Item 1. Business
BUSINESS
Our Company
Central Garden & Pet Company (“Central”) is a leading innovator, marketer and producer of quality branded products. We are one of the largest suppliers in the pet and lawn and garden supplies industries in the United States. The total pet industry is estimated to be approximately $28 billion in annual retail sales. We estimate the annual retail sales of the pet supplies and ultra-premium pet food markets in the categories in which we participate to be approximately $17 billion. As of 2010, the total lawn and garden industry in the United States is estimated to be approximately $24 billion in annual retail sales. We estimate the annual retail sales of the lawn and garden supplies markets in the categories in which we participate to be approximately $6 billion.
Our pet supplies products include products for dogs and cats, including edible bones, premium healthy edible and non-edible chews, ultra-premium dog and cat food and treats, leashes, collars, toys, pet carriers, grooming supplies and other accessories; products for birds, small animals and specialty pets, including food, cages and habitats, toys, chews and related accessories; animal and household health and insect control products; products for fish, reptiles and other aquarium-based pets, including aquariums, furniture and lighting fixtures, pumps, filters, water conditioners, food and supplements, and information and knowledge resources; and products for horses and livestock. These products are sold under a number of brand names including Adams™, Altosid, Aqueon®, Avoderm®, BioSpot®, Coralife®, Farnam®, Four Paws®, Interpet, Kaytee®, Kent Marine®, Nylabone®, Oceanic Systems®, Pet Select®, Pre-Strike®, Pinnacle®, Super Pet®, TFH®, Zilla® and Zodiac®.
Our lawn and garden supplies products include proprietary and non-proprietary grass seed; wild bird feed, bird feeders, bird houses and other birding accessories; weed, grass, ant and other herbicide, insecticide and pesticide products; and decorative outdoor lifestyle and lighting products including pottery, trellises and other wood products and holiday lighting. These products are sold under a number of brand names including AMDRO®, GKI/Bethlehem Lighting®, Grant’s™, Ironite®, Lilly Miller®, Matthews Four Seasons™, New England Pottery®, Norcal Pottery®, Pennington®, Over’n Out®, Sevin®, Smart Seed® and The Rebels®.
In fiscal 2010, our consolidated net sales were $1.5 billion, of which our lawn and garden segment, or Garden Products, accounted for approximately $683.1 million and our pet segment, or Pet Products, accounted for approximately $840.5 million. In fiscal 2010, our income from operations was $109.1 million, of which Garden Products accounted for $53.0 million and Pet Products accounted for $97.9 million, before corporate expenses and eliminations of $41.8 million. See Note 17 to our consolidated financial statements for financial information about our two operating segments.
We were incorporated in Delaware in June 1992 and are the successor to a California corporation that was incorporated in 1955. Our executive offices are located at 1340 Treat Boulevard, Suite 600, Walnut Creek, California 94597, and our telephone number is (925) 948-4000. Our website is www.central.com. The information on our website is not incorporated by reference in this annual report.
Recent Developments
Fiscal 2010 Operating Performance. Although we continued to improve our operations by lowering expenses and improving gross margins, we were impacted by decreased revenues.
Financial summary:
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Net sales for fiscal 2010 decreased $91 million, or 5.6%, to $1.5 billion.
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Net earnings for fiscal 2010 were $45.8 million, or $0.70 per share on a diluted basis.
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Gross margin increased 110 basis points in fiscal 2010 to 33.8%.
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Selling, general & administrative expenses decreased $7 million, or 1.8%, to $394 million in fiscal 2010.
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During fiscal 2010, we recognized a non-cash $12.0 million impairment charge on an indefinite-lived intangible asset in Pet Products, reflecting the continuing challenging economic environment and the deterioration of the market since the intangible asset’s acquisition in 2006.
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We generated cash flows from operating activities of approximately $135 million during fiscal 2010 and have a cash balance of approximately $91 million at September 25, 2010.
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We refinanced our long-term debt by issuing $400 million 8.25% senior subordinated notes due 2018, retiring the $150 million 9.125% senior subordinated notes due 2013 (the “2013 Notes”) and entering into a new five-year senior secured revolving credit facility.
Senior Credit Facility - On June 25, 2010, we entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement with respect to a five-year senior secured revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) in an aggregate principal amount of $275 million. We have the option to increase the size of the Credit Facility by an additional $200 million of incremental term loans and/or revolving loans should we exercise our option and one or more lenders are willing to make such increased amounts available to us.
Senior Subordinated Notes - In March 2010, we issued $400 million aggregate principal amount of 8.25% senior subordinated notes due March 1, 2018 (the “2018 Notes”). The 2018 Notes are unconditionally guaranteed on a senior subordinated basis by each of our existing and future domestic restricted subsidiaries with certain exceptions. We used the net proceeds from the offering, together with available cash, to purchase our outstanding 2013 Notes, pay the outstanding $267.1 million indebtedness under our senior term loan, and pay fees and expenses related to the offering. As a result of our issuance of the $400 million 2018 Notes, we expect our annual interest expense to be at least $34 million.
Repurchase of Company Stock - During fiscal 2010, we repurchased $65.8 million of our common stock which consisted of 2.5 million shares of our voting common stock (CENT) at an aggregate cost of approximately $25.0 million, or approximately $9.90 per share and 4.3 million shares of our non-voting Class A common stock (CENTA) at an aggregate cost of approximately $40.8 million, or approximately $9.54 per share. On July 15, 2010, our Board of Directors authorized a new $100 million share repurchase program, under which approximately $81 million is available for repurchases in fiscal 2011 and thereafter.
Competitive Strengths
We believe we have the following competitive strengths which serve as the foundation of our business strategy:
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Market Leadership Positions Built on a Strong Brand Portfolio. We are one of the leaders in the premium branded U.S. pet supplies market and in the U.S. consumer lawn and garden supplies market. We have a diversified portfolio of brands, most of which we believe are among the leading brands in their respective U.S. market categories. The majority of our brands have been marketed and sold for more than 20 years.
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Innovative New Products. We have developed a reputation for introducing innovative and high quality products. We continuously seek to introduce new products at a reasonable cost, both as complementary extensions of existing product lines and as new product categories. We have received approximately 22 industry awards for our new pet products in the last three years.
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Strong Relationships with Retailers. We have developed strong relationships with major and independent retailers through product innovation, premium brand names, broad product offerings, proprietary sales and logistics capabilities and a high level of customer service. Major retailers value the efficiency of dealing with suppliers with national scope and strong brands. These strengths have made us one of the largest pet supplies vendors to PETsMART, PETCO and Wal*Mart and among the largest lawn and garden supplies vendors to Wal*Mart, Home Depot and Lowe’s. Our ability to service large retailers, to meet their unique needs for packaging and point of sale displays and to offer new innovative products provides us with a competitive advantage. Independent retailers value our high level of customer service and broad array of premium branded products. We are a leading supplier to independent pet supplies retailers in the United States.
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Favorable Long-Term Industry Characteristics. The pet and lawn and garden supplies markets in the U.S. have grown and are expected to continue to grow over the long-term due to favorable demographic and leisure trends. The key demographics bolstering our markets are the growth rates in the number of children under 18 and the number of adults over age 55. Households with children tend to own more pets, and adults over 55 are more likely to be “empty nesters” who keep pets as companions and have more disposable income and leisure time available for both pets and garden activities. According to the 2009-2010 APPA National Pet Owners Survey, the number of U.S. pet owners in recent years has reached record highs, with 71 million households, or 62%, owning a pet.
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Sales and Logistics Networks. We are a leading supplier to independent specialty retailers for the pet and lawn and garden supplies markets through our sales and logistics networks. We believe our sales and logistics networks give us a significant competitive advantage over other suppliers. These networks provide us with key access to independent pet specialty retail stores and retail lawn and garden customers that require two-step distribution for our branded products facilitating:
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acquisition and maintenance of premium shelf placement;
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prompt product replenishment;
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customization of retailer programs;
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quick responses to changing customer and retailer preferences;
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rapid deployment and feedback for new products; and
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immediate exposure for new internally developed and acquired brands.
We plan to continue to utilize our team of dedicated sales people and our sales and logistics networks to expand sales of our branded products.
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Experienced and Incentivized Management Team. Our senior management team has significant experience in the pet and lawn and garden supplies industries. William E. Brown, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, has over 30 years of industry experience. Mr. Brown also owns approximately 10% of our outstanding stock.
Business Strategy
Our objective is to increase market share, revenue, cash flow and profitability by enhancing our position as one of the leading companies in the U.S. pet supplies industry and lawn and garden supplies industry. To achieve our objective, we plan to capitalize on our strengths and the favorable industry trends by implementing the following key elements of our business strategy:
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Build Existing Brands. With our broad product assortment, strong brand names, strong sell-through and innovative products and packaging, we believe we can further strengthen our relationships with existing retailers to increase shelf space and sales. We believe that the strength of our major customers provides us with a solid foundation for future growth. We intend to gain market share in the home
centers, mass market, grocery, specialty pet store and independent channels. We intend to add new retailers through marketing and sales personnel dedicated to these channels, as well as our innovative product introductions and packaging. We will continue to focus on using our sales and logistics network to emphasize sales of our higher margin, proprietary brands and to use efficient supply chain capabilities that enable us to provide retailers with high service levels and consistent in-stock positions.
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Continue New Product and Packaging Innovation. We will continue to build and leverage the strength of our leading brand names by introducing innovative new products and packaging, extending existing product lines and entering new product categories. Our product strategy seeks to capitalize on fulfilling consumer needs, our strong brand names, established customer relationships and history of product innovation. We have also made investments in our corporate sales and marketing infrastructure in the areas of product development, category management and key account sales support.
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Improve Margins. We believe there are opportunities to improve our gross and operating margins through increased sales of our higher margin, innovative branded products, targeted price increases and cost reductions and leveraging of our existing infrastructure. Since fiscal 2004, we have continued to consolidate our sales and logistics centers, made capital improvements and consolidated some of our manufacturing facilities to reduce costs and improve manufacturing efficiencies. As a result of our initiatives, gross margins have increased from 30.3% in fiscal 2004 to 33.8% in fiscal 2010.
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Pursue Strategic Acquisitions. We plan to continue to make selected strategic acquisitions of branded product companies that complement our existing brands and product offerings. Management has substantial experience in acquiring branded products companies. By leveraging our marketing, manufacturing and sales and logistics capabilities, we believe we can increase the sales and improve the operating efficiencies of acquired companies. We look for companies with the potential to have the top one or two brands in their respective categories. The characteristics we generally seek when evaluating target companies are strong brand names, high quality and innovative product offerings, an experienced management team and a history of organic earnings growth.
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Reduce Our Investment In Working Capital. We believe there are opportunities to continue to reduce our investment in working capital by focusing on specific balance sheet metrics. In fiscal 2009, each balance sheet metric improved substantially as we reduced inventory, collected receivables more efficiently and managed payables more effectively. As a result of our continued focus on working capital in 2010, our working capital accounts stabilized.
Products - General
The following table indicates each class of similar products which represented more than 10% of our consolidated net sales in the fiscal years presented (in millions).
Pet Products Business
Overview
We are one of the leading marketers and producers of premium branded pet supplies in the United States. We believe that most of our brands are the number one or two brands in their respective U.S. market categories. In addition, Pet Products operates the largest sales and logistics network in the industry, which strategically supports its brands. In fiscal 2010, Pet Products accounted for $840.5 million of our consolidated net sales and $97.9 million of our consolidated income from operations before corporate expenses and eliminations.
Industry Background
According to the 2009-2010 APPA National Pet Owners Survey, U.S. pet ownership is at its highest level, with 71 million households, or 62%, owning a pet. During the past decade, the number of pet-owning households increased 12%.
The pet industry includes live animals, food, supplies, veterinarian care and services. We operate primarily in the pet supplies segment of the industry. This segment includes: products for dogs and cats, including edible bones, premium healthy edible and non-edible chews, leashes, collars, toys, pet carriers, grooming supplies and other accessories; products for birds, small animals and specialty pets, including food, cages and habitats, toys, chews and related accessories; animal and household health and insect control products; products for fish, reptiles and other aquarium-based pets, including aquariums, furniture and lighting fixtures, pumps, filters, water conditioners and supplements, and information and knowledge resources; and products for horses and livestock. According to Mintel, U.S. retail sales of pet food and supplies in 2011 are expected to reach $29 billion, from $27 billion in 2008. Mintel also estimates that retail sales of pet supplies will reach $12.1 billion by 2014. We also operate in the ultra-premium category of dog and cat food and treats. Mintel estimates the total pet food market to be $18 billion in 2011. Packaged Facts asserts the pet food market is experiencing an “upscale thrust,” featuring products that are natural, functional and address specific dietary needs of animals, primarily dogs and cats. We estimate the current applicable market opportunity for our high-end, ultra-premium dog and cat food and treats to be approximately $6.3 billion.
We believe this growth is due in significant part to favorable demographic and leisure trends, which we expect to continue, albeit potentially at a slower rate due to recessionary pressures in the broader U.S. economy. The key demographics bolstering the U.S. pet supplies market are the growth rates in the number of children under 18 and the number of adults over age 55. According to U.S. census data, 42% of the population will be 45 years or older by 2015. Households with children tend to own more pets, and adults over 55 are more likely to be “empty nesters” who keep pets as companions and have more disposable income and leisure time available for pets. In addition, many pet supplies products (e.g., dog and cat food, dog chews, bird food, grooming supplies, pest control, etc.) are routinely consumed and replenished.
The U.S. pet supplies market is highly fragmented with over 1,200 manufacturers, consisting primarily of small companies with limited product lines. The majority of these manufacturers do not have a captive sales and logistics network and must rely on us or other independent distributors to supply their products to regional pet specialty chains and independent retailers. According to Mintel, pet supplies sales are up 25 percent over the last five years, indicating the important place pets hold in American households. Consumers are treating their pets like members of their family and buying more high quality items, rather than just the necessities.
The pet food and supplies industry retail channel also remains fragmented, with approximately 8,000 independent pet supply stores in the United States and only two national specialty retailers, PETsMART and PETCO. These two “pet superstores” have grown rapidly, and pet products have also become a growing category in mass merchandisers, discounters and grocery outlets. PETsMART and PETCO typically offer the broadest product selection with competitive prices and a growing array of pet services. Mass merchandisers, supermarkets and discounters have historically carried a limited product assortment that features primarily pet food, but we
believe these retailers are devoting more shelf space to meet increased consumer demand for premium pet supplies. Independent pet stores typically have a relatively broad product selection and attempt to differentiate themselves by offering premier brands and knowledgeable service. According to Mintel, over the past five years these independent retailers have been increasing their sales and outselling typical supermarket channels.
Proprietary Branded Pet Products
Our principal pet supplies categories are dog & cat, aquatics, bird & small animal/specialty pet food and animal health and nutrition products.
Dog & Cat. We are a leading marketer and producer of premium healthy edible and non-edible chews, ultra-premium dog and cat food, toys, collars, leashes, grooming supplies, pet carriers and other accessories, and information and knowledge resources featuring the brands Nylabone, Four Paws, TFH, Pet Select, Interpet, Pet Love and Mikki®. Nylabone has a strong history of developing innovative new products such as the NutriDent® Edible Dental Brush Chews, Toro and Lobo as well as numerous other award winning dog toys. Four Paws products include grooming supplies and toys, and TFH is a leading producer and publisher of pet books and magazines. Breeder’s Choice is regarded by the industry as one of the highest quality developers and manufacturers of ultra-premium natural pet food and treats. Breeder’s Choice brands include Pinnacle®, Avoderm® and Active Care®.
Aquatics. We are a leading supplier of aquariums and related fixtures and furniture, water conditioners and supplements, sophisticated lighting systems and accessories featuring the brands Aqueon, Zilla, Oceanic Systems, Kent Marine, Coralife and Blagdon.
Bird & Small Animal/Specialty Pet. We are a leading marketer and producer of specialty pet food for birds, wild birds and small animals, vitamins and nutritional supplements, bird and small animal cages, habitats, transportation devices, toys and other accessories designed for the small animal marketplace featuring the brands Kaytee, Super Pet, Critter Trail® and Canopy Scientific®. Kaytee is one of the largest producers of specialty bird feed.
Animal Health. We are a leading marketer and producer of flea, tick, mosquito and other insect control products produced by Wellmark International and sold primarily under the Zodiac, Altosid, Pre Strike and Extinguish® brand names. Wellmark is the only domestic producer of (S)-Methoprene, which is an active ingredient to control mosquitoes, fleas, ticks, ants and mites in many professional and consumer insect control applications. We also sell (S)-Methoprene to manufacturers of other insect control products, including Frontline Plus. In addition, through our Farnam operations, we are a leading manufacturer and marketer of innovative health care products for horses, household pets and livestock. Farnam’s portfolio of industry leading brands includes the Farnam umbrella brand, Equicare®, ComboCare™, IverCare®, Bronco®, Super Mask® and Repel-X® for horses, D-Worm™, BioSpot® and Scratchex® for household pets, and Adams™ and Bite Free™ insect controls for home and yard care.
Sales and Logistics Network
Our domestic sales and logistics network, consisting of nine facilities, exists primarily to promote our proprietary brands and provides value-added service to over 4,200 independent specialty retail stores for our branded products. This includes acquisition and maintenance of premium shelf placement, prompt product replenishment, customization of retailer programs, quick response to changing customer and retailer preferences, rapid deployment and feedback for new products and immediate exposure for acquired brands. The network also sells many other manufacturers’ brands of pet supplies and combines these products with our branded products into single shipments enabling our independent customers to deal with us on a cost effective basis to meet their pet supplies requirements. We also operate one sales and logistics facility in the United Kingdom.
Sales and Marketing
Our sales strategy is multi-tiered and designed to capture maximum market share with retailers. Our customers include retailers, such as regional and national specialty pet stores, independent pet retailers, mass merchants and grocery stores, and professionals, such as manufacturers of insect control products, veterinarians, municipalities, farmers and other economic animal buyers. PETsMART accounted for approximately 11% of Pet Products’ net sales in fiscal 2010 and 10% in each of fiscal 2009 and 2008. PETCO is also a significant customer.
To maximize our product placement and visibility in retail stores, we market our products through the following complementary strategies:
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each of our categories has a dedicated sales force that focuses on their specific products across all trade channels;
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our sales and logistics network, which includes sales and marketing personnel, focuses on gaining product and program placement at thousands of independent retailers;
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dedicated account-managers and sales teams service several of our largest customers; and
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independent distributors, who sell our brands.
Our marketing strategy is consumer, brand and trade channel specific. Our focus is on innovation, product quality, premium packaging, product positioning and leveraging our high quality brand names with line extensions. To execute this strategy, we partner closely with our customers to identify their needs, jointly develop strategies to meet those needs, and deliver programs that include newspaper, radio, trade journals, and direct consumer mailings.
Manufacturing
Pet Products currently manufactures the majority of its branded products in 16 manufacturing facilities, located primarily in the United States. In addition, certain of our proprietary branded products are manufactured by contract manufacturers. We have entered into an exclusive arrangement with a third party to manufacture (S)-Methoprene, the active ingredient in our flea and tick control products.
Purchasing
Pet Products purchases most of its raw materials from a number of different suppliers. In addition, we purchase one of the raw materials used to manufacture (S)-Methoprene from a single source of supply. Pet Products maintains an inventory of this raw material (in addition to our (S)-Methoprene inventory) to reduce the possibility of any interruption in the availability of (S)-Methoprene, but a prolonged delay in obtaining (S)-Methoprene or this raw material could result in a temporary delay in product shipments and have an adverse effect on Pet Products’ financial results.
The principal raw materials required for Kaytee’s bird feed manufacturing operations are bulk commodity grains, including millet, milo and sunflower seeds, which are generally purchased from large national commodity companies and local grain cooperatives. In order to ensure an adequate supply of grains to satisfy expected production volume, Kaytee enters into contracts to purchase a portion of its expected grain and seed requirements at future dates by fixing the quantity, and often the price, at the commitment date. Although we have never experienced a severe interruption of supply, we are exposed to price risk with respect to the portion of our supply which is not covered by contracts with a fixed price. In fiscal 2010 and 2009, grain costs declined due primarily to deflationary pressures impacting the broader economy. Our weighted average cost per pound declined 19% compared to fiscal 2009. In fiscal 2009, our weighted average cost per pound declined 13% compared to fiscal 2008 but remained 20% above fiscal 2007 levels. In fiscal 2008, our weighted average cost per pound increased 39% compared to fiscal 2007. In fiscal 2007 and 2008, we were adversely impacted by extraordinary increases in grain costs related primarily to our wild bird feed operations. The primary cause for the higher grain costs in
fiscal 2008 was the inflationary pressure resulting from the macro-economic environment. For more information, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Risk Factors.”
Competition
The pet supplies industry is highly competitive and has experienced considerable consolidation in the last five years. Our branded pet products compete against national and regional branded products and private label products produced by various suppliers. Our largest competitors in most product categories are Spectrum Brands and Hartz Mountain. Pet Products competes primarily on the basis of brand recognition, innovation, upscale packaging, quality and service. Pet Products’ sales and logistics operations compete with a number of smaller local and regional distributors, with competition based on product selection, price, value-added services and personal relationships.
Garden Products Business
Overview
We are a leading company in the consumer lawn and garden market in the United States and offer both premium and value-oriented branded products. We market and produce a broad array of premium brands, including Pennington, The Rebels, AMDRO, Grant’s, Lilly Miller, Ironite, Sevin, Over’n Out, Norcal Pottery, New England Pottery, GKI/Bethlehem Lighting and Matthews Four Seasons. We also produce value brands at lower prices, including some Wal*Mart private label brands. In addition, Garden Products operates a sales and logistics network that strategically supports its brands. In fiscal 2010, Garden Products accounted for $683.1 million of our consolidated net sales and $53.0 million of our consolidated income from operations before corporate expenses and eliminations.
Industry Background
We believe that gardening is one of the most popular leisure activities in the United States, although in recent years our garden segment has been adversely impacted by the global recessionary economic environment. Packaged Facts asserts that the economy has brought more homeowners into their yards. The key demographic bolstering our lawn and garden market is the growth rate in the number of adults over age 55, who are more likely to be “empty nesters” and have more disposable income and leisure time available for garden activities. As the baby boom generation ages, this segment is expected to grow faster than the total population. According to U.S. census data, 42% of the population will be 45 years or older in 2015. We believe that this demographic should increase the number of lawn and garden product users. With more people gardening in their yards and the potential trends of food gardening and organic gardening, we perceive this market as staying intact and showing slow positive growth. We estimate the retail sales of the lawn and garden supplies industry in the categories in which we participate to be approximately $6.2 billion. We believe that the industry will continue to grow, albeit potentially at a slower rate in the near term due to recessionary pressures in the broader U.S. economy.
Lawn and garden products are sold to consumers through a number of distribution channels, including home centers, mass merchants, independent nurseries and hardware stores. Home and garden centers and mass merchants often carry one or two premium products and one value brand. Due to the rapid expansion and consolidation of mass merchants and home and garden centers in the last 15 years, the concentration of purchasing power for the lawn and garden category has increased dramatically. We expect the growth of home and garden centers, such as Home Depot and Lowe’s, and mass merchants, such as Wal*Mart, to continue to concentrate industry distribution.
Proprietary Branded Lawn and Garden Products
Our principal lawn and garden product lines are grass seed, wild bird feed, insect control products, lawn and garden care products, decorative outdoor patio products and Christmas products and lighting. Our Pennington
brand is one of the largest in grass seed and wild bird feed, and our Amdro brand is a leading portfolio of fire ant bait products. We are also a leading marketer of indoor and outdoor pottery products through our Norcal Pottery and New England Pottery brands.
Grass Seed. We are a leading marketer and producer of numerous mixtures and blends of cool and warm season turf grass for both the residential and professional markets, as well as forage and wild game seed mixtures. We sell these products under the Pennington Seed, Pennington, Penkoted®, Max-Q®, ProSelect™, Tournament QualityCM, MasterTurf®, The Rebels and Smart Seed® brand names. We also produce private label brands of grass seed, including Wal*Mart’s private label grass seed. The Pennington grass seed manufacturing facilities are some of the largest and most modern seed conditioning facilities in the industry. In fiscal 2008, Pennington Seed launched Smart Seed, a drought-tolerant grass seed product that develops strong, deep root systems and requires up to 30% less water compared to ordinary grass seed.
Wild Bird Products. We are a leading marketer and producer of wild bird feed, bird feeders, bird houses and other birding accessories in the United States. These products are sold primarily under the Pennington brand name. Our wild bird feed is treated with Bird-Kote®, a nutritious coating made up of vegetable oil fortified with oil-soluble vitamins and elements needed by wild birds.
Lawn and Garden Chemicals. We are a leading marketer of lawn and garden weed, moss, insect and pest control products and soil supplements and stimulants. We sell these products under the Knockout®, Strike®, Lilly Miller, Maxide®, Alaska Fish Fertilizer®, IMAGE®, Sevin, Over’n Out and RooTone® brand names and the Eliminator private label for Wal*Mart. We are also a leading marketer of fire ant bait, sold primarily in the southern United States, under the AMDRO brand name. In addition, we market ant baits, animal repellents and garden aid products under the Grant’s brand name. We manufacture several lines of lawn and garden fertilizers and soil supplements, in granular and liquid form, under the Pennington, Pro Care, Ironite and other private and controlled labels.
Decorative Patio, Garden and Seasonal Products. We are a leading marketer of decorative indoor and outdoor pottery products in the United States. We sell these products under the Norcal Pottery and New England Pottery brand names which include terra cotta, stoneware, ceramic and porcelain pots. We also market seasonal Christmas products and lighting under the brand name GKI/Bethlehem Lighting, and we manufacture a complete line of wooden garden products, including planters, barrel fountains, arbors and trellises that are sold under the Matthews Four Seasons brand name.
Sales and Logistics Network
Our sales and logistics network, consisting of 17 facilities, exists primarily to promote our proprietary brands and provides us with key access to retail stores for our branded products, acquisition and maintenance of premium shelf placement, prompt product replenishment, customization of retailer programs, quick responses to changing customer and retailer preferences, rapid deployment and feedback for new products, immediate exposure for acquired brands and comprehensive and strategic information. The network also sells other manufacturers’ brands of lawn and garden supplies and combines these products with our branded products into single shipments enabling our customers to deal with us on a cost-effective basis to meet their lawn and garden supplies requirements.
Sales and Marketing
The marketing strategy for our premium products is focused on meeting consumer needs through product performance, innovation, quality, upscale packaging and retail shelf placement. The marketing strategy for our value products is focused on promotion of the quality and efficacy of our value brands at a lower cost relative to premium brands. Our customers include retailers, such as mass merchants, home improvement centers, independent lawn and garden nurseries, drug and grocery stores, and professional end users. Sales to Wal*Mart
represented approximately 31%, 32% and 30%, sales to Home Depot represented approximately 18%, 14% and 12%, and sales to Lowe’s represented approximately 22%, 22% and 18% of Garden Products’ net sales in fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
To maximize our product placement and visibility in retail stores, we market our products through the following four complementary strategies:
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dedicated sales forces for each of our brand groups;
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our sales and logistics network, which includes sales and merchandising personnel to service independent retailers on a weekly basis, especially during the prime spring and summer seasons;
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dedicated account managers and sales teams service several of our largest customers; and
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independent distributors who sell our brands.
Our marketing department develops our consumer and retailer support plans, including cooperative advertising. We also promote our products to consumers and retailers through advertisements in trade journals, magazines and seasonal radio and television commercials.
Manufacturing
Garden Products currently operates 23 manufacturing facilities. In addition, certain of our proprietary branded products are manufactured by contract manufacturers.
Purchasing
Most of the raw materials purchased by Garden Products are acquired from a number of different suppliers. The key ingredients in our fertilizer and insect and weed control products are commodity and specialty chemicals including phosphates, urea, potash, herbicides, insecticides and fungicides. Garden Products obtains grass seed from various sources. The principal raw materials required for Pennington’s wild bird feed manufacturing operations are bulk commodity grains, including millet, milo and sunflower seeds, which are generally purchased from large national commodity companies and local grain cooperatives. Garden Products obtains its raw materials from various sources, which it presently considers to be adequate. No one source is considered to be essential to Garden Products. In order to ensure an adequate supply of seed to satisfy expected production volume, Pennington enters into contracts in advance to purchase a portion of its grass seed requirements at future dates by fixing the quantity, and often the price, at the commitment date. Although we have never experienced a severe interruption of supply, we are exposed to price risk with respect to the portion of our supply which is not covered by contracts with a fixed price. In fiscal 2010 and 2009, grain costs declined due primarily to deflationary pressures impacting the broader economy. Our weighted average cost per pound declined 19% compared to fiscal 2009. In fiscal 2009, our weighted average cost per pound declined 13% compared to fiscal 2008 but remained 20% above fiscal 2007 levels. In fiscal 2008, our weighted average cost per pound increased 39% compared to fiscal 2007. In fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2008, we were adversely impacted by extraordinary increases in grain costs related primarily to our wild bird feed operations. The primary cause for the higher grain costs in fiscal 2008 was the inflationary pressure resulting from the macro-economic environment. For more information, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Risk Factors.”
Competition
The lawn and garden products industry is highly competitive. Our lawn and garden products compete against national and regional products and private label products produced by various suppliers. Our turf and forage grass seed products, fertilizers, pesticides and combination products compete principally against products marketed by The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company (“Scotts”). Scotts’ dominant position in the lawn and garden industry is a significant competitive disadvantage for our similar garden products. In addition, Spectrum Brands
is a strong competitor with a broad product line. Garden Products competes primarily on the basis of its premium and value brands, quality, service, price, low cost manufacturing and strong brand names. Garden Products’ sales and logistics operations also compete with a large number of distributors, with competition based on price, service and personal relationships.
Significant Customers
Wal*Mart, our largest customer, represented approximately 17% of our total company net sales in fiscal 2010, 18% in fiscal 2009 and 17% in fiscal 2008, and represented approximately 31% of Garden Products’ net sales in fiscal 2010, 32% in fiscal 2009 and 30% in fiscal 2008. Sales to Home Depot represented approximately 18% of Garden Products’ net sales in fiscal 2010, 14% in fiscal 2009 and 12% in fiscal 2008. Sales to Lowe’s represented approximately 10% of our total company net sales in fiscal 2010 and 11% in fiscal 2009, and represented approximately 22% of Garden Products’ net sales in fiscal 2010, 22% in fiscal 2009 and 18% in fiscal 2008. PETsMART represented approximately 11% of Pet Products’ net sales in fiscal 2010, and approximately 10% in fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2008. PETCO is also a significant customer.
Patents and Other Proprietary Rights
Our branded products companies hold numerous patents in the United States and in other countries and have several patent applications pending. We consider the development of patents through creative research and the maintenance of an active patent program to be advantageous to our business, but we do not regard the holding of any particular patent as essential to our operations.
In addition to patents, we have numerous active ingredient registrations, end-use product registrations and trade secrets, including certain technology used in the Wellmark operations for the production of (S)-Methoprene, which has been licensed to us from Novartis. This license is perpetual but non-exclusive. In addition, we have developed certain improvements that are proprietary to us relating to the synthesis of (S)-Methoprene. The success of certain portions of our business, especially our Wellmark operations, partly depends on our ability to continue to maintain trade secret information which has been licensed to us, and to keep both licensed and owned trade secret information confidential.
Along with patents, active ingredient registrations, end use product registrations and trade secrets, we own a number of trademarks, service marks, trade names and logotypes. Many of our trademarks are registered but some are not. We are not aware of any reason we cannot continue to use our trademarks, service marks and trade names in the way that we have been using them.
Employees
As of September 25, 2010, we had approximately 4,300 employees of which approximately 3,900 were full-time employees and 400 were temporary or part-time employees. We also hire substantial numbers of additional temporary employees for the peak lawn and garden shipping season of February through June to meet the increased demand experienced during the spring and summer months. The majority of our temporary employees are paid on an hourly basis. Except for approximately 33 employees at a Kaytee facility in Rialto, California, none of our employees are represented by a labor union. We consider our relationships with our employees to be good.
Environmental and Regulatory Considerations
Many of the products that we manufacture or distribute are subject to local, state, federal and foreign laws and regulations relating to environmental matters. Such regulations are often complex and are subject to change. In the United States, all pesticides must be registered with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (the “EPA”), in addition to individual state and/or foreign agency registrations, before they can be
sold. All fertilizer products are also subject to state Department of Agriculture registration and foreign labeling regulations. Grass seed is also subject to state, federal and foreign labeling regulations.
The Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA), establishes a standard for food-use pesticides, which is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result from the cumulative effect of pesticide exposures. Under this Act, the EPA is evaluating the cumulative risks from dietary and non-dietary exposures to pesticides. The pesticides in our products, which are also used on foods, will be evaluated by the EPA as part of this non-dietary exposure risk assessment.
In addition, the use of certain pesticide and fertilizer products is regulated by various local, state, federal and foreign environmental and public health agencies. These regulations may include requirements that only certified or professional users apply the product or that certain products be used only on certain types of locations (such as “not for use on sod farms or golf courses”), may require users to post notices on properties to which products have been or will be applied, may require notification of individuals in the vicinity that products will be applied in the future or may ban the use of certain ingredients. We believe we are operating in substantial compliance with, or taking action aimed at ensuring compliance with, these laws and regulations.
Various local, state, federal and foreign environmental laws also impose obligations on various entities to clean up contaminated properties or to pay for the cost of such remediation, often upon parties that did not actually cause the contamination. Accordingly, we may become liable, either contractually or by operation of law, for remediation costs even if the contaminated property is not presently owned or operated by us, or if the contamination was caused by third parties during or prior to our ownership or operation of the property. With our extensive acquisition history, we have acquired a number of manufacturing and distribution facilities, and most of these facilities have not been subjected to Phase II environmental tests to determine whether they are contaminated.
Environmental regulations may affect us by restricting the manufacturing or use of our products or regulating their disposal. Regulatory or legislative changes may cause future increases in our operating costs or otherwise affect operations. Although we believe we are and have been in substantial compliance with such regulations and have strict internal guidelines on the handling and disposal of our products, there is no assurance that in the future we may not be adversely affected by such regulations or incur increased operating costs in complying with such regulations. However, neither the compliance with regulatory requirements nor our environmental procedures can ensure that we will not be subject to claims for personal injury, property damages or governmental enforcement.
Executive Officers
The following table sets forth the name, age and position of our executive officers as of October 31, 2010.
William E. Brown. Mr. Brown has been our Chairman since 1980. Since October 2007, Mr. Brown has also served as our Chief Executive Officer, a position he previously held from 1980 to June 2003. From 1977 to 1980, Mr. Brown was Senior Vice President of the Vivitar Corporation with responsibility for Finance, Operations, and Research & Development. From 1972 to 1977, he was with McKesson Corporation where he was responsible for
its 200-site data processing organization. Prior to joining McKesson Corporation, Mr. Brown spent the first 10 years of his business career at McCormick, Inc. in manufacturing, engineering and data processing.
Stuart W. Booth. Mr. Booth returned to the Company in January 2010 and has served since then as our Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary. Mr. Booth previously served as our Executive Vice President from October 2005 and Chief Financial Officer and Secretary from January 2002 until September 2009. From January 2001 to October 2001, he was Chief Financial Officer of Respond TV, an interactive television infrastructure and services company. From June 1998 until January 2001, Mr. Booth was the Principal Vice President and Treasurer of Bechtel Group, Inc., an international engineering and construction company, where he was responsible for global bank relationships and financial operations including credit, cash management and foreign exchange operations. Prior to working at Bechtel, Mr. Booth was the Senior Vice President, Finance and Development with PG&E Enterprises, the first non-regulated business unit of Pacific Gas and Electric Company.
Glen R. Fleischer. Mr. Fleischer has been our President - Pet Products division since January 2009. Prior to joining Central, Mr. Fleischer was with Kraft Foods/ Nabisco, Inc. serving as the Vice President Business Development, Snacks and Cereals from 2004 to 2008, as its Vice President, Marketing, Confections from 2003 through 2004, as its Vice President, Marketing for the Biscuit Division from 2001 through 2003 and Vice President and Managing Director of Grocery Products from 1996 through 2001. Prior to joining Kraft/Nabisco, Mr. Fleischer held general management and marketing positions with Kimberly-Clark Corporation and The Procter & Gamble Company.
Michael A. Reed. Mr. Reed has been Executive Vice President since June 2000 and President of the Garden Products division since October 2007. Mr. Reed joined Central in 2000 and served as President of the Pet Products division from 2003 to 2004. Since 2004, Mr. Reed also has provided executive oversight to the Life Sciences Business Unit and Tech Pac LLC, an 80% owned subsidiary of Central. From February 1991 to May 2000, Mr. Reed served as President and CEO of PM Ag Products, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of global agri-business Tate & Lyle, PLC. From 1985 to 1991, he was Vice President and Regional General Manager of the Pacific Molasses Company. From 1983 to 1985, Mr. Reed served as a divisional Vice President of Beatrice Foods Company’s Agri-Products Division. Prior to joining Beatrice Foods, Mr. Reed practiced law in Springfield, Missouri.
Available Information
Our web site is www.central.com. We make available free of charge, on or through our web site, our annual, quarterly and current reports, and any amendments to those reports, as soon as reasonably practicable after electronically filing or furnishing such reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Information contained on our web site is not part of this report.
Item 1A.
Item 1A. Risk Factors.
This Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of factors both in and out of our control, including the risks faced by us described below and elsewhere in this Form 10-K.
You should carefully consider the risks described below. In addition, the risks described below are not the only ones facing us. We have only described the risks we consider to be material. However, there may be additional risks that are viewed by us as not material at the present time or are not presently known to us. Conditions could change in the future, or new information may come to our attention that could impact our assessment of these risks.
If any of the events described below were to occur, our business, prospects, financial condition and/or results of operations could be materially adversely affected. When we say below that something could or will
have a material adverse effect on us, we mean that it could or will have one or more of these effects. In any such case, the price of our common stock could decline, and you could lose all or part of your investment in our company.
Our operating results and cash flow are susceptible to fluctuations.
We expect to continue to experience variability in our net sales, net income and cash flow on a quarterly basis. Factors that may contribute to this variability include:
•
fluctuations in prices of commodity grains and other input costs;
•
adverse weather conditions during peak gardening seasons and seasonality;
•
shifts in demand for lawn and garden products;
•
shifts in demand for pet products;
•
changes in product mix, service levels, marketing and pricing by us and our competitors;
•
the effect of acquisitions, including the costs of acquisitions that are not completed; and
•
economic stability of and strength of our relationship with retailers.
These fluctuations could negatively impact our business and the market price of our common stock.
Seeds and grains we use to produce bird feed and grass seed are commodity products subject to price volatility that has had, and could have, a negative impact on us.
Our financial results are partially dependent upon the cost of raw materials and our ability to pass along increases in these costs to our customers. In particular, our Pennington and Kaytee subsidiaries are exposed to fluctuations in market prices for commodity seeds and grains used to produce bird feed. Historically, market prices for commodity seeds and grains have fluctuated in response to a number of factors, including changes in United States government farm support programs, changes in international agricultural and trading policies and weather conditions during the growing and harvesting seasons.
To mitigate our exposure to changes in market prices, we enter into purchase contracts for grains, bird feed and grass seed to cover up to approximately one-third of the purchase requirements for a selling season. Since these contracts cover only a portion of our purchase requirements, as market prices for such products increase, our cost of production increases as well. In contrast, if market prices for such products decrease, we may end up purchasing grains and seeds pursuant to the purchase contracts at prices above market.
From the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006 to fiscal 2008, prices for some of our key crops increased substantially. In fiscal 2010 and fiscal 2009, grain costs declined due primarily to deflationary pressures impacting the broader economy. In fiscal 2010, our weighted average cost per pound declined 19% compared to fiscal 2009. In fiscal 2009, our weighted average cost per pound declined 13% compared to fiscal 2008 but remained 20% above fiscal 2007 levels. We can provide no assurance as to the timing or extent of our ability to implement additional price adjustments in the context of rising costs or in the event of increased costs in the future. Similarly, we can provide no assurance of our ability to retain pricing with our retailers in the context of declining costs. We also cannot predict to what extent price increases may negatively affect our sales volume.
A decline in consumers’ discretionary spending or a change in consumer preferences could reduce our sales and harm our business.
Our sales ultimately depend on consumer discretionary spending, which is influenced by factors beyond our control, including general economic conditions, the availability of discretionary income and credit, weather, consumer confidence and unemployment levels. For fiscal 2010 and fiscal 2009, we experienced declines in sales
as the result of the economic downturn. Any material decline in the amount of consumer discretionary spending could reduce our sales and harm our business. Since substantially all of our sales are in the United States, a declining U.S. economy may have a greater impact on us than on our competitors, some of which have a larger percentage of international sales. These economic and market conditions, combined with continuing difficulties in the credit markets and the resulting pressures on liquidity, may also place a number of our key retail customers under financial stress, which would increase our credit risk and potential bad debt exposure.
The success of our business also depends in part on our ability to identify and respond to evolving trends in demographics and consumer preferences. For example, from fiscal 2006 through fiscal 2009, the demand for aquatics products declined significantly. In fiscal 2010, the demand for aquatic products stabilized, while the demand for wild bird feed declined. Our failure to timely identify or effectively respond to changing consumer tastes, preferences, spending patterns and lawn and garden and pet care needs could adversely affect the demand for our products and our profitability.
Inflation, deflation, economic uncertainty and other adverse macro-economic conditions may harm our business.
Our revenues and margins are dependent on various economic factors, including rates of inflation or deflation, energy costs, consumer attitudes toward discretionary spending, currency fluctuations, and other macro-economic factors which may impact levels of consumer spending. In fiscal 2007 and 2008, we were adversely impacted by rising input costs related to domestic inflation, particularly relating to grain and seed prices, fuel prices and the ingredients used in our garden fertilizer and chemicals, and many of our other input costs. The rising costs made it difficult for us to increase prices to our retail customers at a pace to enable us to return to historical margins. More recently, our business has been negatively impacted by the current downturn in the housing market and by declining consumer confidence, as well as other macro-economic factors. We decreased prices for a number of our commodity driven products such as grass seed. If we are unable to pass through rising input costs and raise the price of our products, or consumer confidence continues to weaken, we may experience gross margin declines.
Supply disruptions in pet birds and small animals may negatively impact our sales.
The federal government and many state governments have increased restrictions on the importation of pet birds and the production of small animals. These restrictions have resulted in reduced supply of new pet birds and animals and thus reduced demand for pet bird and small animal food and supplies. If these restrictions continue or become more severe, our future sales of these products would likely suffer, which would negatively impact our profitability. In addition, some countries have experienced outbreaks of avian flu. While the number of cases worldwide has declined, a significant outbreak in the United States would reduce demand for our pet and wild bird food and negatively impact our financial results.
Our lawn and garden sales are highly seasonal and subject to adverse weather.
Because our lawn and garden products are used primarily in the spring and summer, Garden Products’ business is seasonal. In fiscal 2010, approximately 68% of Garden Products’ net sales and 60% of our total net sales occurred during our second and third fiscal quarters. Substantially all of Garden Products’ operating income is generated in this period. Our working capital needs and our borrowings generally peak in our second fiscal quarter, because we are generating lower revenues while incurring expenses in preparation for the spring selling season. If cash on hand and borrowings under our credit facility are ever insufficient to meet our seasonal needs or if cash flow generated during the spring and summer is insufficient to repay our borrowings on a timely basis, this seasonality could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Because demand for lawn and garden products is significantly influenced by weather, particularly weekend weather during the peak gardening season, our results of operations and cash flow could also be adversely affected by certain weather patterns such as unseasonably cool or warm temperatures, water shortages or floods.
Rising energy prices could adversely affect our operating results.
During fiscal 2007 and 2008, energy prices increased dramatically, which resulted in increased fuel costs for our businesses and raw materials costs for many of our branded products. Although energy prices declined in 2009, energy costs have increased during 2010 and rising energy prices in the future could adversely affect consumer spending and demand for our products and increase our operating costs, both of which would reduce our sales and operating income.
We depend on a few customers for a significant portion of our business.
Wal*Mart, our largest customer, accounted for approximately 17% of our net sales in fiscal 2010, 18% in fiscal 2009 and 17% in fiscal 2008. Lowe’s accounted for approximately 10% of our net sales in fiscal 2010, 11% in fiscal 2009 and 8% in fiscal 2008. In addition, Home Depot, PETsMART and PETCO are also significant customers, although each accounted for less than 10% of our net sales and, together with Wal*Mart and Lowe’s, accounted for approximately 46% of our net sales in fiscal 2010, 46% in fiscal 2009 and 41% in fiscal 2008. The market share of each of these key retailers has increased and may continue to increase in future years.
The loss of, or significant adverse change in, our relationship with any of these key retailers could cause our net sales, income from operations and cash flow to decline. The loss of, or reduction in, orders from any significant customer, losses arising from customer disputes regarding shipments, fees, merchandise condition or related matters, or our inability to collect accounts receivable from any major customer could reduce our income from operations and cash flow.
We may be adversely affected by trends in the retail industry.
With the growing trend towards retail trade consolidation, we are increasingly dependent upon key retailers whose leverage is growing. Our business may be negatively affected by changes in the policies of our retailers, such as inventory destocking, limitations on access to shelf space, price demands and other conditions. In addition, as a result of the desire of retailers to more closely manage inventory levels, there is a growing trend among retailers to make purchases on a “just-in-time” basis. This requires us to shorten our lead time for production in certain cases and to more closely anticipate demand, which could in the future require the carrying of additional inventories and an increase in our working capital and related financing requirements. This shift to “just-in-time” can also cause retailers to delay purchase orders, which can cause a shift in sales from quarter to quarter. Decisions to move in or out of a market category by leading retailers can also have a significant impact on our business.
A significant deterioration in the financial condition of one of our major customers could have a material adverse effect on our sales, profitability and cash flow. We continually monitor and evaluate the credit status of our customers and attempt to adjust sales terms as appropriate. Despite these efforts, a bankruptcy filing or liquidation by a key customer could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition in the future.
We cannot be certain that our product innovations and marketing successes will continue.
We believe that our past performance has been based on, and our future success will depend upon, in part, our ability to continue to improve our existing products through product innovation and to develop, market and produce new products. We cannot assure you that we will be successful in the introduction, marketing and production of any new products or product innovations, or that we will develop and introduce in a timely manner innovations to our existing products which satisfy customer needs or achieve market acceptance. Our failure to develop new products and introduce them successfully and in a timely manner could harm our ability to grow our business and could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Competition in our industries may hinder our ability to execute our business strategy, increase our profitability or maintain relationships with existing customers.
We operate in highly competitive industries, which have experienced increased consolidation in recent years. We compete against numerous other companies, some of which are more established in their industries and have substantially greater revenue and resources than we do. Our products compete against national and regional products and private label products produced by various suppliers. Our largest competitors in pet supplies products are Spectrum Brands and Hartz Mountain, and our largest competitors in lawn and garden products are Scotts and Spectrum Brands.
To compete effectively, among other things, we must:
•
develop and grow brands with leading market positions;
•
maintain our relationships with key retailers;
•
continually develop innovative new products that appeal to consumers;
•
implement effective marketing and sales promotion programs;
•
maintain strict quality standards;
•
deliver products on a reliable basis at competitive prices; and
•
effectively integrate acquired companies.
Competition could lead to lower sales volumes, price reductions, reduced profits or losses, or loss of market share. Our inability to compete effectively could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Our acquisition strategy involves a number of risks.
We have completed numerous acquisitions and intend to grow through the acquisition of additional companies.
We are regularly engaged in acquisition discussions with a number of companies and anticipate that one or more potential acquisition opportunities, including those that would be material, may become available in the near future. If and when appropriate acquisition opportunities become available, we intend to pursue them actively. Acquisitions involve a number of special risks, including:
•
failure of the acquired business to achieve expected results, as well as the potential impairment of the acquired assets if operating results decline after an acquisition;
•
diversion of management’s attention;
•
failure to retain key personnel of the acquired business;
•
additional financing, if necessary and available, which could increase leverage and costs, dilute equity, or both;
•
the potential negative effect on our financial statements from the increase in goodwill and other intangibles;
•
the high cost and expenses of identifying, negotiating and completing acquisitions; and
•
risks associated with unanticipated events or liabilities.
These risks could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
We have faced, and expect to continue to face, intense competition for acquisition candidates, which may limit our ability to make acquisitions and may lead to higher acquisition prices. We cannot assure you that we will be able to identify, acquire or manage profitably additional businesses or to integrate successfully any acquired businesses into our existing business without substantial costs, delays or other operational or financial difficulties. In future acquisitions, we also could incur additional indebtedness or pay consideration in excess of fair value, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Our success depends upon our retaining key personnel.
Our future performance is substantially dependent upon the continued services of William E. Brown, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and our other senior officers. The loss of the services of any of these persons could have a material adverse effect upon us. In addition, our future performance depends on our ability to attract and retain skilled employees. We cannot assure you that we will be able to retain our existing personnel or attract additional qualified employees in the future.
We are implementing a new enterprise resource planning information technology system.
In fiscal 2005, we began incurring costs associated with designing and implementing SAP, a new company-wide enterprise resource planning software system with the objective of gradually migrating to the new system. Upon completion, this new system will replace our numerous existing accounting and financial reporting systems, most of which were obtained in connection with business acquisitions. We invested approximately an additional $9 million in fiscal 2010 for implementation. Capital expenditures for our new enterprise resource planning software system for fiscal 2011 and beyond will depend upon the pace of conversion for those remaining legacy systems. If we do not complete the implementation of the project timely and successfully, we may experience, among other things, additional costs associated with completing this project and a delay in our ability to improve existing operations, support future growth and enable us to take advantage of new applications and technologies. All of this may also result in a distraction of management’s time, diverting their attention from our existing operations and strategy.
Our inability to protect our trademarks and any other proprietary rights may have a significant, negative impact on our business.
We consider our trademarks to be of significant importance in our business. Although we devote resources to the establishment and protection of our trademarks, we cannot assure you that the actions we have taken or will take in the future will be adequate to prevent violation of our trademarks and proprietary rights by others or prevent others from seeking to block sales of our products as an alleged violation of their trademarks and proprietary rights. There can be no assurance that future litigation by or against us will not be necessary to enforce our trademarks or proprietary rights or to defend ourselves against claimed infringement or the rights of others. Any future litigation of this type could result in adverse determinations that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. Our inability to use our trademarks and other proprietary rights could also harm our business and sales through reduced demand for our products and reduced revenues.
Some of the products that we manufacture and distribute require governmental permits and also subject us to potential environmental liabilities.
Some of the products that we manufacture and distribute are subject to regulation by federal, state, foreign and local authorities. Environmental, health and safety laws and regulations are often complex and are subject to change. Environmental health and safety laws and regulations may affect us by restricting the manufacture, sale or use of our products or regulating their disposal. Regulatory or legislative changes may cause future increases in our operating costs or otherwise affect operations. There is no assurance that in the future we may not be
adversely affected by such laws or regulations, incur increased operating costs in complying with such regulations or that we will not be subject to claims for personal injury, property damages or governmental enforcement. In addition, due to the nature of our operations and the frequently changing nature of environmental compliance standards and technology, we cannot predict with any certainty that future material capital expenditures will not be required.
In addition to operational standards, environmental laws also impose obligations on various entities to clean up contaminated properties or to pay for the cost of such remediation, often upon parties that did not actually cause the contamination. Accordingly, we may become liable, either contractually or by operation of law, for remediation costs even if the contaminated property is not presently owned or operated by us, or if the contamination was caused by third parties during or prior to our ownership or operation of the property. With our extensive acquisition history, we have acquired a number of manufacturing and distribution facilities. Given the nature of the past operations conducted by us and others at these properties, there can be no assurance that all potential instances of soil or groundwater contamination have been identified, even for those properties where an environmental site assessment has been conducted. Future events, such as changes in existing laws or policies or their enforcement, or the discovery of currently unknown contamination, may give rise to future remediation liabilities that may be material.
Our business is dependent upon our ability to continue to source products from China.
We outsource a significant amount of our manufacturing requirements to third party manufacturers located in China. This international sourcing subjects us to a number of risks, including: the impact on sourcing or manufacturing of public health and contamination risks in China; social and political disturbances and instability; export duties, import controls, tariffs, quotas and other trade barriers; shipping and transportation problems; and fluctuations in currency values. Because we rely on Chinese third-party manufacturers for a substantial portion of our product needs, any disruption in our relationships with these manufacturers could adversely affect our operations.
The products that we manufacture could expose us to product liability claims.
Our business exposes us to potential product liability risks in the manufacture and distribution of certain of our products. Although we generally seek to insure against such risks, there can be no assurance that such coverage is adequate or that we will be able to maintain such insurance on acceptable terms. A successful product liability claim in excess of our insurance coverage could have a material adverse effect on us and could prevent us from obtaining adequate product liability insurance in the future on commercially reasonable terms.
Deterioration in operating results could prevent us from fulfilling our obligations under the terms of our indebtedness or impact our ability to refinance our debt on favorable terms as it matures.
We have, and we will continue to have, a significant amount of indebtedness. As of September 25, 2010, we had total indebtedness of approximately $400.3 million. This level of indebtedness and future borrowing needs could have material adverse consequences for our business, including:
•
make it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations with respect to the terms of our indebtedness;
•
require us to dedicate a large portion of our cash flow to pay principal and interest on our indebtedness, which would reduce the availability of our cash flow to fund working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions and other business activities;
•
increase our vulnerability to adverse industry conditions, including unfavorable weather conditions or continued commodity price increases;
•
limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industries in which we operate;
•
restrict us from making strategic acquisitions or exploiting business opportunities;
•
place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to competitors that have less debt; and
•
limit our ability to borrow additional funds at reasonable rates, if at all.
In addition, since a portion of our debt commitments bear interest at variable rates, an increase in interest rates or interest rate margins as defined under the credit agreement will create higher debt service requirements, which would adversely affect our cash flow.
We do not expect to pay dividends in the foreseeable future.
We have never declared nor paid any cash dividends on our common stock or Class A common stock and currently do not intend to do so. Provisions of our credit facility and the indenture governing our senior subordinated notes restrict our ability to pay cash dividends. Any future determination to pay cash dividends will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors, subject to limitations under applicable law and contractual restrictions, and will depend upon our results of operations, financial condition and other factors deemed relevant by our board of directors.
We may issue additional shares of our common stock or Class A common stock that could dilute the value and market price of your stock.
We may decide or be required to issue, including upon the exercise of any outstanding stock options, or in connection with any acquisition made by us, additional shares of our common stock or Class A common stock that could dilute the value of your common stock or Class A common stock and may adversely affect the market price of our common stock or Class A common stock.
Our Chairman, through his holdings of our Class B common stock, could exercise effective control of the Company, which may discourage potential acquisitions of our business and could have an adverse effect on the market price of our stock.
Holders of our Class B common stock are entitled to the lesser of ten votes per share or 49% of the total votes cast, and each share of Class B common stock is convertible at any time into one share of our common stock. Holders of our common stock are entitled to one vote for each share owned. Holders of our Class A common stock and Series B preferred stock have no voting rights, except as required by Delaware law.
As of October 31, 2010, William E. Brown, our Chairman, beneficially owned 1,600,459 shares of our Class B common stock (out of a total of 1,652,262 outstanding shares), 1,418,063 shares of our common stock and 3,378,885 shares of our Class A common stock and thereby controlled approximately 52% of the voting power of our capital stock. Accordingly, except to the extent that a class vote of the common stock is required by applicable law, he can effectively control all matters requiring stockholder approval, including the election of our directors, and can exert substantial control over our management and policies. The disproportionate voting rights of our common stock and Class B common stock and Mr. Brown’s substantial holdings of Class B common stock could have an adverse effect on the market price of our common stock and Class A common stock. Also, such disproportionate voting rights and Mr. Brown’s controlling interest may make us a less attractive target for a takeover than we otherwise might be, or render more difficult or discourage a merger proposal, tender offer or proxy contest, even if such actions were favored by our other stockholders, which could thereby deprive holders of common stock or Class A common stock of an opportunity to sell their shares for a “take-over” premium.
We have authorized the issuance of shares of common stock, Class A common stock and preferred stock, which may discourage potential acquisitions of our business and could have an adverse effect on the market price of our common stock and our Class A common stock.
Pursuant to our Fourth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, the board of directors is authorized to issue up to 80,000,000 shares of our common stock, 100,000,000 shares of our nonvoting Class A common stock and up to 1,000,000 additional shares of preferred stock without seeking the approval or consent of our
stockholders, unless required by the NASDAQ Global Market. Although the issuance of the nonvoting Class A common stock would not dilute the voting rights of the existing stockholders, it could have a dilutive effect on the economic interest of currently outstanding shares of common stock and Class B common stock similar to the dilutive effect of subsequent issuances of ordinary common stock. The issuance of the preferred stock could, depending on the rights and privileges designated by the board with respect to any particular series, have a dilutive effect on the voting interests of the common stock and Class B common stock and the economic interests of our common stock, Class A common stock and Class B common stock. In addition, the disproportionate voting rights of our common stock, preferred stock, Class B common stock and Class A common stock, and the ability of the board to issue stock to persons friendly to current management, may make us a less attractive target for a takeover than we otherwise might be or render more difficult or discourage a merger proposal, tender offer or proxy contest, even if such actions were favored by our common stockholders, which could thereby deprive holders of common stock of an opportunity to sell their shares for a “take-over” premium.
Item 1B.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
Item 2.
Item 2. Properties
We currently operate 39 manufacturing facilities totaling approximately 4,134,000 square feet and 27 sales and logistics facilities totaling approximately 3,456,000 square feet. Most sales and logistics centers consist of office and warehouse space, and several large bays for loading and unloading. Each sales and logistics center provides warehouse, distribution, sales and support functions for its geographic area. Our executive offices are located in Walnut Creek, California.
The table below lists Pet Products’ manufacturing and sales and logistics facilities. Numbers in parenthesis represent multiple locations.
Location
Type of Facility
Owned or Leased
Phoenix, AZ (2)
Sales and Logistics
Owned
Azusa, CA
Manufacturing
Leased
Irwindale, CA
Manufacturing
Leased
Rialto, CA
Manufacturing
Owned
Sacramento, CA
Sales and Logistics
Leased
Santa Fe Springs, CA
Sales and Logistics
Leased
Aurora, CO
Sales and Logistics
Leased
Tampa, FL
Sales and Logistics
Leased
Elk Grove Village, IL
Manufacturing
Leased
Council Bluffs, IA
Manufacturing
Owned
Mahwah, NJ
Sales and Logistics
Leased
Neptune City, NJ
Manufacturing
Owned
Neptune City, NJ
Manufacturing
Leased
Hauppauge, NY (2)
Manufacturing
Leased
Cressona, PA
Manufacturing
Owned
Dallas, TX
Manufacturing
Owned
Dallas, TX
Sales and Logistics
Leased
Algona, WA
Sales and Logistics
Leased
Chilton, WI
Manufacturing
Owned
Franklin, WI
Manufacturing
Owned
Guangzhou, China
Manufacturing
Leased
Pune, India
Manufacturing
Leased
Dorking, Surrey, UK
Manufacturing
Leased
Somerset, UK
Sales and Logistics
Leased
The table below lists Garden Products’ manufacturing and sales and logistics facilities. Numbers in parenthesis represent multiple locations.
Location
Type of Facility
Owned or Leased
Cullman, AL
Sales and Logistics
Owned
Roll, AZ
Manufacturing
Owned
Yuma, AZ
Manufacturing
Leased
El Centro, CA
Manufacturing
Owned
Ontario, CA
Sales and Logistics
Leased
Sacramento, CA
Sales and Logistics
Leased
San Leandro, CA
Manufacturing
Leased
Stockton, CA
Manufacturing
Leased
Stockton, CA
Sales and Logistics
Leased
Longmont, CO
Manufacturing
Owned
Covington, GA
Sales and Logistics
Leased
Eatonton, GA
Manufacturing
Owned
Madison, GA (3)
Manufacturing
Leased
Madison, GA (2)
Manufacturing
Owned
Madison, GA
Sales and Logistics
Owned
Ligonier, IN
Manufacturing
Owned
Lexington, KY
Sales and Logistics
Leased
Foxboro, MA
Sales and Logistics
Leased
Taunton, MA
Sales and Logistics
Leased
Laurel, MD
Sales and Logistics
Leased
Greenfield, MO (2)
Manufacturing
Owned
Greenfield, MO
Sales and Logistics
Owned
Sidney, NE
Manufacturing
Owned
Peebles, OH (2)
Manufacturing
Owned
Piketon, OH
Manufacturing
Leased
Lebanon, OR
Manufacturing
Leased
Lebanon, OR (2)
Manufacturing
Owned
Portland, OR
Sales and Logistics
Leased
Columbia, SC (2)
Sales and Logistics
Leased
Grand Prairie, TX (2)
Sales and Logistics
Leased
Kenbridge, VA
Sales and Logistics
Leased
Northbend, WA
Manufacturing
Leased
We lease 18 of our manufacturing facilities and 22 of our sales and logistics facilities. These leases generally expire between 2011 and 2020. Substantially all of the leases contain renewal provisions with automatic rent escalation clauses. The facilities we own are subject to major encumbrances under our principal credit facility. In addition to the facilities that are owned, our fixed assets are comprised primarily of machinery and equipment, trucks and warehousing, transportation and computer equipment.
Item 3.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
We may from time to time become involved in certain legal proceedings in the ordinary course of business. Currently, we are not a party to any other legal proceedings that management believes would have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations.
Item 4.
Item 4. Removed and Reserved
PART II
Item 5.
Item 5. Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Our common stock has been traded on the NASDAQ Stock Market under the symbol CENT since our initial public offering in July 1993. Our Class A common stock has been traded on the NASDAQ Stock Market under the symbol CENTA since February 2007. Our Class B stock is not listed on any market and generally cannot be transferred unless converted to common stock on a one-for-one basis. The following table sets forth the high and low closing sale prices for our common stock and our Class A common stock, as reported by the NASDAQ Global Select Market, for each quarterly period during our fiscal years set forth below.
As of October 31, 2010, there were approximately 154 holders of record of our common stock, approximately 198 holders of record of our Class A nonvoting common stock and five holders of record of our Class B stock.
We have not paid any cash dividends on our common stock, our Class A common stock or our Class B Stock. We currently intend to retain any earnings for use in our business and do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our common stock, our Class A common or our Class B stock in the foreseeable future. In addition, our credit facility and senior subordinated notes restrict our ability to pay dividends. See Note 9 to our fiscal 2010 consolidated financial statements.
Stock Performance Graph
The following graph compares the percentage change of our cumulative total stockholder return on our Common Stock (“CENT”) for the period from September 24, 2005 to September 25, 2010 with the cumulative total return of the NASDAQ Composite (U.S.) Index and the Dow Jones Non-Durable Household Products Index, a peer group index consisting of approximately 30 manufacturers and distributors of household products.
The comparisons in the graph below are based on historical data and are not indicative of, or intended to forecast, the possible future performance of our Common Stock.
Total Return Analysis
Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers
The following table sets forth the repurchases of any equity securities during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended September 25, 2010 and the dollar amount of authorized share repurchases, remaining under our stock repurchase program.
(1) In December 2005, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $100 million of Central’s common stock, which amount was fully repurchased by July 2010. On July 15, 2010, the Board of Directors authorized a new $100 million share repurchase program. The program has no expiration date and expires when the amount authorized has been used or the Board withdraws its authorization. The repurchase of shares may be limited by certain financial covenants in our credit facility that restrict our ability to repurchase our stock.
(2) Includes 7,961 shares purchased during the period indicated representing withholding of a portion of shares to cover tax withholding obligations in connection with the vesting of restricted stock and the exercise of stock options.
(3) Includes 1,044 shares purchased during the period indicated representing withholding of a portion of shares to cover tax withholding obligations in connection with the vesting of restricted stock and the exercise of stock options.
(4) Includes 776 shares purchased during the period indicated representing withholding of a portion of shares to cover tax withholding obligations in connection with the exercise of stock options.
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010, we repurchased approximately 0.6 million shares of our common stock for approximately $5.4 million and approximately 1.4 million shares of our non-voting common stock for approximately $13.8 million.
Item 6.
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
The following selected statement of operations and balance sheet data as of and for the five fiscal years in the period ended September 25, 2010 has been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements. The financial data set forth below should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto in “Item 8 - Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” and “Item 7
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes and other financial information appearing elsewhere in this Form 10-K. This Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may differ materially from those indicated in forward-looking statements. See “Forward-Looking Statements” and “Item 1A - Risk Factors.”
Overview
Central Garden & Pet Company is a leading innovator, marketer and producer of quality branded products. We are one of the largest suppliers in the pet and lawn and garden supplies industries in the United States. The total pet industry is estimated to be approximately $28 billion in annual retail sales. We estimate the annual retail sales of the pet supplies and ultra-premium pet food markets in the categories in which we participate to be approximately $17 billion. As of 2010, the total lawn and garden industry in the United States is estimated to be approximately $24 billion in annual retail sales. We estimate the annual retail sales of the lawn and garden supplies markets in the categories in which we participate to be approximately $6 billion.
Our pet supplies products include products for dogs and cats, including edible bones, premium healthy edible and non-edible chews, ultra-premium dog and cat food and treats, leashes, collars, toys, pet carriers, grooming supplies and other accessories; products for birds, small animals and specialty pets, including food, cages and habitats, toys, chews and related accessories; animal and household health and insect control products; products for fish, reptiles and other aquarium-based pets, including aquariums, furniture and lighting fixtures, pumps, filters, water conditioners, food and supplements, and information and knowledge resources; and products for horses and livestock. These products are sold under a number of brand names including Adams™, Altosid, Aqueon®, Avoderm®, BioSpot®, Coralife®, Farnam®, Four Paws®, Interpet, Kaytee®, Kent Marine®, Nylabone®, Oceanic Systems®, Pet Select®, Pre Strike®, Pinnacle ®, Super Pet®, TFHTM, Zilla® and Zodiac®.
Our lawn and garden products include proprietary and non-proprietary grass seed; wild bird feed, bird feeders, bird houses and other birding accessories; weed, grass, ant and other herbicide, insecticide and pesticide products; and decorative outdoor lifestyle and lighting products including pottery, trellises and other wood products and holiday lighting. These products are sold under a number of brand names including: AMDRO®, GKI/Bethlehem Lighting, Grant’s, Ironite®, Lilly Miller®, Matthews Four Seasons™, New England Pottery®, Norcal Pottery®, Pennington®, Over’n Out®, Sevin®, Smart Seed® and The Rebels®.
In fiscal 2010, our consolidated net sales were $1.5 billion, of which our lawn and garden segment, or Garden Products, accounted for approximately $683 million and our pet segment, or Pet Products, accounted for approximately $841 million. In fiscal 2010, our branded product sales were approximately $1.3 billion, or approximately 83% of total sales, sales of other manufacturers’ products were approximately 17% of total sales, and our gross profit margins were 33.8%. In fiscal 2010, our income from operations was $109.1 million, of which Garden Products accounted for $53.0 million and Pet Products accounted for $97.9 million, before corporate expenses and eliminations of $41.8 million.
Recent Developments
Fiscal 2010 Operating Performance. Although we continued to improve our operations by lowering expenses and improving gross margins, we were impacted by decreased revenues.
Financial summary:
•
Net sales for fiscal 2010 decreased $91 million, or 5.6%, to $1.5 billion.
•
Net earnings for fiscal 2010 were $45.8 million, or $0.70 per share on a diluted basis.
•
Gross margin increased 110 basis points in fiscal 2010 to 33.8%.
•
Selling, general & administrative expenses decreased $7 million, or 1.8%, to $394 million in fiscal 2010.
•
During fiscal 2010, we recognized a non-cash $12.0 million impairment charge on an indefinite-lived intangible asset in Pet Products, reflecting the continuing challenging economic environment and the deterioration of the market since the intangible asset’s acquisition in 2006.
•
We generated cash flows from operating activities of approximately $135 million during fiscal 2010 and had a cash balance of approximately $91 million at September 25, 2010.
•
We refinanced our debt by issuing $400 million 8.25% senior subordinated notes due 2018, retiring the 2013 Notes and entering into a new five-year senior secured revolving credit facility.
Senior Credit Facility - On June 25, 2010, we entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement with respect to a five-year senior secured revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) in an aggregate principal amount of $275 million. We have the option to increase the size of the Credit Facility by an additional $200 million of incremental term loans and/or revolving loans should we exercise our option and one or more lenders are willing to make such increased amounts available to us.
Senior Subordinated Notes - In March 2010, we issued $400 million aggregate principal amount of 8.25% senior subordinated notes due March 1, 2018 (the “2018 Notes”). The 2018 Notes are unconditionally guaranteed on a senior subordinated basis by each of our existing and future domestic restricted subsidiaries with certain exceptions. We used the net proceeds from the offering, together with available cash, to purchase our outstanding 9.125% senior subordinated notes due February 1, 2013 (the “2013 Notes”), pay the outstanding indebtedness under our senior term loan, and pay fees and expenses related to the offering. As a result of our issuance of the $400 million 2018 Notes, we expect our annual interest expense to be at least $34 million.
Repurchase of Company Stock - During fiscal 2010, we repurchased $65.8 million of our common stock, which consisted of 2.5 million shares of our voting common stock (CENT) at an aggregate cost of approximately $25.0 million, or approximately $9.90 per share and 4.3 million shares of our non-voting Class A common stock (CENTA) at an aggregate cost of approximately $40.8 million, or approximately $9.54 per share. On July 15, 2010, our Board of Directors authorized a new $100 million share repurchase program, under which approximately $81 million is available for repurchases in 2011 and thereafter.
Fiscal 2009 Reported Earnings and Significant Items.
Fiscal 2009 Operating Performance Improvement. We showed improved performance in fiscal 2009 despite a challenging economic environment. We achieved our improved performance by maintaining a strict focus on our core operating objectives: reducing our investment in working capital, lowering expenses and improving gross margins.
Financial summary:
•
Net sales for fiscal 2009 decreased $91 million, or 5.3%, to $1.6 billion.
•
Net earnings for fiscal 2009 were $65.9 million, or $0.94 per share on a diluted basis.
•
Gross margin increased 210 basis points in fiscal 2009 to 32.7%.
•
Selling, general & administrative expenses decreased $15 million, or 3.5%, to $401 million in fiscal 2009.
•
We generated cash flows from operating activities of approximately $222 million during fiscal 2009, an increase of $107 million as compared to fiscal 2008.
•
We reduced our outstanding debt by $115 million.
Repurchase of Company Stock. During fiscal 2009, we repurchased 2.2 million shares of our voting common stock (CENT) at an aggregate cost of approximately $19.3 million, or approximately $8.68 per share and 2.1 million shares of our non-voting Class A common stock (CENTA) at an aggregate cost of approximately $17.8 million, or approximately $8.55 per share.
Results of Operations
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the relative percentages that certain income and expense items bear to net sales:
Fiscal 2010 Compared to Fiscal 2009
Net Sales
Net sales for fiscal 2010 decreased $90.7 million, or 5.6%, to $1,523.6 million from $1,614.3 million in fiscal 2009. The decline was due to a $108.4 million, or 7.9%, decrease in our branded product sales offset by a $17.7 million, or 7.2%, increase in the sales of other manufacturers’ products. Branded product sales include products we manufacture under Central brand names and products we manufacture under third-party brands. Sales of our branded products represented 83% of our total sales in fiscal 2010.
The following table indicates each class of similar products which represented more than 10% of our consolidated net sales in the fiscal years presented (in millions).
Garden Products’ sales for fiscal 2010 decreased $98.0 million, or 12.5%, to $683.1 million from $781.1 million in fiscal 2009. In fiscal 2010, garden branded product sales decreased $109.1 million and sales of other manufacturers’ products increased $11.1 million. The decline in branded product sales was due primarily to a $37.8 million decrease in grass seed sales, a $31.8 million decrease in bird feed sales and a $15.0 million decrease in sales of garden chemicals and control products. The decline in grass seed sales was due primarily to price reductions as a result of lower raw material costs, which we passed on to retailers. The decline in bird feed sales was due primarily to reduced unit volume and reflected reduced consumer purchases for our products and the entire category. The decline in garden chemicals and control products was also due primarily to reduced unit volume.
Pet Products’ sales for fiscal 2010 increased $7.3 million, or 0.9%, to $840.5 million from $833.2 million in fiscal 2009. Pet branded product sales increased $0.7 million and sales of other manufacturers’ products increased $6.6 million in fiscal 2010 as compared with fiscal 2009. The increase in sales was due primarily to increased sales of approximately $5.6 million of aquatic products and $10 million in the dog & cat category partially offset by an $8 million decrease due to a vendor supply issue for an animal health product-line, which is now resolved and expected to return to normal supply levels in fiscal 2011.
Gross Profit
Gross profit decreased $12.1 million, from $527.3 million in fiscal 2009 to $515.2 million in fiscal 2010. Gross profit decreased $21.6 million, or 9.3%, in Garden Products and increased $9.5 million, or 3.2%, in Pet Products. The decrease in Garden Products’ gross profit was due primarily to lower sales in bird feed, garden chemicals and control products and wood pellets. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales increased from 32.7% in fiscal 2009 to 33.8% in fiscal 2010. The improved margin in Garden Products was due primarily to favorable commodity pricing in our grass seed and bird feed businesses. The increase in Pet Products’ gross profit was due primarily to increased sales of aquatic products and dog & cat products.
Selling, General and Administrative
Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $7.2 million, or 1.8%, from $401.3 million in fiscal 2009 to $394.1 million in fiscal 2010. As a percentage of net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses increased from 24.9% in fiscal 2009 to 25.9% in fiscal 2010. The change in selling, general and administrative expenses, discussed further below, was due primarily to decreased warehouse and administrative expenses partially offset by increased selling and delivery expenses.
Selling and delivery expense increased by $3.8 million, or 1.9%, from $202.0 million in fiscal 2009 to $205.8 million in fiscal 2010. The increased expense was due primarily to increased marketing-related expenditures, such as brand building, promotional and consumer promotion expenditures. Selling and delivery expenses as a percentage of net sales increased from 12.5% in fiscal 2009 to 13.5% in fiscal 2010. We expect to continue to increase our marketing-related expenditures in future periods to help grow our existing and new products and brands.
Facilities expense decreased $0.3 million, or 2.7%, from $11.2 million for fiscal 2009 to $10.9 million for fiscal 2010 due primarily to savings from the consolidation of several garden distribution facilities.
Warehouse and administrative expense decreased $10.7 million, or 5.7%, from $188.1 million in fiscal 2009 to $177.4 million in fiscal 2010. The decrease in fiscal 2010 was due to reduced payroll related costs and lower facility equipment costs as part of our strategic initiative to consolidate our supply chain. In addition, fiscal 2009 also included the reversal of a previously recognized gain from a property sold in fiscal 2008.
Impairment
We reviewed our indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment. An impairment loss is recognized for an intangible asset with an indefinite useful life if its carrying value exceeds its fair value. The fair values are
estimated using the discounted cash flows related to the assets. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010, we recognized a non-cash charge of $12.0 million related to the impairment of an indefinite-lived intangible asset within our Pet Products segment due to the continuing challenging economic environment.
Interest Expense
Net interest expense increased $11.5 million, or 52.2%, from $22.1 million in fiscal 2009 to $33.6 million in fiscal 2010. The increase was due to the expensing of unamortized deferred charges related to retired debt and an increased average borrowing rate on our outstanding debt. In March 2010, we issued the 2018 Notes, tendered for our 2013 Notes and paid the outstanding indebtedness under our senior secured term loan. In June 2010, we entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement with respect to a five-year senior secured revolving credit facility. As a result of this refinancing activity, we incurred an additional $3.9 million in interest expense comprised primarily of the remaining unamortized deferred charges related to the retired debt and the premium paid for the tender and call on the 2013 Notes. Additionally, our average interest rates for fiscal 2010 and 2009 were 6.8% and 4.4%, respectively. Debt outstanding on September 25, 2010 was $400.3 million compared to $408.1 million as of September 26, 2009. We expect our interest expense to increase to at least $34 million in fiscal 2011 and thereafter as a result of our issuance of the 2018 Notes in fiscal 2010.
Other Income
Other income increased $0.3 million from $0.1 million in fiscal 2009 to $0.4 million in fiscal 2010. The increase was due primarily to higher earnings from an investment accounted for under the equity method investment of accounting.
Income Taxes
Our effective income tax rate in fiscal 2010 was 37.0%, compared to 35.0% in fiscal 2009. Our 2009 tax expense rate was lower than the 2010 rate due primarily to the added utilization of research and development tax credits and state tax settlements in fiscal 2009.
Fiscal 2009 Compared to Fiscal 2008
Net Sales
Net sales for fiscal 2009 decreased $91.1 million, or 5.3%, to $1,614.3 million from $1,705.4 million in fiscal 2008. This was due to a $78.6 million, or 5.4%, decrease in our branded product sales and a $12.5 million, or 4.9%, decrease in the sales of other manufacturers’ products. Branded product sales include products we manufacture under Central brand names and products we manufacture under third-party brands. Sales of our branded products represented 85% of our total sales in fiscal 2009.
Garden Products’ sales for fiscal 2009 decreased $26.5 million, or 3.3%, to $781.1 million from $807.6 million in fiscal 2008. In fiscal 2009, garden branded product sales decreased $17.6 million and sales of other manufacturers’ products decreased $8.9 million. The decline in branded product sales was due primarily to lower grass seed sales and Christmas lighting products, due to reduced consumer spending resulting from the economic slow-down and continued tightening of retailer inventory, partially offset by increased sales of garden chemical and controls.
Pet Products’ sales for fiscal 2009 decreased $64.6 million, or 7.2%, to $833.2 million from $897.8 million in fiscal 2008. Pet branded product sales decreased $61.1 million and sales of other manufacturers’ products decreased $3.6 million in fiscal 2009 as compared with fiscal 2008. The decline in branded product sales was due primarily to decreased sales of approximately $15.8 million of aquatic products, pet professional products of approximately $14 million and $8.5 million of bird and small animal products. These decreases were due primarily to continued softness in the consumer and professional product categories, continued tightening of inventory at retailers and SKU rationalization.
Gross Profit
Gross profit increased $6.0 million, from $521.3 million in fiscal 2008 to $527.3 million in fiscal 2009. Gross profit increased $31.0 million, or 15.4%, in Garden Products and decreased $25.0 million, or 7.8%, in Pet Products. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales increased from 30.6% in fiscal 2008 to 32.7% in fiscal 2009. Garden Products margin increased 480 basis points, due primarily to increased sales of higher margin garden control products and a combination of lower input costs and improved pricing for several of our product lines, which was partially offset by lower sales of higher margin active ingredient-based products in Pet Products.
Selling, General and Administrative
Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $14.7 million, or 3.5%, from $416.0 million in fiscal 2008 to $401.3 million in fiscal 2009. As a percentage of net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses increased from 24.4% in fiscal 2008 to 24.9% in fiscal 2009. The change in selling, general and administrative expenses, discussed further below, was due primarily to decreased selling and delivery expenses.
Selling and delivery expense decreased by $20.1 million, or 9.0%, from $222.1 million in fiscal 2008 to $202.0 million in fiscal 2009. The decreased expense was due primarily to lower freight and fuel related costs and lower advertising and marketing costs. Selling and delivery expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased from 13.0% in fiscal 2008 to 12.5% in fiscal 2009.
Facilities expense decreased $4.0 million, or 26.3%, from $15.2 million for fiscal year 2008 to $11.2 million for fiscal year 2009 due primarily to cost savings from the consolidation of our west coast distribution facilities.
Warehouse and administrative expense increased $9.4 million, or 5.3%, from $178.7 million in fiscal 2008 to $188.1 million in fiscal 2009. The increase in fiscal 2009 was due to the absence in 2009 of gains of $11.1 million from the sale of assets and a legal settlement in fiscal 2008. Absent the net gains in fiscal 2008, there was a minor decrease in warehouse and administrative expense with lower employee related costs and lower facility equipment costs offset by increased third party service expense and a reversal of a previously recognized gain from a property sold in fiscal 2008.
Other Income
Other income decreased $2.0 million from $2.1 million in fiscal 2008 to $0.1 million in fiscal 2009. The decrease was due primarily to lower earnings from investments accounted for under the equity method investment of accounting, one of which is no longer accounted for under the equity method of accounting.
Interest Expense
Net interest expense decreased $15.2 million, or 40.8%, from $37.3 million in fiscal 2008 to $22.1 million in fiscal 2009. The decrease was due primarily to lower interest rates on our floating rate debt and decreased average borrowings. Average borrowings for fiscal 2009 were $489.5 million compared to $619.1 million in fiscal 2008. Working capital requirements decreased due primarily to lower inventory levels and more efficient collection of receivables. The average interest rates for fiscal 2009 and 2008 were 4.4% and 5.8%, respectively.
Income Taxes
Our effective income tax rate in fiscal 2009 was 35.0%, compared to a benefit of 25.8% in fiscal 2008. Our 2009 tax expense rate is lower than our statutory rate due primarily to added utilization of research and development tax credits and a decrease to state valuation allowances. The fiscal 2008 rate was lower than the statutory rate due primarily to the non-deductible portion of the non-cash goodwill impairment charge.
Inflation
Our revenues and margins are dependent on various economic factors, including rates of inflation or deflation, energy costs, consumer attitudes toward discretionary spending, currency fluctuations, and other macro-economic factors which may impact levels of consumer spending. In fiscal 2007 and 2008, we were adversely impacted by rising input costs related to domestic inflation, particularly relating to grain and seed prices, fuel prices and the ingredients used in our garden fertilizer and chemicals, and many of our other inputs. The rising costs made it difficult for us to increase prices to our retail customers at a pace to enable us to return to historical margins. In fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2010, our business was negatively impacted by declining consumer confidence, as well as other macro-economic factors. While it is difficult to accurately measure the impact of inflation, we believe that the effects of inflation, if any, on our operations were not material in fiscal 2010.
Weather and Seasonality
Historically, our sales of lawn and garden products have been influenced by weather and climate conditions in the different markets we serve. Additionally, our Garden Products’ business has historically been highly seasonal. In fiscal 2010, approximately 68% of Garden Products’ net sales and 60% of our total net sales occurred in the second and third fiscal quarters. Substantially all of Garden Products’ operating income is typically generated in this period, which has historically offset the operating loss incurred during the first fiscal quarter of the year.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
We have financed our growth through a combination of internally generated funds, bank borrowings, supplier credit, and sales of equity and debt securities to the public.
Historically, our business has been seasonal and our working capital requirements and capital resources tracked closely to this seasonal pattern. During the first fiscal quarter, accounts receivable reach their lowest level while inventory, accounts payable and short-term borrowings begin to increase. During the second fiscal quarter, receivables, accounts payable and short-term borrowings increase, reflecting the build-up of inventory and related payables in anticipation of the peak lawn and garden selling season. During the third fiscal quarter, inventory levels remain relatively constant while accounts receivable peak and short-term borrowings start to decline as cash collections are received during the peak selling season. During the fourth fiscal quarter, inventory levels are at their lowest, and accounts receivable and payables are substantially reduced through conversion of receivables to cash.
We service two broad markets: pet supplies and lawn and garden supplies. Our pet supplies businesses involve products that have a year round selling cycle with a slight degree of seasonality. As a result, it is not necessary to maintain large quantities of inventory to meet peak demands. On the other hand, our lawn and garden businesses are highly seasonal with approximately 68% of Garden Products’ net sales occurring during the second and third fiscal quarters. For many manufacturers of garden products, this seasonality requires them to ship large quantities of their product well ahead of the peak consumer buying periods. To encourage distributors to carry lawn and garden products, industry practice has been for manufacturers to give extended credit terms and/or promotional discounts.
Cash provided by operating activities decreased $86.4 million from $221.6 million in fiscal 2009 to $135.2 million in fiscal 2010. The decrease was due primarily to the working capital management improvements in fiscal 2009, which generated large increases in cash in fiscal 2009, and to lower earnings in fiscal 2010. In fiscal 2010, our working capital accounts decreased approximately $17.8 million from the reduced levels achieved in fiscal 2009.
Net cash used in investing activities increased $20.8 million from approximately $20.5 million in fiscal 2009 to approximately $41.3 million in fiscal 2010. The increase was due primarily to increased capital
spending on the continued implementation of our enterprise-wide information technology platform as well as our investment in a short-term certificate of deposit.
Net cash used in financing activities decreased $53.8 million from $142.0 million in fiscal 2009 to $88.2 million in fiscal 2010. The decrease was due primarily to higher net repayments of our long-term debt in the prior year, partially offset by the payment of financing costs associated with our issuance of $400 million of 8.25% senior subordinated notes, our new senior credit facility and increased repurchases of our common stock during fiscal 2010. During fiscal 2010, we repurchased 2.5 million shares of our voting common stock (CENT) at an aggregate cost of approximately $25.0 million and 4.3 million shares of our non-voting Class A common stock (CENTA) at an aggregate cost of approximately $40.8 million.
Senior Credit Facility
On June 25, 2010, we entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with respect to a five-year senior secured revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) in an aggregate principal amount of $275 million. We have the option to increase the size of the Credit Facility by an additional $200 million of incremental term loans and/or revolving loans should we exercise our option and one or more lenders are willing to make such increased amounts available to us. There was no outstanding balance at September 25, 2010 under the Credit Facility. There were $0.8 million of letters of credit outstanding. After giving effect to the financial covenants in the Credit Agreement, the remaining potential borrowing capacity at September 25, 2010 was $274.2 million.
Interest on the Credit Facility is based, at our option, on a rate equal to the Alternate Base Rate (“ABR”), the greatest of the prime rate, the Federal Funds rate plus 1/2 of 1% or one month LIBOR plus 1%, plus a margin, which fluctuates from 1.5% to 2.5%, or LIBOR plus a margin, which fluctuates from 2.5% to 3.5% and commitment fees that range from 0.35% to 0.75%, determined quarterly based on consolidated total debt to consolidated EBITDA for the most recent trailing 12-month period. As of September 25, 2010, the applicable interest rate on the Credit Facility related to ABR borrowings was 5.3%, and the applicable interest rate related to LIBOR rate borrowings was 3.3%.
The Credit Facility is guaranteed by our material subsidiaries and is secured by our assets, excluding real property but including substantially all of the capital stock of our subsidiaries. The Credit Agreement contains certain financial and other covenants which require us to maintain minimum levels of interest coverage and maximum levels of senior debt to EBITDA and that restrict our ability to repurchase our stock, make investments in or acquisitions of other businesses and pay dividends above certain levels over the life of the Credit Facility. Under the terms of our Credit Facility, we may make restricted payments, including cash dividends and stock repurchases, in an aggregate amount initially not to exceed $200 million over the life of the Credit Facility, subject to qualifications and baskets as defined in the Credit Agreement. We must maintain a minimum interest coverage ratio of 2.75 to 1.00 and a maximum senior secured leverage ratio of 2.00 to 1.00. As of September 25, 2010, our interest coverage ratio was 5.71 to 1.00 and our senior secured leverage ratio was 0.01 to 1.00. As of the quarter ended September 25, 2010, the Total Leverage Ratio, as defined in the Credit Agreement, was 2.57 to 1.00. Apart from the covenants limiting restricted payments and capital expenditures, the Credit Facility does not restrict the use of retained earnings or net income. We were in compliance with all financial covenants as of September 25, 2010.
We incurred approximately $3.1 million of costs in conjunction with this transaction, which included banking fees and legal expenses. These costs are being amortized over the term of the Credit Facility.
Senior Subordinated Notes
On March 8, 2010, we issued $400 million aggregate principal amount of 8.25% senior subordinated notes due March 1, 2018 (the “2018 Notes”). We used the proceeds together with available cash to purchase our
outstanding $135.3 million aggregate principal amount of 9.125% senior subordinated notes due February 1, 2013 (the “2013 Notes”), including accrued interest, to repay the $267.1 million outstanding under our senior term loan maturing February 2012 and pay fees and expenses related to the offering. We received tenders and consents from the holders of $150 million of our 2013 Notes, including $12.8 million held in escrow for our benefit, which was previously recorded as a reduction of debt for accounting purposes against the 2013 Notes.
We incurred approximately $9.5 million of debt issuance costs in conjunction with these transactions, which included underwriter fees and legal, accounting and rating agency expenses. The debt issuance costs are being amortized over the term of the 2018 Notes.
As a result of this debt refinancing, we incurred a pre-tax loss of $3.2 million, of which $1.1 million was non-cash, comprised of the unamortized deferred financing costs related to the 2013 Notes and the retired term loan, the tender call premium, consent fees and the unamortized gain on the swap termination related to the 2013 Notes. The amount is included in interest expense in the condensed consolidated statements of operations for fiscal 2010.
The estimated fair value of our $400 million 2018 Notes as of September 25, 2010 was approximately $407.5 million. The estimated fair value is based on quoted market prices for these notes.
The 2018 Notes require semiannual interest payments, which commenced on September 1, 2010. The 2018 Notes are unsecured senior subordinated obligations and are subordinated to all of our existing and future senior debt, including our Credit Facility. The obligations under the 2018 Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a senior subordinated basis by each of our existing and future domestic restricted subsidiaries with certain exceptions. The guarantees are general unsecured senior subordinated obligations of the guarantors and are subordinated to all existing and future senior debt of the guarantors.
We may redeem some or all of the 2018 Notes at any time prior to March 1, 2014 at the principal amount plus a “make whole” premium. We may redeem some or all of the 2018 Notes at any time on or after March 1, 2014 for 104.125%, after March 1, 2015 for 102.063% and after March 1, 2016 for 100%, plus accrued and unpaid interest. Additionally, at any time prior to March 1, 2013, we may redeem up to 35% of the 2018 Notes with any proceeds we receive from certain equity offerings at a redemption price of 108.25% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest. The holders of the 2018 Notes have the right to require us to repurchase all or a portion of the 2018 Notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount of the notes repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest upon the occurrence of a change of control.
The 2018 Notes contain customary high yield covenants, including covenants limiting debt incurrence and restricted payments, subject to certain baskets and exceptions.
We expect that our principal sources of funds will be cash generated from our operations and, if necessary, borrowings under our $275 million revolving credit facility. During the current economic downturn, some companies have experienced difficulties in drawing on lines of credit, issuing debt and raising capital. Based on our anticipated cash needs, availability under our revolving credit facility and the scheduled maturity of our debt, we believe that, notwithstanding these adverse market conditions, our sources of liquidity should be adequate to meet our working capital, capital spending and other cash needs for at least the next 12 months. However, we cannot assure you that these sources will continue to provide us with sufficient liquidity and, should we require it, that we will be able to obtain financing on terms satisfactory to us, or at all.
During fiscal 2010, we repurchased 2.5 million shares of our common stock for an aggregate price of approximately $25.0 million and 4.3 million shares of our Class A common stock for an aggregate price of approximately $40.8 million. In July 2010, our Board of Directors authorized a new $100 million share repurchase program of our common stock, under which approximately $19 million has been repurchased as of September 25, 2010. We expect to continue our repurchases from time to time depending on market conditions and subject to the ability to effect repurchases under our credit facility.
At September 25, 2010, our total debt outstanding was $400.3 million versus $408.1 million at September 26, 2009.
The table below presents our significant contractual cash obligations by fiscal year:
(1) Excludes $0.8 million of outstanding letters of credit related to normal business transactions. See Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements for further discussion of long-term debt.
(2) Estimated interest payments to be made on our long-term debt. See Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements for description of interest rate terms.
(3) Contracts for purchases of grains, grass seed and pet food ingredients, used primarily to mitigate risk associated with increases in market prices and commodity availability.
(4) Possible performance-based payments associated with prior acquisitions of businesses are not included in the above table, because they are based on future performance of the businesses acquired, which is not yet known. Performance-based payments in fiscal 2010 were approximately $1.8 million, approximately $6.5 million in fiscal 2009 and approximately $4.0 million in fiscal 2008. Performance-based periods extend through 2014.
We adopted provisions of Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 740, “Income Taxes,” on the first day of fiscal 2008, which resulted in a $0.5 million increase to our liability for uncertain tax position. The increase was recorded as a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings. As of September 25, 2010, we had unrecognized tax benefits of $0.5 million and accrued interest and penalties of $0.1 million. These amounts have been excluded from the contractual obligations table because a reasonably reliable estimate of the timing of future tax settlements cannot be determined.
We believe that cash flows from operating activities, funds available under our revolving credit facility, and arrangements with suppliers will be adequate to fund our presently anticipated working capital requirements for the foreseeable future. We anticipate that our capital expenditures will not exceed $30 million for the next 12 months, which are related primarily to replacements and upgrades to plant and equipment and investment in our implementation of a scalable enterprise-wide information technology platform. We are investing in this information technology platform to improve existing operations, to support future growth and enable us to take advantage of new applications and technologies. We have invested approximately $51 million from fiscal 2005 through fiscal 2010 in this initiative and plan to invest up to an additional $8 million in fiscal 2011 for planned implementations. Capital expenditures for 2012 and beyond will depend upon the pace of conversion of those remaining legacy systems. This initiative, when complete, will combine our numerous information systems into one enterprise system and create a common business model and common data, which should create greater efficiency and effectiveness.
As part of our growth strategy, we have acquired a number of companies in the past, and we anticipate that we will continue to evaluate potential acquisition candidates in the future. If one or more potential acquisition opportunities, including those that would be material, become available in the near future, we may require additional external capital. In addition, such acquisitions would subject us to the general risks associated with acquiring companies, particularly if the acquisitions are relatively large.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have not entered into any transactions with unconsolidated entities whereby we have financial guarantees, subordinated retained interests, derivative instruments or other contingent arrangements that expose us to material continuing risks, contingent liabilities, or any other obligation under a variable interest in an unconsolidated entity that provides financing, liquidity, market risk or credit risk support to us.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Fair Value Measurements
On September 27, 2009, we adopted the sections of ASC 820 regarding nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a nonrecurring basis. The applicable sections of ASC 820 were applied prospectively. The adoption of the various sections of ASC 820 on September 27, 2009 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In August 2009, the FASB issued ASU No. 2009-05, “Measuring Liabilities at Fair Value.” ASU 2009-05 amends ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements,” by providing additional guidance on determining the fair value of liabilities when a quoted price in an active market for an identical liability is not available. This ASU became effective for us on September 27, 2009 and did not have a significant impact on the measurement of our liabilities as of that date; however, the ASU may affect the fair value measurement of liabilities for future acquisitions and divestitures.
In January 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-6, “Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements.” This ASU requires new disclosures regarding transfers in and out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements, as well as requiring presentation on a gross basis information about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements in Level 3 fair value measurements. The ASU also clarifies existing disclosures regarding level of disaggregation, inputs and valuation techniques. The ASU is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2009 and became effective for us on December 27, 2009. Disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements in the roll forward of activity in Level 3 fair value measurements are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010 and will be effective for us on September 25, 2011.
Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
On September 27, 2009, we adopted provisions of ASC 815, “Derivatives and Hedging,” which requires entities to disclose: (a) how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, (b) how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for, and (c) how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows. The adoption of the provisions of this ASC did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
Business Combinations
On September 27, 2009, we adopted the applicable sections of ASC 805, “Business Combinations.” ASC 805 provides revised guidance for recognizing and measuring identifiable assets and goodwill acquired, liabilities assumed and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree in a business combination. Additionally, this ASC provides disclosure requirements to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. ASC 805 amends the applicable sections of ASC 740, “Income Taxes,” such that adjustments made to valuation allowances on deferred taxes and acquired tax contingencies related to acquisitions made prior to September 27, 2009 also fall within the scope of these sections. The adoption of the applicable sections of this ASC may have an impact on the accounting for any future acquisitions or divestitures.
On September 27, 2009, we adopted the applicable sections of ASC 805, “Business Combinations,” that address accounting for assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination that arise from contingencies. These applicable sections address application issues raised on the initial recognition and
measurement, subsequent measurement and accounting and disclosure of assets and liabilities arising from contingencies in a business combination. These sections generally apply to assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination that arise from contingencies that would be within the scope of ASC 450, “Contingencies,” if not acquired or assumed in a business combination. The adoption of these applicable sections may have an impact on the accounting for any future acquisitions or divestitures.
Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements
On September 27, 2009, we adopted ASC 810-10-65-1, “Consolidation.” This section requires reporting entities to present noncontrolling interests in any of its consolidated entities as equity (as opposed to a liability or mezzanine equity) and provides guidance on the accounting for transactions between an entity and noncontrolling interests. The adoption did not have an impact on net earnings or equity available to our shareholders, but impacted the presentation format of our consolidated statements of operations, consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of shareholders’ equity and comprehensive income as follows:
•
Consolidated net income (loss) was recast to include net income (loss) attributable to both Central and noncontrolling interests in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.
•
Noncontrolling interests were reclassified from mezzanine equity to equity, separate from Central’s shareholders’ equity, in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
•
The condensed consolidated statements of cash flows now begin with net income (loss) (including noncontrolling interests) instead of net income (loss) attributable to Central, with net income (loss) from noncontrolling interests no longer a reconciling item in arriving at net cash provided by operating activities.
•
Consolidated statements of equity and comprehensive income have been combined and were recast to include noncontrolling interests.
Intangible Assets
On September 27, 2009, we adopted the applicable sections of ASC 275, “Risks and Uncertainties,” and ASC 350, “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other,” that address the determination of the useful life of intangible assets. These sections address the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset. The adoption of these applicable sections may have an impact on the accounting for intangible assets that are a part of any future acquisitions.
Share-Based Payment Transactions
On September 27, 2009, we adopted the applicable sections of ASC 260-10, “Earnings Per Share,” that address whether instruments granted in share-based payment transactions are participating securities. These sections conclude that unvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid) are participating securities and shall be included in the computation of basic earnings per share pursuant to the two-class method. The adoption of these applicable sections did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
Variable Interest Entities
In December 2009, the FASB issued ASU No. 2009-17, “Improvements to Financial Reporting by Enterprises Involved with Variable Interest Entities.” This ASU amends the guidance for consolidation of VIEs primarily related to the determination of the primary beneficiary of the VIE. This ASU became effective for us on September 26, 2010. We do not anticipate the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
Critical Accounting Policies, Estimates and Judgments
Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts and related disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Estimates and assumptions are required for, but are not limited to, accounts receivable and inventory realizable values, fixed asset lives, long-lived asset valuation and impairments, intangible asset lives, stock-based compensation, deferred and current income taxes, self-insurance accruals and the impact of contingencies and litigation. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the result of which forms the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from those estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
Although not all inclusive, we believe that the following represent the more critical accounting policies, which are subject to estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
We record an allowance for credit losses and disputed balances associated with our customers’ failure to make required payments. We estimate our allowance based on both specific identification, historical experience, customer concentrations, customer credit-worthiness and current economic trends. Generally, we require no collateral from our customers. If the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate, we were not able to demonstrate the validity of amounts due or if future default rates on trade receivables in general differ from those currently anticipated, additional allowances may be required, which would effect earnings in the period the adjustments are made. For more information, see Note 6 to our consolidated financial statements.
Inventory
Inventory, which primarily consists of lawn and garden products and pet supplies finished goods, is stated at the lower of first-in first-out (“FIFO”) cost or market. Cost includes certain indirect purchasing, merchandise handling and storage costs incurred to acquire or manufacture inventory, costs to unload, process and put away shipments received to prepare them to be picked for orders, and certain overhead costs. We compute the amount of such costs capitalized to inventory based on an estimate of costs related to the procurement and processing of inventory to prepare it for sale compared to total product purchases. When necessary, we have reduced the carrying value of our inventory if market conditions indicate that we will not recover the carrying cost upon sale. Future adverse changes in market conditions related to our products could result in an additional charge to income in the period in which such conditions occur.
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of cost of an acquired business over the fair value of the identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. Identifiable intangible assets acquired in business combinations are recorded based on their fair values at the date of acquisition. Goodwill and identifiable intangible assets with indefinite lives are not subject to amortization but must be evaluated for impairment.
We test goodwill for impairment annually (on the first day of the fourth fiscal quarter), or whenever events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount, by initially comparing the fair value of each of our four reporting units to their related carrying values. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, we perform an additional step to determine the implied fair value of goodwill associated with that reporting unit. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined by first allocating the fair value of the reporting unit to all of its assets and liabilities and then computing the excess of the reporting unit’s fair value over the amounts assigned to the assets and liabilities. If the carrying value of goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of goodwill, such excess represents the amount of goodwill impairment, and, accordingly, we recognize such impairment. Our goodwill impairment analysis also includes a comparison of the aggregate estimated fair value of all four reporting units to our total market capitalization.
Determining the fair value of a reporting unit involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions. The estimate of fair value of each of our reporting units is based on our projection of revenues, gross margin, operating costs and cash flows considering historical and estimated future results, general economic and market conditions as well as the impact of planned business and operational strategies. We base our fair value estimates on assumptions we believe to be reasonable at the time, but such assumptions are subject to inherent uncertainty. Actual results may differ from those estimates. The valuations employ present value techniques to measure fair value and consider market factors.
As of December 29, 2007, due to the continuing challenging business conditions and the significant decline in our market capitalization, we concluded there was an indication of possible impairment. Certain key assumptions used to determine the fair value of each reporting unit as of December 29, 2007 were revised to reflect: (a) significant reductions in future expected cash flows for the period from 2008 to 2013 due to the continuing soft economy, weakness in the housing sector and other reasons; and (b) a discount rate of 15%, which was based on management’s best estimate of the after-tax weighted average cost of capital, adjusted for our increased level of financial risk and the increased risk associated with our future operations. Based on our updated analysis and the sustained decline in market capitalization, we concluded that there was an impairment of goodwill and, thus, recognized a non-cash charge of $400 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2008, comprised of $202 million relating to Garden Products and $198 million relating to Pet Products.
We performed our fiscal 2008 annual goodwill impairment test as of June 29, 2008. Key assumptions used to determine the fair value of each reporting unit as of our fiscal 2008 annual testing date (June 29, 2008) were: (a) expected cash flow for the period from 2009 to 2014; and (b) a discount rate of 15%, which was based on management’s best estimate of the after-tax weighted average cost of capital, adjusted for the increased risk associated with our future operations and credit profile. Based on our analysis, we concluded there was an additional impairment of goodwill and recognized a non-cash charge of $5 million relating to goodwill in Garden Products.
We performed our fiscal 2009 annual goodwill impairment test as of June 27, 2009. Key assumptions used to determine the fair value of each reporting unit as of our fiscal 2009 annual testing date were: (a) expected cash flow for the period from 2010 to 2015; and (b) a discount rate of 10%, which was based on management’s best estimate of the after-tax weighted average cost of capital. Based on our analysis, we concluded there was no impairment of goodwill.
We performed our fiscal 2010 annual goodwill impairment test as of June 26, 2010. Key assumptions used to determine the fair value of each reporting unit as of our fiscal 2010 annual testing date were: (a) expected cash flow for the period from 2011 to 2016; and (b) a discount rate of 10%, which was based on management’s best estimate of the after-tax weighted average cost of capital. Based on our analysis, we concluded there was no impairment of goodwill, as the fair values exceeded the carrying values for goodwill by a significant amount.
As of June 26, 2010, if forecasted cash flows had been 10% lower than estimated, the resulting goodwill impairment, if any, would not have changed. As of June 26, 2010, if the discount rate applied in our analysis had been 100 basis points higher than estimated, the resulting fair value did not indicate potential impairment.
Changes in the judgments and estimates underlying our analysis of goodwill for possible impairment, including expected future cash flows and discount rate, could result in a significantly different estimate of the fair value of the reporting units in the future and could result in additional impairment of goodwill.
We may need to reevaluate our goodwill impairment analysis in future quarters.
Intangible assets
Indefinite-lived intangible assets consist primarily of acquired trade names and trademarks. Indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested annually for impairment or whenever events or changes in circumstances occur
indicating that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. An impairment loss would be recognized for an intangible asset with an indefinite useful life if its carrying value exceeds its fair value.
Indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment by comparing the fair value of the asset to the carrying value. Fair value is determined based on discounted cash flow analyses that include significant management assumptions such as revenue growth rates, discount rates, weighted average cost of capital, and assumed royalty rates. Future net sales and short-term growth rates are estimated for trade names based on management’s forecasted financial results which consider key business drivers such as specific revenue growth initiatives, market share changes and general economic factors such as consumer spending.
During fiscal 2010, we performed an evaluation of the fair value of our indefinite-lived trade names and trademarks. Our expected revenues are based on our fiscal 2011 plan and market growth or decline estimates for fiscal 2011 through fiscal 2016. We also included revenue growth estimates based on current initiatives expected to help us improve performance. We recognized a non-cash $12.0 million impairment charge to our indefinite-lived intangible assets as a result of the continuing challenging economic environment. The estimated fair value of the remaining $27.8 million of indefinite-lived intangible assets exceeded their carrying values. In fiscal 2009, we tested our indefinite-lived intangible assets and no impairment was indicated.
Long-Lived Assets
We review our long-lived assets, including amortizable intangibles and property, plant and equipment, for potential impairment whenever events or changes in business circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be fully recoverable. An impairment loss would be recognized for amortizable intangible assets and property, plant and equipment when estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from use of the asset are less than its carrying amount. Management determines fair value by estimating future cash flows as a result of forecasting sales and costs. Impairment, if any, is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of a long-lived asset exceeds its fair value. In fiscal 2010, factors were present indicating the carrying value of certain amortizable intangible assets may not be recoverable, which prompted us to perform impairment testing on these assets. The carrying values of the assets were determined to be recoverable, and accordingly, no impairment charges were recognized during fiscal 2010. Other factors indicating the carrying value of our amortizable intangible assets may not be recoverable were not present during fiscal 2009, and accordingly, no impairment charges were recognized in fiscal 2009. In fiscal 2008, we recognized a $27.0 million impairment charge in Garden Products related to under-performing assets, including certain trademarks. Should market conditions or the assumptions used by us in determining the fair value of assets change, or management change plans regarding the future usage of certain assets, additional charges to operations may be required in the period in which such conditions occur.
Income Taxes
Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred income taxes result primarily from bad debt allowances, inventory and goodwill write-downs, depreciation and nondeductible reserves. We establish a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets when management believes it is more likely than not a deferred tax asset will not be realized. As of fiscal 2010 and 2009, we had valuation allowances related to various state net deferred tax assets of $7.0 million and $6.8 million, respectively. United States income taxes have not been provided on undistributed earnings (approximately $1.4 million at September 25, 2010) of our foreign subsidiary since all such earnings are considered indefinitely reinvested overseas. The potential deferred tax liability associated with these earnings, net of foreign tax credits associated with the earnings, is approximately $0.1 million.
Accruals for Self-Insurance
We maintain insurance for certain risks, including workers’ compensation, general liability and vehicle liability, and are self-insured for employee related health care benefits. Our workers’ compensation, general
liability and vehicle liability insurance policies include deductibles of $250,000 to $350,000 per occurrence, with a separate deductible of $50,000 for physical damage. We maintain excess loss insurance that covers any health care claims in excess of $700,000 per person per year. We maintain a self-insurance reserve for losses, determined with assistance from a third-party actuary, based on claims filed and actuarial estimates of the ultimate loss amount inherent in the claims, including losses for claims incurred but not reported. Any actuarial projection of losses concerning workers’ compensation and general liability is subject to a high degree of variability. Among the causes of this variability are unpredictable external factors affecting future inflation rates, discount rates, litigation trends, legal interpretations, benefit level changes and claim settlement patterns. We do not believe there is a reasonable likelihood that there will be a material change in the estimates or assumptions we use to calculate our self-insurance liabilities. However, any differences in estimates and assumptions could result in accrual requirements materially different from the calculated accruals.
Acquisitions
In connection with businesses we acquire, management must determine the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Considerable judgment and estimates are required to determine such amounts, particularly as they relate to identifiable intangible assets, and the applicable useful lives related thereto. Under different assumptions, the resulting valuations could be materially different, which could materially impact the operating results we report.
Commitments and Contingencies
We are a party to certain legal proceedings considered routine to normal operations. In the opinion of management, the ultimate resolution of all such matters will not have a material adverse effect on operating results, financial condition or cash flows in the future.
Our contractual commitments are presented in Liquidity and Capital Resources.
Item 7A.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk
We are exposed to market risks, which include changes in U.S. interest rates and commodity prices and, to a lesser extent, foreign exchange rates. We do not engage in financial transactions for trading or speculative purposes.
Interest Rate Risk. The interest payable on our revolving credit facility is based on variable interest rates and therefore affected by changes in market interest rates. We have no variable rate debt outstanding as of September 25, 2010. If interest rates on our variable rate debt had changed by 10% compared to actual rates, interest expense would have increased or decreased by approximately $0.3 million in fiscal 2010. In addition, we have investments consisting of cash equivalents and short-term investments, which are also affected by changes in market interest rates.
Commodity Prices. We are exposed to fluctuations in market prices for grains, grass seed and pet food ingredients. To mitigate risk associated with increases in market prices and commodity availability, we enter into contracts for purchases, primarily to ensure commodity availability to us in the future. As of September 25, 2010, we had entered into fixed purchase commitments for commodities totaling approximately $157.6 million. A 10% change in the market price for these commodities would have resulted in an additional pretax gain or loss of $15.8 million related to the contracts outstanding as of September 25, 2010.
Foreign Currency Risks. Our market risk associated with foreign currency rates is not considered to be material. To date, we have had minimal sales outside of the United States. Purchases made by our U.S. subsidiaries from foreign vendors are primarily made in U.S. dollars. Our international subsidiary transacts most of its business in British pounds. Therefore, we have only minimal exposure to foreign currency exchange risk. We do not hedge against foreign currency risks and believe that foreign currency exchange risk is immaterial to our current business.
Item 8.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
Central Garden & Pet Company’s management, under the supervision of Central’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) or 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act). Management evaluated the effectiveness of Central’s internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (“COSO”) of the Treadway Commission.
Based on evaluation of the criteria set forth by COSO in Internal Control - Integrated Framework, management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of September 25, 2010.
Our independent registered public accounting firm, Deloitte & Touche LLP, has issued a report on our internal control over financial reporting, which appears on page 46 of this Form 10-K.
Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become ineffective because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Central Garden & Pet Company:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Central Garden & Pet Company and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of September 25, 2010 and September 26, 2009, and the related consolidated statements of operations, equity, and cash flows for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended September 25, 2010. We also have audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of September 25, 2010, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Company’s management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying “Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.” Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company’s board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Central Garden & Pet Company and subsidiaries as of September 25, 2010 and September 26, 2009, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three fiscal years in
the period ended September 25, 2010, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of September 25, 2010, based on the criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, on September 27, 2009, the Company adopted “Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification 810-10-65-1, Consolidation,” and retrospectively adjusted all periods presented in the consolidated financial statements.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
San Francisco, California
November 19, 2010
CENTRAL GARDEN & PET COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
CENTRAL GARDEN & PET COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
CENTRAL GARDEN & PET COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(dollars in thousands)
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
CENTRAL GARDEN & PET COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
CENTRAL GARDEN & PET COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Fiscal Years Ended September 25, 2010,
September 26, 2009 and September 27, 2008
1. Organization and Significant Accounting Policies
Organization - Central Garden & Pet Company (“Central”), a Delaware corporation, and subsidiaries (the “Company”), is a leading marketer and producer of quality branded products for the pet and lawn and garden supplies markets.
Basis of Consolidation and Presentation - The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Central and all majority-owned subsidiaries. Noncontrolling interests in consolidated entities are recognized for the share of assets, liabilities and operating results not owned by Central. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.
Noncontrolling Interest - Noncontrolling interest in the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements represents the 20% interest not owned by the Company in a consolidated subsidiary. Since the Company controls this subsidiary, its financial statements are fully consolidated with those of the Company, and the noncontrolling owner’s 20% share of the subsidiary’s net assets and results of operations is deducted and reported as noncontrolling interest on the consolidated balance sheets and as net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest in the consolidated statements of operations. Effective September 27, 2009, the Company adopted new accounting guidance, as discussed further below, concerning the treatment of noncontrolling interests in consolidated financial statements. The new guidance changed the accounting and reporting for minority interests, which have been re-characterized as noncontrolling interests. Prior period financial statements and disclosures for existing minority interests have been restated in accordance with the new guidance. As of September 26, 2009, the liability related to noncontrolling interest was $2.3 million, and was included as mezzanine equity on the consolidated balance sheets. For the fiscal years ended September 26, 2009 and September 27, 2008, the net income attributable to noncontrolling interest was $1.7 million and $0.8 million, respectively, and was included as minority interest on the consolidated statements of operations. All other requirements of the new guidance have been applied prospectively. See the Company’s consolidated statements of shareholders’ equity and comprehensive income for revised presentation required by the adoption of that guidance.
Use of Estimates - The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires that management make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period including realization of accounts receivable and inventory and valuation of goodwill. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Revenue Recognition - Sales are recognized when merchandise is shipped, risk of loss and title passes to the customer and the Company has no further obligations to provide services related to such merchandise. Discounts, volume-based rebate incentives and most cooperative advertising amounts are recorded as a reduction of sales. The Company’s current practice on product returns is to accept and credit the return of unopened cases of products from customers where the quantity is small, where the product has been mis-shipped or the product is defective. Provisions are made for estimated sales returns which are deducted from net sales at the time of shipment. Sales also include shipping and handling costs billed directly to customers. The amount billed to customers for shipping and handling costs included in net sales for the fiscal years ended September 25, 2010, September 26, 2009 and September 27, 2008 was $1.2 million, $1.1 million and $1.7 million, respectively.
Cost of goods sold and occupancy consists of cost of product, inbound freight charges, purchasing and receiving costs, certain indirect purchasing, merchandise handling and storage costs, internal transfer costs as
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
well as allocations of overhead costs, including depreciation, related to the Company’s facilities. Cost of goods sold excludes substantially all shipping and handling and out-bound freight costs to customers, which are included in selling, general and administrative expenses as delivery expenses. The cost of shipping and handling, including internal costs and payments to third parties, included in delivery expenses within selling, general and administrative expenses for the fiscal years ended September 25, 2010, September 26, 2009 and September 27, 2008 was $48.6 million, $51.7 million and $62.7 million, respectively. Amounts billed to customers for shipping and handling costs are included in net sales.
Advertising Costs - The Company expenses the costs of advertising as incurred. Advertising expenses were $35.9 million, $31.4 million and $35.7 million in fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
401(k) Plans - The Company sponsors several 401(k) plans which cover substantially all employees. The Company’s matching contributions expensed under these plans were $1,924,000, $2,040,000 and $1,563,000 for fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. In fiscal 2010, 2009 and fiscal 2008, the Company’s matching contributions made in the Company’s Class A common stock resulted in the issuance of approximately 198,000, 300,000 and 190,000 shares, respectively.
Other income consists principally of earnings from equity method investments and foreign exchange gains and losses.
Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred income taxes result primarily from bad debt allowances, inventory and goodwill write-downs, amortization and nondeductible reserves. The Company establishes a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets when management believes it is more likely than not a deferred tax asset will not be realized. As of fiscal 2010 and 2009, the Company had valuation allowances related to various state net deferred tax assets of $7.0 million and $6.8 million, respectively. United States income taxes have not been provided on undistributed earnings (approximately $1.4 million at September 25, 2010) of the Company’s foreign subsidiary since all such earnings are considered indefinitely reinvested overseas. The potential deferred tax liability associated with these earnings, net of foreign tax credits associated with the earnings, is approximately $0.1 million.
Cash and cash equivalents include all highly liquid debt instruments with a maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase.
Short term investments include investments with original maturities greater than three months and remaining maturities of one year or less.
Inventories, which primarily consist of garden products and pet supplies finished goods, are stated at the lower of FIFO cost or market. Cost includes certain indirect purchasing, merchandise handling and storage costs incurred to acquire or manufacture inventory, costs to unload, process and put away shipments received in order to prepare them to be picked for orders, and certain other overhead costs. The amount of such costs capitalized to inventory is computed based on an estimate of costs related to the procurement and processing of inventory to prepare it for sale compared to total product purchases.
Long-Lived Assets - The Company reviews its long-lived assets, including amortizable and indefinite-lived intangible assets and property, plant and equipment, for potential impairment whenever events or changes in business circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be fully recoverable, and annually for indefinite-lived intangible assets. An impairment loss would be recognized for amortizable intangible assets and property, plant and equipment when estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset are less than its carrying amount. An impairment loss would be recognized for an intangible asset
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with an indefinite useful life if its carrying value exceeds its fair value. Impairment, if any, is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of a long-lived asset exceeds its fair value. The Company has recorded asset impairment charges when the carrying value of an asset was in excess of its fair value. In fiscal 2010, the Company recognized a non-cash $12.0 million impairment charge to its indefinite-lived intangible assets as a result of the continuing challenging economic environment. See Note 8 - Other Intangible Assets.
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008, the Company recognized a $27.0 million impairment charge in the Company’s Garden Products segment related to under-performing assets. Should market conditions or the assumptions used by the Company in determining the fair value of assets change, or management changes plans regarding the future use of certain assets, additional charges to operations may be required in the period in which such conditions occur.
Land, buildings, improvements and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is computed by the straight-line method over thirty years for buildings. Improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the useful life of the asset or the terms of the related leases. Depreciation on equipment and capitalized software is computed by the straight-line and accelerated methods over the estimated useful lives of 3 to 10 years.
In December 2007, the Company sold a facility for approximately $5.1 million and entered into a leaseback of the property from the purchaser for a period of approximately eight months. The Company is accounting for the leaseback as an operating lease. The Company received cash of $1.3 million and a $3.8 million interest bearing recourse note. The Company recognized a gain of approximately $4.6 million from this sale in the Garden Products segment in fiscal 2008. The note was due in full in January 2009. In January 2009 and through September 25, 2010, the Company extended the terms of the note payable on a month-to-month basis and is continuing to lease the property on a month-to-month basis. Although the Company retains its rights under the terms of the recourse note, it now appears the ultimate repayment may be dependent on the buyer’s sale of the facility. Accordingly, in fiscal 2009, the Company revised its accounting to reverse the previously recognized sale and associated gain for accounting purposes.
Goodwill represents the excess of cost of an acquired business over the fair value of the identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. Identifiable intangible assets acquired in business combinations are recorded based on their fair values at the date of acquisition. Goodwill is not subject to amortization but must be evaluated for impairment annually. The Company tests for goodwill impairment annually or whenever events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. See Note 7 - Goodwill.
Restricted Assets - In connection with the purchase of an additional 60% of equity interest in Tech Pac LLC. in March 2006, the Company deposited approximately $15.5 million into an account for possible contingent performance-based payments. In fiscal 2009, a net amount of $4.8 million in cash was paid in performance based payments which the Company recognized as additional goodwill. There are no remaining contingent performance-based payments due to the seller. As part of the resolution of the contingent payments, the Company became the beneficiary of the remaining funds in the escrow, which were comprised primarily of $12.8 million of aggregate principal amount of the Company’s senior subordinated notes. Under the requirements of ASC 860, “Transfers and Servicing,” the senior subordinated notes contained within the escrow accounts were recorded as a reduction of debt for accounting purposes against our senior subordinated notes balance as of September 26, 2009. The senior subordinated notes held in escrow were retired in March 2010 as part of the Company’s tender offer and purchase of its 9.125% senior subordinated notes due February 1, 2013 (the “2013 Notes”).
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
Investments - The Company owns membership interests (from 33% to 49%) in two unconsolidated companies. The Company accounts for its interest in these entities using the equity method. Equity income of $0.6 million in fiscal 2010, $0.1 million in fiscal 2009 and $2.7 million in fiscal 2008 is included in other income in the consolidated statements of operations. The Company’s investment in these entities was $6.3 million at September 25, 2010 and $6.4 million at September 26, 2009. During fiscal 2008, the Company determined that the goodwill for one of these investments was impaired as a result of its annual impairment analysis. Accordingly, the Company recorded a non-cash charge of approximately $1.0 million in fiscal 2008. On a combined basis, the assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of these entities are not significant.
Accruals For Insurance - The Company maintains insurance for certain risks, including workers’ compensation, general liability and vehicle liability, and is self-insured for employee related health care benefits. The Company’s workers’ compensation, general liability and vehicle liability insurance policies include deductibles of $250,000 to $350,000 per occurrence. The Company maintains excess loss insurance that covers any health care claims in excess of $700,000 per person per year. The Company establishes reserves for losses based on its claims experience and actuarial estimates of the ultimate loss amount inherent in the claims, including claims incurred but not yet reported. Costs are recognized in the period the claim is incurred, and the financial statement accruals include an estimate of claims incurred but not yet reported.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments - At September 25, 2010 and September 26, 2009, the carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, accounts receivable and payable, short term borrowings and accrued liabilities approximates fair value because of the short-term nature of these instruments. The estimated fair value of the Company’s senior subordinated notes is based on quoted market prices for these instruments. See Note 3 for further information regarding the fair value of the Company’s financial instruments.
Derivative Financial Instruments - The Company reports all derivative financial instruments on the balance sheet at fair value. Changes in fair value are recognized in earnings, or are deferred, depending on the nature of the underlying exposure being hedged and how effective the derivative is at offsetting a change in the underlying exposure.
The Company principally uses a combination of purchase orders and various short and long-term supply arrangements in connection with the purchase of raw materials, including certain commodities. The Company also enters into commodity futures and options contracts to reduce the volatility of price fluctuations of corn, which impacts the cost of raw materials. The Company’s primary objective when entering into these derivative contracts is to achieve greater certainty with regard to the future price of commodities purchased for use in its supply chain. These derivative contracts are entered into for periods consistent with the related underlying exposures and do not constitute positions independent of those exposures. The Company does not enter into derivative contracts for speculative purposes and does not use leveraged instruments.
The Company does not perform the assessments required to achieve hedge accounting for commodity derivative positions. Accordingly, the changes in the values of these derivatives are recorded currently in its consolidated statements of operations. As of September 25, 2010, the notional amount of these contracts was not significant.
In February 2009, the Company’s $75 million pay-floating interest rate swap was terminated prior to its maturity by the counterparty in accordance with the terms of the interest rate swap agreement. As a result of this swap termination, the Company received cash proceeds and realized a settlement gain of $2.3 million that was recorded as an adjustment to the carrying amount of the related debt. The settlement gain was being amortized as an offset to interest expense over the remaining term of the debt. In conjunction with the tender offer and
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
purchase of the Company’s 2013 Notes in March 2010, the remaining unamortized gain on the pay-floating interest rate swap was recognized and included as part of the loss on extinguishment of debt included in interest expense on the consolidated statements of operations.
Stock-Based Compensation - Stock-based compensation cost is estimated at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is expensed ratably over the service period of the award. Total compensation costs recognized under all share-based arrangements in fiscal 2010 was $5.6 million ($3.5 million after tax), fiscal 2009 was $10.6 million ($6.9 million after tax) and in fiscal 2008 was $13.4 million ($8.5 million after tax). See Note 12 for further information.
Total Comprehensive Income - Total comprehensive income consists of two components: net income and other comprehensive income. Other comprehensive income refers to revenue, expenses, gains and losses that under generally accepted accounting principles are recorded directly as an element of shareholders’ equity, but are excluded from net income. Other comprehensive income is comprised of currency translation adjustments relating to the Company’s foreign subsidiary whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar. Deferred taxes are not provided on translation gains and losses, because the Company expects earnings of its foreign subsidiary to be permanently reinvested.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements - On September 27, 2009, the Company adopted the sections of ASC 820 “Fair Value Measurements” regarding nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a nonrecurring basis. Fair value measurements of non-financial assets and liabilities are used primarily in the impairment analyses of long-lived assets, goodwill and other intangible assets. The applicable sections of ASC 820 were applied prospectively. The adoption of the various sections of ASC 820 on September 27, 2009 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
On September 27, 2009, the Company adopted the applicable sections of ASC 805, “Business Combinations.” ASC 805 provides revised guidance for recognizing and measuring identifiable assets and goodwill acquired, liabilities assumed and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree in a business combination. Additionally, this ASC provides disclosure requirements to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. ASC 805 amends the applicable sections of ASC 740, “Income Taxes,” such that adjustments made to valuation allowances on deferred taxes and acquired tax contingencies related to acquisitions made prior to September 27, 2009 also fall within the scope of these sections. The adoption of the applicable sections of this ASC may have an impact on the accounting for any future acquisitions or divestitures.
On September 27, 2009, the Company adopted the applicable sections of ASC 805, “Business Combinations,” that address accounting for assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination that arise from contingencies. These applicable sections address application issues raised on the initial recognition and measurement, subsequent measurement and accounting and disclosure of assets and liabilities arising from contingencies in a business combination. These sections generally apply to assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination that arise from contingencies that would be within the scope of ASC 450, “Contingencies,” if not acquired or assumed in a business combination. The adoption of these applicable sections may have an impact on the accounting for any future acquisitions or divestitures.
On September 27, 2009, the Company adopted ASC 810-10-65-1, “Consolidation.” This section requires reporting entities to present noncontrolling interests in any of its consolidated entities as equity (as opposed to a liability or mezzanine equity) and provides guidance on the accounting for transactions between an entity and
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
noncontrolling interests. The adoption did not have an impact on net earnings or equity available to the Company’s shareholders, but impacted the presentation format of the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and consolidated balance sheets as follows:
•
Consolidated net income (loss) was recast to include net income (loss) attributable to both the Company and noncontrolling interests in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.
•
Noncontrolling interests were reclassified from mezzanine equity to equity, separate from the Company’s shareholders’ equity, in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
•
The condensed consolidated statements of cash flows now begin with net income (loss) (including noncontrolling interests) instead of net income (loss) attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company, with net income (loss) from noncontrolling interests no longer a reconciling item in arriving at net cash provided by operating activities.
•
Consolidated Statements of Equity and Comprehensive Income have been combined and were recast to include noncontrolling interests.
On September 27, 2009, the Company adopted provisions of ASC 815, “Derivatives and Hedging,” which requires entities to disclose: (a) how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, (b) how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for, and (c) how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows. The adoption of the provisions of this ASC did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
On September 27, 2009, the Company adopted the applicable sections of ASC 275, “Risks and Uncertainties,” and ASC 350, “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other,” that address the determination of the useful life of intangible assets. These sections address the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset. The adoption of these applicable sections may have an impact on the accounting for intangible assets that are a part of any future acquisitions.
On September 27, 2009, the Company adopted the applicable sections of ASC 260-10, “Earnings Per Share,” that address whether instruments granted in share-based payment transactions are participating securities. These sections conclude that unvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid) are participating securities and shall be included in the computation of basic earnings per share pursuant to the two-class method. The adoption of these applicable sections did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In August 2009, the FASB issued ASU No. 2009-05, “Measuring Liabilities at Fair Value.” ASU 2009-05 amends ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements,” by providing additional guidance on determining the fair value of liabilities when a quoted price in an active market for an identical liability is not available. This ASU became effective for the Company on September 27, 2009 and did not have a significant impact on the measurement of its liabilities as of that date; however, the ASU may affect the fair value measurement of liabilities for future acquisitions and divestitures.
In December 2009, the FASB issued ASU No. 2009-17, “Improvements to Financial Reporting by Enterprises Involved with Variable Interest Entities.” This ASU amends the guidance for consolidation of VIEs primarily related to the determination of the primary beneficiary of the VIE. This ASU became effective for the Company on September 26, 2010. The Company does not anticipate the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
In January 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-6, “Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements.” This ASU requires new disclosures regarding transfers in and out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements, as well as requiring presentation on a gross basis information about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements in Level 3 fair value measurements. The ASU also clarifies existing disclosures regarding level of disaggregation, inputs and valuation techniques. The ASU is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2009 and became effective for the Company on December 27, 2009. Disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements in the roll forward of activity in Level 3 fair value measurements are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010 and will be effective for the Company on September 25, 2011.
2. Fair Value Measurements
ASC 820 establishes a single authoritative definition of fair value, a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosure of fair value measurements. ASC 820 requires financial assets and liabilities to be categorized based on the inputs used to calculate their fair values as follows:
Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2 - Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.
Level 3 - Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, which reflect the Company’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability (including assumptions about risk).
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
The Company had no significant financial assets or liabilities on the balance sheet that were measured at fair value as of September 25, 2010.
In February 2009, the Company’s $75 million pay-floating interest rate swap was terminated prior to its maturity by the counterparty in accordance with the terms of the interest rate swap agreement. Prior to its termination, the swap was measured under Level 2 inputs in the fair value hierarchy. As a result of this swap termination, the Company received cash proceeds and realized a settlement gain of $2.3 million that was recorded as an adjustment to the carrying amount of the related debt. In conjunction with the tender offer and purchase of the Company’s 9.125% senior subordinated notes in March 2010, the remaining unrecognized gain on the pay-floating interest rate swap was recognized and included as part of the loss on extinguishment of debt included in interest expense on the condensed consolidated statements of operations. See Note 9, Long-Term Debt, for further information.
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis
The Company measures certain non-financial assets and liabilities, including long-lived assets, goodwill and intangible assets, at fair value on a non-recurring basis. Fair value measurements of non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities are used primarily in the impairment analyses of long-lived assets, goodwill and other intangible assets using a discounted cash flows with Level 3 inputs in the fair value hierarchy. In fiscal 2010, the carrying value of $26.9 million of indefinite-lived intangible assets were written down to their estimated fair value of $14.9 million, resulting in an impairment charge of $12.0 million, which was included in earnings for the period.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
3. Financial Instruments
The Company’s financial instruments include cash and equivalents, short term investments consisting of a bank certificate of deposit, accounts receivable and payable, short-term borrowings, and accrued liabilities. The carrying amount of these instruments approximates fair value because of their short-term nature.
The estimated fair value of the Company’s $400 million 8.25 % senior subordinated notes due 2018 as of September 25, 2010 was $407.5 million, compared to a carrying value of $400.0 million. The estimated fair value is based on quoted market prices for these notes.
4. Acquisitions
Fiscal 2010
The Company made no acquisitions during fiscal 2010. Contingent performance payments of $1.8 million were paid for acquisitions made in prior years, which were recorded as goodwill in fiscal 2010.
Fiscal 2009
The Company made no acquisitions during fiscal 2009. Contingent performance payments of $6.5 million were paid for acquisitions made in prior years, which were recorded as goodwill in fiscal 2009.
Fiscal 2008
In October 2007, the Company acquired the remaining 51% interest in Matson L.L.C. (“Matson”) for approximately $5.1 million. The Company previously acquired its 49% interest in Matson in July 2003, and accounted for the investment under the equity method. Matson is engaged primarily in the formulation and manufacture of controls for garden use. The purchase price exceeded the fair value of net tangible and identified intangible assets acquired by approximately $3.8 million, which was recorded as goodwill.
5. Concentration of Credit Risk and Significant Customers and Suppliers
Customer Concentration - Approximately 46% of the Company’s net sales for fiscal 2010 and 2009, and 41% for fiscal 2008, were derived from sales to the Company’s top five customers. The Company’s largest customer accounted for approximately 17% of the Company’s net sales in fiscal 2010, 18% of the Company’s net sales in fiscal 2009, and 17% in fiscal 2008. The Company’s second largest customer accounted for approximately 10% of the Company’s net sales in fiscal 2010, 11% of the Company’s net sales in fiscal 2009 and approximately 8% in fiscal 2008. The Company’s third largest customer accounted for approximately 8%, 7% and 6% of the Company’s net sales in each of the fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The loss of, or significant adverse change in, the relationship between the Company and any of these three customers could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business and financial results. The loss of or reduction in orders from any significant customer, losses arising from customer disputes regarding shipments, fees, merchandise condition or related matters, or the Company’s inability to collect accounts receivable from any major customer could also have a material adverse impact on the Company’s business and financial results. As of September 25, 2010 and September 26, 2009 accounts receivable from the Company’s top five customers comprised 40% and 44% of the Company’s total accounts receivable, including 11% and 13% from the Company’s largest customer, respectively.
Supplier Concentration - While the Company purchases products from many different manufacturers and suppliers, approximately 9%, 8% and 6% of the Company’s cost of goods sold in fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively, were derived from products purchased from the Company’s five largest suppliers.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
6. Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
Changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts are summarized below (in thousands):
7. Goodwill
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the fiscal years ended September 25, 2010, September 26, 2009 and September 27, 2008 are as follows (in thousands):
(1) Total goodwill impaired during fiscal 2008 was approximately $403 million. Approximately $1 million related to an equity method investment recorded in other assets. (See Note 1 - Organization and Significant Accounting Policies.)
Additions or reductions to goodwill include acquisitions, purchase price adjustments and adjustments of amounts upon finalization of purchase accounting.
The Company tests goodwill for impairment annually (on the first day of the fourth fiscal quarter), or whenever events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount, by initially comparing the fair value of each of the Company’s four reporting units to their related carrying values. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, the Company performs an additional step to determine the implied fair value of goodwill associated with that reporting unit. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined by first allocating the fair value of the reporting unit to all of its assets and liabilities and then computing the excess of the reporting unit’s fair value over the amounts assigned to the assets and liabilities. If the carrying value of goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of goodwill, such excess represents the amount of goodwill impairment, and, accordingly, the Company recognizes such impairment. The Company’s goodwill impairment analysis also includes a comparison of the aggregate estimated fair value of all four reporting units to the Company’s total market capitalization.
Determining the fair value of a reporting unit involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions. The estimate of fair value of each of the Company’s reporting units is based on the Company’s projection of
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
revenues, gross margin, operating costs and cash flows considering historical and estimated future results, general economic and market conditions as well as the impact of planned business and operational strategies. The Company bases its fair value estimates on assumptions the Company believes to be reasonable at the time, but such assumptions are subject to inherent uncertainty. Actual results may differ from those estimates. The valuations employ present value techniques to measure fair value and consider market factors.
As of December 29, 2007, due to the continuing challenging business conditions and the significant decline in the Company’s market capitalization, the Company concluded there was an indication of possible impairment. Certain key assumptions used to determine the fair value of each reporting unit as of December 29, 2007 were revised to reflect: (a) significant reductions in future expected cash flows for the period from 2008 to 2013 due to the continuing soft economy, weakness in the housing sector and other reasons; and (b) a discount rate of 15%, which was based on management’s best estimate of the after-tax weighted average cost of capital, adjusted for the Company’s increased level of financial risk and the increased risk associated with the Company’s future operations. Based on the Company’s analysis and the sustained decline in market capitalization, the Company concluded that there was an impairment of goodwill and, thus, recognized a non-cash charge of $400 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2008, comprised of $202 million relating to the Company’s Garden Products segment and $198 million relating to the Company’s Pet Products segment.
The Company performed its annual fiscal 2008 goodwill impairment test as of June 29, 2008. Key assumptions used to determine the fair value of each reporting unit as of the Company’s fiscal 2008 annual testing date (June 29, 2008) were: (a) expected cash flow for the period from 2009 to 2014; and (b) a discount rate of 15%, which was based on management’s best estimate of the after-tax weighted average cost of capital, adjusted for the increased risk associated with the Company’s future operations and credit profile. Based on the Company’s analysis, it was concluded there was an impairment of goodwill and recognized a non-cash charge of $5 million relating to goodwill in the Company’s Garden Products segment.
The Company performed its fiscal 2009 annual goodwill impairment test as of June 27, 2009. Key assumptions used to determine the fair value of each reporting unit as of our fiscal 2009 annual testing date were: (a) expected cash flow for the period from 2010 to 2015; and (b) a discount rate of 10%, which was based on management’s best estimate of the after-tax weighted average cost of capital. Based on the Company’s analysis, it concluded there was no impairment of goodwill.
The Company performed its fiscal 2010 annual goodwill impairment test as of June 26, 2010. Key assumptions used to determine the fair value of each reporting unit as of the fiscal 2010 annual testing date were: (a) expected cash flow for the period from 2011 to 2016; and (b) a discount rate of 10%, which was based on management’s best estimate of the after-tax weighted average cost of capital. Based on the Company’s analysis, it concluded there was no impairment of goodwill.
As of June 26, 2010, if forecasted cash flows had been 10% lower than estimated, the resulting goodwill impairment, if any, would not have changed. As of June 26, 2010, if the discount rate applied in the Company’s analysis had been 100 basis points higher than estimated, the resulting goodwill impairment, if any, would not have changed.
Changes in the judgments and estimates underlying our analysis of goodwill for possible impairment, including expected future cash flows and discount rate, could result in a significantly different estimate of the fair value of the reporting units in the future and could result in additional impairment of goodwill.
The Company will need to assess goodwill for further impairment in the future if indicators are present.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
8. Other Intangible Assets
The following table summarizes the components of gross and net acquired intangible assets:
Other intangible assets acquired include contract-based and technology-based intangible assets.
The Company evaluates long-lived assets, including amortizable and indefinite-lived intangible assets, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. The Company evaluates indefinite-lived intangible assets on an annual basis. In fiscal 2010, the Company recognized a non-cash $12.0 million impairment charge to its indefinite-lived intangible assets as a result of the continuing challenging economic environment. The fair value of the remaining $27.8 million of indefinite-lived intangible assets exceed their carrying value at September 25, 2010. In fiscal 2009, the Company tested its indefinite-lived intangible assets and no impairment was indicated. In fiscal 2008, indicators of impairment were identified within the Garden Products segment related to current operating losses in certain operations. Accordingly, the Company recognized a $6.1 million impairment charge related to certain trade names.
In fiscal 2010, factors were present indicating the carrying value of certain amortizable intangible assets may not be recoverable, which prompted the Company to perform impairment testing on these assets. The carrying values of the assets were determined to be recoverable, and accordingly, no impairment charges were recognized during fiscal 2010. Other factors indicating the carrying value of the Company’s amortizable intangible assets may not be recoverable were not present during fiscal 2009, and accordingly, no impairment charges were recognized during fiscal 2009.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
The Company is currently amortizing its acquired intangible assets with definite lives over periods ranging from 1 to 25 years; over weighted average remaining lives of eight years for marketing-related intangibles, 18 years for customer-related intangibles and six years for other acquired intangibles. Amortization expense for intangibles subject to amortization was approximately $4.6 million, $4.0 million and $4.3 million, for fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively, and is classified within operating expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. Estimated annual amortization expense related to acquired intangible assets in each of the succeeding five years is estimated to be approximately $4 million per year from fiscal 2011 through fiscal 2015.
9. Long-Term Debt
Long-term debt consists of the following:
Senior Credit Facility
On June 25, 2010, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with respect to a five-year senior secured revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) in an aggregate principal amount of $275 million. The Company has the option to increase the size of the Credit Facility by an additional $200 million of incremental term loans and/or revolving loans should it exercise its option and one or more lenders are willing to make such increased amounts available to it. There was no outstanding balance at September 25, 2010 under the Credit Facility. There were $0.8 million of letters of credit outstanding. After giving effect to the financial covenants in the Credit Agreement, the remaining potential borrowing capacity at September 25, 2010 was $274.2 million.
Interest on the Credit Facility is based, at the Company’s option, on a rate equal to the ABR, which is the greatest of the prime rate, the Federal Funds rate plus 1/2 of 1% or one month LIBOR plus 1%, plus a margin, which fluctuates from 1.5% to 2.5%, or LIBOR plus a margin, which fluctuates from 2.5% to 3.5% and commitment fees that range from 0.35% to 0.75%, determined quarterly based on consolidated total debt to consolidated EBITDA for the most recent trailing 12-month period. As of September 25, 2010, the applicable interest rate on the Credit Facility related to alternate base rate borrowings was 5.3%, and the applicable interest rate related to LIBOR rate borrowings was 3.3%.
CENTRAL GARDEN & PET COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
The Credit Facility is guaranteed by the Company’s material subsidiaries and is secured by the Company’s assets, excluding real property but including substantially all of the capital stock of the Company’s subsidiaries. The Credit Agreement contains certain financial and other covenants which require the Company to maintain minimum levels of interest coverage and maximum levels of senior debt to EBITDA and that restrict the Company’s ability to repurchase its stock, make investments in or acquisitions of other businesses and pay dividends above certain levels over the life of the Credit Facility. Under the terms of the Company’s Credit Facility, it may make restricted payments, including cash dividends and stock repurchases, in an aggregate amount initially not to exceed $200 million over the life of the Credit Facility, subject to qualifications and baskets as defined in the Credit Agreement. We must maintain a minimum interest coverage ratio of 2.75 to 1.00 and a maximum senior secured leverage ratio of 2.00 to 1.00. As of September 25, 2010, our interest coverage ratio was 5.71 to 1.00 and our senior secured leverage ratio was 0.01 to 1.00. As of the quarter ended September 25, 2010, the Total Leverage Ratio, as defined in the Credit Agreement, was 2.57 to 1.00. Apart from the covenants limiting restricted payments and capital expenditures, the Credit Facility does not restrict the use of retained earnings or net income. The Company was in compliance with all financial covenants as of September 25, 2010.
The Company incurred approximately $3.1 million of costs in conjunction with this transaction, which included banking fees and legal expenses. These costs are being amortized over the term of the Credit Facility.
Senior Subordinated Notes
On March 8, 2010, the Company issued $400 million aggregate principal amount of 8.25% senior subordinated notes due March 1, 2018 (the “2018 Notes”). The Company used the proceeds together with available cash to purchase its outstanding $150 million aggregate principal amount of 9.125% senior subordinated notes due February 1, 2013 (the “2013 Notes”), including accrued interest, to repay the $267.1 million outstanding under its senior term loan maturing February 2012 and pay fees and expenses related to the offering. The Company received tenders and consents from the holders of $135.3 million of its 2013 Notes, including $12.8 million held in escrow for the benefit of the Company, which was previously recorded as a reduction of debt for accounting purposes against the Company’s 2013 Notes. The remaining $14.7 million of 2013 Notes were redeemed in April 2010.
The Company incurred approximately $9.5 million of debt issuance costs in conjunction with these transactions, which included underwriter fees and legal, accounting and rating agency expenses. The debt issuance costs are being amortized over the term of the 2018 Notes.
As a result of this debt refinancing, the Company incurred a pre-tax loss of $3.2 million, comprised of the unamortized deferred financing costs related to the 2013 Notes and the retired term loan, the tender call premium, consent fees and the unamortized gain on the swap termination related to the 2013 Notes. The amount is included in interest expense in the consolidated statements of operations.
The 2018 Notes require semiannual interest payments, which commenced on September 1, 2010. The 2018 Notes are unsecured senior subordinated obligations and are subordinated to all of the Company’s existing and future senior debt, including the Company’s Credit Facility. The obligations under the 2018 Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a senior subordinated basis by each of the Company’s existing and future domestic restricted subsidiaries with certain exceptions. The guarantees are general unsecured senior subordinated obligations of the guarantors and are subordinated to all existing and future senior debt of the guarantors.
The Company may redeem some or all of the 2018 Notes at any time prior to March 1, 2014 at the principal amount plus a “make whole” premium. The Company may redeem some or all of the 2018 Notes at any time on
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
or after March 1, 2014 for 104.125%, after March 1, 2015 for 102.063% and after March 1, 2016 for 100%, plus accrued and unpaid interest. Additionally, at any time prior to March 1, 2013, the Company may redeem up to 35% of the 2018 Notes with any proceeds the Company receives from certain equity offerings at a redemption price of 108.25% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest. The holders of the 2018 Notes have the right to require the Company to repurchase all or a portion of the 2018 Notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount of the notes repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest through the repurchase date upon the occurrence of a change of control.
The 2018 Notes contain customary high yield covenants, including covenants limiting debt incurrence and restricted payments, subject to certain baskets and exceptions.
The scheduled principal repayments on long-term debt as of September 25, 2010 are as follows:
10. Commitments and Contingencies
Commitments
Purchase commitments - Production and purchase agreements (primarily for grass seed and grains) entered into in the ordinary course of business obligate the Company to make future purchases based on estimated yields. The terms of these contracts vary and have fixed prices or quantities. At September 25, 2010, estimated annual purchase commitments were $78.0 million for fiscal 2011, $32.1 million for fiscal 2012, $21.0 million for fiscal 2013, $13.0 million for fiscal 2014 and $8.7 million for fiscal 2015 and $4.8 million thereafter.
Leases - The Company has operating lease agreements principally for office and warehouse facilities and equipment. Such leases have remaining terms of 1 to 10 years. Rental expense was $26.9 million for fiscal 2010, $29.1 million for fiscal 2009 and $30.2 million for fiscal 2008.
Certain facility leases have renewal options and include escalation clauses. Minimum lease payments include scheduled rent increases pursuant to these escalation provisions.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
Aggregate minimum annual payments on non-cancelable operating leases at September 25, 2010 are as follows:
Contingencies
The Company may from time to time become involved in certain legal proceedings in the ordinary course of business. Currently, the Company is not a party to any legal proceedings that management believes would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.
11. Income Taxes
The provision for income tax expense (benefit) consists of the following:
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
A reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to the Company’s effective income tax rate is as follows:
Deferred income taxes reflect the impact of “temporary differences” between asset and liability amounts for financial reporting purposes and such amounts as determined based on existing tax laws. The tax effect of temporary differences and carryforwards which give rise to deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:
The Company’s state tax net operating losses of $83.4 million expire at various times between 2010 and 2030. In evaluating the Company’s ability to recover its deferred tax assets, the Company considers all available
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
positive and negative evidence including past operating results, future taxable income, and ongoing prudent and feasible tax planning strategies in assessing the need for a valuation allowance against any deferred tax assets. The Company has determined there will be insufficient future separate state taxable income for the separate parent company to absorb its separate company state deferred tax assets. Therefore, valuation allowances of $7.0 million and $6.8 million (net of federal impact) at September 25, 2010 and September 26, 2009, respectively, have been provided to reduce state deferred tax assets to amounts considered recoverable. The Company also has state income tax credits of $4.1 million. $1.8 million of these credits expire at various times beginning in 2011 through 2028. Credits of $2.3 million do not expire.
As of September 25, 2010, unrecognized income tax benefits totaled approximately $0.5 million and all of the unrecognized tax benefits would, if recognized, impact the Company’s effective income tax rate.
The Company classifies uncertain tax positions as non-current income tax liabilities unless expected to be paid within one year. The Company recognizes interest and/or penalties related to income tax matters as a component of pretax income. In the prior year, interest and penalties were a component of the income tax provision. The impact of the change in accounting for interest and penalties is immaterial to the consolidated financial statements of the Company. As of September 25, 2010 and September 26, 2009, the total balance of accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions was $0.1 million.
The following table, which excludes interest and penalties, summarizes the activity related to the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits for fiscal years ended September 26, 2009 and September 25, 2010 (in thousands):
The Company is principally subject to taxation by the United States and various states within the United States. The Company’s tax filings in major jurisdictions are open to examination by tax authorities by the Internal Revenue Service from 2006 forward and in various state taxing authorities generally from 2005 forward.
Management believes that an adequate provision has been made for possible adjustments that may result from tax examinations. However, the outcome of tax audits cannot be predicted with certainty. If any issue addressed in the Company’s tax audits are resolved in a manner not consistent with management’s expectations, the Company could be required to adjust its income tax provision in the period such resolution occurs. The closure of audits is highly uncertain; therefore, the Company does not believe it is reasonable to estimate an amount of its unrecognized tax benefits which may be settled in the next twelve months. Any potential settlement in the next twelve months is estimated to be immaterial to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
12. Stock-Based Compensation
In February 2003, the Company adopted the 2003 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan (the “2003 Plan”) which provides for the grant of options and restricted stock to key employees, directors and consultants of the Company up to an aggregate of 2.5 million shares of common stock of the Company. The 2003 Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, which is comprised only of independent directors, and which must approve individual awards to be granted, vesting and exercise of share conditions. The 2003 Plan replaced the 1993 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan (the “1993 Plan”) which, through January 2003, provided for the grant of options to key employees and consultants of the Company for the purchase of up to an aggregate of 4.8 million shares of common stock of the Company. Upon adoption of the 2003 plan, the Company terminated the 1993 Plan, subject to the remaining outstanding option grants. In February 2005, the Company’s shareholders approved an amendment to the 2003 Plan to increase the number of shares authorized for issuance there under by 3.3 million shares, resulting in a total of 5.8 million shares authorized for issuance under the 2003 Plan.
In connection with a dividend payable in the form of two shares of the Class A Common Stock for each outstanding share of Common Stock and Class B Common Stock on February 5, 2007, the 2003 Plan was amended to include 9,734,982 shares of Class A Common Stock authorized for issuance. In February 2009, the Company’s shareholders approved an increase in the number of shares authorized for issuance under the 2003 Plan by an additional 5,000,000 shares of Class A Common Stock and to authorize for issuance 500,000 shares of Preferred Stock. As a result of these amendments, there is a total of 5,800,000 shares of Common Stock, 14,734,982 shares of Class A Common Stock and 500,000 shares of Preferred Stock authorized under the 2003 Plan. If and when the Company issues any shares of Preferred Stock under the 2003 Plan, it will reduce the amount of Class A Common Stock available for future issuance in an amount equal to the number of shares of Class A Common Stock that are issuable upon conversion of such Preferred Stock. As of September 25, 2010, there were 2,188,300 shares of Common Stock, 8,894,221 shares of Class A Common Stock and no shares of Preferred Stock reserved for outstanding equity awards, and there were 2,796,181 shares of Common Stock, 4,713,681 shares of Class A Common Stock and 500,000 shares of Preferred Stock remaining for future awards.
The Company has a Nonemployee Director Stock Option Plan (the “Director Plan”) which provides for the grant of options and restricted stock to nonemployee directors of the Company. The Director Plan, as amended in 2001 and 2006, provides for the granting of options equal to $200,000 divided by the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of each annual meeting of stockholders and a number of shares of restricted stock equal to $20,000 divided by such fair market value.
Stock Option Awards
The Company recognized share-based compensation expense of $5.6 million, $10.6 million and $13.4 million for the years ended September 25, 2010, September 26, 2009 and September 27, 2008, respectively, as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses. Share-based compensation expense in fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008 consisted of $2.5 million, $4.0 million and $3.9 million for stock options, and $1.1 million, $4.6 million and $8.7 million for restricted stock awards. Additionally, in fiscal 2010, 2009 and fiscal 2008, share-based compensation expense includes $1.9 million, $2.0 and $0.8 million for the Company’s 401(k) matching contributions.
Prior to fiscal 2008, stock options granted were generally exercisable with a 30 month cliff vesting and 42 month expiration, but were also granted with vesting increments of 20%, 25% or 33% per year beginning two, three or four years from the date of grant and expiring one year after the last increment has vested.
In fiscal 2008, the Company began granting performance-based options under its 2003 Plan to key employees and executives whose vesting is contingent upon service and meeting various business unit, segment and company-wide performance goals, including adjusted earnings before taxes and net controllable assets. The
CENTRAL GARDEN & PET COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
options are granted at the then-current market price, except for 3.0 million shares that were granted at prices significantly above the then-current market price. The options contingently vest up to 20% each year over the following 5 years dependent upon the achievement of the target performance measures and have contractual lives of 6 years. Of the options granted in fiscal 2008, approximately 216,000 options scheduled to possibly vest in each of fiscal years 2009 and 2010 were amended and were only subject to service vesting conditions. If any of the options subject to the performance target measurements do not vest on any particular vesting date because the Company, segment and/or business unit performance has not been achieved, such options will vest and become exercisable if at the end of the following fiscal year, the cumulative target for that later fiscal year has been achieved. The fair value of each performance-based option granted was estimated on the date of grant using the same option valuation model used for options granted as service vesting only. We currently estimate the performance-based options are probable of achievement and are recording the related expense over the estimated service period using the accelerated method. In fiscal 2010, approximately 94% of the performance options granted in fiscal 2009 that were eligible to vest in fiscal 2010 had vested. In fiscal 2010, approximately 93%, on a cumulative basis, of the performance options granted in fiscal 2008 that were eligible to vest in fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2010 had vested. To the extent Company goals are not achieved, the amount of stock-based compensation recognized in the future will be adjusted.
The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. Expected stock price volatilities are estimated based on the Company’s historical volatility. The expected term of options granted is based on analyses of historical employee termination rates and option exercises. The risk-free rates are based on U.S. Treasury yields, for notes with comparable terms as the option grants, in effect at the time of the grant. For purposes of this valuation model, no dividends have been assumed.
The Company’s calculations were made using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions: expected life from the date of grant, 3.5 years in fiscal 2010, 3.5 years in fiscal 2009, and 4 years in fiscal 2008; stock price volatility, 37.3% in fiscal 2010, 36.7% in fiscal 2009, and 30.5 % in fiscal 2008; risk free interest rates, 2.0% in fiscal 2010, 1.6% in fiscal 2009, and 2.7% in fiscal 2008; and no dividends during the expected term.
The following table summarizes option activity for the period ended September 25, 2010:
The weighted average grant date fair value of options granted during the fiscal years ended September 25, 2010, September 26, 2009, and September 27, 2008 was $2.65, $1.90, and $0.81, respectively. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the fiscal years ended September 25, 2010, September 26, 2009, and September 27, 2008 was $2.2 million, $1.5 million, and $0.2 million, respectively.
As of September 25, 2010, there was $7.6 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock options, which is expected to be recognized over a remaining weighted average vesting period of 4 years.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
Restricted Stock Awards
As of September 25, 2010 and September 26, 2009, there were 432,140 and 517,850 shares, respectively, of restricted stock awards outstanding. The awards generally vest in 20% or 25% increments, after a two or three year waiting period, over a six or seven year period of employment after the grant date. In fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2008, approximately $6.2 million and $2.5 million of bonus amounts earned in fiscal 2008 and fiscal 2007, respectively, were paid by granting approximately 620,000 and 370,000 of restricted shares that vested immediately.
Restricted stock award activity during the three fiscal years in the period ended September 25, 2010 is summarized as follows:
The weighted average grant date fair value of restricted stock awards granted during the fiscal years ended September 25, 2010, September 26, 2009, and September 27, 2008 was $9.54, $7.06, and $4.29, respectively. The aggregate fair value as of the vesting date of restricted shares that vested was $1.3 million, $5.0 million, and $2.1 million for fiscal 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively.
As of September 25, 2010, there was $3.3 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested restricted stock awards, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of two years.
13. Shareholders’ Equity
At September 25, 2010, there were 80,000,000 shares of common stock ($0.01 par value) authorized, of which 16,258,704 were outstanding, and 100,000,000 shares of non-voting Class A common stock ($0.01 par value) authorized, of which 43,696,426 were outstanding. The preferences and relative rights of the Class A common stock are identical to common stock in all respects, except that the Class A common stock generally will have no voting rights unless otherwise required by Delaware law.
There are 3,000,000 shares of Class B stock ($0.01 par value) authorized, of which 1,652,262 were outstanding at September 25, 2010 and September 26, 2009. The voting powers, preferences and relative rights of the Class B stock are identical to common stock in all respects except that (i) the holders of common stock are entitled to one vote per share and the holders of Class B stock are entitled to the lesser of ten votes per share or 49% of the total votes cast, (ii) stock dividends on common stock may be paid only in shares of common stock
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
and stock dividends on Class B stock may be paid only in shares of Class B stock and (iii) shares of Class B stock have certain conversion rights and are subject to certain restrictions on ownership and transfer. Each share of Class B stock is convertible into one share of common stock, at the option of the holder. Additional shares of Class B stock may only be issued with majority approval of the holders of the common stock and Class B stock, voting as separate classes.
Under the Company’s former stock repurchase program, the Company was authorized to repurchase up to $100 million of its common stock, in part, to minimize the dilutive impact of the Company’s stock-based equity compensation programs over time. In July 2010, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a new $100 million share repurchase program. During the fiscal year ended September 25, 2010, the Company repurchased 2.5 million shares of its voting common stock for an aggregate price of approximately $25.0 million and 4.3 million shares of its Class A non-voting common stock for an aggregate price of approximately $40.8 million. In total, as of September 25, 2010, the Company had repurchased approximately 11.1 million shares under the former repurchase program for approximately $100.0 million, and approximately 2.0 million shares for an aggregate price of approximately $19 million under the new share repurchase program.
14. Earnings per Share
The following is a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share (EPS) computations:
Options to purchase 11.1 million shares of common stock and Class A common stock at prices ranging from $4.60 to $17.99 per share were outstanding at September 25, 2010. Of these shares, 5.7 million were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the option exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the common shares and, therefore, the effect of including these options would be anti-dilutive. Options to purchase 10.5 million shares of common stock and Class A common stock at prices ranging from $4.26 to $17.99 per share were outstanding at September 26, 2009. Of these shares, 6.7 million were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the option exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the common shares and, therefore, the effect of including these options would be anti-dilutive. Options to purchase 7.6 million shares of common stock and Class A common stock at prices ranging from $4.26 to $17.99 per share were outstanding at September 27, 2008. The potential effects of stock awards were excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation for the fiscal year ended September 27, 2008, because their inclusion in a net loss period would be anti-dilutive to the earnings per share calculation.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
15. Quarterly Financial Data - Unaudited
(1) The Company recognized a $12 million impairment charge related to indefinite-lived intangible assets during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010.
16. Transactions with Related Parties
During fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008, subsidiaries of the Company purchased approximately $0.9 million, $1.1 million and $1.2 million, respectively, of products from Bio Plus, Inc., a company that produces granular peanut hulls. As of September 25, 2010 and September 26, 2009, the amounts owed to BioPlus, Inc for such purchases were not material. A director of the Company is a minority shareholder and a director of Bio Plus, Inc.
During fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008, Tech Pac, a subsidiary of the Company, made purchases from Contract Packaging, Inc, (“CPI”), Tech Pac’s principal supplier and a minority 20% shareholder. Tech Pac’s total purchases from CPI were approximately $25 million, $29 million and $18 million for fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Amounts due to CPI as of September 25, 2010 were not material. Amounts due to CPI as of September 26, 2009 were $3.6 million.
17. Business Segment Data
An operating segment is defined as a portion of an enterprise engaged in business activities about which separate financial information is available and evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision-maker in
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
determining how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. The Company’s chief operating decision-maker is its Chief Executive Officer. Operating segments are managed separately because each segment represents a strategic business that offers different products or services. The Company’s Chief Executive Officer evaluates performance based on profit or loss from operations. The Company’s Corporate division is included in the following presentation since certain expenses of this division are not allocated separately to the two operating segments. Segment assets exclude cash equivalents, short-term investments, deferred taxes and goodwill.
Management has determined that the Company has two operating segments which are also reportable segments based on the level at which the Chief Executive Officer reviews the results of operations to make decisions regarding performance assessment and resource allocation. These operating segments are the Pet Products Group and the Garden Products Group. Substantially all of the Company’s assets and operations relate to its business in the United States.
The Pet Products Group segment consists of Four Paws Products, TFH Publications, Kaytee, Aquatics, Interpet, Pets International, Breeder’s Choice and Life Sciences. These businesses are engaged in the manufacturing, purchase, sale and delivery of internally and externally produced pet supplies, books and food principally to independent pet distributors, national and regional retail chains, grocery stores, mass merchants and bookstores. The Garden Products segment consists of Pennington Seed, Matthews Four Seasons, Grant’s, AMBRANDS, Lilly Miller, the Pottery Group, Gulfstream and GKI/Bethlehem Lighting. Products manufactured, designed and sourced, or distributed are products found typically in the lawn and garden sections of mass merchandisers, warehouse-type clubs, home improvement centers and nurseries and include grass seed, bird feed, clay pottery, outdoor wooden planters and trellises, herbicides and insecticides. These products are sold directly to national and regional retail chains, independent garden distributors, grocery stores, nurseries and garden supply retailers.
The Corporate division includes expenses associated with corporate functions and projects, certain employee benefits, goodwill, interest income, interest expense and intersegment eliminations.
The following table indicates each class of similar products which represented more than 10% of the Company’s consolidated net sales in the fiscal years presented (in millions).
The Company’s largest customer represented approximately 17%, 18% and 17% of the total company net sales in fiscal 2010, 2009 and fiscal 2008, respectively, and represented approximately 31% of Garden Products’ net sales in fiscal 2010, 32% in fiscal 2009 and 30% in fiscal 2008. Sales to the Company’s third largest customer represented approximately 18% of Garden Products’ net sales in fiscal 2010, 14% in fiscal 2009 and 12% in fiscal 2008. Sales to the Company’s second largest customer represented approximately 10% of total company net sales in fiscal 2010, and represented approximately 22% of Garden Products’ net sales in fiscal 2010 and fiscal 2009, and 18% in fiscal 2008. The Pet Products’ largest customer represented approximately 11% of Pet Products’ net sales in fiscal 2010 and approximately 10% in fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2008.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
Financial information relating to the Company’s business segments for each of the three most recent fiscal years is presented in the table below.
Noncontrolling interest is associated with Garden Products.
(1) Includes goodwill impairment of $195,978.
(2) Includes goodwill and long-lived asset impairment of $233,786.
(3) Includes indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment of $12,000.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
18. Consolidating Condensed Financial Information of Guarantor Subsidiaries
Certain 100% owned subsidiaries of the Company (as listed below, collectively the “Guarantor Subsidiaries”) have guaranteed fully and unconditionally, on a joint and several basis, the obligation to pay principal and interest on the Company’s $400 million 8.25% Senior Subordinated Notes issued on March 8, 2010 (the “Notes”). Certain subsidiaries and operating divisions are not guarantors of the Notes and have been included in the financial results of the Parent in the information below. These Non-Guarantor entities are not material to the Parent. Those subsidiaries that are guarantors and co-obligors of the Notes are as follows:
Farnam Companies, Inc.
Four Paws Products Ltd.
Grant Laboratories, Inc.
Gulfstream Home & Garden, Inc.
Interpet USA, LLC
Kaytee Products, Inc.
Matthews Redwood & Nursery Supply, Inc.
Matson, LLC
New England Pottery, LLC
Pennington Seed, Inc. (including Pennington Seed, Inc. of Nebraska, Gro Tec, Inc., Seeds West, Inc.,
All-Glass Aquarium Co., Inc. and Cedar Works, LLC.)
Pets International, Ltd.
T.F.H. Publications, Inc.
Wellmark International (including B2E Corporation and B2E Biotech LLC)
In lieu of providing separate audited financial statements for the Guarantor Subsidiaries, the Company has included the accompanying consolidating condensed financial statements based on the Company’s understanding of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s interpretation and application of Rule 3-10 of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Regulation S-X.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
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Item 9.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.
Item 9A.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have reviewed, as of the end of the period covered by this report, the “disclosure controls and procedures” (as defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) that ensure that information relating to the Company required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported in a timely and proper manner and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Based upon this review, such officers concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 25, 2010.
(b) Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Central’s management, with the participation of Central’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated whether any change in Central’s internal control over financial reporting occurred during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010. Based on that evaluation, management concluded that there has been no change in Central’s internal control over financial reporting during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, Central’s internal control over financial reporting.
(c) Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. A copy of our management’s report and the report of Deloitte & Touche LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm, are included in Item 8 - Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
Item 9B.
Item 9B. Other Information
None.
PART III
Item 10.
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant
We have adopted a code of ethics that applies to all of our executive officers and directors, a copy of which was filed as Exhibit 14 to our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 24, 2005.
The remaining information required by this item is incorporated by reference from Central’s Definitive Proxy Statement for its 2011 Annual Meeting of Stockholders under the captions “Election of Directors,” “Further Information Concerning the Board of Directors - Committees of the Board” and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance.” See also Item 1 - Business above.
Item 11.
Item 11. Executive Compensation
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from Central’s Definitive Proxy Statement for its 2011 Annual Meeting of Stockholders under the caption “Executive Compensation.”
Item 12.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from Central’s Definitive Proxy Statement for its 2011 Annual Meeting of Stockholders under the captions “Ownership of Management and Principal Stockholders” and “Equity Compensation Plan Information.”
Item 13.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from Central’s Definitive Proxy Statement for its 2011 Annual Meeting of Stockholders under the captions “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” and “Transactions with the Company.”
Item 14.
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from Central’s Definitive Proxy Statement for its 2011 Annual Meeting of Stockholders under the caption “Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.”
PART IV
Item 15.
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
(a) The following documents are filed as part of this report:
(1) Consolidated Financial Statements of Central Garden & Pet Company are included in Part II, Item 8:
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
All other schedules are omitted because of the absence of conditions under which they are required or because the required information is included in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.
(2) Exhibits:
See attached Exhibit Index.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Date: November 19, 2010
CENTRAL GARDEN & PET COMPANY
By
/s/ WILLIAM E. BROWN
William E. Brown
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated.
EXHIBIT INDEX
Set forth below is a list of exhibits that are being filed or incorporated by reference into this Form 10-K:
* Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.