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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549


FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)


/x/ý

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

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 20012002

OR

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

For the Transitiontransition period from                            to                            

Commission File No.Number: 333-76055


UNITED INDUSTRIES CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

DELAWARE

(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 43-1025604
(I.R.S. Employer
(I.R.S Employer Identification No.)

8825 Page Boulevard
St. Louis, Missouri 63114

(Address of principal executive office, including zip code)

(314) 427-0780
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

8825 Page Boulevard
St. Louis, Missouri 63114
(Address of principal executive office, including zip code)
(314) 427-0780
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)


        Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes /x/ý    No / /o.

        As of September 30, 2001,November 12, 2002, the Registrantregistrant had 27,721,00033,143,000 Class A voting and 27,721,00033,143,000 Class B non-voting shares of common stock outstanding and 15,00037,600 Class A non-voting shares of Class A preferred stock outstanding.





PART 1
FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

UNITED INDUSTRIES CORPORATION
QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
BALANCE SHEETS

PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2002

TABLE OF CONTENTS


Page No.
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements—United Industries Corporation and Subsidiaries



Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2002 and 2001, and December 31, 2001


4

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2002 and 2001


5

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 and 2001


6

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


7

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations


19

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk


34

Item 4. Controls and Procedures


35

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION



Item 1. Legal Proceedings


36

Item 2. Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds


36

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K


37

Signatures


38

Certifications


39

2


CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements contained in this report constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this report regarding our financial position, business strategy, budgets and plans and objectives of management for future operations are forward-looking statements. Although we believe that our plans, intentions and expectations reflected in or suggested by these forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot assure you that we will achieve or realize these plans, intentions or expectations. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, our performance or achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from those contemplated or projected, forecasted, estimated or budgeted in or expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, the risks and other factors set forth under Item 7A in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001, as well as the following: general economic and business conditions; governmental regulations; industry trends; the loss of major customers or suppliers; cost and availability of raw materials; changes in business strategy or development plans, including acquisition or disposition of assets; availability and quality of management; and availability, terms and deployment of capital. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.


PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements


UNITED INDUSTRIES CORPORATION AND 2000, AND DECEMBER 31, 2000SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)thousands, except share data)

 
 September 30,
 September 30,
 December 31,
 
 
 2001
 2000
 2000
 
ASSETS          
Current assets:          
Cash and cash equivalents $ $17,146 $ 
Accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $843 and $875 at September 30, 2001 and 2000 and $777 at December 31, 2000)  36,855  31,376  19,944 
Inventories  33,779  31,799  47,007 
Prepaid expenses  4,777  2,666  6,357 
  
 
 
 
 Total current assets  75,411  82,987  73,308 
Equipment and leasehold improvements, net  24,223  25,871  24,736 
Deferred income tax  116,763  116,268  116,763 
Other assets  17,915  19,806  20,087 
  
 
 
 
 Total assets $234,312 $244,932 $234,894 
  
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT          
Current liabilities:          
Current maturities of long-term debt and capital lease obligation $5,699 $6,096 $5,675 
Accounts payable  13,146  11,789  18,625 
Accrued expenses  26,898  23,049  24,791 
Short -term borrowings    15,000  15,000 
  
 
 
 
 Total current liabilities  45,743  55,934  64,091 
Long-term debt  321,039  349,125  329,000 
Capital lease obligation  4,329  5,261  4,626 
Other liabilities  16,198  6,725  7,940 
  
 
 
 
 Total liabilities  387,309  417,045  405,657 
Stockholders' deficit          
Common Stock (27.7 million shares of $0.01 par value Class A and 27.7 million $0.01 par value Class B)  554  554  554 
Preferred Stock (15,000 shares of $0.01 par value Class A )       
Warrants  2,784    2,784 
Additional paid-in capital  139,051  126,865  139,081 
Accumulated deficit  (291,993) (296,832) (310,482)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss  (693)    
Common stock held in grantor trust  (2,700) (2,700) (2,700)
  
 
 
 
 Total stockholders' deficit  (152,997) (172,113) (170,763)
  
 
 
 
 Total liabilities and stockholders' deficit $234,312 $244,932 $234,894 
  
 
 
 
 
 September 30,
  
 
 
 December 31,
2001

 
 
 2002
 2001
 
 
 (unaudited)

  
 
ASSETS          
Current assets:          
 Cash and cash equivalents $47,174 $ $ 
 Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $4,513 and $843 at September 30, 2002 and 2001, respectively, and $1,147 at December 31, 2001  56,112  36,855  21,585 
 Inventories  44,000  33,779  49,092 
 Prepaid expenses  6,307  4,777  6,491 
  
 
 
 
  Total current assets  153,593  75,411  77,168 
  
 
 
 
Equipment and leasehold improvements, net  27,785  24,223  27,930 
Deferred income tax  112,863  116,763  112,505 
Goodwill and intangible assets, net  82,724  5,665  43,116 
Other assets, net  12,815  12,250  11,837 
  
 
 
 
  Total assets $389,780 $234,312 $272,556 
  
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT          
Current liabilities:          
 Current maturities of long-term debt and capital lease obligation $9,530 $5,699 $5,711 
 Accounts payable  21,878  13,146  23,459 
 Accrued expenses  52,842  26,898  34,006 
 Short-term borrowings      23,450 
  
 
 
 
  Total current liabilities  84,250  45,743  86,626 
  
 
 
 
Long-term debt, net of current maturities  371,230  321,039  318,386 
Capital lease obligation, net of current maturities  3,892  4,329  4,221 
Other liabilities  16,462  16,198  7,740 
  
 
 
 
  Total liabilities  475,834  387,309  416,973 
  
 
 
 
Stockholders' deficit:          
 Preferred stock (37,600 shares of $0.01 par value Class A issued and outstanding)       
 Common stock (33.1 million shares each of $0.01 par value Class A and Class B issued and outstanding at September 30, 2002; 27.7 million shares of each issued and outstanding at September 30, 2001 and December 31, 2001)  664  554  556 
 Common stock subscription receivable  (26,071)    
 Common stock repurchase option  (2,636)    
 Warrants and options  11,888  2,784  11,745 
 Additional paid-in capital  206,827  139,051  152,543 
 Accumulated deficit  (274,026) (291,993) (306,048)
 Accumulated other comprehensive loss    (693) (513)
 Common stock held in grantor trust  (2,700) (2,700) (2,700)
  
 
 
 
  Total stockholders' deficit  (86,054) (152,997) (144,417)
  
 
 
 
  Total liabilities and stockholders' deficit $389,780 $234,312 $272,556 
  
 
 
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statementsstatements.

24



UNITED INDUSTRIES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Dollars in thousands)

 
 Three months ended September 30,
 Nine months ended September 30,
 
 2002
 2001
 2002
 2001
 
 (unaudited)

 (unaudited)

Sales before promotion expense $111,372 $60,541 $471,392 $273,405
Promotion expense  10,695  4,748  39,188  23,046
  
 
 
 
Net sales  100,677  55,793  432,204  250,359
  
 
 
 
Operating costs and expenses:            
 Cost of goods sold  65,209  30,104  274,683  134,811
 Selling, general and administrative expenses  27,567  16,970  87,143  59,155
  
 
 
 
 Total operating costs and expenses  92,776  47,074  361,826  193,966
  
 
 
 
Operating income  7,901  8,719  70,378  56,393
Interest expense, net  7,386  8,407  24,591  27,808
  
 
 
 
Income before income tax expense  515  312  45,787  28,585
Income tax expense  98  91  8,788  8,375
  
 
 
 
Net income $417 $221 $36,999 $20,210
  
 
 
 
Preferred stock dividends $1,188 $573 $4,656 $1,719
  
 
 
 
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders $(771)$(352)$32,343 $18,491
  
 
 
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

5



UNITED INDUSTRIES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars in thousands)

 
 Nine months ended September 30,
 
 
 2002
 2001
 
 
 (unaudited)

 
Cash flows from operating activities:       
 Net income $36,999 $20,210 
 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities:       
  Depreciation and amortization  8,131  3,658 
  Amortization of deferred financing fees  1,977  2,018 
  Unrealized loss on interest rate swap, net of taxes    (693)
  Provision for income tax expense  8,788  8,375 
  Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisition:       
   Accounts receivable  (7,898) (16,911)
   Inventories  18,113  13,228 
   Prepaid expenses  1,214  1,580 
   Accounts payable and accrued expenses  (7,445) 294 
   Dursban related expenses    (5,385)
   Other, net  1,052  (142)
  
 
 
    Net cash flows from operating activities  60,931  26,232 
  
 
 
Cash flows from investing activities:       
 Purchases of equipment and leasehold improvements  (3,190) (2,998)
 Payments for Schultz merger, net of cash acquired  (38,300)  
  
 
 
    Net cash flows from investing activities  (41,490) (2,998)
  
 
 
Cash flows from financing activities:       
 Proceeds from additional term debt  65,000   
 Repayment of borrowings on revolver and other debt  (52,778) (23,234)
 Payments for debt issuance costs  (3,239)  
 Proceeds from issuance of common stock  17,500   
 Payment received for common stock subscription receivable  1,250   
  
 
 
    Net cash flows from financing activities  27,733  (23,234)
  
 
 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents  47,174   
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period     
  
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $47,174 $ 
  
 
 
Noncash financing activities:       
 Preferred stock dividends accrued $4,656 $1,719 
  
 
 
 Common stock issued related to Schultz merger $6,000 $ 
  
 
 
 Common stock issued related to Bayer agreements $30,720 $ 
  
 
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

6



UNITED INDUSTRIES CORPORATION

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

FOR THE THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2001 AND 2000

(Dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

 
 Three months ended September 30,
 Nine months ended
September 30,

 
 2001
 2000
 2001
 2000
Sales before promotion expense $60,541 $51,080 $273,405 $263,134
Promotion expense  4,748  4,056  23,046  21,014
  
 
 
 
Net sales  55,793  47,024  250,359  242,120
  
 
 
 
Operating costs and expenses:            
 Cost of goods sold  30,104  26,563  134,811  132,535
 Selling, general and administrative expenses  16,970  15,043  59,155  54,449
 Dursban related expenses (see note 9)    8,000    8,000
  
 
 
 
 Total operating costs and expenses  47,074  49,606  193,966  194,984
  
 
 
 
Operating income (loss)  8,719  (2,582) 56,393  47,136
Interest expense  8,407  10,120  27,808  31,204
  
 
 
 
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes  312  (12,702) 28,585  15,932
Income tax expense (benefit)  91  (5,120) 8,375  1,243
  
 
 
 
Net income (loss) $221 $(7,582)$20,210 $14,689
  
 
 
 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

3


UNITED INDUSTRIES CORPORATION

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2001 AND 2000

(Dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

 
 Nine months ended
September 30,

 
 
 2001
 2000
 
Cash flows from operating activities:       
 Net income $20,210 $14,689 
 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used by operating activities:       
  Non cash reduction of capital lease obligation    (1,182)
  Depreciation and amortization  3,658  4,088 
  Amortization of deferred financing fees  2,018  1,779 
  Unrealized loss on interest rate swap, net of taxes  (693)  
  Provision for deferred income tax expense  8,375  1,243 
  Changes in assets and liabilities:       
   Increase in accounts receivable  (16,911) (12,211)
   Decrease in inventories  13,228  21,444 
   Decrease in prepaid expenses  1,580  835 
   Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued expenses  294  (13,437)
   Increase (decrease) in Dursban charge  (5,385) 7,479 
   Decrease (increase) in other assets  6  (75)
   Other, net  (148)  
  
 
 
    Net cash provided by operating activities  26,232  24,652 
Investing activities:       
 Purchases of equipment and leasehold improvements  (2,998) (3,175)
  
 
 
    Net cash used for investing activities  (2,998) (3,175)

Financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 Transaction costs related to the redemption of treasury stock    (12,175)
 Debt issuance costs    (924)
 Proceeds from the issuance of debt    15,000 
 Repayment of borrowings on revolver and other debt  (23,234) (6,232)
  
 
 
    Net cash used for financing activities  (23,234) (4,331)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents    17,146 
Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of period     
  
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents—end of period $ $17,146 
  
 
 
 Noncash financing activity:       
     Execution of capital lease $ $5,344 
     Dividends declared $1,719 $ 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

4


UNITED INDUSTRIES CORPORATION
SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)(UNAUDITED)

Note 1—Organization and Basis of presentationPresentation

        United Industries Corporation (the Company) is the leading manufacturer and marketer of value-oriented branded products for the consumer lawn and garden care and insect control markets in the United States. The Company manufactures and markets one of the broadest lines of pesticides in the industry, including herbicides and indoor and outdoor insecticides, as well as insect repellents, fertilizers and soils, under a variety of brand names. As described further in Note 12, the Company's operations are divided into three business segments: Lawn and Garden, Household and Contract.

        The accompanying unauditedconsolidated financial statements include the accounts and balances of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All material intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the instructionsUnited States for Form 10-Qinterim financial information and do not include allthe rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, certain information and footnotes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. Infootnote disclosures typically included in the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentationCompany's Annual Report on Form 10-K have been included. Operating resultscondensed or omitted for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of the results for any other quarter or for the full year. These statementsthis report. As such, this report should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and accompanying notes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K of United Industries Corporation (the "Company") for the year ended December 31, 2000.2001. Certain amounts in the 2001 consolidated financial statements included herein have been reclassified to conform with the 2002 presentation.

        The accompanying consolidated financial statements are unaudited. In the opinion of management, such statements include all adjustments, which consist of only normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the periods presented. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Note 2—Business Combination

        On May 9, 2002, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company completed a merger with and into Schultz Company (Schultz), a manufacturer of horticultural products and specialty items, particularly for the indoor houseplant care segment of the market, and a distributor of charcoal, potting soil and soil conditioners. Schultz products are distributed primarily to retail outlets and nurseries throughout the United States and Canada. The merger was executed in order to achieve economies of scale and synergistic efficiencies. As a result of the merger, Schultz became a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. The total purchase price included cash payments of $38.3 million, including related acquisition costs, issuance of 600,000 shares of Class A voting common stock valued at $3.0 million and issuance of 600,000 shares of Class B non-voting common stock valued at $3.0 million. In exchange for the Company's cash and common stock consideration, the Company received all of the outstanding shares of Schultz. The Company has preliminarily allocated 50% of the purchase price to intangible assets and 50% to goodwill. The acquired intangible assets consist of trade names and other intellectual property, as well as a $1.5 million purchase accounting inventory write-up, which are not deductible for tax purposes.

        The transaction was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting and, accordingly, the results of operations of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed have been included in the

7



consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition. The purchase price was allocated to assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on fair values. The allocation of the purchase price is based, in part, on preliminary information, which is subject to adjustment upon obtaining complete valuation information. While the final purchase price allocation may differ significantly from the preliminary allocation included in this report, management believes that finalization of the allocation of the purchase price will not have a material impact on the consolidated results of operations or financial position of the Company. Allocation of the purchase price is expected to be completed by the second quarter of 2003.

        The Company's unaudited consolidated results of operations on a pro forma basis, as if the merger had occurred on January 1, 2001, include net sales of $487.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 and $333.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2001 and net income of $40.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 and $21.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2001. This unaudited pro forma financial information does not purport to be indicative of the consolidated results of operations that would have been achieved had this transaction been completed as of the assumed date or which may be obtained in the future.

        The Company's funding sources for the merger were as follows: an additional $35.0 million add-on to Term Loan B of the Company's senior credit facility (see Note 9), the issuance of 1,690,000 shares of Class A voting common stock to UIC Holdings, L.L.C. for $8.5 million and the issuance of 1,690,000 shares of Class B non-voting common stock to UIC Holdings, L.L.C. for $8.5 million. The issuance of shares to UIC Holdings, L.L.C. was a condition precedent to the amendment of the senior credit facility.

Note 3—Inventories

        Inventories are as follows:consist of the following (dollars in thousands):



 September 30,
  
 


 December 31,
2001

 

 September 30,
2001

 September 30,
2000

 December 31,
2000

 
 2002
 2001
 
Raw materials $7,421 $7,715 $10,663 Raw materials $16,153 $7,421 $11,104 
Finished goods 27,593 25,071 37,343 Finished goods 32,242 27,593 40,688 
Allowance for obsolete and slow-moving inventory (1,235) (987) (999)Allowance for obsolete and slow-moving inventory (4,395) (1,235) (2,700)
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
Total inventories $33,779 $31,799 $47,007 
 
 
 
 Total inventories $44,000 $33,779 $49,092 
 
 
 
 

8


Note 3—4—Equipment and leasehold improvements, netLeasehold Improvements

        Equipment and leasehold improvements are as follows:consist of the following (dollars in thousands):



 September 30,
  
 


 December 31,
2001

 

 September 30,
2001

 September 30,
2000

 December 31,
2000


 2002
 2001
 
Machinery and equipment $29,460 $27,514 $27,435Machinery and equipment $36,137 $29,460 $30,279 
Office furniture and equipment 11,120 10,227 10,565Office furniture and equipment 19,768 11,120 15,181 
Automobiles, trucks and aircraft 6,156 6,412 6,067Automobiles, trucks and aircraft 6,245 6,156 6,157 
Leasehold improvements 7,372 6,985 7,043Leasehold improvements 8,645 7,372 7,405 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 54,108 51,138 51,110  70,795 54,108 59,022 
Less: accumulated depreciation 29,885 25,267 26,374
Accumulated depreciation and amortizationAccumulated depreciation and amortization (43,010) (29,885) (31,092)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 $24,223 $25,871 $24,736Total equipment and leasehold improvements, net $27,785 $24,223 $27,930 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

5


Note 4-Other5—Goodwill and Intangible Assets

        Goodwill and intangible assets consist of the following (dollars in thousands):

 
 September 30,
  
 
 December 31,
2001

 
 2002
 2001
Goodwill $25,449 $5,665 $5,616
Intangible assets  58,688    37,500
Accumulated amortization  (1,413)   
  
 
 
   57,275    37,500
  
 
 
 Total goodwill and intangible assets, net $82,724 $5,665 $43,116
  
 
 

        On January 1, 2002, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 141, "Business Combinations" and SFAS No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets." SFAS No. 141 requires business combinations initiated after June 30, 2001 to be accounted for using the purchase method of accounting and broadens the criteria for recording intangible assets separately from goodwill. SFAS No. 142, among other things, eliminates the amortization of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets and requires them to be tested for impairment at least annually. During the first quarter of 2002, the Company performed an impairment analysis of its goodwill and intangible assets using the discounted cash flow method. The Company did not incur any impairment charges related to this analysis. Prospectively, the Company will test goodwill and intangible assets for impairment annually, or more frequently as warranted by events or changes in circumstances.

9



        As prescribed by SFAS No. 142, prior period operating results were not restated. However, a reconciliation follows which reflects net income as reported by the Company and as adjusted to reflect the impact of SFAS No. 142, as if it had been adopted as of January 1, 2001 (dollars in thousands):

 
 Three months ended
September 30, 2001

 Nine months ended
September 30, 2001

Net income, as reported $221 $20,210
Amortization of goodwill  49  199
  
 
Net income, as adjusted $270 $20,409
  
 

        On December 17, 2001, the Company acquired the Vigoro®, Sta-Green® and Bandini® brand names, as well as licensing rights to the Best® line of fertilizer products from Pursell Industries, Inc. (Pursell) for $37.5 million. The acquired brand names and licensing rights are being amortized over 40 years.

        As described in Note 2, on May 9, 2002, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company completed a merger with and into Schultz. The purchase price included cash payments of $38.3 million, including related acquisition costs, of which the Company has preliminarily allocated 50% to intangible assets and 50% to goodwill. The acquired intangible assets are being amortized over 25 years.

        On January 1, 2002, the Company adopted SFAS No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets." SFAS No. 144 addresses financial accounting and reporting for the impairment of long-lived assets and for long lived assets to be disposed of and supersedes SFAS No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of." SFAS No. 144 establishes a single accounting model for long-lived assets to be disposed of by sale and resolves implementation issues related to SFAS No. 121. Adoption of SFAS No. 144 did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Note 6—Other Assets

        Other assets are as follows:consist of the following (dollars in thousands):


 September 30,
2001

 September 30,
2000

 December 31,
2000

 
Goodwill $7,175 $7,988 $7,988 
Accumulated amortization (1,510) (2,130) (2,175)
 
 
 
 
 September 30,
  
 
 5,665 5,858 5,813 
 December 31,
2001

 
 
 
 
 
 2002
 2001
 
Deferred financing fees 18,067 17,108 18,067 Deferred financing fees $20,922 $18,067 $18,067 
Accumulated amortization (6,429) (3,770) (4,411)Accumulated amortization (9,079) (6,429) (7,102)
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 11,638 13,338 13,656   11,843 11,638 10,965 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
Other 612 610 618 Other 972 612 872 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
Total other assets $17,915 $19,806 $20,087 
 
 
 
 Total other assets, net $12,815 $12,250 $11,837 
 
 
 
 

10


Note 5-Accrued expenses7—Accrued Expenses

        Accrued expenses are as follows:consist of the following (dollars in thousands):

 
 September 30,
2001

 September 30,
2000

 December 31,
2000

Advertising and promotional $10,513 $8,009 $5,520
Dursban charge  681  7,479  6,066
Interest  7,723  3,782  3,886
Cash overdraft  1,171    6,181
Dividend payable  2,039    320
Severence charges  205  952  1,010
Other  4,566  2,827  1,808
  
 
 
Total accrued expenses $26,898 $23,049 $24,791
  
 
 
 
 September 30,
  
 
 December 31,
2001

 
 2002
 2001
Advertising and promotions $26,112 $10,513 $12,125
Facilities rationalization  2,682    3,500
Dursban related expenses    681  82
Interest  7,406  7,723  3,763
Cash overdraft    1,171  7,126
Non-compete agreement  1,625    1,360
Preferred stock dividends accrued  7,268  2,039  2,612
Severance costs  878  205  1,679
Other  6,871  4,566  1,759
  
 
 
 Total accrued expenses $52,842 $26,898 $34,006
  
 
 

6


Note 6-Long-term debt8—Facilities and creditOrganization Rationalization

        During the fourth quarter of 2001, the Company recorded accrued expenses of $5.6 million related to facilities and organization rationalization. In connection therewith, 85 employees were terminated and provided severance packages. All costs associated with the facilities and organization rationalization are expected to be incurred by December 31, 2002. The following table presents the balances of and amounts recorded against such accrued expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 (dollars in thousands):

 
 Facilities
Rationalization

 Severance
Costs

 Total
Costs

 
Balance at December 31, 2001 $3,500 $1,658 $5,158 
Charges against the accrued expenses  (818) (820) (1,638)
  
 
 
 
Balance at September 30, 2002 $2,682 $838 $3,520 
  
 
 
 

11


Note 9—Long-term Debt

        Long-term debt is comprisedconsists of the following:following (dollars in thousands):

 
 September 30,
2001

 September 30,
2000

 December 31,
2000

 
Senior Credit Facility:          
 Term Loan A $41,511 $57,500 $48,430 
 Term Loan B  134,835  147,375  135,878 
 Revolving Credit Facility    15,000  15,000 
97/8% Series B Registered Senior Subordinated Notes  150,000  150,000  150,000 
  
 
 
 
   326,346  369,875  349,308 
Less portion due within one year  (5,307) (20,750) (20,308)
  
 
 
 
Total long-term debt net of current portion $321,039 $349,125 $329,000 
  
 
 
 
 
 September 30,
  
 
 
 December 31,
2001

 
 
 2002
 2001
 
Senior Credit Facility:          
 Term Loan A $32,285 $41,511 $39,205 
 Term Loan B  198,040  134,835  134,488 
 Revolving Credit Facility      23,450 
97/8% Series B Senior Subordinated Notes  150,000  150,000  150,000 
  
 
 
 
   380,325  326,346  347,143 
 Less current maturities  (9,095) (5,307) (28,757)
  
 
 
 
  Total long-term debt, net of current maturities $371,230 $321,039 $318,386 
  
 
 
 

        The Senior Credit Facilitysenior credit facility was provided by Bank of America, N.A. (formerly known as NationsBank, N.A.), Morgan Stanley Senior Funding, Inc. and CIBC Inc. and consists of (i) a $80,000$90.0 million revolving credit facility (the "RevolvingRevolving Credit Facility")Facility); (ii) a $75,000$75.0 million term loan facility ("Term(Term Loan A")A); and (iii) a $150,000$215.0 million term loan facility ("Term(Term Loan B")B). The Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan A maturesmature on January 20, 2005 and Term Loan B matures on January 20, 2006. The Revolving Credit Facility is subject to a clean-down period during which the aggregate amount outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility shall not exceed $10.0 million for 30 consecutive days occurring during the period between August 1 and November 30 in each calendar year. OnAt September 30, 2001, $0 was2002, the clean-down period had been completed and no amounts were outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility. ThereFacility, nor were nothere any compensating balance requirements forrequirements.

        In connection with the Company's merger with Schultz, the senior credit facility was amended to increase Term Loan B from $180.0 million to $215.0 million, increase the Revolving Credit Facility at September 30, 2001.from $80.0 million to $90.0 million and provide additional capital expenditure flexibility. The Company incurred $2.2 million of fees related to the amendment which were recorded as deferred financing fees and are being amortized over the remaining term of the senior credit facility. The amendment did not change the existing covenants of the senior credit facility.

        The principal amount of Term Loan A is to be repaid in twenty-three23 consecutive quarterly installments commencing JuneSeptember 30, 1999 with a final installment due January 20, 2005. The principal amount of Term Loan B is to be repaid in twenty-seven27 consecutive quarterly installments commencing JuneSeptember 30, 1999 with a final installment due January 20, 2006.

        The Senior Credit Facilitysenior credit facility agreement contains restrictive affirmative, negative and financial covenants. Affirmative and negative covenants putplace restrictions on levels of investments, indebtedness, insurance and capital expenditures. Financial covenants require the maintenance of certain financial ratios at defined levels. At September 30, 2001,2002, the Company was in compliance with all financial covenants.

While the Company does not anticipate an event of non-compliance in the immediate future, the effect of non-compliance would require the Company to request a waiver or an amendment to the senior credit facility. The result of amending the senior credit facility could result in changes to the Company's borrowing capacity or its effective interest rates. Under the covenants, interest rates on the

12



Revolving Credit Facility, Term Loan A and Term Loan B rangesrange from 2502.50% to 400 basis points4.00% above LIBOR depending on certain financial ratios. Unused commitments under the Revolving Credit Facility are subject to a 50 basis point0.5% annual commitment fee. LIBOR was 2.63%1.82% at September 30, 2001.2002.

        The Senior Credit Facilitysenior credit facility may be prepaid at any time in whole or in part without premium or penalty. During fiscal 2000,2001, the Company made principal payments of $9.2 million on Term LoansLoan A and B of $14.1$1.4 million and $12.2 million, respectively, were paid,on Term Loan B, which included optional principal prepayments of $4.1 million

7


and $10.8 on Term Loan A and $0.7 million on Term Loan B, respectively.B. During the nine month periodmonths ended September 30, 2001,2002, the Company made optional principal prepayments of $4.6 million and $0.7 million on Term Loan A and $0.9 million on Term Loan B, respectively, were paid.B. The optional payments were made in order for the Company to remain two quarterly payments ahead of scheduled payments.the regular payment schedule. According to the Senior Credit Facilitysenior credit facility agreement, each prepayment on Term Loan A and Term Loan B can be applied to the next principal repayment installments. Management intends to pay a full year of principal repayment installments in 20012002 in accordance with the Senior Credit Facility agreement.terms of the senior credit facility.

        Substantially all of the properties and assets of the Company and substantially all of the properties and assets of any current or future domestic subsidiaries of the Company secure obligations under the senior credit facility.

        The carrying amount of the Company's obligation under the senior credit facility approximates fair value because the interest rates are based on floating interest rates identified by reference to market rates.

        In November 1999, the Company issued $150.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 97/8% Series B senior subordinated notes (the Senior Subordinated Notes for $150 million that areNotes) due April 1, 2009.

Interest accrues at the rate of 97/8% per annum, payable semi-annually on each April 1 and October 1.

        Substantially all ofThe table below presents the properties and assets of the Company and substantially all of the properties and assets of the Company'saggregate future domestic subsidiaries secure obligationsprincipal payments under the Senior Credit Facility.

    The carrying amount of the Company's obligation under the Senior Credit Facility approximate fair value because the interest rates are based on floating interest rates identified by reference to market rates.

    Aggregate maturities under the Senior Credit Facility (excluding the Revolving Credit Facility)senior credit facility and the Senior Subordinated Notes are as follows:of September 30, 2002 (dollars in thousands):

2001 Remainder of year $
2002 7,961
Year

 Amount
Remainder of 2002 $4,035
2003 15,804 9,174
2004 17,534 18,629
2005 102,382 150,002
2006 48,485
Thereafter 182,665 150,000
 
 
 $326,346 $380,325
 
 

Note 7-Commitments10—Commitments

        The Company leases the majority of its operating facilities from a company owned by a significant shareholder of the Company under various operating leases expiring December 31, 2010. The Company has options to terminate the leases on a year-to-year basis by giving advance notice of at least twelve months. TheSuch notice was given relative to the Company's corporate headquarters in St. Louis as the Company prepares to move to its newly constructed corporate headquarters in December 2002. In addition, the Company leases a

13



portion of its operating facilities from the same company under a sublease agreement expiring on December 31, 2005. The Company has two five-year options to renew thissuch lease beginning January 1, 2006. Management believes that the terms and expenses associated with the related partythese leases described above are similar to those that would be negotiated bywith unrelated parties at arm's length.parties.

8


        The Company is obligated under other operating leases for use of warehouse space. The leases expire at various dates through December 1, 2006.31, 2012. Five of the leases provide as many as five five-year options to renew.renew for five years per renewal.

Note 11—Contingencies

        The Company isWe are involved from time to time in litigation and arbitration proceedings in the normal course of business that assert product liabilityroutine legal matters and other claims. The Company is contesting all such claims.claims incidental to our business. When it appears probable in management's judgment that the Company will incur monetary damages or other costs in connection with such claims and proceedings, and such costs can be reasonably estimated, appropriate liabilities are recorded in the consolidated financial statements and charges are made against earnings.

    Management believes We believe that the possibilityresolution of such routine matters and other incidental claims, taking into account established reserves and insurance, will not have a material adverse effectimpact on the Company'sour consolidated financial position or results of operations and cash flows from the claims and proceedings described above is remote.operations.

Note 8—Contingencies12—Segment Information

        During the third quarter of 2002, the Company began reporting its operating results using three reportable segments: Lawn and Garden, Household and Contract. Segments were established primarily by product type which represents the basis upon which management reviews and assesses the Company's financial performance. The Lawn and Garden segment primarily consists of dry, granular slow-release lawn fertilizers, lawn fertilizer combination and lawn control products, herbicides and selective herbicides, water-soluble and controlled-release garden and indoor plant foods, plant care products, potting soils and other growing media products, and outdoor pesticide products. Products are marketed to mass merchandisers, home improvement centers, hardware chains, nurseries and gardens centers. This segment includes, among others, the Company's Spectracide®, Spectracide Terminate®, Peters®, Garden Safe®, Schultz®, Expert Gardener®, Vigoro® and Sta-Green® brands.

        The Household segment represents household insecticides and insect repellants that allow consumers to achieve and maintain a pest-free household and repel insects. The Household segment includes, among others, the Company's Hot Shot® and Cutter® brands, as well as a number of private label products.

        The Company is involvedContract segment represents the Company's non-core products and includes various compounds and chemicals such as charcoal, cleaning solutions and automotive products.

        The table which follows presents certain financial segment information in litigationaccordance with SFAS No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and arbitration proceedingsRelated Information." The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as those described in the normal coursesummary of business that assert product liability and other claims. The Company is contesting all such claims. When it appears probablesignificant policies in management's judgment that the Company will incur monetary damages or other costs in connection with such claims and proceedings, and such costs can be reasonably estimated, appropriate liabilities are recorded inNote 1 to the financial statements and charges are made against earnings.

    Management believes the possibility of a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows from the claims and proceedings described above is remote.

Note 9—Dursban Related Expenses

    During 2000 the US Environmental Protection Agency and manufacturers of chlorpyrifos (the active ingredient in Dursban pesticidal products) entered into a voluntary agreement that provides for withdrawal of virtually all residential uses of Dursban. Formulation of new Dursban products intended for residential use were required to cease by December 1, 2000. Formulators can no longer sell such products to retailers as of February 1, 2001 and retailers will no longer be able to sell Dursban products after December 31, 2001. A charge of $8,000 was recorded in September 2000 for costs associated with this agreement. The Company believes that the accrual is adequate as of September 30, 2001.

9


    Details of this charge and the accrual balances remaining are as follows:

 
 Accrual Balances
at the end of 2000

 Year to Date
2001 Utilization

 Amount to be utilized
during remainder of 2001

 
Customer returns and markdowns $4,509 $3,461 $1,048 
Inventory  1,118  1,064  54 
Disposal and related costs  439  860  (421)
  
 
 
 
  $6,066 $5,385 $681 
  
 
 
 

Note 10—Shipping and handling costs

    Shipping and handling costs are included in the selling, generalCompany's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001, as applicable. The segment financial information presented

14



includes comparative periods prepared on a basis consistent with the current year presentation (dollars in thousands).

 
 Three months ended September 30,
 Nine months ended September 30,
 
 
 2002
 2001
 2002
 2001
 
Net sales:             
 Lawn and Garden $64,465 $31,013 $319,044 $154,559 
 Household  29,406  24,101  98,057  93,468 
 Contract  6,806  679  15,103  2,332 
  
 
 
 
 
  Total net sales $100,677 $55,793 $432,204 $250,359 
  
 
 
 
 
Operating income:             
 Lawn and Garden $1,372 $3,668 $42,381 $32,722 
 Household  5,963  5,065  26,813  23,591 
 Contract  566  (14) 1,184  80 
  
 
 
 
 
  Total operating income $7,901 $8,719 $70,378 $56,393 
  
 
 
 
 
Operating margin:             
 Lawn and Garden  2.1% 11.8% 13.3% 21.2%
 Household  20.3% 21.0% 27.3% 25.2%
 Contract  8.3% -2.1% 7.8% 3.4%
  Total operating margin  7.8% 15.6% 16.3% 22.5%

        Operating income represents earnings before net interest expense and administrative expenses line item onincome tax expense. Operating income is the measure of profitability used by management to assess the Company's Statementsfinancial performance. Operating margin represents operating income as a percentage of Operations.net sales.

        The amount included is $2,902 and $2,593majority of the Company's sales are made to customers in the United States. The Company's international sales comprise less than 10% of total net sales in the aggregate. In addition, no single product comprises more than 10% of the Company's net sales. The Company's three largest customers were responsible for 83.0% of net sales for the three months ended September 30, 2002, 75.5% for the three months ended September 30, 2001, 81.7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 and 2000, respectively. The amount included is $10,80874.8% for the nine months ended September 30, 2001.

        As the Company's assets support production across all segments, they are managed on an entity-wide basis at the corporate level and $10,345are not recorded or analyzed by segment. Substantially all of the Company's assets are located in the United States.

Note 13—Shipping and Handling Costs

        Shipping and handling costs of $3.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2002, $2.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2001, $12.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 and $10.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2001 are included in selling, general and 2000, respectively.administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. These costs represent internal freight movements and distribution costs. Additional shipping and

15



handling costs, representing out-bound freight, are included in cost of goods sold in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

Note 11—14—Derivatives and Hedging Activities

        The Company is exposed to market risks relating to changes in interest rates.rates and raw materials prices. The Company does not enter into derivatives or other financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. The Companyperiodically enters into financial instrumentsderivative or hedging agreements to manage and reduce the impact of changes in interest rates.

    Effective April 1, 2001,rates or raw materials price fluctuations. The Company does not enter into derivatives or other hedging arrangements for trading or speculative purposes. As of September 30, 2002, the Company entered into two interest rate swaps that have fixed the interest rate as of April 30, 2001 for $75.0 million variable rate debt under the Senior Credit Facility. The interest rate swaps are for $50.0 and $25.0 million of the Senior Credit Facility and will terminate on April 30, 2002. The fixed LIBOR interest rates are 4.74% and 4.66% for the $50.0 and $25.0 million interest rate swaps respectively. The Company's objective is to manage the cash flow risks associated with its variable rate debt anddid not to trade such instruments for profitutilize any derivative or loss. The Company's interest rate hedges are classified as cash flow hedges. For a cash flow hedge, the unrealized portion is deferred in accumulated other comprehensive income on the balance sheet until the transaction is realized, at which time any deferred hedging gains or losses are recorded in earnings. The fair value of the interest rate swaps is reported as a liability and as a component of comprehensive income in Stockholders' deficit at September 30, 2001. The September 30, 2001 fair value is $0.7 million.instruments.

Note 12—15—Comprehensive Income

        Comprehensive income differs from net income due to thea one-year interest rate hedging arrangement which expired on April 1, 2002 that was accounted for as a cash flow hedge. Comprehensive income (loss) was $0.4 million for the three andmonths ended September 30, 2002, $(0.1 million) for the three months ended September 30, 2001, $37.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 and $19.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2001.

Note 16—Bayer Strategic Partnership

        On June 14, 2002, the Company and Bayer Corporation and Bayer Advanced, L.L.C. (together referred to herein as Bayer) consummated a strategic partnership. The strategic partnership allows the Company to gain access to certain Bayer active ingredient technologies through a Supply Agreement and to perform certain merchandising services for Bayer through an In-Store Service Agreement. In connection with the strategic partnership, Bayer acquired a minority ownership interest, approximately 9.3% of the issued and outstanding shares of the Company's common stock, under the terms of an Exchange Agreement in exchange for promissory notes due to Bayer from Pursell (see Note 19) and the execution of the Supply and In-Store Service Agreements.

        Under the terms of the Exchange Agreement, the Company has the right to repurchase the shares issued to Bayer upon termination of the In-Store Service Agreement. Termination of the In-Store Service Agreement can occur with or without cause. If the Company elects to terminate the In-Store Service Agreement without cause, it must give Bayer sixty days notice of its intention to terminate. If the Company exercises its repurchase option, it will repurchase its shares based on a price as provided for in the In-Store Service Agreement. It is generally believed that the repurchase price per share would represent the fair market value of the shares at the time such repurchase option is exercised.

        In exchange for the promissory notes received from Bayer and the execution of the Supply and In-Store Service Agreements, the Company issued to Bayer 3,072,000 shares of Class A voting common stock valued at $15.4 million and 3,072,000 shares of Class B non-voting common stock valued at $15.4 million. The Company reserved for the entire face value of the promissory notes due to Bayer from Pursell as the Company did not believe they were collectible and an independent third party valuation did not ascribe any value to them.

16



        In addition, based on the independent third party valuation, the Company has assigned a fair value of $30.7 million to the common stock issued to Bayer as follows (dollars in thousands):

Description

 Amount
 
Common stock subscription receivable $27,321 
Supply Agreement  5,694 
Repurchase option  2,636 
In-Store Service Agreement  (4,931)
  
 
  $30,720 
  
 

        Under the requirements of the agreements, Bayer will make payments to the Company which total $5.0 million annually for the next seven years, the present value of which equals the value assigned to the common stock subscription receivable, which is reflected in the equity section in the Company's accompanying consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2002. The common stock subscription receivable will be repaid in 28 quarterly installments of $1.25 million, one of which was received at closing on June 17, 2002. The difference between the value ascribed to the common stock subscription receivable and the installment payments will be reflected as interest income in the Company's consolidated statements of operations over the next seven years.

        Bayer has the right to put the shares received back to the Company under the terms of the Exchange Agreement. Bayer can terminate the Exchange Agreement within the first 36 months if the Company fails to meet certain performance guidelines as established in the Exchange Agreement. In conjunction with the termination, Bayer can put the shares received back to the Company within 30 days of the termination of the Exchange Agreement at a price as provided for in the Exchange Agreement. It is generally believed that the put price per share would represent the fair market value of the shares at the time such put option is exercised.

        The value of the Supply Agreement and the liability associated with the In-Store Service Agreement will be amortized over the period in which economic benefits under the Supply Agreement are utilized and the obligations under the In-Store Service Agreement are fulfilled. The Company is amortizing the asset associated with the Supply Agreement to cost of goods sold and currently anticipates the benefit will be recognized over a three to five-year period. The Company is amortizing the obligation associated with the In-Store Service Agreement to revenues over the seven-year life of the agreement (see Note 19). The independent third party valuation obtained by the Company also indicated that value should be ascribed to a repurchase option owned by the Company under the agreements. The effect of the repurchase option is reflected as a reduction to equity in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2002. This amount will be recorded as a component of additional paid-in capital upon the exercise of the option or its expiration.

Note 17—Related Party Transactions

        On September 28, 2001, the Company entered into a loan agreement with Robert L. Caulk, the President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company, for $400,000 which matures on September 28, 2006 (the 2001 Loan). On March 8, 2002, the Company entered into a loan agreement with Mr. Caulk for $51,685 which matures on March 8, 2007 (the 2002

17



Loan). The purpose for both loans was ($143)to allow Mr. Caulk to purchase shares of the Company's common and $19,517 respectively.preferred stock. The loans bear interest at LIBOR which is adjusted on the respective anniversary date of each loan. The interest rate in effect as of September 30, 2002 was 1.81%. Interest on both loans is payable annually, based on outstanding accrued amounts on December 31 of each year. Principal payments on both loans are based on 25% of the gross amount of each annual bonus awarded to Mr. Caulk and are immediately payable, except that principal payments on the 2002 Loan are immediately payable only if all amounts due under the 2001 Loan are fully paid. Any unpaid principal and interest on both loans is due upon maturity. The outstanding principal balance for the 2001 Loan was $352,000 as of September 30, 2002 and $400,000 as of December 31, 2001. The outstanding principal balance of the 2002 Loan was $51,685 as of September 30, 2002.

10Note 18—Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

        In June 2002, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 146, "Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities." SFAS No. 146 addresses financial accounting and reporting for costs associated with exit or disposal activities and nullifies Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 94-3, "Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit an Activity (including Certain Costs Incurred in a Restructuring)." SFAS No. 146 requires that a liability for costs associated with an exit or disposal activity be recognized when the liability is incurred rather than when a company commits to such an activity and also establishes fair value as the objective for initial measurement of the liability. SFAS No. 146 will be adopted by the Company for exit or disposal activities that are initiated after December 31, 2002. Adoption will not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements of the Company.

Note 19—Subsequent Events

        On October 3, 2002, the Company signed an asset purchase agreement to acquire certain assets from Pursell, which renamed itself U.S. Fertilizer subsequent to the agreement, for a cash purchase price of $12.1 million and forgiveness of the Pursell promissory notes (see Note 16), subject to final purchase price adjustments. The assets acquired included certain inventory and equipment at two of Pursell's facilities and real estate at one of the two facilities. The facilities acquired from Pursell, located in Orrville, Ohio and Sylacauga, Alabama, previously fulfilled, and are expected to continue to fulfill, over half of the Company's fertilizer manufacturing requirements.

        Also on October 3, 2002, the Company signed a tolling agreement with Pursell whereby Pursell will supply the Company with the remainder of its fertilizer needs. The tolling agreement requires the Company to be responsible for certain raw materials, capital expenditures and other related costs for Pursell to manufacture and supply the Company with fertilizer products. The agreement does not require a minimum volume purchase of Pursell's manufacturing services but does provide for a fixed monthly payment of $0.7 million through the term of the tolling agreement which expires on September 30, 2007. The agreement provides the Company with early termination rights without penalty. In addition, beginning on March 1, 2004 and on each anniversary thereafter, the fixed payment is subject to certain increases for labor, materials, inflation and other reasonable costs as outlined in the tolling agreement.

18



Item 2:2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

    Certain statements contained herein constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this report regarding the Company's financial position, business strategy, budgets and plans and objectives of management for future operations are forward-looking statements. Although the management of the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to have been correct. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company, or industry results, to be materially different from those contemplated or projected, forecasted, estimated or budgeted in or expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, the risks and other factors set forth under Item 7A in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000 as well as the following: general economic and business conditions; governmental regulations; industry trends; the loss of major customers or suppliers; cost and availability of raw materials; changes in business strategy or development plans; availability and quality of management; and availability, terms and deployment of capital. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Overview

        The Company isdiscussion and analysis of our consolidated financial condition and results of operations included herein should be read in conjunction with our historical financial information included in the unaudited consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto included elsewhere in this report.

General

        We are the leading manufacturer and marketer of value-oriented branded products for the consumer lawn and garden pesticidecare and household insecticideinsect control markets in the United States. The Company manufacturesWe manufacture and marketsmarket one of the broadest lines of pesticides in the industry, including herbicides and indoor and outdoor insecticides, as well as insect repellents, fertilizers and water-soluble fertilizers,soils, under a variety of brand names. The Company believesWe believe that the key drivers of growth for the $2.7$2.8 billion consumer lawn and garden pesticide and household insecticide retail markets include: (a) the aging of the population of the United States;States population; (b) growth in the home improvement center and mass merchandiser channels; and (c) shifting consumers preferences'consumer preferences toward value-oriented branded products; and (d) increased levels in consumer income, debt and spending.

        During the third quarter of 2002, we began reporting operating results using three reportable segments: Lawn and Garden, Household and Contract. Segments were established primarily by product type which represents the basis upon which management reviews and assesses our financial performance. The Lawn and Garden segment primarily consists of dry, granular slow-release lawn fertilizers, lawn fertilizer combination and lawn control products, herbicides and selective herbicides, water-soluble and controlled-release garden and indoor plant foods, plant care products, potting soils and other growing media products, and outdoor pesticide products. Products are marketed to mass merchandisers, home improvement centers, hardware chains, nurseries and gardens centers. This segment includes, among others, our Spectracide®, Spectracide Terminate®, Peters®, Garden Safe®, Schultz®, Expert Gardener®, Vigoro® and Sta-Green® brands.

        The Household segment represents household insecticides and insect repellants that allow consumers to achieve and maintain a pest-free household and repel insects. The Household segment includes, among others, our Hot Shot® and Cutter® brands, as well as a number of private label products.

        The following discussionContract segment represents our non-core products and analysisincludes various compounds and chemicals such as charcoal, cleaning solutions and automotive products.

Critical Accounting Policies

        The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the Company's financial conditionstatements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. We evaluate our estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis based on a combination of historical information and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the particular circumstances. Actual results of operationsmay differ from these estimates based on different assumptions or conditions. The accounting policies that we believe most impact our consolidated financial statements and that require our management to make difficult, subjective or complex judgments are described below. These should be read in conjunction with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and "Note 1—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" to our financial statements included in our Annual Report filed on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001.

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Revenue Recognition

        Net sales represent gross sales less any applicable customer discounts from list price, customer returns and promotion expense through cooperative programs with retailers. The provision for customer returns is based on historical sales returns, analysis of credit memo information and any other pertinent factors. If the historical or other data used to calculate these estimates do not properly reflect future returns, net sales could be overstated.

Inventories

        Inventories are reported at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out method and includes raw materials, direct labor and overhead. An allowance for potentially obsolete or slow-moving finished goods and raw materials is recorded based on management's analysis of inventory levels and future sales forecasts. In the event that our estimates of future usage and sales differ from actual results, the allowance for obsolete or slow-moving finished goods and raw materials may be adjusted.

Promotion Expense

        We advertise and promote our products through national and regional media. Products are also advertised and promoted through cooperative programs with retailers. Advertising and promotion costs are expensed as incurred, although costs incurred during interim periods are generally expensed ratably in relation to revenues. Management judgment is required to estimate the amount of costs that have been incurred by the retailers under our cooperative programs. Actual costs incurred may differ significantly from our estimates if factors such as the level of participation and success of the retailers' programs or other conditions differ from our expectations.

Income Taxes

        In conjunction with our recapitalization consummated on January 20, 1999, we converted our company from an S corporation to a C corporation. As a C corporation, we account for income taxes under the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial information includedreporting basis and the tax basis of our assets and liabilities at enacted tax rates expected to be in effect when such amounts are recovered or settled. Management judgment is required to determine income tax expense, deferred tax assets and any valuation allowance recorded against such assets and deferred tax liabilities. We have recorded a valuation allowance of $111.4 million as of September 30, 2002 due to uncertainties related to our ability to utilize some of our deferred tax assets, primarily consisting of certain net operating loss carryforwards and deductible goodwill recorded in connection with our recapitalization in 1999. The valuation allowance is based on our estimates of taxable income by jurisdiction in which our deferred tax assets will be recoverable. In the event that actual results differ from those estimates or we adjust these estimates in future periods, we may need to adjust the valuation allowance, which could materially impact our consolidated financial position and results of operations.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

        We have acquired intangible assets or made acquisitions in the unaudited quarterly financial statementspast that resulted in the recording of goodwill, including our acquisition of fertilizer brands in December 2001 and our merger with Schultz Company in May 2002, respectively. Under generally accepted accounting principles previously in effect, these assets were amortized over their estimated useful lives, and were tested periodically to determine if they were recoverable from operating earnings on an undiscounted basis over their useful lives.

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        Effective in 2002, goodwill is no longer amortized and is subject to impairment testing at least annually. We evaluate the recoverability of long-lived assets, including goodwill and intangible assets, for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Such events or changes in circumstances could include such factors as changes in technological advances, fluctuations in the fair value of such assets or adverse changes in relationships with vendors or customers. If a review indicates that the carrying value of an asset is not recoverable based on projected undiscounted net cash flows related notes to the unaudited quarterly financial statements contained elsewhereasset over its remaining life, the carrying value of such asset is reduced to its estimated fair value. While we believe that our estimates of future cash flows are reasonable, different assumptions regarding such cash flows could materially affect our evaluations. Therefore, impairment losses could be recorded in this report.the future.

Results of Operations

Three Months Ended September 30, 2002 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2001

        The following discussion regarding resultstable presents amounts and the percentages of net sales that items in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations refers to net sales, cost of goods sold and selling and general and administrative expenses, whichconstitute for the Company defines as follows:periods presented (dollars in thousands):

11


    The following table sets forth the percentage relationship of certain items in the Company's Statements of Operations Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $10.6 million, or 62.4%, to net sales for the three months ended September 30, 2001 and September 30, 2000:

 
 Three Months Ended
September 30,

 
 
 2001
 2000
 
Net sales:     
 Value brands 76.6%74.6%
 Opening price point brands 23.4 25.4 
  
 
 
Total net sales 100.0 100.0 
Operating costs and expenses:     
 Cost of goods sold 54.0 56.5 
 Selling, general and administrative expenses 30.4 32.0 
 Dursban related expenses (see note 10)  17.0 
  
 
 
Total operating costs and expenses 84.4 105.5 
  
 
 
Operating income (loss) 15.6 (5.5)
Interest expense 15.1 21.5 
  
 
 
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes 0.6 (27.0)
Income tax expense (benefit) 0.2 (10.9)
  
 
 
Net income (loss) 0.4%(16.1%)
  
 
 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2001 compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2000

    Net Sales.  Net sales increased 18.7% to $55.8$27.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 20012002 from $47.0$17.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2001. ThisThe increase was driven by a combination of offsetting factors including:

    Net sales of the Company's value brands increased 22.0% to $42.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2001 from $35.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2000. The increase in value brands was lead by insect repellent sales to home centers and mass merchants. Demand for mass merchants were better aligned with consumer demand. Increase in hardware channels primarily due to additional product listings that were secured aidedour merger with Schultz in the increase. The IncreaseMay 2002 and our acquisition of various fertilizer brands in promotion expense was due to growth of the home centers business. The Increase in demand for insect repellants was related primarily to weather conditions.

    Net sales of opening price point brands increased 8.9% to $13.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2001 from $12.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2000. The increase was lead by sales of insecticides at home centers and mass merchants, which was partially offset by the loss of the Kmart Kgro business that was discontinued in the third quarter of 2000.

    Gross Profit.  Gross profit increased 25.6% to $25.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2001 compared to $20.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2000. As a percentage of sales, gross profit increased to 46.0% for the three months ended September 30, 2001 as compared to 43.5% for the three months ended September 30, 2000. The increase in gross profit as a

12


percentage of sales was the result of the change in mix of sales to more value brand sales, which are higher margin products.

    Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.  Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 12.8% to $17.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2001 from $15.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2000.December 2001. As a percentage of net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased to 27.4% for the three months ended September 30, 2002 from 30.4% for the three months ended September 30, 2001. The decrease was primarily due to additional sales related to our merger with Schultz in May 2002 and our acquisition of various fertilizer brands in December 2001, from 32.0% for the three months ended September 30, 2000. The increase is attributed to greater advertising spending to support the value brands andwith a lesser corresponding increase in variable cost related to the increase in sales volume. The double-digit percentage increase should not be viewed as a trend for the future.

    Dursban Related Expenses.  During 2000, the Company recorded a non-recurring expense of $8.0 million as a result of the EPAselling, general and the manufacturers of Dursban voluntary withdrawal of the active chemical in the Company's products. There were no related charges in 2001. See footnote 9 to Financial Statements.administrative expenses.

        Operating Income.    Operating income increased 437.7%decreased $0.8 million, or 9.2%, to $7.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2002 from $8.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 20012001. The decrease was due to the factors described above. As a percentage of net sales, operating income decreased to 7.8% for the three months ended September 30, 2002 from a loss15.6% for the three months ended September 30, 2001. The decrease was primarily in our Lawn and Garden segment due to lower margins on the products we acquired in our merger with Schultz in May 2002 and our acquisition of $2.6various fertilizer brands in December 2001.

        Operating income in the Lawn and Garden segment decreased $2.3 million, or 62.2%, to $1.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2000. As2002 from $3.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2001. Operating income of this segment decreased primarily due to our merger with Schultz in May 2002 and our acquisition of various fertilizer brands in December 2001, which had increased sales during the period but lower margins than our other products. Operating income in the Household segment increased $0.9 million, or 17.6%, to $6.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2002 from $5.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2001. Operating income of this segment increased primarily due to increases in sales of our Cutter® and Hot Shot® brands and in our private label products. Operating income in the Contract segment increased to

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$0.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2002 primarily due to sales of new product acquired in our merger with Schultz.

        Interest Expense, Net.    Interest expense, net decreased $1.0 million, or 11.9%, to $7.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2002 from $8.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2001. The decrease in net interest expense was due to a decline in our average variable borrowing rate of 1.51 percentage of net sales, operating income increasedpoints to 15.6%1.82% for the three months ended September 30, 2002 from 3.33% for the three months ended September 30, 2001, resulting from (5.5%)a general decline in variable borrowing rates. This decrease was also due to interest income from an increase in our average cash balances available for the three months ended September 30, 2000. Increase was driven by the $8.0 million charge for Dursban related expenses,investment during the three months ended September 30, 2000.current period, partially offset by an increase in our average debt outstanding during the current period, both of which resulted from additional borrowings under our senior credit facility to finance our merger with Schultz.

        Income tax expense.Tax Expense.    For the three months ended September 30, 2001, the Company's2002, our effective income tax rate is 29.3%was 16.9%, which reflects the estimated utilization of the goodwill deduction in fiscal year 2001.during 2002. The goodwill deduction and corresponding release of valuation allowance iswas related to the step up in tax basis that occurred in conjunction with our recapitalization in 1999. This rate reflects the Recapitalization.rate required to adjust our effective income tax rate to 19%, which is based on our current estimate of annual pre-tax earnings and the utilization of our goodwill deduction.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2002 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2001

        The following table sets forthpresents amounts and the percentage relationshippercentages of certainnet sales that items in the Company's Statementsaccompanying consolidated statements of Operationsoperations constitute for the periods presented (dollars in thousands):

 
 Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 2002
 2001
 
 
 (unaudited)

 (unaudited)

 
Net sales by segment:           
 Lawn and Garden $319,044 73.8%$154,559 61.7%
 Household  98,057 22.7% 93,468 37.3%
 Contract  15,103 3.5% 2,332 1.0%
�� 
 
 
 
 
 Total net sales  432,204 100.0% 250,359 100.0%
  
 
 
 
 
Operating costs and expenses:           
 Cost of goods sold  274,683 63.6% 134,811 53.8%
 Selling, general and administrative expenses  87,143 20.1% 59,155 23.7%
  
 
 
 
 
 Total operating costs and expenses  361,826 83.7% 193,966 77.5%
  
 
 
 
 
Operating income by segment:           
 Lawn and Garden  42,381 9.8% 32,722 13.1%
 Household  26,813 6.2% 23,591 9.4%
 Contract  1,184 0.3% 80 0.0%
  
 
 
 
 
 Total operating income  70,378 16.3% 56,393 22.5%
Interest expense, net  24,591 5.7% 27,808 11.1%
  
 
 
 
 
Income before income tax expense  45,787 10.6% 28,585 11.4%
Income tax expense  8,788 2.0% 8,375 3.3%
  
 
 
 
 
 Net income $36,999 8.6%$20,210 8.1%
  
 
 
 
 

        Net Sales.    Net sales represent gross sales less any applicable customer discounts from list price, customer returns and promotion expense through cooperative programs with retailers. Net sales

23



increased $181.8 million, or 72.6%, to net sales$432.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2001 and September 30, 2000:

 
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 
 
 2001
 2000
 
Net sales:     
 Value brands 81.2%75.5%
 Opening price point brands 18.8 24.5 
  
 
 
Total net sales 100.0 100.0 
Operating costs and expenses:     
 Cost of goods sold 53.8 54.7 
 Selling, general and administrative expenses 23.6 22.5 
 Dursban related expenses (see note 9)  3.3 
  
 
 
Total operating costs and expenses 77.5 80.5 
  
 
 
Operating income 22.5 19.5 
Interest expense 11.1 12.9 
  
 
 
Income before provision for income taxes 11.4 6.6 
Income tax expense 3.3 0.5 
  
 
 
Net income 8.1%6.1%
  
 
 

13


Nine Months Ended September 30, 2001 compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2000

    Net Sales.  Net sales increased 3.4% to2002 from $250.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2001. The increase, primarily in our Lawn and Garden segment, and the change in our sales mix by segment, were due to our expanded product line resulting from our merger with Schultz in May 2002 and our acquisition of various fertilizer brands in December 2001, from $242.1coupled with an increase in sales of specific product lines described further below. This increase was partially offset by an increase in promotion expense and retailers maintaining lower inventory levels.

        Net sales in the Lawn and Garden segment increased $164.4 million, or 106.3%, to $319.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2000. This increase was driven by a combination of offsetting factors including:

    Net sales of the Company's value brands increased 11.3% to $203.42002 from $154.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 20012001. Net sales of this segment increased $34.8 million as a result of our merger with Schultz, $128.7 million as a result of our merger with Schultz and our acquisition of various fertilizer brands and $25.8 million from $182.8strong sales growth of our Spectracide® brand. These increases were partially offset by lower sales volume of various other products in the Lawn and Garden segment. Net sales in the Household segment increased $4.6 million, or 4.9%, to $98.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2000. Value brand sales of Spectracide Terminate™ increased $5.9 million primarily due to focused marketing programs and replenishment of inventory levels at retail. The gains achieved by Spectracide Terminate™, were partially offset by loss sales of products that contained chlorpyrifos. During 2000 the US Environmental Protection Agency and manufacturers of chlorpyrifos (the active ingredient in Dursban pesticidal products) entered into a voluntary agreement that provided for the withdrawal of virtually all residential uses of Dursban. The Increase in demand for insect repellants is related primarily to weather conditions.

    Net sales of opening price point brands decreased 20.8% to $47.02002 from $93.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2001 from $59.32001. Net sales of this segment increased primarily due to increases in sales of our Cutter® and Hot Shot® brands and in our private label products. Net sales in the Contract segment increased $12.8 million to $15.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2000. The decrease was driven by2002 from $2.3 million for the loss of the Kmart Kgro business that was discontinued in the third quarter of 2000. The decrease was partially offset bynine months ended September 30, 2001. Net sales of insect repellants.this segment increased primarily due to our merger with Schultz.

        Gross Profit.    Gross profit increased 5.4%$42.0 million, or 36.4%, to $157.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 from $115.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2001. The increase in gross profit was primarily due to our merger with Schultz in May 2002 and our acquisition of various fertilizer brands in December 2001, comparedcoupled with favorable materials costs of key ingredients. The increase in gross profit was partially offset by the amortization of a $1.5 million purchase accounting inventory write-up related to $109.6 millionthe Schultz merger. As a percentage of net sales, gross profit decreased to 36.4% for the nine months ended September 30, 2000. As a percentage of sales, gross profit increased to2002 from 46.2% for the nine months ended September 30, 2001 as compared to 45.3% for the nine months ended September 30, 2000.2001. The increasedecrease in gross profit as a percentage of net sales was the resultprimarily due to our merger with Schultz in May 2002 and our acquisition of changevarious fertilizer brands in mix of sales to value brands,December 2001, which are higher marginhave lower margins than our other products.

        Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.    Selling, general and administrative expenses include all costs associated with the selling and distribution of product, product registrations, and administrative functions such as finance, information systems and human resources. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 8.6%$27.9 million, or 47.1%, to $87.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 from $59.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2001 from $54.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2000.2001. The increase was primarily due to our merger with Schultz in May 2002 and our acquisition of various fertilizer brands in December 2001. As a percentage of net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased to 23.6%20.1% for the nine months ended September 30, 20012002 from 25.8%23.7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2000.2001. The increase is attributed to greater advertising spending to support the value brands, along with additional spending for in-store sales and support in the home centers. Prior year expenses also reflect a cost reductiondecrease was primarily due to the impactadditional sales related to our merger with Schultz in May 2002 and our acquisition of the termination ofvarious fertilizer brands in December 2001, with a capital lease.

    Dursban Related Expenses.  During 2000, the Company recorded a non-recurring expense of $8.0 million as a result of the EPAlesser corresponding increase in selling, general and the manufacturers of Dursban voluntary withdrawal of the active chemical in the Company's products. There were no related charges in 2001. See footnote 9 to Financial Statements.administrative expenses.

        Operating Income.    Operating income increased 19.6%$14.0 million, or 24.8% to $70.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 from $56.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 20012001. The increase was due to the factors described above. As a percentage of net sales, operating income decreased to 16.3% for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 from $47.122.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2001. The decrease was primarily in our Lawn and Garden segment due to lower margins on the products we acquired in our merger with Schultz in May 2002 and our acquisition of various fertilizer brands in December 2001.

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        Operating income in the Lawn and Garden segment increased $9.7 million, or 29.7%, to $42.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2000. As2002 from $32.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2001. Operating income of this segment increased primarily due to our merger with Schultz, our acquisition of various fertilizer brands and strong growth in our Spectracide® brand. These increases were partially offset by lower sales volume and margins of various other products. Operating income in the Household segment increased $3.2 million, or 13.6%, to $26.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 from $23.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2001. Operating income of this segment increased primarily due to increases in sales of our Cutter® and Hot Shot® brands and in our private label products. Operating income in the Contract segment increased $1.1 million to $1.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 from $0.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2001. Operating income of this segment increased primarily due to sales of new products acquired in our merger with Schultz.

        Interest Expense, Net.    Interest expense, net decreased $3.2 million, or 11.5%, to $24.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 from $27.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2001. The decrease in net interest expense was due to a decline in our average variable borrowing rate of 2.41 percentage of net sales, operating income increasedpoints to 22.5%1.84% for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 from 4.25% for the nine months ended September 30, 2001, resulting from 19.5%a general decline in variable borrowing rates. This decrease was also due to interest income from an increase in our average cash balances available for the nine months ended September 30, 2000. Increase was primarily driven by the $8.0 million charge for Dursban related expenses,investment during the three months ended September 30, 2000.current period, partially offset by an increase in our average debt outstanding during the current period, both of which resulted from additional borrowings under our senior credit facility to finance our merger with Schultz.

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        Income tax expense.Tax Expense.    For the nine months ended September 30, 2001, the Company's2002, our effective income tax rate is 29.3%was 19.2%, which reflects the estimated utilization of the goodwill deduction in fiscal year 2001.2002. The goodwill deduction and corresponding release of valuation allowance iswas related to the step up in tax basis that occurred in conjunction with our recapitalization in 1999. This rate reflects the Recapitalization.rate required to adjust our effective income tax rate to 19%, which is based on our current estimate of annual pre-tax earnings and the utilization of our goodwill deduction.

Pro Forma Financial Information

        On May 9, 2002, one of our wholly owned subsidiaries completed a merger with and into Schultz. As a result of the merger, Schultz became one of our wholly owned subsidiaries. The transaction was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting and, accordingly, the results of operations of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed have been included in the consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition. Our fiscal year ends on December 31 while, prior to the merger, the fiscal year of Schultz ended on September 30. Our unaudited consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2002 and 2001 have been combined below with the unaudited statements of operations of Schultz for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2002 and 2001, for purposes of providing the unaudited combined pro forma results of operations after giving effect to the merger as if it had occurred on January 1, 2001. The unaudited combined results of operations were adjusted on a pro forma basis to illustrate the estimated effects of additional amortization expense on the acquired intangible assets, interest expense for borrowings to finance the transaction and the associated income tax benefit. The unaudited pro forma consolidated results of operations are presented to illustrate the potential operating results that may possibly have been achieved had this transaction been completed as of the assumed date but do not purport to be indicative of the operating results of operations that would definitely have been achieved had this transaction been completed as of the assumed date or which may be obtained in the future.

25



        The following tables present the compilation of the unaudited pro forma consolidated results of operations for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2002 and 2001 (dollars in thousands), followed by accompanying notes:

 
 Three Months Ended
September 30, 2002

 Unaudited Pro Forma Statement of Operations for the
Three Months Ended September 30, 2001

 
 
 United Industries
Historical (a)

 United Industries
Historical

 Schultz Company
Historical (g)

 Pro Forma
Adjustments

 Total
 
Sales before promotion expense $111,372 $60,541 $13,223 $ $73,764 
Promotion expense  10,695  4,748  438    5,186 
  
 
 
 
 
 
Net sales  100,677  55,793  12,785    68,578 
  
 
 
 
 
 
Operating costs and expenses:                
 Cost of goods sold  65,209  30,104  12,111    42,215 
 Selling, general and administrative expenses  27,567  16,970  3,505  196(b) 20,671 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Total operating costs and expenses  92,776  47,074  15,616  196  62,886 
  
 
 
 
 
 
Operating income (loss)  7,901  8,719  (2,831) (196) 5,692 
Interest expense, net  7,386  8,407  115  493(c) 9,015 
  
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)  515  312  (2,946) (689) (3,323)
Income tax expense (benefit)  98  91  (1,116) (204)(d) (1,229)
  
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss) $417 $221 $(1,830)$(485)$(2,094)
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Unaudited Pro Forma Statement of Operations for the
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2002

 
 United Industries
Historical (e)

 Schultz Company
1/1/02 to 5/8/02 (g)

 Pro Forma
Adjustments

 Total
Sales before promotion expense $471,392 $55,603 $ $526,995
Promotion expense  39,188  841    40,029
  
 
 
 
Net sales  432,204  54,762    486,966
  
 
 
 
Operating costs and expenses:            
 Cost of goods sold  274,683  41,200  (1,500)(f) 314,383
 Selling, general and administrative expenses  87,143  7,412  294(b) 94,849
  
 
 
 
 Total operating costs and expenses  361,826  48,612  (1,206) 409,232
  
 
 
 
Operating income  70,378  6,150  1,206  77,734
Interest expense, net  24,591  259  740(c) 25,590
  
 
 
 
Income before income tax expense  45,787  5,891  466  52,144
Income tax expense  8,788  2,620  92(d) 11,500
  
 
 
 
Net income $36,999 $3,271 $374 $40,644
  
 
 
 

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 Unaudited Pro Forma Statement of Operations for the
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2001

 
 United Industries
Historical

 Schultz Company
Historical (g)

 Pro Forma
Adjustments

 Total
Sales before promotion expense $273,405 $84,651 $ $358,056
Promotion expense  23,046  1,468    24,514
  
 
 
 
Net sales  250,359  83,183    333,542
  
 
 
 
Operating costs and expenses:            
 Cost of goods sold  134,811  67,095    201,906
 Selling, general and administrative expenses  59,155  10,421  588(b) 70,164
  
 
 
 
 Total operating costs and expenses  193,966  77,516  588  272,070
  
 
 
 
Operating income (loss)  56,393  5,667  (588) 61,472
Interest expense, net  27,808  647  1,479(c) 29,934
  
 
 
 
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)  28,585  5,020  (2,067) 31,538
Income tax expense (benefit)  8,375  2,038  (608)(d) 9,805
  
 
 
 
Net income (loss) $20,210 $2,982 $(1,459)$21,733
  
 
 
 

Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Statements of Operations

(a)
Pro forma operating results for the three months ended September 30, 2002 are represented by our historical consolidated operating results, as the operating results of Schultz for the three months ended September 30, 2002 are included therein.

(b)
Represents amortization expense of intangible assets acquired in the merger. Intangible assets are being amortized over 25 years.

(c)
Represents incremental interest expense related to additional borrowings of $35.0 million under our Term Loan B to finance the merger. An effective interest rate of 6% was used.

(d)
Represents the income tax benefit associated with the adjustments in (b) and (c) above.

(e)
Our historical operating results for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 include the operating results of Schultz from May 9, 2002, the date of merger.

(f)
Represents elimination of the inventory purchase accounting write-up recorded upon completion of the merger that may not have been recorded had the transaction occurred on January 1, 2001. A related adjustment of $0.3 million is included in income tax expense for the corresponding period.

(g)
The operating results of Schultz reflect similar seasonal characteristics as our operating results given the similarity of our products and sales seasons.

27


Pro Forma Three Months Ended September 30, 2002 Compared to Pro Forma Three Months Ended September 30, 2001

        The following table presents amounts and the percentages of net sales that items in the pro forma consolidated statements of operations constitute for the periods presented (dollars in thousands):

 
 Three Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 2002
 2001
 
 
 (unaudited)

 (unaudited)

 
Net sales by segment:           
 Lawn and Garden $64,465 64.0%$37,891 55.3%
 Household  29,406 29.2% 24,101 35.1%
 Contract  6,806 6.8% 6,586 9.6%
  
 
 
 
 
 Total net sales  100,677 100.0% 68,578 100.0%
  
 
 
 
 
Operating costs and expenses:           
 Cost of goods sold  65,209 64.8% 42,215 61.6%
 Selling, general and administrative expenses  27,567 27.4% 20,671 30.1%
  
 
 
 
 
 Total operating costs and expenses  92,776 92.2% 62,886 91.7%
  
 
 
 
 
Operating income by segment:           
 Lawn and Garden  1,372 1.4% 351 0.5%
 Household  5,963 5.9% 4,869 7.1%
 Contract  566 0.5% 472 0.7%
  
 
 
 
 
 Total operating income  7,901 7.8% 5,692 8.3%
Interest expense, net  7,386 7.3% 9,015 13.1%
  
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)  515 0.5% (3,323)-4.8%
Income tax expense (benefit)  98 0.1% (1,229)-1.8%
  
 
 
 
 
 Net income (loss) $417 0.4%$(2,094)-3.0%
  
 
 
 
 

        Pro Forma Net Sales.    Pro forma net sales represent gross sales less any applicable customer discounts from list price, customer returns and promotion expense through cooperative programs with retailers. Pro forma net sales increased $32.1 million, or 46.8%, to $100.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2002 from $68.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2001. The increase, primarily in our Lawn and Garden segment, was due to increases in sales of specific product lines described further below. This increase was partially offset by an increase in promotion expense and retailers maintaining lower inventory levels.

        Pro forma net sales in the Lawn and Garden segment increased $26.6 million, or 70.2%, to $64.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2002 from $37.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2001. Pro forma net sales of this segment increased due to increases in sales of Schultz, fertilizer and Spectracide® products. Pro forma net sales in the Household segment increased $5.3 million, or 22.0%, to $29.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2002 from $24.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2001. Pro forma net sales of this segment increased primarily due to increases in sales of our Cutter® and Hot Shot® brands and in our private label products. Pro forma net sales in the Contract segment increased $0.2 million, or 3.0%, to $6.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2002 from $6.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2001.

        Pro Forma Gross Profit.    Pro forma gross profit increased $9.1 million, or 34.5%, to $35.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2002 from $26.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2001. The increase in pro forma gross profit was primarily due to continued increases in

28



sales, coupled with favorable materials costs of key ingredients. As a percentage of pro forma net sales, pro forma gross profit decreased to 35.2% for the three months ended September 30, 2002 from 38.4% for the three months ended September 30, 2001. The decrease in pro forma gross profit as a percentage of pro forma net sales was primarily due to increased sales of our fertilizer brands which have lower margins than our other products.

        Pro Forma Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.    Pro forma selling, general and administrative expenses include all costs associated with the selling and distribution of product, product registrations, and administrative functions such as finance, information systems and human resources. Pro forma selling, general and administrative expenses increased $6.9 million, or 33.3%, to $27.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2002 from $20.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2001. The majority of the increase was related to supporting increased sales, especially of our Shultz and fertilizer brands. As a percentage of pro forma net sales, pro forma selling, general and administrative expenses decreased to 27.4% for the three months ended September 30, 2002 from 30.1% for the three months ended September 30, 2001. The decrease was primarily due to additional sales related to the fertilizer brands, with a lesser corresponding increase in selling, general and administrative expenses.

        Pro Forma Operating Income.    Pro forma operating income increased $2.2 million, or 38.6%, to $7.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2002 from $5.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2001. The increase was due to the factors described above. As a percentage of pro forma net sales, pro forma operating income decreased to 7.8% for the three months ended September 30, 2002 from 8.3% for the three months ended September 30, 2001. The decrease was primarily in our Lawn and Garden segment due to lower margins on our Schultz and fertilizer products.

        Pro forma operating income in the Lawn and Garden segment increased $1.0 million to $1.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2002 from $0.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2001. Pro forma operating income of this segment increased primarily due to increases in sales of Schultz, fertilizer and Spectracide® products. Pro forma operating income in the Household segment increased $1.1 million, or 22.9%, to $6.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2002 from $4.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2001. Pro forma operating income of this segment increased due to increases in sales of our Cutter® and Hot Shot® brands and in our private label products. Pro forma operating income in the Contract segment increased $0.1 million, or 20.0%, to $0.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2002 from $0.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2001.

29



Pro Forma Nine Months Ended September 30, 2002 Compared to Pro Forma Nine Months Ended September 30, 2001

        The following table presents amounts and the percentages of net sales that items in the pro forma consolidated statements of operations constitute for the periods presented (dollars in thousands):

 
 Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 2002
 2001
 
 
 (unaudited)

 (unaudited)

 
Net sales by segment:           
 Lawn and Garden $362,737 74.5%$215,268 64.5%
 Household  98,057 20.1% 93,468 28.0%
 Contract  26,172 5.4% 24,806 7.5%
  
 
 
 
 
 Total net sales  486,966 100.0% 333,542 100.0%
  
 
 
 
 
Operating costs and expenses:           
 Cost of goods sold  314,383 64.6% 201,906 60.5%
 Selling, general and administrative expenses  94,849 19.4% 70,164 21.0%
  
 
 
 
 
 Total operating costs and expenses  409,232 84.0% 272,070 81.5%
  
 
 
 
 
Operating income by segment:           
 Lawn and Garden  48,943 10.1% 36,006 10.8%
 Household  26,813 5.5% 23,591 7.1%
 Contract  1,978 0.4% 1,875 0.6%
  
 
 
 
 
 Total operating income  77,734 16.0% 61,472 18.5%
Interest expense, net  25,590 5.3% 29,934 9.0%
  
 
 
 
 
Income before income tax expense  52,144 10.7% 31,538 9.5%
Income tax expense  11,500 2.4% 9,805 2.9%
  
 
 
 
 
 Net income $40,644 8.3%$21,733 6.6%
  
 
 
 
 

        Pro Forma Net Sales.    Pro forma net sales represent gross sales less any applicable customer discounts from list price, customer returns and promotion expense through cooperative programs with retailers. Pro forma net sales increased $153.5 million, or 46.0%, to $487.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 from $333.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2001. The increase, primarily in our Lawn and Garden segment, was due to increases in sales of specific product lines described further below. This increase was partially offset by an increase in promotion expense and retailers maintaining lower inventory levels.

        Pro forma net sales in the Lawn and Garden segment increased $147.4 million, or 68.5%, to $362.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 from $215.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2001. Pro forma net sales of this segment increased due to increases in sales of Schultz, fertilizer and Spectracide® products. Pro forma net sales in the Household segment increased $4.6 million, or 4.9%, to $98.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 from $93.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2001. Pro forma net sales of this segment increased primarily due to increases in sales of our Cutter® and Hot Shot® brands and in our private label products. Pro forma net sales in the Contract segment increased $1.4 million, or 5.6%, to $26.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 from $24.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2001.

        Pro Forma Gross Profit.    Pro forma gross profit increased $40.9 million, or 31.1%, to $172.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 from $131.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2001. The increase in pro forma gross profit was primarily due to continued

30



increases in sales, coupled with favorable materials costs of key ingredients. As a percentage of pro forma net sales, pro forma gross profit decreased to 35.4% for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 from 39.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2001. The decrease in pro forma gross profit as a percentage of pro forma net sales was primarily due to increased sales of our fertilizer brands which have lower margins than our other products.

        Pro Forma Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.    Pro forma selling, general and administrative expenses include all costs associated with the selling and distribution of product, product registrations, and administrative functions such as finance, information systems and human resources. Pro forma selling, general and administrative expenses increased $24.6 million, or 35.0%, to $94.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 from $70.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2001. The majority of the increase is related to supporting increased sales, especially of our Schultz and fertilizer brands. As a percentage of pro forma net sales, pro forma selling, general and administrative expenses decreased to 19.4% for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 from 21.0% for the nine months ended September 30, 2001. The decrease was primarily due to additional sales related to the fertilizer brands, with a lesser corresponding increase in selling, general and administrative expenses. Non-recurring change of control payments totaling $5.1 million paid to certain members of Schultz management have been excluded from the pro forma financial information.

        Pro Forma Operating Income.    Pro forma operating income increased $16.2 million, or 26.3%, to $77.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 from $61.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2001. The increase was due to the factors described above. As a percentage of pro forma net sales, pro forma operating income decreased to 16.0% for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 from 18.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2001. The decrease was primarily in our Lawn and Garden segment due to lower margins on our Schultz and fertilizer products.

        Pro forma operating income in the Lawn and Garden segment increased $12.9 million, or 35.8%, to $48.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 from $36.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2001. Pro forma operating income of this segment increased due to increases in sales of Schultz, fertilizer and Spectracide® products. Pro forma operating income in the Household segment increased $3.2 million, or 13.6%, to $26.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 from $23.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2001. Pro forma operating income of this segment increased primarily due to increases in sales of our Cutter® and Hot Shot® brands and in our private label products. Pro forma operating income in the Contract segment increased $0.1 million, or 5.3%, to $2.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 from $1.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2001.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

        Historically, the Company hasOur principal liquidity requirements are for working capital, capital expenditures and debt service under our senior credit facility and senior subordinated notes. We have historically utilized internally generated fundscash flow and proceeds from borrowings under credit facilitiesand issuance of common and preferred stock to meet ongoing working capital and capital expenditure requirements. As a result of the Recapitalization, the Company hasour recapitalization in 1999, we have significantly increased cash requirements for debt service relating to the Company's Senior Subordinated Notesour senior subordinated notes and Senior Credit Facility. As of December 31, 2000, the Companysenior credit facility. We had total debt outstanding, including obligations under capital leases, of $354.3 million. As$384.7 million as of September 30, 2001, the Company had total debt outstanding2002 and $351.8 million as of $331.1 million. The Company will rely onDecember 31, 2001. We believe internally generated fundscash flow from operations and, to the extent necessary, proceeds from borrowings under the Company's Revolving Credit Facilityour revolving credit facility or from issuance of common and preferred stock will enable us to meet liquidity needs.

    The Company's Senior Credit Facility consists of:

    The Company's Revolving Credit Facility and the Term Loan A mature in January 2005, and the Term Loan B matures in January 2006. The Revolving Credit Facility is subject to a clean-down period during which the aggregate amount outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility shall not exceed $10.0 million for 30 consecutive days occurring during the period August 1 and November 30 in each calendar year. The Company was in compliance with debt covenants at September 30, 2001.

    The Company's principal liquidity requirements are for working capital, capital expenditures and debt service under the Senior Credit Facility and the Senior Subordinated Notes. Cash flow from continuing operations provided net cash of approximately $26.2 million and $24.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2001 and September 30, 2000, respectively. Net cash related to operating activities fluctuates during the year as the seasonal nature of the Company's sales results in a significant increase in working capital (primarily accounts receivable and inventory) during the first half of the year, with the second and third quarters being significant cash collection periods.

    In November 1999, the Company issued 97/8% Senior Subordinated Notes for $150 million that are due April 1, 2009.

    Interest accrues at the rate of 97/8% per annum, payable semi-annually on each April 1 and October 1.

    Capital expenditures are related to the enhancement of the Company's existing facilities and the construction of additional productions and distribution capacity. Cash used for capital was $3.0 million and $3.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2001 and September 30, 2000, respectively. In addition, the Company entered into a capital lease agreement in March 2000 for $5.3 million. Cash used for capital expenditures for the remainder of fiscal 2001 is expected to be less than $5.0 million.

    The principal amount on Term Loan A is to be repaid in twenty-three consecutive quarterly installments commencing June 30, 1999 with a final installment due January 20, 2005. The principal amount of Term Loan B is to be repaid in twenty-seven consecutive quarterly installments commencing June 30, 1999 with a final balloon installment due January 20, 2006.

    The Company believes that cash flow from operations, together with available borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility, will be adequate to meet the anticipated requirements for working

15


capital, capital expenditures and scheduled principal and interest payments for at least the next two years. However, the Companywe cannot ensure that sufficient cash flow will be generated from operations to repay the Senior Subordinated Notessenior subordinated notes and

31



amounts outstanding under the Senior Credit Facilityour senior credit facility at maturity without requiring additional financing. The Company'sOur ability to meet debt service and clean-down obligations and reduce debt will be dependent on the Company'supon our future performance, which in turn, will be subject to general economic conditions and to financial, business and other factors, including factors beyond the Company'sour control. Because a portion of the Company'sour debt bears interest at floating rates, the Company'sour financial condition is and will continue to be affected by changes in prevailing interest rates.

SeasonalityOperating Activities

        Cash flow provided by operating activities was approximately $60.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 and $26.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2001. The increase in cash flows provided by operating activities was primarily due to an increase in net income from our expanded product line, coupled with changes in operating assets and liabilities, both of which resulted from our merger with Schultz in May 2002 and our acquisition of various fertilizer brands in December 2001. Net cash used by operating activities fluctuates during the year as the seasonal nature of our sales results in a significant increase in working capital, primarily accounts receivable and inventory, during the first half of the year, with the second and third quarters being heavy periods of cash collection. Our acquisition of various fertilizer brands and our merger with Schultz do not change the seasonal nature of our working capital.

Investing Activities

        On May 9, 2002, one of our wholly owned subsidiaries completed a merger with and into Schultz, a manufacturer of horticultural products and specialty items, particularly for the indoor houseplant care segment of the market, and a distributor of charcoal, potting soil and soil conditioners. Schultz products are distributed primarily to retail outlets and nurseries throughout the United States and Canada. The merger was executed in order to achieve economies of scale and synergistic efficiencies. As a result of the merger, Schultz became one of our wholly owned subsidiaries. The total purchase price included cash payments of $38.3 million, including related acquisition costs, issuance of 600,000 shares of Class A voting common stock valued at $3.0 million and issuance of 600,000 shares of Class B non-voting common stock valued at $3.0 million.

        Our funding sources for the merger were as follows:

        On June 14, 2002, we consummated a strategic partnership with Bayer Corporation and Bayer Advanced, L.L.C. (together referred to herein as Bayer). The strategic partnership allows us to gain access to certain Bayer active ingredient technologies through a Supply Agreement and to perform certain merchandising services for Bayer through an In-Store Service Agreement. In connection with the strategic partnership, Bayer acquired a minority ownership interest, approximately 9.3% of our issued and outstanding common stock, under the terms of an Exchange Agreement in exchange for promissory notes due to Bayer from Pursell Industries, Inc. (Pursell) and the execution of the Supply and In-Store Service Agreements. Under the requirements of the agreements, Bayer will make payments to us which total $5.0 million annually for the next seven years.

32



        Under the terms of the Exchange Agreement, we have the right to repurchase the shares issued to Bayer upon termination of the In-Store Service Agreement. Termination of the In-Store Service Agreement can occur with or without cause. It is generally believed that the repurchase price per share would represent the fair market value of the shares at the time such repurchase option is exercised. In addition, Bayer has the right to put the shares received from us back to us under the terms of the Exchange Agreement. Bayer can terminate the Exchange Agreement within the first 36 months if we fail to meet certain performance guidelines as established in the Exchange Agreement. It is generally believed that the put price per share would represent the fair market value of the shares at the time such put option is exercised.

        In exchange for the promissory notes received from Bayer and the execution of the Supply and In-Store Service Agreements, we issued to Bayer 3,072,000 shares of Class A voting common stock valued at $15.4 million and 3,072,000 shares of Class B non-voting common stock valued at $15.4 million. We reserved for the entire face value of the promissory notes due to Bayer from Pursell as we did not believe they were collectible and an independent third party valuation did not ascribe any value to them.

        On October 3, 2002, we signed an asset purchase agreement to acquire certain assets from Pursell, which renamed itself U.S. Fertilizer subsequent to the agreement, for a cash purchase price of $12.1 million and forgiveness of the Pursell promissory notes described above, subject to final purchase price adjustments. The assets acquired included certain inventory, equipment at two of Pursell's facilities and real estate at one of the two facilities. The facilities acquired from Pursell, located in Orrville, Ohio and Sylacauga, Alabama, previously fulfilled, and are expected to continue to fulfill, over half of the Company's fertilizer manufacturing requirements.

        Also on October 3, 2002, we signed a tolling agreement with Pursell whereby Pursell will supply us with the remainder of our fertilizer needs. The tolling agreement requires us to be responsible for certain raw materials, capital expenditures and other related costs for Pursell to manufacture and supply us with fertilizer products. The agreement does not require a minimum volume purchase of Pursell's manufacturing services but does provide for a fixed monthly payment of $0.7 million through the term of the tolling agreement which expires on September 30, 2007. The agreement provides us with early termination rights without penalty. In addition, beginning on March 1, 2004 and on each anniversary thereafter, the fixed payment is subject to certain increases for labor, materials, inflation and other reasonable costs as outlined in the tolling agreement.

Financing Activities

        Our senior credit facility consists of a $90.0 million revolving credit facility, of which no borrowings were outstanding at September 30, 2002; a $75.0 million Term Loan A, of which $32.3 million was outstanding at September 30, 2002; and a $215.0 million Term Loan B, of which $198.0 million was outstanding at September 30, 2002. Our revolving credit facility and Term Loan A mature on January 20, 2005 and Term Loan B matures on January 20, 2006. The revolving credit facility is subject to a clean-down period during which the aggregate amount outstanding under the revolving credit facility shall not exceed $10.0 million for 30 consecutive days during the period August 1 and November 30 in each calendar year. At September 30, 2002, the clean-down period had been completed and no amounts were outstanding under the revolving credit facility, nor were there any compensating balance requirements. Our senior credit facility agreement contains restrictive affirmative, negative and financial covenants. Affirmative and negative covenants place restrictions on levels of investments, indebtedness, insurance and capital expenditures. Financial covenants require the maintenance of certain financial ratios at defined levels. At September 30, 2002, we were in compliance with all covenants. While we do not anticipate an event of non-compliance in the immediate future, the effect of non-compliance would require us to request a waiver or an amendment to our senior credit facility. The result of amending our senior credit facility could result in changes to our borrowing

33



capacity or the effective interest rates of the senior credit facility. Under the covenants, interest rates on the revolving credit facility, Term Loan A and Term Loan B range from 2.50% to 4.00% above LIBOR depending on certain financial ratios. Unused commitments under the revolving credit facility are subject to a 0.5% annual commitment fee. LIBOR was 1.82% at September 30, 2002.

        On February 13, 2002, we received approval from our banking syndicate to amend our senior credit facility. The amendment increased Term Loan B from $150.0 million to $180.0 million and provided additional capital expenditure flexibility. On May 8, 2002, we received approval from our banking syndicate to amend our senior credit facility. The amendment increased Term Loan B from $180.0 million to $215.0 million, increased our revolving credit facility from $80.0 million to $90.0 million and provided additional capital expenditure flexibility. On November 4, 2002, we received approval from our banking syndicate to amend our senior credit facility. The amendment provided us with greater flexibility with regard to derivative and hedging activities.

        We have not entered into any off-balance sheet arrangements or obligations other than operating leases, which are not material to our consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

Capital Expenditures

        Capital expenditures relate to the enhancement of our existing facilities and the construction of additional capacity for production and distribution. Cash used for capital expenditures for the remainder of fiscal 2002 is expected to be less than $8.5 million. During the nine months ended September 30, 2002, we used $38.3 million of cash to partially finance our merger with Schultz.

Certain Trends and Uncertainties

        Our business is highly seasonal because the Company'sour products are used primarily in the spring and summer. For the past two years, approximately 75% of the Company'sour net sales have occurred in the first and second quarters. The Company'sOur working capital needs, and correspondingly the Company'sour borrowings, peak near the end of the Company's first quarter.

Impact of 2000 Dursban Withdrawal (See Note 9)

    During 2000, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and manufacturers of chlorpyrifos (the active ingredient in Dursban pesticidal products) entered into a voluntary agreement that provides for withdrawal of virtually all residential uses of Dursban. Formulation of new Dursban products intended for residential use were required to cease by December 1, 2000. Formulators can no longer sell such products to retailers as of February 1, 2001. Retailers will no longer be able to sell Dursban products after December 31, 2001.

    The Company recorded a charge of $8.0 million in September 2000 for costs associated with this agreement. The Company currently has replacement chemicals for Dursban, and the replacement chemicals are currently being used in production of new pesticidal products.

Facility Consolidation

    The Company has been reviewing potential efficiencies and logistic opportunities related to warehousing and distribution. As a result the Company will be moving into a new warehouse facility, which will allow the consolidation of three existing facilities. As a result of the move, the Company will take a one-time charge during the fourth quarter of 2001, after a review of related leasehold improvements, duplicate lease payments and slow-moving inventory that doesn't justify the move to the new facility has been completed.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

        The Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) issued EITF 00-25. This issue addresses when consideration from a vendor to a retailer (a) in connection with the retailer's purchase of the vendor's products or (b) to promote sales of the vendor's products by the retailer should be classified in the vendor's income statement as a reduction of revenue. The Company has adopted EITF 00-25 for fiscal year 2001. The Company has reclassified all trade and co-op promotional expense in the Statements of Operations to net sales.

In July 2001,June 2002, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 141 (SFAS 141), "Business Combinations.146, "Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities." SFAS 141 requires that the purchase method of accounting be used for all business combinations initiated after June 30, 2001 and establishes specific criteria for recognition of intangible assets separately from goodwill. For business combinations initiated after June 30, 2001, SFAS 141 also requires that unallocated negative goodwill be written off immediately as an extraordinary gain. Any unamortized deferred credit arising from a

16


business combination completed before July 1, 2001 will be recognized as the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of SFAS 141 on its financial statements.

    Also in July 2001, the FASB issued SFAS 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets". SFAS 142 eliminates the amortization of goodwill and instead requires goodwill to be tested for impairment annually. Also, intangible assets are required to be amortized over their useful lives and reviewed for impairment in accordance with SFAS 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of." Under SFAS 142, if the intangible asset has an indefinite useful life, it is not amortized until its life is determined to be finite. The Company is required to adopt SFAS 142 no later than the first quarter of fiscal 2003, but is permitted to adopt as of the first quarter of fiscal 2002. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of SFAS 142 on its financial statements.

    The FASB issued SFAS No. 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations" ("SFAS 143") in 2001. SFAS 143146 addresses financial accounting and reporting for obligationscosts associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assetsexit or disposal activities and the associated asset retirement costs. The Company is requirednullifies Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 94-3, "Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to adopt SFAS 143 no later than the first quarter of fiscal 2003, but is permitted to adopt earlier. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of SFAS 143 on its financial statements.

    The FASB issuedExit an Activity (including Certain Costs Incurred in a Restructuring)." SFAS No. 143, "Accounting146 requires that a liability for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets," which provides guidance on the accounting for the impairmentcosts associated with an exit or disposal of long-lived assets. The provisionsactivity be recognized when the liability is incurred rather than when a company commits to such an activity and also establishes fair value as the objective for initial measurement of the Statementliability. SFAS No. 146 will be adopted for exit or disposal activities that are effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginninginitiated after December 15, 2001, and interim periods within those fiscal years, although early adoption is allowed. The Company is currently evaluating the31, 2002. Adoption will not have a material impact of SFAS 144 on itsour consolidated financial statements.


Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Interest RateRates

        The Company isWe are exposed to market risks relating to changes in interest rates. The Company doesWe do not enter into derivatives or other financial instrumentshedging arrangements for trading or speculative purposes. The Company entersWe periodically enter into financial instruments to manage and reduce the impact of changes in interest rates.

    The Company manages interest rate risk by balancing the amount of fixed and variable debt. For fixed rate debt, interest rate changes affect the fair market value of such debt but do not impact earnings or cash flows. Conversely for variable rate debt, interest rate changes generally do not affect the fair market value of such debt but do impact future earnings and cash flows, assuming other factors are held constant. As of At September 30, 2001, variable rate debt was $176.3 million, which includes the interest rate swaps as discussed below.

    The Company entered into two interest rate swaps that have fixed the interest rate as of April 30, 2001 for $75.0 million of variable rate debt under the Senior Credit Facility. The interest rate swaps are for $50.0 and $25.0 million of the Senior Credit Facility and will terminate on April 30, 2002. The fixed interest rates are 4.74% and 4.66%, for the $50.0 and $25.0 million interest rate swaps, respectively. The change in fair value of the interest rate swaps is reported as a liability and as a component of comprehensive income in Stockholders' deficit at September 30, 2001. The September 30, 2001, reduction in fair value of $0.7 million is net of taxes.2002, we did not utilize any derivative or hedging instruments.

        Interest rangesrates on our revolving credit facility, Term Loan A and Term Loan B range from 2502.50% to 400 basis points4.00% above LIBOR depending on certain financial ratios. LIBOR was 2.63%1.82% on September 30, 2001.2002.

1734



Exchange RateRates

        The Company doesWe do not currently use derivativederivatives or other hedging instruments to hedge againstmanage or reduce the risk of foreign currency exposures related to transactions denominated in other than the Company's functional currency. Substantiallyexposure as nearly all of our foreign currency transactions are denominated in United States dollars.

Commodity PricePrices

        The Company does not use derivative instruments to hedge its exposures to changes in commodity prices. The Company utilizesWe utilize various commodity and specialty chemicals in itsour production process. Purchasing procedures and arrangements with major vendors and customers serve to mitigate itsour exposure to price changes in commodity and specialty chemicals. In addition, we periodically enter into derivative or hedging agreements to manage and reduce the impact of changes in raw materials price fluctuations. We do not enter into derivatives or other hedging arrangements for trading or speculative purposes. As of September 30, 2002, we did not utilize any derivative or hedging instruments.

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Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

        Our chief executive officer and our chief financial officer, after evaluating the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Rules 13a-14(c) and 15-d-14(c)) as of a date (the Evaluation Date) within 90 days before the filing date of this report, have concluded that as of the Evaluation Date, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in bringing to their attention on a timely basis material information relating to us and our consolidated subsidiaries required to be included in our periodic filings under the Exchange Act.

Changes in Internal Controls

        There were no significant changes in our internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect these controls subsequent to the Evaluation Date.

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Part IIPART II. OTHER INFORMATION

OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings.Proceedings

        The Company hasWe have no reportable legal proceedings in the current period. We are involved from time to time in routine legal matters and other claims incidental to our business. When it appears probable in management's judgment that we will incur monetary damages or other costs in connection with such claims and proceedings, and such costs can be reasonably estimated, liabilities are recorded in the consolidated financial statements and charges are made against earnings. We believe that the resolution of such routine matters and other incidental claims, taking into account established reserves and insurance, will not have a material adverse impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.


Item 2. Changes in Securities.Securities and Use of Proceeds

Merger with Schultz Company

        None.On May 9, 2002, one of our wholly owned subsidiaries completed a merger with and into Schultz, a manufacturer of horticultural products and specialty items, particularly for the indoor houseplant care segment of the market, and a distributor of charcoal, potting soil and soil conditioners. The total purchase price included cash payments of $38.3 million, including related acquisition costs, issuance of 600,000 shares of Class A voting common stock valued at $3.0 million and issuance of 600,000 shares of Class B non-voting common stock valued at $3.0 million.

        Our funding sources for the merger were as follows: an additional $35.0 million add-on to Term Loan B of our senior credit facility, the issuance of 1,069,000 shares of Class A voting common stock to UIC Holdings, L.L.C. for $8.5 million and the issuance of 1,069,000 shares of Class B non-voting common stock to UIC Holdings, L.L.C. for $8.5 million. The issuance of shares to UIC Holdings, L.L.C. was a condition precedent to the amendment of our senior credit facility.

        The issuance of the shares of our common stock in connection with the transactions described above was exempt from the registration provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, pursuant to Section 4(2) of the Securities Act for transactions not involving a public offering, based on the fact that the common stock was offered and sold to accredited investors who had access to our financial and other relevant data.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.Strategic Partnership with Bayer Corporation

        None.On June 14, 2002, we consummated a strategic partnership with Bayer. In connection with the strategic partnership, Bayer acquired a minority ownership interest, approximately 9.3% of our issued and outstanding common stock, under the terms of an Exchange Agreement in exchange for promissory notes due to Bayer from Pursell and the execution of a Supply Agreement and In-Store Service Agreement.

        In exchange for the promissory notes received from Bayer and the execution of the Supply and In-Store Service Agreements, we issued to Bayer 3,072,000 shares of Class A voting common stock valued at $15.4 million and 3,072,000 shares of Class B non-voting common stock valued at $15.4 million. We reserved for the entire face value of the promissory notes due to Bayer from Pursell as we did not believe they were collectible and an independent third party valuation did not ascribe any value to them. In connection with the asset purchase agreement consummated with Pursell on October 3, 2002, the promissory notes described above that were due to us from Pursell were forgiven.

        The issuance of the shares of our common stock in connection with the transaction described above was exempt from the registration provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, pursuant to Section 4(2) of the Securities Act for transactions not involving a public offering, based on the fact that

36



the common stock was offered and sold to an accredited investor who had access to our financial and other relevant data.

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

    No matters were submitted.

Item 5. Other Information.

    None.

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

(a)
Exhibits

Exhibit
Number

Exhibit Description

10.35Amendment No. 7 dated as of September 30, 2002 to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of March 24, 1999 (as amended) among the Company, certain banks, financial institutions and other institutional lenders party thereto, Bank of America, N.A. (formerly known as NationsBank, N.A.), Banc of America Securities L.L.C. (formerly known as NationsBanc Montgomery Securities L.L.C.) and Morgan Stanley Senior Funding, Inc., Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce.

10.36


Amendment No. 8 dated as of November 4, 2002 to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of March 24, 1999 (as amended) among the Company, certain banks, financial institutions and other institutional lenders party thereto, Bank of America, N.A. (formerly known as NationsBank, N.A.), Banc of America Securities L.L.C. (formerly known as NationsBanc Montgomery Securities L.L.C.) and Morgan Stanley Senior Funding, Inc., Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce.
(b)
Reports on Form 8-K

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SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

  UNITED INDUSTRIES CORPORATION, registrant

Dated: November 14, 200112, 2002

 

By:


/s/  
DANIEL J. JOHNSTON      
Name:Daniel J. Johnston
Title:Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

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CERTIFICATIONS

        I, Robert L. Caulk, certify that:


Dated: November 12, 2002By:/s/  ROBERT L. CAULK      
Robert L. Caulk
President and
Chief Executive Officer

39


        I, Daniel J. Johnston, certify that:


Dated: November 12, 2002By:/s/  DANIEL J. JOHNSTON      
Daniel J. Johnston
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer


QuickLinks

PART 1 FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
UNITED INDUSTRIES CORPORATION BALANCE SHEETS SEPTEMBER 30, 2001 AND 2000, AND DECEMBER 31, 2000 (Dollars in thousands) (Unaudited)
UNITED INDUSTRIES CORPORATION STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2001 AND 2000 (Dollars in thousands) (Unaudited)
UNITED INDUSTRIES CORPORATION STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2001 AND 2000 (Dollars in thousands) (Unaudited)
UNITED INDUSTRIES CORPORATION NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Dollars in thousands) (Unaudited)
Part II
OTHER INFORMATION
SIGNATURES