Applica Incorporated Amendment No. 1
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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K/A

Amendment No.1
     
þ   ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2003

OR

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

Commission File Number 1-10177

APPLICA INCORPORATED


(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
     
Florida   59-1028301
     
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)   (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
     
3633 Flamingo Road, Miramar, Florida   33027
     
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (954) 883-1000

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

     
Title of Each Class   Name of Each Exchange On Which Registered
     
Common Stock, $0.10 par value   New York Stock Exchange

     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 þ  No o

     Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K 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. þ

     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes þ  No o

     As of June 30, 2003, the aggregate market value of the voting stock (based on the closing price as reported by NYSE of $8.50) held by non-affiliates of the Registrant was approximately $170.5 million (based on reported ownership of all directors and executive officers of the Registrant). This determination does not, however, constitute an admission of affiliated status for any of these individual shareholders.

     As of March 11, 2004, there were 23,778,074 shares of Common Stock outstanding.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

     The Registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement for its 2004 Annual Meeting of Stockholders will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Form 10-K pursuant to General Instruction G(3) of the Form 10-K. Information from such Definitive Proxy Statement will be incorporated by reference into Part III, Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 hereof.

 
 

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXPLANATORY NOTE
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Overview
Results of Operations
Financial Condition
New Accounting Pronouncements
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K
Signatures
SCHEDULE I
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL DATA
SCHEDULE II
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
Consent of Grant Thornton LLP
Section 302 Certification of President and CEO
Section 302 Certification of CFO and Senior Vice President
Section 906 Certification of President and CEO
Section 906 Certification of CFO and Senior Vice President


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EXPLANATORY NOTE

     Applica Incorporated (“Applica”) is filing this amendment to its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003, originally filed March 15, 2004, in order to comply with EITF Issue No. 95-22, “Balance Sheet Classification of Borrowings Outstanding under Revolving Credit Agreements that Include Both a Subjective Acceleration Clause and a Lock-Box Arrangement,” (“EITF 95-22”). This amendment to the original Form 10-K amends and restates the original Form 10-K, but does not reflect events occurring after the original filing of the Form 10-K. All information contained in this amendment and the original Form 10-K is subject to updating and supplementing as provided in the periodic reports filed subsequent to the original filing date with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Additionally, Applica is revising its Business Segment and Geographic Area Information footnote to present three reportable segments: Household Products, Professional Personal Care Products and Manufacturing, as the result of comments from the staff (the “Staff”) of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) in connection with the Staff’s normal periodic review of Applica’s filings. Based on the fact that Applica was in the process of filing an amendment to its Form 10-K for 2003, Applica decided to present the segment disclosure footnote in its amended 10-K for 2003. This Form 10-K/A contains no changes to the Consolidated Statements of Operations, Stockholders’ Equity, or Cash Flows as previously reported, although this Form 10-K/A does include changes in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and the additional disclosures as described below:

     Part II—Item 6. Selected Financial Information — Balance Sheet Data:

  •   a decrease in working capital in the amounts of $62.7 million at December 31, 2003; $55.1 million at December 31, 2002; and $90.7 million at December 31, 2001;
 
  •   a decrease in long-term debt and other liabilities at each of such dates in an equivalent amount; and
 
  •   a decrease in the current ratio from 2.7 to 1.7 at December 31, 2003, from 2.8 to 1.8 at December 31, 2002, and from 3.0 to 1.7 at December 31, 2001.

     Part II—Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition — Results of Operations — Year Ended December 31, 2003 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2002 – Net Sales – Revised disclosure to include discussion of sales by reportable segments: Household Products, Professional Personal Care and Manufacturing.

     Part II—Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition — Capital Resources — Added disclosure concerning the reclassification of Applica’s revolving credit facility pursuant to EITF 95-22.

     Part II—Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk — Added disclosure concerning the reclassification of Applica’s revolving credit facility pursuant to EITF 95-22.

     Part II—Item 8. Consolidated Financial Statements — Consolidated Balance Sheets — Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity — Total current liabilities and long-term debt, less current maturities at December 31, 2003 and 2002 have been restated from amounts originally reported as follows (note: caption “Short-term debt” was added):

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

                                 
    December 31, 2003     December 31, 2002  
            Originally             Originally  
    Restated     Reported     Restated     Reported  
    (In thousands)  
Current Liabilities:
                               
Accounts payable
  $ 39,273     $ 39,273     $ 31,446     $ 31,446  
Accrued expenses
    61,362       61,362       74,686       74,686  
Short-term debt
    62,703             55,070        
Current maturities of long-term debt
    151       151       144       144  
Current taxes payable
    2,172       2,172       518       518  
Deferred rent
    301       301       372       372  
 
                       
Total current liabilities
    165,962       103,259       162,236       107,166  
Other Long-Term Liabilities
    1,327       1,327       1,533       1,533  
Long-Term Debt, Less Current Maturities
    73,934       136,637       138,768       193,838  

     Part II—Item 8. Consolidated Financial Statements — Notes to Consolidated Financial Statement —Note G – Short-Term Debt — Added footnote disclosure to reflect the borrowings under the credit facility of $62.7 million at December 31, 2003 and $55.1 million at December 31, 2002, respectively, as current liabilities in accordance with EITF 95-22.

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EXPLANATORY NOTE (continued)

     Part II—Item 8. Consolidated Financial Statements — Notes to Consolidated Financial Statement —Note H – Long-Term Debt — Reflected a decrease of $62.7 million at December 31, 2003 and $55.1 million at December 31, 2002, respectively, as the result of the reclass to current liabilities the borrowings under the credit facility in accordance in accordance with EITF 95-22.

     Part II—Item 8. Consolidated Financial Statements — Notes to Consolidated Financial Statement —Note M – Business Segment and Geographic Area Information—Added disclosure regarding presentation of three reportable segment: Household Products, Professional Personal Care Products and Manufacturing.

     Part II—Item 8. Consolidated Financial Statements — Notes to Consolidated Financial Statement — NOTE Q – Condensed Consolidating Financial Information — Reflected the reclassification between long-term debt and short-term debt in accordance with EITF 95-22 (note: caption “Short-term debt” was added).

     Part II – Item 9A – Controls and Procedures — Added disclosure regarding the existence of a significant deficiency in internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2003 related to the presentation on its balance sheet of the borrowings under its credit facility and determination that such significant deficiency did not rise to the level of a material weakness in its internal control over financial reporting. Because Applica corrected its presentation of long-term and short-term debt in the fourth quarter of 2004, Applica believes that it corrected this significant deficiency.

     Part II – Item 9A – Limitations on the Effectiveness of Controls — Added a statement that the disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives.

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Item 6. Selected Financial Data

     The selected financial data presented below is derived from our audited financial statements and should be read in conjunction with Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” below and the Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes thereto included in Schedule I to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

                                         
    2003     2002     2001     2000     1999  
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)  
Statement of Operations:
                                       
Net sales
  $ 640,639     $ 727,356     $ 727,044     $ 748,751     $ 718,309  
Equity in net earnings (loss) of joint ventures
  $ 55,570 (1)   $ (1,498 )   $ (128 )   $ (777 )   $ (12,894 )
Earnings (loss) before income taxes and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
  $ 25,370 (1)   $ 9,878     $ (24,292 )   $ (22,758 )   $ 21,020  
Income tax expense (benefit)
  $ 10,147     $ 4,826     $ 4,146     $ (1,542 )   $ 4,177  
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of tax benefit of $42,447
        $ (78,829 )                  
Effective tax rate
    40.0 %     48.9 %     (17.1 )%     6.8 %     19.9 %
Net earnings (loss)
  $ 15,223 (2)(3)   $ (73,777 )(3)   $ (28,438 )(4)   $ (21,216 )(5)   $ 16,843 (6)
 
                                       
Balance Sheet:
                                       
Working capital (as restated)
  $ 115,767     $ 137,706     $ 137,415     $ 276,981     $ 263,315  
 
Current ratio (as restated)
    1.7       1.8       1.7       3.3       3.1  
Property, plant and equipment, net
  $ 70,389     $ 76,963     $ 82,337     $ 78,200     $ 75,983  
Total assets
  $ 478,836     $ 521,665     $ 633,684     $ 707,935     $ 714,310  
Long-term debt and other long term liabilities (as restated)
  $ 75,261     $ 140,301   $ 135,017     $ 260,147     $ 243,807  
Shareholders’ equity
  $ 237,613     $ 219,128     $ 293,939     $ 324,474     $ 343,397  
 
                                       
Per Share Data:
                                       
Earnings (loss) per common share – basic
  $ 0.65 (1)(2)     ($3.15 )(3)   $ (1.23 )(4)   $ (0.92 )(5)   $ 0.75 (6)
Earnings (loss) per common share – diluted
  $ 0.63 (1)(2)     ($3.10 )(3)   $ (1.23 )(4)   $ (0.92 )(5)   $ 0.72 (6)
Cash dividends paid
                             
Book value at year end
  $ 10.03     $ 9.33     $ 12.61     $ 14.06     $ 15.17  
Return on average equity
    6.70 %     (28.8 )%     (9.2 )%     (6.4 )%     5.1 %


(1)   During 2003, Applica recorded equity in net earnings of its joint venture in which Applica owns a 50% interest of $55.6 million ($33.4 million, net of tax).
 
(2)   Also during 2003, Applica recorded:

  •   an impairment charge of $7.2 million ($4.3 million, net of tax) in connection with an intangible asset related to the Black & Decker® trademark;
 
  •   expenses of $6.9 million ($4.1 million, net of tax) related to the retrenchment of the Mexican and Chinese manufacturing facilities;
 
  •   repositioning and other charges of $4.7 million ($2.8 million, net of tax) related to accrued rental expenses at the Shelton, Connecticut facility, which was closed in the third quarter of 2002;

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  •   expenses in an aggregate amount of $3.9 million ($2.3 million, net of tax) related to the early extinguishment of $65.0 million of the 10% notes; and
 
  •   a reversal of $4.1 million ($2.5 million, net of tax) in product recall related expenses recorded in cost of sales.

(3)   In January 2002, Applica applied the provisions of SFAS 142 “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”. Based on its impairment tests, Applica recognized an adjustment of $121.3 million ($78.8 million, or $3.31 per share, net of tax on a full year and fully diluted basis) in the first quarter of 2002 to reduce the carrying value of goodwill to its implied fair value. In addition, repositioning expenses of $10.6 million relating to the infrastructure consolidation were incurred. These expenses did not qualify for accrual at December 31, 2001.
 
(4)   In the fourth quarter of 2001, Applica took charges relating to several events in the aggregate amount of $28.2 million. These charges included:

  •   $13.4 million related to a product recall;
 
  •   $6.8 million related to its infrastructure consolidation;
 
  •   $5.2 million of such charges related to Applica’s execution of a new four-year senior secured revolving credit facility and the write-off of fees and expenses associated with the terminated credit facility; and
 
  •   $1.5 million related to the devaluation of the Argentinean peso and $1.0 million related to the settlement of the shareholder class action litigation.

(5)   Includes primarily non-cash charges totaling $37.7 million ($32.6 million, or $1.42 per share, net of tax). Such charges include:

  •   a repositioning charge of $34.1 million, of which $30.1 million was included in cost of goods sold and $4.0 million was included in selling, general and administrative expenses; and
 
  •   a loss on asset held for sale of $3.6 million.

    The $32.6 million after-tax effect of the charges has been adjusted to include a tax valuation allowance of approximately $4.5 million related to certain U.S. foreign tax credits, contributions and state net operating loss carryforwards, which expire in five years or less.
 
(6)   Includes an adjustment of $1.5 million ($0.9 million after tax) related to the reversal of a portion of the 1998 repositioning charge. Also includes a charge of $12.6 million ($8.3 million after tax) primarily for the write-down of Applica’s remaining investment in Newtech Electronics Industries, Inc.

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Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Overview

     The following discussion of our financial conditions and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and the related notes included in Schedule I to this Annual Report on Form 10-K. This discussion contains forward-looking statements. Please see “Risk Factors” in Item 1. Business above for a discussion of the uncertainties, risks and assumptions associated with these statements.

     Applica is a marketer, distributor and manufacturer of a broad range of branded and private-label small electric consumer goods. Applica markets, distributes and manufactures kitchen products, home products, pest control products, pet care products and personal care products. Applica markets products under licensed brand names, such as Black & Decker®, its own brand names, such as Windmere®, LitterMaid® and Applica®, and other private-label brand names. Applica’s customers include mass merchandisers, specialty retailers and appliance distributors primarily in North America, Latin America and the Caribbean.

     We operate manufacturing facilities in China and Mexico. In 2003 and 2002, approximately 63% and 76%, respectively, of the products sold by Applica were manufactured in such facilities. In addition, we manufacture products for other consumer products companies, which we refer to as contract manufacturing. Management is currently focused on restructuring our manufacturing facilities to focus on more innovative, proprietary products. We are outsourcing more commodity-type products to strategic sourcing partners in China, which will significantly decrease the percentage of products manufactured at our own facilities.

     In the fourth quarter of 2000, Applica entered into a joint product development relationship with The Procter & Gamble Company to develop, manufacture, market and distribute new products. We have entered into agreements related to two products and are in the process of reviewing other opportunities for joint product development with Procter & Gamble in household appliance categories. This relationship has initially been targeted to the Black & Decker® brand, but may be expanded to new brands and wider categories. We anticipate that the first new products developed will be launched in the second quarter of 2004.

     In June 1996, Applica made a $1.3 million investment representing a 50% interest in Anasazi Partners L.P. In the fourth quarter of 2002, Anasazi engaged an investment banker to pursue exit strategies for its equity investment in ZonePerfect Nutrition Company. In July 2003, the ZonePerfect Nutrition Company was sold for approximately $160.0 million in cash, $20.0 million of which is being held in escrow at December 31, 2003. In August 2003, Applica received a cash distribution from Anasazi of $51.4 million related to the sale, which reduced Applica’s investment in Anasazi. In the second half of 2003, the general partner of Anasazi Partners L.P. began the process of liquidating the remaining partnership investments and dissolving the partnership, which is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2004.

     During 2003, we purchased $65.0 million of our 10% notes. As of December 31, 2003, the outstanding balance was $65.0 million. In February 2004, we purchased an additional $4.25 million of the 10% notes.

     In September 2003, a bipartisan group of U.S. senators introduced legislation that would impose a 27.5% duty on all imports from China until China stopped fixing the value of its currency, the renminbi, to the dollar. The legislation maintains that the renminbi is artificially pegged below its market value and therefore acts as a virtual trade barrier. Since 1994, China has pegged the renminbi at an exchange rate of 8.28 to the dollar. U.S. groups have argued that the peg makes China’s exports to the U.S. cheaper, and U.S. exports to China more expensive, thus greatly contributing to China’s trade surplus with the U.S. A House version of the bill was recently introduced. Action has not been completed on either bill. We do not believe the legislation will be adopted in its current form. However, because a substantial number of our products are imported from China, the adoption of such legislation in its current or a similar form would have a material adverse effect on our business. In response to the proposal of such legislation, there is renewed activity within the Chinese government regarding the relationship between the renminbi, the Hong Kong dollar and the U.S. dollar. If these currencies are allowed to float freely, it could result in significant fluctuations in our product costs.

     In May 2002, Applica acquired Weitech, Inc. for a total of $20.0 million, including cash and notes. Weitech’s business involved the design, manufacturer and distribution of pest control products that emit high

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frequency sound waves. The results of operations of Weitech, Inc. were included in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations from the date of the acquisition.

Outlook

     We intend to update this “Outlook” section in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q subsequently filed with the SEC; however, Applica disclaims any intention or obligation to publicly announce the results of any revisions to any of the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect future events or developments.

     Management anticipates that sales for the year ended December 31, 2004 will be between $710 million and $730 million. Earnings per diluted share for 2004 is expected to be between $0.80 and $1.00.

     The increased sales volume is expected to result from the introduction of the Home Café single-cup brewing system and the Tide Buzz ultrasonic stain removal system (both of which were co-developed with The Procter & Gamble Company), as well as increases in sales of other new Black & Decker® branded products.

     Management expects gross margins to expand in 2004 as a result of the cost reduction and retrenchment work undertaken in 2003 and a greater proportion of higher margin, new products to be launched in 2004. Management anticipates that gross margins will be approximately 35% in 2004.

     Management expects that selling, general and administrative operating expenses will increase in amount in 2004, but remain at approximately 29% of sales. Variable cost categories will increase because of higher sales volume. Additionally, minimum royalties on the Black and Decker® branded products will increase to $12.5 million in 2004 from $5.0 million in 2003. Management is planning to increase advertising and promotional spending by $11.0 million. These expenses will be partially offset by a decrease of approximately $7.2 million in amortization expense.

     Management anticipates that interest expense will continue to decrease to approximately $9.0 million for 2004.

     Capital expenditures are planned to be approximately $22.0 million, driven by new products and the information technology initiative. Management expects that capital expenditures for our manufacturing operations will decrease in 2004.

     For the quarter ended March 31, 2004, we believe that sales will be between $125 million and $130 million and there will be a loss per share of $0.13 to $0.18. Management will continue to downsize both the Mexican and Chinese manufacturing facilities and expects to incur up to an additional $3.0 million in severance costs and non-cash asset write-offs in the first quarter of 2004, which did not qualify for accrual at December 31, 2003.

Use of Estimates and Critical Accounting Policies

     Applica’s accounting policies are more fully described in Note A of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Schedule I hereto. As disclosed in Note A, the preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions about future events that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Future events and their effects cannot be determined with absolute certainty. Therefore, the determination of estimates requires the exercise of judgment. Actual results inevitably will differ from those estimates, and such differences may be material to the financial statements. Applica believes that of its critical accounting policies, the following had a significant effect on the operations for 2003 and 2002.

     Applica performs goodwill impairment tests on at least an annual basis and more frequently in certain circumstances. Applica cannot predict the occurrence of certain events that might adversely affect the reported value of goodwill that totaled $62.8 million at December 31, 2003 and 2002. For example, such events may include strategic decisions made in response to economic and competitive conditions, the impact of the economic environment on Applica’s customer base, or a material negative change in its relationships with significant customers. If events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of goodwill below its carrying amount, goodwill will be tested for impairment. Applica will recognize an impairment loss if the carrying value of the asset exceeds the fair value determination. During the first quarter of 2002, Applica recorded a

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write-down of its goodwill of $121.3 million ($78.8 million, net of tax). Applica performed its annual fair value assessment as of June 30, 2003 and no impairment was noted. As the result of lower than expected sales of certain core categories of Black & Decker® branded products in the third and fourth quarters of 2003, Applica also performed a fair value test as of December 31, 2003. However, no impairment was noted.

     Applica reviews long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangibles held and used for possible impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. In evaluating the fair value and future benefits of its intangible assets, management performs an analysis of the anticipated undiscounted future net cash flows of the individual assets over the remaining amortization period. Applica recognizes an impairment loss if the carrying value of the asset exceeds the expected future cash flows. During 2003, in connection with an intangible asset related to the Black & Decker® trademark, management determined that a triggering event had occurred in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 144 “Accounting for Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets”. Applica performed a benefit analysis by calculating the expected effective royalty rate in 2004 through 2006, taking into account the minimum royalties, as well as the projected sales of Black and Decker branded products. Based on the benefit analysis, Applica recorded an impairment charge of $7.2 million to write off the unamortized book value of the intangible asset.

     Applica is also subject to income tax laws in many countries. Judgment is required in assessing the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in Applica’s financial statements or tax returns. Significant management judgment is required in developing Applica’s provision for income taxes, including the determination of foreign tax liabilities, deferred tax assets and liabilities and any valuation allowances that might be required to be applied against the deferred tax assets. At December 31, 2003, Applica had deferred tax assets in excess of deferred tax liabilities of $68.7 million. Applica determined that it was more likely than not that $61.3 million of such assets will be realized, resulting in a valuation allowance of $7.4 million as of December 31, 2003. Applica evaluates its ability to realize its deferred tax assets on a quarterly basis and adjusts the amount of its valuation allowance, if necessary. Applica operates within multiple taxing jurisdictions and is subject to audit in those jurisdictions. Because of the complex issues involved, any claims can require an extended period to resolve. In management’s opinion, adequate provisions for income taxes have been made. During 2004, Applica expects that taxing authorities may complete tax audits currently underway. The final outcome of these future tax consequences, tax audits, and changes in regulatory tax laws and rates could materially impact Applica’s financial statements.

     Applica records allowances for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make required payments on their balances. We assess the credit worthiness of our customers based on multiple sources of information and analyze such factors as our historical bad debt experiences, publicly available information regarding our customers and the inherent credit risk related to them, information from subscription based credit reporting companies, trade association data and reports, current economic trends and changes in customer payment terms or payment patterns. This assessment requires significant judgment. If the financial condition of our customers were to worsen, additional write-offs may be required, resulting in write-offs that are not included in the allowance for doubtful accounts at December 31, 2003.

     Applica is subject to various legal proceedings, product liability claims and other claims in the ordinary course of its business. During 2003, Applica had an increase of $5.6 million in legal expenses, which were primarily associated with the Tilia-related litigation matters. With respect to product liability, Applica estimates the amount of ultimate liability in excess of applicable insurance coverage based on historical claims experience and current claim amounts, as well as other available facts and circumstances. We believe that the amount of ultimate liability of our current litigation matters, if any, is not likely to have a material effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. However, as the outcome of litigation is difficult to predict, significant changes in the estimated exposures could occur.

     Estimates in connection with specific events have a significant effect on accruals for, among others, the consolidation of operations, plant closings, reduction in employees and product recalls. Estimates have also been required with respect to our investment in a joint venture investment partnership, Anasazi Partners, L.P. Applica makes a number of other estimates in the ordinary course of business relating to sales returns and allowances, warranty accruals, and accruals for promotional incentives. Historically, changes to these estimates have not had a material impact on our financial condition but have significantly affected operations from time to time. However, circumstances could change which may alter future expectations.

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Results of Operations

     The operating results of Applica expressed as a percentage of sales and other revenues are set forth in the table below:

                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2003     2002     2001  
Net sales
    100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %
Cost of sales:
                       
Cost of goods sold
    71.7       68.6       71.6  
Product recall expenses (credit)
    (0.6 )           1.8  
 
                 
Gross profit
    28.9       31.4       26.6  
Selling, general and administrative expenses:
                       
Operating expenses
    29.1       26.3       25.0  
Repositioning charges and other charges
    0.7       1.4       2.1  
Impairment and intangible asset
    1.1              
 
                 
Operating earnings (loss)
    (2.0 )     3.7       (0.5 )
Other income (expense)
    (2.7 )     (2.1 )     (2.8 )
 
                 
Earnings (loss) before equity in net earnings (loss) of joint venture and income taxes
    (4.7 )     1.6       (2.8 )
 
                 
Equity in net earnings (loss) of joint ventures
    8.7       (0.2 )     0.0  
 
                 
Earnings (loss) before income taxes and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
    4.0       1.4       (3.3 )
Income tax expense (benefit)
    1.6       0.7       0.6  
 
                 
Earnings (loss) before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
    2.4       0.7       (3.9 )
 
                 
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of tax
          (10.8 )      
 
                 
Net earnings (loss)
    2.4 %     (10.1 )%     (3.9 )%
 
                 

Year Ended December 31, 2003 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2002

     Net Sales. Sales decreased by $86.8 million to $640.6 million, a decrease of 11.9% over 2002. Sales to Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., our largest customer, accounted for 29.8% and 24.5% of total sales for the 2003 and 2002 periods, respectively.

     Sales for the Household Product segment for the year ended December 31, 2003 decreased from $578.9 million to $543.3 million. For the year ended December 31, 2003:

  •   total sales of Windmere®, White Westinghouse®, Weitech (pest control) and other branded products decreased $29.6 million to $60.9 million;
 
  •   sales of Black & Decker® branded products decreased by $4.5 million to $448.4 million; and
 
  •   sales of Littermaid® products decreased by $1.5 million to $34.0 million.

     Decreases in the sales of Black & Decker® branded products in 2003 were primarily the result of losses of market share in irons and toaster ovens. These decreases were partially offset by increased sales of new products under the Black & Decker® brand in the fourth quarter of 2003. Additionally, sales of Windmere® and other branded products decreased as the result of the continued de-emphasis of Windmere® branded products and lower sales to key retailers.

     In June 2000, Kmart Corporation exercised its option to terminate its long-term supply contract with Applica for the sale of White-Westinghouse® consumer electronic products in the United States. The termination was effective on June 30, 2002. On December 31, 2002, Applica terminated the White Westinghouse license agreement. Sales of White Westinghouse branded products totaled $14.7 million in 2002.

     Sales for the Professional Personal Care segment for the year ended December 31, 2003 increased slightly from $68.6 million to $69.0 million over the 2002 period.

     Sales for the Manufacturing segment for the year ended December 31, 2003 decreased from $383.4 million to $291.5 million over the 2002 period. In 2003, the intersegment sales decreased from $303.5 million to $263.1 million. In 2003, contract manufacturing decreased from $79.2 million to $28.2 million as the result of a planned de-emphasis on production of products for customers that would be in direct competition with products produced for sale under our brand names.

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     In January 2002, Kmart Corporation and certain of its U.S. subsidiaries filed voluntary petitions for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Kmart is one of Applica’s top three customers. Kmart emerged from Chapter 11 in May 2003. In 2003 and 2002, Applica had sales of $30.2 million and $43.5 million to Kmart Corporation.

     In July 2002, Aisenstein & Gordon, Inc. (“A&G”), a distributor, announced that it would cease continuing business operations and undertake an out-of-court liquidation. In 2002, Applica had sales of $2.7 million to A&G. Applica had outstanding receivables from A&G of approximately $1.7 million and, in connection with the liquidation, received approximately $160,000 on such receivables.

     In January 2003, PHD, Inc., a distributor and significant customer of Applica, was placed into involuntary bankruptcy, which PHD voluntarily converted to a liquidation under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. In 2002, Applica had sales of $13.4 million to PHD, Inc. and its subsidiaries. At the date of the bankruptcy filing, Applica had outstanding receivables of approximately $4.3 million, which were fully reserved at December 31, 2003.

     Product Recall Expenses. In February 2002, Applica Consumer Products, Inc., in cooperation with the Consumer Products Safety Commission, voluntarily recalled approximately 2.1 million Black & Decker® T1200 and T1400 toasters. Applica’s Canadian operating subsidiary, Applica Canada Corporation, also recalled approximately 180,000 of these toasters in Canada. In 2001, Applica took a charge to cost of sales of $13.4 million relating to the estimated expenses of such recalls. In 2003 and 2002, $638,000 and $8.7 million were charged against the accrual, respectively. During 2003, recall claims continued to diminish considerably. In the fourth quarter of 2003, management determined that an accrual related to the product recall was no longer required and $4.1 million of such accrual was reversed and was included as a reduction of cost of sales.

     Gross Profit. Applica’s gross profit decreased by $43.1 million to $185.3 million in 2003 as the result of lower sales volume and lower gross profit margins. Applica’s gross profit margin decreased to 28.9% for the year ended December 31, 2003 as compared to 31.4% for 2002. The gross profit margin decrease was primarily attributed to:

  •   unabsorbed overhead at our factories related to lower production levels;
 
  •   $6.9 million in manufacturing retrenchment costs incurred in the fourth quarter of 2003, and
 
  •   a poor product mix.

     These decreases were partially offset by the reversal of $4.1 million related to the 2001 product recall accrual.

     We are continuing to reduce fixed costs and capacity in our Chinese factories and to focus on products with proprietary technologies and higher margins. We are planning to outsource the more commodity-type products to strategic sourcing partners within China, thus reducing the percentage of our products made at our manufacturing facilities. We have reduced the labor force in our Applica Durable facilities and are in the process of closing one factory, which resulted in additional retrenchment costs of approximately $3.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2003.

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     Additionally, we recently downsized our Mexico manufacturing operations and moved production of certain items to China. In the fourth quarter of 2003, Applica incurred approximately $3.1 million in retrenchment expenses.

     Management will continue to downsize both the Mexican and Chinese manufacturing facilities and expects to incur up to an additional $3.0 million in retrenchment costs in the first quarter of 2004, which relate to expenses that did not qualify for accrual at December 31, 2003.

     Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.

               Operating Expenses. Operating expenses for Applica decreased $4.6 million, or 2.4%, for the year ended December 31, 2003 to $186.6 million as compared to 2002. Such expenses increased as a percentage of sales to 29.1% from 26.3% in the 2002 period primarily as the result of lower sales volume. In 2003:

  •   bad debt expenses decreased $8.9 million;
 
  •   Applica experienced a decrease in expenses of $5.0 million as the result of the 2002 consolidation of certain facilities in North and Latin America; and
 
  •   advertising and promotion expenses decreased by $2.8 million.

     These decreases were partially offset by:

  •   increases of $5.6 million in legal expenses (primarily related to the Tilia litigation);
 
  •   increases of $4.2 million in royalty expenses; and
 
  •   increases of $3.1 million in consulting expenses related to information technology improvements and the implementation of a new enterprise resource planning system.

     Minimum royalties under the license agreement with The Black & Decker Corporation will increase by $7.5 million in 2004. Additional royalty expenses may be incurred depending on higher sales volume. Additionally, management expects to continue to incur significant legal expenses in connection with the Tilia litigation and increases in advertising and promotional expenses.

               Repositioning and Other Charges. In 2003, Applica incurred additional expenses of $4.7 million relating to its previous decision to consolidate its Shelton, Connecticut office with the headquarters located in Miami Lakes, Florida. Applica was unable to rent a majority of the facility for the remainder of its lease as originally planned. For the year ended December 31, 2002, Applica incurred expenses of $10.6 million relating to its decision to consolidate its Shelton, Connecticut office with the headquarters located in Miami Lakes, Florida, as well as certain back-office and supply chain functions in Canada and Latin America. Such consolidation was completed in the third quarter of 2002.

     Impairment of Intangible Asset. In June 1998, Applica acquired the household products group of The Black & Decker Corporation for $319.8 million in cash and assumed certain related liabilities. As part of the acquisition, Applica acquired the right to use the Black & Decker® trademark in four product categories: garment care, cooking, food preparation and beverage. Applica has the right to sell products under this license agreement in North America, Central America, and South America, excluding Brazil. The excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair value of the acquired net assets was $228.8 million, of which $47.2 million was allocated to an intangible asset related to the Black & Decker® trademark and the remaining $181.6 million was allocated to goodwill. The $47.2 million assigned to the fair value of the intangible asset was based on a benefit performed by Applica as of June 1998. For the first five years (through June 30, 2003), the license was on a royalty free basis for the core product categories. Mutually agreed upon renewals were to be at the stated royalty rate, along with specified minimum royalty payments. The agreement provided for an initial period of five years, with a subsequent five-year extended term and up to three additional five-year extensions.

     Beginning in 2002, sales of Black & Decker® branded products under the original four product categories started to decrease significantly and continued through December 31, 2003. Sales of Black & Decker® branded

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products under the original four product categories for 2003, 2002, and 2001 were $399 million, $429 million and $446 million, respectively. As a result of the continuation of the lower sales of Black & Decker® branded products in the four core product categories in the third and fourth quarter of 2003 (which are Applica’s busiest quarters due to the seasonality of our business), management determined that a triggering event had occurred in accordance with SFAS 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets”. Accordingly, Applica performed a benefit analysis by calculating the expected effective royalty rate in 2004 through 2006, taking into account the minimum royalties as well as the projected sales of Black & Decker® branded products under the original four categories. Based on the benefit analysis, management believes that there is no remaining value in the initial intangible asset as of December 31, 2003. Accordingly, Applica recorded an impairment charge of approximately $7.2 million to write off the unamortized book value of the intangible asset. The impairment charge is reflected in the fourth quarter of 2003 because the decreased fourth quarter sales provided further confirmation of an impairment. Pursuant to the requirements of SFAS 144 and as a result of Applica’s benefit analysis, the impairment charge is classified as a component of income from operations.

     Interest Expense. Interest expense decreased by $3.6 million, or 20.5%, to $14.0 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2003, as compared to $17.6 million for 2002, as the result of lower debt levels and lower average interest rates. The lower debt levels and lower interest rates resulted from the redemption of $65.0 million of the 10% notes. In 2004, assuming interest rates remain at current levels, management expects interest expense to decrease approximately $5.0 million as a result of the 2003 note redemptions and additional redemptions anticipated in 2004.

     Loss On Early Extinguishment of Debt. In July, October and November 2003, Applica redeemed a total of $65.0 million of its $130.0 million 10% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2008. The notes were redeemed, primarily using the cash proceeds from the distribution of earnings by the Anasazi joint venture, at prices between 103% and 105% of the principal amount, plus accrued interest up to, but not including, the redemption date. The cost of the redemption of the notes includes $2.8 million in prepayment premiums and approximately $1.1 million related to the write-off of deferred financing costs. In February 2004, Applica redeemed an additional $4.25 million of the 10% notes. The cost of the February redemption includes $200,000 in prepayment premiums and deferred financing costs related to the write-off.

     Gain on Litigation Settlement. In September 2002, Applica and Salton, Inc. entered into a settlement agreement in the matter Salton, Inc. v Windmere-Durable Holdings, Inc. and Windmere Corporation, which was filed in the United States District Court, Northern District of Illinois in January 2001. In connection with such settlement, Applica reported a one-time gain of $557,000 in the third quarter of 2002.

     Equity in Net Earnings (Loss) of Joint Venture. The equity in net earnings (loss) of joint venture increased from a $1.5 million loss in 2002 to a gain of $55.6 million in 2003. The equity in net earnings resulted primarily from a gain in the fair value of an investment in ZonePerfect Nutrition Company held by Anasazi Partners L.P., a partnership owned 50% by Applica.

     In the fourth quarter of 2002, Anasazi engaged an investment banker to pursue exit strategies for Anasazi’s equity investment in ZonePerfect Nutrition Company. In July 2003, ZonePerfect was sold for approximately $160.0 million in cash, $20.0 million of which is being held in escrow. Payment of $10.0 million of the amount held in escrow is contingent on the performance of a negotiated matter and no portion thereof has been reflected in Applica’s earnings.

     In August 2003, Applica received a cash distribution from Anasazi of $51.4 million resulting from the sale of ZonePerfect, which reduced Applica’s investment in Anasazi. Pursuant to an agreement between Applica and the other 50% partner of Anasazi, Applica receives a disproportionate share of the earnings related to the sale of the investment in ZonePerfect. The funds held in escrow are to be released to the sellers, including Anasazi, at 18 and 24 months from date of closing, subject to any adjustments to the escrowed funds for breaches of representations and warranties. Management of Anasazi believes that Anasazi is entitled to receive additional amounts with respect to the contingent negotiated matter. Upon agreement with the purchaser of ZonePerfect, or release of the related funds from escrow, Applica expects to record additional earnings of approximately $3.7 million.

     The remaining investments of Anasazi Partners include certain privately traded securities whose values have been estimated by the general partner in the absence of readily ascertainable market values. Fair value of these

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securities may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a ready market for the securities existed. In July 2003, the general partner of Anasazi Partners L.P. began the process of liquidating the remaining partnership investments and dissolving the partnership, which is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2004.

     Taxes. Applica’s tax expense is based on an estimated annual aggregation of the taxes on earnings of each of its foreign and domestic operations. For 2003, Applica had an effective tax rate of 40%. The change in tax rate from 2002 resulted from a reduction in permanent differences, such as foreign exchange translation losses. Applica expects its future effective tax rate to approximate 40%.

     The earnings of subsidiaries in Canada, Mexico and Latin America (other than Chile) are generally taxed at rates comparable to or higher than 35%, the United States statutory rate. In addition, commencing on January 1, 2002, the earnings of Applica’s Hong Kong subsidiary are also taxed at the United States statutory rate of 35% due to Applica’s intent not to permanently reinvest the earnings outside of the United States. Applica does not make tax provisions for the undistributed earnings of its foreign subsidiaries that it expects will be permanently reinvested in its operations outside of the United States.

     For additional information regarding taxes, see Note J of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Schedule I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

     Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Principle. In January 2002, Applica applied the provisions of SFAS 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” and performed a transitional fair valued based impairment test. Based on its impairment tests, Applica recognized an adjustment of $121.3 million ($78.8 million, or $3.31 per share, net of tax on a fully diluted basis) in the first quarter of 2002 to reduce the carrying value of goodwill to its implied fair value. Under SFAS 142, the impairment adjustment was reflected as a cumulative effect of change in accounting principle.

     Earnings Per Share. Basic shares for the periods ended December 31, 2003 and 2002 were 23,572,857 and 23,415,186, respectively. Included in diluted shares are the dilutive effect of common stock equivalents relating to stock options of 424,703 for the year ended December 31, 2003 and 403,275 for the year ended December 31, 2002. Potential common stock equivalents at December 31, 2003 and 2002 were 1,494,685 and 642,964 with exercise prices ranging from $6.75 to $31.69 per share and $7.60 and $31.69 per share, respectively.

Year Ended December 31, 2002 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2001

     Net Sales. Sales for Applica remained flat at $727.4 million compared to $727.0 million in 2001. For the year:

  •   contract manufacturing increased $17.8 million to $79.2 million;
 
  •   sales of pest control products were $15.7 million (no pest control products were sold in 2001); and
 
  •   total sales of Littermaid®, Belson® (personal care) and Jerdon® (hospitality) branded products increased by $7.2 million to $100.6 million.

     These increases were offset by the following:

  •   sales of Windmere® branded and other products of decreased by $23.4 million to $64.3 million;
 
  •   sales of White Westinghouse® products decreased by $8.6 million to $14.7 million; and
 
  •   sales of Black & Decker® branded products decreased $8.3 million to $452.9 million.

     In 2002, sales of Black & Decker® branded products increased $7.1 million in North American, but decreased $15.4 million in Latin America. Sales to Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., our largest customer, accounted for 24.5% and 24.3% of total sales for the 2002 and 2001 periods, respectively.

     In June 2000, the Kmart Corporation exercised its option to terminate its long-term supply contract with Applica for the sale of White-Westinghouse® consumer electronic products in the United States. The termination

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was effective on June 30, 2002. On December 31, 2002, Applica terminated the White Westinghouse® license agreement. Sales of White Westinghouse® branded products totaled $14.7 million in 2002 and $23.3 million in 2001.

     In January 2002, Kmart Corporation and certain of its U.S. subsidiaries filed voluntary petitions for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. In 2002 and 2001, Applica had sales of $43.5 million and $49.4 million to Kmart Corporation and, at the date of the bankruptcy filing, Applica had outstanding receivables of approximately $5.0 million.

     In July 2002, Aisenstein & Gordon, Inc. (“A&G”), a distributor, announced that it would cease continuing business operations and undertake an out-of-court liquidation. In 2002 and 2001, Applica had sales of $2.7 million and $7.1 million, respectively, to A&G. Applica had outstanding receivables from A&G of approximately $1.7 million and, in connection with the liquidation, received approximately $160,000 on such receivables.

     In January 2003, PHD, Inc., a distributor and significant customer of Applica, was placed into involuntary bankruptcy, which PHD voluntarily converted to a liquidation under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. In 2002 and 2001, Applica had sales of $13.4 million and $12.9 million, respectively, to PHD, Inc. and its subsidiaries. At the date of the bankruptcy filing, Applica had outstanding receivables of approximately $4.3 million, which were fully reserved at December 31, 2002 and 2003.

     Gross Profit Margin. Applica’s gross profit margin was 31.4% in 2002 as compared to 26.6% for 2001. The gross profit margins increased as Applica experienced an improved product mix during 2002 and higher production levels at its manufacturing facilities.

    Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.

     Operating Expenses. Operating expenses for Applica increased $9.4 million, or 5.2%, in 2002 to $191.2 million as compared to $181.8 in 2001. Such expenses increased as a percentage of sales to 26.3% from 25.0% in the 2001 period. In 2002, advertising and promotion expenses increased $10.3 million, largely as the result of increased television promotion to support new product introductions. Additionally:

  •   our bad debt expenses increased by $6.6 million, as we experienced the credit deterioration of two of our major distributors,
 
  •   we experienced a $2.2 million foreign exchange loss primarily related to the devaluation of certain Latin American currencies,
 
  •   payroll and severance expenses increased by $1.5 million, and
 
  •   selling and other expenses increased by $400,000.

     These increases were offset by decreases in amortization expense of $10.9 million primarily as the result of the adoption of SFAS 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” and the write down of White Westinghouse related intangibles. Additionally, distribution and freight costs decreased by $1.5 million during 2002 as the result of our supply chain management program.

     Repositioning and Other Charges. In the fourth quarter of 2001, Applica took charges relating to several events in the aggregate amount of $14.8 million. These charges included $6.8 million relating to Applica’s decision to consolidate its Shelton, Connecticut office with the headquarters located in Miami Lakes, Florida, as well as certain back-office and supply chain functions in Canada and Latin America. In addition, $5.2 million of such charges related to Applica’s execution of a new four-year senior secured revolving credit facility and the write-off of fees and expenses associated with the terminated credit facility. Also included in the charge were $1.5 million relating to the devaluation of the Argentinean peso and $1.0 million related to the settlement of the shareholder class action litigation. In 2002, Applica incurred repositioning expenses of $10.6 million relating to the consolidation. These expenses did not qualify for accrual at December 31, 2001.

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     Interest Expense. Interest expense decreased by $4.9 million, or 21.8%, to $17.6 million for 2002, as compared to $22.5 million for 2001. Such decrease was largely the result of the reduction of debt and lower interest rates.

     Gain on Litigation Settlement. In September 2002, Applica and Salton, Inc. entered into a settlement agreement in the matter Salton, Inc. v Windmere-Durable Holdings, Inc. and Windmere Corporation, which was filed in the United States District Court, Northern District of Illinois in January 2001. In connection with such settlement, Applica reported a one-time gain of $557,000 in the third quarter of 2002.

     Equity in Net Earnings (Loss) of Joint Ventures. The equity in net earnings (loss) of joint ventures increased from a $128,000 loss in 2001 to a $1.5 million loss in 2002. This increase was due to Applica’s losses of approximately $1.5 million related to its investment in a Florida limited liability company. Applica has no additional commitments or exposure related to this investment. During 2002, Applica did not reflect any equity in net earnings (loss) related to its investment in Anasazi Partners, L.P. Anasazi’s investments include certain privately traded securities whose values have been estimated by the general partner in the absence of readily ascertainable market values. Fair value of these securities may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a ready market for the securities existed.

     Taxes. Applica’s tax expense is based on an estimated annual aggregation of the taxes on earnings of each of its foreign and domestic operations. For 2002, Applica had an effective tax rate of 48.9%. The change in tax rate from 2001 resulted from additional tax expense of $10.1 million in 2001 due to the repatriation of previously untaxed earnings. In addition, in 2002 Applica incurred additional permanent differences, such as foreign exchange translation losses.

     The earnings of subsidiaries in Canada, Mexico and Latin America (other than Chile) are generally taxed at rates comparable to or higher than 35%, the United States statutory rate. In addition, commencing on January 1, 2002, the earnings of Applica’s Hong Kong subsidiary are also taxed at the United States statutory rate of 35% due to Applica’s intent not to permanently reinvest the earnings outside of the United States. Applica does not make tax provisions for the undistributed earnings of its foreign subsidiaries that it expects will be permanently reinvested in its operations outside of the United States.

     For additional information regarding taxes, see Note J of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Schedule I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

     Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Principle. In January 2002, Applica applied the provisions of SFAS 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” and performed a transitional fair valued based impairment test. Based on its impairment tests, Applica recognized an adjustment of $121.3 million ($78.8 million, or $3.31 per share, net of tax on a fully diluted basis) in the first quarter of 2002 to reduce the carrying value of goodwill to its implied fair value. Under SFAS 142, the impairment adjustment was reflected as a cumulative effect of change in accounting principle.

     Earnings Per Share. Basic shares for the periods ended December 31, 2002 and 2001 were 23,415,186 and 23,135,222, respectively. Included in diluted shares is the dilutive effect of common stock equivalents relating to options of 403,275 for the period ended December 31, 2002. All common stock equivalents were excluded from the per share calculations in 2001 as Applica incurred a net loss before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle in the period and such inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.

Financial Condition

Liquidity

     Applica’s financial condition and liquidity remained adequate as of December 31, 2003. Cash and cash equivalents amounted to $12.7 million at December 31, 2003 compared to $7.7 million at December 31, 2002. The increase in cash and marketable securities was primarily the result of higher collections during the last few days of the year and the timing of expenditures. Any excess cash in the United States is used to pay down Applica’s borrowings under its domestic credit facility on the next business day.

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     Operating Activities. Operations generated cash of $27.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2003, as compared to $52.0 million net cash provided in the year ended December 31, 2002. The decrease in operating cash flows from the prior year was principally due to lower operating earnings of $39.7 million, partially offset by a decrease in working capital (which is comprised of current assets less current liabilities) of $14.3 million.

     As part of its capital management focus, Applica reviews certain working capital metrics. For example, management evaluates accounts receivable and inventory levels through the computation of day’s sales outstanding and inventory turns. The number of day’s sales outstanding as of December 31, 2003 decreased by approximately seven days as compared to the prior period. This decrease in average days sales outstanding, coupled with lower sales volume, resulted in a source of cash of $13.3 million. Average inventory turns during 2003 decreased from the prior period due to lower than forecasted sales during the year. However, through focused inventory management in the fourth quarter of 2003, we decreased our inventory resulting in a source of cash of $2.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2003.

     Investing Activities. For the year ended December 31, 2003, investing activities generated cash of $33.4 million compared to $31.5 million of cash used in 2002. Cash flow from investing activities benefited from the cash proceeds of $51.4 million received from Anasazi Partners L.P., our 50% joint venture, in connection with the sale of its investment in Zone Perfect Nutrition Company. In addition, investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2002 included a payment of $17.0 million in connection with the acquisition of Weitech, Inc.

     Applica makes capital expenditures primarily for new product development and maintenance of its manufacturing facilities. In addition, Applica is undergoing a major upgrade of its information technology infrastructure, including the installation of a new enterprise resource planning system. Capital expenditures for 2004 are expected to be approximately $22.0 million allocated as follows:

  •   $7.5 million for new products;
 
  •   $6.7 million for information technology;
 
  •   $5.1 million for maintenance at our manufacturing facilities; and
 
  •   $2.2 million for other improvements, such as supply chain enhancements.

     Applica plans to fund such capital expenditure from cash flow from operations and, if necessary, borrowings under its credit facilities.

     Financing Activities. Net cash used in financing activities was $58.8 million in 2003, compared to cash used of $30.6 million in 2002. The increase in cash used in financing reflects Applica’s redemption of $65.0 million of its 10% notes at a redemption price of approximately $68.0 million. The notes were redeemed primarily using the cash distribution received from Anasazi Partners. There were no such redemptions in 2002. The increase was partially offset by net borrowings under lines of credit of $7.8 million in 2003, as compared to net payments of $38.1 million in 2002.

     We will continue to have cash requirements to support seasonal working capital needs and capital expenditures, to pay interest and to service debt.

     Management continues to review its opportunities to repurchase additional 10% notes depending on several factors, including availability under Applica’s credit facility, the market price of the 10% notes and projected free cash flow.

Capital Resources

     Applica’s primary sources of short-term capital are its cash flow from operations and borrowings under its credit facilities. Applica’s current domestic credit facility is a $205 million asset-based senior secured revolving credit facility maturing December 28, 2005. As of March 1, 2004, Applica was borrowing approximately $30.9 million under the facility and had approximately $47.1 million available for future cash borrowings, based on Applica’s collateral value. Advances under the facility are primarily based upon percentages of outstanding eligible

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accounts receivable and inventories. The credit facility includes a $10.0 million sublimit for the issuance of letters of credit, with approximately $1.7 million outstanding under the limit as of March 1, 2004.

     At Applica’s option, interest accrues on the loans made under the credit facility at either:

  •   LIBOR (adjusted for any reserves), plus a specified margin (determined by Applica’s leverage ratio and set at 2.00% at December 31, 2003 and 2.00% at March 1, 2004), which was 3.12% at December 31, 2003 and 3.10% at March 1, 2004; or
 
  •   the Base Rate (which is Bank of America’s prime rate), plus a specified margin (determined based upon Applica’s leverage ratio and was zero at December 31, 2003 and March 1, 2004), which was 4.00% at December 31, 2003 and 4.00% at March 1, 2004.

     Management expects its borrowing margins to increase to 2.35% (for LIBOR loans) and 0.35% (for Base Rate loans) during March 2004. This increase is a result of an increase in our leverage ratio.

     Swing loans up to $15.0 million bear interest at the Base Rate plus a specified margin (determined based on Applica’s leverage ratio and was zero at December 31, 2003 and at March 1, 2004), which was 4.00% at December 31, 2003 and 4.00% at March 1, 2004.

     Applica has classified the borrowings under the credit facility as a current liability in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) 95-22 “Balance Sheet Classifications of Borrowings Outstanding under Revolving Credit Agreements That Include Both a Subjective Acceleration Clause and a Lock-Box Arrangement.” Despite such classification, Applica has the ability and the intent to maintain these obligations for longer than one year.

     Certain of Applica’s foreign subsidiaries have approximately $14.5 million in trade finance lines of credit, payable on demand, which are secured by the subsidiaries’ tangible and intangible property, and in some cases, a guarantee by the parent company, Applica Incorporated. As of December 31, 2003, there were no amounts outstanding under the working capital lines and $258,000 outstanding under the letter of credit lines. As of March 1, 2004, there were no amounts outstanding under the working capital lines and $300,000 under the letter of credit lines.

     In addition, Applica has senior subordinated notes bearing interest at a rate of 10%, payable semiannually, and mature on July 31, 2008. The notes are general unsecured obligations of Applica Incorporated and rank subordinate in right of payment to all senior debt of Applica and rank pari passu in right of payment to all future subordinated indebtedness of Applica. The notes may be redeemed at the option of Applica, in whole or in part, on or after July 31, 2003 at various redemption prices. During 2003, we repurchased $65.0 million of these notes. As of December 31, 2003, the outstanding balance was $65.0 million. In February 2004, we repurchased an additional $4.25 million of 10% notes. See Note H of the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Schedule I to this Annual Report on Form 10-K for more detailed information regarding Applica’s borrowings.

     On September 28, 2002, Applica entered into credit approved receivables purchasing agreements with CIT Group/Commercial Services, Inc. The agreements allow Applica to transfer to CIT, without recourse, approved receivables of specified customers under certain circumstances, including the bankruptcy of covered customers. Applica remains the servicer of the approved receivables and pays fees based upon a percentage of the gross face amount of each approved receivable. These arrangements are strictly for the purpose of insuring selected receivables. At December 31, 2003 and 2002, $16.5 million and $4.4 million of accounts receivable were insured under this arrangement.

     In April 2002, Applica Consumer Products, Inc. entered into a five-year $6.0 million mortgage loan on Applica’s executive offices located in Miami Lakes, Florida. The loan bears interest at an annual rate of 7.25%, with monthly principal and interest payments based on a 20-year amortization. A final balloon payment is due at the end of the term. The loan is secured by a mortgage on the property and the building located thereon. In November 2003, Applica entered into an agreement to sell its executive offices located in Miami Lakes for $9.5 million. The sale is scheduled to close in July 2004. At the time of closing, approximately $6.0 million of these proceeds will be used to repay the outstanding mortgage on the property. Applica’s intention is to enter into a non-cancelable long-term operating lease for new corporate office space in South Florida. No commitment has been made as of the current date.

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     At December 31, 2003, debt as a percent of total capitalization was 36.5%, as compared to 47.0% at December 31, 2002. The improvement was a result of a $57.2 million decrease in debt and an increase in shareholder’s equity of $18.5 million as a result of our earnings for the year.

     Applica’s ability to make scheduled payments of principal of, or to pay the interest on, or to refinance, its indebtedness, or to fund planned capital expenditures, product research and development expenses and marketing expenses will depend on its future performance, which, to a certain extent, is subject to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory, and international and United States domestic political factors and other factors that are beyond its control. Based upon the current level of operations and anticipated margin improvements and revenue growth, we believe that cash flow from operations and available cash, together with available borrowings under its credit facility and other facilities, will be adequate to meet our future liquidity needs for at least the next several years. However, business may not generate sufficient cash flow from operations, our anticipated revenue growth and operating improvements may not be realized and future borrowings may not be available under the credit facility in an amount sufficient to enable us to service our indebtedness, including the outstanding 10% notes, or to fund our other liquidity needs. In addition, we may not be able to effect any needed refinancing on commercially reasonable terms or at all.

     At December 31, 2003, our contractual obligations and commercial commitments were as follows (in thousands):

                                         
    Payment due in:  
                    2005 to     2007 to     More than  
Contractual Obligations   Total     2004     2006     2008     5 years  
    (In thousands)  
Debt Obligations
  $ 136,788     $ 151     $ 66,047     $ 70,590     $  
Capital Lease Obligations
                             
Operating Lease Obligations
    25,872       7,831       12,715       4,876       450  
Purchase Obligations
                             
Licenses
    39,200       12,500       25,300       400       1,000  
Other Long-Term Liabilities Reflected on the Balance Sheet
    1,327       660       372       295        
 
                             
 
  $ 203,187     $ 21,142     $ 104,434     $ 76,161     $ 1,450  
 
                             

     Additional information regarding our financial commitments as of December 31, 2003 is provided in Note K to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Schedule J to this Annual Report on Form 10-K. For information regarding related party transactions, see Note O to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Schedule I to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

     Applica is also involved in certain ongoing litigation. See Item 3. Legal Proceedings above.

Effect of Inflation

     Our results of operations for the periods discussed have not been significantly affected by inflation.

Currency Matters

     While we transact business predominantly in U.S. dollars and most of our revenues are collected in U.S. dollars, a substantial portion of our costs, such as payroll, rent and indirect operational costs, are denominated in other currencies, such as Chinese renminbi, Hong Kong dollars and Mexican pesos. In addition, while a small portion of our revenues are collected in foreign currencies, such as Canadian dollars, Argentine pesos, Colombian pesos, Chilean pesos and Venezuelan bolivars, a significant portion of the related cost of goods sold are denominated in U.S. dollars. Changes in the relation of these and other currencies to the U.S. dollar will affect our cost of goods sold and operating margins and could result in exchange losses. The impact of future exchange rate fluctuations on our results of operations cannot be accurately predicted. The dollar foreign exchange rates may not be stable in the future and fluctuations in financial markets may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

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     From time to time, Applica uses forward exchange and option contracts to reduce fluctuations in foreign currency cash flows related to third party raw materials and other operating purchases, as well as trade receivables. The purpose of Applica’s foreign currency management activity is to reduce the risk that anticipated cash flows and earnings from foreign currency denominated transactions may be affected by changes in exchange rates.

     Currently, there is renewed activity within the Chinese government regarding the relationship between the renminbi, the Hong Kong dollar and the U.S. dollar. If these currencies are allowed to float freely, it could result in significant fluctuations in our product costs, which would have a material impact on our business.

     For additional information on exchange rate sensitivity, see Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk below.

New Accounting Pronouncements

     In December 2002, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation-Transition and Disclosure” (“SFAS No. 148”). SFAS No. 148 amends SFAS Statement No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation”, to provide alternative methods of transition for an entity that voluntarily changes to the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. Additionally, SFAS No. 148 requires prominent disclosures about the effects on reported net income of an entity’s accounting policy decisions with respect to stock-based employee compensation. SFAS No. 148 also amends APB Opinion No. 28, “Interim Financial Reporting,” to require disclosures about such effects in interim financial information. Applica currently accounts for its stock-based compensation awards to employees and directors under the accounting prescribed by Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25 and provides the disclosures required by SFAS No. 123. Applica currently intends to continue to account for its stock-based compensation awards to employees and directors under the accounting prescribed by Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25. Applica adopted the additional disclosure provisions of SFAS No. 148 during the first quarter of 2003.

     In December 2002, the FASB issued Interpretation 45 (FIN 45), “Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others.” For a guarantee subject to FASB Interpretation 45, a guarantor is required to:

  •   measure and recognize the fair value of the guarantee at inception (for many guarantees, fair value will be determined using a present value method); and
 
  •   provide new disclosures regarding the nature of any guarantees, the maximum potential amount of future guarantee payments, the current carrying amount of the guarantee liability, and the nature of any recourse provisions or assets held as collateral that could be liquidated and allow the guarantor to recover all or a portion of its payments in the event guarantee payments are required.

     The disclosure requirement of this Interpretation is effective for financial statements for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2002 and did not have a material effect on Applica financial statements. The initial recognition and measurement provision are effective prospectively for guarantees issued or modified on or after January 1, 2003, which did not have a material effect on Applica’s financial statements.

     In January 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities (and Interpretation of ARB No. 51)” (“FIN 46”). FIN 46 addresses consolidation by business enterprises of certain variable interest entities, commonly referred to as special purpose entities. The adoption of FIN 46 did not have a material effect on Applica’s financial statement presentation or disclosure.

     In April 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 149, “Amendment of Statement No. 133 on Derivative Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity.” This statement amends and clarifies accounting for derivatives instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts, and for hedging activities under SFAS No. 133. This statement is effective for contracts entered into or modified after June 30, 2003, except as for provisions that relate to SFAS No. 133 implementation issues that have been effective for fiscal quarters that began prior to June 15, 2003, which should continue to be applied in accordance with their respective dates. The adoption of SFAS No. 149 did not have a material impact on Applica’s financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

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     In May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS 150, “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilities and Equity.” This Statement establishes standards for classifying and measuring certain financial instruments that embody obligations of the issuer and have characteristics of both liabilities and equity. The adoption of SFAS No. 150 will not have a material impact on Applica’s financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

     In March 2003, the SEC issued Regulation G, “Conditions for Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.” As defined in Regulation G, a non-GAAP financial measure is a numerical measure of a company’s historical or future performance, financial position, or cash flow that excludes or includes amounts or adjustments that are included or excluded in the most directly comparable measure calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Companies that present non-GAAP financial measures must disclose a numerical reconciliation to the most directly comparable measurement using GAAP. Management does not believe it has used any non-GAAP financial measure in this report.

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

     Applica is exposed to the impact of interest rate changes and foreign currency fluctuations. In the normal course of business, we employ established policies and procedures to manage our exposure to changes in interest rates and foreign currencies using a variety of financial instruments.

     Interest Rate Sensitivity. Our primary market risk exposure with respect to interest rates is changes in short- and long-term interest rates in the United States. Certain of Applica’s debt arrangements represent floating rate debt and accordingly, we are subject to interest rate risk. Applica uses interest rate risk management contracts to manage our fixed-to-floating ratio, which may reduce the impact of changes in interest rates on our floating rate debt. Our objectives in managing exposure to interest rate changes are to limit the impact of interest rate changes on earnings and cash flows and to lower overall borrowing costs. To achieve these objectives, we primarily use interest rate swaps to manage net exposure to interest rate changes related to Applica’s portfolio of borrowings. Applica maintains fixed rate debt as a percentage of its net debt between a minimum and maximum percentage, which is set by policy.

     The tables below provides information regarding Applica’s derivative financial instruments and other financial instruments that are sensitive to changes in interest rates, including interest rate swaps and debt obligations. For debt obligations, the table presents principal cash flows and related weighted average interest rates by expected maturity dates. For interest rate swaps, the table presents notional amounts and weighted average interest rates by contractual maturity dates. Notional amounts are used to calculate the contractual payments expected to be exchanged under the contract. Weighted average variable rates are based on implied forward rates in the yield curve at the reporting date.

                                                                 
    At December 31, 2003  
    Expected Maturity Date                
                                            There-             Fair  
    2004     2005     2006     2007     2008     after     Total     Value(5)  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
Liabilities:
                                                               
Long-Term Debt and Revolving Credit Facility:
                                                               
Fixed Rate (6):
  $ 151     $ 3,166     $ 178     $ 5,272     $ 65,318           $ 74,085     $ 74,085  
 
                                                               
Average Interest Rate
    7.25 %     6.07 %(1)     7.25 %     7.25 %     10.00 %                      
Variable Rate
          62,703 (7)                           $ 62,703     $ 62,703  
Average Interest Rate
          (2 )                                        
 
                                                               
Interest Rate Contracts:
                                                               
Interest Rate Swaps:
                                                               
Pay Fixed (3):
  $ 50,000                                   $ 50,000     $ 97  
Average Pay Rate
    1.20 %                                              
Average Receive Rate
    1.30 %                                                        
Pay Floating (4):
                          $ 30,000             $ 30,000     $ 318  
Average Pay Rate
    7.20 %     8.78 %     9.66 %     10.25 %     10.62 %                        
Average Receive Rate
    10.00 %     10.00 %     10.00 %     10.00 %     10.00 %                        

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(1)   Calculated as the weighted average of 6% on the $3.0 million notes payable relating to the Weitech, Inc. acquisition and 7.25% on the mortgage loan on the property located in Miami Lakes, Florida.
 
(2)   The variable rate revolving credit facility is set depending upon the interest period elected by Applica (one, two, three or six months) at a rate equivalent to the LIBOR rate plus an applicable margin based upon Applica’s leverage ratio (2.00% as of December 31, 2003) or at a rate equivalent to the Prime Rate plus an applicable margin based upon Applica’s leverage ratio (0.00% as of December 31, 2003).
 
(3)   At December 31, 2003, Applica had two interest rate swap contracts to pay a fixed-rate of interest (1.19% and 1.21%) and receive a variable-rate of interest of three-month LIBOR that mature on December 15, 2004. The LIBOR used to calculate the Average Receive Rate is based upon the forward yield curve as of December 31, 2003.
 
(4)   At December 31, 2003, Applica had an interest rate swap contract to pay a variable-rate of interest of six- month LIBOR in arrears plus 5.45% and receive a fixed-rate of interest of 10.0% that matures on July 31, 2008. The LIBOR used to calculate the Average Pay Rate is based upon the forward yield curve as of December 31, 2003.
 
(5)   Fair values were determined based on broker quotes or quoted market prices or rates for the same or similar instruments.
 
(6)   Includes $318,000 that represents the positive fair value of an underlying hedge as of December 31, 2003 related to FAS 133.
 
(7)   Although the credit facility expires in December 2005, Applica has classified the borrowings thereunder as a current liability in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) 95-22 “Balance Sheet Classifications of Borrowings Outstanding under Revolving Credit Agreements That Include Both a Subjective Acceleration Clause and a Lock-Box Arrangement”, although Applica has the ability and the intent to maintain these obligations for longer than one year.
                                                                 
    At December 31, 2002  
    Expected Maturity Date                
                                            There-             Fair  
    2003     2004     2005     2006     2007     after     Total     Value(5)  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
Liabilities:
                                                               
Long-Term Debt and Revolving Credit Facility:
                                                               
Fixed Rate
  $ 143     $ 153     $ 3,166     $ 178     $ 5,272     $ 130,000     $ 138,912     $ 138,262  
Average Interest Rate
    7.25 %     7.25 %     6.07 %(1)     7.25 %     7.25 %     10.0 %                
Variable Rate
                55,070 (6)                     $ 55,070     $ 55,070  
Average Interest Rate
                (2 )                 --                  
 
                                                               
Interest Rate Contracts:
                                                               
Interest Rate Swaps:
                                                               
Pay Fixed (3):
  $ 15,000                                   $ 15,000     $ (328 )
Average Pay Rate
    4.8 %                                              
Average Receive Rate
    5.0 %                                              
Pay Floating (4):
                          $ 5,939           $ 5,939     $ 481  
Average Pay Rate
    1.8 %     1.4 %     2.5 %     3.5 %     4.1 %                        
Average Receive Rate
    4.9 %     4.9 %     4.9 %     4.9 %     4.9 %                        


(1)   Calculated as the weighted average of 6% on the $3.0 million notes payable relating to the Weitech, Inc. acquisition and 7.25% on the mortgage loan on the property located in Miami Lakes, Florida.
 
(2)   The variable rate revolving credit facility is set depending upon the interest period elected by Applica (one, two, three or six months) at a rate equivalent to the LIBOR rate plus an applicable margin based upon Applica’s leverage ratio (2.35% as of December 31, 2002) or at a rate equivalent to the Prime Rate plus an applicable margin based upon Applica’s leverage ratio (0.35% as of December 31, 2002).

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(3)   At December 31, 2002, Applica had an interest rate swap contract to pay a fixed-rate of interest of 5.045% and received a variable-rate of interest of one-month LIBOR that matured on July 31, 2003. The LIBOR used to calculate the Average Receive Rate was based upon the forward yield curve as of December 31, 2002.
 
(4)   At December 31, 2002, Applica had an interest rate swap contract to pay a variable-rate of interest of one-month LIBOR and receive a fixed-rate of interest of 4.9% that matures on May 1, 2007. The LIBOR used to calculate the Average Pay Rate is based upon the forward yield curve as of December 31, 2002.
 
(5)   Fair values were determined based on broker quotes or quoted market prices or rates for the same or similar instruments.
 
(6)   Although the credit facility expires in December 2005, Applica has classified the borrowings thereunder as a current liability in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) 95-22 “Balance Sheet Classifications of Borrowings Outstanding under Revolving Credit Agreements That Include Both a Subjective Acceleration Clause and a Lock-Box Arrangement”, although Applica has the ability and the intent to maintain these obligations for longer than one year.

     Exchange Rate Sensitivity. Our primary market risk exposure with respect to exchange rates is to changes in U.S. dollar/Mexican peso, U.S. dollar/Chinese renminbi, U.S. dollar/Hong Kong dollar and U.S. dollar/Canadian dollar exchange rates. In addition, we also have exposure to the Argentinean peso, Colombian peso, Chilean peso and Venezuelan bolivar. Certain forecasted transactions could expose Applica to foreign currency risk. We purchase currency forwards and options as cash flow hedges of foreign currency forecasted transactions related to the purchase of third party raw materials and other operating expenses. Our objective in managing exposure to foreign currency fluctuations is to reduce earnings and cash flow volatility in order to allow management to focus on core business issues and challenges. Accordingly, we enter into various contracts that change in value as foreign exchange rates change to protect the value of our existing foreign currency assets, liabilities, commitments and forecasted foreign currency revenues and expenses. Applica uses option strategies and forward contracts that provide for the sale and/or purchase of foreign currencies to hedge probable, but not firmly committed, expenditures. The principal currencies hedged are the Mexican peso, Chinese renminbi, Hong Kong dollar and Canadian dollar. By policy, Applica maintains hedge coverage between minimum and maximum percentages of its forecasted foreign exchange exposures for periods not to exceed eighteen months. The gains and losses on these contracts offset changes in the value of the related exposures.

     As discussed above, we are exposed to market risks arising from changes in foreign exchange rates. As of December 31, 2003, Applica hedged a portion of its 2004 estimated foreign currency transactions using forward exchange contracts and purchased options. We use a sensitivity model to determine a potential change in the fair value of our foreign exchange financial instruments. The sensitivity model estimates the change in fair value based upon a favorable and unfavorable movement of 10% in the respective spot rate. The sensitivity model is a risk analysis tool and does not purport to represent actual losses or gains in fair value that will be incurred by Applica. It should also be noted that the change in value represents the estimated change in the fair market value of the derivative. Because the derivatives hedge an underlying exposure, there would be a comparable and opposite change in value of the underlying exposure. The estimated potential change in fair value, calculated using the sensitivity model, is as follows:

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    At December 31, 2003  
            Change in Fair Value Due To  
    Notional Hedge     Favorable 10%     Unfavorable 10%  
    Amount in US Dollars     Movement in Spot     Movement in Spot  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
Mexican Peso
  $ 4,300     $ 427     $ (406 )
Canadian Dollar
    16,800       1,276       (1,015 )
Chilean Peso
    4,005       377       (461 )
Colombian Peso
    3,420       317       (388 )
 
                 
Total Change in Fair Value
  $ 28,525     $ 2,397     $ (2,270 )
 
                 

     It is our policy to enter into foreign currency and interest rate transactions and other financial instruments only to the extent considered necessary to meet our objectives as stated above. We do not enter into these transactions for speculative purposes. See Note P of the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Schedule I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for more information regarding Applica’s financial instruments.

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

     See Schedules I and II hereto.

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures

     Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. Applica has carried out an evaluation under the supervision of management, including the President and Chief Executive Officer and the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures. Based on that evaluation, Applica’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of December 31, 2003, Applica’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the company in the reports filed or submitted by it under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC, and include controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by Applica in such reports is accumulated and communicated to management, including the President and Chief Executive Officer and the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.

     On February 11, 2005, Applica announced that it was restating its consolidated balance sheets for fiscal years 2003 and 2002 and for the first three quarters of 2004 to reclassify as short-term debt the borrowings under its senior credit facility with Bank of America, N.A., which had previously been classified as long-term debt in order to comply with EITF Issue No. 95-22, Balance Sheet Classification of Borrowings Outstanding under Revolving Credit Agreements That Include both a Subjective Acceleration Clause and a Lock-Box Arrangement. In the fourth quarter of 2004, the Company corrected the presentation of the borrowings under the credit facility on its consolidated balance sheets. Applica has reflected such reclassification in its restated consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2003 and 2002 presented in this amended Form 10-K/A.

     The restatement to reclassify the outstanding balance on the credit facility from long-term debt to short-term did not affect total assets or total debt, and there was no impact on, or change in, Applica’s reported results of operations or statements of cash flows. Moreover, the reclassification had no impact on Applica’s liquidity or the maturity date of the senior credit facility. Furthermore, the reclassification did not impact any of the covenants under the credit facility nor did it trigger any accelerated clauses under the 10% Senior Subordinated Notes.

     As a result of the restatement of its consolidated balance sheets, Applica determined that there was a significant deficiency in its internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2003 related to the presentation on its balance sheet of the borrowings under its credit facility. The Company determined that such significant deficiency did not rise to the level of a material weakness in its internal control over financial reporting. Because Applica corrected its presentation of long-term and short-term debt in the fourth quarter of 2004, Applica believes that it corrected this significant deficiency.

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     Changes in Internal Controls. Applica is committed to continuously improving its internal controls and financial reporting. During 2003, Applica retained a consulting firm with experience in internal controls to assist management and the Audit Committee in reviewing Applica’s current internal controls structure with a view towards meeting the formalized requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. As a result of such review and the evaluation discussed above, management has determined that certain matters could be considered deficiencies in its internal control systems, including the following:

  •   Many of the controls that are currently in place, including our policies and procedures, are informal and not standardized. As such, the reliability and effectiveness of these control processes are dependent on interpretation and execution by our employees.
 
  •   Our legacy information technology systems are not fully integrated and do not provide for proper controls over access and change management.

     Additionally, our independent auditors, Grant Thornton LLP, have advised management and the Audit Committee of a failure to perform timely reviews and evaluations of certain account balances. Grant Thornton believes this represents a significant deficiency (reportable condition), which, in its judgment, represents an internal control deficiency that could lead to misstatements in our financial statements that are other than inconsequential.

     These potential deficiencies have been discussed in detail among management, the Audit Committee and Grant Thornton. Management has assigned the highest priority to correction of these matters and is committed to addressing them and resolving them fully. We are devoting significant resources, both internal and external, to update, formalize and standardize our internal controls. Additionally, we are in the process of implementing a new enterprise resource planning system that includes financial applications. As a result of the steps we have taken and will continue to take to improve our systems and controls, changes in internal controls were undertaken in the fourth quarter of 2003 and will be ongoing during 2004. Despite the issues identified above, management believes that our financial statements and related disclosures as filed to date present fairly, in all material respects, our financial condition and results of operations for the respective periods.

     Limitations on the Effectiveness of Controls. Applica’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, does not expect that our disclosure or internal controls will prevent all errors or fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected. Despite these limitations, however, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that Applica’s disclosure controls and procedures (1) are designed to provide reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives and (2) do provide reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives.

Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K

     (a)(1) Financial Statements

     The following consolidated financial statements of Applica Incorporated and its subsidiaries are included in Schedule I attached hereto:

  •   Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
  •   Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2003 and 2002
 
  •   Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001
 
  •   Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Equity for the three years ended December 31, 2003
 
  •   Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001
 
  •   Supplement Disclosures of Cash Flow Information
 
  •   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

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     (a)(2) Financial Statements Schedules

     The Valuation and Qualifying Accounts — Years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 is included in Schedule II attached hereto.

     Individual financial statements of Applica’s subsidiaries have been omitted because consolidated financial statements have been presented, and all subsidiaries included in the consolidated financial statements are wholly owned. All other schedules have been omitted because the required information is not present or not present in amounts sufficient to require submission of the schedule or because the information required is included in the consolidated financial statements or the notes thereto.

     (a)(3) Exhibits

     
Exhibit    
Number   Description
23
  Consents of experts and counsel. Filed herewith.
 
   
31.1
  Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a). Filed herewith.
 
   
31.2
  Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a). Filed herewith.
 
   
32.1
  Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350. Filed herewith.
 
   
32.2
  Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350. Filed herewith.

     (c) Exhibits

See Item 15(a)(3) above.

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Signatures

     Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this amended report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

             
    APPLICA INCORPORATED
   
    (Registrant)    
 
           
  By:   /s/ Harry D. Schulman    
      Harry D. Schulman, President and    
      Chief Executive Officer    
      Date: March 11, 2005    

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SCHEDULE I

Applica Incorporated and Subsidiaries
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

     
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
  F-2
 
   
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2003 and 2002
  F-3
 
   
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001
  F-4
 
   
Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Equity for the Three Years Ended December 31, 2003
  F-5
 
   
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001
  F-6 - F7
 
   
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information
  F-7
 
   
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
  F-8 - F-35

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Table of Contents

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED

PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Board of Directors and Shareholders
Applica Incorporated

     We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Applica Incorporated and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2003. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements 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 consolidated financial position of Applica Incorporated and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, and the results of their operations and their consolidated cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2003, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

     Our audits were conducted for the purpose of forming an opinion on the basic financial statements taken as a whole. The Schedule II is presented for purposes of additional analysis and is not a required part of the basic financial statements. This schedule has been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in the audit of the basic financial statements and, in our opinion, is fairly stated in all material respects in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole.

     As discussed in Note D to the consolidated financial statements, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standard 142 “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” on January 1, 2002.

     As discussed in Note G to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has restated the balance sheet to reclassify its revolving credit facility to a current liability as of December 31, 2003 and 2002.

/s/ Grant Thornton LLP

Miami, Florida
February 12, 2004 (except for the last paragraph of Note G,
as to which the date is February 11, 2005)

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Applica Incorporated and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except par value data)

                 
    December 31,  
    2003     2002  
    Restated  
Assets
               
Current Assets:
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 12,735     $ 7,683  
Accounts and other receivables, less allowances of $12,543 in 2003 and $15,830 in 2002
    131,021       146,567  
Note receivable — officer
    1,615       2,060  
Inventories
    106,326       111,453  
Prepaid expenses and other
    13,593       11,862  
Refundable income taxes
    4,823       1,663  
Future income tax benefits
    11,616       18,654  
 
           
Total current assets
    281,729       299,942  
Investment in Joint Ventures
    5,389       1,249  
Property, Plant and Equipment - at cost, less accumulated depreciation of $103,894 in 2003 and $109,949 in 2002
    70,389       76,963  
Future Income Tax Benefits, Non-Current
    49,695       54,378  
Goodwill
    62,812       62,812  
Other Intangibles, net
    6,146       20,860  
Other Assets
    2,676       5,461  
 
           
Total Assets
  $ 478,836     $ 521,665  
 
           
 
               
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
               
 
               
Current Liabilities:
               
Accounts payable
  $ 39,273     $ 31,446  
Accrued expenses
    61,362       74,686  
Short-term debt
    62,703       55,070  
Current maturities of long-term debt
    151       144  
Current taxes payable
    2,172       518  
Deferred rent
    301       372  
 
           
Total current liabilities
    165,962       162,236  
Other Long-Term Liabilities
    1,327       1,533  
Long-Term Debt, Less Current Maturities
    73,934       138,768  
Shareholders’ Equity:
               
Common stock — authorized: 75,000 shares of $0.10 par value; issued and outstanding: 23,687 in 2003 and 23,497 in 2002
    2,369       2,350  
Paid-in capital
    156,604       155,395  
Retained earnings
    86,474       71,251  
Note receivable — officer
    (1,496 )     (1,496 )
Accumulated other comprehensive earnings (loss)
    (6,338 )     (8,372 )
 
           
Total shareholders’ equity
    237,613       219,128  
 
           
 
               
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 478,836     $ 521,665  
 
           

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

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Applica Incorporated and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                         
    Years Ended December 31,  
    2003     2002     2001  
    (In thousands, except per share data)  
Net sales
  $ 640,639     $ 727,356     $ 727,044  
Cost of sales:
                       
Cost of goods sold
    459,443       498,934       520,672  
Product recall expenses (credit)
    (4,125 )           13,418  
 
                 
 
    455,318       498,934       534,090  
 
                 
Gross profit
    185,321       228,422       192,954  
 
                       
Selling, general and administrative expenses:
                       
Operating expenses
    186,601       191,170       181,771  
Repositioning and other charges
    4,681       10,643       14,817  
Impairment of intangible asset
    7,152              
 
                 
 
    198,434       201,813       196,588  
 
                 
Operating earnings (loss)
    (13,113 )     26,609       (3,634 )
 
                       
Other (income) expense:
                       
Interest expense
    13,964       17,581       22,536  
Interest and other income
    (817 )     (1,791 )     (2,006 )
Loss on early extinguishment of debt
    3,940              
Gain on litigation settlement
          (557 )      
 
                 
 
    17,087       15,233       20,530  
 
                 
Earnings (loss) before equity in net earnings (loss) of joint ventures and income taxes
    (30,200 )     11,376       (24,164 )
 
                       
Equity in net earnings (loss) of joint ventures
    55,570       (1,498 )     (128 )
 
                 
Earnings (loss) before income taxes and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
    25,370       9,878       (24,292 )
Income tax expense
    10,147       4,826       4,146  
 
                 
 
                       
Earnings (loss) before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
    15,223       5,052       (28,438 )
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of tax benefit of $42,447
          (78,829 )      
 
                 
Net earnings (loss)
  $ 15,223     $ (73,777 )   $ (28,438 )
 
                 
 
                       
Earnings (loss) per common share — basic:
                       
Earnings (loss) before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
  $ 0.65     $ 0.22     $ (1.23 )
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of tax benefit
          (3.37 )      
 
                 
Earnings (loss) per common share — basic
  $ 0.65     $ (3.15 )   $ (1.23 )
 
                 
Earnings (loss) per common share — diluted:
                       
Earnings (loss) before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
  $ 0.63     $ 0.21     $ (1.23 )
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of tax benefit
          (3.31 )      
 
                 
Earnings (loss) per common share — diluted
  $ 0.63     $ (3.10 )   $ (1.23 )
 
                 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

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Applica Incorporated and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

                                                 
                                    Accumulated        
                            Note     Other        
    Common             Retained     Receivable -     Comprehensive        
    Stock     Paid-in Capital     Earnings     Officer     Earnings(Loss)     Total  
    (In thousands)  
Balance at December 31, 2000
  $ 2,308     $ 152,591     $ 173,466     $ (1,496 )   $ (2,395 )   $ 324,474  
Comprehensive earnings (loss)
                                               
Net loss
                (28,438 )                 (28,438 )
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax
                            (2,723 )     (2,723 )
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net of tax
                            (856 )     (856 )
 
                                             
Total comprehensive earnings(loss)
                                            (32,017 )
Exercise of stock options and issuance of common stock under employee stock purchase plan
    24       1,232                         1,256  
Tax benefit resulting from exercise of stock options
          176                         176  
Fair value of options to non-employees
          50                         50  
 
                                   
Balance at December 31, 2001
    2,332       154,049       145,028       (1,496 )     (5,974 )     293,939  
Comprehensive earnings (loss):
                                               
Net loss
                (73,777 )                 (73,777 )
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax
                            (1,677 )     (1,677 )
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net of tax
                            (721 )     (721 )
 
                                             
Total comprehensive earnings(loss)
                                            (76,175 )
Exercise of stock options and issuance of common stock under employee stock purchase plan
    18       1,201                         1,219  
Tax benefit resulting from exercise of stock options
          41                         41  
Fair value of options to non-employees
          104                         104  
 
                                   
Balance at December 31, 2002
    2,350       155,395       71,251       (1,496 )     (8,372 )     219,128  
Comprehensive earnings (loss):
                                               
Net earnings
                15,223                       15,223  
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax
                            1,270       1,270  
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net of tax
                            764       764  
 
                                             
Total comprehensive earnings(loss)
                                  17,257  
Exercise of stock options and issuance of common stock under employee stock purchase plan
    19       1,152                         1,171  
Tax benefit resulting from exercise of stock options
          47                         47  
Fair value of options to non-employees
          10                         10  
 
                                   
Balance at December 31, 2003
  $ 2,369     $ 156,604     $ 86,474     $ (1,496 )   $ (6,338 )   $ 237,613  
 
                                   

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

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Applica Incorporated and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

                         
    For the years ended December 31,  
    2003     2002     2001  
    (In thousands)  
Cash flows from operating activities:
                       
Net earnings (loss)
  $ 15,223     $ (73,777 )   $ (28,438 )
Reconciliation to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
                       
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
    21,439       21,339       19,123  
Disposal of property, plant and equipment
    3,661       3,628        
Provision for doubtful accounts
    2,228       10,618       4,002  
Amortization of intangible and other assets
    9,272       9,081       19,941  
Impairment of intangible asset
    7,152              
Loss on early extinguishment of debt
    3,940              
Gain on litigation settlement
          (557 )      
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of tax
          78,829        
Deferred taxes
    11,721       1,119       (10,969 )
Repositioning, recall and other charges
    556       10,643       28,235  
Other non-cash changes in equity items
    57       145       226  
Equity in net (earnings) loss of joint ventures
    (55,570 )     1,498       128  
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisition:
                       
Accounts and other receivables
    13,318       28,148       808  
Inventories
    2,848       (6,796 )     54,184  
Prepaid expenses and other
    (1,731 )     38       4,073  
Other assets
    1,944       (6,196 )     (4,287 )
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    (6,800 )     (8,287 )     (6,404 )
Current income taxes
    (1,506 )     (7,649 )     6,385  
Other liabilities
    (277 )     (9,784 )     (71 )
 
                 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
    27,475       52,040       86,936  
 
                       
Cash flows from investing activities:
                       
Purchase of Weitech, Inc., net of cash acquired
          (17,002 )      
Additions to property, plant and equipment
    (18,526 )     (19,313 )     (23,260 )
Distributions from (investments in) joint ventures — net
    51,430       (163 )     (15 )
Receivables from officer
    486       2,122       72  
Net cash received from litigation settlement
          2,900        
 
                 
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
    33,390       (31,456 )     (23,203 )

(Continued on next page.)

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Applica Incorporated and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)

                         
    For the years ended December 31,  
    2003     2002     2001  
    (In thousands)  
Cash flows from financing activities:
                       
Notes payable
                (13,494 )
Proceeds from long-term debt
          6,000       106,041  
Payments of long-term debt
                (108,513 )
Net (payments) borrowings under lines of credit
    7,806       (38,113 )     (48,885 )
Reimbursement (payment) of debt costs, net
          369       (1,906 )
Redemption of long-term debt
    (67,775 )            
Exercises of stock options and issuances of common stock under employee stock purchase plan
    1,171       1,219       1,256  
Interest receivable from officer
    (41 )     (58 )     (322 )
 
                 
Net cash (used in) financing activities
    (58,839 )     (30,583 )     (65,823 )
 
                 
 
                       
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
    3,026       1,939       976  
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    5,052       (8,060 )     (1,114 )
 
                       
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    7,683       15,743       16,857  
 
                 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 12,735     $ 7,683     $ 15,743  
 
                 

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:

                         
    For the years ended December 31,  
    2003     2002     2001  
    (In thousands)  
Cash paid during the year for:
                       
Interest
  $ 15,520     $ 16,731     $ 21,114  
Income taxes
  $ 312     $ 10,465     $ 8,489  

     Non-cash investing and financing activities: In May 2002, Applica Consumer Products, Inc., the U.S. operating subsidiary, purchased all of the outstanding shares of Weitech, Inc. in exchange for $17.0 million in cash and $3.0 million of notes payable.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

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Applica Incorporated and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE A — SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES

   Overview

     Applica Incorporated and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company” or “Applica”) are marketers, distributors and manufacturers of a broad range of branded and private-label small electric consumer goods. Applica markets, distributes and manufactures kitchen products, home products, pest control products, pet care products and personal care products. Applica markets products under licensed brand names, such as Black & Decker®, its own brand names, such as Windmere®, LitterMaid® and Applica®, and other private-label brand names. Applica’s customers include mass merchandisers, specialty retailers and appliance distributors primarily in North America, Latin America and the Caribbean.

     Applica operates manufacturing facilities in Mexico and in China. In 2003 and 2002, approximately 63% and 76%, respectively, of the products sold by Applica were manufactured in such facilities. In addition, Applica manufactures products for other consumer products companies.

     Applica applied the provisions of SFAS 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”, beginning on January 1, 2002. SFAS 142 established new accounting and reporting requirements for goodwill and other intangible assets. Applica did not adopt any other accounting policies during 2003 or 2002.

     The preparation of Applica’s financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and revenues and expenses during the period. Future events and their effects cannot be determined with absolute certainty; therefore, the determination of estimates requires the exercise of judgment. Actual results inevitably will differ from those estimates, and such differences may be material to the financial statements. Management continually evaluates its estimates and assumptions, which are based on historical experience and other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.

     Management believes that the following may involve a higher degree of judgment or complexity:

     Collectibility of Accounts Receivable. Applica’s allowance for doubtful accounts is based on management’s estimates of the creditworthiness of its customers, current economic conditions and historical information, and, in the opinion of management, is believed to be an amount sufficient to respond to normal business conditions. Management sets specific allowances for customers in bankruptcy and other allowances for the remaining customers based upon historical collection experience. Should business conditions deteriorate or any major customer default on its obligations to Applica, this allowance may need to be significantly increased, which would have a negative impact upon Applica’s operations. Applica reviews its accounts receivable aging on a regular basis to determine if any of the receivables are past due. Applica writes off all uncollectible trade receivables against its allowance for doubtful accounts.

     Inventory Allowances. Applica establishes an allowance based on historical experience and specific allowances when it is apparent that the expected realizable value of an inventory item falls below its original cost. A charge to operations results when the estimated net realizable value of inventory items declines below cost. Management regularly reviews Applica’s investment in inventories for declines in value.

     Income Taxes. Significant management judgment is required in developing Applica’s provision for income taxes, including the determination of foreign tax liabilities, deferred tax assets and liabilities and any valuation allowances that might be required to be applied against the deferred tax assets. At December 31, 2003 and 2002, Applica had deferred tax assets in excess of deferred tax liabilities of $68.7 million and $83.2 million, respectively. Applica determined that it was more likely than not that $61.3 million and $73.0 million of such assets will be realized, resulting in a valuation allowance of $7.4 million and $10.2 million as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Applica evaluates its ability to realize its deferred tax assets on a quarterly basis and adjusts the amount of its valuation allowance, if necessary. Applica operates within multiple taxing jurisdictions and is subject to audit in those jurisdictions. Because of the complex issues involved, any claims can require an extended period to resolve.

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Applica Incorporated and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED

     Goodwill. On an annual basis, management assesses the composition of Applica’s assets and liabilities, as well as the events that have occurred and the circumstances that have changed since the most recent fair value determination. If events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of goodwill below its carrying amount, goodwill will be tested for impairment. Applica selected June 30th as the annual impairment test date and will recognize an impairment loss if the carrying value of the asset exceeds the fair value determination as of June 30th of each year.

     Long-Lived Assets. Applica reviews long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangibles held and used for possible impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. In evaluating the fair value and future benefits of its intangible assets, management performs an analysis of the anticipated undiscounted future net cash flows of the individual assets over the remaining amortization period. Applica recognizes an impairment loss if the carrying value of the asset exceeds the expected future cash flows.

     Accruals for Product Liability Claims and Litigation. Applica is subject to various legal proceedings, product liability claims and other claims in the ordinary course of its business. Management estimates the amount of ultimate liability, if any, with respect to such matters in excess of applicable insurance coverage based on historical claims experience and current claim amounts, as well as other available facts and circumstances. As the outcome of litigation is difficult to predict and significant estimates are made with regard to future events, significant changes from estimated amounts could occur.

     Other Estimates. During the years, Applica has made significant estimates in connection with specific events affecting its expectations. These have included accruals relating to the consolidation of its operations, plant closings, reduction in employees and product recalls. Estimates have also been required with respect to Applica’s investment in a joint venture investment partnership, Anasazi Partners, L.P. (For additional information, see Note B.) Applica makes a number of other estimates in the ordinary course of business relating to sales returns and allowances, warranty accruals, and accruals for promotional incentives. Historically, past changes to these estimates have not had a material impact on our financial condition but have significantly affected operations from time to time. However, circumstances could change which may alter future expectations.

   Principles of Consolidation

     The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Applica Incorporated and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. Generally, Applica uses the equity method of accounting for its investments. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

   Foreign Currency Translation

     For subsidiaries where the local currency is the functional currency, assets and liabilities are translated into United States dollars at the exchange rate in effect at the end of the year. Revenues and expenses of these subsidiaries are translated at the average exchange rate during the year. The aggregate effect of translating the financial statements of these foreign subsidiaries is included in a separate component of shareholders’ equity entitled “Accumulated Other Comprehensive Earnings (Loss).” For countries where business is transacted predominantly in U.S. dollars or is deemed to be hyper-inflationary, the U.S. dollar is the functional currency and monetary balance sheet accounts are translated at the exchange rate in effect at the end of the year and non-monetary balance sheet accounts are translated at historical exchange rates. Income and expense accounts are translated at the average exchange rates in effect during the year. Adjustments resulting from the translation of these entities are included in operations. During 2003, 2002 and 2001, net foreign translation losses included in Applica’s statement of operations were $3.0 million, $1.9 million and $0.9 million, respectively.

   Cash and Cash Equivalents

     Applica considers all highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less at the time of purchase to be cash equivalents. Cash balances at December 31, 2003 and 2002 include approximately $11.2 million and $3.6 million, respectively, held in foreign banks by Applica’s Hong Kong, Canadian and Latin American subsidiaries.

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   Comprehensive Earnings

     Comprehensive earnings (loss) is defined as the change in equity of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources, including foreign currency translation adjustments and unrealized gains and losses on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges. Applica presents accumulated other comprehensive earnings (loss) net of taxes in its consolidated statement of shareholders’ equity. Tax expenses (benefit) related to comprehensive earning adjustments were approximately $1.4 million, ($1.6 million) and $2.4 million in 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

   Inventories

     Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market; cost is determined by the first-in, first-out method. Inventories are comprised of the following:

                 
    2003     2002  
    (In thousands)  
Raw materials
  $ 1,894     $ 4,103  
Work in process
    3,029       1,513  
Finished goods
    101,403       105,837  
 
           
 
  $ 106,326     $ 111,453  
 
           

Inventory allowances were $5.4 million and $4.3 million at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

   Reclassifications

     Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current year’s presentation.

   Revenue Recognition

     Applica recognizes sales and related cost of sales at the later of (a) the time of shipment or (b) when title passes to the customers, all significant contractual obligations have been satisfied and collection of the resulting receivable is reasonably assured. Net sales is comprised of gross sales less provisions for estimated customer returns, discounts, vendor payments and volume rebates. Amounts billed to a customer for shipping and handling are reported as revenue. Any shipping, handling or other costs incurred by Applica associated with the sale are expensed as cost of sales in the period when the sale occurs.

   Property, Plant and Equipment

     Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation and amortization are provided for in amounts sufficient to relate the cost of depreciable assets to their estimated operating service lives using accelerated and straight-line methods. Direct external and internal costs of developing software for internal use are capitalized subsequent to the preliminary stage of development in accordance with SOP 98-1 “Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use.” Maintenance, repairs and minor renewals and betterments are charged to expense as incurred.

   Warranty

     Estimated future warranty obligations related to certain products are provided by charges to operations in the period in which the related revenue is recognized. Accrued product warranties as of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 were as follows:

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED

         
    (In thousands)  
Balance at December 31, 2001
  $ 3,689  
Accrued product warranties
    30,328  
Reductions
    (28,319 )
 
     
Balance at December 31, 2002
    5,698  
Accrued product warranties
    32,201  
Reductions
    (31,815 )
 
     
Balance at December 31, 2003
  $ 6,084  
 
     

   Stock Based Compensation

     At December 31, 2003, Applica had four active stock-based compensation plans, which are described more fully in Note L — Shareholders’ Equity. Applica accounts for employee stock-based compensation using the intrinsic value method. Accordingly, compensation cost for stock options issued is measured as the excess, if any, of the fair value of Applica’s common stock at the date of grant over the exercise price of the options. Applica’s net earnings (loss) and earnings (loss) per share would have been changed to the pro forma amounts indicated below had compensation cost for the stock option plans and non-qualified options issued to employees been determined based on the fair value of the options at the grant dates consistent with the method of SFAS 123 “Accounting for Stock Based Compensation”:

                         
    2003     2002     2001  
    (In thousands, except per share data)  
Net earnings (loss):
                       
As reported
  $ 15,223     $ (73,777 )   $ (28,438 )
Pro forma
  $ 14,852     $ (74,793 )   $ (33,113 )
 
                       
Basic earnings (loss) per share:
                       
As reported
  $ 0.65     $ (3.15 )   $ (1.23 )
Pro forma
  $ 0.63     $ (3.19 )   $ (1.43 )
 
                       
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:
                       
As reported
  $ 0.63     $ (3.10 )   $ (1.23 )
Pro forma
  $ 0.62     $ (3.14 )   $ (1.43 )

     There was no stock-based employee compensation expense included in net earnings (loss) in 2003, 2002 or 2001.

     The above pro forma disclosures may not be representative of the effects on reported net earnings (loss) for future years as options vest over several years and Applica may continue to grant options to employees.

     In accordance with the requirements of SFAS 123, the fair value of each option grant was estimated on the date of grant using a binomial option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions used for grants in 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively: no dividend yield for all years; expected volatility ranging from 64.1% to 82.7% for 2003, 93.3% to 96.5% for 2002 and 82.9% to 86.0% for 2001; risk-free interest rates of 3% in 2003 and 5.3% in 2002 and 2001; and expected holding periods of four years in 2003, 2002 and 2001.

   Goodwill

     Prior to January 1, 2002, intangible assets, consisting primarily of goodwill, were being amortized on a straight line basis over periods ranging from 2.5 to 40 years. In June 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”, which established new accounting and reporting requirements for goodwill and other intangible assets. The new standard requires that all intangible assets acquired that are obtained through contractual or legal right, or are capable of being separately sold, transferred, licensed, rented or exchanged must be recognized as an asset apart from goodwill. Goodwill and intangibles with indefinite lives are no longer amortized, but are subject to an annual assessment for impairment by applying a fair value based test.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED

     Applica applied the provisions of SFAS 142 beginning on January 1, 2002 and performed a transitional fair valued based impairment test. Based on the initial impairment test, Applica recognized a non-cash adjustment of $121.3 million ($78.8 million, net of tax) in the first quarter of 2002 to reduce the carrying value of goodwill to its implied fair value, which was estimated using a combination of market-multiples, comparable transactions and discounted cash flow methodologies. Under SFAS 142, the impairment adjustment was reflected as a cumulative effect of change in accounting principle in the first quarter of 2002.

     As of June 30, 2003, Applica performed its annual fair value assessment and determined that no additional impairment charge was necessary. In addition, due to lower than expected sales of certain core categories of Black & Decker® branded products in the third and fourth quarters of 2003, Applica performed an additional fair value assessment as of December 31, 2003 and no impairment was noted.

   Other Intangible Assets

     In June 1998, Applica acquired the household products group of The Black & Decker Corporation for $319.8 million in cash and assumed certain related liabilities. As part of the acquisition, Applica acquired the right to use the Black & Decker® trademark in four product categories: garment care, cooking, food preparation and beverage. Applica has the right to sell products under this license agreement in North America, Central America, and South America, excluding Brazil. The excess purchase price consideration over the estimated fair value of the acquired net assets was $228.8 million, of which $47.2 million was allocated to an intangible asset related to the Black & Decker® trademark and the remaining $181.6 million was allocated to goodwill. The $47.2 million assigned to the fair value of the intangible asset was based on a valuation performed by Applica as of June 1998. For the first five years (through June 30, 2003), the license was on a royalty free basis for the core product categories. Mutually agreed upon renewals would be at the stated royalty rate, along with specified minimum royalty payments. The agreement provided for an initial period of five years, with a subsequent five-year extended term and up to three additional five-year extensions.

     Beginning in 2002, sales of Black & Decker® branded products under the original four product categories started to decrease significantly and continued through December 31, 2003. Sales of Black & Decker® branded products under the original four product categories for 2003, 2002, and 2001 were $399 million, $429 million and $446 million, respectively. As a result of the continuation of the lower sales of Black & Decker® branded products in the four core product categories in the third and fourth quarter of 2003 (which are Applica’s busiest quarters due to the seasonality of our business), management determined that a triggering event had occurred in accordance with SFAS 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets”. Accordingly, Applica performed a benefit analysis by calculating the expected effective royalty rate in 2004 through 2006, taking into account the minimum royalties as well as the projected sales of Black & Decker® branded products under the original four categories. Based on the benefit analysis, management believes that there is no remaining value in the initial intangible asset as of December 31, 2003. Accordingly, Applica recorded an impairment charge of approximately $7.2 million to write off the unamortized book value of the asset. The impairment charge is reflected in the fourth quarter of 2003 because the decreased fourth quarter sales provided further confirmation of an impairment. Pursuant to the requirements of SFAS 144 and as a result of Applica’s benefit analysis, the impairment charge is classified as a component of income from operations.

     Other intangible assets were amortized on a straight-line basis over periods ranging from two to 15 years. Other intangible assets subject to amortization were $9.0 million and $55.2 million at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively, and the related accumulated amortization was $2.8 million and $34.3 million, respectively.

   Long-Lived Assets

     Long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangible assets to be held and used are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. Determination of recoverability is based on an estimate of undiscounted future cash flows resulting from the use of such asset and eventual disposition. Measurement of an impairment loss for long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangible assets that management expects to hold and use is based on the fair value of the asset. Long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangible assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED

   Risk Management Contracts

     Applica designates its derivatives based upon criteria established by SFAS 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” and later amended by SFAS 149, “Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”. For a derivative designated as a fair value hedge, the gain or loss is recognized in earnings in the period of change together with the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged item attributed to the risk being hedged. For a derivative designated as a cash flow hedge, the effective portion of the derivative’s gain or loss is initially reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive earnings (loss) and subsequently reclassified into earnings when the hedged exposure affects earnings. The ineffective portion of the gain or loss is reported in earnings immediately. For derivatives that do not meet the criteria for hedge accounting, the gain or loss is recognized in earnings immediately.

     Applica uses derivatives to manage exposures to foreign currency and interest rate risk. Applica’s objectives for holding derivatives are to decrease the volatility of earnings and cash flows associated with changes in foreign currency and interest rates.

     During 2003 and 2002, there were no significant gains or losses recognized in earnings for hedge ineffectiveness. Applica did not discontinue any hedges during 2003 or 2002 because it was probable that the original forecasted transaction would not occur.

     In the normal course of business, Applica uses a variety of financial instruments to manage its exposure to fluctuations in interest and foreign currency exchange rates, including interest rate and currency swap agreements, forward and option contracts, and interest rate caps. Applica designates and assigns the financial instruments as hedges of forecasted transactions, specific assets, or specific liabilities. When hedged assets or liabilities are sold or extinguished or the forecasted transactions being hedged are no longer expected to occur, Applica recognizes the gain or loss on the designated hedging financial instrument.

     For derivatives that meet the criteria for hedge accounting, option premiums and unrealized losses on forward contracts and the accrued differential for interest rate and currency swaps to be received under the agreements are recorded in the balance sheet as other comprehensive earnings (loss). Unrealized gains on forward and option contracts and the accrued differential for interest rate swaps to be paid under the agreements are included in other liabilities. Realized gains and losses from hedges are classified in the income statement consistent with the accounting treatment of the item being hedged. Applica accrues the differential for interest rate swaps to be paid or received under the agreements as interest rates shift as adjustments to net interest expense over the lives of the swaps. Gains and losses on the termination of effective swap agreements for which the hedged transaction is still in place and expected to occur, prior to their original maturity, are deferred and amortized to net interest expense over the remaining term of the underlying hedged transactions.

   Income Taxes

     Deferred taxes have been provided on temporary differences in reporting transactions for financial accounting and tax purposes. Applica provides a valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets when it believes that it is more likely than not that the asset will not be realized.

     Commencing in 2001, the earnings of certain foreign entities were taxed based on U.S. statutory rates, notwithstanding the repatriation of earnings. Applica did not repatriate any income from its foreign operations in 2003 as compared to the repatriation of approximately $20.7 million and $31.4 million from its foreign operations in 2002 and 2001, respectively. However, Applica provided taxes on certain 2003 foreign earnings at U.S. based rates that Applica does not intend to permanently reinvest. No provision was made for U.S. taxes on the remaining accumulated undistributed earnings of Applica’s foreign subsidiaries of approximately $156.0 million at December 31, 2003 and $148.0 million at December 31, 2002, as it is anticipated that such earnings would be reinvested in their respective operations or in other foreign operations. Applica does not intend in the foreseeable future to permanently reinvest current and future earnings of certain of its foreign subsidiaries outside of the United States, and will provide taxes on such earnings at the U.S. statutory rates.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED

   Advertising Costs

     Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and are included in selling, general and administrative expenses. Total advertising costs for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 were approximately $31.4 million, $34.2 million and $23.9 million, respectively.

   Legal Costs

     Legal costs are expensed as incurred and are included in selling, general and administrative expenses. In 2003, Applica expensed approximately $8.1 million related to possible legal contingencies. The amounts incurred in 2002 and 2001 were $2.5 million and $1.6 million, respectively.

   Earnings (Loss) Per Share

     Basic net earnings (loss) per share equals net earnings (loss) divided by the weighted average shares outstanding during the year. The computation of diluted net earnings (loss) per share includes the dilutive effect of common stock equivalents in the weighted average shares outstanding. The reconciliation between the computations is as follows:

                                         
    Net Earnings     Basic     Basic     Diluted     Diluted  
    (Loss)     Shares     EPS     Shares     EPS  
    (In thousands, except per share data)  
2003
  $ 15,223       23,573     $ 0.65       23,998     $ 0.63  
2002
  $ (73,777 )     23,415     $ (3.15 )     23,818     $ (3.10 )
2001
  $ (28,438 )     23,135     $ (1.23 )     23,135     $ (1.23 )

     Included in diluted shares are the dilutive effect of common stock equivalents relating to stock options of 424,703 for the year ended December 31, 2003 and 403,275 for the year ended December 31, 2002. Common stock equivalents have been excluded from the diluted per share calculations in 2001, as Applica incurred a net loss before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle in that year and their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. Potential common stock equivalents at December 31, 2003 and 2002 were 1,494,685 and 642,964 with exercise prices ranging from $6.75 to $31.69 per share and $7.60 to $31.69 per share, respectively.

   Repositioning, Recall and Other Charges

     2003. During 2003, recall claims continued to diminish considerably and in the fourth quarter of 2003, management determined the accrual was no longer required and the remaining accrual of $4.1 million was reversed and was included as a reduction of cost of sales. In addition Applica incurred an additional charge of $4.7 million related to a lease at the Shelton, Connecticut facility, which is reflected as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses.

     2002. In February 2002, Applica Consumer Products, Inc., in cooperation with the Consumer Products Safety Commission, voluntarily recalled approximately 2.1 million Black & Decker® T1200 and T1400 toasters. Applica’s Canadian operating subsidiary, Applica Canada Corporation, also recalled approximately 180,000 of these toasters in Canada. In 2001, Applica took a charge to cost of sales of $13.4 million relating to the estimated expenses of such recalls. As of December 31, 2003 and 2002, $9.3 million and $8.7 million had been charged against the accrual, respectively.

     In 2002, Applica incurred an additional $10.6 million in charges relating to its decision to consolidate facilities and functions. These expenses did not qualify for accrual at December 31, 2001.

     2001. In the fourth quarter of 2001, Applica recorded charges relating to several events in the aggregate amount of $28.2 million. These charges included $6.8 million relating to Applica’s decision to consolidate its Shelton, Connecticut office with the headquarters located in Miami Lakes, Florida, as well as certain back-office and supply chain functions in Canada and Latin America. This facilities consolidation resulted in a reduction of approximately 70 employees worldwide. In addition, $5.2 million of such charges related to the write-off of fees and expenses of Applica’s terminated credit facility as Applica executed a new four-year senior secured revolving credit facility. Also included in the charge were $1.5 million relating to the devaluation of the Argentinean peso and $1.0 million related to the settlement

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED

of the shareholder class action litigation. Additionally, in 2001, Applica took a charge to cost of sales of $13.4 million relating to the toaster recall discussed above.

     Additionally, in the fourth quarter of 2001, Applica received a dividend from its foreign operations of $31.4 million, which resulted in a $10.1 million tax expense for previously untaxed earnings.

     Accrued liabilities relating to the 2001 repositioning, recall and other charges were as follows:

                                 
    Amount                     Amount  
    Accrued at     2003             Accrued at  
    Dec. 31,     Provisions     2003     Dec. 31,  
    2002     (Write-offs)     Payments     2003  
    (In thousands)  
Product recall
  $ 4,763     $ (4,125 )*   $ 638     $  
Back-office consolidation
    5,956       4,681       5,084       5,553  
Shareholder litigation
    450             450        
 
                       
 
  $ 11,169     $ 556     $ 6,172     $ 5,553  
 
                       
                                 
    Amount                     Amount  
    Accrued at                     Accrued at  
    Dec. 31,     2002     2002     Dec. 31,  
    2001     Provisions     Payments     2002  
    (In thousands)  
Product recall
  $ 13,417     $     $ 8,654     $ 4,763  
Back-office consolidation
    5,179       10,643       9,866       5,956  
Shareholder litigation
    1,000             550       450  
 
                       
 
  $ 19,596     $ 10,643     $ 19,070     $ 11,169  
 
                       


    *Represents write-off. There were no provisions for the recall recorded in 2003.

   Gain on Litigation Settlement

     In September 2002, Applica and Salton, Inc. entered into a settlement agreement in the matter Salton, Inc. v Windmere-Durable Holdings, Inc. and Windmere Corporation, which was filed in the United States District Court, Northern District of Illinois in January 2001. In connection with such settlement, Applica reported a gain of $557,000 in the third quarter of 2002.

   Recent Accounting Pronouncements

     In December 2002, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation-Transition and Disclosure” (“SFAS No. 148”). SFAS No. 148 amends SFAS Statement No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation”, to provide alternative methods of transition for an entity that voluntarily changes to the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. Additionally, SFAS No. 148 requires prominent disclosures about the effects on reported net income of an entity’s accounting policy decisions with respect to stock-based employee compensation. SFAS No. 148 also amends APB Opinion No. 28, “Interim Financial Reporting,” to require disclosures about such effects in interim financial information. Applica currently accounts for its stock-based compensation awards to employees and directors under the accounting prescribed by Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25 (“APB No. 25”) and provides the disclosures required by SFAS No. 123, as amended by SFAS No. 148. Applica currently intends to continue to account for its stock-based compensation awards to employees and directors under the accounting prescribed by APB No. 25.

     In December 2002, the FASB issued Interpretation 45 (FIN 45), “Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others”. For a guarantee subject to FASB Interpretation 45, a guarantor is required to:

  •   measure and recognize the fair value of the guarantee at inception (for many guarantees, fair value will be determined using a present value method); and

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED

  •   provide new disclosures regarding the nature of any guarantees, the maximum potential amount of future guarantee payments, the current carrying amount of the guarantee liability, and the nature of any recourse provisions or assets held as collateral that could be liquidated and allow the guarantor to recover all or a portion of its payments in the event guarantee payments are required.

     The disclosure requirement of this Interpretation is effective for financial statements for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2002 and did not have a material effect on Applica financial statements. The initial recognition and measurement provision are effective prospectively for guarantees issued or modified on or after January 1, 2003, which did not have a material effect on Applica’s financial statements.

     In January 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities (an Interpretation of ARB No. 51)” (“FIN 46”). FIN 46 addresses consolidation by business enterprises of certain variable interest entities, commonly referred to as special purpose entities. The adoption of FIN 46 did not have a material effect on Applica’s financial statement presentation or disclosure.

     In April 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 149, “Amendment of Statement No. 133 on Derivative Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity.” This statement amends and clarifies accounting for derivatives instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts, and for hedging activities under SFAS No. 133. This statement is effective for contracts entered into or modified after June 30, 2003, except as for provisions that relate to SFAS No. 133 implementation issues that have been effective for fiscal quarters that began prior to June 15, 2003, which should continue to be applied in accordance with their respective dates. The adoption of SFAS No. 149 did not have a material impact on Applica’s financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

     In May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS 150, “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilities and Equity”. This Statement establishes standards for classifying and measuring certain financial instruments that embody obligations of the issuer and have characteristics of both liabilities and equity. The adoption of SFAS No. 150 will not have a material impact on Applica’s financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

NOTE B — INVESTMENT IN JOINT VENTURES

     Anasazi Partners, L.P. is a partnership owned 50% by Applica that invested in public and privately owned securities. In the fourth quarter of 2002, Anasazi Partners engaged an investment banker to pursue exit strategies for Anasazi’s equity investment in ZonePerfect Nutrition Company. In July 2003, ZonePerfect was sold for approximately $160.0 million in cash, $20.0 million of which is being held in escrow as of December 31, 2003. Payment of $10.0 million dollars of the amount held in escrow is contingent on the performance of a negotiated matter and no portion thereof has been reflected in the net earnings of Anasazi.

     For the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, Applica’s equity in the net earnings (loss) of Anasazi was $55.6 million, zero and a loss of $128,000, respectively. In August 2003, Applica received a cash distribution from Anasazi of $51.4 million resulting from the sale of ZonePerfect, which reduced Applica’s investment in Anasazi. The funds held in escrow are to be released to the sellers, including Anasazi, at 18 and 24 months from date of closing, subject to any adjustments to the escrowed funds for breaches of representations and warranties. Management of Anasazi believes that Anasazi is entitled to receive additional amounts with respect to the contingent negotiated matter. Upon agreement with the purchaser of ZonePerfect, or release of the related funds from escrow, Applica expects to record additional earnings of approximately $3.7 million.

     In July 2003, the general partner of Anasazi Partners L.P. began the process of dissolving the partnership by distributing the remaining individual investments to the partners. At December 31, 2003, Applica’s interest in Anasazi represents its share of the escrow funds and undistributed cash held by Anasazi, net of deferred income. Anasazi’s summarized financial information, derived from its financial statements, is as follows (in thousands):

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED

                 
    At December 31,  
    2003     2002  
    (In thousands)  
Balance Sheet:
               
Total assets
  $ 8,703     $ 43,132  
Total liabilities
  $ 33     $  
Partners’ capital
  $ 8,670     $ 43,132  
                         
    Years ended December 31,  
    2003     2002     2001  
    (In thousands)  
Income Statement:
                       
Investment income
  $ 31     $ 156     $ 14  
Realized/unrealized gain on investments
  $ 49,133     $ 31,338     $ 4,466  
Net earnings
  $ 43,109     $ 31,487     $ 4,437  

     As of December 31, 2002, the difference between the carrying value of Applica’s investment in Anasazi and 50% of the net equity of Anasazi was due to the valuation reserve that Applica applied to its investment. As of December 31, 2003, the difference between the carrying value of Applica’s investment in Anasazi and 50% of the net equity of Anasazi was due to the disproportionate share of remaining distributions from Anasazi to be received by Applica pursuant to an agreement between Applica and the other 50% partner of Anasazi entered.

     In 2002, the equity in net earnings (loss) of joint ventures was a $1.5 million loss as the result of Applica’s losses related to its investment in a Florida limited liability company. Applica has no additional commitments or exposure related to this investment.

     Included in Applica’s consolidated retained earnings are earnings of approximately $54.1 million as of December 31, 2003 and a loss of approximately $1.5 million as of December 31, 2002 related to Applica’s equity in the net earnings of Anasazi.

NOTE C — ACQUISITIONS

     In May 2002, Applica Consumer Products, Inc., Applica’s U.S. operating subsidiary, purchased all of the outstanding stock of Weitech, Inc., an electronic pest control company, for approximately $17.0 million in cash and the issuance of $3.0 million of notes payable. The acquisition was accounted for as a purchase in accordance with SFAS 141 and, accordingly, the purchase price was allocated based on the estimated fair market values of the identifiable assets and liabilities obtained, resulting in original goodwill of approximately $9.6 million. Goodwill will not be amortized in the future but will be evaluated for impairment in accordance with the provisions of SFAS 142. During the fourth quarter of 2002, Applica changed its preliminary allocation of certain acquired identified intangible assets and, accordingly, reclassified $3.7 million from other intangible assets to goodwill resulting in goodwill of $13.3 million as of December 31, 2002. This goodwill is attributable to the general reputation of the business and the collective experience of the management and other employees, and was calculated as follows:

         
    (In thousands)  
Cash consideration paid
  $ 17,002  
Notes payable issued
    3,000  
 
     
Total consideration
    20,002  
 
       
Less: Fair value of identifiable assets acquired:
       
Cash
    210  
Accounts receivable, net
    2,683  
Inventory
    1,124  
Other assets
    433  
Property and equipment
    280  
 
     
 
    4,730  
Plus: Fair value of liabilities assumed:
       

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    (In thousands)  
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    1,550  
Deferred tax liability
    43  
 
     
 
    1,593  
Less:
       
Fair value of non-compete agreements (1)
    3,271  
Fair value of tradename (1)
    270  
 
     
Excess of cost over fair value of net assets acquired; goodwill
  $ 13,324  
 
     


(1)   Identifiable intangible assets subject to amortization.

     The results of operations of Weitech, Inc. were included in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations since the date of the acquisition.

NOTE D — GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

     Applica applied the provisions of SFAS 142 beginning on January 1, 2002 and performed a transitional fair valued based impairment test. Based on the initial impairment test, Applica recognized a non-cash adjustment of $121.3 million ($78.8 million, or $3.31 per diluted share, net of tax) in the first quarter of 2002 to reduce the carrying value of goodwill to its implied fair value, which was estimated using a combination of market-multiples, comparable transactions and discounted cash flow methodologies. Under SFAS 142, the impairment adjustment was reflected as a cumulative effect of change in accounting principle in the first quarter of 2002. In connection with adopting SFAS 142, Applica also reassessed the useful lives and the classifications of its identifiable intangible assets and determined that they continue to be appropriate.

     The carrying amount of goodwill is as follows:

         
    (In thousands)  
Goodwill, net of accumulated amortization, at December 31, 2001
  $ 170,764  
Impairment adjustment at adoption of SFAS 142
    (121,276 )
Addition resulting from Weitech acquisition
    13,324  
 
     
Balance at December 31, 2003 and 2002
  $ 62,812  
 
     

     The components of Applica’s intangible assets subject to amortization are as follows:

                                         
            December 31, 2003     December 31, 2002  
    Weighted                            
    Average     Gross             Gross        
    Amortization     Carrying     Accumulated     Carrying     Accumulated  
    Period     Amount     Amortization     Amount     Amortization  
    (Years)     (In thousands)  
Licenses
    2.0     $ 2,000     $ (333 )   $ 49,200     $ (32,786 )
Contract-based
    3.3       6,988       (2,509 )     5,968       (1,522 )
 
                               
 
          $ 8,988     $ (2,842 )   $ 55,168     $ (34,308 )
 
                               

     As part of Applica’s June 1998 acquisition of the household products group of The Black & Decker Corporation, $47.2 million of the excess purchase price was allocated to an intangible asset related to the Black & Decker® trademark. As a result of the lower than expected sales of Black & Decker® branded products in the third and fourth quarter of 2003, Applica reviewed whether the related intangible asset was impaired as of December 31, 2003. Based on the analysis, Applica determined that the intangible asset had no future value and accordingly recorded an impairment charge of $7.2 million, which is included as a separate line item in the statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2003. The fair value of this intangible asset was based on an estimate of Applica’s future cash flows resulting from the use of the Black & Decker® tradename, taking into account the royalties now required to be paid on each product sold.

     Amortization expense related to intangible assets was $8.6 million during 2003 (excluding the above impairment charge of $7.2 million) and $8.3 million during 2002. The following table provides information regarding estimated amortization expense for each of the following years ended December 31:

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    (In thousands)  
2004
  $ 2,432  
2005
    1,616  
2006
    1,113  
2007
    469  
2008
    161  
Thereafter
    322  

     The following table discloses the effect on earnings (loss) and earnings (loss) per share of the adoption of SFAS 142 for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001:

                         
    At December 31,  
    2003     2002     2001  
    (In thousands, except per share amounts)  
Net earnings (loss):
                       
Reported net earnings (loss)
  $ 15,223     $ (73,777 )   $ (28,438 )
Add: Goodwill amortization, net of tax
                3,410  
 
                 
Adjusted net earnings (loss)
    15,223       (73,777 )     (25,028 )
Add: Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of tax
          78,829        
 
                 
Adjusted net earnings (loss) before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
  $ 15,223     $ 5,052     $ (25,028 )
 
                 
 
                       
Basic earnings (loss) per share:
                       
Basic reported net earnings (loss)
  $ 0.65     $ (3.15 )   $ (1.23 )
Add: Goodwill amortization, net of tax
                0.15  
 
                 
Adjusted net earnings (loss)
    0.65       (3.15 )     (1.08 )
Add: Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
          3.37        
 
                 
Adjusted net earnings (loss) before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
  $ 0.65     $ 0.22     $ (1.08 )
 
                 
 
                       
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:
                       
Basic reported net earnings (loss)
  $ 0.63     $ (3.10 )   $ (1.23 )
Add: Goodwill amortization, net of tax
                0.15  
 
                 
Adjusted net earnings (loss)
    0.63       (3.10 )     (1.08 )
Add: Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
          3.31        
 
                 
Adjusted net earnings (loss) before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
  $ 0.63     $ 0.21     $ (1.08 )
 
                 

NOTE E — PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

     The following is a summary of property, plant and equipment:

                     
        At December 31,  
    Useful Lives   2003     2002  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
Building.
  15 — 50 years   $ 15,963     $ 15,257  
Building improvements
  8 — 31 years     4,884       4,708  
Computer equipment
  3 — 5 years     26,495       20,022  
Equipment and other
  3 — 8 years     111,579       129,725  
Leasehold improvements*
  8 years     11,600       13,471  
Land and land improvements**
  15-31 years     3,762       3,729  
               
      Total
        174,283       186,912  
Less accumulated depreciation
        103,894       109,949  
               
      $ 70,389     $ 76,963  
               

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED


*   Shorter of remaining term of lease or useful life
 
**   Only improvements are depreciated

     Included in computer equipment is $3.4 million of in-process software development for internal use that was not placed in service as of December 31, 2003. There were no in-process items as of December 31, 2002.

NOTE F — ACCRUED EXPENSES

     Accrued expenses are summarized as follows:

                 
    For the Year ended December 31,  
    2003     2002  
    (In thousands)  
Product recall
  $     $ 4,763  
Salaries and bonuses
    7,384       12,686  
Promotions and advertising allowances
    9,435       11,863  
Warranty
    6,084       5,698  
Back-office consolidation
    5,553       5,956  
Co-op advertising and volume rebates
    5,892       4,938  
Other
    27,014       28,782  
 
           
 
  $ 61,362     $ 74,686  
 
           

NOTE G — SHORT-TERM DEBT

     Applica’s short-term debt, including interest rate swaps designated as hedges, is summarized below:

                                         
            Stated   Interest Rate Swaps (1)     Effective   Swap
    Balance     Interest Rate   Pay Float   Pay Fixed     Interest Rate (2)   Maturities
    (Dollars in thousands)  
At December 31, 2003:
                                       
Revolving Credit Facility
  $ 62,703       3.1 %   $—   $ 50,000       3.2 %   December 2004
                                     
 
                                       
At December 31, 2002:
                                       
Revolving Credit Facility
  $ 55,070       3.7 %   $—   $ 15,000       4.7 %   July 2003
                                     


(1)   Amounts represent notional values of interest rate swaps.
 
(2)   The effective interest rate is the weighted average interest rate after taking into consideration the effect of interest rate swaps outstanding as of year-end entered into with respect to certain of those borrowings as indicated in the “Pay Float” and “Pay Fixed” columns.

   Revolving Credit Facility

     Applica has a $205 million four-year asset-based senior secured revolving credit facility. Advances under the credit facility are primarily based upon percentages of outstanding eligible accounts receivable and inventories. The credit facility includes a $10.0 million sublimit for the issuance of letters of credit. All amounts outstanding under the credit facility are payable on December 28, 2005.

     At Applica’s option, interest accrues on the loans made under the credit facility at either:

  •   LIBOR (adjusted for any reserves), plus a specified margin (determined by Applica’s leverage ratio and set at 2.00% at December 31, 2003), which was 3.12% at December 31, 2003; or
 
  •   the Base Rate (which is Bank of America’s prime rate), plus a specified margin (determined based upon Applica’s leverage ratio and was zero at December 31, 2003), which was 4.00% at December 31, 2003.

     Swing loans up to $15.0 million bear interest at the Base Rate plus a specified margin (determined based on Applica’s leverage ratio and was zero at December 31, 2003), which was 4.00% at December 31, 2003. Applica may at

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — CONTINUED

its option reduce the amount available under the Credit Facility to the extent such amounts are unused or prepaid in certain minimum amounts.

          The credit facility is collateralized by substantially all of the real and personal property, tangible and intangible, of Applica Incorporated and its domestic subsidiaries, as well as:

  •   a pledge of all of the stock of such domestic subsidiaries,
 
  •   a pledge of not more than 65% of the voting stock of each direct foreign subsidiary of Applica Incorporated and each direct foreign subsidiary of each domestic subsidiary of Applica Incorporated, and
 
  •   a pledge of all of the capital stock of any subsidiary of a subsidiary of Applica Incorporated that is a borrower under the credit facility.

          The credit facility is guaranteed by all of the current, and will be guaranteed by any future, domestic subsidiaries of Applica Incorporated.

          The credit facility contains a number of significant covenants that, among other things, restrict the ability of Applica to dispose of assets, incur additional indebtedness, prepay other indebtedness, pay dividends, repurchase or redeem capital stock, enter into certain investments or create new subsidiaries, enter into sale and lease-back transactions, make certain acquisitions, engage in mergers or consolidations, create liens, or engage in certain transactions with affiliates, and that otherwise restrict corporate and business activities. In addition, under the credit facility, Applica is required to comply with a minimum borrowing base availability and a maximum annual capital expenditure requirement.

          Applica has restated its consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2003 and 2002 to properly classify the credit facility as a current liability in accordance with EITF 95-22, “Balance Sheet Classification of Borrowings Outstanding under Revolving Credit Agreements That Include Both a Subjective Acceleration Clause and a Lock-Box Arrangement” (“EITF 95-22”). This restatement has no impact on the Applica’s results of operations or cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002. Although it expires in December 2005, the credit facility is classified as a current liability in accordance with EITF 95-22 because the credit facility agreement contains a subjective acceleration clause and contractual provisions that require the cash receipts of Applica be used to repay amounts outstanding under the credit facility.

NOTE H — LONG-TERM DEBT

          Applica’s long-term debt, including interest rate swaps designated as hedges, is summarized below:

                                                 
            Stated     Interest Rate Swaps (2)     Effective     Swap  
    Balance     Interest Rate (1)     Pay Float     Pay Fixed     Interest Rate (3)     Maturities  
                    (Dollars in thousands)                  
At December 31, 2003:
                                               
Mortgage Loan
  $ 5,767       7.3 %                 7.3 %        
Notes Payable
    3,000       6.0 %                 6.0 %        
10% Notes (4)
    65,318       10.0 %     30,000             8.4 %   July 2008
 
                                         
Total
    74,085               30,000       50,000                  
Less current maturities
    151                                      
 
                                         
Total long-term debt
  $ 73,934             $ 30,000     $ 50,000                  
 
                                         
At December 31, 2002:
                                               
Mortgage Loan
  $ 5,912       7.3 %     5,939             3.1 %   May 2007
Notes Payable
    3,000       6.0 %                 6.0 %        
10% Notes
    130,000       10.0 %                 10.0 %        
 
                                         
Total
    138,912               5,939       15,000                  
Less current maturities
    144                                      
 
                                         
Total long-term debt
  $ 138,768             $ 5,939     $ 15,000                  
 
                                         

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — CONTINUED


(1)   The stated interest rate represents the coupon rate for the 10% notes and mortgage loan for the executive offices located in Miami Lakes, Florida. For floating rate borrowings, interest rates are based upon the rates at December 31, 2003 and 2002; these rates are not necessarily an indication of future interest rates.
 
(2)   Amounts represent notional values of interest rate swaps.
 
(3)   The effective interest rate is the weighted average interest rate after taking into consideration the effect of interest rate swaps outstanding as of year-end entered into with respect to certain of those borrowings as indicated in the “Pay Float” and “Pay Fixed” columns.
 
(4)   Includes $318,000 that represents the positive fair value of an underlying hedge as of December 31, 2003 as required pursuant to FAS 133.

     10% Senior Subordinated Notes

          Applica issued $130.0 million in 10% Senior Subordinated Notes in July 1998, which bear interest at an annual rate of 10%, are payable semi-annually and mature on July 31, 2008. The notes are general unsecured obligations of Applica and rank subordinate in right of payment to all senior debt of Applica and pari passu in right of payment to all future subordinated indebtedness of Applica. The notes may be redeemed at the option of Applica, in whole or in part, on or after July 31, 2003 at various redemption prices. During 2003, Applica repurchased $65 million of these notes, and incurred a loss on redemption of $3.9 million. In February 2004, Applica repurchased an additional $4.25 million of these notes on the open market and incurred a loss on redemption of approximately $200,000.

          The indenture pursuant to which the notes were issued contains certain covenants that, among other things, limit the ability of Applica to incur additional indebtedness and issue preferred stock, pay dividends or make other certain restricted payments, apply net proceeds from certain asset sales, or sell stock of subsidiaries.

     Mortgage Loan

          In April 2002, Applica Consumer Products, Inc., Applica’s U.S. operating subsidiary, entered into a five-year $6.0 million mortgage loan on Applica’s executive offices located in Miami Lakes, Florida. The loan bears interest at an annual rate of 7.25%, with monthly principal and interest payments based on a 20-year amortization. A final balloon payment is due at the end of the term. The loan is collateralized by a first mortgage on the property and the building located thereon. In November 2003, Applica entered into an agreement to sell its executive offices located in Miami Lakes to an unrelated party for $9.5 million, which is scheduled to close in July 2004. At the time of closing, approximately $6 million of the proceeds will be used to repay the outstanding mortgage on the property. Applica’s intention is to enter into a non-cancelable long-term operating lease for new corporate office space in South Florida. No commitment has been made as of the current date.

     Notes Payable

          In conjunction with the acquisition of Weitech, Inc. in May 2002, Applica Consumer Products, Inc., Applica’s U.S. operating subsidiary, issued $3.0 million of notes payable primarily to the former shareholders of Weitech. These notes are unsecured, bear interest at an annual rate of 6.0%, and mature on May 31, 2005, with interest only payable quarterly.

     Foreign Indebtedness

          Applica’s foreign subsidiaries have available approximately $14.5 million of trade finance lines of credit, payable on demand, which are collateralized by the subsidiaries’ assets and in some cases, a guarantee of Applica Incorporated. At December 31, 2003 and 2002, the foreign subsidiaries were using approximately $258,000 and $1.7 million, respectively, which were all used for trade financing.

NOTE I — EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

          Applica has a 401(k) plan for its employees to which Applica makes discretionary contributions at rates dependent on the level of each employee’s contributions. Contributions made by Applica are limited to the maximum allowable for federal income tax purposes. The amounts charged to earnings for this plan during the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 totaled approximately $749,000, $803,000 and $766,000, respectively. Applica does

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — CONTINUED

not provide any health or other benefits to retirees, except for executive life insurance provided to Mr. Belvin Freidson, the founder of Applica.

NOTE J — INCOME TAXES

          Income tax expense (benefit) consists of the following:

                         
    At December 31,  
    2003     2002     2001  
            (In thousands)          
Current:
                       
Federal
  $ (174 )   $     $  
Foreign
    (279 )     3,449       12,754  
State
                 
 
    (453 )     3,449       12,754  
 
                 
Deferred
    10,600       1,377       (8,608 )
 
                 
 
  $ 10,147     $ 4,826     $ 4,146  
 
                 

          The United States and foreign components of earnings (loss) before income taxes are as follows:

                         
    For the Year ended December 31,  
    2003     2002     2001  
            (In thousands)          
United States
  $ 11,441     $ (4,757 )   $ (46,484 )
Foreign
    13,929       14,635       22,192  
 
                 
 
  $ 25,370     $ 9,878     $ (24,292 )
 
                 

          The differences between the statutory rates and the tax rates computed on pre-tax profits are as follows:

                         
    For the Year ended December 31,  
    2003     2002     2001  
Statutory rate
    35.0 %     35.0 %     35.0 %
Permanent differences
    7.1 *     14.1 *     (2.3 )
State income tax
    (1.0 )     (1.4 )     4.1  
Net tax rate differential on undistributed earnings and change in estimated tax provision
    (3.1 )     1.7       (11.4 )
Foreign earnings distributed to, or taxable in, the U.S.
    2.5       2.7       (41.6 )
Other
    (0.5 )     (3.2 )     (0.9 )
 
                 
 
    40.0 %     48.9 %     (17.1 )%
 
                 


*   Permanent differences are primarily the result of foreign exchange translation losses.

          The Internal Revenue Service has completed its examination of Applica’s U.S. tax returns for the years 1994 through 1998. One adjustment has been proposed, which, if sustained, would defer a deduction taken by Applica in 1995 until 1998 and would result in an interest charge net of the tax benefit of approximately $500,000. Applica believes its position is correct and is protesting the disallowance but had accrued for the related liability as of December 31, 2003 and 2002. In addition, Applica Canada Corporation, Applica’s Canadian operating subsidiary, is currently under audit by the Ontario Ministry of Finance for the 2000, 2001 and 2002 tax years. Management believes that adequate provision for taxes has been made for the years under examination and those not yet examined.

          The primary components of future income tax benefits (liabilities) were as follows:

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — CONTINUED

                 
    At December 31,  
    2003     2002  
    (In thousands)  
Inventory differences
  $ (1,889 )   $ 685  
Accrued expenses
    13,505       17,969  
 
           
Total current assets
    11,616       18,654  
 
               
Net operating loss and other carryforwards
    33,465       39,111  
Fixed assets
    760       1,682  
Goodwill and intangible asset amortization
    23,469       21,734  
Capital loss carryforward
          2,006  
Unrealized derivative tax
    (632 )      
Valuation allowance
    (7,367 )     (10,155 )
 
           
Net non-current assets
    49,695       54,378  
 
           
Net deferred tax assets
  $ 61,311     $ 73,032  
 
           

          The tax benefits resulting from disqualifying dispositions of shares of common stock acquired pursuant to incentive stock options and the exercise of non-qualified stock options have been recorded as additions to paid-in capital in the amounts of $47,000, $41,000 and $176,000 in 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

          At December 31, 2003, Applica had net operating loss carryforwards (“NOLs”) of approximately $30.4 million for domestic federal income tax purposes and $9.7 million for foreign income tax purposes. The domestic operating losses and foreign losses expire as follows:

                 
Year of Expiration   Operating Losses     Foreign Losses  
2005
  $     $ 1,338  
2006
          110  
2007
          2,946  
2009
          1,242  
2019
    11,298        
2020
    18,134        
2021
    400        
2022
    520        
Indefinite
          4,018  
 
           
 
  $ 30,352     $ 9,654  
 
           

          Applica also has NOLs in numerous states that have a tax benefit of $7.2 million and $9.7 million in 2003 and 2002, respectively. Applica has applied valuation allowances, tax effected, against these NOLs of $4.1 million and $7.1 million in 2003 and 2002, respectively. In addition, Applica has U.S. foreign tax credits of $8.1 million and $8.7 million in 2003 and 2002, respectively, net of an established valuation allowance of $3.3 million as of 2003 and $2.4 million as of 2002. Applica establishes valuation allowances against the state NOLs and U.S. foreign tax credits when it is more likely than not that the benefits will not be realized prior to expiration.

NOTE K — COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

     Litigation

          Tilia Matters. In May 2003, Applica brought suit against Tilia International, Inc. in U.S. district court in Miami, Florida to invalidate certain patents held by Tilia relating to its home vacuum packaging products. Immediately thereafter, Tilia sued Applica in the U.S. district court in California for alleged patent infringement by Applica’s Black & Decker® branded vacuum packaging machine and accessories. The California district court action was voluntarily dismissed without prejudice by Tilia in favor of the district court proceeding in Florida. In January 2004, Applica amended its complaint to add allegations that Tilia has violated U.S antitrust laws. The Florida action is in its initial stages.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — CONTINUED

          In July 2003, Tilia filed a complaint against Applica and other parties with the International Trade Commission, known as the ITC, in Washington D.C. Tilia alleged infringement of its patent related to vacuum packaging machines and requested permanent relief in the form of an exclusion order. Tilia also sought preliminary relief, requesting a temporary exclusion order that would prevent Applica from selling its vacuum sealer product in the U.S. Tilia’s request for a temporary exclusion order was denied by the ITC in January 2004. Full trial before the ITC currently is scheduled for May 2004, with a final ITC decision expected in November 2004.

          In late September 2003, Applica also brought a nullity action in Germany seeking to invalidate the German counterpart of the Tilia vacuum sealer machine patent. This matter is in its initial stages.

          We believe that the amount of ultimate liability of these matters, if any, is not likely to have a material effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or liquidity and, accordingly, no accrual has been recorded as of December 31, 2003. However, as the outcome of litigation is difficult to predict, significant changes in the estimated exposures could occur.

          Other Matters. Applica is also subject to other legal proceedings, product liability claims and other claims that arise in the ordinary course of its business. In the opinion of management, the amount of ultimate liability, if any, in excess of applicable insurance coverage, is not likely to have a material effect on the financial condition, results of operations or liquidity of Applica. However, as the outcome of litigation or other legal claims is difficult to predict, significant changes in the estimated exposures could occur, which could have a material impact on Applica’s operations.

     Employment Agreements

          Applica has entered into employment agreements with several of its executive officers for periods ranging from two to five years. The agreements provide the employees with an option to terminate their agreements and receive lump sum payments of up to five years compensation if there is a change in control of Applica, as defined in such agreements.

     Leases

          Applica has non-cancelable operating leases for office leases and office equipment. The leases expire over the next six years and contain provisions for certain annual rental escalations.

          Future minimum payments under Applica’s non-cancelable long-term operating leases are as follows:

         
    (In thousands)  
2004
  $ 7,831  
2005
    7,557  
2006
    5,158  
2007
    3,427  
2008
    1,449  
Thereafter
    450  
 
  $ 25,872  

          Rent expense for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 totaled approximately $7.5 million, $8.1 million and $9.2 million, respectively.

          In November 2003, Applica entered into an agreement to sell its executive offices located in Miami Lakes for $9.5 million, which is scheduled to close in July 2004. Applica’s intention is to enter into a non-cancelable long-term operating lease for new corporate office space in South Florida. No commitment has been made as of the current date.

          Applica leases a 562,000 square foot warehouse in Little Rock, Arkansas for warehousing and distribution, which expires in March 2008. Durable’s facilities in China are operated under contracts with the local government, with terms between two and ten years. During 2002, Applica closed its office in Shelton, Connecticut.

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     License Agreement

          As part of its acquisition of the Black & Decker household products group in June 1998, Applica licensed the Black & Decker brand in North America, Latin America (excluding Brazil) and the Caribbean for four categories of household appliances. The license was on a royalty-free basis for the four product categories through June 2003. In July 2001, Applica and The Black & Decker Corporation entered into an extension of the trademark license agreement through December 31, 2006. Under the agreement as extended, Applica agreed to pay certain fees and guaranteed minimum royalty payments to The Black & Decker Corporation of $1.2 million in 2001, $2.0 million in 2002, $5.0 million in 2003 and $12.5 million in each year thereafter through 2006. Renewals of the license agreement, if mutually agreed upon, are for five-year periods. If The Black & Decker Corporation does not agree to renew the license agreement, Applica has 18 months to transition out of the product line. No minimum royalty payments would be due during such transition period. The Black & Decker Corporation has agreed not to compete in core product categories for a period of five years after the termination of such license agreement.

          Upon request, The Black & Decker Corporation may elect to extend the license to use the Black & Decker® brand to certain additional products. Such additional products are subject to royalty payments. In 2000 and 2001, Black & Decker extended the license to heaters, fans, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, air purifiers, deep fryers and bag sealers. In 2002, Black & Decker agreed to extend the license to ice cream makers and mixers. In 2003, the license was further extended to certain electronic pest and insect control products, a stain removal product and vacuum bag sealers.

     Other

          In April 1994, Applica purchased from Ourimbah Investment Limited (“Ourimbah”) the remaining 20% of the issued and outstanding capital stock (the “Purchased Shares”) of Applica Durable Manufacturing Limited, Applica’s Chinese manufacturer, which had not, prior to such purchase, been owned, directly or indirectly, by Applica. In connection with such purchase, Applica agreed to make an additional payment (based upon amounts received in connection with any such change in control) to Ourimbah for the Purchased Shares upon the occurrence of a change of control (as defined) of Applica Incorporated on or before July 1, 2009. No change of control will be deemed to have occurred in connection with any transaction approved by a majority of the members of Applica’s Board of Directors.

NOTE L — SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

     Stock Options

          Under various plans, Applica may grant incentive or non-qualified stock options to employees, consultants and directors. The terms of stock options granted under the plans are determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors at the time of grant, including the exercise price, term and any restrictions on the exercisability of such option. The exercise price of all options granted under the plans equals the market price at the date of grant and no option is exercisable after the expiration of ten years from the date of grant. The stock options outstanding under the plans were generally granted for terms of five, six or ten years and vest on a straight line basis over periods ranging from one to six years. No compensation expense was recognized upon either the grant or exercise of these stock options.

          As of December 31, 2003, there are no shares available for grant under the 1988 Directors Stock Option Plan or the 1992 Employees’ Incentive Stock Option Plan, 4,803 shares available for grant under the 1996 Stock Option Plan, 890,723 shares available for grant under the 1998 Stock Option Plan and 228,866 shares available for grant under the 2000 Stock Option Plan.

          Applica has also granted non-qualified stock options, which are not under any plan. However, no non-plan options have been granted since 1998.

          Information with respect to stock option activity is as follows:

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — CONTINUED

                                                 
    2003     2002     2001  
            Weighted-             Weighted-             Weighted-  
            Average             Average             Average  
            Exercise             Exercise             Exercise  
    Shares(000)     Price     Shares(000)     Price     Shares(000)     Price  
Outstanding at beginning of year
    3,382     $ 7.50       4,216     $ 12.67       4,343     $ 12.46  
Granted
    172     $ 7.21       603     $ 5.16       177     $ 7.76  
Exercised
    (130 )   $ 7.00       (123 )   $ 7.16       (128 )   $ 6.27  
Forfeited
    (581 )   $ 11.99       (1,314 )   $ 23.00       (176 )   $ 7.50  
 
                                         
Outstanding at end of year
    2,843     $ 6.65       3,382     $ 7.50       4,216     $ 12.67  
 
                                         
Options exercisable at end of year
    2,270               2,483               3,546          
Weighted-average fair value of options granted during the year
  $ 6.84             $ 3.62             $ 5.44          

     The following information applies to options outstanding at December 31, 2003:

                                         
    Options Outstanding     Options Exercisable  
            Weighted-                      
            Average     Weighted-             Weighted-  
            Remaining     Average             Average  
            Contractual     Exercise             Exercise  
    Shares(000)     Life     Price     Shares(000)     Price  
$3.17 - $6.33
    1,267       3.3     $ 4.28       875     $ 3.97  
$6.34 - $9.50
    1,237       3.1     $ 7.31       1,074     $ 7.31  
$9.51 - $12.67
    220       1.7     $ 11.27       206     $ 11.31  
$12.68 - $15.84
    99       3.9     $ 14.02       97     $ 14.02  
$16.25
    5       2.3     $ 16.25       3     $ 16.25  
$31.69
    15       4.4     $ 31.69       15     $ 31.69  
 
                                   
 
    2,843                       2,270          
 
                                   

     Employee Stock Purchase Plan

          In May 2000, Applica’s shareholders authorized up to 500,000 shares of common stock for the 2000 Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Under the plan, eligible employees may elect to participate on January 1 or July 1 of each year. Subject to certain limitations determined in accordance with calculations set forth in the plan, an eligible employee is granted a right to purchase shares of common stock (up to a maximum of 1,000 shares) on the last business day on or before each June 30th and December 31st of any year during which he or she is a participant. The option exercise price per share will be an amount equal to 85% of the lower of the market price on the first day of the twelve-month offering period or the market price on the exercise date, unless the participant’s entry date is not the first day of the offering period, in which case the exercise price will be an amount equal to 85% of the lower of the market price of the common stock on the entry date or the market price on the exercise date. As of December 31, 2003 and 2002, an aggregate of 263,958 and 206,776 shares, respectively, of common stock had been issued under the plan.

     Common Stock Purchase Rights Plan

          In February 2003, the Board of Directors of Applica Incorporated terminated Applica’s Common Stock Purchase Rights Plan. The plan was terminated by redeeming the Rights that were issued under the Rights Agreement. The Rights were redeemed at a price of $.00001 per right, paid in cash.

NOTE M — BUSINESS SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC AREA INFORMATION

     Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 131, “Disclosure about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information,” established standards for reporting information about business segments in annual financial statements. It also established standards for related disclosures about products and services, major customers and geographic areas. Business segments are defined as components of a business about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker, or decision making group, in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance.

     Applica currently manages its operations through three business segments: Household Products, Professional Personal Care Products and Manufacturing.

  •   The Household Products segment is a leading distributor and marketer of small household appliances, primarily cooking, garment care, food preparation, beverage products, pet products and pest products, marketed under the licensed brand name, such as Black & Decker®, as well as owned brand names, such as Applica®, Gizmo®, Littermaid®, Weitech and Windmere®. The Household Products segment sales are handled primarily through in house sales representatives to mass merchandisers, specialty retailers and appliance distributors in North America, Latin America and the Caribbean.
 
  •   The Professional Personal Care segment is a distributor and marketer of a broad range of personal care products under the Belson® and Jerdon® brands. The Professional Personal Care segment sales are handled primarily through independent sales representatives to specialty retailers and some mass merchandisers in North America.
 
  •   The Manufacturing segment constitutes Applica’s manufacturing operations in Hong Kong and Mexico.

     The profitability measure employed by Applica for making decisions about allocating resources to segments and evaluating segment performance is operating (loss) earnings. Generally, segments follow the same accounting policies as those described in Note A of Applica’s consolidated financial statements.

     Segment information for the years ended 2003, 2002 and 2001 was as follows:

                                 
            Professional              
    Household     Personal Care              
    Products     Products     Manufacturing     Total  
            (In thousands)          
Year Ended 2003:
                               
Net sales
  $ 543,256     $ 68,993     $ 291,509     $ 903,758  
Intersegment sales
                263,119       263,119  
Operating earnings
    11,366       7,448       5,304       24,118  
Depreciation and amortization
    1,447       15       16,212       17,674  
Total assets
    182,391       32,310       176,943       391,644  
Year Ended 2002:
                               
Net sales
  $ 578,919     $ 68,570     $ 383,385     $ 1,030,874  
Intersegment sales
                303,518       303,518  
Operating earnings
    33,115       6,773       24,241       64,129  
Depreciation and amortization
    1,240       20       15,939       17,199  
Total assets
    229,082       29,657       171,977       430,716  
Year Ended 2001:
                               
Net sales
  $ 600,676     $ 65,254     $ 374,041     $ 1,039,971  
Intersegment sales
                312,927       312,927  
Operating earnings
    20,515       6,642       22,309       49,466  
Depreciation and amortization
    644       30       14,593       15,267  

     The following table sets forth the reconciliation to consolidated amounts for net sales, operating earnings (loss) and total assets:

                         
    2003     2002     2001  
    (In thousands)          
Net Sales:
                       
Total net sales for reportable segments
  $ 903,758     $ 1,030,874     $ 1,039,971  
Eliminations of intersegment sales
    (263,119 )     (303,518 )     (312,927 )
 
                 
Consolidated net sales
  $ 640,639     $ 727,356     $ 727,044  
 
                 
 
                       
Operating (loss) earnings:
                       
Total operating earnings from reportable segments
  $ 24,118     $ 64,129     $ 49,466  
Unallocated amounts:
                       
Restructuring and other credit (charges)
    (4,681 )     (10,643 )     (14,817 )
Impairment of intangible asset
    (7,152 )            
Shared services and all other
    (25,398 )     (26,877 )     (38,283 )
 
                 
Consolidated operating (loss) earnings
  $ (13,113 )   $ 26,609     $ (3,634 )
 
                 
 
                       
Total assets:
                       
Total assets from reportable segments
  $ 391,644     $ 430,716          
All other
    87,192       90,949          
 
                 
Consolidated total assets
  $ 478,836     $ 521,665          
 
                 

     The following table sets forth the approximate amounts and percentages of Applica’s consolidated net sales by product category during the periods shown:

                                                 
    2003     2002     2001  
                    (Dollars in thousands)              
    Net Sales     %     Net Sales     %     Net Sales     %  
Kitchen Products (1)
  $ 352,783       55 %   $ 353,271       49 %   $ 367,414       51 %
Home Products
    135,718       21 %     161,178       22 %     171,937       24 %
Personal Care Products (1)
    68,993       11 %     68,570       9 %     65,254       9 %
Pet Products
    34,289       5 %     35,855       5 %     32,541       4 %
Pest Control Products
    17,095       3 %     15,869       2 %            
Contract Manufacturing
    28,246       4 %     79,242       11 %     61,450       8 %
Other Products (1)
    3,515       1 %     13,371       2 %     28,448       4 %


(1)   Includes certain kitchen and retail personal care sales that Applica transitioned out of in 2001.

     Applica’s international operations are conducted primarily in Hong Kong and Mexico, with lesser activities in Canada, the Caribbean and South and Central America. Other than the United States, Applica does not have sales to customers located in any country which exceed 10% of consolidated sales. The following table sets forth the composition of Applica’s sales between those in the United States and those in other locations for each year:

 

 

 

 

 

 

                         
    2003     2002     2001  
    (In thousands)          
Revenues:
                       
United States operations
  $ 477,655     $ 501,797     $ 485,843  
International operations:
                       
Sales to unaffiliated customers
    162,984       225,559       241,201  
Sales – intercompany:
                       
Mexico
    113,264       134,934       153,713  
China
    149,855       168,584       159,214  
 
                 
 
    263,119       303,518       312,927  
 
                       
Eliminations
    (263,119 )     (303,518 )     (312,927 )
 
                 
Consolidated revenues
  $ 640,639     $ 727,356     $ 727,044  
 
                 
 
                       
Long-lived assets:
                       
United States operations
  $ 965,757     $ 956,681          
International operations
    135,919       157,482          
Eliminations
    (904,569 )     (892,440 )        
 
                 
Consolidated long-lived assets.
  $ 197,107     $ 221,723          
 
                 

     Intercompany sales are billed at prices established by Applica. All United States revenues are derived from sales to unaffiliated customers. Geographic area of sales is based primarily on the location from where the product is shipped. Included in United States operations are certain sales derived from direct product shipments from Hong Kong directly to customers located in the United States.

 

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NOTE N — CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT AND OTHER RISKS

          Applica sells on credit terms to a majority of its customers, most of which are U.S., Canadian and Latin American retailers and distributors located throughout those countries.

          Wal-Mart Corporation accounted for 29.8%, 24.5% and 24.3% of 2003, 2002 and 2001 consolidated net sales, respectively. As of December 31, 2003 and 2002, Wal-Mart Corporation accounted for 29.0% and 21.5%, respectively, of Applica’s consolidated accounts receivable.

          A majority of Applica’s revenue is generated from the sale of Black & Decker® branded products, which represented approximately 70%, 62% and 63% of consolidated net sales in 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

          Applica’s allowance for doubtful accounts is based on management’s estimates of the creditworthiness of its customers, current economic conditions and historical information, and, in the opinion of management is believed to be set in an amount sufficient to respond to normal business conditions. Management sets specific allowances for customers in bankruptcy, if any, and an additional allowance for the remaining customers. Should business conditions deteriorate or any major credit customer default on its obligations to Applica, this allowance may need to be increased which may have an adverse impact upon Applica’s earnings. As of December 31, 2003 and 2002, the allowance for bad debt was $12.5 million and $15.8 million, respectively.

          In 2002, Applica Consumer Products, Inc. entered into credit approved receivables purchasing agreements with CIT Group/Commercial Services, Inc. The agreements allow Applica to transfer to CIT, without recourse, approved receivables under certain circumstances, including the bankruptcy of covered customers. Applica remains the servicer of the approved receivables and pays fees based upon a percentage of the gross face amount of each approved receivable. These agreements are strictly to insure selected receivables. As of December 31, 2003 and 2002, Applica was insuring $16.5 million and $4.4 million of receivables under this agreement.

     Applica’s manufacturing operations are located abroad and Applica purchases a significant amount of product from third party suppliers in the Far East. Applica also sells its products to customers located in foreign jurisdictions, including Latin America, Canada and China. The majority of Applica’s products are manufactured by its Hong Kong

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — CONTINUED

based manufacturing subsidiary, Applica Durable Manufacturing Limited, and its Mexican manufacturing subsidiary, Applica Manufacturing, S. de. R.L. de C.V. The geographical distances between China, the United States and Mexico create a number of logistical and communications challenges. Because Applica manufactures its products and conducts business in several foreign countries, Applica is affected by economic and political conditions in those countries, including fluctuations in the value of currency, increased duties, possible employee turnover, labor unrest, lack of developed infrastructure, longer payment cycles, greater difficulty in collecting accounts receivable, and the burdens and costs of compliance with a variety of foreign laws. Changes in policies by the United States or foreign governments resulting in, among other things, increased duties, higher taxation, currency conversion limitations, restrictions on the transfer of funds, limitations on imports or exports, or the expropriation of private enterprises could have a material adverse effect on Applica, its results of operations, prospects or debt service ability. Applica could also be adversely affected if the current policies encouraging foreign investment or foreign trade by its host countries were to be reversed.

          If Applica determines that it is necessary to relocate Applica’s manufacturing facilities from China or Mexico and is unable to do so, due to confiscation, expropriation, nationalization, embargoes, governmental restrictions or otherwise, Applica would incur substantial operating and capital losses, including losses resulting from business disruption and delays in production. In addition, as a result of a relocation of its manufacturing equipment and certain other assets, Applica would likely incur relatively higher manufacturing costs. A relocation could also adversely affect Applica’s revenues if the demand for Applica’s products currently manufactured in China and Mexico decreases due to a disruption in the production and delivery of such products or due to higher prices which might result from increased manufacturing costs. Furthermore, earnings could be adversely affected due to reduced sales and/or Applica’s inability to maintain its current margins on the products currently manufactured in China and Mexico.

          China gained Permanent Normal Trade Relations (“PNTR”) with the United States when it acceded to the World Trade Organization (“WTO”), effective January 2002. The United States imposes the lowest applicable tariffs on exports from PNTR countries to the United States. In order to maintain its WTO membership, China has agreed to several requirements, including the elimination of caps on foreign ownership of Chinese companies, lowering tariffs and publicizing its laws. No assurance can be given that China will meet these requirements and remain a member of the WTO, or that its PNTR trading status will be maintained. If China’s WTO membership is withdrawn or if PNTR status for goods produced in China were removed, there could be a substantial increase in tariffs imposed on goods of Chinese origin entering the United States, including those manufactured by us, which would have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

          Applica Durable Manufacturing Limited is incorporated in Hong Kong and its executive sales offices and its senior executives are located or reside there. Applica also conducts significant trading activities through subsidiaries incorporated in Hong Kong, which may be influenced by the changing political situation in Hong Kong and by the general state of the Hong Kong economy.

          Applica Manufacturing, S. de R.L. de C.V., Applica’s Mexican manufacturing facility, is incorporated in Mexico. The Mexican government exercises significant influence over many aspects of the Mexican economy. Accordingly, the actions of the Mexican government concerning the economy could have a significant effect on private sector entities in general and Applica in particular. In addition, during the 1980s and 1990s, Mexico experienced periods of slow or negative growth, high inflation, significant devaluations of the peso and limited availability of foreign exchange. As a result of Applica’s reliance upon manufacturing facilities in Mexico, economic conditions in Mexico could adversely affect Applica’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

NOTE O — RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

          Matters Relating to Ourimbah Investment Ltd. Ourimbah Investment Ltd., a Hong Kong company, owns approximately 7.8% of the outstanding common stock of Applica. Messrs. Lai Kin and Lam King Loi are majority owners of Ourimbah. Mr. Lai Kin serves as a member of the Board of Directors of Applica and is the former Chairman of Applica Durable Manufacturing Limited, Applica’s Hong Kong manufacturing subsidiary. Mr. Lam King Loi is the former Vice Chairman of Applica Durable Manufacturing Limited.

          In April 1994, in connection with the purchase by Applica of the remaining 20% of the outstanding shares of Applica Durable Manufacturing Limited from Ourimbah, Applica agreed, upon a change of control of Applica (as defined in the acquisition agreement), to make an additional payment to Ourimbah in respect of the shares of Applica Durable being purchased under the agreement. The payment is equal to the greater of (i) the same multiple of earnings per share

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — CONTINUED

paid for the shares of common stock of Applica received in connection with such change of control or (ii) the same multiple of net asset value per share paid for the shares of common stock of Applica received in connection with such change of control.

          In addition, Applica agreed to use its best efforts to recommend to its shareholders and directors that two individuals be nominated by Mr. Lai Kin and deemed suitable by Applica be appointed as members of Applica’s Board of Directors. Applica further agreed to maintain the composition of Durable’s Board of Directors equally divided between designees of Ourimbah and persons selected by Applica. Accordingly, for so long as (i) such designees of Ourimbah who are present members of the Board of Directors of Durable remain shareholders of Ourimbah, and (ii) Ourimbah remains a shareholder of Applica, Applica must vote its shares of Durable to appoint such designees of Ourimbah to the Durable Board. When any member of the Durable Board who has been designated by Ourimbah ceases to be a shareholder of Ourimbah, such designee shall no longer be entitled to serve on the Durable Board, and Applica shall have the right to designate a replacement member to the Durable Board in its sole discretion.

          Additionally, Applica has agreed to use its best efforts to recommend to its shareholders and directors that Lai Kin be appointed as, and remain a member of, Applica’s Board of Directors for such time as Mr. Lai (or Ourimbah) continues to be a shareholder of Applica and continues to be employed by Durable and/or any other affiliate of Applica.

          Applica Durable Manufacturing Limited leases certain factories and worker dormitories in China from Ourimbah, which facilitated the building of such factories and dormitories with the local government. The rental payments made to Ourimbah during the year ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 totaled approximately $838,000, $870,000, and $850,000, respectively. The rental charges are generally comparable to the rates charged Applica Durable Manufacturing Limited by the local government for similar buildings and dormitories.

          Loans. Applica has a loan outstanding to David M. Friedson, its Chairman of the Board. The loan, which is unsecured, bears interest at LIBOR plus 1.5% per annum (2.62% at December 31, 2003) and is payable upon demand. Interest is payable on the due date. At December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, the balance of such loan, including accrued interest, was approximately $1,039,000, $986,000 and $1,323,000, respectively.

          In April 1999, Applica sold 210,000 shares of its common stock to Mr. Friedson at the fair market value of $7.125 per share and provided a loan in the amount of $1,496,250 that was used in connection with the purchase of such shares. The loan is on a full recourse basis and is secured by shares of common stock held by Mr. Friedson. The loan is due in April 2005. The loan bears interest at the rate of LIBOR plus 2.75% per annum (3.87% at December 31, 2003). Interest is payable on the due date. The amount due to Applica, including accrued interest, at December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 was approximately $1,949,000, $1,887,000 and 1,818,000, respectively.

          Sales Representative Relationships. Applica Consumer Products, Inc. uses the services of TJK Sales, Inc. (“TJK”), an independent sales representative. Thomas J. Kane, a member of Applica’s Board of Directors, is the sole shareholder and Chief Executive Officer of TJK. Applica Consumer Products, Inc. entered into an agreement with TJK, pursuant to which Applica agreed to pay $3,000 per month plus certain expenses in return for TJK’s services as a sales representative to J.C. Penney. The agreement may be terminated by either party on 30 days’ notice. Payments to TJK totaled approximately $36,000 in 2003, $125,000 in 2002 and $179,000 in 2001. Applica also reimburses TJK for related out-of-pocket expenses.

          Employment and Related Matters. In 1983, Belvin Friedson, the founder of Applica, entered into an employment agreement with Applica. Pursuant to his employment agreement, Mr. Friedson agreed to provide advisory services to Applica subsequent to his resignation as Chief Executive Officer. In 2003, 2002 and 2001, Mr. Friedson received annual compensation from Applica of approximately $375,000 under such agreement. He also participated in the executive life insurance plan and had use of a company car. Mr. Friedson is the father of David M. Friedson, Applica’s Chairman of the Board.

          Barbara Friedson Garrett, the sister of David M. Friedson, Applica’s Chairman of the Board, has been employed by Applica Consumer Products, Inc. as a Senior Vice President since 1983 and served in other capacities with Applica since 1973. Ms. Garrett’s current employment agreement, dated July 18, 1983, will be terminated in July 2004. After such time, Ms. Garrett will remain an employee of Applica Consumer Products, Inc., but her compensation will be reduced to approximately $175,000. Ms. Garrett was paid $358,000 $355,000 and $536,000 for her services during the year ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

     Mr. Lai Kin, a majority owner of Ourimbah, serves as a member of the Board of Directors of Applica and the former Chairman of Applica Durable Manufacturing Limited and was paid total compensation of approximately $563,000,

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Applica Incorporated and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — CONTINUED

$541,000 and $513,000 for his services during the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. Mr. Lai has been employed by Applica Durable since 1970. Mr. Lam King Loi, a majority owner of Ourimbah, is the former Vice Chairman of Applica Durable Manufacturing Limited and was paid total compensation of approximately $295,000, $296,000 and $295,000 for his services during the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001. Mr. Lam has been employed by Applica Durable since 1970.

          Ben Lai, the son of Mr. Lai Kin, is employed by Applica Durable Manufacturing Limited as the Managing Director and was paid total compensation of approximately $368,000, $307,000 and $205,000 for his services during the year ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. Ben Lai has been employed by Applica Durable since 1990. Desmond Lai, the son of Mr. Lai Kin, is employed by Applica Consumer Products, Inc. and was paid total compensation of approximately $321,000, $354,000 and $311,000 for his services during 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. Desmond Lai has been employed by Applica Durable since 1986. Eliza Lai, the daughter of Mr. Lai Kin, is employed by Applica Durable Manufacturing Limited as the General Manager — Purchasing and was paid total compensation of approximately $187,000, $213,000 and $188,000 for her services during the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. Eliza Lai has been employed by Applica Durable since 1983. Jannie Fung, Desmond Lai’s wife, was employed by Applica Durable Manufacturing Limited as a Senior Product Manager and was paid total compensation of approximately $83,530, $72,800 and $60,000 for her services during 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. Jannie Fung has been employed by Applica Durable since 1977 and resigned her position effective April 2003.

          Dubel Industrial Limited. Applica Durable Manufacturing was the majority shareholder of Dubel Industrial Limited, which owned a dormitory building located in China. Certain employees of Durable who resided in the dormitories were given shares of Dubel as a form of employee benefit. As a shareholder, these employees would also receive cash distributions based on the rental payments received by Dubel. In December 2003, Applica Durable purchased the shares of Dubel held by employees and Dubel is currently a 100% owned subsidiary of Applica Durable. In 2003, in connection with the cash distributions and the repurchase of the shares, Lai Kin and his family received approximately $109,400 and Lam King Loi received $17,800. In 2002, in connection with the cash distributions, Lai Kin and his family received approximately $13,839 and Lam King Loi received $2,410. In 2001, in connection with the cash distributions, Lai Kin and his family received approximately $12,240 and Lam King Loi received $2,080.

          Charitable Contributions. During 2003, 2002 and 2001, Applica made contributions to the United Way of approximately $203,000, $120,500 and $68,700, respectively. Barbara Friedson Garrett serves as a member of the Executive Committee of the United Way of Miami-Dade County.

NOTE P — FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

     Interest Rate Risk Management

          Applica is exposed to the impact of interest rate changes. Applica’s objective is to manage the impact of interest rate changes on earnings and cash flows and on the market value of its borrowings. Applica maintains fixed rate debt as a percentage of its net debt between a minimum and maximum percentage, which is set by policy.

          It is Applica’s policy to enter into interest rate risk management transactions only to the extent considered necessary to meet its objectives as set forth above. Applica does not enter into interest rate risk management transactions for speculative purposes.

          Significant interest rate risk management instruments held by Applica during 2003 and 2002 included pay-floating swaps, pay-fixed swaps and interest rate caps. The pay-floating swap effectively converts medium term fixed-rate obligations to LIBOR-rate indexed variable-rate instruments. Pay-fixed swaps effectively convert floating-rate obligations to fixed-rate instruments. Interest rate caps provide protection against rising interest rates. All swaps that qualify for fair value hedging have maturity dates that mirror the maturity date of the underlying hedged transaction. At December 31, 2003 and 2002, Applica did not discontinue any hedges due to the probability that the original underlying forecasted transaction would not occur.

          The impact of interest rate risk management activities on pre-tax income was negligible in 2003, a net loss of approximately $289,000 in 2002 and a net gain of $1.7 million in 2001.

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Applica Incorporated and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — CONTINUED

     Foreign Exchange Risk Management

          Applica transacts business globally and is subject to risks associated with changing foreign exchange rates. Applica’s objective is to reduce earnings and cash flow volatility associated with foreign exchange rate changes to allow management to focus attention on core business issues and challenges. Applica maintains hedge coverage between minimum and maximum percentages of its forecasted foreign exchange exposures for periods not to exceed eighteen months. The gains and losses on these contracts offset changes in the value of the related exposures.

          It is Applica’s policy to enter into foreign currency transactions only to the extent considered necessary to meet its objectives as set forth above. Applica does not enter into foreign currency transactions for speculative purposes.

          Applica enters into various contracts that change in value as foreign exchange rates change to protect the value of its existing foreign currency assets and liabilities, commitments and forecasted foreign currency revenues. Applica uses option strategies and forward contracts that provide for the purchase and sale of foreign currencies to hedge forecasted revenues and expenses. Applica also uses forward contracts to hedge foreign currency assets and liabilities. While these hedging instruments are subject to fluctuations in value, such fluctuations are offset by changes in the value of the underlying exposures being hedged. The principal currencies hedged are the Mexican peso, Chinese renminbi, Hong Kong dollar and Canadian dollar.

          The impact of foreign exchange risk management activities on operating income was a net loss of $2.3 million in 2003, a net gain of $70,000 in 2002 and a net gain of $715,000 in 2001.

     Fair Value of Financial Instruments

          At December 31, 2003 and 2002, Applica’s financial instruments included cash, cash equivalents, receivables, accounts payable, borrowings and interest rate, forward and foreign exchange risk management contracts. At December 31, 2003 and 2002, the fair values of cash and cash equivalents, receivables and accounts payable approximated carrying values because of the short-term nature of these instruments. The estimated fair values of other financial instruments subject to fair value disclosures, determined based on broker quotes or quoted market prices or rates for the same or similar instruments, and the related carrying amounts are as follows:

                                 
    2003     2002  
    Carrying             Carrying        
    Amount/Notional             Amount/Notional        
    Amount     Fair Value     Amount     Fair Value  
            (In thousands)          
Borrowings(1)
  $ 136,788     $ 136,788     $ 193,982     $ 193,332  
Risk management contracts(2):
                               
Foreign exchange forwards(3)
  $ 7,425     $ (144 )   $ 7,000     $ 48  
Foreign exchange options(3)
  $ 21,100     $ (330 )   $ 34,049     $ (1,734 )
Interest rate swaps(4)
  $ 80,000     $ 415     $ 20,939     $ 153  


(1)   The fair value of borrowings was approximated at carrying value, except for the 10% Senior Subordinated Notes, which were valued at 100.0% and 99.5% at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively, based upon quoted market prices.
 
(2)   The fair value of risk management contracts was based upon quotes from outside parties. Fair value amounts change with market conditions and will be substantially offset by changes in the value of the related hedged transaction. A positive fair value represents the amount Applica would receive upon exiting the contracts and a negative fair value represents the amount Applica would pay upon exiting the contracts. Applica intends to hold all contracts to maturity, at which time the fair value will be zero.
 
(3)   Fair values are included in other long term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet.
 
(4)   Fair values are included in prepaid expenses and other in the consolidated balance sheet.

     Credit Concentrations

          Applica continually monitors its positions with, and the credit quality of, the financial institutions that are counterparties to its financial instruments, and does not anticipate nonperformance by the counterparties. Applica would not have realized a material loss as of December 31, 2003 or 2002 in the event of nonperformance by any one

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Applica Incorporated and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — CONTINUED

counterparty. Applica enters into transactions only with financial institution counterparties that have a credit rating of A or better. In addition, Applica limits the amount of investment credit exposure with any one institution.

NOTE Q — CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION

          Applica’s domestic subsidiaries are guarantors of Applica’s 10% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2008. The following condensed consolidating financial information presents the results of operations, financial position and cash flows of Applica Incorporated (on a stand alone basis), the guarantor subsidiaries (on a combined basis), the non-guarantor subsidiaries (on a combined basis) and the eliminations necessary to arrive at the consolidated results of Applica. The results of operations and cash flows presented below assume that the guarantor subsidiaries were in place for all periods presented. Applica and guarantor subsidiaries have accounted for investments in their respective subsidiaries on an unconsolidated basis using the equity method of accounting. The guarantor subsidiaries are wholly owned subsidiaries of Applica and have fully and unconditionally guaranteed the notes on a joint and several basis. The notes contain certain covenants which, among other things, restrict the ability of the guarantor subsidiaries to make distributions to Applica Incorporated. Applica has not presented separate financial statements and other disclosures concerning the guarantor subsidiaries and non-guarantor subsidiaries because it has determined they would not be material to investors.

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Applica Incorporated and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — CONTINUED

                                         
                    Year Ended December 31, 2003        
    Parent     Guarantors     Non-Guarantors     Eliminations     Consolidated  
                    (In thousands)                  
Statement of Operations:
                                       
Net sales
  $     $ 504,941     $ 398,817     $ (263,119 )   $ 640,639  
Cost of sales
          361,061       361,501       (263,119 )     459,443  
Product recall expenses (credit)
          (1,900 )     (2,225 )           (4,125 )
 
                             
Gross profit
          145,780       39,541             185,321  
Operating (income) expenses
    6       162,277       24,318             186,601  
Repositioning and other charges
          4,681                   4,681  
Impairment of intangible asset
          7,152                   7,152  
 
                             
Operating earnings (loss)
    (6 )     (28,330 )     15,223             (13,113 )
Other (income) expense, net
    (86 )     15,751       (2,518 )           13,147  
Loss on early extinguishment of debt
          3,940                   3,940  
 
                             
Earnings (loss) before equity in net earnings (loss) of joint venture and subsidiaries, and income taxes
    80       (48,021 )     17,741             (30,200 )
Equity in net earnings (loss) of joint venture
    55,570                         55,570  
Equity in net earnings (loss) of subsidiaries
    (18,199 )                 18,199        
Income tax expense (benefit)
    22,228       (11,530 )     (551 )           10,147  
 
                             
Net earnings (loss)
  $ 15,223     $ (36,491 )   $ 18,292     $ 18,199     $ 15,223  
 
                             
Balance Sheet: (as restated)
                                       
Cash and cash equivalents
  $     $ 1,124     $ 11,611     $     $ 12,735  
Accounts and other receivables, net
          99,449       31,572             131,021  
Receivables from affiliates
    (383,226 )     73,091       66,283       245,467       1,615  
Inventories
          74,147       32,179             106,326  
Future income tax benefits
          13,723       (2,107 )           11,616  
Other current assets
          4,857       13,559             18,416  
 
                             
Total current assets
    (383,226 )     266,391       153,097       245,467       281,729  
Investment in joint venture
    5,389                         5,389  
Investment in subsidiaries
    678,645       113,502       70,430       (862,577 )      
Property, plant and equipment, net
          19,357       51,032             70,389  
Long-term future income tax benefits
          46,619       3,076             49,695  
Other assets
    2,072       100,173       11,381       (41,992 )     71,634  
 
                             
Total assets
  $ 302,880     $ 546,042     $ 289,016     $ (659,102 )   $ 478,836  
 
                             
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
  $     $ 60,569     $ 40,066     $     $ 100,635  
Short-term debt
    62,703                         62,703  
Current maturities of long-term debt
    151                         151  
Deferred rent
          301                   301  
Current taxes payable
          447       1,725             2,172  
 
                             
Total current liabilities
    62,854       61,317       41,791             165,962  
Long-term debt
    73,934       39,310       13,142       (52,452 )     73,934  
Future income tax liabilities
          10       (10 )            
Other long-term liabilities
    474       853                   1,327  
 
                             
Total liabilities
    137,262       101,490       54,923       (52,452 )     241,223  
Shareholders’ equity
    165,618       444,552       234,093       (606,650 )     237,613  
 
                             
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 302,880     $ 546,042     $ 289,016     $ (659,102 )   $ 478,836  
 
                             
Cash Flow Information:
                                       
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
  $ (5,411 )   $ 4,923     $ 55,118     $ (27,155 )   $ 27,475  
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    33,379       (54,499 )     (37,043 )     91,553       33,390  
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    (30,994 )     47,091       (10,538 )     (64,398 )     (58,839 )
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
    3,026                         3,026  
Cash at beginning
          3,609       4,074             7,683  
Cash at end
  $     $ 1,124     $ 11,611     $     $ 12,735  

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Applica Incorporated and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — CONTINUED

                                         
            Year Ended December 31, 2002        
    Parent     Guarantors     Non-Guarantors     Eliminations     Consolidated  
                    (In thousands)                  
Statement of Operations:
                                       
Net sales
  $     $ 544,493     $ 486,381     $ (303,518 )   $ 727,356  
Cost of sales
          363,916       438,536       (303,518 )     498,934  
 
                             
Gross profit
          180,577       47,845             228,422  
 
                             
Operating (income) expenses
    (1,063 )     157,952       34,281             191,170  
Repositioning charge
          10,643                   10,643  
 
                             
Operating earnings (loss)
    1,063       11,982       13,564             26,609  
Other (income) expense, net
    (103 )     (4,813 )     20,706             15,790  
Gain on litigation settlement
          (1,070 )     513             (557 )
 
                             
Earnings (loss) before equity in net earnings (loss) of joint ventures and subsidiaries, and income taxes
    1,166       17,865       (7,655 )           11,376  
Equity in net earnings (loss) of joint ventures
    (1,498 )                       (1,498 )
Equity in net earnings (loss) of subsidiaries
    (73,445 )                 73,445        
Income tax expense (benefit)
          2,807       2,019             4,826  
 
                             
Earnings (loss) before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
    (73,777 )     15,058       (9,674 )     73,445       5,052  
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
          (78,829 )                 (78,829 )
 
                             
Net earnings (loss)
  $ (73,777 )   $ (63,771 )   $ (9,674 )   $ 73,445     $ (73,777 )
 
                             
Balance Sheet: (as restated)
                                       
Cash and cash equivalents
  $     $ 3,609     $ 4,074     $     $ 7,683  
Accounts and other            receivables, net
          104,739       41,828             146,567  
Receivables from affiliates
    (350,886 )     24,515       38,202       290,229       2,060  
Inventories
          80,584       30,869             111,453  
Future income tax benefits
          18,654                   18,654  
Other current assets
          2,593       10,932             13,525  
 
                             
Total current assets
    (350,886 )     234,694       125,905       290,229       299,942  
Investment in joint venture
    1,249                         1,249  
Investment in subsidiaries
    651,430       113,482       70,430       (835,342 )      
Property, plant and equipment, net
          18,363       58,600             76,963  
Long-term future income tax benefits
          52,404       1,974             54,378  
Other assets
    2,473       117,280       26,478       (57,098 )     89,133  
 
                             
Total assets
  $ 304,266     $ 536,223     $ 283,387     $ (602,211 )   $ 521,665  
 
                             
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
  $ 2     $ 62,854     $ 43,276     $     $ 106,132  
Short-term debt
    55,070                         55,070  
Current maturities of long-term debt
          144                   144  
Deferred rent
          372                   372  
Current taxes payable
          1,034       (516 )           518  
 
                             
Total current liabilities
    55,072       64,404       42,760             162,236  
Long-term debt
    138,768       40,463       20,706       (61,169 )     138,768  
Future income tax liabilities
          (1,146 )     1,146              
Other long term liabilities
    1,686       (153 )                 1,533  
 
                             
Total liabilities
    195,526       103,568       64,612       (61,169 )     302,537  
Shareholders’ equity
    108,740       432,655       218,775       (541,042 )     219,128  
 
                             
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 304,266     $ 536,223     $ 283,387     $ (602,211 )   $ 521,665  
 
                             
Cash Flow Information:
                                       
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
  $ 701     $ (47,465 )   $ 18,659     $ 80,145     $ 52,040  
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    22,908       22,907       (17,642 )     (59,629 )     (31,456 )
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    (25,548 )     27,411       (11,930 )     (20,516 )     (30,583 )
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
    1,939                         1,939  
Cash at beginning
          756       14,987             15,743  
Cash at end
  $     $ 3,609     $ 4,074     $     $ 7,683  

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SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL DATA

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

          The following financial information reflects all normal recurring adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of the results of the interim periods. The quarterly results for the years 2003 and 2002 are set forth in the following table:

                                         
                            Basic     Diluted  
                    Net     Earnings     Earnings  
            Gross     Earnings     (Loss Per     (Loss) Per  
    Sales     Profit     (Loss)     Share)     Share  
    (In thousands, except per share data)  
2003
                                       
First quarter
  $ 121,239     $ 37,022     $ 19,621 (1)   $ 0.84     $ 0.83  
Second quarter
    136,847       38,106       (2,785 )(1)     (0.12 )     (0.12 )
Third quarter
    173,512       50,508       4,855 (1)(2)     0.21       0.20  
Fourth quarter
    209,041       59,685       (6,468 )(1)(3)     (0.27 )     (0.27 )
 
                             
Total
  $ 640,639     $ 185,321     $ 15,223     $ 0.65 (4)(5)   $ 0.63 (5)
 
                             
2002
                                       
First quarter
  $ 143,058     $ 40,614     $ (82,010 )   $ (3.51 )(4)   $ (3.51 )(4)
Second quarter
    168,039       52,168       (2,057 )     (0.09 )     (0.09 )
Third quarter
    194,851       63,938       5,214       0.22       0.22  
Fourth quarter
    221,408       71,702       5,076       0.22       0.21  
 
                             
Total
  $ 727,356     $ 228,422     $ (73,777 )   $ (3.15 )(5)   $ (3.10 )(5)
 
                             


(1)   In the first quarter of 2003, Applica recorded equity in net earnings of its joint venture of $37.5 million. In addition, Applica recorded equity in net earnings of its joint venture for $1.5 million, $16.2 million and $371,000 for the second, third and fourth quarters, respectively.
 
(2)   In the third quarter of 2003, Applica recorded charges of $1.9 million ($1.1 million, net of tax) related to the early extinguishment of $30.0 million of the 10% notes.
 
(3)   In the fourth quarter of 2003, Applica recorded:
 
  an impairment charge of $7.2 million ($4.3 million, net of tax) related to an intangible asset acquired as part of the acquisition of the Black & Decker household products group;
 
  expenses of $6.9 million ($4.1 million, net of tax) related to the retrenchment of the Mexican and Chinese manufacturing facilities;
 
  repositioning and other charges of $4.7 million ($2.8 million, net of tax) related to accrued rental expenses at the Shelton, Connecticut facility, which was closed in the third quarter of 2002; and
 
  charges of $2.0 million ($1.2 million, net of tax) related to the early extinguishment of an additional $35.0 million of the 10% notes.
 
(4)   In January 2002, Applica applied the provisions of SFAS 142 “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”. Based on its impairment test, Applica recognized an adjustment of $121.3 million ($78.8 million or $3.31 per share, net of tax on a full year and fully diluted basis) in the first quarter of 2002 to reduce the carrying value of goodwill to its implied fair value.
 
(5)   The sum of the quarters differs from the total due to exclusion of anti-dilutive effect of stock options in earnings per share calculation in periods with losses.

 


Table of Contents

SCHEDULE II

Applica Incorporated and Subsidiaries

VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
(In Thousands)

                                                 
    Balance at     Purchase     Charged to     Charged to             Balance at  
    Beginning of     Price     Costs and     Other             End of  
Description   Period     Reserves     Expenses     Accounts     Deductions     Period  
Year ended December 31, 2003                                                
Reserves deducted from assets to which they apply:
                                               
Allowance for doubtful accounts
  $ 15,830           $ 2,228           $ (5,515 )(1)   $ 12,543  
Inventory reserves
  $ 4,309           $ 1,805           $ (759 )(1)   $ 5,355  
Deferred tax valuation allowance
  $ 10,155                       $ (2,788 )(1)   $ 7,367  
 
                                   
Year ended December 31, 2002
                                               
Reserves deducted from assets to which they apply:
                                               
Allowance for doubtful accounts
  $ 10,499     $ (62 )   $ 10,618           $ (5,225 )(1)   $ 15,830  
Inventory reserves
  $ 2,831           $ 2,929           $ (1,451 )(1)   $ 4,309  
Deferred tax valuation allowance
  $ 10,175                       $ (20 )(1)   $ 10,155  
 
                                   
Year ended December 31, 2001
                                               
Reserves deducted from assets to which they apply:
                                               
Allowance for doubtful accounts
  $ 8,049           $ 4,002           $ (1,552 )(1)   $ 10,499  
Inventory reserves
  $ 2,510           $ 1,719           $ (1,398 )(1)   $ 2,831  
Deferred tax valuation allowance
  $ 4,537           $ 5,638                 $ 10,175  
 
                                   


(1)   Write-off against the reserve