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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Six Months   Commission File  
Ended April 30, 2004  Number:  1-3011  

THE VALSPAR CORPORATION

State of Incorporation:   IRS Employer ID No.:  
Delaware  36-2443580           

Principal Executive Offices:

1101 Third Street South
Minneapolis, MN 55415

Telephone Number: 612/332-7371

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 and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.   x Yes    o No

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

As of June 1, 2004, The Valspar Corporation had 51,313,392 shares of common stock outstanding, excluding 8,907,920 shares held in treasury. The Company had no other classes of stock outstanding.






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THE VALSPAR CORPORATION

Index to Form 10-Q
for the Quarter Ended April 30, 2004

Page No.
PART I.   FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Item 1.   Financial Statements    
 
  Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets – April 30, 2004, 
     April 25, 2003 and October 31, 2003  2–3
 
  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income – Three months and 
     six months ended April 30, 2004 and April 25, 2003  4  
 
  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows – Six 
     months ended April 30, 2004 and April 25, 2003  5  
 
  Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements  
     April 30, 2004  6–12
 
Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and  
     Results of Operations  13–15  
 
Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk  15  
 
Item 4.  Controls and Procedures  16  
 
PART II.   OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1.  Legal Proceedings  16  
 
Item 4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders  16  
 
Item 6.  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K  17  
 
SIGNATURES 17  






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PART I.   FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

THE VALSPAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

April 30,
2004

April 25,
2003

October 31,
2003

(Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Note)
ASSETS                
CURRENT ASSETS:  

   Cash and cash equivalents
   $ 41,560   $ 20,417   $ 41,589  

   Accounts receivable less allowance (4/30/04 –
  
      $16,167; 4/25/03 – $14,051; 10/31/03 – $16,140)    445,175    400,141    385,178  

   Inventories:
  
    Manufactured products    137,197    139,539    115,091  
    Raw materials, supplies and work-in-process    79,180    76,498    77,160  



     216,377    216,037    192,251  

   Deferred income taxes
    27,738    29,224    38,396  

   Prepaid expenses and other
    80,350    70,155    81,417  




    TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS
    811,200    735,974    738,831  

GOODWILL
    1,004,177    950,991    961,915  
INTANGIBLES, NET    284,898    291,098    287,133  
OTHER ASSETS, NET     83,337    73,865    73,843  
LONG-TERM DEFERRED INCOME TAX     25,500    16,329    20,583  

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
    772,747    687,074    725,924  
  Less accumulated depreciation    (350,709 )  (281,815 )  (311,705 )



     422,038    405,259    414,219  




 
   $ 2,631,150   $ 2,473,516   $ 2,496,524  




NOTE:   The Balance Sheet at October 31, 2003 has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements at that date.

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements






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THE VALSPAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS — CONTINUED
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

April 30,
2004

April 25,
2003

October 31,
2003

(Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Note)
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY                

CURRENT LIABILITIES:
  
   Notes payable to banks   $ 108,985   $ 49,095   $ 26,727  
   Trade accounts payable    234,810    190,160    202,713  
   Income taxes payable    51,560    43,840    48,458  
   Accrued liabilities    230,980    220,562    253,165  




     TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES
    626,335    503,657    531,063  

LONG-TERM DEBT
    710,689    873,043    749,199  

DEFERRED INCOME TAXES
    187,853    181,628    187,280  

DEFERRED LIABILITIES
    167,582    119,781    159,665  

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
   Common Stock (Par Value – $.50;
   Authorized – 250,000,000 shares;
   Shares issued, including shares
      in treasury – 60,221,312)    30,110    30,110    30,110  

   Additional paid-in capital
    261,204    240,084    250,400  

   Retained earnings
    735,662    647,654    697,231  

   Other
    9,995    (16,250 )  (5,735 )



     1,036,971    901,598    972,006  
   Less cost of Common Stock in treasury (4/30/04 –  
      8,922,459 shares; 4/25/03 – 9,784,310 shares;  
      10/31/03 – 9,490,462 shares)    98,280    106,191    102,689  



     938,691    795,407    869,317  




 
   $ 2,631,150   $ 2,473,516   $ 2,496,524  




NOTE:   The Balance Sheet at October 31, 2003 has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements at that date.

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements






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THE VALSPAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)

THREE MONTHS ENDED
SIX MONTHS ENDED
April 30,
2004

April 25,
2003

April 30,
2004

April 25,
2003

Net sales     $ 638,387   $ 561,770   $ 1,139,978   $ 1,030,741  

  Cost of goods sold
    432,420    383,854    777,659    709,176  





Gross Profit
    205,967    177,916    362,319    321,565  

  Research and development
    19,264    18,110    36,539    34,727  

  Selling and administration
    112,848    96,156    211,673    186,040  





Income from operations
    73,855    63,650    114,107    100,798  

  Interest expense
    10,590    11,508    20,980    23,325  

  Other (income)/expense – net
    218    275    425    416  





Income before income taxes
    63,047    51,867    92,702    77,057  

Income taxes
    23,958    19,710    35,227    29,281  





Net income
   $ 39,089   $ 32,157   $ 57,475   $ 47,776  





Net income per common share – basic
   $ 0.76   $ 0.64   $ 1.13   $ 0.95  




Net income per common share – diluted   $ 0.74   $ 0.62   $ 1.09   $ 0.92  





Average number of common shares outstanding
  
                   – basic    51,223,114    50,386,741    51,053,938    50,297,951  




                   – diluted    52,882,688    51,618,420    52,749,529    51,730,317  





Dividends paid per common share
   $ 0.180   $ 0.150   $ 0.360   $ 0.300  





See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.






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THE VALSPAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

SIX MONTHS ENDED
April 30,
2004

April 25,
2003

OPERATING ACTIVITIES:            
   Net income   $ 57,475   $ 47,776  
   Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in)/provided  
     by operating activities:  
      Depreciation    26,994    24,431  
      Amortization    2,251    2,225  
      Loss on asset divestiture    494    783  
         Changes in certain assets and liabilities, net of effects of  
           acquired businesses:  
            (Increase) in accounts receivable    (44,756 )  (23,899 )
            (Increase) in inventories and other current assets    (14,906 )  (1,140 )
            Increase (decrease) in trade accounts payable and accrued
              liabilities    644    (34,410 )
            Increase (decrease) in income taxes payable    2,185    25,035  
            Increase (decrease) in other deferred liabilities    9,691    426  
        Other    1,975    (1,978 )



   Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities
    42,047    39,249  

INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
  
   Purchases of property, plant and equipment    (25,126 )  (21,007 )
   Net assets of businesses acquired    (43,685 )    



   Net Cash Used In Investing Activities
    (68,811 )  (21,007 )

FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
  
   Net proceeds from/(repayments of) borrowings    30,455    (12,275 )
   Proceeds from sale of treasury stock    15,324    6,804  
   Dividends paid    (19,044 )  (15,069 )



   Net Cash Provided By/(Used In) Financing Activities
    26,735    (20,540 )

Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents
    (29 )  (2,298 )

Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period
    41,589    22,715  



Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period
   $ 41,560   $ 20,417  



See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements






-6-

THE VALSPAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
APRIL 30, 2004

NOTE 1:   BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of The Valspar Corporation (“the Company”) have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the quarter ended April 30, 2004 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending October 29, 2004.

The Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at October 31, 2003 has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements at that date but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for complete financial statements.

For further information refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in The Valspar Corporation’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2003.

NOTE 2:   ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

Trade accounts payable include $35.2 million at April 30, 2004, $18.9 million at October 31, 2003 and $34.6 million at April 25, 2003 of issued checks that had not cleared the Company’s bank accounts.

NOTE 3:   ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES

In January 2004, the Company acquired De Beer Lakfabrieken B.V., a manufacturer and distributor of automotive refinish coatings based in The Netherlands. De Beer’s revenue for calendar year 2003 was approximately 39 million Euros (approximately $50 million at time of acquisition). This transaction was accounted for as a purchase. Accordingly, the net assets and operating results have been included in the Company’s balance sheet from the date of acquisition. The pro forma results of operations for this acquisition have not been presented as the impact on reported results was not material.






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THE VALSPAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
APRIL 30, 2004 – CONTINUED

NOTE 4:   COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

For the three and six months ended April 30, 2004 and April 25, 2003, Comprehensive income was as follows:

(Dollars in thousands) Three Months Ended
Six Months Ended
April 30,
2004

April 25,
2003

April 30,
2004

April 25,
2003

Net Income     $ 39,089   $ 32,157   $ 57,475   $ 47,776  
  Foreign currency translation  
    adjustments    3,714    6,770    8,499    15,353  
  Changes in deferred gain (loss)  
    on hedging activities, net of tax    3,274    (170 )  6,904    291  
  Minimum pension liability  
     adjustments, net of tax                (2,425 )




Total Comprehensive Income   $ 46,077   $ 38,757   $ 72,878   $ 60,995  

NOTE 5:   GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

The carrying amount of goodwill for the quarter ended April 30, 2004 increased from the end of fiscal 2003 by $42.3 million to $1.0 billion. The majority of the increase is due to the De Beer acquisition ($35.6 million) and the remaining difference is attributable to foreign currency translation. The purchase price allocation is preliminary and is subject to change upon completion of the valuation.

Total intangible amortization expense for the six months ended April 30, 2004 was $2.3 million, which is comparable to the prior year. Estimated amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years based on the intangible assets as of April 30, 2004 is expected to be approximately $4.5 million annually.

NOTE 6:   SEGMENT INFORMATION

In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 131 (SFAS 131), “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information,” and based on the nature of the Company’s products, technology, manufacturing processes, customers, and regulatory environment, the Company has determined that it operates its business in two reportable segments: Paints and Coatings.






-8-

THE VALSPAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
APRIL 30, 2004 – CONTINUED

SFAS 131 requires an enterprise to report segment information in the same way that management internally organizes its business for assessing performance and making decisions regarding allocation of resources. The Company evaluates the performances of operating segments and allocates resources based on profit or loss from operations before interest expense and taxes.

The Paints segment includes the products from the Architectural, Automotive and Specialty (AAS) product line. AAS products include interior and exterior decorative paints, primers, varnishes and specialty decorative products, such as enamels, aerosols, and faux finishes for the do-it-yourself and professional markets in North America. Other AAS products include automotive refinish paints and high performance floor paints.

The Coatings segment includes the products from the Industrial and Packaging product lines. Industrial products include a broad range of decorative and protective coatings for metal, wood, plastic and glass. Packaging products include both interior and exterior coatings used in rigid packaging containers, principally food containers and beverage cans. The products of this segment are sold throughout the world.

The Company’s remaining activities are included in All Other. These activities include specialty polymers and colorants that are used internally and sold to other coatings manufacturers, as well as composites (gelcoats and related products) and furniture protection plans. Also, included within All Other are the administrative expenses of the Company’s corporate headquarters site. The Administrative expenses include interest and amortization expense, certain environmental-related expenses and other expenses not directly allocated to any other operating segment.














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THE VALSPAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
APRIL 30, 2004 – CONTINUED

In the following table, sales between segments are recorded at selling prices that are below market prices, generally intended to recover internal costs. Segment operating profit includes income realized on inter-segment sales. Comparative results for the three and six months ended April 30, 2004 and April 25, 2003 on this basis are as follows:

(Dollars in thousands) Three Months Ended
Six Months Ended
April 30, 2004
April 25, 2003
April 30, 2004
April 25, 2003
Net Sales:                    
   Paints   $ 223,796   $ 187,905   $ 368,731   $ 315,925  
   Coatings    356,217    321,537    668,681    618,286  
   All Other    82,488    72,491    144,681    134,143  
   Less Intersegment  
      sales    (24,114 )  (20,163 )  (42,115 )  (37,613 )




Total Net Sales   $ 638,387   $ 561,770   $ 1,139,978   $ 1,030,741  




Operating Profit  
   Paints   $ 36,310   $ 32,457   $ 50,008   $ 43,376  
   Coatings    43,863    36,647    80,451    67,410  
   All Other    (6,536 )  (5,729 )  (16,777 )  (10,404 )




Total Operating Profit   $ 73,637   $ 63,375   $ 113,682   $ 100,382  
 
Interest   $ 10,590   $ 11,508   $ 20,980   $ 23,325  




Income before  
   Income Taxes   $ 63,047   $ 51,867   $ 92,702   $ 77,057  




NOTE 7:   FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The Company’s involvement with derivative financial instruments is limited to managing well-defined interest rate and foreign currency exchange risks. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are used primarily to hedge the impact of currency fluctuations on certain inter-company transactions.

The Company also holds interest rate swaps used to manage the interest rate risk associated with its borrowings. The interest rate swap contracts are reflected at fair value in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Amounts to be paid or received under the contracts are accrued as interest rates change and are recognized over the life of the contracts as an adjustment to interest expense.






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THE VALSPAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
APRIL 30, 2004 – CONTINUED

At April 30, 2004, the Company had a $100 million notional amount interest rate swap contract designated as a cash flow hedge to pay fixed rates of interest and receive variable rates of interest based on three-month LIBOR. This contract started in this fiscal year and matures during fiscal 2008. Additionally, the Company had a $100 million notional amount interest rate swap contract designated as a fair value hedge to pay floating rates of interest based on three-month LIBOR, maturing during fiscal 2008. As the critical terms of the interest rate swaps and hedged debt match, there is an assumption of no ineffectiveness for these hedges.

The Company currently does not participate in transactions that generate relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, such as entities often referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities, which would have been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements or other contractually narrow or limited purposes.

NOTE 8:   GUARANTEES AND CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

The Company sells extended furniture protection plans and offers warranties for certain of its products. For the furniture protection plans, revenue is deferred over the contract period, generally five years, and is recognized based on the ratio of costs incurred to estimated total costs at program completion. For product warranties, the Company estimates the costs that may be incurred under these warranties based on historical claim data and records a liability in the amount of such costs at the time revenue is recognized. The Company periodically assesses the adequacy of these recorded amounts and adjusts as necessary.

Changes in the recorded amounts during the period are as follows (dollars in thousands):

Balance, October 31, 2003     $ 82,128  
Additional accrual made during the period    25,208  
Payments made during the period    (16,535 )

Balance, April 30, 2004   $ 90,801  













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THE VALSPAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
APRIL 30, 2004 – CONTINUED

NOTE 9:   STOCK PLANS

Under the Company’s Stock Option Plans, options for the purchase of up to 10,000,000 shares of common stock may be granted to officers, employees, and non-employee directors. Options are issued at market value at the date of grant and are exercisable in full or in part over a prescribed period of time. The Company accounts for these plans under the recognition and measurement principles of APB Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and related interpretations. No stock-based employee compensation is reflected in income, as all options granted under these plans had an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant. The following table illustrates the effect on net income and earnings per share if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of FASB Statement No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, to stock-based employee compensation.

Three Months Ended
Six Months Ended
April 30, 2004
April 25, 2003
April 30, 2004
April 25, 2003
Net income, as reported     $ 39,089   $ 32,157   $ 57,475   $ 47,776  
Deduct: Total stock-based employee  
compensation expense determined  
under fair value based method for  
all awards, net of related tax  
effects    1,561    1,750    3,116    3,903  
Pro forma net income   $ 37,528   $ 30,407   $ 54,359   $ 43,873  




Earnings per share:  
     Basic – as reported   $ 0.76   $ 0.64   $ 1.13   $ 0.95  




     Basic – pro forma   $ 0.73   $ 0.60   $ 1.06   $ 0.87  




     Diluted – as reported   $ 0.74   $ 0.62   $ 1.09   $ 0.92  




     Diluted – pro forma   $ 0.71   $ 0.59   $ 1.03   $ 0.85  
















-12-

THE VALSPAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
APRIL 30, 2004 – CONTINUED

NOTE 10:   PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS

The company sponsors a number of defined benefit pension plans for certain hourly, salaried and foreign employees. The benefits for these plans are generally based on stated amounts for each year of service. The Company funds the plans in amounts consistent with the limits of allowable tax deductions.

The cost of the pension benefits is as follows:

Three Months Ended
Six Months Ended
Net Periodic Benefit Cost April 30, 2004
April 25, 2003
April 30, 2004
April 25, 2003
Service Cost     $ 526   $ 486   $ 1,034   $ 972  
Interest Cost    2,593    2,469    5,158    4,938  
Expected Return on Plan  
  Assets    (3,025 )  (3,043 )  (6,026 )  (6,086 )
Amortization of transition  
  asset    (30 )  (66 )  (61 )  (132 )
Amortization of prior service  
   cost    217    227    433    454  
Recognized actuarial  
  (gain)/loss    546    356    1,081    712  




Net Periodic Benefit Cost   $ 827   $ 429   $ 1,619   $ 858  

NOTE 11:   RECLASSIFICATION

Certain amounts in the 2003 financial statements have been reclassified to conform with the 2004 presentation.












-13-

ITEM 2:   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Critical Accounting Policies:

There were no material changes in the Company’s critical accounting policies during the quarter and six months ended April 30, 2004.

Operations:   Consolidated net sales increased 13.6 percent for the quarter to $638.4 million from $561.8 million in the prior year. Excluding the positive effect of foreign currency exchange and acquisitions, net sales increased 8.1 percent in the quarter. Consolidated net sales increased 10.6 percent for the six month period to $1,140.0 million from $1,030.7 million in the prior year. Excluding the positive effect of foreign currency exchange and acquisitions, net sales increased 5.9 percent in the six month period. Net sales of the Paints segment increased 19.1 percent to $223.8 million in the quarter compared to the prior year. Year to date net sales in the Paints segment increased 16.7 percent to $368.7 from the prior year. Net sales growth before acquisitions for the Paints segment is 12.8 percent and 13.0 percent, for the second quarter and year to date, respectively. Strong sales to large home improvement retailers contributed to the year over year increases, net of acquisitions, in both the quarter and the six month period. Foreign currency exchange fluctuation had an immaterial effect on the reported results of the Paints segment. Net sales of the Coatings segment increased 10.8 percent to $356.2 million in the quarter compared to the prior year. Year to date net sales in the Coatings segment increased 8.2 percent to $668.7 million. The increase in net sales in both the quarter and the six month period was largely attributable to an increase in demand for general industrial and coil coatings. Excluding the positive effect of foreign currency exchange, net sales for the Coatings segment increased approximately 6.5 percent in the quarter and 3.7 percent for the six month period. Due to the seasonal nature of the Company’s business, sales for the second quarter are not necessarily indicative of sales for the full year.

Consolidated gross profit increased $28.1 million to $206.0 million in the second quarter of 2004. As a percent of consolidated net sales, consolidated gross profit during the second quarter of 2004 increased to 32.3 percent from 31.7 percent. For the six-month period consolidated gross profit increased $40.8 million to $362.3 million. As a percent of consolidated net sales, consolidated gross profit during the six month period of 2004 increased to 31.8 percent from 31.2 percent. The increase in gross profit is largely due to manufacturing efficiencies resulting from order volume increases in the Industrial product line.

Consolidated operating expenses (research and development, selling and administrative) increased 15.6 percent to $132.1 million (20.7 percent of consolidated net sales) in the second quarter of 2004 compared to $114.3 million (20.3 percent of consolidated net sales) in 2003. For the six month period consolidated operating expenses increased 12.4 percent to $248.2 million (21.8 percent of consolidated net sales) compared to $220.8 million (21.4 percent of consolidated net sales). The increase in the first and the second quarter was primarily driven by additional merchandising expenses related to new product line introductions within the Paints segment. Variable incentive compensation and research and development expense related to developing new products for the Asian furniture market also contributed to the increase in the second quarter.




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ITEM 2:   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS – CONTINUED

Operating profit increased $10.2 million or 16.0 percent from the prior year for the second quarter of 2004, and $13.3 or 13.2 percent for the six month period. Operating profit in the Paints segment increased 11.9 percent to $36.3 million in the quarter compared to the prior year. As a percent of net sales for the Paints segment, the Paints segment operating profit decreased to 16.2 percent from 17.3 percent. For the six month period, operating profit in the Paints segment increased $6.6 million or 15.3 percent compared to the prior period. As a percent of sales for the six month period, operating profit decreased to 13.6 percent from 13.7 percent compared to the prior year. The decrease in the quarter was largely attributable to additional merchandising expenses related to new product line introductions. Foreign currency exchange fluctuation had an immaterial effect on the Paint segments operating profit. Operating profit of the Coatings segment increased 19.7 percent to $43.9 million in the quarter compared to last year. As a percent of net sales for the Coatings segment, the Coatings segment operating profit increased to 12.3 percent from 11.4 percent. For the six month period operating profit in the Coatings segment increased $13.0 million or 19.3 percent compared to the prior period. As a percent of net sales for the Coatings segment, the Coatings segment operating profit increased to 12.0 percent from 10.9 in the six month period compared to the prior year. The increase resulted from manufacturing efficiencies within the Industrial product line due to larger order size and overall focused operating expense control. Excluding the positive effect of foreign currency exchange, operating profit for the Coatings segment increased approximately 15 percent in the quarter, and for the six month period. Due to the seasonal nature of the Company’s business, operating profit for the second quarter is not necessarily indicative of operating profit for subsequent quarters or for the full year.

Interest expense decreased to $10.6 million in the second quarter of 2004 from $11.5 million in the second quarter of 2003 due to lower interest rates combined with lower debt balances. Year to date interest expense decreased to $21.0 million in 2004 from $23.3 million in the prior year.

Net income in the second quarter of 2004 increased 21.6 percent to $39.1 million or $.74 per diluted share. For the six month period, net income increased 20.3 percent to $57.5 million or $1.09 per diluted share.

Liquidity and Sources of Capital:   The net cash provided by the Company’s operations was $42.0 million for the first six months of 2004, compared with net cash provided by operations of $39.2 million for the first six months of 2003. The cash provided by operations and the proceeds from borrowings were used to fund $25.1 million in capital expenditures, $19.0 million in dividend payments, and $43.7 million in acquired businesses.

Accounts receivable increased $44.8 million as a result of increased sales, primarily in the Architectural and Industrial product lines. Inventories and other current assets increased $14.9 due to seasonality in the Architectural product line.

Capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment were $25.1 million in the first six months of 2004, compared with $21.0 million in the first six months of 2003. The Company expects capital spending in 2004 to be in the range of $55 to $60 million.




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ITEM 2:   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS – CONTINUED

The ratio of total debt to capital decreased to 46.6 percent at the end of second quarter of 2004 compared to 47.2 percent at the close of fiscal 2003. The total debt to capital ratio as of April 25, 2003 was 53.7 percent. Included in short term debt is $70.0 million of long term debt that has been reclassified to take advantage of lower interest rates. The Company believes its cash flow from operations, existing lines of credit, access to credit facilities and access to debt and capital markets will be sufficient to meet its current and projected needs for financing.

There were no material changes in the Company’s fixed cash obligations during the six months ended April 30, 2004.

Off-Balance Sheet Financing:   The Company has no off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on its financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that is material to investors.

Forward Looking Statements:   This discussion contains certain “forward-looking” statements. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s expectations and beliefs concerning future events. Forward-looking statements are necessarily subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside the control of the Company that could cause actual results to differ materially from such statements. These uncertainties and other factors include dependence of internal earnings growth on economic conditions and growth in the domestic and international coatings industry; risks related to any future significant acquisitions, including risks of adverse changes in the results of acquired businesses, risks of disruptions in business resulting from the Company’s relationships with customers and suppliers; unusual weather conditions that might adversely affect sales; changes in raw materials pricing and availability; changes in governmental regulation, including more stringent environmental, health, and safety regulations; the nature, cost, and outcome of pending and future litigation and other legal proceedings; the outbreak of war and other significant national and international events; and other risks and uncertainties. The foregoing list is not exhaustive, and the Company disclaims any obligation to subsequently revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements.

ITEM 3:   QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The Company’s foreign sales and results of operations are subject to the impact of foreign currency fluctuations. The Company has not hedged its exposure to translation gains and losses; however, it has reduced its exposure by borrowing funds in local currencies. A 10 percent adverse change in foreign currency rates would not have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial position.

The Company is also subject to interest rate risk. At April 30, 2004, approximately 45 percent of the Company’s total debt consisted of floating rate debt. From time to time, the Company may enter into interest rate swaps to hedge a portion of either its variable or fixed rate debt. Assuming the current level of borrowings, a 10 percent increase in interest rates from those in effect at the end of the second quarter would increase the Company’s interest expense for the third quarter of 2004 by approximately $0.2 million.




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ITEM 4:   CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we conducted an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined under Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on their evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

There have been no significant changes (including corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies or material weaknesses) in our internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect these controls subsequent to the date of the evaluation referenced above.

PART II.   OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1:   LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

During the period covered by this report, there were no legal proceedings instituted that are reportable, and there were no material developments in any of the legal proceedings that were previously reported on the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2003.

ITEM 4:   SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

The Annual Meeting of Stockholders was held at the Research Center of the Corporation at 312 South 11th Avenue, Minneapolis, Minnesota, on February 25, 2004. The stockholders took the following actions:

(i)    The stockholders elected four directors to serve for three-year terms. The stockholders present in person or by proxy cast the following numbers of votes in connection with the election of directors, resulting in the election of all nominees:

Votes For
Votes Withheld
Charles W. Gaillard   45,408,777   955,442  
Mae C. Jemison  45,458,723   905,496  
Gregory R. Palen  44,454,681   1,909,538  
Lawrence Perlman  44,615,325   1,748,894  

(ii)    The stockholders approved the Amended and Restated Key Employee Annual Bonus Plan. 43,357,594 votes were cast for the resolution; 2,685,685 votes were cast against the resolution; 320,940 votes abstained; and there were no broker non-votes.

(iii)    The stockholders ratified the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as the Company’s independent auditors for fiscal 2004. 44,881,347 votes were cast for the resolution; 1,351,877 votes were cast against the resolution, shares representing 130,995 votes abstained; and there were no broker non-votes.




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ITEM 6:   EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

  a.   Exhibits

    10(a)   The Valspar Corporation Amended and Restated Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan for Richard Rompala
    31.1   Section 302 Certification of the Chief Executive Officer
    31.2   Section 302 Certification of the Chief Financial Officer
    32.1   Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

  b.   During the three months ended April 30, 2004, a report on Form 8-K, dated February 17, 2004, was filed on February 17, 2004, furnishing information under Item 12 – Results of Operations and Financial Information.

SIGNATURES

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

           
    THE VALSPAR CORPORATION


Date:   June 14, 2004


By  
 

/s/   Rolf Engh
 
 
Rolf Engh
Secretary
 


Date:   June 14, 2004


By  
 

/s/   Paul C. Reyelts
 
 
Paul C. Reyelts
Senior Vice President, Finance
(Chief Financial Officer)