Salton Announces Third Quarter Results.LAKE FOREST, Ill. -- Salton, Inc. (NYSE NYSE See: New York Stock Exchange : SFP SFP Small Form-factor Pluggable (optical transceiver module) SFP Société Française de Physique (French Physics Society; Paris) Sfp Svenska Folkpartiet (Finnish: Swedish People~s Party) ) announced today fiscal results for its third quarter ended March 31, 2007. The Company reported net sales Net Sales The amount a seller receives from the buyer after costs associated with the sale are deducted. Notes: This amount is calculated by subtracting the following items from gross sales: merchandise returned for credit, allowances for damaged or missing goods, freight of $95.2 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2007 versus $127.7 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2006. Salton recorded a net loss of $31.9 million, or $2.11 per share, compared to a net loss of $19.1 million or $1.40 per share for the same period in fiscal 2006. Earlier in the third quarter, on February 7, 2007, Salton, its wholly-owned subsidiary SFP Merger Sub, Inc., and APN APN abbr. advanced practice nurse Holding Company, Inc. (APN Holdco) entered into a definitive merger agreement whereby SFP Merger Sub will merge with and into APN Holdco, the entity that acquired all of the outstanding common shares of Applica Incorporated on January 23, 2007. The merger would result in Applica and its subsidiaries becoming subsidiaries of Salton. Applica Incorporated is a marketer and distributor of a wide range of small appliances Small appliance refers to a class of home appliances that are semi-portable or which are used on tabletops, countertops, or other platforms. Such items are contrasted with major appliances, which are typically fixtures that cannot be easily moved. for use in and outside the home. Applica markets products under licensed brand names such as Black & Decker[R], company-owned brand names such as Littermaid[R] and Infrawave[R], and various private label brand names, primarily in North America North America, third largest continent (1990 est. pop. 365,000,000), c.9,400,000 sq mi (24,346,000 sq km), the northern of the two continents of the Western Hemisphere. , Latin America Latin America, the Spanish-speaking, Portuguese-speaking, and French-speaking countries (except Canada) of North America, South America, Central America, and the West Indies. and the Caribbean. The transaction, which is subject to certain conditions, is expected to be completed in June or July 2007. Net sales for the quarter decreased domestically by $34.3 million, primarily due to lower sales of the George Foreman George Edward Foreman (born January 10, 1949) is an American two-time World Heavyweight Boxing Champion. He is the oldest man ever to win the heavyweight title, and also has been named one of the 25 greatest fighters of all time by Ring magazine. brand resulting from a loss of business due to supply shortages caused by liquidity constraints A liquidity constraint in economic theory is a form of imperfection in the capital market. It causes difficulties for models based on intertemporal consumption. Many economic models require individuals to save or borrow money from time to time. , as well as pricing issues on certain products in the Foreman line. In addition, there was a general decline in sales of lower margin products in other product lines at the opening price point. Other factors that impacted sales included an overall slowdown in orders from customers due to uncertainty associated with the pending merger and an increase in the provision for returns and allowances due to a change in management's estimate of the collectibility of certain disputed retailer deductions and chargebacks. Foreign sales showed a net increase of $1.8 million, which consisted of $4.7 million in favorable foreign currency fluctuations, offset by $2.9 million in actual sales decline. Gross profit for the third quarter declined from $25.8 million (20.2% of sales) in fiscal 2006 to $15.8 million (16.6% of sales) in fiscal 2007, due to lower sales and the increase in the accounts receivable accounts receivable n. the amounts of money due or owed to a business or professional by customers or clients. Generally, accounts receivable refers to the total amount due and is considered in calculating the value of a business or the business' problems in paying reserve. As a percent of net sales, gross profit was negatively affected by 4.3% due to the impact on net sales from the increase in the provision for returns and allowances. Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased to $29.3 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2007 compared to $37.0 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2006. U.S. operations reduced selling, general and administrative expenses by $6.1 million due to a decline in promotional expenditures including trade show expense and cooperative advertising expenses, lower salaries and benefits due to lower average headcount and a decline in other operating expenses Operating expenses The amount paid for asset maintenance or the cost of doing business, excluding depreciation. Earnings are distributed after operating expenses are deducted. due to cost cutting initiatives. The remaining reduction from the foreign entities was primarily a result of decreased promotional spending and lower salaries and benefits due to lower average headcount in Europe. In the third quarter of fiscal 2007, management performed an interim evaluation of its indefinite-lived intangible assets Intangible Asset An asset that is not physical in nature. Notes: Examples are things like copyrights, patents, intellectual property, and goodwill. These are the opposite of tangible assets. , comprised entirely of the Company's brand names. It was determined that the uncertainty associated with the pending merger, along with the drop in domestic sales resulted in a non-cash impairment Impairment 1. A reduction in a company's stated capital. 2. The total capital that is less than the par value of the company's capital stock. Notes: 1. This is usually reduced because of poorly estimated losses or gains. 2. charge totaling $12.5 million associated with its brand names. The Company plans to complete its independent annual test for impairment at the end of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007. Net interest expense was $9.0 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2007 compared to $8.4 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2006. Excluding amortization of fees, interest expense as a percent of the average carrying value Carrying Value Also know as "book value," it is a company's total assets minus intangible assets and liabilities, such as debt. Notes: This is different than market value, as it can be higher or lower depending on the circumstances. of debt outstanding was a weighted average annual rate of 8.1% in the third quarter of fiscal 2007 compared to 7.7% in fiscal 2006. The increase in the rate is due to the increase in the LIBOR LIBOR See: London Interbank Offered Rate LIBOR See London interbank offered rate (LIBOR). rate in the U.S. and Europe. Debt outstanding, net of cash, was $278.9 million as of March 31, 2007 compared to $294.9 million as of April 1, 2006. For the nine months ended March 31, 2007, Salton's worldwide sales were $424.4 million compared to $506.5 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2006. Salton recorded a net loss of $48.3 million, or $3.30 per share, compared to a net loss of $17.2 million, or $1.31 per share in the first nine months of fiscal 2006. Net sales for the nine months decreased domestically by $95.5 million due to $16.8 million of planned reductions of discontinued dis·con·tin·ue v. dis·con·tin·ued, dis·con·tin·u·ing, dis·con·tin·ues v.tr. 1. To stop doing or providing (something); end or abandon: non-core products, including reductions associated with the sale of the tabletop business at the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2006 and the discontinuation dis·con·tin·u·a·tion n. A cessation; a discontinuance. Noun 1. discontinuation - the act of discontinuing or breaking off; an interruption (temporary or permanent) discontinuance of the U.S. personal care product lines. Additional factors contributing to the decline included higher levels of product shortages that occurred during the first quarter of fiscal 2007 when liquidity constraints caused inventory shortages, followed by acceptance issues associated with price increases that occurred due to higher raw material costs at our suppliers. Recent decreases in the George Foreman brand and broader reductions of lower margin opening price point products added to the decline coupled with the aforementioned slowdown in orders from customers due to the pending merger and an increase in the provision for returns and allowances. Foreign sales showed a net increase of $13.5 million, which consisted of $14.2 million in favorable foreign currency fluctuations, offset by $0.7 million in actual sales decline. Gross profit for the first nine months of fiscal 2007 declined from $119.8 million in fiscal 2006 to $100.1 million in 2007 due primarily to lower sales volumes and the increase in the provision for returns and allowances. "The third quarter results reflect the very challenging nature of the small appliance industry as well as the additional uncertainties that are typically associated with a pending merger," said William M. Lutz, Salton's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. "We believe that the combination with Applica, once completed, will greatly improve our overall competitiveness through an improved cost and capital structure. Salton's business, in spite of showing recent declines, is focused on the strength of the core product lines and brands that will go forward at the time of the merger. We expect to benefit from the strengths of our combined brand portfolios, improved international presence and a more prominent position with our customers and suppliers. We are diligently working to complete the transaction." About Salton, Inc. Salton, Inc. is a leading designer, marketer and distributor of branded, high-quality small appliances, home decor and personal care products. Its product mix includes a broad range of small kitchen and home appliances, electronics for the home, time products, lighting products and personal care and wellness products. The Company sells its products under a portfolio of well recognized brand names such as Salton[R], George Foreman[R], Westinghouse (TM), Toastmaster toast·mas·ter n. A man who proposes the toasts and introduces the speakers at a banquet. toastmaster Noun a person who introduces speakers and proposes toasts at public dinners Noun 1. [R], Melitta[R], Russell Hobbs Russell Hobbs is a British manufacturer of household appliances in Failsworth, Oldham, Greater Manchester. History After working with REME in World War II and leaving in 1947 as a Major, Bill Russell (1920-2006) joined Morphy Richards and helped to design the pop-up [R], Farberware[R], Ingraham[R] and Stiffel[R]. It believes its strong market position results from its well-known brand names, high-quality and innovative products, strong relationships with its customer base and its focused outsourcing strategy. The statements contained in the news release that are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements forward-looking statement A projected financial statement based on management expectations. A forward-looking statement involves risks with regard to the accuracy of assumptions underlying the projections. " within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements are made subject to certain risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those presented in these forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Salton undertakes no obligation to publicly revise these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the date hereof. Among the factors that could cause plans, actions and results to differ materially from current expectations are, without limitation: Merger-Related Risk Factors: * the failure of APN Holdco to obtain the financing contemplated by financing commitments received or alternative financing may result in the termination of the merger agreement; * the failure to obtain approval of the merger from Salton stockholders; * the failure to obtain required third party consents to the merger; * the ability of the two businesses to be integrated successfully; * the ability of the combined company to fully realize the cost savings and synergies from the proposed transaction within the proposed time frame; * disruption from the merger may make it more difficult to maintain relationships with customers, employees or suppliers; * completion of the merger may result in dilution of future earnings per share to the stockholders of Salton; * the combined Company's common stock may not be listed on the New York Stock Exchange New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) World's largest marketplace for securities. The exchange began as an informal meeting of 24 men in 1792 on what is now Wall Street in New York City. upon completion of the merger; * the combined company's net operating loss carryforwards Net operating loss carryforwards Application of losses to offset earnings in future years. may be limited as a result of the merger; and * costs associated with the merger are difficult to estimate, may be higher than expected and may harm the financial results of the combined company. Operational and Other Risk Factors: * our ability to repay or refinance Refinance 1. When a business or person revises their payment schedule for repaying debt. 2. Replacing an older loan with a new loan offering better terms. Notes: When a business refinances they typically extend the maturity date. our indebtedness as it matures and satisfy the redemption obligations under our preferred stock Stock shares that have preferential rights to dividends or to amounts distributable on liquidation, or to both, ahead of common shareholders. Preferred stock is given preference over common stock. Holders of preferred stock receive dividends at a fixed annual rate. ; * our ability to find other strategic alternatives, in the event the merger does not close as anticipated; * our ability to continue to realize the benefits we expect from our U.S. restructuring; * our substantial indebtedness and our ability to comply with restrictive covenants Restrictive covenants Provisions that place constraints on the operations of borrowers, such as restrictions on working capital, fixed assets, future borrowing, and payment of dividends. in our debt instruments; * our ability to access the capital markets on attractive terms or at all; * our relationship and contractual arrangements with key customers, suppliers, strategic partners and licensors; * unfavorable outcomes from pending legal proceedings All actions that are authorized or sanctioned by law and instituted in a court or a tribunal for the acquisition of rights or the enforcement of remedies. ; * cancellation or reduction of orders; * the timely development, introduction and delivery to and acceptance by customers of our products; * dependence on foreign suppliers and supply and marketing constraints; * competitive products and pricing; * economic conditions and the retail environment; * international business activities; * the cost and availability of raw materials and purchased components for our products; * our ability to continue the listing of our common stock on the New York Stock Exchange. If we are delisted by the New York Stock Exchange, the price and liquidity of our common stock will be negatively affected; * the risks related to intellectual property rights; and * the risks relating to relating to relate prep → concernant relating to relate prep → bezüglich +gen, mit Bezug auf +acc regulatory matters and other risks and uncertainties detailed from time to time in our Securities and Exchange Commission Filings. Investors and security holders are urged to read the proxy statement Proxy Statement A document containing the information that a company is required by the SEC to provide to shareholders so they can make informed decisions about matters that will be brought up at an annual stockholder meeting. when it becomes available and any other relevant documents to be filed with the SEC in connection with the proposed transaction because it will contain important information about Salton, Applica Incorporated and the proposed transaction. Investors and security holders may obtain free copies of these documents when they become available through the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov. In addition, the documents filed with the SEC by Salton may be obtained free of charge by directing such requests to Salton, Inc., 1955 Field Court, Lake Forest, Illinois Lake Forest is a city in Lake County, Illinois, United States. The population was 20,059 at the 2000 census. The city is south of Waukegan, Illinois, on the shore of Lake Michigan, and is a part of the Chicago metropolitan area and the North Shore. 60045, Attention: Corporate Secretary, Telephone (847) 803-4600, or from Salton's website at www.saltoninc.com. Salton and certain of its directors, executive officers and other members of management may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation solicitation In criminal law, the act of asking, inducing, or directing someone to commit a crime. The person soliciting another becomes an accomplice to the crime. The term also refers to the act of obtaining bribes, as well as to the crime of a prostitute who offers sexual of proxies from Salton stockholders with respect to the proposed transaction. Information regarding the interests of these officers and directors in the proposed transaction will be included in the proxy statement. In addition, information about Salton's directors, executive officers and members of management is contained in Salton's most recent proxy statement, which is available on Salton's website and at www.sec.gov. Additional information regarding the interests of such potential participants will be included in the proxy statement and other relevant documents filed with the SEC. [TABLE OMITTED] [TABLE OMITTED] |
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