FORM 10-K
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-K

 

 

 

x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2010.

OR

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from                  to                 

Commission file No. 001-34757

 

 

SPECTRUM BRANDS HOLDINGS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   27-2166630

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

601 Rayovac Drive, Madison, Wisconsin   53711
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (608) 275-3340

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

None

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

 

Title of each class

Common Stock, Par Value $.01

 

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes  ¨    No  x

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.    Yes  ¨    No  x

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  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  ¨    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.    ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer  ¨    Accelerated filer  x    Non-accelerated filer (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) ¨         Smaller reporting company  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $484,943,967 based upon the closing price on the last business day of the registrant’s (or its predecessor’s) most recently completed second fiscal quarter (April 1, 2010).* As of December 10, 2010, there were outstanding 51,020,426 shares of the registrant’s Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the registrant’s definitive proxy statement to be filed within 120 days of September 30, 2010 are incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K in response to Part III, Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14.

 

* For purposes of this calculation only, shares of the registrant’s Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, held by directors and executive officers and by Harbinger Capital Partners Master Fund I, Ltd., Harbinger Capital Partners Special Situations Fund, L.P. and Global Opportunities Breakaway Ltd. have been treated as owned by affiliates.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

          Page  
   PART I   

ITEM 1.

  

BUSINESS

     1   

ITEM 1A.

  

RISK FACTORS

     13   

ITEM 1B.

  

UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

     33   

ITEM 2.

  

PROPERTIES

     34   

ITEM 3.

  

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

     35   
ITEM 4.   

(REMOVED AND RESERVED)

     36   
   PART II   

ITEM 5.

  

MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

     37   

ITEM 6.

  

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

     39   

ITEM 7.

  

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

     42   

ITEM 7A.

  

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

     84   

ITEM 8.

  

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

     85   

ITEM 9.

  

CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

     85   

ITEM 9A.

  

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

     85   

ITEM 9B.

  

OTHER INFORMATION

     86   
   PART III   

ITEM 10.

  

DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

     87   

ITEM 11.

  

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

     87   

ITEM 12.

  

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

     88   

ITEM 13.

  

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

     88   

ITEM 14.

  

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

     88   
   PART IV   

ITEM 15.

  

EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULES

     89   
  

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE

     90   
  

SIGNATURES

     169   
  

EXHIBIT INDEX

     170   


Table of Contents

PART I

 

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

General

Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“SB Holdings”), is a global branded consumer products company and was created in connection with the combination of Spectrum Brands, Inc. (“Spectrum Brands”), a global branded consumer products company and Russell Hobbs, Inc. (“Russell Hobbs”), a small appliance brand company, to form a new combined company (the “Merger”). The Merger was consummated on June 16, 2010. As a result of the Merger, both Spectrum Brands and Russell Hobbs are wholly-owned subsidiaries of SB Holdings and Russell Hobbs is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Spectrum Brands. SB Holdings’ common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) under the symbol “SPB.”

Unless the context indicates otherwise, the terms the “Company,” “Spectrum,” “we,” “our” or “us” are used to refer to SB Holdings and its subsidiaries subsequent to the Merger and Spectrum Brands prior to the Merger, as well as both before and on and after the Effective Date, as defined below. The term “Old Spectrum,” refers only to Spectrum Brands, our Wisconsin predecessor, and its subsidiaries prior to the Effective Date.

In connection with the Merger, we refinanced Spectrum Brands’ existing senior debt, except for Spectrum Brands’ 12% Senior Subordinated Toggle Notes due 2019 (the “12% Notes”), which remain outstanding, and a portion of Russell Hobbs’ existing senior debt through a combination of a new $750 million Term Loan due June 16, 2016 (the “Term Loan”), new $750 million 9.5% Senior Secured Notes maturing June 15, 2018 (the “9.5% Notes”) and a new $300 million ABL revolving facility due June 16, 2014 (the “ABL Revolving Credit Facility” and together with the Term Loan, the “Senior Credit Facilities” and the Senior Credit Facilities together with the 9.5% Notes, the “Senior Secured Facilities”).

As further described below, on February 3, 2009, we and our wholly owned United States (“U.S.”) subsidiaries (collectively, the “Debtors”) filed voluntary petitions under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code (the “Bankruptcy Code”), in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Texas (the “Bankruptcy Court”). On August 28, 2009 (the “Effective Date”), the Debtors emerged from Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. Effective as of the Effective Date and pursuant to the Debtors’ confirmed plan of reorganization, Spectrum Brands converted from a Wisconsin corporation to a Delaware corporation.

Financial information included in our financial statements prepared after August 30, 2009 will not be comparable to financial information from prior periods. See Item 1A. Risk Factors—“Risks Related To Our Emergence From Bankruptcy” for more information.

We are a global branded consumer products company with positions in seven major product categories: consumer batteries; small appliances; pet supplies; electric shaving and grooming; electric personal care; portable lighting; and home and garden control products.

We manage our business in four reportable segments: (i) Global Batteries & Personal Care, which consists of our worldwide battery, shaving and grooming, personal care and portable lighting business (“Global Batteries & Personal Care”); (ii) Global Pet Supplies, which consists of our worldwide pet supplies business (“Global Pet Supplies”); (iii) the Home and Garden Business, which consists of our home and garden control product offerings, including household insecticides, repellants and herbicides (the “Home and Garden Business”); and (iv) Small Appliances, which consists of small electrical appliances primarily in the kitchen and home product categories (“Small Appliances”).

We manufacture and market alkaline, zinc carbon and hearing aid batteries, herbicides, insecticides and repellants and specialty pet supplies. We design, market and distribute rechargeable batteries, battery-powered lighting products, electric shavers and accessories, grooming products, hair care appliances, small household

 

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appliances and personal care products. Our manufacturing and product development facilities are located in the U.S., Europe, Latin America and Asia. Substantially all of our rechargeable batteries and chargers, shaving and grooming products, small household appliances, personal care products and portable lighting products are manufactured by third-party suppliers, primarily located in Asia.

We sell our products in approximately 120 countries through a variety of trade channels, including retailers, wholesalers and distributors, hearing aid professionals, industrial distributors and original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”) and enjoy strong name recognition in our markets under the Rayovac, VARTA and Remington brands, each of which has been in existence for more than 80 years, and under the Tetra, 8-in-1, Spectracide, Cutter, Black & Decker, George Foreman, Russell Hobbs, Farberware and various other brands.

Global and geographic strategic initiatives and financial objectives are determined at the corporate level. Each business segment is responsible for implementing defined strategic initiatives and achieving certain financial objectives and has a general manager responsible for sales and marketing initiatives and the financial results for all product lines within that business segment.

Our operating performance is influenced by a number of factors including: general economic conditions; foreign exchange fluctuations; trends in consumer markets; consumer confidence and preferences; our overall product line mix, including pricing and gross margin, which vary by product line and geographic market; pricing of certain raw materials and commodities; energy and fuel prices; and our general competitive position, especially as impacted by our competitors’ advertising and promotional activities and pricing strategies.

In November 2008, our board of directors committed to the shutdown of the growing products portion of the Home and Garden Business, which includes the manufacturing and marketing of fertilizers, enriched soils, mulch and grass seed, following an evaluation of the historical lack of profitability and the projected input costs and significant working capital demands for the growing products portion of the Home and Garden Business for our fiscal year ended September 30, 2009 (“Fiscal 2009”). We believe the shutdown was consistent with what we have done in other areas of our business to eliminate unprofitable products from our portfolio. As of March 29, 2009, we completed the shutdown of the growing products portion of the Home and Garden Business. Accordingly, the presentation herein of the results of continuing operations excludes the growing products portion of the Home and Garden Business for all periods presented. See Note 9, Discontinued Operations, to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further details on the disposal of the growing products portion of the Home and Garden Business.

On December 15, 2008, prior to our Bankruptcy Filing, as defined below, Old Spectrum was advised that its common stock would be suspended from trading on the NYSE prior to the opening of the market on December 22, 2008. It was advised that the decision to suspend its common stock was reached in view of the fact that it had recently fallen below the NYSE’s continued listing standard regarding average global market capitalization over a consecutive 30 trading day period of not less than $25 million, the minimum threshold for listing on the NYSE. Old Spectrum’s common stock was delisted from the NYSE effective January 23, 2009.

On March 18, 2010, the common stock of Spectrum Brands was listed on the NYSE. In connection with the consummation of the Merger, on June 16, 2010 the common stock of Spectrum Brands was delisted from the NYSE and the common stock of SB Holdings succeeded to its listing status under the symbol “SPB.”

As a result of our Bankruptcy Filing, we were able to significantly reduce our indebtedness. As a result of the Merger, we were able to further reduce our outstanding debt leverage ratio. However, we continue to have a significant amount of indebtedness relative to our competitors and paying down outstanding indebtedness continues to be a priority for us. The Bankruptcy Filing is discussed in more detail under “Chapter 11 Proceedings.”

 

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Chapter 11 Proceedings

On February 2, 2009, the Company did not make a $25.8 million interest payment due February 2, 2009 on the Company’s 7 3/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2015 (the “7 3/8 Notes”), triggering a default with respect to the notes. On February 3, 2009, we announced that we had reached agreements with certain noteholders, representing, in the aggregate, approximately 70% of the face value of our then outstanding senior subordinated notes, to pursue a refinancing that, if implemented as proposed, would significantly reduce our outstanding debt. As a result of its substantial leverage, the Company determined that, absent a financial restructuring, it would be unable to achieve future profitability or positive cash flows on a consolidated basis solely from cash generated from operating activities or to satisfy certain of its payment obligations as the same may become due and be at risk of not satisfying the leverage ratios to which it was subject under its then existing senior secured term loan facility, which ratios became more restrictive in future periods. Accordingly, the Debtors filed voluntary petitions under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code, in the Bankruptcy Court (the “Bankruptcy Filing”) and filed with the Bankruptcy Court a proposed plan of reorganization (the “Proposed Plan”) that detailed the Debtors’ proposed terms for the refinancing. The Chapter 11 cases were jointly administered by the Bankruptcy Court as Case No. 09-50455 (the “Bankruptcy Cases”). The Bankruptcy Court entered a written order (the “Confirmation Order”) on July 15, 2009 confirming the Proposed Plan (as so confirmed, the “Plan”).

On the Effective Date the Plan became effective, and the Debtors emerged from Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. Pursuant to and by operation of the Plan, on the Effective Date, all of Old Spectrum’s existing equity securities, including the existing common stock and stock options, were extinguished and deemed cancelled. Reorganized Spectrum Brands, Inc. filed a certificate of incorporation authorizing new shares of common stock. Pursuant to and in accordance with the Plan, on the Effective Date, reorganized Spectrum Brands, Inc. issued a total of 27,030,000 shares of common stock and approximately $218 million in aggregate principal amount of the 12% Notes to holders of allowed claims with respect to Old Spectrum’s 8 1/2 % Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013 (the “8 1/2 Notes”), the 7 3/8% Notes and Variable Rate Toggle Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013 (the “Variable Rate Notes”) (collectively, the “Senior Subordinated Notes”). For a further discussion of the 12% Notes see “Debt Financing Activities—12% Notes.” Also on the Effective Date, reorganized Spectrum Brands, Inc. issued a total of 2,970,000 shares of common stock to supplemental and sub-supplemental debtor-in-possession credit facility participants in respect of the equity fee earned under the Debtors’ debtor-in-possession credit facility.

Our Products

We compete in seven major product categories: consumer batteries; pet supplies; electric shaving and grooming; electric personal care products; home and garden control products; small appliances and portable lighting. Our broad line of products includes:

 

   

consumer batteries, including alkaline and zinc carbon batteries, rechargeable batteries and chargers and hearing aid batteries and other specialty batteries;

 

   

pet supplies, including aquatic equipment and supplies, dog and cat treats, small animal foods, clean up and training aids, health and grooming products and bedding;

 

   

home and garden control products including household insect controls, insect repellents and herbicides;

 

   

electric shaving and grooming devices;

 

   

small appliances, including small kitchen appliances and home product appliances;

 

   

electric personal care and styling devices; and

 

   

portable lighting.

 

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Net sales of each product category sold, as a percentage of net sales of our consolidated operations, is set forth below.

 

     Percentage of Total Company
Net Sales for the Fiscal Year  Ended
September 30,
 
     2010     2009     2008  

Consumer batteries

     34     37     38

Pet supplies

     22        26        25   

Home and garden control products

     13        14        14   

Electric shaving and grooming

     10        10        10   

Small appliances

     9        —          —     

Electric personal care products

     8        9        9   

Portable lighting

     4        4        4   
                        
     100     100     100
                        

Consumer Batteries

We market and sell a full line of alkaline batteries (AA, AAA, C, D and 9-volt sizes) to both retail and industrial customers. Our alkaline batteries are marketed and sold primarily under the Rayovac and VARTA brands. We also manufacture alkaline batteries for third parties who sell the batteries under their own private labels. Our zinc carbon batteries are also marketed and sold primarily under the Rayovac and VARTA brands and are designed for low- and medium-drain battery-powered devices.

We believe that we are currently the largest worldwide marketer and distributor of hearing aid batteries. We sell our hearing aid batteries through retail trade channels and directly to professional audiologists under several brand names and private labels, including Beltone, Miracle Ear and Starkey.

We also sell Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) rechargeable batteries and a variety of battery chargers under the Rayovac and VARTA brands.

Our other specialty battery products include camera batteries, lithium batteries, silver oxide batteries, keyless entry batteries and coin cells for use in watches, cameras, calculators, communications equipment and medical instruments.

Pet Supplies

In the pet supplies product category we market and sell a variety of leading branded pet supplies for fish, dogs, cats, birds and other small domestic animals. We have a broad line of consumer and commercial aquatics products, including integrated aquarium kits, standalone tanks and stands, filtration systems, heaters, pumps, and other equipment, fish food and water treatment products. Our largest aquatics brands are Tetra, Marineland, Whisper, Jungle and Instant Ocean. We also sell a variety of specialty pet products, including dog and cat treats, small animal food and treats, clean up and training aid products, health and grooming aids, and bedding products. Our largest specialty pet brands include 8-in-1, Dingo, Firstrax, Nature’s Miracle and Wild Harvest.

Home and Garden Control Products

In the home and garden control products category we currently sell and market several leading home and garden care products, including household insecticides, insect repellent, herbicides, garden and indoor plant foods and plant care treatments. We offer a broad array of household insecticides such as spider, roach and ant killer, flying insect killer, insect foggers, wasp and hornet killer, flea and tick control products and roach and ant baits. We also manufacture and market a complete line of insect repellent products that provide protection from

 

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insects, especially mosquitoes. These products include both personal repellents, such as aerosols, pump sprays and wipes as well as area repellents, such as yard sprays, citronella candles and torches. Our largest brands in the insect control category include Hot Shot, Cutter and Repel. Our herbicides, garden and indoor plant foods and plant care treatment brands include Spectracide, Real-Kill and Garden Safe. We have positioned ourselves as the value alternative for consumers who want products that are comparable to, but sold at lower prices than, premium-priced brands.

Electric Shaving and Grooming

We market and sell a broad line of electric shaving and grooming products under the Remington brand name, including men’s rotary and foil shavers, beard and mustache trimmers, body trimmers and nose and ear trimmers, women’s shavers and haircut kits.

Small Appliances

In the small appliances category, we market and sell a broad range of products in three major product categories: branded small household appliances, pet and pest products, and personal care products. We market a broad line of small kitchen appliances under the George Foreman, Black &Decker, Russell Hobbs, Farberware, Juiceman, Breadman and Toastmaster brands, including grills, bread makers, sandwich makers, kettles, toaster ovens, toasters, blenders, juicers, can openers, coffee grinders, coffeemakers, electric knives, deep fryers, food choppers, food processors, hand mixers, rice cookers and steamers. We also market small home product appliances, including hand-held irons, vacuum cleaners, air purifiers, clothes shavers and heaters, primarily under the Black & Decker and Russell Hobbs brands. Pet products include cat litter boxes sold under the LitterMaid brand. The consumable accessories including privacy tents, litter carpets, crystal litter cartridges, charcoal filters, corn-based litter and replaceable waste receptacles. The pest control products include pest control and repelling devices that use ultra-sonic sound waves to control insects and rodents, primarily in homes. Russell Hobbs’ personal care products in the small appliances category include hand-held dryers, curling irons, straightening irons, brush irons, air brushes, hair setters, facial brushes, skin appliances and electric toothbrushes, which are primarily marketed under the Russell Hobbs, Carmen and Andrew Collinge brands.

Electric Personal Care Products

Our electric personal care products, marketed and sold under the Remington brand name, include hair dryers, straightening irons, styling irons and hair setters.

Portable Lighting

We offer a broad line of battery-powered, portable lighting products, including flashlights and lanterns for both retail and industrial markets. We sell our portable lighting products under the Rayovac and VARTA brand names, under other proprietary brand names and pursuant to licensing arrangements with third parties.

Sales and Distribution

We sell our products through a variety of trade channels, including retailers, wholesalers and distributors, hearing aid professionals, industrial distributors and OEMs. Our sales generally are made through the use of individual purchase orders, consistent with industry practice. Retail sales of the consumer products we market have been increasingly consolidated into a small number of regional and national mass merchandisers. This trend towards consolidation is occurring on a worldwide basis. As a result of this consolidation, a significant percentage of our sales are attributable to a very limited group of retailer customers, including, Wal-Mart, The Home Depot, Carrefour, Target, Lowe’s, PetSmart, Canadian Tire, PetCo and Gigante. Our sales to Wal-Mart represented approximately 22% of our consolidated net sales for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010. No other customer accounted for more than 10% of our consolidated net sales in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010.

 

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Segment information as to revenues, profit and total assets as well as information concerning our revenues and long-lived assets by geographic location for the last three fiscal years is set forth in Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Note 11, Segment Results, in Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Sales and distribution practices in each of our reportable segments are as set forth below.

Global Batteries & Personal Care

We manage our Global Batteries & Personal Care sales force by geographic region and product group. Our sales team is divided into three major geographic territories, North America, Latin America and Europe and the rest of the world (“Europe/ROW”). Within each major geographic territory, we have additional subdivisions designed to meet our customers’ needs.

We manage our sales force in North America by distribution channel. We maintain separate sales groups to service (i) our retail sales and distribution channel, (ii) our hearing aid professionals channel and (iii) our industrial distributors and OEM sales and distribution channel. In addition, we utilize a network of independent brokers to service participants in selected distribution channels.

We manage our sales force in Latin America by distribution channel and geographic territory. We sell primarily to large retailers, wholesalers, distributors, food and drug chains and retail outlets. In countries where we do not maintain a sales force, we sell to distributors who market our products through all channels in the market.

The sales force serving our customers in Europe/ROW is supplemented by an international network of distributors to promote the sale of our products. Our sales operations throughout Europe/ROW are organized by geographic territory and the following sales channels: (i) food/retail, which includes mass merchandisers, discounters and drug and food stores; (ii) specialty trade, which includes clubs, consumer electronics stores, department stores, photography stores and wholesalers/distributors; and (iii) industrial, government, hearing aid professionals and OEMs.

Global Pet Supplies

Our Global Pet Supplies sales force is aligned by customer, geographic region and product group. We sell pet supply products to mass merchandisers, grocery and drug chains, pet superstores, independent pet stores and other retailers.

Home and Garden Business

The sales force of the Home and Garden Business is aligned by customer. We sell primarily to home improvement centers, mass merchandisers, hardware stores, lawn and garden distributors, and food and drug retailers in the U.S.

Small Appliances

In the small appliances category, Russell Hobbs’ products are sold principally by internal sales staff located in North America, Latin America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Russell Hobbs also uses independent sales representatives, primarily in Central America and the Caribbean. Russell Hobbs distributes most of its small appliance products to retailers, including mass merchandisers, department stores, home improvement stores, warehouse clubs, drug chains, catalog stores and discount and variety stores. In addition to directing its marketing efforts toward retailers, Russell Hobbs sells certain of its products directly to consumers through infomercials and its Internet websites.

 

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Manufacturing, Raw Materials and Suppliers

The principal raw materials used in manufacturing our products—zinc powder, electrolytic manganese dioxide powder and steel—are sourced either on a global or regional basis. The prices of these raw materials are susceptible to price fluctuations due to supply and demand trends, energy costs, transportation costs, government regulations and tariffs, changes in currency exchange rates, price controls, general economic conditions and other unforeseen circumstances. We have regularly engaged in forward purchase and hedging derivative transactions in an attempt to effectively manage the raw material costs we expect to incur over the next 12 to 24 months.

Substantially all of our rechargeable batteries and chargers, portable lighting products, hair care and other personal care products and our electric shaving and grooming products and small appliances are manufactured by third party suppliers that are primarily located in the Asia/Pacific region. We maintain ownership of most of the tooling and molds used by our suppliers.

We continually evaluate our manufacturing facilities’ capacity and related utilization. As a result of such analyses, we have closed a number of manufacturing facilities during the past five years. In general, we believe our existing facilities are adequate for our present and foreseeable needs.

Research and Development

Our research and development strategy is focused on new product development and performance enhancements of our existing products. We plan to continue to use our strong brand names, established customer relationships and significant research and development efforts to introduce innovative products that offer enhanced value to consumers through new designs and improved functionality.

In our fiscal years ended September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008, we invested $31.0 million, $24.4 million and $25.3 million, respectively, in product research and development.

Patents and Trademarks

We own or license from third parties a significant number of patents and patent applications throughout the world relating to products we sell and manufacturing equipment we use. We hold a license that expires in March 2022 for certain alkaline battery designs, technology and manufacturing equipment from Matsushita Electrical Industrial Co., Ltd. (“Matsushita”), to whom we pay a royalty.

We also use and maintain a number of trademarks in our business, including DINGO, JUNGLETALK, MARINELAND, RAYOVAC, REMINGTON, TETRA, VARTA, 8IN1, CUTTER, HOT SHOT, GARDEN SAFE, NATURE’S MIRACLE, REPEL, SPECTRACIDE, SPECTRACIDE TERMINATE, GEORGE FOREMAN, RUSSELL HOBBS and BLACK & DECKER. We seek trademark protection in the U.S. and in foreign countries by all available means, including registration.

As a result of the October 2002 sale by VARTA AG of substantially all of its consumer battery business to us and VARTA AG’s subsequent sale of its automotive battery business to Johnson Controls, Inc. (“Johnson Controls”), we acquired rights to the VARTA trademark in the consumer battery category and Johnson Controls acquired rights to the trademark in the automotive battery category. VARTA AG continues to have rights to use the trademark with travel guides and industrial batteries and VARTA Microbattery GmbH has the right to use the trade mark with micro batteries. We are party to a Trademark and Domain Names Protection and Delimitation Agreement that governs ownership and usage rights and obligations of the parties relative to the VARTA trademark.

As a result of the common origins of the Remington Products, L.L.C. (“Remington Products”), business we acquired in September 2003 and the Remington Arms Company, Inc. (“Remington Arms”), the REMINGTON trademark is owned by us and by Remington Arms each with respect to its principal products as well as

 

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associated products. Accordingly, we own the rights to use the REMINGTON trademark for electric shavers, shaver accessories, grooming products and personal care products, while Remington Arms owns the rights to use the trademark for firearms, sporting goods and products for industrial use, including industrial hand tools. In addition, the terms of a 1986 agreement between Remington Products and Remington Arms provides for the shared rights to use the REMINGTON trademark on products which are not considered “principal products of interest” for either company. We retain the REMINGTON trademark for nearly all products which we believe can benefit from the use of the brand name in our distribution channels.

We license the Black & Decker brand in North America, Latin America (excluding Brazil) and the Caribbean for four core categories of household appliances: beverage products, food preparation products, garment care products and cooking products. Russell Hobbs has licensed the Black & Decker brand since 1998 for use in marketing various household small appliances. In December 2007, Russell Hobbs and The Black & Decker Corporation (“BDC”) extended the trademark license agreement for a third time through December 2012, with an automatic extension through December 2014 if certain milestones are met regarding sales volume and product return. Under the agreement as extended, Russell Hobbs agreed to pay BDC royalties based on a percentage of sales, with minimum annual royalty payments as follows:

 

   

Calendar year 2010: $14.5 million

 

   

Calendar year 2011: $15.0 million

 

   

Calendar year 2012: $15.0 million

The agreement also requires us to comply with maximum annual return rates for products.

If BDC does not agree to renew the license agreement, we have 18 months to transition out of the brand name. No minimum royalty payments will be due during such transition period. BDC has agreed not to compete in the four core product categories for a period of five years after the termination of the license agreement. Upon request, BDC may elect to extend the license to use the Black & Decker brand to certain additional product categories. BDC has approved several extensions of the license to additional categories and geographies.

Competition

In our retail markets, we compete for limited shelf space and consumer acceptance. Factors influencing product sales include brand name recognition, perceived quality, price, performance, product packaging, design innovation, and consumer confidence and preferences as well as creative marketing, promotion and distribution strategies.

The battery product category is highly competitive. Most consumer batteries manufactured throughout the world are sold by one of four global companies: Spectrum Brands (manufacturer/seller of Rayovac and VARTA brands); Energizer Holdings, Inc. (“Energizer”) (manufacturer/seller of the Energizer brand); The Procter & Gamble Company (“Procter & Gamble”) (manufacturer/seller of the Duracell brand); and Matsushita (manufacturer/seller of the Panasonic brand). We also face competition from the private label brands of major retailers, particularly in Europe. The offering of private-label batteries by retailers may create pricing pressure in the consumer battery market. Typically, private-label brands are not supported by advertising or promotion, and retailers sell these private label offerings at prices below competing name-brands. The main barriers to entry for new competitors are investment in technology research, cost of building manufacturing capacity and the expense of building retail distribution channels and consumer brands.

In the U.S. alkaline battery category, the Rayovac brand is positioned as a value brand, which is typically defined as a product that offers comparable performance at a lower price. In Europe, the VARTA brand is competitively priced with other premium brands. In Latin America, where zinc carbon batteries outsell alkaline batteries, the Rayovac brand is competitively priced.

 

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The pet supply product category is highly fragmented with over 500 manufacturers in the U.S. alone, consisting primarily of small companies with limited product lines. Our largest competitors in this product category are Mars Corporation (“Mars”), The Hartz Mountain Corporation (“Hartz”) and Central Garden & Pet Company (“Central Garden & Pet”). Both Hartz and Central Garden & Pet sell a comprehensive line of pet supplies and compete with a majority of the products we offer. Mars sells primarily aquatics products.

Products we sell in the lawn and garden product category through the Home and Garden Business face competition from The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company (“Scotts Company”), which markets lawn and garden products under the Scotts, Ortho, Roundup and Miracle-Gro brand names; Central Garden & Pet, which markets garden products under the AMDRO and Sevin brand names; and Bayer A.G., which markets lawn and garden products under the Bayer Advanced brand name.

Products we sell in the household insect control product category through the Home and Garden Business, face competition from S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. (“S.C. Johnson”), which markets insecticide and repellent products under the Raid and OFF! brands; Scotts Company, which markets household insect control products under the Ortho brand; and Henkel KGaA, which markets insect control products under the Combat brand.

Our primary competitors in the electric shaving and grooming product category are Norelco, a division of Koninklijke Philips Electronics NV (“Philips”), which sells and markets rotary shavers, and Braun, a division of Procter & Gamble, which sells and markets foil shavers. Through our Remington brand, we sell both foil and rotary shavers.

Primary competitive brands in the small appliance category include Hamilton Beach, Proctor Silex, Sunbeam, Mr. Coffee, Oster, General Electric, Rowenta, DeLonghi, Kitchen Aid, Cuisinart, Krups, Braun, Rival, Europro, Kenwood, Philips, Morphy Richards, Breville and Tefal. The key competitors of Russell Hobbs in this market in the U.S. and Canada include Jarden Corporation, DeLonghi America, Euro-Pro Operating LLC, Metro Thebe, Inc., d/b/a HWI Breville, NACCO Industries, Inc. (Hamilton Beach) and SEB S.A. In addition, Russell Hobbs competes with retailers who use their own private label brands for household appliances (for example, Wal-Mart).

Our major competitors in the electric personal care product category are Conair Corporation, Wahl Clipper Corporation and Helen of Troy Limited (“Helen of Troy”).

Our primary competitors in the portable lighting product category are Energizer and Mag Instrument, Inc.

Some of our major competitors have greater resources and greater overall market share than we do. They have committed significant resources to protect their market shares or to capture market share from us and may continue to do so in the future. In some key product lines, our competitors may have lower production costs and higher profit margins than we do, which may enable them to compete more aggressively in advertising and in offering retail discounts and other promotional incentives to retailers, distributors, wholesalers and, ultimately, consumers.

Seasonality

On a consolidated basis our financial results are approximately equally weighted between quarters, however, sales of certain product categories tend to be seasonal. Sales in the consumer battery, electric shaving and grooming and electric personal care product categories, particularly in North America, tend to be concentrated in the December holiday season (Spectrum’s first fiscal quarter). Demand for pet supplies products remains fairly constant throughout the year. Demand for home and garden control products sold though the Home and Garden Business typically peaks during the first six months of the calendar year (Spectrum’s second and third fiscal quarters). Small Appliances peaks from July through December primarily due to the increased demand by customers in the late summer for “back-to-school” sales and in the fall for the holiday season. For a more

 

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detailed discussion of the seasonality of our product sales, see Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—“Seasonal Product Sales.”

Governmental Regulations and Environmental Matters

Due to the nature of our operations, our facilities are subject to a broad range of federal, state, local and foreign legal and regulatory provisions relating to the environment, including those regulating the discharge of materials into the environment, the handling and disposal of solid and hazardous substances and wastes and the remediation of contamination associated with the releases of hazardous substances at our facilities. We believe that compliance with the federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations to which we are subject will not have a material effect upon our capital expenditures, financial condition, earnings or competitive position.

From time to time, we have been required to address the effect of historic activities on the environmental condition of our properties. We have not conducted invasive testing at all facilities to identify all potential environmental liability risks. Given the age of our facilities and the nature of our operations, it is possible that material liabilities may arise in the future in connection with our current or former facilities. If previously unknown contamination of property underlying or in the vicinity of our manufacturing facilities is discovered, we could incur material unforeseen expenses, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, capital expenditures, earnings and competitive position. Although we are currently engaged in investigative or remedial projects at some of our facilities, we do not expect that such projects, taking into account established accruals, will cause us to incur expenditures that are material to our business, financial condition or results of operations; however, it is possible that our future liability could be material.

We have been, and in the future may be, subject to proceedings related to our disposal of industrial and hazardous material at off-site disposal locations or similar disposals made by other parties for which we are held responsible as a result of our relationships with such other parties. In the U.S., these proceedings are under the Federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (“CERCLA”) or similar state laws that hold persons who “arranged for” the disposal or treatment of such substances strictly liable for costs incurred in responding to the release or threatened release of hazardous substances from such sites, regardless of fault or the lawfulness of the original disposal. Liability under CERCLA is typically joint and several, meaning that a liable party may be responsible for all costs incurred in investigating and remediating contamination at a site. As a practical matter, liability at CERCLA sites is shared by all of the viable responsible parties. We occasionally are identified by federal or state governmental agencies as being a potentially responsible party for response actions contemplated at an off-site facility. At the existing sites where we have been notified of our status as a potentially responsible party, it is either premature to determine whether our potential liability, if any, will be material or we do not believe that our liability, if any, will be material. We may be named as a potentially responsible party under CERCLA or similar state laws for other sites not currently known to us, and the costs and liabilities associated with these sites may be material.

It is difficult to quantify with certainty the potential financial impact of actions regarding expenditures for environmental matters, particularly remediation, and future capital expenditures for environmental control equipment. Nevertheless, based upon the information currently available, we believe that our ultimate liability arising from such environmental matters, taking into account established accruals of $9.6 million for estimated liabilities at September 30, 2010 should not be material to our business or financial condition.

Electronic and electrical products that we sell in Europe, particularly products sold under the Remington brand name, VARTA battery chargers, certain portable lighting and all of our batteries, are subject to regulation in European Union (“EU”) markets under three key EU directives. The first directive is the Restriction of the Use of Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (“RoHS”) which took effect in EU member states beginning July 1, 2006. RoHS prohibits companies from selling products which contain certain specified hazardous materials in EU member states. We believe that compliance with RoHS will not have a material effect on our capital expenditures, financial condition, earnings or competitive position. The second directive is entitled

 

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the Waste of Electrical and Electronic Equipment (“WEEE”). WEEE makes producers or importers of particular classes of electrical goods financially responsible for specified collection, recycling, treatment and disposal of past and future covered products. WEEE assigns levels of responsibility to companies doing business in EU markets based on their relative market share. WEEE calls on each EU member state to enact enabling legislation to implement the directive. To comply with WEEE requirements, we have partnered with other companies to create a comprehensive collection, treatment, disposal and recycling program. As EU member states pass enabling legislation we currently expect our compliance system to be sufficient to meet such requirements. Our current estimated costs associated with compliance with WEEE are not significant based on our current market share. However, we continue to evaluate the impact of the WEEE legislation as EU member states implement guidance and as our market share changes, and, as a result, actual costs to our company could differ from our current estimates and may be material to our business, financial condition or results of operations. The third directive is the Directive on Batteries and Accumulators and Waste Batteries, which was adopted in September 2006 and went into effect in September 2008 (the “Battery Directive”). The Battery Directive bans heavy metals in batteries by establishing maximum quantities of those heavy metals in batteries and mandates waste management of batteries, including collection, recycling and disposal systems. The Battery Directive places the costs of such waste management systems on producers and importers of batteries. The Battery Directive calls on each EU member state to enact enabling legislation to implement the directive. We currently believe that compliance with the Battery Directive will not have a material effect on our capital expenditures, financial condition, earnings or competitive position. However, until such time as the EU member states adopt enabling legislation, a full evaluation of these costs cannot be completed. We will continue to evaluate the impact of the Battery Directive and its enabling legislation as EU member states implement guidance.

Certain of our products and facilities in each of our business segments are regulated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (the “EPA”) and the United States Food and Drug Administration (the “FDA”) or other federal consumer protection and product safety agencies and are subject to the regulations such agencies enforce, as well as by similar state, foreign and multinational agencies and regulations. For example, in the U.S., all products containing pesticides must be registered with the EPA and, in many cases, similar state and foreign agencies before they can be manufactured or sold. Our inability to obtain or the cancellation of any registration could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. 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 and other ingredients. We may not always be able to avoid or minimize these risks.

The Food Quality Protection Act (“FQPA”) established 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 FQPA, the EPA is evaluating the cumulative effects from dietary and non-dietary exposures to pesticides. The pesticides in certain of our products continue to be evaluated by the EPA as part of this program. 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. We cannot predict the outcome or the severity of the effect of the EPA’s continuing evaluations of active ingredients used in our products.

Certain of our products and packaging materials are subject to regulations administered by the FDA. Among other things, the FDA enforces statutory prohibitions against misbranded and adulterated products, establishes ingredients and manufacturing procedures for certain products, establishes standards of identity for certain products, determines the safety of products and establishes labeling standards and requirements. In addition, various states regulate these products by enforcing federal and state standards of identity for selected products, grading products, inspecting production facilities and imposing their own labeling requirements.

Employees

We had approximately 6,100 full-time employees worldwide as of September 30, 2010. Approximately 20% of our total labor force is covered by collective bargaining agreements. There is one collective bargaining

 

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agreement that will expire during our fiscal year ending September 30, 2011, which covers approximately 12% of the labor force under collective bargaining agreements, or approximately 2% of our total labor force. We believe that our overall relationship with our employees is good.

Available Information

Our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to reports filed pursuant to Sections 13(a) and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), are made available free of charge on or through our website at www.spectrumbrands.com as soon as reasonably practicable after such reports are filed with, or furnished to, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). You may read and copy any materials we file with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC also maintains an Internet site that contains our reports, proxy statements and other information at www.sec.gov. In addition, copies of our (i) Corporate Governance Guidelines, (ii) charters for the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, (iii) Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and (iv) Code of Ethics for the Principal Executive Officer and Senior Financial Officers are available at our Internet site at www.spectrumbrands.com under “Investor Relations—Corporate Governance.” Copies will also be provided to any stockholder upon written request to the Vice President, Investor Relations & Corporate Communications, Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc. at 601 Rayovac Drive, Madison, Wisconsin 53711 or via electronic mail at investorrelations@spectrumbrands.com, or by contacting the Vice President, Investor Relations & Corporate Communications by telephone at (608) 275-3340.

 

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

Forward-Looking Statements

We have made or implied certain forward-looking statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. All statements, other than statements of historical facts included in this Annual Report, including the statements under Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations regarding our business strategy, future operations, financial condition, estimated revenues, projected costs, projected synergies, prospects, plans and objectives of management, as well as information concerning expected actions of third parties, are forward-looking statements. When used in this Annual Report, the words “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “estimate,” “believe,” “expect,” “project,” “could,” “will,” “should,” “may” and similar expressions are also intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words.

Since these forward-looking statements are based upon our current expectations of future events and projections and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control and some of which may change rapidly, actual results or outcomes may differ materially from those expressed or implied herein, and you should not place undue reliance on these statements. Important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied herein include, without limitation:

 

   

the impact of our substantial indebtedness on our business, financial condition and results of operations;

 

   

the impact of restrictions in our debt instruments on our ability to operate our business, finance our capital needs or pursue or expand business strategies;

 

   

any failure to comply with financial covenants and other provisions and restrictions of our debt instruments;

 

   

our ability to successfully integrate the business acquired in connection with the combination with Russell Hobbs and achieve the expected synergies from that integration at the expected costs;

 

   

the impact of expenses resulting from the implementation of new business strategies, divestitures or current and proposed restructuring activities;

 

   

the impact of fluctuations in commodity prices, costs or availability of raw materials or terms and conditions available from suppliers, including suppliers’ willingness to advance credit;

 

   

interest rate and exchange rate fluctuations;

 

   

the loss of, or a significant reduction in, sales to a significant retail customer(s);

 

   

competitive promotional activity or spending by competitors or price reductions by competitors;

 

   

the introduction of new product features or technological developments by competitors and/or the development of new competitors or competitive brands;

 

   

the effects of general economic conditions, including inflation, recession or fears of a recession, depression or fears of a depression, labor costs and stock market volatility or changes in trade, monetary or fiscal policies in the countries where we do business;

 

   

changes in consumer spending preferences and demand for our products;

 

   

our ability to develop and successfully introduce new products, protect our intellectual property and avoid infringing the intellectual property of third parties;

 

   

our ability to successfully implement, achieve and sustain manufacturing and distribution cost efficiencies and improvements, and fully realize anticipated cost savings;

 

   

the cost and effect of unanticipated legal, tax or regulatory proceedings or new laws or regulations (including environmental, public health and consumer protection regulations);

 

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public perception regarding the safety of our products, including the potential for environmental liabilities, product liability claims, litigation and other claims;

 

   

the impact of pending or threatened litigation;

 

   

changes in accounting policies applicable to our business;

 

   

government regulations;

 

   

the seasonal nature of sales of certain of our products;

 

   

the effects of climate change and unusual weather activity; and

 

   

the effects of political or economic conditions, terrorist attacks, acts of war or other unrest in international markets.

Some of the above-mentioned factors are described in further detail in the section entitled “Risk Factors” set forth below. You should assume the information appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K is accurate only as of September 30, 2010 or as otherwise specified, as our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since that date. Except as required by applicable law, including the securities laws of the U.S. and the rules and regulations of the SEC, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise to reflect actual results or changes in factors or assumptions affecting such forward-looking statement.

 

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RISK FACTORS

Any of the following factors could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and the risks described below are not the only risks that we may face. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently view as immaterial may also materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Risks Related to the Merger

Significant costs have been incurred in connection with the consummation of the Merger and are expected to be incurred in connection with the integration of Spectrum Brands and Russell Hobbs into a combined company, including legal, accounting, financial advisory and other costs.

We expect to incur one-time costs of approximately $23 million in connection with integrating the operations, products and personnel of Spectrum Brands and Russell Hobbs into a combined company, in addition to costs related directly to completing the Merger described below. These costs may include costs for:

 

   

employee redeployment, relocation or severance;

 

   

integration of information systems;

 

   

combination of research and development teams and processes; and

 

   

reorganization or closures of facilities.

In addition, we expect to incur a number of non-recurring costs associated with combining our operations with those of Russell Hobbs, which cannot be estimated accurately at this time. We incurred approximately $85 million of transaction fees and other costs related to the Merger. Additional unanticipated costs may yet be incurred as we integrate our business with that of Russell Hobbs. Although we expect that the elimination of duplicative costs, as well as the realization of other efficiencies related to the integration of our operations with those of Russell Hobbs, may offset incremental transaction and transaction-related costs over time, this net benefit may not be achieved in the near term, or at all. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in our integration efforts. In addition, while we expect to benefit from leveraging distribution channels and brand names across both companies, we cannot assure you that we will achieve such benefits.

We may not realize the anticipated benefits of the Merger.

The Merger involved the integration of two companies that previously operated independently. The integration of our operations with those of Russell Hobbs is expected to result in financial and operational benefits, including increased revenues and cost savings. There can be no assurance, however, regarding when or the extent to which we will be able to realize these increased revenues, cost savings or other benefits. Integration may also be difficult, unpredictable, and subject to delay because of possible company culture conflicts and different opinions on technical decisions and product roadmaps. We must integrate or, in some cases, replace, numerous systems, including those involving management information, purchasing, accounting and finance, sales, billing, employee benefits, payroll and regulatory compliance, many of which are dissimilar. In some instances, we and Russell Hobbs have served the same customers, and some customers may decide that it is desirable to have additional or different suppliers. Difficulties associated with integration could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results.

Integrating our business with that of Russell Hobbs may divert our management’s attention away from operations.

Successful integration of our and Russell Hobbs’ operations, products and personnel may place a significant burden on our management and other internal resources. The diversion of management’s attention, and any difficulties encountered in the transition and integration process, could harm our business, financial conditions and operating results.

 

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Risks Related To Our Emergence From Bankruptcy

Because our consolidated financial statements are required to reflect fresh-start reporting adjustments to be made upon emergence from bankruptcy, financial information in our financial statements prepared after August 30, 2009 will not be comparable to our financial information from prior periods.

All conditions required for the adoption of fresh-start reporting were met upon emergence from Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code on the Effective Date. However, in light of the proximity of that date to our accounting period close immediately following the Effective Date, which was August 30, 2009, we elected to adopt a convenience date of August 30, 2009 for recording fresh-start reporting. We adopted fresh-start reporting in accordance with the Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 852: “Reorganizations,” pursuant to which our reorganization value, which is intended to reflect the fair value of the entity before considering liabilities and approximate the amount a willing buyer would pay for the assets of the entity immediately after the reorganization, was allocated to the fair value of assets in conformity with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141, “Business Combinations,” using the purchase method of accounting for business combinations. We stated liabilities, other than deferred taxes, at a present value of amounts expected to be paid. The amount remaining after allocation of the reorganization value to the fair value of identified tangible and intangible assets was reflected as goodwill, which is subject to periodic evaluation for impairment. In addition, under fresh-start reporting the accumulated deficit was eliminated. Thus, our future statements of financial position and results of operations are not be comparable in many respects to statements of financial position and consolidated statements of operations data for periods prior to the adoption of fresh-start reporting. The lack of comparable historical information may discourage investors from purchasing our securities. Additionally, the financial information included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K may not be indicative of future financial information.

Risks Related To Our Business

We are a parent company and our primary source of cash is and will be distributions from our subsidiaries.

We are a parent company with limited business operations of our own. Our main asset is the capital stock of our subsidiaries. We conduct most of our business operations through our direct and indirect subsidiaries. Accordingly, our primary sources of cash are dividends and distributions with respect to our ownership interests in our subsidiaries that are derived from their earnings and cash flow. Our subsidiaries might not generate sufficient earnings and cash flow to pay dividends or distributions in the future. Our subsidiaries’ payments to us will be contingent upon their earnings and upon other business considerations. In addition, our senior credit facilities, the indentures governing our notes and other agreements limit or prohibit certain payments of dividends or other distributions to us. We expect that future credit facilities will contain similar restrictions.

Our substantial indebtedness may limit our financial and operating flexibility, and we may incur additional debt, which could increase the risks associated with our substantial indebtedness.

We have, and we expect to continue to have, a significant amount of indebtedness. As of September 30, 2010, we had total indebtedness under our Senior Secured Facilities, the 12% Notes and other debt of approximately $1.8 billion. Our substantial indebtedness has had, and could continue to have, material adverse consequences for our business, and may:

 

   

require us to dedicate a large portion of our cash flow to pay principal and interest on our indebtedness, which will reduce the availability of our cash flow to fund working capital, capital expenditures, research and development expenditures and other business activities;

 

   

increase our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions;

 

   

limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industry in which we operate;

 

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restrict our ability to make strategic acquisitions, dispositions or exploiting business opportunities;

 

   

place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that have less debt; and

 

   

limit our ability to borrow additional funds (even when necessary to maintain adequate liquidity) or dispose of assets.

Under the Senior Secured Facilities and the indenture governing the 12% Notes (the “2019 Indenture”), we may incur additional indebtedness. If new debt is added to our existing debt levels, the related risks that we now face would increase.

Furthermore, a substantial portion of our debt bears interest at variable rates. If market interest rates increase, the interest rate on our variable rate debt will increase and will create higher debt service requirements, which would adversely affect our cash flow and could adversely impact our results of operations. While we may enter into agreements limiting our exposure to higher debt service requirements, any such agreements may not offer complete protection from this risk.

Restrictive covenants in the Senior Secured Facilities and the 2019 Indenture may restrict our ability to pursue our business strategies.

The Senior Secured Facilities and the 2019 Indenture each restrict, among other things, asset dispositions, mergers and acquisitions, dividends, stock repurchases and redemptions, other restricted payments, indebtedness and preferred stock, loans and investments, liens and affiliate transactions. The Senior Secured Facilities and the 2019 Indenture also contain customary events of default. These covenants, among other things, limit our ability to fund future working capital and capital expenditures, engage in future acquisitions or development activities, or otherwise realize the value of our assets and opportunities fully because of the need to dedicate a portion of cash flow from operations to payments on debt. In addition, the Senior Secured Facilities contain financial covenants relating to maximum leverage and minimum interest coverage. Such covenants could limit the flexibility of our restricted entities in planning for, or reacting to, changes in the industries in which they operate. Our ability to comply with these covenants is subject to certain events outside of our control. If we are unable to comply with these covenants, the lenders under our Senior Secured Facilities or 12% Notes could terminate their commitments and the lenders under our Senior Secured Facilities or 12% Notes could accelerate repayment of our outstanding borrowings, and, in either case, we may be unable to obtain adequate refinancing outstanding borrowings on favorable terms. If we are unable to repay outstanding borrowings when due, the lenders under the Senior Secured Facilities or 12% Notes will also have the right to proceed against the collateral granted to them to secure the indebtedness owed to them. If our obligations under the Senior Secured Facilities and the 12% Notes are accelerated, we cannot assure you that our assets would be sufficient to repay in full such indebtedness.

Assuming consummation of a pending transaction by which Harbinger Group, Inc. (“HRG”) would acquire a majority of the outstanding shares of our common stock, any sale or other disposition by HRG to non-affiliates of a sufficient amount of the common stock of SB Holdings would constitute a change of control under the agreements governing Spectrum Brands’ debt.

HRG and Harbinger Capital Partners Master Fund I, Ltd. (“Harbinger Master Fund”), Harbinger Capital Partners Special Situations Fund, L.P and Global Opportunities Breakaway Ltd. (collectively, the “Harbinger Parties”) are parties to a Contribution and Exchange Agreement (the “Exchange Agreement”), pursuant to the terms of which the Harbinger Parties will contribute 27,756,905 shares of SB Holdings common stock to HRG and received in exchange for such shares an aggregate of 119,909,830 shares of HRG common stock (the “Share Exchange”). Immediately following the consummation of the Share Exchange, HRG will own approximately 54.4% of our common stock and the Harbinger Parties will own approximately 12.7% of the outstanding shares of our common stock. The Harbinger Parties will own approximately 93.3% of the outstanding HRG common stock.

 

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Following consummation of the Share Exchange, any sale or other disposition by HRG to non-affiliates of a sufficient amount of the common stock of SB Holdings could constitute a change of control under the agreements governing Spectrum Brands’ debt, including any foreclosure on or sale of SB Holdings’ common stock pledged as collateral by HRG pursuant to the indenture governing HRG’s $350 million 10.625% Senior Secured Notes due 2015. Under the Term Loan and the ABL Revolving Credit Facility, a change of control is an event of default and, if a change of control were to occur, Spectrum Brands would be required to get an amendment to these agreements to avoid a default. If Spectrum Brands was unable to get such an amendment, the lenders could accelerate the maturity of each of the Spectrum Brands Term Loan and the ABL Revolving Credit Facility. In addition, under the indentures governing the 9.5% Notes and the 12% Notes, upon a change of control of SB Holdings, Spectrum Brands is required to offer to repurchase such notes from the holders at a price equal to 101% of principal amount of the notes plus accrued interest or obtain a waiver of default from the holders of such notes. If Spectrum Brands was unable to make the change of control offer or obtain a waiver of default, it would be an event of default under the indentures that could allow holders of such notes to accelerate the maturity of the notes. See “Risks Related to SB Holdings’ Common Stock—The Harbinger Parties and, following the Share Exchange, HRG, will exercise significant influence over us and their interests in our business may be different from the interest of our stockholders.”

We face risks related to the current economic environment.

The current economic environment and related turmoil in the global financial system has had and may continue to have an impact on our business and financial condition. Global economic conditions have significantly impacted economic markets within certain sectors, with financial services and retail businesses being particularly impacted. Our ability to generate revenue depends significantly on discretionary consumer spending. It is difficult to predict new general economic conditions that could impact consumer and customer demand for our products or our ability to manage normal commercial relationships with our customers, suppliers and creditors. The recent continuation of a number of negative economic factors, including constraints on the supply of credit to households, uncertainty and weakness in the labor market and general consumer fears of a continuing economic downturn could have a negative impact on discretionary consumer spending. If the economy continues to deteriorate or fails to improve, our business could be negatively impacted, including as a result of reduced demand for our products or supplier or customer disruptions. Any weakness in discretionary consumer spending could have a material adverse effect on our revenues, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, our ability to access the capital markets may be restricted at a time when it could be necessary or beneficial to do so, which could have an impact on our flexibility to react to changing economic and business conditions.

In 2010, concern over sovereign debt in Greece, Ireland and certain other European Union countries caused significant fluctuations of the Euro relative to other currencies, such as the U.S. Dollar. Destabilization of the European economy could lead to a decrease in consumer confidence, which could cause reductions in discretionary spending and demand for our products. Furthermore, sovereign debt issues could also lead to further significant, and potentially longer-term, economic issues such as reduced economic growth and devaluation of the Euro against the U.S. Dollar, any of which could adversely affect our business, financial conditions and operating results.

We may not be able to retain key personnel or recruit additional qualified personnel whether as a result of the Merger or otherwise, which could materially affect our business and require us to incur substantial additional costs to recruit replacement personnel.

We are highly dependent on the continuing efforts of our senior management team and other key personnel. As a result of the Merger, our current and prospective employees could experience uncertainty about their future roles. This uncertainty may adversely affect our ability to attract and retain key management, sales, marketing and technical personnel. Any failure to attract and retain key personnel, whether as a result of the Merger or otherwise, could have a material adverse effect on our business. In addition, we currently do not maintain “key person” insurance covering any member of our management team.

 

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We participate in very competitive markets and we may not be able to compete successfully, causing us to lose market share and sales.

The markets in which we participate are very competitive. In the consumer battery market, our primary competitors are Duracell (a brand of Procter & Gamble), Energizer and Panasonic (a brand of Matsushita). In the electric shaving and grooming and electric personal care product markets, our primary competitors are Braun (a brand of Procter & Gamble), Norelco (a brand of Philips), and Vidal Sassoon and Revlon (brands of Helen of Troy). In the pet supplies market, our primary competitors are Mars, Hartz and Central Garden & Pet. In the Home and Garden Business, our principal national competitors are Scotts, Central Garden & Pet and S.C. Johnson. Our principal national competitors within our Small Appliances segment include Jarden Corporation, DeLonghi America, Euro-Pro Operating LLC, Metro Thebe, Inc., d/b/a HWI Breville, NACCO Industries, Inc. (Hamilton Beach) and SEB S.A. In each of these markets, we also face competition from numerous other companies. In addition, in a number of our product lines, we compete with our retail customers, who use their own private label brands, and with distributors and foreign manufacturers of unbranded products. Significant new competitors or increased competition from existing competitors may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of our operations.

We compete with our competitors for consumer acceptance and limited shelf space based upon brand name recognition, perceived product quality, price, performance, product features and enhancements, product packaging and design innovation, as well as creative marketing, promotion and distribution strategies, and new product introductions. Our ability to compete in these consumer product markets may be adversely affected by a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the following:

 

   

We compete against many well-established companies that may have substantially greater financial and other resources, including personnel and research and development, and greater overall market share than us.

 

   

In some key product lines, our competitors may have lower production costs and higher profit margins than us, which may enable them to compete more aggressively in offering retail discounts, rebates and other promotional incentives.

 

   

Product improvements or effective advertising campaigns by competitors may weaken consumer demand for our products.

 

   

Consumer purchasing behavior may shift to distribution channels where we do not have a strong presence.

 

   

Consumer preferences may change to lower margin products or products other than those we market.

 

   

We may not be successful in the introduction, marketing and manufacture of any new products or product innovations or be able to develop and introduce, in a timely manner, innovations to our existing products that satisfy customer needs or achieve market acceptance.

Some competitors may be willing to reduce prices and accept lower profit margins to compete with us. As a result of this competition, we could lose market share and sales, or be forced to reduce our prices to meet competition. If our product offerings are unable to compete successfully, our sales, results of operations and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected.

We may not be able to realize expected benefits and synergies from future acquisitions of businesses or product lines.

We may acquire partial or full ownership in businesses or may acquire rights to market and distribute particular products or lines of products. The acquisition of a business or of the rights to market specific products or use specific product names may involve a financial commitment by us, either in the form of cash or equity consideration. In the case of a new license, such commitments are usually in the form of prepaid royalties and

 

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future minimum royalty payments. There is no guarantee that we will acquire businesses or product distribution rights that will contribute positively to our earnings. Anticipated synergies may not materialize, cost savings may be less than expected, sales of products may not meet expectations, and acquired businesses may carry unexpected liabilities.

Sales of certain of our products are seasonal and may cause our operating results and working capital requirements to fluctuate.

On a consolidated basis our financial results are approximately equally weighted between quarters, however, sales of certain product categories tend to be seasonal. Sales in the consumer battery, electric shaving and grooming and electric personal care product categories, particularly in North America, tend to be concentrated in the December holiday season (Spectrum’s first fiscal quarter). Demand for pet supplies products remains fairly constant throughout the year. Demand for home and garden control products sold though the Home and Garden Business typically peaks during the first six months of the calendar year (Spectrum’s second and third fiscal quarters). Small Appliances peaks from July through December primarily due to the increased demand by customers in the late summer for “back-to-school” sales and in the fall for the holiday season. As a result of this seasonality, our inventory and working capital needs fluctuate significantly during the year. In addition, orders from retailers are often made late in the period preceding the applicable peak season, making forecasting of production schedules and inventory purchases difficult. If we are unable to accurately forecast and prepare for customer orders or our working capital needs, or there is a general downturn in business or economic conditions during these periods, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

We are subject to significant international business risks that could hurt our business and cause our results of operations to fluctuate.

Approximately 44% of our net sales for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010 were from customers outside of the U.S. Our pursuit of international growth opportunities may require significant investments for an extended period before returns on these investments, if any, are realized. Our international operations are subject to risks including, among others:

 

   

currency fluctuations, including, without limitation, fluctuations in the foreign exchange rate of the Euro;

 

   

changes in the economic conditions or consumer preferences or demand for our products in these markets;

 

   

the risk that because our brand names may not be locally recognized, we must spend significant amounts of time and money to build brand recognition without certainty that we will be successful;

 

   

labor unrest;

 

   

political and economic instability, as a result of terrorist attacks, natural disasters or otherwise;

 

   

lack of developed infrastructure;

 

   

longer payment cycles and greater difficulty in collecting accounts;

 

   

restrictions on transfers of funds;

 

   

import and export duties and quotas, as well as general transportation costs;

 

   

changes in domestic and international customs and tariffs;

 

   

changes in foreign labor laws and regulations affecting our ability to hire and retain employees;

 

   

inadequate protection of intellectual property in foreign countries;

 

   

unexpected changes in regulatory environments;

 

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difficulty in complying with foreign law;

 

   

difficulty in obtaining distribution and support; and

 

   

adverse tax consequences.

The foregoing factors may have a material adverse effect on our ability to increase or maintain our supply of products, financial condition or results of operations.

Adverse weather conditions during our peak selling season for our home and garden control products could have a material adverse effect on our Home and Garden Business.

Weather conditions in the U.S. have a significant impact on the timing and volume of sales of certain of our lawn and garden and household insecticide and repellent products. Periods of dry, hot weather can decrease insecticide sales, while periods of cold and wet weather can slow sales of herbicides.

Our products utilize certain key raw materials; any increase in the price of, or change in supply and demand for, these raw materials could have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition and profits.

The principal raw materials used to produce our products—including zinc powder, electrolytic manganese dioxide powder, petroleum-based plastic materials, steel, aluminum, copper and corrugated materials (for packaging)—are sourced either on a global or regional basis by us or our suppliers, and the prices of those raw materials are susceptible to price fluctuations due to supply and demand trends, energy costs, transportation costs, government regulations, duties and tariffs, changes in currency exchange rates, price controls, general economic conditions and other unforeseen circumstances. In particular, during 2007 and 2008, and to date in 2010, we experienced extraordinary price increases for raw materials, particularly as a result of strong demand from China. Although we may increase the prices of certain of our goods to our customers, we may not be able to pass all of these cost increases on to our customers. As a result, our margins may be adversely impacted by such cost increases. We cannot provide any assurance that our sources of supply will not be interrupted due to changes in worldwide supply of or demand for raw materials or other events that interrupt material flow, which may have an adverse effect on our profitability and results of operations.

We regularly engage in forward purchase and hedging derivative transactions in an attempt to effectively manage and stabilize some of the raw material costs we expect to incur over the next 12 to 24 months; however, our hedging positions may not be effective, or may not anticipate beneficial trends, in a particular raw material market or may, as a result of changes in our business, no longer be useful for us. In addition, for certain of the principal raw materials we use to produce our products, such as electrolytic manganese dioxide powder, there are no available effective hedging markets. If these efforts are not effective or expose us to above average costs for an extended period of time, and we are unable to pass our raw materials costs on to our customers, our future profitability may be materially and adversely affected. Furthermore, with respect to transportation costs, certain modes of delivery are subject to fuel surcharges which are determined based upon the current cost of diesel fuel in relation to pre-established agreed upon costs. We may be unable to pass these fuel surcharges on to our customers, which may have an adverse effect on our profitability and results of operations.

In addition, we have exclusivity arrangements and minimum purchase requirements with certain of our suppliers for the Home and Garden Business, which increase our dependence upon and exposure to those suppliers. Some of those agreements include caps on the price we pay for our supplies and in certain instances, these caps have allowed us to purchase materials at below market prices. When we attempt to renew those contracts, the other parties to the contracts may not be willing to include or may limit the effect of those caps and could even attempt to impose above market prices in an effort to make up for any below market prices paid by us prior to the renewal of the agreement. Any failure to timely obtain suitable supplies at competitive prices could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

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We may not be able to fully utilize our U.S. net operating loss carryforwards.

As of September 30, 2010, Spectrum Brands had U.S. federal and state net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $1,087 million and $936 million, respectively. These net operating loss carryforwards expire through years ending in 2031. As of September 30, 2010, our management determined that it continues to be more likely than not that the net U.S. deferred tax asset, excluding certain indefinite lived intangibles, will not be realized in the future and as such recorded a full valuation allowance to offset the net U.S. deferred tax asset, including Spectrum Brands’ net operating loss carryforwards. In addition, Spectrum Brands has had changes of ownership, as defined under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “IRC”), that continue to subject a significant amount of Spectrum Brands’ U.S. net operating losses and other tax attributes to certain limitations. We estimate that approximately $296 million of our federal and $463 million of our state net operating losses will expire unused due to the limitation in Section 382 of the IRC.

As a consequence of the Salton-Applica Merger, as well as earlier business combinations and issuances of common stock consummated by both companies, use of the tax benefits of Russell Hobbs’ loss carryforwards is also subject to limitations imposed by Section 382 of the IRC. The determination of the limitations is complex and requires significant judgment and analysis of past transactions. Our analysis to determine what portion of Russell Hobbs’ carryforwards are restricted or eliminated by that provision is ongoing and, pursuant to such analysis, we expect that a significant portion of these carryforwards will not be available to offset future taxable income, if any. In addition, use of Russell Hobbs’ net operating loss and credit carryforwards is dependent upon both Russell Hobbs and us achieving profitable results in the future. The Russell Hobbs’ net operating loss carryforwards are subject to a full valuation allowance at September 30, 2010.

If we are unable to fully utilize our net operating losses, other than those restricted under Section 382 of the IRC, as discussed above, to offset taxable income generated in the future, our results of operations could be materially and negatively impacted.

Consolidation of retailers and our dependence on a small number of key customers for a significant percentage of our sales may negatively affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

As a result of consolidation of retailers and consumer trends toward national mass merchandisers, a significant percentage of our sales are attributable to a very limited group of customers. Our largest customer accounted for approximately 22% of our consolidated net sales for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010. As these mass merchandisers and retailers grow larger and become more sophisticated, they may demand lower pricing, special packaging, or impose other requirements on product suppliers. These business demands may relate to inventory practices, logistics, or other aspects of the customer-supplier relationship. Because of the importance of these key customers, demands for price reductions or promotions, reductions in their purchases, changes in their financial condition or loss of their accounts could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Although we have long-established relationships with many of our customers, we do not have long-term agreements with them and purchases are generally made through the use of individual purchase orders. Any significant reduction in purchases, failure to obtain anticipated orders or delays or cancellations of orders by any of these major customers, or significant pressure to reduce prices from any of these major customers, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Additionally, a significant deterioration in the financial condition of the retail industry in general could have a material adverse effect on our sales and profitability.

In addition, as a result of the desire of retailers to more closely manage inventory levels, there is a growing trend among them to purchase products on a “just-in-time” basis. Due to a number of factors, including (i) manufacturing lead-times, (ii) seasonal purchasing patterns and (iii) the potential for material price increases, we may be required to shorten our lead-time for production and more closely anticipate our retailers’ and customers’ demands, which could in the future require us to carry additional inventories and increase our

 

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working capital and related financing requirements. This may increase the cost of warehousing inventory or result in excess inventory becoming difficult to manage, unusable or obsolete. In addition, if our retailers significantly change their inventory management strategies, we may encounter difficulties in filling customer orders or in liquidating excess inventories, or may find that customers are cancelling orders or returning products, which may have a material adverse effect on our business.

Furthermore, we primarily sell branded products and a move by one or more of our large customers to sell significant quantities of private label products, which we do not produce on their behalf and which directly compete with our products, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

As a result of our international operations, we face a number of risks related to exchange rates and foreign currencies.

Our international sales and certain of our expenses are transacted in foreign currencies. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010, approximately 44% of both our net sales and our operating expenses were denominated in foreign currencies. We expect that the amount of our revenues and expenses transacted in foreign currencies will increase as our Latin American, European and Asian operations grow and, as a result, our exposure to risks associated with foreign currencies could increase accordingly. Significant changes in the value of the U.S. dollar in relation to foreign currencies will affect our cost of goods sold and our operating margins and could result in exchange losses or otherwise have a material effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Changes in currency exchange rates may also affect our sales to, purchases from and loans to our subsidiaries as well as sales to, purchases from and bank lines of credit with our customers, suppliers and creditors that are denominated in foreign currencies.

We source many products from, and sell many products in, China and other Asian countries. To the extent the Chinese Renminbi (“RMB”) or other currencies appreciate with respect to the U.S. dollar, we may experience fluctuations in our results of operations. Since 2005, the RMB has no longer been pegged to the U.S. dollar at a constant exchange rate and instead fluctuates versus a basket of currencies. Although the People’s Bank of China regularly intervenes in the foreign exchange market to prevent significant short-term fluctuations in the exchange rate, the RMB may appreciate or depreciate within a flexible peg range against the U.S. dollar in the medium to long term. Moreover, it is possible that in the future Chinese authorities may lift restrictions on fluctuations in the RMB exchange rate and lessen intervention in the foreign exchange market.

While we may enter into hedging transactions in the future, the availability and effectiveness of these transactions may be limited, and we may not be able to successfully hedge our exposure to currency fluctuations. Further, we may not be successful in implementing customer pricing or other actions in an effort to mitigate the impact of currency fluctuations and, thus, our results of operations may be adversely impacted.

A deterioration in trade relations with China could lead to a substantial increase in tariffs imposed on goods of Chinese origin, which potentially could reduce demand for and sales of our products.

We purchase a number of our products and supplies from suppliers located in China. China gained Permanent Normal Trade Relations (“PNTR”) with the U.S. when it acceded to the World Trade Organization (“WTO”), effective January 2002. The U.S. imposes the lowest applicable tariffs on exports from PNTR countries to the U.S. In order to maintain its WTO membership, China has agreed to several requirements, including the elimination of caps on foreign ownership of Chinese companies, lowering tariffs and publicizing its laws. China may not meet these requirements, it may not remain a member of the WTO, and its PNTR trading status may not be maintained. If China’s WTO membership is withdrawn or if PNTR status for goods produced in China were removed, there could be a substantial increase in tariffs imposed on goods of Chinese origin entering the U.S. which could have a material negative adverse effect on our sales and gross margin.

 

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Our international operations may expose us to risks related to compliance with the laws and regulations of foreign countries.

We are subject to three EU Directives that may have a material impact on our business: Restriction of the Use of Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment, Waste of Electrical and Electronic Equipment and the Directive on Batteries and Accumulators and Waste Batteries, discussed below. Restriction of the Use of Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment requires us to eliminate specified hazardous materials from products we sell in EU member states. Waste of Electrical and Electronic Equipment requires us to collect and treat, dispose of or recycle certain products we manufacture or import into the EU at our own expense. The EU Directive on Batteries and Accumulators and Waste Batteries bans heavy metals in batteries by establishing maximum quantities of heavy metals in batteries and mandates waste management of these batteries, including collection, recycling and disposal systems, with the costs imposed upon producers and importers such as us. Complying or failing to comply with the EU Directives may harm our business. For example:

 

   

Although contracts with our suppliers address related compliance issues, we may be unable to procure appropriate Restriction of the Use of Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment compliant material in sufficient quantity and quality and/or be able to incorporate it into our product procurement processes without compromising quality and/or harming our cost structure.

 

   

We may face excess and obsolete inventory risk related to non-compliant inventory that we may continue to hold in fiscal 2010 for which there is reduced demand, and we may need to write down the carrying value of such inventories.

 

   

We may be unable to sell certain existing inventories of our batteries in Europe.

Many of the developing countries in which we operate do not have significant governmental regulation relating to environmental safety, occupational safety, employment practices or other business matters routinely regulated in the U.S. or may not rigorously enforce such regulation. As these countries and their economies develop, it is possible that new regulations or increased enforcement of existing regulations may increase the expense of doing business in these countries. In addition, social legislation in many countries in which we operate may result in significantly higher expenses associated with labor costs, terminating employees or distributors and closing manufacturing facilities. Increases in our costs as a result of increased regulation, legislation or enforcement could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

We may not be able to adequately establish and protect our intellectual property rights, and the infringement or loss of our intellectual property rights could harm our business.

To establish and protect our intellectual property rights, we rely upon a combination of national, foreign and multi-national patent, trademark and trade secret laws, together with licenses, confidentiality agreements and other contractual arrangements. The measures that we take to protect our intellectual property rights may prove inadequate to prevent third parties from infringing or misappropriating our intellectual property. We may need to resort to litigation to enforce or defend our intellectual property rights. If a competitor or collaborator files a patent application claiming technology also claimed by us, or a trademark application claiming a trademark, service mark or trade dress also used by us, in order to protect our rights, we may have to participate in expensive and time consuming opposition or interference proceedings before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office or a similar foreign agency. Similarly, our intellectual property rights may be challenged by third parties or invalidated through administrative process or litigation. The costs associated with protecting intellectual property rights, including litigation costs, may be material. For example, our Small Appliances segment has spent several million dollars on protecting its patented automatic litter box business over the last few years. Furthermore, even if our intellectual property rights are not directly challenged, disputes among third parties could lead to the weakening or invalidation of our intellectual property rights, or our competitors may independently develop

 

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technologies that are substantially equivalent or superior to our technology. Obtaining, protecting and defending intellectual property rights can be time consuming and expensive, and may require us to incur substantial costs, including the diversion of the time and resources of management and technical personnel.

Moreover, the laws of certain foreign countries in which we operate or may operate in the future do not protect, and the governments of certain foreign countries do not enforce, intellectual property rights to the same extent as do the laws and government of the U.S., which may negate our competitive or technological advantages in such markets. Also, some of the technology underlying our products is the subject of nonexclusive licenses from third parties. As a result, this technology could be made available to our competitors at any time. If we are unable to establish and then adequately protect our intellectual property rights, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

We license various trademarks, trade names and patents from third parties for certain of our products. These licenses generally place marketing obligations on us and require us to pay fees and royalties based on net sales or profits. Typically, these licenses may be terminated if we fail to satisfy certain minimum sales obligations or if we breach the terms of the license. The termination of these licensing arrangements could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

In our Small Appliances segment, we license the use of the Black & Decker brand for marketing in certain small household appliances in North America, South America (excluding Brazil) and the Caribbean. Sales of Black & Decker branded products represented approximately 53% of the total consolidated revenue of our Small Appliances segment in both Fiscal 2010 and Fiscal 2009. In December 2007, BDC extended the license agreement through December 2012, with an automatic extension through December 2014 if certain milestones are met regarding sales volume and product return. The failure to renew the license agreement with BDC or to enter into a new agreement on acceptable terms could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, liquidity and results of operations.

Claims by third parties that we are infringing their intellectual property and other litigation could adversely affect our business.

From time to time in the past we have been subject to claims that we are infringing the intellectual property of others. We currently are the subject of such claims and it is possible that third parties will assert infringement claims against us in the future. An adverse finding against us in these or similar trademark or other intellectual property litigations may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Any such claims, with or without merit, could be time consuming and expensive, and may require us to incur substantial costs, including the diversion of the resources of management and technical personnel, cause product delays or require us to enter into licensing or other agreements in order to secure continued access to necessary or desirable intellectual property. If we are deemed to be infringing a third party’s intellectual property and are unable to continue using that intellectual property as we had been, our business and results of operations could be harmed if we are unable to successfully develop non-infringing alternative intellectual property on a timely basis or license non-infringing alternatives or substitutes, if any exist, on commercially reasonable terms. In addition, an unfavorable ruling in intellectual property litigation could subject us to significant liability, as well as require us to cease developing, manufacturing or selling the affected products or using the affected processes or trademarks. Any significant restriction on our proprietary or licensed intellectual property that impedes our ability to develop and commercialize our products could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

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Our dependence on a few suppliers and one of our U.S. facilities for certain of our products makes us vulnerable to a disruption in the supply of our products.

Although we have long-standing relationships with many of our suppliers, we generally do not have long-term contracts with them. An adverse change in any of the following could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations:

 

   

our ability to identify and develop relationships with qualified suppliers;

 

   

the terms and conditions upon which we purchase products from our suppliers, including applicable exchange rates, transport costs and other costs, our suppliers’ willingness to extend credit to us to finance our inventory purchases and other factors beyond our control;

 

   

the financial condition of our suppliers;

 

   

political instability in the countries in which our suppliers are located;

 

   

our ability to import outsourced products;

 

   

our suppliers’ noncompliance with applicable laws, trade restrictions and tariffs; or

 

   

our suppliers’ ability to manufacture and deliver outsourced products according to our standards of quality on a timely and efficient basis.

If our relationship with one of our key suppliers is adversely affected, we may not be able to quickly or effectively replace such supplier and may not be able to retrieve tooling, molds or other specialized production equipment or processes used by such supplier in the manufacture of our products.

In addition, we manufacture the majority of our foil cutting systems for our shaving product lines, using specially designed machines and proprietary cutting technology, at our Portage, Wisconsin facility. Damage to this facility, or prolonged interruption in the operations of this facility for repairs, as a result of labor difficulties or for other reasons, could have a material adverse effect on our ability to manufacture and sell our foil shaving products which could in turn harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We face risks related to our sales of products obtained from third-party suppliers.

We sell a significant number of products that are manufactured by third party suppliers over which we have no direct control. While we have implemented processes and procedures to try to ensure that the suppliers we use are complying with all applicable regulations, there can be no assurances that such suppliers in all instances will comply with such processes and procedures or otherwise with applicable regulations. Noncompliance could result in our marketing and distribution of contaminated, defective or dangerous products which could subject us to liabilities and could result in the imposition by governmental authorities of procedures or penalties that could restrict or eliminate our ability to purchase products from non-compliant suppliers. Any or all of these effects could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Class action and derivative action lawsuits and other investigations, regardless of their merits, could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We and certain of our officers and directors have been named in the past, and may be named in the future, as defendants of class action and derivative action lawsuits. In the past, we have also received requests for information from government authorities. Regardless of their subject matter or merits, class action lawsuits and other government investigations may result in significant cost to us, which may not be covered by insurance, may divert the attention of management or may otherwise have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

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We may be exposed to significant product liability claims which our insurance may not cover and which could harm our reputation.

In the ordinary course of our business, we may be named as a defendant in lawsuits involving product liability claims. In any such proceeding, plaintiffs may seek to recover large and sometimes unspecified amounts of damages and the matters may remain unresolved for several years. Any such matters could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition if we are unable to successfully defend against or settle these matters or if our insurance coverage is insufficient to satisfy any judgments against us or settlements relating to these matters. Although we have product liability insurance coverage and an excess umbrella policy, our insurance policies may not provide coverage for certain, or any, claims against us or may not be sufficient to cover all possible liabilities. Additionally, we do not maintain product recall insurance. We may not be able to maintain such insurance on acceptable terms, if at all, in the future. Moreover, any adverse publicity arising from claims made against us, even if the claims were not successful, could adversely affect the reputation and sales of our products. In particular, product recalls or product liability claims challenging the safety of our products may result in a decline in sales for a particular product. This could be true even if the claims themselves are ultimately settled for immaterial amounts. This type of adverse publicity could occur and product liability claims could be made in the future.

We may incur material capital and other costs due to environmental liabilities.

We are subject to a broad range of federal, state, local, foreign and multi-national laws and regulations relating to the environment. These include laws and regulations that govern:

 

   

discharges to the air, water and land;

 

   

the handling and disposal of solid and hazardous substances and wastes; and

 

   

remediation of contamination associated with release of hazardous substances at our facilities and at off-site disposal locations.

Risk of environmental liability is inherent in our business. As a result, material environmental costs may arise in the future. In particular, we may incur capital and other costs to comply with increasingly stringent environmental laws and enforcement policies, such as the EU Directives: Restriction of the Use of Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment, Waste of Electrical and Electronic Equipment and the Directive on Batteries and Accumulators and Waste Batteries, discussed above. Moreover, there are proposed international accords and treaties, as well as federal, state and local laws and regulations, that would attempt to control or limit the causes of climate change, including the effect of greenhouse gas emissions on the environment. In the event that the U.S. government or foreign governments enact new climate change laws or regulations or make changes to existing laws or regulations, compliance with applicable laws or regulations may result in increased manufacturing costs for our products, such as by requiring investment in new pollution control equipment or changing the ways in which certain of our products are made. We may incur some of these costs directly and others may be passed on to us from our third-party suppliers. Although we believe that we are substantially in compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations at our facilities, we may not always be in compliance with such laws and regulations or any new laws and regulations in the future, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

From time to time, we have been required to address the effect of historic activities on the environmental condition of our properties or former properties. We have not conducted invasive testing at all of our facilities to identify all potential environmental liability risks. Given the age of our facilities and the nature of our operations, material liabilities may arise in the future in connection with our current or former facilities. If previously unknown contamination of property underlying or in the vicinity of our manufacturing facilities is discovered, we could be required to incur material unforeseen expenses. If this occurs, it may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. We are currently engaged in investigative or remedial projects at a few of our facilities and any liabilities arising from such investigative or remedial projects at such facilities may have a material effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

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We are also subject to proceedings related to our disposal of industrial and hazardous material at off-site disposal locations or similar disposals made by other parties for which we are responsible as a result of our relationship with such other parties. These proceedings are under CERCLA or similar state or foreign jurisdiction laws that hold persons who “arranged for” the disposal or treatment of such substances strictly liable for costs incurred in responding to the release or threatened release of hazardous substances from such sites, regardless of fault or the lawfulness of the original disposal. Liability under CERCLA is typically joint and several, meaning that a liable party may be responsible for all of the costs incurred in investigating and remediating contamination at a site. We occasionally are identified by federal or state governmental agencies as being a potentially responsible party for response actions contemplated at an off-site facility. At the existing sites where we have been notified of our status as a potentially responsible party, it is either premature to determine if our potential liability, if any, will be material or we do not believe that our liability, if any, will be material. We may be named as a potentially responsible party under CERCLA or similar state or foreign jurisdiction laws in the future for other sites not currently known to us, and the costs and liabilities associated with these sites may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Compliance with various public health, consumer protection and other regulations applicable to our products and facilities could increase our cost of doing business and expose us to additional requirements with which we may be unable to comply.

Certain of our products sold through, and facilities operated under, each of our business segments are regulated by the EPA, the FDA or other federal consumer protection and product safety agencies and are subject to the regulations such agencies enforce, as well as by similar state, foreign and multinational agencies and regulations. For example, in the U.S., all products containing pesticides must be registered with the EPA and, in many cases, similar state and foreign agencies before they can be manufactured or sold. Our inability to obtain, or the cancellation of, any registration could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. 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 and other ingredients, but we may not always be able to avoid or minimize these risks.

As a distributor of consumer products in the U.S., certain of our products are also subject to the Consumer Product Safety Act, which empowers the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (the “Consumer Commission”) to exclude from the market products that are found to be unsafe or hazardous. Under certain circumstances, the Consumer Commission could require us to repair, replace or refund the purchase price of one or more of our products, or we may voluntarily do so. For example, Russell Hobbs, in cooperation with the Consumer Commission, voluntarily recalled approximately 9,800 units of a thermal coffeemaker sold under the Black & Decker brand in August 2009 and approximately 584,000 coffeemakers in June 2009. Any additional repurchases or recalls of our products could be costly to us and could damage the reputation or the value of our brands. If we are required to remove, or we voluntarily remove our products from the market, our reputation or brands could be tarnished and we may have large quantities of finished products that could not be sold. Furthermore, failure to timely notify the Consumer Commission of a potential safety hazard can result in significant fines being assessed against us. Additionally, laws regulating certain consumer products exist in some states, as well as in other countries in which we sell our products, and more restrictive laws and regulations may be adopted in the future.

The FQPA established 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 FQPA, the EPA is evaluating the cumulative effects from dietary and non-dietary exposures to pesticides. The pesticides in certain of our products that are sold through the Home and Garden Business continue to be evaluated by the EPA as part of this program. 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. We cannot predict the outcome or the severity of the effect of the EPA’s continuing evaluations of active ingredients used in our products.

 

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In addition, the use of certain pesticide and fertilizer products that are sold through our global pet supplies business and through the Home and Garden Business may, among other things, be regulated by various local, state, federal and foreign environmental and public health agencies. These regulations may require that only certified or professional users apply the product, that users post notices on properties where products have been or will be applied or that certain ingredients may not be used. Compliance with such public health regulations could increase our cost of doing business and expose us to additional requirements with which we may be unable to comply.

Any failure to comply with these laws or regulations, or the terms of applicable environmental permits, could result in us incurring substantial costs, including fines, penalties and other civil and criminal sanctions or the prohibition of sales of our pest control products. Environmental law requirements, and the enforcement thereof, change frequently, have tended to become more stringent over time and could require us to incur significant expenses.

Most federal, state and local authorities require certification by Underwriters Laboratory, Inc. (“UL”), an independent, not-for-profit corporation engaged in the testing of products for compliance with certain public safety standards, or other safety regulation certification prior to marketing electrical appliances. Foreign jurisdictions also have regulatory authorities overseeing the safety of consumer products. Our products may not meet the specifications required by these authorities. A determination that any of our products are not in compliance with these rules and regulations could result in the imposition of fines or an award of damages to private litigants.

Public perceptions that some of the products we produce and market are not safe could adversely affect us.

On occasion, customers and some current or former employees have alleged that some products failed to perform up to expectations or have caused damage or injury to individuals or property. Public perception that any of our products are not safe, whether justified or not, could impair our reputation, damage our brand names and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

If we are unable to negotiate satisfactory terms to continue existing or enter into additional collective bargaining agreements, we may experience an increased risk of labor disruptions and our results of operations and financial condition may suffer.

Approximately 20% of our total labor force is employed under collective bargaining agreements. One of these agreements, which covers approximately 12% of the labor force under collective bargaining agreements, or approximately 2% of our total labor force, is scheduled to expire on September 30, 2011. While we currently expect to negotiate continuations to the terms of these agreements, there can be no assurances that we will be able to obtain terms that are satisfactory to us or otherwise to reach agreement at all with the applicable parties. In addition, in the course of our business, we may also become subject to additional collective bargaining agreements. These agreements may be on terms that are less favorable than those under our current collective bargaining agreements. Increased exposure to collective bargaining agreements, whether on terms more or less favorable than existing collective bargaining agreements, could adversely affect the operation of our business, including through increased labor expenses. While we intend to comply with all collective bargaining agreements to which we are subject, there can be no assurances that we will be able to do so and any noncompliance could subject us to disruptions in our operations and materially and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

Significant changes in actual investment return on pension assets, discount rates and other factors could affect our results of operations, equity and pension contributions in future periods.

Our results of operations may be positively or negatively affected by the amount of income or expense we record for our defined benefit pension plans. GAAP requires that we calculate income or expense for the plans

 

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using actuarial valuations. These valuations reflect assumptions about financial market and other economic conditions, which may change based on changes in key economic indicators. The most significant year-end assumptions we used to estimate pension income or expense are the discount rate and the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets. In addition, we are required to make an annual measurement of plan assets and liabilities, which may result in a significant change to equity. Although pension expense and pension funding contributions are not directly related, key economic factors that affect pension expense would also likely affect the amount of cash we would contribute to pension plans as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.

If our goodwill, indefinite-lived intangible assets or other long-term assets become impaired, we will be required to record additional impairment charges, which may be significant.

A significant portion of our long-term assets consist of goodwill, other indefinite-lived intangible assets and finite-lived intangible assets recorded as a result of past acquisitions. We do not amortize goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, but rather review them for impairment on a periodic basis or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying value may not be recoverable. We consider whether circumstances or conditions exist which suggest that the carrying value of our goodwill and other long-lived assets might be impaired. If such circumstances or conditions exist, further steps are required in order to determine whether the carrying value of each of the individual assets exceeds its fair market value. If analysis indicates that an individual asset’s carrying value does exceed its fair market value, the next step is to record a loss equal to the excess of the individual asset’s carrying value over its fair value.

The steps required by GAAP entail significant amounts of judgment and subjectivity. Events and changes in circumstances that may indicate that there is impairment and which may indicate that interim impairment testing is necessary include, but are not limited to: strategic decisions to exit a business or dispose of an asset made in response to changes in economic; political and competitive conditions; the impact of the economic environment on the customer base and on broad market conditions that drive valuation considerations by market participants; our internal expectations with regard to future revenue growth and the assumptions we make when performing impairment reviews; a significant decrease in the market price of our assets; a significant adverse change in the extent or manner in which our assets are used; a significant adverse change in legal factors or the business climate that could affect our assets; an accumulation of costs significantly in excess of the amount originally expected for the acquisition of an asset; and significant changes in the cash flows associated with an asset. As a result of such circumstances, we may be required to record a significant charge to earnings in our financial statements during the period in which any impairment of our goodwill, indefinite-lived intangible assets or other long-term assets is determined. Any such impairment charges could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results.

Risks Related to SB Holdings’ Common Stock

The Harbinger Parties and, following the Share Exchange, HRG, will exercise significant influence over us and their interests in our business may be different from the interests of our stockholders.

As a result of the consummation of the Merger and other transactions, as of the date hereof, the Harbinger Parties beneficially owned approximately 67% of our outstanding common stock. Upon consummation of the Share Exchange, HRG will own approximately 54% of our outstanding common stock and the remaining Harbinger Parties will own approximately 13% of our outstanding common stock. The Harbinger Parties will own approximately 93% of the outstanding common stock of HRG. The Harbinger Parties and, assuming the consummation of the Share Exchange, HRG, both separately and in conjunction with the Harbinger Parties, will have the ability to influence the outcome of any corporate action by us, which requires stockholder approval, including, but not limited to, the election of directors, approval of merger transactions and the sale of all or substantially all of our assets. In addition, we are a party to a stockholder agreement with HRG and the Harbinger Parties.

 

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This influence and actual control may have the effect of discouraging offers to acquire SB Holdings because any such consummation would likely require the consent of HRG and perhaps HRG and the Harbinger Parties. HRG and the Harbinger Parties may also delay or prevent a change in control of SB Holdings. See “Risks Related to our Business—Assuming consummation of a pending transaction by which Harbinger Group, Inc. (“HRG”) would acquire a majority of the outstanding shares of our common stock, any sale or other disposition by HRG to non-affiliates of a significant amount of the common stock of SB Holdings would constitute a change of control under the agreements governing Spectrum Brands’ debt.”

In addition, because, as of the date hereof the Harbinger Parties owned, and, assuming the consummation of the Share Exchange, HRG and the Harbinger Parties will own more than 50% of the voting power of SB Holdings, SB Holdings is considered a controlled company under the NYSE listing standards. As such, the NYSE corporate governance rules requiring that a majority of SB Holdings’ board of directors and SB Holdings’ entire compensation committee be independent do not apply. As a result, the ability of SB Holdings’ independent directors to influence its business policies and affairs may be reduced.

If HRG and/or the Harbinger Parties sell substantial amounts of SB Holdings’ common stock in the public market, or investors perceive that these sales could occur, the market price of SB Holdings’ common stock could be adversely affected. SB Holdings has entered into a registration rights agreement (the “Registration Rights Agreement”) with HRG, the Harbinger Parties and certain other stockholders. If requested properly under the terms of the Registration Rights Agreement, these stockholders have the right to require SB Holdings to register all or some of such shares for sale under the Securities Act in certain circumstances and also have the right to include those shares in a registration initiated by SB Holdings. If SB Holdings is required to include the shares of its common stock held by these stockholders pursuant to these registration rights in a registration initiated by SB Holdings, sales made by such stockholders may adversely affect the price of SB Holdings’ common stock and SB Holdings’ ability to raise needed capital. In addition, if these stockholders exercise their demand registration rights and cause a large number of shares to be registered and sold in the public market or demand that SB Holdings register their shares on a shelf registration statement, such sales or shelf registration may have an adverse effect on the market price of SB Holdings’ common stock.

The interests of HRG and the Harbinger Parties, which have investments in other companies, may from time to time diverge from the interests of other SB Holdings stockholders and from each other, particularly with regard to new investment opportunities. Neither HRG nor the Harbinger Parties are restricted from investing in other businesses involving or related to the marketing or distribution of household products, pet and pest products and personal care products. Both HRG and the Harbinger Parties may also engage in other businesses that compete or may in the future compete with SB Holdings.

Even though SB Holdings’ common stock is currently traded on the NYSE, it has less liquidity than many other stocks quoted on a national securities exchange.

The trading volume in SB Holdings’ common stock on the NYSE has been relatively low when compared with larger companies listed on the NYSE or other stock exchanges. Because of this, it may be more difficult for stockholders to sell a substantial number of shares for the same price at which stockholders could sell a smaller number of shares. We cannot predict the effect, if any, that future sales of SB Holdings’ common stock in the market, or the availability of shares of its common stock for sale in the market, will have on the market price of SB Holdings’ common stock. We can give no assurance that sales of substantial amounts of SB Holdings’ common stock in the market, or the potential for large amounts of sales in the market, would not cause the price of SB Holdings’ common stock to decline or impair SB Holdings’ future ability to raise capital through sales of its common stock. Furthermore, because of the limited market and generally low volume of trading in SB Holdings’ common stock that could occur, the share price of its common stock could be more likely to be affected by broad market fluctuations, general market conditions, fluctuations in our operating results, changes in the market’s perception of our business, and announcements made by SB Holdings, its competitors or parties with whom SB Holdings has business relationships. The lack of liquidity in SB Holdings’ common stock may

 

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also make it difficult for us to issue additional securities for financing or other purposes, or to otherwise arrange for any financing we may need in the future. In addition, we may experience other adverse effects, including, without limitation, the loss of confidence in us by current and prospective suppliers, customers, employees and others with whom we have or may seek to initiate business relationships.

The market price of SB Holdings’ common stock is likely to be highly volatile and could fluctuate widely in price in response to various factors, many of which are beyond our control.

Factors that may influence the price of the common stock include, without limitation, the following:

 

   

loss of any of our key customers or suppliers;

 

   

additions or departures of key personnel;

 

   

sales of the common stock;

 

   

our ability to execute our business plan;

 

   

operating results that fall below expectations;

 

   

additional issuances of the common stock;

 

   

low volume of sales due to concentrated ownership of the common stock;

 

   

intellectual property disputes;

 

   

industry developments;

 

   

economic and other external factors;

 

   

period-to-period fluctuations in our financial results; and

 

   

market concerns with respect to the potential indirect impact of matters not directly involving SB Holdings but impacting HRG or the Harbinger Parties.

In addition, the securities markets have from time to time experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that are unrelated to the operating performance of particular companies. These market fluctuations may also materially and adversely affect the market price of the common stock. You should also be aware that price volatility might be worse if the trading volume of shares of the common stock is low.

Additional issuances of SB Holdings’ common stock may result in dilution to its existing stockholders.

As of September 30, 2010, we had two active equity incentive plans under which shares of the Company could be issued, the 2009 Spectrum Brands Inc. Incentive Plan (the “2009 Plan”) and the Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc. 2007 Omnibus Equity Award Plan (the “RH Plan”). On October 21, 2010, the our Board of Directors adopted the Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc. 2011 Omnibus Equity Award Plan (“2011 Plan”), subject to shareholder approval prior to October 21, 2011 and we intend to submit the 2011 Plan for shareholder approval in connection with our next Annual Meeting. Upon such shareholder approval, no further awards will be granted under the 2009 Plan and the 2007 RH Plan. 4,625,676 shares of our common stock of the Company, net of cancellations, may be issued under the 2011 Plan. While we have begun granting awards under the 2011 Plan, the 2011 Plan (and awards granted thereunder) are subject to the approval by a majority of the holders of our common stock eligible to vote thereon prior to October 21, 2011. As December 10, 2010, we have issued 667,933 restricted shares and 1,694,048 restricted stock units under the 2009 Plan, the RH Plan and the 2011 Plan and are authorized to issue up to a total of 3,202,590 shares of our common stock, or options or restricted stock units exercisable for shares of common stock.

In addition, our board of directors has the authority to issue additional shares of capital stock to provide additional financing or for other purposes in the future. The issuance of any such shares or exercise of any such

 

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options may result in a reduction of the book value or market price of the outstanding shares of common stock. If we do issue any such additional shares or any such options are exercised, such issuance or exercise also will cause a reduction in the proportionate ownership and voting power of all other stockholders. As a result of such dilution, the proportionate ownership interest and voting power of a holder of shares of common stock could be decreased. Further, any such issuance or exercise could result in a change of control. Under our certificate of incorporation, holders of 5% or more of the outstanding common stock or capital stock into which any shares of common stock may be converted have certain rights to purchase their pro rata share of certain future issuances of securities.

Spectrum Brands has historically not paid dividends on its public common stock and we do not anticipate paying dividends on our public common stock in the foreseeable future, and, therefore, any return on investment may be limited to the value of the common stock.

Spectrum Brands, prior to the Merger had not declared or paid dividends on its common stock since the stock commenced public trading in 1997, we have not declared or paid dividends on our common stock since the stock commenced public trading in 2010, and while we continue to evaluate the potential payment of dividends, we do not currently anticipate paying dividends in the foreseeable future. The payment of dividends on outstanding common stock will depend on earnings, financial condition and other business and economic factors affecting us at such time as our board of directors may consider relevant, including the ability to do so under our credit and other debt agreements. If we do not pay dividends, returns on an investment in our common stock will only occur if the stock price appreciates.

 

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

 

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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

The following table lists our principal owned or leased manufacturing, packaging, and distribution facilities at September 30, 2010:

 

Facility

  

Function

Global Batteries & Personal Care

  

Fennimore, Wisconsin(1)

   Alkaline Battery Manufacturing

Portage, Wisconsin(1)

   Zinc Air Button Cell and Lithium Coin Cell Battery, Foil Shaver Component Manufacturing

Dischingen, Germany(1)

   Alkaline Battery Manufacturing

Washington, UK(2)

   Zinc Air Button Cell Battery Manufacturing & Distribution

Guatemala City, Guatemala(1)

   Zinc Carbon Battery Manufacturing

Jaboatao, Brazil(1)

   Zinc Carbon Battery Manufacturing

Manizales, Colombia(1)

   Zinc Carbon Battery Manufacturing

Dixon, Illinois(2)

   Battery & Lighting Device Packaging & Distribution

Visalia, California(2)

   Electric Shaver & Personal Care Product Distribution

Ellwangen-Neunheim, Germany(2)

   Battery & Lighting Device, Electric Shaver & Personal Care Product Distribution

Global Pet Supplies

  

Mentor, Ohio(3)

   Aquatics Manufacturing

Noblesville, Indiana(1)

   Aquatics Manufacturing

Moorpark, California(2)

   Aquatics Manufacturing

Bridgeton, Missouri(2)

   Pet Supply Manufacturing (shared with the Home and Garden Business)

Blacksburg, Virginia(1)

   Pet Supply Manufacturing, Assembly & Distribution

Melle, Germany(1)

   Pet Food & Pet Care Manufacturing

Melle, Germany(2)

   Pet Food & Pet Care Distribution

Edwardsville, Illinois(2)

   Pet Supply Product Distribution

Home and Garden Business

  

Vinita Park, Missouri(2)

   Household & Controls and Contract Manufacturing

Bridgeton, Missouri(2)

   Household & Controls Manufacturing (shared with Global Pet)

Small Appliances

  

Redlands, California(2)

   Warehouse

Wolverhampton, England(1)

   Warehouse

Manchester, England(1)

   Warehouse and Sales and administrative office

Wolverhampton, England(2)

   Warehouse

 

(1) Facility is owned.
(2) Facility is leased.
(3) Exited the facility in October 2010.

We also own, operate or contract with third parties to operate distribution centers, sales offices and administrative offices throughout the world in support of our business. We lease our administrative headquarters and primary research and development facility located in Madison, Wisconsin.

We believe that our existing facilities are suitable and adequate for our present purposes and that the productive capacity in such facilities is substantially being utilized or we have plans to utilize it.

 

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Litigation

In December 2009, San Francisco Technology, Inc. filed an action in the Federal District Court for the Northern District of California against the Company, as well as a number of unaffiliated defendants, claiming that each of the defendants had falsely marked patents on certain of its products in violation of Article 35, Section 292 of the U.S. Code and seeking to have civil fines imposed on each of the defendants for such claimed violations. The Company is reviewing the claims and intends to vigorously defend this matter but, as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, cannot estimate any possible losses.

In May 2010, Herengrucht Group, LLC (“Herengrucht”) filed an action in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California against the Company claiming that the Company had falsely marked patents on certain of its products in violation of Article 35, Section 292 of the U.S. Code and seeking to have civil fines imposed on each of the defendants for such claimed violations. Herengrucht dismissed its claims without prejudice in September 2010.

Applica Consumer Products, Inc. (“Applica”), a subsidiary of the Company, is a defendant in NACCO Industries, Inc. et al. v. Applica Incorporated et al., Case No. C.A. 2541-VCL, which was filed in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware in November 2006.

The original complaint in this action alleged a claim for, among other things, breach of contract against Applica and a number of tort claims against certain entities affiliated with the Harbinger Parties. The claims against Applica related to the alleged breach of the merger agreement between Applica and NACCO Industries, Inc. (“NACCO”) and one of its affiliates, which agreement was terminated following Applica’s receipt of a superior merger offer from the HCP Funds. On October 22, 2007, the plaintiffs filed an amended complaint asserting claims against Applica for, among other things, breach of contract and breach of the implied covenant of good faith relating to the termination of the NACCO merger agreement and asserting various tort claims against Applica and the HCP Funds. The original complaint was filed in conjunction with a motion preliminarily to enjoin the HCP Funds’ acquisition of Applica. On December 1, 2006, plaintiffs withdrew their motion for a preliminary injunction. In light of the consummation of Applica’s merger with affiliates of the HCP Funds in January 2007 (Applica is currently a subsidiary of Russell Hobbs), the Company believes that any claim for specific performance is moot. Applica filed a motion to dismiss the amended complaint in December 2007. Rather than respond to the motion to dismiss the amended complaint, NACCO filed a motion for leave to file a second amended complaint, which was granted in May 2008. Applica moved to dismiss the second amended complaint, which motion was granted in part and denied in part in December 2009.

The trial is currently scheduled for February 2011. The Company intends to vigorously defend the action, but may be unable to resolve the disputes successfully or without incurring significant costs and expenses. As a result, Russell Hobbs and Harbinger Master Fund have entered into an indemnification agreement, dated as of February 9, 2010, by which Harbinger Master Fund has agreed, effective upon the consummation of the Merger, to indemnify Russell Hobbs, its subsidiaries and any entity that owns all of the outstanding voting stock of Russell Hobbs against any out-of-pocket losses, costs, expenses, judgments, penalties, fines and other damages in excess of $3 million incurred with respect to this litigation and any future litigation or legal action against the indemnified parties arising out of or relating to the matters which form the basis of this litigation.

Applica is a defendant in three asbestos lawsuits in which the plaintiffs have alleged injury as the result of exposure to asbestos in hair dryers distributed by that subsidiary over 20 years ago. Although Applica never manufactured such products, asbestos was used in certain hair dryers distributed by it prior to 1979. The Company believes that these actions are without merit and intends to vigorously defend the action, but may be unable to resolve the disputes successfully without incurring significant expenses. As of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the Company cannot estimate any possible losses. At this time, the Company does not believe it has coverage under its insurance policies for the asbestos lawsuits.

 

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The Company is a defendant in various matters of litigation generally arising out of the ordinary course of business.

Environmental

We are subject to various federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations. We believe we are in substantial compliance with all such environmental laws that are applicable to our operations. See also the discussion captioned “Governmental Regulations and Environmental Matters” under Item 1 above.

 

ITEM 4. (REMOVED AND RESERVED)

 

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PART II

 

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

SB Holdings is a global consumer products company and was created in connection with the combination of Spectrum Brands and Russell Hobbs to form a new combined company, on June 16, 2010. SB Holdings’ common stock (the “SBH Common Stock”) is traded on the NYSE under the symbol “SPB.” Prior to June 16, 2010, Spectrum Brands’ common stock was traded on the NYSE under the symbol “SPB.” The SBH Common Stock has a par value of $0.01 per share.

The common stock of reorganized Spectrum Brands (the “New Common Stock”) began quotation on the OTC Bulletin Board and the Pink Sheet Electronic Quotation Service under the symbol “SPEB” on September 2, 2009. The New Common Stock began trading on the NYSE under the new ticker symbol “SPB” on March 18, 2010. In connection with the consummation of the Merger, the New Common Stock was delisted from the NYSE and the SBH Common Stock succeeded to its listing status under the symbol “SPB.”

As of December 10, 2010, there were approximately 21 holders of record based upon data provided by the transfer agent for the SBH Common Stock. We believe the number of beneficial holders of our New Common Stock is significantly in excess of this amount. The transfer agent for the SBH Common Stock is Mellon Investor Services LLC.

The following table sets forth the reported high and low bid prices per share of (i) for the period from August 30, 2009 through March 17, 2010, the New Common Stock as reported on the Pink Sheet Electronic Quotation Service; (ii) for the period from March 18, 2010 through June 15, 2010, the New Common Stock as reported on the NYSE Composite Transaction Tape; and (iii) for the period from June 16, 2010, the SBH Common Stock thereafter as reported on the NYSE Composite Transaction Tape since March 18, 2010 for the fiscal period indicated:

 

     High      Low  

Fiscal 2010

     

Quarter ended September 30, 2010

   $ 29.88       $ 22.86   

Quarter ended July 4, 2010

   $ 30.95       $ 23.70   

Quarter ended April 4, 2010

   $ 33.00       $ 22.00   

Quarter ended January 3, 2010

   $ 23.50       $ 21.05   

Fiscal 2009

     

Quarter ended September 30, 2009 (from August 30 through September 30, 2009)

   $ 25.00       $ 12.50   

From November 21, 1997, the day the Old Common Stock commenced trading, to December 22, 2008, our common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Old Common Stock”) was traded on the NYSE under the symbol “SPC.”

On December 15, 2008, we were advised that our Old Common Stock would be suspended from trading on the NYSE prior to the opening of the market on December 22, 2008. We were advised that the decision to suspend our Old Common Stock was reached in view of the fact that we had recently fallen below the NYSE’s continued listing standard regarding average global market capitalization over a consecutive 30 trading day period of not less than $25 million, the minimum threshold for listing on the NYSE. Our Old Common Stock was delisted from the NYSE effective January 23, 2009. Our Old Common Stock was then quoted on the Pink Sheet Electronic Quotation Service under the symbol “SPCB” until August 28, 2009 when the Old Common Stock was cancelled pursuant to the Plan in our Chapter 11 reorganization.

 

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The following table sets forth the reported high and low prices per share of the Old Common Stock as reported on the NYSE Composite Transaction Tape and the Pink Sheet Electronic Quotation Service for the fiscal periods indicated:

 

       High     Low  

Fiscal 2009

      

Quarter ended September 30, 2009 (through August 27, 2009)

     $ 0.05 (1)    $ 0.01 (1) 

Quarter ended June 28, 2009

     $ 0.30 (1)    $ 0.04 (1) 

Quarter ended March 29, 2009

     $ 0.17 (1)    $ 0.01 (1) 

Quarter ended December 28, 2008

     $ 1.86 (2)    $ 0.08 (2) 

 

(1) Represents market prices while Spectrum Brands operated during the Chapter 11 reorganization for periods subsequent to February 2, 2009.
(2) High price reflects the high sales price on NYSE prior to Old Spectrum’s suspension from trading on December 15, 2008. Low price reflects the OTC market low bid price during the balance of the quarter.

The OTC bid prices represent prices between dealers and do not include retail markup, markdown or commission.

The historical prices for the Old Common Stock and the New Common Stock may not be indicative of the anticipated or prospective value or future trading price of or trading market for the SBH Common Stock.

Spectrum Brands did not declare or pay any cash dividends on our Old Common Stock at any time since it commenced public trading in 1997 through its delisting in connection with the Merger on June 16, 2010, and we did not declare or pay cash dividends on the SBH Common Stock at any time since it commenced public trading on June 16, 2010, and while we continue to evaluate the potential payment of dividends, we do not currently anticipate paying cash dividends on the SBH Common Stock in the foreseeable future, but currently intend to retain any future earnings for reinvestment in our business or use such future earnings to pay down our outstanding indebtedness. In addition, the terms of our Senior Secured Facilities and the 2019 Indenture restrict our ability to pay dividends to our stockholders. Any future determination to pay cash dividends will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will be dependent upon our financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements, contractual restrictions and such other factors as the board of directors deems relevant.

Information regarding our equity compensation plans is set forth in Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters-Equity Compensation Plan Information.

Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

We did not repurchase any of our own securities during the last quarter of the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010, and we do not have any publicly announced repurchase plan. The following table reflects open market purchases of our common stock made by the Harbinger Parties, who may be considered “affiliated purchasers” (as defined in Rule 10b-18(a)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended).

 

Period

   Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased
     Average
Price Paid
Per Share
     Total Number of
Shares Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs
     Maximum Number
of Shares that may
Yet Be Purchased
Under the Plans
or Programs
 

Quarter Ended September 30, 2010

           

July 5, 2010 – August 1, 2010

     600,000      $ 27.01        600,000        —     

August 2, 2010 – August 29, 2010

     300,200      $ 28.80        300,200        —     

August 30, 2010 – September 30, 2010

     87,620      $ 25.09        87,620        —     
                             

Total

     987,820      $ 27.38        987,820        —     

 

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The following selected historical financial data is derived from our audited consolidated financial statements. Only our Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as of September 30, 2010 and 2009 and our Consolidated Statements of Operations, Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity (Deficit) and Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008 are included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The information presented below as of and for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010 also includes that of Russell Hobbs since the Merger on June 16, 2010.

On November 5, 2008, Spectrum Brands’ board of directors committed to the shutdown of the growing products portion of the Home and Garden Business, which includes the manufacturing and marketing of fertilizers, enriched soils, mulch and grass seed, following an evaluation of the historical lack of profitability and the projected input costs and significant working capital demands for the growing product portion of the Home and Garden Business during Fiscal 2009. During the second quarter of Fiscal 2009, we completed the shutdown of the growing products portion of the Home and Garden Business and, accordingly, began reporting the results of operations of the growing products portion of the Home and Garden Business as discontinued operations. As of October 1, 2005, we began reporting the results of operations of Nu-Gro Pro and Tech as discontinued operations. We also began reporting the results of operations of the Canadian division of the Home and Garden Business as discontinued operations as of October 1, 2006, which business was sold on November 1, 2007. Therefore, the presentation of all historical continuing operations has been changed to exclude the growing products portion of the Home and Garden Business, the Nu-Gro Pro and Tech and the Canadian division of the Home and Garden Business but to include the remaining control products portion of the Home and Garden Business. The following selected financial data should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto and the information contained in Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included elsewhere herein.

The financial information indicated may not be indicative of future performance. This financial information and other data should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements, including the notes thereto, and Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

 

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    Successor
Company
    Predecessor
Company
 
    2010(14)     Period from
August 31, 2009
through
September 30,
2009
    Period from
October 1, 2008
through
August 30,
2009
    2008     2007     2006  

Statement of Operations Data:

           

Net sales

  $ 2,567.0      $ 219.9      $ 2,010.6      $ 2,426.6      $ 2,332.7      $ 2,228.5   

Gross profit

    921.4        64.4        751.8        920.1        876.7        871.2   

Operating income (loss)(1)

    168.7        0.1        156.8        (684.6     (251.8     (289.1

(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes

    (124.2     (20.0     1,123.4        (914.8     (507.2     (460.9

(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax(2)

    (2.7     0.4        (86.8     (26.2     (33.7     (2.5

Net (loss) income(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)

    (190.1     (70.8     1,013.9        (931.5     (596.7     (434.0

Restructuring and related charges—cost of goods sold(8)

  $ 7.1      $ 0.2      $ 13.2      $ 16.5      $ 31.3      $ 21.1   

Restructuring and related charges—operating expenses(8)

    17.0        1.6        30.9        22.8        66.7        33.6   

Other expense (income), net(9)

    12.3        (0.8     3.3        1.2        (0.3     (4.1

Interest expense (13)

  $ 277.0      $ 17.0      $ 172.9      $ 229.0      $ 255.8      $ 175.9   

Per Share Data:

           

Net (loss) income per common share:

           

Basic

  $ (5.28   $ (2.36   $ 19.76      $ (18.29   $ (11.72   $ (8.77

Diluted

    (5.28   $ (2.36     19.76        (18.29     (11.72     (8.77

Average shares outstanding:

           

Basic

    36.0        30.0        51.3        50.9        50.9        49.5   

Diluted(10)

    36.0        30.0        51.3        50.9        50.9        49.5   

Cash Flow and Related Data:

           

Net cash provided (used) by operating activities

  $ 57.3      $ 75.0      $ 1.6      $ (10.2   $ (32.6   $ 44.5   

Capital expenditures(11)

    40.3        2.7        8.1        18.9        23.2        55.6   

Depreciation and amortization (excluding amortization of debt issuance costs)(11)

    117.4        8.6        58.5        85.0        77.4        82.6   

Statement of Financial Position Data (at period end):

           

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 170.6      $ 97.8        $ 104.8      $ 69.9      $ 28.4   

Working capital(12)

    536.9        323.7          371.5        370.2        397.2   

Total assets

    3,873.6        3,020.7          2,247.5        3,211.4        3,549.3   

Total long-term debt, net of current maturities

    1,723.1        1,530.0          2,474.8        2,416.9        2,234.5   

Total debt

    1,743.8        1,583.5          2,523.4        2,460.4        2,277.2   

Total shareholders’ equity (deficit)

    1,046.4        660.9          (1,027.2     (103.8     452.2   

 

(1) During Fiscal 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007 and 2006, pursuant to the Financial Accounting Standards Board Codification Topic 350: “Intangibles-Goodwill and Other,” we conducted our annual impairment testing of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets. As a result of these analyses we recorded non-cash pretax impairment charges of approximately $34 million, $861 million, $362 million and $433 million in the period from October 1, 2008 through August 30, 2009, Fiscal 2008, Fiscal 2007 and our fiscal year ended September 30, 2006 (“Fiscal 2006”), respectively. See the “Critical Accounting Policies—Valuation of Assets and Asset Impairment section of Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations as well as Note 3(i), Significant Accounting Policies—Intangible Assets, of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further details on these impairment charges.

 

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(2) Fiscal 2007 loss from discontinued operations, net of tax, includes a non-cash pretax impairment charge of approximately $45 million to reduce the carrying value of certain assets, principally consisting of goodwill and intangible assets, relating to our Canadian Division of the Home and Garden Business in order to reflect the estimated fair value of this business. Fiscal 2008 loss from discontinued operations, net of tax, includes a non-cash pretax impairment charge of approximately $8 million to reduce the carrying value of intangible assets relating to our growing products portion of the Home and Garden Business in order to reflect the estimated fair value of this business. See Note 9, Discontinued Operations, of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for information relating to these impairment charges.
(3) Fiscal 2010 income tax expense of $63 million includes a non-cash charge of approximately $91.9 million which increased the valuation allowance against certain net deferred tax assets.
(4) Included in the period from August 31, 2009 through September 30, 2009 for the Successor Company is a non-cash tax charge of $58 million related to the residual U.S. and foreign taxes on approximately $166 million of actual and deemed distributions of foreign earnings. The period from October 1, 2008 through August 30, 2009 income tax expense includes a non-cash adjustment of approximately $52 million which reduced the valuation allowance against certain deferred tax assets.

Included in the period from October 1, 2008 through August 30, 2009 for the Predecessor Company is a non-cash charge of $104 million related to the tax effects of the fresh start adjustments. In addition, Predecessor Company includes the tax effect on the gain on the cancellation of debt from the extinguishment of the senior subordinated notes as well as the modification of the senior term credit facility resulting in approximately $124 million reduction in the U.S. net deferred tax asset exclusive of indefinite lived intangibles. Due to the Company’s full valuation allowance position as of August 30, 2009 on the U.S. net deferred tax asset exclusive of indefinite lived intangibles, the tax effect of the gain on the cancellation of debt and the modification of the senior secured credit facility is offset by a corresponding adjustment to the valuation allowance of $124 million. The tax effect of the fresh start adjustments, the gain on the cancellation of debt and the modification of the senior secured credit facility, net of corresponding adjustments to the valuation allowance, are netted against reorganization items.

(5) Fiscal 2008 income tax benefit of $10 million includes a non-cash charge of approximately $222 million which increased the valuation allowance against certain net deferred tax assets.
(6) Fiscal 2007 income tax expense of $56 million includes a non-cash charge of approximately $180 million which increased the valuation allowance against certain net deferred tax assets.
(7) Fiscal 2006 income tax benefit of $29 million includes a non-cash charge of approximately $29 million which increased the valuation allowance against certain net deferred tax assets.
(8) See Note 14, Restructuring and Related Charges, of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion.
(9) Fiscal 2006 includes a $8 million net gain on the sale of our Bridgeport, CT manufacturing facility, acquired as part of the Remington Products Company, L.L.C. acquisition and subsequently closed in Fiscal 2004, and our Madison, WI packaging facility, which was closed in our fiscal year ended September 30, 2003.
(10) Each of Fiscal 2010, the period from August 31, 2009 through September 30, 2009, the period from October 1, 2008 through August 30, 2009, Fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006 does not assume the exercise of common stock equivalents as the impact would be antidilutive.
(11) Amounts reflect the results of continuing operations only.
(12) Working capital is defined as current assets less current liabilities.
(13) Fiscal 2010 includes a non-cash charge of $83 million related to the write off of unamortized debt issuance costs and the write off of unamortized discounts and premiums related to the extinguishment of debt that was refinanced in conjunction with the Merger.
(14) Fiscal 2010, includes the results of Russell Hobbs’ operations since June 16, 2010. Russell Hobbs contributed $238 million in Net Sales and recorded operating income of $1 million for the period from June 16, 2010 through September 30, 2010, which includes $13 million of acquisition and integration related charges. In addition, Fiscal 2010 includes $26 million of Acquisition and integration related charges associated with the Merger.

 

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Introduction

The following is management’s discussion of the financial results, liquidity and other key items related to our performance and should be read in conjunction with Item 6. Selected Financial Data and our Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. All references to Fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008 refer to fiscal year periods ended September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“SB Holdings”), is a global branded consumer products company and was created in connection with the combination of Spectrum Brands, Inc. (“Spectrum Brands”), a global branded consumer products company and Russell Hobbs, Inc. (“Russell Hobbs”), a global branded small appliance company, to form a new combined company (the “Merger”). The Merger was consummated on June 16, 2010. As a result of the Merger, both Spectrum Brands and Russell Hobbs are wholly-owned subsidiaries of SB Holdings and Russell Hobbs is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Spectrum Brands. SB Holdings’ common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) under the symbol “SPB.”

In connection with the Merger, we refinanced Spectrum Brands’ existing senior debt (except for the 12% Notes, which remain outstanding) and a portion of Russell Hobbs’ existing senior debt through a combination of a new $750 million U.S. Dollar Term Loan due June 16, 2016, new $750 million 9.5% Senior Secured Notes maturing June 15, 2018 and a new $300 million ABL revolving facility due June 16, 2014.

As further described below, on February 3, 2009, we and our wholly owned United States (“U.S.”) subsidiaries (collectively, the “Debtors”) filed voluntary petitions under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code (the “Bankruptcy Code”), in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Texas (the “Bankruptcy Court”). On August 28, 2009 (the “Effective Date”), the Debtors emerged from Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. Effective as of the Effective Date and pursuant to the Debtors’ confirmed plan of reorganization, we converted from a Wisconsin corporation to a Delaware corporation.

Unless the context indicates otherwise, the terms the “Company,” “Spectrum,” “we,” “our” or “us” are used to refer to SB Holdings and its subsidiaries subsequent to the Merger and Spectrum Brands prior to the Merger, as well as both before and on and after the Effective Date. The term “New Spectrum,” however, refers only to Spectrum Brands, Inc., our Delaware successor, and its subsidiaries after the Effective Date, and the term “Old Spectrum,” refers only to Spectrum Brands, our Wisconsin predecessor, and its subsidiaries prior to the Effective Date.

Business Overview

We are a global branded consumer products company with positions in seven major product categories: consumer batteries; pet supplies; home and garden control products; electric shaving and grooming; small appliances; electric personal care; and portable lighting.

We manage our business in four reportable segments: (i) Global Batteries & Personal Care, which consists of the Company’s worldwide battery, shaving and grooming, personal care and portable lighting business (“Global Batteries & Personal Care”); (ii) Global Pet Supplies, which consists of our worldwide pet supplies business (“Global Pet Supplies”); (iii) the Home and Garden Business, which consists of our home and garden control product offerings, including household insecticides, repellants and herbicides (the “Home and Garden Business”); and (iv) Small Appliances, which consists of small electrical appliances primarily in the kitchen and home product categories (“Small Appliances”).

We manufacture and market alkaline, zinc carbon and hearing aid batteries, herbicides, insecticides and repellants and specialty pet supplies. We design and market rechargeable batteries, battery-powered lighting

 

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products, electric shavers and accessories, grooming products and hair care appliances. With the addition of Russell Hobbs we design, market and distribute a broad range of branded small household appliances and personal care products. Our manufacturing and product development facilities are located in the United States, Europe, Latin America and Asia. Substantially all of our rechargeable batteries and chargers, shaving and grooming products, small household appliances, personal care products and portable lighting products are manufactured by third-party suppliers, primarily located in Asia.

We sell our products in approximately 120 countries through a variety of trade channels, including retailers, wholesalers and distributors, hearing aid professionals, industrial distributors and original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”) and enjoy strong name recognition in our markets under the Rayovac, VARTA and Remington brands, each of which has been in existence for more than 80 years, and under the Tetra, 8-in-1, Spectracide, Cutter, Black & Decker, George Foreman, Russell Hobbs, Farberware and various other brands.

Global and geographic strategic initiatives and financial objectives are determined at the corporate level. Each business segment is responsible for implementing defined strategic initiatives and achieving certain financial objectives and has a general manager responsible for sales and marketing initiatives and the financial results for all product lines within that business segment.

Our operating performance is influenced by a number of factors including: general economic conditions; foreign exchange fluctuations; trends in consumer markets; consumer confidence and preferences; our overall product line mix, including pricing and gross margin, which vary by product line and geographic market; pricing of certain raw materials and commodities; energy and fuel prices; and our general competitive position, especially as impacted by our competitors’ advertising and promotional activities and pricing strategies.

During the second quarter of Fiscal 2008, we determined that in view of the difficulty in predicting the timing or probability of a sale of the remaining U.S. portion of the Home and Garden Business, the requirements of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) necessary to classify the remaining U.S. portion of the Home and Garden Business as discontinued operations were no longer met and that it was appropriate to present the remaining U.S. portion of the Home and Garden Business as held and used in the Company’s continuing operations as of our second quarter of Fiscal 2008 and going forward. The presentation herein of the results of continuing operations includes the Home and Garden Business excluding the Canadian division, which was sold on November 1, 2007, for all periods presented.

In the third quarter of Fiscal 2008, we entered into a definitive agreement, subject to the consent of our lenders under our senior credit facilities, to sell the assets related to Global Pet Supplies. We were unable to obtain the consent of the lenders, and on July 13, 2008, we entered into a termination agreement regarding the agreement to sell the assets related to Global Pet Supplies. Pursuant to the termination agreement, as a condition to the termination, we paid the proposed buyer $3 million as a reimbursement of expenses.

In November 2008, our board of directors committed to the shutdown of the growing products portion of the Home and Garden Business, which includes the manufacturing and marketing of fertilizers, enriched soils, mulch and grass seed, following an evaluation of the historical lack of profitability and the projected input costs and significant working capital demands for the growing products portion of the Home and Garden Business for Fiscal 2009. We believe the shutdown was consistent with what we have done in other areas of our business to eliminate unprofitable products from our portfolio. As of March 29, 2009, we completed the shutdown of the growing products portion of the Home and Garden Business. Accordingly, the presentation herein of the results of continuing operations excludes the growing products portion of the Home and Garden Business for all periods presented. See Note 9, Discontinued Operations, to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further details on the disposal of the growing products portion of the Home and Garden Business.

On December 15, 2008, we were advised that our common stock would be suspended from trading on the NYSE prior to the opening of the market on December 22, 2008. We were advised that the decision to suspend

 

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our common stock was reached in view of the fact that we had recently fallen below the NYSE’s continued listing standard regarding average global market capitalization over a consecutive 30 trading day period of not less than $25 million, the minimum threshold for listing on the NYSE. Our common stock was delisted from the NYSE effective January 23, 2009.

As a result of our Bankruptcy Filing, we were able to significantly reduce our indebtedness. As a result of the Merger, we were able to further reduce our outstanding debt leverage ratio. However, we continue to have a significant amount of indebtedness relative to our competitors and paying down outstanding indebtedness continues to be a priority for us. The Bankruptcy Filing is discussed in more detail under “Chapter 11 Proceedings.”

Chapter 11 Proceedings

As a result of its substantial leverage, the Company determined that, absent a financial restructuring, it would be unable to achieve future profitability or positive cash flows on a consolidated basis solely from cash generated from operating activities or to satisfy certain of its payment obligations as the same may become due and be at risk of not satisfying the leverage ratios to which it was subject under its then existing senior secured term loan facility, which ratios became more restrictive in future periods. Accordingly, on February 3, 2009, we announced that we had reached agreements with certain noteholders, representing, in the aggregate, approximately 70% of the face value of our then outstanding senior subordinated notes, to pursue a refinancing that, if implemented as proposed, would significantly reduce our outstanding debt. On the same day, the Debtors filed voluntary petitions under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code, in the Bankruptcy Court (the “Bankruptcy Filing”) and filed with the Bankruptcy Court a proposed plan of reorganization (the “Proposed Plan”) that detailed the Debtors’ proposed terms for the refinancing. The Chapter 11 cases were jointly administered by the Bankruptcy Court as Case No. 09-50455 (the “Bankruptcy Cases”). The Bankruptcy Court entered a written order (the “Confirmation Order”) on July 15, 2009 confirming the Proposed Plan (as so confirmed, the “Plan”).

On the Effective Date the Plan became effective, and the Debtors emerged from Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. Pursuant to and by operation of the Plan, on the Effective Date, all of Old Spectrum’s existing equity securities, including the existing common stock and stock options, were extinguished and deemed cancelled. Reorganized Spectrum Brands, Inc. filed a certificate of incorporation authorizing new shares of common stock. Pursuant to and in accordance with the Plan, on the Effective Date, reorganized Spectrum Brands, Inc. issued a total of 27,030,000 shares of common stock and approximately $218 million in aggregate principal amount of 12% Senior Subordinated Toggle Notes due 2019 (the “12% Notes”) to holders of allowed claims with respect to Old Spectrum’s 8 1/2 % Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013 (the “8 1/2 Notes”), 7 3/8 % Senior Subordinated Notes due 2015 (the “7 3/8 Notes”) and Variable Rate Toggle Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013 (the “Variable Rate Notes”) (collectively, the “Senior Subordinated Notes”). For a further discussion of the 12% Notes see “Debt Financing Activities—12% Notes.” Also on the Effective Date, reorganized Spectrum Brands, Inc. issued a total of 2,970,000 shares of common stock to supplemental and sub-supplemental debtor-in-possession credit facility participants in respect of the equity fee earned under the Debtors’ debtor-in-possession credit facility.

Accounting for Reorganization

Subsequent to the Petition Date, our financial statements are prepared in accordance with ASC Topic 852: “Reorganizations,” (“ASC 852”). ASC 852 does not change the application of GAAP in the preparation of our financial statements. However, ASC 852 does require that financial statements, for periods including and subsequent to the filing of a Chapter 11 petition, distinguish transactions and events that are directly associated with the reorganization from the ongoing operations of the business. In accordance with ASC 852 we have done the following:

 

   

On our Consolidated Statements of Financial Position included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we have separated liabilities that are subject to compromise from liabilities that are not subject to compromise;

 

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On our Consolidated Statements of Operations included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we have distinguished transactions and events that are directly associated with the reorganization from the ongoing operations of the business;

 

   

On our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we have separately disclosed Reorganization items expense (income), net;

 

   

Ceased accruing interest on the Senior Subordinated Notes; and

Fresh-Start Reporting

As required by ASC 852 we adopted fresh-start reporting upon emergence from Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code as of our monthly period ended August 30, 2009 as is reflected in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Since the reorganization value of the assets of Old Spectrum immediately before the date of confirmation of the Plan was less than the total of all post-petition liabilities and allowed claims and the holders of Old Spectrum’s voting shares immediately before confirmation of the Plan received less than 50 percent of the voting shares of the emerging entity the Company adopted fresh-start reporting as of the close of business on August 30, 2009 in accordance with ASC 852. The Consolidated Statement of Financial Position as of August 30, 2009 gives effect to allocations to the carrying value of assets or amounts and classifications of liabilities that were necessary when adopting fresh-start reporting.

We analyzed the transactions that occurred during the two-day period from August 29, 2009, the day after the Effective Date, through August 30, 2009, the fresh-start reporting date, and concluded that such transactions were not material individually or in the aggregate as they represented less than one-percent of the total Net sales for the entire fiscal year ended September 30, 2009. As such, we determined that August 30, 2009, would be an appropriate fresh-start reporting date to coincide with our normal financial period close for the month of August 2009. Upon adoption of fresh-start reporting, the recorded amounts of assets and liabilities were adjusted to reflect their estimated fair values. Accordingly, the reported historical financial statements of Old Spectrum prior to the adoption of fresh-start reporting for periods ended prior to August 30, 2009 are not comparable to those of New Spectrum.

Cost Reduction Initiatives

We continually seek to improve our operational efficiency, match our manufacturing capacity and product costs to market demand and better utilize our manufacturing resources. We have undertaken various initiatives to reduce manufacturing and operating costs.

Fiscal 2009. In connection with our announcement to reduce our headcount within each of our segments and the exit of certain facilities in the U.S. related to the Global Pet Supplies segment, we implemented a number of cost reduction initiatives (the “Global Cost Reduction Initiatives”). These initiatives also included consultation, legal and accounting fees related to the evaluation of our capital structure.

Fiscal 2008. In connection with our decision to exit our zinc carbon and alkaline battery manufacturing and distribution facility in Ninghai, China, we undertook cost reduction initiatives (the “Ningbo Exit Plan”). These initiatives include fixed cost savings by integrating production equipment into our remaining production facilities and headcount reductions.

Fiscal 2007. In connection with our announcement that we would manage our business in three vertically integrated, product-focused reporting segments our costs related to research and development, manufacturing management, global purchasing, quality operations and inbound supply chain, which had previously been included in our corporate reporting segment are now included in each of the operating segments on a direct as

 

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incurred basis. In connection with these changes we undertook a number of cost reduction initiatives, primarily headcount reductions, at the corporate and operating segment levels (the “Global Realignment Initiatives”), including a headcount reduction of approximately 200 employees.

We also implemented a series of initiatives within our Global Batteries & Personal Care business segment in Latin America to reduce operating costs (the “Latin America Initiatives”). These initiatives include the reduction of certain manufacturing operations in Brazil and the restructuring of management, sales, marketing and support functions. As a result, we reduced headcount in Latin America by approximately 100 employees.

Fiscal 2006. As a result of our continued concern regarding the European economy and the continued shift by consumers from branded to private label alkaline batteries, we announced a series of initiatives in the Global Batteries & Personal Care segment in Europe to reduce operating costs and rationalize our manufacturing structure (the “European Initiatives”). These initiatives include the reduction of certain operations at our Ellwangen, Germany packaging center and relocating those operations to our Dischingen, Germany battery plant, transferring private label battery production at our Dischingen, Germany battery plant to our manufacturing facility in China and restructuring the sales, marketing and support functions. As a result, we have reduced headcount in Europe by approximately 350 employees or 24%.

Meeting Consumer Needs through Technology and Development

We continue to focus our efforts on meeting consumer needs for our products through new product development and technology innovations. Research and development efforts associated with our electric shaving and grooming products allow us to deliver to the market unique cutting systems. Research and development efforts associated with our electric personal care products allow us to deliver to our customers products that save them time, provide salon alternatives and enhance their in-home personal care options. We are continuously pursuing new innovations for our shaving, grooming and hair care products including foil and rotary shaver improvements, trimmer enhancements and technologies that deliver skin and hair care benefits.

During Fiscal 2010, we launched our Rayovac Platinum Nickel Metal Hydride rechargeable batteries. These batteries are ready to use directly out of the package, and stay charged up to 3 times longer than other rechargeable batteries. We also introduced Instant Ocean aquatic food and chemical products and additional products under the Dingo and Nature’s Miracle brands.

During Fiscal 2009, we introduced the Roughneck Flex 360 flashlight. We also launched a long lasting zero-mercury hearing aid battery. This product provides the same long lasting performance as conventional hearing aid batteries, but with an environmentally friendly formula. During Fiscal 2009, we also introduced a line of Tetra marine aquatic products, new dog treat items and enhanced Nature’s Miracle Stain & Odor products.

During Fiscal 2008, we introduced longer lasting alkaline batteries in cell sizes AA and AAA. We also launched several new products targeted at specific niche markets such as Hot Shot Spider Trap, Cutter Mosquito Stakes, Spectracide Destroyer Wasp & Hornet and Spectracide Weed Stop. We also introduced a new line of men’s rotary shavers with “360° Flex & Pivot Technology.” The flex and pivot technology allows the cutting blades to follow the contour of a person’s face and neck. In addition, we added Teflon® coated heads to our blades to reduce redness and irritation from shaving. We also introduced “The Short Cut Clipper.” The product is positioned as the world’s first clipper with exclusive curved cutting technology. We also launched “Shine Therapy,” a hair straightener with vitamin conditioning technology: Vitamin E, Avocado Oil and conditioners infused into the ceramic plates.

During Fiscal 2007, advancements in shaver blade coatings continued to be significant with further introductions of Titanium, Nano-Diamond, Nano-Silver and Tourmaline on a variety of products, which allowed us to continue to launch new products or product enhancements into the market place.

 

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During Fiscal 2006, in the lawn and garden category, we introduced the only termite killing stakes product for the do-it-yourself market.

Competitive Landscape

We compete in seven major product categories: consumer batteries; pet supplies; home and garden control products; electric shaving and grooming; small appliances; electric personal care; and portable lighting.

The consumer battery product category consists of non-rechargeable alkaline or zinc carbon batteries in cell sizes of AA, AAA, C, D and 9-volt, and specialty batteries, which include rechargeable batteries, hearing aid batteries, photo batteries and watch/calculator batteries. Most consumer batteries are marketed under one of the following brands: Rayovac/VARTA, Duracell, Energizer or Panasonic. In addition, some retailers market private label batteries, particularly in Europe. The majority of consumers in North America and Europe purchase alkaline batteries. The Latin America market consists primarily of zinc carbon batteries but is gradually converting to higher-priced alkaline batteries as household disposable income grows.

We believe that we are the largest worldwide marketer of hearing aid batteries and that we continue to maintain a leading global market position. We believe that our close relationship with hearing aid manufacturers and other customers, as well as our product performance improvements and packaging innovations, position us for continued success in this category.

Our global pet supplies business comprises aquatics equipment (aquariums, filters, pumps, etc.), aquatics consumables (fish food, water treatments and conditioners, etc.) and specialty pet products for dogs, cats, birds and other small domestic animals. The pet supply market is extremely fragmented, with no competitor holding a market share greater than twenty percent. We believe that our brand positioning, including the leading global aquatics brand in Tetra, our diverse array of innovative and attractive products and our strong retail relationships and global infrastructure will allow us to remain competitive in this fast growing industry.

Products in our home and garden category are sold through the Home and Garden Business. The Home and Garden Business manufactures and markets outdoor and indoor insect control products, rodenticides, herbicides and plant foods. The Home and Garden Business operates in the U.S. market under the brand names Spectracide, Cutter and Garden Safe. The Home and Garden Business’ marketing position is primarily that of a value brand, enhanced and supported by innovative products and packaging to drive sales at the point of purchase. The Home and Garden Business’ primary competitors include The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, Central Garden & Pet Company and S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.

We also operate in the shaving and grooming and personal care product category, consisting of electric shavers and accessories, electric grooming products and hair care appliances. Electric shavers include men’s and women’s shavers (both rotary and foil design) and electric shaver accessories consisting of shaver replacement parts (primarily foils and cutters), pre-shave products and cleaning agents. Electric shavers are marketed primarily under one of the following global brands: Remington, Braun and Norelco. Electric grooming products include beard and mustache trimmers, nose and ear trimmers, body groomers and haircut kits and related accessories. Hair care appliances include hair dryers, straightening irons, styling irons and hair-setters. Europe and North America account for the majority of our worldwide product category sales. Our major competitors in the electric personal care product category are Conair Corporation, Wahl Clipper Corporation and Helen of Troy Limited.

Products in our small appliances category consist of small electrical appliances primarily in the kitchen and home product categories. Primary competitive brands in the small appliance category include Hamilton Beach, Procter Silex, Sunbeam, Mr. Coffee, Oster, General Electric, Rowenta, DeLonghi, Kitchen Aid, Cuisinart, Krups, Braun, Rival, Europro, Kenwood, Philips, Morphy Richards, Breville and Tefal.

 

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The following factors contribute to our ability to succeed in these highly competitive product categories:

 

   

Strong Diversified Global Brand Portfolio. We have a global portfolio of well-recognized consumer product brands. We believe that the strength of our brands positions us to extend our product lines and provide our retail customers with strong sell-through to consumers.

 

   

Strong Global Retail Relationships. We have well-established business relationships with many of the top global retailers, distributors and wholesalers, which have assisted us in our efforts to expand our overall market penetration and promote sales.

 

   

Expansive Distribution Network. We distribute our products in approximately 120 countries through a variety of trade channels, including retailers, wholesalers and distributors, hearing aid professionals, industrial distributors and OEMs.

 

   

Innovative New Products, Packaging and Technologies. We have a long history of product and packaging innovations in each of our seven product categories and continually seek to introduce new products both as extensions of existing product lines and as new product categories.

 

   

Experienced Management Team. Our management team has substantial consumer products experience. On average, each senior manager has more than 20 years of experience at Spectrum, VARTA, Remington, Russell Hobbs or other branded consumer product companies such as Newell Rubbermaid, H.J. Heinz and Schering-Plough.

Seasonal Product Sales

On a consolidated basis our financial results are approximately equally weighted between quarters, however, sales of certain product categories tend to be seasonal. Sales in the consumer battery, electric shaving and grooming and electric personal care product categories, particularly in North America, tend to be concentrated in the December holiday season (Spectrum’s first fiscal quarter). Demand for pet supplies products remains fairly constant throughout the year. Demand for home and garden control products sold though the Home and Garden Business typically peaks during the first six months of the calendar year (Spectrum’s second and third fiscal quarters). Small Appliances peaks from July through December primarily due to the increased demand by customers in the late summer for “back-to-school” sales and in the fall for the holiday season.

The seasonality of our sales during the last three fiscal years is as follows:

Percentage of Annual Sales

 

     Fiscal Year Ended
September 30,
 

Fiscal Quarter Ended

   2010     2009     2008  

December

     23     25     24

March

     21     23     22

June

     25     26     26

September

     31     26     28

Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2010 Compared to Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2009

Fiscal 2009, when referenced within this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, includes the combined results of Old Spectrum for the period from October 1, 2008 through August 30, 2009 and New Spectrum for the period from August 31, 2009 through September 30, 2009.

 

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Highlights of Consolidated Operating Results

We have presented the growing products portion of the Home and Garden Business as discontinued operations. The board of directors of Old Spectrum committed to the shutdown of the growing products portion of the Home and Garden Business in November 2008 and the shutdown was completed during the second quarter of our Fiscal 2009. See Note 9, Discontinued Operations of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding the shutdown of the growing products portion of the Home and Garden Business. As a result, and unless specifically stated, all discussions regarding Fiscal 2010 and Fiscal 2009 only reflect results from our continuing operations.

Year over year historical comparisons are influenced by the acquisition of Russell Hobbs, which is included in our Fiscal 2010 Consolidated Financial Statements of Operations from June 16, 2010, the date of the Merger, through the end of the period. The results of Russell Hobbs are not included in our Fiscal 2009 Consolidated Financial Statements of Operations. See Note 16, Acquisition of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for supplemental pro forma information providing additional year over year comparisons of the impact of the acquisition.

Net Sales. Net sales for Fiscal 2010 increased to $2,567 million from $2,231 million in Fiscal 2009, a 15.1% increase. The following table details the principal components of the change in net sales from Fiscal 2009 to Fiscal 2010 (in millions):

 

     Net Sales  

Fiscal 2009 Net Sales

   $ 2,231   

Addition of small appliances

     238   

Increase in consumer battery sales

     33   

Increase in electric shaving and grooming product sales

     27   

Increase in home and garden control product sales

     19   

Increase in lighting product sales

     6   

Increase in electric personal care product sales

     2   

Decrease in pet supplies sales

     (16

Foreign currency impact, net

     27   
        

Fiscal 2010 Net Sales

   $ 2,567   
        

Consolidated net sales by product line for Fiscal 2010 and 2009 are as follows (in millions):

 

     Fiscal Year  
     2010      2009  

Product line net sales

     

Consumer batteries

   $ 866       $ 819   

Pet supplies

     561         574   

Home and garden control products

     341         322   

Electric shaving and grooming products

     257         225   

Small appliances

     238         —     

Electric personal care products

     216         211   

Portable lighting products

     88         80   
                 

Total net sales to external customers

   $ 2,567       $ 2,231   
                 

Global consumer battery sales during Fiscal 2010 increased $47 million, or 6%, compared to Fiscal 2009, primarily driven by favorable foreign exchange impacts of $15 million coupled with increased sales in North America and Latin America. The sales increase in North America was driven by increased volume with a major customer and the increased sales in Latin America were a result of increased specialty battery sales, driven by the

 

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successfully leveraging our value proposition, that is, products that work as well as or better than our competitors, at a lower price. These gains were partially offset by decreased consumer battery sales of $22 million in Europe, primarily due to our continued exit of low margin private label battery sales.

Pet product sales during Fiscal 2010 decreased $13 million, or 2%, compared to Fiscal 2009. The decrease of $13 million is attributable to decreased aquatics sales of $11 million and decreased specialty pet products of $6 million. These decreases were partially offset by favorable foreign exchange impacts of $3 million. The $11 million decrease in aquatic sales is due to decreases within the United States and Pacific Rim of $6 million and $5 million, respectively, as a result of reduction in demand in this product category due to the macroeconomic slowdown as we maintained our market share in the category. The $6 million decrease in companion animal sales is due to $9 million decline in the United States, primarily driven by a distribution loss of at a major retailer of certain dog shampoo products and the impact of a product recall, which was tempered by increases of $3 million in Europe.

Sales of home and garden control products during Fiscal 2010 versus Fiscal 2009 increased $19 million, or 6%. This increase is a result of additional sales to major customers that was driven by incentives to retailers and promotional campaigns during the year in both lawn and garden control products and household control products.

Electric shaving and grooming product sales during Fiscal 2010 increased $32 million, or 14%, compared to Fiscal 2009 primarily due to increased sales within Europe of $25 million coupled with favorable foreign exchange translation of $5 million. The increase in Europe sales is a result of new product launches, pricing and promotions.

Electric personal care product sales during Fiscal 2010 increased $5 million, or 2%, when compared to Fiscal 2009. The increase of $5 million during Fiscal 2010 was attributable to favorable foreign exchange impacts of $2 million coupled with modest sales increases within Latin America and North America of $3 million and $1 million, respectively. These sales increases were partially offset by modest declines in Europe of $2 million.

Sales of portable lighting products in Fiscal 2010 increased $8 million, or 10%, compared to Fiscal 2009 as a result of increases in North America of $3 million coupled with favorable foreign exchange translation of $2 million. Sales of portable lighting products also increased modestly in both Europe and Latin America.

Small appliances contributed $238 million or 9% of total net sales for Fiscal 2010. This represents sales related to Russell Hobbs from the date of the consummation of the merger, June 16, 2010 through the close of the Fiscal 2010.

Gross Profit. Gross profit for Fiscal 2010 was $921 million versus $816 million for Fiscal 2009. Our gross profit margin for Fiscal 2010 decreased to 35.9% from 36.6% in Fiscal 2009. The decrease in our gross profit margin is primarily a result of our adoption of fresh-start reporting upon emergence from Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. Upon the adoption of fresh-start reporting, in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141, “Business Combinations,” (“SFAS 141”), inventory balances were revalued at August 30, 2009 resulting in an increase in such inventory balances of $49 million. As a result of the inventory revaluation, we recognized $34 million in additional cost of goods sold during Fiscal 2010 compared to $15 million of additional cost of goods sold recognized in Fiscal 2009. The impact of the inventory revaluation was offset by lower Restructuring and related charges in Cost of goods sold during Fiscal 2010, which included $7 million of Restructuring and related charges whereas Fiscal 2009 included $13 million of Restructuring and related charges. The Restructuring and related charges incurred in Fiscal 2010 were primarily associated with cost reduction initiatives announced in 2009. The $13 million of Restructuring and related charges incurred in Fiscal 2009 primarily related to the shutdown of our Ningbo, China battery manufacturing facility. See “Restructuring and Related Charges” below, as well as Note 14, Restructuring and Related Charges, to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding our restructuring and related charges.

 

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Operating Expense. Operating expenses for Fiscal 2010 totaled $753 million versus $659 million for Fiscal 2009. The $94 million increase in operating expenses for Fiscal 2010 versus Fiscal 2009 was partially driven by $38 million of Acquisition and integration related charges as a result of our combination with Russell Hobbs pursuant to the Merger. During Fiscal 2010 we also incurred $36 million of selling expense and $16 million of general and administrative expense incurred by Russell Hobbs, which is included in the Small Appliances segment, subsequent to the acquisition on June 16, 2010. Also included in Operating expenses for Fiscal 2010 was additional depreciation and amortization as a result of the revaluation of our long lived assets in connection with our adoption of fresh-start reporting upon emergence from Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code and unfavorable foreign exchange translation of $7 million. This increase was partially offset by the non-recurrence of the non-cash impairment charge to certain long lived intangible assets of $34 million in Fiscal 2009 and lower Restructuring and related charges of approximately $15 million as $17 million of such charges were incurred in Fiscal 2010 compared to $32 million in Fiscal 2009. See “Restructuring and Related Charges below, as well as Note 14, Restructuring and Related Charges, to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding our restructuring and related charges.

Adjusted EBITDA. Management believes that certain non-GAAP financial measures may be useful in certain instances to provide additional meaningful comparisons between current results and results in prior operating periods. Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“Adjusted EBITDA”) is a metric used by management and frequently used by the financial community. Adjusted EBITDA provides insight into an organization’s operating trends and facilitates comparisons between peer companies, since interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization can differ greatly between organizations as a result of differing capital structures and tax strategies. Adjusted EBITDA can also be a useful measure of a company’s ability to service debt and is one of the measures used for determining the Company’s debt covenant compliance. Adjusted EBITDA excludes certain items that are unusual in nature or not comparable from period to period. While the Company’s management believes that non-GAAP measurements are useful supplemental information, such adjusted results are not intended to replace the Company’s GAAP financial results.

Adjusted EBITDA, which includes the results of Russell Hobbs’ businesses as if it was combined with Spectrum for all periods presented (see reconciliation of GAAP Net Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations to Adjusted EBITDA by segment below) was $432 million for Fiscal 2010 compared with $391 million for Fiscal 2009.

Operating Income. Operating income of approximately $169 million was recognized in Fiscal 2010 compared to Fiscal 2009 operating income of $157 million. The increase in operating income is attributable to Small Appliances income of $13 million, increased sales in our remaining segments and the non-reoccurrence of the previously discussed non-cash impairment charge of $34 million in Fiscal 2009. This was partially offset by $39 million Acquisition and integration related charges incurred in Fiscal 2010 related to the Merger.

Segment Results. As discussed above in Item 1, Business, we manage our business in four reportable segments: (i) Global Batteries & Personal Care, (ii) Global Pet Supplies; (iii) Home and Garden Business; and (iv) Small Appliances.

Operating segment profits do not include restructuring and related charges, acquisition and integration related charges, interest expense, interest income, impairment charges, reorganization items and income tax expense. Expenses associated with global operations, consisting of research and development, manufacturing management, global purchasing, quality operations and inbound supply chain are included in the determination of operating segment profits. In addition, certain general and administrative expenses necessary to reflect the operating segments on a standalone basis have been included in the determination of operating segment profits. Corporate expenses include primarily general and administrative expenses associated with corporate overhead and global long-term incentive compensation plans.

All depreciation and amortization included in income from operations is related to operating segments or corporate expense. Costs are allocated to operating segments or corporate expense according to the function of

 

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each cost center. All capital expenditures are related to operating segments. Variable allocations of assets are not made for segment reporting.

Global strategic initiatives and financial objectives for each reportable segment are determined at the corporate level. Each reportable segment is responsible for implementing defined strategic initiatives and achieving certain financial objectives and has a general manager responsible for the sales and marketing initiatives and financial results for product lines within that segment. Financial information pertaining to our reportable segments is contained in Note 11, Segment Information, of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Below is a reconciliation of GAAP Net Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations to Adjusted EBITDA by segment for Fiscal 2010 and Fiscal 2009:

 

    Fiscal 2010  
    Global
Batteries &
Personal Care
    Global Pet
Supplies
    Home and
Garden
Business
    Small
Appliances
    Corporate /
Unallocated
Items(a)
    Consolidated
SB Holdings
 
    (in millions)  

Net Income (loss)

  $ 137      $ 49      $ 40      $ —        $ (416   $ (190

Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax

    —          —          3        —          —          3   

Income tax expense

    —          —          —          —          63        63   

Interest expense

    —          —          —          —          195        195   

Write-off unamortized discounts and financing fees(b)

    —          —          —          —          82        82   

Pre-acquisition earnings

    —          —          —          66        —          66   

Restructuring and related charges

    4        7        8        —          5        24   

Acquisition and integration related charges

    —          —          —          15        24        39   

Reorganization items

    —          —          —          —          3        3   

Accelerated depreciation and amortization(c)

    —          —          (1     —          (2     (3

Fresh-start inventory fair value adjustment

    18        14        2        —          —          34   

Russell Hobbs inventory fair value adjustment

    —          —          —          3        —          3   

Brazilian IPI credit/other

    (5     —          —          —          —          (5

Adjusted EBIT

  $ 154      $ 70      $ 52      $ 84      $ (46   $ 314   

Depreciation and amortization

    52        28        15        6        17        118   

Adjusted EBITDA

  $ 206      $ 98      $ 67      $ 90      $ (29   $ 432   

 

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     Fiscal 2009  
     Global
Batteries &
Personal Care
    Global Pet
Supplies
     Home and
Garden
Business
    Small
Appliances
     Corporate /
Unallocated
Items(a)
    Consolidated
SB Holdings
 
     (in millions)  

Net Income (loss)

   $ 126      $ 41       $ (52   $ —         $ 828      $ 943   

Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax

     —          —           87        —           —          87   

Income tax expense

     —          —           —          —           74        74   

Interest expense

     —          —           —          —           190        190   

Pre-acquisition earnings

     —          —           —          81         —          81   

Restructuring and related charges

     21        6         6        —           13        46   

Reorganization items

     —          —           —          —           (1,139     (1,139

Intangibles impairment

     15        19         —          —           —          34   

Fresh-start inventory and other fair value adjustment

     10        5         1        —           1        17   

Accelerated depreciation and amortization(c)

     (3     —           (1     —           —          (4

Brazilian IPI credit/other

     (5     —           —          —           —          (5

Adjusted EBIT

   $ 164      $ 71       $ 41      $ 81       $ (33   $ 324   

Depreciation and amortization

     29        22         13        —           3        67   

Adjusted EBITDA

   $ 193      $ 93       $ 54      $ 81       $ (30   $ 391   

 

(a) It is our policy to record Income tax expense (benefit) and interest expense on a consolidated basis. Accordingly, such amounts are not reflected in the operating results of the operating segments.
(b) Adjustment reflects the following: (i) $61 million write-off of unamortized deferred financing fees and discounts associated with our restructured capital structure, refinanced on June 16, 2010; (ii) $4 million related to pre-payment premiums associated with the paydown of our old asset based revolving credit facility and supplemental loan extinguished on June 16, 2010; and (iii) $17 million related to the termination of interest swaps and commitment fees.
(c) Adjustment reflects restricted stock amortization and accelerated depreciation associated with certain restructuring initiatives. Inasmuch as this amount is included within Restructuring and related charges, this adjustment negates the impact of reflecting the add-back of depreciation and amortization.

Global Batteries & Personal Care

 

     2010     2009  
     (in millions)  

Net sales to external customers

   $ 1,428      $ 1,335   

Segment profit

   $ 153      $ 165   

Segment profit as a % of net sales

     10.7     12.4

Segment Adjusted EBITDA

   $ 206      $ 193   

Assets as of September 30,

   $ 1,629      $ 1,608   

Segment net sales to external customers in Fiscal 2010 increased $93 million to $1,428 million from $1,335 million during Fiscal 2009, representing a 7% increase. Favorable foreign currency exchange translation impacted net sales in Fiscal 2010 by approximately $24 million in comparison to Fiscal 2009. Consumer battery sales for Fiscal 2010 increased to $866 million when compared to Fiscal 2009 sales of $819 million, primarily due to increased specialty battery sales of $26 million and increased alkaline battery sales of $6 million, coupled with favorable foreign exchange translation of $15 million. The $26 million increase in specialty battery sales is

 

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driven by growth in Latin America driven by the successfully leveraging our value proposition, that is, products that work as well as or better than our competitors, at a lower price. The $6 million increase in alkaline sales is driven by the increased sales in North America, attributable to an increase in market share, as consumers opt for our value proposition during the weakening economic conditions in the U.S, which was tempered by a decline in alkaline battery sales in Europe as we continued efforts to exit from unprofitable or marginally profitable private label battery sales, as well as certain second tier branded battery sales. We are continuing our efforts to promote profitable growth and therefore, expect to continue to exit certain low margin business as appropriate to create a more favorable mix of branded versus private label products. Net sales of electric shaving and grooming products in Fiscal 2010 increased by $32 million, a 14% increase, compare to Fiscal 2009. This increase was primarily due to an increase of $25 million in Europe, excluding foreign exchange translation, as a result of successful promotions and operational execution. Positive foreign exchange translation impacted net sales of electric shaving and grooming products in Fiscal 2010 by $5 million. Electric personal care sales increased by $5 million, an increase of 3%, over Fiscal 2009. Favorable foreign exchange translation impacted net sales by approximately $3 million. Excluding favorable foreign exchange, we experienced modest electric personal care product sales increases within all geographic regions. Net sales of portable lighting products for Fiscal 2010 increased to $88 million as compared to sales of $80 million for Fiscal 2009, an increase of 10%. The portable lighting product sales increase was primarily driven by favorable foreign exchange impact of $2 million, coupled with increased sales in North America of $3 million, driven by increased sales with a major customer as a result of new product introductions.

Segment profitability during Fiscal 2010 decreased to $153 million from $165 million in Fiscal 2009. Segment profitability as a percentage of net sales decreased to 10.7% in Fiscal 2010 compared to 12.4% in Fiscal 2009. The decrease in segment profitability during Fiscal 2010 was mainly attributable to a $19 million increase in cost of goods sold due to the revaluation of inventory coupled with approximately a $16 million increase in intangible asset amortization due to our adoption of fresh-start reporting upon our emergence from Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. Offsetting this decrease to segment profitability was higher sales, as discussed above, and savings from our restructuring and related initiatives announced in Fiscal 2009. See “Restructuring and Related Charges” below, as well as Note 14, Restructuring and Related Charges, to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding our restructuring and related charges.

Segment Adjusted EBITDA in Fiscal 2010 was $206 million compared to $193 million in Fiscal 2009. The increase in Adjusted EBITDA is mainly driven by the efficient cost structure now in place from our cost reduction initiatives announced in Fiscal 2009 coupled with increases in market share in certain of our product categories.

Segment assets at September 30, 2010 increased to $1,629 million from $1,608 million at September 30, 2009. Goodwill and intangible assets, which are directly a result of the revaluation impacts of fresh-start reporting, at September 30, 2010 decreased to $881 million from $909 million at September 30, 2009. The decrease is mainly due to amortization of definite lived intangible assets of $18 million and foreign exchange impacts of $10 million.

Foreign Currency Translation—Venezuela Impacts

The Global Batteries & Personal Care segment does business in Venezuela through a Venezuelan subsidiary. At January 4, 2010, the beginning of our second quarter of Fiscal 2010, we determined that Venezuela meets the definition of a highly inflationary economy under GAAP. As a result, beginning January 4, 2010, the U.S. dollar is the functional currency for our Venezuelan subsidiary. Accordingly, going forward, currency remeasurement adjustments for this subsidiary’s financial statements and other transactional foreign exchange gains and losses are reflected in earnings. Through January 3, 2010, prior to being designated as highly inflationary, translation adjustments related to the Venezuelan subsidiary were reflected in Shareholders’ equity as a component of AOCI.

 

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In addition, on January 8, 2010, the Venezuelan government announced its intention to devalue its currency, the Bolivar fuerte, relative to the U.S. dollar. The official exchange rate for imported goods classified as essential, such as food and medicine, changed from 2.15 to 2.6 to the U.S. dollar, while payments for other non-essential goods moved to an exchange rate of 4.3 to the U.S. dollar. Some of our imported products fall into the essential classification and qualify for the 2.6 rate; however, our overall results in Venezuela were reflected at the 4.3 rate expected to be applicable to dividend repatriations beginning in the second quarter of Fiscal 2010. As a result, we remeasured the local statement of financial position of our Venezuela entity during the second quarter of Fiscal 2010 to reflect the impact of the devaluation. Based on actual exchange activity, we determined on September 30, 2010 that the most likely method of exchanging its Bolivar fuertes for U.S. dollars will be to formally apply with the Venezuelan government to exchange through commercial banks at the SITME rate specified by the Central Bank of Venezuela. The SITME rate as of September 30, 2010 was quoted at 5.3 Bolivar fuerte per U.S. dollar. Therefore, we changed the rate used to remeasure Bolivar fuerte denominated transactions as of September 30, 2010 from the official non-essentials exchange rate to the 5.3 SITME rate in accordance with ASC 830, “Foreign Currency Matters” as it is the expected rate that exchanges of Bolivar fuerte to U.S. dollars will be settled. There is also an immaterial ongoing impact related to measuring our Venezuelan statement of operations at the new exchange rate of 5.3 to the U.S. dollar.

The designation of our Venezuela entity as a highly inflationary economy and the devaluation of the Bolivar fuerte resulted in a $1 million reduction to our operating income during Fiscal 2010. We also reported a foreign exchange loss in Other expense (income), net, of $10 million during Fiscal 2010.

Global Pet Supplies

 

     2010     2009  
   (in millions)  

Net sales to external customers

   $ 561      $ 574   

Segment profit

   $ 56      $ 65   

Segment profit as a % of net sales

     9.9     11.3

Segment Adjusted EBITDA

   $ 98      $ 93   

Assets as of September 30,

   $ 826      $ 867   

Segment net sales to external customers in Fiscal 2010 decreased to $561 million from $574 million in Fiscal 2009, representing a decrease of $13 million or 2%. The $13 million decrease was attributable to lower aquatics sales of $11 million, lower specialty pet product sales of $6 million and favorable foreign exchange impacts of $3 million. The decrease in aquatics sales was primarily due to general softness in this category. The decrease in specialty pet product sales was driven by a distribution loss at a major retailer of certain dog shampoo products and the impact of a product recall.

Segment profitability in Fiscal 2010 decreased to $56 million from $65 million in Fiscal 2009. Segment profitability as a percentage of sales in Fiscal 2010 also decreased to 9.9% from 11.3% during Fiscal 2009. This decrease in segment profitability and profitability margin was primarily attributable to an increase in cost of goods sold due to the revaluation of inventory and the increase in intangible asset amortization in accordance with SFAS 141, as was required when we adopted fresh-start reporting upon our emergence from Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. The decrease in Fiscal 2010 segment profitability was tempered by improved pricing and lower manufacturing and operating costs as a result of our global cost reduction initiatives announced in Fiscal 2009. See “Restructuring and Related Charges” below, as well as Note 14, Restructuring and Related Charges, to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding our restructuring and related charges.

Segment Adjusted EBITDA in Fiscal 2010 was $98 million compared to $93 million in Fiscal 2009. Despite decreased net sales during Fiscal 2010 of $13 million, our successful efforts to create a lower cost structure including the closure and consolidation of some of our pet facilities, and improved product mix, resulted in

 

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Adjusted EBITDA increase of $5 million. See “Restructuring and Related Charges” below, as well as Note 14, Restructuring and Related Charges, to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, for further detail on our Fiscal 2009 initiatives.

Segment assets as of September 30, 2010 decreased to $826 million from $867 million at September 30, 2009. Goodwill and intangible assets, which are directly a result of the revaluation impacts of fresh-start reporting, decreased to $589 million at September 30, 2010 from $618 million at September 30, 2009. The decrease is mainly due to amortization of definite lived intangible assets of $15 million and foreign exchange impacts of $14 million.

Home and Garden Business

 

     2010     2009  
   (in millions)  

Net sales to external customers

   $ 341      $ 322   

Segment profit

   $ 51      $ 42   

Segment profit as a % of net sales

     14.9     13.0

Segment Adjusted EBITDA

   $ 67      $ 54   

Assets as of September 30,

   $ 494      $ 504   

Segment net sales to external customers of home and garden control products during Fiscal 2010 versus Fiscal 2009 increased $19 million, or 6%, was driven by incentives to retailers and promotional campaigns during the year in both lawn and garden control products and household control products.

Segment profitability in Fiscal 2010 increased to $51 million compared to $42 million in Fiscal 2009. Segment profitability as a percentage of sales in Fiscal 2010 increased to 14.9% from 13.0% in Fiscal 2009. This increase in segment profitability was attributable to savings from our global cost reduction initiatives announced in Fiscal 2009. See “Restructuring and Related Charges” below, as well as Note 14, Restructuring and Related Charges, to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding our restructuring and related charges. The increase in profitability during Fiscal 2010 was tempered by a $2 million increase in cost of goods sold due to the revaluation of inventory and increased intangible asset amortization due to the revaluation of our customer relationships in accordance with SFAS 141 as was required when we adopted fresh-start reporting upon our emergence from Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code.

Segment Adjusted EBITDA in Fiscal 2010 was $67 million compared to $54 million in Fiscal 2009. The increase in Adjusted EBITDA during Fiscal 2010 was mainly driven by expanded promotions at our top retailers and strong sales growth.

Segment assets as of September 30, 2010 decreased to $494 million from $504 million at September 30, 2009. Goodwill and intangible assets, which are directly a result of the revaluation impacts of fresh-start reporting, at September 30, 2010 decreased to $410 million from $419 million at September 30, 2009. The decrease of $9 million is driven by amortization associated with definite lived intangible assets.

Small Appliances

 

     2010     2009  
   (in millions)  

Net sales to external customers

   $ 238      $ —     

Segment profit

   $ 13      $ —     

Segment profit as a % of net sales

     5.5     —     

Segment Adjusted EBITDA

   $ 90      $ 81   

Assets as of September 30,

   $ 863      $ —     

 

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Segment net sales to external customers in Fiscal 2010 were $238 million. This represents sales related to Russell Hobbs from the date of the consummation of the Merger, June 16, 2010, through the close of Fiscal 2010.

Segment profitability in Fiscal 2010 was $13 million, which includes an increase to Cost of goods sold as a result of the inventory write-up in conjunction with the Merger in accordance with ASC Topic 805: “Business Combinations,” (“ASC 805”). This represents segment profit from the operations of Russell Hobbs from the date of the consummation of the Merger, June 16, 2010 through the close of Fiscal 2010.

Segment Adjusted EBITDA in Fiscal 2010 was $90 million compared to $81 million in Fiscal 2009. The $9 million increase in Fiscal 2010 is mainly driven by Russell Hobbs’ voluntarily exiting certain non-profitable brands and stock keeping units and implementing cost reduction initiatives.

ASC 805 requires, among other things, that assets acquired and liabilities assumed be recognized at their fair values as of the acquisition date. Accordingly, the Company performed a valuation of the assets and liabilities of Russell Hobbs at June 16, 2010. See Note 15, Acquisitions, of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding the assets acquired in the Merger. Segment assets at September 30, 2010 were $863 million. At September 30, 2010 goodwill and intangible assets recorded in connection with the Merger totaled $489 million.

Corporate Expense. Our corporate expense in Fiscal 2010 increased to $41 million from $34 million in Fiscal 2009. Our corporate expense as a percentage of consolidated net sales in Fiscal 2010 increased slightly to 1.6% from 1.5%. The increase is primarily due to stock compensation expense of $17 million in Fiscal 2010 compared to $3 million of stock compensation expense in Fiscal 2009.

Restructuring and Related Charges. See Note 14, Restructuring and Related Charges, of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding our restructuring and related charges.

 

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The following table summarizes all restructuring and related charges we incurred in Fiscal 2010 and Fiscal 2009 (in millions):

 

     2010     2009  

Costs included in cost of goods sold:

    

Latin America Initiatives:

    

Termination benefits

   $ —        $ 0.2   

Global Realignment Initiatives:

    

Termination benefits

     0.2        0.3   

Other associated costs

     (0.1     0.9   

Ningbo Exit Plan:

    

Termination benefits

     —          0.9   

Other associated costs

     2.1        8.6   

Global Cost Reduction Initiatives:

    

Termination benefits

     2.6        0.2   

Other associated costs

     2.3        2.3   
                

Total included in cost of goods sold

   $ 7.1      $ 13.4   

Costs included in operating expenses:

    

United & Tetra integration:

    

Termination benefits

   $ —        $ 2.3   

Other associated costs

     —          0.3   

European Initiatives:

    

Termination benefits

     (0.1     —     

Global Realignment Initiatives:

    

Termination benefits

     5.4        7.1   

Other associated costs

     (1.9     3.5   

Ningbo Exit Plan:

    

Other associated costs

     —          1.3   

Global Cost Reduction Initiatives:

    

Termination benefits

     4.3        6.6   

Other associated costs

     9.3        11.3   
                

Total included in operating expenses

   $ 17.0      $ 32.4   
                

Total restructuring and related charges

   $ 24.1      $ 45.8   
                

In Fiscal 2007, we began managing our business in three vertically integrated, product-focused reporting segments; Global Batteries & Personal Care, Global Pet Supplies and the Home and Garden Business. As part of this realignment, our global operations organization, which had previously been included in corporate expense, consisting of research and development, manufacturing management, global purchasing, quality operations and inbound supply chain, is now included in each of the operating segments. In connection with these changes we undertook a number of cost reduction initiatives, primarily headcount reductions, at the corporate and operating segment levels (the “Global Realignment Initiatives”). We recorded approximately $4 million and $11 million of pretax restructuring and related charges during Fiscal 2010 and Fiscal 2009, respectively, in connection with the Global Realignment Initiatives. Costs associated with these initiatives, which are expected to be incurred through June 30, 2011, relate primarily to severance and are projected at approximately $89 million.

During Fiscal 2008, we implemented an initiative within the Global Batteries & Personal Care segment to reduce operating costs and rationalize our manufacturing structure. These initiatives, which are substantially complete, include the exit of our battery manufacturing facility in Ningbo Baowang China (“Ningbo”) (the “Ningbo Exit Plan”). We recorded approximately $2 million and $11 million of pretax restructuring and related charges during Fiscal 2010 and Fiscal 2009, respectively, in connection with the Ningbo Exit Plan. We have recorded pretax and restructuring and related charges of approximately $29 million since the inception of the Ningbo Exit Plan.

 

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During Fiscal 2009, we implemented a series of initiatives within the Global Batteries & Personal Care segment and the Global Pet Supplies segment to reduce operating costs as well as evaluate our opportunities to improve our capital structure (the “Global Cost Reduction Initiatives”). These initiatives include headcount reductions within all our segments and the exit of certain facilities in the U.S. related to the Global Pet Supplies segment. These initiatives also included consultation, legal and accounting fees related to the evaluation of our capital structure. We recorded $18 million and $20 million of pretax restructuring and related charges during Fiscal 2010 and Fiscal 2009, respectively, related to the Global Cost Reduction Initiatives. Costs associated with these initiatives, which are expected to be incurred through March 31, 2014, are projected at approximately $65 million.

Acquisition and integration related charges. Acquisition and integration related charges reflected in Operating expenses include, but are not limited to transaction costs such as banking, legal and accounting professional fees directly related to the acquisition, termination and related costs for transitional and certain other employees, integration related professional fees and other post business combination related expenses associated with the Merger of Russell Hobbs. We incurred $38 million of Acquisition and integration related charges during Fiscal 2010, which consisted of the following: (i) $25 million of legal and professional fees; (ii) $10 million of employee termination charges; and (iii) $4 million of integration costs.

Goodwill and Intangibles Impairment. ASC 350 requires companies to test goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually, or more often if an event or circumstance indicates that an impairment loss may have been incurred. In Fiscal 2010 and 2009, we tested our goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets. As a result of this testing, we recorded a non-cash pretax impairment charge of $34 million in Fiscal 2009. The $34 million non-cash pretax impairment charge incurred in Fiscal 2009 reflects trade name intangible asset impairments of the following: $18 million related to Global Pet Supplies; $15 million related to the Global Batteries and Personal Care segment; and $1 million related to the Home and Garden Business. See Note 3(i), Significant Accounting Policies and Practices—Intangible Assets, of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further details on this impairment charge.

Interest Expense. Interest expense in Fiscal 2010 increased to $277 million from $190 million in Fiscal 2009. The increase was driven primarily by the following unusual items: (i) $55 million representing the write-off of the unamortized portion of discounts and premiums related to debt that was paid off in conjunction with our refinancing, a non-cash charge; (ii) $13 million related to bridge commitment fees while we were refinancing our debt; (iii) $7 million representing the write-off of the unamortized debt issuance costs related to debt that was paid off, a non-cash charge; (iv) $4 million related to a prepayment premium; and (v) $3 million related to the termination of a Euro-denominated interest rate swap.

Reorganization Items. During Fiscal 2010, we, in connection with our reorganization under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code, recorded Reorganization items expense (income), net of approximately $4 million, which primarily consisted of legal and professional fees. During Fiscal 2009 Old Spectrum recorded Reorganization items expense (income), net, which represents a gain of approximately $(1,143) million. Reorganization items expense (income), net included the following: (i) gain on cancellation of debt of $(147) million; (ii) gains in connection with fresh-start reporting adjustments of $(1,088) million; (iii) legal and professional fees of $75 million; (iv) write off deferred financing costs related to the Senior Subordinated Notes of $11 million; and (v) a provision for rejected leases of $6 million. During Fiscal 2009, New Spectrum recorded Reorganization items expense (income), net which represents expense of $4 million related to professional fees. See Note 2, Voluntary Reorganization Under Chapter 11, of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for more information related to our reorganization under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code.

Income Taxes. Our effective tax rate on income from continuing operations was approximately (50.9)% for Fiscal 2010. Our effective tax rate on losses from continuing operations is approximately 2.0% for Old Spectrum and (256)% for New Spectrum during Fiscal 2009. The primary drivers of the effective rate as compared to the U.S. statutory rate of 35% for Fiscal 2010 include tax expense recorded for an increase in the valuation allowance associated with our net U.S. deferred tax asset.

 

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As of September 30, 2010, we have U.S. federal and state net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $1,087 million and $936 million, respectively. These net operating loss carryforwards expire through years ending in 2031, and we have foreign loss carryforwards of approximately $195 million, which will expire beginning in 2011. Certain of the foreign net operating losses have indefinite carryforward periods. We are subject to an annual limitation on the use of our U.S. net operating losses that arose prior to our emergence from bankruptcy. We have had multiple changes of ownership, as defined under Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”) Section 382, that subject our U.S. federal and state net operating losses and other tax attributes to certain limitations. The annual limitation is based on a number of factors including the value of our stock (as defined for tax purposes) on the date of the ownership change, our net unrealized built in gain position on that date, the occurrence of realized built in gains in years subsequent to the ownership change, and the effects of subsequent ownership changes (as defined for tax purposes) if any. In addition, separate return year limitations apply to limit our utilization of the acquired Russell Hobbs U.S. federal and state net operating losses to future income of the Russell Hobbs subgroup. Based on these factors, we project that $296 million of the total U.S. federal and $463 million of the state net operating loss will expire unused. In addition, we project that $38 million of the total foreign net operating loss carryforwards will expire unused. We have provided a full valuation allowance against these deferred tax assets.

We recognized income tax expense of approximately $124 million related to the gain on the settlement of liabilities subject to compromise and the modification of the senior secured credit facility in the period from October 1, 2008 through August 30, 2009. This adjustment, net of a change in valuation allowance is embedded in Reorganization items expense (income), net. We have, in accordance with the IRC Section 108 reduced our net operating loss carryforwards for cancellation of debt income that arose from our emergence from Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code under IRC Section 382 (1)(6).

The ultimate realization of our deferred tax assets depends on our ability to generate sufficient taxable income of the appropriate character in the future and in the appropriate taxing jurisdictions. We establish valuation allowances for deferred tax assets when we estimate it is more likely than not that the tax assets will not be realized. We base these estimates on projections of future income, including tax planning strategies, in certain jurisdictions. Changes in industry conditions and other economic conditions may impact our ability to project future income. ASC Topic 740: “Income Taxes” (“ASC 740”) requires the establishment of a valuation allowance when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. In accordance with ASC 740, we periodically assess the likelihood that our deferred tax assets will be realized and determine if adjustments to the valuation allowance are appropriate.

Our total valuation allowance established for the tax benefit of deferred tax assets that may not be realized is approximately $331 million at September 30, 2010. Of this amount, approximately $300 million relates to U.S. net deferred tax assets and approximately $31 million relates to foreign net deferred tax assets. In connection with the Merger, we established an additional valuation allowance of approximately $104 million related to acquired net deferred tax assets as part of acquisition accounting. In 2009, Old Spectrum recorded a reduction in the valuation allowance against the U.S. net deferred tax asset exclusive of indefinite lived intangible assets primarily as a result of utilizing net operating losses to offset the gain on settlement of liabilities subject to compromise and the impact of the fresh start reporting adjustments. New Spectrum recorded a reduction in the domestic valuation allowance of $47 million as a reduction to goodwill as a result of New Spectrum income. Our total valuation allowance established for the tax benefit of deferred tax assets that may not be realized is approximately $133 million at September 30, 2009. Of this amount, approximately $109 million relates to U.S. net deferred tax assets and approximately $24 million relates to foreign net deferred tax assets. We recorded a non-cash deferred income tax charge of approximately $257 million related to a valuation allowance against U.S. net deferred tax assets during Fiscal 2008. Included in the total is a non-cash deferred income tax charge of approximately $4 million related to an increase in the valuation allowance against our net deferred tax assets in China in connection with the Ningbo Exit Plan. We also determined that a valuation allowance was no longer required in Brazil and thus recorded a $31 million benefit to reverse the valuation allowance previously established. Our total valuation allowance, established for the tax benefit of deferred tax assets that may not be

 

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realized, is approximately $496 million at September 30, 2008. Of this amount, approximately $468 million relates to U.S. net deferred tax assets and approximately $28 million relates to foreign net deferred tax assets.

ASC 350 requires companies to test goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually, or more often if an event or circumstance indicates that an impairment loss may have been incurred. During Fiscal 2009 we recorded a non- cash pretax impairment charge of approximately $34 million. The tax impact, prior to consideration of the current year valuation allowance, of the impairment charges was a deferred tax benefit of approximately $13 million. See “Goodwill and Intangibles Impairment” above, as well as Note 3(c), Significant Accounting Policies and Practices—Intangible Assets, of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding these non-cash impairment charges.

In addition, our income tax provision for the year ended September 30, 2010 reflects the correction of a prior period error which increases our income tax provision by approximately $6 million.

ASC 740, which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in tax positions, requires that we recognize in our financial statements the impact of a tax position, if that position is more likely than not of being sustained on audit, based on the technical merits of the position. As a result, we recognized no cumulative effect adjustment at the time of adoption. As of September 30, 2010 and September 30, 2009, the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective income tax rate in future periods was $13 million and $8 million, respectively. See Note 8, Income Taxes, of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information.

Discontinued Operations. On November 5, 2008, the board of directors of Old Spectrum committed to the shutdown of the growing products portion of the Home and Garden Business, which included the manufacturing and marketing of fertilizers, enriched soils, mulch and grass seed, following an evaluation of the historical lack of profitability and the projected input costs and significant working capital demands for the growing product portion of the Home and Garden Business during Fiscal 2009. We believe the shutdown is consistent with what we have done in other areas of our business to eliminate unprofitable products from our portfolio. We completed the shutdown of the growing products portion of the Home and Garden Business during the second quarter of Fiscal 2009. Accordingly, the presentation herein of the results of continuing operations excludes the growing products portion of the Home and Garden Business for all periods presented. See Note 9, Discontinued Operations, of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further details on the disposal of the growing products portion of the Home and Garden Business. The following amounts related to the growing products portion of the Home and Garden Business have been segregated from continuing operations and are reflected as discontinued operations during Fiscal 2010 and Fiscal 2009, respectively (in millions):

 

     2010     2009  

Net sales

   $ —        $ 31.3   
                

Loss from discontinued operations before income taxes

   $ (2.5   $ (90.9

Provision for income tax benefit

     0.2        (4.5
                

Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax

   $ (2.7   $ (86.4
                

Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2009 Compared to Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2008

Fiscal 2009, when referenced within this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, includes the combined results of Old Spectrum for the period from October 1, 2008 through August 30, 2009 and New Spectrum for the period from August 31, 2009 through September 30, 2009.

 

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Highlights of consolidated operating results

During Fiscal 2009 and Fiscal 2008, we have presented the growing products portion of the Home and Garden Business as discontinued operations. During Fiscal 2008 we have presented the Canadian division of the Home and Garden Business as discontinued operations. Our board of directors of Old Spectrum committed to the shutdown of the growing products portion of the Home and Garden Business in November 2008 and the shutdown was completed during the second quarter of our Fiscal 2009. The Canadian division of the Home and Garden Business was sold on November 1, 2007. See Note 9, Discontinued Operations of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding the shutdown of the growing products portion of the Home and Garden Business and the sale of the Canadian division of the Home and Garden Business. As a result, and unless specifically stated, all discussions regarding Fiscal 2009 and Fiscal 2008 only reflect results from our continuing operations.

Net Sales. Net sales for Fiscal 2009 decreased to $2,231 million from $2,427 million in Fiscal 2008, an 8.1% decrease. The following table details the principal components of the change in net sales from Fiscal 2008 to Fiscal 2009 (in millions):

 

     Net Sales  

Fiscal 2008 Net Sales

   $ 2,427   

Increase in electric personal care product sales

     4   

Decrease in consumer battery sales

     (27

Decrease in pet supplies sales

     (14

Decrease in lighting product sales

     (14

Decrease in home and garden product sales

     (13

Decrease in electric shaving and grooming product sales

     (3

Foreign currency impact, net

     (129
        

Fiscal 2009 Net Sales

   $ 2,231   
        

Consolidated net sales by product line for Fiscal 2009 and 2008 are as follows (in millions):

 

     Fiscal Year  
     2009      2008  

Product line net sales

     

Consumer batteries

   $ 819       $ 916   

Pet supplies

     574         599   

Home and garden control products

     322         334   

Electric shaving and grooming products

     225         247   

Electric personal care products

     211         231   

Portable lighting products

     80         100   
                 

Total net sales to external customers

   $ 2,231       $ 2,427   
                 

Global consumer battery sales during Fiscal 2009 decreased $97 million, or 11%, compared to Fiscal 2008, primarily driven by unfavorable foreign exchange impacts of $70 million coupled with decreased consumer battery sales of $50 million and $15 million in Latin America and Europe, respectively. These declines were partially offset by increased consumer battery sales, mainly alkaline batteries, in North America of $38 million. The alkaline battery sales increase in North America is mainly due to higher volume at a major customer coupled with new distribution. The decreased consumer battery sales in Latin America continues to be a result of a slowdown in economic conditions in all countries and inventory de-stocking at retailers mainly in Brazil. Zinc carbon batteries decreased $35 million while alkaline battery sales are down $15 million in Latin America. The decreased consumer battery sales within Europe are primarily attributable to the decline in alkaline battery sales due to a slowdown in economic conditions and our continued efforts to exit unprofitable or marginally profitable private label battery sales.

 

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Pet supplies product sales during Fiscal 2009 decreased $25 million, or 4%, compared to Fiscal 2008. The decrease of $25 million is primarily attributable to decreased aquatics sales of $27 million coupled with unfavorable foreign exchange impacts of $11 million. These decreases were partially offset by increases of $13 million within specialty pet products. The decrease in aquatics sales of $27 million during Fiscal 2009 was attributable to declines in the U.S., Europe and Pacific Rim of $14 million, $10 million and $3 million, respectively. The declines in the U.S. were a result of decreased sales of large equipment, such as aquariums, driven by softness in this product category due to the macroeconomic slowdown as we maintained our market share in the category. The declines in Europe were due to inventory de-stocking at retailers and weak filtration product sales, both a result of the slowdown in economic conditions. The declines the Pacific Rim were also a result of the slowdown in economic conditions. The increase of $13 million in specialty pet products is a result of increased sales of our Dingo brand dog treats coupled with price increases on select products, primarily in the U.S.

Sales of home and garden control products during Fiscal 2009 versus Fiscal 2008 decreased $12 million, or 4%, primarily due to our retail customers managing their inventory levels to unprecedented low levels, combined with such retailers ending their outdoor lawn and garden control season six weeks early as compared to prior year seasons and our decision to exit certain unprofitable or marginally profitable products. This decrease in sales within lawn and garden control products was partially offset by increased sales of household insect control products.

Electric shaving and grooming product sales during Fiscal 2009 decreased $22 million, or 9%, compared to Fiscal 2008 primarily due to unfavorable foreign exchange translation of $19 million. The decline of $3 million, excluding unfavorable foreign exchange, was due to a $7 million decrease of sales within North America, which was partially offset by slight increases within Europe and Latin America of $3 million and $1 million, respectively. The decreased sales of electric shaving and grooming products within North America were a result of delayed inventory stocking at certain of our major customers for the 2009 holiday season which in turn resulted in a delay of our product shipments that historically would have been recorded during the fourth quarter of our fiscal year. We anticipate the first quarter sales of Fiscal 2010 to be positively impacted versus our historical results due to this delay. The increases within Europe and Latin America were driven by new product launches, pricing and promotions.

Electric personal care product sales during Fiscal 2009 decreased $20 million, or 9%, when compared to Fiscal 2008. The decrease of $20 million during Fiscal 2009 was attributable to unfavorable foreign exchange impacts of $24 million and declines in North America of $7 million. These decreases were partially offset by increases within Europe and Latin America of $8 million and $3 million, respectively. Similar to our electric shaving and grooming products sales, the decreased sales of electric personal care products within North America was a result of delayed holiday inventory stocking by our customers which in turn resulted in a delay of our product shipments that historically would have been recorded during the fourth quarter of our fiscal year. We expect the first quarter sales of Fiscal 2010 to be positively impacted versus our historical results due to this delay. The increased sales within Europe and Latin America were a result of successful product launches, mainly in women’s hair care.

Sales of portable lighting products in Fiscal 2009 decreased $20 million, or 20%, compared to Fiscal 2008 as a result of unfavorable foreign exchange impacts of $5 million coupled with declines in North America, Latin America and Europe of $9 million, $3 million and $1 million, respectively. The decreases across all regions are a result of the slowdown in economic conditions and decreased market demand.

Gross Profit. Gross profit for Fiscal 2009 was $817 million versus $920 million for Fiscal 2008. Our gross profit margin for Fiscal 2009 decreased slightly to 36.6% from 37.9% in Fiscal 2008. Gross profit was lower in Fiscal 2009 due to unfavorable foreign exchange impacts of $58 million. As a result of our adoption of fresh-start reporting upon emergence from Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code, in accordance with SFAS No. 141, “Business Combinations,” (“SFAS 141”), inventory balances were revalued as of August 30, 2009 resulting in

 

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an increase in such inventory balances of $49 million. As a result of the inventory revaluation, New Spectrum recognized $16 million in additional cost of goods sold in Fiscal 2009. The remaining $33 million of the inventory revaluation was recorded during the first quarter of Fiscal 2010. These inventory revaluation adjustments are non-cash charges. In addition, in connection with our adoption of fresh-start reporting, and in accordance with ASC 852, we revalued our property, plant and equipment as of August 30, 2009 which resulted in an increase to such assets of $34 million. As a result of the revaluation of property, plant and equipment, during Fiscal 2009 we incurred an additional $2 million of depreciation charges within cost of goods sold. We anticipate higher cost of goods sold in future years as a result of the revaluation of our property, plant and equipment. Furthermore, as a result of emergence from Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code, we anticipate lower interest costs in future years which should enable us to invest more in capital expenditures into our business and, as a result, such higher future capital spending would also increase our depreciation expense in future years. See Note 2, Voluntary Reorganization Under Chapter 11, of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for more information related to our reorganization under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code and fresh-start reporting. Offsetting the unfavorable impacts to our gross margin, we incurred $13 million of Restructuring and related charges, within Costs of goods sold, during Fiscal 2009, compared to $16 million in Fiscal 2008. The $13 million in Fiscal 2009 primarily related to the 2009 Cost Reduction Initiatives and the Ningbo Exit Plan, while the Fiscal 2008 charges were primarily related to the Ningbo Exit Plan. See “Restructuring and Related Charges” below, as well as Note 15, Restructuring and Related Charges, of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding our restructuring and related charges.

Operating Expense. Operating expenses for Fiscal 2009 totaled $659 million versus $1,605 million for Fiscal 2008. This $946 million decrease in operating expenses for Fiscal 2009 versus Fiscal 2008 was primarily driven by lower impairment charges recorded in Fiscal 2009 versus Fiscal 2008. During Fiscal 2009 we recorded non-cash impairment charges of $34 million versus $861 million of non-cash impairment charges recorded in Fiscal 2008. The Fiscal 2009 impairment charges related to the write down of the carrying value of indefinite-lived intangible assets to fair value while the Fiscal 2008 impairment charges related to the write down of the carrying value of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets to fair value. These impairment charges were recorded in accordance with both ASC Topic 350: “Intangibles-Goodwill and Other,” (“ASC 350”) and ASC Topic 360: “Property, Plant and Equipment,” (“ASC 360”). See “Goodwill and Intangibles Impairment below, as well as Note 3(c), Significant Accounting Policies and Practices—Intangible Assets, of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding these non-cash impairment charges. The decrease in operating expenses in Fiscal 2009 versus Fiscal 2008 is also attributable to the positive impact related to foreign exchange of $37 million in Fiscal 2009 coupled with the non-recurrence of a charge in Fiscal 2008 of $18 million associated with the depreciation and amortization related to the assets of the Home and Garden Business incurred as a result of our reclassification of the Home and Garden Business from discontinued operations to continuing. See “Introduction above and “Segment Results—Home and Garden below, as well as Note 1, Description of Business, of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding the reclassification of the Home and Garden Business. Tempering the decrease in operating expenses from Fiscal 2008 to Fiscal 2009 was an increase in restructuring and related charges. Restructuring and related charges included in operating expenses were $32 million in Fiscal 2009 and $23 million in Fiscal 2008. The Fiscal 2009 Restructuring and related charges are primarily attributable to the 2009 Cost Reduction Initiatives, while the Fiscal 2008 charges are primarily attributable to various cost reduction initiatives in connection with our global realignment announced in January 2007. See “Restructuring and Related Charges” below, as well as Note 15, Restructuring and Related Charges, of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding our restructuring and related charges.

Operating Income (Loss). Operating income of approximately $157 million was recognized in Fiscal 2009 compared to an operating loss in Fiscal 2008 of $685 million. The change in operating income (loss) is directly attributable to the impact of the previously discussed non-cash impairment charge of $34 million in Fiscal 2009 compared to the non-cash impairment charge of $861 million during Fiscal 2008.

 

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Segment Results. Operating segment profits do not include restructuring and related charges, interest expense, interest income, impairment charges, reorganization items and income tax expense. Expenses associated with global operations, consisting of research and development, manufacturing management, global purchasing, quality operations and inbound supply chain are included in the determination of operating segment profits. In addition, certain general and administrative expenses necessary to reflect the operating segments on a standalone basis have been included in the determination of operating segment profits. Corporate expenses include primarily general and administrative expenses associated with corporate overhead and global long-term incentive compensation plans.

All depreciation and amortization included in income from operations is related to operating segments or corporate expense. Costs are allocated to operating segments or corporate expense according to the function of each cost center. All capital expenditures are related to operating segments. Variable allocations of assets are not made for segment reporting.

Global strategic initiatives and financial objectives for each reportable segment are determined at the corporate level. Each reportable segment is responsible for implementing defined strategic initiatives and achieving certain financial objectives and has a general manager responsible for the sales and marketing initiatives and financial results for product lines within that segment. Financial information pertaining to our reportable segments is contained in Note 12, Segment Information, of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Global Batteries & Personal Care

 

     2009     2008  
     (in millions)  

Net sales to external customers

   $ 1,335      $ 1,494   

Segment profit

   $ 165      $ 163   

Segment profit as a % of net sales

     12.4     10.9

Assets as of September 30,

   $ 1,608      $ 1,183   

Segment net sales to external customers in Fiscal 2009 decreased $159 million to $1,335 million from $1,494 million during Fiscal 2008, representing an 11% decrease. Unfavorable foreign currency exchange translation impacted net sales in Fiscal 2009 by approximately $118 million in comparison to Fiscal 2008. Consumer battery sales for Fiscal 2009 decreased to $819 million when compared to Fiscal 2008 sales of $916 million, principally due to a negative foreign currency impact of $70 million coupled with a decline in zinc carbon battery sales of $32 million. The $32 million decrease in zinc carbon batteries is primarily concentrated in Latin America, as Latin American sales were down $35 million in Fiscal 2009 compared to Fiscal 2008 as a result of a slowdown in economic conditions and inventory de-stocking at retailers mainly in Brazil. Excluding the impact of foreign currency exchange translation, sales of alkaline batteries increased $5 million as we experienced gains in North America of $37 million, which were offset by declines within Europe and Latin America of $17 million and $15 million, respectively. The increased alkaline battery sales in North America were driven by an increase in market share, as consumers opt for our value proposition during the weakening economic conditions in the U.S. The decreased alkaline battery sales in Europe were the result of our continued efforts to exit from unprofitable or marginally profitable private label battery sales, as well as certain second tier branded battery sales. We are continuing our efforts to promote profitable growth and therefore, expect to continue to exit certain low margin business as appropriate to create a more favorable mix of branded versus private label products. The decrease in Latin American alkaline battery sales was again due to the slowdown in economic activity coupled with inventory de-stocking at retailers mainly in Brazil. Net sales of electric shaving and grooming products in Fiscal 2009 decreased by $21 million, or 8%, primarily as a result of negative foreign exchange impacts of $19 and declines in North America of $7 million. These declines were partially offset by increases within Europe and Latin America of $3 million and $2 million, respectively. The declines within North America are primarily attributable to delayed inventory stocking at certain of our major customers for the 2009 holiday season which in turn resulted in a delay of our product shipments that historically would have been

 

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recorded during the fourth quarter of our fiscal year. The slight increases in Europe and Latin America are a result of successful new product launches. Electric personal care sales decreased by $20 million, a decrease of 9% over Fiscal 2008. Unfavorable foreign exchange translation impacted net sales by approximately $24 million. Excluding unfavorable foreign exchange, we experienced an increase of $4 million within electric personal care products. Europe and Latin America increased $8 million and $3 million, respectively, while North American electric personal care product sales decreased $8 million. Similar to our electric shaving and grooming products sales, the decreased sales of electric personal care products within North America was a result of delayed holiday inventory stocking at certain of our customers which in turn has resulted in a delay of our product shipments that historically would have been recorded during the fourth quarter of our fiscal year. The increased sales within Europe and Latin America were due to strong growth in our women’s hair care products. Net sales of portable lighting products for Fiscal 2009 decreased to $80 million as compared to sales of $100 million for Fiscal 2008. The portable lighting product sales decrease was driven by unfavorable foreign exchange impact of $5 million, coupled with declines in sales in North America, Europe and Latin America of $9 million, $3 million and $2 million, respectively. The decrease across all regions was driven by softness in the portable lighting products category as a result of the global economic slowdown.

Segment profitability in Fiscal 2009 increased slightly to $165 million from $163 million in Fiscal 2008. Segment profitability as a percentage of net sales increased to 12.4% in Fiscal 2009 as compared with 10.9% in Fiscal 2008. The increase in segment profitability during Fiscal 2009 was primarily the result of cost savings from the Ningbo Exit Plan and our global realignment announced in January 2007. See “Restructuring and Related Charges below, as well as Note 15, Restructuring and Related Charges, of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding our restructuring and related charges. Tempering the increase in segment profitability were decreased sales during Fiscal 2009 as compared to Fiscal 2008 which was primarily driven by unfavorable foreign exchange and softness in certain product categories due to the global economic slowdown. In addition, as a result of our adoption of fresh-start reporting upon emergence from Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code, in accordance with SFAS 141, inventory balances were revalued as of August 30, 2009 resulting in an increase in such Global Batteries & Personal Care inventory balances of $27 million. As a result of the inventory revaluation, Global Batteries & Personal Care recognized $10 million in additional cost of goods sold in Fiscal 2009. The remaining $17 million of the inventory revaluation was recorded during the first quarter of Fiscal 2010. See “Net Sales” above for further discussion on our Fiscal 2009 sales.

Segment assets at September 30, 2009 increased to $1,608 million from $1,183 million at September 30, 2008. The increase is primarily a result of the revaluation impacts of fresh-start reporting. See Note 2, Voluntary Reorganization Under Chapter 11, of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information related to fresh-start reporting. Partially offsetting this increase in assets was a non-cash impairment charge of certain intangible assets in Fiscal 2009 of $15 million. See Note 3(i), Significant Accounting Policies and Practices—Intangible Assets, of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding this impairment charge and the amount attributable to Global Batteries & Personal Care. Goodwill and intangible assets at September 30, 2009 totaled approximately $909 million and are directly a result of the revaluation impacts of fresh-start reporting. Goodwill and intangible assets at September 30, 2008 total approximately $416 million and primarily relate to the ROV Ltd., VARTA AG, Remington Products Company, L.L.C. (“Remington Products”) and Microlite S.A. (“Microlite”) acquisitions.

Global Pet Supplies

 

     2009     2008  
     (in millions)  

Net sales to external customers

   $ 574      $ 599   

Segment profit

   $ 65      $ 69   

Segment profit as a % of net sales

     11.3     11.5

Assets as of September 30,

   $ 867      $ 700   

 

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Segment net sales to external customers in Fiscal 2009 decreased to $574 million from $599 million in Fiscal 2008, representing a decrease of $25 million, or 4%. Unfavorable foreign currency exchange translation impacted net sales in Fiscal 2009 compared to Fiscal 2008 by approximately $11 million. Worldwide aquatic sales for Fiscal 2009 decreased to $360 million when compared to sales of $398 million in Fiscal 2008. The decrease in worldwide aquatic sales was a result of unfavorable foreign exchange impacts of $11 million coupled with declines of $14 million, $10 million and $3 million in the United States, Europe and the Pacific Rim, respectively. The declines in the U.S. were a result of decreased sales of large equipment, primarily aquariums, due to the slowdown in economic conditions. The declines in Europe were due to inventory de-stocking at retailers and the poor weather season, which impacted our outdoor pond product sales. The declines the Pacific Rim were as a result of the slowdown in economic conditions. Companion animal net sales increased to $214 million in Fiscal 2009 compared to $201 million in Fiscal 2008, an increase of $13 million, or 6%. We continued to see strong growth, and foresee further growth in Fiscal 2010, in companion animal related product sales in the U.S., driven by our Dingo brand dog treats, coupled with increased volume in Europe and the Pacific Rim associated with the continued introductions of companion animal products.

Segment profitability in Fiscal 2009 decreased slightly to $65 million from $69 million in Fiscal 2008. Segment profitability as a percentage of sales in Fiscal 2009 also decreased slightly to 11.3% from 11.5% during Fiscal 2008. This decrease in segment profitability and profitability margin was primarily due to decreased sales, as discussed above, coupled with increases in cost of goods sold driven by higher input costs, which negatively impacted margins, as price increases lagged behind such cost increases. Tempering the decrease in profitability and profitability margin were lower operating expenses, principally selling related expenses. In addition, as a result of our adoption of fresh-start reporting upon emergence from Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code, in accordance with SFAS 141, inventory balances were revalued as of August 30, 2009 resulting in an increase in such Global Pet Supplies inventory balances of $19 million. As a result of the inventory revaluation, Global Pet Supplies recognized $5 million in additional cost of goods sold in Fiscal 2009. The remaining $14 million of the inventory revaluation was recorded during the first quarter of Fiscal 2010.

Segment assets as of September 30, 2009 increased to $867 million from $700 million at September 30, 2008. The increase is primarily a result of the revaluation impacts of fresh-start reporting. See Note 2, Voluntary Reorganization Under Chapter 11, of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for more information related to fresh-start reporting. Partially offsetting this increase in assets was a non-cash impairment charge of certain intangible assets in Fiscal 2009 of $19 million. See Note 3(i), Significant Accounting Policies and Practices—Intangible Assets, of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding this impairment charge and the amount attributable to Global Pet Supplies. Goodwill and intangible assets as of September 30, 2009 total approximately $618 million and are directly a result of the revaluation impacts of fresh-start reporting. Goodwill and intangible assets as of September 30, 2008 total approximately $447 million and primarily relate to the acquisitions of Tetra and the United Pet Group division of United.

Home and Garden Business

 

     2009     2008  
     (in millions)  

Net sales to external customers

   $ 322      $ 334   

Segment profit

   $ 42      $ 29   

Segment profit as a % of net sales

     13.0     8.7

Assets as of September 30,

   $ 504      $ 290   

Segment net sales to external customers of home and garden control products during Fiscal 2009 versus Fiscal 2008 decreased $12 million, or 4%, primarily due to our retail customers managing their inventory levels to unprecedented low levels, combined with such retailers ending their outdoor lawn and garden control season six weeks early as compared to prior year seasons and our decision to exit certain unprofitable or marginally

 

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profitable products. This decrease in sales within lawn and garden control products were partially offset by increased sales of household insect control products, driven by increased sales to a major customer.

Segment profitability in Fiscal 2009 increased to $42 million from $29 million in Fiscal 2008. Segment profitability as a percentage of sales in Fiscal 2009 increased to 13.0% from 8.7% in Fiscal 2008. The increase in segment profit for Fiscal 2009 was the result of declining commodity costs associated with our lawn and garden control products and the non-recurrence of a charge incurred during Fiscal 2008 of approximately $11 million that related to depreciation and amortization expense related to Fiscal 2007. From October 1, 2006 through December 30, 2007, the Home and Garden Business was designated as discontinued operations. In accordance with generally excepted accounting principles, while designated as discontinued operations we ceased recording depreciation and amortization expense associated with the assets of this business. As a result of our reclassification of that business to a continuing operation we recorded a catch-up of depreciation and amortization expense, which totaled $14 million, for the five quarters during which this business was designated as discontinued operations. In addition, as a result of our adoption of fresh-start reporting upon emergence from Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code, in accordance with SFAS 141, inventory balances were revalued as of August 30, 2009 resulting in an increase in such Home and Garden inventory balances of $3 million. As a result of the inventory revaluation, Home and Garden recognized $1 million in additional cost of goods sold in Fiscal 2009. The remaining $2 million of the inventory revaluation was recorded during the first quarter of Fiscal 2010.

Segment assets as of September 30, 2009 increased to $504 million from $290 million at September 30, 2008. The increase is primarily a result of the revaluation impacts of fresh-start reporting. See Note 2, Voluntary Reorganization Under Chapter 11, of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for more information related to fresh-start reporting. Goodwill and intangible assets as of September 30, 2009 total approximately $419 million and are directly a result of the revaluation impacts of fresh-start reporting. Intangible assets as of September 30, 2008 total approximately $115 million and primarily relate to the acquisition of the United Industries division of United.

Corporate Expense. Our corporate expense in Fiscal 2009 decreased to $34 million from $45 million in Fiscal 2008. Our corporate expense as a percentage of consolidated net sales in Fiscal 2009 decreased to 1.5% from 1.9%. The decrease in expense is partially a result of the non-recurrence of a $9 million charge incurred in Fiscal 2008 to write off professional fees incurred in connection with the termination of substantive negotiations with a potential purchaser of our Global Pet Supplies business.

Restructuring and Related Charges. See Note 14, Restructuring and Related Charges of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding our restructuring and related charges.

 

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The following table summarizes all restructuring and related charges we incurred in 2009 and 2008 (in millions):

 

     2009      2008  

Costs included in cost of goods sold:

     

United & Tetra integration:

     

Other associated costs

     —           0.3   

European initiatives:

     

Termination benefits

     —           (0.8

Other associated costs

     —           0.1   

Latin America initiatives:

     

Termination benefits

     0.2         —     

Other associated costs

     —           0.3   

Global Realignment initiatives:

     

Termination benefits

     0.3         0.1   

Other associated costs

     0.9         0.1   

Ningbo Exit Plan:

     

Termination benefits

     0.9         1.2   

Other associated costs

     8.6         15.2   

Global Cost Reduction Initiatives:

     

Termination benefits

     0.2         —     

Other associated costs

     2.3         —     
                 

Total included in cost of goods sold

   $ 13.4       $ 16.5   

Costs included in operating expenses:

     

United & Tetra integration:

     

Termination benefits

   $ 2.3       $ 2.0   

Other associated costs

     0.3         0.9   

Latin America initiatives:

     

Termination benefits

     —           0.1   

Global Realignment:

     

Termination benefits

     7.1         12.3   

Other associated costs

     3.5         7.5   

Ningbo Exit Plan:

     

Other associated costs

     1.3         —     

Global Cost Reduction Initiatives:

     

Termination benefits

     6.6         —     

Other associated costs

     11.3         —     
                 

Total included in operating expenses

   $ 32.4       $ 22.8   
                 

Total restructuring and related charges

   $ 45.8       $ 39.3   
                 

In connection with the acquisitions of United and Tetra in Fiscal 2005, we implemented a series of initiatives to optimize the global resources of the combined companies. These initiatives included: integrating all of United’s home and garden administrative services, sales and customer service functions into our operations in Madison, Wisconsin; converting all information systems to SAP; consolidating United’s home and garden manufacturing and distribution locations in North America; rationalizing the North America supply chain; and consolidating administrative, manufacturing and distribution facilities at our Global Pet Supplies business. In addition, certain corporate functions were shifted to our global headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia. We have recorded approximately $(1) million of restructuring and related charges during Fiscal 2009, to adjust prior estimates and eliminate the accrual, and no charges during Fiscal 2008.

 

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Effective October 1, 2006, we suspended initiatives to integrate the activities of the Home and Garden Business into our operations in Madison, Wisconsin. We recorded $1 million of restructuring and related charges during Fiscal 2009 and de minimis restructuring and related charges in Fiscal 2008 in connection with the integration of the United home and garden business.

Integration activities within Global Pet Supplies were substantially complete as of September 30, 2007. Global Pet Supplies integration activities consisted primarily of the rationalization of manufacturing facilities and the optimization of our distribution network. As a result of these integration initiatives, two pet supplies facilities were closed in 2005, one in Brea, California and the other in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, one pet supply facility was closed in 2006, in Hauppauge, New York and one pet supply facility was closed in 2007 in Moorpark, California. We recorded approximately $2 million and $3 million of pretax restructuring and related charges during Fiscal 2009 and Fiscal 2008, respectively.

We have implemented a series of initiatives in the Global Batteries & Personal Care segment in Europe to reduce operating costs and rationalize our manufacturing structure (the “European Initiatives”). In connection with the European Initiatives, which are substantially complete, we implemented a series of initiatives within the Global Batteries & Personal Care segment in Europe to reduce operating costs and rationalize our manufacturing structure. These initiatives include the relocation of certain operations at our Ellwangen, Germany packaging center to our Dischingen, Germany battery plant, transferring private label battery production at our Dischingen, Germany battery plant to our manufacturing facility in China and restructuring Europe’s sales, marketing and support functions. In connection with the European Initiatives, we recorded de minimis pretax restructuring and related charges in Fiscal 2009 and approximately $(1) million in pretax restructuring and related charges, representing the true-up of reserve balances, during Fiscal 2008.

We have implemented a series of initiatives within our Global Batteries & Personal Care business segment in Latin America to reduce operating costs (the “Latin American Initiatives”). In connection with the Latin American Initiatives, which are substantially complete, we implemented a series of initiatives within the Global Batteries & Personal Care segment in Latin America to reduce operating costs. The initiatives include the reduction of certain manufacturing operations in Brazil and the restructuring of management, sales, marketing and support functions. We recorded de minimis pretax restructuring and related charges during both Fiscal 2009 and Fiscal 2008 in connection with the Latin American Initiatives.

In Fiscal 2007, we began managing our business in three vertically integrated, product-focused reporting segments; Global Batteries & Personal Care, Global Pet Supplies and the Home and Garden Business. As part of this realignment, our global operations organization, which had previously been included in corporate expense, consisting of research and development, manufacturing management, global purchasing, quality operations and inbound supply chain, is now included in each of the operating segments. See also Note 12, Segment Results, of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional discussion on the realignment of our operating segments. In connection with these changes we undertook a number of cost reduction initiatives, primarily headcount reductions, at the corporate and operating segment levels (the “Global Realignment Initiatives”). We recorded approximately $11 million and $20 million of pretax restructuring and related charges during Fiscal 2009 and Fiscal 2008, respectively, in connection with the Global Realignment Initiatives. Costs associated with these initiatives relate primarily to severance.

During Fiscal 2008, we implemented an initiative within the Global Batteries & Personal Care segment to reduce operating costs and rationalize our manufacturing structure. These initiatives, which are substantially complete, include the exit of our battery manufacturing facility in Ningbo Baowang China (“Ningbo”) (the “Ningbo Exit Plan”).

During Fiscal 2009, we implemented a series of initiatives within the Global Batteries & Personal Care segment and the Global Pet Supplies segment to reduce operating costs as well as evaluate our opportunities to improve our capital structure (the “Global Cost Reduction Initiatives”). These initiatives include headcount

 

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reductions within all our segments and the exit of certain facilities in the U.S. related to the Global Pet Supplies segment. These initiatives also included consultation, legal and accounting fees related to the evaluation of our capital structure.

Goodwill and Intangibles Impairment. ASC 350 requires companies to test goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually, or more often if an event or circumstance indicates that an impairment loss may have been incurred. In Fiscal 2009 and 2008, we tested our goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets. As a result of this testing, we recorded a non-cash pretax impairment charge of $34 million and $861 million in Fiscal 2009 and Fiscal 2008, respectively. The $34 million non-cash pretax impairment charge incurred in Fiscal 2009 reflects trade name intangible asset impairments of the following: $18 million related to Global Pet Supplies; $15 million related to the Global Batteries and Personal Care segment; and $1 million related to the Home and Garden Business. The $861 million non-cash pretax impairment charge incurred in Fiscal 2008 reflects $602 million related to the impairment of goodwill and $265 million related to the impairment of trade name intangible assets. Of the $602 million goodwill impairment; $426 million was associated with our Global Pet Supplies segment, $160 million was associated with the Home and Garden Business and $16 million was associated with our Global Batteries and Personal Care segment. Of the $265 million trade name intangible assets impairment; $98 million was within our Global Pet Supplies segment, $86 million was within our Global Batteries and Personal Care segment and $81 million was within the Home and Garden segment. See Note 3(i), Significant Accounting Policies and Practices—Intangible Assets, of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further details on these impairment charges.

Interest Expense. Interest expense in Fiscal 2009 decreased to $190 million from $229 million in Fiscal 2008. The decrease in Fiscal 2009 is primarily due to ceasing the accrual of interest on Old Spectrum’s Senior Subordinated Notes, partially offset by the accrual of the default interest on our U.S. Dollar Term B Loan and Euro facility and ineffectiveness related to interest rate derivative contracts. Contractual interest not accrued on the Senior Subordinated Notes during Fiscal 2009 was $56 million. See Liquidity and Capital Resources—Debt Financing Activities and Note 8, Debt, of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding our outstanding debt.

Reorganization Items. During Fiscal 2009, Old Spectrum, in connection with our reorganization under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code, recorded Reorganization items expense (income), net, which represents a gain of approximately $(1,143) million. Reorganization items expense (income), net included the following: (i) gain on cancellation of debt of $(147) million; (ii) gains in connection with fresh-start reporting adjustments of $(1,088) million; (iii) legal and professional fees of $75 million; (iv) write off deferred financing costs related to the Senior Subordinated Notes of $11 million; and (v) a provision for rejected leases of $6 million. During Fiscal 2009, New Spectrum recorded Reorganization items expense (income), net which represents expense of $4 million related to professional fees. See Note 2, Voluntary Reorganization Under Chapter 11, of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for more information related to our reorganization under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code.

Income Taxes. Our effective tax rate on losses from continuing operations is approximately 2.0% for Old Spectrum and (256)% for New Spectrum during Fiscal 2009. Our effective tax rate on income from continuing operations was approximately 1.0% for Fiscal 2008. The primary drivers of the change in our effective rate for New Spectrum for Fiscal 2009 as compared to Fiscal 2008 relate to residual income taxes recorded on the actual and deemed distribution of foreign earnings in Fiscal 2009. The change in the valuation allowance related to these dividends was recorded against goodwill as an adjustment for release of valuation allowance. The primary drivers for Fiscal 2008 include tax expense recorded for an increase in the valuation allowance associated with our net U.S. deferred tax asset and the tax impact of the impairment charges.

As of September 30, 2009, we had U.S. federal and state net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $598 and $643 million, respectively, which will expire between 2010 and 2029, and we have foreign net

 

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operating loss carryforwards of approximately $138 million, which will expire beginning in 2010. Certain of the foreign net operating losses have indefinite carryforward periods. As of September 30, 2008 we had U.S. federal, foreign and state net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $960, $854 and $142 million, respectively, which, at that time, were scheduled to expire between 2009 and 2028. Certain of the foreign net operating losses have indefinite carryforward periods. We are subject to an annual limitation on the use of our net operating losses that arose prior to its emergence from bankruptcy. We have had multiple changes of ownership, as defined under Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”) Section 382, that subject us to U.S. federal and state net operating losses and other tax attributes to certain limitations. The annual limitation is based on a number of factors including the value of our stock (as defined for tax purposes) on the date of the ownership change, our net unrealized built in gain position on that date, the occurrence of realized built in gains in years subsequent to the ownership change, and the effects of subsequent ownership changes (as defined for tax purposes) if any. Based on these factors, we project that $149 million of the total U.S. federal and $311 million of the state net operating loss will expire unused. We have provided a full valuation allowance against the deferred tax asset.

We recognized income tax expense of approximately $124 million related to the gain on the settlement of liabilities subject to compromise and the modification of the senior secured credit facility in the period from October 1, 2008 through August 30, 2009. This adjustment, net of a change in valuation allowance is embedded in Reorganization items expense (income), net. We intend to reduce our net operating loss carryforwards for any cancellation of debt income in accordance with IRC Section 108 that arises from our emergence from Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code under IRC Section 382 (1)(6).

The ultimate realization of our deferred tax assets depends on our ability to generate sufficient taxable income of the appropriate character in the future and in the appropriate taxing jurisdictions. We establish valuation allowances for deferred tax assets when we estimate it is more likely than not that the tax assets will not be realized. We base these estimates on projections of future income, including tax planning strategies, in certain jurisdictions. Changes in industry conditions and other economic conditions may impact our ability to project future income. ASC 740 requires the establishment of a valuation allowance when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. In accordance with ASC 740, we periodically assess the likelihood that our deferred tax assets will be realized and determine if adjustments to the valuation allowance are appropriate. In 2009, Old Spectrum recorded a reduction in the valuation allowance against the U.S. net deferred tax asset exclusive of indefinite lived intangible assets primarily as a result of utilizing net operating losses to offset the gain on settlement of liabilities subject to compromise and the impact of the fresh start reporting adjustments. New Spectrum recorded a reduction in the domestic valuation allowance of $47 million as a reduction to goodwill as a result of the recognition of pre-fresh start deferred tax assets to offset New Spectrum income. Our total valuation allowance established for the tax benefit of deferred tax assets that may not be realized was approximately $133 million at September 30, 2009. Of this amount, approximately $109 million relates to U.S. net deferred tax assets and approximately $24 million related to foreign net deferred tax assets. We recorded a non-cash deferred income tax charge of approximately $257 million related to a valuation allowance against U.S. net deferred tax assets during Fiscal 2008. Included in the total is a non-cash deferred income tax charge of approximately $4 million related to an increase in the valuation allowance against our net deferred tax assets in China in connection with the Ningbo Exit Plan. We also determined that a valuation allowance was no longer required in Brazil and thus recorded a $31 million benefit to reverse the valuation allowance previously established. Our total valuation allowance, established for the tax benefit of deferred tax assets that may not be realized, was approximately $496 million at September 30, 2008. Of this amount, approximately $468 million related to U.S. net deferred tax assets and approximately $28 million related to foreign net deferred tax assets.

ASC 350 requires companies to test goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually, or more often if an event or circumstance indicates that an impairment loss may have been incurred. During Fiscal 2009 and Fiscal 2008, we recorded non- cash pretax impairment charges of approximately $34 million and $861 million, respectively. The tax impact, prior to consideration of the current year valuation allowance, of the impairment charges was a deferred tax benefit of approximately $13 million and $143 million, respectively. See

 

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Goodwill and Intangibles Impairment” above, as well as Note 3(c), Significant Accounting Policies and Practices—Intangible Assets, of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding these non-cash impairment charges.

ASC 740, which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in tax positions, requires that we recognize in our financial statements the impact of a tax position, if that position is more likely than not of being sustained on audit, based on the technical merits of the position. We adopted this provision on October 1, 2007. As a result of the adoption, we recognized no cumulative effect adjustment. As of September 30, 2009, August 30, 2009 and September 30, 2008, the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective income tax rate in future periods is $8 million, $8 million and $7 million, respectively. See Note 8, Income Taxes, of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information.

Discontinued Operations. On November 5, 2008, the board of directors of Old Spectrum committed to the shutdown of the growing products portion of the Home and Garden Business, which includes the manufacturing and marketing of fertilizers, enriched soils, mulch and grass seed, following an evaluation of the historical lack of profitability and the projected input costs and significant working capital demands for the growing product portion of the Home and Garden Business during Fiscal 2009. We believe the shutdown is consistent with what we have done in other areas of our business to eliminate unprofitable products from our portfolio. We completed the shutdown of the growing products portion of the Home and Garden Business during the second quarter of Fiscal 2009. Accordingly, the presentation herein of the results of continuing operations excludes the growing products portion of the Home and Garden Business for all periods presented. See Note 9, Discontinued Operations, of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further details on the disposal of the growing products portion of the Home and Garden Business. The following amounts related to the growing products portion of the Home and Garden Business have been segregated from continuing operations and are reflected as discontinued operations during Fiscal 2009 and Fiscal 2008, respectively (in millions):

 

     2009     2008  

Net sales

   $ 31.3      $ 261.4   
                

Loss from discontinued operations before income taxes

   $ (90.9   $ (27.1

Provision for income tax benefit

     (4.5     (2.1
                

Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax

   $ (86.4   $ (25.0
                

In accordance with ASC 360, long-lived assets to be disposed of are recorded at the lower of their carrying value or fair value less costs to sell. During Fiscal 2008, we recorded a non-cash pretax charge of $6 million in discontinued operations to reduce the carrying value of intangible assets related to the growing products portion of the Home and Garden Business in order to reflect the estimated fair value of this business.

On November 1, 2007, we sold the Canadian division of the Home and Garden Business, which operated under the name Nu-Gro, to a new company formed by RoyCap Merchant Banking Group and Clarke Inc. Cash proceeds received at closing, net of selling expenses, totaled approximately $15 million and was used to reduce outstanding debt. These proceeds are included in net cash provided by investing activities of discontinued operations in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. On February 5, 2008, we finalized the contractual working capital adjustment in connection with this sale which increased our received proceeds by approximately $1 million. As a result of the finalization of the contractual working capital adjustments we recorded a loss on disposal of approximately $1 million, net of tax benefit. Accordingly, the presentation herein of the results of continuing operations excludes the Canadian division of the Home and Garden Business for all periods presented. See Note 9, Discontinued Operations, of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further details on the sale of the Canadian division of the Home and Garden Business.

 

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The following amounts related to the Canadian division of the Home and Garden Business have been segregated from continuing operations and are reflected as discontinued operations during Fiscal 2008:

 

     2008(A)  

Net sales

   $ 4.7   
        

Loss from discontinued operations before income taxes

   $ (1.9

Provision for income tax benefit

     (0.7
        

Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax

   $ (1.2
        

 

(A) Fiscal 2008 represents results from discontinued operations from October 1, 2007 through November 1, 2007, the date of sale. Included in the Fiscal 2008 loss is a loss on disposal of approximately $1 million, net of tax benefit.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Operating Activities. Net cash provided by operating activities was $57 million during Fiscal 2010 compared to $77 million during Fiscal 2009. Cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations was $69 million during Fiscal 2010 compared to $98 million during Fiscal 2009. The $29 million decrease in cash provided by operating activities was primarily due to payments of $47 million related to professional fees from our Bankruptcy Filing and $25 million of payments related to the Merger. This was partially offset by an increase in income from continuing operations after adjusting for non-cash items of $40 million in Fiscal 2010 compared to Fiscal 2009. Cash used by operating activities from discontinued operations was $11 million in Fiscal 2010 compared to a use of $22 million in Fiscal 2009. The operating activities of discontinued operations were related to the growing products portion of the Home and Garden Business. See “Discontinued Operations,” above, as well as Note 9, Discontinued Operations, of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further details on the disposal of the growing products portion of the Home and Garden Business.

We expect to fund our cash requirements, including capital expenditures, interest and principal payments due in Fiscal 2010 through a combination of cash on hand and cash flows from operations and available borrowings under our ABL Revolving Credit Facility. Going forward our ability to satisfy financial and other covenants in our senior credit agreements and senior subordinated indenture and to make scheduled payments or prepayments on our debt and other financial obligations will depend on our future financial and operating performance. There can be no assurances that our business will generate sufficient cash flows from operations or that future borrowings under the ABL Revolving Credit Facility will be available in an amount sufficient to satisfy our debt maturities or to fund our other liquidity needs. In addition, the current economic crisis could have a further negative impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. See Item 1A. Risk Factors, for further discussion of the risks associated with our ability to service all of our existing indebtedness, our ability to maintain compliance with financial and other covenants related to our indebtedness and the impact of the current economic crisis.

Investing Activities. Net cash used by investing activities was $43 million for Fiscal 2010. For Fiscal 2009 investing activities used cash of $20 million. The $23 million increase in cash used in Fiscal 2010 was primarily due to a $30 million increase of capital expenditures during Fiscal 2010 and payments related to the Russell Hobbs Merger, net of cash acquired from Russell Hobbs. These items were partially offset by $9 million of cash paid in Fiscal 2009 related to performance fees from the Microlite acquisition.

Debt Financing Activities

In connection with the Merger, we (i) entered into a new senior secured term loan pursuant to a new senior credit agreement (the “Senior Credit Agreement”) consisting of the $750 million Term Loan, (ii) issued $750

 

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million in aggregate principal amount of 9.5% Notes and (iii) entered into the $300 million ABL Revolving Credit Facility. The proceeds from the Senior Secured Facilities were used to repay our then-existing senior term credit facility (the “Prior Term Facility”) and our then-existing asset based revolving loan facility, to pay fees and expenses in connection with the refinancing and for general corporate purposes.

The 9.5% Notes and 12% Notes were issued by Spectrum Brands. SB/RH Holdings, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SB Holdings, and the wholly owned domestic subsidiaries of Spectrum Brands are the guarantors under the 9.5% Notes. The wholly owned domestic subsidiaries of Spectrum Brands are the guarantors under the 12% Notes. SB Holdings is not an issuer or guarantor of the 9.5% Notes or the 12% Notes. SB Holdings is also not a borrower or guarantor under the Company’s Term Loan or the ABL Revolving Credit Facility. Spectrum Brands is the borrower under the Term Loan and its wholly owned domestic subsidiaries along with SB/RH Holdings, LLC are the guarantors under that facility. Spectrum Brands and its wholly owned domestic subsidiaries are the borrowers under the ABL Revolving Credit Facility and SB/RH Holdings, LLC is a guarantor of that facility.

Senior Term Credit Facility

The Term Loan has a maturity date of June 16, 2016. Subject to certain mandatory prepayment events, the Term Loan is subject to repayment according to a scheduled amortization, with the final payment of all amounts outstanding, plus accrued and unpaid interest, due at maturity. Among other things, the Term Loan provides for a minimum Eurodollar interest rate floor of 1.5% and interest spreads over market rates of 6.5%.

The Senior Credit Agreement contains financial covenants with respect to debt, including, but not limited to, a maximum leverage ratio and a minimum interest coverage ratio, which covenants, pursuant to their terms, become more restrictive over time. In addition, the Senior Credit Agreement contains customary restrictive covenants, including, but not limited to, restrictions on our ability to incur additional indebtedness, create liens, make investments or specified payments, give guarantees, pay dividends, make capital expenditures and merge or acquire or sell assets. Pursuant to a guarantee and collateral agreement, we and our domestic subsidiaries have guaranteed their respective obligations under the Senior Credit Agreement and related loan documents and have pledged substantially all of their respective assets to secure such obligations. The Senior Credit Agreement also provides for customary events of default, including payment defaults and cross-defaults on other material indebtedness.

The Term Loan was issued at a 2.00% discount and was recorded net of the $15 million amount incurred. The discount will be amortized as an adjustment to the carrying value of principal with a corresponding charge to interest expense over the remaining life of the Senior Credit Agreement. During Fiscal 2010, we recorded $26 million of fees in connection with the Senior Credit Agreement. The fees are classified as Debt issuance costs and will be amortized as an adjustment to interest expense over the remaining life of the Senior Credit Agreement.

At September 30, 2010, the aggregate amount outstanding under the Term Loan totaled $750 million.

At September 30, 2009, the aggregate amount outstanding under the Prior Term Facility totaled a U.S. Dollar equivalent of $1,391 million, consisting of principal amounts of $973 million under the U.S. Dollar Term B Loan, €255 million under the Euro Facility ($372 million at September 30, 2009) as well as letters of credit outstanding under the L/C Facility totaling $46 million.

At September 30, 2010, we were in compliance with all covenants under the Senior Credit Agreement.

9.5% Notes

At September 30, 2010, we had outstanding principal of $750 million under the 9.5% Notes maturing June 15, 2018.

 

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We may redeem all or a part of the 9.5% Notes, upon not less than 30 or more than 60 days notice at specified redemption prices. Further, the indenture governing the 9.5% Notes (the “2018 Indenture”) requires us to make an offer, in cash, to repurchase all or a portion of the applicable outstanding notes for a specified redemption price, including a redemption premium, upon the occurrence of a change of control, as defined in such indenture.

The 2018 Indenture contains customary covenants that limit, among other things, the incurrence of additional indebtedness, payment of dividends on or redemption or repurchase of equity interests, the making of certain investments, expansion into unrelated businesses, creation of liens on assets, merger or consolidation with another company, transfer or sale of all or substantially all assets, and transactions with affiliates.

In addition, the 2018 Indenture provides for customary events of default, including failure to make required payments, failure to comply with certain agreements or covenants, failure to make payments on or acceleration of certain other indebtedness, and certain events of bankruptcy and insolvency. Events of default under the 2018 Indenture arising from certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency will automatically cause the acceleration of the amounts due under the 9.5% Notes. If any other event of default under the 2018 Indenture occurs and is continuing, the trustee for the 2018 Indenture or the registered holders of at least 25% in the then aggregate outstanding principal amount of the 9.5% Notes may declare the acceleration of the amounts due under those notes.

At September 30, 2010, we were in compliance with all covenants under the 2018 Indenture.

The 9.5% Notes were issued at a 1.37% discount and were recorded net of the $10 million amount incurred. The discount will be amortized as an adjustment to the carrying value of principal with a corresponding charge to interest expense over the remaining life of the 9.5% Notes. During Fiscal 2010, we recorded $21 million of fees in connection with the issuance of the 9.5% Notes. The fees are classified as Debt issuance costs and will be amortized as an adjustment to interest expense over the remaining life of the 9.5% Notes.

12% Notes

On August 28, 2009, in connection with emergence from the voluntary reorganization under Chapter 11 and pursuant to the Plan, we issued $218 million in aggregate principal amount of 12% Notes maturing August 28, 2019. Semiannually, at our option, we may elect to pay interest on the 12% Notes in cash or as payment in kind, or “PIK”. PIK interest would be added to principal upon the relevant semi-annual interest payment date. Under the Prior Term Facility, we agreed to make interest payments on the 12% Notes through PIK for the first three semi-annual interest payment periods. As a result of the refinancing of the Prior Term Facility we are no longer required to make interest payments as payment in kind after the semi-annual interest payment date of August 28, 2010. Effective with the payment date of August 28, 2010 we gave notice to the trustee that the interest payment due February 28, 2011 would be made in cash. During Fiscal 2010, we reclassified $27 million of accrued interest from Other long term liabilities to principal in connection with the PIK provision of the 12% Notes.

We may redeem all or a part of the 12% Notes, upon not less than 30 or more than 60 days notice, beginning August 28, 2012 at specified redemption prices. Further, the indenture governing the 12% Notes requires us to make an offer, in cash, to repurchase all or a portion of the applicable outstanding notes for a specified redemption price, including a redemption premium, upon the occurrence of a change of control, as defined in such indenture.

At September 30, 2010 and September 30, 2009, we had outstanding principal of $245 million and $218 million, respectively, under the 12% Notes.

The indenture governing the 12% Notes (the “2019 Indenture”), contains customary covenants that limit, among other things, the incurrence of additional indebtedness, payment of dividends on or redemption or repurchase of equity interests, the making of certain investments, expansion into unrelated businesses, creation of

 

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liens on assets, merger or consolidation with another company, transfer or sale of all or substantially all assets, and transactions with affiliates.

In addition, the 2019 Indenture provides for customary events of default, including failure to make required payments, failure to comply with certain agreements or covenants, failure to make payments on or acceleration of certain other indebtedness, and certain events of bankruptcy and insolvency. Events of default under the indenture arising from certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency will automatically cause the acceleration of the amounts due under the 12% Notes. If any other event of default under the 2019 Indenture occurs and is continuing, the trustee for the indenture or the registered holders of at least 25% in the then aggregate outstanding principal amount of the 12% Notes may declare the acceleration of the amounts due under those notes.

At September 30, 2010, we were in compliance with all covenants under the 12% Notes. We, however, are subject to certain limitations as a result of our Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio under the 2019 Indenture being below 2:1. Until the test is satisfied, we and certain of our subsidiaries are limited in our ability to make significant acquisitions or incur significant additional senior credit facility debt beyond the Senior Credit Facilities. We do not expect our inability to satisfy the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio test to impair our ability to provide adequate liquidity to meet the short-term and long-term liquidity requirements of our existing businesses, although no assurance can be given in this regard.

In connection with the Merger, we obtained the consent of the note holders to certain amendments to the 2019 Indenture (collectively, the “Supplemental Indenture”). The Supplemental Indenture became effective upon the closing of the Merger. Among other things, the Supplemental Indenture amended the definition of change in control to exclude Harbinger Master Fund and Harbinger Capital Partners Special Situations Fund, L.P. (“Harbinger Special Fund”) and, together with Harbinger Master Fund, the “HCP Funds”) and Global Opportunities Breakaway Ltd. (together with the HCP Funds, the “Harbinger Parties”), and their affiliates, including Harbinger Group Inc., and increased the Company’s ability to incur indebtedness up to $1,850 million.

During Fiscal 2010 we recorded $3 million of fees in connection with the consent. The fees are classified as Debt issuance costs and will be amortized as an adjustment to interest expense over the remaining life of the 12% Notes effective with the closing of the Merger.

ABL Revolving Credit Facility

The ABL Revolving Credit Facility is governed by a credit agreement (the “ABL Credit Agreement”) with Bank of America as administrative agent (the “Agent”). The ABL Revolving Credit Facility consists of revolving loans (the “Revolving Loans”), with a portion available for letters of credit and a portion available as swing line loans, in each case subject to the terms and limits described therein.

The Revolving Loans may be drawn, repaid and reborrowed without premium or penalty. The proceeds of borrowings under the ABL Revolving Credit Facility are to be used for costs, expenses and fees in connection with the ABL Revolving Credit Facility, for working capital requirements of us and our subsidiaries’, restructuring costs, and other general corporate purposes.

The ABL Revolving Credit Facility carries an interest rate, at our option, which is subject to change based on availability under the facility, of either: (a) the base rate plus currently 2.75% per annum or (b) the reserve- adjusted LIBOR rate (the “Eurodollar Rate”) plus currently 3.75% per annum. No amortization will be required with respect to the ABL Revolving Credit Facility. The ABL Revolving Credit Facility will mature on June 16, 2014.

The ABL Credit Agreement contains various representations and warranties and covenants, including, without limitation, enhanced collateral reporting, and a maximum fixed charge coverage ratio. The ABL Credit

 

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Agreement also provides for customary events of default, including payment defaults and cross-defaults on other material indebtedness.

At September 30, 2010, we were in compliance with all covenants under the ABL Credit Agreement.

During Fiscal 2010 we recorded $10 million of fees in connection with the ABL Revolving Credit Facility. The fees are classified as Debt issuance costs and will be amortized as an adjustment to interest expense over the remaining life of the ABL Revolving Credit Facility.

As a result of borrowings and payments under the ABL Revolving Credit Facility at September 30, 2010, we had aggregate borrowing availability of approximately $225 million, net of lender reserves of $29 million.

At September 30, 2010, we had an aggregate amount outstanding under the ABL Revolving Credit Facility of $37 million for outstanding letters of credit of $37 million.

At September 30, 2009, we had an aggregate amount outstanding under our then-existing asset based revolving loan facility of $84 million which included a supplemental loan of $45 million and $6 million in outstanding letters of credit.

Interest Payments and Fees

In addition to principal payments on our Senior Credit Facilities, we have annual interest payment obligations of approximately $71 million in the aggregate under our 9.5% Notes and annual interest payment obligations of approximately $29 million in the aggregate under our 12% Notes. We also incur interest on our borrowings under the Senior Credit Facilities and such interest would increase borrowings under the ABL Revolving Credit Facility if cash were not otherwise available for such payments. Interest on the 9.5% Notes and interest on the 12% Notes is payable semi-annually in arrears and interest under the Senior Credit Facilities is payable on various interest payment dates as provided in the Senior Credit Agreement and the ABL Credit Agreement. Interest is payable in cash, except that interest under the 12% Notes is required to be paid by increasing the aggregate principal amount due under the subject notes unless we elect to make such payments in cash. Effective with the payment date of August 28, 2010, we elected to make the semi-annual interest payment scheduled for February 28, 2011 in cash. Thereafter, we may make the semi-annual interest payments for the 12% Notes either in cash or by further increasing the aggregate principal amount due under the notes subject to certain conditions. Based on amounts currently outstanding under the Senior Credit Facilities, and using market interest rates and foreign exchange rates in effect at September 30, 2010, we estimate annual interest payments of approximately $61 million in the aggregate under our Senior Credit Facilities would be required assuming no further principal payments were to occur and excluding any payments associated with outstanding interest rate swaps. We are required to pay certain fees in connection with the Senior Credit Facilities. Such fees include a quarterly commitment fee of up to 0.75% on the unused portion of the ABL Revolving Credit Facility and certain additional fees with respect to the letter of credit subfacility under the ABL Revolving Credit Facility.

Equity Financing Activities. During Fiscal 2010, we granted approximately 0.9 million shares of restricted stock. Of these grants, 0.3 million restricted stock units were granted in conjunction with the Merger and are time-based and vest over a one year period. The remaining 0.6 million shares are restricted stock grants primarily vest over a two year period. The total market value of the restricted shares on the date of the grant was approximately $23 million. During Fiscal 2009, Old Spectrum granted approximately 0.2 million shares of restricted stock. Of these grants, approximately 18% of the shares were time-based and vest on a pro rata basis over a three year period and 82% of the shares were performance-based and vest upon achievement of certain performance goals. All vesting dates were subject to the recipient’s continued employment with us. The total market value of the restricted stock on the date of the grant was approximately $0.1 million which has been recorded as unearned restricted stock compensation. On the Effective Date, all of the existing common stock of Old Spectrum was extinguished and deemed cancelled. Subsequent to September 30, 2009, we granted an

 

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aggregate of approximately 0.6 million shares of restricted common stock of New Spectrum to certain employees and non-employee directors. All such shares are subject to time-based vesting. All vesting dates are subject to the recipient’s continued employment, or service as a director, with us.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that are material to investors.

Contractual Obligations & Other Commercial Commitments

Contractual Obligations

The following table summarizes our contractual obligations as of September 30, 2010 and the effect such obligations are expected to have on our liquidity and cash flow in future periods. The table excludes other obligations we have reflected on our Consolidated Statements of Financial Position included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, such as pension obligations. See Note 10, Employee Benefit Plans, of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a more complete discussion of our employee benefit plans (in millions):

 

     Contractual Obligations  
   Payments due by Fiscal Year  
   2011      2012      2013      2014      2015      Thereafter      Total  

Debt:

                    

Debt, excluding capital lease obligations

   $ 20       $ 35       $ 39       $ 39       $ 39       $ 1,587       $ 1,759   

Capital lease obligations(1)

     1         1         1         1         1         7         12   
                                                              
     21         36         40         40         40         1,594         1,771   

Operating lease obligations

     35         33         27         19         15         49         178   
                                                              

Total Contractual Obligations

   $ 56       $ 69       $ 67       $ 59       $ 55       $ 1,643       $ 1,949   
                                                              

 

(1) Capital lease payments due by fiscal year include executory costs and imputed interest not reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Other Commercial Commitments

The following table summarizes our other commercial commitments as of September 30, 2010, consisting entirely of standby letters of credit that back the performance of certain of our entities under various credit facilities, insurance policies and lease arrangements (in millions):

 

     Other Commercial Commitments  
   Amount of Commitment Expiration by Fiscal Year  
   2011      2012      2013      2014      2015      Thereafter      Total  

Letters of credit

   $ 48       $ 2      $ —         $ —         $ —         $ 3       $ 53   
                                                              

Total Other Commercial Commitments

   $ 48       $ 2      $ —         $ —         $ —         $ 3       $ 53   
                                                              

Critical Accounting Policies

Our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K have been prepared in accordance with GAAP and fairly present our financial position and results of operations. We believe the following accounting policies are critical to an understanding of our financial statements. The application of these policies requires management’s judgment and estimates in areas that are inherently uncertain.

 

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Valuation of Assets and Asset Impairment

We evaluate certain long-lived assets to be held and used, such as property, plant and equipment and definite-lived intangible assets for impairment based on the expected future cash flows or earnings projections associated with such assets. Impairment reviews are conducted at the judgment of management when it believes that a change in circumstances in the business or external factors warrants a review. Circumstances such as the discontinuation of a product or product line, a sudden or consistent decline in the sales forecast for a product, changes in technology or in the way an asset is being used, a history of operating or cash flow losses or an adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate, among others, may trigger an impairment review. An asset’s value is deemed impaired if the discounted cash flows or earnings projections generated do not substantiate the carrying value of the asset. The estimation of such amounts requires management’s judgment with respect to revenue and expense growth rates, changes in working capital and selection of an appropriate discount rate, as applicable. The use of different assumptions would increase or decrease discounted future operating cash flows or earnings projections and could, therefore, change impairment determinations.

ASC 350 requires companies to test goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually, or more often if an event or circumstance indicates that an impairment loss may have been incurred. In Fiscal 2010, Fiscal 2009 and Fiscal 2008, we tested our goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets. As a result of this testing, we recorded no impairment charges in Fiscal 2010 and non-cash pretax impairment charges of $34 million and $861 million in Fiscal 2009 and Fiscal 2008, respectively. The $34 million impairment charge incurred in Fiscal 2009 reflects an impairment of trade name intangible assets consisting of the following: (i) $18 million related to the Global Pet Supplies Business; (ii) $15 million related to the Global Batteries and Personal Care segment; and (iii) $1 million related to the Home and Garden Business. The $861 million impairment charge incurred in Fiscal 2008 reflects impaired goodwill of $602 million and impaired trade name intangible assets of $265 million. The $602 million of impaired goodwill consisted of the following: (i) $426 million associated with our Global Pet Supplies reportable segment; (ii) $160 million associated with the Home and Garden Business; and (iii) $16 million related to our Global Batteries & Personal Care reportable segment. The $265 million of impaired trade name intangible assets consisted of the following: (i) $86 million related to our Global Batteries & Personal Care reportable segment; (ii) $98 million related to Global Pet Supplies; and (iii) $81 million related to the Home and Garden Business. Future cash expenditures will not result from these impairment charges.

We used a discounted estimated future cash flows methodology, third party valuations and negotiated sales prices to determine the fair value of our reporting units (goodwill). Fair value of indefinite-lived intangible assets, which represent trade names, was determined using a relief from royalty methodology. Assumptions critical to our fair value estimates were: (i) the present value factors used in determining the fair value of the reporting units and trade names or third party indicated fair values for assets expected to be disposed; (ii) royalty rates used in our trade name valuations; (iii) projected average revenue growth rates used in the reporting unit and trade name models; and (iv) projected long-term growth rates used in the derivation of terminal year values. We also tested fair value for reasonableness by comparison to our total market capitalization, which includes both our equity and debt securities. These and other assumptions are impacted by economic conditions and expectations of management and will change in the future based on period specific facts and circumstances. In light of a sustained decline in market capitalization coupled with the decline of the fair value of our debt securities, we also considered these factors in the Fiscal 2008 annual impairment testing.

In accordance with ASC 740, we establish valuation allowances for deferred tax assets when we estimate it is more likely than not that the tax assets will not be realized. We base these estimates on projections of future income, including tax-planning strategies, by individual tax jurisdictions. Changes in industry and economic conditions and the competitive environment may impact the accuracy of our projections. In accordance with ASC 740, during each reporting period we assess the likelihood that our deferred tax assets will be realized and determine if adjustments to the valuation allowance are appropriate. As a result of this assessment, during Fiscal 2009 we recorded a reduction in the valuation allowance of approximately $363 million. Of the $363 million

 

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total, $314 million was recorded as a non-cash deferred income tax benefit and $49 million as a reduction to goodwill. During Fiscal 2008 we recorded a non-cash deferred income tax charge of approximately $200 million related to increasing the valuation allowance against our net deferred tax assets.

The fair value of our Global Batteries & Personal Care, Global Pet Supplies, Small Appliances and Home and Garden Business reporting units, which are also our segments, exceeded their carry values by 52%, 49%, 13% and 10%, respectively, as of the date of our latest annual impairment testing.

See Note 3(h), Significant Accounting Policies and Practices—Property, Plant and Equipment, Note 3(i), Significant Accounting Policies and Practices—Intangible Assets, Note 5, Property, Plant and Equipment, Note 6, Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Note 8, Income Taxes, and Note 9, Discontinued Operations, of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for more information about these assets.

Revenue Recognition and Concentration of Credit Risk

We recognize revenue from product sales generally upon delivery to the customer or the shipping point in situations where the customer picks up the product or where delivery terms so stipulate. This represents the point at which title and all risks and rewards of ownership of the product are passed, provided that: there are no uncertainties regarding customer acceptance; there is persuasive evidence that an arrangement exists; the price to the buyer is fixed or determinable; and collectibility is deemed reasonably assured. We are generally not obligated to allow for, and our general policy is not to accept, product returns for battery sales. We do accept returns in specific instances related to our electric shaving and grooming, electric personal care, home and garden, small appliances and pet supply products. The provision for customer returns is based on historical sales and returns and other relevant information. We estimate and accrue the cost of returns, which are treated as a reduction of net sales.

We enter into various promotional arrangements, primarily with retail customers, including arrangements entitling such retailers to cash rebates from us based on the level of their purchases, which require us to estimate and accrue the costs of the promotional programs. These costs are generally treated as a reduction of net sales.

We also enter into promotional arrangements that target the ultimate consumer. Such arrangements are treated as either a reduction of net sales or an increase in cost of sales, based on the type of promotional program. The income statement presentation of our promotional arrangements complies with ASC Topic 605: “Revenue Recognition.” Cash consideration, or an equivalent thereto, given to a customer is generally classified as a reduction of net sales. If we provide a customer anything other than cash, the cost of the consideration is classified as an expense and included in cost of sales.

For all types of promotional arrangements and programs, we monitor our commitments and use statistical measures and past experience to determine the amounts to be recorded for the estimate of the earned, but unpaid, promotional costs. The terms of our customer-related promotional arrangements and programs are tailored to each customer and are generally documented through written contracts, correspondence or other communications with the individual customers.

We also enter into various arrangements, primarily with retail customers, which require us to make an upfront cash, or “slotting” payment, to secure the right to distribute through such customer. We capitalize slotting payments, provided the payments are supported by a time or volume based arrangement with the retailer, and amortize the associated payment over the appropriate time or volume based term of the arrangement. The amortization of slotting payments is treated as a reduction in net sales and a corresponding asset is reported in Deferred charges and other in our Consolidated Statements of Financial Position included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

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Our trade receivables subject us to credit risk which is evaluated based on changing economic, political and specific customer conditions. We assess these risks and make provisions for collectibility based on our best estimate of the risks presented and information available at the date of the financial statements. The use of different assumptions may change our estimate of collectibility. We extend credit to our customers based upon an evaluation of the customer’s financial condition and credit history and generally do not require collateral. Our credit terms generally range between 30 and 90 days from invoice date, depending upon the evaluation of the customer’s financial condition and history. We monitor our customers’ credit and financial condition in order to assess whether the economic conditions have changed and adjust our credit policies with respect to any individual customer as we determine appropriate. These adjustments may include, but are not limited to, restricting shipments to customers, reducing credit limits, shortening credit terms, requiring cash payments in advance of shipment or securing credit insurance.

See Note 3(b), Significant Accounting Policies and Practices—Revenue Recognition, Note 3(c), Significant Accounting Policies and Practices—Use of Estimates and Note 3(e), Significant Accounting Policies and Practices—Concentrations of Credit Risk and Major Customers and Employees, of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for more information about our revenue recognition and credit policies.

Pensions

Our accounting for pension benefits is primarily based on a discount rate, expected and actual return on plan assets and other assumptions made by management, and is impacted by outside factors such as equity and fixed income market performance. Pension liability is principally the estimated present value of future benefits, net of plan assets. In calculating the estimated present value of future benefits, net of plan assets, we used discount rates of 4.2 to 13.6% in Fiscal 2010 and 5.0 to 11.8% in Fiscal 2009. In adjusting the discount rates from Fiscal 2009 to 2010, we considered the change in the general market interest rates of debt and solicited the advice of our actuary. We believe the discount rates used are reflective of the rates at which the pension benefits could be effectively settled.

Pension expense is principally the sum of interest and service cost of the plan, less the expected return on plan assets and the amortization of the difference between our assumptions and actual experience. The expected return on plan assets is calculated by applying an assumed rate of return to the fair value of plan assets. We used expected returns on plan assets of 4.5% to 7.8% in Fiscal 2010 and 4.5% to 8.0% in Fiscal 2009. Based on the advice of our independent actuary, we believe the expected rates of return are reflective of the long-term average rate of earnings expected on the funds invested. If such expected returns were overstated, it would ultimately increase future pension expense. Similarly, an understatement of the expected return would ultimately decrease future pension expense. If plan assets decline due to poor performance by the markets and/or interest rate declines our pension liability will increase, ultimately increasing future pension expense.

See Note 10, Employee Benefit Plans, of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a more complete discussion of our employee benefit plans.

Restructuring and Related Charges

Restructuring charges are recognized and measured according to the provisions of ASC Topic 420: “Exit or Disposal Cost Obligations,” (“ASC 420”). Under ASC 420, restructuring charges include, but are not limited to, termination and related costs consisting primarily of severance costs and retention bonuses, and contract termination costs consisting primarily of lease termination costs. Related charges, as defined by us, include, but are not limited to, other costs directly associated with exit and integration activities, including impairment of property and other assets, departmental costs of full-time incremental integration employees, and any other items related to the exit or integration activities. Costs for such activities are estimated by us after evaluating detailed analyses of the cost to be incurred. We present restructuring and related charges on a combined basis.

 

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Liabilities from restructuring and related charges are recorded for estimated costs of facility closures, significant organizational adjustment and measures undertaken by management to exit certain activities. Costs for such activities are estimated by management after evaluating detailed analyses of the cost to be incurred. Such liabilities could include amounts for items such as severance costs and related benefits (including settlements of pension plans), impairment of property and equipment and other current or long term assets, lease termination payments and any other items directly related to the exit activities. While the actions are carried out as expeditiously as possible, restructuring and related charges are estimates. Changes in estimates resulting in an increase to or a reversal of a previously recorded liability may be required as management executes a restructuring plan.

We report restructuring and related charges associated with manufacturing and related initiatives in cost of goods sold. Restructuring and related charges reflected in cost of goods sold include, but are not limited to, termination and related costs associated with manufacturing employees, asset impairments relating to manufacturing initiatives and other costs directly related to the restructuring initiatives implemented.

We report restructuring and related charges associated with administrative functions in operating expenses, such as initiatives impacting sales, marketing, distribution or other non-manufacturing related functions. Restructuring and related charges reflected in operating expenses include, but are not limited to, termination and related costs, any asset impairments relating to the administrative functions and other costs directly related to the initiatives implemented.

The costs of plans to (i) exit an activity of an acquired company, (ii) involuntarily terminate employees of an acquired company or (iii) relocate employees of an acquired company are measured and recorded in accordance with the provisions of the ASC 805. Under ASC 805, if certain conditions are met, such costs are recognized as a liability assumed as of the consummation date of the purchase business combination and included in the allocation of the acquisition cost. Costs related to terminated activities or employees of the acquired company that do not meet the conditions prescribed in ASC 805 are treated as restructuring and related charges and expensed as incurred.

See Note 14, Restructuring and Related Charges, of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a more complete discussion of our restructuring initiatives and related costs.

Loss Contingencies

Loss contingencies are recorded as liabilities when it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. The outcome of existing litigation, the impact of environmental matters and pending or potential examinations by various taxing authorities are examples of situations evaluated as loss contingencies. Estimating the probability and magnitude of losses is often dependent upon management’s judgment of potential actions by third parties and regulators. It is possible that changes in estimates or an increased probability of an unfavorable outcome could materially affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

See further discussion in Item 3, Legal Proceedings, and Note 12, Commitments and Contingencies, of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Other Significant Accounting Policies

Other significant accounting policies, primarily those with lower levels of uncertainty than those discussed above, are also critical to understanding the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K contain additional information related to our accounting policies, including recent accounting pronouncements, and should be read in conjunction with this discussion.

 

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Market Risk Factors

We have market risk exposure from changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and commodity prices. We use derivative financial instruments for purposes other than trading to mitigate the risk from such exposures.

A discussion of our accounting policies for derivative financial instruments is included in Note 3(r), Significant Accounting Policies and Practices-Derivative Financial Instruments, of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Interest Rate Risk

We have bank lines of credit at variable interest rates. The general level of U.S. interest rates, LIBOR and EURIBOR affect interest expense. We use interest rate swaps to manage such risk. The net amounts to be paid or received under interest rate swap agreements are accrued as interest rates change, and are recognized over the life of the swap agreements as an adjustment to interest expense from the underlying debt to which the swap is designated. The related amounts payable to, or receivable from, the contract counter-parties are included in accrued liabilities or accounts receivable.

Foreign Exchange Risk

We are subject to risk from sales and loans to and from our subsidiaries as well as sales to, purchases from and bank lines of credit with, third-party customers, suppliers and creditors, respectively, denominated in foreign currencies. Foreign currency sales and purchases are made primarily in Euro, Pounds Sterling, Canadian Dollars, Australian Dollars and Brazilian Reals. We manage our foreign exchange exposure from anticipated sales, accounts receivable, intercompany loans, firm purchase commitments, accounts payable and credit obligations through the use of naturally occurring offsetting positions (borrowing in local currency), forward foreign exchange contracts, foreign exchange rate swaps and foreign exchange options. The related amounts payable to, or receivable from, the contract counter-parties are included in accounts payable or accounts receivable.

Commodity Price Risk

We are exposed to fluctuations in market prices for purchases of zinc used in the manufacturing process. We use commodity swaps and calls to manage such risk. The maturity of, and the quantities covered by, the contracts are closely correlated to our anticipated purchases of the commodities. The cost of calls are amortized over the life of the contracts and are recorded in cost of goods sold, along with the effects of the swap and call contracts. The related amounts payable to, or receivable from, the counter-parties are included in accounts payable or accounts receivable.

Sensitivity Analysis

The analysis below is hypothetical and should not be considered a projection of future risks. Earnings projections are before tax.

As of September 30, 2010, the potential change in fair value of outstanding interest rate derivative instruments, assuming a 1 percentage point unfavorable shift in the underlying interest rates would result in a loss of $0.3 million. The net impact on reported earnings, after also including the reduction in one year’s interest expense on the related debt due to the same shift in interest rates, would be a net loss of $0.3 million. As of September 30, 2009, there were no interest rate derivative instruments outstanding.

 

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As of September 30, 2010, the potential change in fair value of outstanding foreign exchange derivative instruments, assuming a 10% unfavorable change in the underlying exchange rates would be a loss of $63.4 million. The net impact on reported earnings, after also including the effect of the change in the underlying foreign currency-denominated exposures, would be a net gain of $8.9 million. The same hypothetical shift in exchange rates as of September 30, 2009, would have resulted in a loss of $10.8 million. The net impact on reported earnings, after also including the effect of the change in the underlying foreign currency-denominated exposures, would be a net gain of $10.8 million.

As of September 30, 2010, the potential change in fair value of outstanding commodity price derivative instruments, assuming a 10% unfavorable change in the underlying commodity prices would be a loss of $3.3 million. The net impact on reported earnings, after also including the reduction in cost of one year’s purchases of the related commodities due to the same change in commodity prices, would be a net loss of $0.3 million. The same hypothetical shift in commodity prices as of September 30, 2009 would have resulted in a loss of $1.5 million. The net impact on reported earnings, after also including the reduction in cost of one year’s purchases of the related commodities due to the same change in commodity prices, would be a net gain of $0.8 million.

 

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

The information required for this Item is included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K on pages 70 through 133, inclusive and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.

 

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. Our management, with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) pursuant to Rule 13a-15(b) under the Exchange Act as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of such date, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in applicable SEC rules and forms, and is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act). The Company’s management assessed the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2010. In making this assessment, the Company’s management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework. The Company’s management has concluded that, as of September 30, 2010, its internal control over financial reporting is effective based on these criteria. The Company’s management excluded Russell Hobbs from its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, as the Company may omit an assessment of an acquired business’s internal control over financial reporting from its assessment of the registrant’s internal control; however, it may not extend beyond one year from the date of acquisition, nor may such assessment be omitted from more than one annual management report on internal control over financial reporting. The total assets of $863 million and total net sales of $238 million associated with Russell Hobbs are included in the consolidated financial

 

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statements of the Company as of and for the year ended September 30, 2010. The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, KPMG LLP, has issued an audit report on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, which is included herein.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) that occurred during our fourth fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Limitations on the Effectiveness of Controls. The Company’s management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, does not expect that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures or the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting will prevent all errors and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected.

 

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

 

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PART III

 

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The information required by Item 401 of Regulation S-K concerning the directors of Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc. (“SB Holdings”) and the nominees for re-election as directors of SB Holdings at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on March 1, 2011 (the “2011 Annual Meeting”) is incorporated herein by reference from the disclosure which will be included under the caption “PROPOSAL NUMBER 1—ELECTION OF DIRECTORS” in SB Holdings’ definitive Proxy Statement relating to the 2011 Annual Meeting (the “SB Holdings Definitive Proxy Statement”), which will be filed not later than 120 days after the end of SB Holdings’ fiscal year ended September 30, 2010.

Audit Committee Financial Expert and Audit Committee

The information required by Items 407(d)(4) and 407(d)(5) of Regulation S-K is incorporated herein by reference from the disclosure which will be included under the caption “MEETINGS AND COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD—Committees of the Board—Audit Committee” in the SB Holdings Definitive Proxy Statement.

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

The information required by Item 405 of Regulation S-K is incorporated herein by reference from the disclosure which will be included under the caption “SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE” in the SB Holdings Definitive Proxy Statement.

Code of Ethics

We have adopted the Code of Ethics for the Principal Executive Officer and Senior Financial Officers, a code of ethics that applies to our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and other senior finance organization employees. The Code of Ethics for the Principal Executive Officer and Senior Financial Officers is publicly available on our website at www.spectrumbrands.com under “Investor Relations—Corporate Governance.” We intend to disclose amendments to, and, if applicable, waivers of, this code of ethics on that section of our website.

We have also adopted the Spectrum Brands Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, a code of ethics that applies to all of our directors, officers and employees. The Spectrum Brands Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is publicly available on our website at www.spectrumbrands.com under “Investor Relations—Corporate Governance.” Any amendments to this code of ethics or any waiver of this code of ethics for executive officers or directors may be made only by our Board of Directors as a whole or our Audit Committee and will be promptly disclosed to our shareholders via that section of our website.

 

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Report of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors

The information required by Item 407(e)(5) of Regulation S-K is incorporated herein by reference from the disclosure which will be included under caption “COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT” in SB Holdings Definitive Proxy Statement.

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

The information required by Item 402 of Regulation S-K is incorporated herein by reference from disclosures which will be included under the captions “EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION” and “NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTOR COMPENSATION” in SB Holdings Definitive Proxy Statement.

 

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Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

The information required by Item 407(e)(4) of Regulation S-K is incorporated herein by reference from the disclosure which will be included under the caption “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” in SB Holdings Definitive Proxy Statement.

 

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

Ownership of Common Shares of Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc.

The information required by Item 403 of Regulation S-K is incorporated herein by reference from the disclosure which will be included under the caption “BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF SECURITIES OF THE COMPANY” in the SB Holdings Definitive Proxy Statement.

Equity Compensation Plan Information

The information required by Item 201(d) of Regulation S-K is incorporated herein by reference from the disclosure which will be included under the caption “EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION” in the SB Holdings Definitive Proxy Statement.

 

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions

The information required by Item 404 of Regulation S-K is incorporated herein by reference from the disclosures which will be included under the caption “CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS” in the SB Holdings Definitive Proxy Statement.

Director Independence

The information required by Item 407(a) of Regulation S-K is incorporated herein by reference from the disclosures which will be included under the captions “CORPORATE GOVERNANCE—Director Independence” and “MEETINGS AND COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD” in SB Holdings Definitive Proxy Statement.

 

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

The information required by this Item 14 is incorporated herein by reference from the disclosures which will be included under the captions “AUDIT COMMITTEE MATTERS—Fees of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” and “AUDIT COMMITTEE MATTERS—Pre-Approval of Services Performed by the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” in the SB Holdings Definitive Proxy Statement.

 

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PART IV

 

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULES

 

  (a) The following documents are filed as part of or are included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K:

1. The financial statements listed in the Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedule, filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

2. The financial statement schedule listed in the Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedule, filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

3. The exhibits listed in the Exhibit Index filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

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SPECTRUM BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE

 

     Page  

Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     91   

Consolidated Statements of Financial Position

     93   

Consolidated Statements of Operations

     94   

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity (Deficit) and Comprehensive Income (Loss)

     95   

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

     97   

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

     98   

Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

     168   

 

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Stockholders

Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc.:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position of Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of September 30, 2010 and September 30, 2009 (Successor Company), and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity (deficit) and comprehensive income (loss), and cash flows for the year ended September 30, 2010, the period August 31, 2009 to September 30, 2009 (Successor Company), the period October 1, 2008 to August 30, 2009 and the year ended September 30, 2008 (Predecessor Company). In connection with our audits of the consolidated financial statements, we have also audited the financial statement schedule II. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc. and subsidiaries as of September 30, 2010 and September 30, 2009 (Successor Company), and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the year ended September 30, 2010, the period August 31, 2009 to September 30, 2009 (Successor Company), the period October 1, 2008 to August 30, 2009 and the year ended September 30, 2008 (Predecessor Company) in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2010, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated December 14, 2010 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Predecessor Company filed a petition for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code on February 3, 2009. The Company’s plan of reorganization became effective and the Company emerged from bankruptcy protection on August 28, 2009. In connection with their emergence from bankruptcy, the Successor Company Spectrum Brands, Inc. adopted fresh-start reporting in conformity with ASC Topic 852, “Reorganizations” formerly America Institute of Certified Public Accountants Statement of Position 90-7, “Financial Reporting by Entities in Reorganization under the Bankruptcy Code”, effective as of August 30, 2009. Accordingly, the Successor Company’s consolidated financial statements prior to August 30, 2009 are not comparable to its consolidated financial statements for periods on after August 30, 2009.

As discussed in Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements, effective September 30, 2009, the Successor Company adopted the measurement date provision of ASC 715, “Compensation-Retirement Benefits” formerly FAS 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and other Postretirement Plans”.

/s/ KPMG LLP

Atlanta, Georgia

December 14, 2010

 

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Stockholders

Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc.:

We have audited Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2010, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc. and subsidiaries maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2010, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We have also audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position of Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc. and subsidiaries as of September 30, 2010 and September 30, 2009 (Successor Company), and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity (deficit) and comprehensive income (loss), and cash flows for the year ended September 30, 2010, the period August 31, 2009 to September 30, 2009 (Successor Company), the period October 1, 2008 to August 30, 2009 and the year ended September 30, 2008 (Predecessor Company), along with the financial statement schedule II, and our report dated December 14, 2010 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.

The Company acquired Russell Hobbs, Inc. and its subsidiaries (Russell Hobbs) on June 16, 2010. Management excluded Russell Hobbs from its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting and the associated total assets of $863,282,000 and total net sales of $237,576,000 included in the consolidated financial statements of the Company as of and for the year ended September 30, 2010. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting of the Company as of September 30, 2010 also excluded Russell Hobbs.

/s/ KPMG LLP

Atlanta, Georgia

December 14, 2010

 

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SPECTRUM BRANDS HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Financial Position

September 30, 2010 and 2009

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 

     Successor
Company
 
     2010     2009  
Assets     

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 170,614      $ 97,800   

Receivables:

    

Trade accounts receivable, net of allowances of $4,351 and $1,011, respectively

     365,002        274,483   

Other

     41,445        24,968   

Inventories

     530,342        341,505   

Deferred income taxes

     35,735        28,137   

Assets held for sale

     12,452        11,870   

Prepaid expenses and other

     44,122        39,973   
                

Total current assets

     1,199,712        818,736   

Property, plant and equipment, net

     201,164        212,361   

Deferred charges and other

     46,352        34,934   

Goodwill

     600,055        483,348   

Intangible assets, net

     1,769,360        1,461,945   

Debt issuance costs

     56,961        9,422   
                

Total assets

   $ 3,873,604      $ 3,020,746   
                
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity     

Current liabilities:

    

Current maturities of long-term debt

   $ 20,710      $ 53,578   

Accounts payable

     332,231        186,235   

Accrued liabilities:

    

Wages and benefits

     93,971        88,443   

Income taxes payable

     37,118        21,950   

Restructuring and related charges

     23,793        26,203   

Accrued interest

     31,652        8,678   

Other

     123,297        109,981   
                

Total current liabilities

     662,772        495,068   

Long-term debt, net of current maturities

     1,723,057        1,529,957   

Employee benefit obligations, net of current portion

     92,725        55,855   

Deferred income taxes

     277,843        227,498   

Other

     70,828        51,489   
                

Total liabilities

     2,827,225        2,359,867   

Commitments and contingencies

    

Shareholders’ equity:

    

Common stock, $.01 par value, authorized 200,000 shares; issued 51,020 shares; outstanding 51,020 shares at September 30, 2010

     514        —     

Common stock, $.01 par value, authorized 150,000 shares; issued 30,000 shares; outstanding 30,000 shares at September 30, 2009

     —          300   

Additional paid-in capital

     1,316,461        724,796   

Accumulated deficit

     (260,892     (70,785

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income

     (7,497     6,568   
                
     1,048,586        660,879   

Less treasury stock, at cost, 81 and 0 shares, respectively

     (2,207     —     
                

Total shareholders’ equity

     1,046,379        660,879   
                

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   $ 3,873,604      $ 3,020,746   
                

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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SPECTRUM BRANDS HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 

    Successor
Company
    Predecessor Company  
    Year Ended
September 30,

2010
    Period from
August 31, 2009
through
September 30,
2009
    Period from
October 1, 2008
through
August 30,
2009
    Year Ended
September 30,
2008
 

Net sales

  $ 2,567,011      $ 219,888      $ 2,010,648      $ 2,426,571   

Cost of goods sold

    1,638,451        155,310        1,245,640        1,489,971   

Restructuring and related charges

    7,150        178        13,189        16,499   
                               

Gross profit

    921,410        64,400        751,819        920,101   

Operating expenses:

       

Selling

    466,813        39,136        363,106        506,365   

General and administrative

    199,386        20,578        145,235        188,934   

Research and development

    31,013        3,027        21,391        25,315   

Acquisition and integration related charges

    38,452        —          —          —     

Restructuring and related charges

    16,968        1,551        30,891        22,838   

Goodwill and intangibles impairment

    —          —          34,391        861,234   
                               
    752,632        64,292        595,014        1,604,686   
                               

Operating income (loss)

    168,778        108        156,805        (684,585

Interest expense

    277,015        16,962        172,940        229,013   

Other expense (income), net

    12,300        (816     3,320        1,220   
                               

Loss from continuing operations before reorganization items and income taxes

    (120,537     (16,038     (19,455     (914,818

Reorganization items expense (income), net

    3,646        3,962        (1,142,809     —     
                               

(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes

    (124,183     (20,000     1,123,354        (914,818

Income tax expense (benefit)

    63,189        51,193        22,611        (9,460
                               

(Loss) income from continuing operations

    (187,372     (71,193     1,100,743        (905,358

(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax

    (2,735     408        (86,802     (26,187
                               

Net (loss) income

  $ (190,107   $ (70,785   $ 1,013,941      $ (931,545
                               

Basic net (loss) income per common share:

       

(Loss) income from continuing operations

  $ (5.20   $ (2.37   $ 21.45      $ (17.78

(Loss) income from discontinued operations

    (0.08     0.01        (1.69     (0.51
                               

Net (loss) income

  $ (5.28   $ (2.36   $ 19.76      $ (18.29
                               

Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding

    36,000        30,000        51,306        50,921   

Diluted net (loss) income per common share:

       

(Loss) income from continuing operations

  $ (5.20   $ (2.37   $ 21.45      $ (17.78

(Loss) income from discontinued operations

    (0.08     0.01        (1.69     (0.51
                               

Net (loss) income

  $ (5.28   $ (2.36   $ 19.76      $ (18.29
                               

Weighted average shares of common stock and equivalents outstanding

    36,000        30,000        51,306        50,921   

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

SPECTRUM BRANDS HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity (Deficit) and Comprehensive Income (Loss)

(In thousands)

 

    Common Stock     Additional
Paid-In
Capital
    Accumulated
Deficit
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss),
net of tax
    Treasury
Stock
    Total
Shareholders’
Equity
(Deficit)
 
    Shares     Amount            

Balances at September 30, 2007, Predecessor Company

    52,765      $ 690      $ 669,274      $ (763,370   $ 65,664      $ (76,086   $ (103,828

Net loss

    —          —          —          (931,545     —          —          (931,545

Adjustment of additional minimum pension liability

    —          —          —          —          2,459        —          2,459   

Valuation allowance adjustment

    —          —          —          —          (4,060     —          (4,060

Translation adjustment

    —          —          —          —          5,236        —          5,236   

Other unrealized gains and losses

    —          —          —          —          146        —          146   
                   

Comprehensive loss

                (927,764

Issuance of restricted stock

    408