UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
For the quarterly period ended June 26, 2010
or
For the transition period from to
Commission File Number: 001-33268
CENTRAL GARDEN & PET COMPANY
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
1340 Treat Blvd., Suite 600, Walnut Creek, California 94597
(Address of principle executive offices)
(925) 948-4000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. x Yes ¨ No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). ¨ Yes ¨ No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). ¨ Yes x No
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Common Stock Outstanding as of July 31, 2010
Class A Common Stock Outstanding as of July 31, 2010
Class B Stock Outstanding as of July 31, 2010
Financial Statements
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 27, 2009, June 26, 2010 and September 26, 2009
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations Three and Nine Months Ended June 27, 2009 and June 26, 2010
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Nine Months Ended June 27, 2009 and June 26, 2010
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Controls and Procedures
Legal Proceedings
Risk Factors
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
Reserved
Other Information
Exhibits
Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
This Form 10-Q includes “forward-looking statements.” Forward-looking statements include statements concerning our plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events, future revenues or performance, capital expenditures, plans or intentions relating to acquisitions, our competitive strengths and weaknesses, our business strategy and the trends we anticipate in the industries and economies in which we operate and other information that is not historical information. When used in this Form 10-Q, the words “estimates,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “projects,” “plans,” “intends,” “believes” and, variations of such words or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are based upon our current expectations and various assumptions. Our expectations, beliefs and projections are expressed in good faith, and we believe there is a reasonable basis for them, but we cannot assure you that our expectations, beliefs and projections will be realized.
There are a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained in this Form 10-Q. Important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements we make in this Form 10-Q are set forth in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 26, 2009 including the factors described in the section entitled “Risk Factors.” If any of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if any of our underlying assumptions are incorrect, our actual results may differ significantly from the results that we express in or imply by any of our forward-looking statements. We do not undertake any obligation to revise these forward-looking statements to reflect future events or circumstances. Presently known risk factors include, but are not limited to, the following factors:
seasonality and fluctuations in our operating results and cash flow;
fluctuations in market prices for seeds and grains;
declines in consumer spending during economic downturns;
inflation, deflation and other adverse macro-economic conditions;
supply shortages in small animals and pet birds;
adverse weather conditions;
fluctuations in energy prices, fuel and related petrochemical costs;
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dependence on a few customers for a significant portion of our business;
consolidation trends in the retail industry;
uncertainty about new product innovations and marketing programs;
competition in our industries;
risks associated with our acquisition strategy;
dependence upon our key executive officers;
implementation of a new enterprise resource planning information technology system;
potential environmental liabilities;
risk associated with international sourcing;
litigation and product liability claims;
the voting power associated with our Class B stock; and
potential dilution from issuance of authorized shares.
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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
Unaudited
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
Accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $18,442, $17,702 and $18,014)
Inventories
Prepaid expenses and other
Total current assets
Land, buildings, improvements and equipment—net
Goodwill
Other intangible assets—net
Deferred income taxes and other assets
Total
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable
Accrued expenses
Current portion of long-term debt
Total current liabilities
Long-term debt
Other long-term obligations
Shareholders’ equity:
Common stock, $.01 par value: 19,495,078. 16,820,404 and 18,777,155 shares outstanding at June 27, 2009, June 26, 2010 and September 26, 2009
Class A common stock, $.01 par value: 48,099,760, 44,997,584 and 47,532,954 shares outstanding at June 27, 2009, June 26, 2010 and September 26, 2009
Class B stock, $.01 par value: 1,652,262 shares outstanding
Additional paid-in capital
Accumulated earnings
Accumulated other comprehensive income
Total Central Garden & Pet Company shareholders’ equity
Noncontrolling interest
Total shareholders’ equity
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
(unaudited)
Net sales
Cost of goods sold and occupancy
Gross profit
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Income from operations
Interest expense
Interest income
Other income
Income before income taxes and noncontrolling interest
Income taxes
Income including noncontrolling interest
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
Net income attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company
Net income per share attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company:
Basic
Diluted
Weighted average shares used in the computation of net income per share:
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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization
Stock-based compensation
Excess tax benefits from stock-based awards
Deferred income taxes
Loss on extinguishment of debt
Gain on sales of property
Loss on sale of a business and equipment
Proceeds from interest rate swap termination, net of amounts reclassified into earnings
Change in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable
Prepaid expenses and other assets
Net cash provided by operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to property and equipment
Proceeds from property sales, net of expenses
Business acquired, net of cash acquired
Net cash used in investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings on revolving line of credit
Repayments of revolving line of credit
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
Repayments of long-term debt
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
Repurchase of common stock
Distribution to noncontrolling interest
Payment of financing costs
Net cash used in financing activities
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and equivalents at beginning of period
Cash and equivalents at end of period
Supplemental information:
Cash paid for interest
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds
Non-cash investing activities:
Capital expenditures incurred but not paid
Non-cash financing activities
Offset of subordinated notes with escrow
Restricted share stock bonus
Repurchased shares settled but not paid
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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Nine Months Ended June 26, 2010
1. Basis of Presentation
The condensed consolidated balance sheets of Central Garden & Pet Company and subsidiaries (the “Company” or “Central”) as of June 27, 2009 and June 26, 2010, the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months ended June 27, 2009 and June 26, 2010, and the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the nine months ended June 27, 2009 and June 26, 2010 have been prepared by the Company, without audit. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (which include only normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company for the periods mentioned above, have been made.
For the Company’s foreign business in the UK, the local currency is the functional currency. Assets and liabilities are translated using the exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date. Income and expenses are translated at the average exchange rate for the period. Deferred taxes are not provided on translation gains and losses, because the Company expects earnings of its foreign subsidiary to be permanently reinvested. Transaction gains and losses are included in results of operations. See Note 7, Supplemental Equity and Comprehensive Income Information, for further detail.
Due to the seasonal nature of the Company’s garden business, the results of operations for the three and nine month periods ended June 27, 2009 and June 26, 2010 are not indicative of the operating results that may be expected for the entire fiscal year. These interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the annual audited financial statements, accounting policies and financial notes thereto, included in the Company’s 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K, which has previously been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The September 26, 2009 balance sheet presented herein was derived from the audited statements.
Noncontrolling Interest
Noncontrolling interest in the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements represents the 20% interest not owned by Central 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, as discussed above. Prior period financial statements and disclosures for existing minority interests have been restated in accordance with the new guidance. As of June 27, 2009, September 26, 2009, September 27, 2008 and September 29, 2007 the liability related to noncontrolling interest was $2.1 million, $2.3 million, $2.7 million and $1.8 million, respectively, and was included as mezzanine equity on the consolidated balance sheets. For the three and nine months ended June 27, 2009 and the fiscal years ended September 26, 2009, September 27, 2008 and September 29, 2007, the net income attributable to noncontrolling interest was $1.1 million, $1.5 million, $1.7 million, $0.8 million and $1.4 million, respectively, and was included as minority interest on the consolidated statements of operations. All other requirements of the new guidance will be applied prospectively. See Note 7, Supplemental Equity and Comprehensive Income Information, for additional information and revised disclosures required by the adoption of that guidance.
Derivative Instruments
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 cost of sales in its condensed consolidated statements of operations. As of June 26, 2010, the notional amount of these contracts was not significant.
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Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Subtopic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” provides a consistent definition of fair value that focuses on exit price, prioritizes the use of market-based inputs over entity-specific inputs for measuring fair value and establishes a three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements. On September 28, 2008, the Company adopted the applicable sections of ASC 820 for financial assets and financial liabilities and for nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities that are remeasured at least annually. At that time, the Company elected to defer adoption of ASC 820 for one year for nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a nonrecurring basis. On September 27, 2009, the Company 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. 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 28, 2008 and 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 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.
Interim disclosures of consolidated shareholders’ equity and comprehensive income have been added as part of the disclosure requirements.
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.
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In August 2009, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“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. 2009-16, “Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets.” ASU 2009-16 amends the guidance on accounting for transfers of financial assets, including securitization transactions, where entities have continued exposure to risks related to transferred financial assets, and also expands the disclosure requirements for such transactions. This ASU will become effective for the Company on September 26, 2010. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements.
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 will become effective for the Company on September 26, 2010. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements.
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 June 26, 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 our 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 6, 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. During the period ended June 26, 2010, the Company was not required to measure any significant non-financial assets and liabilities at fair value.
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3. Financial Instruments
The Company’s financial instruments include cash and equivalents, 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 Company’s remaining outstanding 9.125% senior subordinated notes due 2013 with a carrying value of $14.7 million were redeemed by the Company on April 21, 2010 for $14.9 million, which includes a redemption premium of $0.2 million.
The estimated fair value of the Company’s $400 million 8.25 % senior subordinated notes due 2018 as of June 26, 2010 was $398.0 million, compared to a carrying value of $400.0 million. The estimated fair value is based on quoted market prices for these notes.
4. Goodwill
The Company accounts for goodwill in accordance with ASC 350, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other,” and tests goodwill for 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. This assessment involves the use of significant accounting judgments and estimates as to future operating results and discount rates. Changes in estimates or use of different assumptions could produce significantly different results. An impairment loss is generally recognized when the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s net assets exceeds the estimated fair value of the reporting unit. The Company uses discounted cash flow analysis to estimate the fair value of our reporting units. 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.
5. Other Intangible Assets
The following table summarizes the components of gross and net acquired intangible assets:
June 26, 2010
Marketing-related intangible assets – amortizable
Marketing-related intangible assets – nonamortizable
Customer-related intangible assets – amortizable
Other acquired intangible assets – amortizable
Other acquired intangible assets – nonamortizable
Total other intangible assets
September 26, 2009
Other intangible assets acquired include contract-based and technology-based intangible assets.
The Company evaluates long-lived assets, including amortizable 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, and no impairment of its indefinite-lived intangible assets was indicated during its fiscal 2009 review. Other factors indicating the carrying value of the Company’s amortizable intangible assets may not be recoverable were not present during fiscal 2009 or the first nine months of fiscal 2010, and accordingly, no impairment charges were recognized during fiscal 2009 or fiscal 2010. 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.
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The Company is currently amortizing its acquired intangible assets with definite lives over periods ranging from 1 to 25 years; over weighted average lives of 12 years for marketing-related intangibles, 22 years for customer-related intangibles and nine years for other acquired intangibles. Amortization expense for intangibles subject to amortization was approximately $1.2 million and $1.2 million, and $3.5 million and $3.1 million, for the three and nine month periods ended June 26, 2010 and June 27, 2009, 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 2010 through fiscal 2014.
6. Long-Term Debt
Long-term debt consists of the following:
Senior subordinated notes, interest at 8.25%, payable semi-annually, principal due March 2018
Senior subordinated notes, interest at 9.125% payable semi-annually
Term loan, interest at LIBOR + 1.50% or the prime rate plus 0.50%, quarterly principal payments of $750,000
Revolving credit facility, interest at prime plus 0% to 0.25% or LIBOR + 0.75% to 1.375%
Revolving credit facility, interest at Alternate Base Rate (“ABR”) plus 1.5% to 2.5% or LIBOR + 2.5% to 3.5%, final maturity June 2015
Unamortized deferred gain on pay-floating interest rate swap termination, maturing February 2013
Other notes payable
Less current portion
Long-term portion
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 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 June 26, 2010 under the Credit Facility. There were $18.6 million of letters of credit outstanding. After giving effect to the financial covenants in the Credit Agreement, the remaining potential borrowing capacity was $256.4 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 June 26, 2010, the applicable interest rate on the Credit Facility related to alternate base rate borrowings was 5.25%, and the applicable interest rate related to LIBOR rate borrowings was 3.35%.
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. 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 June 26, 2010.
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The Company incurred approximately $2.9 million of costs in conjunction with this transaction, which included banking fees and legal expenses. These costs will be amortized over the term of the Credit Facility.
Senior Subordinated Notes and Debt Refinancing
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 $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 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 on April 21, 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 will be 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 condensed consolidated statements of operations.
The 2018 Notes require semiannual interest payments, which commence 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 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 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.
7. Supplemental Equity and Comprehensive Income Information
The following table summarizes the allocation of total comprehensive income between controlling and noncontrolling interests for the nine months ended June 26, 2010 and June 27, 2009:
Other comprehensive loss:
Foreign currency translation
Total comprehensive income
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The following table provides a summary of the changes in the carrying amounts of shareholders’ equity attributable to controlling interest and noncontrolling interest for the nine months ended June 26, 2010 and June 27, 2009:
Balance September 26, 2009
Comprehensive income (loss)
Stock based compensation
Restricted share activity
Issuance of common stock
Distributions to noncontrolling interest
Other
Tax benefit on stock option exercise
Balance June 26, 2010
Balance September 27, 2008
Balance June 27, 2009
8. Stock-Based Compensation
The Company recognized share-based compensation expense of $4.0 million and $8.2 million for the nine month periods ended June 26, 2010 and June 27, 2009, respectively, as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses. The tax benefit associated with share-based compensation expense for the nine month periods ended June 26, 2010 and June 27, 2009 was $1.5 million and $3.1 million, respectively.
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9. Earnings per Share
The following is a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted per share computations for income from continuing operations.
Basic EPS:
Net income available to common shareholders
Effect of dilutive securities:
Options to purchase common stock
Restricted shares
Diluted EPS:
Options to purchase 11.3 million shares of common stock at prices ranging from $4.26 to $17.99 per share were outstanding at June 26, 2010 and options to purchase 8.8 million shares of common stock at prices ranging from $4.26 to $17.99 per share were outstanding at June 27, 2009.
For the three month periods ended June 26, 2010 and June 27, 2009, options to purchase 7.9 million and 6.1 million shares of common stock, respectively, were outstanding but 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 would be anti-dilutive.
For the nine month period ended June 26, 2010 and June 27, 2009, options to purchase 7.7 million and 6.4 million shares of common stock, respectively, were outstanding but 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 would be anti-dilutive.
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10. Segment Information
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 Pet Products and Garden Products and are presented in the table below (in thousands).
Net sales:
Pet Products
Garden Products
Total net sales
Income (loss) from operations:
Corporate
Total income from operations
Interest expense – net
Depreciation and amortization:
Total depreciation and amortization
Assets:
Total assets
Goodwill (included in corporate assets above):
Total goodwill
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11. Consolidating Condensed Financial Information of Guarantor Subsidiaries
Certain 100% wholly-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.
Cost of products sold and occupancy
Interest – net
Other income (loss )
Income (loss) before income taxes
Income taxes (tax benefit)
Income (loss) including noncontrolling interest
Income attributable to noncontrolling interest
Income (loss) attributable to Central Garden & Pet Co. before equity in undistributed income of guarantor subsidiaries
Equity in undistributed income of guarantor subsidiaries
Net income attributable to Central Garden & Pet Co.
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Other income (expense)
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Income tax (tax benefit)
Net Income attributable to Central Garden & Pet Co.
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Accounts receivable, net
Land, buildings, improvements and equipment, net
Investment in guarantors
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
Shareholders’ equity attributable to Central Garden & Pet Co.
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Other assets
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
Investment in guarantor subsidiaries
Net cash used by investing activities
Proceeds from revolver
Repayments of revolver
Net cash used by financing activities
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
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Proceeds from property and equipment
Business acquired, net of cash
Net cash provided (used) by investing activities
Repayments on revolving line of credit
Proceeds from issuance of stock
Deferred financing costs
12. 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 legal proceedings that management believes would have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations.
13. Subsequent Events
On July 15, 2010, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a new $100 million share repurchase program.
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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 $31 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 $15 billion. As of 2009, 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 $6.2 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 AdamsTM, All-Glass Aquarium®, Altosid, AqueonTM, Avoderm®, BioSpot®, Breeder’s Choice®, Coralife®, Farnam®, Four Paws®, Interpet, Kaytee®, Kent Marine®, Nylabone®, Pet Select®, Pinnacle®, Pre-Strike®, Oceanic Systems®, Super Pet®, TFH®, ZillaTM 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®, Cedarworks®, GKI/Bethlehem Lighting®, Grant’sTM, Ironite®, Lilly Miller®, Matthews Four SeasonsTM, New England Pottery®, Norcal Pottery®, Pennington®, Over’n Out®, Sevin®, Smart Seed® and The Rebels®.
Background
We have transitioned our company to a leading marketer and producer of branded products from a traditional pet and lawn and garden supplies distributor. We made this transition because we recognized the opportunity to build a portfolio of leading brands and improve profitability by capitalizing on our knowledge of the pet and lawn and garden supplies sectors, strong relationships with retailers and nationwide sales and logistics network. Our goal was to diversify our business and improve operating margins by establishing a portfolio of leading brands. Since 1997, we have acquired numerous branded product companies and product lines, including: Wellmark and Four Paws in fiscal 1997; Kaytee Products, TFH and Pennington Seed in fiscal 1998; Norcal Pottery in fiscal 1999; AMDRO and All-Glass Aquarium in fiscal 2000; Lilly Miller in fiscal 2001; Alaska Fish Fertilizer in fiscal 2002; Kent Marine, New England Pottery, Interpet, KRB Seed Company, (dba Budd’s Seed), and Energy Savers Unlimited in fiscal 2004; Pets International and Gulfstream Home & Garden in fiscal 2005; Farnam, Breeder’s Choice, Tech Pac, Ironite and Shirlo in fiscal 2006 and B2E Corporation, B2E Biotech LLC and DLF Trifolium Oregon (dba “ASP Research”) in fiscal 2007.
Recent Developments
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.
Debt Refinancing
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. $14.7 million of the 2013 Notes were redeemed in April 2010. As a result of our issuance of the $400 million 2018 Notes, we expect our interest expense to be approximately $9.0 million per quarter for the remainder of fiscal 2010.
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Newly authorized $100M share repurchase program
On July 15, 2010 our Board of Directors authorized a new $100 million share repurchase program.
Results of Operations
Three Months Ended June 26, 2010
Compared with Three Months Ended June 27, 2009
Net Sales
Net sales for the three months ended June 26, 2010 decreased $16.7 million, or 3.5%, to $465.5 million from $482.2 million for the three months ended June 27, 2009. Our branded product sales decreased $24.2 million and sales of other manufacturers’ products increased $7.5 million.
Pet Products’ net sales increased $7.7 million, or 3.6%, to $222.7 million for the three months ended June 26, 2010 from $215.0 million in the comparable fiscal 2009 period. Pet branded product sales increased $5.6 million, due primarily to a sales increase of $3.1 million of animal health products, $2.2 million in our dog and cat category, and a $2.1 million increase in sales of other manufacturers’ products from the prior year quarter. The increase in sales of animal health products was partially offset by a decrease in sales of approximately $2.2 million due primarily to a supply issue in a product-line, now expected to continue at a reduced level through our fiscal year end, and sales in the prior year quarter from a marketing license no longer held by us.
Garden Products’ net sales declined $24.4 million, or 9.1%, to $242.8 million for the three months ended June 26, 2010 from $267.2 million in the comparable fiscal 2009 period. Garden branded product sales decreased $29.8 million due primarily to a $12.4 million decrease in grass seed and an $8.7 million decrease in bird feed. The decrease in grass seed sales and in bird seed sales was due primarily to volume reductions attributable to lower demand and our decision to eliminate certain SKU’s and customers in connection with our profitability and capital efficiency programs. Secondarily, the decreases were due to price reductions as a result of lower commodity costs. Sales of other manufacturers’ products increased $5.4 million.
Gross Profit
Gross profit for the three months ended June 26, 2010 decreased $2.3 million, or 1.4%, to $162.8 million from $165.1 million for the three months ended June 27, 2009. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales increased from 34.2% for the three months ended June 27, 2009 to 35.0% for the three months ended June 26, 2010. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales increased in both segments. The gross margin in Pet Products improved 90 basis points due primarily to a product mix change. The gross margin in Garden Products improved 30 basis points due primarily to lower raw material costs and efficiency gains from facility consolidation.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $3.4 million, or 3.0%, to $110.1 million for the three months ended June 26, 2010 from $113.5 million for the three months ended June 27, 2009. As a percentage of net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses increased to 23.7% for the three months ended June 26, 2010, compared to 23.5% in the comparable prior year quarter due to the decrease in net sales. The decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses, discussed further below, was due primarily to decreased warehouse and administrative expenses.
Selling and delivery expense increased $4.1 million, or 7.0%, from $58.8 million for the three months ended June 27, 2009 to $62.9 million for the three months ended June 26, 2010. The increased expense was due primarily to increased marketing and advertising costs.
Facilities expense increased $0.2 million to $2.8 million in the quarter ended June 26, 2010 from $2.6 million for the quarter ended June 27, 2009.
Warehouse and administrative expense decreased $7.7 million to $44.4 million for the quarter ended June 26, 2010 from $52.1 million in the quarter ended June 27, 2009 due primarily to reduced compensation amounts for fiscal 2010 and reduced legal and litigation expenses.
Net Interest Expense
Net interest expense for the three months ended June 26, 2010 increased $4.6 million or 88.4%, to $9.8 million from $5.2 million for the three months ended June 27, 2009. In March 2010, we issued $400 million of 8.25% 2018 Notes, tendered for our outstanding 9.125% 2013 Notes and paid the outstanding indebtedness under our senior term loan. As a result of this refinancing, our borrowing rate for the current quarter was 8.4% compared to 4.1% for the prior year quarter. Debt outstanding on June 26, 2010 was $400.3 million compared to $409.0 million as of June 27, 2009.
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Other Income
Other income decreased $1.1 million for the quarter ended June 26, 2010 due primarily to foreign currency exchange gains in the prior year quarter.
Income Taxes
Our effective income tax rate was 37.0% for the quarter ended June 26, 2010 and 32.3% for the quarter ended June 27, 2009. Our 2009 tax expense rate was lower than our statutory rate due primarily to the realization of $1.7 million of research and development tax credits. The difference between the income tax rate for the current quarter and the statutory tax rate was the result of credit utilization.
Compared with Nine Months Ended June 27, 2009
Net sales for the nine months ended June 26, 2010 decreased $74.4 million, or 6.0%, to $1,176.7 million from $1,251.1 million for the nine months ended June 27, 2009. Our branded product sales decreased $87.9 million and sales of other manufacturers’ products increased $13.5 million.
Pet Products’ net sales declined $2.9 million, or 0.5%, to $626.6 million for the nine months ended June 26, 2010 from $629.5 million in the comparable fiscal 2009 period. Pet branded product sales decreased $3.8 million, due primarily to a decrease in sales of animal health products, and sales of other manufacturers’ products increased $0.9 million from the prior year period. The decrease in sales of animal health products was due primarily to a supply issue for a product-line, now expected to continue at a reduced level through our fiscal year end, and sales in the prior year period from a marketing license no longer held by us. Additionally, increased sales in our dog and cat category were offset by decreased sales of bird feed.
Garden Products’ net sales declined $71.5 million, or 11.5%, to $550.1 million for the nine months ended June 26, 2010 from $621.6 million in the comparable fiscal 2009 period. Garden branded product sales decreased $84.1 million, due primarily to approximately $24.9 million decrease in grass seed, a $19.5 million decrease in bird feed, and a $10.2 million decrease in garden chemicals and control products, partially offset by increased sales of other manufacturers’ products of $12.6 million compared to the prior year period. The sales decreases in grass seed and garden chemicals and control products were due primarily to price reductions as a result of lower commodity costs while bird feed was mainly impacted by volume reductions.
Gross profit for the nine months ended June 26, 2010 increased $0.6 million, or 0.2%, to $411.7 million from $411.1 million for the nine months ended June 27, 2009. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales increased from 32.9% for the nine months ended June 27, 2009 to 35.0% for the nine months ended June 26, 2010. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales increased in both segments. The gross margin in Pet Products improved 170 basis points due primarily to lower raw material costs and some selective price increases. The gross margin in Garden Products improved 250 basis points due primarily to lower raw material costs and facility consolidation efficiency gains.
Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $7.0 million, or 2.3%, to $298.0 million for the nine months ended June 26, 2010 from $305.0 million for the nine months ended June 27, 2009. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased to 25.3% of net sales for the nine months ended June 26, 2010, compared to 24.4% in the comparable prior year period due to the decrease in net sales. The change in selling, general and administrative expenses, discussed further below, was due primarily to decreased warehouse and administrative expense.
Selling and delivery expense decreased $1.9 million, or 1.2%, from $154.8 million for the nine months ended June 27, 2009 to $152.9 million for the nine months ended June 26, 2010. The decreased expense was due primarily to lower payroll costs and reduced fuel and freight costs resulting from lower sales and from the shutdown of several distribution centers in fiscal 2009 as part of a strategic realignment of our distribution network.
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Facilities expense for the nine months ended June 26, 2010 was $8.0 million, as compared with $8.3 million for the nine months ended June 27, 2009.
Warehouse and administrative expense decreased $4.8 million to $137.1 million for the nine months ended June 26, 2010 from $141.9 million for the nine months ended June 27, 2009. The decrease was due primarily to reduced employee incentive compensation expenses in fiscal 2010.
Net interest expense for the nine months ended June 26, 2010 increased $7.3 million or 42.4%, to $24.5 million from $17.2 million for the nine months ended June 27, 2009. The increase was due to the expensing of unamortized deferred charges related to retired debt and increased borrowing rates on our outstanding debt. In March 2010, we issued $400 million of 8.25% 2018 Notes, tendered for our outstanding 9.125% 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 borrowing rate for the nine months of fiscal 2010 was 6.2% compared to 4.4% for the prior fiscal nine months. Debt outstanding on June 26, 2010 was $400.3 million compared to $409.0 million as of June 27, 2009.
Other income increased $0.3 million from $0.1 million for the nine months ended June 27, 2009 to $0.4 million for the nine months ended June 26, 2010. The increase was due primarily to increased earnings in the first fiscal quarter of 2010 from an investment accounted for under the equity method of accounting.
Our effective income tax rate was 36.9% for the nine months ended June 26, 2010 and 33.2% for the nine months ended June 27, 2009. The lower effective income tax rate in the prior year period was the result of the realization of $1.7 million in research and development tax credits and a $1.1 million reduction in state valuation allowances.
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 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. In fiscal 2009 our business has been negatively impacted by the downturn in the housing market and by declining consumer confidence, as well as other macro-economic factors. The macro-economic environment has not improved in fiscal 2010. While it is difficult to accurately measure the impact of inflation, we believe that the effects of inflation, if any, on our operations have not been 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 2009, approximately 66% of Garden Products’ net sales and 59% 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
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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 66% 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 retailers and distributors to stock large quantities of inventory, industry practice has been for manufacturers to give extended credit terms and/or promotional discounts.
Net cash provided by operating activities decreased $42.0 million, from $133.4 million for the nine months ended June 27, 2009 to $91.4 million for the nine months ended June 26, 2010. The decrease in cash provided by operating activities was due to the lower working capital balances at fiscal year-end 2009 ($382.6 million) versus fiscal year-end 2008 ($476.8 million) as a result of our efforts to lower our working capital requirements. We reduced working capital by $49.4 million as of June 26, 2010 ($410.1 million) compared to June 27, 2009 ($459.5 million). The balance as of June 26, 2010 reflects our seasonal working capital increase from fiscal year end 2009, whereas the balance at June 27, 2009 does not reflect a seasonal increase due the high working capital balances at fiscal year end 2008. These changes in inventory and accounts receivable were partially offset by increases in accounts payable and accrued liabilities compared to the prior year.
Net cash used in investing activities increased $2.9 million from the nine months ended June 27, 2009 to approximately $15.6 million during the nine months ended June 26, 2010. The increase in cash used in investing activities was due to increases in capital expenditures in the current year as a result of the conversion of our legacy systems to an enterprise-wide information technology platform, partially offset by payments made with respect to acquired businesses in the prior year that were not made in the current year.
Net cash used by financing activities decreased $52.4 million, from $122.0 million for the nine months ended June 27, 2009, to $69.6 million for the nine months ended June 26, 2010. The decrease in cash used was due 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 and our new senior credit facility, as well increased repurchases of our common stock during the nine months ended June 26, 2010. For the nine month period ending June 26, 2010, we repurchased and retired 2.0 million shares of our voting common stock at an aggregate cost of approximately $19.6 million, or approximately $9.98 per share, and 2.8 million shares of our non-voting Class A common stock at an aggregate cost of approximately $27.0 million, or approximately $9.52 per share.
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 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 June 26, 2010 under the Credit Facility. There were $18.6 million of letters of credit outstanding. After giving effect to the financial covenants in the Credit Agreement, the remaining potential borrowing capacity was $256.4 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 June 26, 2010, the applicable interest rate on the Credit Facility related to alternate base rate borrowings was 5.25%, and the applicable interest rate related to LIBOR rate borrowings was 3.35%.
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. 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 June 26, 2010.
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We incurred approximately $2.9 million of costs in conjunction with this transaction, which included banking fees and legal expenses. These costs will be amortized over the term of the Credit Facility.
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 $135.3 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. The remaining $14.7 million of 2013 Notes were redeemed on April 21, 2010.
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 will be 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.
The estimated fair value of our $400 million 2018 Notes as of June 26, 2010 was approximately $398.0 million. The estimated fair value is based on quoted market prices for these notes.
The 2018 Notes require semiannual interest payments, which commence 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.
At June 26, 2010, our total debt outstanding was $400.3 million versus $409.0 million at June 27, 2009 and cash balances for the same periods were $91.6 million and $25.4 million, respectively.
During the nine months ended June 26, 2010, we repurchased and retired 2.0 million shares of our voting common stock at an aggregate cost of approximately $19.6 million, or approximately $9.98 per share, and 2.8 million shares of our non-voting Class A common stock at an aggregate cost of approximately $27.0 million, or approximately $9.52 per share. In 2005, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to a total of $100 million of our common stock, of which approximately $99.7 million has been repurchased to date. On July 15, 2010, our Board of Directors authorized a new $100 million share repurchase program. We expect to continue our repurchases from time to time depending on market conditions.
We believe that cash flows from operating activities, funds available under our 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 fiscal 2010, 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
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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 $42 million from fiscal 2005 through fiscal 2009 in this initiative and plan to invest up to an additional $10 million in fiscal 2010 for planned implementations. Capital expenditures for 2011 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 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
There have been no material changes to the information provided in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 26, 2009 regarding off-balance sheet arrangements.
Contractual Obligations
There have been no material changes outside the ordinary course of business in our contractual obligations set forth in the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 26, 2009, except for our issuance of $400 million 2018 Notes, our tender of our outstanding fixed rate 2013 Notes, the retirement of our variable rate senior term loan and the amendment and restatement of our revolving credit facility.
The table below presents our significant contractual cash obligations related to our long term debt by fiscal year:
(in millions)
Long-term debt, including current maturities(1)
Interest payment obligations(2)
New Accounting Pronouncements
Refer to Footnote 1 in the notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements for new accounting pronouncements.
Critical Accounting Policies, Estimates and Judgments
There have been no material changes to our critical accounting policies, estimates and assumptions or the judgments affecting the application of those accounting policies since our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 26, 2009.
We believe there has been no material change in our exposure to market risk from that discussed in our fiscal 2009 Annual Report filed on Form 10-K except for our issuance of $400 million 2018 Notes, our tender of our outstanding fixed rate 2013 Notes, the retirement of our variable rate senior term loan and the amendment and restatement of our revolving credit facility.
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(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 June 26, 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 third 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 third quarter of fiscal 2010 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, Central’s internal control over financial reporting.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
From time to time, we are involved in certain legal proceedings in the ordinary course of business. Currently, we are not a party to any legal proceedings that management believes would have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations.
There have been no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in Item 1A. to Part I of our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 26, 2009.
The following table sets forth the repurchases of any equity securities during the fiscal quarter ended June 26, 2010 and the dollar amount of authorized share repurchases remaining under our stock repurchase program.
Period
March 28, 2010 – May 1, 2010
May 2, 2010 – May 29, 2010
May 30, 2010 – June 26, 2010
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Not applicable
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunder duly authorized.
WILLIAM E. BROWN
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
STUART W. BOOTH
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
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