Company, reviews and assesses the Company’s financial performance. The Consumer Lawn and Garden segment primarily consists of dry, granular lawn fertilizers, lawn fertilizer combination and lawn control products, herbicides, water-soluble and controlled-release garden and indoor plant foods, plant care products, potting soils and other growing media products and insecticide products. Products are marketed to mass merchandisers, home improvement centers, hardware, grocery and drug chains, nurseries and garden centers. This segment includes, among others, the Company’s Spectracide, Garden Safe, Schultz, Vigoro, Sta-Green, Real-Kill, Wilson, So-Green, Greenleaf and The Consumer Household segment represents household insecticides and insect repellents that allow consumers to The UNITED INDUSTRIES CORPORATION AND SUBISIDIARIES Note 15—Segment Information (Continued) The table below presents selected financial segment information in accordance with SFAS No. 131, “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information,” for the three and six months ended
Sales between segments totaled $1.8 million during the three and six months ended June 30, 2004 and represented raw materials sold from the Fertilizer Technology and Other segment to the Consumer Lawn and Garden segment. Operating income represents earnings before interest expense, interest income and income tax expense. Operating income is UNITED INDUSTRIES CORPORATION AND SUBISIDIARIES Note 15—Segment Information (Continued) Company’s financial performance. Operating margin represents operating income as a percentage of net sales. The majority of the Company’s sales are conducted with customers in the United States. As a percentage of total net sales, for the three months ended June 30, 2004, the Company’s net sales in the United States were 91%, net sales in Canada were 7%, and remaining international sales were less than 2%. For As the Company’s assets support production across all segments, they are managed on an entity-wide basis at the corporate level and are not recorded or analyzed by segment. As of States while approximately 38% were located in Canada. Note The Company’s Senior Subordinated Notes are unconditionally and jointly and severally guaranteed by all of the Company’s existing domestic subsidiaries. The Company’s subsidiaries are 100% owned by the Company. The consolidating financial information which follows The guarantor subsidiaries’ information presented herein represents the Company’s domestic subsidiaries, including the U.S. subsidiaries of Nu-Gro, while the non-guarantor subsidiaries’ financial information represents the Company’s foreign subsidiaries which are comprised only of the Canadian subsidiaries of Nu-Gro. The Company’s investment in subsidiaries is accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Earnings of the subsidiaries are reflected in the respective investment accounts of the parent company accordingly. The investments in subsidiaries and all intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. Various assumptions and estimates were used to establish the financial statements of such subsidiaries for the information presented herein. 27
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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS. |
The discussion and analysis of our consolidated financial condition and results of operations included herein should be read in conjunction with our historical financial information included in the consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report. Future results could differ materially from those discussed below for many reasons, including the risks described under the heading “Certain Trends and Uncertainties” in this section and elsewhere in this Quarterly Report and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003.
Overview and Management Report
Operating as Spectrum Brands and Nu-Gro, we are majority owned by UIC Holdings, L.L.C. and are the leading manufacturer and marketer of value-oriented products for the consumer lawn and garden care and insect control markets in the United States.North America. Under a variety of brand names, we manufacture and market one of the broadest lines of products in the industry, including herbicides and indoor and outdoor insecticides, as well as insect repellents, fertilizers, growing media and soils. Our value brands are targeted toward consumers who want products and packaging that are comparable or superior to, and at lower prices than, premium-priced brands, while our opening price point brands are designed for cost-conscious consumers who want quality products. Our products are marketed to mass merchandisers, home improvement centers, hardware, grocery and drug chains, nurseries and garden centers. Our three largest customers are The Home Depot, Lowe’s and Wal*Mart, which are leading retailers in our larger segments.
We compete in the $2.9 billion consumer lawn and garden and $1.0 billion insect control retail markets in the United States and are benefiting from a shifting of consumer preferences toward value-oriented products.the $335.0 million lawn and garden market in Canada. We believe a key growth factor in the lawn and garden retail market is the aging of the United States population, as consumers over the age of forty-five represent the largest segment of lawn and garden care product users and typically have more leisure time and higher levels of discretionary income than the general population. We also believe the growth in the home improvement center and mass merchandiser channels has increased the popularity of do-it-yourself activities, including lawn and garden projects.
As of March 31,June 30, 2004, we reportreported our operating results using three reportable segments, as follows:
•· Consumer Lawn and Garden (82%63% of firstsecond quarter 2004 net sales). This segment primarily consists of dry granular lawn fertilizers, lawn fertilizer combination with lawn control products, herbicides, water-soluble and controlled-release garden and indoor plant foods, plant care products, potting soils and other growing media products and insecticide products. This segment includes, among others, our Spectracide, Garden Safe, Schultz, Vigoro, Sta-Green, Real-Kill, Wilson, So-Green, Greenleaf and No-PestEarth Green brands.
•· Consumer Household (17%30% of firstsecond quarter 2004 net sales). This segment represents household insecticides and insect repellents that allow consumers to repel insects and maintain pest-free households. This segment includes our Hot Shot, Cutter and Repel brands, as well as a number of private label and other products.
•· ContractFertilizer Technology and Other (1%7% of firstsecond quarter 2004 net sales). This segment includesconsists of a variety of controlled-release nitrogen products and technology, as well as a variety of compounds and chemicals, such as cleaning solutions and other consumer products. The Fertilizer Technology and Other segment includes our Nutralene and Nitroform brands.
The basis of our segmentation has been modified since March 31, 2004 to accommodate the acquisition of Nu-Gro. Changes to segments previously reported include the addition of Nu-Gro’s consumer lawn and garden brands and products to our existing Lawn and Garden segment to form the new Consumer Lawn and Garden segment, as well as the addition of Nu-Gro’s fertilizer technology brands and other products to our existing Contract segment to form the new Fertilizer Technology and Other segment.
The name of our existing Household segment was changed to Consumer Household. No reclassification of the 2003 segment information was necessary for comparability between the periods presented herein.
We believe that our historical financial condition and results of operations are not necessarily accurate indicators of future results because of variability in our product listings at customers, our historical lack of long-term supply contracts with most of our customers and because of certain significant past events. Those events include merger, acquisition, strategic and equity and debt financing transactions over the last several years. Furthermore, our sales are seasonal in nature and are susceptible to weather conditions that vary from year to year. For example, we experienced a late winter and cool, wet spring conditions that delayed the start of the lawn and garden season in 2003, whereas the weather in the first quarter of 2004 was generally more mild and dry throughout North America.
27
Critical Accounting Policies
While all of the significant accounting policies described in the notes to our consolidated financial statements are important, some of these policies may be viewed as being critical. Such policies are those that are both most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and require our most difficult, subjective or complex estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of our consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. We base our estimates and assumptions on historical experience and various other factors that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ from these estimates and assumptions. We believe our most critical accounting policies are as follows.
Revenue Recognition.We recognize revenue when title and risk of loss transfer to the customer. Net sales represent gross sales less any applicable customer discounts from list price, customer sales returns and promotion expense through cooperative programs with our customers. The provision for customer returns is based on historical sales returns and analysis of credit memo and other relevant information. If the historical or other data used to develop these estimates do not properly reflect future returns, net sales may require adjustment. Sales reductions related to returns were $2.7$3.6 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2004 and $2.0$3.2 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2003. Sales reductions related to returns were $6.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2004 and $7.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2003. The increase in the second quarter of 2004 was driven primarily by higher sales and the mix of products sold during the first quarter of 2004. Amounts included in the accounts receivable reserves for product returns were $2.6$3.4 million as of March 31,June 30, 2004, and$2.9 million as of June 30, 2003 and $1.4 million as of December 31, 2003.
Inventories.We report inventories at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using a standard costing system that approximates the first-in, first-out method and includes raw materials, direct labor and overhead. An allowance for obsolete or slow-moving inventory is recorded based on our analysis of inventory levels and future sales forecasts. In the event that our estimates of future usage and sales differ from actual results, the allowance for obsolete or slow-moving inventory may require adjustment. The allowance for obsolete or slow-moving inventory declined $0.5increased $1.7 million forsince the three months ended March 31,first quarter of 2004 compared to the three months ended Marchand $1.0 million since December 31, 2003. The allowance for obsolete or slow-moving inventory was $4.9$6.6 million as of March 31,June 30, 2004, $5.4$6.4 million as of March 31,June 30, 2003 and $5.6 million as of December 31, 2003.
Promotion Expense.Promotion expense, including cooperative programs with customers, is recorded as a reduction of gross sales. In addition, advertising costs are incurred irrespective of promotions. Such costs are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of operations. We advertise and promote our products through national and regional media. Products are also advertised and promoted through cooperative programs with retailers. Advertising and promotion costs are expensed as incurred, although costs incurred during interim periods are generally expensed ratably in relation to revenues. Management develops an estimate of the amount of costs that have been incurred by the retailers under our cooperative programs based on an analysis of specific programs offered to them and historical information. Actual costs incurred may differ significantly from our estimates if factors such as the level of participation and success of the retailers’ programs or other conditions differ from our expectations. Promotion expense, including cooperative programs with customers, is recorded as a reduction of gross sales. In addition, advertising costs are incurred irrespective of promotions. Such costs are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of operations.
Income Taxes.We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial reporting basis and the tax basis of assets and liabilities at enacted tax rates expected to be in effect when such amounts are recovered or settled. Judgment is required to determine the amount of any valuation allowance to apply against deferred tax assets. We will establish a valuation allowance if we determine that it is more likely than not that some portion or all of our deferred tax assets will not be realized and include any changes to such valuation allowance in our consolidated statements of operations as income tax expense or benefit, as appropriate.
28
We expect our revised annual effective income tax rate to be 38% throughout18%, due primarily to the remainderamortization of 2004.certain deferred tax liabilities associated with acquired intangible assets. In addition, because of the tax-deductible goodwill and net operating loss carryforwards, most of our income tax expense is deferred, and no significant cash payments for income taxes are expected for the next several years.
Although we believe it is more likely than not that we will utilize our deferred tax assets, we can provide no assurance of this, as our ability to utilize such assets is contingent upon our ability to generate sufficient taxable income in the future. We will continue to assess the realizability of the deferred tax assets based upon actual and forecasted operating results. If we conclude it is not more likely than not that we will realize the benefit of our deferred tax assets, we may have to establish a valuation allowance and, accordingly, record a charge to income tax expense.
Goodwill, Intangible and Other Long-Lived Assets.We have acquired intangible assets or made acquisitions in the past that resulted in the recording of goodwill or intangible assets. Under generally accepted accounting principles in effect prior to 2002, goodwill and intangible assets were amortized over their estimated useful lives, and were tested periodically to determine if they were recoverable from their cash flows on an undiscounted basis over their useful lives.
Beginning in 2002, goodwill is no longer amortized and is subject to impairment testing at least annually. We evaluate the recoverability of long-lived assets, including goodwill and intangible assets, for impairment annually or when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Such events or changes in circumstances could include such factors as changes in technological advances, fluctuations in the fair value of such assets or adverse changes in customer relationships or vendors. Recoverability is evaluated by brand and product type, which represent the reporting unit components within our operating segments. If a review of goodwill using current market rates, discounted cash flows and other methods, or if a review of other intangible assets using current market rates, undiscounted cash flows and other methods, indicates that the carrying value is not recoverable, the carrying value of such asset is reduced to estimated fair value. No impairments existed as of March 31,June 30, 2004 and 2003 and December 31, 2003. While we believe that our estimates of future cash flows are reasonable, different assumptions regarding such cash flows could materially affect our evaluations. Therefore, impairment losses could be recorded in the future.
Recent Events
Acquisition of The Nu-Gro CorporationUnited Pet Group, Inc. . In MarchOn June 14, 2004, we and a newly-createdour wholly-owned subsidiary of ours entered into a definitive agreement to acquire allcomplete a merger of the outstanding common sharessubsidiary with and into United Pet Group, Inc., or UPG, a privately owned manufacturer and marketer of The Nu-Gro Corporation, a lawn and garden products company incorporated under the laws of Ontario, Canada and publicly-traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange. Nu-Gro’s shareholderspremium branded pet supplies. UPG’s stockholders approved the transaction on April 27,June 16, 2004 and we completed the acquisitionmerger on AprilJuly 30, 2004 for cash consideration of $141.4$360.0 million. The transaction was financed with $250.0 million of proceeds from our new senior credit facility, described further below. Weas amended (see financing activities in this section), including $75.0 million under a second lien facility, $70.0 million of proceeds from the issuance of 5.8 million shares each of our Class A and Class B common stock to affiliates of Thomas H. Lee Partners, our largest stockholder, Banc of America Securities LLC and certain UPG stockholders and the remainder from our cash balances. The transaction will accountbe accounted for the transaction as an acquisition and, accordingly, the results of operations of Nu-GroUPG will be included in our results of operations from July 30, 2004, the date of acquisition. We are currently in the process of obtaining an independent third-party valuation of assets acquired and liabilities assumed for
purchase price allocation purposes and expect the valuation to be completed during the fourth quarter of 2004.
Acquisition of The Nu-Gro Corporation. On April 30, 2004, we completed the acquisition of all of the outstanding common shares of The Nu-Gro Corporation, or Nu-Gro, a lawn and garden products company then incorporated under the laws of Ontario, Canada. As a result of the acquisition, Nu-Gro and its subsidiaries became our wholly-owned subsidiaries. The total purchase price included cash consideration of $146.4 million, including $5.0 million of related acquisition costs, and the assumption of $26.7 million of outstanding debt, which we immediately repaid at closing. The transaction was financed with proceeds from our new senior credit facility (see financing activities in this section). The acquisition was executed to expand our reach throughout North America, broaden our product offerings and customer base, vertically integrate certain of our operations, including gaining access to advanced fertilizer technologies, and to achieve economies of scale and synergistic efficiencies.
The transaction was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting and, accordingly, the results of operations have been included in our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report from April 30, 2004, the date of acquisition. The purchase price was allocated to assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on estimated fair values. We preliminarily allocated $66.4 million of the purchase price to intangible assets and $40.5 million to goodwill for consideration paid in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired, which is not deductible for tax purposes. The acquired intangible assets consist primarily of trade names, which are currently being amortized using the straight-line method over periods ranging from fifteen to thirty years, and to customer relationships, which are currently being amortized using the straight-line method over periods ranging from five to ten years. In addition, we increased the value of inventory acquired from Nu-Gro by $6.1 million to reflect estimated fair value on the date of acquisition, which is currently being recorded as cost of goods sold commensurate with related subsequent sales activity during 2004. For the three months ended June 30, 2004, amortization expense associated with such write-up of inventory to estimated fair value of $5.2 million was recorded in cost of goods sold.
The purchase price allocation is based on preliminary information, which is subject to adjustment upon obtaining the final report of an independent third-party valuation firm. We are currently in the process of obtaining such report and expect the final purchase price allocation to be completed during the third quarter of 2004. BecauseWhile the acquisition occurred after March 31, 2004, Nu-Gro’sfinal purchase price allocation may differ significantly from the preliminary allocation provided herein, we believe any adjustments resulting from the final allocation will not have a material impact on our consolidated results of operations are not included in our consolidated statement of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and the acquired assets and liabilities assumed are not included in our consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2004, included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report. The Nu-Gro acquisition will broaden our North American presence, provide us with a diverse portfolio of advanced fertilizer technologies and vertically integrate our fertilizer operations.or financial position.
New Senior Credit Facility.Facility in Effect as of April 30, 2004.In conjunction with the closing of the acquisition of Nu-Gro, on April 30, 2004, we entered into a new $510.0 million senior credit facility (referred to herein as the new senior credit facility) with Bank of America, N.A., Banc of America Securities LLC, Citigroup Global Markets, Inc., Citicorp North America, Inc. and certain other lenders to refinance the indebtedness under our prior senior credit facility at more favorable rates, to provide funds for the Nu-Gro acquisition, to repurchase all of our outstanding preferred stock, along with accrued but unpaid dividends thereon, and for general working capital purposes. The new senior credit facility consists of (1) a $125.0 million USU.S. dollar denominated revolving credit facility; (2) a $335.0 million USU.S. dollar denominated term loan facility; and (3) a Canadian dollar denominated term loan facility valued at USU.S. $50.0 million. Subject to the terms of the new senior credit facility agreement, the revolving loan portion of the new senior credit facility matures on April 30, 2010, and the term loan obligations under the new senior credit facility mature on April 30, 2011. The term loan obligations are to be repaid in 28 consecutive quarterly installments commencing on June 30, 2004, with a final
29
installment due on March 31, 2011. All of the loan obligations are subject to mandatory prepayment upon certain events, including sales of certain assets, issuances of indebtedness or equity or from excess cash flow. The new senior credit facility
agreement also allows us to make voluntary prepayments, in whole or in part, at any time without premium or penalty.
The new senior credit facility agreement contains affirmative, negative and financial covenants that are more favorable than those of the prior senior credit facility. The negative covenants place restrictions on, among other things, levels of investments, indebtedness, capital expenditures and dividend payments that we may make or incur. The financial covenants require the maintenance of certain financial ratios at defined levels. Under the new senior credit facility agreement, interest rates on the new revolving credit facility can range from 1.75% to 2.50% plus LIBOR, or from 0.75% to 1.50% plus a base rate, subject to adjustment and depending on certain financial ratios. As of April 30, 2004, the term loans were subject to interest rates equal to 2.50% plus LIBOR or 1.50% plus a base rate, as provided in the new senior credit facility agreement. The interest rate applicable to our outstanding borrowings was 3.84% as of June 30, 2004, 5.32% as of June 30, 2003 and 5.12% as of December 31, 2003. Unused commitments under the new revolving credit facility are subject to a 0.5% annual commitment fee. Unused availability under the new revolving credit facility was $121.1 million as of June 30, 2004 which is reflective of $3.9 million of standby letters of credit pledged as collateral. The new senior credit facility is secured by substantially all of our properties and assets and substantially all of the properties and assets of our current and future domestic subsidiaries.
In connection with the closing of the Nu-Gro acquisition, Bank of America, N.A., Canada Branch, separately loaned us Cdn $110.0 million for structuring purposes, which loan was repaid on April 30, 2004.
Amendment to New Senior Credit Facility in Effect as of July 30, 2004. On July 30, 2004, in connection with the closing of and to partially fund our merger with UPG, we amended and restated the credit agreement related to our new senior credit facility to increase the revolving credit facility from $125.0 million to $130.0 million, increase the U.S. term loan from $335.0 million to $510.0 million, add a $75.0 million second lien term loan and leave the U.S. $50.0 million Canadian term loan unchanged for a total New Senior Credit Facility, as amended, of $765.0 million. Subject to the terms of the new senior credit facility agreement, as amended, the second lien term loan is to be repaid in 29 consecutive quarterly installments commencing on September 30, 2004, with a final installment due on September 30, 2011, and matures on October 31, 2011. Interest on the second lien term loan accrues at 4.50% plus LIBOR or 3.5% plus a base rate, subject to adjustment and depending on certain financial ratios. The second lien term loan is subject to affirmative, negative and financial covenants. We incurred $5.0 million in costs related to the amendment, which were recorded as deferred financing fees and are being amortized over the remaining term of the new senior credit facility. The amendment did not change any other key terms or existing covenants of the new senior credit facility.
Repurchase of Preferred Stock.In conjunction with our refinancing,the financing activities described above, on April 30, 2004, we repurchased all 37,600 shares of our outstanding Class A nonvoting preferred stock for $57.5$57.6 million, including $19.9 million for all accrued and unpaid dividends thereon. Such repurchase resulted in a decline in additional paid-in capital of $37.7 million.
Customer AgreementAgreement.. On February 12, 2004, our largest customer and we executed a licensing, manufacturing and supply agreement. Under the agreement, we will license certain of our trademarks and be the exclusive manufacturer and supplier for certain products branded with such trademarks from January 1, 2004, the effective date of the agreement, through December 31, 2008 or such later date as is specified in the agreement. Provided the customer achieves certain required minimum purchase volumes and other conditions during such period, and the manufacturing and supply portion of the agreement is extended for an additional three-year period as specified in the agreement, we will assign the trademarks to the customer not earlier than May 1, 2009, but otherwise within thirty days after the date upon which such required minimum purchase volumes are achieved. The carrying value of such trademarks as of March 31,February 12, 2004 was approximately $16.0 million. If the customer fails to achieve the required minimum purchase volumes or meet other certain conditions, assignment may occur at a later date, if certain conditions are met. In addition, as a result of executing the agreement, we have modified
the trademarks’ initial amortization period of forty years and will record amortization in a manner consistent with projected sales activity over five years, because we believe the customer will achieve all required conditions by May 2009. The modification of the amortization period will result in additional annual amortization expense of approximately $2.7 million in the year ended December 31, 2004.
Bayer Transactions.On June 14, 2002, we consummated a transaction with Bayer Corporation and Bayer Advanced, L.L.C. (together referred to herein as Bayer) which allows us to gain access to certain Bayer active ingredient technologies through a Supply Agreement and to perform certain merchandising services for Bayer through an In-Store Service Agreement. In consideration for the Supply and In-Store Service Agreements, and in exchange for the promissory notes previously issued to Bayer by U.S. Fertilizer, we issued to Bayer 3,072,000 shares of Class A voting common stock valued at $15.4 million and 3,072,000 shares of Class B nonvoting common stock valued at $15.4 million (collectively representing approximately 9.3% of our fully-diluted common stock) and recorded $0.4 million of related issuance costs. We reserved for the entire face value of the promissory notes due from U.S. Fertilizer, as we did not believe the notes were collectible and an independent third party valuation did not ascribe any significant value to them. The independent third party valuation also indicated that value should be ascribed to the repurchase option which is reflected in stockholders’ equity (deficit) in the consolidated balance sheets as of March 31,June 30, 2003 and December 31, 2003 included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report.
Under the terms of the agreements, Bayer was required to make payments to us which total $5.0 million annually through June 15, 2009, the present value of which equaled the value assigned to the common stock subscription receivable as of June 14, 2002, which has been reflected in stockholders’ equity (deficit) in the consolidated balance sheets as of March 31,June 30, 2003 and December 31, 2003 included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report. The common stock subscription receivable was to be repaid by Bayer in 28 quarterly installments of $1.25 million, the first of which was received at closing on June 17, 2002.
30
The difference between the value ascribed to the common stock subscription receivable and the installment payments received has been recorded as interest income in our consolidated statements of operations for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2004 and 2003 and year ended December 31, 2003.
The value of the Supply Agreement has been and is being amortized to cost of goods sold over the period in which its economic benefits are expected to be utilized which was initially anticipated to be over a three to five-year period. We have been amortizing the obligation associated with the In-Store Service Agreement to revenues over the seven-year life of the agreement, the period in which its obligations were originally expected to be fulfilled. However, in December 2002, we and Bayer amended the In-Store Service Agreement to reduce the scope of services provided by approximately 80%. As a result, we reduced our obligation under the In-Store Service Agreement accordingly and reclassified $3.6 million to additional paid-in capital to reflect the increase in value of the In-Store Service Agreement.
The In-Store Service Agreement provided us with the right to terminate and, effective after any such termination, the right to repurchase all of our common stock issued to Bayer at a price based on equations included in a related agreement (the Exchange Agreement). Under the terms of the Exchange Agreement, we were provided the right to offset Bayer’s payment obligations against the repurchase price. Upon exercise of such repurchase option, Bayer had and continues to have the right to terminate the Supply Agreement. Because Bayer is both a competitor and a supplier, we have continually reevaluated the value of our stockholder relationship with Bayer.
On October 22, 2003, we gave notice to Bayer regarding the termination of the In-Store Service Agreement, as amended. Upon termination, which became effective on December 21, 2003, we were relieved of our obligation to perform merchandising services for Bayer. Accordingly, the remaining liability of $0.7 million on the date of termination was fully written off and recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2003 included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report.
Based on the independent third party valuation as of June 14, 2002, the original transaction date, we assigned a fair value of $30.7 million to the transaction components recorded in connection with the common stock issued to Bayer. The following table presents the values of these components as of March 31, 2004 and 2003 and December 31, 2003:
|
| March 31, |
| December 31, |
| |||||
Description |
| 2004 |
| 2003 |
| 2003 |
| |||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Common stock subscription receivable |
| $ | — |
| $ | 24,976 |
| $ | 22,534 |
|
Supply Agreement |
| 4,779 |
| 5,694 |
| 5,314 |
| |||
Repurchase option |
| — |
| 2,636 |
| 2,636 |
| |||
In-Store Service Agreement |
| — |
| (845 | ) | — |
| |||
|
| $ | 4,779 |
| $ | 32,461 |
| $ | 30,484 |
|
Following the termination of the In-Store Service Agreement, on December 22, 2003, we exercised our option to repurchase all outstanding common stock previously issued to Bayer. Bayer disputed our interpretation of thea related agreement (the Exchange AgreementAgreement) as to the calculation of the repurchase price. As a result, we and Bayer entered negotiations to determine an agreed upon repurchase price based on equations included in the Exchange Agreement and other factors. We commenced an arbitration proceeding against Bayer to resolve the dispute on January 30, 2004. However, we reached a negotiated settlement of the dispute with Bayer on February 23, 2004, pursuant to which Bayer agreed to deliver all of its shares of our common stock to us in exchange for a cash payment of $1.5 million, cancellation of $22.5 million in remaining payments required to be made in connection with the common stock subscription receivable and forgiveness of interest related to such payments of $0.3 million.
We recorded treasury stock of $24.4 million, based on the consideration given to Bayer, and reduced the common stock subscription receivable by $22.5 million, the remaining balance on the date of repurchase. We also reversed the common stock repurchase option of $2.6 million as a result of its exercise and recorded a corresponding amount to additional paid-in capital. As a result of this transaction, we and Bayer agreed that the Exchange Agreement and In-Store Service Agreement are fully terminated, with the exception of certain provisions contained therein that expressly survive termination, and that the Supply Agreement shall remain in full force and effect according to its terms. Under the terms of
31
the Supply Agreement, any remaining balance at January 30, 2009 is unconditionally and immediately payable to us by Bayer regardless of whether or not we purchase any ingredients under the Supply Agreement. As of March 31,June 30, 2004, the remaining balance of the Supply Agreement, net of amortization and excluding accrued interest, was $4.8$4.7 million.
Based on the independent third party valuation as of June 14, 2002, the original transaction date, we assigned a fair value of $30.7 million to the transaction components recorded in connection with the common stock issued to Bayer. The following table presents the values of these components as of June 30, 2004 and 2003 and December 31, 2003 based on such valuation and as a result of the activities and transactions previously described, net of amortization and excluding accrued interest:
|
| June 30, |
| December 31, |
| |||||||||
Description |
|
|
| 2004 |
| 2003 |
| 2003 |
| |||||
Common stock subscription receivable |
| $ | — |
| $ | 24,177 |
|
| $ | 22,534 |
|
| ||
Supply Agreement |
| 4,710 |
| 5,694 |
|
| 5,314 |
|
| |||||
Repurchase option |
| — |
| 2,636 |
|
| 2,636 |
|
| |||||
In-Store Service Agreement |
| — |
| (729 | ) |
| — |
|
| |||||
|
| $ | 4,710 |
| $ | 31,778 |
|
| $ | 30,484 |
|
| ||
Bayer recently sent notice to us purporting to terminate the Supply Agreement, effective August 17, 2004. We responded by notifying Bayer that it did not have a right to terminate. We therefore returned to Bayer the payment due upon termination, which Bayer had tendered to us. Both Bayer and we are in agreement that the amount due in the event of termination was $5.2 million, including $0.5 million of accrued interest. The outcome of our disagreement with Bayer concerning termination of the Supply Agreement is not expected to have a material adverse impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
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All prior year results and discussion which follow reflect the segments previously described elsewhere in this Quarterly Report.
Three Months Ended June 30, 2004 Compared to the Three Months Ended June 30, 2003
The following table presents amounts and the percentages of net sales that items in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations constitute for the periods presented:
|
| Three Months Ended March 31, |
| ||||||||
|
| 2004 |
| 2003 |
| ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
| (As Restated) |
| ||||
Net sales by segment: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Lawn and Garden |
| $ | 150,507 |
| 82.4 | % | $ | 145,614 |
| 81.4 | % |
Household |
| 31,225 |
| 17.1 | % | 27,567 |
| 15.4 | % | ||
Contract |
| 971 |
| 0.5 | % | 5,631 |
| 3.2 | % | ||
Total net sales |
| 182,703 |
| 100.0 | % | 178,812 |
| 100.0 | % | ||
Operating costs and expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Cost of goods sold |
| 113,408 |
| 62.0 | % | 108,755 |
| 60.8 | % | ||
Selling, general and administrative expenses |
| 39,981 |
| 21.9 | % | 41,399 |
| 23.2 | % | ||
Total operating costs and expenses |
| 153,389 |
| 83.9 | % | 150,154 |
| 84.0 | % | ||
Operating income (loss) by segment: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Lawn and Garden |
| 20,448 |
| 11.2 | % | 22,073 |
| 12.3 | % | ||
Household |
| 9,048 |
| 4.9 | % | 6,626 |
| 3.7 | % | ||
Contract |
| (182 | ) | 0.0 | % | (41 | ) | 0.0 | % | ||
Total operating income |
| 29,314 |
| 16.1 | % | 28,658 |
| 16.0 | % | ||
Interest expense |
| 9,620 |
| 5.3 | % | 9,702 |
| 5.4 | % | ||
Interest income |
| 285 |
| 0.2 | % | 499 |
| 0.3 | % | ||
Income before income tax expense |
| 19,979 |
| 11.0 | % | 19,455 |
| 10.9 | % | ||
Income tax expense |
| 7,592 |
| 4.2 | % | 8,402 |
| 4.7 | % | ||
Net income |
| $ | 12,387 |
| 6.8 | % | $ | 11,053 |
| 6.2 | % |
|
| Three Months Ended June 30, |
| ||||||||
|
| 2004 |
| 2003 |
| ||||||
Net sales by segment: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Consumer Lawn and Garden |
| $ | 152,467 |
| 63.6 | % | $ | 142,256 |
| 69.1 | % |
Consumer Household |
| 71,095 |
| 29.6 | % | 61,021 |
| 29.6 | % | ||
Fertilizer Technology and Other |
| 16,273 |
| 6.8 | % | 2,726 |
| 1.3 | % | ||
Total net sales |
| 239,835 |
| 100.0 | % | 206,003 |
| 100.0 | % | ||
Operating costs and expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Cost of goods sold |
| 155,857 |
| 65.0 | % | 123,797 |
| 60.1 | % | ||
Selling, general and administrative expenses |
| 49,784 |
| 20.7 | % | 37,905 |
| 18.4 | % | ||
Total operating costs and expenses |
| 205,641 |
| 85.7 | % | 161,702 |
| 78.5 | % | ||
Operating income (loss) by segment: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Consumer Lawn and Garden |
| 14,947 |
| 6.2 | % | 26,119 |
| 12.7 | % | ||
Consumer Household |
| 19,432 |
| 8.1 | % | 17,795 |
| 8.6 | % | ||
Fertilizer Technology and Other |
| (185 | ) | 0.0 | % | 387 |
| 0.2 | % | ||
Total operating income |
| 34,194 |
| 14.3 | % | 44,301 |
| 21.5 | % | ||
Interest expense |
| 11,908 |
| 5.0 | % | 10,271 |
| 5.0 | % | ||
Interest income |
| 86 |
| 0.0 | % | 455 |
| 0.2 | % | ||
Income before income tax expense |
| 22,372 |
| 9.3 | % | 34,485 |
| 16.7 | % | ||
Income tax expense |
| 5,039 |
| 2.1 | % | 13,123 |
| 6.4 | % | ||
Net income |
| $ | 17,333 |
| 7.2 | % | $ | 21,362 |
| 10.3 | % |
Three Months Ended March 31, 2004 Compared to the Three Months Ended March 31, 2003
Net Sales.Net sales represent gross sales less any applicable customer discounts from list price, customer sales returns and promotion expense through cooperative programs with our customers. Net sales increased $3.9$33.8 million, or 2.2%16.4%, to $182.7$239.8 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2004 from $178.8$206.0 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2003. The increase relatedwas primarily due to our Lawn and Garden and Household segments,acquisition of Nu-Gro, as well as the change in our sales mix by segment, were primarily due to stronger sales of fertilizer and indoor insecticideConsumer Household products compared to 2003. This increase was partially offset by the cessation ofa decline in sales of charcoal and non-core WPC products in the Contract segment in the second quarter of 2003outdoor pesticides at one key retailer and a decline in sales of othervarious lawn and garden products during the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2004.
Net sales in the Consumer Lawn and Garden segment increased $4.9$10.2 million, or 3.4%7.2%, to $150.5$152.5 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2004 from $145.6$142.3 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2003. Net sales of this segment increased primarily due to our acquisition of Nu-Gro, which contributed $17.9 million to the increase, and an increase in sales of various fertilizer products, partially offset by a decline in sales of outdoor pesticides at one key retailer and other growing media products. Net sales in the Consumer Household segment increased $10.1 million, or 16.6%, to $71.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2004 from $61.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2003. Net sales of this segment increased primarily due to an increase in sales of fertilizer, partially offset by a decline in sales of outdoor insecticides and other growing media products. Net sales in the Household segment increased $3.6 million, or 13.0%, to $31.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2004 from $27.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2003. Net sales of this segment increased primarily due to an increase in sales ofvarious indoor insecticide products and insect repellent products. Net sales in the ContractFertilizer Technology and Other segment decreased $4.6increased $13.6 million or 82.1%, to $1.0$16.3 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2004 from $5.6$2.7 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2003. Net sales of this segment decreasedincreased primarily due to our acquisition of Nu-Gro, which
contributed $15.2 million to the increase, partially offset by the cessation of sales of charcoal andcertain non-core WPC products in the second quarter of 2003.
Gross Profit.Gross profit decreased $0.8increased $1.8 million, or 1.1%2.2%, to $69.3$84.0 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2004 from $70.1$82.2 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2003. The decreaseincrease in gross profit was primarily due to increased sales volumeour acquisition of certain fertilizer products which generally have lower margins than our other products, which was partially due to increasing costs of granular urea used to produce fertilizer. For the year ended December 31, 2004, we expect
32
the net increase in granular urea costs versus customer price realization to be approximately $4.0 million. As a percentage of net sales, gross profit decreased to 38.0% for the three months ended March 31, 2004 from 39.2% for the three months ended March 31, 2003. The decrease in gross profit as a percentage of net sales was primarily due to increased raw materials prices on certain products, including granular urea costs for fertilizer products, partially offset byNu-Gro, increased sales of insecticide products in our Lawn and Garden segment andinsect repellent products in our Consumer Household segment and our continuing ability to achieve operational efficiencies from the merger and acquisition transactions we consummated in 2002. Such increase was partially offset by noncash amortization of the write-up of inventory acquired from Nu-Gro to estimated fair value through cost of goods sold, increased raw materials prices of certain products, including various commodities, the prices of which are driven substantially by increased energy costs, and higher freight costs. As a percentage of net sales, gross profit decreased to 35.0% for the three months ended June 30, 2004 from 39.9% for the three months ended June 30, 2003. The decrease in gross profit as a percentage of net sales was primarily due the factors previously described and the mix of product sales resulting from a decline in sales of outdoor pesticides at one key retailer.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.Selling, general and administrative expenses include all costs associated with the selling and distribution of products, product registrations and administrative functions such as finance, information systems and human resources. Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $1.4increased $11.9 million, or 3.4%31.3%, to $40.0$49.8 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2004 from $41.4$37.9 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2003. The decreaseincrease was primarily due to decreased mediaour acquisition of Nu-Gro, higher distribution costs, noncash amortization expense due to the write-up of intangible assets acquired from Nu-Gro to estimated fair value, and advertising spending,additional costs associated with our enterprise resource planning, or ERP, system. Such increase was partially offset by lower selling and marketing costs and various operational efficiencies we continuedcontinue to achieve from the merger and acquisition transactions we consummated in 2002. As a percentage of net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses increased to 20.7% for the three months ended June 30, 2004 from 18.4% for the three months ended June 30, 2003. The increase was due to the rise in expenses previously described.
Operating Income.As a result of the factors previously described, operating income decreased $10.1 million, or 22.8%, to $34.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2004 from $44.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2003. As a percentage of net sales, operating income decreased to 14.3% for the three months ended June 30, 2004 from 21.5% for the three months ended June 30, 2003.
Operating income in the Consumer Lawn and Garden segment decreased $11.2 million, or 42.9%, to $14.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2004 from $26.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2003. Operating income of this segment decreased primarily due to noncash amortization expense resulting from the write-up of inventory and intangible assets acquired from Nu-Gro to estimated fair value, higher raw materials costs for certain of our fertilizer products driven substantially by increased energy costs, increased freight and distribution costs and a decline in sales of certain lawn and garden products, including outdoor pesticides at one key retailer. Operating income in the Consumer Household segment increased $1.6 million, or 9.0%, to $19.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2004 from $17.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2003. Operating income of this segment increased primarily due to increased sales of insecticide and insect repellent products, partially offset by increased freight and distribution costs. Operating income in the Fertilizer Technology and Other segment decreased to an operating loss of $0.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2004 from operating income of $0.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2003. Operating income of this segment decreased primarily due to noncash amortization expense and increased operating costs resulting from our acquisition of Nu-Gro, as previously described.
Interest Expense. Interest expense increased $1.6 million, or 15.5%, to $11.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2004 from $10.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2003. The increase in interest expense was primarily due to additional borrowings to finance our acquisition of Nu-Gro and the write-off of $1.7 million of previously deferred financing fees recorded in connection with our repayment of obligations outstanding under our senior credit facility in effect prior to April 30, 2004, partially offset by a general decline in interest rates in 2004 compared to 2003.
Income Tax Expense.Income tax expense decreased due to the decline in income before income taxes and also due to the adjustment of deferred tax liabilities associated with certain assets acquired. As a result, our effective tax rate was 22.5% for the three months ended June 30, 2004 compared to 38.1% for the three months ended June 30, 2003.
Net Income.Net income decreased $4.1 million, or 19.2%, to $17.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2004 from $21.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2003 due to the factors previously described.
Six Months Ended June 30, 2004 Compared to the Six Months Ended June 30, 2003
The following table presents amounts and the percentages of net sales that items in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations constitute for the periods presented:
|
| Six Months Ended June 30, |
| ||||||||
|
| 2004 |
| 2003 |
| ||||||
|
|
|
| (As Restated) |
| ||||||
Net sales by segment: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Consumer Lawn and Garden |
| $ | 302,974 |
| 71.7 | % | $ | 287,870 |
| 74.8 | % |
Consumer Household |
| 102,320 |
| 24.2 | % | 88,588 |
| 23.0 | % | ||
Fertilizer Technology and Other |
| 17,244 |
| 4.1 | % | 8,357 |
| 2.2 | % | ||
Total net sales |
| 422,538 |
| 100.0 | % | 384,815 |
| 100.0 | % | ||
Operating costs and expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Cost of goods sold |
| 269,265 |
| 63.7 | % | 232,552 |
| 60.4 | % | ||
Selling, general and administrative expenses |
| 89,765 |
| 21.2 | % | 79,304 |
| 20.6 | % | ||
Total operating costs and expenses |
| 359,030 |
| 85.0 | % | 311,856 |
| 81.0 | % | ||
Operating income (loss) by segment: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Consumer Lawn and Garden |
| 35,395 |
| 8.4 | % | 48,192 |
| 12.5 | % | ||
Consumer Household |
| 28,480 |
| 6.7 | % | 24,421 |
| 6.4 | % | ||
Fertilizer Technology and Other |
| (367 | ) | -0.1 | % | 346 |
| 0.1 | % | ||
Total operating income |
| 63,508 |
| 15.0 | % | 72,959 |
| 19.0 | % | ||
Interest expense |
| 21,528 |
| 5.1 | % | 19,974 |
| 5.2 | % | ||
Interest income |
| 371 |
| 0.1 | % | 954 |
| 0.2 | % | ||
Income before income tax expense |
| 42,351 |
| 10.0 | % | 53,939 |
| 14.0 | % | ||
Income tax expense |
| 12,631 |
| 3.0 | % | 21,525 |
| 5.6 | % | ||
Net income |
| $ | 29,720 |
| 7.0 | % | $ | 32,414 |
| 8.4 | % |
Net Sales.Net sales increased $37.7 million, or 9.8%, to $422.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2004 from $384.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2003. The increase was primarily due to our acquisition of Nu-Gro, as well as stronger sales of Consumer Household products compared to 2003. This increase was partially offset by a decline in sales of outdoor pesticides at one key retailer, the cessation of sales of charcoal and non-core WPC products in the Fertilizer Technology and Other segment in the second quarter of 2003 and a decline in sales of various lawn and garden products during the six months ended June 30, 2004.
Net sales in the Consumer Lawn and Garden segment increased $15.1 million, or 5.2%, to $303.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2004 from $287.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2003. Net sales of this segment increased primarily due to our acquisition of Nu-Gro, which contributed $17.9 million to the increase, and an increase in sales of various fertilizer products, partially offset by a decline in sales of outdoor pesticides at one key retailer and other growing media products. Net sales in the Consumer Household segment increased $13.7 million, or 15.5%, to $102.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2004 from $88.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2003. Net sales of this segment increased primarily due to an increase in sales of various indoor insecticide products and insect repellent products. Net sales in the Fertilizer Technology and Other segment increased $8.8 million, or 104.8%, to $17.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2004 from $8.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2003. Net sales of this segment increased primarily due to our acquisition of Nu-Gro, which contributed $15.2 million to the increase, partially offset by the cessation of sales of charcoal and non-core WPC products in the second quarter of 2003.
Gross Profit.Gross profit increased $1.0 million, or 0.7%, to $153.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2004 from $152.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2003. The increase in gross profit was primarily due to our acquisition of Nu-Gro, increased sales of various lawn and garden products in our Consumer Lawn and Garden segment, increased sales of insecticide and insect repellent products in our Consumer Household segment and our continuing ability to achieve operational efficiencies from the merger and acquisition transactions we consummated in 2002. Such increase was partially offset by noncash amortization of the write-up of inventory acquired from Nu-Gro to estimated fair value through cost of goods sold, increased raw materials prices of certain products, including various commodities, the prices of which are driven substantially by increased energy costs, and higher freight costs. As a percentage of net sales, gross profit decreased to 36.2% for the six months ended June 30, 2004 from 39.6% for the six months ended June 30, 2003. The decrease in gross profit as a percentage of net sales was primarily due to the factors previously described and the mix of products sales resulting from a decline in sales of outdoor pesticides at one key retailer.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $10.5 million, or 13.2%, to $89.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2004 from $79.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2003. The increase was primarily due to our acquisition of Nu-Gro, higher distribution costs, noncash amortization expense due to the write-up of intangible assets acquired from Nu-Gro to estimated fair value, and additional costs associated with our ERP system. Such increase was partially offset by lower selling and marketing costs, various operational efficiencies we continue to achieve from the merger and acquisition transactions we consummated in 2002 and a $2.4 million adjustment to increase amortization expense during the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2003 as a result of the final valuation received relative to our Schultz Company merger in May 2002. As a percentage of net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses decreasedincreased to 21.9%21.2% for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2004 from 23.2%20.6% for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2003. The decreaseincrease was due primarily to certain operational efficiencies, offset by the declinerise in expenses previously described.
Operating Income.As a result of the factors previously described, operating income increased $0.6decreased $9.5 million, or 2.1%13.0%, to $29.3$63.5 million for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2004 from $28.7$73.0 million for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2003. As a percentage of net sales, operating income increaseddecreased to 16.1%15.0% for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2004 from 16.0%19.0% for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2003.
Operating income in the Consumer Lawn and Garden segment decreased $1.7$12.8 million, or 7.7%26.6%, to $20.4$35.4 million for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2004 from $22.1$48.2 million for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2003. Operating income of this segment decreased primarily due to stronger salesnoncash amortization expense resulting from the write-up of inventory and intangible assets acquired from Nu-Gro to estimated fair value, higher raw materials costs for certain of our fertilizer products which generally have lower margins than our other products, coupled withdriven substantially by increased energy costs, increased freight and distribution costs and a slight decline in sales of certain other lawn and garden products.
products, including outdoor pesticides at one key retailer. Operating income in the Consumer Household segment increased $2.4$4.1 million, or 36.4%16.8%, to $9.0$28.5 million for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2004 from $6.6$24.4 million for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2003. Operating income of this segment increased primarily due to increased sales of insecticide and insect repellent products, partially offset partially by a slight decline in sales of repellent products.increased freight and distribution costs. Operating lossincome in the ContractFertilizer Technology and Other segment increaseddecreased to $0.2an operating loss of $0.4 million for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2004 from less than $0.1operating income of $0.3 million for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2003. Operating lossincome of this segment increaseddecreased primarily due to noncash amortization expense and increased operating costs and the cessation of sales of charcoal and non-core products acquired inresulting from our acquisition of WPC Brands in December 2002.Nu-Gro, as previously described.
Interest Expense.Expense. Interest expense decreased $0.1increased $1.5 million, or 1.0%7.5%, to $9.6$21.5 million for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2004 from $9.7$20.0 million for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2003. The decreaseincrease in interest expense was primarily due to additional borrowings to finance our acquisition of Nu-Gro and the write-off of $1.7 million of previously deferred financing fees recorded in connection with our repayment of obligations outstanding under our senior credit facility in effect prior to April 30, 2004, partially offset by write-offs of previously deferred financing fees totaling $1.8of $1.6 million in 2003 recorded in connection with our repayment of a portion of the obligations outstanding under our senior credit facility then in effect and a general decline in interest rates in 2004 compared to 2003, partially offset by an increase2003.
Income Tax Expense.Income tax expense decreased due to the decline in income before income taxes and also due to the adjustment of deferred tax liabilities associated with certain assets acquired. As a result, our average debt outstanding duringeffective tax rate was 29.8% for the six months ended June 30, 2004 compared to 39.9% for the six months ended June 30, 2003.
Net Income.Net income increased $1.3decreased $2.7 million, or 12.6%8.3%, to $12.4$29.7 million for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2004 from $11.1$32.4 million for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2003 due to the factors previously described.
33
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our principal liquidity requirements are for working capital, capital expenditures and debt service under our senior credit facility and our senior subordinated notes.
We believe that cash flows from operations, together with available borrowings under our revolving credit facility, will be adequate to meet the anticipated requirements for working capital, capital expenditures and scheduled principal and interest payments for the foreseeable future. In addition to the Nu-Gro acquisitionand UPG acquisitions described in more detail under the heading “Recent Events” in this section, we are regularly engaged in acquisition discussions with a number of other sellers although we cannot guarantee that any acquisitions will be consummated. If we do consummate any acquisitions, such transactions could be material to our business and require us to incur additional debt under our revolving credit facility or otherwise.
We cannot ensure that sufficient cash flows will be generated from operations to repay our senior subordinated notes and amounts outstanding under our senior credit facility at maturity without requiring additional financing. Our ability to meet debt service and clean-down obligations and reduce debt will be dependent on our future performance, which in turn, will be subject to general economic and weather conditions and to financial, business and other factors, including factors beyond our control. Because a portion of our debt bears interest at floating rates, our financial condition is and will continue to be affected by changes in prevailing interest rates.
Operating Activities.Operating activities usedprovided net cash of $80.8$17.7 million for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2004 compared to $55.4using net cash of $13.9 million for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2003. The increase in net cash used infrom operating activities was primarily due to increased inventories which used $7.5a smaller increase in accounts receivable of $27.5 million more cashand a greater increase in accrued expenses of $24.5 million in 2004 than in 2003, due to our efforts to fulfill demand associated with net of the effects of the Nu-Gro acquisition. Including the impact of the Nu-Gro acquisition, accounts receivable
increased sales and projections for better weather conditions for$131.3 million during the six months ended June 30, 2004, as the Company reached its peak selling season in the second quarter of 2004 compared2004. The acquisition of Nu-Gro contributed $53.6 million to firstthe increase in accounts receivable as of the acquisition date and second quarter of 2003.contributed $33.1 million in net sales during May and June 2004. The increase in net cash used inprovided by operating activities was also due to a decline in accrued expense which provided $10.7 million less cash in 2004 than in 2003 due primarily to lower costs accrued for advertising and promotion, interest and other accrued items, partially offset by higher costs accrued for preferred stock dividends. Inan $18.3 million decline in accounts payable as our productions season begins to slow down, despite the $31.3 million addition to accounts payable from the Nu-Gro acquisition. The seasonal nature of our operations generally requires cash to fund significant increases in working capital, primarily accounts receivable and inventories, during the first half of the year. Accounts receivable and accounts payable generally build substantially in the first half of the year, in line with increasing sales as the season begins. These balances generally decline over the latter part of the year as the lawn and garden season winds down.
Investing Activities.Investing activities used net cash flows of $3.5$150.5 million for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2004 compared to $1.3net cash provided of nearly $1.0 million for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2003. The increase in net cash flows used in investing activities was due to cash paid for the acquisition of Nu-Gro of $146.4 million, including transaction costs of $5.0 million, and a $2.2$3.4 million increase in capital expenditures in 2004 compared to 2003. Capital expenditures relate primarily to the construction of additional capacity for production and distribution, the development and implementation of our enterprise resource planning, or ERP system and the enhancement of certain of our existing facilities. Cash used for capital expenditures was $3.5$6.8 million for the threesix months March 31,June 30, 2004 and $1.3$3.4 million for the threesix months March 31,June 30, 2003. The increase in capital expenditures from 2003 to 2004 was primarily related to increased construction costs to expand our production and distribution capacity. We expect to spend approximately $17.1 million on capital expenditures in 2004, exclusive of expenditures on capital leases, including $3.2 million on our ERP system.leases.
Financing Activities.Financing activities provided net cash flows of $72.9$133.3 million for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2004 compared to providing net cash flows of $46.4$13.6 million for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2003. The increase in net cash flows provided by financing activities was primarily due to borrowings, net of repayments, of $61.2$201.9 million in 2004 compared to borrowings, net of repayments, of $41.7$8.2 million in 2003. The increase was alsopartially offset, primarily due to higher cash overdraftspayments of $7.8$57.6 million to repurchase all of our outstanding shares of preferred stock, including dividends accrued thereon of $19.9 million, and an increase in debt issuance costs of $7.0 million in 2004 compared to 2003 driven by outstanding checks at the endrelated to our new senior credit facility effective as of each period. These increases were partially offset by declines in cash flows of other financing activities.
April 30, 2004.
Historically, we have utilized internally generated funds and borrowings under credit facilities to meet ongoing working capital and capital expenditure requirements. As a result of increased borrowings over the past several years, we have significantly increased cash requirements for debt service relating to our senior subordinated notes and senior credit facility. We had total long-term debt, excluding capital lease obligations, of $449.5 million as of March 31, 2004, $442.4 million as of March 31, 2003 and $388.5 million as of December 31, 2003. We will rely on internally generated funds and, to the extent necessary, borrowings under our revolving credit facility to meet liquidity needs. We had unused availability under our revolving credit facility then in effect of $86.8$121.1 million as of March 31,June 30, 2004, $87.8$88.3 million as of March 31,June 30, 2003 and
34
$87.9 $87.3 million as of December 31, 2003. As of April 30, 2004, after giving effect to the refinancing, the Nu-Gro acquisition and the repurchase of our outstanding preferred stock, including accrued but unpaid dividends, we had unused availability under the revolving portion of our new senior credit facility of $47.0 million.
Long-term debt, excluding capital lease obligations, totaled $449.5$617.4 million as of March 31,June 30, 2004, $442.4$409.0 million as of March 31,June 30, 2003 and $388.5 million as of December 31, 2003. This debt was comprised of senior subordinated notes, including related premiums, of $236.0$232.9 million as of March 31,June 30, 2004, $236.3$236.2 million as of March 31,June 30, 2003 and $236.1 million as of December 31, 2003 and borrowings under our senior credit facility then in effect of $152.0$384.5 million as of March 31,June 30, 2004, $206.2$172.8 million as of March 31,June 30, 2003 and $152.4 million as of December 31, 2003. The weighted average rate on borrowings under our senior credit facility then in effect was 5.02%3.94% as of March 31,June 30, 2004, 5.27%5.32% as of March 31,June 30, 2003 and 5.12% as of December 31, 2003. The weighted average rate on the senior subordinated notes was 9.875% as of the end of each of these periods, resulting in a blended weighted average rate on all borrowings of 7.57%6.18% as of March 31,June 30, 2004, 7.72%7.95% as of March 31,June 30, 2003 and 8.01% as of December 31, 2003. The fair value of our total fixed-rate debt was $245.6$241.1 million as of March 31,June 30, 2004, $243.2$246.8 million as of March 31,June 30, 2003 and $242.1 million as of December 31, 2003. The fair value of our total variable-rate debt, including current maturities and
short-term borrowings, approximated the carrying value of $213.5$384.5 million as of March 31,June 30, 2004, $206.2$172.8 million as of March 31,June 30, 2003 and $152.4 million as of December 31, 2003. The fair values of our fixed-rate debt and variable-rate debt are based on quoted market prices.
Senior Credit Facility in Effect as of March 31,Prior to April 30, 2004. Our senior credit facility, as amended as of March 14, 2003, in effect as of March 31,prior to April 30, 2004, with Bank of America, N.A., Morgan Stanley Senior Funding, Inc. and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce was terminated and all obligations outstanding thereunder were repaid on April 30, 2004. The prior senior credit facility consisted of (1) a $90.0 million revolving credit facility; (2) a $75.0 million term loan facility (Term Loan A), which was repaid in full during the year ended December 31, 2003; and (3) a $240.0 million term loan facility (Term Loan B).
The prior senior credit facility agreement contained affirmative, negative and financial covenants. Affirmative and negative covenants placed restrictions on, among other things, levels of investments, indebtedness, insurance, capital expenditures and dividend payments. The financial covenants required the maintenance of certain financial ratios at defined levels. As of and during the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2004 and 2003 and year ended December 31, 2003, as applicable, we were in compliance with all covenants. Under the prior senior credit facility agreement, interest rates on the revolving credit facility and Term Loan B ranged from 1.50% to 4.00% plus LIBOR, or other base rate as provided in the prior senior credit facility agreement, depending on certain financial ratios. LIBOR was 1.11%1.12% as of March 31, 2004, 1.29% as of March 31,June 30, 2003 and 1.16% as of December 31, 2003. The interest rate applicable to Term Loan B was 5.09%5.32% as of March 31, 2004, 5.31% as of March 31,June 30, 2003 and 5.12% as of December 31, 2003. Unused commitments under the revolving credit facility were subject to a 0.5% annual commitment fee.
The prior senior credit facility agreement allowed us to make prepayments in whole or in part at any time without premium or penalty. During the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2004, we made principal payments of $0.4$152.4 million onto fully repay Term Loan B, which primarily represented optional principal prepayments. During the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2003, we made principal payments of $28.3 million to fully repay Term Loan A and $25.9$49.2 million on Term Loan B, which primarily represented optional principal prepayments. During the year ended December 31, 2003, we made principal payments of $28.3 million to fully repay Term Loan A and $69.6 million on Term Loan B, which primarily represented optional principal prepayments. The optional principal prepayments were made from operating cash flows and proceeds from the new senior credit facility described below and allowed us to remain several quarterly payments ahead of the regular payment schedule. In connection with these prepayments, we recorded write-offs totaling $1.3$1.7 million and $0.3 million in previously deferred financing fees which were included in interest expense in our consolidated statement of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2003.
June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively, and $1.7 million and $1.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively.
The prior senior credit facility was secured by substantially all of our properties and assets and by substantially all of the properties and assets of our current domestic subsidiaries. The carrying amount of our obligations under the prior senior credit facility approximated fair value because the interest rates were based on floating interest rates identified by reference to market rates.
New Senior Credit Facility.Facility in Effect as of April 30, 2004.In conjunction with the closing of the acquisition of Nu-Gro, on April 30, 2004, we entered into a new $510.0 million senior credit facility with Bank of
35
America, N.A., Banc of America Securities LLC, Citigroup Global Markets, Inc., Citicorp North America, Inc. and certain other lenders to refinanceretire the indebtedness under our prior senior credit facility and execute a new senior credit facility at more favorable rates, to provide funds for the Nu-Gro acquisition, to repurchase all of our outstanding preferred stock, along with accrued but unpaid dividends thereon, and for general working capital purposes. The new senior credit facility consists of (1) a $125.0 million USU.S. dollar denominated revolving credit facility; (2) a $335.0 million USU.S. dollar denominated term loan facility; and (3) a Canadian dollar denominated term loan facility valued at USU.S. $50.0 million. Subject to
the terms of the new senior credit facility agreement, the revolving loan portion of the new senior credit facility matures on April 30, 2010, and the term loan obligations under the new senior credit facility mature on April 30, 2011. The term loan obligations are to be repaid in 28 consecutive quarterly installments commencing on June 30, 2004, with a final installment due on March 31, 2011. All of the loan obligations are subject to mandatory prepayment upon certain events, including sales of certain assets, issuances of indebtedness or equity or from excess cash flow. The new senior credit facility agreement also allows us to make voluntary prepayments, in whole or in part, at any time without premium or penalty.
The new senior credit facility agreement contains affirmative, negative and financial covenants that are more favorable than those of the prior senior credit facility. The negative covenants place restrictions on, among other things, levels of investments, indebtedness, capital expenditures and dividend payments that we may make or incur. The financial covenants require the maintenance of certain financial ratios at defined levels. Under the new senior credit facility agreement, interest rates on the new revolving credit facility can range from 1.75% to 2.50% plus LIBOR, or from 0.75% to 1.50% plus a base rate, subject to adjustment and depending on certain financial ratios. As of AprilJune 30, 2004, the term loans were subject to interest rates equal to 2.50% plus LIBOR or 1.50% plus a base rate, as provided in the new senior credit facility agreement. The interest rate applicable to our outstanding borrowings was 3.84% as of June 30, 2004, 5.32% as of June 30, 2003 and 5.12% as of December 31, 2003. Unused commitments under the new revolving credit facility are subject to a 0.5% annual commitment fee. Unused availability under the new revolving credit facility was $121.1 million as of June 30, 2004 which is reflective of $3.9 million of standby letters of credit pledged as collateral. The new senior credit facility is secured by substantially all of our properties and assets and substantially all of the properties and assets of our current and future domestic subsidiaries.
In connection with the closing of the Nu-Gro acquisition, Bank of America, N.A., Canada Branch, separately loaned us Cdn $110.0 million for structuring purposes, which loan was repaid on April 30, 2004.
Amendment to New Senior Credit Facility in Effect as of July 30, 2004.On July 30, 2004, in connection with the closing of and to partially fund our merger with UPG, we amended and restated the credit agreement related to our new senior credit facility to increase the revolving credit facility from $125.0 million to $130.0 million, increase the U.S. term loan from $335.0 million to $510.0 million, add a $75.0 million second lien term loan and leave the U.S. $50.0 million Canadian term loan unchanged for a total New Senior Credit Facility, as amended, of $765.0 million. Subject to the terms of the new senior credit facility agreement, as amended, the second lien term loan is to be repaid in 29 consecutive quarterly installments commencing on September 30, 2004, with a final installment due on September 30, 2011, and matures on October 31, 2011. Interest on the second lien term loan accrues at 4.50% plus LIBOR or 3.5% plus a base rate, subject to adjustment and depending on certain financial ratios. The second lien term loan is subject to affirmative, negative and financial covenants. We incurred $5.0 million in costs related to the amendment, which were recorded as deferred financing fees and are being amortized over the remaining term of the new senior credit facility. The amendment did not change any other key terms or existing covenants of the new senior credit facility.
97/¤8% Series B Senior Subordinated Notes.In November 1999, we issued $150.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 97/¤8% Series B senior subordinated notes due April 1, 2009 (the Series B Notes). Interest accrued on the Series B Notes at a rate of 97/¤8% per annum, payable semi-annually on April 1 and October 1. As described in more detail below, as of March 31, 2004, $3.1 million of the Series B Notes were outstanding. On April 14, 2004, we repurchased all of the outstanding Series B Notes, along with accrued interest and repurchase premium of 4.938%, for $3.3 million.
97/¤8% Series C Senior Subordinated Notes.In March 2003, we issued $85.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 97/¤8% Series C senior subordinated notes due April 1, 2009 (the Series C Notes). Interest accrued at a rate of 97/¤8% per annum, payable semi-annually on April 1 and October 1. As described in more detail below, as of March 31,June 30, 2004, there were no Series C Notes outstanding.
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97/¤8% Series D Senior Subordinated Notes.In May 2003, we registered $235.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 97/¤8% Series D senior subordinated notes (the Series D Notes and collectively with the Series B Notes and Series C Notes, the senior subordinated notes), with terms substantially similar to the Series B Notes and Series C Notes, with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and offered to exchange the Series D Notes for up to 100% of the Series B Notes and Series C Notes. The exchange offering closed in July 2003, resulting in $85.0 million, or 100%, of the Series C Notes being exchanged and $146.9 million, or 98%, of the Series B Notes being exchanged. AsOn April 14, 2004, we repurchased all of March 31, 2004, $3.1 million of the remaining Series B Notes outstanding, along with accrued interest and repurchase premium of 4.938%, for $3.3 million. As of June 30, 2004, $232.9 million of the Series D Notes were outstanding and no Series B Notes or Series C Notes were outstanding.
The fair value of the senior subordinated notes was $245.6$241.1 million as of March 31,June 30, 2004, $243.2$246.8 million as of March 31,June 30, 2003 and $242.1 million as of December 31, 2003, based on their quoted market price on such dates. The fair value at June 30, 2004 reflects the repurchase of all outstanding Series B Notes in April 2004, as previously described. In accordance with the indentures that govern the senior subordinated notes, they are unconditionally and jointly and severally guaranteed by our wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries.
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Our agreements that govern the new senior credit facility and the senior subordinated notes contain a number of significant covenants that could restrict or limit our ability to:
•· incur more debt;
•· pay dividends, subject to financial ratios and other conditions;
•· make other distributions;
•· issue stock of subsidiaries;
•· make investments;
•· repurchase stock;
•· create subsidiaries;
•· create liens;
•· enter into transactions with affiliates;
•· merge or consolidate; and
•· transfer and sell assets.
The ability to comply with these provisions may be affected by events beyond our control. The breach of any of these covenants will result in a default under the applicable debt agreement or instrument and could trigger acceleration of repayment under the applicable agreements. Any default under such agreements might adversely affect our growth, financial condition, results of operations and the ability to make payments on indebtedness or meet other obligations. As of and during the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2004 and 2003 and year ended December 31, 2003, we were in compliance with all covenants under the prior senior credit facility, the new senior credit facility and the senior subordinated notes in effect as of such dates.
Common Stock Transactions.In connection with our transaction with Bayer in June 2002, we issued 3,072,000 shares of Class A voting common stock valued at $15.4 million and 3,072,000 shares of Class B nonvoting common stock valued at $15.4 million and recorded $0.4 million of related issuance costs. We
repurchased these shares in February 2004. See more detail included under the heading “Recent Events” in this section.
Issuance of Common Stock. In conjunction with our acquisition of UPG on July 30, 2004, we issued 5.8 million shares each of Class A and Class B common stock for proceeds of $70.0 million.
Repurchase of Preferred Stock.In conjunction with our refinancing on April 30, 2004, we repurchased all 37,600 shares of outstanding Class A nonvoting preferred stock for $57.5$57.6 million, including $19.9 million for all accrued and unpaid dividends thereon.Such repurchase resulting in a decline in additional paid in capital of $37.7 million.
The following table presents the aggregate amount of future cash outflows of our contractual obligations as of March 31,June 30, 2004, except as otherwise noted, excluding future amounts due for interest on outstanding indebtedness:
|
| Obligations due in: |
| |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
| Less Than |
| 1 - 3 |
| 4 - 5 |
| After 5 |
| |||||||
Contractual Obligations |
|
|
| Total |
| 1 Year |
| Years |
| Years |
| Years |
| |||||
Senior credit facility |
| $ | 384,543 |
| $ | 1,928 |
| $ | 11,566 |
| $ | 7,710 |
| $ | 363,339 |
| ||
97¤8% Series D senior subordinated notes(1) |
| 231,900 |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| 231,900 |
| |||||||
Capital leases |
| 4,426 |
| 228 |
| 1,371 |
| 914 |
| 1,913 |
| |||||||
Operating leases |
| 58,889 |
| 4,885 |
| 23,199 |
| 11,948 |
| 18,857 |
| |||||||
Purchase obligations(2) |
| 46,414 |
| 29,258 |
| 14,846 |
| 2,310 |
| — |
| |||||||
Professional services agreement(3) |
| 4,128 |
| 378 |
| 2,250 |
| 1,500 |
| — |
| |||||||
Total contractual obligations |
| $ | 730,300 |
| $ | 36,677 |
| $ | 53,232 |
| $ | 24,382 |
| $ | 616,009 |
| ||
|
| Obligations due in: |
| |||||||||||||
Contractual Obligations |
| Total |
| Less Than |
| 1 - 3 |
| 4 - 5 |
| After 5 |
| |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Senior credit facility (1) |
| $ | 662,796 |
| $ | 3,209 |
| $ | 12,834 |
| $ | 8,556 |
| $ | 638,197 |
|
97/8% Series B senior subordinated notes |
| 3,100 |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| 3,100 |
| |||||
97/8% Series D senior subordinated notes (2) |
| 231,900 |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| 231,900 |
| |||||
Capital leases |
| 7,426 |
| 6 |
| 4,594 |
| 914 |
| 1,912 |
| |||||
Operating leases |
| 61,257 |
| 6,516 |
| 22,688 |
| 12,792 |
| 19,261 |
| |||||
Purchase obligations (3) |
| 44,245 |
| 37,255 |
| 6,990 |
| — |
| — |
| |||||
Professional services agreement (4) |
| 4,313 |
| 563 |
| 2,250 |
| 1,500 |
| — |
| |||||
Total contractual obligations |
| $ | 1,015,037 |
| $ | 47,549 |
| $ | 49,356 |
| $ | 23,762 |
| $ | 894,370 |
|
(1) Represents amounts due under our new senior credit facility dated as of April 30, 2004.
(2) Excludes $1.0 million of unamortized premium.
(3)(2) Represents unconditional purchase obligations for goods and services not presented elsewhere in the table.
(4)(3) Includes monthly payments of $62,500 for management and other consulting services provided under a professional services agreement by affiliates of Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P., which indirectly owns UIC Holdings, L.L.C., our majority owner. The professional services agreement automatically extends for successive one-year periods beginning January 20 of each year, unless notice is given as provided in the agreement.
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We lease several of our operating facilities from Rex Realty, Inc., a company owned by certain of our stockholders and operated by a former executive and past member of our Board of Directors. The operating leases expire at various dates through December 31, 2010. We have options to terminate the leases on an annual basis by giving advance notice of at least one year. We lease a portion of our operating facilities from the same company under a sublease agreement expiring on December 31, 2005 with minimum annual rentals of $0.7 million. We have two five-year options to renew this lease, beginning January 1, 2006. Management believes that the terms of these leases approximate fair value. Rent expense under these leases was $0.3 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2004, $0.3 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2003, and $1.2$0.6 million for the yearsix months ended December 31,June 30, 2004 and $0.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2003.
We are obligated under additional operating leases for other operations and the use of warehouse space. The leases expire at various dates through January 31, 2015. Five of the leases provide for as many as five options to renew for five years each. Aggregate rent expense under these leases was $1.7 million for
the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2004, $1.8 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2003, and $7.2$3.5 million for the yearsix months ended December 31,June 30, 2004 and $3.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2003.
Guarantees and Off-Balance Sheet Risk
In the normal course of business, we are a party to certain guarantees and financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk, such as standby letters of credit and indemnifications, which are not reflected in our consolidated balance sheets. We had $3.2$3.9 million as of March 31,June 30, 2004, $2.2$1.7 million as of March 31,June 30, 2003 and $2.7 million as of December 31, 2003 in standby letters of credit pledged as collateral to support the lease of our primary distribution facility in St. Louis, a U.S. customs bond, certain product purchases, various workers’ compensation obligations and transportation equipment. These agreements mature at various dates through November 2004May 2005 and may be renewed as circumstances warrant. Such financial instruments are valued based on the amount of exposure under the instruments and the likelihood of performance being required. In our past experience, no claims have been made against these financial instruments nor do we expect anythe exposure to material losses resulting therefrom to result from them.be anything other than remote. As a result, we determined such agreements do not have significant value and have not recorded any related amounts in our consolidated financial statements.
We are the lessee under a number of equipment and property leases, as described previously. It is common in such commercial lease transactions for us to agree to indemnify the lessor for the value of the property or equipment leased should it be damaged during the course of our operations. We expect that any losses that may occur with respect to the leased property would be covered by insurance, subject to deductible amounts. As a result, we determined such indemnifications do not have significant value and have not recorded any related amounts in our consolidated financial statements.statements for such remote loss exposure.
We have entered into certain commitments to purchase granular urea during our peak production season in 2004. See Note 11 of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements,” included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report for information regarding these commitments.
Seasonality and Dependence Upon Weather ConditionsConditions..Our business is highly seasonal because our products are used primarily in the spring and summer seasons. For the past three years, approximately 71% of our net sales have occurred in the first and second quarters, resulting in higher net revenues and results of operations during those quarters. Our working capital needs, and correspondingly our borrowings, begin to peak at the beginning of the second quarter. If cash on hand is insufficient to cover payments due on our senior subordinated notes and we are unable to draw on our senior credit facility or obtain other financing, this seasonality could adversely affect our ability to make interest payments.
In addition, weather conditions in North America have a significant impact on the timing of sales in the spring selling season and our overall annual sales. Periods of dry, hot weather can decrease insecticide sales, while periods of cold, wet weather can slow sales of herbicides and fertilizers. In addition, an abnormally cold spring throughout North America could adversely affect both fertilizer and pesticide sales and therefore our financial results. If weather conditions during the first and second quarters are not conducive to lawn and gardening activities, they may have an adverse effect our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. For example, we experienced a late winter and cool, wet spring conditions in the first quarter of 2003 that delayed the start of the lawn and garden season, whereas the weather in the first quarter of 2004 was generally more mild and dry throughout North America.
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Competition and Industry TrendsTrends..Each of our segments operates in highly competitive markets and competes against a number of national and regional brands. We believe the principal factors by which we compete are product quality and performance, value, brand strength and marketing. In some instances, we compete against companies with potentially fewer regulatory burdens, easier access to financing, greater personnel resources, greater brand name recognition or larger research and development departments.
Increasing consolidation in the consumer lawn and garden care industry may provide additional benefits to certain of our competitors, either through access to financing, resources or efficiencies of scale.
Our principal nationalNorth American competitors for our Consumer Lawn and Garden and Consumer Household segments include: The Scotts Company, which markets lawn and garden products under the Scotts®, Ortho®, Roundup®, Green Cross®, Miracle-Gro® and Hyponex® brand names; S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc., which markets insecticide and repellent products under the Raid® and OFF!® brand names; Central Garden & Pet Company, which markets insecticide and garden products under the Grant’s®, Maxide®, AMDRO®, IMAGE® and Pennington Seed® brand names; The Clorox Company, which markets products under the Combat® brand name; and Bayer A.G., which markets lawn and garden products under the Bayer Advanced™ brand name. In our ContractFertilizer Technology and Other segment, we compete against a diverse group of companies.
With the growing trend towards retail trade consolidation, we are increasingly dependent upon key retailers whose bargaining strength is growing. Our top three customers, The Home Depot, Lowe’s and Wal*Mart, together accounted for approximately 70%76% of our firstsecond quarter 2004 net sales and approximately 58%47% of our outstanding accounts receivable as of March 31,June 30, 2004. To the extent such concentration continues to occur, our net sales and operating income may be increasingly sensitive to a deterioration in the financial condition of, or other adverse developments involving our relationships with, one or more of our retailer customers. Our business has been, and may continue to be, negatively affected by changes in the policies and practices of our retailer customers, such as de-stocking and other inventory management initiatives, limitations on access to shelf space, pricing and credit term demands and other conditions. In addition, as a result of the desire of retailers to more closely manage inventory levels, there is a growing trend among them to make purchases on a “just-in-time” basis. This requires us to shorten our lead-time for production in certain cases and more closely anticipate demand, which could in the future require the carrying of additional inventories and increase our working capital and related financing requirements.
Annual Product Line ReviewsReviews..Each year, primarily during the third and fourth quarters, we undertake a series of meetings with a number of our retailers to review business activities for the following year. Discussions at these meetings address details including, but not limited to, product lines we wish to sell, product lines they intend to purchase, advertising and promotion programs, retail service activities and customer satisfaction. While we strive to present creative and compelling products, plans and promotions in order to expand our presence at these retailers and increase our share of the markets in which we compete, each year we encounter intense competition from our competitors. If we are unsuccessful in repeating or increasing our current year product offerings, it could adversely affect our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
As we completed all of our annual product line reviews in 2003 for the 2004 season, individual retailers provided both positive and negative indications regarding certain elements of our programs. One large retailer indicated it would not be selling certain types of our outdoor insecticide products at its stores due to an arrangement with another vendor. However, the same retailer indicated it would add a number of our other SKUs to its 2004 offerings, which are expected to resulthas resulted in the recovery of a significant portion of the lost sales but at lower margins. Conversely, other large retailers indicated their interest in increasing the number of our products and advertising and merchandising support for those products in their 2004 offerings which are anticipated to more than offset the lost sales previously described.
Acquisition StrategyStrategy..We have completed a number of acquisitions and strategic transactions since 2001 and intend to grow through the acquisition of additional businesses. In addition to the Nu-Gro acquisitionand UPG acquisitions described in more detail under the heading “Recent Events” in this section, we are regularly engaged in acquisition discussions with a number of other sellers and anticipate that one or more potential acquisition opportunities, including those that could be material, may become available in the
near future. If and when appropriate acquisition opportunities become available, we intend to pursue them actively. Further, acquisitions involve a number of special risks, including but not limited to:
•· failure of the acquired business to achieve expected results;
•· diversion of management’s attention;
39
•· failure to retain key personnel or customers of the acquired business;
•· additional financing that, if available, could increase leverage;
•· successor liability, including with respect to environmental matters;
•· the high cost and expenses of completing acquisitions and risks associated with unanticipated events or liabilities; and
•· failure to successfully integrate our acquired businesses into our internal control structure.
These risks could have a material adverse effect on our business and our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
We expect to face competition for acquisition candidates, which may limit the number of opportunities and may lead to higher acquisition prices. We cannot assure you that we will be able to identify, acquire or manage profitably additional businesses or to integrate successfully any acquired businesses into our existing business without substantial costs, delays or other operations or financial difficulties. In future acquisitions, we also could incur additional indebtedness or pay consideration in excess of fair value, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Substantial Indebtedness.We have a significant amount of debt. As of March 31,June 30, 2004, our total debt, excluding capital lease obligations, was $449.5$617.4 million. As of AprilJune 30, 2004, after giving effect to the refinancing, the Nu-Gro acquisition and the repurchase of our outstanding preferred stock, including accrued but unpaid dividends thereon, we had unused availability under the revolving portion of our new senior credit facility of $47.0$121.1 million. Our substantial indebtedness including any indebtedness under our new senior credit facility, could have important consequences.
For example, it could:
•· make it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations under outstanding indebtedness and otherwise;
•· increase our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions, including interest rate increases because a substantial portion of our borrowings are and will continue to be at variable rates of interest;
•· require us to dedicate a substantial portion of cash flows from operating activities to payments on obligations under outstanding indebtedness and otherwise, which would reduce the cash flows available to fund working capital, capital expenditures, advertising, research and development efforts and other general corporate expenses;
•· limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business, the industry in which we operate and the economy at large;
•· place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that have proportionately less debt; and
•· limit our ability to borrow additional funds in the future, if needed, on reasonable terms.
Our ability to make payments on and to refinance any future indebtedness and to fund planned capital expenditures and acquisitions will depend on our ability to generate cash in the future. This, to some
extent, is subject to general economic, weather, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors that are beyond our control.
We cannot provide assurance that our business will generate sufficient cash flow from operating activities or that future borrowings will be available to us under our senior credit facility in amounts sufficient to enable us to pay our indebtedness or to fund our other liquidity needs. We may need to refinance all or a portion of our indebtedness, on or before existing maturity dates. We cannot assure you that we would be able to refinance any of our indebtedness on commercially reasonable terms or at all.
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Environmental and Regulatory ConsiderationsConsiderations.. Local, state, federal and foreign laws and regulations relating to environmental, health and safety matters affect us in several ways. In the United States, all products containing pesticides must be registered with the United States Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, and, in many cases, similar state agencies before they can be manufactured or sold. In Canada, all products containing pesticides must be registered with the Pest Management Regulatory Agency and, in many cases, similar federal/provincial agencies before they can be manufactured or sold. The inability to obtain, or the cancellation of, any registration could have an adverse effect on our business. The severity of the effect would depend on which products were involved, whether another product could be substituted and whether our competitors were similarly affected. We attempt to anticipate regulatory developments and maintain registrations of, and access to, substitute chemicals. We may not always be able to avoid these risks.
The Food Quality Protection Act establishes a standard for food-use pesticides, which is that a reasonable certainty of no harm will result from the cumulative effect of pesticide exposures. Under the Act, the EPA is evaluating the cumulative effects from dietary and non-dietary exposures to pesticides. The pesticides in our products continue to be evaluated by the EPA as part of this exposure. It is possible that the EPA or a third party active ingredient registrant may decide that a pesticide we use in our products will be limited or made unavailable to us. For example, in 2000, Dow AgroSciences L.L.C., an active ingredient registrant, voluntarily agreed to a withdrawal of virtually all residential uses of Dursban, an active ingredient we used in our lawn and garden products. This had a material effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows in 2001. We cannot predict the outcome or the severity of the effect of the EPA’s continuing evaluations of active ingredients used in our products.
In addition to the regulations already described, local, state, federal and foreign agencies regulate the disposal, handling and storage of hazardous substances and hazardous waste, air and water discharges from our facilities and the remediation of contamination. If we do not fully comply with environmental regulations, or if a release of hazardous substances occurs at or from one of our facilities, we may be subject to penalties and/or held liable for the costs of remedying the condition.
We do not anticipate incurring material capital expenditures for environmental control facilities during 2004. We currently estimate that the costs associated with compliance with environmental, health and safety regulations could total approximately $0.2 million annually for the next several years. The adequacy of our anticipated future expenditures is based on our operating in substantial compliance with applicable environmental and public health laws and regulations and the assumption that there are not significant conditions of potential contamination that are unknown to us. If there is a significant change in the facts and circumstances surrounding this assumption, or if we are found not to be in substantial compliance with applicable environmental public health laws and regulations, it could have a material impact on future environmental capital expenditures and other environmental expenses and our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
As of March 31,June 30, 2004 and 2003 and December 31, 2003, we believe we were substantially in compliance with applicable environmental and regulatory requirements.
Information Systems Implementation. With the rapid growth we have experienced in the past and expect to experience in the future, we are aware of the potential that such growth may strain our ability to manage our business and strain our operational and financial resources and accounting controls. Accordingly, we have invested substantial time, money and resources in implementing an enterprise resource planning, or ERP, system to accommodate and assist in managing such growth. As we believe is the case in most system changes, the development and implementation of these systems will likely necessitate some changes in operating policies and procedures and the related internal control over financial reporting and their method of application. However, throughout this process, while we have experienced some common and customary operational issues expected in any ERP implementation the size of ours, there have been no significant changes that have materially adversely affected, or are reasonably likely to materially adversely affect, our financial resources and accounting controls. If the implementation of the ERP system is not successful or does not result in the benefits we anticipate, it could adversely affect our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Retail Service Personnel. In previous years, we have utilized an in-store sales force to facilitate, among other things, regionally appropriate, real time marketing and promotional decisions, helping us to maximize store-level sales and profitability for categories which have a high degree of sensitivity to local weather patterns. As our larger retailers are moving toward centralized planning, purchasing and inventory management strategies, we have reorganized certain of
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our activities and in-store personnel to create retail service teams to accommodate these industry changes. The reorganization did not result in significant costs to our business and represents a shift to using more seasonal and temporary employees and outsourced personnel during our peak season. Our centralized customer focused platform teams will continue to facilitate regionally appropriate marketing and promotional efforts, while at the store-level, our retail service teams will focus on executing corporate merchandising strategies along with direct in-store consumer selling for each retailer. We believe these changes will enhance our customer service levels at certain of our retailers as they represent a change to our retail service model.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.
Interest Rates and Raw Materials Prices
In the normal course of business, we are exposed to fluctuations in interest rates and raw materials prices. During the first half of each year, the price of granular urea, a critical raw material component used in the production of fertilizer, tends to increase significantly in correlation with natural gas prices. The costs of granular urea have generally, but not always, declined during the second half of the year. We have established policies and procedures that govern the management of these exposures through the use of derivative hedging instruments, including swap agreements. Our objective in managing our exposure to such fluctuations is to decrease the volatility of earnings and cash flows associated with changes in interest rates and certain raw materials prices. To achieve this objective, we periodically enter into swap agreements with values that change in the opposite direction of anticipated cash flows. Derivative instruments related to forecasted transactions are considered to hedge future cash flows, and the effective portion of any gains or losses is included in accumulated other comprehensive income until earnings are affected by the variability of cash flows. Any remaining gain or loss is recognized currently in results of operations.
We formally document, designate and assess the effectiveness of any transactions that receive hedge accounting treatment. The cash flows of derivative hedging instruments we enter into are generally expected to be highly effective in achieving offsetting cash flows attributable to fluctuations in the cash flows of the hedged risk. Changes in the fair value of agreements designated as derivative hedging instruments are reported as either an asset or liability in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets with the associated unrealized gains or losses reflected in accumulated other comprehensive income. As of March 31,June 30, 2004, we had three derivative instruments, with maturity dates through April 2004, designated as hedges against the purchase of granular urea for an aggregate contract value upon the date of execution of $2.9 million. Suchno outstanding derivative hedging instruments had an unrealized loss of $0.2 million as of March 31, 2004 which is included in accumulated other comprehensive income in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of such date.instruments. As of March 31,June 30, 2003, we had one derivative hedging instrument, with a maturity date in AprilJuly 2003, designated as a hedge against the purchase of granular urea for a contract value upon the date of execution of $0.7$0.4 million. Such derivative hedging instrument had an unrealized gain of $0.4less than $0.1 million as of March 31,June 30, 2003 which is included in accumulated other comprehensive income in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of such date. Although derivative hedging instruments were used throughout 2004 and 2003, no such instruments were outstanding as of June 30, 2004 or December 31, 2003. The amounts recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income are subsequently reclassified into cost of goods sold in the same period in which the underlying hedged transactions affect earnings. As such, net gains on derivative hedging instruments for raw materials purchasesSuch amounts reclassified into cost of goods sold inincluded a net loss of $0.2 million for the same period in which the underlying hedged transactions affected earnings were $0.2three and six months ended June 30, 2004, a net gain of $1.2 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2003 and a net gain of $1.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2003. No such amounts were reclassified into costs of goods sold during the threesix months ended March 31, 2004.
June 30, 2003.
If it becomes probable that a forecasted transaction will not occur, any gains or losses in accumulated other comprehensive income will be recognized in results of operations. We have not incurred any gains or losses for hedge ineffectiveness or due to excluding a portion of the value from measuring effectiveness. We have not generally entered into derivatives or other hedging arrangements for trading or speculative purposes but may consider doing so in the future if strategic circumstances warrant, and our bank covenants and bond indentures permit, such transactions.
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As of March 31, 2004, we had five purchase commitments, with expected purchase dates through April 2004, for the purchase of granular urea for an aggregate purchase price of $2.2 million. As of March 31, 2003, we had one purchase commitment, with an expected purchase date in April 2003, for the purchase of granular urea of $0.7 million. As of March 31, 2004, our outstanding derivative hedging instruments and purchase commitments effectively fixed 57% of our remaining 2004 urea purchases. While we expect these derivative hedging instruments and purchase commitments to manage our exposure to such price fluctuations, no assurance can be provided that such instruments will be effective in fully mitigating exposure to these risks, nor can assurance be provided that we will be successful in passing on pricing increases to our customers.
Market Risk Sensitive Instruments
As described further under the heading, “Liquidity and Capital Resources,” of Part I, Item 2, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” much of our debt is variable-rate debt and is subject to fluctuation in interest rates.
The following table summarizes information about our debt instruments, excluding unamortized premium of $1.0 million on fixed rate debt, as of March 31,June 30, 2004, that are sensitive to changes in interest
rates. The table presents future principal cash flows and related weighted-average interest rates by expected maturity dates, which are based on implied forward rates in the yield curve at March 31,June 30, 2004 (dollars in thousands):
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| Remainder |
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| There- |
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| Fair |
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Description |
| Remainder |
| 2005 |
| 2006 |
| 2007 |
| 2008 |
| There- |
| Total |
| Fair |
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| of 2004 |
| 2005 |
| 2006 |
| 2007 |
| 2008 |
| After |
| Total |
| Value |
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Long-term debt: |
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| Long-term debt: |
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Fixed-rate debt |
| $ | — |
| $ | — |
| $ | — |
| $ | — |
| $ | — |
| $ | 235,000 |
| $ | 235,000 |
| $ | 245,575 |
| Fixed-rate debt |
|
| $ | — |
|
| $ | — |
| $ | — |
| $ | — |
| $ | — |
| $ | 232,903 |
| $ | 232,903 |
| $ | 241,055 |
| |
Average interest rate |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| 9.875 | % | 9.875 | % |
|
| Average interest rate |
|
| — |
|
| — |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| 9.875 | % | 9.875 | % |
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Variable-rate debt |
| $ | 61,921 |
| $ | 113,780 |
| $ | 37,794 |
| $ | — |
| $ | — |
| $ | — |
| $ | 213,495 |
| $ | 213,495 |
| Variable-rate debt |
|
| $ | 3,175 |
|
| $ | 6,351 |
| $ | 6,351 |
| $ | 6,351 |
| $ | 6,351 |
| $ | 373,471 |
| $ | 402,050 |
| $ | 402,050 |
| |
An increase in our weighted average variable borrowing rates of 1% would have resulted in an increase to annual interest expense of approximately $1.8$2.8 million for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2004 and $2.3$2.0 million for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2003.
The functional currency for substantially allthe majority of our operations is the USU.S. dollar. We are exposed toWith the impact of foreign exchange rate risk, primarily through the Canadian operations we acquired in our acquisition of Nu-Gro, wherewe have become subject to foreign currency translation gains and losses, as the Canadian dollar is the functional currency isof Nu-Gro’s Canadian subsidiaries. For translation of the Canadian dollar. subsidiaries’ financial statements, assets and liabilities are translated at the year-end exchange rate, while statement of operations accounts are translated at average exchange rates monthly. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income, a component of stockholders’ equity (deficit). Transaction gains or losses on intercompany balances with Nu-Gro that are designated as foreign currency transactions are recorded monthly in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statement of operations. Foreign currency transactions are recorded at the exchange rate prevailing on the transaction date.
The recent weakening of the USU.S. dollar compared to the Canadian dollar positively impacted our purchase price of Nu-Gro between the date we signed the definitive agreement and the date of closing, as well as the net sales and operating income of its subsidiaries since the date of acquisition. We are also subject to foreign exchange transaction exposure when our Canadian business purchasesbusinesses purchase inventory in USU.S. dollars. We do not currently enter into foreign exchange forward contracts to mitigate foreign exchange rate risk.
We manage inflation risks through a continuing review of our product selling prices and production costs. We do not believe that inflation risks are material to our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
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ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our chief executive officer and our chief financial officer, after evaluating the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) as of the end of the period covered by this report, have concluded that as of such date, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in bringing to their attention on a timely basis material information relating to us and our consolidated subsidiaries required to be included in our periodic filings under the Exchange Act.
Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Since 2001, we have been in the process of developing an enterprise resource planning, or ERP, system on a company-wide basis. As we believe is the case in most system changes, the development and eventual implementation of these systems has necessitated some changes in operating policies and procedures and the related internal controls and their method of application. We believe that throughout this process, we have maintained internal accounting control systems that are adequate to provide reasonable assurance that assets are safeguarded from loss or unauthorized use, and which produce adequate records for preparation of financial information. Accordingly, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
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ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
We are involved from time to time in routine legal matters and other claims incidental to the business. When it appears probably in management’s judgment that we will incur monetary damages or other costs in connection with such claims and proceedings, and such costs can be reasonably estimated, liabilities are recorded in the consolidated financial statements and charges are recorded against earnings. We believe that the resolution of such routine matters and other incidental claims, taking into account established reserves and insurance, will not have a material adverse impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.
a. The Exhibit Index begins on page 47.
61.
b. Reports on Form 8-K.
On February 11, 2004, we furnished a Current Report on Form 8-K under Item 12 to announce our earnings for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2003.
On February 12, 2004, we furnished a Current Report on Form 8-K under Item 12 to disclose responses to participant questions on our quarterly conference call to discuss earnings for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2003.
On March 12, 2004, we filed a Current Report on Form 8-K under Item 5 to announce our execution of a definitive agreement to acquire The Nu-Gro Corporation and our plans to refinance our existing senior credit facility with a new senior credit facility.
On April 30, 2004, we filed a Current Report on Form 8-K under Item 2 to announce our closing of the Nu-Gro acquisition, the closing of our acquisition of The Nu-Gro Corporation, the refinancingclosing of our new senior credit facility and the repurchase of all of our outstanding shares of Class A nonvoting preferred stock.
On May 14, 2004, we furnished a Current Report on Form 8-K under Item 12 to announce our earnings for the quarter ended March 31, 2004.
On June 15, 2004, we filed a Current Report on Form 8-K under Item 5 to announce our execution of a definitive agreement to acquire United Pet Group, Inc.
45On July 9, 2004, we filed an amended Current Report on Form 8-K/A to file the required financial information in connection with the acquisition of The Nu-Gro Corporation.
On July 13, 2004, we filed a Current Report on Form 8-K under Items 9 and 12 to announce our financing plan for the merger with United Pet Group, Inc. and preliminary second quarter year-to-date operating results.
On August 2, 2004, we filed a Current Report on Form 8-K under Item 2 to announce the closing of our merger with United Pet Group, Inc. and the amendment to our senior credit facility.
On August 6, 2004, we furnished a Current Report on Form 8-K under Item 12 to announce our earnings for the quarter ended June 30, 2004.
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Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
| United Industries Corporation | |||
| Registrant | |||
| ||||
By: | / | |||
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| Daniel J. Johnston | ||
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| Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer | ||
Dated: |
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4660
Exhibit | Exhibit Description | ||
2.3 |
| Agreement and Plan of merger by and among United Industries Corporation, Saturn MergerCo., Inc., and United Pet Group, Inc., dated as of June 14, 2004.(4) | |
3.1 |
| Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, dated January 13, 1999.(1) | |
3.2 |
| Certificate of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, dated January 20, 1999.(1) | |
3.3 |
| Certificate of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, dated | |
3.4 |
| Certificate of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, dated | |
3.5 |
| Certificate of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, dated | |
3.6 |
| Certificate of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, dated July 29, 2004.* | |
3.7 |
| By-laws of the Company.(1) | |
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| Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of | |
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| ||
31.1 |
| Rule 13a-14(a)/Rule 15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer.* | |
31.2 |
| Rule 13a-14(a)/Rule 15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer.* | |
32.1 |
| Section 1350 Certifications (furnished to, but not “filed” with, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission).* |
(1) Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (No. 333-76055) filed on April 9, 1999 and incorporated by reference herein.
(2) Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Registrant’s Form 10-K filed on March 30, 2000April 14, 2001 and incorporated by reference herein.
(3) Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q10-K filed on November 12, 2002March 20, 2003 and incorporated by reference herein.
(4) Confidential treatment has been requested for portions of this exhibit.
Previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on July 30, 2004 and incorporated by reference herein.
* Filed or furnished herewith.
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† The Company agrees to furnish to the Commission a copy of any omitted schedule or exhibit to such agreement upon request by the Commission.
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