SBH 09.30.2013 10-K

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 FORM 10-K
ý
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2013
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)
 
 
3001 Deming Way, Middleton, Wisconsin
 
53562
(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:
Title of each class
 
 
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, Par Value $0.01
 
New York Stock Exchange
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes  ¨    No  ý
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  ý
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  ý    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  ý    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
 
x
  
Accelerated filer
 
¨
 
 
 
 
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  ý
The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $1,228,779,585 based upon the closing price on the last business day of the registrant's most recently completed second fiscal quarter (March 31, 2013).* As of November 25, 2013, there were outstanding 52,423,492 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, 2013 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 Group Inc., Harbinger Capital Partners Master Fund I, Ltd. and Harbinger Capital Partners Special Situations Fund, L.P. have been treated as owned by affiliates.



TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
 
Page
 
 
 
 
PART I
 
 
 
 
ITEM 1.
BUSINESS
 
 
 
ITEM 1A.
RISK FACTORS
 
 
 
ITEM 1B.
UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
 
 
 
ITEM 2.
PROPERTIES
 
 
 
ITEM 3.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
 
 
ITEM 4.
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
 
 
 
 
PART II
 
 
 
 
ITEM 5.
MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
 
 
 
ITEM 6.
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
 
 
 
ITEM 7.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
 
 
ITEM 7A.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
 
 
ITEM 8.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
 
 
 
ITEM 9.
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
 
 
 
ITEM 9A.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
 
 
ITEM 9B.
OTHER INFORMATION
 
 
 
 
PART III
 
 
 
 
ITEM 10.
DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
 
 
 
ITEM 11.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
 
 
ITEM 12.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
 
 
 
ITEM 13.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
 
 
 
ITEM 14.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
 
 
 
 
PART IV
 
 
 
 
ITEM 15.
EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULES
 
 
 
 
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE
 
 
 
 
SIGNATURES
 
 
 
 
EXHIBIT INDEX
 




Table of Contents


PART I

ITEM 1.
BUSINESS
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 HHI Business 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 any 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);
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;
the effects of political or economic conditions, terrorist attacks, acts of war or other unrest in international markets;
the significant costs expected to be incurred in connection with the integration of us and the HHI Business;
the risk that we may become responsible for certain liabilities of the HHI Business;
the risk that integrating our business with that of the HHI Business may divert our management’s attention;
our dedicating resources of the HHI Business to supply certain products and services to Stanley Black & Decker and its subsidiaries as required following the Hardware Acquisition;
general customer uncertainty related to the Hardware Acquisition; and

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the limited period of time for which we have the right to use certain Stanley Black & Decker trademarks, brand names and logos.
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, 2013 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 statements.
General
Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“SB Holdings” or the “Company”), is a diversified global branded consumer products company. Spectrum Brands, Inc. (“Spectrum Brands”), is a wholly owned subsidiary of SB Holdings. 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.
On December 17, 2012, we acquired the residential hardware and home improvement business (the “HHI Business”) from Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. (“Stanley Black & Decker”), which includes (i) the equity interests of certain subsidiaries of Stanley Black & Decker engaged in the business and (ii) certain assets of Stanley Black & Decker used or held for use in connection with the business (together the “Hardware Acquisition”). On April 8, 2013, we completed the HHI Business acquisition by acquiring certain assets of Tong Lung Metal Industry Co. Ltd., a Taiwan Corporation ("TLM Taiwan”), which is involved in the production of residential locksets. For information pertaining to the Hardware Acquisition, see Note 15, “Acquisitions” of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
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 products, electric shavers and accessories, grooming products and hair care appliances. We also 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 ("U.S."), Europe, Latin America and Asia. Substantially all of our rechargeable batteries, chargers and portable lighting products, shaving and grooming products, small household appliances and personal care products are manufactured by third-party suppliers, primarily located in Asia.
With the addition of the HHI Business, we design, manufacture, market, distribute and sell certain hardware, home improvement and plumbing products, and are a leading U.S. provider of residential locksets and builders' hardware and a leading provider of faucets. The HHI Business has a broad portfolio of recognized brands names, including Kwikset, Weiser, Baldwin, National Hardware, Stanley, FANAL and Pfister, as well as patented technologies such as Smartkey, a rekeyable lockset technology, and Smart Code Home Connect. HHI Business customers include retailers, non-retailers and homebuilders. The HHI Business has sales offices, manufacturing facilities and distribution centers in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Asia.
We sell our products in approximately 140 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, Dingo, Nature's Miracle, Spectracide, Cutter, Hot Shot, Black & Decker, George Foreman, Russell Hobbs, Farberware, Black Flag, FURminator, the previously mentioned HHI Business brands and various other brands.
Our diversified global branded consumer products have positions in seven major product categories: consumer batteries; small appliances; pet supplies; electric shaving and grooming; electric personal care; home and garden controls; and hardware and home improvement, which consists of the recently acquired HHI Business. Our chief operating decision-maker manages the businesses in four vertically integrated, product-focused reporting segments: (i) Global Batteries & Appliances, which consists of our worldwide battery, electric shaving and grooming, electric personal care, and small appliances primarily in the kitchen and home product categories (“Global Batteries & Appliances”); (ii) Global Pet Supplies, which consists of our worldwide pet supplies business (“Global Pet Supplies”); (iii) Home and Garden Business, which consists of our home and garden and insect control business (the “Home and Garden Business”); and (iv) Hardware & Home Improvement, which consists of the recently acquired HHI Business (“Hardware & Home Improvement”). Management reviews our performance based on these segments. For information pertaining to our business segments, see Note 11, “Segment Information” of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information on our operating segments.

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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.
Our Products
We compete in seven major product categories: consumer batteries; small appliances; pet supplies; electric shaving and grooming; electric personal care; home and garden controls; and hardware and home improvement. Our broad line of products include:
consumer batteries, including alkaline and zinc carbon batteries, rechargeable batteries and chargers, hearing aid batteries, other specialty batteries and portable lighting products;
small appliances, including small kitchen appliances and home product appliances;
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;
electric shaving and grooming devices;
electric personal care and styling devices;
home and garden control products, including household insect controls, insect repellents and herbicides; and
hardware and home improvement products, including residential locksets, builders hardware and plumbing products.

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,
 
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
Consumer batteries
 
23
%
 
29
%
 
30
%
Hardware and home improvement products
 
21
%
 
%
 
%
Small appliances
 
18
%
 
24
%
 
24
%
Pet supplies
 
15
%
 
19
%
 
18
%
Home and garden control products
 
10
%
 
12
%
 
11
%
Electric shaving and grooming products
 
7
%
 
8
%
 
9
%
Electric personal care products
 
6
%
 
8
%
 
8
%
 
 
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, medical instruments and on the go charges.

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We also 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.
Hardware and Home Improvement Products
In the hardware and home improvement product category we market and sell a broad range of residential locksets and door hardware, including knobs, levers, deadbolts, handlesets and electronics. We offer our security hardware under three main brands, Kwikset, Weiser and Baldwin. On a global basis we are one of the largest producers of tubular residential locksets. Kwikset includes opening to mid-price point residential door hardware sold primarily in the U.S. retail and wholesale channels. Products are offered under the three brands Safe Lock, Kwikset and Kwikset Signature Series. Weiser offers opening to mid-price point residential door hardware sold primarily in the Canadian retail and wholesale channels. Baldwin offers high price point luxury hardware sold globally through the showroom and lumber yard channels.
As a demonstration of our design and engineering team’s ability to innovate, our patented SmartKey technology enables consumers to easily rekey their locks without hiring a locksmith. SmartKey continues to win market share across all channels of distribution and provides opportunities for further growth. Market share gains stemming from our SmartKey products further augment our overall market share in the residential lockset space. Also in security, we are capitalizing on the emerging trend in home automation and have developed further innovation in electronics where we utilize open-platform electronics to build scalable partnerships with technology and access control industry leaders.
We also offer other hardware products that include hinges, security hardware, screen and storm door products, garage door hardware, window hardware and floor protection under the Stanley and National Hardware brand names throughout the U.S. and Canada. Although the product line is largely harmonized between the brands, the dual branding approach has been utilized to protect legacy business with key customers and avoid channel conflict.
Furthermore, we provide kitchen, bath and shower faucets as well as other plumbing products through our Pfister brand. Pfister is recognized for bringing showroom styles to the mass market at affordable prices and offers a lifetime warranty on all of its products. We have combined robust customer collaboration with consumer driven research to drive innovative products that are well-received by the market. With its affordable, quick-to-market and custom designed solutions, Pfister has an established capability to effectively service hospitality and international markets. Pfister seeks to differentiate itself from competition through its breadth of styles and finishes designed to meet consumer, plumber, and builder needs.
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, stand-alone 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, bedding products, and consumable accessories including privacy tents, litter carpets, crystal litter cartridges, charcoal filters, corn-based litter and replaceable waste receptacles. Our largest specialty pet brands include FURminator, 8-in-1, Dingo, Nature’s Miracle, Wild Harvest and Littermaid.
Home and Garden Control Products
In the home, lawn and garden products category, we currently sell and market a variety of leading insect and weed control products, including household insecticides, insect repellents, and lawn insect and weed control solutions. We offer a broad array of household pest control solutions such as spider and scorpion killers; roach and ant killers; flying insect killers; insect foggers; wasp and hornet killers; bedbug, flea and tick control products; and roach and ant baits. We also offer powerful rodent traps and rodenticides with discreet designs that are easy to refill and reuse. Our largest brands in the household insect control and rodenticide category are Hot Shot and Black Flag.
Our business segment also manufactures and markets a complete line of insect repellent products that provide protection from various outdoor nuisance pests, especially mosquitoes. These products include both personal repellents available in a variety of formulas (such as aerosols, lotions, pump sprays and wipes) to match consumers’ dynamic needs, as well as area repellents (such as yard sprays, citronella candles and patio lanterns) that let consumers enjoy the outdoors without bothersome pests. Our brands in the insect repellents category are Cutter and Repel.

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In addition to providing indoor pest solutions, our line of outdoor insect and weed control solutions allows consumers to conquer bugs and weeds, and tackle their biggest lawn and landscaping projects themselves. From selective and non-selective herbicides to pest-specific solutions, our outdoor products are available in easy-to-use formulations (such as aerosols, granules, ready-to-use or hose-end ready-to-sprays) designed to fulfill a variety of consumer needs. Our outdoor insecticide and herbicide brands include Spectracide and Garden Safe.
We have positioned ourselves as the value alternative for consumers who want products that deliver powerful performance at an exceptional value.
Electric Shaving and Grooming Products
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, nose and ear trimmers, women’s shavers, haircut kits and intense pulsed light hair removal systems.
Small Appliances
We market and sell a broad range of products in the branded small household appliances category 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.
Electric Personal Care Products
Our electric personal care products, marketed and sold under the Remington, Russell Hobbs, Carmen and Andrew Collinge brand names, include hand-held dryers, curling irons, straightening irons, brush irons, hair setters, facial brushes, skin appliances, electric toothbrushes and hair accessories.
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, Lowe’s, Carrefour, Target, PetSmart, Canadian Tire, PetCo and Gigante. Our sales to Wal-Mart represented approximately 18% of our consolidated net sales for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2013. No other customer accounted for more than 10% of our consolidated net sales in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2013.
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 Information", 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 & Appliances
We manage our Global Batteries & Appliances 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.

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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 geographically aligned with our key customers. We sell primarily to home improvement centers, mass merchandisers, dollar stores, hardware stores, home and garden distributors, and food and drug retailers in the U.S.
Hardware & Home Improvement
The sales force of the Hardware & Home Improvement is aligned by customer and geographic region. We sell primarily to large retailers, non-retail distributors, home improvement centers, hardware stores, home builders and other retailers.
Manufacturing, Raw Materials and Suppliers
The principal raw materials used in manufacturing our products—zinc, electrolytic manganese dioxide, brass 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, 2013, 2012 and 2011, we invested $43.3 million, $33.1 million and $32.9 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 RAYOVAC, REMINGTON, VARTA, TETRA, 8IN1, DINGO, NATURE’S MIRACLE, WILD HARVEST, MARINELAND, FURMINATOR, SPECTRACIDE, CUTTER, HOT SHOT, GARDEN SAFE, REPEL, GEORGE FOREMAN, RUSSELL HOBBS, BLACK & DECKER, KWIKSET, WEISER, BALDWIN, NATIONAL HARDWARE, FANAL AND PFISTER. We seek trademark protection in the U.S. and in foreign countries by all available means, including registration.

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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 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 July 2011, Russell Hobbs and The Black & Decker Corporation (“BDC”) extended the trademark license agreement for a fourth time through December 2015. Under the agreement as extended, Russell Hobbs agreed to pay BDC royalties based on a percentage of sales, with minimum annual royalty payments of $15.0 million from calendar year 2011 through calendar year 2015. 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 end of the transition period following 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.
Through the Hardware Acquisition, we own the patented SmartKey technology, which enables customers to easily rekey their locks without hiring a locksmith.
On November 8, 2012, we acquired a 56% interest in Shaser Biosciences, Inc. Through this acquisition we acquired patented technology that is used in our i-Light product line.
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. Our primary competitors in the portable lighting product category are Energizer and Mag Instrument, Inc.
Competition within the hardware and home improvement industry varies based on location and product segment. The main source of competition for residential locksets includes other third party manufacturers such as Schlage, a division of

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Ingersoll-Rand, and private label import brands such as Defiant and Gatehouse. Major competitors for hardware include The Hillman Group, Hampton Hardware, Crown Bolt and private label competitors. In plumbing, Pfister’s major U.S. competitors are Masco, Fortune Brands, Kohler, and American Standard, as well as Glacier Bay and AquaSource, The Home Depot and Lowe’s private label brands, respectively.
The pet supplies 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 home and garden product category face competition from The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company (“Scotts Company”), which markets lawn and garden products under the Scotts, Ortho, Roundup, Miracle-Gro, and Tomcat brand names; Central Garden & Pet, which markets garden products under the AMDRO and Sevin brand names; and Bayer A.G., which markets home and garden products under the Bayer Advanced brand name.
Products we sell in the household insect control product category 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”).
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 hardware and home improvement products increases during the spring and summer construction period (Spectrum's third and fourth fiscal quarters). 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 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.”

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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 $5.1 million for estimated liabilities at September 30, 2013 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 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

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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 13,500 full-time employees worldwide as of September 30, 2013. Approximately 16% of our total labor force is covered by collective bargaining agreements. There are 4 collective bargaining agreements that will expire during our fiscal year ending September 30, 2014, which cover approximately 57% of the labor force under collective bargaining agreements, or approximately 9% 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, Inc. at 3001 Deming Way, Middleton, Wisconsin 53562 or via electronic mail at investorrelations@spectrumbrands.com, or by contacting the Vice President, Investor Relations & Corporate Communications by telephone at (608) 275-3340.

ITEM 1A.
RISK FACTORS

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

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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 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 our future credit facilities and financing arrangements 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, 2013, we had total indebtedness under our Term Loan and ABL Facility (together the "Senior Secured Facilities"), the 6.375% Notes, the 6.625% Notes, the 6.75% Notes (collectively, the "Notes") and other debt of approximately $3 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;
restrict our ability to make strategic acquisitions, dispositions or to exploit 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 indentures governing the Notes (together, the “Indentures”), 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 Indentures may restrict our ability to pursue our business strategies.
The Senior Secured Facilities and the Indentures 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 Indentures 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 could terminate their commitments and the lenders under our Senior Secured Facilities or the holders of the Notes could accelerate repayment of our outstanding borrowings and, in either case, we may be unable to obtain adequate refinancing of outstanding borrowings on favorable terms or at all. If we are unable to repay outstanding borrowings when due, the lenders under the Senior Secured Facilities 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 are accelerated, we cannot assure you that our assets would be sufficient to repay in full such indebtedness.
The sale or other disposition by Harbinger Group Inc., the holder of a majority of the outstanding shares of our common stock, 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.

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Harbinger Group Inc. (“HRG”) owns a majority of the outstanding shares of the common stock of SB Holdings. The 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 certain of 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 7.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2019. 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 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 the 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 to 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 HRG exercise significant influence over us and their interests in our business may be different from the interests of our stockholders” in this Form 10-K.
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.
Concern over continuing high unemployment, stagnant economic performance and government debt levels in many European Union countries has caused significant fluctuations of the Euro relative to other currencies, such as the U.S. Dollar. Criticism of excessive national debt among certain European Union countries has led to credit downgrades of the sovereign debt of several countries in the region, and uncertainty about the future status of the Euro. 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 depend on key personnel and may not be able to retain those employees or recruit additional qualified personnel.
We are highly dependent on the continuing efforts of our senior management team and other key personnel. Our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected if we lose any of these persons and are unable to attract and retain qualified replacements.
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 product category 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 the hardware and home improvement industry, our principle competitors are Schlage, a division of Ingersoll-Rand, Masco, Fortune Brands, Kohler, and American Standard. In each of these markets, we also face competition from numerous other companies. In addition, in a number of our product lines, we compete

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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 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 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 hardware and home improvement products increases during the spring and summer construction period (Spectrum's third and fourth fiscal quarters) and demand for pet supplies products remains fairly constant throughout the year. Demand for home and garden control products 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 throughout 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 41% of our net sales for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2013 were to 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, British Pound, Brazilian Real and the Mexican Peso;

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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;
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. For example, 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, brass, 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 2011, 2012 and 2013, 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, 2013, we had U.S. federal and state net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $1,515 million and $1,551 million, respectively. These net operating loss carryforwards expire through years ending in 2033. As of September 30, 2013, our management determined that it continues to be more likely than not that the U.S. federal and most of the U.S. state net deferred tax asset, excluding certain indefinite-lived assets, will not be realized in the future and as such recorded a full valuation allowance to offset the net U.S. federal and most of the 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.
As a consequence of the merger of Salton, Inc. and Applica Incorporated in December 2007 (which created Russell Hobbs), as well as earlier business combinations and issuances of common stock consummated by both companies, use of the tax benefits of Russell Hobbs’ U.S. loss carryforwards is also subject to limitations imposed by Section 382 of the IRC. 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 tax credit carryforwards is dependent upon both Russell Hobbs and us achieving profitable results in the future. The Russell Hobbs’ U.S. net operating loss carryforwards were subject to a full valuation allowance at September 30, 2013.
We estimate that approximately $301 million of the Spectrum and Russell Hobbs U.S. federal net operating losses and $358 million of the Spectrum and Russell Hobbs state net operating losses would expire unused even if the Company generates sufficient income to otherwise use all its net operating losses, due to the limitation in Section 382 of the IRC.
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 18% of our consolidated net sales for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2013. 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 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.


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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, 2013, approximately 41% of our net sales and 55% of 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 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 and, as a result, 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 adverse effect on our sales and gross margin. Furthermore, on October 11, 2011, the U.S. Senate approved a bill to impose sanctions against China for its currency valuation, although the future status of this bill is uncertain. If this or a similar bill is enacted into law, the U.S. government may impose duties on products from China and other countries found to be subsidizing their exports by undervaluing their currencies, which may increase the costs of goods produced in China, or prompt China to retaliate with other tariffs or other actions. Any such series of events could have a material negative adverse effect on our sales and gross margin.
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. The costs associated with maintaining compliance 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 hold for which there is reduced demand, and we may need to write down the carrying value of such inventories.

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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. 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 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 Global Batteries & 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. In July 2011, The Black & Decker Corporation ("BDC") extended the license agreement through December 2015. 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

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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.
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 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.
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,

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

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 the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act ("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.

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Certain of our products sold through, and facilities operated under, each of our business segments are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA"), the Food and Drug Administration ("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. 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 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 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.
In addition, the use of certain pesticide products that are sold through our 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. In addition, we rely on certain third party trademarks, brand names and logos which we do not have exclusive use of. Public perception that any such third party trademarks, band names and logos used by us, are not safe, whether justified or not, could 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.

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Approximately 16% of our total labor force is covered by collective bargaining agreements. There are four collective bargaining agreements that will expire during our fiscal year ending September 30, 2014, which cover approximately 57% of the labor force under collective bargaining agreements, or approximately 9% of our total labor force. 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 our 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. U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) requires that we calculate income or expense for the plans using actuarial valuations. These valuations reflect assumptions about financial markets and other economic conditions, which may change based on changes in key economic indicators. The most significant assumptions we use 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 as well as through fresh start reporting. 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 intangible 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 value. If analysis indicates that an individual asset’s carrying value does exceed its fair 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 may be an 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.

If we are unable to protect the confidentiality of our proprietary information and know-how, the value of our technology, products and services could be harmed significantly.
We rely on trade secrets, know-how and other proprietary information in operating our business. If this information is not adequately protected, then it may be disclosed or used in an unauthorized manner. To the extent that consultants, key employees or other third parties apply technological information independently developed by them or by others to our proposed products, disputes may arise as to the proprietary rights to such information, which may not be resolved in our favor. The risk that other parties may breach confidentiality agreements or that our trade secrets become known or independently discovered by

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competitors, could harm us by enabling our competitors, who may have greater experience and financial resources, to copy or use our trade secrets and other proprietary information in the advancement of their products, methods or technologies. The disclosure of our trade secrets would impair our competitive position, thereby weakening demand for our products or services and harming our ability to maintain or increase our customer base.    
Disruption or failures of our information technology systems could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Our information technology systems are susceptible to security breaches, operational data loss, general disruptions in functionality, and may not be compatible with new technology. We depend on our information technology systems for the effectiveness of our operations and to interface with our customers, as well as to maintain financial records and accuracy. Disruption or failures of our information technology systems could impair our ability to effectively and timely provide our services and products and maintain our financial records, which could damage our reputation and have a material adverse effect on our business.
Risks Related to the Hardware Acquisition
Significant costs have been incurred in connection with the consummation of the Hardware Acquisition and are expected to be incurred in connection with the integration of Spectrum and the HHI Business into a combined company, including legal, accounting, financial advisory and other costs.
We expect to incur one-time costs in connection with integrating the operations, products and personnel of Spectrum and the HHI Business and TLM Taiwan acquired from Stanley Black & Decker into a combined company, in addition to costs related directly to completing the Hardware Acquisition 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 the HHI Business. Additional unanticipated costs may yet be incurred as we integrate our business with the HHI Business. 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 the HHI Business, may offset incremental transaction and transaction-related costs over time, this net benefit may not be achieved in the near term. Additionally, 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 Hardware Acquisition and may become responsible for certain liabilities.
The Hardware Acquisition involves the integration of two companies that have previously operated independently. The integration of our operations with those of the HHI Business is expected to result in financial and operational benefits, including increased top line growth, margins, revenues and cost savings and be accretive to earnings per share, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization and free cash flow before synergies. There can be no assurance, however, regarding when or the extent to which we will be able to realize these increased top line growth, margins, revenues, cost savings or accretions to earnings per share, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization or free cash flow 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 the HHI Business 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.
In addition, in connection with the Hardware Acquisition, we have assumed certain potential liabilities relating to the HHI Business. To the extent we have not identified such liabilities or to the extent the indemnifications obtained from Stanley Black & Decker are insufficient to cover known liabilities, these liabilities could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Integrating our business and the HHI Business may divert our management’s attention away from operations.
Successful integration of our and the HHI Business’ operations, products and personnel may place a significant burden on

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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.
We are required to supply certain products and services to Stanley Black & Decker and its subsidiaries pursuant to the terms of certain supply agreements for a period of time after the completion of the Hardware Acquisition. Our provision of products and services under these agreements require us to dedicate resources of the HHI Business and the TLM Residential Business and may result in liabilities to us.
Certain products and services currently used by Stanley Black & Decker are produced and provided using equipment of the HHI Business and the TLM Residential Business that we acquired or certain equipment belonging to Stanley Black & Decker and its subsidiaries that will continue to be located for a period of time after the completion of the Hardware Acquisition at facilities operated by the HHI Business and the TLM Residential Business and maintained by us pursuant to certain specifications. We and Stanley Black & Decker entered into supply agreements (each, a “Supply Agreement”), whereby we provide Stanley Black & Decker and its subsidiaries with certain of these products and services for a period of time. This requires us to dedicate resources of the HHI Business and the TLM Residential Business towards the provision of these products and services and may result in liabilities to us. These Supply Agreements are an accommodation to Stanley Black & Decker and its subsidiaries as part of the Hardware Acquisition, and the pricing of the products and services is on terms more favorable to Stanley Black & Decker and its subsidiaries than it would be in the ordinary course of business.
As a result of the Hardware Acquisition, we may not be able to retain key personnel or recruit additional qualified personnel, 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 Hardware Acquisition, 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 could have a material adverse effect on our business after consummation of the Hardware Acquisition. In addition, we currently do not maintain “key person” insurance covering any member of our management team.
General customer uncertainty related to the Hardware Acquisition could harm us.
Our customers may, in response to the consummation of the Hardware Acquisition, delay or defer purchasing decisions. If our customers delay or defer purchasing decisions, our revenues could materially decline or any anticipated increases in revenue could be lower than expected.
We only have the right to use certain Stanley Black & Decker trademarks, brand names and logos for a limited period of time. If we fail to establish in a timely manner a new, independently recognized brand name with a strong reputation, our revenue and profitability could decline.
In connection with our acquisition of the HHI Business, we received a limited right to use certain Stanley Black & Decker trademarks, brand names and logos in marketing our products and services for only five years. Pursuant to a transitional trademark license agreement, Stanley Black & Decker granted us the right to use the “Stanley” and “Black & Decker” marks and logos, and certain other marks and logos, for up to five years after the completion of the Hardware Acquisition in connection with certain products and services. When our right to use the Stanley Black & Decker trademarks, brand names and logos expires, we may not be able to maintain or enjoy comparable name recognition or status under our new brand. If we are unable to successfully manage the transition of our business to our new brand, our reputation among our customers could be adversely affected, and our revenue and profitability could decline.
Risks Related to SB Holdings' Common Stock
HRG and the Harbinger Parties exercise significant influence over us and their interests in our business may be different from the interests of our stockholders.
HRG, as our majority stockholder, and Harbinger Capital Partners Fund I, Ltd., Harbinger Capital Partners Special Situations Fund, L.P. and Global Opportunities Breakaway Ltd. (together the “Harbinger Parties”), as significant stockholders of HRG, have the ability to influence the outcome of any corporate action by us that 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.
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

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Parties may also delay or prevent a change in control of SB Holdings. See “-Risks Related to our Business- The sale or other disposition by Harbinger Group Inc., the holder of a majority of the outstanding shares of our common stock, 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.
In addition, because HRG owns 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 were to 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.
We are one of several companies in which HRG owns a controlling interest.  The interests of HRG and these 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 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;

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    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 SB Holdings' 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.
Prior to October 21, 2010, we had two active equity incentive plans under which shares of SB Holdings 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, SB Holdings' Board of Directors adopted the Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc. 2011 Omnibus Equity Award Plan (the “2011 Plan”), which was approved at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders on March 1, 2011. As a result of shareholder approval of the 2011 Plan, no further awards will be granted under the 2009 Plan and the RH Plan. Up to 4,625,676 shares of common stock of SB Holdings, net of cancellations, may be issued under the 2011 Plan. As of November 25, 2013, we have issued 667,933 restricted shares and 3,113,068 restricted stock units under the 2009 Plan, the RH Plan and the 2011 Plan and are authorized to issue up to a total of 1,512,608 shares of our common stock, or options or restricted stock units exercisable for shares of common stock.
In addition, SB Holdings' 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 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.


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, 2013: 
Facility
  
Function
Global Batteries & Appliances
  
 
Fennimore, Wisconsin(1)
  
Alkaline Battery Manufacturing
Portage, Wisconsin(1)
  
Zinc Air Button Cell and Lithium Coin Cell Battery, Foil Shaver Component Manufacturing
Deforest, Wisconsin(2)
 
Distribution/Returns Center
Dischingen, Germany(2)
  
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
Dixon, Illinois(2)
  
Battery & Lighting Device Packaging & Distribution
Ellwangen-Neunheim, Germany(2)
  
Battery & Lighting Device, Electric Shaver & Personal Care Product Distribution
Redlands, California(2)
  
Warehouse, Electric Shaver & Personal Care Product Distribution
Manchester, England(1)
  
Warehouse and Sales and administrative office
Wolverhampton, England(1)
  
Warehouse
Wolverhampton, England(2)
  
Warehouse
 
 
Hardware & Home Improvement
 
 
Brockville, Canada(2)
 
Hardware & Home Improvement Distribution
Charlotte, North Carolina(2)
 
Hardware & Home Improvement Distribution
Cobourg, Canada(1)
 
Hardware & Home Improvement Distribution
Denison, Texas(1)
 
Hardware & Home Improvement Manufacturing
Fort Mill, South Carolina(2)
 
Hardware & Home Improvement Manufacturing
Mexicali, Mexico(2)
 
Hardware & Home Improvement Manufacturing
Mira Loma, California(2)
 
Hardware & Home Improvement Distribution
Monterrey, Mexico(1)
 
Hardware & Home Improvement Manufacturing, Sales and Distribution
Nogales, Mexico(1)
 
Hardware & Home Improvement Manufacturing
Reading, Pennsylvania(2)
 
Hardware & Home Improvement Manufacturing
Shenzhen, China
 
Hardware & Home Improvement Distribution and administrative office
Subic Bay, Philippines(1)
 
Hardware & Home Improvement Manufacturing
Xiamen, China(2)
 
Hardware & Home Improvement Manufacturing
Xiaolan, China(1)
 
Hardware & Home Improvement Manufacturing
 
 
 
Global Pet Supplies
  
 
Noblesville, Indiana(1)
  
Pet Supply Manufacturing & Distribution
Bridgeton, Missouri(2)
  
Pet Supply Manufacturing
Blacksburg, Virginia(1)
  
Pet Supply Manufacturing
Melle, Germany(1)
  
Pet Supply Manufacturing
Melle, Germany(2)
  
Pet Supply Distribution
Edwardsville, Illinois(2)
  
Pet Supply Distribution
Phnom Penh, Cambodia(2)
  
Pet Supply Manufacturing
Roanoke, Virginia(2)
  
Pet Supply Distribution
 
 
Home and Garden Business
  
 
Vinita Park, Missouri(2)
  
Household & Controls and Contract Manufacturing
Earth City, Missouri(2)
  
Household & Controls Manufacturing

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(1) Facility is owned.
(2) Facility is leased.
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 Middleton, Wisconsin and the Hardware & Home Improvement administrative headquarters in Lake Forest, California.
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.
 
ITEM 3.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Litigation
We are a defendant in various other matters of litigation generally arising out of the ordinary course of business.
We do not believe that any other matters or proceedings presently pending will have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition, liquidity or cash flows.
Environmental
We have provided for the estimated costs associated with environmental remediation activities at some of our current and former manufacturing sites. We believe that any additional liability that may result from the resolution of these matters in excess of the amounts provided of approximately $5.1 million, will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
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.
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.



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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' common stock (the “SBH Common Stock”) is traded on the NYSE under the symbol “SPB.”
As of November 25, 2013, there were approximately 4 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 Common Stock is significantly in excess of this amount.
The following table sets forth the reported high and low bid prices per share of SBH Common Stock as reported on the NYSE Composite Transaction Tape, for the fiscal period indicated:
 
 
High
Low
Fiscal 2013
 
 
Quarter ended September 30, 2013
$67.64
$56.16
Quarter ended June 30, 2013
$62.10
$53.36
Quarter ended March 31, 2013
$56.59
$44.93
Quarter ended December 30, 2012
$47.83
$40.24
Fiscal 2012
 
 
Quarter ended September 30, 2012
$42.12
$32.85
Quarter ended July 1, 2012
$35.73
$32.11
Quarter ended April 1, 2012
$34.96
$27.91
Quarter ended January 1, 2012
$28.02
$22.17
 
 
 
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
On August 6, 2013, the Board of Directors approved a $200 million common stock repurchase program. The authorization is effective for 24 months. The following table reflects all shares repurchased inclusive of the the common stock repurchase program discussed above.
 
 
 
 
 
 
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, 2013
 
 
 
 
July 1, 2013 - July 28, 2013



July 29, 2013 - August 25, 2013



August 26, 2013 - September 30, 2013
50,000

$
60.13

50,000

 
 

 

 

 
Total
50,000

$
60.13

50,000


 

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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, 2013 and 2012 and our Consolidated Statements of Operations, Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss), Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity and Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended September 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011 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, 2013 also includes the results of the HHI Business operations since December 17, 2012, and the results of TLM Taiwan since April 8, 2013.
The following selected financial data, which may not be indicative of future performance, 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.
On February 3, 2009, we and our wholly owned U.S. subsidiaries (the "Debtors") filed petitions under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Texas. On August 28, 2009 (the "Effective Date"), the Debtors emerged from Chapter 11 of the U.S. 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.
The term "Predecessor Company" refers to Spectrum Brands, our Wisconsin predecessor, and its subsidiaries prior to the Effective Date. The term "Successor Company" refers to Spectrum Brands, the Delaware successor, and its subsidiaries from the Effective Date forward.
Financial information in our financial statements prepared after August 29, 2009 is not comparable to financial information from prior periods.

 

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Successor
Company
 
Predecessor
Company
 
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
 
Period from
August 31,  2009
through
September  30,
2009
 
Period from
October 1,  2008
through
August  30,
2009
Statement of Operations Data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net sales
 
$
4,085.6

 
$
3,252.4

 
$
3,186.9

 
$
2,567.0

 
$
219.9

 
$
2,010.6

Gross profit
 
1,390.3

 
1,115.7

 
1,128.9

 
921.4

 
64.4

 
751.8

Operating income (1)
 
351.2

 
301.7

 
227.9

 
168.8

 
0.1

 
156.8

Interest expense (12)
 
375.6

 
191.9

 
208.3

 
277.0

 
17.0

 
172.9

Other expense (income), net
 
3.5

 
0.9

 
2.5

 
12.3

 
(0.8
)
 
3.3

Reorganization items expense (income), net
 

 

 

 
3.6

 
4.0

 
(1,142.8
)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes
 
(28.0
)
 
109.0

 
17.1

 
(124.2
)
 
(20.0
)
 
1,123.4

Income tax expense
 
27.4

 
60.4

 
92.3

 
63.2

 
51.2

 
22.6

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

 

 

 
(2.7
)
 
0.4

 
(86.8
)
Net income (loss)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)
 
(55.3
)
 
48.6

 
(75.2
)
 
(190.1
)
 
(70.8
)
 
1,013.9

Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest
 
(0.1
)
 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest
 
(55.2
)
 
48.6

 
(75.2
)
 
(190.1
)
 
(70.8
)
 
1,013.9

Restructuring and related charges—cost of goods sold(8)
 
10.0

 
9.8

 
7.8

 
7.2

 
0.2

 
13.2

Restructuring and related charges—operating expenses(8)
 
24.0

 
9.7

 
20.8

 
17.0

 
1.6

 
30.9

Per Share Data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net (loss) income per common share
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
$
(1.06
)
 
$
0.94

 
$
(1.47
)
 
$
(5.28
)
 
$
(2.36
)
 
$
19.76

Diluted
 
(1.06
)
 
0.91

 
(1.47
)
 
(5.28
)
 
(2.36
)
 
19.76

Average shares outstanding
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
52.0

 
51.6

 
51.1

 
36.0

 
30.0

 
51.3

Diluted (9)
 
52.0

 
53.3

 
51.1

 
36.0

 
30.0

 
51.3

Cash Flow and Related Data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
 
$
256.5

 
$
254.8

 
$
227.4

 
$
57.3

 
$
75.0

 
$
1.6

Capital expenditures(10)
 
82.0

 
46.8

 
36.2

 
40.3

 
2.7

 
8.1

Depreciation and amortization (excluding amortization of debt issuance costs)(10)
 
183.8

 
133.8

 
135.1

 
117.4

 
8.6

 
58.5

Statement of Financial Position Data (at period end):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
207.3

 
$
158.0

 
$
142.4

 
$
170.6

 
$
97.8

 
 
Working capital(11)
 
530.5

 
450.8

 
441.4

 
536.9

 
323.7

 
 
Total assets
 
5,626.7

 
3,751.6

 
3,626.7

 
3,873.7

 
3,020.7

 
 
Total long-term debt, net of current maturities
 
3,115.9

 
1,652.9

 
1,535.5

 
1,723.1

 
1,530.0

 
 
Total debt
 
3,218.9

 
1,669.3

 
1,551.6

 
1,743.8

 
1,583.5

 
 
Total shareholders’ equity
 
940.1

 
989.1

 
1,018.5

 
1,046.4

 
660.9

 
 
 

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(1)
Pursuant to the guidance in Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 350: “Intangibles-Goodwill and Other,” we conduct 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 $32 million and $34 million in Fiscal 2011 and the period from October 1, 2008 through August 30, 2009, respectively. No non-cash impairment charges were recorded during Fiscal 2013, Fiscal 2012, Fiscal 2010 and the period from August 31, 2009 through September 30, 2009. 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 2(j), "Significant Accounting Policies—Intangible Assets", of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further details on impairment charges.
(2)
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 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. 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 this business as discontinued operations. Therefore, the presentation of all historical continuing operations excludes the growing products portion of the Home and Garden Business.
(3)
Fiscal 2013 income tax expense of $27 million includes a non-cash charge of approximately $65 million resulting from an increase in the valuation allowance against certain net deferred tax assets, net of a $50 million benefit due to the reversal of $50 million of the valuation allowance in conjunction with the acquisition of the HHI Business.
(4)
Fiscal 2012 income tax expense of $60 million includes a non-cash charge of approximately $14 million resulting from an increase in the valuation allowance against certain net deferred tax assets, net of a $15 million benefit due to the reversal of $15million of the valuation allowance in conjunction with the acquisition of FURminator.
(5)
Fiscal 2011 income tax expense of $92 million includes a non-cash charge of approximately $65 million resulting from an increase in the valuation allowance against certain net deferred tax assets.
(6)
Fiscal 2010 income tax expense of $63 million includes a non-cash charge of approximately $92 million resulting from an increase in the valuation allowance against certain net deferred tax assets.
(7)
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. Income tax expense for the Predecessor Company for the period from October 1, 2008 through August 30, 2009 includes a non-cash adjustment of approximately $52 million resulting from a reduction in the valuation allowance against certain deferred tax assets. Included in income tax expense for 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, income tax expense for the Predecessor Company for this period includes the tax effect of the gain on the cancellation of debt from the extinguishment of the then existing senior subordinated notes as well as the modification of the then existing senior term credit facility. The tax effect of these gains increased the Company’s U.S. net deferred tax asset exclusive of indefinite lived intangibles by approximately $124 million. However, due to the Company’s full valuation allowance on the U.S. net deferred tax assets exclusive of indefinite lived intangibles as of August 30, 2009, the tax effect of the gain on the cancellation of debt and the modification of the senior secured credit facility was offset by a corresponding adjustment to increase the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets by $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.
(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)
Diluted average shares outstanding for each of Fiscal 2013, Fiscal 2011, Fiscal 2010, the period from August 31, 2009 through September 30, 2009 and the period from October 1, 2008 through August 30, 2009 does not assume the exercise of common stock equivalents as the impact would be antidilutive due to the losses reported for those periods.
(10)
Amounts reflect the results of continuing operations only.
(11)
Working capital is defined as current assets less current liabilities.
(12)
Fiscal 2013 includes a non-cash charge of $16 million related to the write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs and unamortized premiums in connection with the extinguishment and replacement of the Company’s 9.5% Notes and Term Loan in conjunction with the acquisition of the HHI Business. Fiscal 2012 includes a non-cash charge of $2 million related to the write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs and unamortized premiums in connection with the extinguishment and refinancing of the Company’s 12% Notes. Fiscal 2011 includes a non-cash charge of $24 million related to the write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs and unamortized discounts in conjunction with the refinancing of the Company’s Term Debt facility. Fiscal 2010 includes a non-cash charge of $83 million related to the write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs and unamortized discounts and premiums in connection with the extinguishment and refinancing of debt that was completed in conjunction with the merger with Russell Hobbs.

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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 2013, Fiscal 2012 and Fiscal 2011 refer to fiscal year periods ended September 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“SB Holdings” or the “Company”), is a diversified global branded consumer products company. Spectrum Brands, Inc. (“Spectrum Brands”), is a wholly owned subsidiary of SB Holdings. 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.
On December 17, 2012, we acquired the residential hardware and home improvement business (the “HHI Business”) from Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. (“Stanley Black & Decker”), which includes (i) the equity interests of certain subsidiaries of Stanley Black & Decker engaged in the business and (ii) certain assets of Stanley Black & Decker used or held for use in connection with the business (the “Hardware Acquisition”). On April 8, 2013, we completed the acquisition of certain assets of Tong Lung Metal Industry Co. Ltd., a Taiwan Corporation ("TLM Taiwan”), which is involved in the production of residential locksets. For information pertaining to the Hardware Acquisition, see Note 15, “Acquisitions” of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Business Overview
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 products, electric shavers and accessories, grooming products and hair care appliances. We also 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 ("U.S."), Europe, Latin America and Asia. Substantially all of our rechargeable batteries, chargers and portable lighting products, shaving and grooming products, small household appliances and personal care products are manufactured by third-party suppliers, primarily located in Asia.
With the addition of the HHI Business, we design, manufacture, market, distribute and sell certain hardware, home improvement and plumbing products, and are a leading U.S. provider of residential locksets and builders' hardware and a leading provider of faucets. The HHI Business has a broad portfolio of recognized brand names, including Kwikset, Weiser, Baldwin, National Hardware, Stanley, FANAL and Pfister, as well as patented technologies such as Smartkey, a rekeyable lockset technology, and Smart Code Home Connect. HHI Business customers include retailers, non-retailers and homebuilders. The HHI Business has sales offices, manufacturing facilities and distribution centers in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Asia.
We sell our products in approximately 140 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, Dingo, Nature's Miracle, Spectracide, Cutter, Hot Shot, Black & Decker, George Foreman, Russell Hobbs, Farberware, Black Flag, FURminator, the previously mentioned HHI Business brands and various other brands.
Our diversified global branded consumer products have positions in seven major product categories: consumer batteries; small appliances; pet supplies; electric shaving and grooming; electric personal care; home and garden controls; and hardware and home improvement, which consists of the recently acquired HHI Business. Our chief operating decision-maker manages the businesses in four vertically integrated, product-focused reporting segments: (i) Global Batteries & Appliances, which consists of our worldwide battery, electric shaving and grooming, electric personal care, and small appliances primarily in the kitchen and home product categories (“Global Batteries & Appliances”); (ii) Global Pet Supplies, which consists of our worldwide pet supplies business (“Global Pet Supplies”); (iii) Home and Garden Business, which consists of our home and garden and insect control business (the “Home and Garden Business”); and (iv) Hardware & Home Improvement, which consists of the recently acquired HHI Business (“Hardware & Home Improvement”). Management reviews our performance based on these segments. For information pertaining to our business segments, see Note 11, “Segment Information” of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information on our operating

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segments.
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.
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 2013. To reduce operating costs the Company implemented a series of initiatives throughout the Company which consist of headcount reductions in the Global Batteries & Appliances segment and Corporate (the “Global Expense Rationalization Initiatives”).
Fiscal 2009. In connection with our announcement of a plan to reduce headcount within each of our segments and to exit 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.
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 2013, we introduced the Kevo smart lock under the Kwikset brand. This bluetooth enabled technology gives owners the ability to lock and unlock their doors with their smartphone, send electronic keys to others and receive notifications whenever a user enters or exits their doors. We expect to begin sales of Kevo products in the fiscal year ending September 30, 2014. Within our Home and Garden Business segment, we entered the rodenticide category with the Black Flag Rodenticide product line. We also introduced several innovative products such as the powerful, non-selective herbicide, Spectracide Weed & Grass Foaming Edger and the Cutter Skinsations insect repellent aerosol. Under the Remington brand we launched the HyperFlex series rotary shavers, indestructible hair clippers and an award winning wax applicating system and epilator line. Additionally, Rayovac launched the Ready Power 10 year guarantee across all alkaline portfolios, award winning emergency 2-Hour Power and back-up 7-Hour Power affordable portable power devices and an environmentally friendly rechargeable smart phone charger. During Fiscal 2013 our Global Pet Supplies segment introduced Dingo Market Cuts which is a new line of wholesome Chicken Jerky Fillets that are made in the U.S.  Additionally, a new line of environmentally friendly stain and odor products were launched under the Nature’s Miracle Green brand.
Competitive Landscape
We compete in seven major product categories: consumer batteries, hardware and home improvement, pet supplies, home and garden control products, electric shaving and grooming products, small appliances, and electric personal care products.
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, specialty batteries, which include rechargeable batteries, hearing aid batteries, photo batteries and watch/calculator batteries, and portable lighting products. 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

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disposable income grows. Our major competitors in the consumer batteries product category are Energizer Holdings, Inc., The Procter & Gamble Company and Matsushita.
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. Our largest competitors in the pet supplies product category are Mars Corporation, The Hartz Mountain Corporation and Central Garden & Pet Company.
Products in our home and garden category are sold through the Home and Garden Business, which operates in the U.S. market under the major brand names Spectracide, Hot Shot, Cutter, Repel, Black Flag and Garden Safe. The Home and Garden Business manufactures and markets outdoor and indoor insect control products, rodenticides, herbicides, insect repellents and lawn maintenance products. In addition, we produce and market several private-label brands for many major retailers.
The Home and Garden Business’ marketing position is primarily that of a branded value, enhanced and supported by innovative products of outstanding quality and appealing packaging that is designed to drive sales at the point of purchase. Our commitment to quality and value has earned the trust of consumers and the confidence of retailers, who count on us to deliver the fast-selling products, merchandising solutions and quality service they require. 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 our Remington brand. Our primary competitors in the electric shaving and grooming category are Procter & Gamble, makers of Braun, and Koninklijke Phillips Electronics N.V., makers of 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 electric personal care product category sales. Our major competitors in the electric personal care product category are Conair Corporation, Wahl Clipper Corporation and Helen of Troy Limited.
The Hardware & Home Improvement segment has developed a market-leading franchise with leading brands, making it the most desired manufacturer among top home builders and major retailers. Hardware & Home Improvement is acclaimed as a market leader in the U.S. and Canadian lockset business. Competition within the industry varies based on location as well as product segment. The main source of competition for locks includes other third party manufacturers such as Schlage, a division of Ingersoll-Rand and private label import brands such as Defiant and Gatehouse. The major U.S. competitors of Pfister, the plumbing brand sold by our Hardware & Home Improvement segment, are Masco, Fortune Brands, Kohler, and American Standard. Hardware & Home Improvement also competes with The Home Depot and Lowe’s private label brands.
Products in our small appliances category consist of small electrical appliances primarily in the kitchen and home product categories. Primary competitor 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.
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 140 countries through a variety of trade channels, including retailers, wholesalers and distributors, hearing aid professionals, industrial distributors and Original Equipment Manufacturers.

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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 management team member has more than 20 years of experience at Spectrum, VARTA, Remington, Russell Hobbs or other branded consumer product companies such as Newell Rubbermaid 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 hardware and home improvement products increases during the spring and summer construction period (Spectrum's third and fourth fiscal quarters). 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
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
December
 
21
%
 
26
%
 
27
%
March
 
24
%
 
23
%
 
22
%
June
 
27
%
 
25
%
 
25
%
September
 
28
%
 
26
%
 
26
%
Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2013 Compared to Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2012
Highlights of Consolidated Operating Results

Net Sales. Net sales for Fiscal 2013 increased $834 million to $4,086 million from $3,252 million in Fiscal 2012, a 26% increase. The following table details the principal components of the change in net sales from Fiscal 2012 to Fiscal 2013 (in millions):
 
 
 
Net Sales
Fiscal 2012 Net Sales
$
3,252

Addition of hardware and home improvement products
870

Increase in pet supplies
12

Increase in electric personal care products
5

Increase in home and garden control products
3

Decrease in electric shaving and grooming products
(1
)
Decrease in consumer batteries
(9
)
Decrease in small appliances
(27
)
Foreign currency impact, net
(19
)
Fiscal 2013 Net Sales
$
4,086


 Consolidated net sales by product line for Fiscal 2013 and Fiscal 2012 are as follows (in millions):

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Fiscal Year
 
 
2013
 
2012
Product line net sales
 
 
 
 
Consumer batteries
 
$
932

 
$
949

Hardware and home improvement products
 
870

 

Small appliances
 
740

 
772

Pet supplies
 
622

 
615

Home and garden control products
 
390

 
387

Electric shaving and grooming products
 
277

 
279

Electric personal care products
 
255

 
250

Total net sales to external customers
 
$
4,086

 
$
3,252


Global consumer battery sales decreased $17 million, or 2%, during Fiscal 2013 compared to Fiscal 2012. Excluding the impact of negative foreign exchange of $8 million, global consumer battery sales decreased $9 million. The constant currency decrease in global consumer battery sales was primarily attributable to the non-recurrence of promotions, timing of holiday shipments and inventory management at key customers, tempered by new customer listings and expansion into new channels.
Small appliances sales decreased $32 million, or 4%, during Fiscal 2013 versus Fiscal 2012, primarily attributable to declines in North American sales of $45 million and negative foreign exchange impacts of $4 million, partially offset by a $17 million increase in European small appliance sales. The North American sales declines resulted from the planned exit of certain low margin products. Strong small appliances sales in Europe were driven by market share gains in the United Kingdom, regional expansion in both Eastern and Western Europe and successful new product introductions.
Pet supply sales increased $7 million, or 1%, during Fiscal 2013 versus Fiscal 2012, driven by increased companion animal sales of $16 million, tempered by a $4 million decline in aquatics sales and $5 million of negative foreign currency impacts. Gains in companion animal sales resulted from strong growth in the Dingo and FURminator brands, expansion in Europe, new product launches and the inclusion of FURminator sales during all of Fiscal 2013 as the acquisition was completed on December 22, 2011. The decline in aquatic sales was primarily due to a decline in tropical food and outdoor pond product sales in Europe as a result of a later arrival of the spring season due to cooler temperatures.
Home and garden product sales increased $3 million, or 1%, in Fiscal 2013 versus Fiscal 2012, driven by a $4 million increase in lawn and garden control sales resulting from an extension to the season due to favorable fall weather, combined with reduced returns and more efficient trade spending. The negative impact on household insect control sales due to a late spring season was offset by increased year over year fourth quarter sales driven by the extension of the season due to favorable fall weather and gains in the first quarter of Fiscal 2013 from new retail distribution. Also contributing to the sales gains was the inclusion of Black Flag sales during all of Fiscal 2013, as the acquisition was completed on October 31, 2011, and retail replenishment following strong retail sales in the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2012.
Electric shaving and grooming product sales decreased $2 million, or 1%, during Fiscal 2013 compared to Fiscal 2012, attributable to an $11 million decline in North American sales and $1 million of negative foreign currency impacts, partially offset by an increase of $10 million in European sales and a slight increase in Latin American sales. North American sales declined as a result of labor disruptions at U.S. ports of entry during the peak holiday period in Fiscal 2013, coupled with decreased retail space available for the product category at a major retailer and customer inventory management. European sales gains were driven by successful new product launches and promotions, market growth, increased distribution and customer gains. The gain in Latin American sales was driven by expansion in Brazil due to successful new product launches and distribution gains, tempered by lower sales to customers who export to Venezuela and import restrictions in Argentina.
Electric personal care sales increased $5 million, or 2%, in Fiscal 2013 versus Fiscal 2012, resulting from a sales increase of $8 million in Europe, driven by new innovative products, coupled with additional distribution channels and customer gains. The gains were tempered by a $3 million decline in Latin American sales, resulting from decreased promotions and lower sales to customers who export to Venezuela, partially offset by distribution gains in Brazil and Central America.
Hardware and home improvement sales were $870 million for Fiscal 2013, reflecting the results of the HHI Business, subsequent to the acquisition on December 17, 2012. The results of TLM Taiwan are included in the results of hardware and home improvement sales subsequent to its acquisition on April 8, 2013.
Gross Profit. Gross profit for Fiscal 2013 was $1,390 million versus $1,116 million for Fiscal 2012. The increase in gross

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profit was driven by the acquisition of the HHI Business which contributed $273 million in Gross profit in Fiscal 2013. Our gross profit margin for Fiscal 2013 decreased slightly to 34.0% from 34.3% in Fiscal 2012. The slight decline in gross profit margin was driven by a $31 million increase to cost of goods sold due to the sale of inventory which was revalued in connection with the acquisition of the HHI Business, which offset improvements to gross profit resulting from the exit of low margin products in our small appliances category.
Operating Expenses. Operating expenses for Fiscal 2013 totaled $1,039 million compared to $814 million for Fiscal 2012. The $225 million increase in operating expenses during Fiscal 2013 is primarily attributable to the acquisition of the HHI Business which accounted for $190 million in operating expenses and led to a $17 million increase in Acquisition and integration related charges. Furthermore, we incurred a $14 million increase in Restructuring and related charges primarily related to the Global Expense Rationalization initiatives announced in Fiscal 2013 and a $15 million increase in stock compensation expense. These increases were tempered by $7 million in savings across all segments from our cost reduction initiatives and positive foreign exchange impacts of $4 million.
See Note 2, "Significant Accounting Policies—Acquisition and Integration Related Charges", of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding our Acquisition and integration 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.

Segment Results. As discussed above, we manage our business in four reportable segments: (i) Global Batteries & Appliances; (ii) Global Pet Supplies; (iii) our Home and Garden Business; and (iv) Hardware & Home Improvement.
The operating segment profits do not include restructuring and related charges, acquisition and integration related charges, interest expense, interest income and income tax expense. Corporate expenses primarily include general and administrative expenses and global long-term incentive compensation plans which are evaluated on a consolidated basis and not allocated to our operating segments. 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.
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.
Adjusted Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization ("Adjusted EBITDA") is a metric used by management and frequently used by the financial community which 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 our debt covenant compliance. Adjusted EBITDA excludes certain items that are unusual in nature or not comparable from period to period. While we believe that Adjusted EBITDA is useful supplemental information, such adjusted results are not intended to replace our Generally Accepted Accounting Principles’ (“GAAP”) financial results and should be read in conjunction with those GAAP results.

Below are reconciliations of GAAP Net income (loss), as adjusted, to Adjusted Earnings Before Interest and Taxes ("Adjusted EBIT") and to Adjusted EBITDA for each segment and for Consolidated SB Holdings for Fiscal 2013 and Fiscal 2012:

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Fiscal 2013
Global
Batteries &
Appliances
 
Global Pet
Supplies
 
Home and
Garden
Business
 
Hardware & Home Improvement
 
Corporate /
Unallocated
Items(a)
 
Consolidated
SB Holdings
 
(in millions)
Net income (loss), as adjusted (a)
$
214

 
$
77

 
$
78

 
$
75

 
$
(499
)
 
$
(55
)
Pre-acquisition earnings of HHI (b)

 

 

 
30

 

 
30

Income tax expense

 

 

 

 
27

 
27

Interest expense

 

 

 

 
376

 
376

Acquisition and integration related charges
6

 
2

 

 
7

 
33

 
48

Restructuring and related charges
15

 
11

 
1

 
6

 
1

 
34

HHI Business inventory fair value adjustment

 

 

 
31

 

 
31

Venezuela devaluation
2

 

 

 

 

 
2

Adjusted EBIT
$
237

 
$
90

 
$
79

 
$
149

 
$
(62
)
 
$
493

Depreciation and amortization (c)
67

 
30

 
11

 
32

 
44

 
184

Adjusted EBITDA
$
304

 
$
120

 
$
90

 
$
181

 
$
(18
)
 
$
677


Fiscal 2012
Global
Batteries &
Appliances
 
Global Pet
Supplies
 
Home and
Garden
Business
 
Hardware & Home Improvement
 
Corporate /
Unallocated
Items(a)
 
Consolidated
SB Holdings
 
(in millions)
Net income (loss), as adjusted (a)
$
221

 
$
70

 
$
71

 
$

 
$
(313
)
 
$
49

Pre-acquisition earnings of HHI (b)

 

 

 
183

 

 
183

Income tax expense

 

 

 

 
60

 
60

Interest expense

 

 

 

 
192

 
192

Acquisition and integration related charges
15

 
5

 
2

 

 
9

 
31

Restructuring and related charges
7

 
10

 
1

 

 
1

 
19

Adjusted EBIT
$
243

 
$
85

 
$
74

 
$
183

 
$
(51
)
 
$
534

Depreciation and amortization (c)
64

 
28

 
13

 

 
29

 
134

Adjusted EBITDA
$
307

 
$
113

 
$
87

 
$
183

 
$
(22
)
 
$
668


  ______________________________
(a)
It is the Company's policy to record Income tax expense and interest expense on a consolidated basis. Accordingly, such amounts are not reflected in the operating results of the operating segments and are presented within Corporate / Unallocated Items.
(b)
The Pre-acquisition earnings of HHI do not include the TLM Taiwan business as stand alone financial data is not available for the periods presented. The TLM Taiwan business is not deemed material to the Company's operating results.
(c)
Included within depreciation and amortization is amortization of unearned restricted stock compensation.

Global Batteries & Appliances
 
 
 
Fiscal Year
 
 
2013
 
2012
 
 
Net sales to external customers
 
$
2,204

 
$
2,250

Segment profit
 
$
238

 
$
244

Segment profit as a % of net sales
 
10.8
%
 
10.9
%
Segment Adjusted EBITDA
 
$
304

 
$
307

Assets as of September 30
 
$
2,361

 
$
2,243


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Segment net sales to external customers in Fiscal 2013 decreased $46 million to $2,204 million from $2,250 million during Fiscal 2012, a 2% decrease, driven by a $27 million decrease in small appliance sales, $14 million of negative foreign exchange impacts, a $9 million decrease in global consumer battery sales and a $1 million decrease in electric shaving and grooming sales. These declines were partially offset by an increase of $5 million in electric personal care sales. The decline in small appliance sales was predominately driven by North American sales declines of $45 million, partially offset by European sales gains of $17 million. The decrease in North American sales was driven by management initiatives to exit low margin products, driving an overall increase in profitability as a percentage of net sales for the product category. Gains in European small appliance sales were driven by increased market share in the United Kingdom, regional expansion in Eastern and Western Europe and successful new product lines. The declines in global consumer battery sales of $9 million resulted from the non-recurrence of promotions, inventory management at key vendors and the timing of holiday shipments, tempered by new customer listings and expansion into new channels. The slight decrease in electric shaving and grooming sales was due to an $11 million decrease in North American sales, tempered by a $10 million increase in European sales. The decline in North American shaving and grooming product sales was attributable to labor disruptions at U.S. ports of entry during the peak holiday period, coupled with decreased retail space available for the product category at a major customer and retailer inventory management. Gains in the electric shaving and grooming product category in Europe were driven by successful new product launches and promotions, market growth, increased distributions and customer gains. Electric personal care product sales increased $5 million in Fiscal 2013 compared to Fiscal 2012, due to an increase of $8 million in Europe driven by innovative new product launches coupled with distribution and customer gains, partially offset by a sales decline of $3 million in Latin America. Latin American sales declines were attributable to the non-recurrence of Fiscal 2012 promotions and lower sales to customers who export to Venezuela, partially offset by distribution gains in Brazil and Central America.

Segment profit in Fiscal 2013 decreased to $238 million from $244 million in Fiscal 2012, primarily attributable to unfavorable product mix and pricing pressures in the U.S, coupled with the decrease in sales discussed above. Segment profitability as a percentage of net sales decreased slightly to 10.8% in Fiscal 2013 versus 10.9% in Fiscal 2012, driven by unfavorable mix and pricing pressures in the U.S., which offset gains from the exit of low margin products in the small appliances category.
Segment Adjusted EBITDA in Fiscal 2013 decreased to $304 million from $307 million in Fiscal 2012. The decrease in segment Adjusted EBITDA was driven by the factors discussed above for the decline in segment profit.
Segment assets at September 30, 2013 increased to $2,361 million from $2,243 million at September 30, 2012. The increase is primarily due to the acquisition of Shaser. Goodwill and intangible assets, which are a direct result of the revaluation impacts of fresh-start reporting which occurred during the year ended September 30, 2009 ("Fiscal 2009") and acquisitions, increased to $1,322 million at September 30, 2013 from $1,261 million at September 30, 2012, primarily due to the acquisition of Shaser.
Global Pet Supplies
 
 
 
 
Fiscal Year
 
 
2013
 
2012
 
 
Net sales to external customers
 
$
622

 
$
615

Segment profit
 
$
91

 
$
86

Segment profit as a % of net sales
 
14.6
%
 
14.0
%
Segment Adjusted EBITDA
 
$
120

 
$
113

Assets as of September 30
 
$
949

 
$
956


Segment net sales to external customers in Fiscal 2013 increased $7 million to $622 million compared to $615 million in Fiscal 2012 led by increased companion animal sales of $16 million, driven by growth in the Dingo and FURminator brands, expansion in Europe, new product launches and the full year impact of the FURminator acquisition. The increase in companion animal sales was tempered by a $4 million decline in aquatics sales, primarily due to decreased sales for aquatic nutrition and pond water care products in Europe due to a delayed spring season. Foreign currency exchange negatively impacted pet supply sales in Fiscal 2013 by $5 million.

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Segment profit increased $5 million to $91 million in Fiscal 2013 compared to $86 million in Fiscal 2012. Segment profitability as a percentage of sales in Fiscal 2013 increased to 14.6%, compared to 14.0% in the same period last year. The increase in segment profit and profitability as a percentage of sales was driven by cost improvements and operating expense reductions, which offset increased cost of goods sold and unfavorable product mix in Fiscal 2013 versus Fiscal 2012.
Segment Adjusted EBITDA in Fiscal 2013 increased $7 million, to $120 million, from $113 million in Fiscal 2012. The increase in Adjusted EBITDA was driven by the factors discussed above for segment profit.
Segment assets at September 30, 2013 decreased slightly to $949 million from $956 million at September 30, 2012. Goodwill and intangible assets, which are substantially the result of the revaluation impacts of fresh-start reporting during Fiscal 2009 and acquisitions, decreased to $701 million at September 30, 2013 from $715 million at September 30, 2012 due to amortization of intangible assets, tempered by positive foreign exchange impacts.

Home and Garden Business
 
 
 
Fiscal Year
 
 
2013
 
2012
 
 
Net sales to external customers
 
$
390

 
$
387

Segment profit
 
$
78

 
$
74

Segment profit as a % of net sales
 
20.1
%
 
19.0
%
Segment Adjusted EBITDA
 
$
90

 
$
87

Assets as of September 30
 
$
501

 
$
508


Segment net sales to external customers increased $3 million, or 1%, during Fiscal 2013, to $390 million, compared to $387 million in Fiscal 2012, resulting from an increase in lawn and garden control sales driven by warm fall weather during Fiscal 2013 which extended the selling season, combined with reduced returns and more efficient trade spending. Household insect control sales were flat in Fiscal 2013 compared to Fiscal 2012.
Segment profitability in Fiscal 2013 increased $4 million, to $78 million, from $74 million in Fiscal 2012, driven by the increase in lawn and garden control sales and strong expense management. Segment profitability as a percentage of net sales in Fiscal 2013 improved to 20.1%, from 19.0% in Fiscal 2012, as a result of strong expense management.
Segment Adjusted EBITDA improved $3 million to $90 million in Fiscal 2013 compared to segment Adjusted EBITDA of $87 million in Fiscal 2012 driven by the increase in net sales coupled with cost and operating expense improvements.
Segment assets at September 30, 2013 decreased to $501 million from $508 million at September 30, 2012. Goodwill and intangible assets, which are substantially a result of the revaluation impacts of fresh-start reporting during Fiscal 2009 and acquisitions, decreased to $426 million at September 30, 2013, from $433 million at September 30, 2012, driven by amortization of intangible assets.

Hardware & Home Improvement
 
 
 
Fiscal Year
 
 
2013
 
 
Net sales to external customers
 
$
870

Segment profit
 
$
89

Segment profit as a % of net sales
 
10.2
%
Segment Adjusted EBITDA
 
$
181

Assets as of September 30
 
$
1,736


Results of the HHI Business, reported as a separate business segment, Hardware & Home Improvement relate to operations subsequent to the acquisition date, December 17, 2012. The results of TLM Taiwan are reflected in the Hardware &

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Home Improvement segment subsequent to its acquisition on April 8, 2013.
Segment net sales to external customers were $870 million in Fiscal 2013. Proforma net sales for Fiscal 2013 and Fiscal 2012 as if the acquisition had occurred at the beginning of both periods were $1,062 million and $974 million, respectively. The Fiscal 2013 sales growth was driven by double-digit improvements in the HHI Business' U.S. residential security and plumbing categories due to the housing market recovery.
Segment profit in Fiscal 2013 was $89 million. Segment profitability as a percentage of sales in Fiscal 2013 was 10.2%. Segment profitability was negatively impacted by a $31 million increase to cost of goods sold due to the sale of inventory which was revalued in connection with the acquisition.
Including pre-acquisition earnings of the HHI Business, segment Adjusted EBITDA was $181 million in Fiscal 2013.
Segment assets at September 30, 2013 were $1,736 million. Goodwill and intangible assets were $1,192 million at September 30, 2013.
See Note 15, “Acquisitions” to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding the HHI Business acquisition.
Corporate Expense. Our corporate expense was $62 million in Fiscal 2013 compared to $52 million in Fiscal 2012. This increase is primarily attributable to a $15 million increase in stock based compensation expense, tempered by operating expense improvements. Corporate expense as a percentage of consolidated net sales for Fiscal 2013 decreased slightly to 1.5% versus 1.6% for Fiscal 2012, driven by the operating expense improvements discussed above and the addition of the HHI Business during Fiscal 2013.
Acquisition and Integration Related Charges. Acquisition and integration related charges include, but are not limited to, transaction costs such as banking, legal and accounting professional fees directly related to acquisitions, termination and related costs for transitional and certain other employees, integration related professional fees and other post business combination related expenses associated with our acquisitions. See Note 2, "Significant Accounting Policies—Acquisition and Integration Related Charges", of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding our Acquisition and integration charges.

Restructuring and Related Charges. See Note 14, "Restructuring and Related Charges", to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for information regarding our restructuring and related charges.
Interest Expense. Interest expense in Fiscal 2013 was $376 million compared to $192 million in Fiscal 2012. The increase in interest expense in Fiscal 2013 of $184 million is primarily due to costs and expenses related to the extinguishment of our 9.5% Notes and the financing of the acquisition of the HHI Business coupled with higher ongoing interest expense related to the debt issued in connection with that acquisition, partially offset by the non-recurrence of costs and expenses related to the extinguishment of our 12% Notes in Fiscal 2012. We incurred $122 million of costs related to the extinguishment of our 9.5% Notes including cash tender, consent and redemption premium costs totaling $111 million and non-cash costs for the write off of unamortized deferred financing fees less unamortized original issue premium totaling $11 million. We incurred $29 million in costs and expenses related to the acquisition financing for the HHI Business including cash costs of $24 million for bridge financing fees, interest incurred prior to closing and transaction costs, along with non-cash costs of $5 million related to the write-off of debt issuance costs and original issue discount on the former term loan facility. In addition, we incurred $69 million of ongoing cash interest expense related to the debt incurred for the acquisition of the HHI Business. The higher expense incurred in Fiscal 2013 was partially offset by the non-recurrence of $25 million of cash and $2 million of non-cash costs incurred in connection with the extinguishment of our 12% Notes, savings related to the extinguishments of the 12% Notes and the 9.5% Notes coupled with other items netting to reduced interest of $9 million. See Note 6, "Debt", of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Income Taxes. In Fiscal 2013, we recorded income tax expense of $27 million on a pretax loss from continuing operations of $28 million, and in Fiscal 2012, we recorded income tax expense of $60 million on pretax income from continuing operations of $109 million. Our effective tax rate on our loss from continuing operations was approximately (98)% for Fiscal 2013. Our effective tax rate on income from continuing operations was approximately 55% for Fiscal 2012. Our effective tax rates differ from the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35% principally due to: (i) losses in the U.S. and certain foreign jurisdictions for which no tax benefit can be recognized due to full valuation allowances that have been provided on our net operating loss carryforward tax benefits and other deferred tax assets; (ii) deferred income tax expense related to the change in book versus tax basis of indefinite lived intangibles, which are amortized for tax purposes but not for book purposes, and (iii) the reversal in Fiscal 2013 of U.S. valuation allowances of $50 million on deferred tax assets as a result of the acquisition of the HHI Business and the reversal in Fiscal 2012 of U.S. valuation allowances of $15 million on deferred tax assets as a result of

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the FURminator acquisition. Additionally, in Fiscal 2013, the consolidated pretax income was close to break even, resulting in a higher effective tax rate as this rate is calculated by dividing tax expense into pretax income (loss).
In light of our plans to voluntarily pay down our U.S. debt, fund distributions to shareholders, fund U.S. acquisitions, and our ongoing U.S. operational cash flow requirements, in Fiscal 2012 we began recording residual U.S. and foreign taxes on current foreign earnings, which we do not consider to be permanently reinvested, except for locations precluded by local legal restrictions from repatriating earnings. We evaluate annually the available earnings, permanent reinvestment classification, and availability and intent to use alternative mechanisms for repatriation for each jurisdiction in which we do business. As of September 30, 2013, we have provided residual taxes on approximately $46 million of earnings not yet taxed in the U.S. Due to the valuation allowance recorded against U.S. net deferred tax assets, including net operating loss carryforwards, we do not recognize any incremental U.S. tax expense on the expected future repatriation of these foreign earnings. Should the U.S. valuation allowance be released at some future date, the U.S. tax on foreign earnings not considered to be permanently reinvested might have a material effect on our effective tax rate. For Fiscal 2013, we project approximately $3 million of additional tax expense from non-U.S. withholding and other taxes expected to be incurred on repatriation of current earnings.
As of September 30, 2013, we have U.S. federal and state net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $1,515 million and $1,551 million, respectively. These net operating loss carryforwards expire through years ending in 2033. We also have foreign loss carryforwards of approximately $111 million, which will expire beginning in 2014. Certain of the foreign net operating losses have indefinite carryforward periods. 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 on our use of these carryforwards 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 estimate that $301 million of the total U.S. federal and $358 million of the state net operating loss would expire unused even if the Company generates sufficient income to otherwise use all its NOLs. In addition, we project that $103 million of the total foreign net operating loss carryforwards will expire unused. We have provided a full valuation allowance against these deferred tax assets as well.
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. Accounting Standards Codification ("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 required.
Our total valuation allowance for the tax benefit of deferred tax assets that may not be realized is approximately $455 million at September 30, 2013. Of this amount, approximately $422 million relates to U.S. net deferred tax assets and approximately $33 million relates to foreign net deferred tax assets. Our total valuation allowance was approximately $385 million at September 30, 2012. Of this amount, approximately $350 million related to U.S. net deferred tax assets and approximately $35 million related to foreign net deferred tax assets. As a result of the purchase of the HHI Business, we reversed $50 million of U.S. valuation allowance during Fiscal 2013. As a result of the purchase of FURminator, we released $15 million of U.S. valuation allowance during Fiscal 2012. These releases were attributable to the net deferred tax liabilities recorded on the opening balance sheets of the acquired companies in purchase accounting, which offset other U.S. net deferred tax assets.
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 to be sustained on audit based on the technical merits of the position. As of September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012, the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective income tax rate in future periods was $14 million and $6 million, respectively. See Note 9, "Income Taxes", of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information.
Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2012 Compared to Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2011
Highlights of Consolidated Operating Results
Net Sales. Net sales for Fiscal 2012 increased to $3,252 million from $3,187 million in Fiscal 2011, a 2% increase. The

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following table details the principal components of the change in net sales from Fiscal 2011 to Fiscal 2012 (in millions):
 
 
Net Sales
Fiscal 2011 Net Sales
$
3,187

Increase in pet supplies
45

Increase in home and garden control products
33

Increase in consumer batteries
31

Increase in electric shaving and grooming products
12

Increase in electric personal care products
9

Increase in small appliances
8

Foreign currency impact, net
(73
)
 
 
Fiscal 2012 Net Sales
$
3,252

 
 
Consolidated net sales by product line for Fiscal 2012 and Fiscal 2011 are as follows (in millions):
 
 
 
Fiscal Year
 
 
2012
 
2011
Product line net sales
 
 
 
 
Consumer batteries
 
$
949

 
$
954

Small appliances
 
772

 
778

Pet supplies
 
615

 
579

Home and garden control products
 
387

 
354

Electric shaving and grooming products
 
279

 
274

Electric personal care products
 
250

 
248

Total net sales to external customers
 
$
3,252

 
$
3,187

Global consumer battery sales during Fiscal 2012 decreased $5 million compared to Fiscal 2011. Excluding negative foreign exchange impacts of $36 million, global consumer battery sales increased $31 million, or 3%. The growth of global consumer battery sales on a constant currency basis was driven by new customer listings as well as increased shelf space at existing customers, coupled with price increases, primarily in Latin America, and geographic expansion.
Small appliances sales decreased $6 million during Fiscal 2012 compared to Fiscal 2011. Excluding negative foreign exchange impacts of $14 million, small appliances sales increased $8 million, or 1%. Latin American and European constant currency sales increases of $16 million and $12 million, respectively, were tempered by a $19 million decrease in North American sales. Latin American sales gains resulted from distribution gains with existing customers as well as price increases. European sales increases were attributable to market share gains in the United Kingdom and expansion of the Russell Hobbs brand throughout Europe. Decreased North American sales were a result of a concerted effort to eliminate certain low margin promotions.
Pet supply product sales during Fiscal 2012 increased $36 million, or 6%, compared to Fiscal 2011, led by increases in companion animal and aquatics sales of $34 million and $11 million, respectively, tempered by $8 million in negative foreign currency impacts. Gains in companion animal sales were due to the FURminator acquisition, distributional gains and growth in the Nature's Miracle brand in the U.S. Aquatics sales gains resulted from increases in North American aquarium starter kits and pond related sales, including new distribution at major retailers, which were tempered by lower European aquatics sales.
Sales of home and garden control products during Fiscal 2012 versus Fiscal 2011 increased $33 million, or 9%, driven by increased household insect controls sales of $30 million resulting from the Black Flag acquisition and strong retail distribution gains with existing customers. Lawn and garden controls sales increased $3 million in Fiscal 2012 compared to Fiscal 2011 due to increased distribution with existing customers.
Electric shaving and grooming product sales during Fiscal 2012 increased $5 million, or 2%, compared to Fiscal 2011 led by a $14 million increase in European sales and a $4 million increase in Latin American sales. These gains were tempered by a $6 million decline in North American sales and negative foreign exchange impacts of $7 million. European sales gains were driven by successful promotions for new product launches, while the increase in Latin American sales was due to distribution and customer gains. North American declines resulted from the elimination of lower margin promotions as well as distribution

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declines.
Electric personal care product sales in Fiscal 2012 increased $2 million compared to Fiscal 2011 driven by gains in North America and Latin America of $11 million and $7 million, respectively, which were tempered by a $8 million decline in European sales and negative foreign exchange impacts of $8 million. The gains in North America and Latin America were attributable to the continued success in new product categories and distribution gains in Latin America, whereas the decrease in European sales was a result of declining women's hair straightener sales due to a shift in fashion trends combined with decreased promotions in the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2012.
Gross Profit. Gross profit for Fiscal 2012 was $1,116 million versus $1,129 million during Fiscal 2011, representing a $13 million decrease. Our gross profit margin for Fiscal 2012 decreased to 34.3% from 35.4% in Fiscal 2011. The decrease in gross profit and gross profit margin was driven by $36 million of negative foreign exchange impacts, a $17 million increase in commodity prices and higher costs for sourced goods, primarily from Asia, a $12 million increase in costs due to changes in product mix and a $2 million increase in Restructuring and related charges. These factors contributing to the decline in gross profit were tempered by increased organic sales which contributed $31 million of gross profit and Fiscal 2012 acquisitions which contributed $23 million of gross profit.
Operating Expense. Operating expenses for Fiscal 2012 totaled $814 million versus $901 million during Fiscal 2011. The $87 million decrease in operating expenses for Fiscal 2012 versus Fiscal 2011 was driven by synergies recognized subsequent to the Merger of $25 million, decreased asset impairment charges of $32 million, decreased Acquisition and integration charges of $6 million, positive foreign exchange impacts of $20 million and savings from our cost reduction initiatives. See Note 2, "Significant Accounting Policies—Acquisition and Integration Related Charges", of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding our Acquisition and integration charges.
Operating Income. Operating income was approximately $302 million in Fiscal 2012 compared to $228 million recognized in Fiscal 2011, representing an increase of $74 million. The increase is primarily attributable to the decreased operating expenses discussed above, which were slightly offset by the decline in gross profit as detailed above.
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 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 our debt covenant compliance. Adjusted EBITDA excludes certain items that are unusual in nature or not comparable from period to period. While management believes that non-GAAP measurements are useful supplemental information, such adjusted results are not intended to replace our GAAP financial results.
Adjusted EBITDA was $485 million for Fiscal 2012 compared with $457 million for Fiscal 2011.
Segment Results. As discussed under “Business Overview” above we manage our business in three reportable segments: (i) Global Batteries & Appliances, (ii) Global Pet Supplies; and (iii) Home and Garden Business.
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. Expenses associated with certain general and administrative functions have been excluded in the determination of reportable segment profits and are included in corporate expenses. These corporate expenses primarily include general and administrative expenses and the costs of global long-term incentive compensation plans which are evaluated on a consolidated basis and not allocated to our operating segments.
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 11, "Segment Information", of Notes

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to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Below are reconciliations of GAAP Net Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations to Adjusted EBIT and Adjusted EBITDA by segment and for Consolidated Spectrum Brands for Fiscal 2012 and Fiscal 2011:
 
 
 
Fiscal 2012
 
 
Global
Batteries  &
Appliances
 
Global Pet
Supplies
 
Home and
Garden
Business
 
Corporate /
Unallocated
Items(a)
 
Consolidated
SB Holdings
 
 
(in millions)
Net income (loss), as adjusted (a)
 
$
221

 
$
70

 
$
71

 
$
(313
)
 
$
49

Income tax expense
 

 

 

 
60

 
60

Interest expense
 

 

 

 
192

 
192

Acquisition and integration related charges
 
15

 
5

 
2

 
9

 
31

Restructuring and related charges
 
7

 
10

 
1

 
1

 
19

Adjusted EBIT
 
$
243

 
$
85

 
$
74

 
$
(51
)
 
$
351

Depreciation and amortization (d)
 
64

 
28

 
13

 
29

 
134

Adjusted EBITDA
 
$
307

 
$
113

 
$
87

 
$
(22
)
 
$
485


 
 
Fiscal 2011
 
 
Global
Batteries  &
Appliances
 
Global Pet
Supplies
 
Home and
Garden
Business
 
Corporate /
Unallocated
Items(a)
 
Consolidated
SB Holdings
 
 
(in millions)
Net income (loss), as adjusted (a)
 
$
180

 
$
50

 
$
62

 
$
(367
)
 
$
(75
)
Income tax expense
 

 

 

 
92

 
92

Interest expense
 

 

 

 
184

 
184

Write-off unamortized discounts and financing fees (b)
 

 

 

 
24

 
24

Restructuring and related charges
 
6

 
17

 
2

 
4

 
29

Acquisition and integration related charges
 
31

 

 

 
6

 
37

Intangible asset impairment
 
23

 
8

 
1

 

 
32

Accelerated depreciation and amortization (c)
 
(1
)
 

 

 

 
(1
)
Adjusted EBIT
 
$
239

 
$
75

 
$
65

 
$
(57
)
 
$
322

Depreciation and amortization (d)
 
68

 
24

 
12

 
31

 
135

Adjusted EBITDA
 
$
307

 
$
99

 
$
77

 
$
(26
)
 
$
457

(a)
It is our policy to record income tax expense 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 write-off of unamortized deferred financing fees and discounts related to the refinancing of our Term loan facility.
(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.
(d)
Included within depreciation and amortization is amortization of unearned restricted stock compensation.
Global Batteries & Appliances
 

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2012
 
2011
 
 
(in millions)
Net sales to external customers
 
$
2,250

 
$
2,254

Segment profit
 
$
244

 
$
239

Segment profit as a % of net sales
 
10.8
%
 
10.6
%
Segment Adjusted EBITDA
 
$
307

 
$
307

Assets as of September 30,
 
$
2,243

 
$
2,275

Segment net sales to external customers in Fiscal 2012 decreased $4 million to $2,250 million from $2,254 million during Fiscal 2011, driven by unfavorable foreign currency exchange translation which impacted Fiscal 2012 net sales by approximately $65 million. Excluding foreign exchange, segment sales increased by $61 million, led by increased consumer batteries sales of $31 million. The growth of global consumer battery sales on a constant currency basis was driven by new customer listings as well as increased shelf space at existing customers, coupled with price increases, primarily in Latin America, and geographic expansion. Excluding foreign exchange, electric shaving and grooming sales increased $12 million, driven by an increase of $14 million due to successful new product launches in Europe and $4 million of distribution gains with existing customers in Latin America, tempered by a $6 million decrease in North American sales. Electric personal care product sales increased $9 million, excluding foreign exchange impacts, led by North American and Latin American sales increases of $11 million and $7 million, respectively, resulting from successful new product introductions and distribution gains in Latin America. The gains in electric personal care product sales were tempered by an $8 million decrease in European sales driven by declining women's hair straightener sales which is attributed to a change in fashion trends combined with decreased promotions in the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2012. Excluding foreign exchange impacts, small appliances sales increased $8 million. Geographically, small appliance sales increased $16 million in Latin America and $12 million in Europe, tempered by a $19 million decrease in North American small appliance sales. Latin American sales gains were attributable to price increases, distribution gains with existing customers and new customer gains, whereas European sales increases resulted from market share gains in the United Kingdom and expansion of the Russell Hobbs brand throughout Europe. The decline in North American small appliances sales resulted from a concerted effort to eliminate certain low margin promotions.
Segment profitability during Fiscal 2012 increased $5 million to $244 million from $239 million in Fiscal 2011. Segment profitability as a percentage of net sales increased slightly to 10.8% in Fiscal 2012 compared to 10.6% in Fiscal 2011. The increase is primarily attributable to favorable changes in product mix, and synergies recognized following the Merger, tempered by decreased sales and increased commodity prices.
Segment Adjusted EBITDA in Fiscal 2012 remained flat at $307 million, due to favorable changes in product mix which were offset by decreased sales and increased commodity costs.
Segment assets at September 30, 2012 decreased to $2,243 million from $2,275 million at September 30, 2011 primarily resulting from the amortization of intangible assets. Goodwill and intangible assets, which are directly a result of the revaluation impacts of fresh-start reporting and subsequent acquisitions, decreased to $1,261 million at September 30, 2012 from $1,295 million at September 30, 2011.
Global Pet Supplies
 
 
 
2012
 
2011
 
 
(in millions)
Net sales to external customers
 
$
616

 
$
579

Segment profit
 
$
86

 
$
75

Segment profit as a % of net sales
 
14.0
%
 
13.0
%
Segment Adjusted EBITDA
 
$
113

 
$
99

Assets as of September 30,
 
$
956

 
$
828

Segment sales to external customers in Fiscal 2012 increased to $615 million from $579 million in Fiscal 2011, representing an increase of $36 million or 6%, driven by increased companion animal sales and aquatics sales of $34 million and $11 million, respectively. Companion animal sales increases resulted from the FURminator acquisition in Fiscal 2012, which contributed $30 million in sales, and expansion of the Nature's Miracle brand in the U.S. Strong North American aquarium starter kits and pond related sales drove the increase in aquatics sales, which was tempered by lower European aquatics sales. Foreign exchange negatively impacted Fiscal 2012 pet supplies sales by $8 million.

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Segment profitability increased $11 million in Fiscal 2012 to $86 million from $75 million in Fiscal 2011. Segment profitability as a percentage of sales in Fiscal 2012 also increased to 14.0% from 13.0% during Fiscal 2011. The increase in segment profit is attributable to increased sales and North American pricing improvements in Fiscal 2012, partially offset by negative foreign exchange impacts and a slowing European economy. The higher segment profit as a percentage of sales is primarily a result of the acquisition of FURminator which contributes a higher margin compared to other products within the segment, coupled with savings from our restructuring initiatives. See “Restructuring and Related Charges” below, as well as 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.
Segment Adjusted EBITDA in Fiscal 2012 increased $14 million, to $113 million, from $99 million in Fiscal 2011. The increase in Adjusted EBITDA is due to the factors driving increased segment profitability discussed above.
Segment assets as of September 30, 2012 increased to $956 million from $828 million at September 30, 2011. Goodwill and intangible assets, which are directly a result of the revaluation impacts of fresh-start reporting and subsequent acquisitions, increased to $715 million at September 30, 2012 from $595 million at September 30, 2011, driven by the goodwill and intangible assets added with the FURminator acquisition.
Home and Garden Business
 
 
 
2012
 
2011
 
 
(in millions)
Net sales to external customers
 
$
387

 
$
354

Segment profit
 
$
74

 
$
65

Segment profit as a % of net sales
 
19.1
%
 
18.4
%
Segment Adjusted EBITDA
 
$
87

 
$
77

Assets as of September 30,
 
$
508

 
$
476


Segment net sales to external customers increased $33 million, or 9%, during Fiscal 2012, to $387 million, compared to $354 million in Fiscal 2011. Household insect control sales increased $30 million in Fiscal 2012 resulting from the Black Flag acquisition, which contributed $24 million in additional sales, coupled with retail distribution gains. Lawn and garden controls sales increased $3 million in Fiscal 2012, compared to Fiscal 2011, driven by increased distribution with existing customers.
Segment profitability in Fiscal 2012 improved $9 million, to $74 million, from $65 million in Fiscal 2011, driven by increased sales in Fiscal 2012. Segment profitability as a percentage of sales increased to 19.1% in Fiscal 2012, from 18.4% in Fiscal 2011. This increase in segment profitability was due to the increased sales for the period, coupled with strong control over operating expenses which positively impacted segment profitability as a percentage of sales.
Segment Adjusted EBITDA was $87 million in Fiscal 2012, an increase of $10 million, compared to segment Adjusted EBITDA of $77 million in Fiscal 2011. The increase in segment Adjusted EBITDA is attributable to the same factors that led to the increase in segment profit discussed above.
Segment assets as of September 30, 2012 increased to $508 million from $476 million at September 30, 2011. Goodwill and intangible assets, which are directly a result of the revaluation impacts of fresh-start reporting and subsequent acquisitions, increased to $433 million at September 30, 2012 from $404 million at September 30, 2011, driven by the Black Flag acquisition.
Corporate Expense. Our corporate expense in Fiscal 2012 decreased to $52 million from $54 million in Fiscal 2011. This decrease is attributable to a $1 million decrease in stock based compensation expense during Fiscal 2012 compared to Fiscal 2011 coupled with savings from expense management. Corporate expense as a percentage of consolidated net sales for Fiscal 2012 was 1.6% compared to 1.7% during Fiscal 2011.
Acquisition and Integration Related Charges. Acquisition and integration related charges include, but are not limited to, transaction costs such as banking, legal and accounting professional fees directly related to acquisitions, termination and related costs for transitional and certain other employees, integration related professional fees and other post business combination related expenses associated with our acquisitions. See Note 2, "Significant Accounting Policies - Acquisition and Integration Related Charges" to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further detail regarding our Acquisition and integration related charges.


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Restructuring and Related Charges. See Note 14, “Restructuring and Related Charges” to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for information regarding our restructuring and related charges.
Goodwill and Intangibles Impairment. Accounting standards require 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 2012 and Fiscal 2011, we tested our goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets as required. As a result of this testing, no impairment was identified in Fiscal 2012 while we recorded a non-cash pretax impairment charge of $32 million in Fiscal 2011. The $32 million non-cash pretax impairment charge incurred in Fiscal 2011 reflects trade name intangible asset impairments of the following: $23 million related to the Global Batteries and Appliances segment; $8 million related to Global Pet Supplies; and $1 million related to the Home and Garden Business. See Note 2(j), "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 goodwill and intangibles impairment charges.

Interest Expense. Interest expense in Fiscal 2012 decreased to $192 million from $208 million in Fiscal 2011. The decrease in interest expense was primarily attributable to lower expense from the replacement of our 12% Notes with our 6.75% Notes in Fiscal 2012, reduced principal and lower effective interest rates related to our Term Loan and lower expenses for interest rate swaps and other fees and expenses. The cost savings were tempered by higher expense from increased principal primarily related to our 9.5% Notes, and expenses related to the refinancing of our 12% Notes and the amendment of our ABL Revolving Credit Facility. See Note 6, “Debt,” to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding our outstanding debt.
Income Taxes. In Fiscal 2012, we recorded income tax expense of $60 million on pretax income from continuing operations of $109 million, and in Fiscal 2011, we recorded income tax expense of $92 million on a pretax loss from continuing operations of $17 million. Our effective tax rate on income from continuing operations was approximately 55% for Fiscal 2012. Our effective tax rate on our loss from continuing operations was approximately 539% for Fiscal 2011. There are four significant factors impacting our book income tax rate. First, we are profitable in the foreign jurisdictions in which we operate and therefore must provide foreign income taxes even while we have a book loss in the United States. Our book loss in the U.S. is the result of substantially all of our debt and restructuring costs being incurred in our U.S. entities. Second, since there is a valuation allowance against U.S. deferred tax assets, we are unable to record any financial statement benefit related to our U.S. domestic losses. This impact is further exacerbated by the tax amortization of certain domestic indefinite lived intangible assets. The deferred tax liabilities created by the tax amortization of these intangibles cannot be used to offset corresponding increases in net operating loss deferred tax assets in determining the Company's domestic valuation allowance. This results in additional net domestic tax expense despite the U.S. domestic book losses. Third, in Fiscal 2012, we recognized a $14 million tax benefit from the release of a portion of our U.S. valuation allowance, as discussed below, in connection with the purchase of FURminator. Finally, in Fiscal 2011, our consolidated pretax income was close to break even, which created a high effective tax rate as this rate is calculated by dividing tax expense into pretax income (loss).
As of September 30, 2012, we have U.S. federal and state net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $1,305 million and $1,341 million, respectively. These net operating loss carryforwards expire through years ending in 2032. We also have foreign loss carryforwards of approximately $119 million, which will expire beginning in 2016. Certain of the foreign net operating losses have indefinite carryforward periods. 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 on our use of these carryforwards 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 estimate that $301 million of the total U.S. federal and $385 million of the state net operating loss would expire unused even if the Company generates sufficient income to otherwise use all its NOLs. In addition, we project that $111 million of the total foreign net operating loss carryforwards will expire unused. We have provided a full valuation allowance against these deferred tax assets as well.
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. Accounting Standards Codification ("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 required.

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Our total valuation allowance for the tax benefit of deferred tax assets that may not be realized is approximately $385 million at September 30, 2012. Of this amount, approximately $350 million relates to U.S. net deferred tax assets and approximately $35 million relates to foreign net deferred tax assets. Our total valuation allowance was approximately $374 million at September 30, 2011. Of this amount, approximately $339 million related to U.S. net deferred tax assets and approximately $35 million related to foreign net deferred tax assets. As a result of the purchase of FURminator, we were able to release $15 million of U.S. valuation allowance during Fiscal 2012. The release was attributable to $15 million of net deferred tax liabilities recorded on the FURminator opening balance sheet that offset other U.S. net deferred tax assets. During Fiscal 2011, we also determined that a valuation allowance is required against deferred tax assets related to net operating losses in Brazil and thus recorded a $26 million charge.
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 to be sustained on audit based on the technical merits of the position. As of September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011, the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective income tax rate in future periods was $6 million and $9 million, respectively. See Note 9, "Income Taxes", of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information.

Liquidity and Capital Resources
Operating Activities. Cash provided by operating activities totaled $257 million during Fiscal 2013 compared to $259 million during Fiscal 2012. The $2 million decrease in cash provided by operating activities was primarily due to:

Cash generated from higher adjusted EBITDA of $160 million, primarily due to the post-acquisition operating results of the HHI Business;
Offset by
A $104 million use of cash from working capital and other items driven by higher accounts receivable and changes in deferred income taxes, partially offset by an increase in accounts payable;
Higher cash payments for interest of $40 million, excluding payments related to the tender of our 9.5% Notes (See Note 6, "Debt", of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K);
Higher cash payments for income taxes of $11 million; and
Higher cash acquisition, integration and restructuring related costs of $7 million.
We expect to fund our cash requirements, including capital expenditures, interest and principal payments due in Fiscal 2014, through a combination of cash on hand, cash flow from operations and funds available for borrowings under our ABL Revolving Credit Facility. Going forward, our ability to satisfy financial and other covenants in our senior credit agreements and senior unsecured 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 our ABL Revolving Credit Facility will be available in an amount sufficient to satisfy our debt maturities or to fund our other liquidity needs.