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


                           ---------------------------


                                    FORM 8-K

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




     Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported)    November 17, 1998
                                                         -----------------


                                  NEWELL CO.
     --------------------------------------------------------------------------
               (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)



            Delaware                 1-9608                  36-3514169
     --------------------------------------------------------------------------
     (State or Other             (Commission               (IRS Employer
     Jurisdiction of              File Number)             Identification No.)
     Incorporation)



                    29 East Stephenson Street, Freeport, Illinois 61032
      -------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     (Address of Principal Executive Offices)   (Zip Code)




     Registrant's telephone number, including area code  (815) 235-4171 
                                                          -------------

  2

     ITEM 5. OTHER EVENTS.

         On May 7, 1998, pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated 
     March 29, 1998, by and among Newell Co., a Delaware corporation
     ("Newell"), Calphalon Corporation, an Ohio corporation ("Calphalon"),
     Pots & Pans Co., an Ohio corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of
     Newell ("Merger Sub"), and the shareholders of Calphalon, Newell
     acquired all of the outstanding capital stock of Calphalon through
     the merger of Merger Sub with and into Calphalon (the "Calphalon Merger"),
     with Calphalon surviving the Calphalon Merger as a wholly owned subsidiary
     of Newell.  The Calphalon Merger was previously reported on Newell's
     Current Report on Form 8-K Filed with the Securities and Exchange
     Commission May 12, 1998.

     Newell is filing herewith as Exhibit 99.1 Selected Financial Data, 
     Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
     Operations, and Consolidated Financial Statements of Newell, each restated
     to reflect the Calphalon Merger, which was accounted for under the pooling
     of interests method of accounting.  The Consolidated Financial Statements
     of Newell are restated for periods prior to the date of the Calphalon 
     Merger.

     Newell is also filing herewith Exhbit 11.1 (Restated Computation of 
     Earnings Per Share of Common Stock) and Exhibit 12.1 (Restated Statement
     of Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges), each as restated to
     reflect the Calphalon Merger.


     ITEM 7.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION AND 
              EXHIBITS.

              (a)  Not applicable.

              (b)  Not applicable.

              (c)  Exhibits.

                   11.1  Restated Computation of Earnings Per Share of Common 
                         Stock

                   12.1  Restated Statement of Computation of Ratio of Earnings
                         to Fixed Charges

                   23.1  Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP.

                   27.1  Restated Financial Data Schedule for the Year Ended 
                         December 31, 1997.

                   27.2  Restated Financial Data Schedule for the Year Ended 
                         December 31, 1996.

                   27.3  Restated Financial Data Schedule for the Year Ended
                         December 31, 1995.

                   99.1  Restated Selected Financial Data, Management's 
                         Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and 
                         Results of Operations, and Consolidated Financial
                         Statements.

  3
                                    

                                  SIGNATURES

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





                                               NEWELL CO.
                                               (Registrant)






                                             /s/ Dale L. Matschullat
     Date: November 17, 1998            By: ----------------------------------
                                             Dale L. Matschullat
                                             Vice President -- General Counsel

  4

                                 EXHIBIT INDEX


     Exhibit
     No.              Description
     -------          -----------
    11.1              Restated Computation of Earnings Per Share of Common 
                      Stock

    12.1              Restated Statement of Computation of Ratio of Earnings
                      to Fixed Charges

    23.1              Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP.

    27.1              Restated Financial Data Schedule for the Year Ended 
                      December 31, 1997.

    27.2              Restated Financial Data Schedule for the Year Ended 
                      December 31, 1996.

    27.3              Restated Financial Data Schedule for the Year Ended
                      December 31, 1995.

    99.1              Restated Selected Financial Data, Management's Discussion
                      and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of 
                      Operations, and Consolidated Financial Statements.


                                                                 EXHIBIT 11.1


                  COMPUTATION OF EARNINGS PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCK
                  -------------------------------------------------

Year Ended December 31, ----------------------- 1997 1996 1995 ---- ---- ---- (In thousands, except per share data) Basic earnings per share: Net income $293,147 $259,042 $226,475 Weighted average shares outstanding 162,173 161,858 161,306 Basic earnings per share: $1.81 $1.60 $1.40 Diluted earnings per share: Net income $293,147 $259,042 $226,475 Minority interest in income of subsidiary trust, net of tax 923 - - -------- -------- -------- Net income, assuming conversion of all applicable securities $294,070 $259,042 $226,475 Weighted average shares outstanding 162,173 161,858 161,306 Incremental common shares applicable to common stock options based on the average market price during the period 622 423 318 Average common shares issuable assuming conversion of the Company-Obligated Mandatorily Redeemable Convertible Preferred Securities of a Subsidiary Trust 513 - - -------- -------- -------- Weighted average shares outstanding assuming full dilution 163,308 162,281 161,624 Diluted earnings per share, assuming conversion of all applicable securities $1.80 $1.60 $1.40






                                                                  EXHIBIT 12.1


                             STATEMENT OF COMPUTATION OF 
                          RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
                          ----------------------------------
For The Year Ended December 31, ------------------------------- 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- (In thousands, except ratio data) Earnings available to fixed charges: Income before income taxes $485,334 $428,300 $377,151 $338,432 $281,091 Fixed charge - Interest expense 76,413 58,541 51,443 31,435 20,689 Portion of rent determined to be interest (1) 16,963 15,185 12,964 10,824 8,910 Minority interest in income of subsidiary trust 1,528 - - - - Eliminate equity in earnings (5,831) (6,364) (5,993) (5,661) (3,811) -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- $574,407 $495,662 $435,565 $375,030 $306,879 ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== Fixed charges: Interest expense $ 76,413 $ 58,541 $ 51,443 $ 31,435 $ 20,689 Portion of rent determined to be interest (1) 16,963 15,185 12,964 10,824 8,910 Minority interest in income of subsidiary trust 1,528 - - - - -------- --------- --------- --------- --------- $ 94,904 $ 73,726 $ 64,407 $ 42,259 $ 29,599 ======== ========= ========= ========= ========= Ratio of earnings to fixed charges 6.05 6.72 6.76 8.87 10.37 ======== ========= ========= ========= ========= (1) A standard ratio of 33% was applied to gross rent expense to approximate the interest portion of short-term and long-term leases.
                                                                   EXHIBIT 23.1

                               [ARTHUR ANDERSEN LETTERHEAD]

                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
                       -----------------------------------------


As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation of 
our report dated May 7, 1998 included in Form 8-K, into the Company's 
previously filed Form S-8 Registration Statement File Nos. 33-24447, 33-25196, 
33-40641, 33-67620, 33-67632, 33-51063, 33-51961, 33-62047 and 333-38621, Form 
S-3 Registration Statement File Nos. 33-64225 and 333-47261, Post-Effective
Amendment No. 1 to Form S-4 on Form S-8 Registration Statement File Nos. 
33-49282 and 33-44957, and the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, as 
amended, for the year ended December 31, 1997.

                                                   ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP


Milwaukee, Wisconsin
November 11, 1998

 

    
5 This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the Newell Co. and Subsidiaries Consolidated Balance Sheets and Statements of Income and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such financial statements. 1,000 12-MOS DEC-31-1997 DEC-31-1997 36,107 0 544,375 (21,193) 653,200 1,433,694 1,167,703 (456,378) 4,011,734 714,479 786,793 500,000 0 162,330 1,562,891 4,011,734 3,336,233 1,076,682 2,259,551 2,789,172 61,727 5,888 76,413 485,334 192,187 293,147 0 0 0 293,147 1.81 1.80 Allowances for doubtful accounts are reported as contra accounts to accounts receivable. The corporate reserve for bad debts is a percentage of trade receivables based on the bad debts experienced in one or more past years, general economic conditions, the age of the receivables and other factors that indicate the element of uncollectibility in the receivables outstanding at the end of the period. See note 1 to consolidated financial statements.
 

    
5 This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the Newell Co. and Subsidiaries Consolidated Balance Sheets and Statements of Income and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such financial statements. 1,000 12-MOS DEC-31-1996 DEC-31-1996 4,363 0 424,479 (14,990) 524,444 1,148,464 949,159 (381,279) 3,058,430 665,884 685,608 0 0 161,965 1,338,057 3,058,430 2,972,839 952,723 2,020,116 2,505,472 39,067 6,534 58,541 428,300 169,258 259,042 0 0 0 259,042 1.60 1.60 Allowances for doubtful accounts are reported as contra accounts to accounts receivable. The corporate reserve for bad debts is a percentage of trade receivables based on the bad debts experienced in one or more past years, general economic conditions, the age of the receivables and other factors that indicate the element of uncollectibility in the receivables outstanding at the end of the period. See note 1 to consolidated financial statements.
 

    
5 This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the Newell Co. and Subsidiaries Consolidated Balance Sheets and Statements of Income and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such financial statements. 1,000 12-MOS DEC-31-1995 DEC-31-1995 60,792 0 402,837 (12,314) 518,039 1,158,227 850,868 (308,409) 2,965,190 695,544 776,565 0 0 161,720 1,139,865 2,965,190 2,580,313 820,442 1,759,871 2,172,072 31,090 3,438 51,443 377,151 150,676 226,475 0 0 0 226,475 1.40 1.40 Allowances for doubtful accounts are reported as contra accounts to accounts receivable. The corporate reserve for bad debts is a percentage of trade receivables based on the bad debts experienced in one or more past years, general economic conditions, the age of the receivables and other factors that indicate the element of uncollectibility in the receivables outstanding at the end of the period. See note 1 to consolidated financial statements.

                                                                  EXHIBIT 99.1
Item 6.  Selected Financial Data
- --------------------------------

     The following is a summary of certain consolidated financial
information relating to the Company at December 31.  The summary has
been derived in part from, and should be read in conjunction with, the 
consolidated financial statements of the Company included elsewhere in
this report and the schedules thereto.

1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- (In millions, except per share data) INCOME STATEMENT DATA Net sales $3,336.2 $2,972.8 $2,580.3 $2,141.6 $1,694.7 Cost of products sold 2,259.5 2,020.1 1,759.9 1,437.5 1,127.2 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Gross income 1,076.7 952.7 820.4 704.1 567.5 Selling, general and administrative expenses 497.7 461.8 392.9 335.6 274.4 Trade names and goodwill amortization and other 31.9 23.6 19.3 15.4 10.1 -------- -------- ------- -------- -------- Operating income 547.1 467.3 408.2 353.1 283.0 Nonoperating expenses (income): Interest expense 76.4 58.5 51.4 31.4 20.7 Other, net (14.6) (19.5) (20.4) (16.7) (18.8) -------- -------- -------- --------- -------- Net 61.8 39.0 31.0 14.7 1.9 Income before income taxes 485.3 428.3 377.2 338.4 281.1 Income taxes 192.2 169.3 150.7 137.1 112.4 -------- -------- -------- -------- ------- Net income $ 293.1 $ 259.0 $ 226.5 $ 201.3 $ 168.7 ======== ======== ======== ======== ======= Earnings per share Basic $ 1.81 $ 1.60 $ 1.40 $ 1.25 $ 1.05 Diluted $ 1.80 $ 1.60 $ 1.40 $ 1.25 $ 1.05 Dividends per share $ 0.64 $ 0.56 $ 0.46 $ 0.39 $ 0.35 Weighted average shares outstanding Basic 162.2 161.9 161.3 160.9 160.4 Diluted 163.3 162.3 161.6 161.1 160.8 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- (In millions) BALANCE SHEET DATA Inventories $ 653.2 $ 524.4 $ 518.0 $ 426.8 $ 304.8 Working capital 719.2 482.6 462.7 141.2 84.8 Total assets 4,011.7 3,058.4 2,965.2 2,517.8 1,975.7 Short-term debt 83.9 108.8 165.0 310.8 247.7 Long-term debt, net of current maturities 786.8 685.6 776.6 424.0 234.7 Stockholders' equity 1,725.2 1,500.0 1,301.6 1,126.9 975.0
15 1993 - ---- On April 30, 1993, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets of Levolor Corporation ("Levolor"), a manufacturer and distributor of decorative window coverings. On September 22, 1993, the Company acquired Lee Rowan Company, a manufacturer and marketer of coated wire storage and organization products. On November 9, 1993, the Company acquired Goody Products, Inc. ("Goody"), a manufacturer and marketer of personal consumer products, including hair accessories and beauty organizers. For these and other minor 1993 acquisitions, the Company paid $293.1 million in cash (excluding the $13.1 million of Goody Common Stock that the Company owned prior to the acquisition) and assumed $30.7 million of debt. These transactions were accounted for as purchases; therefore, results of operations are included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements since their respective dates of acquisition. The acquisition costs were allocated to the fair market value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed and resulted in trade names and goodwill of approximately $208.2 million. 1994 - ---- On August 29, 1994, the Company acquired the decorative window coverings business of Home Fashions, Inc.("HFI"), including vertical blinds and pleated shades sold under the Del Mar{R} and LouverDrape{R} brand names. These HFI assets were combined with Levolor and together they are operated as a single entity called Levolor Home Fashions. On October 18, 1994, the Company acquired Faber-Castell Corporation ("Faber"), a maker and marketer of markers and writing instruments, including wood-cased pencils and rolling ball pens, sold under the Eberhard Faber{R} brand name. Faber was combined with Sanford and together they are operated as a single entity called Sanford. On November 30, 1994, the Company acquired the European consumer products business of Corning Incorporated (now known as "Newell Europe"). This acquisition included Corning's consumer products manufacturing facilities in England, France and Germany, the European trademark rights and product lines for Pyrex{R}, Pyroflam{R} and Visions{R} brands in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and Corning's consumer distribution network throughout these areas under exclusive license from Corning Incorporated. Additionally, the Company became the distributor in Europe, the Middle East and Africa for Corning's U.S. manufactured cookware and dinnerware brands. For these and other minor 1994 acquisitions, the Company paid $360.8 million in cash and assumed $12.8 million of debt. These transactions were accounted for as purchases; therefore, results of operations are included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements since their respective dates of acquisition. The acquisition costs were allocated to the fair market value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed and resulted in trade names and goodwill of approximately $202.2 million. 16 Subsequent Years - ---------------- Information regarding businesses acquired in the last three years is included in note 2 to the consolidated financial statements. QUARTERLY SUMMARIES Summarized quarterly data for the last three years is as follows (unaudited): Calendar Year 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Year - ------------- --- --- --- --- ---- (In millions, except per share data) 1997 - ---- Net sales $650.0 $819.3 $925.7 $941.2 $3,336.2 Gross income 195.1 270.1 298.6 312.9 1,076.7 Net income 37.7 77.0 87.2 91.2 293.1 Earnings per share: Basic 0.23 0.48 0.54 0.56 1.81 Diluted 0.23 0.47 0.54 0.56 1.80 1996 - ---- Net sales $638.8 $753.2 $791.7 $789.1 $2,972.8 Gross income 189.6 243.8 257.8 261.5 952.7 Net income 33.0 67.3 76.3 82.4 259.0 Earnings per share: Basic 0.20 0.42 0.47 0.51 1.60 Diluted 0.20 0.42 0.47 0.51 1.60 1995 - ---- Net sales $574.9 $636.4 $675.8 $693.2 $2,580.3 Gross income 175.7 196.2 218.4 230.1 820.4 Net income 38.0 55.1 66.9 66.3 226.5 Earnings per share: Basic 0.24 0.34 0.41 0.41 1.40 Diluted 0.24 0.34 0.41 0.41 1.40 17 Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The following discussion and analysis provides information which management believes is relevant to an assessment and understanding of the Company's consolidated results of operations and financial condition. The discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto. Introduction - ------------ The Company's primary financial goals are to increase sales and earnings per share an average of 15% per year, to achieve an annual return on beginning equity ("ROE") of 20% or above, to increase dividends per share in line with earnings growth, and to maintain a prudent ratio of total debt to total capitalization, net of cash ("leverage"). The Company has achieved these goals over the last ten years, increasing sales and earnings per share at compound annual rates of 15% and 17%, respectively, averaging 21% ROE, increasing dividends per share at a compound annual rate of 19% and averaging 26% leverage. The Company believes that the principal factors affecting its ability to achieve these objectives in the future are likely to be the realized rates of both acquisition and internal growth and the Company's continued ability to integrate acquired businesses through a process called "Newellization." Since 1990, the Company has nearly tripled its sales by acquiring businesses with aggregate annual sales of more than $2 billion. The rate at which the Company can integrate these recent acquisitions to meet the Company's standards of profitability may affect near-term financial results. Over the longer term, the Company's ability both to make and to integrate strategic acquisitions will impact the Company's financial results. The Company pursues internal growth by introducing new products, entering new domestic and international markets, adding new customers, cross-selling existing product lines to current customers and supporting its U.S. based customers' international expansion. The Company's goal is to achieve an internal growth rate of 3-5% per year, and over the last five years, has achieved an average of 5% annual internal growth. Internal growth is defined by the Company as growth from its "core businesses," which include continuing businesses owned more than two years and minor acquisitions. The Company believes that its future internal growth will likely depend on its continued success in these areas, as well as external factors. 18 RESULTS OF OPERATIONS The following table sets forth for the period indicated items from the Consolidated Statements of Income as a percentage of net sales at December 31: 1997 1996 1995 ---- ---- ---- Net sales 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Cost of products sold 67.7 68.0 68.2 ----- ----- ----- Gross income 32.3 32.0 31.8 Selling, general and administrative expenses 14.9 15.5 15.2 Trade names and goodwill amortization and other 1.0 0.8 0.8 ----- ----- ----- Operating income 16.4 15.7 15.8 Nonoperating expenses: Interest expense 2.3 2.0 2.0 Other, net (0.4) (0.7) (0.8) ----- ----- ----- Net 1.9 1.3 1.2 ----- ----- ----- Income before income taxes 14.5 14.4 14.6 Income taxes 5.7 5.7 5.8 ----- ----- ----- Net income 8.8% 8.7 8.8% ===== ===== ===== 1997 vs. 1996 - ------------- Net sales for 1997 were $3,336.2 million, representing an increase of $363.4 million or 12.2% from $2,972.8 million in 1996. The overall increase in net sales was primarily attributable to contributions from Rolodex (acquired in March 1997), Kirsch (acquired in May 1997), Eldon (acquired in June 1997) and 3% internal growth. The 1997 acquisitions are described in note 2 to the consolidated financial statements. As of September 30, 1997, the Company began to present sales information for its various product categories in three groups rather than four groups. The Company's three product groups are Hardware and Home Furnishings, Office Products and Housewares. The Company believes that this presentation is appropriate because it organizes its product categories into these groups when making operating decisions and assessing performance, and the Company divisions included in each group sell primarily to the same retail channel: Hardware and Home Furnishings (home centers and hardware stores), Office Products (office superstores and contract stationers) and Housewares (discount stores and warehouse clubs). For ease of comparison with previously published data, certain information is also 19 included separately for Hardware and Tools and Home Furnishings which now comprise a single product group. Net sales for each of the Company's product groups (and the primary reasons for the increases) were as follows, in millions: Year Ended December 31, ----------------------- 1997 1996 % Change ---- ---- -------- Home Furnishings $1,092.2 $ 916.2 Hardware and Tools 392.6 383.1 -------- -------- 1,484.8 1,299.3 14.3%(1) Office Products 899.2 741.8 21.2%(2) Housewares 952.2 931.7 2.2%(3) -------- -------- $3,336.2 $2,972.8 12.2% ======== ======== Primary Reasons for Increases: (1) 2% internal growth and Kirsch (May 1997) acquisition (2) 6% internal growth and Rolodex (March 1997) and Eldon (June 1997) acquisitions (3) Internal growth Gross income as a percent of net sales in 1997 was 32.3% or $1,076.7 million versus 32.0% or $952.7 million in 1996. Gross margins improved as a result of cost savings achieved through the integration of several picture frame businesses acquired by the Company in recent years, profitability improvement at the Company's Levolor Home Fashions division and increased gross margins at several of the Company's other core businesses. The increase in gross margins was offset partially by 1997 acquisitions which had gross margins lower than the Company's average gross margins. As these acquisitions are integrated, the Company expects its gross margins to improve. Selling, general and administrative expenses ("SG&A") in 1997 were 14.9% of net sales or $497.7 million versus 15.5% or $461.8 million in 1996. Core business SG&A spending as a percentage of sales decreased primarily as a result of cost savings arising from the picture frame business integration. This decrease was offset partially by the 1997 acquisitions, which had higher SG&A than the Company's average SG&A as a percent of net sales. As these acquisitions are integrated, the Company expects its SG&A spending as a percentage of net sales to decline. The Company has reclassified trade names and goodwill amortization from nonoperating expenses to operating expenses for all periods presented. Trade names and goodwill amortization as a percentage of net sales in 1997 was comparable to 1996. 20 Operating income in 1997 was 16.4% of net sales or $547.1 million versus 15.7% or $467.3 million in 1996. The increase in operating margins was primarily due to cost savings as a result of the picture frame business integration, profitability improvement at the Company's Levolor Home Fashions division and increased core business gross margins, offset partially by 1997 acquisitions which had average operating margins lower than the Company's average operating margins. Net nonoperating expenses in 1997 were 1.9% of net sales or $61.8 million versus 1.3% or $39.0 million in 1996. The $22.8 million increase was due primarily to a $16.6 million increase in interest expense (as a result of additional borrowings related to the 1997 acquisitions), and a $7.0 million decrease in dividend income. Dividend income decreased as a result of the conversion on October 15, 1996 by The Black & Decker Corporation ("Black & Decker") of 150,000 shares of privately placed Black & Decker convertible preferred stock, Series B, owned by the Company (purchased at a cost of $150.0 million) into 6.4 million shares of Black & Decker Common Stock. Prior to conversion, the preferred stock paid a 7.75% cumulative dividend, aggregating $2.9 million per quarter, before the effect of income taxes. If Black & Decker continues to pay dividends at the current rate ($0.12 per share of Black & Decker Common Stock quarterly), the dividends paid to the Company on the shares of Black & Decker Common Stock owned by the Company as a result of the conversion would total $0.8 million per quarter, before the effect of income taxes. For supplementary information regarding other nonoperating expenses, see note 13 to the consolidated financial statements. For both 1997 and 1996, the effective tax rate was 39.6%. See note 12 to the consolidated financial statements for an explanation of the effective tax rate. Net income for 1997 was $293.1 million, representing an increase of $34.1 million or 13.2% from 1996. Basic earnings per share in 1997 increased 13.1% to $1.81 versus $1.60 in 1996; diluted earnings per share in 1997 increased 12.5% to $1.80 versus $1.60 in 1996. The increases in net income and earnings per share were primarily attributable to cost savings arising from the picture frame business integration, profitability improvement at the Company's Levolor Home Fashions division, cost savings as a result of the Kirsch integration into the Newell Window Furnishings division and increased operating margins at several of the Company's other core businesses. 1996 vs. 1995 - ------------- Net sales for 1996 were $2,972.8 million, representing an increase of $392.5 million or 15.2% from $2,580.3 million in 1995. The overall increase in net sales was primarily attributable to contributions from the 1995 acquisitions of Decorel and Berol, the 1996 acquisition of Holson Burnes, and internal growth of 5%. The 1995 and 1996 acquisitions are described in note 2 to the consolidated financial statements. 21 Net sales for each of the Company's product groups (and the primary reasons for the increases) were as follows, in millions: Year Ended December 31, ----------------------- 1996 1995 % Change ---- ---- -------- Home Furnishings $ 916.2 $ 732.3 Hardware and Tools 383.1 364.3 -------- -------- 1,299.3 1,096.6 18.5%(1) Office Products 741.8 582.2 27.4%(2) Housewares 931.7 901.5 3.3%(3) -------- -------- $2,972.8 $2,580.3 15.2% ======== ======== Primary Reasons for Increases: (1) 5% internal growth and Decorel (October 1995) and Holson Burnes (January 1996) acquisitions (2) 3% internal growth and Berol (November 1995) acquisition (3) 6% internal growth offset by weaker than expected sales at Newell Europe as a result of soft European retail conditions Gross income as a percent of net sales for 1996 was 32.0% or $952.7 million versus 31.8% or $820.4 million in 1995. Gross margins improved slightly, primarily as a result of increases in gross margins from the businesses acquired in 1995 and 1994. SG&A in 1996 was 15.5% of net sales or $461.8 million versus 15.2% or $392.9 million in 1995. There was no material change in spending at the core businesses; the increase as a percentage of sales was primarily due to SG&A at Holson Burnes. The Company has reclassified trade names and goodwill amortization from nonoperating expenses to operating expenses for all periods presented. Trade names and goodwill amortization as a percentage of net sales in 1996 was comparable to 1995. Net nonoperating expenses for 1996 were 1.3% of net sales or $39.0 million versus 1.2% or $31.0 million in 1995. The $8.0 million increase was due primarily to a $7.2 million increase in interest expense (as a result of additional borrowings related to the 1995 and 1996 acquisitions). For supplementary information regarding other nonoperating expenses, see note 13 to the consolidated financial statements. 22 The effective tax rate was 39.6% in 1996 versus 40.0% in 1995. See note 12 to the consolidated financial statements for an explanation of the effective tax rate. Net income for 1996 was $259.0 million, representing an increase of $32.5 million or 14.3% from 1995. Basic and diluted earnings per share in 1996 increased 14.3% to $1.60 versus $1.40 in 1995. The increases in net income and earnings per share were primarily attributable to contributions from Berol (net of associated interest expense and goodwill amortization) and an improvement in operating margins at several of the core businesses. International Operations - ------------------------ The Company's non-U.S. business is growing at a faster pace than its business in the United States. This growth outside the U.S. has been fueled by recent international acquisitions, which supplemented sales of the Company's existing Canadian businesses and sales of Newell International, the Company's subsidiary responsible for the majority of exports of the Company's products. For the year ended December 31, 1997, the Company's non-U.S. business accounted for approximately 16.2% of sales and 13.9% of operating income (see note 14 to the consolidated financial statements). Growth of both the U.S. and the non-U.S. businesses is shown below, dollars in millions: Year Ended December 31, ----------------------- 1997 1996 % Change ---- ---- -------- (in millions) Net sales: - U.S. $2,796.6 $2,558.2 9.3% - Non-U.S. 539.6 414.6 30.1 -------- -------- Total $3,336.2 $2,972.8 12.2% ======== ======== Operating income: - U.S. $ 470.8 $ 420.3 12.0% - Non-U.S. 76.3 47.0 62.3 -------- -------- Total $ 547.1 $ 467.3 17.1% ======== ======== Year Ended December 31, ----------------------- 1996 1995 % Change ---- ---- -------- (in millions) Net sales: - U.S. $2,558.2 $2,238.9 14.3% - Non-U.S. 414.6 341.4 21.4 -------- -------- Total $2,972.8 $2,580.3 15.2% ======== ======== Operating income: - U.S. $ 420.3 $ 378.4 11.1% - Non-U.S. 47.0 29.8 57.7 -------- -------- Total $ 467.3 $ 408.2 14.5% ========= ======== 23 LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES - ------------------------------- Sources: - ------- The Company's primary sources of liquidity and capital resources include cash provided from operations and use of available borrowing facilities. Cash provided by operating activities in 1997 was $376.4 million, representing an increase of $10.4 million from $366.0 million for 1996, primarily due to an increase in net income. Cash provided by financing activities totaled $464.6 million in 1997, primarily due to proceeds from the issuance of Company-Obligated Mandatorily Redeemable Convertible Preferred Securities of a Subsidiary Trust. These proceeds, which were obtained in December 1997, were used to pay down commercial paper, which was used to fund the earlier 1997 acquisitions. The Company has short-term foreign and domestic uncommitted lines of credit with various banks which are available for short-term financing. Borrowings under the Company's uncommitted lines of credit are subject to discretion of the lender. The Company's uncommitted lines of credit do not have a material impact on the Company's liquidity. Borrowings under the Company's uncommitted lines of credit at December 31, 1997 totaled $52.6 million. During 1997, the Company amended and restated its revolving credit agreement to permit the Company to borrow, repay and reborrow funds in an aggregate amount up to $1.3 billion, at a floating interest rate. The revolving credit agreement will terminate in August 2002. At December 31, 1997, there were no borrowings under the revolving credit agreement. In lieu of borrowings under the Company's revolving credit agreement, the Company may issue up to $1.3 billion of commercial paper. The Company's revolving credit agreement provides the committed backup liquidity required to issue commercial paper. Accordingly, commercial paper may only be issued up to the amount available for borrowing under the Company's revolving credit agreement. At December 31, 1997, $517.0 million (principal amount) of commercial paper was outstanding. The entire amount is classified as long-term debt. The Company has a universal shelf registration statement under which the Company may issue up to $500.0 million of debt and equity securities, subject to market conditions. At December 31, 1997, the Company had not yet issued any securities under that registration statement. At December 31, 1997, the Company had outstanding $263.0 million (principal amount) of medium-term notes issued under a previous shelf 24 registration statement with maturities ranging from five to ten years at an average rate of interest equal to 6.3%. Uses: - ---- The Company's primary uses of liquidity and capital resources include acquisitions, dividend payments and capital expenditures. Cash used in acquiring businesses was $715.3 million, $58.2 million and $187.8 million in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. In 1997, the Company acquired Rolodex, Kirsch and Eldon and made other minor acquisitions for cash purchase prices totaling $737.8 million. In 1996, the Company acquired Holson Burnes and completed other minor acquisitions for consideration that included cash of $42.6 million. In 1995, the Company completed acquisitions with total cash purchase prices of $210.6 million. All of these acquisitions were accounted for as purchases and were paid for with proceeds obtained from the issuance of commercial paper, medium-term notes, notes payable under the Company's lines of credit or shares of the Company's Common Stock. Capital expenditures were $103.2 million, $96.2 million and $86.5 million in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. The Company has paid regular cash dividends on its Common Stock since 1947. On February 10, 1998, the quarterly cash dividend was increased to $0.18 per share from the $0.16 per share that had been paid since February 11, 1997. Prior to this date, the quarterly cash dividend paid was $0.14 per share since February 6, 1996, which was an increase from the $0.12 per share paid since May 11, 1995. Dividends paid during 1997, 1996 and 1995 were $101.8 million, $88.9 million and $72.8 million, respectively. Retained earnings increased in 1997, 1996 and 1995 by $191.3 million, $170.1 million and $153.7 million, respectively. The average dividend payout ratio to Common stockholders in 1997, 1996 and 1995 was 35%, 35% and 33%, respectively (represents the percentage of earnings per share paid in cash to stockholders). Working capital at December 31, 1997 was $719.2 million compared to $482.6 million at December 31, 1996 and $462.7 million at December 31, 1995. The current ratio at December 31, 1997 was 2.01:1 compared to 1.72:1 at December 31, 1996 and 1.67:1 at December 31, 1995. Working capital and the current ratio increased in 1997 as a result of the 1997 acquisitions. Total debt to total capitalization (total debt is net of cash and cash equivalents, and total capitalization includes total debt, Company-Obligated Mandatorily Redeemable Convertible Preferred Securities of a Subsidiary Trust and stockholders' equity) was .27:1 at December 31, 1997, .34:1 at December 31, 1996 and .40:1 at December 31, 1995. 25 The Company believes that cash provided from operations and available borrowing facilities will continue to provide adequate support for the cash needs of existing businesses; however, certain events, such as significant acquisitions, could require additional external financing. Environmental Matters - --------------------- As of December 31, 1997, the Company was involved in various matters concerning federal and state environmental laws and regulations, including 35 matters in which they have been identified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and certain state environmental agencies as potentially responsible parties ("PRPs") at contaminated sites under the Federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act ("CERCLA") and equivalent state laws. In assessing its environmental response costs, the Company has considered several factors, including: the extent of the Company's volumetric contribution at each site relative to that of other PRPs; the kind of waste; the terms of existing cost sharing and other applicable agreements; the financial ability of other PRPs to share in the payment of requisite costs; the Company's prior experience with similar sites; environmental studies and cost estimates available to the Company; the effects of inflation on cost estimates; and the extent to which the Company's and other parties' status as PRPs are disputed. Based on information available to it, the Company's estimate of environmental response costs associated with these matters as of December 31, 1997 ranged between $16.7 million and $24.1 million. As of December 31, 1997, the Company had a reserve equal to $20.3 million for such environmental response costs in the aggregate. No insurance recovery was taken into account in determining the Company's cost estimates or reserve, nor do the Company's cost estimates or reserve reflect any discounting for present value purposes. Because of the uncertainties associated with environmental investigations and response activities, the possibility that the Company could be identified as a PRP at sites identified in the future that require the incurrence of environmental response costs and the possibility of additional sites as a result of businesses acquired, actual costs to be incurred by the Company may vary from the Company's estimates. Subject to difficulties in estimating future environmental response costs, the Company does not expect that any sum it may have to pay in connection with environmental matters in excess of amounts reserved will have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements. Market Risk - ----------- The Company's market risk is impacted by changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, and certain commodity prices. Pursuant to the Company's policies, natural hedging techniques and derivative financial instruments may be utilized to reduce the impact of adverse changes in market prices. The Company does not hold or issue derivative instruments for trading purposes, and has no material 26 sensitivity to changes in market rates and prices on its derivative financial instrument positions. The Company's primary market risk is interest rate exposure, primarily in the United States. The Company manages interest rate exposure through its conservative debt ratio target and its mix of fixed and floating rate debt. Interest rate exposure was reduced significantly in 1997 from the issuance of $500 million 5.25% Company-Obligated Mandatorily Redeemable Convertible Preferred Securities of a Subsidiary Trust, the proceeds of which reduced commercial paper. Interest rate swaps may be used to adjust interest rate exposures when appropriate based on market conditions, and, for qualifying hedges, the interest differential of swaps is included in interest expense. The Company's foreign exchange risk management policy emphasizes hedging anticipated intercompany and third-party commercial transaction exposures of one year duration or less. The Company focuses on natural hedging techniques of the following form: (1) offsetting or netting of like foreign currency flows, (2) structuring foreign subsidiary balance sheets with appropriate levels of debt to reduce subsidiary net investments and subsidiary cash flows subject to conversion risk, (3) converting excess foreign currency deposits into U.S. dollars or the relevant functional currency and (4) avoidance of risk by denominating contracts in the appropriate functional currency. In addition, the Company utilizes forward contracts and purchased options to hedge commercial and intercompany transactions. Gains and losses related to qualifying hedges of commercial transactions are deferred and included in the basis of the underlying transactions. Derivatives used to hedge intercompany transactions are marked to market with the corresponding gains or losses included in the consolidated statements of income. Due to the diversity of its product lines, the Company does not have material sensitivity to any one commodity. The Company manages commodity price exposures primarily through the duration and terms of its vendor contracts. Based on the Company's overall interest rate, currency rate and commodity price exposures at December 31, 1997, management of the Company believes that a short-term change in any of these exposures will not have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements of the Company. 27 Year 2000 Computer Compliance - ----------------------------- State of Readiness In order to address Year 2000 compliance, the Company has initiated a comprehensive project designed to minimize or eliminate any business disruption associated with potential date processing problems in its information technology ("IT") systems, as well as its non-IT systems (e.g., HVAC systems, building security systems, etc.). The project consists of six phases: company recognition, inventory of systems, impact analysis, planning, fixing and testing. For both IT and non-IT systems, all six phases are either complete or currently underway. All phases are expected to be completed by June 1999. As part of its Year 2000 project, the Company has initiated communications with all of its vendors, services suppliers and major customers to assess their state of Year 2000 readiness. Many of its vendors have responded in writing to the Company's Year 2000 readiness inquiries that they will be Year 2000 compliant by year end 1999. The Company plans to continue assessment of its third party business partners, including face-to-face meetings with management and/or onsite visits as deemed appropriate. Despite the Company's efforts, there can be no guarantee that the systems of other companies which the Company relies upon to conduct its day-to-day business will be compliant. COSTS Management believes that the total cost of implementing the Year 2000 plan will not be significant to the Company's financial results. 28 RISKS With respect to the risks associated with its IT and non-IT systems, the Company believes that the most likely worst case scenario is that the Company may experience minor system malfunctions and errors in the early days and weeks of the Year 2000 that were not detected during its renovation and testing efforts. The Company also believes that these problems will not have a material effect on the Company's financial condition or results of operations. With respect to the risks associated with third parties, the Company believes that the most likely worst case scenario is that some of the Company's vendors will not be compliant and will have difficulty filling orders and flowing goods. Management also believes that the number of such vendors will have been minimized by the Company's program of identifying non-compliant vendors and replacing or jointly developing alternative supply or delivery solutions prior to the Year 2000. The Company has limited the scope of its risk assessment to those factors which it can reasonably be expected to have an influence upon. For example, the Company has made the assumption that government agencies, utility companies, and national telecommunications providers will continue to operate. Obviously, the lack of such services could have a material effect on the Company's ability to operate, but the Company has little if any ability to influence such an outcome, or to reasonably make alternative arrangements in advance for such services in the event they are unavailable. CONTINGENCY PLANS The Company has not yet completed its planning and preparations to handle the most likely worst case scenarios described above. The Company intends to develop contingency plans for these scenarios by December 31, 1998. 29 Forward Looking Statements - -------------------------- Forward-looking statements in this Report are made in reliance upon the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements may relate to, but are not limited to, such matters as sales, income, earnings per share, return on equity, capital expenditures, dividends, capital structure, free cash flow, debt to capitalization ratios, interest rates, internal growth rates, the Year 2000 plan and related risks, pending legal proceedings and claims (including environmental matters,) future economic performance, management's plans, goals and objectives for future operations and growth or the assumptions relating to any of the forward-looking information. The Company cautions that forward-looking statements are not guarantees since there are inherent difficulties in predicting future results, and that actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ include, but are not limited to, those matters set forth in this Exhibit 99.1 to the Company's Current Report 8-K, dated November 17, 1998, the document incorporated by reference herein, and in Exhibit 99 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1998. 30 Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - --------------------------------------------------- Report of Independent Public Accountants ---------------------------------------- To the Stockholders and Board of Directors of Newell Co.: We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Newell Co. (a Delaware corporation) and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1997. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of Newell Co.'s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Newell Co. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1997, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. Our audit was made for the purpose of forming an opinion on the basic financial statements taken as a whole. The schedule listed in Part IV Item 14(a)(2) of this Exhibit 99.1 to Newell Co.'s Current Report on Form 8-K is presented for purposes of complying with the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and is not a part of the basic financial statements. This schedule has been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in our audit of the basic financial statements and, in our opinion, fairly states in all material respects the financial data required to be set forth therein in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole. Arthur Andersen LLP Milwaukee, Wisconsin May 7, 1998 31
NEWELL CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME Year Ended December 31, 1997 1996 1995 ---- ---- ---- (In thousands, except per share data) Net sales $3,336,233 $2,972,839 $2,580,313 Cost of products sold 2,259,551 2,020,116 1,759,871 ---------- ---------- ---------- GROSS INCOME 1,076,682 952,723 820,442 Selling, general and administrative expenses 497,739 461,802 392,921 Trade names and goodwill amortization and other 31,882 23,554 19,280 ---------- ---------- ---------- OPERATING INCOME 547,061 467,367 408,241 Nonoperating expenses (income): Interest expense 76,413 58,541 51,443 Other, net (14,686) (19,474) (20,353) ---------- ---------- ---------- Net 61,727 39,067 31,090 ---------- ---------- ---------- Income before income taxes 485,334 428,300 377,151 Income taxes 192,187 169,258 150,676 ---------- ---------- ---------- NET INCOME $ 293,147 $ 259,042 $ 226,475 ========== ========== ========== Earnings per share Basic $1.81 $1.60 $1.40 Diluted 1.80 1.60 1.40 Weighted average shares outstanding Basic 162,173 161,858 161,306 Diluted 163,308 162,281 161,624
See notes to consolidated financial statements. 32
NEWELL CO. AND SUBSIDARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS December 31, 1997 1996 1995 ---- ---- ---- (In thousands) ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents $ 36,107 $ 4,363 $ 60,792 Accounts receivable, net 544,375 424,479 402,837 Inventories, net 653,200 524,444 518,039 Deferred income taxes 134,732 126,200 109,438 Prepaid expenses and other 65,280 68,978 67,121 ----------- ----------- ----------- TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 1,433,694 1,148,464 1,158,227 MARKETABLE EQUITY SECURITIES 307,121 240,789 53,309 OTHER LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS 51,020 58,703 203,857 OTHER ASSETS 144,475 119,720 123,225 PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET 711,325 567,880 542,459 TRADE NAMES AND GOODWILL, NET 1,364,099 922,874 884,113 ----------- ----------- ----------- TOTAL ASSETS $ 4,011,734 $ 3,058,430 $ 2,965,190 =========== =========== =========== LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY CURRENT LIABILITIES Notes payable $ 52,636 $ 73,877 $ 104,017 Accounts payable 138,531 114,158 119,604 Accrued compensation 82,676 67,269 75,299 Other accrued liabilities 397,561 337,729 321,530 Income taxes 11,797 37,914 14,061 Current portion of long-term debt 31,278 34,937 61,033 ----------- ----------- ----------- TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 714,479 665,884 695,544 LONG-TERM DEBT 786,793 685,608 776,565 OTHER NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES 186,673 159,439 160,509 DEFERRED INCOME TAXES 90,216 47,477 30,987 MINORITY INTEREST 8,352 0 0
33
NEWELL CO. AND SUBSIDARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (CONT'D.) December 31, 1997 1996 1995 ---- ---- ---- (In thousands) COMPANY-OBLIGATED MANDATORILY REDEEMABLE CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED SECURITIES OF A SUBSIDIARY TRUST 500,000 0 0 STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Common stock - authorized shares, 400.0 million at $1 par value; 162,330 161,965 161,720 Outstanding shares: 1997 - 162.3 million 1996 - 162.0 million 1995 - 161.7 million Additional paid-in capital 201,045 194,829 187,800 Retained earnings 1,305,643 1,114,294 944,152 Net unrealized gain on securities available for sale 78,839 36,595 15,912 Cumulative translation adjustment (22,636) (7,661) (7,999) ----------- ----------- ---------- TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY 1,725,221 1,500,022 1,301,585 ----------- ----------- ---------- TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY $ 4,011,734 $ 3,058,430 $2,965,190 =========== =========== ==========
See notes to consolidated financial statements. 34
NEWELL CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS Year Ended December 31, 1997 1996 1995 --------- --------- --------- (In thousands) OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net income $293,147 $259,042 $226,475 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 131,964 118,109 103,038 Deferred income taxes 57,792 44,203 40,024 Net gain on sale of marketable equity securities (2,853) 0 (15,819) Investment write-off 2,365 1,338 16,054 Equity earnings of investment (5,831) (6,364) (5,993) Changes in current accounts, excluding the effects of acquisitions: Accounts receivable 675 (5,956) 14,491 Inventories 5,233 21,110 (7,045) Other current assets (5,577) (214) (4,667) Accounts payable (21,974) (22,416) (12,681) Accrued liabilities and other (78,544) (42,832) (72,796) --------- --------- --------- NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES 376,397 366,020 281,081 INVESTING ACTIVITIES Acquisitions, net (715,316) (58,213) (187,788) Expenditures for property, plant and equipment (103,195) (96,230) (86,460) Purchase of marketable equity securities 0 (3,513) 0 Sale of marketable securities 6,389 0 37,324 Disposals of non-current assets and other 5,082 8,430 (1,342) --------- --------- --------- NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES (807,040) (149,526) (238,266) FINANCING ACTIVITIES Proceeds from issuance of debt 148,073 4,164 317,191 Proceeds from the issuance of company-obligated mandatorily redeemable convertible preferred securities of a subsidiary trust 500,000 0 0 Proceeds from exercised stock options and other 17,026 7,274 7,100 Payments on notes payable and long-term debt (98,714) (195,799) (252,234) Cash dividends (101,798) (88,900) (72,766) --------- --------- --------- NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES 464,587 (273,261) (709) Exchange rate effect on cash (2,200) 338 2,599
35
NEWELL CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (CONT'D.) Year Ended December 31, 1997 1996 1995 --------- --------- --------- (In thousands) INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 31,744 (56,429) 44,705 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 4,363 60,792 16,087 --------- --------- --------- CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR $ 36,107 $ 4,363 $ 60,792 ========= ========= ========= Supplemental cash flow disclosures - Cash paid during the year for: Income taxes $ 162,100 $127,392 $132,060 Interest 69,263 57,036 46,538
See notes to consolidated financial statements. 36
NEWELL CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Net Unrealized Gain On Add'l Securities Cumulative Common Paid-In Retained Available Translation Stock Capital(1) Earnings for Sale Adjustment ------ -------- -------- -------------- ----------- (In thousands, except per share data) Balance at December 31, 1994 $ 160,938 $ 172,158 $ 790,443 $ 9,868 $ ($6,466) Net income 226,475 Cash dividends: Common stock $0.46 per share (72,766) Stock issued for acquisitions 381 8,943 Exercise of stock options 412 6,759 Change in net unrealized gain on securities available for sale 6,044 Foreign currency translation and other (11) (60) (1,533) --------- ------- --------- -------- ---------- Balance at December 31, 1995 161,720 187,800 944,152 15,912 (7,999) Net income 259,042 Cash dividends: Common stock $0.56 per share (88,900) Exercise of stock options 245 7,088 Change in net unrealized gain on securities available for sale 20,683 Foreign currency translation and other (59) 338 -------- -------- --------- ------- ------- Balance at December 31, 1996 161,965 194,829 1,114,294 36,595 (7,661) Net income 293,147 Cash dividends: Common stock $0.64 per share (101,798) Exercise of stock options 365 6,818 Change in net unrealized gain on securities available for sale 42,244 Foreign currency translation and other (602) (14,975) --------- --------- ----------- -------- -------- Balance at December 31, 1997 $ 162,330 $ 201,045 $ 1,305,643 $ 78,839 $ (22,636) ========= ========= =========== ======== ==========
(1) Net of treasury stock (at cost) of $665, $199 and $161 as of December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. See notes to consolidated financial statements. 37 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995 1) SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Principles of Consolidation: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Newell and its majority owned subsidiaries ("the Company") after elimination of intercompany accounts and transactions. Use of estimates: The preparation of these financial statements required the use of certain estimates by management in determining the Company's assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses and related disclosures. Revenue Recognition: Sales of merchandise are recognized upon shipment to customers. Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments: The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments: Long-term Investments: The fair value of the investment in convertible preferred stock of The Black & Decker Corporation ("Black & Decker") in 1995 was based on an independent appraisal. This preferred stock was converted into Black & Decker Common Stock on October 15, 1996 and reclassified to Long-term Marketable Equity Securities at December 31, 1996. Long-term Debt: The fair value of the Company's long-term debt issued under the medium-term note program is estimated based on quoted market prices which approximate cost. All other significant long-term debt is pursuant to floating rate instruments whose carrying amounts approximate fair value. Company-Obligated Mandatorily Redeemable Convertible Preferred Securities of a Subsidiary Trust: The fair value of the company-obligated mandatorily redeemable convertible preferred securities of a subsidiary trust was $522.5 million at December 31, 1997. Allowances for Doubtful Accounts: Allowances for doubtful accounts at December 31 totaled $21.2 million in 1997, $15.0 million in 1996 and $12.3 million in 1995. Inventories: Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market value. Cost of certain domestic inventories (approximately 82%, 86% and 89% of total inventories at December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively) was determined by the "last-in, first-out" ("LIFO") method; for the balance, cost was determined using the "first-in, first-out" ("FIFO") method. If the FIFO inventory valuation method had been used exclusively, inventories would have increased by $19.2 million, $27.4 million and $30.4 million at December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. 38 The components of inventories at December 31, net of the LIFO reserve, were as follows: 1997 1996 1995 ------- ------- ------- (In millions) Materials and supplies $ 142.8 $ 128.7 $ 150.2 Work in process 109.9 91.4 89.1 Finished products 400.5 304.3 278.7 ------- ------ ------- $ 653.2 $ 524.4 $ 518.0 ======= ======= ======= Inventory reserves at December 31 totaled $93.9 million in 1997, $82.6 million in 1996 and $68.7 million in 1995. Other Long-term Investments: At December 31, 1995, the Company owned 150,000 shares of privately placed Black & Decker convertible preferred stock, Series B, purchased at a cost of $150.0 million. On October 15, 1996, in accordance with the terms of the preferred stock, Black & Decker exercised its option to convert the preferred stock into 6.4 million shares of Black & Decker Common Stock. As a result of the conversion, the Common Stock is classified as a Long-term Marketable Equity Security in the December 31, 1997 and 1996 consolidated balance sheets. The Company has a 49% ownership interest in American Tool Companies, Inc., a manufacturer of hand tools and power tool accessory products marketed primarily under the VISE-GRIP{R} and IRWIN{R} trademarks. This investment is accounted for on the equity method with a net investment of $51.0 million at December 31, 1997. Long-term Marketable Equity Securities: Long-term Marketable Equity Securities classified as available for sale are carried at fair value with adjustments to fair value reported separately, net of tax, as a component of stockholders' equity (and excluded from earnings). Long-term marketable equity securities at December 31 are summarized as follows: 1997 1996 1995 ---- ---- ---- (In millions) Aggregate market value $ 307.1 $ 240.8 $ 53.3 Aggregate cost 176.8 180.3 26.8 ------ ------ ------ Unrealized gain $ 130.3 $ 60.5 $ 26.5 ======= ======= ====== During 1995, the Company received proceeds of $37.3 million from the sale of Long-term Marketable Equity Securities and recorded a gain of $15.8 million on the sale. Gains and losses on the sales of Long-term Marketable Equity Securities are based upon the average cost of securities sold. 39 Property, Plant and Equipment: Property, plant and equipment at December 31 consisted of the following: 1997 1996 1995 ---- ---- ---- (In millions) Land $ 34.1 $ 21.4 $ 16.5 Buildings and improvements 278.6 213.2 201.1 Machinery and equipment 854.9 714.5 633.3 -------- -------- -------- 1,167.6 949.1 850.9 Allowance for depreciation (456.3) (381.2) (308.4) -------- -------- -------- $ 711.3 $ 567.9 $ 542.5 ======== ======== ======== Replacements and improvements are capitalized. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to expense. The components of depreciation are provided by annual charges to income calculated to amortize, principally on the straight-line basis, the cost of the depreciable assets over their depreciable lives. Estimated useful lives determined by the Company are as follows: Buildings and improvements 20-40 years Machinery and equipment 5-12 years Trade Names and Goodwill: The cost of trade names and the excess of cost over identifiable net assets of businesses acquired are amortized over 40 years on a straight-line basis. Total accumulated amortization of trade names and goodwill was $136.7 million, $103.2 million and $78.2 million at December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. Subsequent to an acquisition, the Company periodically evaluates whether later events and circumstances have occurred that indicate the remaining estimated useful life of goodwill may warrant revision or that the remaining balance of goodwill may not be recoverable. If factors indicate that goodwill should be evaluated for possible impairment, the Company would use an estimate of the relevant business' undiscounted net cash flow over the remaining life of the goodwill in measuring whether the goodwill is recoverable. 40 Accrued Liabilities: Accrued Liabilities at December 31 included the following: 1997 1996 1995 ---- ---- ---- (In millions) Customer accruals $ 135.9 $ 95.8 $ 86.5 Accrued self-insurance liability 42.8 47.0 40.4 Customer accruals are promotional allowances and rebates given to customers in exchange for their selling efforts. The self-insurance accrual is primarily for workers' compensation and is estimated based upon historical claim experience. Foreign Currency Translation: Foreign currency balance sheet accounts are translated into U.S. dollars at the rates of exchange in effect at fiscal year end. Income and expenses are translated at the average rates of exchange in effect during the year. The related translation adjustments are made directly to a separate component of stockholders' equity. International subsidiaries operating in highly inflationary economies translate non-monetary assets at historical rates, while net monetary assets are translated at current rates, with the resulting translation adjustment included in net income. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses were immaterial in 1997, 1996 and 1995. Earnings per share: The earnings per share amounts are computed based on the weighted average monthly number of shares outstanding during the year. "Basic" earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income (before cumulative effect of accounting change) by weighted average shares outstanding. "Diluted" earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income (before cumulative effect of accounting change) by weighted average shares outstanding, including the assumption of the exercise and/or conversion of all potentially dilutive securities ("in the money" stock options and Company- Obligated Mandatorily Redeemable Convertible Preferred Securities of a Subsidiary Trust). Effective December 31, 1997, the Company adopted SFAS No. 128, "Earnings Per Share." As a result, the Company's reported earnings per share for 1996 and 1995 were restated. The impact on previously reported earnings per share was immaterial. Accounting Principles Adopted: In 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued SFAS No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of." The adoption of this statement in 1996 was not material to the consolidated financial statements. In 1995, FASB also issued SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock Based Compensation." The Company adopted the disclosure requirements of this statement (see note 11 to the consolidated financial statements) and will continue to apply APB Opinion No. 25 to its stock option plans. Reclassification: Certain 1996 and 1995 amounts have been reclassified to conform with the 1997 presentation. Reclassification of Trade Names and Goodwill Amortization: The Company is reclassifying trade names and goodwill amortization from nonoperating expenses to operating expenses for all periods presented. 41 2) ACQUISITIONS OF BUSINESSES 1995 - ---- On October 2, 1995, the Company acquired Decorel Incorporated ("Decorel"), a manufacturer and marketer of ready-made picture frames. Decorel was combined with Intercraft. On November 2, 1995, the Company acquired Berol Corporation ("Berol"), a designer, manufacturer and marketer of markers and writing instruments. Berol was combined with Sanford. For these and other minor 1995 acquisitions, the Company paid $210.6 million in cash, issued 379,507 shares of the Company's Common Stock (valued at approximately $9.5 million) and assumed $144.2 million of debt. These transactions were accounted for as purchases; therefore results of operations are included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements since their respective dates of acquisition. The acquisition costs were allocated to the fair market value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed and resulted in trade names and goodwill of approximately $181.1 million. 1996 and 1997 - ------------- On January 19, 1996, the Company acquired The Holson Burnes Group, Inc. ("Holson Burnes"), a manufacturer and marketer of photo albums and picture frames. Holson Burnes was combined with Intercraft, creating the Intercraft/Burnes division. On March 5, 1997, the Company purchased Insilco Corporation's Rolodex business unit ("Rolodex"), a marketer of office products including card files, personal organizers and paper punches. Rolodex was integrated into the Company's Newell Office Products division. On May 30, 1997, the Company acquired Cooper Industries Incorporated's Kirsch business ("Kirsch"), a manufacturer and distributor of drapery hardware and custom window coverings in the United States and international markets. The Kirsch North American operations were combined with the Newell Window Furnishings division. The European operations of Kirsch exist as a separate division called Kirsch Window Fashions Europe. On June 13, 1997, the Company acquired Rubbermaid Incorporated's office products business, including the ELDON{R} brand name (now referred to as "Eldon"). Eldon is a designer, manufacturer and supplier of computer and plastic desk accessories, resin-based office furniture and storage and organization products. Eldon was integrated into the Company's Newell Office Products division. For these and other minor acquisitions, the Company paid $780.4 million in cash and assumed $59.9 million of debt. The transactions were accounted for as purchases; therefore, results of operations are included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements since their respective dates of acquisition. The acquisition costs were allocated on a preliminary basis to the fair market value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed and resulted in trade names and goodwill of approximately $562.4 million. The final adjustments 42 to the purchase price allocations are not expected to be material to the consolidated financial statements. The unaudited consolidated results of operations for the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996 on a pro forma basis, as though the Holson Burnes, Rolodex, Kirsch and Eldon businesses had been acquired on January 1, 1996, are as follows: 1997 1996 ---- ---- (In millions, except per share amounts) Net sales $3,574.3 $3,554.2 Net income 287.1 256.5 Earnings per share 1.77 1.58 43 3) CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS The Company has short-term foreign and domestic uncommitted lines of credit with various banks, which are available for short-term financing. Borrowings under the Company's uncommitted lines of credit are subject to discretion of the lender. The Company's uncommitted lines of credit do not have a material impact on the Company's liquidity. Borrowings under the Company's uncommitted lines of credit at December 31, 1997 totaled $52.6 million. The following is a summary of borrowings under foreign and domestic lines of credit at December 31: 1997 1996 1995 ---- ---- ---- (In millions) Notes payable to banks: Outstanding at year-end - borrowing $ 52.6 $ 73.9 $ 104.0 - weighted average interest rate 4.5% 4.7% 6.6% Average for the year - borrowing $ 132.6 $ 100.9 $ 102.4 - weighted average interest rate 5.4% 5.3% 6.7% Maximum borrowing outstanding during the year $417.3 $127.0 $137.8 The Company can also issue commercial paper, as described in note 4 to the consolidated financial statements. The following is a summary of commercial paper at December 31: 1997 1996 1995 ---- ---- ---- (In millions) Commercial paper: Outstanding at year-end - borrowing $ 517.0 $ 404.0 $ 448.6 - average interest rate 6.5% 5.9% 5.8% Average for the year - borrowing $ 731.3 $ 512.3 $ 410.4 - average interest rate 5.6% 5.3% 6.0% Maximum borrowing outstanding during the year $1,177.6 $ 594.0 $ 500.0 44 4) LONG-TERM DEBT The following is a summary of long-term debt at December 31: 1997 1996 1995 ---- ---- ---- (In millions) Medium-term notes $ 263.0 $ 295.0 $ 345.0 Commercial paper 517.0 404.0 448.6 Other long-term debt 38.1 21.5 44.0 ------- ------- ------- 818.1 720.5 837.6 Current portion (31.3) (34.9) (61.0) ------- -------- -------- $786.8 $ 685.6 $ 776.6 ======= ======== ======== During 1997, the Company amended and restated its revolving credit agreement to permit the Company to borrow, repay and reborrow funds in an aggregate amount up to $1.3 billion, at a floating interest rate. The revolving credit agreement will terminate in August 2002. At December 31, 1997, there were no borrowings under the revolving credit agreement. In lieu of borrowings under the Company's revolving credit agreement, the Company may issue up to $1.3 billion of commercial paper. The Company's revolving credit agreement provides the committed backup liquidity required to issue commercial paper. Accordingly, commercial paper may only be issued up to the amount available for borrowing under the Company's revolving credit agreement. At December 31, 1997, $517.0 million (principal amount) of commercial paper was outstanding. The entire amount is classified as Long-Term Debt. The Company has a universal shelf registration statement under which the Company may issue up to $500.0 million of debt and equity securities, subject to market conditions. At December 31, 1997, the Company had not yet issued any securities under that registration statement. At December 31, 1997, the Company had outstanding $263.0 million (principal amount) of medium-term notes issued under a previous shelf registration statement with maturities ranging from five to ten years at an average rate of interest equal to 6.3%. The revolving credit agreement permits the Company to borrow funds using Committed loans (Base Rate loans or Committed LIBOR loans) or Competitive loans (Set Rate loans or Competitive LIBOR loans), as selected by the Company. The terms of these agreements require, among other things, that the Company maintain a certain Total Debt to Total Capital Ratio as defined in these agreements. As of December 31, 1997, the Company was in compliance with these agreements. 45 The aggregate maturities of Long-Term Debt outstanding at December 31, 1997, are as follows: Year Aggregate Maturities ---- -------------------- (In millions) 1998 $ 31.3 1999 8.6 2000 148.6 2001 1.5 2002 617.7 Thereafter 10.4 ------- $ 818.1 ======= 5) COMPANY-OBLIGATED MANDATORILY REDEEMABLE CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED SECURITIES OF A SUBSIDIARY TRUST OF THE COMPANY In December 1997, a wholly owned subsidiary trust of the Company issued 10,000,000 of its 5.25% convertible quarterly income preferred securities (the "Convertible Preferred Securities"), with a liquidation preference of $50 per security, to certain institutional buyers. The Convertible Preferred Securities represent an undivided beneficial interest in the assets of the trust. Each of the Convertible Preferred Securities is convertible at the option of the holder into shares of the Company's Common Stock at the rate of 0.9865 shares of Common Stock for each preferred security (equivalent to the approximate conversion price of $50.685 per share of Common Stock), subject to adjustment in certain circumstances. Holders of the Convertible Preferred Securities are entitled to a quarterly cash distribution at the annual rate of 5.25% of the $50 liquidation preference commencing March 1, 1998. The Convertible Preferred Securities are subject to a limited guarantee by the Company and are callable by the Company initially at 103.15% of the liquidation preference beginning in December 2001 and decreasing over time to 100% of the liquidation preference beginning in December 2007. The trust invested the proceeds of this issuance of Convertible Preferred Securities in $500 million of the Company's 5.25% Junior Convertible Subordinated Debentures due 2027 (the "Debentures"). The Debentures are the sole assets of the trust, mature on December 1, 2027, bear interest at the rate of 5.25%, payable quarterly, commencing March 1, 1998, and are redeemable by the Company beginning in December 2001. The Company may defer interest payments on the Debentures for a period not to exceed 20 consecutive quarters during which time distribution payments on the Convertible Preferred Securities are also deferred. Under this circumstance, the Company may not declare or pay any cash distributions with respect to its capital stock or debt securities that rank pari passu with or junior to the Debentures. The Company has no current intention to exercise its right to defer payments of interest on the Debentures. 46 The Convertible Preferred Securities are reflected as outstanding in the Company's consolidated financial statements as Company- Obligated Mandatorily Redeemable Convertible Preferred Securities of a Subsidiary Trust. 6) DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS The Company has only limited involvement with derivative financial instruments and does not use them for trading purposes. They are used to manage certain interest rate and foreign currency risks. Interest rate swap agreements are utilized to convert certain floating rate debt instruments into fixed rate debt. Cash flows related to interest rate swap agreements are included in interest expense over the terms of the agreements. The Company uses forward exchange contracts and options to hedge certain purchase commitments denominated in currencies other than the domestic currency. Unamortized premiums are included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets. Gains and losses relating to qualifying hedges of firm commitments are deferred and are recognized in income or expense as adjustments of carrying amounts when the hedged transaction occurs. The Company does not obtain collateral or other security to support derivative financial instruments subject to credit risk but monitors the credit standing of the counterparties. 7) LEASES The Company has minimum rental payments through the year 2007 under noncancellable operating leases as follows: Year Minimum Payments ----- ---------------- (In millions) 1998 $23.6 1999 15.5 2000 10.2 2001 8.2 2002 6.2 Thereafter 15.6 ----- $79.3 ===== 47 Total rental expense for all operating leases was approximately $50.9 million, $45.2 million and $38.3 million in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. 8) EMPLOYEE BENEFIT RETIREMENT PLANS The Company and its subsidiaries have noncontributory pension and profit sharing plans covering substantially all of its foreign and domestic employees. Pension plan benefits are generally based on years of service and/or compensation. The Company's funding policy is to contribute not less than the minimum amounts required by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 or local statutes to assure that plan assets will be adequate to provide retirement benefits. Due to the overfunded status of most of the pension plans, contributions to these plans were insignificant during the past three years. The net periodic pension cost components for all significant pension plans for the years ended December 31 are as follows: 1997 1996 1995 ---- ---- ---- (In millions) Service cost-benefits earned during the year $ 16.0 $ 16.3 $ 14.5 Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 38.7 36.3 35.1 Actual return on assets (124.5) (74.2) (64.1) Net amortization and other components 70.9 24.4 17.5 ----- ---- ---- Total pension plan expense $ 1.1 $ 2.8 $ 3.0 ===== ==== ==== The principal actuarial assumptions used are as follows: 1997 1996 1995 ---- ---- ---- (In percent) Measurement of projected benefit obligation: Discount rate 7.75% 7.75% 7.75% Long-term rate of compensation increase 5.00% 5.00% 5.00% Long-term rate of return on plan assets 9.00% 9.00% 9.00% 48 The following table sets forth the funded status of the pension plans and the amount recognized in the Company's consolidated balance sheets: Plans Whose Assets Exceed Accumulated Benefits 1997 1996 1995 ---- ---- ---- (In millions) Actuarial present value of benefit obligations: - Vested $467.7 $413.9 $329.0 - Nonvested 13.1 10.6 10.1 ----- ----- ----- Accumulated benefit obligation 480.8 424.5 339.1 Effect of projected future salary increases 26.5 20.5 15.2 ----- ----- ----- Projected benefit obligation 507.3 445.0 354.3 Plan assets at market value (primarily Common Stock and fixed income investments) 713.8 585.8 463.1 ----- ----- ----- Plan assets in excess of projected benefit obligation 206.5 140.8 108.8 Unrecognized transition net asset (6.0) (7.3) (4.5) Unrecognized prior service cost (7.1) (7.7) (3.0) Unrecognized net gain (116.0) (54.5) (21.9) ----- ----- ----- Net pension asset in Other Non-current Assets $ 77.4 $ 71.3 $ 79.4 ===== ===== ===== 49 Plans Whose Accumulated Benefits Exceed Assets 1997 1996 1995(1) ---- ---- ---- (In millions) Actuarial present value of benefit obligations: Vested $ 44.7 $ 19.2 $ 90.3 Nonvested 12.1 9.3 10.7 ----- ----- ----- Accumulated benefit obligation 56.8 28.5 101.0 Effect of projected future salary increases 14.3 11.2 18.6 ----- ----- ----- Projected benefit obligation 71.1 39.7 119.6 Plan assets at market value (primarily Common Stock and fixed income investments) 24.7 1.8 77.4 ----- ----- ----- Plan assets less than projected benefit obligation (46.4) (37.9) (42.2) Unrecognized transition net (asset) obligation 0.4 2.6 (2.8) Unrecognized prior service cost 1.9 0.7 1.0 Unrecognized net loss 11.1 7.6 11.3 ----- ----- ----- Net pension liability in Other Non-current Liabilities $(33.0) $(27.0) $(32.7) ===== ===== ===== (1) During 1995, the defined benefit plan covering certain hourly employees contained a temporary unfunded obligation. This plan was fully funded in 1996. Total expense under all profit sharing plans was $8.0 million, $7.1 million and $5.9 million for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. 50 9) RETIREE HEALTH CARE Several of the Company's subsidiaries currently provide retiree health care benefits for certain employee groups. The components of the net postretirement health care cost for the years ended December 31 are as follows: 1997 1996 1995 ---- ---- ---- (In millions) Service cost-benefits attributed to service during the period $1.6 $2.1 $1.7 Interest cost on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation 8.0 7.7 7.5 Net amortization and deferral (0.2) (0.3) (0.5) --- --- --- Net postretirement health care cost $9.4 $9.5 $8.7 === === === The following table reconciles the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation as recognized in the Company's consolidated balance sheets at December 31: 1997 1996 1995 ---- ---- ---- (In millions) Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation: Retirees $ (88.0) $ (63.5) $ (67.4) Fully eligible active plan participants (3.1) (5.5) (5.6) Other active plan participants (23.8) (28.1) (23.4) ---- ---- ---- Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation (114.9) (97.1) (96.4) Market value of assets - - - ----- ---- ---- Funded status (114.9) (97.1) (96.4) Unrecognized net gain (18.3) (13.0) (13.0) Other Non-current Liability $(133.2) $(110.1) $(109.4) ===== ===== ===== The actuarial calculation assumed a 9% increase in the health care cost trend rate for fiscal year 1997. The assumed rate decreases 51 one percent every year through the year 2000 to 6% and remains constant beyond that point. The health care cost trend rate has a significant effect on the amounts reported. For example, a one percentage point increase in the health care cost trend rate would increase the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation by $5.7 million and increase net periodic cost by $0.8 million. The discount rate used in determining the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation was 7.5% in 1997 and 7.75% in both 1996 and 1995. 10) STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY The Company's Common Stock consists of 400.0 million authorized shares, with a par value of $1 per share. Of the total unissued common shares at December 31, 1997, total shares in reserve included 8.5 million shares for issuance under the Company's stock option plans. Each share of Common Stock includes a preferred stock purchase right (a "Right"). Each Right will entitle the holder, until the earlier of October 31, 1998 or the redemption of the Rights, to buy one four-hundredth of a share of a new series of preferred stock, denominated "Junior Participating Preferred Stock, Series B," at a price of $25 per one four-hundredth of a share (as adjusted to reflect stock splits since the issuance of the Rights). This preferred stock is nonredeemable and will have 100 votes per share. The Company has reserved 500,000 Series B preferred shares for issuance upon exercise of such Rights. The Rights will be exercisable only if a person or group acquires 20% or more of voting power of the Company or announces a tender offer following which it would hold 30% or more of the Company's voting power. In the event that any person becomes the beneficial owner of 30% or more of the Company's voting stock, the Rights (other than Rights held by the 30% stockholder) would become exercisable for that number of shares of the Company's Common Stock having a market value of two times the exercise price of the Right. Furthermore, if, following the acquisition by a person or group of 20% or more of the Company's voting stock, the Company was acquired in a merger or other business combination or 50% or more of its assets were sold, or in the event of certain types of self-dealing transactions by a 20% stockholder, each Right (other than Rights held by the 20% stockholder) would become exercisable for that number of shares of Common Stock of the Company (or the surviving company in a business combination) having a market value of two times the exercise price of the Right. The Company may redeem the Rights at one cent per Right prior to the occurrence of an event that causes the Rights to become exercisable for Common Stock. The Board of Directors may terminate the Company's right to redeem the Rights prior to the time the Rights become exercisable for Common Stock at any time after a group or person acquires 20% or more of the Company's voting stock under certain circumstances. 52 11) STOCK OPTIONS The Company's stock option plans are accounted for under APB Opinion No. 25. As a result, the Company grants fixed stock options under which no compensation cost is recognized. Had compensation cost for the plans been determined consistent with FASB Statement No. 123, the Company's net income and earnings per share would have been reduced to the following pro forma amounts for the years ended December 31: 1997 1996 ---- ---- (In thousands, except per share data) Net income: As reported $293,147 $259,042 Pro forma Basic EPS: As reported $1.81 $1.60 Pro forma Because the FASB Statement No. 123 method of accounting has not been applied to options granted prior to January 1, 1995, the resulting pro forma compensation cost may not be representative of that to be expected in future years. The Company may grant up to 8.0 million shares under the 1993 Stock Option Plan, of which, the Company has granted 1.9 million shares and cancelled 0.3 million shares through December 31, 1997. Under this plan, the option exercise price equals the Common Stock's closing price on the date of grant, vests over a five-year period and expires after ten years. 53 The following summarizes the changes in number of shares of Common Stock under option: 1997 -------------- Weighted Average Shares Exercise Price ------ ---------------- Outstanding at beginning of year 1,959,034 $21 - Granted 395,600 38 - Exercised (364,587) 18 - Cancelled (68,688) 22 --------- Outstanding at end of year 1,921,359 24 ========= Exercisable at end of year 886,445 19 ========= Weighted average fair value of options granted during the year $ 13 ========= The 1,822,389 options outstanding at December 31, 1997 have exercise prices between $12 and $43 and are summarized below: Options Outstanding -------------------------------------------------------- Weighted Range of Number Weighted Average Exercise Outstanding at Average Remaining Prices December 31, 1997 Exercise Price Contractual Life - -------- ----------------- -------------- ---------------- $ 5-15 300,884 $11 3 16-25 905,025 20 6 26-35 327,950 20 8 36-43 387,500 37 9 --------- 5-43 1,921,359 24 7 ========= 54 The 886,445 options exercisable at December 31, 1997 have exercise prices between $12 and $35 and are summarized below: Options Exercisable ----------------------------------- Range of Number Weighted Exercise Exercisable at Average Prices December 31, 1997 Exercise Price - -------- ----------------- -------------- $12-15 191,914 $14 16-25 625,661 20 26-35 68,870 27 ------- 12-35 886,445 19 ======= 1996 -------------- Weighted Average Shares Exercise Price ------ ---------------- Outstanding at beginning of year 1,945,730 $20 - Granted 400,820 21 - Exercised (243,596) 17 - Cancelled (143,920) 21 --------- Outstanding at end of year 1,959,034 21 ========= Exercisable at end of year 999,118 18 ========= Weighted average fair value of options granted during the year $10 ========= 55 1995 -------------- Weighted Average Shares Exercise Price ------ ---------------- Outstanding at beginning of year 2,155,758 $19 - Granted 284,250 24 - Exercised (411,528) 16 - Cancelled (82,750) 21 --------- Outstanding at end of year 1,945,730 20 ========= Exercisable at end of year 1,113,118 17 ========= Weighted average fair value of options granted during the year $9 ========= The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions used for grants in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively: risk-free interest rate of 6.3%, 6.4% and 6.6%; expected dividend yields of 1.8%, 1.8% and 1.8%; expected lives of 9.9, 9.9 and 9.5 years; and expected volatility of 23%, 20% and 20%. 12) INCOME TAXES The provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31 consists of the following: 1997 1996 1995 ------ ------ ------ (In millions) Current: - Federal $ 97.7 $ 98.6 $ 91.9 - State 17.6 15.9 16.4 - Foreign 19.1 10.6 2.4 ------ ------ ------ 134.4 125.1 110.7 Deferred 57.8 44.2 40.0 ------ ------ ------ Total $192.2 $169.3 $150.7 ====== ====== ====== 56 The components of the net deferred tax asset at December 31 are as follows: 1997 1996 1995 ---- ---- ---- (In millions) Deferred tax assets: -Accruals, not currently deductible for tax purposes $117.3 $111.9 $106.3 -Postretirement liabilities 53.0 43.9 43.9 -Inventory reserves 35.7 29.2 17.1 -Self-insurance liability 15.4 16.5 13.2 -Other 1.0 1.9 1.2 ----- ----- ----- 222.4 203.4 181.7 Deferred tax liabilities: -Accelerated depreciation (60.3) (46.9) (45.7) -Prepaid pension asset (31.1) (30.5) (31.6) -Unrealized gain on securities available for sale (51.5) (23.9) (10.6) -Amortization of intangibles (11.9) (4.1) - -Other (23.1) (19.3) (15.3) ----- ----- ----- (177.9) (124.7) (103.2) ----- ----- ----- Net deferred tax asset $ 44.5 $ 78.7 $ 78.5 ====== ====== ====== The net deferred tax asset is classified in the consolidated balance sheets at December 31 as follows: 1997 1996 1995 ---- ---- ---- (In millions) Current net deferred income tax asset $134.7 $126.2 $109.4 Non-current deferred income tax liability (90.2) (47.5) (30.9) ----- ----- ----- $ 44.5 $ 78.7 $ 78.5 ===== ===== ===== 57 A reconciliation of the U.S. statutory rate to the effective income tax rate for the years ended December 31 is as follows: 1997 1996 1995 ---- ---- ---- (In percent) Statutory rate 35.0% 35.0% 35.0% Add (deduct) effect of: -State income taxes, net of federal income tax effect 3.6 3.6 4.3 -Nondeductible trade names and goodwill amortization 1.6 1.5 1.4 -Other (0.6) (0.5) (0.7) --- --- --- Effective rate 39.6% 39.6% 40.0% ==== ==== ==== No U.S. deferred taxes have been provided on the undistributed non-U.S. subsidiary earnings which are considered to be permanently invested. At December 31, 1997, the estimated amount of total unremitted non-U.S. subsidiary earnings is $62.9 million. The non-U.S. component of income before income taxes was $64.5 million in 1997, $40.4 million in 1996 and $19.3 million in 1995. 13) OTHER NONOPERATING EXPENSES (INCOME) Total other nonoperating expenses (income) for the years ended December 31 consist of the following: 1997 1996 1995 ---- ---- ---- (In millions) Equity earnings* $ (5.8) $ (6.4) $ (6.0) Interest income (5.3) (3.7) (1.9) Dividend income (4.0) (11.0) (12.8) Net gain on marketable equity securities (2.9) - (15.8) Minority interest in income of subsidiary trust 1.5 - - Write-downs in carrying value of a long-term foreign investment accounted for under the equity method - 1.3 16.0 Other 1.8 0.3 0.1 ---- ---- ---- $(14.7) $(19.5) $(20.4) ==== ==== ==== * Equity earnings in American Tool Companies, Inc., in which the Company has a 49% interest. 58 14) OTHER OPERATING INFORMATION Industry Segment Information The Company is a manufacturer and full-service marketer of staple consumer products sold to high-volume purchasers, including, but not limited to, discount stores and warehouse clubs, home centers and hardware stores, and office superstores and contract stationers. The Company's multi-product offering consists of products in three major product groups: Hardware and Home Furnishings, Office Products, and Housewares. Product Principal Product Group Categories Brands (1) - ------------- ---------- ---------- Hardware and Window Treatments Levolor Home Furnishings LouverDrape Del Mar Newell Kirsch Hardware Amerock and Tools Bulldog EZ Paintr BernzOmatic Picture Frames Intercraft Decorel Burnes of Boston Holson Home Storage Lee Rowan Products System Works - --------------------------------------------------------------------- Office Products Markers and Writing Sanford Instruments Eberhard Faber Berol Office Storage and Rogers Organization Eldon Rolodex School Supplies Stuart Hall and Stationery - -------------------------------------------------------------------- Housewares Glassware and Anchor Hocking Plasticware Pyrex (2) Aluminum Cookware Mirro and Bakeware WearEver Calphalon 59 Product Principal Product Group Categories Brands (1) - ------------- ---------- ---------- Housewares Hair Accessories Goody Ace Wilhold (1) All listed brand names are trademarks, which are registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office. (2) Used under exclusive license from Corning Incorporated and its subsidiaries in Europe, the Middle East and Africa only. Sales to Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and subsidiaries amounted to approximately 15%, 14% or 13% of consolidated net sales in 1997, 1996 and 1995 respectively. Sales to each of the Company's other customers, individually, amounted to less than 10% of consolidated net sales. Geographic Information Prior to the 1994 acquisition of Newell Europe, the 1995 acquisition of Berol, and the 1997 acquisition of Kirsch, the Company operated principally in the United States. The Company now operates in several non-U.S. locations, including Australia, Canada, Colombia, England, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and Venezuela. Summary financial information by geographic area included in the consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31 is as follows:
1997 1996 1995 ----------------- ---------------- ------------------- % of % of % of $ Total $ Total $ Total ------- ----- ------- ----- ------- ----- (In millions) (In millions) (In millions) Net sales: -U.S. $2,796.6 83.8% $2,558.2 86.1% $2,238.9 86.8% -Non-U.S. 539.6 16.2 414.6 13.9 341.4 13.2 ------- ----- ------- ----- ------- ----- Total $3,336.2 100.0% $2,972.8 100.0% $2,580.3 100.0% ======= ===== ======= ===== ======= ===== Operating income: -U.S. $ 470.8 86.1% $ 420.3 89.9% 378.4 92.7% -Non-U.S. 76.3 13.9 47.0 10.1 29.8 7.3 ------- ----- ------- ----- ------- ----- Total $ 547.1 100.0% $ 467.3 100.0% $ 408.2 100.0% ======= ===== ======= ===== ======= ===== Total assets at December 31: -U.S. $3,342.0 83.3% $2,626.5 85.9% $2,539.1 85.6% -Non-U.S. 669.7 16.7 431.9 14.1 426.1 14.4 ------- ----- ------- ----- ------- ----- Total $4,011.7 100.0% $3,058.4 100.0% $2,965.2 100.0% ======= ===== ======= ===== ======= =====
60 Sales between geographic areas are not material. The Company's export sales, defined as sales of products made in the U.S. and sold primarily by the Company's export division to foreign customers, were approximately 2.8% of consolidated net sales in 1997, 2.5% in 1996 and 2.9% in 1995 (financial information is included in the non-U.S. category in the tables above). 15) LITIGATION The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to certain legal proceedings and claims, including the environmental matters described below, that have arisen in the ordinary conduct of its business. As of December 31, 1997, the Company was involved in various matters concerning federal and state environmental laws and regulations, including 35 matters in which they have been identified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and certain state environmental agencies as potentially responsible parties ("PRPs") at contaminated sites under the Federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act ("CERCLA") and equivalent state laws. In assessing its environmental response costs, the Company has considered several factors, including: the extent of the Company's volumetric contribution at each site relative to that of other PRPs; the kind of waste; the terms of existing cost sharing and other applicable agreements; the financial ability of other PRPs to share in the payment of requisite costs; the Company's prior experience with similar sites; environmental studies and cost estimates available to the Company; the effects of inflation on cost estimates; and the extent to which the Company's and other parties' status as PRPs are disputed. Based on information available to it, the Company's estimate of environmental response costs associated with these matters as of December 31, 1997 ranged between $16.7 million and $24.1 million. As of December 31, 1997, the Company had a reserve equal to $20.3 million for such environmental response costs in the aggregate. No insurance recovery was taken into account in determining the Company's cost estimates or reserve, nor do the Company's cost estimates or reserve reflect any discounting for present value purposes. Because of the uncertainties associated with environmental investigations and response activities, the possibility that the Company could be identified as a PRP at sites identified in the future that require the incurrence of environmental response costs and the possibility of additional sites as a result of businesses acquired, actual costs to be incurred by the Company may vary from the Company's estimates. Subject to difficulties in estimating future environmental response costs, the Company does not expect that any sum it may have to pay in connection with environmental matters in excess of amounts 61 reserved will have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial statements. The Company is involved in several legal proceedings relating to the importation and distribution of vinyl mini-blinds made with plastic containing lead stabilizers. In 1996, the Consumer Product Safety Commission found that such stabilizers deteriorate over time from exposure to sunlight and heat, causing lead dust to form on mini-blind surfaces and presenting a health risk to children under six years of age. In July 1996, the California Attorney General and the Alameda County District Attorney filed a civil suit against 12 named companies, including a subsidiary of the Company, alleging failure to warn consumers adequately about the presence of lead in accordance with California law and seeking injunctions, civil penalties and restitutionary relief. In August 1996, 15 companies, including a subsidiary of the Company, were named as defendants in a national and California private class action in Sacramento County Superior Court. In October 1997, 16 additional companies were named as defendants in this case, in which the plaintiffs currently allege that the Company's subsidiary used false and misleading advertising and employed unfair or fraudulent business practices in connection with the presence of lead in their blinds. The plaintiffs seek injunctive relief, restitution of purchase price, suit costs, and reasonable attorneys' fees with respect to their claims against the Company's subsidiary. The Company has agreed to indemnify several of its retail customers that are named as defendants in one or both of these cases for liability directly related to actions or omissions of the Company. These two cases were coordinated in 1997, a coordination trial judge was appointed, and discovery is proceeding. In February 1997, a subsidiary of the Company was named as the defendant in another case involving the importation and distribution of vinyl mini-blinds containing lead, which was filed as an Illinois and national private class action in the Cook County Chancery Division. In this case, the plaintiffs alleged violations of the Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Trade Practices Act and the Illinois version of the Uniform Deceptive Trade Practices Act, breach of implied warranty, fraud, negligent misrepresentation, negligence, unjust enrichment, and reception and retention of money unlawfully received. The plaintiffs seek injunctive relief, unspecified damages, suit costs and punitive damages. Although management of the Company cannot predict the ultimate outcome of these matters with certainty, it believes that their ultimate resolution will not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements. 16) SUBSEQUENT EVENTS On March 3, 1998, the Company sold all of its marketable equity securities, which included 7,862,300 shares it held in The Black & Decker Corporation. The Black & Decker transaction resulted in net proceeds of approximately $378.3 million and a net pre-tax gain, after fees and expenses, of approximately $191.5 million. On March 27, 1998 the Company acquired Swish Track and Pole ("Swish") from Newmond PLC. Swish is a manufacturer and marketer of decorative and functional window furnishings in Europe and operates as part of Kirsch Window Furnishings Europe. 62 For this acquisition, the Company paid $96.6 million in cash. The acquisition costs were allocated on a preliminary basis to the fair market value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed and resulted in trade names and goodwill of approximately $93.9 million. The final adjustments to the purchase price are not expected to be material to the consolidated financial statements. On May 7, 1998, a subsidiary of the Company merged with Calphalon Corporation ("Calphalon"), a manufacturer and marketer of gourmet cookware. The Company issued approximately 3.1 million shares of common stock for all of the common stock of Calphalon. This transaction has been accounted for a pooling of interests; therefore, the financial statements and related disclosures as of December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, have been restated to reflect this merger. PART IV ------- Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K - ---------------------------------------------------------------- (a)(2) SCHEDULE. The following consolidated financial statement schedule of the Company included in this Exhibit 99.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K is filed herewith pursuant to Item 14(d) and appears immediately after this page: SCHEDULE VIII - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS ------------------------------------------------- 63
SCHEDULE VIII - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS ------------------------------------------------- Additions ---------------------- Charged Charged Balance at to Costs to Other Balance at Beginning and Accounts Deductions End of Description of Period Expenses (A) (B) Period - ----------- --------- -------- -------- ---------- ----------- Allowance for doubtful accounts for the years ended: December 31, 1997 $ 14,990 $5,888 $8,321 $(8,006) $21,193 December 31, 1996 12,314 6,534 2,200 (6,058) 14,990 December 31, 1995 11,586 3,438 1,990 (4,700) 12,314
Note A - Represents recovery of accounts previously written off, along with reserves of acquired businesses. Note B - Represents accounts charged off.
Balance at Balance at Beginning Other End of of Period Provision Write-offs (C) Period --------- --------- ---------- ------- ---------- Inventory reserves for the years ended: December 31, 1997 $ 82,554 $22,469 $(30,332) $19,203 $93,894 December 31, 1996 68,675 22,251 (30,721) 22,349 82,554 December 31, 1995 52,599 9,021 (17,200) 24,255 68,675
Note C - Represents reserves of acquired businesses, including provisions for product line rationalization.