Form 10-Q

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-Q

 

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

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2010

OR

 

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

For the transition period from                  to                 

Commission file number 1-9076

FORTUNE BRANDS, INC.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

DELAWARE   13-3295276

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

 

520 Lake Cook Road, Deerfield, Illinois   60015-5611
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (847) 484-4400

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  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    x  Yes    ¨  No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.    Large accelerated filer  x    Accelerated filer  ¨    Non-accelerated filer (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)  ¨    Smaller reporting company  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock, par value $3.125 per share, at October 31, 2010 was 152,580,819.

 

 

 


 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

FORTUNE BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

(in millions)

 

     September 30,
2010
     December 31,
2009
 
     (Unaudited)      

Assets

     

Current assets

     

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 671.2       $ 417.2   

Accounts receivable, net

     920.3         949.0   

Inventories

     

Maturing spirits

     1,238.1         1,243.0   

Other raw materials, supplies and work in process

     351.1         322.7   

Finished products

     520.6         450.9   
                 
     2,109.8         2,016.6   

Other current assets

     469.1         488.9   
                 

Total current assets

     4,170.4         3,871.7   

Property, plant and equipment

     3,109.2         3,059.6   

Less: accumulated depreciation

     1,706.2         1,591.7   
                 

Property, plant and equipment, net

     1,403.0         1,467.9   

Goodwill resulting from business acquisitions

     3,590.0         3,576.5   

Other intangible assets resulting from business acquisitions, net

     3,063.0         3,188.4   

Other assets

     260.5         266.1   
                 

Total assets

   $ 12,486.9       $ 12,370.6   
                 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

2


 

FORTUNE BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

(in millions, except per share amounts)

 

     September 30,
2010
    December 31,
2009
 
     (Unaudited)        

Liabilities and equity

    

Current liabilities

    

Notes payable to banks

   $ 23.6      $ 51.3   

Current portion of long-term debt

     590.6        —     

Accounts payable

     491.4        468.5   

Other current liabilities

     915.1        943.8   
                

Total current liabilities

     2,020.7        1,463.6   

Long-term debt

     3,662.9        4,413.3   

Deferred income taxes

     656.2        642.9   

Accrued pension and postretirement benefits

     345.9        451.3   

Other non-current liabilities

     239.7        293.8   
                

Total liabilities

     6,925.4        7,264.9   
                

Equity

    

Fortune Brands stockholders’ equity

    

$2.67 Convertible Preferred stock – redeemable at Company’s option

     5.0        5.2   

Common stock, par value $3.125 per share, 234.9 shares issued

     734.0        734.0   

Paid-in capital

     804.2        755.6   

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (172.8     (211.8

Retained earnings

     7,416.1        7,135.4   

Treasury stock, at cost

     (3,242.7     (3,326.0
                

Total Fortune Brands stockholders’ equity

     5,543.8        5,092.4   

Noncontrolling interests

     17.7        13.3   
                

Total equity

     5,561.5        5,105.7   
                

Total liabilities and equity

   $ 12,486.9      $ 12,370.6   
                

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

3


 

FORTUNE BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010 and 2009

(in millions, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

     2010     2009  

Net sales

   $ 5,246.0      $ 4,897.6   

Cost of products sold

     2,707.5        2,595.1   

Excise taxes on spirits

     382.7        350.0   

Advertising, selling, general and administrative expenses

     1,511.6        1,422.2   

Amortization of intangible assets

     24.6        25.2   

Restructuring charges

     15.8        47.2   

Gain on sale of brands and related assets, net

     (2.9     —     
                

Operating income

     606.7        457.9   
                

Interest expense

     160.7        161.0   

Other (income) expense, net

     (27.7     7.2   
                

Income before income taxes

     473.7        289.7   

Income taxes

     65.2        55.0   
                

Net income

     408.5        234.7   

Less: Noncontrolling interests

     6.3        3.4   
                

Net income attributable to Fortune Brands

   $ 402.2      $ 231.3   
                

Earnings per common share attributable to Fortune Brands common stockholders

    

Basic

   $ 2.64      $ 1.54   

Diluted

   $ 2.61      $ 1.53   

Dividends paid per common share

   $ 0.57      $ 0.82   

Average number of common shares outstanding

    

Basic

     152.2        150.2   

Diluted

     153.9        151.7   

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

4


 

FORTUNE BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME

For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2010 and 2009

(in millions, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

     2010     2009  

Net sales

   $ 1,722.0      $ 1,717.9   

Cost of products sold

     888.3        893.4   

Excise taxes on spirits

     128.3        125.3   

Advertising, selling, general and administrative expenses

     497.2        484.7   

Amortization of intangible assets

     7.9        8.5   

Restructuring charges

     14.9        1.5   

Loss on sale of brands and related assets

     8.6        —     
                

Operating income

     176.8        204.5   
                

Interest expense

     52.0        55.1   

Other (income) expense, net

     (6.9     (6.9
                

Income before income taxes

     131.7        156.3   

Income taxes

     27.0        31.1   
                

Net income

     104.7        125.2   

Less: Noncontrolling interests

     2.1        1.1   
                

Net income attributable to Fortune Brands

   $ 102.6      $ 124.1   
                

Earnings per common share attributable to Fortune Brands common stockholders

    

Basic

   $ 0.67      $ 0.82   

Diluted

   $ 0.66      $ 0.82   

Dividends paid per common share

   $ 0.19      $ 0.19   

Average number of common shares outstanding

    

Basic

     152.6        150.3   

Diluted

     154.3        152.0   

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

5


 

FORTUNE BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010 and 2009

(in millions)

(Unaudited)

 

     2010     2009  

Operating activities

    

Net income

   $ 408.5      $ 234.7   

Non-cash pre-tax expense (income):

    

Restructuring charges

     (0.1     10.0   

Depreciation

     154.6        164.9   

Amortization

     26.6        27.2   

Stock-based compensation

     44.4        35.3   

Deferred income taxes

     16.6        (15.4

Gain on dividend distribution from Maxxium

     —          (12.5

Tax benefit from income tax audit settlements

     (42.3     —     

Gain on the sale of brands and related assets

     (2.9     —     

Changes in assets and liabilities:

    

Decrease in accounts receivable

     3.8        112.9   

(Increase) decrease in inventories

     (137.8     61.1   

Increase in accounts payable

     10.9        2.5   

Decrease in accrued expenses and other liabilities

     (134.2     (29.9

Increase (decrease) in accrued taxes

     62.5        (9.8

Other operating activities, net

     78.5        33.3   
                

Net cash provided by operating activities

     489.1        614.3   
                

Investing activities

    

Capital expenditures

     (111.0     (91.2

Proceeds from the disposition of assets

     134.8        14.4   

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired

     —          (77.6

Investments in affiliates

     —          (41.7

Return of investment in affiliates

     —          58.4   

Repayment of loans by affiliates

     7.6        —     
                

Net cash provided (used) by investing activities

     31.4        (137.7
                

Financing activities

    

Decrease in short-term debt

     (27.5     (3.6

Issuance of long-term debt

     —          895.8   

Repayment of long-term debt

     (166.5     (1,194.3

Dividends to stockholders

     (87.1     (123.5

Proceeds received from exercise of stock options

     12.0        4.9   

Tax benefit on exercise of stock options

     2.5        0.4   

Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests

     (1.9     —     

Other financing, net

     (6.8     —     
                

Net cash used by financing activities

     (275.3     (420.3
                

Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash

     8.8        40.5   
                

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

   $ 254.0      $ 96.8   
                

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

   $ 417.2      $ 163.3   
                

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 671.2      $ 260.1   
                

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

6


 

FORTUNE BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010 and 2009

(in millions, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

     Fortune Brands, Inc. Stockholders’ Equity     Non- controlling
Interest
    Total  
     Convertible
Preferred
Stock
    Common
Stock
     Paid-in
Capital
    AOCI (1)     Retained
Earnings
    Treasury
Stock,
At Cost
     

Balance at December 31, 2008

   $ 5.5      $ 734.0       $ 716.4      $ (478.4   $ 7,046.2      $ (3,337.7   $ 13.6      $ 4,699.6   

Comprehensive income

                 

Net income

     —          —           —          —          231.3        —          3.4        234.7   

Translation adjustments

     —          —           —          260.4        —          —          —          260.4   

Derivative instruments

     —          —           —          (49.6     —          —          —          (49.6

Pension and postretirement benefit adjustments

     —          —           —          24.8        —          —          —          24.8   
                                                                 

Total comprehensive income

     —          —           —          235.6        231.3        —          3.4        470.3   
                                                                 

Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests

     —          —           —          —          —          —          (2.9     (2.9

Dividends ($0.82 per Common share and $2.0025 per Preferred share)

     —          —           —          —          (123.5     —          —          (123.5

Stock-based compensation

     —          —           34.8        —          (0.8     7.1        —          41.1   

Tax benefit on exercise of stock options

     —          —           0.5        —          —          —          —          0.5   

Conversion of preferred stock (<0.1 shares)

     (0.2     —           (1.0     —          —          1.2        —          —     
                                                                 

Balance at September 30, 2009

   $ 5.3      $ 734.0       $ 750.7      $ (242.8   $ 7,153.2      $ (3,329.4   $ 14.1      $ 5,085.1   
                                                                 

Balance at December 31, 2009

   $ 5.2      $ 734.0       $ 755.6      $ (211.8   $ 7,135.4      $ (3,326.0   $ 13.3      $ 5,105.7   

Comprehensive income

                 

Net income

     —          —           —          —          402.2        —          6.3        408.5   

Translation adjustments

     —          —           —          15.0        —          —          —          15.0   

Derivative instruments

     —          —           —          5.6        —          —          —          5.6   

Pension and postretirement benefit adjustments

     —          —           —          18.4        —          —          —          18.4   
                                                                 

Total comprehensive income

     —          —           —          39.0        402.2        —          6.3        447.5   
                                                                 

Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests

     —          —           —          —          —          —          (1.9     (1.9

Dividends ($0.76 per Common share and $2.67 per Preferred share)

     —          —           —          —          (116.2     —          —          (116.2

Shares issued from treasury stock for benefit plans

     —          —           6.4        —          —          61.4        —          67.8   

Stock-based compensation

     —          —           41.2        —          (5.3     19.9        —          55.8   

Tax benefit on exercise of stock options

     —          —           2.8        —          —          —          —          2.8   

Conversion of preferred stock (0.2 shares)

     (0.2     —           (1.8     —          —          2.0        —          —     
                                                                 

Balance at September 30, 2010

   $ 5.0      $ 734.0       $ 804.2      $ (172.8   $ 7,416.1      $ (3,242.7   $ 17.7      $ 5,561.5   
                                                                 

 

(1)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

7


 

FORTUNE BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

1. Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation

References to “we,” “our,” “us,” “Fortune Brands” and “the Company” refer to Fortune Brands, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries as a whole, unless the context otherwise requires.

The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2010, the related condensed consolidated statements of income for the nine-month and three-month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 and the related condensed consolidated statements of cash flows and stockholders’ equity for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 are unaudited. In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for a fair statement of the financial statements have been included. Interim results may not be indicative of results for a full year.

The condensed consolidated financial statements and notes are presented as permitted by Form 10-Q and do not contain certain information included in our annual consolidated financial statements and notes. The year-end condensed consolidated balance sheet was derived from the Company’s audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). This Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.

 

2. Recently Issued Accounting Standards

Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities

In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) amended the existing authoritative guidance on variable interest entities (Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 810). This new authoritative guidance a) includes a new approach for determining when a variable interest entity (VIE) should be consolidated and b) changes when it is necessary to reassess who should consolidate a VIE. The new approach requires an enterprise to qualitatively assess the determination of the primary beneficiary (consolidator). The amendment is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after November 15, 2009 (calendar year 2010 for Fortune Brands). Adoption of this standard did not have an impact on our financial statements and disclosures.

Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables

In October 2009, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2009-13, “Multiple-Deliverable Revenue Arrangements – a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force.” This guidance allows entities to allocate consideration in multiple deliverable arrangements in a manner that reflects a transaction’s economics. The guidance requires expanded disclosure. It is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after June 15, 2010 (calendar year 2011 for Fortune Brands) and can be applied either prospectively or retrospectively. We do not believe that adoption of this standard will have a material impact on our financial statements and disclosures.

 

8


FORTUNE BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

 

3. Acquisitions

In April 2009, we paid €49.9 million (approximately $66.2 million, net of cash acquired) to purchase 100% interests in seven subsidiaries of Maxxium Worldwide B.V. (Maxxium), our former international spirits sales and distribution joint venture, that were previously 50% owned equity investments. These acquisitions were accounted for using the purchase method in accordance with authoritative guidance on business combinations (ASC 805). In addition, we paid €30.9 million (approximately $41.7 million) to acquire 50% ownership in five alliance joint venture entities with The Edrington Group (TEG), our Maxxium joint venture partner. These entities are accounted for under the equity method.

In June 2009, the Spirits business acquired the EFFEN super-premium vodka brand and related assets from Sazerac Company, Inc. In conjunction with this transaction, we sold the Old Taylor whiskey brand and assets to Sazerac Company, Inc. The acquisition has been included in our consolidated results from the date of acquisition. The acquisition was not material for the purposes of supplemental disclosure in accordance with authoritative guidance on business combinations (ASC 805). The acquisition and divestiture did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

4. Dispositions

In August 2010, we sold certain non-strategic German spirits brands and related assets for $42.3 million. We recorded a pre-tax loss of $8.6 million ($12.4 million after tax).

In April 2010, we sold our Cobra golf product line to PUMA AG for $88.9 million. The asset sale included the Cobra golf brand and related inventory, intellectual property and endorsement contracts. The sale resulted in a pre-tax gain of $11.5 million ($10.1 million after tax). In 2009, full year Cobra net sales were approximately $130 million.

 

9


FORTUNE BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

 

5. Goodwill and Other Identifiable Intangible Assets

We had goodwill of $3,590.0 million as of September 30, 2010. The changes in the net carrying amount of goodwill by segment were as follows:

 

(in millions)    Spirits     Home and Security     Golf     Total
goodwill
 

Balance at December 31, 2009

        

Goodwill

   $ 2,112.0      $ 1,904.0      $ 11.8      $ 4,027.8   

Accumulated impairment losses

     —          (451.3     —          (451.3
                                

Total goodwill, net

   $ 2,112.0      $ 1,452.7      $ 11.8      $ 3,576.5   

Year-to-date activity

        

Translation adjustments

     6.5        0.9        —          7.4   

Acquisition-related adjustments

     18.2        —          —          18.2   

Dispositions

     (10.9     —          (1.2     (12.1

Balance at September 30, 2010

        

Goodwill

   $ 2,125.8      $ 1,904.9      $ 10.6      $ 4,041.3   

Accumulated impairment losses

     —          (451.3     —          (451.3
                                

Total goodwill, net

   $ 2,125.8      $ 1,453.6      $ 10.6      $ 3,590.0   

We also had indefinite-lived intangible assets, principally tradenames, of $2,559.8 million and $2,623.1 million as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively. The decrease of $63.3 million was due to the disposition of the Cobra golf product line ($64.8 million), partially offset by changes in foreign currency translation adjustments ($1.5 million).

Amortizable identifiable intangible assets, principally tradenames, are subject to amortization over their estimated useful life, 5 to 30 years, based on the assessment of a number of factors that may impact useful life. These factors include historical and tradename performance with respect to consumer name recognition, geographic market presence, market share, plans for ongoing tradename support and promotion, financial results and other relevant factors. The gross carrying value and accumulated amortization of amortizable intangible assets were $888.2 million and $385.0 million, respectively, as of September 30, 2010, compared to $932.1 million and $366.8 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2009. The gross carrying value decrease of $43.9 million was primarily due to the disposition of certain non-strategic German spirits brands and related assets ($31.8 million) and changes in foreign currency translation adjustments ($10.5 million).

 

10


FORTUNE BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

5. Goodwill and Other Identifiable Intangible Assets (Continued)

 

 

The gross carrying value and accumulated amortization by class of intangible assets as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 were as follows:

 

(in millions)    As of September 30, 2010      As of December 31, 2009  
   Gross
Carrying
Amounts
     Accumulated
Amortization
    Net
Book
Value
     Gross
Carrying
Amounts
     Accumulated
Amortization
    Net
Book
Value
 

Indefinite-lived tradenames

   $ 2,614.7       $ (54.9 )(1)    $ 2,559.8       $ 2,695.1       $ (72.0 )(1)    $ 2,623.1   

Amortizable intangible assets

               

Tradenames

     527.5         (183.0     344.5         572.3         (179.8     392.5   

Customer and contractual relationships

     274.9         (151.9     123.0         274.0         (140.9     133.1   

Patents/proprietary technology

     40.5         (32.6     7.9         40.5         (31.0     9.5   

Licenses and other

     45.3         (17.5     27.8         45.3         (15.1     30.2   
                                                   

Total

     888.2         (385.0     503.2         932.1         (366.8     565.3   
                                                   

Total identifiable intangibles

   $ 3,502.9       $ (439.9   $ 3,063.0       $ 3,627.2       $ (438.8   $ 3,188.4   

 

  (1)

Accumulated amortization prior to the adoption of revised authoritative guidance on goodwill and other intangibles assets (ASC 350).

Indefinite-lived tradenames as of September 30, 2010 were comprised of $1,893.4 million in the Spirits segment, $664.5 million in the Home and Security segment and $1.9 million in the Golf segment.

The Company cannot predict the occurrence of certain events that might adversely affect the carrying value of goodwill and other intangible assets. Such events may include, but are not limited to: the impact of the economic environment; a material negative change in relationships with significant customers; or strategic decisions made in response to economic and competitive conditions.

 

6. Income Taxes

Our effective income tax rates for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 were 13.8% and 19.0%, respectively. The effective tax rate in 2010 was favorably impacted by a $45.7 million tax benefit related to final settlement of U.S. and Spanish federal income tax audits. The effective tax rate in 2010 was also favorably impacted by the tax-free treatment of indemnification proceeds received in connection with the settlement of Spanish income tax audits. The effective tax rate in 2010 was unfavorably impacted by a higher proportion of domestic income in 2010, which is taxed at a higher rate relative to foreign income. Our effective income tax rate in 2009 was favorably impacted by tax benefits from restructuring and other charges relative to the lower taxed income before these charges.

 

11


FORTUNE BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

6. Income Taxes (Continued)

 

Our effective income tax rates for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 were 20.5% and 19.9%, respectively. The effective tax rate in 2010 was favorably impacted by tax benefits related to final settlement of the U.S. federal income tax audit for the 2004 and 2005 tax years and the tax-free treatment of indemnification proceeds received in connection with the settlement of a Spanish income tax audit, as described in more detail below. The 2010 effective tax rate was unfavorably impacted by a higher proportion of domestic income in 2010, which is taxed at a higher rate relative to foreign income.

During the third quarter of 2010, due to a decision by the Spanish Supreme Court, the Spanish tax authorities issued an assessment of tax and interest to our Spanish spirits companies, which include assets acquired from Pernod Ricard S.A. (Pernod Ricard) in July 2005. Pursuant to the acquisition agreement, Pernod Ricard indemnified the Company for pre-acquisition income tax contingencies and liabilities. The assessment related to the 1988 through 1990 pre-acquisition tax years. The Spanish tax authorities issued a net assessment of approximately $6.7 million ($4.6 million for tax and $2.1 million for related interest), which was paid in October 2010. Pursuant to the acquisition agreement, we negotiated and received a $6.3 million tax indemnification payment from Pernod Ricard related to the above assessment and recorded this payment in other (income) expense, net.

Also during the third quarter of 2010, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) concluded its routine examination of the Company’s 2004 and 2005 tax years.

During the second quarter of 2010, the Spanish tax authorities concluded their routine examination of our Spanish spirits companies for the 2004 through 2006 periods, the majority of which related to pre-acquisition issues. The Spanish tax authorities issued a net assessment of approximately $29.3 million ($22.9 million for tax and $6.4 million for related interest and penalties), which was paid in July 2010. Pursuant to the acquisition agreement, we negotiated and received a $25.6 million tax indemnification payment from Pernod Ricard related to the above assessment and recorded this payment in other (income) expense, net.

Also during the second quarter of 2010, the IRS concluded its routine examination of the Company’s 2006 and 2007 tax years.

As a result of the conclusion of these audit examinations, during the second quarter of 2010, we recorded approximately $42.0 million of previously unrecognized tax benefits (net of current and deferred taxes) into our provision for income taxes.

It is reasonably possible that, within the next 12 months, total unrecognized tax benefits may decrease in the range of $5 to $10 million, primarily as a result of the conclusion of U.S. federal, state and foreign income tax proceedings.

 

12


FORTUNE BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

 

7. Information on Business Segments

Net sales and operating income for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 by segment were as follows:

 

     Nine Months Ended September 30,  
(in millions)    2010     2009     % Change
vs. Prior  Year
 

Net Sales

      

Spirits

   $ 1,847.7      $ 1,723.2        7.2

Home and Security

     2,390.2        2,183.0        9.5   

Golf

     1,008.1        991.4        1.7   
                  

Net Sales

   $ 5,246.0      $ 4,897.6        7.1

Operating Income

      

Spirits

   $ 379.2      $ 414.3        (8.5 )% 

Home and Security

     178.6        51.9        —     

Golf

     115.3        62.3        85.1   

Corporate expenses

     (66.4     (70.6     5.9   
                  

Operating Income

   $ 606.7      $ 457.9        32.5

Net sales and operating income for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 by segment were as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended September 30,  
(in millions)    2010     2009     % Change
vs. Prior  Year
 

Net Sales

      

Spirits

   $ 643.1      $ 636.9        1.0

Home and Security

     813.7        802.4        1.4   

Golf

     265.2        278.6        (4.8
                  

Net Sales

   $ 1,722.0      $ 1,717.9        0.2

Operating Income

      

Spirits

   $ 118.1      $ 145.4        (18.8 )% 

Home and Security

     73.6        70.8        4.0   

Golf

     5.5        9.7        (43.3

Corporate expenses

     (20.4     (21.4     4.7   
                  

Operating Income

   $ 176.8      $ 204.5        (13.5 )% 

 

13


FORTUNE BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

 

8. Earnings Per Share

The computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share (EPS) was as follows:

 

(in millions, except for per share amounts)    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
     Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2010      2009      2010      2009  

Net income attributable to Fortune Brands

   $ 402.2       $ 231.3       $ 102.6       $ 124.1   

Less: Preferred stock dividends

     0.4         0.4         0.2         0.1   
                                   

Income attributable to Fortune Brands common stockholders – basic

     401.8         230.9         102.4         124.0   

Convertible Preferred stock dividends

     0.4         0.4         0.2         0.1   
                                   

Income attributable to Fortune Brands common stockholders – diluted

   $ 402.2       $ 231.3       $ 102.6       $ 124.1   
                                   

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – basic

     152.2         150.2         152.6         150.3   

Conversion of Convertible Preferred stock

     1.1         1.2         1.1         1.2   

Exercise of share-based awards

     0.6         0.3         0.6         0.5   
                                   

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – diluted

     153.9         151.7         154.3         152.0   
                                   

Antidilutive stock-based awards excluded from weighted average number of common shares outstanding for diluted EPS

     16.9         14.1         17.2         13.8   

Earnings per common share attributable to Fortune Brands common stockholders

           

Basic

   $ 2.64       $ 1.54       $ 0.67       $ 0.82   

Diluted

   $ 2.61       $ 1.53       $ 0.66       $ 0.82   

 

14


FORTUNE BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

 

9. Pension and Other Retiree Benefits

The components of net periodic benefit cost for pension and postretirement benefits for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 were as follows:

 

     Nine Months Ended September 30,   
     Pension Benefits        Postretirement Benefits   
(in millions)      2010        2009        2010        2009   

Service cost

   $ 22.1      $ 20.9      $ 1.5      $ 1.8   

Interest cost

     47.8        47.3        5.0        6.0   

Expected return on plan assets

     (60.4     (56.0     —          —     

Amortization of prior service cost (credit)

     1.8        1.9        (3.0     (0.8

Amortization of net losses (gains)

     16.1        10.4        (0.5     (1.0

Curtailment and settlement losses (gains)

     2.3        8.3               (0.1
                                

Net periodic benefit cost

   $ 29.7      $ 32.8      $ 3.0      $ 5.9   

Curtailment and settlement losses related to the downsizing or closure of facilities and the retirement of executives.

The components of net periodic benefit cost for pension and postretirement benefits for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 were as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended September 30,   
     Pension Benefits        Postretirement Benefits   
(in millions)      2010        2009        2010        2009   

Service cost

   $ 7.4      $ 7.2      $ 0.5      $ 0.6   

Interest cost

     15.9        16.0        1.7        2.0   

Expected return on plan assets

     (20.1     (18.3     —          —     

Amortization of prior service cost (credit)

     0.6        0.6        (1.0     (0.3

Amortization of net losses (gains)

     5.3        3.8        (0.2     (0.3

Curtailment and settlement losses (gains)

     2.1                        
                                

Net periodic benefit cost

   $ 11.2      $ 9.3      $ 1.0      $ 2.0   

On February 3, 2010, we made a voluntary contribution to our U.S. defined benefit pension plans of 1.56 million shares of our common stock, previously held as treasury stock, with a fair value of $67.9 million.

 

15


FORTUNE BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

 

10. Debt and Financing Arrangements

On February 3, 2010, we executed a $750 million, 3-year committed revolving credit agreement to be used for general corporate purposes. As of September 30, 2010, this facility had no balance outstanding. This credit facility replaced our prior $2.0 billion, 5-year committed revolving credit agreement. The interest rates under this credit facility are variable based on LIBOR at the time of the borrowing and the Company’s long-term credit rating. The credit facility includes a minimum Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio requirement of 3.0 to 1.0 through 2011 and 3.5 to 1.0 in 2012. The Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio is defined as the ratio of adjusted EBITDA to Consolidated Interest Expense. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as consolidated net income before interest expense, income taxes, and depreciation and amortization of intangible assets, as well as noncash restructuring and nonrecurring charges, losses from asset impairments, and gains or losses resulting from the sale of assets not in the ordinary course of business. Consolidated Interest Expense is as disclosed in our financial statements. The credit facility also includes a maximum debt to total capital ratio of 0.55 to 1.0. Total capital is defined as debt plus equity and deferred taxes less any future impairment charges. None of our other debt instruments include financial ratio covenants.

During the second quarter of 2010, we repurchased outstanding notes that mature on January 15, 2011 with a face value of $159.4 million. A loss on the repurchase of $4.4 million was recognized in other (income) expense, net.

 

11. Financial Instruments

Derivative financial instruments are either foreign exchange contracts recorded at fair value to hedge currency fluctuations for transactions denominated in foreign currencies, interest rate swaps or commodity swaps of forecasted commodity purchases. Deferred compensation programs’ assets and liabilities are for programs where select employees can defer compensation until death, disability or other termination of employment.

We do not enter into financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. Financial instruments are principally used to reduce the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates and commodities used as raw materials in our products. The principal derivative financial instruments we enter into on a routine basis are foreign exchange contracts. In addition, from time to time, we enter into interest rate swaps and commodity swaps.

We have entered into fixed to floating interest rate swaps with an aggregate notional principal amount of $900 million as of September 30, 2010. These swap agreements hedge changes in the fair value of a portion of our existing fixed rate debt that result from changes in a benchmark interest rate (U.S. LIBOR). The swap agreements were designated and classified as fair value hedges in accordance with the authoritative guidance on derivatives and hedging (ASC 815). The unrealized gain on interest rate swap contracts and the offsetting unrealized loss on the related debt was $41.9 million and $18.4 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The unrealized gain on interest rate swap contracts and the offsetting unrealized loss on the related debt was $12.3 million and $8.6 million in the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

 

16


FORTUNE BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

11. Financial Instruments (Continued)

 

 

We enter into foreign exchange contracts primarily to hedge forecasted sales and purchases denominated in select foreign currencies, thereby limiting currency risk that would otherwise result from changes in exchange rates. The periods of the foreign exchange contracts correspond to the periods of the forecasted transactions, which generally do not exceed 12 to 15 months subsequent to the latest balance sheet date. We also enter into foreign exchange contracts to hedge our risk to changes in the fair value of recognized foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities and to hedge a portion of our net investments in certain foreign subsidiaries. The effective portions of cash flow hedges are reported in other comprehensive income (OCI) and are recognized in the statement of income when the hedged item affects earnings. The ineffective portion of all hedges is recognized in current period earnings. In addition, changes in the fair value of all economic hedge transactions are immediately recognized in current period earnings. Our primary foreign currency hedge contracts pertain to the U.S. dollar, the Australian dollar, the Euro and the British pound sterling. The gross U.S. dollar equivalent notional amount of all foreign currency derivative hedges outstanding at September 30, 2010 was $659.7 million.

We enter into commodity swap contracts to manage the price risk associated with forecasted purchase of materials used in our operations. We account for these commodity derivatives as economic hedges or cash flow hedges. Changes in the fair value of economic hedges are recorded directly into current period earnings. There were no material commodity swap contracts outstanding as of September 30, 2010.

The counterparties to derivative contracts are major financial institutions. We are subject to credit risk on these contracts equal to the fair value of these instruments. Management currently believes that the risk of incurring losses is unlikely and that the losses, if any, would be immaterial to the Company.

The fair values of derivative instruments on the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 were:

 

(in millions)         September 30,
2010
     December 31,
2009
 

Assets:

        

Foreign exchange contracts

  

Other current assets

   $ 9.4       $ 6.6   
  

Other assets

     —           0.6   

Interest rate contracts

  

Other assets

     50.0         11.7   

Commodity contracts

  

Other current assets

     1.2         1.0   
                    
  

Total assets

   $ 60.6       $ 19.9   

Liabilities:

        

Foreign exchange contracts

  

Other current liabilities

   $ 14.3       $ 18.6   
  

Other non-current liabilities

     0.5         —     

Interest rate contracts

  

Other non-current liabilities

     —           3.6   

Commodity contracts

  

Other current liabilities

     0.1         —     
                    
  

Total liabilities

   $ 14.9       $ 22.2   

 

17


FORTUNE BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

11. Financial Instruments (Continued)

 

 

The effects of derivative financial instruments on the statement of income and OCI for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 were:

 

(in millions)

   Gain (Loss)  
     Recognized in  OCI
(Effective Portion)
   

Recognized in Income

 

Type of hedge

   2010     2009    

Location of Gain (Loss)
Recognized in Income

   2010     2009  

Cash flow

   $ (5.4   $ 20.5      Net sales    $ (10.1   $ 9.5   
       Cost of products sold      0.7        18.8   
       Interest expense      (0.7     —     

Fair value

       Cost of products sold      —          (0.2
       Interest expense      14.9        4.9   
       Other expense, net      (0.2     (12.3

Net investment

     0.4        (0.1        —          —     
                                   

Total

   $ (5.0   $ 20.4         $ 4.6      $ 20.7   

The effects of derivative financial instruments on the statement of income and OCI for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 were:

 

(in millions)

   Gain (Loss)  
     Recognized in  OCI
(Effective Portion)
   

Recognized in Income

 

Type of hedge

   2010     2009    

Location of Gain (Loss)
Recognized in Income

   2010     2009  

Cash flow

   $ (8.7   $ 13.5      Net sales    $ (0.9   $ 0.3   
       Cost of products sold      2.1        0.7   
       Interest expense      (0.3     —     

Fair value

       Cost of products sold      —          —     
       Interest expense      4.9        4.0   
       Other expense, net      1.2        0.1   

Net investment

     —          (0.5        —          —     
                                   

Total

   $ (8.7   $ 13.0         $ 7.0      $ 5.1   

 

18


FORTUNE BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

11. Financial Instruments (Continued)

 

 

In the nine and three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, the ineffective portion of cash flow hedges recognized in other (income) expense, net, was immaterial. The Company has designated certain foreign currency denominated nonderivative financial instruments as hedges of the currency exposure of net investments in foreign operations in accordance with authoritative guidance on foreign currency translation (ASC 830) and derivatives and hedging (ASC 815). The net unrealized gain (loss) for nonderivative financial instruments in accumulated other comprehensive loss in the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 was $20.9 million and $(4.6) million, respectively. The net unrealized loss for nonderivative financial instruments in accumulated other comprehensive loss in the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 was $(43.4) million and $(18.9) million, respectively.

 

12. Fair Value Measurements

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 were as follows:

 

(in millions)    Fair Value  
   September 30,
2010
     December 31,
2009
 

Assets

     

Derivative financial instruments (Level 2)

   $ 60.6       $ 19.9   

Deferred compensation program assets (Level 1)

     20.2         47.1   
                 

Total assets

   $ 80.8       $ 67.0   

Liabilities

     

Derivative financial instruments (Level 2)

   $ 14.9       $ 22.2   

Authoritative guidance on fair value measurement (ASC 820), establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three levels. Level 1 inputs, the highest priority, are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 inputs reflect other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are either observable directly or through corroboration with observable market data. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs, due to little or no market activity for the asset or liability, such as internally-developed valuation models.

The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt (including current portion) was determined from quoted market prices, where available, using current interest rates that consider credit ratings and the remaining terms to maturity. The fair value of long-term debt at September 30, 2010 was approximately $4,526.7 million, compared to the aggregate carrying value of $4,253.5 million. The fair value of long-term debt at December 31, 2009 was approximately $4,433.0 million compared to the aggregate carrying value of $4,413.3 million.

 

19


FORTUNE BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

 

13. Guarantees and Commitments

We guarantee 50% of certain credit facilities of Maxxium España S.L., in the amount of €9.5 million (approximately $13.0 million) and Maxxium Cyprus Ltd. in the amount of €4.0 million (approximately $5.5 million), reflecting our ownership in the joint ventures with TEG. The liability related to these guarantees is not material. Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc. (BGSW) and TEG also have provided an uncommitted multi-currency Shareholder Loan Facility for BGSW/TEG joint ventures, of which our share is 50%, or €15 million (approximately $20.5 million).

We also guarantee a lease of ACCO World Corporation, the office products business we divested in a spin-off in 2005. The guaranteed lease payments total approximately $17.6 million, through April 2013. The liability related to this guarantee is not material.

 

14. Restructuring and Other Charges

Pre-tax restructuring and other charges for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 were as follows:

 

(in millions)    Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010  
            Other Charges(1)         
     Restructuring
Charges
     Cost of
Products Sold
    ASG&A  (2)      Total
Charges
 

Spirits

   $ 14.3       $ 2.6      $ 6.9       $ 23.8   

Home and Security

     0.8         1.1        1.0         2.9   

Golf

     0.7         (0.4     0.4         0.7   
                                  
   $ 15.8       $ 3.3      $ 8.3       $ 27.4   
(in millions)    Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009  
            Other Charges (1)         
     Restructuring
Charges
     Cost of
Products Sold
    ASG&A (2)      Total
Charges
 

Spirits

   $ 4.9       $ 0.6      $ 1.9       $ 7.4   

Home and Security

     16.8         23.6        3.2         43.6   

Golf

     21.8         1.3        1.5         24.6   

Corporate

     3.7         —          —           3.7   
                                  
   $ 47.2       $ 25.5      $ 6.6       $ 79.3   

 

(1)

“Other Charges” represent charges directly related to restructuring initiatives that cannot be reported as restructuring under U.S. GAAP. Such costs may include losses on disposal of inventories, trade receivables allowances from exiting product lines and accelerated depreciation resulting from the closure of facilities.

 

(2)

Advertising, selling, general and administrative expenses.

 

20


FORTUNE BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

14. Restructuring and Other Charges (Continued)

 

Pre-tax restructuring and other charges for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 were as follows:

 

(in millions)    Three Months Ended September 30, 2010  
            Other Charges(1)         
     Restructuring
Charges
     Cost of
Products Sold
    ASG&A  (2)      Total
Charges
 

Spirits

   $ 14.5       $ 1.0      $ 3.6       $ 19.1   

Home and Security

     0.1         (0.1     1.4         1.4   

Golf

     0.3         (0.1     0.3         0.5   
                                  
   $ 14.9       $ 0.8      $ 5.3       $ 21.0   
(in millions)    Three Months Ended September 30, 2009  
            Other Charges (1)         
     Restructuring
Charges
     Cost of
Products Sold
    ASG&A (2)      Total
Charges
 

Spirits

   $ 0.6       $ —        $ 3.2       $ 3.8   

Home and Security

     0.8         0.9        2.2         3.9   

Golf

     0.1         (0.2     0.5         0.4   
                                  
   $ 1.5       $ 0.7      $ 5.9       $ 8.1   

 

(1)

“Other Charges” represent charges directly related to restructuring initiatives that cannot be reported as restructuring under U.S. GAAP. Such costs may include losses on disposal of inventories, trade receivables allowances from exiting product lines and accelerated depreciation resulting from the closure of facilities.

 

(2)

Advertising, selling, general and administrative expenses.

For the nine and three months ended September 30, 2010, restructuring and other charges of $27.4 million and $21.0 million, respectively, primarily related to additional organizational streamlining initiatives in our supply chain and administrative cost structures in the Spirits business. For the nine months ended September 30, 2010, these charges consisted of $15.7 million for workforce reductions, $3.2 million primarily for accelerated depreciation for facilities that will be closed, and $8.5 million for lease contract termination and other costs.

 

21


FORTUNE BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

14. Restructuring and Other Charges (Continued)

 

Spirits restructuring and other charges in 2009 of $7.4 million primarily related to our business repositioning, including strategic route-to-market initiatives in the U.S. and international markets, and supply chain activities. Home and Security charges were primarily due to supply chain realignment, and capacity and cost reduction initiatives, including the announced closure of seven additional U.S. manufacturing facilities, as well as workforce and shift reductions. For the nine months ended September 30, 2009, Home and Security restructuring charges of $16.8 million primarily consisted of $9.0 million for workforce reductions, $4.4 million for fixed assets write-downs, and $3.4 million for lease contract termination and other costs. Home and Security other charges consisted primarily of accelerated depreciation associated with facilities being closed. Golf restructuring charges of $21.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 were primarily due to a company-wide workforce reduction ($20.5 million) and the closure of a shoe manufacturing facility ($1.3 million). Golf other charges were primarily associated with discontinuance of a product line. Corporate charges related to costs incurred with the disposal of fixed assets.

Reconciliation of Restructuring Liability

 

(in millions)    Balance at
December 31,
2009
     2010
Provision
    Cash
Expenditures
    Non-Cash
Changes
    Balance at
September 30,
2010
 

Workforce reductions

   $ 36.7       $ 13.9      $ (27.1   $ 0.2      $ 23.7   

Asset write-downs

     —           (0.1     0.6        (0.5     —     

Contract termination costs

     10.4         —          (1.3     (9.9     (0.8

Other

     1.3         2.0        (1.6     (1.8     (0.1
                                         
   $ 48.4       $ 15.8      $ (29.4   $ (12.0   $ 22.8   
(in millions)    Balance at
December 31,
2008
     2009
Provision
    Cash
Expenditures
    Non-Cash
Changes
    Balance at
September 30,
2009
 

Workforce reductions

   $ 30.7       $ 30.4      $ (39.0   $ 0.4      $ 22.5   

Asset write-downs

     —           9.5        0.4        (9.9     —     

Contract termination costs

     7.3         2.4        (1.6     0.9        9.0   

Other

     1.7         4.9        (5.6     (0.1     0.9   
                                         
   $ 39.7       $ 47.2      $ (45.8   $ (8.7   $ 32.4   

 

22


FORTUNE BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

 

15. Other (Income) Expense, Net

The components of other (income) expense, net, for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 were as follows:

 

     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
    Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
(in millions)    2010     2009     2010     2009  

Maxxium distribution gain

   $ —        $ (12.5   $ —        $ (12.5

Tax indemnification income

     (31.9     —          (6.3     —     

Equity loss (income) in joint ventures

     2.0        11.5        (0.9     (0.1

Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses

     (1.2     5.4        0.8        5.2   

Other items, net

     3.4        2.8        (0.5     0.5   
                                

Total other (income) expense, net

   $ (27.7   $ 7.2      $ (6.9   $ (6.9

 

16. Total Other Comprehensive Loss

Total comprehensive income attributable to Fortune Brands for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 was as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended September 30,  
(in millions)    2010     2009  

Net income attributable to Fortune Brands

   $ 102.6      $ 124.1   

Translation adjustments

     207.6        77.1   

Derivative instruments

     (6.3     (11.8

Pension and postretirement benefit adjustments

     3.8        2.3   
                

Total comprehensive income

     307.7        191.7   

Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests

     2.1        1.1   
                

Comprehensive income attributable to Fortune Brands

   $ 309.8      $ 192.8   
                

 

17. Pending Litigation

Tobacco Litigation and Indemnification

On December 22, 1994, we sold The American Tobacco Company (ATCO) subsidiary to Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corporation (B&W), at the time a wholly-owned subsidiary of B.A.T. Industries p.l.c. In connection with the sale, B&W and ATCO, which subsequently merged into B&W, agreed, under an Indemnification Agreement (the Indemnification Agreement), to indemnify Fortune Brands, Inc. against claims including legal expenses arising from smoking and health and fire safe cigarette matters relating to the tobacco business of ATCO.

 

23


FORTUNE BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

17. Pending Litigation (Continued)

 

Tobacco Litigation and Indemnification (Continued)

 

On July 30, 2004, B&W and R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Holdings, Inc. announced that they had completed the combination of their respective U.S. tobacco businesses, previously conducted by B&W (and ATCO) and R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co., by forming a new combined company known as R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company. As a result of the combination and in accordance with the Indemnification Agreement, the new R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company has assumed the indemnification obligations under the Indemnification Agreement relating to the U.S. business previously conducted by B&W (and ATCO). B&W has not been released from any of its obligations under the Indemnification Agreement. We refer to B&W and the new R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company as the “Indemnitor” under the Indemnification Agreement.

The Indemnitor has complied with the terms of the Indemnification Agreement since 1994 and we are not aware of any inability on the part of the Indemnitor to satisfy its indemnity obligations.

The Company is a defendant in a number of actions based upon allegations that human ailments have resulted from tobacco use. It is not possible to predict the outcome of the pending litigation, and, as with any litigation, it is possible that some of these actions could be decided unfavorably. We are unable to make a meaningful estimate of the amount or range of loss that could result from an unfavorable outcome of the pending litigation. However, we believe that there are a number of meritorious defenses to the pending actions, including the fact that the Company never made or sold tobacco, and these actions are being vigorously contested by the Indemnitor. We believe that the pending actions will not have a material adverse effect upon our results of operations, cash flows or financial condition because we believe we have meritorious defenses and the Company is indemnified under the Indemnification Agreement.

Other Litigation

The 2006 Callaway Litigation

On February 9, 2006, Callaway Golf Company (Callaway) filed a lawsuit seeking unspecified damages against the Company’s subsidiary Acushnet Company (Acushnet) in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware. Callaway alleged that Pro V1 golf balls then manufactured by Acushnet infringed four of Callaway's patents. At a December 2007 trial, the validity of nine claims contained in the four patents was tried to a jury which returned a mixed verdict, finding one claim invalid and eight claims valid. On November 10, 2008, the trial court issued an order enjoining sales of all 2007 Pro V1 golf balls as of January 1, 2009. Acushnet appealed to the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.

On August 14, 2009, the Court of Appeals overturned the judgment, vacated the injunction and sent the case back to the District Court. The Court of Appeals also found that the District Court erred in rejecting an Acushnet defense before the trial.

 

24


FORTUNE BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

17. Pending Litigation (Continued)

 

Other Litigation (Continued)

 

The 2006 Callaway Litigation (Continued)

 

On March 29, 2010, following the new trial, a jury found in favor of Acushnet on all counts. Specifically, the jury concluded that Acushnet was not liable because all of the patents asserted by Callaway were invalid both as obvious and anticipated by earlier patents. Following the trial, Callaway filed a motion asking the court to enter judgment as a matter of law in its favor or, alternatively, to grant a new trial on the validity of the Callaway patents. The court is currently considering this post-trial motion.

The 2009 Callaway Litigation

In late 2008, Acushnet introduced what it believes to be non-infringing Pro V1 balls. In February 2009, Acushnet introduced new improved versions of the Pro V1 balls, which it also believes are non-infringing. On March 3, 2009, Callaway filed another lawsuit seeking unspecified damages against Acushnet in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware. Callaway alleged that Acushnet’s modified Pro V1 balls and Acushnet’s new 2009 versions of the Pro V1 balls infringe two additional patents owned by Callaway. On March 3, 2009, Acushnet also filed a lawsuit seeking unspecified damages against Callaway in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware. Acushnet alleged that Callaway’s Tour i and Tour ix balls infringe nine of Acushnet’s patents.

Proceedings at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

In separate proceedings, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) issued final actions determining that all four of the patents asserted by Callaway in the 2006 Callaway litigation are invalid. Callaway has filed appeals regarding all four of the patents with the Patent Board of Appeals. With regard to the patents asserted by Callaway in the 2009 Callaway litigation, Acushnet also filed a request for reexamination with the PTO. The PTO has accepted the reexaminations and has issued office actions that reject all of the claims of both patents as invalid on multiple grounds.

We believe that Acushnet has meritorious defenses to all of the litigation brought by Callaway and both of these matters are being vigorously contested. It is not possible at this time to assess the likelihood of an adverse outcome or determine a reasonable estimate, or range of estimates, of potential damages. If decided unfavorably, however, the litigation could have a material adverse effect on the results of the Company’s operations, cash flows or financial condition.

 

25


FORTUNE BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Concluded)

 

17. Pending Litigation (Continued)

 

Other Litigation (Continued)

 

Proceedings at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (Continued)

 

In addition to the lawsuits described above, the Company and its subsidiaries are defendants in lawsuits associated with the normal conduct of their businesses and operations. It is not possible to predict the outcome of the pending actions, and, as with any litigation, it is possible that some of these actions could be decided unfavorably to the Company. We believe that there are meritorious defenses to these actions and that these actions will not have a material adverse effect upon our results of operations, cash flows or financial condition. These actions are being vigorously contested.

 

18. Environmental

We are subject to laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment. It is not possible to quantify with certainty the potential impact of actions relating to environmental matters, particularly remediation and other compliance efforts that our subsidiaries may undertake in the future. In our opinion, however, compliance with current environmental protection laws (before taking into account estimated recoveries from third parties) will not have a material adverse effect upon our results of operations, cash flows or financial condition.

 

19. Subsequent Event

In October 2010, we entered into a binding agreement, subject to customary regulatory approval, to sell the Cockburn port brand and inventory. We expect to record an after tax loss of approximately $5 to $10 million when the sale is consummated.

 

26


 

Item 2.   

FORTUNE BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.

 

OVERVIEW

Fortune Brands, Inc. (Fortune Brands) is a leading consumer products company with subsidiaries that make and sell branded products worldwide in the distilled spirits, home and security, and golf markets. We strive to enhance shareholder value in a variety of ways, including:

 

   

profitably building leading consumer brands to drive sales and earnings growth and enhance returns on a long-term basis,

 

   

positioning our brands and businesses to outperform their respective markets. We do this by:

 

  -  

developing innovative new products and effective marketing programs,

 

  -  

expanding customer relationships,

 

  -  

extending brands into adjacent categories, and

 

  -  

developing international growth opportunities,

 

   

pursuing business improvements by operating lean and flexible supply chains and business processes,

 

   

promoting organizational excellence by developing winning cultures and associates,

 

   

leveraging our breadth and balance and financial resources to drive shareholder value, and

 

   

pursuing investments with the highest return opportunities.

While our first priority is internal growth, we also strive to create shareholder value through add-on acquisitions, dispositions, joint ventures and other strategic alternatives. In addition, we seek to enhance shareholder value through other initiatives, such as using our financial resources to pay dividends and repurchase shares, when deemed appropriate. Currently, we continue to focus on paying down debt.

For a description of certain factors that may have had, or may in the future have, a significant impact on our business, financial condition or results of operations, see “—Forward-Looking Statements.”

 

27


FORTUNE BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

 

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010 Compared To Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009

 

     Net Sales  
                 % Change  
(in millions)    2010     2009     vs. Prior Year  

Spirits

   $ 1,847.7      $ 1,723.2        7.2

Home and Security

     2,390.2        2,183.0        9.5   

Golf

     1,008.1        991.4        1.7   
                  

Net Sales

   $ 5,246.0      $ 4,897.6        7.1
     Operating Income  
                 % Change  
     2010     2009     vs. Prior Year  

Spirits

   $ 379.2      $ 414.3        (8.5 )% 

Home and Security

     178.6        51.9        —     

Golf

     115.3        62.3        85.1   

Corporate expenses

     (66.4     (70.6     5.9   
                  

Operating Income

   $ 606.7      $ 457.9        32.5

Net sales

Net sales increased $348.4 million, or 7%, to $5.2 billion, primarily due to higher sales in the Spirits business as a result of higher brand sales in the U.S. and international markets, as well as in the Home and Security business due to expanding relationships with key customers, new product introductions, and more stable market conditions in the U.S. Net sales benefited from favorable foreign exchange (approximately $77 million) and the impact of international distribution acquisitions in the Spirits business on the first quarter of 2010 (approximately $37 million, principally related to excise taxes). Sales were unfavorably impacted by the sale of the Cobra golf product line (approximately $34 million).

Cost of products sold

Cost of products sold increased $112.4 million, or 4%, primarily due to higher sales across all segments and increased raw material and transportation costs (approximately $25 million, primarily in the Home and Security business), partially offset by lower charges related to restructuring programs in 2010 compared to 2009 ($22.2 million, primarily in the Home and Security business), and the impact of cost reduction programs, mainly in the Home and Security and Golf segments.

Excise taxes on spirits

Excise taxes collected from customers are reflected in net sales, and the equal and corresponding payments to governments are reflected in expenses. Excise taxes are generally levied based on the alcohol content of spirits products and vary significantly by country. Excise taxes on spirits were up $32.7 million, primarily due to the acquisition and consolidation of former Maxxium Worldwide B.V. joint venture entities and higher U.S. sales volume.

 

28


FORTUNE BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

 

 

Advertising, selling, general and administrative expenses

Advertising, selling, general and administrative expenses increased $89.4 million, or 6%, primarily due to increased sales, higher levels of advertising and promotion spending in all segments, and increased selling and distribution costs associated with our Spirits business’ new international sales and distribution structures.

Restructuring charges

For the nine months ended September 30, 2010, we recorded restructuring charges of $15.8 million, primarily related to additional organizational streamlining initiatives in our supply chain and administrative cost structures in the Spirits business, as well as changes in estimates for previously announced projects. These charges primarily consisted of $13.9 million for workforce reductions.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2009, we recorded restructuring charges of $47.2 million. These charges related to workforce reductions primarily in the Golf and Home and Security businesses ($29.5 million), including closure of a shoe manufacturing facility and the announced closure of seven Home and Security manufacturing facilities in the U.S. ($5.7 million in fixed asset write-downs), and $3.4 million for lease contract termination and other costs, as well as reductions in general and administrative costs, and charges associated with business repositioning, including strategic route-to-market initiatives in our international spirits markets ($4.9 million). Corporate charges of $3.7 million related to the disposal of fixed assets.

Gain on sale of brands and related assets, net

In April 2010, we sold the Cobra golf product line to PUMA AG. The asset sale included the Cobra golf brand and related inventory, intellectual property and endorsement contracts. The sale resulted in a pre-tax gain of $11.5 million. In August 2010, we sold certain non-strategic German spirits brands and related assets. We recorded a pre-tax loss of $8.6 million in connection with the sale.

Operating income

Operating income increased $148.8 million, or 32%, to $473.7 million, primarily due to higher net sales in all segments, lower restructuring and other charges ($51.9 million), favorable foreign currency (approximately $25 million), and reduced cost structures in the Home and Security and Golf businesses. Operating income was unfavorably impacted by higher advertising and promotion spending, higher raw material and transportation costs, and increased operating costs associated with our new international sales and distribution structures in the Spirits business.

Interest expense

Interest expense was flat year-over year for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 compared to the same period in 2009.

 

29


FORTUNE BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

 

Other (income) expense, net

Other (income) expense, net, increased $34.9 million to income of $27.7 million, primarily due to income recognized as a result of tax indemnification payments of $31.9 million from Pernod Ricard S.A. (Pernod Ricard) in connection with Spanish income tax audit settlements. Other (income) expense, net, also includes non-operating income and expense, such as interest income, transaction gains/losses related to foreign currency-denominated transactions, and losses on the early extinguishment of debt.

Income taxes

Our effective income tax rates for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 were 13.8% and 19.0%, respectively. The effective tax rate in 2010 was favorably impacted by a $45.7 million tax benefit related to final settlement of U.S. and Spanish federal income tax audits. The effective tax rate in 2010 was also favorably impacted by the tax-free treatment of indemnification proceeds received in connection with the settlement of Spanish income tax audits. The effective tax rate in 2010 was unfavorably impacted by a higher proportion of domestic income in 2010, which is taxed at a higher rate relative to foreign income. Our effective income tax rate in 2009 was favorably impacted by tax benefits from restructuring and other charges relative to the lower taxed income before these charges.

During the third quarter of 2010, due to a decision by the Spanish Supreme Court, the Spanish tax authorities issued an assessment of tax and interest to our Spanish spirits companies, which include the assets acquired from Pernod Ricard in July 2005. Pursuant to the acquisition agreement, Pernod Ricard indemnified the Company for pre-acquisition income tax contingencies and liabilities. The assessment related to the 1988 through 1990 pre-acquisition tax years. The Spanish tax authorities issued a net assessment of approximately $6.7 million ($4.6 million for tax and $2.1 million for related interest), which was paid in October 2010. Pursuant to the acquisition agreement, we negotiated and received a $6.3 million tax indemnification payment from Pernod Ricard related to the above assessment and recorded this payment in other (income) expense, net.

Also during the third quarter of 2010, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) concluded its routine examination of the Company’s 2004 and 2005 tax years.

During the second quarter of 2010, the Spanish tax authorities concluded their routine examination of our Spanish spirits companies for the 2004 through 2006 periods, the majority of which related to pre-acquisition issues. The Spanish tax authorities issued a net assessment of approximately $29.3 million ($22.9 million for tax and $6.4 million for related interest and penalties), which was paid in July 2010. Pursuant to the acquisition agreement, we negotiated and received a $25.6 million tax indemnification payment from Pernod Ricard related to the above assessment and recorded this payment in other (income) expense, net.

Also during the second quarter of 2010, the IRS concluded its routine examination of the Company’s 2006 and 2007 tax years.

 

30


FORTUNE BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

 

Income taxes (continued)

 

 

As a result of the resolution of these audit examinations, during the second quarter of 2010, we recorded approximately $42.0 million of previously unrecognized tax benefits (net of current and deferred taxes) in our provision for income taxes.

Noncontrolling interests

Noncontrolling interest expense was $6.3 million and $3.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Income attributable to Fortune Brands common stockholders

Income from continuing operations was $402.2 million, or $2.64 per basic share and $2.61 per diluted share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2010. These results compared to $231.3 million, or $1.54 per basic share and $1.53 per diluted share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2009. The $170.9 million increase in income was primarily due to higher operating income, as well as the favorable resolution of U.S. and international tax audits ($77.5 million in total).

Results of Operations By Segment

Spirits

Net sales increased $124.5 million, or 7%, to $1,847.7 million. Higher brand sales in both the U.S. and certain international markets totaled approximately $60 million. The combination of higher bulk spirit sales, the impact of international distribution acquisitions on the first quarter of 2010, and the impact of divestitures accounted for a net sales increase of approximately $50 million. In addition, favorable foreign exchange contributed approximately $15 million.

Operating income decreased $35.1 million, or 8%, to $379.2 million, primarily due to higher levels of advertising and promotional expense, increased restructuring and other charges ($16.4 million), a loss on the sale of German brands and related assets ($8.6 million), increased selling and distribution costs associated with our Spirits business’ new international sales and distribution structures, and price reductions as a result of increased price competition in some product categories and markets. The impact of foreign exchange on operating income was not significant.

We expect to incur additional restructuring and other charges of approximately $10 million over the next twelve to eighteen months related to our previously announced initiatives.

In August 2010, we sold certain non-strategic German spirits brands and related assets for $42.3 million. We recorded a pre-tax loss of $8.6 million ($12.4 million after tax) in connection with the sale.

Factors that could adversely affect future results in our Spirits business include competitive pricing activities, reductions in customer inventory levels, potential impairment charges, future excise and other tax increases, increased regulatory enforcement, and reduction of government financial incentives related to our rum production. The long-term demographic trends are favorable for the continued growth of western premium spirits in the U.S. and internationally. The Spirits business’s focus on our best growth and return opportunities, as well as our stepped-up investment in new products and more effective routes to market, position us well for long-term growth.

 

31


FORTUNE BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

 

Results of Operations By Segment (Continued)

 

Home and Security

Net sales increased $207.2 million, or 9%, to $2,390.2 million. The increase was primarily due to expanding relationships with key customers and new product introductions, including offerings at new price points, as well as more stable market conditions in the U.S. home products market and favorable foreign exchange ($34 million). In addition, net sales benefited somewhat from consumer purchases in advance of the expiration of the U.S. homebuyer tax credit in June 2010.

Operating income increased $126.7 million to $178.6 million, primarily due to higher sales and the benefit of favorable operating leverage on lower cost structures in all areas of the business. In addition, operating income benefited from lower restructuring and other charges ($40.7 million) due to the completion of many of the 2009 projects that were undertaken to reduce manufacturing capacity and administrative costs. Foreign currency changes favorably impacted operating income by approximately $10 million. Operating income was unfavorably impacted by higher raw material and transportation costs (approximately $25 million).

We believe that the U.S. home product market recovery will be gradual and uneven. We expect near term results will continue to be challenging as consumers remain cautious. The recovery of the U.S. home products market will depend on employment, home prices credit availability, and the rate of foreclosures. In addition, we expect costs will be higher for raw material and transportation, as well as investments to support the rollouts of new business. Over the long term, we believe the market will benefit from favorable population and immigration trends that will drive demand for new housing units and that existing housing stock will continue to need to be remodeled or repaired.

Golf

Net sales increased $16.7 million, or 2%, to $1,008.1 million, primarily due to favorable foreign exchange ($28 million) and higher international sales on a constant currency basis. Net sales were unfavorably impacted due to the April 2010 sale of the Cobra golf product line (approximately $34 million).

Operating income increased $53.0 million, or 85%, to $115.3 million, primarily due to lower restructuring and other charges ($23.9 million), a pre-tax gain on the sale of the Cobra golf product line of $11.5 million and favorable foreign exchange (approximately $15 million).

While we expect golfers to remain cautious in their purchases of equipment, we expect the golf industry to benefit from favorable long-term demographic trends, including an aging U.S. population (rounds of play increase with age and retirement), and the increasing popularity of golf internationally.

In April 2010, we sold our Cobra golf product line to PUMA AG for $88.9 million to concentrate our investments behind our higher return Titleist and FootJoy brands. The asset sale included the Cobra golf brand and related inventory, intellectual property and endorsement contracts. In 2009, Cobra net sales were approximately $130 million. In connection with a transition services agreement with PUMA AG, we expect to record revenues and distribute Cobra products in select international markets over the next three to six months.

 

32


FORTUNE BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

 

Results of Operations By Segment (Continued)

 

Golf (Continued)

 

The United States Golf Association (USGA) and the Royal and Ancient Golf Club (R&A) establish standards for golf equipment used in the United States and outside the United States, respectively. In recent years, both the USGA and the R&A have enacted new rules further restricting the dimensions or performance of golf clubs and golf balls. In March 2005, the USGA and R&A requested that manufacturers participate in a golf ball research project by manufacturing and submitting balls that would conform to an overall distance standard that is 15 to 25 yards shorter than the current standard of 317 yards. More recently, they adopted a rule change to allow greater adjustability in golf clubs, which went into effect on January 1, 2008. In August 2008, the USGA and R&A adopted a rule change, effective January 1, 2010, further restricting golf club grooves by reducing the groove volume and limiting the groove edge angle allowable on irons and wedges. This rule change will not apply to most golfers until January 1, 2024. However, it was implemented on professional tours beginning in 2010 and will be implemented in other elite amateur competitions beginning 2014. All products manufactured after December 31, 2010 must comply with the new groove specification. Existing rules and any new rules could change the golf products industry’s ability to innovate and deploy new technologies, as well as impact the competitive dynamic among industry participants, potentially impacting our Golf business.

Corporate

Corporate expenses of $66.4 million, which include salaries, benefits and expenses related to corporate office employees, decreased $4.2 million, primarily due to the absence of pension settlement costs and expense associated with the disposition of fixed assets during 2009, partially offset by higher share-based compensation in 2010 partly due to a low level of incentive compensation in 2009.

 

33


FORTUNE BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2010 Compared To Three Months Ended September 30, 2009

 

     Net Sales  
                 % Change  
(in millions)    2010     2009     vs. Prior Year  

Spirits

   $ 643.1      $ 636.9        1.0

Home and Security

     813.7        802.4        1.4   

Golf

     265.2        278.6        (4.8
                  

Net Sales

   $ 1,722.0      $ 1,717.9        0.2
     Operating Income  
                 % Change  
     2010     2009     vs. Prior Year  

Spirits

   $ 118.1      $ 145.4        (18.8 )% 

Home and Security

     73.6        70.8        4.0   

Golf

     5.5        9.7        (43.3

Corporate expenses

     (20.4     (21.4     4.7   
                  

Operating Income

   $ 176.8      $ 204.5        (13.5 )% 

Net sales

Net sales were flat at $1.7 billion. Higher sales volumes in the Spirits and Home and Security segments and favorable foreign exchange (approximately $5 million) were offset by lower sales in the Golf segment as a result of the sale of the Cobra golf product line in the second quarter of 2010 (approximately $23 million). Net sales reflected the unfavorable impact of second quarter 2010 customer purchases in advance of the expiration of the U.S. homebuyer tax credit in the Home and Security business and the timing of customer orders in certain markets in the Spirits business. While the pace of the global economic recovery has been uneven and gradual, net sales benefited from the introduction of new products, global expansion initiatives, and brand investment programs.

Cost of products sold

Cost of products sold decreased $5.1 million, or 1%, primarily due to cost reduction programs, mainly in the Home and Security and Golf segments, partially offset by higher raw material and transportation costs (approximately $15 million, primarily in the Home and Security business).

Excise taxes on spirits

Excise taxes collected from customers are reflected in net sales, and the equal and corresponding payments to governments are reflected in expenses. Excise taxes are generally levied based on the alcohol content of spirits products and vary significantly by country. Excise taxes on spirits increased approximately 2% due to higher U.S. spirits sales volume.

 

34


FORTUNE BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

 

Advertising, selling, general and administrative expenses

Advertising, selling, general and administrative expenses increased $12.5 million, or 3%, primarily due to higher levels of advertising and promotion spending in all segments.

Restructuring charges

For the three months ended September 30, 2010, we recorded restructuring charges of $14.9 million, primarily related to additional organizational streamlining initiatives in our supply chain and administrative cost structures in the Spirits business, as well as changes in estimates for previously announced projects. These charges primarily consisted of $14.2 million for workforce reductions.

For the three months ended September 30, 2009, we recorded restructuring charges of $1.5 million.

Loss on sale of brands and related assets

In August 2010, we sold certain non-strategic German spirits brands and related assets and recorded a pre-tax loss of $8.6 million in connection with the sale.

Operating income

Operating income decreased $27.7 million, or 14%, to $176.8 million, primarily due to increased advertising and promotion expense, higher raw material and transportation costs, increased restructuring and other charges ($12.9 million), and the loss on the sale of the German spirits brands and related assets ($8.6 million). Operating income benefited from higher net sales, favorable foreign currency (approximately $10 million), and reduced cost structures in the Home and Security and Golf businesses.

Interest expense

Interest expense decreased $3.1 million, or 6%, primarily due to lower average borrowings partially offset by higher average interest rates.

Other (income) expense, net

Other (income) expense, net, was flat year-over-year for the three months ended September 30, 2010 compared to the same period in 2009.

 

35


FORTUNE BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

 

Income taxes

Our effective income tax rates for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 were 20.5% and 19.9%, respectively. The effective tax rate in 2010 was favorably impacted by tax benefits related to final settlement of the U.S. federal income tax audit for the 2004 and 2005 tax years and the tax-free treatment of indemnification proceeds received in connection with the settlement of a Spanish income tax audit, as described in more detail below. The 2010 effective tax rate was unfavorably impacted by a higher proportion of domestic income in 2010, which is taxed at a higher rate relative to foreign income.

During the third quarter of 2010, due to a decision by the Spanish Supreme Court, the Spanish tax authorities issued an assessment of tax and interest to our Spanish spirits companies, which include assets acquired from Pernod Ricard in July 2005. Pursuant to the acquisition agreement, Pernod Ricard indemnified the Company for pre-acquisition income tax contingencies and liabilities. The assessment related to the 1988 through 1990 pre-acquisition tax years. The Spanish tax authorities issued a net assessment of approximately $6.7 million ($4.6 million for tax and $2.1 million for related interest), which was paid in October 2010. Pursuant to the acquisition agreement, we negotiated and received a $6.3 million tax indemnification payment from Pernod Ricard related to the above assessment and recorded this payment in other (income) expense, net.

Also during the third quarter of 2010, the IRS concluded its routine examination of the Company’s 2004 and 2005 tax years.

Noncontrolling interests

Noncontrolling interest expense was $2.1 million and $1.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Income attributable to Fortune Brands common stockholders

Income from continuing operations was $102.6 million, or $0.67 per basic share and $0.66 per diluted share, for the three months ended September 30, 2010. These results compared to $124.1 million, or $0.82 per basic and diluted share, for the three months ended September 30, 2009. The $21.5 million decrease in income was primarily due to lower operating income.

 

36


FORTUNE BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

 

 

Results of Operations By Segment

Spirits

Net sales increased $6.2 million, or 1%, to $643.1 million. U.S. sales of our brands were flat, while international sales were down slightly as a result of the timing of customer orders in certain markets. Sales benefited from higher bulk spirits sales and excise taxes.

Operating income decreased $27.3 million, or 19%, to $118.1 million, primarily due to higher restructuring and other charges primarily related to additional organizational streamlining initiatives in our supply chain and administrative cost structures ($15.3 million), higher levels of advertising and promotional expense, and a loss on the sale of German brands and related assets ($8.6 million).

Home and Security

Net sales increased $11.3 million, or 1%, to $813.7 million. The increase was primarily due to expanding relationships with key customers, new product introductions, including offerings at new price points, and growth into adjacent markets and internationally. Net sales reflected the unfavorable impact of second quarter 2010 customer purchases in advance of the expiration of the U.S. homebuyer tax credit.

Operating income increased $2.8 million, or 4%, to $73.6 million, primarily due to higher sales, the benefit of cost saving initiatives, the favorable resolution of patent litigation, and a benefit of approximately $4 million from favorable foreign exchange. The benefits of higher sales were partially offset by higher raw material and transportation costs (approximately $15 million), start-up costs for new business, and higher advertising and promotion spending.

Golf

Net sales decreased $13.4 million, or 5%, to $265.2 million. Excluding the impact of the April 2010 sale of the Cobra golf product line (approximately $23 million) and favorable foreign exchange, net sales increased $7.0 million, or 3%.

Operating income decreased $4.2 million to $5.5 million, primarily due to higher brand spending and investment in Asian growth markets and the impact of the sale of Cobra golf product line, partially offset by higher Titleist and FootJoy brand sales, as well as a benefit of approximately $3 million from favorable foreign exchange.

Corporate

Corporate expenses of $20.4 million, which include salaries, benefits and expenses related to corporate office employees, decreased $1.0 million.

 

37


FORTUNE BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

 

 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

We believe that our internally generated funds, together with access to global credit markets and availability under our existing revolving credit agreements, are adequate to meet our long-term and short-term liquidity and capital needs, including repayment of our $590.6 million of Notes due January 15, 2011. Our primary liquidity needs are to support working capital requirements, fund capital expenditures, service indebtedness and pay dividends, as well as finance acquisitions and share repurchases, when deemed appropriate. Our principal sources of liquidity are cash on hand, cash flows from operating activities and availability under our credit agreements. Our operating income is generated by our subsidiaries. There are no restrictions on the ability of our subsidiaries to pay dividends or make other distributions to Fortune Brands. We periodically review our portfolio of brands and evaluate strategic options to increase shareholder value. Our current focus is paying down debt. However, we cannot predict whether or when we may enter into acquisition, disposition, joint venture or other strategic transactions, or what impact any such transaction could have on our results of operations, cash flows or financial condition, whether as a result of the issuance of debt or equity securities, or otherwise. Our cash flows from operations, borrowing availability and overall liquidity are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including those described in the section titled “— Forward-Looking Statements.”

Liquidity and Capitalization

Total debt decreased $187.5 million during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2010 to $4.3 billion. During the second quarter of 2010, we repurchased $159.4 million of notes due January 15, 2011. The remainder of the decrease was primarily due to a change in foreign currency rates. The ratio of total debt to total capital decreased to 43.5% at September 30, 2010 from 46.7% at December 31, 2009, primarily due to the lower debt level, higher equity resulting from 2010 net income, and the first quarter stock contribution to the defined benefit pension plans, partially offset by dividends paid.

On February 3, 2010, we executed a $750 million, 3-year committed revolving credit agreement to be used for general corporate purposes. As of September 30, 2010, this facility had no balance outstanding. This credit facility replaced our prior $2.0 billion, 5-year committed revolving credit agreement. The interest rates under this credit facility are variable based on LIBOR at the time of the borrowing and the Company’s long-term credit rating. The credit facility includes a minimum Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio requirement of 3.0 to 1.0 through 2011 and 3.5 to 1.0 in 2012. The Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio is defined as the ratio of adjusted EBITDA to Consolidated Interest Expense. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as consolidated net income before interest expense, income taxes, and depreciation and amortization of intangible assets, as well as noncash restructuring and nonrecurring charges, losses from asset impairments, and gains or losses resulting from the sale of assets not in the ordinary course of business. Consolidated Interest Expense is as disclosed in our financial statements. The credit facility also includes a maximum debt to total capital ratio of 0.55 to 1.0. Total capital is defined as debt plus equity and deferred taxes less any impairment charges. As of September 30, 2010, we are in compliance with these ratios by a wide margin. We believe the possibility of violating any of these covenants is remote. None of our other debt instruments include financial ratio covenants.

We have an investment grade credit rating from three credit rating agencies. A downgrade of our credit ratings to non-investment grade or a prolonged global economic decline and credit crisis may impact our access to long-term capital markets, increase interest rates on some of our corporate debt, and weaken operating cash flow and liquidity, potentially adversely impacting our ability to pay dividends, fund acquisitions and repurchase shares in the future.

 

38


FORTUNE BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES (Continued)

 

Liquidity and Capitalization (Continued)

 

Cash Flows

Net cash provided by operating activities was $489.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 compared to $614.3 million for the same nine-month period last year. The decrease in cash provided of $125.2 million was principally due to an increase in working capital due to higher sales and unfavorable comparison to the first half of 2009 when we were reducing inventory levels as a result of the weak economy. Cash provided by operating activities benefited from higher net income.

Net cash provided by investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 increased by $169.1 million to $31.4 million, compared with cash used by investing activities of $137.7 million in the same nine-month period last year. This change was primarily due to proceeds from the April 2010 disposition of the Cobra golf product line ($88.9 million) and certain German spirits brands and related assets ($42.3 million), and the absence of the cash outflow from the purchase of the Beam international sales and distribution companies in April 2009 (approximately $66 million net of cash acquired). This change was partially offset by higher capital spending ($19.8 million).

Net cash used by financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 was $275.3 million, compared to $420.3 million in the same nine-month period last year. The decrease in cash used of $145.0 million was primarily due to lower debt repayments ($194.0 million in the first nine months of 2010 compared to a net $302.1 million in the same period in 2009), as well as lower dividends paid in 2010 ($36.4 million).

Dividends

A summary of 2010 dividend activity for the Company’s common stock is shown below:

 

Dividend Amount

  

Declaration Date

   Record Date    Payment Date
$0.19 per share    January 26, 2010    February 10, 2010    March 1, 2010
$0.19 per share    April 27, 2010    May 12, 2010    June 1, 2010
$0.19 per share    July 26, 2010    August 11, 2010    September 1, 2010
$0.19 per share    September 28, 2010    November 10, 2010    December 1, 2010

A summary of 2010 dividend activity for the Company’s $2.67 Convertible Preferred stock is shown below:

 

Dividend Amount

  

Declaration Date

   Record Date    Payment Date
$0.6675 per share    January 26, 2010    February 10, 2010    March 10, 2010
$0.6675 per share    April 27, 2010    May 12, 2010    June 10, 2010
$0.6675 per share    July 26, 2010    August 11, 2010    September 10, 2010
$0.6675 per share    September 28, 2010    November 10, 2010    December 10, 2010

 

39


FORTUNE BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES (Continued)

 

 

Customer Credit Risk

We routinely grant unsecured credit to customers in the normal course of business. Accounts receivable were $920.3 million as of September 30, 2010 and are recorded at their stated amount less allowances for discounts, doubtful accounts and returns. Allowances for doubtful accounts include provisions for certain customers where a risk of default has been specifically identified as well as provisions determined on a general formula basis when it is determined that some default is probable and estimable but not yet clearly associated with a specific customer. The assessment of likelihood of customer default is based on a variety of factors, including the length of time the receivables are past due, the historical collection experience and existing economic conditions. In accordance with our policy, our allowance for discounts, doubtful accounts and returns was $92.6 million as of September 30, 2010, an increase from $68.9 million at September 30, 2009. The current conditions in the global economy and credit markets may reduce our customers’ ability to access sufficient liquidity and capital to fund their operations and make our estimation of customer defaults inherently uncertain. While we believe current allowances for doubtful accounts are adequate, it is possible that continued weak economic conditions may cause significantly higher levels of customer defaults and bad debt expense in future periods.

Counterparty Risk

The counterparties to derivative contracts are major financial institutions. Although our theoretical risk is the replacement cost at the then estimated fair value of these instruments, we believe that the risk of incurring losses is unlikely and that the losses, if any, would be immaterial to our results of operations or financial condition. The fair value of our derivative assets at September 30, 2010 was $60.6 million. The estimated fair value of our derivative contracts represents the amount required to enter into offsetting contracts with similar remaining maturities based on quoted market prices.

Pension Plans

We sponsor defined benefit pension plans that are funded by a portfolio of investments maintained within benefit plan trusts. We have met all of our U.S. minimum funding requirements for 2010. For the foreseeable future, we believe that we have sufficient liquidity to meet the minimum funding that may be required by the Pension Protection Act of 2006. As of December 31, 2009, the fair value of our total pension plan assets was $821.7 million, representing 82% of the accumulated benefit obligation liability. On February 3, 2010, we made a voluntary contribution to our U.S. defined benefit pension plans of 1.56 million shares of our common stock, previously held as treasury stock, with a fair value of $67.9 million ($43.50 per share).

 

40


FORTUNE BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES (Continued)

 

 

Guarantees and Commitments

We guarantee 50% of certain credit facilities of Maxxium España S.L., in the amount of €9.5 million (approximately $13.0 million) and Maxxium Cyprus Ltd. in the amount of €4.0 million (approximately $5.5 million), reflecting our ownership in the joint ventures with The Edrington Group Ltd. (TEG). The liability related to these guarantees is not material. Beam Global Spirits & Wine (BGSW) and TEG also have an uncommitted multi-currency Shareholder Loan Facility for BGSW/TEG joint ventures, of which our share is 50%, or €15 million (approximately $20.5 million).

We also guarantee a lease of ACCO World Corporation, the office products business we divested in a spin-off in 2005. The guaranteed lease payments total approximately $17.6 million, through April 2013. The liability related to this guarantee is not material.

There were no material changes to our contractual obligations and commitments as previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.

RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities

In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) amended the existing authoritative guidance on variable interest entities (Accounting Standards Codification 810). This new authoritative guidance a) includes a new approach for determining when a variable interest entity (VIE) should be consolidated and b) changes when it is necessary to reassess who should consolidate a VIE. The new approach requires an enterprise to qualitatively assess the determination of the primary beneficiary (consolidator). The amendment is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after November 15, 2009 (calendar year 2010 for Fortune Brands). Adoption of this standard did not have an impact on our financial statements and disclosures.

Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables

In October 2009, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2009-13, “Multiple-Deliverable Revenue Arrangements – a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force.” This guidance allows entities to allocate consideration in multiple deliverable arrangements in a manner that reflects a transaction’s economics. The guidance requires expanded disclosure. It is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after June 15, 2010 (calendar year 2011 for Fortune Brands) and can be applied either prospectively or retrospectively. We do not believe that adoption of this standard will have a material impact on our financial statements and disclosures.

 

41


FORTUNE BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Concluded)

 

 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains statements relating to future results. Readers are cautioned that these are forward-looking statements, as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Readers are cautioned that these forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof, and the Company does not assume any obligation to update, amend or clarify them to reflect events, new information or circumstances occurring after the date of this Report. Actual results may differ materially from those projected as a result of certain risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to:

 

   

general economic conditions, including the U.S. housing and remodeling market,

 

   

the impact of changes in U.S. government stimulus programs,

 

   

competitive market pressures (including pricing pressures),

 

   

customer defaults and related bad debt expense,

 

   

consolidation of trade customers,

 

   

successful development of new products and processes,

 

   

ability to secure and maintain rights to intellectual property,

 

   

risks pertaining to strategic acquisitions and joint ventures, including the potential financial effects and performance of such acquisitions or joint ventures, and integration of acquisitions and the related confirmation or remediation of internal controls over financial reporting,

 

   

ability to attract and retain qualified personnel,

 

   

weather,

 

   

risks associated with doing business outside the United States, including currency exchange rate risks,

 

   

commodity and energy price volatility,

 

   

costs of certain employee and retiree benefits and returns on pension assets,

 

   

dependence on performance of distributors and other marketing arrangements,

 

   

the impact of excise tax increases on distilled spirits,

 

   

the status of the U.S. rum excise tax cover-over program,

 

   

changes in golf equipment regulatory standards and other regulatory developments,

 

   

potential liabilities, costs and uncertainties of litigation,

 

   

impairment in the carrying value of goodwill or other acquired intangible assets,

 

   

historical consolidated financial statements that may not be indicative of future conditions and results,

 

   

interest rate fluctuations,

 

   

volatility of financial and credit markets, which could affect access to capital for the Company, its customers and consumers, and

 

   

any possible downgrades of the Company’s credit ratings,

as well as other risks and uncertainties described from time to time in the Company’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings.

 

42


 

Item 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.

There were no material changes in the information provided in Item 7A-Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.

 

Item 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

 

  (a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures.

The Company’s management has evaluated, with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this Report.

 

  (b) Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.

There have not been any changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Company’s fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2010 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, except as discussed below. The Company is in the process of reviewing the internal control structure of the spirits sales and distribution companies acquired from Maxxium Worldwide B.V. in the second quarter of 2009, and, if necessary, we will make appropriate changes as we incorporate our controls and procedures into these acquisitions.

 

43


 

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

 

  (a) Smoking and Health Proceedings.

Tobacco Overview

On December 22, 1994, we sold The American Tobacco Company (ATCO) subsidiary to Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corporation (B&W), at the time a wholly-owned subsidiary of B.A.T. Industries p.l.c. In connection with the sale, B&W and ATCO, which subsequently merged into B&W, agreed, under an Indemnification Agreement (the Indemnification Agreement), to indemnify Fortune Brands, Inc. against claims including legal expenses arising from smoking and health and fire safe cigarette matters relating to the tobacco business of ATCO.

On July 30, 2004, B&W and R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Holdings, Inc. announced that they had completed the combination of their respective U.S. tobacco businesses, previously conducted by B&W (and ATCO) and R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co., by forming a new combined company known as R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company. As a result of the combination and in accordance with the Indemnification Agreement, the new R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company assumed the indemnification obligations under the Indemnification Agreement relating to the U.S. business previously conducted by B&W (and ATCO). B&W has not been released from any of its obligations under the Indemnification Agreement. We refer to B&W and the new R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company as the “Indemnitor” under the Indemnification Agreement.

The Indemnitor has complied with the terms of the Indemnification Agreement since 1994 and we are not aware of any inability on the part of the Indemnitor to satisfy its indemnity obligations.

Numerous legal actions, proceedings and claims are pending in various jurisdictions against leading tobacco manufacturers, including B&W both individually and as successor by merger to ATCO, based upon allegations that cancer and other ailments have resulted from tobacco use. The Company has been named as a defendant in some of these cases. These claims have generally fallen within three categories: (i) smoking and health cases alleging personal injury brought on behalf of individual plaintiffs, (ii) smoking and health cases alleging personal injury and other damages and purporting to be brought on behalf of classes of individual plaintiffs, and (iii) health care cost recovery cases, including class actions, brought by foreign governments, unions, health trusts, taxpayers and others seeking reimbursement for health care expenditures allegedly caused by cigarette smoking. Damages claimed in some of the cases range into the billions of dollars.

As of November 1, 2010, there were approximately six smoking and health cases pending on behalf of individual plaintiffs in which the Company has been named as one of the defendants. This number has not changed from the number reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009. See “Pending Cases” below.

 

44


 

Certain Developments Affecting the Indemnitor

On July 14, 2000, in Engle v. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, et al., a Florida state case brought against B&W (individually and as successor to ATCO) and other U.S. tobacco manufacturers on behalf of a class of Florida residents allegedly injured as a result of their alleged addiction to cigarettes containing nicotine, a jury awarded a total of $144.87 billion in punitive damages against the defendants, including $17.59 billion against B&W. On November 6, 2000, the Florida Circuit Court upheld this jury award, and held that the class of plaintiffs eligible to recover damages should be extended to smokers with illnesses diagnosed more than four years before the lawsuit was filed in 1994. On May 21, 2003, a Florida appellate court reversed the jury’s verdict and damages award and decertified the class. On October 22, 2003, plaintiffs’ counsel sought review of this decision in the Florida Supreme Court. On July 6, 2006 the Florida Supreme Court vacated the jury’s $145 billion punitive damage award and also decertified the class and reinstated compensatory damages to the two named plaintiffs, and permitted individual members of the former class to file separate lawsuits within one year of issuance of the mandate (which was ultimately issued January 11, 2007). On August 7, 2006, both parties filed motions for rehearing with the Florida Supreme Court. On December 21, 2006, the Florida Supreme Court denied plaintiffs’ rehearing motion, and granted in part and denied in part defendants’ rehearing motion. The December 21, 2006 ruling did not amend the July 6, 2006 decision’s major holdings, but instead addressed the claims to which the Engle jury’s phase one verdict will be applicable in the individual lawsuits that the Florida Supreme Court’s decision has permitted. On October 1, 2007, the United States Supreme Court denied defendants’ motion seeking review by that court. As of January 25, 2010, B&W and/or R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company had been served in over 7,800 cases (the “Engle progeny cases”) brought by individual plaintiffs in state and federal courts in Florida. These cases include claims asserted by over 9,400 individual plaintiffs. The number of cases may increase as the Florida courts continue to sever cases with multiple plaintiffs. In 2009, trials in the Engle progeny cases began. Of the ten Engle progeny cases that were tried in 2009, several resulted in adverse judgments against tobacco companies, including four adverse judgments against the Indemnitor. All four of these adverse judgments are currently being appealed by the Indemnitor. The Company is not a party to any of the Engle litigation.

In September 1999, the United States government filed a recoupment lawsuit in Federal Court in Washington, D.C. against the leading tobacco manufacturers (including B&W individually and as a successor to ATCO) seeking recovery of costs paid by the Federal government for claimed smoking-related illness. In this action, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia dismissed certain counts of the lawsuit, but also ruled that the government may proceed with two counts under the federal RICO statute. On February 4, 2005, the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia held that the government may not, however, seek a disgorgement of defendants’ profits from the sale of tobacco as a part of its RICO claim. The U.S. Supreme Court denied the government’s petition to review the case on October 17, 2005. The trial was concluded in June, 2005. On August 17, 2006, the Court issued its final judgment and remedial order, which found that the defendants violated federal civil RICO law by defrauding the public with regard to smoking and health issues. The court did not award monetary damages to the government, but did order the defendants to, among other things, remove descriptors such as “low tar,” “light” or “ultra light” from cigarette packages and to publish certain “corrective” statements regarding smoking and health issues. The defendants and the government appealed this matter. On May 22, 2009, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia unanimously affirmed the district court’s RICO liability judgment against several defendants, including the Indemnitor, ordered the dismissal of two defunct U.S. trade associations that were not covered by the district court’s injunctive remedies, and remanded for further factual findings and clarification as to whether liability should be imposed against B&W. The government’s cross-appeal seeking disgorgement of past profits and the funding of smoking

 

45


education and cessation programs was denied. On December 11, 2009, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia entered an order continuing the effective stay of the district court’s injunctive remedies pending the U.S. Supreme Court’s final disposition of the case. The Company is not a party to this action.

On March 21, 2003, a judgment for $7.1 billion in compensatory and $3 billion in punitive damages was entered by an Illinois state court against Philip Morris, Inc. in Price, et al. v. Philip Morris, Inc., a class action alleging that certain advertising for “light” or “low tar” cigarettes was deceptive under the Illinois Consumer Fraud Act. On December 15, 2005, the Illinois Supreme Court reversed the judgment and remanded the case to the lower court with instruction to dismiss the case. On November 27, 2006, the U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear plaintiff’s appeal and ordered the lower court to dismiss plaintiff’s pending motion to vacate. On December 18, 2006, the trial court entered a final judgment in accordance with the Illinois Supreme Court’s mandate. On January 17, 2007, the plaintiffs subsequently filed a motion in the lower court seeking to vacate or withhold judgment. On August 22, 2007, the Illinois Supreme Court issued a supervisory order directing the lower courts to dismiss the motion. On August 30, 2007, the trial court dismissed plaintiffs’ motion. On December 18, 2008, plaintiff filed a petition requesting the state court to vacate the Price judgment in light of the U.S. Supreme Court’s December 15, 2008 decision in Altria Group, Inc. v. Good (in which the Court held that federal law did not preempt the plaintiff’s assertion of state-law consumer fraud claims which alleged that defendants’ advertising and marketing fraudulently conveyed the message that “light” cigarettes deliver less tar and nicotine to smokers than regular cigarettes). On February 4, 2009, the trial court dismissed the plaintiff’s petition. On March 4, 2009, plaintiff filed a notice of appeal to the intermediate appellate court. Oral argument was heard in the intermediate appellate court on February 2, 2010. Class actions involving similar allegations as Price (Howard, et al. v. Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corp. and Turner v. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co.) are pending against B&W and R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, respectively, in the same court. Proceedings in the Howard and Turner cases have been stayed and are otherwise inactive pending resolution of the Price litigation. The Company is not a party to the Price, Howard, Turner or Good litigation.

Resolution of Health Care Cost Recovery Actions by State, U.S. Territories and the District of Columbia

In 1998, certain U.S. tobacco companies, including B&W, entered into a Master Settlement Agreement (MSA) with certain state attorneys general that resulted in the dismissal of all remaining health care reimbursement lawsuits brought by 52 government entities, including 46 states, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Northern Mariana Islands and the District of Columbia. Although the Company is not a party to the MSA and is not bound by any of its payment obligations or other restrictions, the Company understands that it is a released party under the terms of the MSA, which provides for the release of claims not only against participating manufacturers, but also against their predecessors, successors, and past, present and future affiliates.

Under the MSA, participating manufacturers were required to make initial payments through 2003, with additional payments to the settling parties required to continue in perpetuity (starting at $4.5 billion in 2000 and increasing to $9 billion in 2018 and thereafter). Payments to a strategic contribution fund for individual states beginning in 2008 through 2017, and a public health foundation until 2008, are also required. Ongoing payments are to be allocated according to market share and are subject to various credits and adjustments, depending on industry volume. The MSA also calls for the participating manufacturers to pay attorneys’ fees for the states’ attorneys in the settled litigation.

 

46


 

Prior to the MSA, health care cost recovery actions filed by the states of Minnesota, Texas, Florida and Mississippi were settled separately on terms that included monetary payments of several billion dollars. The Company was not a party to the Minnesota or Texas actions and was voluntarily dismissed from the Florida and Mississippi actions. The Company is not a party to any of these settlements nor is it required to pay any money under these settlements.

Pending Cases

There were no pending smoking and health proceedings in which the Company has been named as a defendant other than as previously reported in Exhibit 99 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.

Terminated Cases

No tobacco-related cases were terminated in the three months ended September 30, 2010.

Conclusion

It is not possible to predict the outcome of the pending litigation, and it is possible that some of these actions could be decided unfavorably. Management is unable to make a reasonable estimate of the amount or range of loss that could result from an unfavorable outcome of the pending litigation. However, management believes that there are a number of meritorious defenses to the pending actions, including the fact that the Company never made or sold tobacco, and these actions are being vigorously contested by the Indemnitor. Management believes that the pending actions will not have a material adverse effect upon the results of operations, cash flows or financial condition of the Company because it believes it has meritorious defenses and the Company is indemnified under the Indemnification Agreement.

 

  (b) Callaway Litigation.

The 2006 Callaway Litigation

On February 9, 2006, Callaway Golf Company (Callaway) filed a lawsuit seeking unspecified damages against the Company’s subsidiary Acushnet Company (Acushnet) in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware. Callaway alleged that Pro V1 golf balls then manufactured by Acushnet infringed four of Callaway’s patents. At a December, 2007 trial, the validity of nine claims contained in the four patents was tried to a jury which returned a mixed verdict, finding one claim invalid and eight claims valid. On November 10, 2008, the trial court issued an order enjoining sales of all 2007 Pro V1 golf balls as of January 1, 2009. Acushnet appealed to the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.

On August 14, 2009, the Court of Appeals overturned the judgment, vacated the injunction and sent the case back to the District Court. The Court of Appeals also found that the District Court erred in rejecting an Acushnet defense before the trial.

On March 29, 2010, following the new trial, a jury found in favor of Acushnet on all counts. Specifically, the jury concluded that Acushnet was not liable because all of the patents asserted by Callaway were invalid both as obvious and anticipated by earlier patents. Following the trial, Callaway filed a motion asking the court to enter judgment as a matter of law in its favor or, alternatively, to grant a new trial on the validity of the Callaway patents. The court is currently considering this post-trial motion.

 

47


 

The 2009 Callaway Litigation

In late 2008, Acushnet introduced what it believes to be non-infringing Pro V1 balls. In February 2009, Acushnet introduced new improved versions of the Pro V1 balls, which it also believes are non-infringing. On March 3, 2009, Callaway filed another lawsuit seeking unspecified damages against Acushnet in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware. Callaway alleged that Acushnet’s modified Pro V1 balls and Acushnet’s new 2009 versions of the Pro V1 balls infringe two additional patents owned by Callaway. On March 3, 2009, Acushnet also filed a lawsuit seeking unspecified damages against Callaway in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware. Acushnet alleged that Callaway’s Tour i and Tour ix balls infringe nine of Acushnet’s patents.

Proceedings at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

In separate proceedings, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) issued final actions determining that all four of the patents asserted by Callaway in the 2006 Callaway litigation are invalid. Callaway has filed appeals regarding all four of the patents with the Patent Board of Appeals. With regard to the patents asserted by Callaway in the 2009 Callaway litigation, Acushnet also filed a request for reexamination with the PTO. The PTO has accepted the reexaminations and has issued office actions that reject all of the claims of both patents as invalid on multiple grounds.

We believe, that Acushnet has meritorious defenses to all of the litigation brought by Callaway and both of these matters are being vigorously contested. It is not possible at this time to assess the likelihood of an adverse outcome or determine a reasonable estimate, or range of estimates, of potential damages. If decided unfavorably, however, the litigation could have a material adverse effect on the results of the Company’s operations, cash flows or financial condition.

 

  (c) Other Litigation.

In addition to the lawsuits described above, the Company and its subsidiaries are defendants in lawsuits associated with the normal conduct of their businesses and operations. It is not possible to predict the outcome of the pending actions, and, as with any litigation, it is possible that some of these actions could be decided unfavorably to the Company. We believe that there are meritorious defenses to these actions and that these actions will not have a material adverse effect upon our results of operations, cash flows or financial condition. These actions are being vigorously contested.

 

  (d) Environmental Matters.

We are subject to laws and regulations relating to protection of the environment. It is not possible to quantify with certainty the potential impact of actions relating to environmental matters, particularly remediation and other compliance efforts that our subsidiaries may undertake in the future. In our opinion, however, compliance with current environmental protection laws (before taking into account estimated recoveries from third parties) will not have a material adverse effect upon our results of operations, cash flows or financial condition.

 

48


 

Item 1A. RISK FACTORS.

There were no material changes from risk factors previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K as of December 31, 2009.

 

Item 6. EXHIBITS

 

3(i).   Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, as amended April 30, 2009 and April 29, 2010, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3(i) to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed May 7, 2010.
3(ii).   By-laws of Fortune Brands, Inc. (as amended), as of July 29, 2008, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 31, 2008, Commission file number 1-9076.
10.1*   Second Amendment to the Fortune Brands, Inc. Supplemental Plan (as amended and restated effective January 1, 2008) as of October 1, 2010.
12.*   Statement re Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Preferred Dividends.
31.1.*   Certificate of Chief Executive Officer Required Under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2.*   Certificate of Chief Financial Officer Required Under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.*   Joint CEO/CFO Certificate Required Under Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.*   The following materials from the Fortune Brands, Inc. Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2010 formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income, (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows, and (iv) the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

* Filed herewith.

In accordance with Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the XBRL related information in Exhibit 101 shall not be deemed to be “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, or otherwise subject to the liability of that section, and shall not be part of any registration statement or other document filed under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.

 

49


 

SIGNATURE

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

 

    FORTUNE BRANDS, INC.
    (Registrant)
   
Date: November 8, 2010    

/s/ Craig P. Omtvedt

    Craig P. Omtvedt
    Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
    (Duly authorized officer and principal financial officer of the Registrant)

 

50


 

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit

    
3(i).   Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, as amended April 30, 2009 and April 29, 2010, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3(i) to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed May 7, 2010.
3(ii).   By-laws of Fortune Brands, Inc. (as amended), as of July 29, 2008, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 31, 2008, Commission file number 1-9076.
10.1*   Second Amendment to the Fortune Brands, Inc. Supplemental Plan (as amended and restated effective January 1, 2008) as of October 1, 2010.
12.*   Statement re Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Preferred Dividends.
31.1.*   Certificate of Chief Executive Officer Required Under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2.*   Certificate of Chief Financial Officer Required Under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.*   Joint CEO/CFO Certificate Required Under Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.*   The following materials from the Fortune Brands, Inc. Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2010 formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income, (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows, and (iv) the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

* Filed herewith.

In accordance with Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the XBRL related information in Exhibit 101 shall not be deemed to be “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, or otherwise subject to the liability of that section, and shall not be part of any registration statement or other document filed under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.