A n n u a l R e p o r t
F i s c a l 2 0 0 9
C O M P A N Y P R O F I L E
H elen of Troy Limited (NASDAQ:HELE) has established a
leadership position in the personal care products market
through new product innovation, superior product quality and
competitive pricing.
Helen of Troy designs, and markets brand-name personal care
electrical products, which include hair dryers, straighteners, curling
irons, hairsetters, shavers, mirrors, hot air brushes, personal hair
clippers and trimmers, paraffi n baths, as well as comfort products such
as massage cushions, footbaths and body massagers. The Company
also produces and markets non-electrical products, including: brushes,
combs, hair accessories, mirrors, hair-care styling products, men’s
fragrances and deodorants, foot and body powder, and skin care
products. The Company’s household products include consumer product
tools in the kitchen, cutlery, tea kettles, kitchen mitts and trivets,
trash cans, cleaning, barbecue, barware, storage and organization
products, gardening tools, hardware, and rechargeable lighting product
categories. The Company’s products are sold primarily through mass
merchandisers, drug store chains, warehouse clubs, and grocery stores.
Helen of Troy’s owned brands include
OXO®, Good Grips®, Candela®, Brut®,
Infusium
23®, Brut Revolution®,
Vitalis®,
Final Net®,
Ammens®,
Condition 3-in-1®, SkinMilk®, Dazey®,
Caruso®, Karina®, DCNL®, Nandi®,
Isobel®, and Ogilvie®. Helen of Troy
is licensed to sell products under the
Vidal Sassoon®, Revlon®, Dr. Scholl’s®,
Veet®, Sunbeam®, Health o meter®,
Sea Breeze®, Vitapointe®, TONI&GUY®,
BED HEAD®, and TIGI® trademarks and
trade names. The Company markets
hair and beauty care products under
additional owned brands Helen of
Troy®, Hot Tools®, HotSpa®, Salon
Edition®, Gallery Series®, Wigo®,
Fusion Tools®, Belson®, Belson Pro®,
Gold ‘N Hot®, Curlmaster®, Profi les®,
Comare®, Mega Hot®, and Shear
Technology®
to
the professional
beauty salon industry.
Helen of Troy’s
U.S. operations are
headquartered in El Paso,
Texas, with offi ces and
warehouse facilities around
the world.
T O O U R S H A R E H O L D E R S
global
T he
economic
environment over the past
year has been very challenging. We
have experienced economic events
over the course of the past year that
have negatively impacted our corporate
performance, such as foreign currency
exchange conversions and intangible
asset value impairment charges.
In spite of the various challenges
encountered
2009, we are pleased with
the progress we have made
in our business during the
past year.
during fi scal
Fiscal year net sales
decreased 4.6 percent
to $622.7 million from
$652.6 million in the prior
fi scal year, and include
the negative impact from
foreign currency exchange of
$8.8 million or 1.4 percent of
sales. Net sales in the Housewares
segment for the full year increased
6.9 percent to $175.5 million compared
to $164.1 million for the same period
last year. Net sales in the Personal Care
segment for the full year decreased 8.4
percent to $447.2 million compared to
$488.4 million for the same period last
year. On a non-GAAP basis, earnings
for the full year, excluding signifi cant
items, were $49.3 million or $1.59 per
fully diluted share compared to $55.7
million or $1.75 per fully diluted share
for the prior year. During the fi scal year
ended February 28, 2009, the Company
recorded a non-cash pretax impairment
charge to goodwill and intangibles
of $107.3 million. Net loss for the
fi scal year on a GAAP basis including
signifi cant items was $56.8 million or
$1.88 per fully diluted share, compared
to net earnings of $61.5 million or $1.93
per fully diluted share in the prior fi scal
year. These impairment charges for the
fi scal year are non-cash and do not have
any effect on our business, liquidity or
cash fl ow.
On October 15, 2008 the Board of
Directors authorized an additional
3,000,000 common
be
purchased under our stock purchase
plan, and extended the authorization
shares
to
to October 31, 2011. During fi scal 2009,
we repurchased 574,365 shares of Helen
of Troy Limited common stock for $7.4
million, or an average purchase price of
$12.91 per share. At February 28, 2009,
the Company’s balance sheet included
stockholders’ equity of $508.7 million
or $16.86 per fully diluted share. We
ended the fi scal year with cash
and trading securities of $103.2
million.
is
On October 13, 2008, we
announced that Helen of
Troy Limited acquired
rights
the worldwide
and trademarks to the
Ogilvie® brand of salon
hair
and
permanent
straightening products
from Ascendia Brands,
the
Inc. Ogilvie®
leading brand of “at home”
permanent and straightening
products sold in the food, drug
and mass merchandising markets.
On March 4, 2009, Helen of
Troy announced that it entered into
an agreement with The Procter &
Gamble Company to acquire the global
Infusium 23® hair-care business for
a cash purchase price of $60 million.
Infusium 23®, with its unique 80-plus-
year heritage, has established a trusted
reputation with stylists and consumers
through its transformational product
performance. Shampoos, conditioners
and trusted leave-in treatments from
Infusium 23® feature essential pro-
vitamins and treatment ingredients.
Infusium 23® has become an icon
for therapeutic hair care since its
inception in 1924. The Infusium
23® transaction closed on March 31,
2009. We are very excited with both
of these acquisitions and the value
they bring to Helen of Troy.
In March 2009, it was announced
that Helen of Troy would be included
in the Standard and Poor’s Small Cap
600 index after the close of trading
on March 16, 2009. We are pleased
that Standard & Poor has added
Helen of Troy Limited to the index,
which we believe will broaden Helen
of Troy’s exposure in the fi nancial
marketplace, adding value to the
Company for our shareholders.
for
On May 15, 2009, we announced
that our 19-year old OXO® brand,
best-known
its user-friendly
consumer products based on Universal
Design, has entered into two key
strategic licensing agreements with
Staples Inc., the world’s largest offi ce
products company, and UCB, Inc., a
global biopharmaceutical leader. The
partnerships extend OXO®’s reach
into new categories. The products
resulting
relationships
represent a two-year development
process utilizing OXO®’s resources
and design philosophy. We are
pleased to see the OXO® business
extend its core competencies into
new categories and new distribution
channels.
from
the
pursue
While our focus over the past year
has been substantially related to cost
containment and other operational
effi ciencies, we have continued
to
initiatives
strategic
identifi ed during the year. We plan
to implement the following specifi c
for fi scal 2010 with
initiatives
the goal of achieving sales and net
earnings growth:
Continued growth and
expansion of OXO® product
lines and global market
distribution;
Continued investment
in new product line
development and
introductions to gain
market share;
Integration and
development of our new
Ogilvie® and Infusium 23®
product lines;
Pursuit of additional
acquisitions of
complementary businesses
or product lines;
Further development of
licensing opportunities for
the OXO® brand;
Implementation of certain
price increases to retailers
in categories with increased
cost of goods;
Improved cost of goods
sold for all products,
particularly those sourced
in the Far East;
Continued implementation
of productivity initiatives
to reduce operating
expenses; and
Working capital
improvement through the
reduction of inventories
throughout the Company.
We believe
the near-term
retail
to be
environment will continue
challenging for a number of quarters;
however, we will continue to execute
our strategic initiatives with renewed
effort and dedication as we formulate
our plans for the year ahead.
One of our traditional strengths has
always been the ability to provide
they can
consumers with products
use every day at a reasonable price.
As we move forward and deal with
the challenges and the opportunities
presented to us during the coming year, I
would like to acknowledge the signifi cant
and continuing contribution of our staff
to our success over the past year.
To our shareholders and business
colleagues, we look forward to an
improved business environment over
the next year or so, and will work with
diligence to deliver improvements while
enhancing Helen of Troy’s value to
its shareholders. I thank you for your
continued support.
Gerald J. Rubin
C H A I R M A N ,
C H I E F E X E C U T I V E O F F I C E R
a n d P R E S I D E N T
The Company reports and discusses its operating results using
February 28, 2009, the signifi cant items included the impact of
impairment charges, a gain on the sale of land and a gain on a
fi nancial measures consistent with generally accepted accounting
a benefi t of certain tax settlements, impairment charges, a bad
litigation settlement. For further information and a reconciliation
principles (“GAAP”). The chairman’s letter above discusses
debt write-off associated with a signifi cant customer bankruptcy
of these non-GAAP measures to their corresponding GAAP-based
earnings and earnings per share excluding signifi cant items, which
may be considered non-GAAP fi nancial measures, in addition
and an insurance settlement gain. For the fi scal year ended
February 29, 2008, the signifi cant items included the impact of
measures, please refer to the table entitled “Impact of Signifi cant
Items on Net Earnings (Loss) and Earnings (Loss) per Share” on
to their related GAAP counterparts. For the fi scal year ended
a benefi t of certain tax settlements, a tax valuation allowance,
page 54 of the accompanying annual report on Form 10-K.
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended February 28, 2009
OR
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission file number 001-14669
HELEN OF TROY LIMITED
(Exact name of the registrant as specified in its charter)
Bermuda
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
Clarenden House
Church Street
Hamilton, Bermuda
(Address of principal executive offices)
1 Helen of Troy Plaza
El Paso, Texas
(Registrant’s United States Mailing Address)
74-2692550
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
79912
(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (915) 225-8000
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Common Shares, $.10 par value per share
Name of each exchange on which registered
The NASDAQ Global Select Market
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
NONE
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes
No
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes
No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes
No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File
required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such
shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes
No
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein,
and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of
this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company.
See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer
Accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer
Smaller reporting company
(Do not check is a smaller reporting company)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes
No
The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of August 31, 2008, based upon
the closing price of the common shares as reported by The NASDAQ Global Select Market on such date, was approximately $678,822,000.
As of May 6, 2009 there were 29,832,340 shares of Common Shares, $.10 par value per share, outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Certain information required for Part III of this annual report will be set forth in and incorporated herein by reference into Part III of this report from
the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement for the 2009 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders.
Index to Exhibits - Page 132
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I
Item 1. Business
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
Properties
Legal Proceedings
Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer
Purchases of Equity Securities
Selected Financial Data
Item 6.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Item 8.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Disclosure
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Item 9B. Other Information
PART III
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Item 11. Executive Compensation
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related
Shareholder Matters
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
PART IV
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
Signatures
1
PAGE
3
12
22
23
24
25
26
29
31
64
70
125
126
126
127
127
127
127
127
128
131
In this report and accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes thereto, unless the context suggests
otherwise or otherwise indicated, references to “the Company”, “our Company”, “Helen of Troy”, “we”, “us” or “our”
refer to Helen of Troy Limited and its subsidiaries, and amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars.
INFORMATION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain written and oral statements made by our Company and subsidiaries of our Company may constitute
“forward-looking statements” as defined under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This includes
statements made in this report, in other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), in press releases,
and in certain other oral and written presentations. Generally, the words “anticipates”, “believes”, “expects”, “plans”,
“may”, “will”, “should”, “seeks”, “estimates”, “project”, “predict”, “potential”, “continue”, “intends” and other similar
words identify forward-looking statements. All statements that address operating results, events or developments that we
expect or anticipate will occur in the future, including statements related to sales, earnings per share results, and
statements expressing general expectations about future operating results, are forward-looking statements and are based
upon our current expectations and various assumptions. We believe there is a reasonable basis for our expectations and
assumptions, but there can be no assurance that we will realize our expectations or that our assumptions will prove
correct.
Forward-looking statements are subject to risks that could cause them to differ materially from actual results.
Accordingly, we caution readers not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. We believe that these risks
include but are not limited to the risks described in this report under Item 1A., “Risk Factors” and that are otherwise
described from time to time in our SEC reports filed after this report. As described later in this report, such risks,
uncertainties and other important factors include, among others:
• the departure and recruitment of key personnel;
• our ability to deliver products to our customers in a timely manner and according to their fulfillment standards;
• requirements to accurately project product demand and the timing of orders received from customers;
• our relationship with key customers;
• the costs of complying with the business demands and requirements of large sophisticated customers may
adversely affect our gross profit and results of operations;
• our dependence on foreign sources of supply and foreign manufacturing;
• the impact of changing costs of raw materials and energy on cost of sales and certain operating expenses;
• our holding of auction rate securities which we may be unable to liquidate at their recorded values or at all;
• circumstances which may contribute to future impairment of goodwill, intangible or other long-lived assets;
• our relationship with key licensors;
• our dependence on the strength of retail economies and vulnerabilities to a prolonged economic downturn;
• our ability to develop and introduce a continuing stream of innovative new products to meet changing consumer
preferences;
• the potential impact of continued disruptions in U.S. and international credit markets;
• the exchange rate risks associated with transacting business in foreign currencies;
• our expectation of future acquisitions and issues surrounding the integration of acquired businesses;
• our use of debt and the constraints it may impose, under certain circumstances, on our ability to operate our
business;
• the costs, complexity and challenges of managing our global information systems;
• the risks associated with a breach of our computer security systems;
• the risks associated with tax audits, potential changes in tax laws and related disputes with taxing authorities; and
• our ability to continue to avoid classification as a controlled foreign corporation.
We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements as a result of new information,
future events, or otherwise.
2
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
GENERAL
PART I
We are a global designer, developer, importer and distributor of an expanding portfolio of brand-name consumer
products. We were incorporated as Helen of Troy Corporation in Texas in 1968 and reincorporated as Helen of Troy
Limited in Bermuda in 1994. We have two segments: Personal Care and Housewares. Our Personal Care segment’s
products include hair dryers, straighteners, curling irons, hairsetters, shavers, mirrors, hot air brushes, home hair clippers
and trimmers, paraffin baths, massage cushions, footbaths, body massagers, brushes, combs, hair accessories, liquid and
aerosol hair care and styling products, men’s fragrances, men’s deodorants, liquid and bar soaps, foot powder, body
powder and skin care products. Our Housewares segment reports the operations of OXO International (“OXO”) whose
products include kitchen tools, cutlery, bar and wine accessories, household cleaning tools, food storage containers, tea
kettles, trash cans, storage and organization products, hand tools, gardening tools, kitchen mitts and trivets, barbeque tools
and rechargeable lighting products. Both our Personal Care and Housewares segments sell their products primarily
through mass merchandisers, drugstore chains, warehouse clubs, catalogs, grocery stores and specialty stores. In addition,
the Personal Care segment sells extensively through beauty supply retailers and wholesalers.
In each of our segments, we strive to be the first to market with a broad line of competitively priced innovative
products. We believe this strategy is one of our most important growth drivers. Our goal is to provide consumers with
unique features, better functionality and higher performance at competitive price points. This strategy has allowed us to
sustain, and in many categories to strengthen, our market position in many of our product lines. As we extend our product
lines and enter new product categories, we intend to expand our business in our existing customer base while attracting
new customers.
As part of our overarching objective to grow our business and increase shareholder value, we have established
five core initiatives. These initiatives and their key elements are outlined below:
• Maximize high growth potential branded products. We seek to maximize high growth products by
selectively investing in consumer marketing propositions that we believe offer the best opportunities to
capture market share and increase growth. Ten key brands currently account for approximately 83 percent
of our annual net sales volume for fiscal year 2009. When a brand fails to achieve a desired market
potential, we evaluate whether to continue to invest in brand maintenance, exit the brand and/or selectively
replace it with revenue streams from similar, more effectively performing branded products.
• Accelerate our new product pipeline. We strive to reduce the time required to develop and introduce new
products to meet changing consumer preferences and take advantage of opportunities sooner. A majority of
our products are produced in China, where long production lead times are normal. We continuously work
with our manufacturers to simplify and shorten the length of our supply chain for new products.
• Leverage innovation. We constantly seek ways to foster our culture of innovation and new product
development. We intend to enhance and extend our existing product categories and develop new allied
product categories to grow our business. We believe that new innovative products permit us to generate
higher per unit sales prices and margins for us and the customers we serve, and increase the value of our
brand base.
• Broaden our growth opportunities. We plan to continue to seek opportunities to acquire brands and
product categories through aggressive external development and acquisitions. For example, our May 2007
acquisition of Belson provided us with nine brands that complement and broaden our existing professional
product offerings. In October 2008, we acquired the Ogilvie® brand of “at home” salon hair permanent and
straightening products for our Grooming, Skin Care and Hair Care Solutions group to market. Additionally,
on March 31, 2009, we acquired the Infusium 23® hair care products line from The Procter & Gamble
3
Company. When brand acquisition is not possible, we look for licensed brands that have developed
substantial brand equity in product categories that will create synergies with our existing products. For
example, our licensing of Bed Head® and Toni&Guy® provides an opportunity to deliver professional
quality appliances and accessories with Bed Head® branded products styled and packaged for introduction
to a younger market through selective retail distribution channels and Toni&Guy® branded products
targeted toward sophisticated retail buyers who appreciate European styling.
• Reduce cost and increase productivity. We seek to control our expenses and strengthen operating margins
by eliminating unnecessary spending, co-innovating with our manufacturers to eliminate costs, leveraging
technology, and making productivity drivers a key focus of our Company.
We present financial information by operating segment in Note (14) of our consolidated financial statements. The
matters discussed in this Item 1. “Business,” pertain to all existing operating segments, unless otherwise specified.
LICENSES AND TRADEMARKS
We sell certain of our products under licenses from third parties. Our licensed trademarks, among others,
include:
• Vidal Sassoon®, licensed from The Procter & Gamble Company;
• Revlon®, licensed from Revlon Consumer Products Corporation;
• Dr. Scholl’s®, licensed from Schering-Plough HealthCare Products, Inc.;
• Scholl® (in areas other than North America), licensed from SSL International, PLC;
• Sunbeam® and Health o meter®, licensed from Sunbeam Products, Inc.;
• Sea Breeze®, licensed from Shiseido Company Ltd.;
• Vitapointe®, licensed from Sara Lee Household and Body Care UK Limited;
• Toni&Guy®, licensed from Mascolo Limited (in areas other than North and South America);
• Toni&Guy®, licensed form MBL/Toni&Guy Products LP (in North and South America);
• Bed Head® and TIGI® licensed from MBL/TIGI Products LP; and
• Veet®, licensed from Reckitt Benckiser Corporate Services Limited.
We own and market under a number of trademarks, including:
• OXO®
• Good Grips®
• SoftWorks®
• Ammens®
• SkinMilk®
• Condition® 3-in-1
• Dazey®
• Caruso®
• Karina®
• Touchables®
• Final Net®
• Visage Náturel®
• OXO SteeL®
• Candela®
• Brut®
• Brut Revolution®
• TimeBlock®
• Epil-Stop®
• Ogilvie®
• Salon Tools™
• DCNL®
• Nandi®
• Isobel®
• Carel®
• Brut XT®
• Studio Tools®
• Amber Waves®
• Vitalis®
• Hot Things®
We also own and market hair care and beauty care products under the following trademarks to the professional
market:
• Helen of Troy®
• Hot Tools®
• Curlmaster®
• Pro Touch®
• Profiles Spa®
• Comare®
• HotSpa®
• Salon Edition®
• Tourmaline
Tools®
• Fusion Tools®
• Mega Hot®
• Shear Technology®
• Belson®
• Belson Pro®
• Ultra Tech®
• Gallery Series®
• Hot Shot Tools®
• Brazilian Heat™
• Gold ‘N Hot®
• Wigo®
4
PRODUCTS
We market and sell a full line of personal care products and an expanding line of housewares products that we
acquire, design and/or develop. The following table lists the primary products we sell and some of the brand names that
appear on those products.
PRODUCT
CATEGORY
Appliances and
Accessories
PRODUCTS
BRAND NAMES
Hand-held dryers
Curling irons, straightening irons, hot air
brushes and brush irons
Vidal Sassoon®, Revlon®, Bed Head®, Toni&Guy®,
Sunbeam®, Helen of Troy®, Salon Edition®, Hot
Tools®, Studio Tools®, Fusion Tools®, Ecostyle™,
Tourmaline Tools®, Salon Tools™, Amber Waves®,
Gallery Series®, Wigo®, Belson Pro®, Curlmaster®,
Ultra Tech®, Gold ‘N Hot®, Mega Hot®, Pro Touch®,
Profiles Spa®, Brazilian Heat™, Hot Shot Tools® and
Salon Creations®
Vidal Sassoon®, Revlon®, Bed Head®, Toni&Guy®,
Sunbeam®, Helen of Troy®, Salon Edition®, Hot
Tools®, Studio Tools®, Fusion Tools®, Ecostyle™,
Tourmaline Tools®, Salon Tools™, Amber Waves®,
Gallery Series®, Wigo®, Belson®, Belson Pro®,
Curlmaster®, Ultra Tech®, Gold ‘N Hot®, Mega Hot®,
Pro Touch®, Brazilian Heat™, Hot Shot Tools® and
Salon Creations®
Hairsetters
Vidal Sassoon®, Revlon®, Bed Head®, Hot Tools®, Hot
Shot Tools®, Sunbeam®, Caruso® and Profiles®
Paraffin baths, facial brushes, facial saunas and
other skin care appliances
Revlon®, HotSpa®, Dr. Scholl’s®, Visage Náturel® and
Profiles®
Manicure/pedicure systems
Revlon®, Dr. Scholl’s®, Scholl® and Profiles Spa®
Foot baths
Dr. Scholl’s®, Scholl®, Revlon®, Sunbeam®, Carel®,
HotSpa® and Profiles Spa®
Foot massagers, hydro massagers, cushion
massagers, body massagers and memory foam
products
Dr. Scholl’s®, Health o meter®, Carel®, Profiles Spa®
and HotSpa®
Hair clippers and trimmers, exfoliators, epilators
and shavers
Vidal Sassoon®, Revlon®, Bed Head®, Toni&Guy®,
Hot Tools®, Brut®, Veet® and Belson Pro®
Hard and soft-bonnet hair dryers
Hair styling implements, brushes, combs, hand-
held mirrors, lighted mirrors, utility implements
and decorative hair accessories
Dazey®, Carel®, Hot Tools®, Amber Waves®, and Gold
‘N Hot®
Vidal Sassoon®, Revlon®, Karina®, Isobel®, DCNL®,
Nandi®, Amber Waves®, Hot Things®, Ecostyle™,
Belson®, Gold ‘N Hot®, Comare®, Brazilian Heat™,
Hot Tools® and Shear Technology®
Grooming, Skin
Care and Hair
Care Solutions
Housewares
Liquid hair styling products and treatments
Vitalis®, Final Net®, Condition® 3-in-1, Ogilvie®,
Ammens® and Vitapointe®
Liquid and/or medicated skin care products
Fragrances, deodorants and antiperspirants
Sea Breeze®, Ammens® and SkinMilk®
Brut®, Brut Revolution®, Brut XT® and Ammens®
Hair depilatory products
Kitchen tools, cutlery, food storage containers,
bar and wine accessories, kitchen mitts and
trivets, and barbeque tools
Tea kettles
Household cleaning tools and trash cans
Storage and organization products
Hand and garden tools
Rechargeable lighting products
Epil-Stop®
OXO®, Good Grips®, OXO SteeL®, SoftWorks® and
Touchables®
OXO®, Good Grips® and Softworks®
OXO®, OXO SteeL®, Good Grips®, SoftWorks® and
Touchables®
OXO®, OXO SteeL®, Good Grips®, SoftWorks® and
Touchables®
OXO®, Good Grips® and SoftWorks®
OXO® and Candela®
5
We continue to develop new products, respond to market innovations and enhance existing products with the
objective of improving our position in the personal care and housewares markets. Overall, in fiscal 2009, we introduced
415 new products across all of our categories compared to 526 and 389 new products introduced in fiscal 2008 and 2007,
respectively. Currently, 265 additional new products are in our product development pipeline for expected introduction in
fiscal 2010. The following discussion summarizes key product introductions and strategies we launched in fiscal 2009.
Appliances and Accessories: In the retail category of our appliance business, we focused our efforts on adding
new and unique functionality and product concepts across all our brands. New functionality on certain products
introduced included joystick controls, mirrored-digital information centers, retractable power cords, and mini-travel sized
dryers and styling irons. Under the Vidal Sassoon® brand, we introduced a new line of hair care appliance solutions
called VS Answers®, with appliances specifically designed for each of three common hair types: fine, normal and coarse.
In addition, under the Vidal Sassoon® brand, we developed the Ecostyle™ Line, a family of salon quality, high
performance, energy efficient styling tools engineered specifically to reduce energy consumption by at least 35%, while
using recycled materials where possible, and ergonomic design principles to reduce material content in order to lower the
product’s manufactured carbon footprint.
In our professional appliance category, our Belson business was able to effectively consolidate and enhance its
line offerings with such concepts as Smart Heat Hair Care appliances, which have settings optimized for specific
hairstyles, and Brazilian Heat™ by Mega Hot for full-service distributors. Brazilian Heat™ by Mega Hot styling irons
provide six heat settings up to 450 degrees and 30 second heat-up. These irons give the stylist the ability to provide
glossy, smooth styling for the finest straight hair to the coarsest curliest hair. During fiscal 2009, our Wigo® line
experienced significant growth with such features as artistic patterns and designs embedded into the appliance casings.
Grooming, Skin Care and Hair Care: In our domestic business, we acquired the Ogilvie® brand of “at home”
salon hair permanent and straightening products during the third quarter of fiscal 2009. Ogilvie is the leading brand of
home permanent and straightening products sold in the food, drug and mass merchandising markets. The Ogilvie brand
maintains a loyal core user base of consumers who are interested in “do it yourself” products for their hair care needs. In
Mexico, we began selling the Brut XT® line of men’s body sprays during fiscal 2009. In Chile, we began shipping our
extended line of Ammens® body powders, baby shampoos and hair conditioners, and we planned and developed a line of
liquid hand soaps for a fiscal 2010 launch in Venezuela and Peru. On March 31, 2009, we acquired the Infusium 23® hair
care products line from The Procter & Gamble Company.
Housewares: Our OXO® brands continue to exert significant influence in the U.S. kitchen gadget and tool
markets. OXO® products are based on the principles of Universal Design, which is a philosophy of making products that
are easy to use for the widest possible spectrum of users. We believe we have a strong development pipeline in the
Housewares segment. In fiscal 2009, we launched over 90 new items and currently have over 90 items scheduled for
launch in fiscal 2010. During fiscal 2009, our Good Grips® POP line of modular food storage containers, which began
shipping in late fiscal 2008, was a top selling category within the segment. These containers are airtight, stackable and
space-efficient. In fiscal 2009, food storage containers added $10.30 million of incremental sales growth compared to
fiscal 2008. In addition, in fiscal 2009, new product offerings such as digital instant read thermometers and a new line of
dusting products accounted for approximately $7.89 million in total incremental sales growth in the Housewares segment
during a soft retail year overall.
You can learn more about our products at www.hotus.com. Information contained on the Company’s website is
not included as a part of, or incorporated by reference into, this report.
SALES AND MARKETING
We now market our products in approximately 70 countries throughout the world. Sales within the United States
comprised approximately 76, 78 and 81 percent of total net sales in fiscal 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. We sell our
products through mass merchandisers, drugstore chains, warehouse clubs, catalogs, grocery stores, specialty stores, beauty
supply retailers, wholesalers and distributors, as well as directly to end-user consumers. We collaborate extensively with
our retail customers and in many instances produce specific versions of our product lines with exclusive designs and
packaging for their stores, which are appropriately priced for their respective customer bases.
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We market products through a combination of outside sales representatives and our own internal sales staff,
supported by our internal marketing, category management, engineering, creative services and customer service staff.
These groups work closely together to develop pricing and distribution strategies, to design packaging, and to develop
product line extensions and new products.
Regional sales and business unit managers work with our inside and outside sales representatives. Our sales
managers are organized by product group and geographic area and, in some cases, key customers. Our regional managers
are responsible for customer relations management, pricing, distribution strategies and sales generation.
The companies from whom we license many of our brand names promote those names extensively. The
Revlon®, Vidal Sassoon®, Dr. Scholl’s®, Bed Head®, Veet® and Sunbeam® trademarks are widely recognized because
of advertising and the sale of a variety of products. We believe we benefit from the name recognition associated with a
number of our licensed trademarks and seek to further improve the name recognition and perceived quality of all
trademarks under which we sell products through our own advertising and product development efforts. We also promote
our products through television advertising and through print media, including consumer and trade magazines, the internet
and various industry trade shows.
We also use selective sports and entertainment venues to enhance our brand recognition and equity. In fiscal
2004, Helen of Troy became the title sponsor of the Sun Bowl game, one of the longest running invitational post-season
college football games in the United States with a history that spans over 70 years. The “Vitalis® Sun Bowl” was the
official name for the December 2004 and 2005 games. In fiscal 2007, we extended our agreement through the calendar
2009 football season and changed the official name beginning with the December 2006 game to the “Brut® Sun Bowl.”
CBS Sports broadcasts the Brut® Sun Bowl game to nationwide audiences.
MANUFACTURING AND DISTRIBUTION
We contract with unaffiliated manufacturers in the Far East, primarily in the Peoples’ Republic of China, to
manufacture a significant portion of our products in the appliance, accessories and housewares product categories. Most
of our grooming, skin care and hair care solutions are manufactured in North America. For a discussion regarding our
dependency on third party manufacturers, see Item 1A., “Risk Factors.” For fiscal 2009, 2008 and 2007, goods
manufactured by vendors in the Far East comprised approximately 90, 87 and 83 percent, respectively, of the dollar value
of all segments’ inventory purchases.
Many of our key Far East manufacturers have been doing business with us since we went into business. In some
instances, we are now working with the second generation of entrepreneurs from the same families. We believe these
relationships give us a stable and sustainable advantage over many of our competitors.
Manufacturers who produce our products use formulas, molds, and certain other tooling, some of which we own,
in manufacturing those products. Both of our business segments employ numerous technical and quality control
personnel responsible for ensuring high product quality. Most of our products manufactured outside the countries in
which they are sold are subject to import duties, which increase the amount we pay to obtain such products.
Our customers seek to minimize their inventory levels and often demand that we fulfill their orders within
relatively short time frames. Consequently, our policy is to maintain several months of supply of inventory in order to
meet our customers’ needs. Accordingly, we order products substantially in advance of the anticipated time of their sale to
our customers. While we do not have any long-term formal arrangements with any of our suppliers, in most instances, we
place purchase orders for products several months in advance of receipt of orders from our customers. Our relationships
and arrangements with most of our manufacturers allow for some flexibility in modifying the quantity, composition and
delivery dates of orders. Most purchase orders are in United States Dollars. Because of our long lead times, from time to
time, we must discount end of model product or dispose of it in non-traditional ways to eliminate excess inventories.
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In total, we occupy approximately 1,989,000 square feet of distribution space in various locations to support our
operations, which includes our 1,200,000 square foot Southhaven, Mississippi distribution center. At the end of
February 2007, we completed the consolidation of our domestic appliance, housewares, men’s grooming, skin care and
hair care inventories into our Southaven, Mississippi distribution center. Approximately 70 percent of our consolidated
gross sales volume shipped from this facility in fiscal 2009. For a further discussion of the risks associated with our
distribution capabilities, see Item 1A., “Risk Factors.” Products that are manufactured in the Far East and sold in North
America are shipped to the West Coast of the United States and Canada. The products are then shipped by truck or rail
service to distribution centers in El Paso, Texas; Southaven, Mississippi; and Toronto, Canada, or directly to customers.
We ship substantially all products to North American customers from these distribution centers by ground transportation
services. Products sold outside the United States and Canada are shipped from manufacturers, primarily in the Far East, to
distribution centers in the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Venezuela, or directly to customers.
We then ship products stored at these international distribution centers to distributors or retailers.
LICENSE AGREEMENTS, TRADEMARKS, AND PATENTS
The Personal Care segment depends significantly upon the continued use of trademarks licensed under various
agreements. The Vidal Sassoon®, Revlon®, Sunbeam®, Health o meter®, Dr. Scholl’s®, Bed Head® and Toni&Guy®
trademarks are of particular importance to this segment’s business. New product introductions under licensed trademarks
require approval from the respective licensors. The licensors must also approve the product packaging. Many of our
license agreements require us to pay minimum royalties, meet minimum sales volumes, and make minimum levels of
advertising expenditures. The remaining duration of the license agreements for the Revlon®, Vidal Sassoon®,
Dr. Scholl’s®, Bed Head® and Toni&Guy® trademarks, including the renewal terms, are approximately 54, 24, 11, 5 and
4 years, respectively. If we decide to renew these agreements upon expiration of their current terms, we will be required to
pay prescribed renewal fees at the time of that election. The discussion below covers the primary product categories that
we currently sell under our key license agreements. The product categories discussed do not necessarily include all of the
products that Helen of Troy is entitled to sell under these or other license agreements.
Revlon®: Under agreements with the Revlon Consumer Products Corporation, we are licensed to sell
worldwide, except in Western Europe, hair dryers, curling irons, straightening irons, brush irons, hairsetters, brushes,
combs, mirrors, functional hair accessories, personal spa products, hair clippers and trimmers, and battery-operated and
electric women’s shavers bearing the Revlon® trademark.
Vidal Sassoon®: Under an agreement with The Procter & Gamble Company, Helen of Troy is licensed to sell
certain products bearing this trademark worldwide, except in Asia. Products sold under the terms of this license include
hair dryers, curling irons, straightening irons, styling irons, hairsetters, hot air brushes, hair clippers and trimmers, mirrors,
brushes, combs, and hair care accessories.
Dr. Scholl’s® and Scholl®: We are licensed to sell foot baths, foot massagers, hydro massagers, cushion
massagers, body massagers, paraffin baths, and support pillows bearing the Dr. Scholl’s® trademark in the United States
and Canada under an agreement with Schering-Plough HealthCare Products, Inc. We also are licensed to sell the same
products under the Scholl® trademark in other areas of the world through an agreement with SSL International, PLC.
Sunbeam® and Health o meter®: Under an agreement with Sunbeam Products, Inc., we are licensed to sell
hair clippers and trimmers, hair dryers, curling irons, hairsetters, hot air brushes, mirrors, manicure kits, hair brushes and
combs, hair rollers, hair accessories, paraffin baths, foot massagers, back massagers, body massagers, memory foam
products, and spa products bearing these trademarks in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America, South
America, and the Caribbean. The Sunbeam® license is currently scheduled to expire on December 31, 2009. We do not
intend to exercise our option to renew under the original terms and conditions of the agreement. We are currently in
discussions to enter into a new license agreement under revised terms and conditions.
Sea Breeze®: We license the right to sell products in the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean under this
trademark pursuant to a perpetual royalty free license from Shiseido Company Ltd. We currently sell a line of liquid skin
care products under this name in the United States and Canada.
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Toni&Guy® and Bed Head®: Under an agreement with Mascolo Limited, we are licensed to sell hair care and
grooming appliances under the Toni&Guy® trademark in Western Europe and portions of Asia. The initial term of the
license agreement expires in March 2011, and may be extended an additional two years upon proper notice.
In December 2006, we also entered into separate licensing arrangements with Mascolo Limited, MBL/Toni&Guy
Products LP and MBL/TIGI Products LP for the use of the Bed Head® by TIGI and Toni&Guy® trademarks. The
licenses grant us the right to use the trademarks to market personal care products in the Western Hemisphere. The initial
term of each license agreement expires in December 2011, and may be extended for five additional three-year terms upon
proper notice.
Helen of Troy has filed or obtained licenses for over 500 design and utility patents in the United States and
several foreign countries. Most of these patents cover product designs in our Housewares segment, and over two-thirds of
these are utility patents. We believe the loss of the protection afforded by any one of these patents would not have a
material adverse effect on our business as a whole. We also protect certain details about our processes, products and
strategies as trade secrets, keeping confidential the information that we believe provides us with a competitive advantage.
We believe our principal trademarks have high levels of brand name recognition among retailers and consumers
throughout the world. In addition, we believe our brands have an established reputation for quality, reliability and value.
We monitor and protect our brands against infringement. as we deem appropriate, however, our ability to enforce patents,
copyrights, licenses, and other intellectual property is subject to general litigation risks, as well as uncertainty as to the
enforceability of various intellectual property rights in various jurisdictions.
CUSTOMERS
Sales to Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (including its affiliate, SAM’S Club) accounted for approximately 17, 19 and 21
percent of our net sales in fiscal 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. No other customers accounted for ten percent or
more of net sales during those fiscal years. Sales to our top five customers accounted for approximately 43, 44 and 45
percent in fiscal 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
ORDER BACKLOG
When placing orders, our retail and wholesale customers usually request that we ship the related products within
a short time frame. As such, there usually is no significant backlog of orders in any of our distribution channels.
COMPETITIVE CONDITIONS
The markets in which we sell our products are very competitive and highly mature. The rapid growth of large
mass merchandisers, together with changes in consumer shopping patterns, have contributed to a significant consolidation
of the consumer products retail industry and the formation of dominant multi-category retailers with strong negotiating
power. Current trends among retailers include fostering high levels of competition among suppliers, the requirement to
maintain or reduce prices and deliver products under shorter lead times. Another current trend is for retailers to import
generic products directly from foreign sources and to source and sell products under their own private label brands that
compete with our Company’s products. We believe that we have certain key competitive advantages, such as well
recognized brands, engineering expertise and innovation, sourcing and supply chain know-how, and productive co-
development relationships with our Far East manufacturers, some of which have been built over 30 years or more of
working together. We believe these advantages allow us to bring our retailers a value proposition in our products that can
significantly out-perform private label products. Maintaining and gaining market share depends heavily on product
development and enhancement, pricing, quality, performance, packaging and availability, brand name recognition,
patents, and marketing and distribution approaches.
In the Personal Care segment, our primary competitors include Conair Corporation, Farouk Systems, Inc. (Chi),
T3 Micro, Inc., International Consulting Associates, Inc. (InfraShine), Spectrum Brands, Inc., Goody Products, Inc., a
division of Newell Rubbermaid, Inc., Homedics-U.S.A, Inc., Chattem, Inc., KAO Brands Company, The Procter &
Gamble Company, L´Oréal, Unilever, and the Alberto-Culver Company. In the Housewares segment, the competition is
highly fragmented. Our primary competitors in that segment include KitchenAid (Lifetime Brands, Inc.), Zyliss AG,
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Copco (Wilton Industries, Inc.), Simple Human, Casabella and Interdesign, Inc. Some of these competitors have
significantly greater financial and other resources than we do.
SEASONALITY
Our business is somewhat seasonal. Net sales in the third fiscal quarter accounted for approximately 30, 32 and
34 percent of fiscal 2009, 2008 and 2007 net sales, respectively. Our lowest net sales usually occur in our first fiscal
quarter, which accounted for approximately 23, 22 and 21 percent of fiscal 2009, 2008 and 2007 net sales, respectively.
In fiscal 2009, our fourth quarter had the lowest quarterly net sales for the fiscal year with approximately 22 percent of the
fiscal year’s total. As a result of the seasonality of sales, our working capital needs fluctuate during the year.
GOVERNMENTAL REGULATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
Our operations are subject to national, state, local and provincial jurisdictions’ environmental and health and
safety laws and regulations, including those that impose workplace standards and regulate the discharge of pollutants into
the environment and establish standards for the handling, generation, emission, release, discharge, treatment, storage and
disposal of materials and substances including solid and hazardous wastes. We believe that we are in material compliance
with these laws and regulations. Further, the cost of maintaining compliance has not had a material adverse effect on our
business, consolidated results of operations and consolidated financial condition, nor do we expect it to do so in the
foreseeable future. Due to the nature of our operations and the frequently changing nature of environmental compliance
standards and technology, we cannot predict with any certainty that future material capital or operating expenditures will
not be required in order to comply with applicable environmental laws and regulations.
In July 2006, RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances), a new European Directive became effective. RoHS
requires that electrical and electronic equipment sold in the European Union comply with certain requirements regarding
maximum allowable levels of lead, cadmium, mercury, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs), and
polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). We became RoHS compliant at the time the directive was effective.
Our electrical products must meet the safety standards imposed in various national, state, local, and provincial
jurisdictions. In the U.S., we maintain our own testing facilities that have been certified by various recognized public and
private testing standards setting groups including Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. and Intertek Testing Laboratories. We
also are certified under the Scheme of the International Electrotechnical Commission System for Conformity Testing and
Certification of Electrical Equipment (IECEE). The scheme facilitates the international exchange and acceptance of
product-safety test results among participating Certification Bodies (CB) for national approval or certification in one or
more countries, normally without the need for additional testing. Currently, 50 countries participate in the CB scheme,
which provides significant advantages including reduction of product certification and compliance costs and reduced
certification lead-times.
Certain of our skin care products are regulated by the United States Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”).
Among other things, the FDA enforces statutory prohibitions against misbranded and adulterated products, establishes
ingredients and manufacturing procedures for certain products, establishes standards of identity for certain products,
determines the safety of products and establishes labeling standards and requirements. In addition, various states regulate
these products by enforcing federal and state standards of identity for selected products, limiting the volatility and types of
aerosol agents used, grading products, inspecting production facilities and imposing their own labeling requirements.
In our Housewares segment, where applicable, our products comply with NSF International and American
National Standards Institute (“ANSI”) standards for product quality, materials composition and safety.
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EMPLOYEES
As of fiscal year end 2009, we employed 924 full-time employees in the United States, Canada, Macao, China,
Japan, the United Kingdom, France, Brazil, Peru, Venezuela, Chile and Mexico of which 157 are marketing and sales
employees, 249 are distribution employees, 39 are engineering and development employees, and 479 are administrative
personnel. We also use temporary, part time and seasonal employees as needed. None of the Company’s employees are
covered by a collective bargaining agreement. We have never experienced a work stoppage and we believe that we have
satisfactory working relations with our employees.
GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
Note (14) to our consolidated financial statements contains geographic information concerning our net sales and
long-lived assets.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
We maintain our main Internet site at the following address: http://www.hotus.com. The information contained
on this website is not included as a part of, or incorporated by reference into, this report. We make available on or
through our main website’s Investor Relations page under the heading “SEC Filings” certain reports and amendments to
those reports that we file with or furnish to the SEC in accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
(the “ Exchange Act”). These include our annual reports on Form 10-K, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, our current
reports on Form 8-K, our proxy statements on Schedule 14A, amendments to these reports, and the reports required under
Section 16 of the Exchange Act of transactions in Company shares by directors and officers. We make this information
available on our website free of charge as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file the information with,
or furnish it to, the SEC. Also, on the Investor Relations page, under the heading “Corporate Governance,” are the
Company’s Code of Ethics, Corporate Governance Guidelines and the Charters of the Committees of the Board of
Directors.
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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
The ownership of our common shares involves a number of risks and uncertainties. When evaluating us and our
business before making a decision regarding investment in our securities, potential investors should carefully consider the
risk factors and uncertainties described below, together with other information contained in this report. If any of the
events or circumstances described below or elsewhere in this report actually occur, they could adversely effect our
business and operating results. The risks listed below are not the only risks that we face. Additional risks that are
presently unknown to us or that we currently think are not significant may also impact our business operations.
We rely on our chief executive officer and a small number of other key senior managers to operate our business. The
loss of any of these individuals could have a material adverse effect on our business.
We do not have a large group of senior managers in our business. The loss of our chief executive officer or any
of our senior managers could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations,
particularly if we are unable to hire or relocate and integrate suitable replacements on a timely basis or at all. Further, in
order to continue to grow our business, we will need to expand our senior management team. We may be unable to attract
or retain these persons. This could hinder our ability to grow our business and could disrupt our operations or otherwise
have a material adverse effect on our business.
Our ability to deliver products to our customers in a timely manner and to satisfy our customers’ fulfillment standards
are subject to several factors, some of which are beyond our control.
Retailers place great emphasis on timely delivery of our products for specific selling seasons, especially during
our third fiscal quarter, and on the fulfillment of consumer demand throughout the year. We cannot control all of the
various factors that might affect product delivery to retailers. Vendor production delays, difficulties encountered in
shipping from overseas as well as customs clearance are on-going risks of our business. We also rely upon third-party
carriers for our product shipments from our distribution centers to customers, and we rely on the shipping arrangements
our suppliers have made in the case of products shipped directly to retailers from the suppliers. Accordingly, we are
subject to risks, including labor disputes, inclement weather, natural disasters, possible acts of terrorism, availability of
shipping containers, and increased security restrictions associated with such carriers’ ability to provide delivery services
to meet our shipping needs. Failure to deliver products to our retailers in a timely and effective manner, often under
special vendor requirements to use specific carriers and delivery schedules, could damage our reputation and brands and
result in loss of customers or reduced orders.
To make our distribution operations more efficient, we have consolidated many of our U.S. distribution,
receiving and storage functions into our Southaven, Mississippi distribution center. Approximately 70 percent of our
consolidated gross sales volume shipped from this facility in fiscal 2009. For this reason, any disruption in our
distribution process in this facility, even for a few days, could adversely effect our business and operating results.
Additionally, our Mississippi distribution center operations have grown to a level where we may incur capacity
constraints during our peak shipping season, which occurs during our third fiscal quarter each year. These and other
factors described above could cause delays in delivery of our products and increases in shipping and storage costs that
could have a material and adverse effect on our business and operating results.
Our projections of sales and earnings are highly subjective and our future sales and earnings could vary in a material
amount from our projections.
Most of our major customers purchase our products electronically through electronic data interchange and expect
prompt delivery of products from our existing inventories to the customers’ retail stores or distribution centers. This
method of ordering products allows our customers to respond quickly to changes in demands of their retail customers.
From time to time, we may provide projections to our shareholders, lenders, investment community, and other
stakeholders of our future sales and earnings. Since we do not require long-term purchase commitments from our major
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customers and the customer order and ship process is very short, it is difficult for us to accurately predict the amount of
our future sales and related earnings. Our projections are based on management’s best estimate of sales using historical
sales data and other information deemed relevant. These projections are highly subjective since sales to our customers
can fluctuate substantially based on the demands of their retail customers and due to other risks described in this report.
Additionally, changes in retailer inventory management strategies could make our inventory management more difficult.
Because our ability to forecast sales is highly subjective, there is a risk that our future sales and earnings could vary
materially from our projections.
Our results of operations are dependent on sales to several large customers and the loss of, or substantial decline in,
sales to a top customer could have a material adverse effect on our revenues and profitability.
A few customers account for a substantial percentage of our sales. Our financial condition and results of
operations could suffer if we lost all or a portion of the sales to these customers. In particular, sales to Wal-Mart
Stores, Inc. (including its affiliate, SAM’S Club) accounted for approximately 17 percent of our net sales in fiscal 2009.
While only one customer accounted for ten percent or more of net sales in fiscal 2009, our top five customers accounted
for approximately 43 percent of fiscal 2009 net sales. We expect customer concentrations will continue to account for a
significant portion of our sales. Although we have long-standing relationships with our major customers, we generally do
not have written agreements that require these customers to buy from us or to purchase a minimum amount of our
products. A substantial decrease in sales to any of our major customers could have a material adverse effect on our
financial condition and results of operations.
With the growing trend towards retail trade consolidation, we are increasingly dependent upon key customers
whose bargaining strength is substantial and growing. We may be negatively affected by changes in the policies of our
customers, such as on-hand inventory reductions, limitations on access to shelf space, use of private label brands, price
demands and other conditions, which could negatively impact our financial condition and results of operations.
A significant deterioration in the financial condition of our major customers could have a material adverse effect
on our sales and profitability. We regularly monitor and evaluate the credit status of our customers and attempt to adjust
sales terms as appropriate. Despite these efforts, a bankruptcy filing by a key customer could have a material adverse
effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. For further information regarding the impact of such
issues with a significant customer that ceased operations in fiscal 2009, see Note (19) to our consolidated financial
statements.
Large sophisticated customers may take actions that adversely affect our gross profit and results of operations.
In recent years, we have observed a consumer trend away from traditional grocery and drugstore channels and
toward mass merchandisers, which include super centers and club stores. This trend has resulted in the increased size and
influence of these mass merchandisers. As these mass merchandisers grow larger and become more sophisticated, they
may demand lower pricing, special packaging, or impose other requirements on product suppliers. These business
demands may relate to inventory practices, logistics, or other aspects of the customer-supplier relationship. If we do not
effectively respond to the demands of these mass merchandisers, they could decrease their purchases from us. A
reduction in the demand of our products by these mass merchandisers and the costs of complying with customer business
demands could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results.
We are dependent on third party manufacturers, most of which are located in the Far East, and any inability to obtain
products from such manufacturers could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and
results of operations.
All of our products are manufactured by unaffiliated companies, most of which are in the Far East, principally in
China. This exposes us to risks associated with doing business globally, including: changing international political
relations; labor availability and cost; changes in laws, including tax laws, regulations and treaties; changes in labor laws,
regulations, and policies; changes in customs duties and other trade barriers; changes in shipping costs; currency exchange
fluctuations; local political unrest; an extended and complex transportation cycle; the impact of changing economic
conditions; and the availability and cost of raw materials and merchandise. The political, legal and cultural environment
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in the Far East is rapidly evolving, and any change that impairs our ability to obtain products from manufacturers in that
region, or to obtain products at marketable rates, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition
and results of operations.
We have sourcing relationships with over 200 third-party manufacturers. During fiscal 2009, the top two
manufacturers fulfilled approximately 40 percent of our product requirements. Over the same period, our top five
suppliers fulfilled approximately 55 percent of our product requirements.
With most of our manufacturers located in the Far East, our production lead times are relatively long. Therefore,
we must commit to production in advance of customer orders. If we fail to forecast customer or consumer demand
accurately, we may encounter difficulties in filling customer orders on a timely basis or in liquidating excess inventories.
We may also find that customers are canceling orders or returning products. Any of these results could have a material
adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Historically, labor in China has been readily available at relatively low cost as compared to labor costs in North
America. China has experienced rapid social, political and economic change in recent years. There is no assurance that
labor will continue to be available in China at costs consistent with historical levels or that changes in labor or other laws
will not be enacted which would have a material adverse effect on product costs in China. Labor shortages in China could
result in supply delays and disruptions and drive a substantial increase in labor costs. Similarly, evolving government
labor regulations and associated compliance standards could cause our product costs to rise or could cause manufacturing
partners we rely on to exit the business. This could have an adverse impact on product availability and quality. The
Chinese economy has experienced rapid expansion and highly fluctuating rates of inflation. Higher general inflation rates
will require manufacturers to continue to seek increased product prices. During fiscal 2009 and 2008, the Chinese
Renminbi appreciated approximately 4 percent and 9 percent, respectively, against the U.S. Dollar. To the extent the
Renminbi continues to appreciate with respect to the U.S. Dollar, the Company may experience cost increases on such
purchases, and this could adversely impact profitability. The Company may not be successful at implementing customer
pricing or other actions in an effort to mitigate the related effects of the product cost increases. Although China currently
enjoys “most favored nation” trading status with the U.S., the U.S. government has in the past proposed to revoke such
status and to impose higher tariffs on products imported from China. There is no assurance that our business will not be
affected by any of the aforementioned risks, each of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial
condition and results of operations.
High costs of raw materials and energy may result in increased cost of sales and certain operating expenses and
adversely affect our results of operations and cash flow.
Significant variations in the costs and availability of raw materials and energy may negatively affect our results
of operations. Our suppliers purchase significant amounts of metals and plastics to manufacture our products. In addition,
they also purchase significant amounts of electricity to supply the energy required in their production processes. Changes
in the cost of fuel have corresponding impacts to our transportation costs. The cost of these raw materials and energy, in
the aggregate, represents a significant portion of our cost of sales and certain operating expenses. Our results of
operations could be adversely affected by future increases in these costs. We have had some success in implementing
price increases or passing on cost increases by moving customers to newer product models with enhancements that justify
higher prices and we intend to continue these efforts. We can make no assurances that these efforts will be successful in
the future or will materially offset the cost increases we may incur.
We hold certain auction rate securities that we may be unable to liquidate at their recorded values or at all due to credit
concerns in the U.S. capital markets. Protracted illiquidity and any deterioration in the credit ratings of the issuers,
dealers or credit insurers may require us to record other-than-temporary impairment charges.
We hold investments in auction rate securities (“ARS”) collateralized by student loans (with underlying
maturities from 20 to 37 years). At February 28, 2009, 97 percent of the aggregate collateral was guaranteed by the U.S.
government under the Federal Family Education Loan Program. Liquidity for these securities was normally dependent on
an auction process that resets the applicable interest rate at pre-determined intervals, ranging from 7 to 35 days.
Beginning in February 2008, the auctions for the ARS held by us and others were unsuccessful, requiring us to hold them
14
beyond their typical auction reset dates. Auctions fail when there is insufficient demand. However, this does not represent
a default by the issuer of the security. Upon an auction’s failure, the interest rates reset based on a formula contained in
the security. The rate is generally equal to or higher than the current market rate for similar securities. The securities will
continue to accrue interest and be auctioned until one of the following occurs: the auction succeeds; the issuer calls the
securities; or the securities mature.
Conditions in the capital markets have significantly reduced our ability to liquidate our ARS. At this time, there
is a very limited demand for the securities we continue to hold and limited acceptable alternatives to liquidate such
securities. Based on current market conditions, we believe it is likely that auctions of our holdings in these securities will
be unsuccessful in the near term, resulting in us continuing to hold securities beyond their next scheduled auction reset
dates and limiting the short-term liquidity of these investments. Management intends to continue to reduce our holdings
in these securities as circumstances allow, but believes we have sufficient liquidity from operating cash flows and
available financial sources, including our revolving credit facility, which we believe will continue to provide sufficient
capital resources to fund our foreseeable short and long-term liquidity requirements.
During the quarter ended August 31, 2008, we developed a series of discounted cash flow models and began
using them to value our ARS. Some of the inputs into the discounted cash flow models we use are unobservable in the
market and have a significant effect on valuation. These inputs attempt to capture the impact of illiquidity on the
investments and during the fiscal year ended February 28, 2009, we recorded pre-tax unrealized losses on our ARS
totaling $2.68 million on $22.65 million of face value ARS. The impairment was reflected in accumulated other
comprehensive loss in our accompanying consolidated balance sheet net of related tax effects of $0.91 million. The
recording of these unrealized losses is not a result of the quality of the underlying collateral, but rather a markdown
reflecting a lack of liquidity and other market conditions. If the issuers’ credit ratings or other market conditions continue
to deteriorate, the Company may be required to record other-than-temporary impairment charges on these investments in
the future, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. For
further information on our ARS, see Notes (1), (15) and (16) to our consolidated financial statements.
If our goodwill, indefinite-lived intangible assets or other long-term assets become impaired, we will be required to
record additional impairment charges, which may be significant.
A significant portion of our long-term assets continues to consist of goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible
assets recorded as a result of past acquisitions. We do not amortize goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, but
rather review them for impairment on an annual basis or more frequently whenever events or changes in circumstances
indicate that their carrying value may not be recoverable. We consider whether circumstances or conditions exist which
suggest that the carrying value of our goodwill and other long-lived assets might be impaired. If such circumstances or
conditions exist, further steps are required in order to determine whether the carrying value of each of the individual assets
exceeds its fair market value. If analysis indicates that an individual asset’s carrying value does exceed its fair market
value, the next step is to record a loss equal to the excess of the individual asset’s carrying value over its fair value. The
steps required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) entail significant amounts of judgment and
subjectivity. We complete our analysis of the carrying value of our goodwill and other intangible assets during the first
quarter of each fiscal year, or more frequently whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying
value may not be recoverable. Events and changes in circumstances that may indicate that there is impairment and which
may indicate that interim impairment testing is necessary include, but are not limited to, strategic decisions to exit a
business or dispose of an asset made in response to changes in economic, political and competitive conditions, the impact
of the economic environment on our customer base and on broad market conditions that drive valuation considerations by
market participants, our internal expectations with regard to future revenue growth and the assumptions we make when
performing our impairment reviews, a significant decrease in the market price of our assets, a significant adverse change
in the extent or manner in which our assets are used, a significant adverse change in legal factors or the business climate
that could affect our assets, an accumulation of costs significantly in excess of the amount originally expected for the
acquisition of an asset, and significant changes in the cash flows associated with an asset. We analyze these assets at the
individual asset, reporting unit and Company levels. As a result of such circumstances, we may be required to record a
significant charge to earnings in our financial statements during the period in which any impairment of our goodwill,
indefinite-lived intangible assets or other long-term assets is determined. Any such impairment charges could have a
material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results.
15
As a result of the continued deterioration of economic conditions during the second half of fiscal 2009, the
Company evaluated the impact of these conditions and other developments on its reporting units to assess whether
impairment indicators were present that would require interim impairment testing. During the latter half of the third
quarter of fiscal 2009, the Company’s total market capitalization began to decline below the Company’s consolidated
shareholders’ equity balance at November 30, 2008. When the Company’s total market capitalization remains below its
consolidated shareholders’ equity balance for a sustained period of time, this may be an indicator of potential impairment
of goodwill and other intangible assets. Because this condition continued throughout the balance of the fourth quarter of
fiscal 2009, the Company determined that the carrying amount of our goodwill and other intangible assets might not be
recoverable and performed additional impairment testing as of February 28, 2009. These tests resulted in impairment
charges totaling $99.51 million ($99.06 million after tax) in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009. For additional information,
see the discussion under Notes (1) and (3) to our consolidated financial statements and in “Results of Operations” under
Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”
We rely on licensed trademarks, the loss of which could have a material adverse effect on our revenues and
profitability.
We are materially dependent on our licensed trademarks as a substantial portion of our sales revenue comes from
selling products under licensed trademarks. As a result, we are materially dependent upon the continued use of such
trademarks, particularly the Vidal Sassoon® and Revlon® trademarks. Actions taken by licensors and other third parties
could diminish greatly the value of any of our licensed trademarks. If we were unable to sell products under these licensed
trademarks or the value of the trademarks were diminished by the licensor due to any inability to perform under the terms
of the agreements or other reasons, or due to the actions of third parties, the effect on our business, financial condition and
results of operations could be both negative and material.
We are subject to risks related to our dependence on the strength of retail economies and may be vulnerable in the
event of a prolonged economic downturn.
Our business depends on the strength of the retail economies in various parts of the world, primarily in North
America and to a lesser extent Europe and Latin America. These retail economies are affected primarily by factors such as
consumer demand and the condition of the retail industry, which, in turn, are affected by general economic conditions and
specific events such as natural disasters, terrorist attacks and political unrest. Consumer spending in any geographic
region is generally affected by a number of factors, including local economic conditions, government actions, inflation,
interest rates, energy costs, gasoline prices and consumer confidence generally, all of which are beyond our control.
Consumer purchases of discretionary items tend to decline during recessionary periods, when disposable income is lower,
and may impact sales of our products. As a result of the global recession, consumers may have less money for
discretionary purchases as a result of job losses, foreclosures, bankruptcies, reduced access to credit, and sharply falling
home prices, among other things. A prolonged economic downturn or recession in the United States, United Kingdom,
Canada, Mexico or any of the other countries in which we conduct significant business may cause significant
readjustments in both the volume and mix of our product sales, which could materially and adversely affect the
Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations.
The impact of these external factors and the extent to which they may continue is difficult to predict, and one or
more of the factors could adversely impact our business. In recent years, the retail industry in the U.S. and, increasingly,
elsewhere has been characterized by intense competition among retailers. Because such competition, particularly in weak
retail economies, can cause retailers to struggle or fail, we must continuously monitor, and adapt to changes in, the
profitability, creditworthiness and pricing policies of our customers. A continued weakening of retail economies, as we
have seen over the last fiscal year, could continue to have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition
and results of operations.
16
To compete successfully, we must develop and introduce a continuing stream of innovative new products to meet
changing consumer preferences.
Our long-term success in the competitive retail environment depends on our ability to develop and
commercialize a continuing stream of innovative new products that meet changing consumer preferences and take
advantage of opportunities sooner than our competition. We face the risk that our competitors will introduce innovative
new products that compete with our products. Our core initiatives include fostering our culture of innovation and new
product development, enhancing and extending our existing product categories and developing new allied product
categories. There are numerous uncertainties inherent in successfully developing and commercializing new products on a
continuing basis and new product launches may not deliver expected growth in sales or operating income. If we are
unable to develop and introduce a continuing stream of new products, it may have an adverse effect on our business,
financial condition and results of operations.
Continued disruption in U.S. and international credit markets may adversely affect our business, financial condition
and results of operations.
Recent disruptions in national and international credit markets have lead to a scarcity of credit, tighter lending
standards, higher interest rates on consumer and business loans, and higher fees associated with obtaining and maintaining
credit availability. Continued disruption may materially limit consumer credit availability and restrict credit availability
to our customer base and the Company.
Effective December 15, 2008, we amended our revolving credit agreement (the “Revolving Line of Credit
Agreement”) dated June 1, 2004 between Helen of Troy, L.P., as borrower, and Bank of America N.A. and other lenders.
The amendment extended the maturity date until December 15, 2013 and modified certain terms and covenants. For
additional information regarding the amendment, see Note (5) to the accompanying consolidated financial statements. The
amendment to the Revolving Line of Credit Agreement increased our borrowing costs and adjusted the limitations on our
ability to incur additional debt. In addition, because of recent disruption in the financial markets and the increased level
of recent banking failures, current or future lenders may become unwilling or unable to continue to advance funds under
any agreements in place, increase their commitments under existing credit arrangements or enter into new financing
arrangements. The failure of our lenders to provide sufficient financing may constrain our ability to operate or grow the
business and to make complementary strategic business and/or brand acquisitions. This could have a material adverse
effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our operating results may be adversely affected by foreign currency fluctuations.
Our functional currency is the U.S. Dollar. Changes in the relation of other foreign currencies to the U.S. Dollar
will affect our sales and profitability and can result in exchange losses because the Company has operations and assets
located outside the United States. The Company transacts a significant portion of its business in currencies other than the
U.S. Dollar (“foreign currencies”). Such transactions include sales, certain inventory purchases and operating expenses.
As a result, portions of our cash, trade accounts receivable and trade accounts payable are denominated in foreign
currencies. Accordingly, foreign operations will continue to expose us to foreign currency fluctuations, both for purposes
of actual conversion and financial reporting purposes. Additionally, we purchase a substantial amount of our products
from Chinese manufacturers. The Chinese Renminbi has appreciated against the U.S. Dollar over the last year. Although
our purchases are in U.S. Dollars, if the Chinese Renminbi continues to rise against the U.S. Dollar, the costs of our
products will continue to rise because of the impact the fluctuations will have on our suppliers, and we may not be able to
pass any or all of these price increases on to our customers.
We identify foreign currency risk by regularly monitoring our foreign currency-denominated transactions and
balances. Where operating conditions permit, we reduce foreign currency risk by purchasing most of our inventory with
U.S. Dollars and by converting cash balances denominated in foreign currencies to U.S. Dollars.
We have historically hedged against certain foreign currency exchange rate-risk by using a series of forward
contracts designated as cash flow hedges to protect against the foreign currency exchange risk inherent in our forecasted
transactions denominated in currencies other than the U.S. Dollar. In these transactions, we execute a forward currency
17
contract that will settle at the end of a forecasted period. Because the size and terms of the forward contract are designed
so that its fair market value will move in the opposite direction and approximate magnitude of the underlying foreign
currency’s forecasted exchange gain or loss during the forecasted period, a hedging relationship is created. To the extent
that we forecast the expected foreign currency cash flows from the period the forward contract is entered into until the
date it will settle with reasonable accuracy, we significantly lower or materially eliminate a particular currency’s exchange
risk exposure over the life of the related forward contract. We enter into these types of agreements where we believe we
have meaningful exposure to foreign currency exchange risk and the hedge pricing appears reasonable. It is not practical
for us to hedge all our exposures, nor are we able to project in any meaningful way the possible effect and interplay of all
foreign currency fluctuations on translated amounts or future earnings. This is due to our constantly changing exposure to
various currencies, the fact that each foreign currency reacts differently to the U.S. Dollar and the significant number of
currencies involved. The impact of future exchange rate fluctuations on our results of operations cannot be accurately
predicted. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the U.S. Dollar foreign exchange rates will be stable in the future
or that fluctuations in foreign currency markets will not have a material adverse effect on our business, results of
operations and financial condition.
Acquisitions may be more costly or less profitable than anticipated or we may not be able to identify suitable new
acquisition opportunities, which may constrain our prospects for future growth and profitability and adversely affect
the price of our common shares.
We are constantly looking for opportunities to make complementary strategic business and/or brand acquisitions.
These acquisitions, if not favorably received by consumers, shareholders, analysts, and others in the investment
community, could have a material adverse effect on the price of our common shares. In addition, any acquisition involves
numerous risks, including:
• difficulties in the assimilation of the operations, technologies, products and personnel associated with the
acquisitions;
• difficulties in integrating distribution channels;
• diversion of management’s attention from other business concerns;
• difficulties in transitioning and preserving customer, contractor, supplier and other important third party
relationships;
• difficulties realizing anticipated cost savings, synergies and other benefits related to an acquisition;
• risks associated with subsequent operating asset write-offs, contingent liabilities, and impairment of related
acquired intangible assets;
• risks of entering markets in which we have no or limited experience; and
• potential loss of key employees associated with the acquisitions.
Any difficulties encountered with acquisitions could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition
and operating results.
18
We may incur debt to fund acquisitions and capital expenditures, which could have an adverse impact on our business
and profitability.
Our debt could adversely affect our financial condition and can add constraints on our ability to operate our
business. Our indebtedness can, among other things:
• increase our vulnerability to general adverse economic conditions;
• limit our ability to obtain necessary financing and to fund future working capital, capital expenditures and other
general corporate requirements;
• require us to dedicate a portion of our cash flow from operations to payments on our indebtedness, thereby
reducing the availability of our cash flow to fund working capital and capital expenditures, and for other general
corporate purposes;
• subject us to a higher interest expense (a significant portion of our debt is fixed or effectively fixed through the
use of interest rate swaps and these rates may produce higher interest expense than would be available with
floating rate debt, as is currently the case with decreased market interest rates);
• limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industry in which we operate;
• place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that have less debt;
• limit our ability to pursue acquisitions or sell assets; and
• limit our ability to borrow additional funds.
Any of these events could have a material adverse effect on us. In addition, our debt agreements contain
restrictive financial and operational covenants. Significant restrictive covenants include limitations on, among other
things, our ability under certain circumstances to:
• incur additional debt, including guarantees;
• grant certain types of liens;
• sell or otherwise dispose of assets;
• engage in mergers, acquisitions or consolidations;
• pay dividends on our common shares;
• repurchase our common shares;
• enter into substantial new lines of business; and
• enter into certain types of transactions with our affiliates.
Our failure to comply with these and other restrictive covenants could result in an event of default, which if not
cured or waived, could have a material adverse effect on us.
19
We rely on our central Global Enterprise Resource Planning Systems and other peripheral information systems.
Obsolescence or interruptions in the operation of our computerized systems or other information technologies could
have a material adverse effect on our operations and profitability.
We conduct most of our businesses under one integrated Global Enterprise Resource Planning System, which we
implemented in September 2004. Most of our operations are dependent on this system. Any failures or disruptions in this
system could cause considerable disruptions to our business and may have a material adverse effect on our business,
financial condition and results of operations.
We continue to experience delays in transitioning our Mexican operations to our global information system. We
have encountered difficulties and delays in integrating information exchanges between our Company and a key third party
order fulfillment provider we use in Mexico. While certain systems have gone live, our plan for a full transition of our
Mexican operations to our global information system has been extended into fiscal 2010.
We continuously make adjustments to improve the effectiveness of our systems. Complications resulting from
such adjustments could potentially cause considerable disruptions to our business. Application program bugs, system
conflict crashes, user error, data integrity issues, customer data conflicts and related integration issues all pose significant
risks.
To support new technologies, we continue to support and upgrade a growing technology infrastructure base.
Increased computing capacity, power requirements, back-up capacities, broadband network infrastructure and increased
security needs are all potential areas for disruption or failure. We rely on certain outside vendors to assist us with
implementation and enhancements and other vendors to assist us in maintaining some of our infrastructure. Should any of
these vendors fail to perform as expected, it could adversely affect our service levels and threaten our ability to conduct
business. In addition, we have not migrated our core software to newer versions because of the degree of customization it
underwent upon its initial implementation. This places the Company’s and its software vendor’s ability to continue to
provide the appropriate level of support for these systems at risk. The Company also routinely assesses how much longer
it can continue to use current software versions, and the most appropriate strategy for making any changes that will be
required. Upgrading to later versions of this software or replacing the software with a new vendor’s offerings may require
a substantial investment of time and resources by the Company and may result in disruptions in various aspects of our
operations.
Natural disasters or other extraordinary events may disrupt our information systems and other infrastructure, and
our data recovery processes may not be sufficient to protect against loss. Any interruption or loss of data in our
information or logistical systems could materially impact our ability to procure our products from our factories and
suppliers, transport them to our distribution centers, and store and deliver them to our customers on time and in the correct
amounts. These and other factors described above could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial
condition and results of operations.
A breach of our computer security systems and unauthorized intrusion could allow for fraudulent use of sensitive
information and/or damage to critical data and systems. Such activity could subject us to litigation and various other
claims and have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and the reputation of our
business.
Information systems require constant updates to their security policies and hardware systems to reduce the risk of
unauthorized access, malicious destruction of data, or information theft. We believe we have taken steps designed to
strengthen the security of our computer systems and protocols and have instituted an ongoing program to continue to do
so. Nevertheless, we cannot assure that we will not suffer a data compromise. We rely on commercially available
systems, software, tools and monitoring to provide security for processing, transmission and storage of confidential
information. Improper activities by third parties, advances in computer and software capabilities and encryption
technology, new tools and discoveries and other events or developments may facilitate or result in a compromise or
breach of our computer systems.
20
Any such compromises or breach could cause interruptions in our operations and might require us to spend
significant management time and money investigating the event and dealing with local and federal law enforcement. In
addition, we could become the subject of litigation and various claims from our customers, employees, suppliers, service
providers and shareholders. Regardless of the merits and ultimate outcome of these matters, litigation and proceedings of
this type are expensive to respond to and defend, and we could devote substantial resources and time to responding to and
defending them. The ultimate resolution of any such litigation, claims and investigations could cause damage to our
reputation and have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and reputation.
Audits and related disputes with taxing authorities, tax compliance and the impact of changes in tax law could have an
adverse impact on our business.
From time to time, we are involved in tax audits and related disputes with various taxing jurisdictions. We
believe that we have complied with all applicable reporting and tax payment obligations and in the past have disagreed
with taxing authority positions on various issues. Historically, we have vigorously defended our tax positions through
available administrative and judicial avenues. Based on currently available information, we have established reserves for
our best estimate of the probable tax liabilities. Future actions by taxing authorities may result in tax liabilities that are
significantly higher or lower than the reserves established, which could have a material effect on our consolidated results
of operations or cash flows.
The impact of future tax legislation, regulations or treaties, including any legislation in the U.S. or abroad that
would effect the companies or subsidiaries that comprise our consolidated group is always uncertain. The U.S. Congress
is currently considering several alternative proposed changes in the tax law that, if enacted may increase our effective
overall tax rate. Our ability to respond to such changes so that we maintain favorable tax treatment, the cost and
complexity of such compliance, and its impact on our ability to operate effectively in jurisdictions always presents a risk.
For more information about recently completed tax audits and related disputes, see Note (8) to the accompanying
consolidated financial statements.
Under current tax law, favorable tax treatment of our non- U.S. earnings is dependent on our ability to avoid
classification as a Controlled Foreign Corporation. Changes in the composition of our shareholdings could have an
impact on our classification. If our classification were to change, it could have a material adverse effect on the largest
U.S. shareholders and, in turn on the Company’s business.
A non-U.S. corporation, such as ours, will constitute a “controlled foreign corporation” or “CFC” for U.S. federal
income tax purposes if its largest U.S. shareholders (i.e., those owning 10 percent or more of its shares) together own
more than 50 percent of the shares outstanding. If the IRS or a court determined that we were a CFC, then each of our
U.S. shareholders who own (directly, indirectly, or constructively) 10 percent or more of the total combined voting power
of all classes of our stock on the last day of our taxable year would be required to include in gross income for U.S. federal
income tax purposes its pro rata share of our “subpart F income” (and the subpart F income of any our subsidiaries
determined to be a CFC) for the period during which we (and our non-U.S. subsidiaries) were a CFC. In addition, any
gain on the sale of our shares realized by such a shareholder may be treated as ordinary income to the extent of the
shareholder’s proportionate share of our and our CFC subsidiaries’ undistributed earnings and profits accumulated during
the shareholder’s holding period of the shares while we are a CFC.
21
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
Not Applicable.
22
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
PLANT AND FACILITIES
The Company owns, leases, or otherwise utilizes through third-party management service agreements, a total of 33 facilities,
which include selling, procurement, administrative and distribution facilities worldwide. All facilities operated by the Company are
adequate for the purpose for which they are intended. Information regarding the location, use, segment, ownership and approximate
size of the facilities and undeveloped land as of February 28, 2009 is provided below:
Location
Type and Use
Business Segment
Owned or
Leased
Approximate
Size (Square
Feet / Acres)
El Paso, Texas, USA
El Paso, Texas, USA
Land & Building - Corporate Headquarters
Personal Care & Housewares
Land & Building - Distribution Facility
Personal Care
Southaven, Mississippi, USA
Land & Building - Distribution Facility
Personal Care & Housewares
Brampton, Ontario, Canada
Third-Party Managed Distribution Facility
Personal Care
Danbury, Connecticut, USA
Office Space
Bentonville, Arkansas, USA
Office Space
Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
Office Space
New York, New York, USA
Office Space
Personal Care
Personal Care
Personal Care
Housewares
Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, USA
Office Space - Customer Service Facility
Housewares
Darwen, England
Third-Party Managed Distribution Facility
Housewares
El Paso, Texas, USA
Land - Held for Future Expansion
Southaven, Mississippi, USA
Land - Held for Future Expansion
None
None
Burlington, Ontario, Canada
Office Space
Personal Care
Sheffield, England
Barnsley, England
Land & Building - European Headquarters
Personal Care
Third-Party Managed Distribution Facility
Personal Care
Boulgne-Billancourt, France
Office Space
Personal Care
Nr Amsterdam, Netherlands
Third-Party Managed Distribution Facility
Personal Care
Mexico City, Mexico
Mexico City, Mexico
Office Space
Personal Care
Third-Party Managed Distribution Facility
Personal Care
Nuevo Leon, Mexico
Third-Party Managed Distribution Facility
Personal Care
Jalisco, Mexico
Sao Paulo, Brazil
Vitoria, Brazil
Vitoria, Brazil
Lima, Perú
Lima, Perú
Caracas, Venezuela
Aragua, Venezuela
Santiago, Chile
Santiago, Chile
Tokyo, Japan
Third-Party Managed Distribution Facility
Personal Care
Office Space
Personal Care
Third-Party Managed Distribution Facility
Personal Care
Third-Party Managed Distribution Facility
Personal Care
Office Space
Personal Care
Third-Party Managed Distribution Facility
Personal Care
Office Space
Personal Care
Third-Party Managed Distribution Facility
Personal Care
Office Space
Personal Care
Third-Party Managed Distribution Facility
Personal Care
Office Space
Housewares
Hong Kong, China
Third-Party Managed Distribution Facility
Housewares
Zhu Kuan, Macau, China
Shenzhen, China
Shenzhen, China
Office Space
Office Space
Office Space
Personal Care & Housewares
Personal Care & Housewares
Personal Care & Housewares
23
Owned
Owned
Owned
Leased
Leased
Leased
Leased
Leased
Leased
Leased
Owned
Owned
Leased
Owned
Leased
Leased
Leased
Owned
Leased
Leased
Leased
Leased
Leased
Leased
Leased
Leased
Leased
Leased
Leased
Leased
Leased
Leased
Leased
Leased
Leased
135,000
408,000
1,200,000
75,000
16,000
5,000
1,000
25,000
3,200
35,000
12 Acres
31 Acres
5,000
10,000
62,500
1,400
85,000
3,900
75,200
9,700
11,600
1,600
4,800
2,400
900
12,900
1,300
3,300
130
150
1,000
3,500
11,600
5,500
14,500
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Securities Class Action Litigation – An agreement was reached to settle the consolidated class action lawsuit
filed on behalf of purchasers of our publicly traded securities against the Company, Gerald J. Rubin, the Company’s
Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Thomas J. Benson, the Company’s Chief Financial
Officer. In the consolidated action, the plaintiffs alleged violations of Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act, and
Rule 10b-5 thereunder. The class period stated in the complaint was October 12, 2004 through October 10, 2005. The
lawsuit was brought in the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas.
On June 19, 2008, the Court held a hearing at which it approved the terms of the settlement, the certification of
the class for purposes of the settlement, and the award of attorney’s fees and costs related to the lawsuit. The order
approving the settlement became final on July 19, 2008. Under the settlement, the lawsuit has been dismissed with
prejudice in exchange for a cash payment of $4.5 million. The Company’s insurance carrier paid the settlement amount
and the Company’s remaining legal and related fees associated with defending the lawsuit because the Company had met
its self-insured retention obligation. The Company and the two officers of the Company named in the lawsuit have denied
any and all allegations of wrongdoing and have received a full release of all claims.
Other Matters - We are involved in various other legal claims and proceedings in the normal course of
operations. In the opinion of management, the outcome of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on our
consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity.
24
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009.
25
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS AND
ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
PRICE RANGE OF COMMON SHARES
Our common shares are listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market (“NASDAQ”) [symbol: HELE]. The
following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, in dollars per share, the high and low sales prices of the common
shares as reported on the NASDAQ. These quotations reflect the inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, markdown,
or commission and may not necessarily represent actual transactions.
FISCAL 2009
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
FISCAL 2008
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
High
Low
$
$
18.49 $
24.21
24.70
17.92
14.59
15.26
13.31
9.61
28.10 $
29.26
23.08
19.48
21.30
19.96
16.89
14.56
APPROXIMATE NUMBER OF EQUITY SECURITY HOLDERS OF RECORD
Our common shares with a par value of $0.10 per share are our only class of equity security outstanding at
February 28, 2009. As of May 6, 2009, there were approximately 280 holders of record of the Company’s common
shares. Shares held in “nominee” or “street” name at each bank nominee or brokerage house are included in the number of
shareholders of record as a single shareholder.
CASH DIVIDENDS
Our current policy is to retain earnings to provide funds for the operation and expansion of our business and for
potential acquisitions. We have not paid any cash dividends on our common shares since inception. Our current intention
is to pay no cash dividends in fiscal 2010. Any change in dividend policy will depend upon future conditions, including
earnings and financial condition, general business conditions, any applicable contractual limitations, and other factors
deemed relevant by our Board of Directors.
26
ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
During the quarter ended August 31, 2003, our Board of Directors approved a resolution authorizing the
purchase, in the open market or through private transactions, of up to 3,000,000 common shares over an initial period
extending through May 31, 2006. On April 25, 2006, our Board of Directors approved a resolution to extend the existing
plan to May 31, 2009. On October 15, 2008, the Board of Directors approved a resolution to add 3,000,000 shares to the
existing shares authorized for repurchase and to extend the repurchase program through October 31, 2011.
For the fiscal years ended 2009 and 2008, we repurchased and retired 574,365 and 1,095,392 shares at a total
purchase price of $7.42 and $26.00 million, and an average purchase price of $12.91 and $23.74 per share, respectively.
We did not repurchase any shares during fiscal 2007. From September 1, 2003 through February 28, 2009, we have
repurchased 3,233,593 common shares at a total cost of $79.03 million, or an average price per share of $24.44. An
additional 2,766,407 common shares remain authorized for purchase under this plan as of February 28, 2009. The
following schedule sets forth the purchase activity for each month during the three months ended February 28, 2009:
ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 2009
Period
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
Average Price Paid
per Share
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs
Maximum Number
of Shares that May
Yet Be Purchased
Under the Plans or
Programs
December 1 through December 31, 2008
January 1 through January 31, 2009
February 1 through February 28, 2009
Total
9,302
122,881
161,344
293,527
27
$15.65
11.15
10.14
$10.74
9,302
122,881
161,344
293,527
3,050,632
2,927,751
2,766,407
2,766,407
PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The graph below compares the cumulative total return of our Company to the NASDAQ Market Index and a peer
group index, assuming $100 invested March 1, 2004. The Peer Group Index is the Dow Jones—U.S. Personal Products,
Broad Market Cap, Yearly, and Total Return Index. The comparisons in this table are required by the SEC and are not
intended to forecast or be indicative of the possible future performance of our common shares.
COMPARISON OF FIVE-YEAR CUMULATIVE RETURN
FOR HELEN OF TROY LIMITED, NASDAQ MARKET INDEX,
AND PEER GROUP INDEX
HELEN OF TROY LIMITED
PEER GROUP INDEX
NASDAQ MARKET INDEX
Fiscal year ended the last day of February
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
100.00
100.00
100.00
96.87
115.88
101.03
67.89
116.43
112.77
80.16
144.29
118.79
55.18
153.97
112.61
34.37
110.46
68.27
The Performance Graph shall not be deemed to be “soliciting material” or to be “filed” with the SEC or subject
to the liabilities of Section 18 under the Exchange Act. In addition, it shall not be deemed incorporated by reference by
any statement that incorporates this annual report on Form 10-K by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of
1933 or the Exchange Act, except to the extent that we specifically incorporate this information by reference.
28
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The selected consolidated statements of operations data for the years ended on the last day of February 2009,
2008 and 2007, and the selected consolidated balance sheet data as of the last day of February 2009 and 2008, have been
derived from our audited consolidated financial statements included in this report. The selected consolidated statements
of operations data for the years ended on the last day of February 2006 and 2005, and the selected consolidated balance
sheet data as of the last day of February 2007, 2006 and 2005, have been derived from our audited consolidated financial
statements which are not included in this report. This information should be read together with the discussion in
“Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our consolidated
financial statements and notes to those statements included in this report. All currency amounts are denominated in U.S.
Dollars.
Years Ended The Last Day of February,
(in thousands, except per share data)
Statements of Operations Data:
Net sales
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Selling, general, and administrative expense
Operating income before impairment and gain
Impairment charges
Gain on sale of land
Operating income (loss)
Interest expense
Other income (expense), net
Earnings (loss) before income taxes
Income tax expense (benefit)
2009
2008 (3)(4)
2007
2006
2005 (1)(2)
$
622,745
367,343
$
652,548
370,853
$
634,932
355,552
$
589,747
323,189
$
581,549
307,045
255,402
188,344
67,058
107,274
-
(40,216 )
(13,687 )
2,438
(51,465 )
5,328
281,695
207,771
73,924
4,983
(3,609 )
72,550
(15,025 )
3,748
61,273
(236 )
279,380
208,964
70,416
-
-
70,416
(17,912 )
2,643
55,147
5,060
266,558
195,180
71,378
-
-
71,378
(16,866 )
1,290
55,802
6,492
274,504
172,480
102,024
-
-
102,024
(9,870 )
(2,575 )
89,579
12,907
76,672
Income (loss) from continuing operations
(56,793 )
61,509
50,087
49,310
Loss from discontinued segment’s operations, net
of tax effects
Net earnings (loss)
Per Share Data:
Basic
Continuing operations
Discontinued operations
Total basic earnings (loss) per share
Diluted
Continuing operations
Discontinued operations
Total diluted earnings (loss) per share
Weighted average number of common shares
outstanding:
Basic
Diluted
-
-
-
-
(222 )
$
(56,793 )
$
61,509
$
50,087
$
49,310
$
76,450
$
$
$
$
$
$
(1.88 )
-
(1.88 )
(1.88 )
-
(1.88 )
$
$
$
$
$
$
2.01
-
2.01
1.93
-
1.93
$
$
$
$
$
$
1.66
-
1.66
1.58
-
1.58
$
$
$
$
$
$
1.65
-
1.65
1.56
-
1.56
$
$
$
$
$
$
2.58
(0.01 )
2.57
2.36
(0.01 )
2.35
30,173
30,173
30,531
31,798
30,122
31,717
29,919
31,605
29,710
32,589
29
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA, CONTINUED
Last Day of February,
(in thousands)
Balance Sheet Data:
Working capital
Total assets
Long-term debt
Shareholders’ equity (5)
Cash dividends
2009
2008 (3)
2007
2006
2005 (1)(2)
$
$
$
224,201
821,307
134,000
508,693
-
276,304
911,993
212,000
568,376
-
$
238,131
906,272
240,000
527,417
-
185,568
857,744
254,974
475,377
-
$
156,312
811,449
260,000
420,527
-
(1) Fiscal year 2005 results include 100 percent of the results of Tactica under the line item, “Loss from discontinued
segment’s operations, net of tax effects.” We acquired a 55 percent interest in Tactica in March 2000. On April 29,
2004, we completed the sale of our interest in Tactica back to certain of its key operating manager-shareholders. Our
consolidated financial statements for fiscal 2005 (for the period of time we owned Tactica) included 100 percent of
Tactica’s net loss because Tactica had accumulated a net deficit at the time that we acquired our ownership interest,
and because the minority shareholders of Tactica had not adequately guaranteed their portion of the accumulated
deficit.
(2) Fiscal year 2005 and thereafter includes the results of operations of OXO International, which we acquired on June 1,
2004 for a net cash purchase price of $273.17 million including the assumption of certain liabilities. At acquisition,
we recorded $11.67 million of working capital, $2.9 million of property and equipment, and $258.58 million of
goodwill, trademarks and other intangible assets. The acquisition was funded by a $73.17 million advance under the
Revolving Line of Credit Agreement and a $200 million Term Loan Credit Agreement. The $200 million Term Loan
Credit Agreement and a portion of the outstanding balance under the Revolving Line of Credit Agreement were
subsequently repaid with the proceeds from $225 million of Floating Rate Senior Notes issued on June 29, 2004.
(3) Fiscal year 2008 and thereafter includes the results of operations of Belson Products, which we acquired on May 1,
2007 for a net cash purchase price of $36.50 million including the assumption of certain liabilities. The acquisition
was funded with cash. At acquisition, we recorded $13.98 million of working capital, $0.14 million of fixed assets,
and $22.38 million of goodwill, trademarks and other intangible assets.
(4) During fiscal 2008, we settled certain tax disputes with the Hong Kong Inland Revenue Department, and the U.S.
Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”). As a result of these settlements, we recorded tax benefits totaling $9.31
million during fiscal 2008. These benefits represent the reversal of tax provisions previously established for the
periods under dispute. See Note (8) to our consolidated financial statements for more information on our income
taxes.
(5) For the fiscal years ended 2009 and 2008, we repurchased and retired 574,365 and 1,095,392 shares at a total purchase
price of $7.42 and $26.00 million, respectively. No common shares were repurchased during the fiscal years ended
2007 and 2006. In fiscal 2005, we repurchased 757,710 common shares at a cost of $25.04 million.
30
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS
This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”)
should be read in conjunction with the other sections of this report, including Part I, “Item 1. Business”; Part II, “Item 6.
Selected Financial Data”; and Part II, “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” The various sections of
this MD&A contain a number of forward-looking statements, all of which are based on our current expectations. Actual
results may differ materially due to a number of factors, including those discussed on page 2 of this report in the section
entitled “Information Regarding Forward-Looking Statements,” Item 1A., “Risk Factors,” and in Item 7A. “Quantitative
and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.”
OVERVIEW
Our financial results for the 2009 fiscal year reflect the impact of the continued deterioration of global
macroeconomic conditions that began last year and accelerated throughout fiscal 2009. These conditions negatively
affected consumer spending causing many of our retail partners to face declining same store sales trends and a highly
promotional holiday season. This environment had an adverse impact on most of our businesses, both foreign and
domestic. In addition to the impact of the global macroeconomic conditions on consumer demand, the following factors
contributed to a decline in the Company’s net sales in fiscal 2009:
• In anticipation of a decline in consumer spending, key retail partners reduced inventory levels across most of
our product categories, resulting in lower sales orders for most of fiscal 2009. This trend reversed slightly in
the fourth quarter as our retail partners replenished to support minimum inventory levels.
• A significant strengthening of the U.S. Dollar against other currencies in which we transact sales, which
exposed the Company to foreign exchange losses on those sales because our foreign currency sales prices
are not adjusted for short term or sudden currency fluctuations. We are attempting to adjust sales prices to
help offset the impact of the currency changes.
• Disruptions in product supply due to the closure of certain suppliers in the Far East. This caused delays in the
delivery of certain items and adversely affected Personal Care appliance sales. Although we have multiple
sourcing partners for many of our products, we were unable to source certain items on a timely basis due to
the rapid changes occurring within the Far East. We believe the contraction in suppliers was a widespread
issue within our industry, which now appears to have stabilized.
• The loss of some appliance placement at retail due to branded competition, movement to private label and
disruptions in the supply of product.
• An introduction of an entirely new line of hair care appliance solutions for specific hair types, VS Answers®,
which replaced some of our existing product on our retailers’ shelves, fell short of our expectations due to
disappointing sell-through and its launch at a time when retailers were cutting back shelf space and
tightening their inventory management practices.
• In fiscal 2008, we introduced the Bed Head® line of appliances and accessories. Due to a shift by consumers
away from higher price points at retail, we granted certain price adjustments and allowances to our retailers
as part of our commitment to Bed Head®, which negatively impacted fiscal 2009 Bed Head® net sales.
• The impact of the Linens ‘n Things, Inc. (“Linens”) bankruptcy liquidation in October 2008 had an adverse
impact on sales. Linens is a significant Housewares segment customer. In addition to the current and future
loss of sales, we believe the impact of Linens’ merchandise liquidation negatively affected other competing
retailers by diverting consumer purchases to Linens’ deeply discounted merchandise in the third and fourth
quarters of fiscal 2009.
31
In part as a result of these factors, fiscal 2009 consolidated net sales decreased $29.80 million or 4.6% when
compared to fiscal 2008. While our Housewares segment continued to grow and expand its sales base despite the
challenging retail sales environment, our Personal Care segment, whose product categories are generally in more mature
market positions, experienced sales declines.
Global economic conditions also put upward pressure on our product costs for much of the fiscal year. There was
significant volatility in energy costs, inbound and outbound transportation costs and in the costs of the basic materials
used to manufacture our products, namely plastic resins, copper, stainless steel and other metals. In addition, declining
labor availability and evolving government labor regulations and associated compliance standards caused increases in
labor costs in the Far East, where we currently source a significant portion of our products. These conditions coupled
with rising credit costs and increased borrowing constraints have forced certain of our suppliers to exit the business,
leading to supply shortages, added services and tooling costs and product availability issues. In the fourth quarter of fiscal
2009, we saw these same costs stabilize and begin to move downward in some cases, but we believe that the full impact of
such cost decreases will not meaningfully benefit our operating results until the second half of fiscal 2010. The following
factors also impacted on our product and operating costs:
• Rapid weakening of many foreign currencies against the U.S. Dollar during the third and fourth quarters of
fiscal 2009 resulted in significant foreign exchange losses, which are a component of operating costs.
• Appreciation of the Chinese Renminbi with respect to the U.S. Dollar increased cost of sales during fiscal
2009. The appreciation of the Renminbi has slowed over the last half of the fiscal year. Continued
stabilization of the Renminbi can be expected to favorably affect our future cost of sales.
The economic environment provided an opportunity to study our cost structure and position the Company for
profitable growth going forward. We were able to partially offset rising product costs with operating expense efficiencies
that enabled us to complete fiscal 2009 with selling, general and administrative expense (“SG&A”) as a percentage of
sales improving 1.6 percentage points to 30.2 percent compared to 31.8 percent for the same period last year. We
achieved this improvement despite the unfavorable year over year impact of foreign exchange fluctuations totaling $5.73
million, which increased SG&A by 0.9 percentage points.
Net earnings in fiscal 2009 decreased by $118.30 million when compared to fiscal 2008. In addition to a decline
in sales and increasing cost of sales, a significant amount of this decline is due to the unfavorable impact of significant
items in fiscal 2009, including: the effects of intangible impairment charges of $107.27 million ($106.67 million after tax)
and a charge to bad debt of $3.88 million ($2.52 million after tax) associated with the Linens bankruptcy, partially offset
by $0.46 million in benefits of a tax settlement and a $2.70 million ($2.64 million after tax) gain on casualty insurance
settlements. This compares to the favorable impact of significant items in fiscal 2008, including: the benefits of various
tax settlements, a litigation settlement and a gain on the sale of land, partially offset by impairment charges and a tax
valuation allowance on a net operating loss in Brazil. Excluding these items from both years, fiscal 2009 earnings without
significant items decreased by $6.42 million or 11.5 percent when compared to fiscal 2008, and fiscal 2009 earnings per
diluted share without significant items decreased to $1.59 as compared to $1.75 in fiscal 2008. The remaining decline in
earnings without significant items of $0.16 per diluted share is a result of the impact of global economic, and other factors
referred to previously. Earnings and related earnings per diluted share without significant items may be considered non-
GAAP financial measures as contemplated by SEC Regulation G, Rule 100. These measures are discussed further, and
reconciled to their applicable GAAP-based measures, on page 54.
32
Significant Developments and Events Other significant developments and events that occurred during fiscal
year 2009 are described below.
• Impairment Charges: As further discussed under the sections “Impairment Charges” and “Critical Accounting
Policies”, and Notes (1) and (3) to the accompanying consolidated financial statements, we have recorded non-
cash impairment charges totaling $107.27 million ($106.67 million after tax) in fiscal 2009 in order to reflect the
carrying value of goodwill and certain trademarks in our Personal Care segment at current estimates of their fair
values. With respect to all trademarks for which such impairments were recorded, we currently expect to
continue to hold these trademarks for use. See page 54 for a table showing the impact of impairment charges and
other significant items on net earnings (loss) and earnings per share.
• Acquisition of Ogilvie: On October 10, 2008, we acquired the trademarks, customer lists, distribution rights,
formulas and inventory of the Ogilvie brand of home permanent and hair-straightening products for $4.77 million
from Ascendia Brands, Inc. The products are now being sold through our Personal Care segment. Ogilvie is the
leading brand of “at home” permanent and straightening products sold in the food, drug and mass merchandising
markets. The Ogilvie brand maintains a loyal core user base of consumers who are interested in “do it yourself”
products for their hair care needs. We have begun the integration of the Ogilvie operations into our Idelle
division of grooming, skin and hair care solutions and expect the business to be fully integrated during the first
quarter of fiscal 2010.
• Productivity and Operational Improvement Initiatives: During fiscal 2009, we implemented a comprehensive
cost reduction program designed to increase the productivity of our assets and employees, streamline operations,
improve our use of technology, eliminate unproductive expenditures, and effectively leverage our existing supply
chain, distribution and corporate structures. As a result of these initiatives, we were able to reduce our Far East
sourcing costs and increase capacity within our existing distribution structure, while reducing returns from the
customer that result from warranty claims or shipment inaccuracies. The Far East sourcing savings were realized
even as we completed the transition of the majority of our U.S. based Housewares sourcing to our operations in
the Far East. We also focused our advertising and promotional expenditures, decreased personnel costs, and
reduced a variety of operational and corporate expenses. These initiatives resulted in significant operating
expense reductions in an environment of rising costs.
• New Product Development and Innovation: Despite the unfavorable macroeconomic conditions, we continue to
be disciplined in our strategy of continually investing in new product development. We believe this will position
us to gain market share and take advantage of the economic upturn, when it occurs. Although we must be
selective and cost-conscious regarding our development efforts, we feel that an overall contraction in product
development efforts would be a shortsighted strategy. Towards the end of fiscal 2008, we successfully
introduced our Good Grips® POP line of modular food storage containers (“POP Containers”). In fiscal 2009,
our POP Containers accounted for incremental net sales of $10.30 million, while other new product introductions
in the Housewares segment overall contributed $7.89 million in incremental sales growth and allowed the
segment to grow 6.9 percent in the face of strong economic headwinds and the bankruptcy of a significant
customer. In total, there were over 90 new product introductions in the Housewares segment in fiscal year 2009.
We plan to launch over 90 new products in the Housewares segment in fiscal 2010. In Personal Care, we
introduced approximately 325 new products in fiscal 2009 and expect to launch another 175 products for fiscal
2010 under such brand names as Revlon®, Vidal Sassoon®, Bed Head®, Hot Tools®, Dr. Scholl’s®, and
Veet®.
• Amendment of Revolving Line of Credit: On December 15, 2008, we amended the Revolving Line of Credit
Agreement, extending its maturity date until December 15, 2013, adjusting interest rate margins and modifying
certain financial covenants. As of February 28, 2008, we have no outstanding borrowings and $1.52 million of
open letters of credit under this line. On June 29, 2009, $75 million of unsecured floating rate senior debt will
mature. We currently plan on funding this maturity from our available cash and availability under our Revolving
Line of Credit Agreement.
• Liquidation of Auction Rate Securities: As a result of ongoing lack of liquidity in the ARS market, we
reclassified our remaining ARS as long-term investments in the first quarter of fiscal 2009. We have recorded a
33
pre-tax unrealized loss of $2.68 million during fiscal 2009, which is reflected as a component of accumulated
other comprehensive loss in our consolidated balance sheet at February 28, 2009 net of related tax effects of
$0.91 million. Despite the liquidity issues experienced by investors throughout the market, we were able to
liquidate at par $41.18 million of ARS during fiscal 2009.
• IRS Settlement: During fiscal 2009, the IRS completed its audit of our U.S. consolidated federal tax return for
fiscal year 2005. As a result of its audit, the IRS proposed adjustments totaling $8.63 million to taxes. In
December 2008, the Company and the IRS reached a settlement agreement. As a result of the settlement, we
agreed to adjustments totaling $0.49 million to fiscal 2005 taxes and interest and reversed $5.20 million of tax
provisions, including interest and penalties previously established for fiscal 2005 and other years on the basis of
the terms of the settlement. Of the $5.20 million, $0.57 million was credited to fiscal year 2009 tax expense and
$4.63 million was credited to additional paid-in-capital. The amount credited to additional paid-in-capital was
for the tax effects of prior year stock compensation expense that was deemed deductible under the audit, and
when originally accrued, was charged against additional paid-in-capital.
• Linens ‘n Things Bankruptcy Liquidation: On May 2, 2008, Linens filed for protection under chapter 11 of the
U.S. Bankruptcy Code. During the fiscal quarter ended November 30, 2008, Linens announced plans to liquidate
by December 31, 2008. Our accounts receivable balance with Linens at the date of bankruptcy was $4.17 million
and was fully written off during fiscal 2009. We expect no further sales to Linens and we have fully collected all
post-petition receivables as of the quarter ended November 30, 2008. Linens was a significant customer of the
Company with net sales for fiscal 2009 of $0.55 million and $7.24 million for the Personal Care and Housewares
segments, respectively, compared to net sales of $1.30 million and $17.30 million in the same segments,
respectively, for fiscal 2008. In addition to the current and future loss of sales, we believe the impact of Linens’
merchandise liquidation negatively affected other competing retailers by diverting consumer purchases to
Linens’ deeply discounted merchandise in the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2009.
• First Quarter Fiscal 2010 Acquisition of Infusium 23®: On March 31, 2009, we completed the acquisition of
certain assets, trademarks, customer lists, distribution rights, patents and formulas for Infusium 23® hair care
products from The Procter & Gamble Company for a cash purchase price of $60 million, which we paid with
cash on hand. Infusium 23® has a heritage of over 80 years and its shampoos, conditioners and leave-in
treatments have an established reputation for product performance with stylists and consumers. We will market
Infusium 23® products into both retail and professional trade channels. We have begun to integrate the product
line into our operations and are in the process of completing our analysis of the economic lives of the assets
acquired and appropriate allocation of the initial purchase price.
34
Financial Recap of Fiscal 2009
• Consolidated net sales decreased 4.6 percent, or $29.80 million, to $622.75 million in fiscal 2009 compared to
$652.55 million in fiscal 2008. Personal Care segment consolidated net sales decreased 8.4 percent in fiscal
2009 when compared to fiscal 2008. Housewares segment net sales increased 6.9 percent in fiscal 2009 when
compared to fiscal 2008. Our fiscal 2009 net sales include the unfavorable impact of a net foreign exchange loss
of $8.78 million compared to a net gain of $5.61 million in fiscal 2008.
• Consolidated gross profit margin as a percentage of net sales decreased 2.2 percentage points to 41.0 percent in
fiscal 2009 compared to 43.2 percent in fiscal 2008.
• SG&A as a percentage of net sales decreased 1.6 percentage points to 30.2 percent in fiscal 2009 compared to
31.8 percent in fiscal 2008. Fiscal 2009 SG&A includes net foreign exchange losses of $5.21 million, bad debt
expense of $5.71 million and insurance claim gains of $2.78 million, which resulted in a net unfavorable impact
to SG&A of $8.14 million. Fiscal 2008 SG&A includes net foreign exchange gains of $0.53 million and bad
debt expense of $0.48 million, which resulted in a net favorable impact to SG&A of $0.04 million. Excluding
the impact of these items from both years, SG&A as a percentage of net sales decreased 2.9 percentage points to
28.9 percent in fiscal 2009 compared to 31.8 percent in fiscal 2008. SG&A excluding these items may be a non-
GAAP financial measure as contemplated by SEC Regulation G, Rule 100. These measures are discussed
further, and reconciled to their applicable GAAP-based measure, on page 44.
• As further discussed under the sections “Impairment Charges” and “Critical Accounting Policies”, and Notes
(1) and (3) to the accompanying consolidated financial statements, we have recorded non-cash impairment
charges totaling $107.27 million ($106.67 million after tax) in fiscal 2009 in order to reflect the carrying value of
goodwill and certain trademarks in our Personal Care segment at current estimates of their fair value. During the
third quarter of fiscal 2008, we recorded non-cash impairment charges, on certain intangible assets totaling $4.98
million ($4.88 million after tax).
• Interest expense was $13.69 million in fiscal 2009 compared to $15.03 million in fiscal 2008. The decrease in
interest expense is due to lower amounts of debt outstanding, when compared to the same periods last year.
• Income tax expense was $5.33 million in fiscal 2009 compared to a benefit of $0.24 million in fiscal 2008. Fiscal
2009 income tax expense includes a benefit of $0.46 million due to a tax settlement with the IRS. Fiscal 2008
taxes include benefits of $9.31 million due to various tax settlements with the Hong Kong Inland Revenue
Department and the IRS and an expense of $0.98 million resulting from a net operating loss valuation allowance.
• Our net loss of $56.79 million in fiscal 2009 compares to net earnings of $61.51 million in fiscal 2008. In
addition to a decline in sales and increasing cost of sales, this decline is due to the unfavorable impact of
significant items in fiscal 2009, including: the effects of non-cash intangible impairment charges and a charge to
bad debt associated with the Linens bankruptcy, partially offset by the benefits of a tax settlement and gains on
casualty insurance settlements. This compares to the favorable impact of significant items in fiscal 2008,
including; the benefits of various tax settlements, a gain on a litigation settlement and a gain on the sale of land,
partially offset by impairment charges and a tax valuation allowance on a net operating loss in Brazil. Earnings
excluding the impact of the respective significant items for the year was $49.29 million in fiscal 2009 compared
to $55.71 million in fiscal 2008. Our diluted earnings (loss) per share was ($1.88) in fiscal 2009 compared to
diluted earnings per share of $1.93 in fiscal 2008. Excluding the significant items referred to above from both
years, fiscal 2009 diluted earnings per share was $1.59 compared to $1.75 in fiscal 2008. Earnings and related
diluted earnings per share excluding these items may be non-GAAP financial measures as contemplated by SEC
Regulation G, Rule 100. These measures are discussed further, and reconciled to their applicable GAAP-based
measures, on page 54.
35
Key Revenue and Net Earnings Growth Drivers for Fiscal 2010: We plan to implement the following
specific initiatives for fiscal 2010 with the goal of achieving sales and net earnings growth:
• Continued growth and expansion of OXO® product lines and global market distribution;
• Continued investment in new product line development and introductions to gain market share;
• Integration and development of our new Ogilvie® and Infusium 23® product lines;
• Pursuit of additional acquisitions of complementary businesses or product lines;
• Development of licensing opportunities for the OXO® brand;
• Implementation of certain price increases to retailers in categories with increased cost of goods;
• Improved cost of goods sold for all products, particularly those sourced in the Far East;
• Continued implementation of productivity initiatives to reduce operating expenses; and
• Working capital improvement through the reduction of inventories throughout the Company.
36
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, our selected operating data, in U.S. Dollars, as a
percentage of net sales, and as a year-over-year percentage change.
Fiscal Year Ended (in thousands)
2008
2007
2009
% of Net Sales (1)
2008
2009
% Change
2007
09/08
08/07
Net sales
Personal Care Segment
Housewares Segment
Total net sales
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Selling, general, and administrative
expense
Operating income before impairment
$
447,244 $
175,501
622,745
488,414 $
164,134
652,548
497,824
137,108
634,932
71.8%
28.2%
100.0%
74.8%
25.2%
100.0%
78.4%
21.6%
100.0%
367,343
255,402
370,853
281,695
355,552
279,380
59.0%
41.0%
56.8%
43.2%
56.0%
44.0%
-8.4%
6.9%
-4.6%
-0.9%
-9.3%
-1.9%
19.7%
2.8%
4.3%
0.8%
188,344
207,771
208,964
30.2%
31.8%
32.9%
-9.4%
-0.6%
and gain
67,058
73,924
70,416
10.8%
11.3%
11.1%
-9.3%
5.0%
Impairment charges
Gain on sale of land
Operating income (loss)
Other income (expense):
Interest expense
Other income, net
Total other income (expense)
107,274
-
(40,216 )
4,983
(3,609 )
72,550
-
-
70,416
17.2%
0.0%
-6.5%
(13,687 )
2,438
(11,249 )
(15,025 )
3,748
(11,277 )
(17,912 )
2,643
(15,269 )
-2.2%
0.4%
-1.8%
0.8%
-0.6%
11.1%
-2.3%
0.6%
-1.7%
0.0%
0.0%
11.1%
*
*
-155.4%
*
*
3.0%
-2.8%
0.4%
-2.4%
-8.9%
-35.0%
-0.2%
-16.1%
41.8%
-26.1%
Earnings (loss) before income taxes
(51,465 )
61,273
55,147
-8.3%
9.4%
8.7%
-184.0%
11.1%
Income tax expense (benefit)
5,328
(236 )
5,060
0.9%
0.0%
0.8%
*
-104.7%
Net earnings (loss)
$
(56,793 ) $
61,509 $
50,087
-9.1%
9.4%
7.9%
-192.3%
22.8%
* Calculation is not meaningful
(1) Net sales percentages by segment are computed as a percentage of the related segment’s net sales to total net sales.
All other percentages are computed as a percentage of total net sales.
Consolidated Net Sales:
Consolidated net sales decreased $29.80 million or 4.6 percentage points in fiscal 2009 compared to fiscal 2008.
New product acquisitions accounted for an increase of $6.84 million, or 1.0 percentage point, partially offsetting the
decline in core business net sales (net sales without acquisitions). Net sales from new product acquisitions included $4.13
million of sales from our Belson Products acquisition, which represents two months of Belson’s fiscal 2009 sales through
the first anniversary of their acquisition, and $2.71 of sales from our Ogilvie acquisition, which represents 4.3 months of
sales of Ogilvie products since acquisition. Core business sales showed an overall decline in fiscal 2009 of $36.64 million
or 5.6 percent. Our Housewares segment provided 1.7 percentage points of consolidated net sales growth, or an increase
of $11.37 million. Housewares net sales increased 6.9 percent in fiscal 2009 when compared to fiscal 2008, consisting of
unit volume growth of 14.1 percent, partially offset by a decline in average unit selling prices of 7.2 percent. Housewares
growth was more than offset by a decline in net sales of 8.4 percent, or $41.17 million, in our Personal Care segment. The
8.4 percent decrease in our Personal Care segment consisted of a 4.7 percent unit volume decline and a 3.8 percent overall
price decline. Fiscal 2009 net sales include a net unfavorable foreign exchange impact of $8.78 million compared to a net
foreign exchange gain of $5.61 million in fiscal 2008.
37
Consolidated net sales increased 2.8 percent or $17.62 million in fiscal 2008 over fiscal 2007. New product
acquisitions accounted for 4.2 percentage points, or $26.68 million of the sales growth over fiscal 2007. Net sales from
product acquisitions included $26.56 million from our Belson Products acquisition, which represents ten months of
Belson’s sales since acquisition, and $0.12 million from our Candela lighting products acquisition, which represents seven
months of sales of Candela products since acquisition. Core business net sales showed an overall decline in fiscal 2008 of
$9.06 million or 1.4 percent. Our Housewares segment provided 4.3 percentage points of consolidated net sales growth,
or an increase of $27.03 million. Housewares consolidated net sales increased 19.7 percent in fiscal 2008 when compared
to fiscal 2007. This growth was partially offset by a decline of 1.5 percentage points, or $9.41million, in our Personal
Care segment. Overall, shifts in selling mix between segments and product categories resulted in higher average unit
selling prices, which were offset by overall unit volume declines.
The following table summarizes, for the periods indicated, the impact that acquisitions had on our net sales:
IMPACT OF ACQUISITION ON NET SALES
(in thousands)
Prior year’s net sales
$
652,548
$
634,932
$
589,747
Fiscal Years Ended
2008
2009
2007
Components of net sales change
Core business net sales change
Net sales from acquisitions
Change in net sales
Net sales
Total net sales growth
Core business net sales change
Net sales change from acquisitions
Segment Net Sales:
Personal Care
(36,640 )
6,837
(29,803 )
622,745
$
(9,061 )
26,677
17,616
652,548
$
45,147
38
45,185
634,932
$
-4.6%
-5.6%
1.0%
2.8%
-1.4%
4.2%
7.7%
7.7%
0.0%
Our Personal Care segment currently offers products in three categories: appliances; grooming, skin care and hair
care solutions; and brushes, combs and accessories. Our Personal Care segment is dedicated to being the preferred
supplier of personal care and wellness products recognized for value added consumer driven innovation and unsurpassed
customer support.
Net sales in our Personal Care segment decreased 8.4 percent, or $41.17 million, to $447.24 million in fiscal
2009 compared to $488.41 million in fiscal 2008. Domestically, we operate in mature markets where we compete on
product innovation, price, quality, and customer service. We continuously adjust our product mix, pricing and marketing
programs to try to maintain, and when possible, acquire more retail shelf space. In some cases, we have been successful
raising prices to our customers, or passing on cost increases by moving customers to newer product models with
enhancements that justify a higher price. Although the cost of raw materials such as copper, steel, plastics and alcohol
have stabilized and recently started to decline, we believe such cost decreases, if they hold, will not meaningfully benefit
our operating results until the second half of fiscal 2010. Sales price increases and product enhancements also have long
lead times before their impact is realized. Accordingly, we are continually evaluating the need to raise the price of
product to our customers and have implemented selected increases that generally went into effect in January 2009. The
extent to which we will be able to continue with price increases and the timing and ultimate impact of such increases on
net sales is uncertain. We expect to continue to experience margin pressure in the Personal Care segment for the first half
of fiscal 2010, until the benefit of any product cost decreases combined with the impact of customer price increases are
reflected in our results.
38
• Appliances. Products in this group include hair dryers, styling irons, curling irons, hairsetters, shavers, mirrors,
hot air brushes, home hair clippers and trimmers, paraffin baths, massage cushions, footbaths and body
massagers. Net sales for fiscal 2009 decreased 9.6 percent, or $35.92 million, compared to fiscal 2008. Lower
unit volumes contributed 13.4 percent to the sales decline, while increases in average unit selling prices offset
this decline by 3.8 percent. The increase in average unit selling prices was due to a combination of price
increases and changes in sales mix.
Factors that we believe contributed to the declines in sales for this product category include:
• The continued deterioration of global macroeconomic conditions that began last year and accelerated
throughout fiscal 2009. These conditions negatively affected consumer spending causing many of our
retail partners to face declining same store sales trends and a highly promotional holiday season. This
environment had an adverse impact on both our foreign and domestic appliance businesses.
• In anticipation of a decline in consumer spending during the holiday season, key retail partners reduced
inventory levels across most of our product categories, resulting in lower sales orders for most of fiscal
2009. This trend reversed slightly in the fourth quarter as our retail partners replenished to support
minimum inventory levels.
• A significant strengthening of the U.S. Dollar against other currencies in which we transact sales, which
exposed the Company to foreign exchange losses on those sales because our foreign currency sales
prices are not adjusted for the currency fluctuations.
• Disruptions in product supply due to the closure of certain suppliers in the Far East. This caused delays
in the delivery of certain items and adversely affected Personal Care appliance sales. Although we have
multiple sourcing partners for many of our products, we were unable to source certain items on a timely
basis due to the rapid changes occurring within the Far East. We believe the contraction in suppliers
was a widespread issue within our industry, which now appears to have stabilized.
• The loss of some appliance placement at retail due to branded competition, movement to private label
and disruptions in the supply of product.
• An introduction of an entirely new line of hair care appliance solutions for specific hair types, VS
Answers®, which replaced some of our existing product on our retailers’ shelves, fell short of our
expectations due to disappointing sell-through and its launch at a time when retailers were cutting back
shelf space and tightening their inventory management practices.
• In fiscal 2008, we introduced the Bed Head® line of appliances and accessories. Due to a shift by
consumers away from higher price points at retail, we granted certain price adjustments and allowances
to our retailers as part of our commitment to Bed Head®, which negatively impacted fiscal 2009 Bed
Head® net sales.
• In Latin America, appliance volume decreased due to the combined effects of weakening local
economies, particularly in Mexico, and the impact of sales disruptions in the Brazilian market caused by
a fire at a third-party managed distribution facility.
Revlon®, Vidal Sassoon®, Hot Tools®, Bed Head®, Dr. Scholl’s®, Gold ‘N Hot®, Wigo®, Toni&Guy®,
Sunbeam®, Belson Pro®, Fusion Tools™ and Health o Meter® were key selling brands in this product line.
39
• Grooming, Skin Care and Hair Care Solutions. Products in this line include liquid and aerosol hair styling
products, men’s fragrances, men’s deodorants, liquid and bar soaps, foot powder, body powder, and skin care
products. Net sales for fiscal 2009 were flat as compared to fiscal 2008 in total and essentially flat in both our
North and Latin American regions, reflecting the impact of a difficult global economy. Unit volume increases
contributed 2.1 percent to sales growth and unit price declines contributed 2.1 percent to a decrease in net sales.
Prior to fiscal 2009, our Latin American region had historically experienced double-digit growth in this product
category, but the combined effects of operating on a larger sales base, unfavorable foreign exchange rates and a
downturn in Latin American economies stalled our growth in fiscal 2009. Despite the current environment, we
plan to continue our long-term strategy of developing product line extensions in this region.
In North America, fiscal 2009 net sales benefited from the acquisition of the Ogilvie® brand home permanent
and hair-straightening products on October 10, 2008, which contributed $2.71 million to the region’s net sales.
Unit volume increases contributed 3.8 percent to net sales growth, while average unit selling prices declined 4.5
percent. Our North American region net sales results reflect the difficult retail environment and the full year
impact of the discontinuance of the Epil-Stop product line with certain key customers.
Our grooming, skin care and hair care solutions portfolio includes the following brands: Brut®, Brut
Revolution®, Brut XT®, Sea Breeze®, SkinMilk®, Vitalis®, Ammens®, Condition 3-in-1®, Final Net®,
Ogilvie®, Vitapointe®, TimeBlock® and Epil-Stop®.
• Brushes, Combs, and Accessories. Net sales for fiscal 2009 decreased 17.0 percent, or $5.23 million, compared
to fiscal 2008. A combination of sluggish product sales in the mass retail channel, a general market decline in
demand for fashion accessories, returns from key customers because of display changes at retail, and the loss of
shelf space were significant contributing factors to the decline. Average unit volume was down 2.5 percent year
over year and average unit selling prices decreased 14.5% due to sales of discontinued inventory at
comparatively lower prices. Vidal Sassoon®, Revlon®, Karina®, Belson Comare®, Bed Head® and Hot
Tools® were the key selling brands in this category.
Net sales in our Personal Care segment decreased 1.9 percent, or $9.41 million, to $488.41 million in fiscal 2008
compared to $497.82 million in fiscal 2007. In our appliance category, net sales for fiscal 2008 increased 0.2 percent, or
$0.69 million, compared to fiscal 2007. Higher unit volume contributed 1.8 percent to sales growth while decreases in
average unit selling prices had a negative 1.6 percent impact on net sales. In our grooming, skin care and hair care
solutions category, net sales for fiscal 2008 decreased 4.0 percent, or $3.46 million, over fiscal 2007. Unit volume
decreases had a negative 1.4 percent impact to sales growth combined with a 2.6 percent average unit selling price
decline. Unit selling price declines were due to the loss of higher price point unit volume in the U.S., partially offset by
higher average selling prices in Latin America. In our brushes, combs and accessories product category, net sales for
fiscal 2008 decreased 17.8 percent, or $6.64 million, compared to fiscal 2007. Average unit selling prices were relatively
flat year over year with the loss in sales being driven primarily by unit volume declines.
40
Housewares
Our Housewares segment reports the operations of OXO International (“OXO”) whose products include kitchen
tools, cutlery, bar and wine accessories, household cleaning tools, food storage containers, tea kettles, trash cans, storage
and organization products, gardening tools, kitchen mitts and trivets, barbeque tools, and rechargeable lighting products.
Net sales in our Housewares segment increased 6.9 percent, or $11.37 million, to $175.50 million in fiscal 2009
compared to $164.13 million in fiscal 2008. Increased unit sales volume contributed 14.1 percent to sales growth and
lower average unit selling prices had a negative impact on sales of 7.2 percent. Unit prices are decreasing due to sales of
discontinued inventory and the de-emphasis of certain products with high unit prices but lower margins. Unit volumes
increased primarily due to new product introductions, improved distribution execution, growth with existing accounts,
continued expansion of net sales in the United Kingdom and Japan, and the sale of discontinued inventory. Our Good
Grips® POP line of modular food storage containers, which began shipping in late fiscal 2008, was a top selling category
for us in fiscal 2009. In fiscal 2009, food storage containers added $10.30 million of incremental sales growth. In
addition, in fiscal 2009, new product offerings such as digital instant read thermometers and a new line of dusting
products in total accounted for approximately $7.89 million in incremental sales growth in the Housewares segment
during a soft retail year. In fiscal 2009, food preparation products accounted for approximately 72 percent of the
segment’s net sales, household cleaning tools accounted for approximately 8 percent of the segment’s net sales, food
storage products accounted for approximately 8 percent of the segment’s net sales, and other storage, organization, garden
tools and all other categories accounted for approximately 12 percent of the segment’s net sales.
Future sales growth in this segment of our business will be dependent on new product innovation, continued
product line expansion, new sources of distribution, and geographic expansion. Domestically, our Housewares segment’s
market opportunities are maturing and its current customer base amongst all tiers of retailers is extensive. In addition,
retail consumer spending behavior in this segment is closely correlated to the overall health of the economy, including
housing and credit markets. Accordingly, we are cautious about our ability to maintain the same pace of sales growth
during fiscal 2010.
Net sales in our Housewares segment increased 19.7 percent, or $27.03 million, to $164.13 million in fiscal 2008
compared to $137.11 million in fiscal 2007. Higher unit volume contributed 14.2 percent to sales growth and higher
average unit selling prices contributed 5.5 percent to sales growth. Unit selling prices increased due to the Houseware
segment’s expansion of its product mix into higher price point goods such as trash cans, tea kettles, and hand tools and as
a result of price increases. Unit volumes increased primarily due to improved distribution execution, growth with existing
accounts, continued expansion of net sales in the United Kingdom and Japan, and new product introductions. Overall, in
fiscal 2008, significant new product introductions accounted for approximately $16.00 million in incremental sales growth
in the Housewares segment. In fiscal 2008, food preparation products accounted for approximately 77 percent of the
segment’s net sales, household cleaning tools accounted for approximately 11 percent of the segment’s net sales, and
other storage, organization, garden tools and all other categories accounted for approximately 12 percent of the segment’s
net sales.
41
Geographic Net Sales:
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, our net sales by geographic region, in U.S. Dollars, as a
percentage of net sales, and the year-over-year percentage change in each region.
Fiscal Year Ended (in thousands)
2007
2008
2009
% of Net Sales (1)
2008
2009
2007
% Change
09/08
08/07
Net sales by geographic region
United States
Canada
Europe and other
Latin America
Total net sales
$ 476,147
28,325
76,419
41,854
$ 622,745
$ 505,817
27,960
71,734
47,037
$ 652,548
$ 511,786
25,687
57,044
40,415
$ 634,932
76.5%
4.5%
12.3%
6.7%
100.0%
77.5%
4.3%
11.0%
7.2%
100.0%
80.6%
4.0%
9.0%
6.4%
100.0%
-5.9%
1.3%
6.5%
-11.0%
-4.6%
-1.2%
8.8%
25.8%
16.4%
2.8%
(1) Net sales percentages by geographic region are computed as a percentage of the geographic region’s net sales to total
net sales.
In fiscal 2009, the U.S. accounted for a 4.5 percentage point decline in our consolidated net sales, or $29.67
million, while international operations were essentially flat overall. Latin American operations accounted for a 0.8
percentage point decline in our consolidated net sales, or $5.18 million. Canadian operations accounted for 0.1 percentage
point increase in our consolidated net sales, or $0.37 million. Europe and other country operations accounted for 0.7
percentage points increase in our consolidated net sales, or $4.69 million. Europe and other country growth continued to
be driven by growth in our OXO® Housewares and increases in sales of Toni & Guy® appliances. Our international net
sales performance offset a negative foreign exchange impact of $8.78 million in fiscal 2009, $5.37 million of which was
attributable to the weakening of the British Pound against the U.S. Dollar. In fiscal 2009, Canada, Europe and other, and
Latin American regions accounted for approximately 19, 52 and 29 percent of international net sales, respectively.
In fiscal 2008, the U.S. accounted for a 0.9 percentage point decline in our consolidated net sales, or $5.97
million, while international operations contributed an overall 3.7 percentage point increase in of our consolidated net
sales, or $23.58 million. Latin American operations accounted for 1.0 percentage point of our consolidated net sales
growth, or $6.62 million. Canadian operations accounted for 0.4 percentage points of our consolidated net sales growth,
or $2.27 million. Europe and other country operations accounted for 2.3 percentage points of our consolidated net sales
growth, or $14.69 million. Net sales in the United Kingdom accounted for $6.36 million of the European and other
consolidated net sales gains. Europe and other country growth was driven by increases in our OXO® business and
increases in sales of Vidal Sasson® and Toni & Guy® appliances throughout the region. Our net sales growth included
the benefit of a net positive foreign exchange impact of $5.61 million in fiscal 2008. In fiscal 2008, Canada, Europe and
other, and Latin American regions accounted for approximately 19, 49 and 32 percent of international net sales,
respectively.
42
Gross Profit Margins:
Gross profit, as a percentage of net sales, decreased to 41.0 percent in fiscal 2009 from 43.2 percent in fiscal
2008. The primary components of the decline were as follows:
• Over the last half of fiscal year 2009, our reported consolidated net sales were diluted by the strengthening of the
U.S. Dollar against many foreign currencies while our cost of sales were not significantly impacted because we
purchase the majority of our inventory in U.S. Dollars. A reduction in net sales without an offsetting reduction
in cost of sales had a negative impact on our gross profit margins.
• The impact of increased product costs sourced from the Far East, which were driven by the appreciation of the
Chinese Renminbi with respect to the U.S. Dollar and higher raw material, labor and inbound transportation
costs.
Gross profit, as a percentage of net sales, decreased to 43.2 percent in fiscal 2008 from 44.0 percent in fiscal
2007. The primary components of the decline were as follows:
• Gross margins for our Personal Care appliances improved year-over-year due to a combination of price increases,
new product introductions at higher price points and the decline of lower margin grooming and wellness sales.
Appliance gross margin gains were partially offset by the impact of Belson professional product sales, which
currently sell at lower margins than our core professional lines.
• Gross margins for our grooming, skin care and hair products and brushes, combs and accessories categories were
generally lower when compared to fiscal 2007 due to the impact of higher raw materials costs combined with
concessions in response to pricing pressures, including increased customer incentives.
• Gross margins for the Housewares segment were lower due primarily to product mix shifts to higher price point,
lower margin items and the higher cost of goods due to higher sourcing costs.
Selling, general and administrative expense (“SG&A” ):
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the key components of SG&A, as a percentage of net
sales, and as a year-over-year percentage change:
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSE
(dollars in thousands)
Fiscal Years Ended
2008
2009
2007
% of Net Sales
2008
2009
% Change
2007
09/08
08/07
Selling, advertising and outbound
freight
$
Personnel, other than distribution
Distribution centers and related
75,474 $
55,581
87,837 $
62,215
85,799
55,176
12.1 %
8.9 %
13.5 %
9.5 %
13.5 %
8.7 %
-14.1 %
-10.7 %
2.4 %
12.8 %
personnel
Other general and administrative
Bad debt expense
Foreign exchange losses (gains)
Insurance claim gains
Total SG&A
30,089
19,063
5,710
5,207
(2,780 )
31,294
26,469
484
(528 )
-
35,694
32,168
586
(459 )
-
$ 188,344 $ 207,771 $ 208,964
4.8 %
3.1 %
0.9 %
0.8 %
-0.4 %
30.2 %
4.8 %
4.1 %
0.1 %
-0.1 %
0.0 %
31.8 %
5.6 %
5.1 %
0.1 %
-0.1 %
0.0 %
32.9 %
-3.9 %
-28.0 %
*
*
*
-9.4 %
-12.3 %
-17.7 %
-17.4 %
15.1 %
*
-0.6 %
* Calculation is not meaningful
43
In order to provide a better understanding of the impact that certain specified items had on our operations, the
analysis that follows reports SG&A excluding the items described in the table below. This financial measure may be
considered non-GAAP financial information as contemplated by SEC Regulation G, Rule 100, and the accompanying
table reconciles this measure to the corresponding GAAP-based measure presented in our consolidated statements of
operations.
IMPACT OF SPECIFIED ITEMS ON SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSE
(dollars in thousands)
Fiscal Years Ended
2008
2009
2007
2009
% of Net Sales
2008
% Change
2007
09/08
08/07
SG&A, as reported
Bad debt expense
Foreign exchange (losses) gains
Insurance claim gains
$ 188,344 $ 207,771 $ 208,964
(586 )
459
-
(5,710 )
(5,207 )
2,780
(484 )
528
-
SG&A, without specified items
$ 180,207 $ 207,815 $ 208,837
* Calculation is not meaningful
30.2%
-0.9%
-0.8%
0.4%
28.9%
31.8%
-0.1%
0.1%
0.0%
31.8%
32.9%
-0.1%
0.1%
0.0%
32.9%
-9.4%
*
*
*
-13.3%
-0.6%
*
*
*
-0.5%
The Company believes that this non-GAAP measure provides useful information to management and investors
regarding financial and business trends relating to its financial condition and results of operations. The Company believes
that this non-GAAP measure, in combination with the Company’s financial results calculated in accordance with GAAP,
provides investors with additional perspective regarding the impact of specified items on SG&A. The Company further
believes that the specified items excluded from SG&A do not accurately reflect the underlying performance of its
continuing operations for the period in which they are incurred, even though some of these excluded items may be
incurred and reflected in the Company’s GAAP financial results in the foreseeable future. The material limitation
associated with the use of the non-GAAP financial measures is that the non-GAAP measures do not reflect the full
economic impact of the Company’s activities. The Company’s non-GAAP measure is not prepared in accordance with
GAAP, is not an alternative to GAAP financial information, and may be calculated differently than non-GAAP financial
information disclosed by other companies. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed on non-GAAP information.
SG&A decreased to 30.2 percent of net sales in fiscal 2009 from 31.8 percent in fiscal 2008. As shown in the
above table, fiscal 2009 SG&A includes net foreign exchange losses of $5.21 million, bad debt expense of $5.71 million
and insurance claim gains of $2.78 million, which results in a net unfavorable impact to SG&A of $8.14 million. Fiscal
2008 SG&A includes net foreign exchange gains of $0.53 million and bad debt expense of $0.48 million, which results in
a net favorable impact to SG&A of $0.04 million. Excluding the impact of these items from both years, SG&A as a
percentage of net sales decreased 2.9 percentage points to 28.9 percent in fiscal 2009 compared to 31.8 percent in fiscal
2008. The underlying improvements in 2009 were primarily the result of:
• A decrease in advertising expenses, primarily in our grooming, skin care and hair care solutions category due to a
strategic decision to better focus media advertising and promotional expenditures.
• A decrease in variable selling expenses including royalties, sales commissions and outbound freight.
• Personnel expense other than distribution decreased primarily due to lower incentive compensation costs and
insurance benefit costs. Incentive compensation costs were $7.06 million lower in fiscal 2009, when compared
to fiscal 2008 as a result of the impact of the Company’s net loss, including the impairments discussed below, on
certain management incentive plans.
• Other impacts of a comprehensive cost reduction program which impacted a variety of other general and
administrative expenses.
44
SG&A decreased to 31.8 percent of net sales in fiscal 2008 from 32.9 percent in fiscal 2007. The improvement
over fiscal 2007 was largely due to our improved distribution cost structure and related lower costs associated with
customer chargebacks, outbound freight cost improvements, and lower information technology outsourcing costs, partially
offset by higher advertising and personnel expenses.
We continue to improve our operations and processes, which we believe will ultimately drive down costs. We
believe that our competitive position and the long term health of our business depends on fulfillment and transportation
excellence. As our operations with our retailers, especially large retailers, become increasingly intertwined, the breadth
and complexity of services we must render in order to earn more shelf space and, thus, increase market share, escalate.
Consequently, it has become increasingly more expensive to do business with our customers and we expect this trend to
continue. Our Mississippi distribution center operations have grown to a level where we may experience capacity
constraints during our peak shipping season, which occurs during our third fiscal quarter each year. Due to these and
other factors, we expect distribution costs improvements to continue to moderate in fiscal 2010.
Operating income by segment before impairment and gain
Operating income by segment before impairment and gain for fiscal 2009, 2008 and 2007 was as follows:
Fiscal Year Ended (in thousands)
2007
2008
2009
% of Net Sales (1)
2008
2007
2009
% Change
09/08
08/07
Personal Care
Housewares
$
41,432 $
25,626
42,523 $
31,401
42,530
27,886
9.3%
14.6%
8.7%
19.1%
8.5%
20.3%
-2.6%
-18.4%
0.0%
12.6%
Total operating income before
impairment and gain
$
67,058 $
73,924 $
70,416
10.8%
11.3%
11.1%
-9.3%
5.0%
(1) Percentages by segment are computed as a percentage of the segments’ net sales.
Personal Care
The Personal Care segment’s operating income before impairment and gain decreased $1.09 million, or 2.6
percent, for fiscal 2009 compared to fiscal 2008, and was essentially flat, for fiscal 2008 compared to fiscal 2007.
The decrease in operating income before impairment and gain in fiscal 2009 when compared to fiscal 2008, was
primarily due to sales declines, an overall increase in cost of sales and foreign exchange losses which were partially offset
by SG&A cost reductions and a one-time insurance claim gain.
The slight operating income decrease in fiscal 2008 when compared to fiscal 2007, was primarily due to sales
declines and an overall increase in cost of sales, which were partially offset by lower SG&A costs.
Housewares
The Housewares segment’s operating income before impairment and gain decreased $5.78 million, or 18.4
percent, for fiscal 2009 compared to fiscal 2008, and increased $3.52 million, or 12.6 percent, for fiscal 2008 compared to
fiscal 2007.
The operating income decrease in fiscal 2009 when compared to fiscal 2008 resulted from higher cost of goods
and the bad debt expense arising from the Linens bankruptcy, partially offset by the impact of sales increases.
The operating income increase in fiscal 2008 when compared to fiscal 2007, was primarily due to sales increases,
partially offset by higher cost of goods and rising distribution costs due to the increased complexity of product handling
being required by the segment’s customers.
Operating income before impairment and gain for each operating segment is computed based on net sales, less
cost of sales and any SG&A associated with the segment. The SG&A used to compute each segment’s operating profit are
45
comprised of SG&A directly associated with the segment, plus overhead expenses that are allocable to the operating
segment.
During the first quarter of fiscal 2007, we completed the transition of our Housewares segment’s operations to
our internal operating systems and our new distribution facility in Southaven, Mississippi. For fiscal 2007, we allocated
expenses totaling $12.75 million to the Housewares segment, some of which were previously absorbed by the Personal
Care segment.
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007, we completed the consolidation of our domestic appliance inventories into
the Southaven facility. During fiscal 2007, we conducted an evaluation of our shared cost allocation methodology given
the structural and process changes that were taking place in our operations, and changed our methodology in the first
quarter of fiscal 2008. We believe the new method better reflects the economics of our newly consolidated operations.
The table below summarizes and compares the expense allocations made to the Housewares segment over the
last three fiscal years:
Housewares Segment Expense Allocation
(dollars in thousands)
Distribution expense
Other operating and corporate overhead expense
Total allocated expenses
Expense allocation as a percentage of Housewares segment’s net sales:
Distribution and sourcing expense
Other operating and corporate overhead expense
Total allocated expenses
Impairment charges
(New Method)
2009
2008
(Prior Method)
2007
$
$
15,382
7,142
22,524
$
$
14,031
6,901
20,932
$
$
7,541
5,212
12,753
8.8 %
4.1 %
12.8 %
8.5 %
4.2 %
12.8 %
5.5 %
3.8 %
9.3 %
Annual Impairment Testing in the First Quarter of Fiscal 2009 - The Company performed its annual
impairment tests of its goodwill and trademarks during the first quarter of fiscal 2009. This resulted in non-cash
impairment charges of $7.76 million ($7.61 million after tax) on certain intangible assets associated with our Personal
Care segment recognized during the first quarter of fiscal 2009. The charges were recorded in the Company’s
consolidated statements of operations as a component of operating income (loss). The impairment charges reflected the
amounts by which the carrying values of the associated assets exceeded their estimated fair values at the time of the
analysis. The fair values of the assets were primarily determined using estimated future discounted cash flow models
(“DCF Models”) over five years and a terminal period. This approach was used for the indefinite-lived trademarks and
licenses, the reporting units, and the Company as a whole. The DCF Models use a number of assumptions including
expected future cash flows from the assets, volatility, risk free rate, and the expected life of the assets, the determination
of which require significant judgments from management. In determining the assumptions to be used, the Company
considers, among other things, the existing rates on Treasury Bills, yield spreads on assets with comparable expected
lives, historical volatility of the Company’s common shares and that of comparable companies and general economic and
industry trends. The decline in the fair value of the affected trademarks described above resulted from lower sales
expectations on certain lower volume brands as a result of management’s strategic decision to reduce advertising and
other resources dedicated to those brands, combined with a lower overall expectation of net sales driven by our near-term
outlook for the economy and projected declines in consumer retail spending levels.
46
Additional Impairment Testing in the Fourth Quarter of Fiscal 2009 – As a result of the continued
deterioration of economic conditions during the second half of fiscal 2009, the Company evaluated the impact of these
conditions and other developments on its reporting units to assess whether impairment indicators were present that would
require interim impairment testing. During the latter half of the third quarter of fiscal 2009, the Company’s total market
capitalization began to decline below the Company’s consolidated shareholders’ equity balance at November 30, 2008.
When the Company’s total market capitalization remains below its consolidated shareholders’ equity balance for a
sustained period of time, this may be an indicator of potential impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets.
Because this condition continued throughout the balance of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009, the Company determined
that the carrying amount of our goodwill and other intangible assets might not be recoverable and performed additional
impairment testing as of February 28, 2009.
In the tables and discussion that follow, we use the terms “market participant discount rate”, “terminal period”,
and “terminal year revenue growth rates”. The market participant discount rate is the weighted average cost of capital
derived from a composite of similar companies that are in similar lines of business and serving similar distribution
channels. Inputs in the computation of the weighted average cost of capital are a risk free rate of return (we used long-
term U.S. Treasury rates), a market risk premium (which represents the return on equity required by investors in similar
types of businesses), an unsystematic risk premium (which accounts for the hypothetical risk facing investors in the
reporting unit), the after tax cost of debt, and the average weights of debt and equity for similar companies. The terminal
period is the annual forecast used after the explicit forecast period that reflects a stable level of operations and is assumed
to continue in perpetuity at the terminal year revenue growth rate and is used to determine the continuing value of the cash
flows into perpetuity. The terminal year revenue growth rate represents the revenue growth rate expected to continue in
perpetuity.
The Company’s traditional impairment test methodology used primarily DCF Models. The Company expanded
its traditional impairment test methodology to give weight to other methods that provide additional observable market
information and that management believes reflect the current risk level being incorporated into market prices, in order to
corroborate the fair values of each of the Company’s reporting units. These other methods included the Subject Company
Stock Price Method, the Guideline Public Company Method, and the Mergers and Acquisitions Method (together, the
“Market Models”). The Subject Company Stock Price Method uses the same revenue and earnings valuation multiples
embedded in the Company’s common share price, including an appropriate control premium, as a basis for estimating the
separate values of each of the Company’s reporting units. The Guideline Public Company Method uses a composite of
revenue and earnings multiples derived as of the valuation date from a group of publicly traded companies that are in
similar lines of business and serving similar distribution channels as a basis for estimating the separate values, including
appropriate control premiums for each of the Company’s reporting units. The Mergers and Acquisitions Method uses the
revenue and earnings multiples embedded in a group of representative business acquisition transactions, to the extent that
comparable transactions are available, as a basis for estimating the separate values of each of the Company’s reporting
units. For each of the methods used, considerable management judgment is necessary in reaching a conclusion regarding
the reasonableness of fair value estimates, evaluating the most likely impact of a range of possible external conditions,
considering the resulting operating changes and their impact on estimated future cash flows, determining the appropriate
discount factors to use, and selecting and weighting appropriate comparable market level inputs.
After determining the fair value of our reporting units using the DCF Models and the Market Models, the
Company assigned weights to the valuation methods used based on management’s assessment of the extent to which the
current economic environment affects each reporting unit’s value. Management believes that each method used has
relative merits and that by using multiple methods, particularly in times of economic uncertainty, a better estimate of fair
value is determined. Current accounting literature defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or
paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In applying
weights to the various methods, the Company believes that its DCF Models capture management’s estimate regarding the
results of its future prospects and its internal valuation for each reporting unit. However, we also believe there is currently
a divergence between management’s expectations for its reporting units’ prospects and the market’s expectations based on
47
observable market information. Accordingly, management believes that the Market Models could more accurately reflect
the value that a buyer would assign to the reporting units in the current economic environment. Because fair value needs
to consider the value of a company from both the buy side and the sell side of a potential transaction, the weights we
assigned to the DCF Models and the Market Models attempted to balance this divergence in points of view. We believe
that the market has embedded significant discounts for risk into its valuations, and that the weightings we have assigned
attempt to recognize the appropriate risk premiums the market would assign to each reporting unit. In the future, the
weightings assigned to the valuation methods may change as a result of changes in our business or market conditions.
The impairment testing for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009 was performed using an updated outlook for the
Company’s reporting units completed in connection with its annual planning process. This outlook included downward
adjustments to certain future expected revenues and increases in the market participant discount rates, when compared to
the projections and discount rates upon which our annual impairment tests were prepared during the first fiscal quarter of
2009. The Company decreased its expected revenues in response to the reduction in consumer spending during the
second half of fiscal 2009 and its expectation that depressed spending levels would persist into fiscal 2010. Our
projections assumed a continued but decelerating economic contraction through the first half of fiscal 2011, an economic
recovery beginning in the second half of fiscal 2011 and general economic growth returning to slightly above mean levels
in fiscal years 2012 through 2014. Additionally, the Company increased the market participant discount rates used in its
analysis because management believes that the lending market and the restrained liquidity in the current environment have
increased the cost of capital. In determining the extent to which to change its assumptions, management considered
consumer spending trends and the anticipated impact on each reporting unit as well as the market cost of capital for
comparable companies for each reporting unit. The rates used in our projections are management’s estimate of the most
likely results over time, given a wide range of potential outcomes. The assumptions and estimates used in our impairment
testing involve significant elements of subjective judgment and analysis by the Company’s management. While we
believe that these assumptions are reasonable, unanticipated events and circumstances may occur that may cause actual
results to differ materially from projected results based on these assumptions and estimates.
During its evaluation of goodwill in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009, the Company determined that the carrying
values of the Personal Care segment’s Appliances and Accessories and Grooming, Skin Care and Hair Care Solutions
reporting units exceeded their fair values; consequently, further steps needed to be taken to determine the amounts by
which goodwill and other intangible assets that were impaired. The Company then reviewed the fair values of the
individual reporting unit’s indefinite-lived intangibles for potential impairment. The review used the lower of: (1) the
carrying value, and (2) the fair value using DCF Models under the relief from royalty method for trademarks, or using
DCF Models under the excess earnings method for indefinite-lived licenses. The discount rate utilized to value our
indefinite-lived assets was one percent higher than the associated reporting unit’s market participant discount rate in order
to reflect the higher rate of return that would likely be required when the associated trademark or license is sold as a
separate asset. In our case, after first recognizing additional impairments of indefinite-lived intangibles, we determined
that 100 percent of recorded goodwill in our appliances and accessories reporting unit was impaired.
In total, we recorded non-cash impairment charges of $99.51 million ($99.06 million after tax) in the fourth
quarter of fiscal 2009. This consisted of non-cash, pre-tax impairment charges of $46.49 million against goodwill and
$2.75 million against a trademark in our Personal Care segment’s Appliances and Accessories reporting unit and $50.27
million against certain trademarks and an indefinite-lived license held by our Grooming, Skin Care and Hair Care
Solutions reporting unit. The impairment for these reporting units was due to a decrease in the fair value of forecasted
cash flows, and other market conditions reflecting the continued deterioration of the domestic and global economies and
the declines in retail sales activity.
48
After we recorded the impairments discussed above, and reviewed all other long-lived assets of each reporting
unit for potential impairment, the carrying values in our Personal Care segment reporting units still exceed their estimated
fair values. Management believes these differences are within an acceptable range because:
• Estimates of fair value are inherently imprecise and typically fall within a reasonable range of all potential estimates.
• Conditions within the financial markets surrounding the evaluation date were extremely volatile and fair values in
relatively short periods of time before and after the evaluation date produced estimates of fair market value for the
Company as a whole which were significantly higher than the fair market value we reconciled to for the purposes of
our review (See table below entitled: “Range of Estimates of Fair Value of Helen of Troy”); and
• For the Personal Care segment’s reporting units, all goodwill has been written off and all indefinite-lived intangibles
have been reduced to their latest individual fair value estimates.
No impairment charges were required for our Housewares segment as this reporting unit’s estimated fair value of
total net assets including recorded goodwill, trademarks and other intangible assets, exceeded their carrying values as of
the date of the evaluation. We acquired the Housewares reporting unit on June 1, 2004. Since that time it has experienced
annual growth rates ranging from 6.9 to 26.0 percent with an average annual compound revenue growth rate of 15 percent
over the last five years. This reporting unit has generated operating income as a percentage of net sales ranging from 14.6
to 27.9 percent over the last five years, which is significantly higher than comparable percentages in our other reporting
units. While considering the relative strength of Housewares reporting unit’s revenue and earnings metrics, we assumed a
normal range of new product introductions and line extensions in the reporting unit based on historical levels, and that
benefits from operating leverage will continue to allow for compound earnings growth rates that are appreciably higher
than compound revenue growth rates. Although the Housewares reporting unit did not incur impairments based on our
fourth quarter fiscal 2009 analysis, it may be subject to future goodwill impairments. The annual average compound
earnings growth rate needed to avoid having a goodwill impairment charge is approximately 11 percent. If the annual
average compound earnings growth rate falls below 11 percent over the five year forecast period, the Housewares
reporting unit would incur a goodwill impairment charge, and depending on the severity of the drop, could incur
impairment charges to its indefinite-lived trademark. Additionally, assuming all other factors were to remain constant, if
the market participant discount rate were to increase by 1 percent, the Housewares reporting unit would incur a goodwill
impairment charge. For both the goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets in the Housewares segment, the
recoverability of these amounts is dependent upon achievement of the Company’s projections and the continued execution
of key initiatives related to revenue growth and improved profitability. However, changes in business conditions and
assumptions could potentially require future adjustments to these asset valuations. The Company will continue to monitor
its reporting units for any triggering events or other signs of impairment. The Company believes that its long-term growth
strategy for the Housewares segment supports its fair value conclusions.
49
The table below summarizes the results of the latest impairment test:
CARRYING VALUES AND ESTIMATED FAIR VALUES OF REPORTING UNITS
(in thousands)
As of the Fiscal Year Ended February 28, 2009 (1)
Personal Care Segment
Housewares Segment
Appliances
and
Accessories
% of
Total
Assets
Grooming,
Skin Care and
Hair Care
Solutions
% of
Total
Assets
Segment
Total (2)
% of
Total
Assets
Consolidated
Total
% of
Total
Assets
Intangible assets before fourth quarter impairments:
Goodwill
Other indefinite-lived intangible assets
Other definite-lived intangible assets
$
Total intangible assets of each reporting unit
$
46,490
8,850
7,081
62,421
13.6% $
2.6%
2.1%
18.3% $
-
90,634
1,854
92,488
0.0% $
60.5%
1.2%
61.7% $
166,131
75,554
12,702
254,387
38.7% $
17.6%
3.0%
59.2% $
212,621
175,038
21,637
409,296
23.1%
19.0%
2.3%
44.4%
Total assets before fourth quarter impairment
Total liabilities other than debt
$
341,250
(60,684 )
100.0% $
-17.8%
149,854
(9,484 )
100.0% $
-6.3%
429,717
(30,446 )
100.0% $
-7.1%
920,821
(100,614 )
100.0%
-10.9%
$
$
Carrying value of each reporting unit before
impairment
Less: Indefinite-lived intangible asset
impairments
Goodwill impairments
Carrying value of each reporting unit after
impairment
Estimated fair value as of February 28, 2009
Reported carrying value after impairment as a percent
of estimated fair value
Significant assumptions used to determine fair values
(by reporting unit):
Terminal year growth rates
Market participant discount rates (cost of capital)
Royalty rates used to compute the value of
trademarks
Control premiums used
Weighting of discounted cash flow models
Weighting of market comparables and market
transactions
Sensitivity of estimated fair values:
Fair values in the event of a 1 percent increase in
280,566
82.2%
140,370
93.7%
399,271
92.9%
820,207
89.1%
(2,750 )
(46,490 )
-0.8%
-13.6%
(50,274 )
-
-33.5%
-
-
-
-
-
(53,024 )
(46,490 )
-5.8%
-5.0%
231,326
67.8% $
90,096
60.1% $
399,271
92.9% $
720,693
78.3%
226,000
$
71,000
$
407,000
$
704,000
102.4 %
126.9 %
98.1 %
102.4 %
2.5 %
12.9 %
2.5 %
20.6 %
10.0 %
90.0 %
2.5 %
13.1 %
4.0% - 6.5 %
26.5 %
10.0 %
90.0 %
3.5 %
13.5 %
5.3 %
37.1 %
50.0 %
50.0 %
market participant discount rates
$
222,000
$
70,000
$
386,000
$
678,000
Fair values in the event future revenues in each year
only achieve 95 percent of their projected totals $
221,000
$
70,000
$
388,000
$
679,000
(1) Percentages of total assets shown are before impairment.
(2) The total assets of the Housewares Segment includes $75 million of cash set aside to retire debt scheduled to mature on June 29, 2009.
The control premium we used for each reporting unit was determined from widely used published studies using
the median premium over market capitalization that market participants paid for controlling interest targets within a
comparable standard industrial classification group. Management believes the Housewares reporting unit has a higher
control premium because of the fundamentals of the unit combined with relatively more attractive fundamentals for its
industry as a whole when compared to the relative fundamentals of our other reporting units. We believe that the
Housewares reporting unit also has relatively higher potential for domestic and international growth through existing
product categories and expansion into allied categories than our other reporting units. Furthermore, this reporting unit has
generated operating income as a percentage of net sales ranging from 14.6 to 27.9 percent over the last five years, which
is significantly higher than comparable percentages in our other reporting units and would support a higher control
premium.
For our Personal Care segment’s reporting units, we assigned a weight of 10 percent to our DCF Models and a
weight of 90 percent to our Market Models. We utilized a lower weight on the DCF Models with respect to our Personal
Care segment’s reporting units because of declines in revenue and relatively flat operating income percentages in these
units over the last three years. Additionally, considering the current economic environment, we believe it is likely that
market participants will discount any forecasts that show revenue growth over the intermediate term, even though we
believe these forecasts to be reasonable. Conversely, for our Housewares reporting unit, we assigned a weight of 50
50
percent to both our DCF Models and our Market Models because our Housewares reporting unit has shown positive
revenue growth and comparatively higher operating income percentages over the same term, which we believe makes its
current forecast of moderate revenue growth more acceptable to market participants. In addition, when we computed
values under the various approaches, there was significantly less disparity between our DCF Model and Market Model
estimates in the Housewares reporting unit than the disparities that existed in the Personal Care reporting units.
Accordingly, we believe the higher weighting afforded the Housewares DCF Model estimates was relevant and
appropriate in describing its relative contribution to the Company’s overall fair market value.
Management believes that a significant portion of the recent decline in the Company’s common share price in the
period of time surrounding February 28, 2009 is related to the deterioration in general economic conditions, a loss of
consumer confidence, and instability in the financial markets, and is not reflective of the combined underlying future cash
flows of the reporting units. The analysis below shows the impact recent stock price fluctuations have had on the
Company’s estimated fair market value and compares this to the estimated fair market value of the common shares
implied by the total estimated fair market value of all of the reporting units we used in our impairment analysis.
RANGE OF ESTIMATES OF FAIR VALUE OF HELEN OF TROY
(in thousands, except share values)
At
November 30,
2008
At
February 28,
2009
At
April 30,
2009
Implied By the
Sum of the Fair
Values of Each
Reporting Unit
Market price of Helen of Troy’s Stock (minority shareholder value)
$
x Weighted average control premium (1)
Controlling interest value of Helen of Troy’s Stock
Number of shares outstanding at November 30, 2008 (2)
Controlling interest value of Helen of Troy’s Equity
Outstanding debt at November 30, 2008
Indicated fair market value of Helen of Troy
$
15.66
30.2 %
20.39
30,142
614,575
212,000
826,575
$
$
10.04
30.2 %
13.07
30,142
394,019
212,000
606,019
$
$
15.95
30.2 %
20.77
30,142
625,956
212,000
837,956
$
$
12.54
30.2%
16.32
30,142
492,000
212,000
704,000
(1) The relative weighted average of the median control premiums for each reporting unit, financial buyers only, using comparable industry information from current
published control premium studies
(2) This is the latest balance of outstanding shares that would have been used by market participants as reported on Form 10Q for the fiscal quarter ended
November 30, 2008.
Annual Impairment Testing in the First Quarter of Fiscal 2008 - The Company performed its annual
impairment tests of its goodwill and trademarks during the first quarter of fiscal 2008. No impairment charge was
recorded during the first quarter of fiscal 2008 as the estimated fair value of the indefinite-lived trademarks and licenses,
reporting unit net assets, and the Company’s estimated enterprise value exceeded their respective carrying values as of the
date of the evaluation.
Additional Impairment Testing in the Third Quarter of Fiscal 2008 - In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007, we re-
introduced the newly formulated Epil-Stop® product line. During the second and third quarters of fiscal 2008, our Epil-
Stop® brand of hair depilatory products lost placement in certain mass discount and drug channels due to low consumer
response. We experienced a high rate of customer sales returns for the product line. In response to these circumstances,
in the third quarter of fiscal 2008, we conducted a strategic review of the Epil-Stop® trademark. We also evaluated the
future potential of our TimeBlock® brand in light of our recent experience with Epil-Stop®. From these reviews, we
concluded that the future undiscounted cash flows associated with these trademarks were insufficient to recover their
carrying values. We also believed that any significant additional investments in these brands would not generate potential
returns in line with the Company’s investment expectations. Accordingly, we recorded pre-tax impairment charges
totaling $4.98 million ($4.88 million after tax) representing the carrying value of these trademarks. We continue to hold
these trademarks for use.
51
Annual Impairment Testing in the First Quarter of Fiscal 2007 - The Company performed its annual
impairment tests of its goodwill and trademarks during the first quarter of fiscal 2007. No impairment charge was
recorded during the first quarter of fiscal 2007 as the estimated fair value of the indefinite-lived trademarks and licenses,
reporting unit net assets, and the Company’s estimated enterprise value exceeded their respective carrying values as of the
date of the evaluation.
Gain on sale of land
On September 9, 2007, we sold 16.5 acres of raw land adjacent to our El Paso, Texas office and distribution
center. The land was sold for $6.00 million, less selling costs of $0.39 million and resulted in a pre-tax gain on the sale of
$3.61 million.
Interest expense and Other income (expense):
Interest expense decreased to $13.69 million in fiscal 2009 compared to $15.03 million in fiscal 2008. The
overall decrease was due to the retirement of $3.00 million of long-term debt during the year and the full year impact of
$35.00 million of debt previously retired in the prior year. Interest expense decreased to $15.03 million in fiscal 2008
compared to $17.91 million in fiscal 2007. The overall decrease was due to the retirement of $35.00 million of long-term
debt during the year and the impact of lower overall interest rates on our outstanding debt.
Other income (expense) was $2.44, $3.75 and $2.64 million in fiscal 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The
following schedule shows key components of other income (expense):
Other income (expense):
Interest income
Realized and unrealized gain (losses) on securities
Litigation settlement gain, net
Miscellaneous other income (expense), net
Total other income (expense)
* Calculation is not meaningful
Fiscal Year Ended (in thousands)
2007
2009
2008
% of Net Sales (1)
% Change
2009
2008
2007
09/08
08/07
$
$
2,719
(201 )
–
(80 )
2,438
$
$
3,573
(189 )
104
260
3,748
$ 1,965
2
450
226
$ 2,643
0.4%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.4%
0.5%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.6%
0.3%
0.0%
0.1%
0.0%
0.4%
-23.9%
6.3%
*
*
-35.0%
81.8%
*
-76.9%
15.0%
41.8%
(1) Sales percentages are computed as a percentage of total net sales.
Interest income decreased to $2.72 million in fiscal 2009 compared to $3.57 million in fiscal 2008 due to our
liquidation of $41.18 million of ARS and reinvestment of the funds into more liquid investments with comparatively
lower interest rates and an overall decrease in interest rates available in financial markets. Interest income increased to
$3.57 million in fiscal 2008 compared to $1.97 million in fiscal 2007 due to increasing levels of invested cash and higher
interest rates earned on our mix of investments.
52
Income tax expense:
Our fiscal 2009, 2008 and 2007 income tax expense (benefit) was $5.33, ($0.24) and $5.06 million, respectively.
In any given year, there may be significant transactions or events that are incidental to our core businesses and that by a
combination of their nature and jurisdiction, can have a disproportionate impact on our reported effective tax rates.
Without these transactions, the trend in our effective tax rates would follow a more normalized pattern. The following
table shows the comparative impact of these items on our pre-tax earnings, tax expense and effective tax rates, for each of
the years covered by this report:
IMPACT OF SIGNIFICANT ITEMS ON EFFECTIVE TAX RATES
(dollars in thousands)
Pre-tax
2009
Tax
Earnings Expense
Effective
Tax Rate
Years Ended Last Day of February
2008
Tax
Expense
Effective
Tax Rate
Pre-tax
Earnings
Pre-tax
Earnings
2007
Tax
Expense
Effective
Tax Rate
$ (51,465 )
$ 5,328
*
$61,273
($236 )
-0.4 %
$55,147
$5,060
9.2 %
Pre-tax earnings (loss) and tax expense
(benefit), as reported
Tax benefit from HK IRD Settlement,
including interest income and reversal
of penalties
Tax benefit from IRS settlement, including
interest and penalties
Net operating loss valuation allowance
-
-
-
-
461
-
-
*
-
-
-
-
7,950
1,363
(977 )
*
*
*
-
-
-
-
192
*
-
-
-
-
-
-
Impairment charges
107,274
608
0.6 %
4,983
100
2.0 %
Gains on sale of land
Gains on litigation settlements
-
-
-
-
-
-
(3,609 )
(1,364 )
37.8 %
(422 )
(143 )
34.0 %
(104 )
(2 )
2.0 %
(450 )
(9 )
2.0 %
Charge to allowance for doubtful accounts
due to customer bankruptcy
3,876
1,360
35.1 %
Gains on casualty insurance settlements
(2,702 )
(67 )
2.5 %
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Pre-tax earnings and tax expense, without
significant items
* Calculation is not meaningful
$ 56,983
$ 7,690
13.5 %
$62,543
$6,834
10.9 %
$54,275
$5,100
9.4 %
Excluding the impact of significant items, there is a trend of more of our income being taxed in higher tax rate
jurisdictions, including the U.S. Pre-tax earnings and tax expense without significant items may be non-GAAP financial
measures as contemplated by SEC Regulation G, Rule 100. A reconciliation of these measures to their applicable GAAP
based measures is provided above, and an explanation of their nature and limitations, are furnished on page 54.
53
Net Earnings:
Net earnings in fiscal 2009 decreased by $118.30 million when compared to fiscal 2008. In addition to a decline
in sales and increasing cost of sales, a significant amount of this decline is due to the unfavorable impact of significant
items in fiscal 2009, including: the effects of intangible impairment charges of $107.27 million ($106.67 million after tax)
and a charge to bad debt of $3.88 million ($2.52 million after tax) associated with the Linens bankruptcy, partially offset
by $0.46 million in benefits of a tax settlement and a $2.70 million ($2.64 million after tax) gain on casualty insurance
settlements. This compares to the favorable impact of significant items in fiscal 2008, including: the benefits of various
tax settlements, a gain on a litigation settlement and a gain on the sale of land, partially offset by impairment charges and
a tax valuation allowance on a net operating loss in Brazil. Excluding these items from both years, fiscal 2009 net
earnings decreased by $6.42 million or 11.5 percent when compared to fiscal 2008, and fiscal 2009 earnings per diluted
share decreased to $1.59 as compared to $1.75 in fiscal 2008. The remaining decline in earnings without significant items
of $0.16 per diluted share is a result of the impact of global economic, and other factors referred to previously. The
following table shows the comparative impact of these items on our net earnings (loss), and basic and diluted earnings per
share for each of the years covered by this report:
IMPACT OF SIGNIFICANT ITEMS ON NET EARNINGS (LOSS) AND EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Fiscal Years Ended
2008
2009
2007
Basic Earnings (Loss) Per Share
2007
2008
2009
Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share
2007
2008
2009 [1]
Net earnings (loss) as reported
Tax benefit of various tax
settlements
Net operating loss valuation
allowance
Impairment charges, net of taxes
Gain on sale of land, net of taxes
Charge to allowance for doubtful
accounts due to customer
bankruptcy, net of taxes
Gain on litigation settlement, net of
taxes
Gain on casualty insurance
settlement,
net of taxes
$
(56,793 ) $
61,509 $
50,087 $
(1.88 ) $
2.01 $
1.66 $
(1.88 ) $
1.93 $
1.58
(461 )
(9,313 )
(192 )
(0.02 )
(0.31 )
(0.01 )
(0.02 )
(0.29 )
(0.01 )
-
106,666
-
2,516
-
977
4,883
(2,245 )
-
-
(279 )
-
-
(102 )
(441 )
-
3.54
-
0.08
-
0.03
0.16
(0.07 )
-
-
-
-
(0.01 )
-
(0.01 )
-
3.50
-
0.08
-
0.03
0.15
(0.07 )
-
-
-
-
(0.01 )
-
(0.01 )
Earnings without significant items
$
(2,635 )
49,293 $
-
55,709 $
-
49,175 $
(0.09 )
1.63 $
-
1.82 $
-
1.63 $
(0.09 )
1.59 $
-
1.75 $
-
1.55
Weighted average common shares used in computing
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share, as reported
Basic and diluted earnings per share without significant items
30,173
30,173
30,531
30,531
30,122
30,122
30,173
31,019
31,798
31,798
31,717
31,717
[1] Dilutive shares used to compute earnings per share as reported in fiscal 2009 excludes the impact of options to purchase common shares as these would be anti-dilutive due to the net loss.
The tables shown above entitled “Impact of Significant Items on Effective Tax Rates” and “Impact of Significant
Items on Net Earnings (Loss) and Earnings (Loss) per Share” report non-GAAP pre-tax earnings, tax expense, earnings
and earnings per share data which exclude specified significant items. Non-GAAP pre-tax earnings, tax expense,
earnings and earnings per share data, as discussed in the preceding tables, may be considered non-GAAP financial
information as contemplated by SEC Regulation G, Rule 100. The preceding tables reconcile these measures to their
corresponding GAAP-based measures presented in our consolidated statements of operations. The Company believes that
its non-GAAP pre-tax earnings, tax expense, earnings and earnings per share data provides useful information to
management and investors regarding financial and business trends relating to its financial condition and results of
operations. The Company believes that this non-GAAP pre-tax earnings, tax expense, earnings and earnings per share
data, in combination with the Company’s financial results calculated in accordance with GAAP, provides investors with
additional perspective regarding the impact of certain significant items on pre-tax earnings, tax expense, earnings and
earnings per share. The Company also believes that these non-GAAP measures facilitate a more direct comparison of its
performance with its competitors. The Company further believes that the excluded significant items do not accurately
reflect the underlying performance of its continuing operations for the period in which they are incurred, even though
some of these excluded items may be incurred and reflected in the Company’s GAAP financial results in the foreseeable
future. The material limitation associated with the use of the non-GAAP financial measures is that the non-GAAP
measures do not reflect the full economic impact of the Company’s activities. The Company’s non-GAAP pre-tax
54
earnings, tax expense, earnings and earnings per share data is not prepared in accordance with GAAP, is not an alternative
to GAAP financial information and may be calculated differently than non-GAAP financial information disclosed by
other companies. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed on non-GAAP information.
FINANCIAL CONDITION, LIQUIDITY, AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Selected measures of our liquidity and capital resources for fiscal years ended 2009 and 2008 are shown below:
Accounts Receivable Turnover (Days) (1)
Inventory Turnover (Times) (1)
Working Capital (in thousands)
Current Ratio
Ending Debt to Ending Equity Ratio (2)
Return on Average Equity (1)
Fiscal Year Ended
2009
2008
68.3
2.3
$224,201
2.3 : 1
41.7%
-10.0%
69.3
2.4
$276,304
3.3 : 1
37.8%
11.4%
(1) Accounts receivable turnover, inventory turnover, and return on average equity computations use 12 month trailing
sales, cost of sales or net earnings components as required by the particular measure. The current and four prior
quarters’ ending balances of accounts receivable, inventory, and equity are used for the purposes of computing the
average balance component as required by the particular measure.
(2) Debt is defined as all debt outstanding at the balance sheet date. This includes the sum of the following lines on our
consolidated balance sheets: “Current portion of long-term debt” and “Long-term debt, less current portion.” For
further information regarding this financing, see Notes (5) and (7) to our consolidated financial statements and our
discussion below under “Financing Activities.”
Operating Activities:
Operating activities provided $21.93 million of cash during fiscal 2009 compared with $109.91 million in fiscal
2008. The decrease in operating cash flow was due to the combination of lower earnings after adding back non-cash
impairment charges, higher inventory and lower payables and accrued liabilities.
In fiscal 2009, our accounts receivable decreased $2.07 million to $103.55 million while our accounts receivable
turnover improved to 68.3 days from 69.3 days in fiscal 2008. This calculation is based on a rolling five quarter accounts
receivable balance.
Inventories increased $24.91 million to $169.78 million at the end of fiscal 2009 when compared to $144.87
million at the end of fiscal 2008. Ending fiscal 2009 inventories are higher than normal due to weak sales in the second
half of fiscal 2009. Particularly, in the third quarter of fiscal 2009, retailers reduced their inventories to historically low
levels in anticipation of a weak and promotional holiday selling season. Management is currently addressing the issue
of higher inventory levels and believes it will take several quarters to bring inventories back to normal levels.
Working capital decreased to $224.20 million at the end of fiscal 2009, compared to $276.30 million at the end
of fiscal 2008. Our current ratio decreased to 2.3:1 at the end of fiscal 2009, compared to 3.3:1 at the end of fiscal 2008.
The decline in our working capital and current ratio was primarily caused by $75 million of long-term debt scheduled to
mature in June 2009, which is classified as a current liability at February 28, 2009 compared to $3 million of long-term
debt classified as a current liability at February 29, 2008.
55
Investing Activities:
In fiscal 2009, investing activities provided $32.38 million of cash compared with $47.32 and $62.48 million
used in fiscal 2008 and fiscal 2007, respectively.
Significant highlights of our fiscal 2009 investing activities:
• We spent $1.51 million on molds and tooling, $1.09 million on information technology infrastructure and
$2.11 million on building improvements, primarily for new office space for our Housewares segment.
• We spent $4.77 million to acquire the Ogilvie® trademark for our Personal Care segment.
• We liquidated $41.18 million of investments in ARS at par, leaving ARS at a net value of $19.97 million on
hand at year end.
• We received net proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment, primarily from the sale of
fractional shares in two corporate jets, of approximately $2.61 million.
Significant highlights of our fiscal 2008 investing activities:
• We spent $1.74 million on molds and tooling, $1.08 million on information technology infrastructure, $1.66
million on distribution center equipment and $1.53 million on land for future distribution center expansion in
Southaven, Mississippi.
• We spent $36.50 million in cash to acquire accounts receivable, inventory, trademarks, goodwill and
intangible assets of the Belson business.
• We received net proceeds from the sale of land of $5.61 million and a property insurance settlement of $0.94
million.
• We purchased $178.28 million and sold $170.20 million of temporary investments, leaving $63.83 million of
temporary investments on hand at year end.
Significant highlights of our fiscal 2007 investing activities:
• We spent $1.63 million on molds and tooling, $1.34 million on information technology infrastructure, $1.66
million on distribution center equipment and $1.08 million on acquisition, furnishing and remodeling of
office space and other facilities in Latin America.
• We purchased $147.73 million and sold $91.98 million of temporary investments, leaving $55.75 million of
temporary investments on hand at year end.
56
Financing Activities:
During fiscal 2009, financing activities used $9.48 million of cash compared to $40.19 and $10.79 million used
in fiscal 2008 and fiscal 2007, respectively.
Significant highlights of our fiscal 2009 financing activities:
• In July 2008, we paid a $3 million principal installment on our fixed rate senior debt.
• Employees and directors exercised options to purchase 47,907 common shares, providing $0.52 million in
cash and related tax benefits. Employees also purchased 30,743 common shares through our employee stock
purchase plan, providing $0.34 million of cash.
• We purchased and retired a total of 574,365 common shares on the open market at a total purchase price of
$7.42 million.
Significant highlights of our fiscal 2008 financing activities:
• In June 2007, we prepaid $25 million of our 5 year floating rate senior notes without penalty.
• In January 2008, we paid a $10 million principal installment on our fixed rate senior debt.
• Employees exercised 156,675 options for common shares, providing $2.34 million of cash and $0.42 million
in related tax benefits. Employees also purchased 27,014 common shares through our employee stock
purchase plan providing $0.44 million of cash.
• An additional 1,000,000 options were exercised during the fiscal quarter ended August 31, 2007 in a non-
cash transaction in which our chief executive officer tendered 728,500 common shares having a market
value of $20.27 million as payment of the exercise price and related federal tax obligations for the exercise
of options. The exercise of these options required $4.51 million to pay related federal income tax obligations
and generated approximately $1.66 million of related tax benefits.
• We purchased and retired a total of 366,892 common shares on the open market at a total purchase price of
$5.73 million.
Significant highlights of our fiscal 2007 financing activities:
• We drew $7.66 million against our $15 million industrial revenue bond established to acquire equipment,
machinery and related assets for our new Southaven, Mississippi distribution center. In May 2006, we
converted the $12.63 million total drawn during fiscal 2006 and fiscal 2007 into a five-year Industrial
Development Revenue Bond. We repaid the balance of this debt in two transactions for $4.97 and $7.66
million in September 2006 and January 2007, respectively. Also, in January 2007, we paid a $10 million
principal installment on our fixed rate senior debt.
• Employees exercised options to purchase 247,686 common shares, providing $3.07 million of cash and $0.54
million in related tax benefits. Employees also purchased 22,348 common shares through our employee
stock purchase plan, providing $0.38 million of cash. No common shares were repurchased during the fiscal
year.
57
Our ability to access our Revolving Line of Credit Agreement is subject to our compliance with the terms and
conditions of the credit facility and long-term debt agreements, including financial covenants. On December 15, 2008, we
entered into the Fourth Amendment to the Revolving Line of Credit Agreement (the “Amendment”) with Helen of Troy
L.P., as borrower, Bank of America, N.A., and the other lenders party thereto. The Amendment modified the Revolving
Line of Credit Agreement as follows:
(1) Extended the maturity date as defined in the Revolving Line of Credit Agreement from June 1, 2009 to December 15,
2013;
(2) Increased the margin for the Eurodollar rate loans from a range of 0.75 to 1.25 percent per annum to a range of 1.25 to
1.75 percent per annum (depending on our leverage ratio);
(3) Increased the margin for the base rate loans from zero to a range of 0.25 to 0.75 percent per annum (depending on our
leverage ratio); and
(4) Modified the leverage ratio, the consolidated net worth ratio, removed a fixed charge coverage ratio, and added a new
interest coverage ratio financial covenant, as well as a capital expenditure covenant.
Under the amended Revolving Line of Credit Agreement, certain covenants as of the latest balance sheet date
limit our total outstanding indebtedness from all sources less unrestricted cash on hand in excess of $15 million to no
more than 3.0 times the latest twelve months’ trailing EBITDA. As of February 28, 2009, our loan covenants effectively
limited our ability to incur more than $127.16 million of additional debt from all sources, including draws on our
Revolving Line of Credit Agreement. Additionally, our debt agreements restrict us from incurring liens on any of our
properties, except under certain conditions and in some circumstances could limit our ability to repurchase shares of our
common stock. In the event we were to default on any of our other debt, it would constitute a default under our credit
facilities as well. As of February 28, 2009, we were in compliance with the terms of all our loan agreements.
58
Contractual Obligations:
Our contractual obligations and commercial commitments, as of the end of fiscal 2009 were:
PAYMENTS DUE BY PERIOD - TWELVE MONTHS ENDED THE LAST DAY OF FEBRUARY
(in thousands)
Total
2010
1 year
2011
2 years
2012
3 years
2013
4 years
2014
5 years
After
5 years
$
Term debt - fixed rate
Term debt - floating rate (1)
Long-term incentive plan payouts
Interest on floating rate debt (1)
Interest on fixed rate debt
Open purchase orders
Minimum royalty payments
Minimum advertising and promotional payments
Operating leases
Total contractual obligations (2)
$
12,000 $
200,000
6,699
32,385
1,629
67,622
80,322
85,995
11,914
498,566 $
3,000 $
75,000
2,023
8,925
733
67,622
7,090
7,420
1,902
173,715 $
3,000 $
-
2,327
7,453
516
-
6,345
6,007
1,661
27,309 $
3,000 $
50,000
2,349
5,489
299
-
6,090
6,181
1,212
74,620 $
3,000 $
-
-
4,508
81
-
5,861
6,205
1,061
20,716 $
$
-
-
-
4,508
-
-
5,397
5,680
1,081
16,666 $
-
75,000
-
1,502
-
-
49,539
54,502
4,997
185,540
(1) The Company uses interest rate hedge agreements (the “swaps”) in conjunction with its unsecured floating interest
rate $75 million, 5 year; $50 million, 7 year; and $75 million, 10 year senior notes (the “Senior Notes”). The swaps
are a hedge of the variable LIBOR rates used to reset the floating rates on these Senior Notes. The swaps effectively
fix the interest rates on the 5, 7 and 10 year Senior Notes at 5.89, 5.89 and 6.01 percent, respectively. Accordingly,
the future interest obligations related to this debt have been estimated using these rates.
(2)
In addition to the contractual obligations and commercial commitments in the table above, as of February 28, 2009,
we have recorded a provision for our uncertain tax positions of $2.90 million. We are unable to reliably estimate the
timing of future payments related to uncertain tax positions; therefore, we have excluded these tax liabilities from
the table above.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements:
We have no existing activities involving special purpose entities or off-balance sheet financing.
Current and Future Capital Needs:
At February 28, 2009, we held approximately $19.97 million of our investments in ARS collateralized by student
loans. At this time, there is very limited demand for these securities and limited acceptable alternatives to liquidate such
securities. As a result, we may not be able to liquidate these ARS at their recorded values in the short to intermediate
term. If we are unable to sell the ARS on a timely basis as cash needs arise, we would be required to rely on cash on
hand, cash from operations and available amounts under our Revolving Line of Credit Agreement in order to meet those
needs. For more information, see Item 1A., “Risk Factors.”
As further discussed elsewhere in this report and in Note (20) to the accompanying consolidated financial
statements, on March 31, 2009, we completed the acquisition of certain assets, trademarks, customer lists, distribution
rights, patents and formulas for Infusium 23® hair care products from The Procter & Gamble Company for a cash
purchase price of $60 million. We paid for the transaction using existing cash on hand.
On June 29, 2009, $75 million of our unsecured floating rate senior debt will mature. While management has not
committed to a specific course of action to repay the $75 million debt, we believe we have sufficient borrowing capacity
in place, along with our available cash, to repay the debt principal on or before its maturity.
59
Based on our current financial condition, current operations and the potential impact of the issues discussed
above, we believe that cash flows from operations and available financing sources will continue to provide sufficient
capital resources to fund our foreseeable short- and long-term liquidity requirements. We expect our capital needs to
stem primarily from the need to purchase sufficient levels of inventory and to carry normal levels of accounts receivable
on our balance sheet. On December 15, 2008, we amended our $50.00 million Revolving Line of Credit Agreement,
extending its term until December 15, 2013, adjusting interest rate margins and modifying certain financial covenants as
more fully discussed above and in Note (5) to the accompanying consolidated financial statements. The amendment to the
Revolving Line of Credit Agreement increased our borrowing costs and adjusted the limitations on our ability to incur
additional debt. As of February 28, 2009, our loan covenants effectively limited our ability to incur more than $127.16
million of additional debt from all sources, including draws on our Revolving Line of Credit Agreement.
We expect to continue to evaluate acquisition opportunities on a regular basis and may augment our internal
growth with acquisitions of complementary businesses or product lines. We may finance acquisition activity with
available cash, the issuance of common shares, additional debt or other sources of financing, depending upon the size and
nature of any such transaction and the status of the capital markets at the time of such acquisition.
The Company may elect to repurchase additional common shares from time to time based upon its assessment of
its liquidity position and market conditions at the time, and subject to limitations contained in its debt agreements. For
additional information, see Part II, Item 2. “Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.”
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The SEC defines critical accounting policies as those that are both most important to the portrayal of a
company’s financial condition and results, and require management’s most difficult, subjective or complex judgments,
often as a result of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. We consider the
following policies to meet this definition.
Income Taxes - Effective March 1, 2007, we adopted FIN 48, which provides guidance for the recognition,
derecognition and measurement in financial statements of tax positions taken in previously filed tax returns or tax
positions expected to be taken in tax returns. See Note (8) - “Income Taxes” included in the accompanying consolidated
financial statements for further discussion.
We must make certain estimates and judgments in determining income tax expense for financial statement
purposes. These estimates and judgments must be used in the calculation of certain tax assets and liabilities because of
differences in the timing of recognition of revenue and expense for tax and financial statement purposes. We must assess
the likelihood that we will be able to recover our deferred tax assets. If recovery is not likely, we must increase our
provision for taxes by recording a valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets that we estimate will not ultimately
be recoverable. As changes occur in our assessments regarding our ability to recover our deferred tax assets, our tax
provision is increased in any period in which we determine that the recovery is not probable.
In addition, the calculation of our tax liabilities requires us to account for uncertainties in the application of
complex tax regulations. As a result of the implementation of FIN 48, we recognize liabilities for uncertain tax positions
based on the two-step process prescribed within the interpretation. The first step is to evaluate the tax position for
recognition by determining if the weight of available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that the position will
be sustained on audit based upon its technical merits, including resolution of related appeals or litigation processes, if
any. The second step requires us to estimate and measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that has greater than a 50
percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. It is inherently difficult and subjective to estimate such
amounts, as this requires us to determine the probability of various possible outcomes. We reevaluate these uncertain tax
positions on a quarterly basis. This evaluation is based on factors including, but not limited to, changes in facts or
circumstances, changes in tax law, effectively settled issues under audit, historical experience with similar tax matters,
guidance from our tax advisors, and new audit activity. A change in recognition or measurement would result in the
recognition of a tax benefit or an additional charge to the tax provision in the period in which the change occurs.
60
Estimates of credits to be issued to customers -We regularly receive requests for credits from retailers for
returned products or in connection with sales incentives, such as cooperative advertising and volume rebate agreements.
We reduce sales or increase SG&A, depending on the nature of the credits, for estimated future credits to customers. Our
estimates of these amounts are based either on historical information about credits issued, relative to total sales, or on
specific knowledge of incentives offered to retailers. This process entails a significant amount of subjectivity and
uncertainty.
Valuation of inventory- We account for our inventory using a first-in, first-out system in which we record
inventory on our balance sheet at the lower of its average cost or its net realizable value. Determination of net realizable
value requires us to estimate the point in time at which an item’s net realizable value drops below its cost. We regularly
review our inventory for slow-moving items and for items that we are unable to sell at prices above their original cost.
When we identify such an item, we reduce its book value to the net amount that we expect to realize upon its sale. This
process entails a significant amount of inherent subjectivity and uncertainty.
Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangibles– We follow the guidance provided by SFAS 142 and SFAS 144 in
determining the carrying values of goodwill, intangible and other long-lived assets we record on our balance sheet. As a
result of acquisitions, the Company has significant intangible assets on its balance sheet that include goodwill and
indefinite-lived intangibles (primarily trademarks and licenses). Accounting for business combinations requires the use of
estimates and assumptions in determining the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in order to properly
allocate the purchase price. The estimates of the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed are based upon
assumptions believed to be reasonable using established valuation techniques that consider a number of factors, and when
appropriate, valuations performed by independent third party appraisers.
We consider whether circumstances or conditions exist which suggest that the carrying value of our goodwill and
other long-lived assets might be impaired. If such circumstances or conditions exist, further steps are required in order to
determine whether the carrying value of each of the individual assets exceeds its fair market value. If analysis indicates
that an individual asset’s carrying value does exceed its fair market value, the next step is to record a loss equal to the
excess of the individual asset’s carrying value over its fair value. The steps required by SFAS 142 and SFAS 144 entail
significant amounts of judgment and subjectivity. We complete our analysis of the carrying value of our goodwill and
other intangible assets during the first quarter of each fiscal year, or more frequently whenever events or changes in
circumstances indicate that their carrying value may not be recoverable.
The Company’s traditional impairment test methodology used primarily DCF Models. DCF Models use a
number of assumptions including expected future cash flows from the assets, volatility, risk free rate, and the expected life
of the assets. In determining the assumptions to be used, the Company considers, among other things, the existing rates
on Treasury Bills, yield spreads on assets with comparable expected lives, historical volatility of the Company’s common
shares and that of comparable companies and general economic and industry trends. Beginning with its interim
impairment tests performed in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009, the Company expanded its traditional impairment test
methodology to give weight to other methods that provide additional observable market information and that management
believes reflect the current risk level being incorporated into market prices, in order to corroborate the fair values of each
of the Company’s reporting units. These other methods included the Subject Company Stock Price Method, the Guideline
Public Company Method, and the Mergers and Acquisitions Method (together, the “Market Models”). The Subject
Company Stock Price Method uses the same revenue and earnings valuation multiples embedded in the Company’s
common share price, including an appropriate control premium, as a basis for estimating the separate values of each of the
Company’s reporting units. The Guideline Public Company Method uses a composite of revenue and earnings multiples
derived as of the valuation date from a group of publicly traded companies that are in similar lines of business and serving
similar distribution channels as a basis for estimating the separate values, including appropriate control premiums for each
of the Company’s reporting units. The Mergers and Acquisitions Method uses the revenue and earnings multiples
embedded in a group of representative business acquisition transactions, to the extent that comparable transactions are
available, as a basis for estimating the separate values of each of the Company’s reporting units. For each of the methods
used, considerable management judgment is necessary in reaching a conclusion regarding the reasonableness of fair value
estimates, evaluating the most likely impact of a range of possible external conditions, considering the resulting operating
changes and their impact on estimated future cash flows, determining the appropriate discount factors to use, and
selecting and weighting appropriate comparable market level inputs.
61
After determining the fair value of our reporting units using the DCF Models and the Market Models, the
Company assigns weights to the valuation methods used based on management’s assessment of the extent to which the
economic environment affects each reporting unit’s value. Management believes that each method used has relative
merits and that by using multiple methods, particularly in times of economic uncertainty, a better estimate of fair value is
determined. Current accounting literature defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to
transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In applying weights to
the various methods, the Company believes that its DCF Models capture management’s estimate regarding the results of
its future prospects and its internal valuation for each reporting unit. However, we also consider whether there is a
divergence between management’s expectations for its reporting units’ prospects and the market’s expectations based on
observable market information. Because fair value needs to consider the value of a company from both the buy side and
the sell side of a potential transaction, the weights we assigned to the DCF Models and the Market Models in any given
period attempt to balance this divergence in points of view. The weightings we assign attempt to recognize the
appropriate risk premiums the market has assigned to each reporting unit. Future weightings assigned to the various
valuation methods may change as a result of changes in our business or market conditions.
If we determine that the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value indicating that goodwill, if any is
impaired, we will also review the fair values of the reporting unit’s indefinite-lived intangibles for potential impairment.
The review uses the lower of: (1) the carrying value, and (2) the fair value using DCF Models under the relief from
royalty method for trademarks, or using DCF Models under the excess earnings method for indefinite-lived licenses. The
discount rate utilized to value our indefinite-lived assets is higher than the associated reporting unit’s market participant
discount rate in order to reflect the higher rate of return that would likely be required when the associated trademark or
license is sold as a separate asset.
The Company continues to monitor its reporting units for any triggering events or other signs of impairment.
Events and changes in circumstances that may indicate that there is impairment include, but are not limited to, strategic
decisions to exit a business or dispose of an asset made in response to changes in economic, political and competitive
conditions, the impact of the economic environment on our customer base and on broad market conditions that drive
valuation considerations by market participants, our internal expectations with regard to future revenue growth and the
assumptions we make when performing our impairment reviews, a significant decrease in the market price of our assets, a
significant adverse change in the extent or manner in which our assets are used, a significant adverse change in legal
factors or the business climate that could affect our assets, an accumulation of costs significantly in excess of the amount
originally expected for the acquisition of an asset, and significant changes in the cash flows associated with an asset. We
analyze these assets at the individual asset, reporting unit and Company levels. For both the goodwill and indefinite-lived
intangible assets in its reporting units, the recoverability of these amounts is dependent upon achievement of the
Company’s projections and the continued execution of key initiatives related to revenue growth and improved
profitability. The rates used in our projections are management’s estimate of the most likely results over time, given a
wide range of potential outcomes. The assumptions and estimates used in our impairment testing involve significant
elements of subjective judgment and analysis by the Company’s management. While we believe that the assumptions we
use are reasonable, changes in business conditions or other unanticipated events and circumstances may occur that cause
actual results to differ materially from projected results and this could potentially require future adjustments to our asset
valuations.
Carrying value of other long-lived assets- We consider whether circumstances or conditions exist that suggest
that the carrying value of a long-lived asset might be impaired. If such circumstances or conditions exist, further steps are
required in order to determine whether the carrying value of the asset exceeds its fair market value. If analysis indicates
that the asset’s carrying value does exceed its fair market value, the next step is to record a loss equal to the excess of the
asset’s carrying value over its fair value. The steps required by SFAS 142 and SFAS 144 entail significant amounts of
judgment and subjectivity.
62
Economic useful life of intangible assets- We amortize intangible assets, such as licenses, trademarks, customer
lists and distribution rights over their economic useful lives, unless those assets’ economic useful lives are indefinite. If an
intangible asset’s economic useful life is deemed to be indefinite, that asset is not amortized. When we acquire an
intangible asset, we consider factors such as the asset’s history, our plans for that asset, and the market for products
associated with the asset. We consider these same factors when reviewing the economic useful lives of our previously
acquired intangible assets as well. We review the economic useful lives of our intangible assets at least annually. The
determination of the economic useful life of an intangible asset requires a significant amount of judgment and entails
significant subjectivity and uncertainty. We complete our analysis of the remaining useful economic lives of our
intangible assets during the first quarter of each fiscal year.
For a more comprehensive list of our accounting policies, we encourage you to read Note (1) included in the
accompanying consolidated financial statements. Note (1) describes several other policies, including policies governing
the timing of revenue recognition, that are important to the preparation of our consolidated financial statements, but do not
meet the SEC’s definition of critical accounting policies because they do not involve subjective or complex judgments.
NEW ACCOUNTING GUIDANCE
Refer to Note (1) in the accompanying consolidated financial statements for a discussion of new accounting
pronouncements and the potential impact to our consolidated results of operations and financial position.
63
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Changes in currency exchange rates, interest rates and the liquidity of our investments are our primary financial
market risks.
Foreign Currency Risk:
Our functional currency is the U.S. Dollar. By operating internationally, we are subject to foreign currency risk
from transactions denominated in currencies other than the U.S. Dollar (“foreign currencies”). Such transactions include
sales, certain inventory purchases and operating expenses. As a result of such transactions, portions of our cash, trade
accounts receivable and trade accounts payable are denominated in foreign currencies. For the fiscal years 2009, 2008 and
2007, 16.9, 16.8 and 14.8 percent of our net sales were in foreign currencies. These sales were primarily denominated in
the British Pound, Euro, Mexican Peso, Canadian Dollar, Brazilian Real, Chilean Pesos, Peruvian Soles and Venezuelan
Bolivares Fuertes. We make most of our inventory purchases from the Far East and use the U.S. Dollar for such
purchases. In our consolidated statement of operations, exchange gains and losses resulting from the remeasurement of
foreign taxes receivable, taxes payable, deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities, are recognized in their respective
income tax lines, and all other foreign exchange gains and losses are recognized in SG&A. We recorded net foreign
exchange gains (losses), including the impact of currency hedges of ($5.21), $0.53 and $0.46 million in SG&A and $0.62,
$0.22 and $0.19 million in income tax expense during fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
We identify foreign currency risk by regularly monitoring our foreign currency-denominated transactions and
balances. Where operating conditions permit, we reduce foreign currency risk by purchasing most of our inventory with
U.S. Dollars and by converting cash balances denominated in foreign currencies to U.S. Dollars.
We have historically hedged against certain foreign currency exchange rate-risk by using a series of forward
contracts designated as cash flow hedges to protect against the foreign currency exchange risk inherent in our forecasted
transactions denominated in currencies other than the U.S. Dollar. In these transactions, we execute a forward currency
contract that will settle at the end of a forecasted period. Because the size and terms of the forward contract are designed
so that its fair market value will move in the opposite direction and approximate magnitude of the underlying foreign
currency’s forecasted exchange gain or loss during the forecasted period, a hedging relationship is created. To the extent
that we forecast the expected foreign currency cash flows from the period we enter into the forward contract until the date
it will settle with reasonable accuracy, we significantly lower or materially eliminate a particular currency’s exchange risk
exposure over the life of the related forward contract.
We enter into these types of agreements where we believe we have meaningful exposure to foreign currency
exchange risk and the hedge pricing appears reasonable. It is not practical for us to hedge all our exposures, nor are we
able to project in any meaningful way the possible effect and interplay of all foreign currency fluctuations on translated
amounts or future earnings. This is due to our constantly changing exposure to various currencies, the fact that each
foreign currency reacts differently to the U.S. Dollar and the significant number of currencies involved. Accordingly, we
will always be subject to foreign exchange rate-risk on exposures we have not hedged, and these risks may be material.
For transactions we designate as foreign currency cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the change in the fair
value (arising from the change in the spot rates from period to period) is deferred in other comprehensive income (loss)
(“OCI”). These amounts are subsequently recognized in SG&A in the consolidated statement of operations in the same
period as the forecasted transactions close out over the remaining balance of their terms. The ineffective portion of the
change in fair value (arising from the change in the difference between the spot rate and the forward rate) is recognized in
the period it occurred. These amounts are also recognized in SG&A in the consolidated statement of operations. We do
not enter into any forward exchange contracts or similar instruments for trading or other speculative purposes.
On September 3, 2008, the Company entered into a series of foreign exchange forward contracts to sell U.S.
Dollars for British Pounds in notional amounts and terms that effectively froze the $1.78 million fair value of our existing
forward contracts to sell British Pounds for U.S. Dollars. The new forward contracts had the effect of eliminating the
foreign currency hedge created by the original forward currency contracts on certain forecasted transactions denominated
in British Pounds and we discontinued their classification as cash flow hedges. These forward contracts had originally
been designated as cash flow hedges. In accordance with
64
Derivatives Implementation Group (DIG) Issue No. G3 - Discontinuation of a Cash Flow Hedge, the net gain related to
the discontinued cash flow hedges will continue to be reported in OCI as it is probable that the forecasted transactions will
occur generally by the originally specified time period. Therefore, at February 28, 2009, a portion of the deferred gains
related to the combined group of derivatives remains in OCI and is currently expected to be reclassified into earnings
when the underlying contracts settle over dates ranging from May 15, 2009 through August 17, 2009.
Interest Rate Risk:
Fluctuation in interest rates can cause variation in the amount of interest that we can earn on our available cash,
cash equivalents, temporary and long-term investments and the amount of interest expense we incur on any short-term and
long-term borrowings. Interest on our long-term debt outstanding as of February 28, 2009 is both floating and fixed.
Fixed rates are in place on $12 million of Senior Notes at 7.24 percent and floating rates are in place on $200 million of
debt that reset as described in Note (7) of these consolidated financial statements, but have been effectively converted to
fixed rate debt using the interest rate swaps described below.
We manage our floating rate debt using interest rate swaps (the “swaps”). We have three interest rate swaps that
convert an aggregate notional principal of $200 million from floating interest rate payments under our 5, 7 and 10 year
Senior Notes to fixed interest rate payments ranging from 5.89 to 6.01 percent. In these transactions, we have three
contracts to pay fixed rates of interest on an aggregate notional principal amount of $200 million at rates ranging from
5.04 to 5.11 percent while simultaneously receiving floating rate interest payments set at 1.47 percent as of February 28,
2009 on the same notional amount. The fixed rate side of the swap will not change over the life of the swap. The floating
rate payments are reset quarterly based on three month LIBOR. The resets are concurrent with the interest payments
made on the underlying debt. Changes in the spread between the fixed rate payment side of the swap and the floating rate
receipt side of the swap offset 100 percent of the change in any period of the underlying debt’s floating rate payments.
These swaps are used to reduce the Company’s risk of increased interest costs; however, we lose the benefit that floating
rate debt can provide in a declining interest rate environment. The swaps are considered 100 percent effective. Gains and
losses related to the swaps, net of related tax effects are reported as a component of “Accumulated other comprehensive
loss” in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet and will not be reclassified into earnings until the conclusion of the
hedge. A partial net settlement occurs quarterly at the same time interest payments are made on the underlying debt. The
settlement is the net difference between the fixed rates payable and the floating rates receivable over the quarter under the
swap contracts. The settlement is recognized as a component of “Interest expense” in the consolidated statement of
operations.
65
The following table summarizes our open forward contracts and interest rate swap contracts and indicates
whether they are designated as cash flow hedges or ordinary hedges at the end of fiscal 2009 and 2008:
FOREIGN CURRENCY AND INTEREST RATE SWAP CONTRACTS
February 28, 2009
Range of Maturities
Spot Rate at
Weighted
Average
Weighted
Average
Forward
Rate
Market Value
of the
Contract in
Contract
Currency
Notional
Type
to Deliver
Amount
Contract Date
From
To
Spot Rate at
Contract
Date
February 28, Forward Rate at February
U.S. Dollars
2009
at Inception
28, 2009
(Thousands)
Foreign Currency Contracts Reported as Ordinary Hedges
Sell
Sell
Subtotal
£4,000,000
$7,011,000
Pounds
Dollars
4/17/2007
9/3/2008
5/15/2009
5/15/2009
8/17/2009
8/17/2009
2.0000
1.7825
1.4318
1.4318
1.9631
1.7528
1.4340
1.4283
$2,117
($1,298 )
$819
Interest Rate Swap Contracts Reported as Cash Flow Hedges
Swap
Dollars
$75,000,000
9/28/2006
6/29/2009
(Pay fixed rate at 5.04%, receive floating 3-month LIBOR rate)
($931 )
Swap
Dollars
$50,000,000
9/28/2006
6/29/2011
(Pay fixed rate at 5.04%, receive floating 3-month LIBOR rate)
($3,772 )
Swap
Subtotal
Dollars
$75,000,000
9/28/2006
6/29/2014
(Pay fixed rate at 5.11%, receive floating 3-month LIBOR rate)
Total Fair Value
($9,167 )
($13,870 )
($13,051 )
February 29, 2008
Range of Maturities
Spot Rate at
Weighted
Average
Weighted
Average
Forward
Rate
Market Value
of the
Contract in
Contract
Currency
Notional
Type
to Deliver
Amount
Contract Date
From
To
Spot Rate at
Contract
Date
February 29, Forward Rate at February
U.S. Dollars
2008
at Inception
29, 2008
(Thousands)
Foreign Currency Contracts Reported as Cash Flow Hedges
Sell
Sell
Subtotal
£5,000,000
£5,000,000
Pounds
Pounds
11/28/2006
4/17/2007
12/11/2008
2/17/2009
1/15/2009
8/17/2009
1.9385
2.0000
1.9885
1.9885
1.9242
1.9644
1.9440
1.9281
($99 )
$182
$83
Interest Rate Swap Contracts Reported as Cash Flow Hedges
Swap
Dollars
$75,000,000
9/28/2006
6/29/2009
(Pay fixed rate at 5.04%, receive floating 3-month LIBOR rate)
($2,506 )
Swap
Dollars
$50,000,000
9/28/2006
6/29/2011
(Pay fixed rate at 5.04%, receive floating 3-month LIBOR rate)
($3,462 )
Swap
Subtotal
Dollars
$75,000,000
9/28/2006
6/29/2014
(Pay fixed rate at 5.11%, receive floating 3-month LIBOR rate)
Total Fair Value
Counterparty Credit Risk:
($6,481 )
($12,449 )
($12,366 )
Financial instruments, including foreign currency contracts and interest rate swaps, expose us to counterparty
credit risk for nonperformance. We manage our exposure to counterparty credit risk through only dealing with
counterparties who are substantial international financial institutions with significant experience using such derivative
instruments. Although our theoretical credit risk is the replacement cost at the then estimated fair value of these
instruments, we believe that the risk of incurring credit risk losses is remote.
66
Rate Sensitive Financial Instruments:
The following table shows the approximate potential fair value change in U.S. Dollars that would arise from a
hypothetical adverse 10 percent change in certain market based rates underlying our Fixed Rate Long-Term Debt, ARS
and Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts, and a 50 basis point decrease in the rates underlying our Interest Rate Swaps
as of February 28, 2009 and February 29, 2008.
CHANGE IN FAIR VALUE DUE TO AN ADVERSE MOVE IN RELATED RATES
(in thousands)
Fixed Rate Long-Term Debt (1)
Interest Rate Swaps (2)
Auction Rate Securities (3)
Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts (4)
Fixed Rate Long-Term Debt (1)
Interest Rate Swaps (2)
Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts (5)
February 28, 2009
Face or
Notional
Amount
Carrying
Value
Fair
Value
Estimated
Change in
Fair Value
$12,000
$200,000
$22,650
($12,000 )
($13,870 )
$19,973
($12,441 )
($13,870 )
$19,973
($122 )
($2,777 )
($277 )
February 29, 2008
Face or
Notional
Amount
Carrying
Value
Fair
Value
Estimated
Change in
Fair Value
$15,000
$200,000
£10,000
($15,000 )
($12,449 )
$83
($15,378 )
($12,449 )
$83
($214 )
($3,641 )
($1,936 )
(1) The underlying interest rates used as a basis for these estimates are rates quoted by our lenders on fixed rate notes of
similar term and credit quality as of the balance sheet dates shown.
(2) The underlying interest rates are based on current and future projections over the related lives of the underlying swap
contracts of expected 3 month LIBOR rates.
(3) The underlying market based rate is the credit spread between the 30 year Treasury Bill rate and an average of
Moody’s AAA and BAA corporate rates.
(4) Our Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts at February 28, 2009 include contracts to sell British Pounds in exchange
for U.S. Dollars offset by more recently executed contracts to sell U.S. Dollars in exchange for British Pounds. The
newer contracts have the effect of eliminating the foreign currency hedge created by the original contracts. Any
move in currency rates that would be adverse to one set of contracts will be effectively cancelled by its corresponding
favorable impact on the other set of contracts.
(5) At February 29, 2008, appreciation in the value of the U.S. Dollar would result in a decrease in the fair value of the
related foreign currency contracts.
The table above is for risk analysis purposes and does not purport to represent actual losses or gains in fair value
that we will incur. It is important to note that the change in value represents the estimated change in the fair value of the
contracts. Actual results in the future may differ materially from these estimated results due to actual developments in the
global financial markets. Because the contracts hedge an underlying exposure, we would expect a similar and opposite
change in foreign exchange gains or losses and floating interest rates over the same periods as the contracts.
We expect that as currency market conditions warrant, and if our foreign denominated transaction exposure
grows, we will continue to execute additional contracts in order to hedge against potential foreign exchange losses.
67
Risks Inherent in Cash, Cash Equivalents, Temporary and Long-term Investments:
Our cash, cash equivalents and investments are subject to interest rate risk, credit risk and liquidity risk. Cash
consists of both interest bearing and non-interest bearing operating disbursement accounts. Cash equivalents consist of
commercial paper and money market investment accounts. Temporary and long-term investments consist of AAA rated
ARS that we normally seek to dispose of within 35 or fewer days. The following table summarizes our cash, cash
equivalents, temporary and long-term investments at the end of fiscal 2009 and 2008:
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, TEMPORARY AND LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS
(in thousands)
Last Day of February
2009
2008
Carrying
Amount
Range of
Interest Rates
Carrying
Amount
Range of
Interest Rates
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash held in interest and non interest-bearing operating
accounts - unrestricted
$
18,575
0.0 to 3.00% $
6,872
0.0 to 5.40%
Cash held in interest and non interest-bearing operating
accounts - restricted
1,426
0.0 to 7.00%
701
-
Commercial paper
-
-
1,785
3.15 to 3.19%
Money market accounts
Total cash and cash equivalents
82,674
102,675
$
0.35 to 6.00%
$
2.00 to 6.00%
48,493
57,851
Auction rate securities - collateralized by student loans
$
19,973
1.95% to
8.67%
$
63,825
4.50 to 9.90%
Our cash balances at February 28, 2009 and February 29, 2008 include restricted cash of $1.43 and $0.70
million, respectively, denominated in Venezuelan Bolivares Fuertes, shown above under the heading “Cash held in
interest and non interest-bearing operating accounts – restricted.” The balances are primarily a result of favorable
operating cash flows within the Venezuelan market. Due to current Venezuelan government restrictions on transfers of
cash out of the country and control of exchange rates, the Company has not yet received approval of its applications to
repatriate this cash, and cannot repatriate it at this time.
Most of our cash equivalents and investments are in money market accounts and ARS with frequent rate resets,
therefore, we believe there is no material interest rate risk. In addition, our commercial paper and ARS are purchased
from issuers with high credit ratings; therefore, we believe the credit risk is relatively low.
We hold investments in ARS collateralized by student loans (with underlying maturities from 20 to 37 years). At
February 28, 2009, 97 percent of the aggregate collateral was guaranteed by the U.S. government under the Federal
Family Education Loan Program. Liquidity for these securities was normally dependent on an auction process that resets
the applicable interest rate at pre-determined intervals, ranging from 7 to 35 days. Beginning in February 2008, the
auctions for the ARS held by us and others were unsuccessful, requiring us to hold them beyond their typical auction reset
dates. Auctions fail when there is insufficient demand. However, this does not represent a default by the issuer of the
security. Upon an auction’s failure, the interest rates reset based on a formula contained in the security. The rate is
generally equal to or higher than the current market rate for similar securities. The securities will continue to accrue
interest and to be auctioned until one of the following occurs: the auction succeeds; the issuer calls the securities; or the
securities mature.
At February 29, 2008, these securities were valued at their original cost and classified as current assets in the
consolidated balance sheet under the heading “Temporary investments,” which we believed was appropriate based on the
circumstances and level of information we had at that time. Between February 29, 2008 and February 28, 2009, we have
liquidated $41.18 million of these securities at par. Each of the remaining securities in our portfolio has been subject to
failed auctions. These failures in the auction process have affected our ability to access these funds in the near term. At
May 31, 2008, we concluded that the illiquidity in the ARS markets was not a temporary phenomenon. At that time, we
decided to continue to reduce our remaining holdings as soon as practicable, but believed it unlikely that we
68
could liquidate all of our holdings within twelve months. Accordingly, we reclassified all remaining ARS as non-current
assets held for sale under the heading “Long-term investments” in our consolidated balance sheet and the Company
determined that original cost no longer approximates fair value.
As a result of the lack of liquidity in the ARS market, during the fiscal year ended February 28, 2009, we
recorded pre-tax unrealized losses on our ARS totaling $2.68 million, which is reflected in accumulated other
comprehensive loss in our accompanying consolidated balance sheet net of related tax effects of $0.91 million. The
recording of these unrealized losses is not a result of the quality of the underlying collateral, but rather a markdown
reflecting a lack of liquidity and other market conditions.
FASB Staff Positions FAS 115-1 and FAS 124-1, “The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and Its
Application to Certain Investments,” states that an investment is considered impaired when the fair value is less than the
cost. Significant judgment is required to determine if impairment is other-than-temporary. The Company deemed the
unrealized loss on the available-for-sale ARS to be temporary based primarily on the following: (1) as of the balance sheet
date, the Company had the ability and intent to hold the impaired securities to maturity; (2) the lack of deterioration in the
financial performance, credit rating or business prospects of the issuers; (3) the lack of evident factors that raise
significant concerns about the issuers’ ability to continue as a going concern; (4) the lack of significant changes in the
regulatory, economic or technological environment of the issuers; and (5) the presence of collateral guarantees by the U.S.
government under the Federal Family Education Loan Program. If it becomes probable that the Company will not receive
100 percent of the principal and interest with respect to any of the ARS, or if events occur to change any of the factors
described above, the Company will be required to recognize an other-than-temporary impairment charge in the
consolidated statement of operations.
69
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Financial Statements:
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of February 28, 2009 and February 29, 2008
Consolidated Statements of Operations for each of the years in the three-year period ended
February 28, 2009
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for each of the years in the three-year period
ended February 28, 2009
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended
February 28, 2009
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Financial Statement Schedule:
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for each of the years in the three-year period
ended February 28, 2009
PAGE
71
72
75
76
77
78
79
124
All other schedules are omitted as the required information is included in the consolidated financial statements or is not
applicable.
70
MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
Helen of Troy’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over
financial reporting as defined by Rules 13a-15(f) or 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act.
Our internal control system is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial
reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted
accounting principles and includes those policies and procedures that:
• pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect our transactions and
dispositions of assets;
• provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial
statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that our receipts and expenditures
are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and Board of Directors; and
• provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or
disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
There are inherent limitations in the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, including the
possibility that misstatements may not be prevented or detected. Furthermore, the effectiveness of internal controls may
become inadequate because of future changes in conditions, or variations in the degree of compliance with our policies or
procedures.
Our management assesses the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting using the criteria set
forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control-
Integrated Framework . Based on our assessment, we concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was
effective as of February 28, 2009.
Our independent registered public accounting firm, Grant Thornton LLP, has issued an audit report on the
effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. This report appears on page 72.
71
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Helen of Troy Limited
We have audited Helen of Troy Limited and subsidiaries’ (the “Company”) internal control over financial
reporting as of February 28, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the
Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). The Company’s management is
responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of
internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over
Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial
reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board
(United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether
effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an
understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and
evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other
procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our
opinion.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance
regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes
those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly
reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions
are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of
management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection
of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial
statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect
misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that the
controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or
procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, Helen of Troy Limited and subsidiaries maintained, in all material respects, effective internal
control over financial reporting as of February 28, 2009, based on the criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated
Framework issued by COSO.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board
(United States), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of February 28, 2009 and February 29, 2008, and the
related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years then ended, and
our report dated May 14, 2009 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.
/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP
Dallas, Texas
May 14, 2009
72
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Helen of Troy Limited
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Helen of Troy Limited and subsidiaries (the
“Company”) as of February 28, 2009 and February 29, 2008, and the related consolidated statements of operations,
shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended February 28, 2009. Our audits of the
basic financial statements included the financial statement schedule titled Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying
Accounts as it relates to the years ended February 28, 2009 and February 29, 2008. These financial statements and the
financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements and the financial statement schedule based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board
(United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether
the financial statements are free of material misstatement. 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 consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the
financial position of Helen of Troy Limited and subsidiaries as of February 28, 2009 and February 29, 2008, and the
consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended February 28,
2009, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion,
the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole,
presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.
As discussed in Note (1) to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its method of accounting
for collateral assignment split-dollar life insurance arrangements as of March 1, 2008, in connection with the adoption of
EITF Issue No. 06-10, Accounting for Deferred Compensation and Postretirement Benefit Aspects of Collateral
Assignment Split-Dollar Life Insurance Arrangements.
As discussed in Note (8) to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its method of accounting
for unrecognized tax benefits as of March 1, 2007, in connection with the adoption of FASB Interpretation No. 48,
Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes: an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 .
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board
(United States), Helen of Troy Limited and subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of February 28, 2009,
based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring
Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) and our report dated May 14, 2009 expressed an unqualified
opinion thereon.
/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP
Dallas, Texas
May 14, 2009
73
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Board of Directors and Shareholders
Helen of Troy Limited:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows
of Helen of Troy Limited and subsidiaries for the year ended February 28, 2007. In connection with our audit of the
consolidated financial statements, we also have audited the financial statement schedule titled Schedule II – Valuation and
Qualifying Accounts as it relates to the year ended February 28, 2007. These consolidated financial statements and
financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board
(United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether
the financial statements are free of material misstatement. 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 audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the
results of operations and cash flows of Helen of Troy Limited and subsidiaries as of February 28, 2007, in conformity
with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when
considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material
respects, the information set forth therein as it relates to the year ended February 28, 2007.
As discussed in Note (1) to the consolidated financial statements, the Company adopted Statement of Financial
Accounting Standard 123(R), Share-Based Payment, effective March 1, 2006.
/s/ KPMG LLP
Houston, Texas
May 14, 2007
74
HELEN OF TROY LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands, except shares and par value)
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
Temporary investments
Trading securities, at market value
Receivables - principally trade, less allowance of $1,916 and $1,331
Inventories
Prepaid expenses
Income taxes receivable
Deferred income tax benefits
Total current assets
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $51,607 and $44,524
Goodwill
Trademarks, net of accumulated amortization of $240 and $235
License agreements, net of accumulated amortization of $18,479 and $17,343
Other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $8,602 and $6,432
Long-term investments
Deferred income tax benefits
Other assets, net of accumulated amortization of $3,447 and $2,865
Total assets
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt
Accounts payable, principally trade
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
Total current liabilities
Long-term compensation liability
Long-term income taxes payable
Deferred income tax liability
Long-term debt, less current portion
Total liabilities
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders’ equity:
Cumulative preferred shares, non-voting, $1.00 par. Authorized 2,000,000 shares; none
issued
Common shares, $0.10 par. Authorized 50,000,000 shares; 29,878,988 and 30,374,703
shares issued and outstanding
Additional paid-in-capital
Retained earnings
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Total shareholders’ equity
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
75
$
$
$
Last Day of February,
2008
2009
$
$
$
102,675
-
570
103,548
169,780
2,819
4,051
13,010
396,453
83,946
166,131
111,227
16,017
16,416
19,973
1,618
9,526
821,307
78,000
33,957
60,295
172,252
3,459
2,903
-
134,000
312,614
57,851
63,825
36
105,615
144,867
6,290
861
16,419
395,764
91,611
212,922
161,922
24,972
15,544
-
-
9,258
911,993
3,000
42,763
73,697
119,460
2,566
9,181
410
212,000
343,617
-
-
2,988
105,627
410,372
(10,294 )
508,693
821,307
$
3,038
100,328
473,361
(8,351 )
568,376
911,993
$
HELEN OF TROY LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(in thousands, except per share data)
Net sales
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Selling, general, and administrative expense
Operating income before impairment and gain
Impairment charges
Gain on sale of land
Operating income (loss)
Other income (expense):
Interest expense
Other income, net
Total other income (expense)
Years Ended The Last Day of February,
2007
2008
2009
$
$
622,745
367,343
255,402
$
652,548
370,853
281,695
188,344
67,058
107,274
-
(40,216 )
(13,687 )
2,438
(11,249 )
207,771
73,924
4,983
(3,609 )
72,550
(15,025 )
3,748
(11,277 )
634,932
355,552
279,380
208,964
70,416
-
-
70,416
(17,912 )
2,643
(15,269 )
Earnings (loss) before income taxes
(51,465 )
61,273
55,147
Income tax expense (benefit)
5,328
(236 )
5,060
Net earnings (loss)
Earnings (loss) per share:
Basic
Diluted
$
(56,793 ) $
61,509
$
50,087
$
$
(1.88 ) $
(1.88 ) $
2.01
1.93
$
$
1.66
1.58
Weighted average common shares used in computing net earnings (loss) per
share:
Basic
Diluted
30,173
30,173
30,531
31,798
30,122
31,717
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
76
HELEN OF TROY LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity
(in thousands, except number of shares)
Additional
Accumulated
Other
Common
Shares
Paid-In
Capital
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Retained
Earnings
Total
Shareholders’
Equity
Balances at March 1, 2006
$
3,001 $
90,300 $
1,160 $
380,916 $
475,377
Components of comprehensive
income:
Net earnings
Unrealized loss on cash flow
hedges - interest rate swaps, net
Unrealized loss on cash flow
hedges - foreign currency, net
Total comprehensive income
Share-based compensation
Exercise of stock options, including
tax benefits of $544
Issuance of common shares in
connection with employee stock
purchase plan
Balances February 28, 2007
Cumulative-effect adjustments, net of
tax Adoption of FIN 48
Components of comprehensive
income:
Net earnings
Unrealized loss on cash flow
hedges - interest rate swaps, net
Unrealized gain on cash flow
hedges - foreign currency, net
Total comprehensive income
Share-based compensation
Exercise of stock options, including
tax benefits of $4,417
Issuance of common shares in
connection with employee stock
purchase plan
Acquisition and retirement of
1,095,392 common shares
Balances February 29, 2008
Cumulative-effect adjustments, net of
tax Adoption of EITF 06-10
Components of comprehensive
income (loss):
Net earnings (loss)
-
-
-
50,087
50,087
-
-
-
25
-
-
693
3,586
(991 )
(1,735 )
-
-
-
-
-
-
(991 )
(1,735 )
47,361
693
3,611
3
3,029
372
94,951
-
(1,566 )
-
431,003
375
527,417
-
(6,144 )
-
(5,911 )
(12,055 )
-
-
-
61,509
61,509
-
-
-
116
-
-
1,162
22,578
(7,225 )
440
-
-
-
-
-
-
3
432
-
-
(110 )
3,038
(12,651 )
100,328
-
(8,351 )
(13,240 )
473,361
(7,225 )
440
54,724
1,162
22,694
435
(26,001 )
568,376
(656 )
(656 )
-
-
-
(56,793 )
(56,793 )
Unrealized loss on cash flow
hedges - interest rate swaps, net
Unrealized gain on cash flow
hedges - foreign currency, net
Unrealized losses - auction rate
securities, net
Total comprehensive loss
-
-
-
-
-
-
(938 )
762
(1,767 )
-
-
-
Share-based compensation
-
1,488
-
-
Effect of favorable tax settlements on
prior years share-based
compensation charges to paid-in-
capital
Exercise of stock options, including
tax benefits of $54
Issuance of common shares in
connection with employee stock
purchase plan
Acquisition and retirement of 574,365
common shares
Balances February 28, 2009
$
-
4,634
5
3
655
340
-
-
-
-
-
-
(58 )
2,988 $
(1,818 )
105,627 $
-
(10,294 ) $
(5,540 )
410,372 $
(7,416 )
508,693
(938 )
762
(1,767 )
(58,736 )
1,488
4,634
660
343
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
77
HELEN OF TROY LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings (loss)
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net cash provided by
operating activities
Depreciation and amortization
Provision (benefit) for doubtful receivables
Share-based compensation
Write off of deferred finance costs due to early extinguishment of debt
Realized and unrealized (gain) loss on securities
Deferred taxes
Gains on the sale of property and equipment
Impairment charges
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisition of
business:
Accounts receivable
Inventories
Prepaid expenses
Other assets
Accounts payable
Accrued expenses
Income taxes payable
Net cash provided by operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital, license, trademark, and other intangible expenditures
Business acquisitions
Purchase of investments
Sale of investments
Proceeds from the sale of property and equipment
Increase in other assets
Net cash provided (used) by investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from debt
Repayment of long-term debt
Payment of financing costs
Proceeds from exercise of stock options and employee stock purchases, net
Common share repurchases
Payment of tax obligations resulting from cashless option exercise
Share-based compensation tax benefit
Net cash used by financing activities
Years Ended The Last Day of February,
2007
2008
2009
$
(56,793 ) $
61,509
$
50,087
14,185
5,643
1,488
-
252
2,379
(56 )
107,274
(3,417 )
(24,265 )
3,471
(706 )
(8,806 )
(13,893 )
(4,829 )
21,927
(5,859 )
(4,765 )
(786 )
41,175
2,613
-
32,378
-
(3,000 )
(157 )
859
(7,271 )
-
88
(9,481 )
14,298
329
1,162
282
189
1,377
(3,573 )
4,983
17,582
7,039
903
(408 )
4,968
2,684
(3,418 )
109,906
(7,709 )
(36,500 )
(178,275 )
170,200
5,702
(738 )
(47,320 )
-
(35,000 )
-
4,854
(5,731 )
(4,505 )
192
(40,190 )
22,396
35,455
57,851
14,969
24,692
15,938
$
$
$
$
14,301
(152 )
693
-
(2 )
(677 )
(225 )
-
(8,455 )
24,331
914
2,579
7,604
5,770
(6,362 )
90,406
(7,395 )
-
(148,625 )
92,875
666
-
(62,479 )
7,660
(22,634 )
-
3,986
-
-
196
(10,792 )
17,135
18,320
35,455
16,939
7,935
-
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year
Supplemental cash flow disclosures:
Interest paid
Income taxes paid (net of refunds)
Common shares received as exercise price of options
44,824
57,851
102,675
13,057
7,642
146
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
78
HELEN OF TROY LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except share and per share data, unless indicated otherwise)
NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
(a) General
When used in these notes, the terms “Helen of Troy,” “the Company,” “we”, “our” or “us” means Helen of Troy
Limited, a Bermuda company, and its subsidiaries.
We are a global designer, developer, importer, marketer and distributor of an expanding portfolio of brand-name
consumer products. We have two segments: Personal Care and Housewares. Our Personal Care segment’s products
include hair dryers, straighteners, curling irons, hairsetters, shavers, mirrors, hot air brushes, home hair clippers and
trimmers, paraffin baths, massage cushions, footbaths, body massagers, brushes, combs, hair accessories, liquid and
aerosol hair care and styling products, men’s fragrances, men’s deodorants, liquid and bar soaps, foot powder, body
powder and skin care products. Our Housewares segment reports the operations of OXO International (“OXO”)
whose products include kitchen tools, cutlery, bar and wine accessories, household cleaning tools, food storage
containers, tea kettles, trash cans, storage and organization products, hand tools, gardening tools, kitchen mitts and
trivets, barbeque tools and rechargeable lighting products. Both our Personal Care and Housewares segments sell
their products primarily through mass merchandisers, drugstore chains, warehouse clubs, catalogs, grocery stores and
specialty stores. In addition, the Personal Care segment sells extensively through beauty supply retailers and
wholesalers. We purchase our products from unaffiliated manufacturers, most of which are located in the People’s
Republic of China and the United States.
Our financial statements are prepared in U.S. Dollars and in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting
principles. These principles require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts
of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could
differ from those estimates.
For both fiscal 2008 and fiscal 2007, we provided additional information in our consolidated financial statements and
accompanying footnotes to conform to the current year’s presentation.
(b) Consolidation
Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Helen of Troy Limited and its wholly-owned
subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.
(c) Cash, cash equivalents, temporary and long-term investments
Our cash balances at February 28, 2009 and February 29, 2008 include restricted cash of $1.43 and $0.70 million,
respectively, denominated in Venezuelan Bolivares Fuertes. The balances are primarily a result of favorable operating
cash flows within the Venezuelan market. Due to current Venezuelan government restrictions on transfers of cash out
of the country and control of exchange rates, the Company has not yet received approval of its applications to
repatriate this cash, and cannot repatriate it at this time.
We consider commercial paper and money market investment accounts to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents
comprised $82.67 and $50.28 million of the amounts reported on our consolidated balance sheets as “Cash and cash
equivalents” at fiscal year ends 2009 and 2008, respectively.
Prior to fiscal 2009, we made investments of excess cash on hand in AAA auction rate notes, AAA variable rate
demand bonds, and similar investments that we normally seek to dispose of within 35 or fewer days (“auction rate
securities” or “ARS”). In fiscal 2008 and prior periods, these were classified on our consolidated balance sheet as
“Temporary investments” and recorded at cost, which we believe approximated their fair value at that time.
79
NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES, CONTINUED
At February 28, 2009, we held $19.97 million of ARS, classified as “Long-term investments” on our consolidated
balance sheet with underlying maturities from 20 to 37 years and 97 percent of the aggregate collateral (student loans)
guaranteed by the U.S. government under the Federal Family Education Loan Program.
Throughout fiscal 2009, these ARS were subject to failed auctions that affected our ability to access the funds in the
near term. Auctions fail when there is insufficient demand. However, this does not represent a default by the issuer
of the security. Upon an auction failure, the interest rates reset based on a formula contained in the security and this
rate is generally higher than the current market rate. The securities will continue to accrue interest and to be
auctioned until one of the following occurs: the auction succeeds; the issuer calls the securities; or the securities
mature.
At May 31, 2008, we concluded that the illiquidity in the ARS market was not a temporary market condition. We
intend to continue to reduce our remaining holdings as soon as practicable, but believed it unlikely that we could
liquidate all of our holdings within twelve months. Accordingly, we reclassified all remaining ARS as non-current
assets held for sale under the heading “Long-term investments” in our consolidated balance sheet and the Company
determined that original cost no longer approximated fair value.
As a result of the lack of liquidity in the ARS market, during the fiscal year ended February 28, 2009, we recorded
pre-tax unrealized losses on our ARS totaling $2.68 million, which is reflected in accumulated other comprehensive
loss in our accompanying consolidated balance sheet net of related tax effects of $0.91 million. The recording of
these unrealized losses is not a result of the quality of the underlying collateral, but rather a markdown reflecting a
lack of liquidity and other market conditions. Between February 29, 2008 and February 28, 2009, we liquidated
$41.18 million of these securities at par.
At February 29, 2008, we held $63.83 million of ARS, classified as “Temporary investments” on our consolidated
balance sheet with underlying maturities from 21 to 40 years and 94 percent of the aggregate collateral (student loans)
guaranteed by the U.S. government under the Federal Family Education Loan Program and approximately 5 percent
of the aggregate collateral was backed by private financial guarantee insurance. During fiscal 2008, these securities
were valued at their original cost and classified as current assets in the consolidated balance sheet under the heading
“Temporary investments,” which we believed was appropriate based on the circumstances and level of information
we had at that time.
Note (16) contains additional information regarding our cash, cash equivalents, temporary and long-term investments.
(d) Trading securities
Trading securities consist of shares of common stock of publicly traded companies and are stated on our consolidated
balance sheets at market value, as determined by the most recent trading price of each security as of each balance
sheet date. We determine the appropriate classification of our investments when those investments are purchased and
reevaluate those determinations at each balance sheet date. Trading securities are currently included in the “Current
assets” section of our consolidated balance sheets. All unrealized gains and losses attributable to such securities are
included in “Other income, net” on the consolidated statement of operations.
The sum of unrealized and realized net gains and (losses) attributable to trading securities totaled ($0.20), ($0.19) and
$0.00 million in fiscal 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
(e) Valuation of accounts receivable
Our allowance for doubtful receivables reflects our best estimate of probable losses, determined principally on the
basis of historical experience and specific allowances for known troubled accounts. The Company has significant
concentrations of credit risk with two major customers. In addition, as of February 28, 2009 and February 29, 2008,
approximately 47 and 48 percent, respectively, of the Company’s gross trade receivables were due from its five top
customers.
80
NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES, CONTINUED
(f) Inventories and cost of sales
Our inventories consist almost entirely of finished goods. We account for inventory using a first-in, first-out system
in which we record inventory on our balance sheet at the lower of our average cost or net realizable value. A
product’s average cost is comprised of the amount that we pay our manufacturer for product, tariffs and duties
associated with transporting product across national borders, freight costs associated with transporting the product
from our manufacturers to our distribution centers, and general and administrative expenses directly attributable to
the procurement of inventory.
General and administrative expenses in inventory include all the expenses of operating the Company’s sourcing
activities, expenses incurred for production monitoring, and expenses incurred for product design, engineering and
packaging. We charged $15.22, $12.49 and $11.46 million of such general and administrative expenses to inventory
during fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. We estimate that $6.35 and $4.76 million of general and
administrative expenses directly attributable to the procurement of inventory were included in our inventory balances
on hand at fiscal year ends 2009 and 2008, respectively.
The “Cost of sales” line item on the consolidated statement of operations is comprised of the book value (lower of
average cost or net realizable value) of inventory sold to customers during the reporting period. When circumstances
dictate that we use net realizable value in lieu of cost, we base our estimates on expected future selling prices less
expected disposal costs.
(g) Property and equipment
These assets are stated at cost. Depreciation is recorded on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the
assets. Expenditures for repair and maintenance of property and equipment are expensed as incurred. For tax
purposes, accelerated depreciation methods are used as allowed by tax laws.
(h) License agreements, trademarks, patents and other intangible assets
A significant portion of our sales are made subject to license agreements with the licensors of the Vidal Sassoon®,
Revlon®, Sunbeam®, Health o meter®, Bed Head®, Toni&Guy® and Dr. Scholl’s® trademarks. Our license
agreements are reported on our consolidated balance sheets at cost, less accumulated amortization. The cost of our
license agreements represents amounts paid to licensors to acquire the license or to alter the terms of the license in a
manner that we believe to be in our best interest. Royalty payments are not included in the cost of license agreements.
We amortize license costs on a straight-line basis over the appropriate lives of the respective agreements. Net sales
subject to trademark license agreements comprised 42, 48 and 53 percent of total consolidated net sales for fiscal
years 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Royalty expense under our license agreements is recognized as incurred and
is included in our consolidated statement of operations on the line entitled “Selling, general, and administrative
expenses” (“SG&A”).
We also sell products under trademarks that we own. Trademarks that we acquire from other entities are generally
recorded on our consolidated balance sheets based upon the appraised cost of acquiring the trademark, net of any
accumulated amortization and impairment charges. Costs associated with developing trademarks internally are
recorded as expenses in the period incurred. When trademarks have readily determinable useful lives, we amortize
their costs on a straight-line basis over such lives. In certain instances, we have determined that particular trademarks
have an indefinite useful life. In these cases, no amortization is recorded.
Patents acquired through purchase from other entities, if material, are recorded on our consolidated balance sheets
based upon the appraised cost of the acquired patents and amortized over the remaining life of the patent.
Additionally, we incur certain costs, primarily legal fees in connection with the design and development of products
to be covered by patents, which are capitalized as incurred and amortized on a straight-line basis over the life of the
patent in the jurisdiction filed, typically 14 years.
81
NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES, CONTINUED
Other intangible assets include customer lists, distribution rights and non-compete agreements that we acquired from
other entities. These are recorded on our consolidated balance sheets based upon the appraised cost of the acquired
asset and amortized on a straight-line basis over the remaining life of the asset as determined either through outside
appraisal of our customer lists or the term of the non-compete agreement. See Notes (3) and (4) for additional
information on our intangible assets.
(i) Goodwill, intangible and other long-lived assets
Goodwill is recorded as the difference, if any, between the aggregate consideration paid and the fair value of the net
tangible and intangible assets received in the acquisition of a business. We evaluate goodwill at the reporting unit
level. The performance of the test involves a two-step process. The first step of the impairment test involves
determining the fair value of each reporting unit and then comparing its fair value with its aggregate carrying value,
including goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit is greater than the fair value, an impairment may be
present and we perform the second step of the goodwill impairment test to determine the amount of impairment loss.
In conjunction with the first step evaluation, the fair values of the individual reporting unit’s indefinite-lived
intangibles are reviewed for potential impairment. The second step of the goodwill impairment test involves
comparing the implied fair value of the affected reporting unit’s goodwill with the carrying value of that goodwill.
We measure the amount of any goodwill impairment based upon the estimated fair value of the underlying assets and
liabilities of the reporting unit, including any unrecognized intangible assets, and estimates of the implied fair value
of goodwill. An impairment charge is recognized to the extent the recorded goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of
goodwill.
We consider whether circumstances or conditions exist which suggest that the carrying value of our goodwill and
other long-lived assets might be impaired. If such circumstances or conditions exist, further steps are required in
order to determine whether the carrying value of each of the individual assets exceeds its fair market value. If analysis
indicates that an individual asset’s carrying value does exceed its fair market value, the next step is to record a loss
equal to the excess of the individual asset’s carrying value over its fair value. The steps required by SFAS 142 and
SFAS 144 entail significant amounts of judgment and subjectivity. We complete our analysis of the carrying value of
our goodwill and other intangible assets during the first quarter of each fiscal year, or more frequently whenever
events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying value may not be recoverable. Events and changes in
circumstances that may indicate that there is impairment include, but are not limited to, strategic decisions to exit a
business or dispose of an asset made in response to changes in economic, political and competitive conditions, the
impact of the economic environment on our customer base and on broad market conditions that drive valuation
considerations by market participants, our internal expectations with regard to future revenue growth and the
assumptions we make when performing our impairment reviews, a significant decrease in the market price of our
assets, a significant adverse change in the extent or manner in which our assets are used, a significant adverse change
in legal factors or the business climate that could affect our assets, an accumulation of costs significantly in excess of
the amount originally expected for the acquisition of an asset, and significant changes in the cash flows associated
with an asset. We analyze these assets at the individual asset, reporting unit and Company levels.
As further discussed in Note (3) to these consolidated financial statements, we have recorded non-cash impairment
charges totaling $107.27 million ($106.67 million after tax) and $4.98 million ($4.88 million after tax), for the fiscal
years 2009 and 2008, respectively, in order to reflect the carrying value of goodwill and certain trademarks in our
Personal Care segment at current estimates of their fair value. With respect to all trademarks for which such
impairments were recorded, we currently expect to continue to hold these trademarks for use. No impairment charges
were recorded for fiscal year 2007.
82
NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES, CONTINUED
(j) Economic useful lives and amortization of intangible assets
We amortize intangible assets, such as licenses and trademarks, over their economic useful lives, unless those assets’
economic useful lives are indefinite. If an intangible asset’s economic useful life is deemed to be indefinite, that asset
is not amortized. When we acquire an intangible asset, we consider factors such as the asset’s history, our plans for
that asset, and the market for products associated with the asset. We consider these same factors when reviewing the
economic useful lives of our existing intangible assets as well. We review the economic useful lives of our intangible
assets at least annually.
Intangible assets consist primarily of goodwill, license agreements, trademarks, customer lists, distribution rights and
patents. All of our goodwill is held in jurisdictions that do not allow deductions for tax purposes. We amortize
certain intangible assets using the straight-line method over appropriate periods ranging from five to forty years. We
recorded intangible asset amortization totaling $3.31, $3.27 and $2.96 million during fiscal 2009, 2008 and 2007,
respectively. See Notes (3) and (4) to these consolidated financial statements for more information about our
intangible assets.
(k) Deferred financing costs
The Company has incurred debt issuance costs in connection with its short- and long-term debt. These costs are
capitalized as deferred financing costs and amortized using the straight-line method over the term of the related debt,
which approximates the effective interest method of amortization.
(l) Warranties
Our products are under warranty against defects in material and workmanship for a maximum of two years. We have
established accruals to cover future warranty costs of $6.94 and $7.64 million as of fiscal year ends 2009 and 2008,
respectively. We estimate our warranty accrual using historical trends and believe that these trends are the most
reliable method by which we can estimate our warranty liability. The following table summarizes the activity in the
Company’s accrual for the past three fiscal years:
ACCRUAL FOR WARRANTY RETURNS
(in thousands)
Years Ended The Last Day of February,
2008
2009
2007
Balance at the beginning of the period
Additions to the accrual
Reductions of the accrual - payments and credits issued
Balance at the end of the period
$
7,635 $
16,685
(17,380 )
$
6,940 $
6,450 $
22,722
(21,537 )
7,635 $
7,373
18,080
(19,003 )
6,450
Certain entities whose financial statements are a part of these consolidated financial statements have guaranteed
obligations of other entities within the consolidated group. Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”)
Interpretation No. 45, “Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect
Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others” requires disclosure of these guarantees, our product warranty liabilities and
various indemnity arrangements to which we are a party. Additional disclosures related to this policy are contained in
Notes (5), (6), (7) and (10) to these consolidated financial statements.
83
NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES, CONTINUED
(m) Financial instruments
The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, accounts payable, accrued expenses and income
taxes payable approximate fair value because of the short maturity of these items. See Note (7) to these consolidated
financial statements for our assessment of the fair value of our guaranteed senior notes and other long-term debt. We
hedge a portion of our foreign exchange rate risk by entering into contracts to exchange foreign currencies for U.S.
Dollars at specified rates.
During fiscal 2007, we entered into interest rate swaps (the “swaps”), to protect our funding costs against rising
interest rates. The interest rate swaps allowed us to raise long-term borrowings at floating rates and effectively swap
them into fixed rates. Under our swaps, we agree with another party to exchange quarterly the difference between
fixed-rate and floating-rate interest amounts calculated by reference to notional amounts that match the amount of our
underlying debt. Under these swap agreements, we pay the fixed rates and receive the floating rates. The swaps
settle quarterly and terminate upon maturity of the related debt.
Our foreign exchange contracts and interest rate swaps are considered highly effective under Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (“SFAS 133”). See
Note (16) to these consolidated financial statements for more information on our hedging activities.
(n) Income taxes and uncertain tax positions
We use the asset and liability method to account for income taxes. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are
recognized for the future tax consequences of temporary differences between the book and tax bases of applicable
assets and liabilities. Generally, deferred tax assets represent future income tax reductions while deferred tax
liabilities represent income taxes that we expect to pay in the future. We measure deferred tax assets and liabilities
using enacted tax rates for the years in which we expect temporary differences to be reversed or be settled. Changes
in tax rates affect the carrying values of our deferred tax assets and liabilities. The ultimate realization of our deferred
tax assets depends upon generating sufficient future taxable income during the periods in which our temporary
differences become deductible or before our net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards expire. The effects of any
tax rate changes are recognized in the periods when they become effective.
Effective March 1, 2007, we adopted FASB Interpretation 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – an
interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (“FIN 48”). In accordance with FIN 48, we recognize the benefit of a tax
position if that position will more likely than not be sustained in an audit, based on the technical merits of the
position. If the tax position meets the more likely than not recognition threshold, the tax effect is recognized at the
largest amount of the benefit that has greater than a fifty percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate
settlement. In accordance with FIN 48, liabilities created for unrecognized tax benefits are presented as a separate
liability and not combined with deferred tax liabilities or assets, and consistent with past practice, we recognize
interest and penalties accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in the provision for income taxes.
Note (8) to these consolidated financial statements contains additional information regarding our income taxes and
the impacts of the adoption of FIN 48.
84
NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES, CONTINUED
(o) Revenue recognition
Sales are recognized when revenue is realized or realizable and has been earned. Sales and shipping terms vary
among our customers, and, as such, revenue is recognized when risk and title to the product transfer to the customer.
Net sales is comprised of gross revenues less estimates of expected returns, trade discounts and customer allowances,
which include incentives such as cooperative advertising agreements and off-invoice markdowns. Such deductions
are recorded and/or amortized during the period the related revenue is recognized. Sales and value added taxes
collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities are excluded from net sales reported in the
consolidated financial statements.
(p) Consideration granted to customers
We offer our customers certain incentives in the form of cooperative advertising arrangements, volume rebates,
product markdown allowances, trade discounts, cash discounts, slotting fees and similar other arrangements. We
account for these incentives in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 01-9, “Accounting for
Consideration Given by a Vendor to a Customer” (“EITF 01-9”). In instances where the customer provides us with
proof of performance, reductions in amounts received from customers as a result of cooperative advertising programs
are included in our consolidated statement of operations in SG&A.
Other reductions in amounts received from customers as a result of cooperative advertising programs are recorded as
reductions of net sales. Markdown allowances, slotting fees, trade discounts, cash discounts and volume rebates are
all recorded as reductions of net sales. Customer incentives included in SG&A were $11.81, $12.16 and $12.57
million for the fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
(q) Advertising
Advertising costs are expensed in the fiscal year in which they are incurred and included in our consolidated
statement of operations in SG&A. We incurred advertising costs, including amounts paid to customers for local
media and print advertising, of $22.63, $30.22 and $28.68 million during fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007,
respectively.
(r) Shipping and handling revenues and expenses
Shipping and handling expenses are included in our consolidated statement of operations in SG&A. These expenses
include distribution center costs, third party logistics costs and outbound transportation costs. Our expenses for
shipping and handling totaled $49.68, $51.94 and $58.86 million during fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007,
respectively. We bill our customers for charges for shipping and handling on certain sales made directly to consumers
and retail customers ordering relatively small dollar amounts of product. Such charges are recorded as a reduction of
our shipping and handling expense and are not material in the aggregate.
(s) Foreign currency transactions and related derivative financial instruments
The U.S. Dollar is our functional currency. All our non-U.S. subsidiaries’ transactions involving other currencies
have been re-measured in U.S. Dollars using average exchange rates for the months in which the transactions
occurred. In our consolidated statement of operations, exchange gains and losses resulting from the remeasurement
of foreign taxes receivable, taxes payable, deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are recognized in their
respective income tax lines and all other foreign exchange gains and losses are recognized in SG&A. We recorded net
foreign exchange gains (losses), including the impact of currency hedges, of ($5.21), $0.53 and $0.46 million in
SG&A and $0.62, $0.22 and $0.17 million in income tax expense during fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007,
respectively.
85
NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES, CONTINUED
In order to manage our exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates, we use forward currency contracts to
exchange foreign currencies for U.S. Dollars at specified rates. We account for these transactions as hedges in
accordance with SFAS 133, which requires that these forward currency contracts be recorded on the balance sheet at
their fair value and that changes in the fair value of the forward exchange contracts are recorded each period in our
consolidated statement of operations or other comprehensive income (loss), depending on the type of hedging
instrument and the effectiveness of the hedges. In our case, we record these transactions either as part of SG&A in
our consolidated statement of operations, or on the line entitled “Unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges – foreign
currency” in our consolidated statement of shareholders’ equity and comprehensive (loss), as appropriate. All our
current contracts are cash flow hedges and are adjusted to their fair market values at the end of each fiscal quarter.
We evaluate all hedging transactions each quarter to determine that they are effective. Any ineffectiveness is recorded
as part of SG&A in our consolidated statement of operations. See Note (16) to these consolidated financial
statements for a further discussion of our hedging activities.
(t) Share-based compensation plans
Effective March 1, 2006, we adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
No. 123R,”Share-Based Payment” (“SFAS 123R”). The impact from the adoption of SFAS 123R during fiscal 2007,
decreased earnings before taxes, net earnings, basic and diluted earnings per share by $0.69 million, $0.50 million,
and $0.02 per share, respectively, for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2007.
SFAS 123R requires all share-based payments to be recognized in the financial statements based on their fair values
using an option pricing model at the date of grant. We use a Black-Scholes option-pricing model to calculate the fair
value of options. This model requires various judgmental assumptions including volatility, forfeiture rates and
expected option life. If any of the assumptions used in the model change significantly, share-based compensation
may differ materially in the future from that recorded in the current period. Under SFAS 123R, we estimate
forfeitures for options awards at the dates of grant based on historical experience and revise as necessary if actual
forfeitures significantly differ from these estimates. Stock-based compensation expense is adjusted for estimated
forfeitures and is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award.
See Note (9) to these consolidated financial statements for more information on our share based compensation plans.
(u) Interest income
Interest income is included in “Other income, net” on the consolidated statement of operations. Interest income
totaled $2.72, $3.57 and $1.97 million in fiscal 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Interest income is normally
earned on cash invested in short-term accounts, cash equivalents, temporary and long-term investments.
86
NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES, CONTINUED
(v) Earnings (loss) per share
We compute basic earnings (loss) per share based upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding
during the period. We compute diluted earnings (loss) per share based upon the weighted average number of common
shares plus the effects of potentially dilutive securities. Our dilutive securities consist entirely of outstanding options
for common shares that were “in-the-money,” meaning that the exercise price of the options was less than the average
market price of our common shares during the year. “Out-of-the-money” options are outstanding options to purchase
common shares that were excluded from the computation of earnings per share because the exercise price of the
options was greater than the average market price of our common shares during the year. Options for common shares
are excluded from the computation of diluted earnings (loss) per share if their effect is antidilutive.
For fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007, the components of basic and diluted shares were as follows:
WEIGHTED AVERAGE DILUTED SECURITIES
(in thousands)
Years Ended The Last Day of February,
2008
2009
2007
Basic weighted average shares outstanding
30,173
30,531
30,122
Additional shares assuming conversion of in-the-money stock options
and use of proceeds to repurchase outstanding shares (1)
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding assuming conversion
In-the-money options
Out-of-the-money options
-
30,173
2,587
2,249
1,267
31,798
3,914
1,922
1,595
31,717
6,559
192
(1) Fiscal 2009 earnings per share computations excludes conversion of in-the-money stock options as the effect of
the 846,000 shares would be antidilutive.
(w) New accounting standards adopted
Liability Recognition on Endorsement Split-Dollar Life Insurance Arrangements- In June 2006, the Emerging
Issues Task Force of the FASB (“EITF”) reached a consensus on EITF Issue No. 06-4 (“EITF 06-4”), “Accounting
for Deferred Compensation and Postretirement Benefit Aspects of Endorsement Split-Dollar Life Insurance
Arrangements,” which requires the application of the provisions of SFAS No. 106 (“SFAS 106”), “Employers’
Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions” to endorsement split-dollar life insurance arrangements
(if, in substance, a postretirement benefit plan exists), or Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 12 (if the
arrangement is, in substance, an individual deferred compensation contract). SFAS 106 requires recognition of a
liability for the discounted value of the future premium benefits that we would incur through the death of the
underlying insureds. An endorsement-type arrangement generally exists when the Company owns and controls all
incidents of ownership of the underlying policies. We adopted the provisions of EITF 06-4 at the beginning of fiscal
2009. The Company reviewed an endorsement-type policy agreement it currently maintains and believes that all
subject policies fall outside the scope of EITF 06-4 because the agreement will not survive the retirement of the
affected employee. Accordingly, the adoption of EITF 06-4 had no impact on our consolidated financial statements.
87
NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES, CONTINUED
Liability Recognition on Collateral Assignment Split-Dollar Life Insurance Arrangements- In March 2007, the
EITF reached a consensus on which provides guidance to help companies determine whether a liability for the
postretirement benefit associated with a collateral assignment split-dollar life insurance arrangement should be
recorded in accordance with either SFAS 106 (if, in substance, a postretirement benefit plan exists), or Accounting
Principles Board Opinion No. 12 (if the arrangement is, in substance, an individual deferred compensation contract).
EITF 06-10 also provides guidance on how a company should recognize and measure the asset in a collateral
assignment split-dollar life insurance contract. We adopted the provisions of EITF 06-10 at the beginning of fiscal
2009. We have certain policies that fall within the scope of the new pronouncement and recorded a cumulative effect
adjustment of $0.66 million as a liability and a charge to retained earnings at adoption.
Fair Value Measurements - In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
No. 157 “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS 157”). SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for
measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), and expands disclosures about fair value
measurements. SFAS 157 applies under other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value
measurements and does not require any new fair value measurements. At the beginning of fiscal 2009, we adopted
the provisions of SFAS 157 related to financial assets and liabilities. These provisions, which have been applied
prospectively, did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Certain other
provisions of SFAS 157 related to other nonfinancial assets and liabilities will be effective for the Company at the
beginning of fiscal 2010, and will be applied prospectively. Examples of nonfinancial assets and liabilities which will
be subject to SFAS 157 in fiscal 2010 include such items as goodwill, other intangible and long-lived assets and
nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities initially measured at fair value in a business combination. We believe
the adoption of SFAS 157 for our nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities will result in additional footnote
disclosure, but will not result in material adjustments to our consolidated financial statements. See Note (15) for
current required disclosures related to SFAS 157.
Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities - In February 2007, the FASB issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 159 “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities –
Including an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 115” (“SFAS 159”). SFAS 159 permits entities to choose to
measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value that are not currently required to be
measured at fair value. SFAS 159 also established presentation and disclosure requirements designed to facilitate
comparisons that choose different measurement attributes for similar types of assets and liabilities. We adopted the
provisions of SFAS 159 at the beginning of fiscal 2009 and did not elect the fair value option established by the
standard. As such, the adoption had no impact on our consolidated financial statements.
Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles - In May 2008, the FASB issued Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 162, ‘The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles” (“SFAS 162”). SFAS
162 identifies the sources of accounting principles and the framework for selecting the principles used in the
preparation of financial statements of nongovernmental entities that are presented in conformity with GAAP (the
“GAAP hierarchy”). We adopted the provisions of SFAS 162 at the beginning of fiscal 2009. The adoption did not
have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
88
NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES, CONTINUED
(x) New accounting standards subject to future adoption
Accounting for Business Combinations - In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 141 (revised 2007), “Business Combinations” (“SFAS No. 141(R)”), which establishes the principles
and requirements for how an acquirer: (1) recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets
acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree; (2) recognizes and measures the
goodwill acquired in the business combination or a gain from a bargain purchase; and (3) determines what
information to disclose to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the
business combination. SFAS No. 141(R) replaces SFAS No. 141, “Business Combinations.” SFAS
No. 141(R) applies prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning
of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008, and will have no impact on our
transactions recorded to date.
Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities -In March 2008, the FASB issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 161, “Disclosures About Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”
(“SFAS 161”), which amends SFAS 133 and expands disclosures to include information about the fair value of
derivatives, related credit risks and a company’s strategies and objectives for using derivatives. SFAS 161 is
effective for fiscal periods beginning on or after November 15, 2008. We do not expect the adoption of this
pronouncement to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
Useful Lives of Intangible Assets - In April 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (FSP) 142-3,
“Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets” (“FSP 142-3”). FSP FAS 142-3 removes the requirement to
consider whether an intangible asset can be renewed without substantial cost of material modifications to the existing
terms and conditions and, instead, requires an entity to consider its own historical experience in renewing similar
arrangements. FSP FAS 142-3 also requires expanded disclosure related to the determination of intangible asset
useful lives. FSP 142-3 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. We do not expect the
adoption of FSP 142-3 to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments– In April 2009, the FASB issued FASB
Staff Position FSP 115-2 and 124-2, “Recognition of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments” (“FSP 115-2 and 124-
2”). This FSP amends the other-than-temporary impairment guidance in U.S. GAAP for debt securities to make the
guidance more operational and to improve the presentation and disclosure of other-than-temporary impairments on
debt and equity securities in the financial statements. In addition, the FSP requires that the annual disclosures
required by FSP 115-1 and FAS 124-1, “The meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and Its Application to
Certain Investments” (“FSP 115-1 and 124-1”), be made for interim periods, including the aging of securities with
unrealized losses. This FSP does not amend existing recognition and measurement guidance related to other-than-
temporary impairments of equity securities. FSP 115-2 and 124-2 is effective for interim periods and fiscal years
ending after June 15, 2009. We do not expect the adoption of FSP 115-2 and 124-2 to have a material impact on our
consolidated financial statements.
Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly
Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly - In April 2009, the FASB issued FASB Staff
Position FSP 157-4, “Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have
Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly” (“FSP 157-4”). This FSP emphasizes
that even if there has been a significant decrease in the volume and level of activity for the asset or liability and
regardless of the valuation technique(s) used, the objective of a fair value measurement remains the same, and
provides additional guidance on when market level data should not be relied upon or should be adjusted in
determining fair value. FSP 157-4 is effective for interim periods and fiscal years ending after June 15, 2009. We do
not expect the adoption of this pronouncement to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
89
NOTE 2 - PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
A summary of property and equipment is as follows:
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
(in thousands)
Land
Buildings and improvements
Computer and other equipment
Molds and tooling
Transportation equipment
Furniture and fixtures
Construction in process
Less accumulated depreciation
Property and equipment, net
Estimated
Useful Lives
(Years)
Last Day of February,
2008
2009
-
10 - 40
3 - 10
1 - 3
3 - 5
5 - 15
-
$
$
9,073
65,028
43,144
8,880
340
8,385
703
135,553
(51,607 )
83,946
$
$
9,073
62,832
42,461
8,299
3,991
8,168
1,311
136,135
(44,524 )
91,611
On May 31, 2006, we sold 3.9 acres of raw land adjacent to our El Paso, Texas office and distribution center. The land
was sold for $0.67 million and we recorded a gain on the sale of $0.42 million, included in other income in fiscal 2007.
On September 9, 2007, we sold 16.5 acres of raw land adjacent to our El Paso, Texas office and distribution center. The
land was sold for $6.00 million, less selling costs of $0.39 million and resulted in a pre-tax gain on the sale of $3.61
million.
On December 20, 2007, we acquired 30.6 acres of raw land adjacent to our Southaven, Mississippi distribution center for
a purchase price of $1.53 million.
In two separate transactions during fiscal 2009, we sold all fractional shares in our corporate jets for a combined $2.57
million and recognized a combined pre-tax gain of $0.11 million.
We recorded $10.29, $10.40 and $10.08 million of depreciation expense for fiscal 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
Capital expenditures for property and equipment totaled $5.17, $7.30 and $6.63 million in fiscal 2009, 2008 and 2007,
respectively.
NOTE 3 - INTANGIBLE ASSETS
We do not record amortization expense on goodwill or other intangible assets that have indefinite useful lives.
Amortization expense is recorded for intangible assets with definite useful lives. We perform an annual impairment
review of goodwill and other intangible assets during the first quarter of each fiscal year. We also perform interim testing,
if necessary, as required by SFAS 142 and 144. Any asset deemed to be impaired is written down to its fair value.
Annual Impairment Testing in the First Quarter of Fiscal 2009 - The Company performed its annual impairment tests
of its goodwill and trademarks during the first quarter of fiscal 2009. This resulted in non-cash impairment charges of
$7.76 million ($7.61 million after tax) on certain intangible assets associated with our Personal Care segment recognized
during the first quarter of fiscal 2009. The charges were recorded in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations
as a component of operating income (loss). The impairment charges reflected the amounts by which the carrying values
of the associated assets exceeded their estimated fair values at the time of the analysis. The fair values of the assets were
primarily determined using estimated future discounted cash flow models (“DCF Models”) over five years and a terminal
90
NOTE 3 - INTANGIBLE ASSETS, CONTINUED
period. This approach was used for the indefinite-lived trademarks and licenses, the reporting units, and the Company as
a whole. The DCF Models use a number of assumptions including expected future cash flows from the assets, volatility,
risk free rate, and the expected life of the assets, the determination of which require significant judgments from
management. In determining the assumptions to be used, the Company considers, among other things, the existing rates
on Treasury Bills, yield spreads on assets with comparable expected lives, historical volatility of the Company’s common
shares and that of comparable companies and general economic and industry trends. The decline in the fair value of the
affected trademarks described above resulted from lower sales expectations on certain lower volume brands as a result of
management’s strategic decision to reduce advertising and other resources dedicated to those brands, combined with a
lower overall expectation of net sales driven by our near-term outlook for the economy and projected declines in
consumer retail spending levels.
Additional Impairment Testing in the Fourth Quarter of Fiscal 2009 - As a result of the continued deterioration of
economic conditions during the second half of fiscal 2009, the Company evaluated the impact of these conditions and
other developments on its reporting units to assess whether impairment indicators were present that would require interim
impairment testing. During the latter half of the third quarter of fiscal 2009, the Company’s total market capitalization
began to decline below the Company’s consolidated shareholders’ equity balance at November 30, 2008. If the
Company’s total market capitalization remains below its consolidated shareholders’ equity balance for a sustained period
of time, this may be an indicator of potential impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets. Because this condition
continued throughout the balance of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009, the Company determined that the carrying amount
of our goodwill and other intangible assets might not be recoverable and performed additional impairment testing as of
February 28, 2009.
The Company’s traditional impairment test methodology used primarily DCF Models. The DCF Models use a number of
assumptions including expected future cash flows from the assets, volatility, risk free rate, and the expected life of the
assets, the determination of which require significant judgments from management. In determining the assumptions to be
used, the Company considers the existing rates on Treasury Bills, yield spreads on assets with comparable expect lives,
historical volatility of the Company’s common shares and that of comparable companies and general economic and
industry trends, among other considerations. The Company expanded its traditional impairment test methodology to give
weight to other methods that provide additional observable market information and which management believes reflect
the current risk level being incorporated into market prices, in order to corroborate the fair values of each of the
Company’s reporting units. The additional methods included the Subject Company Stock Price Method, the Guideline
Public Company Method, and the Mergers and Acquisitions Method (together, the “Market Models”). The Subject
Company Stock Price Method uses the same revenue and earnings valuation multiples embedded in the Company’s
common share price, including an appropriate control premium, as a basis for estimating the separate values of each of the
Company’s reporting units. The Guideline Public Company Method uses a composite of revenue and earnings multiples
derived as of the valuation date from a group of publicly traded companies that are in similar lines of business and serving
similar distribution channels as a basis for estimating the separate values, including appropriate control premiums for each
of the Company’s reporting units. The Mergers and Acquisitions Method uses the revenue and earnings multiples
embedded in a group of representative business acquisition transactions, to the extent that comparable transactions are
available, as a basis for estimating the separate values of each of the Company’s reporting units. For each of the methods
used, considerable management judgment is necessary in reaching a conclusion regarding the reasonableness of fair value
estimates, evaluating the most likely impact of a range of possible external conditions, considering the resulting operating
changes and their impact on estimated future cash flows, determining the appropriate discount factors to use, and
selecting and weighting appropriate comparable market level inputs.
The impairment testing for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009 was performed using an updated outlook for the Company’s
reporting units completed in connection with its annual planning process. This outlook included downward adjustments
to certain future expected revenues and increases in the market participant discount rates, when compared to the
projections and discount rates upon which our annual impairment tests were prepared during the first fiscal quarter of
2009. The Company decreased its expected revenues in response to the reduction in consumer spending during the
second half of fiscal 2009 and its expectation that depressed spending levels would persist into fiscal 2010. Additionally,
the Company increased the market participant discount rates used in its analysis because management believes that the
91
NOTE 3 - INTANGIBLE ASSETS, CONTINUED
lending market and the restrained liquidity in the current environment have increased the cost of capital. In determining
the extent to which to change its assumptions, management considered consumer spending trends and the anticipated
impact on each reporting unit as well as the market cost of capital for comparable companies for each reporting unit. This
resulted in a total non-cash impairment charge of $99.51 million ($99.06 million after tax) in the fourth quarter of fiscal
2009. This consisted of non-cash pre-tax impairment charges of $46.49 million against goodwill and $2.75 million
against a trademark in our Personal Care segment’s Appliances and Accessories reporting unit and $50.27 million against
certain trademarks and an indefinite-lived license held by our Grooming, Skin Care and Hair Care Solutions reporting
unit. The impairment for these reporting units was due to a decrease in the fair value of forecasted cash flows, and other
market conditions reflecting the continued deterioration of the domestic and global economies and the declines in retail
sales activity. No impairment charges were required for our Housewares segment as this reporting unit’s estimated fair
value of total net assets including recorded goodwill, trademarks and other intangible assets, exceeded their carrying
values as of the date of the evaluation.
Annual Impairment Testing in the First Quarter of Fiscal 2008 - The Company performed its annual impairment tests
of its goodwill and trademarks during the first quarter of fiscal 2008. No impairment charge was recorded during the first
quarter of fiscal 2008 as the estimated fair value of the indefinite-lived trademarks and licenses, reporting unit net assets,
and the Company’s estimated enterprise value exceeded their respective carrying values as of the date of the evaluation.
Additional Impairment Testing in the Third Quarter of Fiscal 2008 - In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007, we re-
introduced the newly formulated Epil-Stop® product line. During the second and third quarters of fiscal 2008, our Epil-
Stop® brand of hair depilatory products lost placement in certain mass discount and drug channels due to low consumer
response. We experienced a high rate of customer sales returns for the product line. In response to these circumstances,
in the third quarter of fiscal 2008, we conducted a strategic review of the Epil-Stop® trademark. We also evaluated the
future potential of our TimeBlock® brand in light of our recent experience with Epil-Stop®. From these reviews, we
concluded that the future undiscounted cash flows associated with these trademarks were insufficient to recover their
carrying values. We also believed that any significant additional investments in these brands would not generate potential
returns in line with the Company’s investment expectations. Accordingly, we recorded pre-tax impairment charges
totaling $4.98 million ($4.88 million after tax) representing the carrying value of these trademarks. We continue to hold
these trademarks for use.
Annual Impairment Testing in the First Quarter of Fiscal 2007 - The Company performed its annual impairment tests
of its goodwill and trademarks during the first quarter of fiscal 2007. No impairment charge was recorded during the first
quarter of fiscal 2007 as the estimated fair value of the indefinite-lived trademarks and licenses, reporting unit net assets,
and the Company’s estimated enterprise value exceeded their respective carrying values as of the date of the evaluation.
92
NOTE 3 - INTANGIBLE ASSETS, CONTINUED
The following tables summarize by operating segment the changes in our intangible assets for fiscal years 2009 and 2008:
INTANGIBLE ASSETS
(in thousands)
Gross
Carrying
Amount at
February 29,
Estimated
Type / Description
Segment
Life
2008
Additions
Impairments
Year Ended February 28, 2009
Net Book
Value at
Acquisition
Adjustments
Accumulated
Amortization
February 28,
2009
Goodwill:
OXO
All other goodwill
Trademarks:
Housewares
Indefinite
Personal Care Indefinite
$
$
166,131
46,791
212,922
$
-
-
-
$
-
(46,490 )
(46,490 )
$
-
(301 )
(301 )
OXO
Brut
All other - definite lives
All other - indefinite lives
Housewares
Indefinite
Personal Care Indefinite
Personal Care [1]
Personal Care Indefinite
Licenses:
Seabreeze
All other licenses
Personal Care Indefinite
Personal Care 8 - 25 Years
Other:
Patents, customer lists and non-
compete agreements
Housewares
2 - 14 Years
Personal Care 3 - 15 Years
75,554
51,317
338
34,948
162,157
18,000
24,315
42,315
19,741
2,235
21,976
-
-
-
2,275
2,275
-
-
-
588
2,454
3,042
-
(33,917 )
-
(19,048 )
(52,965 )
(7,700 )
(119 )
(7,819 )
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
$
-
-
-
-
-
(240 )
-
(240 )
-
(18,479 )
(18,479 )
(7,627 )
(975 )
(8,602 )
166,131
-
166,131
75,554
17,400
98
18,175
111,227
10,300
5,717
16,017
12,702
3,714
16,416
Total
$
439,370
$
5,317 $
(107,274 ) $
(301 ) $
(27,321 ) $
309,791
[1] Includes one fully amortized trademark and one trademark with an estimated life of 30 years.
INTANGIBLE ASSETS
(in thousands)
Gross
Carrying
Amount at
February 28,
Estimated
Type / Description
Segment
Life
2007
Additions
Impairments
Year Ended February 29, 2008
Net Book
Value at
Acquisition
Adjustments
Accumulated
Amortization
February 29,
2008
Goodwill:
OXO
All other goodwill
Trademarks:
Housewares
Indefinite
Personal Care Indefinite
$
$
165,934
35,068
201,002
197 $
11,296
11,493
$
-
-
-
$
-
427
427
OXO
Brut
All other - definite lives
All other - indefinite lives
Housewares
Indefinite
Personal Care Indefinite
Personal Care [1]
Personal Care Indefinite
Licenses:
Seabreeze
All other licenses
Personal Care Indefinite
Personal Care 8 - 25 Years
Other:
Patents, customer lists and non-
compete agreements
Housewares
Personal Care 3 - 8 Years
2 - 14 Years
75,554
51,317
338
31,082
158,291
18,000
24,315
42,315
19,214
-
19,214
-
-
-
8,849
8,849
-
-
-
527
2,235
2,762
-
-
-
(4,983 )
(4,983 )
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
$
-
-
-
-
-
(235 )
-
(235 )
-
(17,343 )
(17,343 )
(6,063 )
(369 )
(6,432 )
166,131
46,791
212,922
75,554
51,317
103
34,948
161,922
18,000
6,972
24,972
13,678
1,866
15,544
Total
$
420,822
$
23,104 $
(4,983 ) $
427 $
(24,010 ) $
415,360
[1] Includes one fully amortized trademark and one trademark with an estimated life of 30 years.
93
NOTE 3 - INTANGIBLE ASSETS, CONTINUED
The following table summarizes the amortization expense attributable to intangible assets for the fiscal years 2009, 2008
and 2007, as well as estimated amortization expense for the fiscal years 2010 through 2014:
AMORTIZATION OF INTANGIBLE ASSETS
(in thousands)
Aggregate Amortization Expense
For the fiscal years ended
February 28, 2009
February 29, 2008
February 28, 2007
Estimated Amortization Expense
For the fiscal years ended
February 2010
February 2011
February 2012
February 2013
February 2014
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
3,311
3,266
2,961
3,454
2,815
2,702
2,464
2,132
Many of the license agreements under which we sell or intend to sell products with trademarks owned by other entities
require that we pay minimum royalties and make minimum levels of advertising expenditures. For the fiscal year ending
February 28, 2010, minimum royalties due and minimum advertising expenditures under these license agreements total
$7.09 and $5.86 million, respectively.
94
NOTE 4 - ACQUISITIONS AND NEW TRADEMARK LICENSE AGREEMENTS
Ogilvie Products Acquisition -On October 10, 2008, we acquired from Ascendia Brands, Inc. the trademarks, customer
lists, distribution rights, formulas and inventory of the Ogilvie® brand of home permanent and hair-straightening products
for a cash purchase price of $4.77 million. In addition, upon acquisition, we recorded an additional $0.35 million of
liabilities that we expect we will incur as a result of pre-acquisition operations. The products acquired will be sold through
our Personal Care segment. We completed an analysis of the economic lives of all the assets acquired and determined the
appropriate allocation of the initial purchase price based upon the fair value of the assets acquired. Based upon the fair
values, we assigned the acquired trademarks indefinite economic lives and will amortize the distribution rights over an
expected life of 15 years and the customer list over an expected life of 4.2 years. The following schedule presents the
assets acquired at closing and our allocation of the initial purchase price:
Ogilvie® - Brand Assets Acquired on October 10, 2008
(in thousands)
Inventories
Trademarks
Distribution rights
Customer list
Total assets acquired
Less: Current liabilities recorded at acquisition
Net assets acquired
$
$
521
2,275
761
1,560
5,117
(352 )
4,765
Belson Products Acquisition -Effective May 1, 2007, we acquired certain assets of Belson Products (“Belson”), formerly
the professional salon division of Applica Consumer Products, Inc. for a cash purchase price of $36.5 million plus the
assumption of certain liabilities. This transaction was accounted for as a purchase of a business and was paid for using
available cash on hand. Belson is a supplier of personal care products to the professional salon industry. Belson markets
its professional products to major beauty suppliers and other major distributors under brand names including Belson®,
Belson Pro®, Gold ‘N Hot®, Curlmaster®, Premiere®, Profiles®, Comare®, Mega Hot® and Shear Technology®.
Products include electrical hair care appliances, spa products and accessories, professional brushes and combs, and
professional styling shears. Belson products are principally distributed throughout the U.S., as well as Canada and the
United Kingdom.
Net assets acquired consist principally of accounts receivable, finished goods inventories, goodwill, patents, trademarks,
tradenames, product design specifications, production know-how, certain fixed assets, distribution rights, a customer list,
a covenant not-to-compete, less certain customer related operating accruals and liabilities. We have completed our
analysis of the economic lives of all the assets acquired and determined the appropriate allocation of the initial purchase
price based on an independent appraisal. The following schedule presents the net assets of Belson acquired at closing:
Belson Products - Net Assets Acquired on May 1, 2007
(in thousands)
Accounts receivable, net
Inventories
Fixed assets
Goodwill
Trademarks and other intangible assets
Total assets acquired
Less: Current liabilities assumed
Net assets acquired
$
$
7,449
8,426
139
11,296
11,085
38,395
(1,895 )
36,500
Subsequent to the acquisition, we made certain post closing adjustments to increase goodwill by $0.13 million.
See Note (20) for additional information regarding the acquisition of the Infusium 23® line of hair care products from
The Procter & Gamble Company subsequent to February 28, 2009.
95
NOTE 5 – SHORT-TERM DEBT
We entered into a five year revolving credit agreement (“Revolving Line of Credit Agreement”), dated as of June 1, 2004,
between Helen of Troy L.P., as borrower, and Bank of America, N.A. and other lenders. On December 15, 2008, we
entered into the Fourth Amendment to the Revolving Line of Credit Agreement (the “Amendment”), which among other
things, extended the term of the agreement to December 15, 2013, and modified other terms and covenants as further
discussed below.
Borrowings under the Revolving Line of Credit Agreement accrue interest at a “Base Rate” plus a margin of 0.25 to 0.75
percent based on the “Leverage Ratio” at the time of borrowing. The base rate is equal to the highest of the Federal Funds
Rate plus 0.50 percent, Bank of America’s prime rate, or the one month LIBOR rate plus 1 percent. Alternatively, upon
timely election by the Company, borrowings accrue interest based on the respective 1, 2, 3, or 6-month LIBOR rate plus a
margin of 1.25 percent to 1.75 percent based upon the “Leverage Ratio” at the time of the borrowing. The “Leverage
Ratio” is defined by the Revolving Line of Credit Agreement as the ratio of total consolidated indebtedness (including the
subject funding on such dates) less unrestricted cash on hand in excess of $15 million to consolidated EBITDA (earnings
before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) for the period of the four consecutive fiscal quarters most recently
ended. The credit line allows for the issuance of letters of credit up to $10 million. We incur loan commitment fees at a
current rate of 0.25 percent per annum on the unused balance of the Revolving Line of Credit Agreement and letter of
credit fees at a current rate of 1.5 percent per annum on the face value of the letter of credit. During the second quarter of
fiscal 2008, we permanently reduced the commitment under our Revolving Line of Credit Agreement from $75 to $50
million, which resulted in a proportionate decline in the cost of associated commitment fees under the facility.
Outstanding letters of credit reduce the borrowing limit dollar for dollar. We did not draw on the Revolving Line of
Credit Agreement during fiscal 2009 or 2008. As of February 28, 2009, there were no revolving loans and $1.52 million
of open letters of credit outstanding against this facility.
The Amendment modified the Revolving Line of Credit Agreement as follows:
(1) Extended the maturity date as defined in the Revolving Line of Credit Agreement from June 1, 2009 to December 15,
2013;
(2) Increased the margin for the Eurodollar rate loans from a range of 0.75 to 1.25 percent per annum to a range of 1.25
to 1.75 percent per annum (depending on our leverage ratio);
(3) Increased the margin for the base rate loans from zero to a range of 0.25 to 0.75 percent per annum (depending on our
leverage ratio); and
(4) Modified the leverage ratio, the consolidated net worth ratio, removed a fixed charge coverage ratio, and added a new
interest coverage ratio, as well as a capital expenditure covenant.
Under the amended Revolving Line of Credit Agreement, certain covenants as of the latest balance sheet date limit our
total outstanding indebtedness from all sources less unrestricted cash on hand in excess of $15 million to no more than 3.0
times the latest twelve months’ trailing EBITDA. As of February 28, 2009, our loan covenants effectively limited our
ability to incur more than $127.16 million of additional debt from all sources, including draws on our Revolving Line of
Credit Agreement. The agreement is guaranteed, on a joint and several basis, by the parent company, Helen of Troy
Limited, and certain subsidiaries. Additionally, our debt agreements restrict us from incurring liens on any of our
properties, except under certain conditions and in some circumstances could limit our ability to repurchase shares of our
common stock. As of February 28, 2009, we were in compliance with the terms of this agreement.
96
NOTE 6 – ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES
A summary of other accrued expenses and other current liabilities as of the last day of fiscal years 2009 and 2008 is as
follows:
ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES
(in thousands)
Accrued sales returns, discounts and allowances
Accrued compensation
Accrued advertising
Accrued interest
Accrued royalties
Accrued professional fees
Accrued benefits and payroll taxes
Accrued freight
Accrued property, sales and other taxes
Foreign currency contracts
Interest rate swaps
Other
Total accrued expenses and current liabilities
NOTE 7 - LONG-TERM DEBT
Last Day of February,
2008
2009
$
$
21,235
4,487
5,606
2,140
3,513
1,053
1,455
912
660
(819 )
13,870
6,183
60,295
$
$
24,969
11,675
6,917
2,092
3,029
1,273
1,431
1,446
1,196
(83 )
12,449
7,303
73,697
A summary of long-term debt as of the last day of fiscal years 2009 and 2008 is as follows:
LONG-TERM DEBT
(dollars in thousands)
Original
Date
Borrowed
Interest
Rates
Last Day of February,
Matures
2009
2008
$15 million unsecured Senior Note Payable at a fixed
interest rate of 7.24%. Interest payable quarterly,
principal of $3 million payable annually beginning
July 2008.
$75 million unsecured floating interest rate 5 Year
Senior Notes. Interest set and payable quarterly at
three-month LIBOR plus 85 basis points. Principal is
due at maturity. Notes can be prepaid without penalty.
(1)
$50 million unsecured floating interest rate 7 Year
Senior Notes. Interest set and payable quarterly at
three-month LIBOR plus 85 basis points. Principal is
due at maturity. Notes can be prepaid without penalty.
(1)
$75 million unsecured floating interest rate 10 Year
Senior Notes. Interest set and payable quarterly at
three-month LIBOR plus 90 basis points. Principal is
due at maturity. Notes can be prepaid without penalty.
(1)
Total long-term debt
Less current portion of long-term debt
07/97
7.24%
07/12
$
12,000 $
15,000
06/04
5.89%
06/09
75,000
75,000
06/04
5.89%
06/11
50,000
50,000
06/04
6.01%
06/14
75,000
212,000
(78,000 )
75,000
215,000
(3,000 )
Long-term debt, less current portion
$
134,000 $
212,000
(1) Floating interest rates are hedged with interest rate swaps to effectively fix interest rates as discussed later in this
Note (7).
97
NOTE 7 - LONG-TERM DEBT, CONTINUED
The fair market value of the fixed rate debt at February 28, 2009 computed using a discounted cash flow analysis was
$12.44 million compared to the $12 million book value. All other long-term debt has floating interest rates, and its book
value approximates its fair value at February 28, 2009.
Interest rate hedge agreements (the “swaps”) are in place for our floating interest rate $75 million, 5 year; $50 million, 7
year; and $75 million, 10 year Senior Notes (the “Senior Notes”). The swaps are a hedge of the variable LIBOR rates used
to reset the floating rates on these Senior Notes. The swaps effectively fix the interest rates on the 5, 7 and 10 Year Senior
Notes at 5.89, 5.89 and 6.01 percent, respectively. Under the swaps, we agree with other parties to exchange quarterly the
difference between fixed-rate and floating-rate interest amounts calculated by reference to notional amounts that perfectly
match our underlying debt. Under these swaps, we pay the fixed rates and receive the floating rates. The swaps settle
quarterly and terminate upon maturity of the related debt. The swaps are considered cash flow hedges because they are
intended to hedge, and are effective as a hedge, against variable cash flows.
All of our long-term debt is guaranteed by the parent company, Helen of Troy Limited, and/or certain subsidiaries on a
joint and several basis. The debt requires the maintenance of certain Debt/EBITDA ratios and fixed charge coverage
ratios, specifies minimum consolidated net worth levels and contains other customary covenants. As of February 28,
2009, our loan agreements effectively limited our ability to incur more than $127.16 million of additional debt from all
sources, including draws on our Revolving Line of Credit Agreement. Additionally, our long-term debt agreements
restrict us from incurring liens on any of our properties, except under certain conditions. As of February 28, 2009, we
were in compliance with the terms of these agreements.
The following table contains a summary of the components of our interest expense for the periods covered by our
consolidated statements of operations:
INTEREST EXPENSE
(in thousands)
Years Ended The Last Day of February,
2007
2008
2009
Interest and commitment fees
Deferred finance costs
Interest rate swap settlements, net
Reduction of debt and revolving credit agreement commitment
Total interest expense
$
$
8,888
582
4,217
-
13,687
$
$
14,633
628
(355 )
119
15,025
$
$
17,388
811
(287 )
-
17,912
The line entitled “Reduction of debt and revolving credit agreement commitment” includes the fiscal 2008 write off of
$0.28 million of unamortized deferred finance fees incurred in connection with the prepayment of long-term debt and the
reduction of the commitments under our Revolving Line of Credit Agreement, offset by a gain of $0.16 million upon the
liquidation of our position in $25 million of associated interest rate swaps.
98
NOTE 8 - INCOME TAXES
Our components of earnings (loss) before income tax expense are as follows:
Years Ended Last Day of February,
(in thousands)
2008
2009
2007
U.S.
Non-U.S.
Total
$
$
(15,267 ) $
(36,198 )
(51,465 ) $
17,986
43,287
61,273
$
$
9,298
45,849
55,147
Our components of income tax expense (benefit) are as follows:
Years Ended Last Day of February,
(in thousands)
2008
2009
2007
U.S.
Current
Deferred
Non-U.S.
Current
Deferred
Total
$
$
$
964
2,140
3,104
$
6,459
(619 )
5,840
1,891
333
2,224
5,328
(6,026 )
(50 )
(6,076 )
$
(236 ) $
3,910
(296 )
3,614
1,589
(143 )
1,446
5,060
Our total income tax expense differs from the amounts computed by applying the statutory tax rate to earnings before
income taxes. A summary of these differences are as follows:
Years Ended Last Day of February,
2008
2009
2007
Expected tax expense (benefit) at the U.S. statutory rate of 35 percent
-35.0 %
35.0 %
35.0 %
Impact of U.S. state income taxes
1.4 %
1.5 %
0.7 %
Decrease in income taxes resulting from income from non-U.S. operations
subject to varying income tax rates
-15.1 %
-7.9 %
-11.2 %
Effect of zero tax rate in Macau
-11.8 %
-13.7 %
-15.3 %
Reversal of prior accruals as a result of final tax audit settlements
-0.9 %
-15.3 %
-
Effect of impairment charges, most of which are non-deductible
Actual tax expense (effective rates)
71.8 %
10.4 %
-
-0.4 %
-
9.2 %
In addition to certain of the items noted in the previous table, each year there are significant transactions or events that are
incidental to our core businesses and that by a combination of their nature and jurisdiction, can have a disproportionate
impact on our reported effective tax rates. Without these transactions or events, the trend in our effective tax rates would
follow a more normalized pattern.
99
NOTE 8 - INCOME TAXES, CONTINUED
The following table shows the comparative impact of these items on our pre-tax earnings (loss), tax expense and effective
tax rates, for each of the years covered by this report:
IMPACT OF SIGNIFICANT ITEMS ON PRETAX EARNINGS, TAX EXPENSE AND EFFECTIVE
TAX RATES
(dollars in thousands)
2009 - Increase (Decrease)
Tax
Expense
Effective
Tax Rates
Pre-tax
Earnings
Years Ended Last Day of February
2008 - Increase (Decrease)
Tax
Pre-tax
Earnings Expense Tax Rates
Effective
2007 - Increase (Decrease)
Tax
Pre-tax
Earnings Expense Tax Rates
Effective
Tax benefit from HK IRD Settlement,
including interest income and reversal
of penalties
Tax benefit from IRS settlement,
including interest and penalties
Net operating loss valuation allowance
-
-
-
-
-
(461 )
-0.9 %
-
-
-
-
-
(7,950 )
-12.7 %
(1,363 )
-2.2 %
977
1.6 %
Impairment charges
(107,274 )
(608 )
26.9 %
(4,983 )
(100 )
-0.2 %
-
-
-
-
(192 )
-1.1 %
-
-
-
-
-
-
Gains on sale of land
Gains on litigation settlements
-
-
-
-
-
-
3,609
1,364
2.2 %
422
143
0.8 %
104
2
0.0 %
450
9
0.1 %
Charge to allowance for doubtful
accounts due to customer bankruptcy
(3,876 )
(1,360 )
-1.6 %
Gains on casualty insurance settlements
2,702
67
-0.5 %
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
The combined net effect of the significant items shown above was to increase our effective tax rate by 23.9 percent in
fiscal 2009, and decrease our effective tax rates by 11.3 percent and 0.2 percent in fiscal years 2008 and 2007,
respectively.
The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and liabilities as of
the last day of February 2009 and 2008 are as follows:
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss carryforwards
Accounts receivable
Inventories, principally due to additional cost of inventories for tax purposes
Write down of marketable securities
Accrued expenses and other
Foreign currency contracts and interest rate swaps
Total gross deferred tax assets
Valuation allowance
Deferred tax liabilities:
Depreciation and amortization
Net deferred tax asset
Last Day of February,
(in thousands)
2009
2008
$
$
4,599
517
8,934
10
5,327
5,378
24,765
6,018
1,807
7,827
7
5,835
4,290
25,784
(4,458 )
(2,960 )
$
(5,679 )
14,628
$
(6,815 )
16,009
In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, we consider whether it is more likely than not that some portion of all
of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the
generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. We
100
NOTE 8 - INCOME TAXES, CONTINUED
consider the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, expected future taxable income and tax planning strategies in
making this assessment. In fiscal 2009, the net increase in our valuation allowance was $1.50 million, principally due to
additional net operating loss carryforwards in certain tax jurisdictions whose benefits we believe we will not be able to
utilize. The schedule below shows the composition of our net operating loss carryforwards and the approximate future
taxable income we will need to generate in order to utilize all carryforwards prior to their expiration.
U.S. net operating loss carryforwards
Non-U.S. net operating loss carryforwards with definite
carryover periods
Non-U.S. net operating loss carryforwards with indefinite
carryover periods
Subtotals
Less portion of valuation allowance established for net
operating loss carryforwards
Total
At February 28, 2009
(in thousands)
Expiration
Date Range
(Where Applicable)
Gross
Deferred Tax
Assets
Required
Future Taxable
Income
2019 - 2029
$
319
$
2018
Indefinite
257
4,023
4,599
910
920
13,086
14,916
$
(3,931 )
668
$
(12,755 )
2,161
As of February 28, 2009, subject to the valuation allowances provided, we believe it is more likely than not that we will
realize the benefits of these deductible differences. Any future amount of deferred tax assets considered realizable,
however, could be reduced in the near term if estimates of future taxable income during any carryforward periods are
reduced.
Hong Kong Income Taxes — On May 10, 2006, the Inland Revenue Department (the “IRD”) of Hong Kong and the
Company reached a settlement regarding tax liabilities for the fiscal years 1995 through 1997. This agreement was
subsequently approved by the IRD’s Board of Review. For those tax years, we agreed to an assessment of approximately
$4.02 million including estimated penalties and interest. As a result of this tax settlement, in the first quarter of fiscal
2007, we reversed $0.19 million of tax provision previously established and recorded $0.28 million of associated interest.
During the second quarter of fiscal 2007, the liability was paid with $3.28 million of tax reserve certificates and the
balance in cash. Tax reserve certificates represent the prepayment by a taxpayer of potential tax liabilities. The amounts
paid for such certificates are refundable in the event that the value of the tax reserve certificates exceeds the related tax
liability.
For the fiscal years 1998 through 2003, the IRD had previously assessed a total of $25.46 million in tax on certain profits
of our foreign subsidiaries. In connection with the IRD’s tax assessment for the fiscal years 1998 through 2003, we had
purchased tax reserve certificates from Hong Kong totaling $25.14 million.
101
NOTE 8 - INCOME TAXES, CONTINUED
On August 24, 2007, the IRD and the Company reached a settlement regarding tax liabilities for fiscal years 1998 through
2003. Concurrent with these settlement negotiations, we reached an agreement regarding fiscal years 2004 and 2005, for
which we had not previously been assessed a tax liability. The amounts due related to the tax settlement for years 1998
through 2003, and the agreement for years 2004 and 2005, were settled with previously acquired tax reserve certificates.
We received a cash refund, including interest, of $4.54 million. During the second quarter of fiscal 2008, in connection
with the settlement, we:
• reversed $5.41 million representing a portion of the tax provision previously established for those years and
recorded $0.20 million of interest income related to tax reserve certificates in excess of the settlement amount;
and
• reversed $1.94 million of a tax provision and $0.40 million of estimated penalties established for this jurisdiction
for future years ending after fiscal 2005, on the basis of the settlement for previous years.
Effective March 2005, we had concluded the conduct of all operating activities in Hong Kong that we believe were the
basis of the IRD’s assessments. The Company established a Macao offshore company (“MOC”) and began similar
activities in Macao and China in the third quarter of fiscal 2005. As a MOC, we have been granted an indefinite tax
holiday and pay no taxes.
United States Income Taxes - We previously disclosed that the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) provided
notice of proposed adjustments of $5.95 million to taxes for fiscal years 2003 and 2004. In April 2008, we resolved all
outstanding tax issues, which resulted in no adjustments to either year. As a result of the settlement, in the fourth quarter
of fiscal 2008, we reversed $3.68 million of tax provisions, including interest and penalties, previously established for
those years. Of the $3.68 million, $1.36 million was credited to fiscal year 2008 tax expense and $2.32 million was
credited to additional paid-in-capital. The amount credited to additional paid-in-capital was for the tax effects of prior
year common share-based compensation expense that was deemed to be deductible under the audit, and when originally
accrued, was charged against additional paid-in-capital.
During fiscal 2009, the IRS completed its audit of our U.S. consolidated federal tax return for fiscal year 2005. As a
result of its audit, the IRS proposed adjustments totaling $8.63 million to taxes. In December 2008, the Company and the
IRS reached a settlement agreement. As a result of the settlement, we agreed to adjustments totaling $0.49 million to
fiscal 2005 taxes and interest and reversed $5.20 million of tax provisions, including interest and penalties previously
established for fiscal 2005 and other years on the basis of the terms of the settlement. Of the $5.20 million, $0.57 million
was credited to fiscal year 2009 tax expense and $4.63 million was credited to additional paid-in-capital. The amount
credited to additional paid-in-capital was for the tax effects of prior year stock compensation expense that was deemed to
be deductible under the audit, and when originally accrued, was charged against additional paid-in-capital.
Income Tax Provisions - We must make certain estimates and judgments in determining income tax expense for financial
statement purposes. These estimates and judgments must be used in the calculation of certain tax assets and liabilities
because of differences in the timing of recognition of revenue and expense for tax and financial statement purposes. We
must assess the likelihood that we will be able to recover our deferred tax assets. If recovery is not likely, we must
increase our provision for taxes by recording a valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets that we estimate will
not ultimately be recoverable. As changes occur in our assessments regarding our ability to recover our deferred tax
assets, our tax provision is increased in any period in which we determine that the recovery is not probable.
In 1994, we engaged in a corporate restructuring that, among other things, resulted in a greater portion of our income not
being subject to taxation in the U.S. If such income were subject to U.S. federal income taxes, our effective income tax
rate would increase materially. The American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 (the “AJCA”) included an anti-inversion
provision that denies certain tax benefits to companies that have reincorporated outside the U.S. after March 4, 2003. We
completed our reincorporation in 1994; therefore, our transaction is grandfathered by the AJCA, and we expect to
continue to benefit from our current structure. As a result of future changes in tax laws or regulations, our position on
various tax matters may be challenged. Our ability to maintain our position that the parent company is not a Controlled
102
NOTE 8 - INCOME TAXES, CONTINUED
Foreign Corporation (as defined under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code) is critical to the tax treatment of our non-U.S.
earnings. A Controlled Foreign Corporation is a non-U.S. corporation whose largest U.S. shareholders (i.e., those owning
10 percent or more of its shares) together own more than 50 percent of the shares in such corporation. If a change of
ownership were to occur such that the parent company became a Controlled Foreign Corporation, such a change could
have a material negative effect on the largest U.S. shareholders and, in turn, on our business.
Uncertainty in Income Taxes — The calculation of our tax liabilities involves dealing with uncertainties in the
application of complex tax regulations. We recognize liabilities for anticipated tax audit issues in the U.S. and other tax
jurisdictions based on our estimate of whether, and the extent to which, additional taxes will be due. If we ultimately
determine that payment of these amounts is not probable, we reverse the liability and recognize a tax benefit during the
period in which we determine that the liability is no longer probable. We record an additional charge in our provision for
taxes in the period in which we determine that the recorded tax liability is less than we expect the ultimate assessment to
be.
Effective March 1, 2007, we adopted FIN 48, which provides guidance for the recognition, derecognition and
measurement in financial statements of tax positions taken in previously filed tax returns or tax positions expected to be
taken in tax returns. FIN 48 requires an entity to recognize the financial statement impact of a tax position when it is more
likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination. If the tax position meets the more likely than not
recognition threshold, the tax effect is recognized at the largest amount of the benefit that has greater than a fifty percent
likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. FIN 48 also provides guidance for classification, interest and
penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure, and transition. FIN 48 requires that a liability created for
unrecognized tax benefits be presented as a separate liability and not combined with deferred tax liabilities or assets.
Upon adopting FIN 48, we initially recorded a $12.06 million increase in the liability for unrecognized tax benefits
(including interest and penalties), and corresponding reductions to retained earnings and additional paid-in-capital in the
amounts of $5.91 and $6.14 million, respectively. Amounts charged against additional paid-in-capital were due to the tax
effect of stock compensation expense that were originally recorded as an increase to paid-in-capital.
Upon adoption of FIN 48, we had approximately $39.39 million of total gross unrecognized tax benefits, of which
approximately $32.91 million would impact the effective tax rate, if recognized. With the adoption of FIN 48, we
recognize interest and penalties accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in the provision for income taxes. Included
in our total gross unrecognized tax benefits we had approximately $4.78 million accrued for penalties and $0.31 million
accrued for interest, net of tax benefits.
We file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various states and foreign jurisdictions. As of February 28,
2009, tax years under examination or still subject to examination by major tax jurisdictions, for our most significant
subsidiaries were as follows:
Jurisdiction
Hong Kong
Mexico
United Kingdom
United States
Examinations in
Process
Open Years
- None -
- None -
- None -
- None -
2009
2008
2009
2009
2006
2003
2006
2006
-
-
-
-
103
NOTE 8 - INCOME TAXES, CONTINUED
During fiscal 2009 and 2008, changes in the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits were as follows:
UNRECOGNIZED TAX BENEFITS
(in thousands)
Unrecognized tax benefits balance at the beginning of the year
Tax positions taken during the current year
Changes in tax positions taken during a prior year
Impact of foreign currency remeasurement on unrecognized tax benefits in the current year
Changes due to settlements and agreements with tax authorities
Unrecognized tax benefits balance at the end of the year
Fiscal Years Ended
2008
2009
$
$
9,181
-
231
(825 )
(5,684 )
2,903
$
$
39,387
1,427
564
43
(32,240 )
9,181
When there is uncertainty in a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return, FIN 48 requires a liability to be
recorded for the amount of the position that could be challenged and overturned through any combination of audit, appeals
or litigation processes. This amount is determined through criteria and a methodology prescribed by FIN 48 and is
referred to as an “unrecognized tax benefit.”
We do not expect any material changes to our existing unrecognized tax benefits during the next twelve months resulting
from any issues currently pending with tax authorities.
NOTE 9 – SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS
We have equity awards outstanding under two expired share-based compensation plans. The expired plans consist of an
employee stock option and restricted stock plan adopted in 1998 (the “1998 Plan”) and a non-employee director stock
option plan adopted in 1995 (the “1995 Directors’ Plan”). During fiscal 2008, an employee stock purchase plan adopted
in 1998 (the “1998 Stock Purchase Plan”) expired and the last stock options outstanding under a stock option and
restricted stock plan adopted in 1994 were exercised. Therefore, these plans are no longer in effect.
On August 19, 2008, at our Annual General Meeting of the Shareholders, our shareholders approved three new share
based compensation plans. The new plans consist of the Helen of Troy Limited 2008 Stock Incentive Plan, an employee
stock option and restricted stock plan (the “2008 Stock Incentive Plan”), the Helen of Troy Limited 2008 Non-Employee
Directors Stock Incentive Plan, a non-employee director restricted stock plan (the “2008 Directors’ Plan”), and the Helen
of Troy Limited 2008 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “2008 Stock Purchase Plan”). These plans are described
below. The plans are administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, which consists of non-
employee directors who are independent under the Nasdaq Stock Market listing standards.
Expired Plans
The 1998 Plan covered a total of 6,750,000 common shares for issuance to key officers and employees. The 1998 Plan
provided for the grant of options to purchase our common shares at a price equal to or greater than the fair market value
on the grant date. The 1998 Plan contained provisions for incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options and
restricted share grants. Generally, options granted under the 1998 Plan become exercisable immediately or over one-,
four-, or five-year vesting periods and expire on dates ranging from seven to ten years from the date of grant. The 1998
Plan expired by its terms on August 25, 2008. As of February 28, 2009, 4,603,576 common shares subject to options
were outstanding under the plan.
The 1995 Directors’ Plan covered a total of 980,000 common shares for issuance to non-employee members of the Board
of Directors. We granted options under the 1995 Directors’ Plan at a price equal to the fair market value of our common
shares at the date of grant. Options granted under the 1995 Directors’ Plan vest one year from the date of
104
NOTE 9 – SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS, CONTINUED
issuance and expire ten years after issuance. The 1995 Directors’ Plan expired by its terms on June 6, 2005. As of
February 28, 2009, options to purchase 232,000 common shares were outstanding under the plan.
The 1998 Stock Purchase Plan initially covered a total of 500,000 common shares for issuance to our employees. Under
the terms of the 1998 Stock Purchase Plan, employees authorized the withholding of up to 15 percent of their wages or
salaries to purchase our common shares. The purchase price for shares acquired under the 1998 Stock Purchase Plan is
equal to the lower of 85 percent of the shares’ fair market value on either the first day of each option period or the last day
of each period. The 1998 Stock Purchase Plan expired by its own terms on July 17, 2008. During the second quarter of
fiscal 2009, plan participants acquired 15,261 common shares at a price of $13.78 per share. As of February 28, 2009,
234,889 common shares had been issued under the plan. No additional common shares may be issued under the plan.
Recently Approved Plans
The 2008 Stock Incentive Plan covers a total of 750,000 common shares for issuance to key officers, employees and
consultants of the Company. The plan provides for the grant of options to purchase our common shares at a price equal to
or greater than the fair market value on the grant date. The plan contains provisions for incentive stock options, non-
qualified stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units or other stock-based awards. Gerald J. Rubin, the
Company’s Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President, is not eligible to participate in the plan. The
maximum number of shares with respect to which awards of any and all types may be granted during a calendar year to
any participant is limited, in the aggregate, to 250,000 shares. Generally, options granted under the 2008 Stock Incentive
Plan will become exercisable over four or five-year vesting periods and will expire on dates ranging from seven to ten
years from the date of grant. As of February 28, 2009, no awards have been granted under the 2008 Stock Incentive Plan.
The plan will expire by its terms on August 19, 2018.
The 2008 Directors’ Plan covers a total of 175,000 common shares for issuance of restricted stock, restricted stock units
or other stock-based awards to non-employee members of the Board of Directors. Awards granted under the 2008
Directors’ Plan will be subject to vesting schedules and other terms and conditions as determined by the Compensation
Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors. As of February 28, 2009, no awards have been granted under the 2008
Director’s Plan. The plan will expire by its terms on August 19, 2018.
The 2008 Stock Purchase Plan covers a total of 350,000 common shares for issuance to our employees. Under the terms
of the plan, employees may authorize the withholding of up to 15 percent of their wages or salaries to purchase our
common shares. The purchase price for shares acquired under the 2008 Stock Purchase Plan is equal to the lower of 85
percent of the share’s fair market value on either the first day of each option period or the last day of each period. During
the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009, plan participants acquired 15,482 common shares at a price of $8.53 per share. As of
February 28, 2009, 334,518 shares remained available for future issue under this plan. The plan will expire by its terms on
September 1, 2018.
105
NOTE 9 - SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS, CONTINUED
The Company recorded stock-based compensation expense in SG&A for each of the periods covered by our consolidated
statements of operations as follows:
SHARE-BASED PAYMENT EXPENSE
(in thousands, except per share data)
Years Ended Last Day of February,
2008
2009
2007
Stock options
Employee stock purchase plan
Share-based payment expense
Less income tax benefits
Share-based payment expense, net of income tax benefits
Earnings per share impact of share-based payment expense:
Basic
Diluted
$
$
$
$
1,331
157
1,488
(88 )
1,400
0.05
0.05
$
$
$
$
1,007
155
1,162
(192 )
970
0.03
0.03
$
$
$
$
595
98
693
(196 )
497
0.02
0.02
The fair value of all share-based payment awards are estimated using a Black-Scholes option pricing model with the
following assumptions and weighted-average fair values for the fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007:
ASSUMPTIONS USED FOR FAIR VALUE OF STOCK OPTION GRANTS
Weighted-average risk-free interest rate
Dividend yield
Weighted-average expected volatility
Weighted-average expected life (in years)
Years Ended Last Day of February,
2008
2009
2007
2.8%
0.0%
46.2%
3.80
4.6%
0.0%
38.1%
3.95
4.8%
0.0%
37.4%
4.52
The following describes how certain assumptions affecting the estimated fair value of options or discounted employee
share purchases (“share based payments”) are determined. The risk-free interest rate is based on U.S. Treasury securities
with maturities equal to the expected life of the share based payments. The dividend yield is computed as zero because
the Company has not historically paid dividends nor does it expect to do so at this time. Expected volatility is based on a
weighted average of the market implied volatility and historical volatility over the expected life of the underlying share
based payments. The Company uses its historical experience to estimate the expected life of each stock-option grant and
also to estimate the impact of exercise, forfeitures, termination and holding period behavior for fair value expensing
purposes.
Common shares purchased under the 1998 Stock Purchase Plan and the 2008 Stock Purchase Plan vest immediately at the
time of purchase. Accordingly, the fair value award associated with their discounted purchase price is expensed at the
time of purchase.
106
NOTE 9 - SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS, CONTINUED
A summary of option activity under all the Company’s share-based compensation plans follows:
SUMMARY OF OPTION ACTIVITY
(in thousands, except contractual term and per share data)
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
(per share)
Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
(per share)
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
(in years)
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
Options
Outstanding at February 28, 2006
Granted
Exercised
Forfeited / expired
Outstanding at February 28, 2007
Granted
Exercised
Forfeited / expired
Outstanding at February 29, 2008
Granted
Exercised
Forfeited / expired
Outstanding at February 28, 2009
6,923 $
131
(248 )
(55 )
6,751
324
(1,157 )
(95 )
5,823
250
(48 )
(1,189 )
4,836 $
14.83 $
22.64
(12.46 )
(21.25 )
15.01
25.40
(15.80 )
(20.60 )
15.34
22.46
(12.64 )
(16.82 )
15.37 $
Exercisable at February 28, 2009
4,261 $
14.32 $
5.52
8.72
5.57
8.89
5.58
8.66
5.61
5.22
4.83 $
39,317
1,939
56,211
13,465
14,171
302
1,039
1,039
3.87
3.69
3.37 $
2.88 $
A summary of non-vested option activity and changes under all the Company’s share-based compensation plans follows:
NON-VESTED OPTION ACTIVITY
(in thousands, except per share data)
Outstanding at February 28, 2006
Granted
Vested or forfeited
Outstanding at February 28, 2007
Granted
Vested or forfeited
Outstanding at February 29, 2008
Granted
Vested or forfeited
Outstanding at February 28, 2009
107
Weighted
Average
Non-Vested
Options
Grant Date
Fair Value
(per share)
429
131
(216 )
344
324
(123 )
545
250
(220 )
575
$
$
6.27
8.72
(5.94 )
7.41
8.89
(7.01 )
8.38
8.66
(8.25 )
8.55
NOTE 9 - SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS, CONTINUED
A summary of our total unrecognized share-based compensation cost as of February 28, 2009 is as follows:
UNRECOGNIZED SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION EXPENSE
(in thousands, except weighted average expense period data)
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Period of Expense
Recognition
(in months)
Unearned
Compensation
Stock options
$
4,113
38.5
The following table summarizes additional information about options outstanding at February 28, 2009:
SUMMARY OF OPTIONS OUTSTANDING AND EXERCISABLE
(actual number of shares)
Outstanding Stock Options
Exercisable Stock Options
Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Number of
Options
Price Range
(per share)
Contractual
Life (years)
Price
(per share)
Number of
Options
Price
(per share)
22,500 $ 10.71 to $ 11.78
2,000 $ 13.00 to $ 13.00
21,000 $ 14.02 to $ 17.28
713,949 $ 17.76 to $ 33.88
759,449
1,500,000 $
7.09 to $ 11.84
1,000,000 $ 12.53 to $ 13.13
750,000 $ 14.47 to $ 15.78
594,127 $ 18.00 to $ 27.37
3,844,127
4.41 to $ 11.84
40,000 $
20,000 $ 12.53 to $ 13.13
12,000 $ 14.47 to $ 14.94
160,000 $ 21.47 to $ 33.35
232,000
3.30 $
0.93
2.11
5.98
5.78 $
2.34 $
3.19
1.67
4.89
2.82 $
2.06 $
3.36
3.01
5.48
4.58 $
11.27
13.00
14.64
23.41
22.78
9.93
12.83
15.06
21.92
13.54
8.24
12.89
14.78
26.51
21.58
22,500
2,000
18,300
261,581
304,381
1,500,000
1,000,000
750,000
474,657
3,724,657
40,000
20,000
12,000
160,000
232,000
$
$
$
$
$
$
11.27
13.00
14.25
23.59
22.04
9.93
12.83
15.06
21.70
13.24
8.24
12.89
14.78
26.51
21.58
ISOs
Total
Non-Qs
Total
Directors’ Plan
Total
NOTE 10 – OTHER COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Indemnity Agreements - Under agreements with customers, licensors and parties from whom we have acquired assets or
entered into business combinations, we indemnify these parties against liability associated with our products.
Additionally, we are party to a number of agreements under leases where we indemnify the lessor for liabilities
attributable to our actions or conduct. The indemnity agreements to which we are a party do not, in general, increase our
liability for claims related to our products or actions and have not materially affected our consolidated financial
statements.
108
NOTE 10 – OTHER COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES, CONTINUED
Employment Contracts - We have entered into employment contracts with certain officers and employees. These
agreements provide for minimum salary levels, severence and potential incentive bonuses. One agreement automatically
renews itself each day for a new three-year period and provides that in the event of a merger, consolidation or transfer of
all or substantially all of our assets to an unaffiliated party, the officer will receive a cash payment for the balance of the
obligations under the agreement within six months of separation from service. The expiration dates for these agreements
range from July 10, 2009 to February 29, 2012. The aggregate commitment for future salaries pursuant to such contracts,
at February 28, 2009, excluding incentive compensation, was $3.35 million.
On December 30, 2008, the Company’s Compensation Committee approved and the Company and Gerald J. Rubin, the
Company’s Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President, executed a Second Amendment to
Mr. Rubin’s employment agreement, effective as of December 30, 2009. The intent of the Amendment was to make the
provisions of Mr. Rubin’s employment agreement comply with the applicable requirements of Sections 409A and 457A of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. The most substantive change was that prior to amendment, Mr. Rubin
had the option to receive annual payments of certain obligations for three years from separation from service, or elect to
receive a discounted cash lump sum payment of these obligation using prescribed interest rates to compute the discount.
The new amendment eliminates any election and requires a cash payment of the undiscounted balance of all obligations
under the agreement within six months of separation from service.
International Trade - We purchase most of our appliances and a significant portion of other products that we sell from
unaffiliated manufacturers located in the Far East, mainly in the Peoples’ Republic of China. Due to the fact that most of
our products are manufactured in the Far East, we are subject to risks associated with trade barriers, currency exchange
fluctuations and social, economic and political unrest. Over the last two years increasing labor costs, growing local
inflation, the impact of energy prices on transportation and the appreciation of the Renminbi against the U.S. Dollar have
exerted price pressure on our cost of goods sold. Certain of our suppliers in China closed their operations due to
economic conditions that put rapid upward pressure on their operating costs over the last twelve months. This caused
disruptions in delivery of certain items and adversely affected appliance sales. Although we have multiple sourcing
partners for many of our products, we were unable to source certain items on a timely basis due to the rapid changes
occurring with our Chinese suppliers. We believe that the contraction in suppliers has been a widespread issue in our
industry, but now appears to be stabilizing. Additionally, we believe that we could obtain similar products from facilities
in other countries, if necessary, and we continue to explore expanding our sourcing alternatives in other countries.
However, the relocation of any production capacity could require substantial time and increased costs.
Customer Incentives - We regularly enter into arrangements with customers whereby we offer those customers
incentives, including incentives in the form of volume rebates. Our estimate of the liability for such incentives is included
on the consolidated balance sheets on the line entitled “Accrued expenses and other current liabilities,” and in Note
(6) included in the lines entitled “Accrued sales returns, discounts and allowances,” “Accrued advertising” and “Other”
and is based on incentives applicable to sales up to the respective balance sheet dates.
Securities Class Action Litigation – An agreement was reached to settle the consolidated class action lawsuit filed on
behalf of purchasers of our publicly traded securities against the Company, Gerald J. Rubin, the Company’s Chairman of
the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Thomas J. Benson, the Company’s Chief Financial Officer. In the
consolidated action, the plaintiffs alleged violations of Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(“Exchange Act”), and Rule 10b-5 thereunder. The class period stated in the complaint was October 12, 2004 through
October 10, 2005. The lawsuit was brought in the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas.
On June 19, 2008, the Court held a hearing at which it approved the terms of the settlement, the certification of the class
for purposes of the settlement, and the award of attorney’s fees and costs related to the lawsuit. The order approving the
settlement became final on July 19, 2008. Under the settlement, the lawsuit has been dismissed with prejudice in
exchange for a cash payment of $4.50 million. The Company’s insurance carrier paid the settlement amount and the
Company’s remaining legal and related fees associated with defending the lawsuit because the Company had met its self-
109
NOTE 10 – OTHER COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES, CONTINUED
insured retention obligation. The Company and the two officers of the Company named in the lawsuit have denied any
and all allegations of wrongdoing and have received a full release of all claims.
Other Matters-We are involved in various other legal claims and proceedings in the normal course of operations. We
believe the outcome of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results
of operations, or liquidity.
Preference Shares and Anti-takeover Provisions–On December 1, 2008 a Shareholders’ Rights Plan approved by our
Board of Directors in fiscal year 1999, expired in accordance with its terms.
Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments -Our contractual obligations and commercial commitments, as
of February 28, 2009, were:
PAYMENTS DUE BY PERIOD - TWELVE MONTHS ENDED THE LAST DAY OF FEBRUARY
(in thousands)
Total
2010
1 year
2011
2 years
2012
3 years
2013
4 years
2014
5 years
After
5 years
$
12,000 $
200,000
3,000 $
75,000
3,000 $
-
3,000 $
50,000
$
-
75,000
6,699
2,023
2,327
2,349
32,385
1,629
67,622
80,322
85,995
11,914
8,925
733
67,622
7,090
7,420
1,902
7,453
516
-
6,345
6,007
1,661
5,489
299
-
6,090
6,181
1,212
3,000 $
-
-
4,508
81
-
5,861
6,205
1,061
-
-
-
4,508
-
-
5,397
5,680
1,081
-
1,502
-
-
49,539
54,502
4,997
Term debt - fixed rate
Term debt - floating rate (1)
Long-term incentive plan
payouts
Interest on floating rate debt
(1)
Interest on fixed rate debt
Open purchase orders
Minimum royalty payments
Advertising and promotional
Operating leases
Total contractual obligations
(2)
$498,566
$173,715
$27,309
$74,620
$20,716
$16,666
$185,540
(1) As mentioned in Note (7) to these consolidated financial statements, the Company uses interest rate hedge agreements
(the “swaps”) in conjunction with its unsecured floating interest rate $75 million, 5 year; $50 million, 7 year; and $75
million, 10 year Senior Notes. The swaps are a hedge of the variable LIBOR rates used to reset the floating rates on
these Senior Notes. The swaps effectively fix the interest rates on the 5, 7 and 10 year Senior Notes at 5.89, 5.89 and
6.01 percent, respectively. Accordingly, the future interest obligations related to this debt have been estimated using
these rates.
(2) In addition to the contractual obligations and commercial commitments in the table above, as of February 28, 2009,
we have recorded a provision for our uncertain tax positions of $2.90 million. We are unable to reliably estimate the
timing of future payments related to uncertain tax positions; therefore, we have excluded these tax liabilities from the
table above.
We lease certain facilities, equipment and vehicles under operating leases, which expire at various dates through fiscal
2019. Certain of the leases contain escalation clauses and renewal or purchase options. Rent expense related to our
operating leases was $2.25, $2.68 and $4.62 million for fiscal 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
110
NOTE 11 – OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
The following table contains a summary of the components of other comprehensive income (loss) for each of the years
covered by this report:
COMPONENTS OF OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(dollars in thousands)
Years Ended Last Day of February
2009
2008
2007
Pre-tax
Tax
Net
of Tax
Pre-tax
Tax
Net
of Tax
Pre-tax
Tax
Net
of Tax
Change in unrealized holding loss on cash flow
hedges - interest rate swaps
$
(5,638 ) $
1,916 $
(3,722 ) $
(10,429 ) $
3,546 $
(6,883 ) $
(1,215 ) $
413 $
(802 )
Less: quarterly interest rate settlements
reclassified to net earnings
Less: Gain on cancellation of swaps
reclassified to net earnings
Subtotal
Change in unrealized holding gain (loss) on
cash flow hedges - foreign currency
contracts
Less: settlement gains (losses) and hedge
ineffectiveness reclassified to net
earnings
Subtotal
Change in unrealized losses on auction rate
securities
4,217
(1,433 )
2,784
(355 )
121
(234 )
(287 )
98
(189 )
-
(1,421 )
-
483
-
(938 )
(163 )
(10,947 )
55
3,722
(108 )
(7,225 )
-
(1,502 )
-
511
-
(991 )
2,204
(624 )
1,580
(339 )
102
(237 )
(1,302 )
162
(1,140 )
(1,141 )
1,063
323
(301 )
(818 )
762
968
629
(291 )
(189 )
677
440
(679 )
(1,981 )
84
246
(595 )
(1,735 )
(4,019 )
1,366
(2,653 )
-
-
-
-
-
-
Less: unrealized losses reversed on
auction rate securities sold at par
Subtotal
Total other comprehensive income
$
1,342
(2,677 )
(3,035 ) $
(456 )
910
1,092 $
886
(1,767 )
(1,943 ) $
-
-
(10,318 ) $
-
-
3,533 $
-
-
(6,785 ) $
-
-
(3,483 ) $
-
-
757 $
-
-
(2,726 )
The following table contains a summary of the components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
COMPONENTS OF ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(in thousands)
Accumulated net unrealized holding loss on cash flow hedges - interest rate swaps
Accumulated net unrealized holding gain (loss) on cash flow hedges - foreign currency
contracts
Accumulated netunrealized loss on auction rate securities
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss
111
Last Day of February,
2008
2009
$
(9,154 )
$
(8,216 )
627
(1,767 )
(10,294 )
$
(135 )
-
(8,351 )
$
NOTE 12 - SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)
Selected unaudited quarterly financial data is as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):
May
August
November
February
Total (1)
Fiscal 2009:
Net sales
Gross profit
Impairment charges
Net earnings (loss)
Earnings (loss) per share
Basic
Diluted
Fiscal 2008:
Net sales
Gross profit
Impairment charges
Gain on sale of land
Net earnings
Earnings per share
Basic
Diluted
$
145,003 $
153,543 $
185,619 $
138,580 $
622,745
63,021
65,144
7,760
5,558
0.18
0.18
-
10,598
0.35
0.34
73,544
-
53,693
99,514
255,402
107,274
15,090
(88,039 )
(56,793 )
0.50
0.48
(2.93 )
(2.93 )
(1.88 )
(1.88 )
$
140,170 $
157,924 $
210,348 $
144,106 $
652,548
60,018
68,226
-
-
-
-
10,117
18,253
0.33
0.32
0.60
0.56
90,068
4,983
(3,609 )
22,842
0.74
0.73
63,383
281,695
-
-
4,983
(3,609 )
10,297
61,509
0.34
0.33
2.01
1.93
(1) Earnings per share calculations for each quarter are based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding for
each period, and the sum of the quarterly amounts may not necessarily equal the annual earnings per share amounts.
NOTE 13 - FOURTH QUARTER CHARGES/TRANSACTIONS
Fiscal 2009 - As more fully discussed in Note (3) to these consolidated financial statements, as a result of the continued
deterioration of economic conditions during the second half of fiscal 2009, the Company evaluated the impact of these
conditions and other developments on its reporting units to assess whether impairment indicators were present that would
require interim impairment testing. During the latter half of the third quarter of fiscal 2009, the Company’s total market
capitalization began to decline below the Company’s consolidated shareholders’ equity balance at November 30, 2008. If
a company’s total market capitalization remains below its consolidated shareholders’ equity balance for a sustained period
of time, this may be an indicator of potential impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets. Because this condition
continued throughout the balance of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009, the Company determined that the carrying amount
of our goodwill and other intangible assets might not be recoverable and performed additional impairment testing as of
February 28, 2009.
The impairment testing for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009 was performed using an updated outlook for the Company’s
reporting units completed in connection with its annual planning process. This outlook included downward adjustments
to certain future expected revenues and increases in the market participant discount rates, when compared to the
projections and discount rates upon which our annual impairment tests were prepared during the first quarter of fiscal
2009. The Company decreased its expected revenues in response to the reduction in consumer spending during the
second half of fiscal 2009 and its expectation that depressed spending levels would persist into 2010. Our projections
assumed a continued but decelerating economic contraction through the first half of fiscal 2011, an economic recovery
beginning in the second half of fiscal 2011 and general economic growth returning to slightly above mean levels in fiscal
112
NOTE 13 - FOURTH QUARTER CHARGES/TRANSACTIONS
years 2012 through 2014. Additionally, the Company increased the market participant discount rates used in its analysis
because management believes that the lending market and the restrained liquidity in the current environment have
increased the cost of capital. In determining the extent to which to change its assumptions, management considered
consumer spending trends and the anticipated impact on each reporting unit as well as the market cost of capital for
comparable companies for each reporting unit.
As a result, the Company recorded non-cash impairment charges of $99.51 million ($99.06 million after tax) in the fourth
quarter of fiscal 2009. This consisted of non-cash, pre-tax impairment charges of $46.49 million against goodwill and
$2.75 million against a trademark in our Personal Care segment’s Appliances and Accessories reporting unit, and $50.27
million against certain trademarks and an indefinite-lived license held by our Grooming, Skin Care and Hair Care
Solutions reporting unit. The impairment for these reporting units was due to a decrease in the fair value of forecasted
cash flows, and other market conditions reflecting the continued deterioration of the domestic and global economies and
the declines in retail sales activity. No impairment charges were required for our Housewares segment as this reporting
unit’s estimated fair value of total net assets including recorded goodwill, trademarks and other intangible assets,
exceeded their carrying values as of the date of the evaluation.
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009, the Company reversed $2.73 million of incentive compensation it had accrued
throughout the year, due to the impact of the Company’s fourth quarter impairment charges on a management incentive
plan.
Fiscal 2008- In April 2008, we resolved all outstanding tax issues in connection with audits of our U.S. consolidated
federal tax returns for fiscal years 2003 and 2004 which resulted in no adjustments to either year. As a result of the
settlement, in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008, we reversed $3.68 million representing the tax provisions, including
interest and penalties previously established for those years. Of the $3.68 million, we credited $1.36 million to the fiscal
2008 tax provision and $2.32 million to additional paid-in-capital. The amount credited to additional paid-in-capital was
for the tax effects of prior year share-based compensation expense that was allowed upon audit. Also in the fourth quarter
of fiscal 2008, we increased our deferred tax valuation allowance $0.98 million to account for operating loss
carryforwards in certain tax jurisdictions whose benefits we believe we will not be able to utilize.
Fiscal 2007- Our results for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007 did not contain any transactions of a non-routine nature.
113
NOTE 14 - SEGMENT INFORMATION
The following table contains segment information for fiscal years covered by our consolidated financial statements:
FISCAL YEARS ENDED 2009, 2008 AND 2007
(in thousands)
2009
Personal
Care
Housewares
Total
Net sales
Operating income before impairment and gain
Impairment charges
Operating income (loss)
Identifiable assets
Capital, license, trademark and other intangible expenditures
Depreciation and amortization
$
447,244 $
175,501 $
41,432
107,274
(65,842 )
466,590
1,914
9,055
25,626
-
25,626
354,717
3,945
5,130
622,745
67,058
107,274
(40,216 )
821,307
5,859
14,185
2008
Net sales
Operating income before impairment and gain
Impairment charges
Gain on sale of land
Operating income
Identifiable assets
Capital, license, trademark and other intangible expenditures
Depreciation and amortization
2007
Personal
Care
Housewares
Total
$
488,414 $
164,134 $
42,523
4,983
3,609
41,149
552,329
3,183
9,448
31,401
-
-
31,401
359,664
4,526
4,850
652,548
73,924
4,983
3,609
72,550
911,993
7,709
14,298
Personal
Care
Housewares
Total
Net sales
Operating income
Identifiable assets
Capital, license, trademark and other intangible expenditures
Depreciation and amortization
$
497,824 $
137,108 $
42,530
554,295
4,912
9,430
27,886
351,977
2,483
4,871
634,932
70,416
906,272
7,395
14,301
Our Personal Care segment’s products include hair dryers, straighteners, curling irons, hairsetters, shavers, mirrors, hot air
brushes, home hair clippers and trimmers, paraffin baths, massage cushions, footbaths, body massagers, brushes, combs,
hair accessories, liquid and aerosol hair styling products, men’s fragrances, men’s deodorants, liquid and bar soaps, foot
powder, body powder and skin care products. Our Housewares segment reports the operations of OXO International
(“OXO”) whose products include kitchen tools, cutlery, bar and wine accessories, household cleaning tools, food storage
containers, tea kettles, trash cans, storage and organization products, hand tools, gardening tools, kitchen mitts and trivets,
barbeque tools and rechargeable lighting products. We use third-party manufacturers to produce our goods. Both our
Personal Care and Housewares segments sell their products primarily through mass merchandisers, drugstore chains,
warehouse clubs, catalogs, grocery stores and specialty stores. In addition, the Personal Care segment sells extensively
through beauty supply retailers and wholesalers.
We compute operating income for each segment based on net sales, less cost of goods sold and any SG&A associated
with the segment. The SG&A used to compute each segment’s operating income are comprised of SG&A directly
associated with the segment, plus overhead expenses that are allocable to the segment.
114
NOTE 14 - SEGMENT INFORMATION, CONTINUED
During the first quarter of fiscal 2007, we completed the transition of our Housewares segment’s operations to our internal
operating systems and our new distribution facility in Southaven, Mississippi. For the fiscal year ended February 28,
2007, we allocated expenses totaling $12.75 million to the Housewares segment, some of which were previously absorbed
by the Personal Care segment.
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007, we completed the consolidation of our domestic appliance inventories into the
Southaven facility. During fiscal 2007, we conducted an evaluation of our shared cost allocation methodology given the
structural and process changes that were taking place in our operations, and changed our methodology in the first quarter
of fiscal 2008. We believe the new method better reflects the economics of our newly consolidated operations. The table
below summarizes and compares the expense allocations made to the Housewares segment over the last three fiscal years:
Housewares Segment Expense Allocation
(dollars in thousands)
(New Method)
2009
2008
(Prior Method)
2007
Distribution expense
Other operating and corporate overhead expense
Total allocated expenses
$
$
15,382
7,142
22,524
$
$
14,031 $
6,901
20,932 $
Expense allocation as a percentage of Housewares segment’s net sales:
Distribution and sourcing expense
Other operating and corporate overhead expense
Total allocated expenses
8.8%
4.1%
12.8%
8.5%
4.2%
12.8%
We do not allocate other items of income and expense, including income taxes to operating segments.
Our domestic and international net sales from third parties and long-lived assets for the years ended the last day of
February are as follows:
7,541
5,212
12,753
5.5%
3.8%
9.3%
Years Ended Last Day of February
2008
2009
2007
NET SALES FROM THIRD PARTIES:
United States
International
Total
LONG-LIVED ASSETS:
United States
Barbados
Other international
Total
$
$
$
$
476,147
146,598
622,745
113,631
307,099
4,124
424,854
$
$
$
$
505,817
146,731
652,548
123,624
391,851
754
516,229
$
$
$
$
511,786
123,146
634,932
131,933
374,798
26,323
533,054
The table above classifies assets based upon the country where we hold legal title, as opposed to the country where we
utilize the assets.
Sales to our largest customer and its affiliates accounted for approximately 17, 19 and 21 percent of our net sales in fiscal
2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. No other customers accounted for ten percent or more of net sales during those fiscal
years.
Sales within the U.S. to this same customer and its affiliates were 85, 86 and 92 percent during fiscal 2009, 2008 and
2007, respectively.
115
NOTE 15 – FAIR VALUE
In the first quarter of fiscal 2009, we adopted SFAS 157, which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring
fair value under GAAP, and requires expanded disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 does not require any
new fair value measurements, but rather generally applies to other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair
value measurements. SFAS 157 emphasizes that fair value is a market-based measurement, not an entity-specific
measurement, and defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or transfer a liability in an orderly
transaction between market participants at the measurement date. SFAS 157 discusses valuation techniques, such as the
market approach (comparable market prices), the income approach (present value of future income or cash flow), and the
cost approach (cost to replace the service capacity of an asset or replacement cost). These valuation techniques are based
upon observable and unobservable inputs. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while
unobservable inputs reflect the Company’s market assumptions. SFAS 157 utilizes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes
inputs to fair value measurement techniques into three broad levels. The following is a brief description of those three
levels:
• Level 1: Observable inputs such as quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.
• Level 2: Observable inputs other than quoted prices that are directly or indirectly observable for the asset or
liability, including quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for similar or
identical assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations whose inputs are
observable or whose significant value drivers are observable.
• Level 3: Unobservable inputs that reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions.
The FASB issued FASB Staff Position FSP 157-2 that delayed the effective date of SFAS 157 for all non-financial assets
and liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis,
until the beginning of our fiscal 2010 year. The Company’s financial assets and liabilities adjusted to fair value at
February 28, 2009 are money market accounts, auction rate securities, trading securities, foreign currency contracts and
interest rate swaps. These assets and liabilities are subject to the measurement and disclosure requirements of SFAS 157.
The Company adjusts the value of these instruments to fair value each reporting period. No adjustment to retained
earnings resulted from the adoption of SFAS 157.
The fair value hierarchy of our financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value and measured on a recurring basis is as
follows:
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
(in thousands)
Description
February 28, 2009
(Level 1)
(Level 2)
Fair Value at
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical Assets Market Inputs
Significant Other
Observable
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Assets:
Money market accounts
Trading securities
Auction rate securities
Foreign currency contracts
Total
Liabilities:
Interest rate swaps
$
$
$
82,674 $
570
19,973
819
104,036 $
82,674 $
570
-
-
83,244 $
- $
-
-
819
819 $
-
-
19,973
-
19,973
13,870 $
- $
13,870 $
-
116
NOTE 15 – FAIR VALUE, CONTINUED
Money market accounts are included in cash and cash equivalents in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and
are classified as Level 1 assets. Trading securities are also classified as Level 1 assets because they consist of certain
publicly traded stocks that are stated on our consolidated balance sheets at market value, as determined by the most recent
trading price of each security as of the balance sheet date.
We use derivatives for hedging purposes pursuant to SFAS 133, and our derivatives are primarily foreign currency
contracts and interest rate swaps. We determine the fair value of our derivative instruments based on Level 2 inputs in the
SFAS 157 fair value hierarchy.
At February 28, 2009, we held $19.97 million of ARS, classified as “Long-term investments” on our consolidated balance
sheet with underlying maturities from 20 to 37 years and 97 percent of the aggregate collateral (student loans) guaranteed
by the U.S. government under the Federal Family Education Loan Program.
Throughout fiscal 2009, these ARS were subject to failed auctions that affected our ability to access the funds in the near
term. Auctions fail when there is insufficient demand. However, this does not represent a default by the issuer of the
security. Upon an auction failure, the interest rates reset based on a formula contained in the security and this rate is
generally higher than the current market rate. The securities will continue to accrue interest and to be auctioned until one
of the following occurs: the auction succeeds; the issuer calls the securities; or the securities mature.
At May 31, 2008, we concluded that the illiquidity in the ARS market was not a temporary market condition. We intended
to reduce our remaining holdings as soon as practicable, but believed it unlikely that we could liquidate all of our holdings
within twelve months. Accordingly, we reclassified all remaining ARS as non-current assets held for sale under the
heading “Long-term investments” in our consolidated balance sheet and the Company determined that original cost no
longer approximated fair value.
As a result of the lack of liquidity in the ARS market, during the fiscal year ended February 28, 2009, we recorded pre-tax
unrealized losses on our ARS totaling $2.68 million, which is reflected in accumulated other comprehensive loss in our
accompanying consolidated balance sheet net of related tax effects of $0.91 million. The recording of these unrealized
losses is not a result of the quality of the underlying collateral, but rather a markdown reflecting a lack of liquidity and
other market conditions. Between February 29, 2008 and February 28, 2009, we liquidated $41.18 million of these
securities at par.
During the quarter ended August 31, 2008, we developed a series of discounted cash flow models and began using them
to value our ARS. Some of the inputs factored into the discounted cash flow models we use are unobservable in the
market and have a significant effect on valuation. The assumptions used in preparing the models include, but are not
limited to, periodic coupon rates, market required rates of return and the expected term of each security. The coupon rate
was estimated using implied forward rate data on interest rate swaps and U.S. treasuries, and limited where necessary by
any contractual maximum rate paid under a scenario of continuing auction failures. We believe implied forward rates
inherently account for a lack of liquidity. In making assumptions of the required rates of return, we considered risk-free
interest rates and credit spreads for investments of similar credit quality. The expected term was based on a weighted
probability-based estimate of the time the principal will become available to us. The principal can become available under
three different scenarios: (1) the ARS is called; (2) the market has returned to normal and auctions have recommenced and
are successful; and (3) the principal has reached maturity.
117
NOTE 15 – FAIR VALUE, CONTINUED
The table below presents a reconciliation of our assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant
unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the year ended February 28, 2009:
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS USING SIGNIFICANT UNOBSERVABLE INPUTS (Level 3)
Auction Rate Securities
(in thousands)
Balance at February 29, 2008
Transfers into Level 3 at August 31, 2008
Total gains or (losses) (realized/unrealized)
Included in earnings
Included in other comprehensive loss
Sales at par
Balance at February 28, 2009
Total gains or losses included in earnings for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2009
Cumulative change in gross unrealized gains or (losses) relating to assets still held at the reporting date
NOTE 16 – FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND RISK MANAGEMENT
$
$
$
$
-
47,067
-
(1,169 )
(25,925 )
19,973
-
(2,677 )
Foreign Currency Risk - Our functional currency is the U.S. Dollar. By operating internationally, we are subject to
foreign currency risk from transactions denominated in currencies other than the U.S. Dollar (“foreign currencies”). Such
transactions include sales, certain inventory purchases and operating expenses. As a result of such transactions, portions of
our cash, trade accounts receivable and trade accounts payable are denominated in foreign currencies. For the fiscal years
2009, 2008 and 2007, 16.9, 16.8 and 14.8 percent of our net sales were in foreign currencies. These sales were primarily
denominated in the British Pound, Euro, Mexican Peso, Canadian Dollar, Brazilian Real, Chilean Pesos, Peruvian Soles
and Venezuelan Bolivares Fuertes. We make most of our inventory purchases from the Far East and use the U.S. Dollar
for such purchases. In our consolidated statement of operations, exchange gains and losses resulting from the
remeasurement of foreign taxes receivable, taxes payable, deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities, are recognized in
their respective income tax lines, and all other foreign exchange gains and losses are recognized in SG&A. We recorded
net foreign exchange gains (losses), including the impact of currency hedges, of ($5.21), $0.53 and $0.46 million in
SG&A and $0.62, $0.22 and $0.19 million in income tax expense during fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
We identify foreign currency risk by regularly monitoring our foreign currency-denominated transactions and balances.
Where operating conditions permit, we reduce foreign currency risk by purchasing most of our inventory with U.S.
Dollars and by converting cash balances denominated in foreign currencies to U.S. Dollars.
We have historically hedged against certain foreign currency exchange rate-risk by using a series of forward contracts
designated as cash flow hedges to protect against the foreign currency exchange risk inherent in our forecasted
transactions denominated in currencies other than the U.S. Dollar. In these transactions, we execute a forward currency
contract that will settle at the end of a forecasted period. Because the size and terms of the forward contract are designed
so that its fair market value will move in the opposite direction and approximate magnitude of the underlying foreign
currency’s forecasted exchange gain or loss during the forecasted period, a hedging relationship is created. To the extent
that we forecast the expected foreign currency cash flows from the period we enter into the forward contract until the date
it will settle with reasonable accuracy, we significantly lower or materially eliminate a particular currency’s exchange risk
exposure over the life of the related forward contract.
We enter into these types of agreements where we believe we have meaningful exposure to foreign currency exchange
risk and the hedge pricing appears reasonable. It is not practical for us to hedge all our exposures, nor are we able to
project in any meaningful way the possible effect and interplay of all foreign currency fluctuations on translated amounts
118
NOTE 16 - FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND RISK MANAGEMENT, CONTINUED
or future earnings. This is due to our constantly changing exposure to various currencies, the fact that each foreign
currency reacts differently to the U.S. Dollar and the significant number of currencies involved. Accordingly, we will
always be subject to foreign exchange rate-risk on exposures we have not hedged, and these risks may be material.
For transactions we designate as foreign currency cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the change in the fair value
(arising from the change in the spot rates from period to period) is deferred in other comprehensive income (loss)
(“OCI”). These amounts are subsequently recognized in SG&A in the consolidated statement of operations in the same
period as the forecasted transactions close out over the remaining balance of their terms. The ineffective portion of the
change in fair value (arising from the change in the difference between the spot rate and the forward rate) is recognized in
the period it occurred. These amounts are also recognized in SG&A in the consolidated statement of operations. We do
not enter into any forward exchange contracts or similar instruments for trading or other speculative purposes.
On September 3, 2008, the Company entered into a series of foreign exchange forward contracts to sell U.S. Dollars for
British Pounds in notional amounts and terms that effectively froze the $1.78 million fair value of our existing forward
contracts to sell British Pounds for U.S. Dollars. The new forward contracts had the effect of eliminating the foreign
currency hedge created by the original forward currency contracts on certain forecasted transactions denominated in
British Pounds and we discontinued their classification as cash flow hedges. These forward contracts had originally been
designated as cash flow hedges. In accordance with Derivatives Implementation Group (DIG) Issue No. G3 -
Discontinuation of a Cash Flow Hedge, the net gain related to the discontinued cash flow hedges will continue to be
reported in OCI as it is probable that the forecasted transactions will occur generally by the originally specified time
period. Therefore, at February 28, 2009, a portion of the deferred gains related to the combined group of derivatives
remains in OCI and is currently expected to be reclassified into earnings when the underlying contracts settle over dates
ranging from May 15, 2009 through August 17, 2009.
Interest Rate Risk – Fluctuation in interest rates can cause variation in the amount of interest that we can earn on our
available cash, cash equivalents, temporary and long-term investments and the amount of interest expense we incur on any
short-term and long-term borrowings. Interest on our long-term debt outstanding as of February 28, 2009 is both floating
and fixed. Fixed rates are in place on $12 million of Senior Notes at 7.24 percent and floating rates are in place on $200
million of debt that resets as described in Note (7) of these consolidated financial statements, but have been effectively
converted to fixed rate debt using the interest rate swaps described below.
We manage our floating rate debt using interest rate swaps (the “swaps”). We have three interest rate swaps that convert
an aggregate notional principal of $200 million from floating interest rate payments under our 5, 7 and 10 year Senior
Notes to fixed interest rate payments ranging from 5.89 to 6.01 percent. In these transactions, we have three contracts to
pay fixed rates of interest on an aggregate notional principal amount of $200 million at rates ranging from 5.04 to 5.11
percent while simultaneously receiving floating rate interest payments set at 1.47 percent as of February 28, 2009 on the
same notional amount. The fixed rate side of the swap will not change over the life of the swap. The floating rate
payments are reset quarterly based on three month LIBOR. The resets are concurrent with the interest payments made on
the underlying debt. Changes in the spread between the fixed rate payment side of the swap and the floating rate receipt
side of the swap offset 100 percent of the change in any period of the underlying debt’s floating rate payments. These
swaps are used to reduce the Company’s risk of increased interest costs; however, we lose the benefit that floating rate
debt can provide in a declining interest rate environment. The swaps are considered 100 percent effective. Gains and
losses related to the swaps, net of related tax effects are reported as a component of “Accumulated other comprehensive
loss” in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet and will not be reclassified into earnings until the conclusion of the
hedge. A partial net settlement occurs quarterly at the same time interest payments are made on the underlying debt. The
settlement is the net difference between the fixed rates payable and the floating rates receivable over the quarter under the
swap contracts. The settlement is recognized as a component of “Interest expense” in the consolidated statement of
operations.
119
NOTE 16 - FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND RISK MANAGEMENT, CONTINUED
The following table summarizes our open forward contracts and interest rate swap contracts and indicates whether they
are designated as cash flow hedges or ordinary hedges at the end of fiscal 2009 and 2008:
FOREIGN CURRENCY AND INTEREST RATE SWAP CONTRACTS
February 28, 2009
Range of Maturities
Spot Rate at
Average
Forward Rate Contract in
Weighted
Weighted
Average
Market Value
of the
Contract
Currency
Notional
Spot Rate at
February 28, Forward Rate at February
U.S. Dollars
Type
to Deliver
Amount
Contract Date
From
To
Contract Date
2009
at Inception
28, 2009
(Thousands)
Foreign Currency Contracts Reported as Ordinary Hedges
Sell
Sell
Subtotal
Pounds
Dollars
£4,000,000
$7,011,000
4/17/2007
9/3/2008
5/15/2009
5/15/2009
8/17/2009
8/17/2009
2.0000
1.7825
1.4318
1.4318
1.9631
1.7528
1.4340
1.4283
Interest Rate Swap Contracts Reported as Cash Flow Hedges
Swap
Swap
Swap
Subtotal
Dollars
Dollars
Dollars
Total Fair Value
$75,000,000
$50,000,000
$75,000,000
9/28/2006
9/28/2006
9/28/2006
6/29/2009
6/29/2011
6/29/2014
(Pay fixed rate at 5.04%, receive floating 3-month LIBOR rate)
(Pay fixed rate at 5.04%, receive floating 3-month LIBOR rate)
(Pay fixed rate at 5.11%, receive floating 3-month LIBOR rate)
$2,117
($1,298 )
$819
($931 )
($3,772 )
($9,167 )
($13,870 )
($13,051 )
February 29, 2008
Range of Maturities
Spot Rate at
Average
Forward Rate Contract in
Weighted
Weighted
Average
Market Value
of the
Contract
Currency
Notional
Spot Rate at
February 29, Forward Rate at February
U.S. Dollars
Type
to Deliver
Amount
Contract Date
From
To
Contract Date
2008
at Inception
29, 2008
(Thousands)
Foreign Currency Contracts Reported as Cash Flow Hedges
Sell
Sell
Subtotal
Pounds
Pounds
£5,000,000
£5,000,000
11/28/2006
4/17/2007
12/11/2008
2/17/2009
1/15/2009
8/17/2009
1.9385
2.0000
1.9885
1.9885
1.9242
1.9644
1.9440
1.9281
Interest Rate Swap Contracts Reported as Cash Flow Hedges
Swap
Swap
Swap
Subtotal
Dollars
Dollars
Dollars
Total Fair Value
$75,000,000
$50,000,000
$75,000,000
9/28/2006
9/28/2006
9/28/2006
6/29/2009
6/29/2011
6/29/2014
(Pay fixed rate at 5.04%, receive floating 3-month LIBOR rate)
(Pay fixed rate at 5.04%, receive floating 3-month LIBOR rate)
(Pay fixed rate at 5.11%, receive floating 3-month LIBOR rate)
($99 )
$182
$83
($2,506 )
($3,462 )
($6,481 )
($12,449 )
($12,366 )
Counterparty Credit Risk -Financial instruments, including foreign currency contracts and interest rate swaps, expose us
to counterparty credit risk for nonperformance. We manage our exposure to counterparty credit risk through only dealing
with counterparties who are substantial international financial institutions with significant experience using such
derivative instruments. Although our theoretical credit risk is the replacement cost at the then estimated fair value of
these instruments, we believe that the risk of incurring credit risk losses is remote.
120
NOTE 16 - FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND RISK MANAGEMENT, CONTINUED
Risks Inherent in Cash, Cash Equivalents, Temporary and Long-term Investments –Our cash, cash equivalents and
investments are subject to interest rate risk, credit risk and liquidity risk. Cash consists of both interest bearing and non-
interest bearing operating disbursement accounts. Cash equivalents consist of commercial paper and money market
investment accounts. Temporary and long-term investments consist of AAA rated ARS that we normally seek to dispose
of within 35 or fewer days. The following table summarizes our cash, cash equivalents, temporary and long-term
investments at the end of fiscal 2009 and 2008:
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, TEMPORARY AND LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS
(in thousands)
Last Day of February
2009
2008
Carrying
Amount
Range of
Interest Rates
Carrying
Amount
Range of
Interest Rates
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash held in interest and non interest-bearing operating
accounts - unrestricted
$
18,575
0.0 to 3.00%
$
6,872
0.0 to 5.40%
Cash held in interest and non interest-bearing operating
accounts - restricted
Commercial paper
Money market accounts
Total cash and cash equivalents
$
1,426
-
82,674
102,675
0.0 to 7.00%
-
0.35 to 6.00%
$
701
-
1,785 3.15 to 3.19%
48,493 2.00 to 6.00%
57,851
Auction rate securities - collateralized by student loans
$
19,973 1.95% to 8.67%
$
63,825 4.50 to 9.90%
Our cash balances at February 28, 2009 and February 29, 2008 include restricted cash of $1.43 and $0.70 million,
respectively, denominated in Venezuelan Bolivares Fuertes, shown above under the heading “Cash held in interest and
non interest-bearing operating accounts — restricted.” The balances are primarily a result of favorable operating cash
flows within the Venezuelan market. Due to current Venezuelan government restrictions on transfers of cash out of the
country and control of exchange rates, the Company has not yet received approval of its applications to repatriate this
cash, and cannot repatriate it at this time.
Most of our cash equivalents and investments are in money market accounts and ARS with frequent rate resets, therefore,
we believe there is no material interest rate risk. In addition, our commercial paper and ARS are purchased from issuers
with high credit ratings; therefore, we believe the credit risk is relatively low.
We hold investments in ARS collateralized by student loans (with underlying maturities from 20 to 37 years). At
February 28, 2009, 97 percent of the aggregate collateral was guaranteed by the U.S. government under the Federal
Family Education Loan Program. Liquidity for these securities was normally dependent on an auction process that resets
the applicable interest rate at pre-determined intervals, ranging from 7 to 35 days. Beginning in February 2008, the
auctions for the ARS held by us and others were unsuccessful, requiring us to hold them beyond their typical auction reset
dates. Auctions fail when there is insufficient demand. However, this does not represent a default by the issuer of the
security. Upon an auction’s failure, the interest rates reset based on a formula contained in the security. The rate is
generally equal to or higher than the current market rate for similar securities. The securities will continue to accrue
interest and to be auctioned until one of the following occurs: the auction succeeds; the issuer calls the securities; or the
securities mature.
At February 29, 2008, these securities were valued at their original cost and classified as current assets in the consolidated
balance sheet under the heading “Temporary investments,” which we believed was appropriate based on the
circumstances and level of information we had at that time. Between February 29, 2008 and February 28, 2009, we have
liquidated $41.18 million of these securities at par. Each of the remaining securities in our portfolio has been subject to
failed auctions. These failures in the auction process have affected our ability to access these funds in the near term. At
May 31, 2008, we concluded that the illiquidity in the ARS markets was not a temporary phenomenon. At that time, we
decided to continue to reduce our remaining holdings as soon as practicable, but believed it unlikely that we could
liquidate all of our holdings within twelve months. Accordingly, we reclassified all remaining ARS as non-current assets
121
NOTE 16 - FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND RISK MANAGEMENT, CONTINUED
held for sale under the heading “Long-term investments” in our consolidated balance sheet and the Company determined
that original cost no longer approximates fair value.
As a result of the lack of liquidity in the ARS market, during the fiscal year ended February 28, 2009, we recorded pre-tax
unrealized losses on our ARS totaling $2.68 million, which is reflected in accumulated other comprehensive loss in our
accompanying consolidated balance sheet net of related tax effects of $0.91 million. The recording of these unrealized
losses is not a result of the quality of the underlying collateral, but rather a markdown reflecting a lack of liquidity and
other market conditions.
Under FSP 115-1 and FSP 124-1, an investment is considered impaired when the fair value is less than the cost.
Significant judgment is required to determine if impairment is other-than-temporary. The Company deemed the unrealized
loss on the available-for-sale ARS to be temporary based primarily on the following: (1) as of the balance sheet date, the
Company had the ability and intent to hold the impaired securities to maturity; (2) the lack of deterioration in the financial
performance, credit rating or business prospects of the issuers; (3) the lack of evident factors that raise significant
concerns about the issuers’ ability to continue as a going concern; (4) the lack of significant changes in the regulatory,
economic or technological environment of the issuers; and (5) the presence of collateral guarantees by the U.S.
government under the Federal Family Education Loan Program. If it becomes probable that the Company will not receive
100 percent of the principal and interest with respect to any of the ARS, or if events occur to change any of the factors
described above, the Company will be required to recognize an other-than-temporary impairment charge in the
consolidated statement of operations.
NOTE 17 - 401(k) DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLANS
We sponsor defined contribution savings plans in the U.S. and other countries where we have employees. Total matching
contributions made to these savings plans for the fiscal years ended 2009, 2008 and 2007 were $0.65, $0.71 and $0.47
million, respectively.
122
NOTE 18 – REPURCHASE OF HELEN OF TROY SHARES
During the quarter ended August 31, 2003, our Board of Directors approved a resolution authorizing the purchase, in the
open market or through private transactions, of up to 3,000,000 common shares over an initial period extending through
May 31, 2006. On April 25, 2006, our Board of Directors approved a resolution to extend the existing plan to May 31,
2009. On October 15, 2008, the Board of Directors approved a resolution to add 3,000,000 shares to the existing shares
authorized for repurchase and to extend the repurchase program through October 31, 2011.
For the fiscal years ended 2009 and 2008, we repurchased and retired 574,365 and 1,095,392 shares at a total purchase
price of $7.42 and $26.00 million, and an average purchase price of $12.91 and $23.74 per share, respectively. We did
not repurchase any shares during fiscal 2007. From September 1, 2003 through February 28, 2009, we have repurchased
3,233,593 common shares at a total cost of $79.03 million, or an average price per share of $24.44. An additional
2,766,407 common shares remain authorized for purchase under this plan as of February 28, 2009. The following
schedule sets forth the purchase activity for each month during the three months ended February 28, 2009:
ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED FEBRUARY 2
8, 2009
Period
Total Number of
Shares
Purchased
Average Price
Paid
per Share
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of
Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs
Maximum Number
of Shares that May
Yet Be Purchased
Under the Plans or
Programs
December 1 through December 31, 2008
January 1 through January 31, 2009
February 1 through February 28, 2009
Total
9,302
122,881
161,344
293,527
$15.65
11.15
10.14
$10.74
9,302
122,881
161,344
293,527
3,050,632
2,927,751
2,766,407
2,766,407
NOTE 19 – SIGNIFICANT CHARGE AGAINST ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS
On May 2, 2008, Linens ‘n Things retail chain (“Linens”), filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy
Code. Our accounts receivable balance with Linens at the date of bankruptcy was $4.17 million. For the fiscal quarter
ended May 31, 2008, a bad debt provision charge of $3.88 million was made to SG&A and we established a specific
allowance of the same amount to account for the portion of the receivable we estimated to be uncollectible. For the fiscal
quarter ended August 31, 2008, we charged the remaining $0.29 million unreserved balance of Linens’ pre-petition
accounts receivables to our bad debt provision and wrote off the resulting 100 percent reserved balance as uncollectable.
During the fiscal quarter ended November 30, 2008, Linens announced plans to liquidate by December 31, 2008. We
expect no further sales to Linens and we have fully collected all post-petition receivables as of the quarter ended
November 30, 2008. Linens was a significant customer of the Company with net sales for fiscal 2009 of $0.55 million
and $7.24 million for the Personal Care and Housewares segments, respectively, compared to net sales of $1.30 million
and $17.30 million in the same segments, respectively, for fiscal 2008.
NOTE 20 – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (UNAUDITED)
On March 31, 2009, we completed the acquisition of certain assets, trademarks, customer lists, distribution rights, patents
and formulas for Infusium 23® hair care products from The Procter & Gamble Company for a cash purchase price of $60
million, which we paid with cash on hand. Infusium 23® has a heritage of over 80 years and its shampoos, conditioners
and leave-in treatments have an established reputation for product performance with stylists and consumers. We will
market Infusium 23® products into both retail and professional trade channels. We have begun the process of completing
our analysis of the economic lives of the assets acquired and appropriate allocation of the initial purchase price.
123
HELEN OF TROY LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
(in thousands)
Additions
Balance at
Beginning
of Year
Charged to
cost and
expenses (1)
Charged to
revenues
Deductions (2)
Balance at
End of Year
Description
Year ended February 28, 2009
Allowance for accounts receivable $
1,331 $
5,643 $
- $
5,058 $
1,916
Year ended February 29, 2008
Allowance for accounts receivable $
1,002 $
1,411 $
- $
1,082 $
1,331
Year ended February 28, 2007
Allowance for accounts receivable $
850 $
586 $
- $
434 $
1,002
(1) Represents periodic charges to the provision for doubtful accounts.
(2) Represents write offs of doubtful accounts net of recoveries of previously reserved amounts.
124
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
The Company began seeking proposals for audit services after KPMG LLP (“KPMG”) ceased maintaining an
office in El Paso, Texas, the headquarters of the Company’s U.S. operations. The Audit Committee (the “Audit
Committee”) of the Board of Directors of the Company evaluated and analyzed several proposals for such auditing
services. On May 15, 2007, the Audit Committee notified KPMG that it would not recommend that the Company’s
shareholders appoint KPMG as the Company’s independent auditor and registered public accounting firm, subject to the
requirements of Bermuda Law, at the next annual general meeting of shareholders. Bermuda company law provides that
the Company’s independent auditor may not be removed before the expiration of its term of office other than by the
Company’s shareholders acting at a general meeting at which general meeting the Company’s shareholders must appoint
another auditor for the remainder of its term of office. KPMG’s current term was scheduled to expire at the Company’s
annual general meeting proposed for August 2007. In order to facilitate the transition of audit services for fiscal year
2008, KPMG notified the Company on May 15, 2007 that they resigned as the independent auditor and registered public
accounting firm of the Company. KPMG’s resignation created a casual vacancy. Bermuda company law provides that in
the event of a casual vacancy in the position of auditor, the Company’s Audit Committee may appoint a new auditor to fill
such vacancy in accordance with the authority delegated to it by the Company’s Board of Directors.
During the Company’s fiscal year ended February 28, 2007, and subsequent interim period through May 15,
2007, there were no disagreements between the Company and KPMG on any matter of accounting principles or practices,
financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedures, which disagreement if not resolved to KPMG’s
satisfaction, would have caused them to make reference in conjunction with their opinion to the subject matter of the
disagreement. There were also no reportable events as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K.
The audit report of KPMG on the consolidated financial statements of the Company and subsidiaries as of and
for the year ended February 28, 2007 did not contain an adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion, nor was it qualified or
modified as to uncertainty, audit scope, or accounting principles, except as set forth in the following sentence. KPMG’s
report on the consolidated financial statements of the Company and subsidiaries as of and for the year ended February 28,
2007, contained a separate paragraph stating, “As discussed in Note (9) to the consolidated financial statements, the
Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment, effective March 1,
2006.”
The audit report of KPMG on management’s assessment of effectiveness of internal control over financial
reporting and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of February 28, 2007 did not contain an
adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion, nor was it qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope, or accounting
principles.
On June 18, 2007, the Company engaged Grant Thornton LLP as the Company’s auditor and independent
registered public accounting firm to audit our consolidated financial statements for the fiscal years ending on or after
February 29, 2008. Our Audit Committee has approved the appointment of Grant Thornton LLP for fiscal 2009 and fiscal
2008.
125
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
EVALUATION OF DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Under the supervision and with the participation of our Company’s management, including the Chief Executive
Officer (CEO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), we have evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our
disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Exchange Act as of February 28,
2009. Based upon that evaluation, our CEO and CFO concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective
to ensure that information we are required to disclose in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is
accumulated and communicated to management, including the CEO and CFO, as appropriate to allow timely decisions
regarding required disclosure and is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the
SEC’s rules and forms.
MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
The management’s report on internal control over financial reporting and the attestation report on internal
controls over financial reporting of the independent registered public accounting firm required by this item are set forth
under “Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this report on pages 71 through 72, and are incorporated
herein by reference.
CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
In connection with the evaluation described above, we identified no change in our internal control over financial
reporting that occurred during our fiscal quarter ended February 28, 2009, that has materially affected, or is reasonably
likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
126
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Information in our Proxy Statement for the 2009 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (the “Proxy
Statement”) is incorporated by reference in response to this Item 10, as noted below:
• Information about our Directors who are standing for reelection is set forth under “Election of Directors”;
• Information about our executive officers is set forth under “Executive Officers”;
• Information about our Audit Committee, including members of the committee, and our designated “audit
committee financial experts” is set forth under “Corporate Governance, The Board, Board Committees and
Meetings”; and
• Information about Section 16(a) beneficial ownership reporting compliance is set forth under
“Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance.”
We have adopted a Code of Ethics governing our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial and Principal
Accounting Officer, and finance department members. The full text of our Code of Ethics is published on our website, at
www.hotus.com , under the “Investor Relations-Corporate Governance” caption. We intend to disclose future
amendments to, or waivers from, certain provisions of this Code on our website or in a current report on Form 8-K.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Information set forth under the captions “Director Compensation”; “Executive Compensation”; and
“Compensation Discussion and Analysis” in our Proxy Statement is incorporated by reference in response to this Item 11.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND
RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS
Information set forth under the captions “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management”
and “Executive Compensation” in our Proxy Statement is incorporated by reference in response to this Item 12.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR
INDEPENDENCE
Information set forth under the captions “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” and “Corporate
Governance, The Board, Board Committees and Meetings” in our Proxy Statement is incorporated by reference in
response to this Item 13.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
Information set forth under the caption “Audit and Other Fees Paid to our Independent Registered Public
Accounting Firm” in our Proxy Statement is incorporated by reference in response to this Item 14.
127
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
PART IV
(a)
1.
2.
3.
Financial Statements: See “Index to Consolidated Financial Statements” under Item 8 on page 70
of this report
Financial Statement Schedule: See “Schedule II” on page 124 of this report
Exhibits
The exhibit numbers succeeded by an asterisk (*) indicate exhibits physically filed with this Form 10-K. All other
exhibit numbers indicate exhibits filed by incorporation by reference. Exhibit numbers succeeded by a cross (†) are
management contracts or compensatory plans or arrangements.
3.1
3.2
10.1†
10.2
10.3
10.4
10.5
10.6
10.7
10.8
10.9
10.10
10.11†
Memorandum of Association (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Registration
Statement on Form S-4, File No. 33-73594, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
December 30, 1993 (the “1993 S-4”)).
Bye-Laws, as Amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to Helen of Troy Limited’s Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the period ending August 31, 2007, filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on October 10, 2007).
Form of Directors’ and Executive Officers’ Indemnity Agreement (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.2 to the 1993 S-4).
Revlon Consumer Products Corporation (RCPC) North American Appliances License Agreement dated
September 30, 1992 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.31 to Helen of Troy Corporation’s
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ending November 30, 1992 (the “November 1992 10-
Q”)).
Revlon Consumer Products Corporation (RCPC) International Appliances License Agreement dated
September 30, 1992 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.32 to the November 1992 10-Q).
Revlon Consumer Products Corporation (RCPC) North American Comb and Brush License Agreement
dated September 30, 1992 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.33 to the November 1992 10-Q).
Revlon Consumer Products Corporation (RCPC) International Comb and Brush License Agreement
dated September 30, 1992 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.34 to the November 1992 10-Q).
First Amendment to RCPC North America Appliance License Agreement, dated September 30, 1992
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.26 to Helen of Troy Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-
K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the year Ending February 28, 1993 (the “1993
10-K”).
First Amendment to RCPC North America Comb and Brush License Agreement, dated September 30,
1992 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.27 to Helen of Troy Corporation’s Annual Report on
Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the year Ending February 28, 1993
(the “1993 10-K”).
First Amendment to RCPC International Appliance License Agreement, dated September 30, 1992
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.28 to the 1993 10-K).
First Amendment to RCPC International Comb and Brush License Agreement, dated September 30,
1992 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.29 to the 1993 10-K).
Guaranteed Senior Notes and $40,000,000 Guaranteed Senior Note Facility (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.23 to Helen of Troy Limited’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ending
November 30, 1996 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 14, 1997).
Helen of Troy Limited 1998 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to
Helen of Troy Limited’s Registration Statement on Form S-8, File Number 333-67369, filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on November 17, 1998).
10.12†
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between Helen of Troy Limited and Gerald J. Rubin,
dated March 1, 1999 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.29 to Helen of Troy Limited’s Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the period ending August 31, 1999 filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on October 15, 1999 (the “August 1999 10-Q”)).
128
10.13†
10.14
10.15†
10.16
10.17
10.18
10.19†
10.20
10.21†
10.22†
10.23†
10.24
10.25
Amended and Restated Helen of Troy Limited 1995 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.30 to the August 1999 10-Q).
Master License Agreement dated October 21, 2002, between The Procter & Gamble Company and Helen
of Troy Limited (Barbados) (Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to certain portions of
this exhibit. Omitted portions have been filed separately with the Commission).
Amended and Restated Helen of Troy 1997 Cash Bonus Performance Plan, as amended (incorporated by
reference to Appendix D of Helen of Troy Limited’s Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 27, 2008 (the “2008 Proxy Statement”)).
Credit Agreement, dated June 1, 2004, among Helen of Troy L.P., Helen of Troy Limited, Bank of
America, N.A. and the other lenders party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the
Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 3,
2004).
Guaranty, dated June 1, 2004, made by Helen of Troy Limited (Bermuda), Helen of Troy Limited
(Barbados), Hot Nevada, Inc., Helen of Troy Nevada Corporation, Helen of Troy Texas Corporation,
Idelle Labs Ltd. and OXO International Ltd., in favor of Bank of America, N.A. and other lenders,
pursuant to the Credit Agreement, dated June 1, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the
Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 3,
2004).
Note Purchase Agreement, dated June 29, 2004, by and among Helen of Troy Limited (Bermuda), Helen
of Troy L.P., Helen of Troy Limited (Barbados) and the purchasers listed in Schedule A thereto
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on July 2, 2004).
Amendment to Employment Agreement between Helen of Troy Limited and Gerald J. Rubin, dated
March 1, 1999 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K,
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 26, 2005).
Second Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of September 23, 2005, among Helen of Troy L.P.,
Helen of Troy Limited, Bank of America, N.A. and other lenders party thereto (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.1 of Helen of Troy Limited’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended
November 30, 2005 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 19, 2006 (the
“November 2005 10-Q”).
Amended and Restated Helen of Troy Limited 1998 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan
(incorporated by reference to Appendix A of Helen of Troy Limited’s Definitive Proxy Statement on
Schedule 14A, File Number 001-14669, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 15,
2005).
Form of Helen of Troy Limited Nonstatutory Stock Option Agreement (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.23 of Helen of Troy Limited’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
February 29, 2008, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 13, 2008 (the “2008 10-
K”).
Form of Helen of Troy Limited Incentive Stock Option Agreement (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.24 of the 2008 10-K).
Third Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of November 15, 2005, among Helen of Troy L.P.,
Helen of Troy Limited, Bank of America, N.A. and other lenders party thereto (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.2 to the November 2005 10-Q).
First Amendment to Guarantee Agreement, dated as of November 15, 2005, among Helen of Troy
Limited (Bermuda), Helen of Troy Limited (Barbados), HOT Nevada, Inc., Helen of Troy Nevada
Corporation, Helen of Troy Texas Corporation, Idelle Labs Ltd., OXO International Ltd. and Bank of
America, N.A. (as Guaranteed party) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the November 2005
10-Q).
10.26†
Helen of Troy Limited 2008 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (incorporated by reference to Appendix A to
the 2008 Proxy Statement).
10.27†
10.28†
10.29
Helen of Troy Limited 2008 Non-Employee Directors Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to
Appendix C to the 2008 Proxy Statement).
Helen of Troy Limited 2008 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Appendix B to the 2008
Proxy Statement).
Fourth Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of December 15, 2008 among Helen of Troy L.P.,
Helen of Troy Limited, Bank of America, N.A. and other lenders party thereto (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.1 the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on December 24, 2008).
129
10.30†
21*
23.1*
23.2*
31.1*
31.2*
32*
Second Amendment to Employment Agreement between Helen of Troy Limited and Gerald J. Rubin,
dated March 1, 1999 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 the Company’s Current Report on
Form 8-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 6, 2009).
Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, Grant Thornton LLP.
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, KPMG LLP.
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) pursuant to
Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) pursuant to
Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Joint certification of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C.
Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
130
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, the registrant has duly caused this
report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
SIGNATURES
HELEN OF TROY LIMITED
By: /s/ Gerald J. Rubin
Gerald J. Rubin, Chairman,
Chief Executive Officer and Director
May 14, 2009
Pursuant to the requirements of the Exchange Act, this report has been signed below by the following persons on
behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
/s/ Gerald J. Rubin
Gerald J. Rubin
Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer,
President, Director and Principal Executive Officer
/s/ Thomas J. Benson
Thomas J. Benson
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
May 14, 2009
May 14, 2009
/s/ Richard J. Oppenheim
Richard J. Oppenheim
Financial Controller and Principal Accounting
Officer
May 14, 2009
/s/ Stanlee N. Rubin
Stanlee N. Rubin
Director
May 14, 2009
/s/ Byron H. Rubin
Byron H. Rubin
Director
May 14, 2009
/s/ John B. Butterworth
John B. Butterworth
Director
May 14, 2009
/s/ Darren G. Woody
Darren G. Woody
Director
May 14, 2009
/s/ Gary B. Abromovitz
Gary B. Abromovitz
Director, Deputy Chairman of the Board
May 14, 2009
/s/ Adolpho R. Telles
Adolpho R. Telles
Director
May 14, 2009
/s/ Timothy F. Meeker
Timothy F. Meeker
Director
May 14, 2009
131
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
The exhibit numbers succeeded by an asterisk (*) indicate exhibits physically filed with this Form 10-K. All other exhibit
numbers indicate exhibits filed by incorporation by reference. Exhibit numbers succeeded by a cross (†) are management
contracts or compensatory plans or arrangements.
3.1
3.2
10.1†
10.2
10.3
10.4
10.5
10.6
10.7
10.8
10.9
10.10
10.11†
10.12†
10.13†
10.14
Memorandum of Association (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Registration
Statement on Form S-4, File No. 33-73594, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
December 30, 1993 (the “1993 S-4”)).
Bye-Laws, as Amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to Helen of Troy Limited’s Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the period ending August 31, 2007, filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on October 10, 2007).
Form of Directors’ and Executive Officers’ Indemnity Agreement (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.2 to the 1993 S-4).
Revlon Consumer Products Corporation (RCPC) North American Appliances License Agreement dated
September 30, 1992 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.31 to Helen of Troy Corporation’s Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the period ending November 30, 1992 (the “November 1992 10-Q”)).
Revlon Consumer Products Corporation (RCPC) International Appliances License Agreement dated
September 30, 1992 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.32 to the November 1992 10-Q).
Revlon Consumer Products Corporation (RCPC) North American Comb and Brush License Agreement
dated September 30, 1992 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.33 to the November 1992 10-Q).
Revlon Consumer Products Corporation (RCPC) International Comb and Brush License Agreement dated
September 30, 1992 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.34 to the November 1992 10-Q).
First Amendment to RCPC North America Appliance License Agreement, dated September 30, 1992
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.26 to Helen of Troy Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the year Ending February 28, 1993 (the “1993 10-
K”).
First Amendment to RCPC North America Comb and Brush License Agreement, dated September 30,
1992 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.27 to Helen of Troy Corporation’s Annual Report on
Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the year Ending February 28, 1993
(the “1993 10-K”).
First Amendment to RCPC International Appliance License Agreement, dated September 30, 1992
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.28 to the 1993 10-K).
First Amendment to RCPC International Comb and Brush License Agreement, dated September 30, 1992
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.29 to the 1993 10-K).
Guaranteed Senior Notes and $40,000,000 Guaranteed Senior Note Facility (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.23 to Helen of Troy Limited’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ending
November 30, 1996 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 14, 1997).
Helen of Troy Limited 1998 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to
Helen of Troy Limited’s Registration Statement on Form S-8, File Number 333-67369, filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on November 17, 1998).
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between Helen of Troy Limited and Gerald J. Rubin,
dated March 1, 1999 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.29 to Helen of Troy Limited’s Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the period ending August 31, 1999 filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on October 15, 1999 (the “August 1999 10-Q”)).
Amended and Restated Helen of Troy Limited 1995 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.30 to the August 1999 10-Q).
Master License Agreement dated October 21, 2002, between The Procter & Gamble Company and Helen
of Troy Limited (Barbados) (Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to certain portions of
this exhibit. Omitted portions have been filed separately with the Commission).
10.15†
Amended and Restated Helen of Troy 1997 Cash Bonus Performance Plan, as amended (incorporated by
reference to Appendix D of Helen of Troy Limited’s Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 27, 2008 (the “2008 Proxy Statement”)).
132
10.16
10.17
10.18
10.19†
10.20
10.21†
10.22†
10.23†
10.24
10.25
10.26†
10.27†
10.28†
10.29
Credit Agreement, dated June 1, 2004, among Helen of Troy L.P., Helen of Troy Limited, Bank of
America, N.A. and the other lenders party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the
Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 3,
2004).
Guaranty, dated June 1, 2004, made by Helen of Troy Limited (Bermuda), Helen of Troy Limited
(Barbados), Hot Nevada, Inc., Helen of Troy Nevada Corporation, Helen of Troy Texas Corporation,
Idelle Labs Ltd. and OXO International Ltd., in favor of Bank of America, N.A. and other lenders,
pursuant to the Credit Agreement, dated June 1, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the
Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 3,
2004).
Note Purchase Agreement, dated June 29, 2004, by and among Helen of Troy Limited (Bermuda), Helen
of Troy L.P., Helen of Troy Limited (Barbados) and the purchasers listed in Schedule A thereto
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on July 2, 2004).
Amendment to Employment Agreement between Helen of Troy Limited and Gerald J. Rubin, dated
March 1, 1999 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K,
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 26, 2005).
Second Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of September 23, 2005, among Helen of Troy L.P.,
Helen of Troy Limited, Bank of America, N.A. and other lenders party thereto (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.1 of Helen of Troy Limited’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended
November 30, 2005 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 19, 2006 (the
“November 2005 10-Q”).
Amended and Restated Helen of Troy Limited 1998 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan
(incorporated by reference to Appendix A of Helen of Troy Limited’s Definitive Proxy Statement on
Schedule 14A, File Number 001-14669, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 15,
2005).
Form of Helen of Troy Limited Nonstatutory Stock Option Agreement (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.23 of Helen of Troy Limited’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
February 29, 2008, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 13, 2008 (the “2008 10-
K”).
Form of Helen of Troy Limited Incentive Stock Option Agreement (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.24 of the 2008 10-K).
Third Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of November 15, 2005, among Helen of Troy L.P.,
Helen of Troy Limited, Bank of America, N.A. and other lenders party thereto (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.2 to the November 2005 10-Q).
First Amendment to Guarantee Agreement, dated as of November 15, 2005, among Helen of Troy
Limited (Bermuda), Helen of Troy Limited (Barbados), HOT Nevada, Inc., Helen of Troy Nevada
Corporation, Helen of Troy Texas Corporation, Idelle Labs Ltd., OXO International Ltd. and Bank of
America, N.A. (as Guaranteed party) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the November 2005
10-Q).
Helen of Troy Limited 2008 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (incorporated by reference to Appendix A to
the 2008 Proxy Statement).
Helen of Troy Limited 2008 Non-Employee Directors Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to
Appendix C to the 2008 Proxy Statement).
Helen of Troy Limited 2008 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Appendix B to the 2008
Proxy Statement).
Fourth Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of December 15, 2008 among Helen of Troy L.P.,
Helen of Troy Limited, Bank of America, N.A. and other lenders party thereto (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.1 the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on December 24, 2008).
10.30†
21*
23.1*
23.2*
Second Amendment to Employment Agreement between Helen of Troy Limited and Gerald J. Rubin,
dated March 1, 1999 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 the Company’s Current Report on
Form 8-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 6, 2009).
Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, Grant Thornton LLP.
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, KPMG LLP.
133
31.1*
31.2*
32*
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) pursuant to Section 302
of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) pursuant to Section 302
of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Joint certification of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C.
Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
134
SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT
Name
Incorporation
Doing Business as
EXHIBIT 21
Helen of Troy Limited
Helen of Troy do Brasil Ltda.
H.O.T. Cayman Holding
Helen of Troy (Cayman) Limited
Helen of Troy Chile, S.A.
Helen of Troy Consulting (Shenzhen) Company
Barbados
Brazil
Cayman Islands
Cayman Islands
Chile
China
Limited
Helen of Troy Costa Rica, S.A.
Helen of Troy SARL
Helen of Troy GmbH
Asia Pacific Liaison Services Limited
Helen of Troy (Far East) Limited
Helen of Troy Services Limited
Helen of Troy Szolgaltato KFT
HOT (Jamaica) Limited
H.O.T. (Luxembourg) SARL
Helen of Troy Comercial Offshore de Macau
Limitada
Helen of Troy de Mexico S.de R.L. de C.V.
Helen of Troy Servicios S.de R.L. de C.V.
Helen of Troy Canada, Inc.
Helen of Troy Nevada Corporation
HOT Latin America, LLC
HOT Nevada Inc.
Idelle Management Company
OXO International Inc.
Karina, Inc.
DCNL, Inc.
Helen of Troy Texas Corporation
Helen of Troy L.P.
Costa Rica
France
Germany
Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hungary
Jamaica
Luxembourg
Macau
Mexico
Mexico
Nevada
Nevada
Nevada
Nevada
Nevada
Nevada
New Jersey
Texas
Texas
Texas Limited Partnership
Idelle Labs, Ltd.
Texas Limited Partnership
Same Name
Same Name
Same Name
Same Name
Same Name
Same Name
Same Name
Same Name
Same Name
Same Name
Same Name
Same Name
Same Name
Same Name
Same Name
Same Name
Same Name
Same Name
Same Name
Same Name
Same Name
Same Name
Same Name
Same Name
Same Name
Same Name
Same Name
Same Name, Helen of Troy,
Belson Products, and Fusion
Tools
Same Name
OXO International Ltd.
Texas Limited Partnership
Same Name
Helen of Troy International B.V.
HOT (UK) Limited
Fontelux Trading, S.A.
The Netherlands
United Kingdom
Uruguay
Same Name
Same Name
Same Name
EXHIBIT 23.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We have issued our reports dated May 14, 2009, with respect to the consolidated financial statements, schedule,
and internal control over financial reporting included in the Annual Report of Helen of Troy Limited on Form 10-K for
the year ended February 28, 2009. We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference of said reports in the Registration
Statements of Helen of Troy Limited on Forms S-8 (File No. 333-154525, effective October 21, 2008; File No. 333-
154526, effective October 21, 2008; File No. 333-153658, effective September 24, 2008; File No. 333-11181, effective
August 30, 1996; File No. 333-67349, effective November 16, 1998; File No. 333-67369, effective November 17, 1998;
File No. 333-90776, effective June 19, 2002; File No. 333-103825, effective March 14, 2003; and File No. 333-128832,
effective October 5, 2005).
/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP
Dallas, Texas
May 14, 2009
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
EXHIBIT 23.2
The Board of Directors
Helen of Troy Limited:
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statements No. 333-11181, No. 333-67349,
No. 333-67369, No. 333-90776, No. 333-103825, No. 333-128832, No. 333-153658, No. 333-154525 and No. 333-
154526 on Form S-8, of Helen of Troy Limited and subsidiaries of our report dated May 14, 2007, with respect to Helen
of Troy Limited and subsidiaries’ consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity, cash flows and related
financial statement schedule for the year ended February 28, 2007, which report appears in the February 28, 2009 annual
report on Form 10-K of Helen of Troy Limited. Our report on the consolidated financial statements refers to a change in
the Company’s accounting for share-based payments effective March 1, 2006.
/s/ KPMG LLP
Albuquerque, New Mexico
May 14, 2009
Exhibit 31.1
CERTIFICATION
I, Gerald J. Rubin, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Helen of Troy Limited;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material
fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made,
not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly
present in all material respects, the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of,
and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and
procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting
(as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be
designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its
consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which
this report is being prepared;
b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to
be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and
the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles;
c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our
conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by
this report based on such evaluation;
d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred
during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report)
that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial
reporting; and
5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control
over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or
persons performing the equivalent functions):
a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial
reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and
report financial information; and
b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in
the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
Date: May 14, 2009
/s/ Gerald J. Rubin
Gerald J. Rubin
Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer,
President, Director and Principal Executive Officer
Exhibit 31.2
CERTIFICATION
I, Thomas J. Benson, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Helen of Troy Limited;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material
fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made,
not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly
present in all material respects, the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of,
and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and
procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting
(as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be
designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its
consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which
this report is being prepared;
b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to
be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and
the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles;
c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our
conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by
this report based on such evaluation;
d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred
during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report)
that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial
reporting; and
5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control
over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or
persons performing the equivalent functions):
a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial
reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and
report financial information; and
b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in
the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
Date: May 14, 2009
/s/ Thomas J. Benson
Thomas J. Benson
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
CERTIFICATION
Exhibit 32
In connection with the Annual Report of Helen of Troy Limited (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
February 28, 2009, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Report”), and pursuant to 18 U.S.C.,
chapter 63, Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, each of the undersigned,
the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Director and the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the
Company, hereby certifies that to the best of their knowledge:
1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934;
and
2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of
operations of the Company.
Dated: May 14, 2009
/s/ Gerald J. Rubin
Gerald J. Rubin
Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, President, Director and Principal Executive Officer
/s/ Thomas J. Benson
Thomas J. Benson
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
This certification is not deemed to be “filed” for purposes of section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act, or otherwise
subject to the liability of that section. This certification is not deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under
the Securities Act of 1933 or Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except to the extent that the Company specifically
incorporates it by reference.
_______________________________________________
Created by 10KWizard www.10KWizard.comSource: HELEN OF TROY LTD, 10-K, May 14, 2009
140
B O A R D O F D I R E C T O R S
Gerald J. Rubin
C H A I R M A N ,
C H I E F E X E C U T I V E O F F I C E R
a n d P R E S I D E N T
O F F I C E R S
Gary B. Abromovitz
D I R E C T O R
John Butterworth
D I R E C T O R
Adolpho R. Telles
D I R E C T O R
Gerald J. Rubin
C H A I R M A N ,
Jack Jancin
S E N I O R V I C E P R E S I D E N T ,
C H I E F E X E C U T I V E O F F I C E R
I D E L L E L A B S
a n d P R E S I D E N T
Arthur A. August
P R E S I D E N T ,
P R O F E S S I O N A L D I V I S I O N
Alex Lee
P R E S I D E N T , O X O
Michael Cafaro
E X E C U T I V E V I C E P R E S I D E N T ,
M A N U F A C T U R I N G &
N E W P R O D U C T D E V E L O P E M E N T
Richard R. Dwyer
E X E C U T I V E V I C E P R E S I D E N T ,
B U S I N E S S O P E R A T I O N S
Robert D. Spear
S E N I O R V I C E P R E S I D E N T &
C H I E F I N F O R M A T I O N O F F I C E R
Larry Witt
S E N I O R V I C E P R E S I D E N T ,
S A L E S & M A R K E T I N G , O X O
Alan Ames
S E N I O R V I C E P R E S I D E N T ,
H A I R C A R E A C C E S S O R I E S
John Boomer
S E N I O R V I C E P R E S I D E N T ,
I N T E R N A T I O N A L
Thomas J. Benson
S E N I O R V I C E P R E S I D E N T &
C H I E F F I N A N C I A L O F F I C E R
Thomas Gebhart
S E N I O R V I C E P R E S I D E N T ,
B E L S O N P R O D U C T S
Warren C. Myers
S E N I O R V I C E P R E S I D E N T &
G E N E R A L M A N A G E R , R E T A I L
P E R S O N A L C A R E A P P L I A N C E S
Ricardo Placencia
V I C E P R E S I D E N T ,
E N G I N E E R I N G & N E W
P R O D U C T D E V E L O P E M E N T
Tracy Scheuerman
V I C E P R E S I D E N T ,
F I N A N C E , O X O
Chris Weist
V I C E P R E S I D E N T ,
F I N A N C E & S T R A T E G I C
P L A N N I N G - R E T A I L
P E R S O N A L C A R E
Scott Viola
V I C E P R E S I D E N T ,
S A L E S - R E T A I L A P P L I A N C E S
Byron H. Rubin
D I R E C T O R
Darren Woody
D I R E C T O R
Stanlee N. Rubin
D I R E C T O R
Timothy F. Meeker
D I R E C T O R
Scott Hagstrom
V I C E P R E S I D E N T ,
S A L E S - P R O F E S S I O N A L
D I V I S I O N
Vincent D. Carson
V I C E P R E S I D E N T ,
G E N E R A L C O U N S E L &
S E C R E T A R Y
Mark Conroy
G E N E R A L M A N A G E R - U K ,
E M E A & A S I A P A C I F I C
John Hunnicutt
V I C E P R E S I D E N T ,
M A R K E T I N G , I D E L L E L A B S
Perry Sansone
V I C E P R E S I D E N T ,
S A L E S , I D E L L E L A B S
Uma Tripathi
V I C E P R E S I D E N T ,
R & D , I D E L L E L A B S
Theressa Taricco
V I C E P R E S I D E N T ,
M A R K E T I N G - P R O F E S S I O N A L
D I V I S I O N
Pedro T. Contreras
V I C E P R E S I D E N T ,
G L O B A L I N F O R M A T I O N
T E C H N O L O G Y
Mary Esther Minjares
V I C E P R E S I D E N T ,
C U S T O M E R S E R V I C E
Brian Grass
V I C E P R E S I D E N T ,
A S S I S T A N T C H I E F
F I N A N C I A L O F F I C E R
Tony Pecoraro
V I C E P R E S I D E N T ,
S A L E S - R E T A I L
A P P L I A N C E S
Alfredo
Mayne-Nicholls
V I C E P R E S I D E N T &
G E N E R A L M A N A G E R -
L A T I N A M E R I C A
Tricia Richardson
V I C E P R E S I D E N T ,
M A R K E T I N G -
N E W P R O D U C T
D E V E L O P M E N T , B C A
Debra Curry
V I C E P R E S I D E N T ,
H U M A N R E S O U R C E S
Deanna Nasser
C O R P O R A T E
T R E A S U R E R
Richard Oppenheim
C O R P O R A T E
C O N T R O L L E R -
F I N A N C E
Enrique Grajeda
C O R P O R A T E
C O N T R O L L E R -
O P E R A T I O N S
S H A R E H O L D E R ’ S
A N N U A L M E E T I N G
W I L L B E H E L D O N T U E S D A Y , A U G U S T 2 5 , 2 0 0 9 , A T
O N E O ’ C L O C K P . M . A T T H E C A M I N O R E A L H O T E L ,
1 0 1 S O U T H E L P A S O S T R E E T , T E X A S 7 9 9 0 1
S T O C K T R A D E D O V E R T H E C O U N T E R
R E G I S T R A R , T R A N S F E R A G E N T &
F O R M 1 0 - K
N A T I O N A L N A S D A Q S Y M B O L : H E L E
D I V I D E N D D I S B U R S I N G A G E N T
A C O P Y O F T H E C O M P A N Y ’ S A N N U A L R E P O R T O N F O R M 1 0 - K
C O M P U T E R S H A R E I N V E S T O R
A S F I L E D W I T H T H E S E C U R I T I E S A N D E X C H A N G E C O M M I N -
S E R V I C E , L L C
2 N O R T H L A S A L L E S T R E E T
C H I C A G O , I L L I N O I S 6 0 6 0 2
S I O N , W I L L B E F U R N I S H E D T O A N Y S H A R E H O L D E R F R E E O F
C H A R G E O N R E Q U E S T T O T H E C H I E F I N F O R M A T I O N O F F I C E R
O R S E C R E T A R Y O F T H E C O M P A N Y .
T H E G L O B A L S E A R C H
Helen of Troy has built upon its
numerous
in multiple
markets, always searching for the next
opportunity. Sometimes the search
successes
is close by, but sometimes it takes the
Company around the world for the best
brands and products for consumers of
every kind.
T H E G L O B A L H O M E
sets
Helen of Troy’s OXO® housewares
the worldwide market
brand
standard with the most stylish and
products
functional
household
POP
available.
line
air-tight dry
continues
growth
its
in an ever-growing market, and its
cool-to-the-touch Candela® rechargeable
Its Good Grips®
container
signifi cant
food
non-stop
internationally.
indoor and outdoor lights have also
successful growth domestically
had
Continuing
and
its
OXO®
looks forward to the future with
new, exciting products and ideas
to seize even more opportunities
for growth.
innovation,
B E A U T Y A T H O M E ,
W H E R E V E R Y O U A R E
and
beauty
Bringing
the Company continues
styling
simplicity to households around the
the
globe,
tradition with products
like Vidal
Sassoon Solutions® hair care appliances
tailored to style specifi c hair types, and
with the Revlon® Smart Styler Dryer
with preset style settings. And the
Company’s exclusive Bed Head® line
now incorporates advanced one-touch
control technology so users can adjust
heat, airspeed, and even ionic levels
settings with a single fi nger.
Being a successful innovator also
involves responsibility. To that end, the
Company has introduced a new line
of environmentally conscious Vidal
Sassoon EcoStyle® styling
tools, incorporating more
energy-effi cient
designs
and utilizing less packaging
materials.
Internationally,
the
Company’s brands like the
Toni&Guy® styling tools line
continue to gain a growing
global presence while its new
Veet®
shavers are enjoying a successful
European rollout. Domestically and
Internationally, Helen of Troy is ready
to continue building on its worldwide
success in the personal care venue.
and women’s
epilators
T H E G L O B A L S A L O N
A worldwide leader in professional salon
styling, Helen of Troy’s professional brands
stand at the vanguard of hair styling
technology with international names like
Wigo® and new domestic brands like the
Company’s Belson® division. Belson’s
Mega Hot® Brazilian Heat™ styling line
incorporates a full range of features and
innovative designs. New Smart Heat™
styling tools automatically adjust to
any hair type or texture with the touch
of a button – ideal for the intense salon
environment – and the Gold ‘N Hot® brand
seeks to continue to make even more
signifi cant inroads in the multicultural
salon market throughout North America
with its new value-oriented GNH line.
The Hot Tools® brand continues to
move ahead of the marketplace and to
meet the specifi c needs of hair artists
with its new Pink Titanium™, Diamond
Platinum™, and Nano Ceramic® series
of styling tools, each incorporating the
latest in tourmaline, ionic, nano silver,
and Nano Ceramic® technologies. And
the cutting-edge Fusion Tools® brand
outpaces competitors with products
like the Pulse-R™ dryer, which fuses
gemstone,
tourmaline
technologies with exclusive Pulse-R™ Air
Pulsation Technology to increase hair’s
volume while decreasing styling time.
ionic,
and
S O O T H I N G T H E W O R L D
The Company knows that there is
more to looking good – consumers
around the world also want to feel good.
Meeting consumer demand for personal
wellness solutions, the Company fi ts
every consumer’s relaxation need
with soothing massagers and
footbaths under the Dr. Scholl’s®
and Health o meter® brands
domestically and under the
internationally.
Scholl brand
Our
Dr. Scholl’s® Arctic Heat™ massagers
soothe with groundbreaking hot and
cold technology, while Dr. Scholl’s®
For Her® lines of products target the
specifi c needs of female consumers.
And, recently,
the Company’s new
Scholl Shiatsu Massager has met with
increased success in Europe.
S M O O T H I N G O U T
T H E G L O B E
The Company’s
Idelle
brand ensures consumers
not only beautiful hair, but
beautiful skin as well. Idelle
has quickly established itself
as a leader in the liquids and
lotions market segment with
its successful marketing of well-
known products like Brut® cologne
and skin-softening Skin Milk® body
lotion. Idelle also continues to make
strong inroads in the personal hair care
market with its Vitalis® and Vitapointe®
hair-beautifying products and Final Net®
style-setting hair sprays. Helen of Troy
has also increased sales in Mexico with its
exclusive Brut XT deodorants line.
the
For fi nishing touches, the Company’s
Brush, Comb, and Accessory division
innovation with
continues
world-known brands
like Revlon®,
Vidal Sassoon®, Hot Tools®, Karina®,
and dcnl®. Its mission of delivering
value and multi-use products to the
mass market is crucial, but the division
also focuses on innovation in several
unique and niche markets, like a new
Latina-inspired line of brushes that has
been well received in the marketplace,
as well as a focus on brighter palettes
and fresher styles.
A N D T H E S E A R C H C O N T I N U E S
Helen of Troy’s diverse lineup of
domestic and international brands and
products don’t tell the whole, story,
though. Every year, the Company
relies on its dedicated staff from North
America to South America, from Asia
to Europe and Australia, to bring
consumers the best in housewares,
personal
personal wellness,
the world over.
beauty products
and
U S H E A D Q U A R T E R S
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