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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2003.
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 0-10666
NBTY, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
DELAWARE 11-2228617
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
90 Orville Drive 11716
Bohemia, New York (Zip Code)
(Address of principal executive offices)
(631) 567-9500
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Name of Each Exchange
Title of Each Class on which Registered
------------------- ---------------------
Common Stock, par value $0.008 per share New York Stock Exchange, Inc.
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
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 if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item
405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained,
to the best of the Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or
information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form
10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K [ ]
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is an accelerated filer.
YES [X] NO [ ]
The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of
the Registrant on March 31, 2003, was approximately $1,260,000,000. For
purposes of the foregoing calculation only, all directors and executive
officers of the Registrant have been deemed affiliates. The number of
shares of Common Stock of the Registrant outstanding at March 31, 2003 was
approximately 66,452,000. The number of shares of Common Stock of the
Registrant outstanding at December 8, 2003 was approximately 66,622,000.
Documents Incorporated by Reference: None
NBTY, INC.
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2003
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Caption Page
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Forward Looking Statements
PART I
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ITEM 1 BUSINESS
General 2
Business Strategy 3
Operating Segments 5
Employees and Advertising 7
Manufacturing, Distribution and Quality Control 8
Research and Development 9
Competition; Customers 9
Government Regulation 10
International Operations 16
Trademarks 16
Raw Materials 17
Seasonality 17
ITEM 2 PROPERTIES 17
ITEM 3 LEGAL PROCEEDINGS 21
ITEM 4 SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS 23
PART II
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ITEM 5 MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED
STOCKHOLDER MATTERS 24
Dividend Policy 24
Price Range of Common Stock 24
ITEM 6 SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA 25
ITEM 7 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 27
Background 27
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates 28
Results of Operations 33
Seasonality 40
Liquidity and Capital Resources 40
Related Party Transactions 43
Inflation 44
Financial Covenants and Credit Rating 44
New Accounting Developments 45
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ITEM 7A QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT
MARKET RISK 46
ITEM 8 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA 47
ITEM 9 CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING
AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE 47
ITEM 9A CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES 47
PART III
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ITEM 10 DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT 49
Compensation of Directors 51
Audit Committee Financial Expert 52
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance 52
Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers 52
ITEM 11 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION 53
Summary Compensation Table 53
Option Value at the End of Fiscal 2003 54
Employment and Consulting Agreements with Executive Officers
and Directors 54
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation 56
ITEM 12 SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND
MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS 56
Securities Authorized For Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans 59
NBTY, Inc. Employees' Stock Ownership Plan 59
Eligibility; Trustee 59
Contributions 59
Vesting 60
Distribution; Voting 60
ITEM 13 CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS 60
ITEM 14 PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES 60
PART IV
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ITEM 15 EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENTS SCHEDULES,
AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K 62
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and Schedules 65
Financial Statements F-1
Financial Statement Schedule S-1
Signatures
Certifications
Exhibits
ii
PART I
Forward Looking Statements
This Annual Report on Form 10-K (the "Report") contains forward-looking
statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform
Act of 1995 with respect to the financial condition, results of operations
and business of NBTY, Inc. Discussions containing such forward-looking
statements may be found in Items 1, 2, 3, 7 and 7A hereof, as well as
within this Report generally. In addition, when used in this Report, the
words "subject to," "believe," "expect," "plan," "estimate," "intend,"
"may," "will," "should," "can," or "anticipate," or the negative thereof,
or variations thereon, or similar expressions are intended to identify
forward-looking statements, which are inherently uncertain. Similarly,
discussions of strategy, although believed to be reasonable, are also
forward-looking statements and are inherently uncertain. All forward-
looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that
could cause actual results to differ materially from projected results.
Factors which may materially affect such forward-looking statements
include: (i) slow or negative growth in the nutritional supplement
industry; (ii) interruption of business or negative impact on sales and
earnings due to acts of war, terrorism, bio-terrorism, civil unrest or
disruption of mail service; (iii) adverse publicity regarding the
consumption of nutritional supplements; (iv) inability to retain customers
of companies (or mailing lists) recently acquired; (v) increased
competition; (vi) increased costs; (vii) loss or retirement of key members
of management; (viii) increases in the cost of borrowings and/or
unavailability of additional debt or equity capital; (ix) unavailability
of, or inability to consummate, advantageous acquisitions in the future,
including those that may be subject to bankruptcy approval or the inability
of the Company (as defined below) to integrate acquisitions into the
mainstream of its business, or unanticipated fees and expenses associated
with the same; (x) changes in general worldwide economic and political
conditions in the markets in which the Company may compete from time to
time; (xi) the inability of the Company to gain and/or hold market share of
its customers; (xii) unavailability of electricity in certain geographical
areas; (xiii) exposure to and expenses of defending and resolving product
liability claims and other litigation; (xiv) the ability of the Company to
successfully implement its business strategy; (xv) the inability of the
Company to manage its retail, wholesale, manufacturing and other operations
efficiently; (xvi) consumer acceptance of the Company's products; (xvii)
the inability of the Company to renew leases on its retail locations;
(xviii) inability of the Company's retail stores to attain or maintain
profitability; (xix) the absence of clinical trials for many of the
Company's products; (xx) sales and earnings volatility and/or trends; (xxi)
the efficacy of the Company's Internet and online marketing and sales
efforts; (xxii) fluctuations in foreign currencies, especially the British
Pound and the Euro; (xxiii) import-export controls on sales to foreign
countries; (xxiv) the inability of the Company to secure favorable new
sites for, and delays in opening, new retail locations; (xxv) introduction
of new federal, state, local or foreign legislation or regulation or
adverse determinations by regulators, and more particularly the Food
Supplements Directive and the Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products
Directive in Europe; (xxvi) the mix of the Company's products and the
profit margins thereon; (xxvii) the availability and pricing of raw
materials; (xxviii) risk factors discussed in the Company's filings with
the U.S.
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Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"); and (xxix) other factors
beyond the Company's control.
Consequently, such forward-looking statements should be regarded solely as
the Company's current plans, estimates and beliefs. Readers are cautioned
not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company
cannot guarantee future results, events, and levels of activity,
performance or achievements. The Company does not undertake and
specifically declines any obligation to update, republish or revise
forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the
date hereof or to reflect the occurrences of unanticipated events.
Industry data used throughout this Report was obtained from industry
publications and internal Company estimates. While the Company believes
such information to be reliable, its accuracy has not been independently
verified and cannot be guaranteed.
Item 1. BUSINESS
General
NBTY, Inc. (the "Company", "NBTY", "we" or "us") is a leading
vertically integrated manufacturer, marketer and retailer of a broad line
of high quality, value-priced nutritional supplements in the United States,
the United Kingdom, Ireland, the Netherlands and worldwide. Under a number
of the Company's and third-party brands, the Company offers over 9,000
products, including vitamins, minerals, herbs, sports nutrition products,
diet aids and other nutritional supplements. The Company is vertically
integrated in that it purchases raw materials, formulates and manufactures
its products and then markets its products through its four channels of
distribution: (i) Direct response/Puritan's Pride, the leading U.S.
nutritional supplement e-commerce/direct response program, under the
Puritan's Pride(R) brand in catalogs and through the Internet; (ii) 533
Vitamin World(R) and Nutrition Warehouse(R) retail stores, as of September
30, 2003, operating throughout the U.S. in 45 states, Guam and Puerto Rico;
(iii) European retail operations, consisting of 524 Holland & Barrett(R),
GNC (UK)(R) and Nature's Way(R) retail stores, as of September 30, 2003,
operating throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland, and 65 De Tuinen(R)
retail stores, operating in the Netherlands; and (iv) wholesale
distribution to mass merchandisers, drug store chains, supermarkets,
independent pharmacies and health food stores under various brand names,
including the Nature's Bounty(R) and Rexall Sundown(R) brands. At September
30, 2003, the Company manufactured over 90% of the nutritional supplements
it sold.
The Company was incorporated in Delaware in 1979 under the name
Nature's Bounty, Inc. On March 26, 1995, the Company changed its name to
NBTY, Inc. The Company's principal executive offices are located at 90
Orville Drive, Bohemia, New York 11716 and its telephone number is (631)
567-9500. The Company's Internet address is www.nbty.com. The Company's
United Kingdom subsidiary, Holland & Barrett Europe Limited, has its
principal executive offices in Nuneaton, United Kingdom. The Company's
Dutch subsidiary, De Tuinen, B.V., has its principal executive offices in
Beverwijk, Holland.
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The Company makes available, free of charge, on its web site, its
annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports
on Form 8-K, and all amendments to these reports filed or furnished
pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended (the "Exchange Act"). Such reports are available as soon as is
reasonably practicable after the Company electronically files such
materials with the SEC.
Business Strategy
The Company targets the growing value-conscious consumer segment by
offering high-quality products at a value price. The Company's objectives
are to increase sales, improve manufacturing efficiencies, increase
profitability and strengthen its market position through the following key
strategies:
Expand Existing Channels of Distribution. The Company plans to
continue expanding and improving its existing channels of distribution
through aggressive marketing and synergistic acquisitions in order to
increase sales and profitability and enhance overall market share. Specific
plans to expand channels of distribution include:
* Increase Wholesale Sales in the U.S. and in Foreign Markets. The
Company expects to strengthen its wholesale business by continuing
to increase its sales in food, drug and mass merchandising
channels by (i) increasing revenues derived from existing
customers through strong promotional activities and the aggressive
introduction of new and innovative products; (ii) increasing shelf
space in major retailers; (iii) leveraging the advertising and
promotion of its major specialty brands, such as Osteo Bi-Flex(R),
Carb Solutions(R), Flex-A-Min(R) and Knox(R); and (iv) continuing
to grow its private label revenue with new customers and timely
product introductions. In addition, the Company continues to form
new distribution alliances throughout the world for its products.
A new sales division in the U.K., Nutrition Warehouse Limited, was
established to take advantage of wholesale sales opportunities in
the U.K. and the European continent and in March 2003, the Company
purchased Food Supplement Company ("FSC"), a wholesale distributor
in Manchester, England. In July 2003, the Company acquired Rexall
Sundown, Inc. ("Rexall"). The transaction will complement NBTY's
existing wholesale products and provide NBTY with an enhanced
sales infrastructure and additional manufacturing capacity.
Rexall's portfolio of nutritional supplement brands includes
Rexall(R), Sundown(R), Osteo Bi-Flex(R), Carb Solutions(R),
MET-Rx(R) and Worldwide Sport Nutrition(R).
* Increase Puritan's Pride direct response sales. The Company
expects to continue to strengthen its leading position in the e-
commerce/direct response business by: (i) improving automated
picking and packing to fulfill sales order requests with greater
speed and accuracy; (ii) increasing manufacturing capability to
quickly introduce and deliver new products in response to customer
demand; (iii) testing new and more frequent promotions to further
improve response rates; and (iv) promoting its Internet web sites.
The Company also intends to continue its strategy of acquiring the
customer lists, brand names and inventory of other mail order
companies which have similar or complementary products which the
Company believes can be efficiently integrated into its own
operations without adding substantial overhead expenses.
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* Increase Retail Sales in the U.S. Over the last several years, the
Company's strategy has focused on the development of a nationwide
chain of retail stores in the United States. To that end, at
September 30, 2003, the Company operated 533 Vitamin World(R) and
Nutrition Warehouse(R) retail stores located in regional and
outlet malls. The Company has added approximately 107 retail
stores in the past three fiscal years or approximately 20% of the
total number of stores in operation at September 30, 2003. New
stores historically do not have the same high customer traffic as
more mature stores. During the fiscal year ended September 30,
2003 ("fiscal 2003"), the Company operated 7 fewer Vitamin World
stores than in fiscal 2002. The Company plans, from time to time,
to open new stores in the next fiscal year. In June 2000, the
Company successfully introduced its Savings Passport Card, a
customer loyalty program, which increases customer traffic and
provides incentives to purchase at Vitamin World(R). It is an
additional tool for the Company to track customer preferences and
purchasing trends. At the end of fiscal 2003, there were over 4.2
million Savings Passport Card members.
* Increase Retail Sales in the U.K., Ireland and Europe. The Company
continues its strategy of selectively expanding the number of its
Holland & Barrett stores located throughout the U.K. At September
30, 2003, there were 462 Holland & Barrett(R) and 12 Nature's
Way(R) stores operating in the U.K. and Ireland. In fiscal 2003,
Holland & Barrett opened 15 new stores in the U.K. and Ireland.
The Company projects that, during the next fiscal year, it will
open 29 new retail stores in the U.K. and Ireland.
In order to expand retail sales in the U.K., in March 2003 the
Company (through its acquisition of GNC (UK)) acquired 50 GNC
retail stores in the U.K. In addition, in May 2003 the Company
acquired the De Tuinen retail chain in the Netherlands which, at
September 30, 2003 operated 65 retail stores. The Company
continues to evaluate opportunities to open additional GNC (UK)
stores in the U.K. and De Tuinen stores in Europe.
Introduce New Products. The Company has consistently been among the
first in the industry to introduce innovative products in response to new
studies, research and consumer preferences. Given the changing nature of
consumer demand for new products and the continued publicity about the
importance of vitamins, minerals and nutritional supplements in the
promotion of general health as well as the growing number of overweight
consumers, management believes that NBTY will continue to maintain its core
customer base and attract new customers based upon its ability to rapidly
respond to consumer demand with high quality, value-oriented products.
Enhance Vertical Integration. The Company believes that its vertical
integration gives it a significant competitive advantage by allowing it to:
(i) maintain higher quality standards while lowering product costs, which
can be passed on to the customer as lower prices; (ii) more quickly respond
to scientific and popular reports and consumer buying trends; (iii) more
effectively meet customer delivery schedules; (iv) reduce dependence upon
outside suppliers; and (v) improve overall operating margins. The Company
4
continually evaluates ways to further enhance its vertical integration by
leveraging manufacturing, distribution, purchasing and marketing
capabilities, and otherwise improving the efficacy of its operations.
Build Infrastructure to Support Growth. NBTY has technologically
advanced, state-of-the-art manufacturing and production facilities, with
total production capacity of approximately 36 billion tablets, capsules and
softgels per year. The Company regularly evaluates its operations and makes
investments in building infrastructure, as necessary, to support its
continuing growth.
Strategic Acquisitions. In the normal course of its business, the
Company seeks acquisition opportunities, both in the U.S. and
internationally, of companies which complement or extend the Company's
existing product lines, increase its market presence, expand its
distribution channels, and/or are compatible with its business philosophy.
In fiscal 2003, NBTY completed three such acquisitions: (i) the GNC retail
stores and FSC wholesale operations in the U.K.; (ii) the De Tuinen chain
of retail stores in the Netherlands; and (iii) Rexall Sundown, Inc.,
including the MET-Rx(R) and Worldwide Sport Nutrition(R) operations. For
additional information regarding the Company's acquisitions, see Item 7,
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations."
Experienced Management Team. The Company's management team has
extensive experience in the nutritional supplement industry and has
developed long-standing relationships with its suppliers and its customers.
The executive officers of the Company have an average of approximately 20
years with the Company.
Operating Segments
NBTY and its subsidiaries operate in the nutritional supplement
industry, focusing their products and services on four segments of this
industry: Wholesale, Direct Response, Retail U.S. and Retail Europe.
The following table sets forth the percentage of net sales for each
of the Company's operating segments:
Fiscal Year Ended September 30,
-------------------------------
2003 2002 2001
---- ---- ----
Wholesale 35% 30% 24%
Direct Response 17% 19% 21%
Retail:
U.S. 18% 21% 22%
Europe 30% 30% 33%
-----------------------
100% 100% 100%
Further information about the financial results of each of these
segments is found in Note 18 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in
this Report.
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Wholesale/Mass Marketing. The Company markets its products under
various brand names to many stores, including leading drug store chains and
supermarkets, independent pharmacies, health food stores, health food store
wholesalers and other retailers such as mass merchandisers. The Nature's
Bounty(R), Rexall(R) and Sundown(R) brands are sold to drug store chains
and drug wholesalers. The Company sells a full line of products to
supermarket chains and wholesalers under the brand name Natural Wealth(R)
at prices designed for the "price conscious" consumer. The Company sells
directly to health food stores under the brand name Good 'N Natural(R) and
sells products, including a specialty line of vitamins, to health food
wholesalers under the brand name American Health(R). The Company has
expanded sales of various products to many countries throughout Europe,
Asia and Latin America.
Direct Response. The Company offers, through mail order and Internet
e-commerce, a full line of vitamins and other nutritional supplement
products as well as selected personal care items under its Puritan's
Pride(R) brand names at prices which are usually at a discount from those
of similar products sold in retail stores.
Through its Puritan's Pride(R) brand, NBTY is the leader in the U.S.
direct response nutritional supplement industry with more than 4 million
customers on our customer list, with response rates which management
believes to be above the industry average. NBTY intends to continue to
appeal to new customers in its direct response operation through aggressive
marketing techniques both in the U.S. and the U.K., and through selective
acquisitions.
In order to maximize sales per catalog and reduce mailing and
printing costs, the Company regularly updates its mail order list to
include new customers and to eliminate those who have not placed an order
within a designated period of time. In addition, in order to add new
customers to its mailing lists and web sites and to increase average order
sizes, the Company places advertisements in newspaper supplements and
conducts insert programs with other mail order companies. The Company's use
of state-of-the-art equipment in its direct response operations, such as
computerized mailing, bar-coded addresses and automated picking and packing
systems enables the Company to fill each order typically within 24 hours of
its receipt. This allows the Company to lower its per customer distribution
costs, thereby enhancing margins and enabling the Company to offer its
products at lower prices than its competitors.
The Company's www.puritan.com and www.vitamins.com web sites provide
a practical and convenient method for consumers wishing to purchase
products that promote healthy living. By using these web sites, consumers
have access to the full line of more than 1,000 products which are offered
through the Company's Puritan's Pride(R) mail order catalog. Consumer
orders are processed with the speed, economy and efficiency of the
Company's automated picking and packing system.
Retail U.S. At the end of fiscal 2003, the Company operated 533
retail stores located in 45 states, Guam and Puerto Rico, under the Vitamin
World(R) and Nutrition Warehouse(R) names. Each location carries a full
line of the Company's products under the Company's brand names as well as
products manufactured by others. Through direct interaction between the
Company's personnel and the public, the Company is able to
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identify buying trends, customer preferences or dislikes, acceptances of
new products and price trends in various regions of the country. This
information is useful in initiating sales programs and new product
introductions for all divisions of the Company.
In addition to www.puritan.com and www.vitamins.com, the Company also
maintains another web site, www.vitaminworld.com, to accommodate customers
who wish to purchase nutritional supplements on the Internet, or to find a
conveniently located store to make purchases in person. This web site
provides the consumer with information concerning the products offered in
the Company's retail stores and with information about store locations.
Retail Europe. The Company's Retail European sales are generated by
Holland & Barrett and GNC in the U.K., Nature's Way in Ireland and De
Tuinen in the Netherlands. Holland & Barrett is one of the leading
nutritional supplement retailers in the U.K., with 462 locations in the
U.K. at September 30, 2003. Holland & Barrett markets a broad line of
nutritional supplement products, including vitamins, minerals and other
nutritional supplements, as well as food products, including fruits and
nuts, confectionery and other items. GNC (UK) operated 50 locations in the
U.K. at September 30, 2003, specializing in the sale of vitamins, minerals
and sports nutrition products. At September 30, 2003 there were 12 Nature's
Way locations in Ireland selling a range of products similar to those
offered by Holland & Barrett. With 65 locations in Holland at September 30,
2003, De Tuinen is a leading retailer of health food products, selected
confectionery, and lifestyle giftware. Nutritional supplement products
manufactured by NBTY accounted for approximately 52% of European Retail's
total sales in fiscal 2003.
For additional information regarding financial information about the
geographic areas in which the Company and its subsidiaries conduct their
business, see Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations" and the Notes to the Company's
Consolidated Financial Statements contained in this Report.
Employees and Advertising
As of September 30, 2003, the Company employed approximately 10,000
persons, which included:
(i) 2,571 sales associates located throughout the U.S. in its
Vitamin World(R) and Nutrition Warehouse(R) retail stores;
(ii) 2,339 manufacturing, shipping and packaging associates
throughout the U.S.;
(iii) 898 associates in administration throughout the U.S.;
(iv) 260 associates who sell to NBTY's wholesale distributors and
customers;
(v) 36 in-house advertising associates;
(vi) 3,105 associates in its Holland & Barrett operations,
including:
(A) 2,779 retail associates,
(B) 172 associates in distribution, and
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(C) 154 associates in administration;
(vii) 324 associates in its De Tuinen operations, including:
(A) 296 retail associates, and
(B) 28 associates in administration and warehousing;
(viii) 319 associates in GNC (UK) retail stores;
(ix) 75 associates in Nature's Way retail stores; and
(x) 78 associates in FSC wholesale administration, production and
warehousing.
In addition, NBTY sells through commissioned sales representative
organizations. The Company believes it has satisfactory employee and labor
relations.
For the fiscal years ended September 30, 2001, 2002 and 2003, NBTY
spent approximately $49 million, $48 million and $66 million, respectively,
on advertising and promotions, including print, media and cooperative
advertising. A significant portion of the increased advertising relates to
additional promotions at the recently acquired Rexall Sundown operations.
NBTY creates its own advertising materials through its in-house staff of
associates. In the U.K. and Ireland, both Holland & Barrett and Nature's
Way have run advertisements on television and in national newspapers, and
conducted sales promotions. GNC (UK) and De Tuinen in Holland also
advertise in national newspapers and conduct sales promotions. In addition,
Holland & Barrett and De Tuinen each publish their own magazines with
articles and promotional materials.
Manufacturing, Distribution and Quality Control
At September 30, 2003, the Company employed approximately 2,340
manufacturing, shipping and packaging associates throughout the United
States. The Company's manufacturing activities are conducted in New York,
California, Colorado, Florida, New Jersey and Illinois. All of the
Company's manufacturing operations are subject to good manufacturing
practice regulations ("GMPs") promulgated by the United States Food and
Drug Administration ("the FDA") and other applicable regulatory standards.
The Company manufactures products for its four operating segments as well
as for third parties. The Company believes that, generally, the capacity of
its manufacturing and distribution facilities is adequate to meet the
requirements of its current business and will be adequate to meet the
requirements of anticipated increases in sales.
The Company places special emphasis on quality control. All raw
materials used in production are assigned a unique lot number and are
initially held in quarantine, during which time the Company's laboratory
chemists assay the raw materials for compliance with established
specifications. Once released, samples are retained and the material is
processed according to approved formulas by mixing, granulating,
compressing, encapsulating and sometimes coating operations. After the
tablet or capsule is manufactured, laboratory technicians test its weight,
purity, potency, disintegration and dissolution. When products such as
vitamin tablets are ready for bottling, the Company's automated equipment
counts the tablets, inserts them into bottles, adds a tamper-resistant
8
cap with an inner safety seal and affixes a label. The Company uses
computer-generated documentation for picking and packing for order
fulfillment.
The Company's manufacturing operations are designed to allow low cost
production of a wide variety of products of different quantities, sizes and
packaging while maintaining a high level of customer service and quality.
Flexible production line changeover capabilities and reduced cycle times
allow the Company to respond quickly to changes in manufacturing schedules.
Inventory Control. The Company has installed inventory control
systems at its facilities that enable it to track each product as it is
received from its supply sources through manufacturing and shipment to its
customers. To facilitate this tracking, a significant number of products
sold by the Company are bar coded. The Company's inventory control systems
report shipping, sales and individual SKU level inventory information. The
Company manages the retail sales process by monitoring customer sales and
inventory levels by product category. The Company believes that its
distribution capabilities enable it to increase flexibility in responding
to the delivery requirements of its customers.
Information from the Company's point-of-sale computer system is
regularly reviewed and analyzed by the purchasing staff to assist in making
merchandise allocation and markdown decisions. The Company uses an
automated reorder system to maintain in-stock positions on key items. These
systems provide management with the information needed to determine the
proper timing and quantity of reorders.
Financial Reporting. The Company's financial reporting systems
provide management with detailed financial reporting to support
management's operating decisions and cost control efforts. These systems
provide functions such as scheduling of payments, receiving of payments,
general ledger interface, vendor tracking and flexible reporting options.
Research and Development
In the last three fiscal years, the Company did not expend any
significant amounts for basic research and development of new products.
Competition; Customers
The market for nutritional supplement products is highly competitive.
Competition is based primarily on price, quality and assortment of
products, customer service, marketing support, and availability of new
products. The Company believes it competes favorably in all of these areas.
The Company's direct competition consists primarily of publicly and
privately owned companies, which tend to be highly fragmented in terms of
both geographical market coverage and product categories. The Company also
competes in the nutritional supplement area with companies which may have
broader product lines and/or larger sales volumes. The Company's products
also compete with nationally advertised brand
9
name products. Most of the national brand companies have resources
substantially greater than those of the Company.
There are numerous companies in the vitamin and nutritional
supplement industry selling products to retailers, including mass
merchandisers, drug store chains, independent drug stores, supermarkets and
health food stores. Many companies within the industry are privately held.
Therefore, the Company is unable to precisely assess the size of all of its
competitors or where the Company ranks in comparison to such privately held
competitors with respect to sales to retailers.
One customer of the wholesale division represented, individually,
more than 10% of this division's sales in fiscal 2003 and accounted for
20% of the Company's accounts receivable at September 30, 2003. Additionally,
a new customer accounted for 10% of the Company's accounts receivable
at September 30, 2003. The loss of one or more of these customers is not
expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial
position or results of operations.
Government Regulation
United States. The formulation, manufacturing, packaging, labeling,
advertising, distribution and sale of NBTY's products are subject to
regulation by one or more federal agencies, including the Food and Drug
Administration ("FDA"), the Federal Trade Commission ("FTC"), the Postal
Service, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Department of
Agriculture, the Environmental Protection Agency, and also by various
agencies of the states, localities and foreign countries in which NBTY's
products are sold. In particular, the FDA, pursuant to the Federal Food,
Drug, and Cosmetic Act ("FDCA"), regulates the formulation, manufacturing,
packaging, labeling, distribution and sale of dietary supplements,
including vitamins, minerals and herbs, and of over-the-counter ("OTC")
drugs, while the FTC has jurisdiction to regulate advertising of these
products, and the Postal Service regulates advertising claims with respect
to such products sold by mail order.
The FDCA has been amended several times with respect to dietary
supplements, in particular by the Dietary Supplement Health and Education
Act of 1994 ("DSHEA"). DSHEA established a new framework governing the
composition and labeling of dietary supplements. With respect to
composition, DSHEA defined "dietary supplements" as vitamins, minerals,
herbs, other botanicals, amino acids and other dietary substances for human
use to supplement the diet, as well as concentrates, constituents, extracts
or combinations of such dietary ingredients. Generally, under DSHEA,
dietary ingredients that were on the market before October 15, 1994 may be
used in dietary supplements without notifying the FDA. However, a "new"
dietary ingredient (i.e., a dietary ingredient that was "not marketed in
the United States before October 15, 1994") must be the subject of a new
dietary ingredient notification submitted to the FDA unless the ingredient
has been "present in the food supply as an article used for food" without
being "chemically altered." A new dietary ingredient notification must
provide the FDA
10
evidence of a "history of use or other evidence of safety" establishing
that use of the dietary ingredient "will reasonably be expected to be
safe." A new dietary ingredient notification must be submitted to the FDA
at least 75 days before the initial marketing of the new dietary
ingredient. There can be no assurance that the FDA will accept the evidence
of safety for any new dietary ingredients that the Company may want to
market, and the FDA's refusal to accept such evidence could prevent the
marketing of such dietary ingredients.
DSHEA permits "statements of nutritional support" to be included in
labeling for dietary supplements without FDA pre-approval. Such statements
may describe how a particular dietary ingredient affects the structure,
function or general well-being of the body, or the mechanism of action by
which a dietary ingredient may affect body structure, function or well-
being (but may not state that a dietary supplement will diagnose, cure,
mitigate, treat, or prevent a disease unless such claim has been reviewed
and approved by the FDA). A company that uses a statement of nutritional
support in labeling must possess evidence substantiating that the statement
is truthful and not misleading. In some circumstances it is necessary to
disclose on the label that the FDA has not "evaluated" the statement, to
disclose the product is not intended for use for a disease, and to notify
the FDA about the Company's use of the statement within 30 days of
marketing the product. However, there can be no assurance that the FDA will
not determine that a particular statement of nutritional support that a
company wants to use is an unacceptable drug claim or an unauthorized
version of a "health claim." Such a determination might prevent a company
from using the claim.
In addition, DSHEA provides that certain so-called "third party
literature," e.g., a reprint of a peer-reviewed scientific publication
linking a particular dietary ingredient with health benefits, may be used
"in connection with the sale of a dietary supplement to consumers" without
the literature being subject to regulation as labeling. Such literature
must not be false or misleading; the literature may not "promote" a
particular manufacturer or brand of dietary supplement; and a balanced view
of the available scientific information on the subject matter must be
presented. There can be no assurance, however, that all third party
literature that NBTY would like to disseminate in connection with its
products will satisfy each of these requirements, and failure to satisfy
all requirements could prevent use of the literature or subject the product
involved to regulation as an unapproved drug.
Recently, the FDA, as authorized by DSHEA, proposed GMPs specifically
for dietary supplements. These new GMP regulations, if finalized, would be
more detailed than the GMPs that currently apply to dietary supplements and
may, among other things, require dietary supplements to be prepared,
packaged and held in compliance with certain rules, and might require
quality control provisions similar to those in the GMP regulations for
drugs. There can be no assurance that, if the FDA adopts GMP regulations
for dietary supplements, NBTY will be able to comply with the new rules
without incurring substantial expenses.
The FDA generally prohibits the use in labeling for a dietary
supplement of any "health claim" (that is not authorized as a "statement of
nutritional support" permitted by DSHEA) unless the claim is pre-approved
by the FDA. There can be no assurance that
11
some of the labeling statements that NBTY would like to use will not be
deemed by the FDA to be "unauthorized health or disease claims" that are
not permitted to be used.
Although the regulation of dietary supplements is in some respects
less restrictive than the regulation of drugs, there can be no assurance
that dietary supplements will continue to be subject to less restrictive
regulation. The FDA regulates the formulation, manufacturing, packaging,
labeling and distribution of over-the-counter ("OTC") drug products
pursuant to a "monograph" system that specifies active drug ingredients
that are generally recognized as safe and effective for particular uses. If
an OTC drug is not in compliance with the applicable FDA monograph, the
product generally cannot be sold without first obtaining the FDA approval
of a new drug application, a long and expensive procedure. There can be no
assurance that, if more stringent statutes are enacted for dietary
supplements, or if more stringent regulations are promulgated, NBTY will be
able to comply with such statutes or regulations without incurring
substantial expense.
The FDA has broad authority to enforce the provisions of the FDCA
applicable to dietary supplements and OTC drugs, including powers to issue
a public "warning letter" to a company, to publicize information about
illegal products, to request a voluntary recall of illegal products from
the market, and to request the Department of Justice to initiate a seizure
action, an injunction action, or a criminal prosecution in the United
States courts.
The FTC exercises jurisdiction over the advertising of dietary
supplements. In recent years, the FTC has instituted numerous enforcement
actions against dietary supplement companies for failure to adequately
substantiate claims made in advertising or for the use of false or
misleading advertising claims. These enforcement actions have often
resulted in consent decrees and the payment of civil penalties and/or
restitution by the companies involved. NBTY and Rexall Sundown,
respectively, are each currently subject to an FTC consent decree resulting
from past advertising claims for certain of their respective products, and
are required to maintain compliance with these decrees and are subject to
an injunction and substantial civil monetary penalties if there should be
any failure to comply. Further, the U.S. Postal Service has issued cease
and desist orders against certain mail order advertising claims made by
dietary supplement manufacturers including NBTY, and NBTY is required to
maintain compliance with the order applicable to it, subject to civil
monetary penalties for any noncompliance. Violations of these orders could
result in substantial monetary penalties. Civil penalty actions could have
a material adverse effect on NBTY's consolidated financial position or
results of operations.
In June 2003, the Company received a letter of inquiry from the FTC
concerning the Company's marketing of a certain weight loss product, as
well as the marketing of Royal Tongan Limu by a subsidiary of the Company,
Dynamic Essentials (DE), Inc. ("DEI"). Subsequent to the receipt of this
letter, the Company voluntarily stopped all sales and promotions of the
weight loss product in question and of Royal Tongan Limu. The Company also
ceased all operations of DEI and terminated all DEI employees. The Company
has had follow-up meetings and correspondence with the FTC. At this time,
it is not possible to estimate, if the FTC were to assert a claim, what the
outcome or amount of such claim would be.
12
In March 2003 the Company ceased selling products that contain
ephedra. Though the Company continues to believe that the ephedra products
it sold are safe to use as directed, the adverse publicity surrounding
ephedra products and the regulatory environment in the U.S. led management
to the decision to cease selling ephedra products, in the best interests of
the Company and its shareholders. Overall, sales of ephedra products
represented an insignificant portion of the Company's business. Subsequent
to the decision to cease selling ephedra products, the Company was named as
a defendant or a third-party defendant in a handful of actions, alleging
liability (under various theories, including negligence, false advertising,
strict liability in tort and failure to warn) as well as personal injury
with respect to the Company's sales, manufacturing and distribution of
products containing ephedra. The Company has notified its insurance
carriers and third party vendors with regard to each suit and vigorously
contests the allegations in these actions. The Company did not acquire any
ephedra assets, liabilities or operations in connection with its purchase
of Rexall Sundown. All such operations were retained by Royal Numico N.V.,
the prior owner of Rexall Sundown.
NBTY is also subject to regulation under various state, local, and
international laws that include provisions governing, among other things,
the formulation, manufacturing, packaging, labeling, advertising and
distribution of dietary supplements and OTC drugs. Government regulations
in foreign countries may prevent or delay the introduction, or require the
reformulation, of certain of NBTY's products. Compliance with such foreign
governmental regulations is generally the responsibility of NBTY's
distributors in those countries. These distributors are independent
contractors over whom the Company has only limited or minimal control.
In addition, from time to time in the future, NBTY may become subject
to additional laws or regulations administered by the FDA or by other
federal, state, local or foreign regulatory authorities, to the repeal of
laws or regulations that the Company considers favorable, such as DSHEA, or
to more stringent interpretations of current laws or regulations. The
Company is not able to predict the nature of such future laws, regulations,
repeals or interpretations, and it cannot predict what effect additional
governmental regulation, when and if it occurs, would have on its business
in the future. Such developments could, however, require reformulation of
certain products to meet new standards, recalls or discontinuance of
certain products not able to be reformulated, additional record-keeping
requirements, increased documentation of the properties of certain
products, additional or different labeling, additional scientific
substantiation, or other new requirements. Any such developments could have
a material adverse effect on NBTY.
United Kingdom. In the United Kingdom, the two main pieces of
legislation that affect the operations of Holland & Barrett and GNC (UK)
are the Medicines Act 1968, which regulates the licensing and sale of
medicines, and the Food Safety Act 1990, which provides for the safety of
food products. A large volume of secondary legislation in the form of
Statutory Instruments adds detail to the main provisions of the above Acts.
In the U.K. regulatory system a product intended to be taken orally
will fall within either the category of food or the category of medicine.
There is no special category of
13
dietary supplement as provided for in the U.S. by DSHEA. Some products
which are intended to be applied externally, for example creams and
ointments, may be classified as medicines and others as cosmetics.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency ("MHRA") now
has responsibility for the implementation and enforcement of the Medicines
Act, and is the licensing authority for medicinal products. The MHRA
directly employs enforcement officers from a wide range of backgrounds,
including the police, and with a wide range of skills, including
information technology. The MHRA is an Executive Agency of the Department
of Health. The MHRA decides whether a product is a medicine or not and, if
so, considers whether it can be licensed. It determines the status of a
product by considering whether it is medicinal by "presentation" or by
"function". Many, though not all, herbal remedies are considered
"medicinal" by virtue of these two tests.
The Food Standards Agency ("FSA") deals with legislation, policy and
oversight of food products, with enforcement action in most situations
being handled by local authority Trading Standards Officers. The FSA
answers primarily to Ministers at the Department of Health and the
Department of Environment Food and Rural Affairs. Most vitamin and mineral
supplements, and some products with herbal ingredients, are considered to
be food supplements and fall under general food law which requires them to
be safe.
In July 2002, the European Union ("EU") published in its Official
Journal the final text of a Food Supplements Directive which came into EU
law on that date, and which sets out a process and timetable by which the
Member States of Europe must bring their domestic legislation in line with
its provisions. It seeks to harmonize the regulation of the composition,
labeling and marketing of food supplements (at this stage only vitamins and
minerals) throughout the EU. It does this by specifying what nutrients and
nutrient sources may be used (and by interpretation the rest which may
not), the level at which those nutrients may be present in a supplement,
and the labeling and other information which must be provided on packaging.
By harmonizing the legislation, the Food Supplements Directive should
provide opportunities for businesses to market one product or range of
products to a larger number of potential customers without having to
reformulate or repackage it. This development may lead to some liberalizing
of the more restrictive regimes in France and Germany, providing new
business opportunities. Conversely, however, it may substantially limit the
range of nutrients and nutrient sources, and the potencies at which some
nutrients may be marketed by the Company in the more liberal countries,
such as the U.K., which may lead to some reformulation costs and loss of
some specialist products.
The provisions of the Food Supplements Directive were incorporated
into U.K. domestic law by Statutory Instrument in July 2003. The first
phase of compliance relates to the composition of food supplements and must
be attained by August 2005.
The EU is also considering a Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products
Directive ("THMPD") which would allow a traditional herbal medicine to be
licensed without
14
having to demonstrate its efficacy in the way that pharmaceutical products
have to do, provided that it is safe, is manufactured to high standards,
and has been on the market for 30 years. The THMPD is intended to provide a
safe home in EU law for a number of categories of herbal remedies, which
may otherwise be found to fall outside EU law. It does not, however,
provide a mechanism for new product development, and would entail some
compliance costs in registering the many herbal products already on the
market. The THMPD is currently anticipated to go into effect in the spring
of 2004. The THMPD will be implemented in stages, with full compliance
required by 2011.
Additional EU legislation is anticipated to further regulate the
composition, labeling and marketing of other products including sports
nutrition products, fortified foods, very low calorie diets, and foods for
particular nutritional purposes. Further progress is expected with
legislative initiatives to permit, but closely regulate, the use of health
claims made for products.
The EU has established a European Food Safety Authority, which will
have an important role to play in focusing attention on food standards in
Europe. Its Executive Director is Mr. Geoffrey Podger, who until 2003 was
the Chief Executive of the U.K.'s Food Standards Agency. Other members are
still being recruited.
Ireland. The legislative and regulatory situation in the Republic of
Ireland is similar, but not identical to that in the U.K.
The Irish Medicines Board has a similar role to that of the U.K.'s
MHRA and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland is analogous to the U.K.'s
FSA.
Like the U.K., Ireland will be required to bring its domestic
legislation into line with the provisions of the Food Supplements Directive
and the THMPD when the latter is finalized, and, indeed, with the other
forthcoming EU legislation mentioned above. Thus the market prospects for
Ireland are, in general, similar to those outlined in the U.K.
Holland. The regulatory environment in Holland is similar to the U.K.
in terms of availability of products. Holland currently has the same
liberal market, with no restrictions on potency of nutrients. Licensed
herbal medicines are available. However, there are some herbal medicines
which are sold freely as in the U.K. without the need to be licensed,
depending on the claims made for them. Holland is also more liberal
regarding certain substances, for which unlicensed sales are allowed. The
Government department dealing with this sector is the Ministry for Health,
Welfare and Sport.
Responsibility for food safety falls to the Keuringsdienst van Waren
(Inspectorate for Health Protection and Veterinary Public Health). This
authority deals with all nutritional products. The Medicines Evaluation
Board, which is the equivalent of the U.K.'s MHRA, is charged with the
responsibility for the safety of medicines which are regulated under the
Supply of Medicines Act.
The overall market prospects for Holland are, in general, similar to
those outlined for the U.K. above.
15
International Operations
In addition to the U.K., Ireland and Holland, the Company markets its
nutritional supplement products through distributors, retailers and direct
mail in more than 85 countries throughout Europe, North America, South
America, Asia, the Pacific Rim countries, Africa and the Caribbean Islands.
The Company's international operations are conducted in a manner to
conform to local variations, economic realities, market customs, consumer
habits and regulatory environments. The Company's products (including
labeling of such products) and the distribution and marketing programs of
the Company are modified in response to local and foreign legal
requirements and customer preferences.
The Company's international operations are subject to many of the
same risks faced by the Company's domestic operations. These include
competition and the strength of the relevant economy. In addition,
international operations are subject to certain risks inherent in
conducting business abroad, including foreign regulatory restrictions,
fluctuations in monetary exchange rates, import-export controls and the
economic and political policies of foreign governments. The importance of
these risks increases as the Company's international operations grow and
expand. Virtually all of the Company's international operations are
affected by foreign currency fluctuations, and, more particularly, changes
in the value of the British Pound and the Euro as compared to the U.S.
Dollar.
For additional information regarding financial information about the
geographic areas in which the Company and its subsidiaries conduct their
business, see Item 7 "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations" and the Notes to the Company's
Consolidated Financial Statements contained in this Report.
Trademarks
U.S. The Company and its subsidiaries have applied for or registered
more than 2,100 trademarks with the United States Patent and Trademark
Office and many other major jurisdictions throughout the world for its
Nature's Bounty(R), Holland & Barrett(R), Good 'N Natural(R), American
Health(R), Puritan's Pride(R), Vitamin World(R), Natural Wealth(R),
Nutrition Headquarters(R), Rexall(R), Sundown(R), MET-Rx(R), Worldwide
Sport Nutrition(R) and Nutrition Warehouse(R) trademarks, among others, and
has rights to use other names essential to its business. Federally
registered trademarks have a perpetual life, as long as they are maintained
and renewed on a timely basis and used properly as trademarks, subject to
the rights of third parties to seek cancellation of the trademarks if they
claim priority or confusion of usage. The Company regards its trademarks
and other proprietary rights as valuable assets and believes they have
significant value in the marketing of its products. The Company vigorously
protects its trademarks against infringement.
16
U.K./Ireland. Holland & Barrett owns trademarks registered in the
United Kingdom and/or throughout the European Community for its Holland &
Barrett and Nature's Way trademarks and has rights to use other names
essential to its business. Holland & Barrett is the exclusive licensee of
the trademarks essential to the GNC (UK) business in the U.K.
Holland. De Tuinen owns trademarks registered in Holland and/or
throughout the European Community for its DeTuinen trademarks and has
rights to use other names essential to its business.
Raw Materials
In fiscal 2003, the Company spent approximately $290 million on raw
materials. The principal raw materials required in the Company's operations
are vitamins, minerals, herbs, gel caps, and bottling materials. The
Company purchases its vitamins, minerals and herbs from bulk manufacturers
and distributors in the United States, Japan, China and Europe. The Company
believes that there are adequate sources of supply for all of its principal
raw materials, and that the Company's relationships with its suppliers
yield improved quality, pricing and overall service to its customers.
Although there can be no assurance that the Company's sources of supply for
its principal raw materials will be adequate in all circumstances, in the
event that such sources are not adequate, the Company believes that
alternate sources can be developed in a timely manner. During fiscal 2003,
no one supplier accounted for more than 9% of the Company's raw material
purchases. The Company does not believe that the loss of any single
supplier would have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated
financial condition or results of operations.
Seasonality
While the Company believes that its business is not seasonal in
nature, the Company may have higher net sales in a particular quarter
depending upon when it has engaged in significant promotional activities.
Item 2. PROPERTIES
U.S. At September 30, 2003, the Company owned a total of
approximately 1.55 million square feet of plant and administrative
facilities. The Company also leased approximately 1.25 million square feet
of administrative, manufacturing, warehouse and distribution space in
various locations at the end of fiscal 2003. At September 30, 2003 the
Company leased and operated approximately 533 retail locations under the
name Vitamin World(R) and Nutrition Warehouse(R) in 45 states in the U.S.,
Guam and Puerto Rico. Generally, the Company leases the properties for
three to ten years at varying annual base rents and percentage rents in the
event sales exceed a specified amount. The retail stores have an average
selling area of approximately 940 square feet.
U.K./Ireland. Holland & Barrett owns a 178,000 square foot
administrative, manufacturing and distribution facility (which includes a
42,500 square foot mezzanine) in Burton. It is currently building an
extension for this facility which it expects will be
17
completed in January 2004, providing an additional 99,350 square feet
(including 13,200 square feet of mezzanines). Holland & Barrett leases all
but four of its 524 Holland & Barrett, GNC (UK), and Nature's Way retail
stores for terms varying between 10 and 35 years at varying annual base
rents. Nine Holland & Barrett stores are subject to percentage rents in the
event sales exceed a specified amount. Holland & Barrett and Nature's Way
stores each have an average selling area of approximately 945 square feet,
and the GNC (UK) stores have an average selling area of approximately 980
square feet.
Holland. In 2003, De Tuinen leased a 71,400 square foot
administrative and distribution facility in Beverwijk. De Tuinen leases
locations for 65 retail stores on renewable 5 year terms at varying annual
base rents. Of these, 41 are operated as company stores; the remaining 24
are sub-leased to, and operated by, franchisees. None of De Tuinen's stores
are subject to percentage rent.
The following is a listing of all material properties (excluding
retail locations and de minimis sales office locations) owned or leased by
the Company, which are used in all four of the Company's business segments:
Type of Approx. Leased
Location Facility Sq. Feet or Owned
-------- -------- -------- --------
UNITED STATES:
- --------------
Bohemia, NY Administration & Manufacturing 169,000 Owned
Bohemia, NY Manufacturing 80,000 Owned
Bohemia, NY(1) Manufacturing 75,000 Owned
Bohemia, NY Manufacturing & Warehousing 62,000 Owned
Bohemia, NY Administration & Warehousing 110,000 Leased
(term - 2009)
Bohemia, NY Administration & Warehousing 130,000 Leased
(term - 2009)
Holbrook, NY(1) Distribution 230,000 Owned
Holbrook, NY Distribution 108,000 Owned
Ronkonkoma, NY Administration & Distribution 110,000 Owned
Ronkonkoma, NY Warehousing 75,000 Leased
(term - September 2004)
Bayport, NY IT Services 12,000 Owned
Bayport, NY Manufacturing 131,000 Owned
Mineola, NY Administrative 13,000 Owned
Mineola, NY Administration & Warehousing 4,000 Owned
Reno, NV Distribution 40,000 Leased
(term - 2006)
Carbondale, IL Administration, Manufacturing 77,000 Owned
and Distribution
18
Type of Approx. Leased
Location Facility Sq. Feet or Owned
-------- -------- -------- --------
Carbondale, IL Administration 15,000 Owned
Murphysboro, IL(2) Manufacturing 62,000 Owned
Murphysboro, IL(2) Warehousing 30,000 Leased
(term - 2008)
South Plainfield, NJ Manufacturing 68,000 Owned
South Plainfield, NJ Manufacturing & Distribution 60,000 Leased
(term - 2006)
North Glenn, CO Administration 4,900 Leased
(term - June 2004)
Thornton, CO Manufacturing 72,000 Leased
(term - 2006)
Anaheim, CA Manufacturing & Distribution 286,140 Leased
(term - 2006)
Anaheim, CA Manufacturing 64,000 Leased
(term - 2008)
Anaheim, CA Administration & Manufacturing 20,000 Owned
Lake Mary, FL Administration (term - 2008) 12,250 Leased
Boca Raton, FL Administration 92,000 Owned
Boca Raton, FL Administration 58,000 Owned
Boca Raton, FL Manufacturing 84,000 Owned
Deerfield Beach, FL Manufacturing 157,000 Owned
Boca Raton, FL Warehousing 100,000 Owned
Sparks, NV Distribution (term - 2005) 100,647 Leased
Harrisburg, PA Distribution (term - 2005) 140,000 Leased
Bentonville, AR Sales Office 4,200 Leased
UNITED KINGDOM:
- --------------
Nuneaton Administration 8,300 Leased
(term - 2012)
Nuneaton Administration & Distribution 7,200 Leased
(term - 2010)
Burton Administration, Manufacturing 178,000 Owned
and Distribution
Manchester(3) Administration, Manufacturing 58,500 Leased
and Distribution (term - 2003)
Guildford Administration (term - 2005) 3,600 Leased
HOLLAND:
- -------
Beverwijk Administration & Distribution 71,400 Leased
(term - 2008)
- --------------------
The property is subject to a first mortgage. For additional
information regarding the mortgage, see the Company's Consolidated
Financial Statements contained in this Report.
19
On December 5, 2003, the Company ceased its operations at its
Murphysboro, IL facility.
Holland & Barrett's lease for this property expired in October, 2003.
Holland & Barrett will continue to occupy these premises until
February 2004 when it will relocate the Manchester operations to the
Burton facility.
Warehousing and Distribution
The Company has dedicated approximately 1.5 million square feet to
warehousing and distribution in its Long Island, NY; Carbondale, IL; Reno,
NV; Anaheim, CA; Thornton, CO; South Plainfield, NJ; Boca Raton, FL;
Sparks, NV; Harrisburg, PA; Burton, Manchester and Radcliffe, U.K.
facilities; and Beverwijk, Holland.
The Company's warehouse and distribution centers are integrated with
the Company's order entry systems to enable the Company to ship out mail
orders typically within 24 hours of their receipt. Once a customer's
telephone, mail or Internet order is completed, the Company's computer
system forwards the order to its distribution center, where all necessary
distribution and shipping documents are printed to facilitate processing.
Thereafter, the orders are prepared, picked, packed and shipped continually
throughout the day. The Company operates a proprietary, state-of-the-art,
automated picking and packing system for frequently shipped items. The
Company is capable of fulfilling 15,000 orders daily. A system of conveyors
automatically routes boxes carrying merchandise throughout the distribution
center for fulfillment of orders. Completed orders are bar-coded and
scanned and the merchandise and ship date are verified and entered
automatically into the customer order file for access by sales associates
prior to being shipped. The Company currently ships its U.S. orders
primarily through the United Parcel Service, Inc. (UPS), serving domestic
and international markets. Holland & Barrett and GNC (UK) use Parcelforce
and ANC for deliveries in the U.K., and Nature's Way uses the Irish postal
service for deliveries in Ireland.
The Company currently distributes its products from its distribution
centers through contract and common carriers in the U.S. and the
Netherlands and by Company-owned trucks in both the U.S. and the U.K.
Deliveries are made directly to the Vitamin World(R) and Nutrition
Warehouse(R) stores once per week. In addition, the Company ships products
overseas by container loads. The Company also operates additional
distribution centers in Burton, U.K. and Beverwijk, Holland. Deliveries are
made directly to Company owned and operated Holland & Barrett, GNC (UK),
Nature's Way, and De Tuinen stores once or twice per week, depending on
each store's inventory requirements.
All of the Company's properties are covered by all-risk and liability
insurance, which the Company believes is customary for the industry.
Management believes that these properties, taken as a whole, are
generally well-maintained, and are adequate for current and reasonably
foreseeable business needs. Management also believes that substantially all
of the Company's properties are being utilized to a significant degree.
20
Item 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Pseudoephedrine Products
On April 14, 2003, a complaint was filed by the United States of
America against the Company arising from certain pseudoephedrine sales by
the Company from November 2000 through December 2002. The complaint, filed
in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, alleges
technical recordkeeping and reporting violations of the Controlled
Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. Sections 801-904, and Controlled Substances
Import and Export Act, 21 U.S.C. Sections 951-971, in a small fraction of
the Company's sales of over-the-counter antihistamine and decongestant
products containing pseudoephedrine. Total sales of such products generated
approximately $160,000, or only 0.0002 percent, of the Company's total
sales for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2001 and September 30, 2002.
The Company has cooperated in all respects with the Drug Enforcement
Administration in its investigation of sales identified in the complaint.
Accordingly, the Company believes that there is no valid basis nor precedent
for the penalties sought (which consist of monetary fines), and has launched
a vigorous defense. However, because this action is in its early stages, no
determination can be made at this time as to the final outcome of this
action, nor can its materiality be accurately ascertained.
Prohormone Products
On July 25, 2002, a putative consumer class action was filed in New
York state court against several manufacturers and retailers of so-called
prohormone supplements naming Vitamin World as a defendant. Prohormones are
substances such as androstenedione that plaintiffs allege are hormone
precursors ingested to promote muscle growth. Plaintiffs allege that the
advertising and labeling of certain prohormone supplements overstate their
efficacy and do not fully disclose their risks, and seek class
certification and injunctive and monetary relief. The action was severed
into separate class actions against each of the defendants. On December 6,
2002, an amended class action complaint was filed against Vitamin World
that purported to elaborate on the claims initially alleged. The court has
not yet certified a class and the matter is currently in discovery. The
Company believes that this action is without merit and intends to
vigorously defend against the claims asserted. However, because this action
is in its early stages, no determination can be made at this time as to the
final outcome of this action, nor can its materiality be accurately
ascertained.
In addition to the foregoing prohormone case in which the Company is
a defendant, there are two other cases filed in 2002 naming MET-Rx as a
defendant. On July 25, 2002, one putative consumer class action was filed
in California state court and one putative consumer class action was filed
in Florida state court. Plaintiffs in each of these cases allege that the
advertising and labeling of certain prohormone supplements overstate their
efficacy and do not fully disclose their risks, and seek class
certification, injunctive and monetary relief. In the Florida action,
plaintiffs allege in the alternative that if the prohormone products were
effective as advertised, they were anabolic steroids, controlled substances
under Florida law. On this alternative theory, plaintiffs seek treble
damages under the Florida Civil RICO statute. The cases are currently in
the discovery
21
phase. The Company believes that these actions are without merit and
intends to vigorously defend against the claims asserted. However, because
these actions are in their early stages, no determination can be made at
this time as to their final outcome, nor can their materiality be
accurately ascertained.
Nutrition Bars
On August 28, 2001, the Company was also named as a defendant, along
with other companies, in a putative class action commenced in an Alabama
state court. Plaintiffs allege that NBTY manufactured and marketed
misbranded nutrition bars which understated carbohydrate content.
Plaintiffs seek class certification, injunctive, declaratory, and monetary
relief. Class discovery is being taken, and no class has been certified.
NBTY is vigorously opposing class certification on the basis that the
plaintiffs were not damaged as alleged as a result of any action by NBTY.
On October 3, 2002, the Company was named as a defendant in a second
putative class action commenced in the same Alabama state court as the
above-identified litigation. Plaintiffs, in an attempt to pursue several
retailers, including Vitamin World, and not manufacturers of nutrition
bars, allege that NBTY marketed misbranded nutrition bars. In November
2002, NBTY filed a motion to dismiss or abate the lawsuit based on the
principle that the court lacks subject-matter jurisdiction because the
earlier-filed lawsuit, which seeks identical relief for the same purported
class action against the manufacturers, preempts this second attempt to
certify a class against NBTY.
In addition to the foregoing nutrition bar cases in which the Company
is a defendant, there are six other cases filed in 2002 naming Rexall or a
subsidiary of Rexall as a defendant, each making substantially the same
allegations. NBTY acquired these cases with the purchase of Rexall. Three
cases were brought in California state court, on August 8, 2002, June 21,
2002 and August 29, 2002, respectively. One case was brought in Florida
state court on December 23, 2002, one case in Oklahoma state court on
December 31, 2002 and one case in Arkansas state court on December 31,
2002. Plaintiffs allege misbranding of nutrition bars and violations of
state unfair trade and practices statutes, unjust enrichment, misleading
advertising, unfair competition and other similar causes of action.
Plaintiffs seek disgorgement of profits, restitution, declaratory and
injunctive relief. NBTY contends that the California action is not
appropriate for class certification because the named plaintiffs are
inadequate class representatives and not typical of persons who purchased
the nutrition bars.
The Company believes that all of the above described nutrition bar
suits are without merit and intends to vigorously defend against the claims
asserted. Based upon the information available at this time, the Company
believes that its accrual is adequate for the exposure in the nutrition bar
litigation. However, because these actions are in their early stages, no
determination can be made at this time as to their final outcome, nor can
their materiality or the adequacy of the accrual be accurately ascertained.
In addition to the foregoing, other regulatory inquiries, claims,
suits and complaints (including product liability claims) arise in the
ordinary course of the Company's business. See Item 1. "Government
Regulation". The Company believes
22
that such other inquiries, claims, suits and complaints would not have a
material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial condition
or results of operations, if adversely determined against the Company.
Item 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
None.
23
PART II
Item 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED
STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
DIVIDEND POLICY
Since its incorporation in 1979, the Company has not paid any cash
dividends on its Common Stock. On April 24, 1992, the Company effected a
two-for-one stock split in the form of a 100% stock dividend to
stockholders of record on May 8, 1992. On September 25, 1992, the Company
effected a three-for-one stock split in the form of a 200% stock dividend
to stockholders of record on November 2, 1992. On August 3, 1993, the
Company effected a two-for-one stock split in the form of a 100% stock
dividend to stockholders of record on August 13, 1993. In addition, in
March 1998, the Company effected a three-for-one stock split in the form of
a 200% stock dividend.
Future determination as to the payment of cash or stock dividends
will depend upon the Company's results of operations, financial condition,
capital requirements, restrictions contained in the Company's Credit
Agreement and Guarantee and Collateral Agreement (collectively, the "CGA"),
limitations contained in the indenture governing the 8 5/8% Senior
Subordinated Notes due 2007 of the Company, and such other factors as the
Company's Board of Directors considers appropriate.
The CGA prohibits the Company from paying dividends or making any
other distributions (other than dividends payable solely in shares of the
Company's common stock) to its stockholders. The Company's Indenture
governing its 8 5/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2007 similarly prohibits
the Company from paying dividends or making any other distributions to its
stockholders. In addition, except as specifically permitted in the CGA, the
CGA does not allow the Company's subsidiaries to advance or loan money to,
or make a capital contribution to or invest in, the Company. Furthermore,
except as expressly permitted in the Indenture, the Company's subsidiaries
are not permitted to invest in the Company. However, the CGA and the
Indenture do permit the Company's subsidiaries to pay dividends to the
Company.
For additional information regarding these lending arrangements and
securities, see Item 7. "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations-Liquidity and Capital Resources" and
the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Report.
PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK
Since September 19, 2003, the Common Stock has traded on the New York
Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") under the trading symbol "NTY". Prior to that
date, the Common Stock was included for quotation on the National
Association of Securities Dealers National Market System ("NASDAQ/NMS")
under the trading symbol "NBTY". The following table sets forth, for the
periods indicated, the high and low sale prices for
24
the Common Stock, as reported on NASDAQ/NMS until September 19, 2003 and
thereafter on the NYSE:
Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2003
------------------------------------
High Low
---- ---
First Quarter ended December 31, 2002 $18.63 $11.48
Second Quarter ended March 31, 2003 $20.00 $16.10
Third Quarter ended June 30, 2003 $21.75 $14.75
Fourth Quarter ended September 30, 2003 $27.45 $20.25
Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2002
------------------------------------
High Low
---- ---
First Quarter ended December 31, 2001 $14.07 $ 6.70
Second Quarter ended March 31, 2002 $18.00 $10.61
Third Quarter ended June 30, 2002 $19.55 $14.37
Fourth Quarter ended September 30, 2002 $17.32 $12.35
On December 8, 2003, there were approximately 650 record holders of
Common Stock. The Company believes that there were approximately 12,275
beneficial holders of Common Stock as of December 8, 2003.
For additional information regarding the Company's securities
authorized for issuance under the Company's equity compensation plans, see
Item 12. "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
and Related Stockholder Matters."
Item 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following table sets forth the selected financial data derived
from the audited financial statements of the Company. For additional
information, see the consolidated financial statements of the Company and
the notes thereto. The selected historical financial data of the Company
should also be read in conjunction with Item 7. "Management's Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations".
25
(Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)
Fiscal Years Ended September 30,
2003 2002 2001 2000 1999
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Selected Income Statement Data:
Net sales $1,192,548 $964,083 $806,898 $720,856 $630,894
Costs & expenses:
Cost of sales 554,804 433,611 355,167 312,960 293,521
Discontinued product charge 4,500
Catalog printing, postage & promotion 66,455 47,846 49,410 33,709 32,895
Selling, general & administrative 435,748 348,334 315,228 279,379 236,367
Litigation recovery of raw material costs - (21,354) - (2,511) -
Litigation settlement costs - - - - 4,952
--------------------------------------------------------------
Income from operations 131,041 155,646 87,093 97,319 63,159
Interest expense (17,384) (18,499) (21,958) (18,858) (18,945)
Investment write down (4,084) - - - -
Miscellaneous, net 5,424 1,560 2,748 4,491 1,388
--------------------------------------------------------------
Income before income taxes 114,997 138,707 67,883 82,952 45,602
Provision for income taxes 33,412 42,916 25,958 31,444 18,323
--------------------------------------------------------------
Net income $ 81,585 $ 95,791 $ 41,925 $ 51,508 $ 27,279
==============================================================
Per Share Data:
Net income per share:
Basic $ 1.23 $ 1.45 $ 0.64 $ 0.77 $ 0.39
Diluted $ 1.19 $ 1.41 $ 0.62 $ 0.74 $ 0.39
Weighted average common shares
outstanding:
Basic 66,452 65,952 65,774 67,327 69,640
Diluted 68,538 67,829 67,125 69,318 70,826
Selected Balance Sheet Data:
Working capital $ 314,275 $185,710 $131,108 $100,114 $121,103
Total assets 1,204,383 730,140 708,462 603,613 539,384
Long-term debt, capital lease obligations
and promissory notes payable, less current
portion 413,989 163,874 237,236 200,478 219,508
Total stockholders' equity 514,799 419,257 302,406 272,443 223,949
26
Item 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Readers are cautioned that forward-looking statements contained
herein should be read in conjunction with the Company's disclosures under
the heading "Forward Looking Statements" on page 1. This discussion should
also be read in conjunction with the Notes to the Company's Consolidated
Financial Statements contained in this Report. Dollar amounts are in
thousands, unless otherwise noted.
Background
NBTY is a leading vertically integrated manufacturer, marketer and
retailer of a broad line of high quality, value-priced nutritional
supplements. NBTY has continued to grow through its marketing practices and
through a series of strategic acquisitions. Since 1986, the Company has
acquired and integrated approximately 34 companies and/or businesses
engaged in the manufacturing, retail and direct response sale of
nutritional supplements, including:
* Fiscal 1997: Holland & Barrett;
* Fiscal 1998: Nutrition Headquarters Group;
* Fiscal 2000: Nutrition Warehouse Group;
* Fiscal 2001: Global Health Sciences (the "Global Group"),
NatureSmart, and Nature's Way;
* Fiscal 2002: Healthcentral.com, Knox NutraJoint (R), and
Synergy Plus(R) product lines/operations; and
* Fiscal 2003: Rexall Sundown Inc., Health and Diet Group Ltd.
("GNC (UK)") and FSC Wholesale, and the DeTuinen
chain of retail stores.
NBTY markets its products through four distribution channels: (i)
Wholesale: wholesale distribution to drug store chains, supermarkets,
discounters, independent pharmacies, and health food stores, (ii) U.S.
Retail: Vitamin World and Nutrition Warehouse retail stores in the U.S.,
(iii) European Retail: Holland & Barrett, Nature's Way, GNC (UK), and
DeTuinen retail stores in the U.K., Ireland, and Netherlands, and (iv)
Direct Response: Puritan's Pride. NBTY's net sales from wholesale
operations, U.S. Retail, European Retail, and Direct Response were
approximately 35%, 18%, 30% and 17%, respectively, of total sales for the
fiscal year ended September 30, 2003.
The Company recognizes revenues from products shipped when risk of
loss and title transfers to its customers, and with respect to its own
retail stores, upon the sale of products. Net sales are net of all
discounts, allowances, returns and credits. Cost of sales includes the cost
of raw materials and all labor and overhead associated with the
manufacturing and packaging of the products. Gross margins are affected by,
among other things, changes in the relative sales mix among the Company's
four distribution channels. Historically, gross margins from the Company's
direct response/e-commerce and retail sales have typically been higher than
gross margins from wholesale sales.
27
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles ( "GAAP") in the United States of America
requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the
reported amounts of assets, liabilities and disclosures of contingent
assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and reported
amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The most
significant estimates include:
* revenue recognition and estimating allowance for doubtful accounts;
* inventory valuation and obsolescence;
* valuation of long-lived and intangible assets and goodwill
including the values assigned to acquired intangible assets;
* income tax valuation allowance;
* foreign currency; and
* estimating accruals for, and probability of, the outcome of current
litigation.
The Company continually evaluates its accounting policies and the
estimates it uses to prepare the consolidated financial statements. In
general, the estimates are based on historical experience, on information
from third party professionals and on various other sources and assumptions
that are believed to be reasonable under the facts and circumstances at the
time such estimates are made. Management considers an accounting estimate
to be critical if:
* it requires assumptions to be made that were uncertain at the time
the estimate was made; and
* changes in the estimate, or the use of different estimating
methods, could have a material impact on the Company's
consolidated results of operations or financial condition.
Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant
accounting policies are described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial
statements, which are included in Item 8 in this Form 10-K filing. In many
cases, the accounting treatment of a particular transaction is specifically
dictated by GAAP. There are also areas in which management's judgment in
selecting any available alternative would not produce a materially
different result.
Certain of the Company's accounting policies are deemed "critical",
as they require management's highest degree of judgment, estimates and
assumptions. The following critical accounting policies are not intended to
be a comprehensive list of all of the Company's accounting policies or
estimates.
Revenue Recognition
The Company applies the provisions of Staff Accounting Bulletin 101
"Revenue Recognition". The Company recognizes revenue from products shipped
when title and
28
risk of loss has passed to its customers, and with respect to its own
retail store operations, upon the sale of its products. The Company's net
sales represent gross sales invoiced to customers, less certain related
charges, including discounts, returns, rebates and other allowances. Most
of the Company's sales require judgments principally in the areas of
returns, rebates and other allowances. The provision for estimated sales
returns and other allowances and deferrals require significant judgment
whereby the Company must estimate, based on historical trends and
individual agreements with customers, the reduction of revenue at the time
of revenue recognition. If these estimates, which are based on historical
experience, are significantly below the actual amounts, revenue could be
adversely affected. The Company has no single customer that represents more
than ten percent of annual net sales of the Company for the fiscal years
ended September 30, 2003, 2002 and 2001. For the fiscal years ended 2003,
2002 and 2001, one customer, two customers and one customer, respectively,
represented, individually, more than 10% of the wholesale division net
sales.
Accounts Receivable
The Company performs on-going credit evaluations of its customers and
adjusts credit limits based upon payment history and the customer's current
credit worthiness, as determined by the review of their current credit
information. Collections and payments from customers are continuously
monitored. The Company also maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts,
which is estimated based upon historical experience as well as specific
customer collection issues that have been identified. While such bad debt
expenses have historically been within expectations and allowances
established, the Company cannot guarantee that it will continue to
experience the same credit loss rates that it has in the past. One customer
accounted for 20% and 24% of the Company's accounts receivable at September
30, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Additionally, a new customer accounted for
10% of the Company's accounts receivable at September 30, 2003. The loss of
either or both of these customers is not expected to have a material impact
on the Company's consolidated financial position or results of operations.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. The cost
elements of inventory include materials, labor and overhead. The Company
regularly reviews inventory quantities on hand and records a provision for
excess and obsolete inventory based primarily on estimated forecasts of
product demand and production requirements for the next twelve months. In
assessing the realization of inventories, the Company is required to make
judgments as to future demand requirements and compare that with inventory
levels. It is possible that changes in consumer demand could cause a
reduction in the net realizable value of inventory.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles are tested for impairment
annually or more frequently if impairment indicators arise in accordance
with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 142,
"Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets". These evaluations require the use
of judgment as to the effects of external factors and market conditions on
the Company's conduct of its operations, and they require the use of
estimates in projecting future operating results. If actual external
conditions or future operating results differ from the Company's judgments,
impairment charges may be necessary to reduce the carrying value of the
subject assets.
29
Pursuant to SFAS No. 142, the Company performs an annual goodwill
impairment review for each business segment, as defined in Note 6,
"Goodwill and Intangible Assets" to the Consolidated Financial Statements,
or when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may
not be recoverable. The Company considers the following to be some examples
of important indicators that may trigger an impairment review: (i)
significant under-performance or loss of key contracts acquired in an
acquisition relative to expected historical or projected future operating
results; (ii) significant changes in the manner or use of the acquired
assets or in the Company's overall strategy with respect to the manner or
use of the acquired assets or changes in the Company's overall business
strategy; (iii) significant negative industry or economic trends; (iv)
increased competitive pressures; (v) a significant decline in the Company's
stock price for a sustained period of time; and (vi) regulatory changes. In
assessing the recoverability of the Company's goodwill and intangibles, the
Company must make assumptions regarding estimated future cash flows and
other factors to determine the fair value of the respective assets. The
fair value of an asset could vary, depending upon the estimating method
employed, as well as assumptions made. This may result in a possible
impairment of the intangible assets and/or goodwill, or alternatively an
acceleration in amortization expense. An impairment charge would reduce
operating income in the period it was determined that the charge was
needed. As a result of the September 30, 2003 impairment testing, no
impairment adjustments were deemed necessary.
Purchase Price Allocation
During fiscal 2003, the Company acquired all of the issued and
outstanding capital stock of Rexall for $250,000 in cash (subject to
adjustment based upon finalization of working capital balances on the
closing date). Prior to this acquisition, Rexall was owned by Numico USA,
Inc., an indirect subsidiary of Royal Numico N.V. This acquisition was
accomplished through purchase by the Company of certain partnership and
limited liability company interests. The Company also incurred
approximately $6,000 of direct transaction costs as well as approximately
$5,000 in insurance and other indirect costs for a total purchase price of
approximately $261,000. Additionally, finance related costs of
approximately $7,500 were paid to secure the financing for this
acquisition, which costs will be amortized until its approximate 6 year
maturity. The total purchase price was allocated to the tangible and
intangible assets acquired and the liabilities assumed based on their
estimated fair value. The excess of the purchase price over the fair value
was recorded as goodwill. The fair value assigned to the tangible and
intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed was based upon estimates
and assumptions developed by management and other information compiled by
management, including a valuation, prepared by an independent valuation
specialist that utilized established valuation techniques appropriate for
the industry. Upon completion of the valuation of the fair value of the net
assets acquired (which the Company expects to finalize by end of fiscal
2004), actual results may differ from those presented herein.
30
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
The Company follows the provisions of SFAS No. 144, "Accounting for
the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets." This statement requires
that certain assets be reviewed for impairment and, if impaired, remeasured
at fair value whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the
carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. Impairment loss
estimates are primarily based upon management's analysis and review of the
carrying value of long-lived assets at each balance sheet date, utilizing an
undiscounted future cash flow calculation. During fiscal years 2003, 2002
and 2001, the Company recognized impairment losses of $1,117, $700 and
$500, respectively, on assets to be held and used. The impairment losses
related primarily to leasehold improvements and furniture and fixtures for
U.S. Retail operations and were recorded in selling, general and
administrative expense.
Income Taxes
The Company estimates the degree to which tax assets and loss
carryforwards will result in a benefit based on expected profitability by
tax jurisdiction. A valuation allowance for such tax assets and loss
carryforwards is provided when it is determined that such assets will more
likely than not go unused. If it becomes more likely than not that a tax
asset or loss carryforward will be used, the related valuation allowance on
such assets is reversed. If actual future taxable income by tax
jurisdiction varies from estimates, additional allowances or reversals of
reserves may be necessary.
Foreign Currency
Foreign subsidiaries account for approximately 31% of net revenues,
27% of assets and 11% of total liabilities of the Company as of September
30, 2003.
In preparing the consolidated financial statements, the financial
statements of the foreign subsidiaries are translated from the currency in
which they keep their accounting records, generally the local currency,
into U.S. Dollars. This process results in exchange gains and losses,
which, under the relevant accounting guidance, are either included within
the statement of operations or as a separate component of stockholders'
equity under the caption "Accumulated other comprehensive income."
Under the relevant accounting guidance, the treatment of these
translation gains or losses is dependent upon management's determination of
the functional currency of each subsidiary. The functional currency is
determined based on management's judgment and involves consideration of all
relevant economic facts and circumstances affecting the subsidiary.
Generally, the currency in which the subsidiary transacts a majority of its
transactions, including billings, financing, payroll and other expenditures
would be considered the functional currency but any dependency upon the
parent and the nature of the subsidiary's operations must also be
considered.
If a subsidiary's functional currency is deemed to be the local
currency, then any gain or loss associated with the translation of that
subsidiary's financial statements is
31
included in accumulated other comprehensive income. However, if the
functional currency is deemed to be the U.S. Dollar, then any gain or loss
associated with the translation of these financial statements would be
included within the statement of operations. If the Company disposes of
subsidiaries, then any cumulative translation gains or losses would be
recorded into the statement of operations. If the Company determines that
there has been a change in the functional currency of a subsidiary to the
U.S. Dollar, any translation gains or losses arising after the date of
change would be included within the statement of operations.
Based on an assessment of the factors discussed above, the Company
considers the relevant subsidiary's local currency to be the functional
currency for each of its foreign subsidiaries. During fiscal years 2003,
2002 and 2001, translation gains (losses) of $9,980, $17,603 and ($126),
respectively, were included under accumulated other comprehensive income
(loss). Accordingly, cumulative translation gains of approximately $14,605
and $4,625 were included as part of accumulated other comprehensive income
within the balance sheet at September 30, 2003 and September 30, 2002,
respectively. Had the Company determined that the functional currency of
its subsidiaries was the U.S. Dollar, these gains (losses) would have
increased (reduced) net income for each of the periods presented.
The magnitude of these gains or losses is dependent upon movements in
the exchange rates of the foreign currencies against the U.S. Dollar. These
currencies include the Euro and the British Pound. Any future translation
gains or losses could be significantly higher than those noted in each of
these years. In addition, if a change in the functional currency of a
foreign subsidiary has occurred at any point in time, the Company would be
required to include any translation gains or losses from the date of such
change in the statement of operations.
Contingencies
As discussed in Note 17 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial
Statements, NBTY is unable to make a reasonable estimate of the liabilities
that may result from the final resolution of certain contingencies
disclosed. Assessments of each potential liability will be made as
additional information becomes available. NBTY currently does not believe
that these matters will have a material adverse affect on its consolidated
financial position or results of operations.
General
Operating results in all periods presented reflect the impact of
acquisitions, beginning with the date acquired. The timing of those
acquisitions and the changing mix of businesses as acquired companies are
integrated into the Company impacts the comparability of results from one
period to another.
32
Results of Operations
The following table sets forth income statement data of the Company
as a percentage of net sales for the periods indicated:
Fiscal Year
Ended September 30, Increase/(Decrease)
----------------------- --------------------
2003 vs. 2002 vs.
2003 2002 2001 2002 2001
---- ---- ---- -------- --------
Net sales 100% 100% 100% 23.7% 19.5%
Costs and expenses:
Cost of sales 46.5% 45.0% 44.0% 27.9% 22.1%
Discontinued product charge 0.4% - - 100.0% -
Catalog printing, postage and promotion 5.6% 5.0% 6.1% 38.9% -3.2%
Selling, general and administrative 36.5% 36.1% 39.1% 25.1% 10.5%
Litigation recovery of raw material costs - -2.2% - -100.0% 100.0%
---- ---- ---- ------ -----
89.0% 83.9% 89.2% 31.3% 12.3%
---- ---- ---- ------ -----
Income from operations 11.0% 16.1% 10.8% -15.8% 78.7%
---- ---- ---- ------ -----
Other income (expense):
Interest -1.5% -1.9% -2.7% -6.0% -15.8%
Investment write down -0.3% - - 100.0% -
Miscellaneous, net 0.5% 0.2% 0.3% 247.7% -43.2%
---- ---- ---- ------ -----
-1.3% -1.7% -2.4% -5.3% -11.8%
---- ---- ---- ------ -----
Income before income taxes 9.7% 14.4% 8.4% -17.1% 104.3%
Provision for income taxes 2.8% 4.5% 3.2% -22.2% 65.3%
---- ---- ---- ------ -----
Net income 6.9% 9.9% 5.2% -14.8% 128.5%
==== ==== ==== ====== =====
33
Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2003 Compared to Fiscal Year Ended
September 30, 2002
Net Sales. Net sales for fiscal 2003 were $1,192,548, an increase of
$228,465, or 23.7%, compared with net sales of $964,083 in fiscal 2002. The
$228,465 increase is comprised of the following:
Fiscal Year Dollar Percent
Ended September 30, Increase Increase
---------------------- -------- --------
2003 vs. 2003 vs.
2003 2002 2002 2002
---- ---- -------- --------
Wholesale $ 416,627 $291,287 $125,340 43.0%
U.S. Retail / Vitamin World 212,380 198,602 13,778 6.9%
European Retail /
Holland & Barrett / GNC 363,597 290,881 72,716 25.0%
Direct Response /
Puritan's Pride 199,944 183,313 16,631 9.1%
---------- -------- -------- ----
Total $1,192,548 $964,083 $228,465 23.7%
========== ======== ======== ====
Wholesale sales were $416,627, compared to $291,287 in the prior
year, an increase of $125,340, or 43%. Such increase in the wholesale
segment's sales was primarily due to the acquisition of Rexall ($72,815),
an increase in sales to the mass market, drug chains and supermarkets
($46,646), and sales contributed by the FSC acquisition ($5,879). Products
such as Coral Calcium, Flex-a-min(R), and the Knox NutraJoint(R) products
continue to help the Company strengthen its leading market position. In
addition, increases in the wholesale segment can be attributed to the
Company expanding its distribution channel with new customer accounts. U.S.
Retail sales were $212,380, compared to $198,602 in the prior year, an
increase of $13,778, or 6.9%. Such increase was a direct result of the
Savings Passport Program, a customer loyalty program. Same store sales for
stores open more than one year increased 5.4% or $10,192. European Retail
sales were $363,597, compared to $290,881, an increase of $72,716, or 25%.
Such increase was attributable to an increase in same store sales for
stores open more than one year of 11.8% (or $34,018) and sales contributed
by the GNC (UK) and De Tuinen acquisitions ($21,589 and $13,245,
respectively). These results include the positive effect of a strong
British Pound ($25,887 or 8.9%). There were 533 retail stores located
within the U.S. and 589 retail stores located within Europe as of September
30, 2003, compared to 544 stores in the U.S. and 468 in the U.K./Ireland as
of September 30, 2002. Direct Response/Puritan's Pride sales were $199,944,
compared to $183,313, an increase of $16,631, or 9.1%. Such increase was a
result of the Company's catalog promotion strategy, enhancement of the
appearance of the catalog, and improved customer service.
Cost of Sales/Discontinued product charge. Cost of sales (including
the discontinued product charge) for fiscal 2003 was $559,304, an increase
of $125,693,
34
compared with the cost of sales of $433,611 for fiscal 2002. Overall, gross
profit, as a percentage of sales, decreased 1.9% to 53.1% during the fiscal
year ended September 30, 2003 as compared to 55% for the prior comparable
period. Included in the current period's cost of sales is a $4,500 charge
(or 0.4% as a percentage of sales) for the Company's voluntary
discontinuance of sales of products containing ephedra. Without this
charge, as a percentage of sales, gross profit would have decreased 1.5% to
53.5% during fiscal 2003 as compared to 55% for the prior comparable
period. The Company's belief that its ephedra products were safe when used
as directed has been supported by credible scientific evidence. However, in
light of adverse publicity surrounding ephedra and the current environment
in the U.S., the Company believed it was in its best interest to
voluntarily cease selling ephedra products, effective March 15, 2003.
Historically, ephedra products represented an insignificant portion of the
Company's overall business.
The Wholesale segment's gross profit, as a percentage of sales, for
fiscal 2003 was 40% as compared to 41% for fiscal 2002. Such gross profit
was impacted by the product sales mix of existing product lines, such as
the increase in Private Label sales (at a 34% gross margin level), and
lower gross margins contributed by the FSC (European wholesale)
acquisition. These factors were partially offset by higher gross margins on
new product introductions and improvements in manufacturing efficiencies.
Direct Response/Puritan's Pride's gross profit, as a percentage of sales,
was 62% for fiscal 2003 as compared to 61% for fiscal 2002. The gross
profit was affected by varied catalog pricing promotions the Company ran
during fiscal 2003. The U.S. Retail gross profit, as a percentage of sales,
for fiscal 2003 was 60% as compared to 59% for fiscal 2002. Margin
improvement was primarily due to the Company's introduction of new higher
gross margin items in such segment. The European Retail gross profit
decreased 2%, as a percentage of sales, to 61% from 63% primarily as a result
of the recent acquisitions of GNC (UK) and De Tuinen. These operations
reported gross profit of 43% and 38%, respectively, thereby affecting the
total European Retail gross profit margin during fiscal 2003. Without these
newly acquired operations, gross profit as a percentage of sales would have
remained unchanged from the prior period. The Company's overall strategy is
to improve margins by introducing new products which traditionally have a
higher gross profit and by continuing to increase in-house manufacturing
while decreasing the use of outside suppliers. During fiscal 2003 and 2002,
cost of sales included charges for under-absorbed factory overhead relating
to certain underutilized manufacturing facilities of $8,261 and $11,375,
respectively.
Catalog, Printing, Postage and Promotion. Catalog printing, postage,
and promotion expenses were $66,455 for fiscal 2003, compared with $47,846
for fiscal 2002, an increase of $18,609. Such advertising expenses as a
percentage of sales were 5.6% during fiscal 2003 and 5% for the prior
comparable period. Of the $18,609 increase, $19,367 was attributable to the
increase in promotions for products, mainly via television, magazines,
newspapers and mailing programs, offset by a decrease in catalog printing
costs of $758. Direct Response/Puritan's Pride's promotion and media
expenses increased $6,263; Wholesale's advertising expenses increased
$10,919 (of which $6,438 related to Rexall product related advertising);
and European Retail promotion and media increased $2,156. Such increase was
offset by a $729 decrease in the U.S. Retail's advertising costs. Increased
advertising costs primarily related to promoting new products recently
35
introduced as well as existing core products. Investments in additional
advertising and sales promotions are part of the Company's strategic effort
to increase long-term growth.
Selling, General and Administrative. Selling, general and
administrative expenses were $435,748 during fiscal 2003, an increase of
$87,414, as compared with $348,334 for the prior comparable period. As a
percentage of sales, selling, general and administrative expenses were
36.5% and 36.1% in fiscal 2003 and fiscal 2002, respectively. Of the
$87,414 increase, $36,671 was attributable to increased payroll costs
mainly associated with new business acquisitions and general salary
increases, $16,639 to increased rent expense and additional U.S. Retail and
European Retail stores, $8,876 to increased freight costs mainly resulting
from the Company's efforts to generate faster product delivery to
customers, $5,961 to increased insurance costs mainly associated with an
increase in general insurance rates, $3,603 was attributable to increased
depreciation and amortization expense as a result of acquisitions and an
increase in capital expenditures, $2,520 to broker commissions, which was
directly associated with the increase in wholesale sales, and $2,517 to
increased professional fees for the implementation and integration of new
software purchased. Of the $87,414 increase in selling, general and
administrative cost, $8,859 is attributed to the foreign exchange
translation of the British Pound.
Litigation Recovery of Raw Materials Costs. In fiscal 2002, the
Company received $21,354 for the settlement of price fixing litigation
brought by the Company against certain raw material vitamin suppliers.
Interest Expense. Interest expense was $17,384 in fiscal 2003, a
decrease of $1,115, compared with interest expense of $18,499 in fiscal
2002. Interest expense decreased due to the Company's continued repayment
of bank debt, offset in part by interest rate increases associated with the
new financing completed by the Company on July 25, 2003. The major
components of interest expense are interest on Senior Subordinated Notes,
and interest on the Credit and Guarantee Agreement used for acquisitions,
capital expenditures, and other working capital needs. On July 25, 2003,
the Company entered into a new Credit and Guarantee Agreement ("CGA")
comprised of $375,000 Senior Secured Credit Facilities. The new CGA
consists of a $100,000 Revolving Credit Facility, a $50,000 Term Loan A and
a $225,000 Term Loan B. Terms of the new CGA are generally similar to the
previous one. Interest rates charged on borrowings can vary depending on
the interest rate option utilized. Options for the rate can either be the
Alternate Base Rate or LIBOR plus applicable margin.
Investment Write Down. During fiscal 2003 other-than-temporary
impairment write downs of $4,084 were charged against income and related to
the Company's investment in high yield, less than investment grade
corporate debt securities. On September 4, 2003, the bond issuer declared
bankruptcy and the Company determined that the decline in fair value was
permanent.
Miscellaneous, net. Miscellaneous, net was $5,424 and $1,560 for
fiscal 2003 and fiscal 2002, respectively. The $3,864 increase was
primarily attributable to exchange rate fluctuations ($1,889), increases in
investment income ($1,418), increases in net gains
36
on sale of property plant and equipment ($885), offset by other
miscellaneous decreases ($328).
Income Taxes. The Company's income tax expense is impacted by a
number of factors, including state tax rates in the jurisdictions where the
Company conducts business, and the Company's ability to utilize tax credits
that will begin to expire in 2013. The effective income tax rate for fiscal
2003 was 29.1%, compared to 30.9% for fiscal 2002. The effective tax rates
were less than the U.S. federal statutory tax rates primarily because the
Company recorded $8,275 in fiscal 2003 and $7,800 in fiscal 2002 for after-
tax benefits related to foreign tax credits. Such benefits resulted from
certain tax saving strategies implemented in fiscal 2002. These tax
planning activities may also benefit future fiscal years and therefore may
further reduce the Company's overall effective income tax rate.
Net Income. Net income for fiscal 2003 was $81,585 (or basic and
diluted earnings per share of $1.23 and $1.19, respectively), compared with
$95,791(or basic and diluted earnings per share of $1.45 and $1.41,
respectively), a decrease of $14,206.
Excluding the one-time investment write down in fiscal 2003 (as noted
above), net income would have been $84,481 for fiscal year 2003, or $1.23
per diluted share. Excluding the one-time litigation recovery of raw
material costs payment received in fiscal 2002 (resulting from price fixing
litigation noted above), net income would have been $81,035 for fiscal 2002
or $1.19 per diluted share.
Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2002 Compared to Fiscal Year Ended
September 30, 2001
Net Sales. Net sales for fiscal 2002 were $964,083, an increase of
$157,185 or 19.5% compared with net sales of $806,898 in fiscal 2001. The
$157,185 increase is comprised of the following:
Fiscal Year Dollar Percent
Ended September 30, Increase Increase
---------------------- -------- --------
2002 vs. 2002 vs.
2002 2001 2001 2001
---- ---- -------- --------
Wholesale $291,287 $196,832 $ 94,455 48.0%
U.S. Retail / Vitamin World 198,602 174,987 23,615 13.5%
U.K. Retail/ Holland & Barrett 290,881 262,876 28,005 10.7%
Direct Response /
Puritan's Pride 183,313 172,203 11,110 6.5%
-------- -------- -------- ----
Total $964,083 $806,898 $157,185 19.5%
======== ======== ======== ====
37
The increase in wholesale segment sales was primarily due to an increase in
sales of its core products to the mass market, drug chains and supermarkets
and sales generated by the newly acquired businesses ($39,489, of which
$35,522 was attributable to Global Health Sciences). Products such as Apple
Cider Vinegar, Flex-a-min(R), and the Knox NutraJoint(R) continued to help
the Company strengthen its leading market position. By obtaining new
customer accounts, the Company expanded its distribution channel for its
products. Sales growth in the U.S. Retail channel in fiscal 2002 reflected
an increase in same store sales for stores open more than one year (8.5% or
$13,485) and the greater number of stores compared to the prior year (24
new stores contributed $4,001). U.K./Ireland retail sales increases were
attributable to an increase in same store sales for stores open more than
one year (7% or $18,035) and the opening of 7 new U.K. stores (contributed
$1,056) in fiscal 2002. Direct Response/Puritan's Pride/e-commerce sales
increased as a result of increased mailing distribution from customer lists
acquired and as a result of an increase in the number of products available
via catalog and website. At September 30, 2002, 544 retail stores in the
U.S. and 468 retail stores in the U.K./Ireland were operated under the
NBTY/Holland & Barrett banner, compared to 525 stores in the U.S. and 461
in the U.K./Ireland as of September 30, 2001.
Cost of Sales. Cost of sales for fiscal 2002 was $433,611, an
increase of $78,444 compared with the cost of sales of $355,167 for fiscal
2001. Overall, gross profit, as a percentage of sales, decreased 1% to 55%
during fiscal 2002 as compared to 56% for fiscal 2001. Such decrease was
primarily due to the Direct Response/Puritan's Pride segment's gross
profit, which decreased 4.8%, as a percentage of sales (from 66.3% to
61.5%). These reduced gross margins resulted primarily from price
reductions on certain products and the type of catalog pricing promotions
the Company ran in fiscal 2002 versus fiscal 2001. This gross profit
decrease was mitigated by gross profit increases in the Company's other
segments. The wholesale segment's gross profit increased 2.1%, as a
percentage of sales (from 38.7% to 40.8%) primarily due to higher gross
margins on new product introductions. The U.S. Retail gross profit
increased 0.5%, as a percentage of sales (from 58% to 58.5%). The
U.K./Ireland retail gross profit increased 2.1%, as a percentage of sales
(from 60.8% to 62.9%). The Company's strategy is to improve margins by
continuing to increase in-house manufacturing while decreasing the use of
outside suppliers in both the U.S. and the U.K. In fiscal 2001, cost of
sales included a year end adjustment to inventory of approximately $3,900,
which was principally the result of the Company utilizing the gross profit
method for interim reporting, and the year-end valuation of the Company's
annual physical inventory. Included in fiscal 2002 and fiscal 2001 costs of
sales was under-absorbed factory overhead relating to certain underutilized
manufacturing facilities of $11,375 and $5,752, respectively.
Catalog, Printing, Postage and Promotion. Catalog, printing, postage
and promotion expenses were $47,846 and $49,410 for fiscal 2002 and 2001,
respectively. Such costs as a percentage of net sales were 5% for 2002 and
6.1% for 2001. The $1,564 decrease was primarily attributable to a decrease
in direct response advertising promotion and media ($1,080) and catalog
printing ($1,183). Such decrease was offset by an increase in wholesale
advertising for new products introduced and existing core products ($603).
The Company also had a small increase in retail advertising and promotion
($51).
38
Selling, General and Administrative. Selling, general and
administrative expenses for fiscal 2002 were $348,334, an increase of
$33,106, compared with $315,228 for fiscal 2001. As a percentage of sales,
selling, general and administrative expenses were 36.1% and 39.1% in 2002
and 2001, respectively. Of the $33,106 increase, $4,489 was attributable to
increase in rent expense, $14,880 to increase in payroll costs mainly
associated with business acquisitions and the Vitamin World expansion
program, $5,871 to increased insurance costs mainly associated with an
increase in general insurance rates, $4,186 to increased freight and $3,418
to increased broker commissions, which was directly associated with the
increase in wholesale sales, and $1,259 was attributable to increased
depreciation expense as a result of an increase in capital expenditures.
Such expenses were offset by a $5,624 decrease in selling, general, and
administrative goodwill amortization expense resulting from the Company's
adoption of SFAS 142, effective October 1, 2001.
Litigation Recovery of Raw Materials Costs. In fiscal 2002, the
Company received $21,354 for the settlement of price fixing litigation
brought by the Company against certain raw material vitamin suppliers.
Interest Expense. Interest expense was $18,499 in fiscal 2002, a
decrease of $3,459, compared with interest expense of $21,958 in fiscal
2001. Interest expense decreased due to the Company's continued repayment
of bank debt. The major components are interest on Senior Subordinated
Notes associated with the Holland & Barrett acquisition, and the CGA used
for acquisitions and capital expenditures.
Miscellaneous, Net. Miscellaneous, net was $1,560 and $2,748 for
fiscal 2002 and 2001, respectively. The $1,188 decrease was primarily
attributable to exchange rate fluctuations ($1,074).
Income Taxes. The Company's income tax expense is impacted by a
number of factors, including state tax rates in the jurisdictions where the
Company conducts business, and the Company's ability to utilize various tax
credits that will begin to expire in 2013. The effective income tax rate
for fiscal 2002 was 30.9%, compared to 38.2% for fiscal 2001. The change in
the effective rate was due to tax saving strategies implemented in fiscal
2002, primarily the decrease in the valuation allowance on after tax
benefits related to foreign tax credit. These tax planning activities may
also benefit future fiscal years and therefore may further reduce the
Company's overall effective income tax rate. In addition, the effective
rate decreased due to ceasing the amortization of goodwill in fiscal 2002,
most of which was not deductible for income tax purposes.
Net Income. Net income for fiscal 2002 was $95,791, compared with
$41,925 in fiscal 2001, an increase of $53,866, of which $14,756 was
attributable to the partial settlement of ongoing price fixing litigation
against certain raw material vitamin suppliers.
39
Seasonality
The Company believes that its business is not seasonal in nature. The
Company may have higher net sales in a quarter depending upon when it has
engaged in significant promotional activities.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Company's primary sources of liquidity and capital resources are
cash generated from operations and availability of borrowings under its new
CGA. Cash and cash equivalents totaled $49,349 and $26,229 at September 30,
2003 and 2002, respectively. The Company generated cash from operating
activities of $111,532, $105,087, and $63,267 in fiscal 2003, 2002 and
2001, respectively. The overall increase in cash from operating activities
during fiscal 2003 was mainly attributable to increased non-cash charges
for depreciation and amortization, deferred taxes, the investment write
down, the discontinued product charge, and an increase in accrued expenses,
partially offset by investments in inventories, increases in accounts
receivable and prepaid expenses. Inventory levels increased over the prior
comparable period in order to maintain high fulfillment shipment levels and
to assure quick response to customer orders and anticipated increased
demand. Increases in inventory are also attributable to the new CVS supply
contract and the recent addition of the Marc's store chain to the wholesale
segment. The increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets is
mainly attributable to a change in insurance carriers (dates of coverage do
not correspond with the prior like period, increasing the prepaid cost) and
increases in general insurance rates. Increases in rent deposits and the
timing of advertising promotions also contributed to such increase.
Cash used in investing activities was $323,285, $31,776, and $106,134
in fiscal 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. Fiscal 2003 cash used in
investing activities consisted primarily of net cash paid for the Rexall,
De Tuinen, FSC and GNC (UK) businesses ($289,676), as well as the purchase
of property, plant and equipment ($37,510), partially offset by proceeds
from the sale of property, plant and equipment ($1,498), and cash received
that was previously held in escrow from the fiscal 2001 acquisitions of
Global Health Sciences ($1,850) and NatureSmart ($553).
Fiscal 2002 cash flows used in investing activities consisted
primarily of the purchase of property, plant and equipment ($21,489) and
cash paid for asset acquisitions ($7,702), offset by cash received that was
previously held in escrow for the acquisition of Global Health Sciences
($4,600), and proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment and
intangibles ($1,057). In addition, the Company made a strategic investment
in high yield, less-than-investment-grade corporate bonds ($8,242), which
became impaired in 2003.
Cash used in investing activities in fiscal 2001 primarily related to
cash paid for the business acquisitions of Global Health Sciences and
NatureSmart ($63,010), cash held in escrow for the acquisition of Global
Health Sciences ($10,000) and the purchase of property, plant and equipment
($37,197), partially offset by proceeds from the sale of property, plant
and equipment ($4,232).
40
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities was $233,435,
($83,454) and $45,627 in fiscal 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. Fiscal
2003 net cash flows provided by financing activities included proceeds from
borrowing under long-term debt agreements ($275,000) and proceeds from the
exercise of stock options ($1,146), partially offset by principal payments
under long-term debt agreements ($35,211), and payments for debt issuance
costs ($7,500).
Net cash used in financing activities during fiscal 2002 included
principal payments under long-term debt agreements ($85,353), offset by
proceeds from the exercise of stock options ($1,899). Net cash provided by
financing activities during fiscal 2001 included borrowings under the CGA
($71,502) and proceeds from the exercise of stock options ($2,604), which
were partially offset by principal payments under long-term debt agreements
($12,780) and the purchase of treasury stock ($15,699).
Working capital increased $128,565 to $314,275 at the end of fiscal
2003. This increase was primarily attributable to the Company increasing
its current assets, specifically cash, accounts receivable, inventory, and
prepaid expenses and other current assets. Acquisitions and continued
growth in sales of the Company's principal promoted products during the
period, as noted above, contributed to such increases in cash, accounts
receivable and inventory. The Company continues to respond to consumer
preferences and to monitor the market for trends and ideas, and these
efforts have translated into increased sales. The number of average days'
sales outstanding (on wholesale sales) at September 30, 2003, was 49 days,
compared with 46 days at September 30, 2002. The inventory turnover rate
was approximately 2.25 times during fiscal 2003 compared with 2.23 times
during fiscal 2002.
On July 25, 2003, the Company entered into the new Credit Agreement
(the "CGA") which is comprised of $375,000 in Senior Secured Credit
Facilities. The new CGA consists of a $100,000 Revolving Credit Facility, a
$50,000 Term Loan A and a $225,000 Term Loan B. Interest rates charged on
borrowings can vary depending on the interest rate option utilized. Options
for the rate can either be the Alternate Base Rate or LIBOR plus applicable
margin. The revolving credit facility and term loans are scheduled to
mature on the earlier of (i) fifth anniversary of the closing date for the
Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan A, and the sixth anniversary date
for Term Loan B; or (ii) March 15, 2007 if the Company's 8-5/8% senior
subordinated Notes due September 15, 2007 are still outstanding. The
proceeds were used to fund the Rexall acquisition, to refinance the
existing CGA, and to pay fees, commissions, and expenses therewith.
Following the closing date, the proceeds of loans borrowed under the new
Revolving Facility shall be used for general corporate purposes. Virtually
all of the company's assets are collateralized under the new CGA and are
subject to normal banking terms and conditions and the maintenance of
various financial ratios and covenants. The Company's ability to comply
with covenants contained in the CGA and the Indenture may be affected by
events beyond the Company's control, including (without limitation)
prevailing economic, financial and industry conditions. Failure to comply
with such debt-related covenants could result in an acceleration of payment
obligations under that debt and, under certain circumstances, in cross-
defaults under other debt obligations of the Company, which may have a
negative effect on the Company's liquidity. The Company is currently in
compliance with all of its covenants set forth in the CGA and
41
the Indenture. For additional information regarding the ability of the
Company's subsidiaries to transfer funds or assets to the Company, see Item
5, "Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholders
Matters."
At September 30, 2003, amounts outstanding under such term loans were
as follows: $47,500 and $224,438 under Term Loan A and Term Loan B,
respectively. At September 30, 2003 the annual borrowing rates for Term
Loan A and Term Loan B approximated 3.375 and 3.625 percent, respectively.
Commencing September 30, 2003, the Company is required to make quarterly
principal installments under Term Loan A and Term Loan B of approximately
$2,500 and $563, respectively. The Term Loan B also requires the last four
quarterly principal installments to be balloon payments of approximately
$53,435 beginning September 30, 2008. The current portion of Term Loan A
and Term Loan B at September 30, 2003 was $10,000 and $2,250, respectively.
The $100,000 revolving credit facility expires on July 25, 2008 and was
unused at September 30, 2003.
In 1997, the Company issued $150,000 of 8-5/8% senior subordinated
Notes ("Notes") due in 2007. The Notes are unsecured and subordinated in
right of payment for all existing and future indebtedness of the Company.
A summary of contractual cash obligations as of September 30, 2003
is as follows:
Payments Due By Period
--------------------------------------------------------
Less Than 1-3 4-5 After 5
Total 1 Year Years Years Years
--------------------------------------------------------
Long-term debt and capital leases $426,830 $ 12,840 $ 25,826 $225,927 $162,237
Operating leases 445,788 68,409 119,718 98,189 159,472
Purchase commitments 22,287 22,287 - - -
Capital commitments 14,975 10,565 4,410 - -
Employment & consulting agreements 6,210 2,700 2,340 1,170 -
--------------------------------------------------------
Total contractual
Cash obligations $916,090 $116,801 $152,294 $325,286 $321,709
========================================================
The Company conducts retail operations under operating leases, which
expire at various dates through 2029. Some of the leases contain renewal
options and provide for contingent rent based upon sales plus certain tax
and maintenance costs. Future minimum rental payments (excluding real
estate tax and maintenance costs) for retail locations and other leases
that have initial or noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year at
September 30, 2003 are noted in the above table.
The Company was committed to make future purchases under various
purchase arrangements with fixed price provisions aggregating approximately
$22,287 at September 30, 2003.
42
The Company had approximately $1,665 in open capital commitments at
September 30, 2003, primarily related to manufacturing equipment as well as
to computer hardware and software. Also, the Company has a $13,310
commitment for the construction of an automated warehouse over the next 18
months.
The Company has employment agreements with two of its executive
officers. The agreements, effective October 1, 2002, have a term of 5 years
and are automatically renewed each year thereafter unless either party
notifies the other to the contrary. These agreements provide for minimum
salary levels and contain provisions regarding severance and changes in
control of the Company. The annual commitment for salaries to these two
officers as of September 30, 2003 was approximately $1,170. In addition,
five members of Holland & Barrett's senior executive staff have service
contracts terminable by the Company upon twelve months notice. The annual
aggregate commitment for such H&B executive staff as of September 30, 2003
was approximately $1,080.
The Company maintains a consulting agreement with Rudolph Management
Associates, Inc. for the services of Arthur Rudolph, a director of the
Company and father of Scott Rudolph. The consulting fee (which is paid
monthly) is fixed by the Board of Directors of the Company, provided that
in no event will the consulting fee be at a rate lower than $450 per year.
In addition, Mr. Arthur Rudolph receives certain fringe benefits accorded
to other executives of the Company.
The Company believes that existing cash balances, internally-
generated funds from operations, and amounts available under the new CGA
will provide sufficient liquidity to satisfy the Company's required
interest payments, working capital needs for the next 12 months and to
finance anticipated capital expenditures incurred in the normal course of
business and potential acquisitions.
NBTY has grown through acquisitions, and expects to continue seeking
to acquire entities in similar or complementary businesses. Such
acquisitions are likely to require the incurrence and/or assumption of
indebtedness and/or obligations, the issuance of equity securities or some
combination thereof. In addition, NBTY may from time to time determine to
sell or otherwise dispose of certain of its existing businesses. NBTY
cannot predict if any such transactions will be consummated, nor the terms
or forms of consideration which might be required in any such transactions.
Related Party Transactions
The Company has had, and in the future may continue to have, business
transactions with individuals and firms affiliated with certain of the
Company's directors. Each such transaction has been in the ordinary course
of the Company's business.
During fiscal 2003, the following transactions occurred:
A. Gail Radvin, Inc., a corporation wholly-owned by Gail Radvin,
received commissions from the Company totaling $643 on account
of sales in certain foreign countries and had trade receivable
balances of
43
approximately $3,598 as of September 30, 2003. Gail Radvin is
the sister of Arthur Rudolph (a director of the Company) and
the aunt of Scott Rudolph (Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer).
B. The Company paid approximately $453 to Rudolph Management
Associates, Inc., pursuant to the Consulting Agreement between
the Company and Rudolph Management Associates, Inc. Mr. Arthur
Rudolph, a director of the Company, is the President of Rudolph
Management Associates, Inc. See "Employment and Consulting
Agreements with Executive Officers and Directors" below.
C. Glenn-Scott Landscaping & Design, a company owned by the
brother of Glenn Cohen, a director of the Company, performed
landscaping and maintenance on the Company's properties and
received approximately $83 in compensation during fiscal 2003.
D. Certain members of the immediate families (as defined in Rule
404 of Regulation S-K) of Arthur Rudolph, Scott Rudolph and
Michael Slade (each a director of the Company) are employed by
the Company. During fiscal 2003, these immediate family members
received aggregate compensation from the Company totaling
approximately $1,068 for services rendered by them as employees
of the Company.
Inflation
Inflation affects the cost of raw materials, goods and services used
by the Company. In recent years, inflation has been modest. The competitive
environment somewhat limits the ability of the Company to recover higher
costs resulting from inflation by raising prices. Overall, product prices
have generally been stable. The Company seeks to mitigate the adverse
effects of inflation primarily through improved productivity and cost
containment programs. The Company does not believe that inflation has had a
material impact on its results of operations for the periods presented,
except with respect to payroll-related costs, insurance premiums, and other
costs arising from or related to government imposed regulations.
Financial Covenants and Credit Rating
The Company's credit arrangements, namely the indenture governing the
Notes and the new CGA, impose certain restrictions on the Company regarding
capital expenditures and limit the Company's ability to do any of the
following: incur additional indebtedness, dispose of assets, make
repayments of indebtedness or amendments of debt instruments, pay
distributions, create liens on assets and enter into sale and leaseback
transactions, investments, loans or advances and acquisitions. Such
restrictions are subject to certain limitations and exclusions. Such
provisions could limit the Company's ability to respond to market
conditions, to provide for unanticipated capital investments or to take
advantage of business or acquisition opportunities.
44
At September 30, 2003, Moody's Investors Service, Inc. rated the
Company's Notes as a B1; Standard & Poor's rated the Notes as a B+ and gave
the Company an overall corporate credit rating as BB. Both credit agencies'
ratings related to the aforementioned debt remained unchanged from the
prior period. Standard & Poor's assigned a BB rating to the new CGA and
Moody's Investors Service, Inc. rated the new CGA as a Ba2.
New Accounting Developments
In May 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued
SFAS No. 150, Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with
Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity. SFAS No. 150 requires that
certain financial instruments, which under previous guidance were accounted
for as equity, must now be accounted for as liabilities. The financial
instruments affected include mandatorily redeemable stock, certain
financial instruments that require or may require the issuer to buy back
some of its shares in exchange for cash or other assets and certain
obligations that can be settled with shares of stock. SFAS No. 150 is
effective for all financial instruments entered into or modified after May
31, 2003 and must be applied to the Company's existing financial
instruments effective July 1, 2003, the beginning of the first fiscal
period after June 15, 2003. The Company has not entered into any financial
instruments within the scope of SFAS No. 150 since May 31, 2003, nor does
it currently hold any financial instruments within its scope.
In May 2003, the Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF") reached a
consensus on EITF Issue 01-8, Determining Whether an Arrangement is a
Lease, which provides guidance on identifying leases that may be embedded
in contracts or other arrangements that sell or purchase products or
services. The evaluation of whether an arrangement contains a lease within
the scope of SFAS No. 13, Accounting for Leases, should be based on an
evaluation of whether the arrangement conveys the right to use and control
specific property or equipment. The consensus requires sellers to report
revenues from the leasing component of these arrangements as leasing or
rental income rather than revenues from product sales or services, and
requires purchasers to report the costs from these arrangements as costs
under capital leases. This could affect the timing and amount of
recognition of revenues and expenses and the classification of assets and
liabilities on the balance sheet, and it could require additional footnote
disclosure of lease terms and future minimum lease commitments. This
consensus is effective for contracts entered into or significantly modified
after July 1, 2003. The Company does not have relationships with customers
that meet the EITF 01-8 definition of a lease arrangement. As such, the
adoption of this issue did not impact the Company's consolidated financial
position, results of operations, or disclosure requirements.
In January 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 46, ("FIN")
Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an interpretation of
Accounting Research Bulletin ("ARB") No. 51. FIN 46 addresses consolidation
by business enterprises of variable interest entities. FIN 46 applies
immediately to variable interest entities created after January 31, 2003
and to variable interest entities in which an enterprise obtains an
interest after that date. It applies in the first reporting period ending
after December 15, 2003, to variable interest entities in which an
enterprise holds a variable interest that it acquired before
45
February 1, 2003. The Company believes that the provisions of FIN 46 will
not have any impact on the Company's consolidated financial position or
results of operations.
In November 2002, the FASB issued FIN No. 45, Guarantor's Accounting
and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees
of Indebtedness to Others, which addresses the disclosure to be made by a
guarantor in its interim and annual financial statements about its
obligations under guarantees. FIN 45 also requires the guarantor to
recognize a liability for the non-contingent component of the guarantee,
which is the obligation to stand ready to perform in the event that
specified triggering events or conditions occur. The recognition and
measurement provisions of FIN 45 are effective for all guarantees entered
into or modified after December 31, 2002. The Company does not enter into
such transactions. Therefore the adoption of this standard did not impact
its consolidated financial position, results of operations, or disclosure
requirements.
In November 2002, the EITF issued EITF Issue No. 00-21, Revenue
Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables. EITF No. 00-21 addresses certain
aspects of the accounting by a company for arrangements under which it will
perform multiple revenue-generating activities. EITF No. 00-21 addresses
when and how an arrangement involving multiple deliverables should be
divided into separate units of accounting. EITF No. 00-21 provides guidance
with respect to the effect of certain customer rights due to company
nonperformance on the recognition of revenue allocated to delivered units
of accounting. EITF No. 00-21 also addresses the impact on the measurement
and/or allocation of arrangement consideration of customer cancellation
provisions and consideration that varies as a result of future actions of
the customer or the company. Finally, EITF No. 00-21 provides guidance with
respect to the recognition of the cost of certain deliverables that are
excluded from the revenue accounting arrangement. The provisions of EITF
No. 00-21 apply to revenue arrangements entered into in fiscal periods
beginning after June 15, 2003. The adoption of EITF No. 00-21 did not have
a material effect on its consolidated financial position or results of
operations.
Item 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT
MARKET RISK
The Company is subject to currency fluctuations, primarily with
respect to the British Pound and the Euro, and interest rate risks that
arise from normal business operations. The Company regularly assesses these
risks. As of September 30, 2003, the Company had not entered into any
hedging transactions.
To manage the potential loss arising from changing interest rates and
its impact on long-term debt, the Company's policy is to manage interest
rate risks by maintaining a combination of fixed and variable rate
financial instruments.
46
Item 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
The following consolidated financial statements, notes thereto,
supplementary schedule, and the related independent auditors' report
contained on page F-1 to NBTY's consolidated financial statements, are
herein incorporated:
Report of Independent Auditors
Consolidated Balance Sheets - As of September 30, 2003 and 2002
Consolidated Statements of Income - Fiscal years ended September 30,
2003, 2002 and 2001
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity and Comprehensive
Income - Fiscal years ended September 30, 2003, 2002 and 2001.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Fiscal years ended September
30, 2003, 2002 and 2001.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Schedules II, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
All other schedules have been omitted as not required or not applicable or
because the information required to be presented are included in the
consolidated financial statements and related notes.
For more information, see Part IV, Item 15, Exhibits, below.
Item 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON
ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
Item 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
The Company's chief executive officer and chief financial officer
have concluded, based on their respective evaluations at the end of the
period covered by this Report, that the Company's disclosure controls and
procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange
Act) are effective for recording, processing, summarizing and reporting,
within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms, the
information required to be disclosed in the reports filed by the Company
under the Exchange Act. There have been no significant changes in the
Company's internal controls or in other factors that could significantly
affect these controls subsequent to the date of the previously mentioned
evaluation.
The Company's management, including the Chief Executive Officer and
Chief Financial Officer, does not expect that the Company's disclosure
controls or internal
47
controls over financial reporting will prevent all errors or all instances
of fraud. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can
provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control system's
objectives will be met. Further, the design of a control system must
reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of
controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the
inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can
provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud,
if any, within the Company have been detected. These inherent limitations
include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and
that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Controls can
also be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion
of two or more people, or by management override of the controls. The
design of any system of controls is based in part upon certain assumptions
about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that
any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential
future conditions. Over time, controls may become inadequate because of
changes in conditions or deterioration in the degree of compliance with
policies or procedures. Because of the inherent limitation of a cost-
effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and
not be detected.
48
PART III
Item 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
The directors and executive officers of NBTY, all of whom are U.S.
citizens, and their ages as of December 8, 2003, are as follows:
Year Commenced
first term of
elected office as
Name Age Position Director Officer
---- --- -------- -------- ---------
Scott Rudolph 46 Chairman of the Board and Chief
Executive Officer 1986 1986
Harvey Kamil 59 President and Chief Financial
Officer - 1982
Michael C. Slade 54 Senior Vice President,
Director and Corporate Secretary 1998 1999
James P. Flaherty 46 Senior Vice President-Marketing - 1988
and Advertising
William J. Shanahan 45 Vice President-Information - 1988
Systems
Arthur Rudolph 75 Director 1979 -
Aram G. Garabedian 68 Director 1979 -
Bernard G. Owen 75 Director 1979 -
Alfred Sacks 76 Director 1979 -
Murray Daly 76 Director 1979 -
Glenn Cohen 44 Director 1988 -
Nathan Rosenblatt 47 Director 1994 -
Michael L. Ashner 51 Director 1998 -
Peter J. White 49 Director 2001 -
Certain information regarding each person listed above, including
such person's principal occupation during the past five years and current
directorships, is set forth below. Unless indicated otherwise, all
directors and executive officers have had the indicated principal
occupations for the past five years.
Scott Rudolph is the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chief
Executive Officer and a more than 5% stockholder of the Company. He served
as the Chairman of the
49
Board of Directors of Dowling College, Long Island, New York, from 1997
through 2000, and is currently the Vice Chairman of Dowling College Board.
He joined the Company in 1986. He is the son of Arthur Rudolph who founded
the Company.
Harvey Kamil is the President and Chief Financial Officer of the
Company. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Council for Responsible
Nutrition and on the Board of Directors of the National Nutritional Food
Association. He joined the Company in 1982.
Michael C. Slade is the Senior Vice President, Director and Secretary
of the Company. He was the President and owner of Nutrition Headquarters,
Inc. and Nutro Laboratories, Inc. before their acquisition by the Company
in 1998. He is a member of the Board of Trustees of North Shore - LIJ
Health System. He is also a member of the Board of Directors of North Shore
- - LIJ Research Institute.
James P. Flaherty is the Senior Vice President-Marketing and
Advertising. He joined the Company in 1979.
William J. Shanahan is the Vice President-Information Systems. He
joined the Company in 1980.
Arthur Rudolph founded Arco Pharmaceuticals, Inc., the Company's
predecessor, in 1960 and founded the Company upon its incorporation in
1979. He served as the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of
the Board of Directors until his resignation in September 1993. He is the
father of Scott Rudolph.
Aram G. Garabedian was elected a State Senator of the State of Rhode
Island in 2000 and had been a representative in that State's legislature
from 1972 through 1978, and 1998 through 2000. Since 1986, he has been a
real estate property manager and developer in Rhode Island and is the
President of Bliss Properties, Inc. He was associated with the Company and
its predecessor, Arco Pharmaceuticals, Inc., for more than 20 years in a
sales capacity and as an officer.
Bernard G. Owen is retired, having been previously associated with
Cafiero, Cuchel and Owen Insurance Agency, Pitkin, Owen Insurance Agency
and Wood-HEW Travel Agency.
Alfred Sacks has been President of Al Sacks, Inc., an insurance
consulting firm, for the past 40 years.
Murray Daly, formerly a Vice President of J. P. Egan Office Equipment
Co., is a consultant to the office equipment industry.
Glenn Cohen is the President of Save-On Sprinkler Co., a sprinkler
company.
Nathan Rosenblatt is the President and Chief Executive Officer of
Ashland Maintenance Corp., a commercial maintenance organization located in
Long Island City, New York.
50
Michael L. Ashner is President and Chief Executive Officer of
Winthrop Financial Associates, a real estate investment banking firm
affiliated with Apollo Real Estate, since 1995. Mr. Ashner serves on the
Board of Directors of Shelbourne Properties I, Shelbourne Properties II,
Shelbourne Properties III and Greate Bay Hotel and Casino, Inc.
Peter J. White is President and Chief Executive Officer of I.J. White
Corporation, a company based in Farmingdale, New York, engaged in the
worldwide engineering and manufacturing of conveying systems for the food
industry.
The directors of the Company are divided into three classes,
designated as Class I, Class II and Class III. Each class consists, as
nearly as possible, of one third of the total number of directors
constituting the entire Board of Directors. After their initial term, the
directors of each class serve for a term of three years and until their
successors are elected and qualified and subject to prior death,
resignation, retirement, disqualification or removal. Currently, the Class
I directors are Messrs. Garabedian, Owen and Sacks; the Class II directors
are Messrs. Scott Rudolph, Daly, Rosenblatt and White; and the Class III
directors are Messrs. Arthur Rudolph, Cohen, Ashner and Slade. The current
terms of the Class I, Class II and Class III directors expire at the annual
meetings of the Company's stockholders in 2006, 2005, and 2004,
respectively. At each annual meeting of stockholders, successors to the
class of directors whose term expires at that annual meeting shall be
elected for a three-year term. If the number of directors is changed, any
increase or decrease shall be apportioned among the classes so as to
maintain the number of directors in each class as nearly equal as possible,
and any additional directors of any class elected to fill a vacancy
resulting from an increase in such class shall hold office for a term that
shall coincide with the remaining term of that class, but in no case will a
decrease in the number of directors shorten the term of any incumbent
director.
The term of office of each executive officer is until the
organizational meeting of the Board of Directors of the Company following
the next annual meeting of the Company's stockholders and until such
officer's successor is elected and qualified or until such officer's prior
death, resignation, retirement, disqualification or removal.
Compensation of Directors
Directors of the Company who are also executive officers of the
Company or its subsidiaries do not receive any additional compensation for
service as a member of the Board of Directors of the Company or any of its
committees. For information relating to compensation of the Company's
management directors, see "Employment and Consulting Agreements with
Executive Officers and Directors" below.
All other directors of the Company are paid an annual fee of $40,000
for serving on the Board of Directors. See also "Employment and Consulting
Agreements with Executive Officers and Directors" and "Compensation
Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation" below for a discussion of
the Company's consulting agreement with Rudolph Management Associates, Inc.
for the services of Arthur Rudolph.
51
Audit Committee Financial Expert
The SEC has adopted rules implementing Section 407 of the Sarbanes-
Oxley Act of 2002 requiring public companies to disclose information about
"audit committee financial experts." The Board of Directors of the Company
has concluded that none of the three independent audit committee members
meet the narrow SEC definition of "audit committee financial expert" as
none have served as a principal accounting officer or public accountant, or
have been responsible for actively supervising a principal accounting
officer. Neither SEC regulations nor the New York Stock Exchange listing
standards require the Company to have a financial expert on its Audit
Committee; however, SEC regulations require that the Company disclose
whether it has a "financial expert" on its Audit Committee. The Company
continues to review the credentials of, and interview, candidates to join
the Board as an audit committee financial expert. To date, however, the
Company has not found a candidate it believes has both the requisite
financial expertise and appropriate experience in the nutritional
supplement industry. The Company is currently in compliance with the
listing requirements of the New York Stock Exchange relating to audit
committee qualification, and the Board has determined that its Audit
Committee possesses sufficient financial expertise to effectively discharge
its obligations.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires NBTY's directors,
executive officers, and persons who own more than ten percent of NBTY's
Common Stock, to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership on
Forms 3, 4 and 5 with the SEC. Directors, executive officers and greater
than ten percent stockholders are required by the SEC regulations to
furnish NBTY with copies of all Forms 3, 4 and 5 they file with the SEC.
Based solely on NBTY's review of the copies of the SEC filings it has
received, or written representations from certain reporting person that no
Form 5's were required for these persons, NBTY believes that, except as
indicated below, all its directors, executive officers and greater than ten
percent beneficial owners complied with all filing requirements applicable
to them with respect to fiscal 2003.
Mr. James Flaherty was late in filing Forms 4 on five occasions,
relating to an aggregate of 14 transactions in Company securities. Messrs.
Alfred Sacks, Bernard Owen and Murray Daly each filed late one Form 4, in
each case relating to one transaction in Company securities.
Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers
The Company has adopted a Code of Ethics for its senior financial
officers and Chief Executive Officer. The Company will provide a copy of
such Code of Ethics to any person upon written request made to the
Company's General Counsel at 90 Orville Drive, Bohemia, NY 11716. It is the
Company's intention to disclose any waivers of, or amendments to, such Code
of Ethics on its web site: www.nbty.com.
52
Item 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following table sets forth information concerning compensation
paid by the Company in respect of fiscal years ended September 30, 2001,
2002 and 2003 to the Company's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and to
each of the other four (4) most highly paid executive officers of the
Company (collectively, the "Named Executive Officers").
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
Long Term
Compensation
Annual Compensation Awards
---------------------------------- ------------
Other Securities
Annual Underlying
Name and Fiscal Compen- Options All Other
Principal Position Year Salary($) Bonus($) sation($) (#)(1) Compensation($)(2)
------------------ ------ --------- -------- --------- ------------ ------------------
Scott Rudolph 2003 750,000 600,000 (3) - 8,963
Chairman 2002 710,197 600,000 (3) - 6,428
and Chief Executive Officer 2001 634,024 500,000 (3) 500,000 6,748
Harvey Kamil 2003 420,000 300,000 (3) - 9,589
President and 2002 383,656 250,000 (3) - 6,440
Chief Financial Officer 2001 317,012 225,000 (3) 125,000 6,741
Michael C. Slade 2003 341,994 90,000 (3) - 9,575
Senior Vice President and 2002 322,692 70,000 (3) - 6,428
Secretary 2001 306,346 50,000 (3) 70,000 6,741
James Flaherty - 2003 228,365 65,000 (3) - 9,589
Senior Vice President 2002 212,692 65,000 (3) - 3,740
Marketing and Advertising 2001 194,519 75,000 (3) - 4,841
William Shanahan 2003 191,972 75,000 (3) - 9,589
Vice President - 2002 181,711 75,000 (3) - 6,428
Information Systems 2001 171,981 75,000 (3) - 6,748
- --------------------
All stock option grants were made pursuant to the NBTY, Inc. Year
2000 Incentive Stock Option Plan (the "2000 Plan"). As of the end of
fiscal 2003, no grants had been made under the NBTY, Inc. Year 2002
Stock Option Plan.
Represents amounts contributed by the Company to 401(k) plan and the
NBTY, Inc. Employees' Stock Ownership Plan on behalf of the Named
Executive Officer.
Perquisites and other personal benefits did not exceed the lesser of
$50,000 or 10% of the total annual salary and bonus reported under
the headings of "Salary" and "Bonus".
The Company did not grant any stock appreciation rights or stock
options during fiscal 2003.
53
Option Value at the End of Fiscal 2003
The following table sets forth certain information concerning the
number and the value at the end of fiscal 2003 of unexercised in-the-money
options to purchase Common Stock granted to the Named Executive Officers as
of the end of fiscal 2003. No stock appreciation rights have been granted
to any of the Named Executive Officers.
Aggregated Option Exercises in Last Fiscal Year
And Fiscal Year-End Option Values
Number of
Securities Value of
Underlying Unexercised
Unexercised In-the-Money
Options at Options at
Fiscal 2003 End(#) Fiscal 2003 End($)
Shares ------------------ ------------------
Acquired on Value Exercisable/ Exercisable/
Name Exercise(#) Realized($) Unexercisable Unexercisable(1)
---- ----------- ----------- ------------- ----------------
Scott Rudolph 0 0 2,810,000/0 49,273,850/0
Harvey Kamil 0 0 525,000/0 9,262,663/0
Michael C. Slade 0 0 100,000/0 1,775,941/0
James Flaherty 0 0 0/0 0/0
William Shanahan 0 0 70,000/0 1,251,390/0
- --------------------
Based on the closing price of $23.35 of NBTY's Common Stock on
September 30, 2003, the last trading day of fiscal 2003, less the
exercise price payable for such Common Stock.
Employment and Consulting Agreements with Executive Officers and Directors
Scott Rudolph Employment Agreement. The Company has entered into an
employment agreement with Mr. Scott Rudolph (the "Rudolph Agreement"),
superseding Mr. Scott Rudolph's prior employment agreement with the
Company. The Rudolph Agreement was effective October 1, 2002. Pursuant to
the Rudolph Agreement, Mr. Scott Rudolph currently serves as Chairman of
the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. The initial term of
the Rudolph Agreement is five years, subject to automatic one-year
extensions, unless either the Company or Mr. Rudolph provides specified
notice to the contrary. Mr. Rudolph is required to devote to the Company
substantially all of his working time, attention and efforts. Under the
Rudolph Agreement, in fiscal 2003 Mr. Rudolph received a base salary of
$750,000 and certain fringe benefits accorded to the other senior
executives of NBTY. Mr. Rudolph is also eligible to earn an annual bonus
targeted at not less than 50% of his base salary, as determined by the
Compensation Committee of the Board, taking into account the achievement by
the Company of certain performance goals.
Mr. Rudolph has the right to terminate the Rudolph Agreement in the
event of a material breach by the Company or for other "good reason" (as
defined in the Rudolph
54
Agreement). In such event, or if the Company terminates Mr. Rudolph's
employment without cause (as defined in the Rudolph Agreement), (i) Mr.
Rudolph will be entitled to receive a lump sum amount equal to the greater
of: (1) the base salary, automobile allowance and annual bonus (in the
amount of 50% of his then base salary) that would be payable for the
remaining term of the Rudolph Agreement had such termination not taken
place, and (2) three times the sum of (x) his then base salary plus (y) the
annual bonus Mr. Rudolph received in the year preceding such termination,
(ii) all outstanding equity incentive awards (including stock options) will
immediately vest and remain exercisable for a period of one year following
the date of such termination (or, if earlier, until the end of the option
term), and (iii) Mr. Rudolph would be entitled to receive a payment
sufficient to offset the effects of any excise tax ("Excise Tax") imposed
under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, if a
Change of Control (as defined in the Rudolph Agreement) of the Company
occurs after such termination of employment.
Upon termination of Mr. Rudolph's employment with the Company,
following a "Change of Control" of the Company, Mr. Rudolph would (i) be
entitled to receive a lump sum amount equal to 2.99 times the average
compensation received by Mr. Rudolph during the five years immediately
preceding such termination, (ii) become vested in all outstanding equity
incentive awards (including stock options), (iii) have the right to receive
a cash payment equal to the "spread" on all outstanding stock options, and
(iv) be entitled to a payment sufficient to offset the effects of any
Excise Tax.
During the term of the Rudolph Agreement (and, in the event Mr.
Rudolph terminates his employment other than for good reason or the Company
terminates Mr. Rudolph's employment for cause, for a period of one year
beyond the expiration of the employment term), Mr. Rudolph will be subject
to certain non-competition requirements.
Harvey Kamil Employment Agreement. The Company has entered into an
employment agreement with Mr. Harvey Kamil (the "Kamil Agreement"),
superseding Mr. Kamil's prior employment agreement with the Company. The
Kamil Agreement was effective October 1, 2002. Pursuant to the Kamil
Agreement, Mr. Kamil currently serves as President and Chief Financial
Officer of the Company. The initial term of the Kamil Agreement is five
years, subject to automatic one-year extensions, unless either the Company
or Mr. Kamil provides specified notice to the contrary. Mr. Kamil is
required to devote to the Company substantially all of his working time,
attention and efforts. Under the Kamil Agreement, in fiscal 2003 Mr. Kamil
received a base salary of $420,000 and certain fringe benefits accorded to
the other senior executives of NBTY. Mr. Kamil is also eligible to earn an
annual bonus targeted at not less than 50% of his base salary, as
determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board, taking into account
the achievement by the Company of certain performance goals.
Mr. Kamil has the right to terminate the Kamil Agreement in the event
of a material breach by the Company or for other "good reason" (as defined
in the Kamil Agreement). In such event, or if the Company terminates Mr.
Kamil's employment without cause (as defined in the Kamil Agreement), (i)
Mr. Kamil will be entitled to receive a lump sum amount equal to the
greater of: (1) the base salary, automobile allowance and annual bonus (in
the amount of 50% of his then base salary) that would be
55
payable for the remaining term of the Kamil Agreement had such termination
not taken place, and (2) three times the sum of (x) his then base salary
plus (y) the annual bonus Mr. Kamil received in the year preceding such
termination, (ii) all outstanding equity incentive awards (including stock
options) will immediately vest and remain exercisable for a period of one
year following the date of such termination (or, if earlier, until the end
of the option term), and (iii) Mr. Kamil would be entitled to receive a
payment sufficient to offset the effects of any Excise Tax, if a Change of
Control (as defined in the Kamil Agreement) of the Company occurs after
such termination of employment.
Upon termination of Mr. Kamil's employment with the Company,
following a "Change of Control" of the Company, Mr. Kamil would (i) be
entitled to receive a lump sum amount equal to 2.99 times the average
compensation received by Mr. Kamil during the five years immediately
preceding such termination, (ii) become vested in all outstanding equity
incentive awards (including stock options), (iii) have the right to receive
a cash payment equal to the "spread" on all outstanding stock options, and
(iv) be entitled to a payment sufficient to offset the effects of any
Excise Tax.
During the term of the Kamil Agreement (and, in the event Mr. Kamil
terminates his employment other than for good reason or the Company
terminates Mr. Kamil's employment for cause, for a period of one year
beyond the expiration of the employment term), Mr. Kamil will be subject to
certain non-competition requirements.
Arthur Rudolph Consulting Agreement. For the details of Mr. Arthur
Rudolph's Consulting Agreement, see "Compensation Committee Interlocks and
Insider Participation," below.
Holland & Barrett Management Team. Five members of Holland &
Barrett's senior executive staff have service contracts, terminable by the
Company upon twelve months' notice. The aggregate commitment for these
salaries as of September 30, 2003, was approximately $1,080,000 per year.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
Mr. Arthur Rudolph was Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the
Company until his resignation in September, 1993. Effective January 1,
1997, the Company entered into a consulting agreement with Rudolph
Management Associates, Inc. for the services of Arthur Rudolph, a Director
and founder of the Company. The agreement has been renewed for a successive
two-year term, ending December 31, 2005. The Agreement provides for a
consulting fee in the annual amount of $450,000, payable in monthly
installments. Pursuant to the consulting agreement, Mr. Rudolph will receive
certain fringe benefits accorded to other executives of the Company.
Item 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The following table sets forth the beneficial ownership as of
December 8, 2003 by each person known by the Company to be the beneficial
owner of more than 5% of the
56
outstanding shares of Common Stock (constituting the only class of voting
stock of the Company), each director of the Company, each Named Executive
Officer, and all directors and executive officers as a group. Unless
otherwise indicated, the address for each party listed below is c/o NBTY,
Inc., 90 Orville Drive, Bohemia, New York 11716.
Number of Shares
Beneficially Percent
Directors Owned (a) of Class (a)
--------- ---------------- ------------
Scott Rudolph(b) 8,561,929 12.3
Arthur Rudolph(c)(d) 1,906,893 2.9
Aram G. Garabedian 3,000 *
Bernard G. Owen 35,000 *
Alfred Sacks 15,500 *
Murray Daly(e) 7,500 *
Glenn Cohen -- --
Nathan Rosenblatt(f) 75,000 *
Michael L. Ashner 25,000 *
Michael C. Slade(g) 2,030,698 3.0
Peter J. White(h) 3,000 *
Other Named Executive Officers
------------------------------
Harvey Kamil(i) 1,817,344 2.7
William J. Shanahan(j) 152,000 *
James P. Flaherty 41,357 *
Directors and Executive Officers
--------------------------------
All Directors and Executive Officers
as a group (14 persons) 14,674,221 20.9
Other
-----
NBTY, Inc. Employees'
Stock Ownership Plan 2,832,921 4.3
- --------------------
An asterisk (*) in the above table means percentage ownership of less than
one percent.
(a) This column includes shares which directors, executive officers and
certain other holders have the right to acquire within 60 days.
Except as otherwise indicated, each person and entity has the sole
voting and investment power with respect to the shares set forth in
the table.
(b) Includes options to purchase 2,810,000 shares of Common Stock which
are presently exercisable.
(c) Includes 40,000 shares of Common Stock owned by Mr. Arthur Rudolph's
wife, as to which Mr. Arthur Rudolph disclaims beneficial ownership.
57
(d) Includes options to purchase 60,000 shares of Common Stock which are
presently exercisable.
(e) Represents options to purchase 7,500 shares of Common Stock which are
presently exercisable.
(f) Represents options to purchase 30,000 shares of Common Stock which
are presently exercisable and 45,000 shares owned by Mr. Rosenblatt's
wife, as to which Mr. Rosenblatt disclaims beneficial ownership.
(g) Includes (i) options to purchase 100,000 shares of Common Stock which
are presently exercisable and (ii) 530,847 shares held in a trust for
the benefit of Mr. Slade's wife, as to which Mr. Slade disclaims
beneficial ownership.
(h) Includes 1,000 shares of Common Stock owned by Mr. White's wife, as
to which Mr. White disclaims beneficial ownership.
(i) Includes options to purchase 525,000 shares of Common Stock which are
presently exercisable.
(j) Includes options to purchase 70,000 shares of Common Stock which are
presently exercisable.
58
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
- ------------------------------------------------------------------
The following table summarizes the Company's equity compensation
plans as of September 30, 2003.
Number of
securities to be Weighted- Number of securities
issued upon average exercise remaining available for
exercise of price of future issuance under
outstanding outstanding equity compensation
options, options, plans (excluding
warrants and warrants and securities reflected in
rights rights column (a))
Plan Category (a) (b) (c)
------------- ---------------- ---------------- -----------------------
Equity compensation plans approved by
security holders 4,174,343 $5.77 2,457,500
Equity compensation plans not
approved by security holders -- -- --
Total: 4,174,343 $5.77 2,457,500
NBTY, Inc. Employees' Stock Ownership Plan (the "ESOP")
- -------------------------------------------------------
The ESOP provides as follows:
Eligibility; Trustee
All associates of the Company, including officers, over the age of 20
1/2 and who have been employed by the Company for at least one year and
completed at least 1,000 hours of employment are eligible to participate in
the ESOP. Mr. Arthur Rudolph is the Trustee of the ESOP.
Contributions
Contributions of either cash or Company common stock are made on a
voluntary basis by the Company, as authorized and directed by the Board of
Directors. There is no contribution required to be made by the Company in
any one year. The ESOP is maintained on a calendar year basis.
There are no contributions required or permitted to be made by an
associate of the Company. All contributions, if any, made by the Company in
any plan year may not exceed 15% of the aggregate compensation of all
participants during such plan year. Each eligible associate receives an
account or share in the ESOP, and the cash and/or shares of stock
contributed to the ESOP each year are credited to his or her account.
59
Vesting
Once an associate is eligible, a portion of the stock in his or her
account becomes "vested", as follows:
Number of Years Percentage of Shares
of Service earned each year
--------------- --------------------
Less than 5 0%
5 or more 100%
Distribution; Voting
If an associate retires, is disabled, dies or his or her employment
is otherwise terminated, that associate or that associate's estate will
receive the vested portion of such associate's account.
Each participant directs the Trustee as to the manner in which the
Company's common stock represented by such participant's account is to be
voted and as to the manner in which rights other than voting rights are to
be exercised.
Distribution is to be made only upon a participant's retirement,
termination of employment, death or disability (as defined in the ESOP).
All distributions are made only in the shares of the Company's common
stock.
Distributions of shares of the Company's common stock are not taxable
to a participant at the time of distribution. Instead, a participant is
taxed at the time the participant sells such shares. If the distribution is
a lump sum distribution, the amount of gain subject to tax is equal to the
amount received upon the sale of the stock less the amount contributed to
the plan in exchange for such stock. Any unrealized appreciation inherent
in the stock at the time of distribution will be taxed at long-term capital
gains rates. Any subsequent appreciation in the stock will be capital
gains, and will be long-term capital gains if the participant owns the
stock for at least one year at the time of sale.
Item 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
See Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Conditions and Results of Operations - Related Party Transactions."
Item 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
Aggregate fees for professional services rendered for the Company by
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP ("PricewaterhouseCoopers") as of or for the
years ended September 30, 2003 and 2002, were:
60
Fiscal Fiscal
Type of Fee 2003 2002
Audit Fees $ 766,000 $ 472,000
Audit Related Fees 2,022,000 -
Tax Fees 672,000 511,000
All Other Fees - 893,000
---------- ----------
Total $3,460,000 $1,876,000
========== ==========
The Audit fees for the years ended September 30, 2003 and 2002,
respectively, were for professional services rendered for the audits of the
consolidated financial statements of the Company and statutory audits.
The Audit Related fees as of the year ended September 30, 2003 were
for services related to due diligence and audits in connection with
acquisitions, internal control reviews, and an employee benefit plan audit.
Tax fees as of the years ended September 30, 2003 and 2002,
respectively, were for services related to: tax compliance, international
tax planning and strategies, and state and local tax advice.
All Other fees as of the year ended September 30, 2002 were for
services rendered for assistance in connection with the implementation of
an information systems module.
Procedures for Audit Committee Pre-Approval of Audit and Permissible Non-
Audit Services of Independent Auditor
The Charter for the Audit Committee of the Company's Board of
Directors provides that the Audit Committee pre-approve, on an annual
basis, the audit, audit-related, tax and other non-audit services to be
rendered by the Company's accountants based on historical information and
anticipated requirements for the following fiscal year. The Audit Committee
must pre-approve specific types or categories of engagements constituting
audit, audit-related, tax and other non-audit services as well as the range
of fee amounts corresponding to each such engagement.
61
PART IV
Item 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND
REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a)(1) Financial Statements. Reference is made to the financial statements
listed in Section 1 of the Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and
Schedules in this Report.
(a)(2) Financial Statement Schedule. Reference is made to the financial
statement schedule listed in Section 2 of the Index to Consolidated
Financial Statements and Schedules in this Report. All other schedules have
been omitted as not required, not applicable or because the information
required to be presented is included in the financial statements and
related notes.
(a)(3) Exhibits. The following exhibits are filed as a part of this Report
or incorporated by reference and will be furnished to any security holder
upon request for such exhibit and payment of any reasonable expenses
incurred by the Company. A security holder should send requests for any of
the exhibits set forth below to the Company, 90 Orville Drive, Bohemia, New
York, 11716; Attention: General Counsel.
Exhibit No. Description
----------- -----------------------------------------------
3.1 Restated Certificate of
Incorporation of NBTY, Inc., as amended(1)
3.2 Amended and Restated By-Laws of NBTY, Inc.*
4.1 Indenture, dated as of September 23, 1997, between
NBTY, Inc. and IBJ Schroder Bank & Trust Company, as
Trustee, relating to $150,000,000 in aggregate
principal amount of 8 5/8% Senior Subordinated Notes
due 2007, Series A and Series B(1)
10.1 Employment Agreement, effective October 1, 2002,
by and between NBTY, Inc. and Scott Rudolph(2)
10.2 Employment Agreement, effective October 1, 2002, by
and between NBTY, Inc. and Harvey Kamil(2)
10.3 First Amendment to Consulting Agreement, effective
January 1, 2003, by and between NBTY, Inc. and
Rudolph Management Associates, Inc.*
62
10.4 NBTY, Inc. Employees' Stock Ownership Plan, dated
December 28, 1999(2)
10.5 Amendment to the NBTY, Inc. Employees' Stock
Ownership Plan, effective January 1, 2000(2)
10.6 NBTY, Inc. Year 2002 Stock Option Plan(3)
10.7 Credit Agreement dated as of July 24, 2003 among
NBTY, INC., as Borrower, The Several Lenders from
Time to Time Parties Hereto, JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, as
Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent, and FLEET
NATIONAL BANK, as Syndication Agent*
10.8 Guarantee and Collateral Agreement made by NBTY, INC.
and the other Grantors party hereto in favor of
JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, as Administrative Agent dated as
of July 24, 2003*
10.9 Rexall Sundown, Inc. Purchase Agreement, dated as
of June 9, 2003, among Royal Numico N.V., Numico USA
and NBTY, Inc.(4)
21.1 Subsidiaries of NBTY, Inc.*
23.1 Consent of Independent Accountants*
31.1 Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive
Officer*
31.2 Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial
Officer*
32.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to
18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*
32.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to
18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*
- --------------------
* Filed herewith
Incorporated by reference to NBTY, Inc.'s Registration Statement on
Form S-4, filed on November 5, 1997 (Registration No. 333-39527).
63
Incorporated by reference to NBTY, Inc.'s Form 10-K filed on December
20, 2002 (File #0-10666)
Incorporated by reference to NBTY, Inc. Proxy Statement, dated March
25, 2002 (File # 0-10666).
Incorporated by reference to NBTY, Inc. Form 8-K filed on August 5,
2003 (File #0-10666).
(b) Reports on Form 8-K. The Company filed the following reports on Form
8-K during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended September 30,
2003:
* July 29, 2003, announcing the completion of the purchase of Rexall
Sundown, Inc.
* August 5, 2003, attaching the Purchase Agreement, dated as of June
9, 2003, among Royal Numico, N.V., Numico USA, Inc. and NBTY, Inc.
* December 15, 2003, amending the Form 8-K filed on August 5, 2003,
to incorporate pro forma consolidated financial information
relating to the acquisition of Rexall Sundown, Inc.
The exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K to be filed as part of
this Report or incorporated herein by reference are listed in Item 15(a)(3)
above.
(d) See Item 15(a)(2) of this Report.
64
NBTY, INC.
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULE
Page
Number
------
1. Financial Statements
Report of Independent Auditors F-1
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2003 and 2002 F-2
Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended
September 30, 2003, 2002 and 2001 F-3
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity and Comprehensive
Income for the years ended September 30, 2003, 2002 and 2001 F-4
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended
September 30, 2003, 2002 and 2001 F-5
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements F-7
2. Financial Statement Schedule
Schedule II S-1
65
NBTY, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2003, 2002 and 2001
NBTY, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Financial Statements
Index
September 30, 2003, 2002 and 2001
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Page(s)
Report of Independent Auditors 1
Consolidated Financial Statements
Balance Sheets 2
Statements of Income 3
Statements of Stockholders' Equity and Comprehensive Income 4
Statements of Cash Flows 5-6
Notes to Financial Statements 7
[PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LETTERHEAD]
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
401 Broad Hollow Rd.
Melville NY 11747
Telephone (631) 753 2700
Facsimile (631) 753 2800
Report of Independent Auditors
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of NBTY, Inc. and Subsidiaries:
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the index
appearing under Item 15(a)(1) present fairly, in all material respects, the
financial position of NBTY, Inc. and its subsidiaries at September 30, 2003
and 2002, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each
of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2003 in conformity
with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of
America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule
listed in the index appearing under Item 15(a)(2) presents fairly, in all
material respects, the information set forth therein when read in
conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. These
financial statements and financial statement schedule are the
responsibility of the Company's management; our responsibility is to
express an opinion on these financial statements and financial statement
schedule based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements
in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United
States of America, which require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free
of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis,
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable
basis for our opinion.
As discussed in Note 1, the Company changed the manner in which it accounts
for goodwill and other intangible assets upon adoption of Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible
Assets", on October 1, 2001.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
November 11, 2003
F-1
NBTY, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
September 30, 2003 and 2002
(dollars and shares in thousands)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
2003 2002
Assets
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents $ 49,349 $ 26,229
Investments in bonds 4,158 8,194
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of
$7,100 in 2003 and $4,194 in 2002 89,430 36,825
Inventories 314,091 204,402
Deferred income taxes 37,021 11,206
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 44,736 24,691
---------- --------
Total current assets 538,785 311,547
Property, plant and equipment, net 298,344 216,245
Goodwill 213,362 144,999
Intangible assets, net 137,469 48,413
Other assets 16,423 8,936
---------- --------
Total assets $1,204,383 $730,140
========== ========
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Current liabilities
Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations $ 12,841 $ 23,044
Accounts payable 87,039 48,616
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 124,630 54,177
---------- --------
Total current liabilities 224,510 125,837
Long-term debt 413,989 163,874
Deferred income taxes 40,213 16,928
Other liabilities 10,872 4,244
---------- --------
Total liabilities 689,584 310,883
---------- --------
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 11 and 17)
Stockholders' equity
Common stock, $.008 par; authorized 175,000 shares in 2003 and 2002;
issued and outstanding 66,620 shares in 2003 and 66,322 shares in 2002 533 529
Capital in excess of par 130,208 126,283
Retained earnings 369,453 287,868
---------- --------
500,194 414,680
Accumulated other comprehensive income 14,605 4,577
---------- --------
Total stockholders' equity 514,799 419,257
---------- --------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $1,204,383 $730,140
========== ========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
F-2
NBTY, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Income
Years Ended September 30, 2003, 2002 and 2001
(dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
2003 2002 2001
Net sales $1,192,548 $964,083 $806,898
---------- -------- --------
Costs and expenses
Cost of sales 554,804 433,611 355,167
Discontinued product charge 4,500 - -
Catalog printing, postage and promotion 66,455 47,846 49,410
Selling, general and administrative 435,748 348,334 315,228
Litigation recovery of raw material costs - (21,354)
---------- -------- --------
1,061,507 808,437 719,805
---------- -------- --------
Income from operations 131,041 155,646 87,093
---------- -------- --------
Other income (expense)
Interest (17,384) (18,499) (21,958)
Investment write down (4,084)
Miscellaneous, net 5,424 1,560 2,748
---------- -------- --------
(16,044) (16,939) (19,210)
---------- -------- --------
Income before income taxes 114,997 138,707 67,883
Provision for income taxes 33,412 42,916 25,958
---------- -------- --------
Net income $ 81,585 $ 95,791 $ 41,925
========== ======== ========
Net income per share
Basic $ 1.23 $ 1.45 $ 0.64
Diluted $ 1.19 $ 1.41 $ 0.62
Weighted average common shares outstanding
Basic 66,452 65,952 65,774
Diluted 68,538 67,829 67,125
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
F-3
NBTY, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity and Comprehensive Income
Years ended September 30, 2003, 2002 and 2001
(dollars and shares in thousands)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accumulated
Other
Common Stock Treasury Stock Compre- Total
----------------- Capital ----------------- Stock hensive Total Compre-
Number of in Excess Retained Number of Subscriptions Income Stockholders' hensive
Shares Amount of Par Earnings Shares Amount Receivable (Loss) Equity Income
--------- ------ --------- -------- --------- ------ ------------- ----------- ------------- -------
Balance, September
30, 2000 68,713 $548 $123,798 $163,300 235 $ (1,512) $(839) $(12,852) $272,443
Components of com-
prehensive income
Net income 41,925 41,925 $ 41,925
Foreign currency
translation
adjustment (126) (126) (126)
--------
Purchase of treasury
shares, at cost 3,023 (15,699) (15,699) $ 41,799
========
Treasury stock
retired (3,258) (26) (5,144) (12,041) (3,258) 17,211 -
Exercise of stock
options 458 4 2,600 2,604
Tax benefit from
exercise of
stock options 1,259 1,259
------ ---- -------- -------- ------ -------- ----- -------- --------
Balance, September
30, 2001 65,913 526 122,513 193,184 - - (839) (12,978) 302,406
Components of com-
prehensive income
Net income 95,791 95,791 $ 95,791
Foreign currency
translation
adjustment 17,603 17,603 17,603
Change in net un-
realized gain on
available-for-
sale investments (48) (48) (48)
--------
Treasury stock
retired (71) (1) (113) (1,107) (1,221) $113,346
========
Exercise of stock
options 480 4 2,068 2,072
Repayment of stock
subscriptions
receivable 839 839
Tax benefit from
exercise of
stock options 1,815 1,815
------ ---- -------- -------- ------ -------- ----- -------- --------
Balance, September
30, 2002 66,322 529 126,283 287,868 - - - 4,577 419,257
Components of com-
prehensive income
Net income 81,585 81,585 $ 81,585
Foreign currency
translation
adjustment 9,980 9,980 9,980
Change in net un-
realized gain on
available-for-
sale investments 48 48 48
--------
Shares issued and
contributed to ESOP 100 1 1,710 1,711 $ 91,613
========
Exercise of stock
options 198 3 1,143 1,146
Tax benefit from
exercise of
stock options 1,072 1,072
------ ---- -------- -------- ------ -------- ----- -------- --------
Balance, September
30, 2003 66,620 $533 $130,208 $369,453 - $ - $ - $ 14,605 $514,799
====== ==== ======== ======== ====== ======== ===== ======== ========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
F-4
NBTY, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Years ended September 30, 2003, 2002 and 2001
(dollars in thousands)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
2003 2002 2001
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income $ 81,585 $ 95,791 $ 41,925
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
provided by operating activities
(Gain) loss on disposal/sale of property, plant and equipment (711) 102 385
Depreciation and amortization 46,884 42,192 44,946
Foreign currency exchange rate (gain) loss (334) 1,556 482
Amortization of deferred financing costs 1,003 782 782
Amortization of bond discount 124 124 124
Investment write down 4,084 - -
Discontinued product charge 4,500 - -
Allowance for doubtful accounts (2,906) 972 1,995
Deferred income taxes 6,033 (5,829) (2,036)
Compensation expense for ESOP 1,711 - -
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options 1,072 1,815 1,259
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions
Accounts receivable (1,466) (7,011) (3,652)
Inventories (28,379) (14,277) (34,723)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets (15,855) (3,432) 343
Other assets 616 (586) 119
Accounts payable (2,773) (3,442) (11,959)
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 16,344 (3,670) 23,277
--------- -------- ---------
Net cash provided by operating activities 111,532 105,087 63,267
--------- -------- ---------
Cash flows from investing activities
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired (289,676) (7,702) (63,010)
Purchase of property, plant and equipment (37,510) (21,489) (37,197)
Purchase of short-term investments - (8,242) -
Cash held in escrow - - (10,000)
Release of cash held in escrow 2,403 4,600 -
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 1,498 1,004 4,232
Proceeds from sale of intangibles - 53 -
Increase in intangible assets - - (159)
--------- -------- ---------
Net cash used in investing activities (323,285) (31,776) (106,134)
--------- -------- ---------
Continued
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
F-5
NBTY, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Years ended September 30, 2003, 2002 and 2001
(dollars and shares in thousands)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
2003 2002 2001
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from borrowings under long-term agreements 275,000 - -
Payments for debt issuance costs (7,500) - -
Principal payments under long-term debt agreements
and capital leases (35,211) (85,353) (12,780)
Net borrowings under Credit & Guarantee Agreement - - 71,502
Purchase of treasury stock - - (15,699)
Proceeds from stock options exercised 1,146 1,899 2,604
--------- -------- ---------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 233,435 (83,454) 45,627
--------- -------- ---------
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 1,438 1,938 210
--------- -------- ---------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 23,120 (8,205) 2,970
Cash and cash equivalents
Beginning of year 26,229 34,434 31,464
--------- -------- ---------
End of year $ 49,349 $ 26,229 $ 34,434
========= ======== =========
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information
Cash paid during the period for interest $ 17,709 $ 18,513 $ 23,019
Cash paid during the period for income taxes $ 34,698 $ 55,101 $ 22,269
Non-cash investing and financing information
Acquisitions accounted for under the purchase method
are summarized as follows: 2003 2002 2001
Fair value of assets acquired $ 411,981 $ 7,702 $ 69,165
Liabilities assumed (119,479) - (4,728)
Less: Cash acquired (2,826) - (1,427)
--------- -------- ---------
Net cash paid $ 289,676 $ 7,702 $ 63,010
========= ======== =========
During fiscal 2003, the Company issued 100 shares of NBTY stock (having a
total then market value of approximately $1,711) as a contribution to the
ESOP plan.
During fiscal 2002, certain officers surrendered 61 shares as consideration
for stock subscriptions receivable plus interest, aggregating $1,048.
Such shares were retired by the Company during 2002.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
F-6
NBTY, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2003, 2002 and 2001
(in thousands, except per share amounts and number of locations)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Business Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Business Operations
The Company (as defined below) manufactures and sells vitamins, food
supplements, and health and beauty aids primarily in the United States
("U.S."), the United Kingdom ("U.K."), Ireland and Holland. The processing,
formulation, packaging, labeling and advertising of the Company's products
domestically are subject to regulation by one or more federal agencies,
including the Food and Drug Administration, the Federal Trade Commission,
the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the United States Department of
Agriculture, the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the
United States Postal Service.
Within the United Kingdom and Ireland, the manufacturing, advertising,
sales and marketing of food products is regulated by a number of
governmental agencies, including the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and
Food, the Department of Health, the Food Advisory Committee and the
Committee on Toxicity. In addition, there are various statutory instruments
and European Community ("E.C.") regulations governing specific areas such
as the use of sweeteners, coloring and additives in food. Trading standards
officers under the control of the Department of Trade and Industry also
regulate matters such as the cleanliness of the properties where food is
produced and sold.
In the U.K., the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency
("MHRA") now has responsibility for the implementation and enforcement of
the 1968 Medicines Act, and is the licensing authority for medicinal
products. The MHRA directly employs enforcement officers from a wide range
of backgrounds, including the police, and with a wide range of skills,
including information technology. The MHRA is an Executive Agency of the
Department of Health and is responsible for the safety of herbal medicines.
The MHRA decides whether a product is a medicine or not and, if so,
considers whether it can be licensed. It determines the status of a product
by considering whether it is medicinal by "presentation" or by "function."
Many, though not all, herbal remedies are considered "medicinal" by virtue
of these two tests.
In Ireland, the sale of nutritional supplements and herbal products falls
under the jurisdiction of the Irish Medicines Board ("IMB"). Its role is
similar in nature, but not identical to that of the MHRA in the U.K. as
described above.
In Holland, the regulatory environment is similar to the U.K. in terms of
availability of products. Holland currently has the same liberal market,
with no restrictions on potency of nutrients. Licensed herbal medicines are
available. However, there are some herbal medicines which are sold freely
as in the U.K. without the need to be licensed, depending on the claims
made for them. Holland is also more liberal regarding certain substances,
for which unlicensed sales are allowed. The Government department dealing
with this sector is the Ministry for Health, Welfare and Sport.
Responsibility for food safety falls to the Keuringsdienst van Waren
(Inspectorate for Health Protection and Veterinary Public Health). This
authority deals with all nutritional products. The Medicines Evaluation
Board, which is the equivalent of the U.K.'s MHRA, is charged with the
responsibility for the safety of medicines which are regulated under the
Supply of Medicines Act. Overall, the market prospects for Holland are, in
general, similar to those outlined for the U.K. above.
F-7
NBTY, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2003, 2002 and 2001
(in thousands, except per share amounts and number of locations)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation
The consolidated financial statements of NBTY, Inc. and Subsidiaries (the
"Company" or "NBTY") include the accounts of the Company and its wholly
owned subsidiaries. The Company's fiscal year ends on September 30. All
intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
Revenue Recognition
The Company applies the provisions of Staff Accounting Bulletin 101,
Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements, ("SAB 101"). The Company
recognizes revenue from products shipped when title and risk of loss has
passed to its customers, and with respect to its own retail store
operations, upon the sale of its products. The Company's net sales
represent gross sales invoiced to customers, less certain related charges,
including discounts, returns, rebates and other allowances. The Company has
no single customer that represents more than 10 percent of annual net sales
of the Company for each of the fiscal years ended September 30, 2003, 2002
and 2001. For the fiscal years ended September 30, 2003, 2002 and 2001, one
customer, two customers and one customer, respectively, represented,
individually, more than 10 percent of the wholesale division's net sales.
Upon adoption of SAB 101, effective October 1, 2000, the impact for the
year ended September 30, 2001 were reductions to sales of approximately
$4,000 and to net income of approximately $1,400.
Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires
management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported
amounts of assets, liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and
liabilities at the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of
revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The most significant
estimates include the valuation of inventories, the allowance for doubtful
accounts receivable and returns and discounts, income taxes, litigation
reserves and the recoverability of long-lived assets. Actual results could
differ from those estimates.
Concentration of Credit Risk
Financial instruments which potentially subject the Company to credit risk
consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable.
Cash balances may, at times, exceed FDIC limits on insurable amounts. The
Company mitigates its risk by investing in or through major financial
institutions.
The Company performs on-going credit evaluations of its customers and
adjusts credit limits based upon payment history and the customer's current
credit worthiness, as determined by the review of their current credit
information. Collections and payments from customers are continuously
monitored. The Company also maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts,
which is based upon historical experience as well as specific customer
collection issues that have been identified. While such bad debt expenses
have historically been within expectations and allowances established, the
Company cannot guarantee that it will continue to experience the same
credit loss rates that it has in the past. One customer accounted for 20
percent and 24 percent of the Company's accounts receivable at September
30, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Additionally, a new customer for fiscal
2003 accounted for 10 percent of the Company's accounts
F-8
NBTY, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2003, 2002 and 2001
(in thousands, except per share amounts and number of locations)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
receivable at September 30, 2003. The loss of one or more of these
customers is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's
consolidated financial position or results of operations.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is primarily
determined on the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. The cost elements of
inventory include materials, labor and overhead. In fiscal 2003, 2002 and
2001, no one supplier provided more than ten percent of the Company's
overall purchases. In fiscal 2002, one supplier provided more than ten
percent of the Company's raw material purchases. No one supplier provided
more than ten percent of the Company's raw material purchases in the other
fiscal years presented.
Prepaid Catalog Costs
Mail order production and mailing costs are capitalized as prepaid catalog
costs within other assets and charged to expense over the catalog period,
which typically approximates two months.
Advertising
All media and advertising costs are generally expensed as incurred. Total
expenses relating to advertising and promotion for fiscal 2003, 2002 and
2001 were $40,832, $26,019 and $28,747, respectively. Included in prepaid
expenses and other current assets is approximately $3,409 and $1,044
relating to prepaid advertising at September 30, 2003 and 2002,
respectively.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost. Depreciation is provided
on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the related
assets. Expenditures which significantly improve or extend the life of an
asset are capitalized. Amortization of leasehold improvements is computed
using the straight-line method over the shorter of the estimated useful
lives of the related assets or lease term.
Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense in the year incurred. Cost
and related accumulated depreciation for property, plant and equipment are
removed from the accounts upon sale or disposition, and the resulting gain
or loss is reflected in earnings.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price over the fair value of
identifiable net assets of companies acquired. The Company adopted
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 142, Goodwill and
Intangible Assets as of October 1, 2001. This statement requires that
goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives no longer be
amortized, but instead tested for impairment at least annually. The Company
measures impairment based on a projected discounted cash flow method using
a discount rate determined by management to be commensurate with the risk
inherent in its current business model or another valuation technique.
Prior to fiscal 2002, goodwill was amortized over periods not exceeding 40
years. Other definite lived intangibles are amortized on a straight-line
basis over periods not exceeding 20 years.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
The Company follows the provisions of SFAS No. 144, Accounting for the
Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets. SFAS No. 144 requires
recognition of impairment of long-lived assets whenever events or changes
in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be
recoverable. An impairment charge is recognized in the event the net book
value of
F-9
NBTY, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2003, 2002 and 2001
(in thousands, except per share amounts and number of locations)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
such assets exceeds the future undiscounted cash flows attributable to such
assets. During fiscal 2003, 2002 and 2001, the Company recognized
impairment losses of $1,117, $700 and $500 respectively, on assets to be
held and used. The impairment losses related primarily to leasehold
improvements and furniture and fixtures for U.S. retail operations and were
included in the Consolidated Statements of Income under the caption
"selling, general and administrative" expenses.
Stock-Based Compensation
In December 2002, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued
SFAS No. 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation - Transition and
Disclosure - an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 123. SFAS No. 148 amends
SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, to provide
alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change to the fair value
based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. In
addition, SFAS No. 148 amends the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 123
to require prominent disclosures in both annual and interim financial
statements about the method of accounting for stock-based employee
compensation and the effect of the method used on reported results. SFAS
No. 148 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after
December 15, 2002. The Company has adopted the disclosure requirements of
SFAS No. 123 and SFAS No. 148. The adoption of SFAS No. 148 did not have a
material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position or results
of operations.
The Company has elected to continue to measure compensation for stock
options issued to its employees and outside directors pursuant to APB No.
25 under the intrinsic value method. All stock options are granted with an
exercise price at or above fair market value at date of grant. Accordingly,
no compensation expense has been recognized in connection with the issuance
of stock options. Had compensation cost been determined based upon the fair
value of the stock options at grant date, consistent with the method under
SFAS No. 123, the Company's net income and earnings per share for fiscal
2001 would have been reduced to the following pro forma amounts indicated.
There were no grants during fiscal 2003 or 2002. Therefore, the pro forma
and actual net income and related EPS are the same as amounts reported.
F-10
NBTY, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2003, 2002 and 2001
(in thousands, except per share amounts and number of locations)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
2003 2002 2001
Net income, as reported $81,585 $95,791 $41,925
Deduct: Total stock-based employee
compensation expense determined under
fair value based method for all awards,
net of related tax effects - - (1,891)
------- ------- -------
Pro forma net income $81,585 $95,791 $40,034
======= ======= =======
Basic earnings per share
Basic - as reported $ 1.23 $ 1.45 $ 0.64
------- ------- -------
Basic - pro forma $ 1.23 $ 1.45 $ 0.61
------- ------- -------
Diluted earnings per share
Diluted - as reported $ 1.19 $ 1.41 $ 0.62
------- ------- -------
Diluted - pro forma $ 1.19 $ 1.41 $ 0.60
------- ------- -------
The fair value of each option is estimated on the date of grant using the
Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions used for
grants in 2001: (a) expected life of option of 6.7 years; (b) dividend
yield of zero percent; (c) expected volatility of 70 percent; and (d) risk-
free interest rate of 5 percent.
Foreign Currency
The financial statements of international subsidiaries are translated into
U.S. Dollars using the exchange rate at each balance sheet date for assets
and liabilities and an average exchange rate for each period for revenues,
expenses, gains and losses. Where the local currency is the functional
currency, translation adjustments are recorded as a separate component of
stockholders' equity. During fiscal 2003, 2002 and 2001, the Company
recognized foreign currency transaction gains (losses) of $334, $(1,556)
and $(482), respectively.
Comprehensive Income
In accordance with SFAS No. 130, Reporting Comprehensive Income, the
Company is required to display comprehensive income and its components as
part of its complete set of financial statements. Comprehensive income
represents the change in stockholders' equity resulting from transactions
other than stockholder investments and distributions. Other comprehensive
income includes certain changes in equity that are excluded from the
Company's net income, specifically, the unrealized gains and losses on
foreign currency translation adjustments.
Income Taxes
The Company recognizes deferred tax liabilities and assets for the expected
future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial
statements or tax returns. Deferred tax liabilities and assets are
determined based on the difference between the financial statement and tax
basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the
year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The Company
estimates the degree to which tax assets and loss carryforwards will result
in a benefit based on expected profitability by tax jurisdiction. A
valuation allowance for such tax assets and loss carryforwards is provided
when it is determined that such assets will more likely than not go unused.
If it becomes more likely than
F-11
NBTY, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2003, 2002 and 2001
(in thousands, except per share amounts and number of locations)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
not that a tax asset or loss carryforward will be used, the related
valuation allowance on such assets would be reversed. If actual future
taxable income by tax jurisdiction varies from estimates, additional
allowances or reversals of reserves may be necessary.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all highly liquid debt instruments purchased with an
original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Shipping and Handling Costs
The Company incurs shipping and handling costs in all divisions of its
operations. These costs are included in selling, general and administrative
costs and are $32,860, $23,985 and $19,799 for the fiscal years ended
September 30, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.
Change in Accounting Estimate
During fiscal 2001, the Company changed its accounting estimate for the
useful lives of certain long-lived assets, primarily leasehold improvements
and furniture and fixtures, based upon the terms of the lease agreements
which approximate the useful lives of the assets. The effect of this change
in estimate has been accounted for on a prospective basis and resulted in a
decrease in depreciation and amortization expense of approximately $1,248
for the year ended September 30, 2001.
Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications have been made to conform prior year amounts to
the current year presentation.
New Accounting Developments
In May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 150, Accounting for Certain Financial
Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity. SFAS No.
150 requires that certain financial instruments, which under previous
guidance were accounted for as equity, must now be accounted for as
liabilities. The financial instruments affected include mandatorily
redeemable stock, certain financial instruments that require or may require
the issuer to buy back some of its shares in exchange for cash or other
assets and certain obligations that can be settled with shares of stock.
SFAS No. 150 is effective for all financial instruments entered into or
modified after May 31, 2003 and must be applied to the Company's existing
financial instruments effective July 1, 2003, the beginning of the first
fiscal period after June 15, 2003. The Company has not entered into any
financial instruments within the scope of SFAS No. 150 since May 31, 2003,
nor does it currently hold any financial instruments within its scope.
In May 2003, the Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF") reached a consensus on
EITF Issue 01-8, Determining Whether an Arrangement is a Lease, which
provides guidance on identifying leases that may be embedded in contracts
or other arrangements that sell or purchase products or services. The
evaluation of whether an arrangement contains a lease within the scope of
SFAS No. 13, Accounting for Leases, should be based on an evaluation of
whether the arrangement conveys the right to use and control specific
property or equipment. The consensus requires sellers to report revenues
from the leasing component of these arrangements as leasing or rental
income rather than revenues from product sales or services, and requires
purchasers to report the costs from these arrangements as costs under
capital leases. This could affect the timing and amount of recognition of
revenues and expenses and the classification of assets and liabilities on
F-12
NBTY, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2003, 2002 and 2001
(in thousands, except per share amounts and number of locations)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
the balance sheet, and it could require additional footnote disclosure of
lease terms and future minimum lease commitments. This consensus is
effective for contracts entered into or significantly modified after July
1, 2003. The Company does not have relationships with customers that meet
the EITF 01-8 definition of a lease arrangement. As such, the adoption of
this issue did not impact the Company's consolidated financial position,
results of operations, or disclosure requirements.
In January 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 46, ("FIN")
Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an interpretation of
Accounting Research Bulletin ("ARB") No. 51. FIN 46 addresses consolidation
by business enterprises of variable interest entities. FIN 46 applies
immediately to variable interest entities created after January 31, 2003
and to variable interest entities in which an enterprise obtains an
interest after that date. It applies in the first reporting period ending
after December 15, 2003, to variable interest entities in which an
enterprise holds a variable interest that it acquired before February 1,
2003. The Company believes that the provisions of FIN 46 will not have any
impact on the Company's consolidated financial position or results of
operations.
In November 2002, the FASB issued FIN No. 45, Guarantor's Accounting and
Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of
Indebtedness to Others, which addresses the disclosure to be made by a
guarantor in its interim and annual financial statements about its
obligations under guarantees. FIN 45 also requires the guarantor to
recognize a liability for the non-contingent component of the guarantee,
which is the obligation to stand ready to perform in the event that
specified triggering events or conditions occur. The recognition and
measurement provisions of FIN 45 are effective for all guarantees entered
into or modified after December 31, 2002. The Company does not enter into
such transactions. Therefore the adoption of this standard did not impact
its consolidated financial position, results of operations, or disclosure
requirements.
In November 2002, the EITF issued EITF Issue No. 00-21, Revenue
Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables. EITF No. 00-21 addresses certain
aspects of the accounting by a company for arrangements under which it will
perform multiple revenue-generating activities. EITF No. 00-21 addresses
when and how an arrangement involving multiple deliverables should be
divided into separate units of accounting. EITF No. 00-21 provides guidance
with respect to the effect of certain customer rights due to company
nonperformance on the recognition of revenue allocated to delivered units
of accounting. EITF No. 00-21 also addresses the impact on the measurement
and/or allocation of arrangement consideration of customer cancellation
provisions and consideration that varies as a result of future actions of
the customer or the company. Finally, EITF No. 00-21 provides guidance with
respect to the recognition of the cost of certain deliverables that are
excluded from the revenue accounting arrangement. The provisions of EITF
No. 00-21 apply to revenue arrangements entered into in fiscal periods
beginning after June 15, 2003. The adoption of EITF No. 00-21 did not have
a material effect on its consolidated financial position or results of
operations.
F-13
NBTY, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2003, 2002 and 2001
(in thousands, except per share amounts and number of locations)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. Acquisitions
Fiscal 2003 Acquisitions
Rexall
On July 25, 2003, NBTY acquired all of the issued and outstanding capital
stock of Rexall Sundown, Inc. ("Rexall") for $250,000 in cash (subject to
adjustment based upon finalization of working capital balances at date of
closing) from Numico USA, Inc., an indirect subsidiary of Royal Numico
N.V., through the acquisition of certain partnership and limited liability
company interests. The acquisition was financed by a new senior credit
facility (see Note 8). The Company also incurred approximately $6,000 of
direct transaction costs as well as approximately $5,000 in insurance and
other indirect costs for a total purchase price of approximately $261,000.
Additionally, finance related costs of approximately $7,500 were paid to
secure the financing for this acquisition which will be amortized until its
maturity, which approximates six years.
The Company has retained essential Rexall employees consisting of product
development, sales and service personnel. The transaction will complement
NBTY's existing wholesale products and provide NBTY with an enhanced sales
infrastructure and additional manufacturing capacity. Rexall's portfolio of
nutritional supplement brands includes Rexall(R), Sundown(R), Osteo Bi-
Flex(R), Carb Solutions(R), MET-Rx(R) and WORLDWIDE Sport Nutrition(R).
This acquisition contributed $72,815 in sales and an operating profit of
$7,796 to NBTY's wholesale segment for the fiscal year 2003.
The Company accounted for the acquisition under the purchase method of
accounting in accordance with SFAS No. 141, Business Combinations. Under
the purchase method of accounting, the total purchase price was allocated
to the tangible and intangible assets acquired and the liabilities assumed
based on their estimated fair values. The excess of the purchase price over
those fair values was recorded as goodwill. The fair value assigned to the
tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed were based
on estimates and assumptions provided by management, and other information
compiled by management, including a valuation, prepared by an independent
valuation specialist that utilized established valuation techniques
appropriate for the industry. Upon completion of the valuation of the fair
value of the net assets acquired (which the Company expects to finalize by
the end of fiscal 2004), actual results may differ from those presented
herein. The total goodwill recognized in connection with this acquisition
was $34,037, all of which relates to the wholesale segment. None of this
goodwill is expected to be deductible for tax purposes.
Although management believes that the preliminary fair values and
allocation of the estimated purchase price are reasonable, final valuations
and appraisals may differ significantly from the amounts reflected in the
unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial information.
F-14
NBTY, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2003, 2002 and 2001
(in thousands, except per share amounts and number of locations)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The preliminary purchase price allocation is as follows:
Assets acquired
Cash $ 906
Accounts receivable, net 41,821
Inventories 71,781
Other current assets 3,220
Property, plant and equipment 76,115
Deferred tax assets 32,501
Other assets 2,638
Goodwill 34,037
Intangibles 94,500
--------
Total assets acquired 357,519
--------
Liabilities assumed
Accounts payable 18,358
Accrued liabilities 47,890
Deferred tax liabilities 24,679
Other liabilities 5,400
--------
Total liabilities assumed 96,327
--------
Net assets acquired $261,192
========
The estimated fair value of property, plant and equipment is as follows:
Fair Useful Life
Value (Years)
Land $10,137
Buildings 32,620 39
Machinery and equipment 22,232 3 - 10
Leasehold improvements 1,765 5
Furniture and fixtures 3,510 3 - 15
Computer equipment 5,851 3
-------
Total property, plant and equipment $76,115
=======
The estimated fair value of identifiable intangible assets acquired is as
follows:
Fair Useful Life
Value (Years)
Brands $78,000 20
Private label relationships 11,500 20
Small tablet patent 5,000 19
-------
Total intangible assets $94,500
=======
F-15
NBTY, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2003, 2002 and 2001
(in thousands, except per share amounts and number of locations)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The acquisition gave rise to the consolidation and elimination of certain
Rexall personnel positions and the Company provided certain balance sheet
adjustments for the same in accordance with EITF No. 95-3, Recognition of
Liabilities in Connection with a Purchase Business Combination. At the
closing of the acquisition, the Company anticipated headcount reductions
across all areas of Rexall and, as such, included an estimated accrual for
workforce reductions of approximately $12,000 comprised of severance,
employee benefits and outplacement support.
The Company's statements of income include Rexall's results from the
acquisition date. The following unaudited condensed pro forma information
presents a summary of consolidated results of operations of the Company and
Rexall as if the acquisition had occurred at the beginning of fiscal 2002,
with pro forma adjustments to give effect to the amortization of definite
lived intangibles, adjustments in depreciation, interest expense on
acquisition debt, elimination of impairment charges on intangibles recorded
by Rexall, as well as the elimination of the cumulative effect of
accounting change resulting from the adoption of SFAS No. 142, elimination
of trademark fees, and certain other adjustments, together with related
income tax effects. The pro forma information does not give effect to
anticipated intercompany product sales, or any incremental direct costs or
adjustments for liabilities resulting from integration plans that may be
recorded in connection with the acquisition, or potential cost savings,
which may result from the consolidation of certain operations of NBTY and
Rexall.
The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial information is
based on estimates and assumptions and includes intercompany charges paid
to Rexall's former parent company, Royal Numico N.V. These estimates and
assumptions have been made solely for purposes of developing this pro forma
information, which is presented for illustrative purposes only and is not
necessarily indicative of the consolidated financial position or results of
operations of future periods or the results that actually would have been
realized had the entities been a single entity during these periods. The
unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial information does not
reflect future events that may occur after the acquisition has been
completed.
The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statement of operations data
for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2003 has been derived by combining
the audited historical consolidated statement of operations of NBTY for the
year ended September 30, 2003 with the unaudited historical consolidated
statement of operations of Rexall (a subsidiary of the Dutch company, Royal
Numico N.V.) for the period October 1, 2002 through July 24, 2003. The
unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statement of operations data for
the year ended September 30, 2002 has been derived by combining the audited
historical consolidated statement of operations of NBTY for the year ended
September 30, 2002 with the audited historical consolidated statement of
operations of Rexall for the year ended December 31, 2002.
F-16
NBTY, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2003, 2002 and 2001
(in thousands, except per share amounts and number of locations)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year ended Fiscal year ended
September 30, September 30,
2003 2002
Pro Forma Pro Forma
Consolidated Consolidated
Net sales $1,534,154 $1,414,494
---------- ----------
Net income before the cumulative effect of
accounting change $ 32,528 $ 73,328
========== ==========
Net income $ 32,528 $ 73,328
========== ==========
Net income per share before the
cumulative effect of accounting change
Basic $ 0.49 $ 1.11
Diluted $ 0.47 $ 1.08
Net income per share
Basic $ 0.49 $ 1.11
Diluted $ 0.47 $ 1.08
Weighted average common shares outstanding
Basic 66,452 65,952
Diluted 68,538 67,829
Included in Rexall's loss from operations for the fiscal years 2003 and
2002 were non-recurring pre-tax expenses of $51,027 ($36,178 after-tax or
$0.53 per diluted share) and $37,872 ($26,170 after-tax or $0.39 per
diluted share), respectively. These expenses relate to charges incurred for
inter-company expenses for such items as product mark-ups, litigation
settlements, management stock purchase plan expenses and discontinued
product charges related to ephedra. Excluding these non-recurring expenses,
pro forma condensed consolidated net income for the fiscal years ended
September 30, 2003 and 2002 would have been $68,706 (or $1.00 diluted
earnings per share) and $99,498 (or $1.47 diluted earnings per share),
respectively.
De Tuinen
On May 20, 2003, the Company acquired the De Tuinen chain of retail stores
from Royal Ahold N.V. The De Tuinen chain operates 41 company owned stores
and 24 franchised stores located throughout the Netherlands. This operation
had total revenue of approximately 30,000 Euro ($30,200 U.S. Dollars)
during 2002 and has been a wholly owned subsidiary of the Ahold group of
companies since 1991. The purchase price for this business was
approximately $14,551 in cash. Assets acquired and liabilities assumed
include cash ($622), accounts receivable ($1,629), inventories ($3,103),
property, plant and equipment ($4,991) and current liabilities ($1,513).
The excess cost of investment over the net book value amounted to $5,719
and is classified as goodwill. None of this goodwill is expected to be
deductible for tax purposes. This acquisition contributed $13,245 in sales
and an insignificant operating loss for the fiscal year 2003.
Health & Diet Group ("GNC (UK)") and FSC Wholesale ("FSC")
On March 10, 2003, the Company acquired Health & Diet Group Ltd. and the
FSC wholesale business from Royal Numico N.V. At the time of the
acquisition, Health & Diet Group owned and operated 49 GNC stores in the
U.K. FSC is a Manchester, U.K.-based wholesale operation
F-17
NBTY, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2003, 2002 and 2001
(in thousands, except per share amounts and number of locations)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
whose products are sold to health food stores and pharmacies. The FSC
branded products include comprehensive ranges of multivitamins, single
vitamins and minerals, herbal formulas, and tinctures. These consolidated
operations had total sales of approximately $57,000 during 2002. The
purchase price for these businesses was approximately $16,759 in cash.
Assets acquired and liabilities assumed include cash ($1,298), accounts
receivable ($3,691), inventories ($8,081), property, plant and equipment
($4,121), and current liabilities ($21,639). The excess cost of investment
over the net book value amounted to $21,207 and is classified as goodwill.
None of this goodwill is expected to be deductible for tax purposes. This
transaction stipulates adjustments to the purchase price for agreed upon
working capital requirements and inventory valuation procedures to be
performed. The Company is still in the process of finalizing its purchase
price allocation and therefore the assets and liabilities allocated above
are subject to change. Upon completion of the valuation of the fair value
of the net assets acquired which the Company expects to finalize by the end
of fiscal 2004, actual results may differ from those presented herein. This
acquisition contributed $27,468 in sales and an insignificant operating
loss for the fiscal year 2003.
Pro forma financial information related to De Tuinen, GNC (UK) and FSC are
not provided as their operations were not significant individually or in
the aggregate to NBTY as a whole. Such acquisitions were funded with
internally generated cash.
Fiscal 2002 Acquisitions
Healthcentral.com
On December 6, 2001, the Company acquired out of bankruptcy certain assets
of HealthCentral.com for approximately $2,800 in cash. The assets include
the customer list of the mail order operation, L&H Vitamins, and the
customer list and URLs of Vitamins.com and WebRx.com. Assets acquired were
classified as intangibles, specifically as a customer list ($2,800) which
is being amortized over 15 years. These operations had sales for the 12
month period ended November 2001 of approximately $15,000 and a combined
customer list of approximately 1,800 names, which has been merged into the
existing customer base of the Puritan's Pride/Direct Response business.
Knox NutraJoint(R)
On December 13, 2001, the Company acquired certain assets of the Knox
NutraJoint(R) and Knox for Nails nutritional supplement business from Kraft
Foods North America, Inc. for approximately $4,456 in cash. Assets acquired
include inventory ($2,456) and intangibles ($2,000). Approximately $1,800
of the $2,000 has been classified as a trademark with an indefinite life.
Kraft's revenues for these brands were approximately $15,000 in 2001. NBTY
has licensed the Knox trademark at no charge to Kraft Foods North America,
Inc. for use in the Knox gelatine business, which was not part of the
acquisition.
All 2002 acquisitions were funded with internally generated cash.
F-18
NBTY, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2003, 2002 and 2001
(in thousands, except per share amounts and number of locations)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal 2001 Acquisitions
Global Group
On May 25, 2001, the Company acquired certain assets and liabilities of the
business of Global Health Sciences, Inc. and certain of its affiliated
companies ("Global Group"). NBTY was the successful bidder in an auction
ordered by a bankruptcy court in California. The purchase price was
approximately $40,000 in cash, less adjustments. The Global Group is
located in Anaheim, California and is a leading manufacturer of nutritional
powders used for meal replacements, weight control and protein powders
formulated to improve physical performance. Global Group also produces
formulations for herbal, vitamin and mineral tablets.
Assets acquired and liabilities assumed include cash ($1,427), accounts
receivable ($8,569), inventory ($7,894), other current assets ($1,663),
property, plant and equipment ($14,000) and current liabilities ($241).
Global Group had sales of $171,000 for the 12-month period ended April
2001. The excess cost of investment over the net book value of Global Group
at the date of acquisition amounted to $6,923, of which $6,681 was
classified by the Company as other long-term assets in 2001. In fiscal 2003
and 2002, the Company received $4,600 and $1,850, respectively, from an
escrow account relating to this acquisition. The remaining excess has been
classified as goodwill.
NatureSmart
On May 15, 2001, the Company acquired certain assets and liabilities of WFM
NatureSmart, LLC from Whole Foods Market, Inc. for approximately $29,000 in
cash. NatureSmart, through its four divisions, manufactures and markets
nutritional supplements, including vitamins, minerals, herbs and personal
care products through mail order operations having approximately 350 active
customers. It also manufactures private label vitamins for mass market,
specialty retailers and healthcare professionals.
Assets acquired and liabilities assumed include accounts receivable ($607),
inventory ($10,882), other current assets ($618), property, plant and
equipment ($3,462), intangibles ($1,893), and current liabilities ($4,487).
The excess cost of investment over the net book value of NatureSmart at the
date of acquisition resulted in an increase in goodwill of $16,395.
NatureSmart's annual sales for the year ended September 24, 2000 were
approximately $59,000.
Both 2001 transactions were funded by borrowings under the Company's then
existing Credit and Guarantee Agreement ("CGA").
These two acquisitions contributed $29,000 of sales and an insignificant
operating profit for the Company's 2001 fiscal year.
3. Investments in Bonds
In 2002, the Company purchased $8,242 high yield, less-than-investment-
grade corporate debt securities. The Company did not intend to sell the
shares in the near term and therefore classified them as available-for-sale
securities. The investment was reported at fair value, with unrealized
losses reported in accumulated other comprehensive income in stockholders'
equity. The Company reviews marketable securities for impairment based on
criteria that include the extent to which cost exceeds market value, the
duration of the market decline, and the financial
F-19
NBTY, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2003, 2002 and 2001
(in thousands, except per share amounts and number of locations)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
condition and near-term prospects for the issuer. Based on this review, the
Company determined that the decline in fair value was other-than-temporary.
On September 4, 2003, the bond issuer declared bankruptcy. During the
fiscal year ended September 30, 2003 other-than-temporary impairment
writedowns charged against income were $4,084 and have been included in
"Other income (expense)" in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
The cost and estimated fair value for these available-for-sale investments
in debt securities at September 30, 2003 by contractual maturity was $8,242
and $4,158, respectively, due beyond one year and within five years.
4. Inventories
The components of inventories are as follows:
2003 2002
Raw materials $118,371 $ 77,051
Work-in-process 9,555 8,527
Finished goods 186,165 118,824
-------- --------
$314,091 $204,402
======== ========
5. Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment is as follows:
Depreciation
and
Amortization
2003 2002 Period (Years)
Land $ 21,129 $ 10,781
Buildings and leasehold improvements 180,521 94,360 5 - 40
Machinery and equipment 121,556 95,961 3 - 10
Furniture and fixtures 103,287 142,026 3 - 15
Transportation equipment 9,579 5,411 4
Computer equipment 58,944 43,494 3 - 5
-------- --------
495,016 392,033
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization 196,672 175,788
-------- --------
$298,344 $216,245
======== ========
Depreciation and amortization of property, plant and equipment for the
fiscal years ended September 30, 2003, 2002 and 2001 was approximately
$41,406, $37,863 and $34,866, respectively.
F-20
NBTY, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2003, 2002 and 2001
(in thousands, except per share amounts and number of locations)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Property, plant and equipment includes approximately $6,010 for assets
recorded under capital leases at September 30, 2003 and 2002. Accumulated
amortization of these capital leases at September 30, 2003 and 2002 was
approximately $4,273 and $3,541, respectively.
6. Goodwill and Intangible Assets
The carrying amount of acquired intangible assets is as follows:
2003 2002
------------------------ ------------------------
Gross Gross
carrying Accumulated carrying Accumulated Amortization
amount amortization amount amortization period (years)
Definite lived intangible assets
Brands $ 78,000 $ 650 $ - $ - 20
Customer lists 61,368 19,843 64,283 18,668 6 - 15
Customer relations 11,500 96 - - 20
Trademark and licenses 2,414 2,399 2,429 2,188 2 - 3
Patents 5,000 44 - - 19
Covenants not to compete 2,605 2,186 2,605 1,848 3 - 5
-------- -------- ------- -------
160,887 25,218 69,317 22,704
Indefinite lived intangible asset
Trademark 1,800 - 1,800 -
-------- -------- ------- -------
Total intangible assets $162,687 $25,218 $71,117 $22,704
======== ======= ======= =======
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment for the fiscal
year ended September 30, 2003 are as follows:
Retail:
United Retail: Direct Response/
Wholesale States Europe Puritan's Pride Consolidated
Balance at September 30, 2002 $ 4,892 $7,588 $117,322 $15,197 $144,999
Acquisitions during period 34,037 - 26,926 60,963
Foreign currency translation - - 7,400 7,400
------- ------ -------- ------- --------
Balance at September 30, 2003 $38,929 $7,588 $151,648 $15,197 $213,362
======= ====== ======== ======= ========
The Company currently has unamortized goodwill remaining from the
acquisition of Holland & Barrett ($119,061), Rexall ($34,037), GNC (UK)
($22,019), NatureSmart ($15,164), Nutrition Warehouse ($7,510), De Tuinen
($5,852), Nature's Way ($4,748), Feeling Fine ($3,069), Global Group
($1,640), and other ($262), and the Company currently owns one trademark,
Knox ($1,800), all of which are subject to the provisions of SFAS No. 142.
The Company did not record any transition intangible asset impairment loss
upon adoption of SFAS No. 142. The changes in the carrying amount of
goodwill for the year ended September 30, 2003 primarily related to
acquisitions.
Aggregate amortization expense of definite lived intangible assets included
in the Consolidated Statements of Income under the caption "selling,
general and administrative" expenses in fiscal 2003, 2002 and 2001 was
approximately $5,478, $4,329 and $3,862, respectively.
F-21
NBTY, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2003, 2002 and 2001
(in thousands, except per share amounts and number of locations)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Estimated amortization expense for the next five fiscal years is as
follows:
For the fiscal year ending September 30,
2004 $7,188
2005 $6,979
2006 $7,220
2007 $8,488
2008 $8,443
As required by SFAS No. 142, the results of prior fiscal years have not
been restated. A reconciliation of net income, as if SFAS No. 142 had been
adopted, is presented below for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2003,
2002 and 2001, exclusive of amortization expense related to goodwill that
is not being amortized:
2003 2002 2001
Reported net income $81,585 $95,791 $41,925
Addback: goodwill amortization - - 6,082
------- ------- -------
Adjusted net income $81,585 $95,791 $48,007
======= ======= =======
Basic earnings per share
Reported net income $ 1.23 $ 1.45 $ 0.64
Addback: goodwill amortization - - 0.09
------- ------- -------
Adjusted net income $ 1.23 $ 1.45 $ 0.73
======= ======= =======
Diluted earnings per share
Reported net income $ 1.19 $ 1.41 $ 0.62
------- ------- -------
Addback: goodwill amortization - - 0.09
Adjusted net income $ 1.19 $ 1.41 $ 0.71
======= ======= ========
F-22
NBTY, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2003, 2002 and 2001
(in thousands, except per share amounts and number of locations)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
7. Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities
The components of accrued expenses and other current liabilities are as
follows:
2003 2002
Payroll and related taxes $ 19,869 $11,117
Accrued purchases 17,644 12,770
Rent 13,912 3,272
Customer deposits 12,951 5,854
Severance 12,049 -
Litigation 10,207 -
Income taxes payable 8,257 7,525
Co-op/coupons 6,275 949
Accrued interest 644 970
Other 22,822 11,720
-------- -------
$124,630 $54,177
======== =======
8. Long-Term Debt
2003 2002
Senior debt
8-5/8% Senior subordinated notes due 2007, net of unamortized
discount of $500 in 2003 and $624 in 2002 (a) $149,500 $149,376
Note payable due in monthly payments of $2, including interest
at 4%, maturing May 2009 121 142
Mortgages
First mortgage payable in monthly principal and interest
(9.73%) installments of $25, maturing November 2009 1,395 1,555
First mortgage payable in monthly principal and interest
(7.375%) installments of $55, maturing May 2011 3,870 4,232
First mortgage payable in monthly principal and interest
(9.0%) installments of $3 - 183
Credit and Guarantee Agreement (b)
Term loan B payable in quarterly principal and interest
installments of $2,738, maturing July 2009 224,438 -
Term loan A payable in quarterly principal and interest
installments of $2,950, maturing July 2008 47,500 -
Credit and Guarantee Agreement
(refinanced July 25, 2003) (c)
Term loan payable in quarterly principal and interest
installments of $5,563 - 31,188
-------- --------
426,824 186,676
Less current portion 12,837 22,806
-------- --------
$413,987 $163,870
======== ========
F-23
NBTY, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2003, 2002 and 2001
(in thousands, except per share amounts and number of locations)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) The 8-5/8 percent Senior Subordinated Notes (the "Notes") are
unsecured and subordinated in right of payment for all existing and
future indebtedness of the Company. The Notes provide for the payment
of interest semi-annually at the rate of 8-5/8 percent per annum.
(b) In connection with the Rexall acquisition, the Company entered into a
new Credit and Guarantee Agreement ("CGA") comprised of $375,000
Senior Secured Credit Facilities. The CGA consists of a $100,000
Revolving Credit Facility, a $50,000 Term Loan A and a $225,000 Term
Loan B. The Company utilized term loans aggregating $275,000 to
finance the purchase price. At September 30, 2003, the borrowings
under the Term Loan A and Term Loan B were $47,500 and $224,438,
respectively. At September 30, 2003 there were no borrowings
outstanding under the revolving credit facility. The Company is
required to make quarterly principal installments under Term Loan A
and Term Loan B of approximately $2,500 and $563, respectively, at
the end of each quarter beginning on September 30, 2003. The Term
Loan B also requires the last four quarterly principal installments
to be balloon payments of approximately $53,435 beginning September
30, 2008. The term loans annual borrowing rates vary depending on the
interest rate option utilized. Options for the rate can either be the
Alternate Base Rate or LIBOR plus applicable margin. At September 30,
2003 the annual borrowing rates for Term Loan A and Term Loan B were
3.375 and 3.625 percent, respectively. The current portion of Term
Loan A and Term Loan B at September 30, 2003 was $10,000 and $2,250,
respectively. The revolving credit facility and term loans are
scheduled to mature on the earlier of (i) fifth anniversary of the
closing date for the Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan A, and
the sixth anniversary date for Term Loan B; or (ii) March 15, 2007 if
the Company's 8-5/8% senior subordinated Notes due September 15, 2007
are still outstanding. The proceeds were used to fund the Rexall
acquisition, to refinance the existing CGA ($14,500), and to pay
fees, commissions, and expenses associated therewith. Following the
closing date, the proceeds of loans borrowed under the new Revolving
Facility shall be used for general corporate purposes. Virtually all
of the company's assets are pledged as collateral under the new CGA
and are subject to normal banking terms and conditions and the
maintenance of various financial ratios and covenants.
(c) At September 30, 2002, the prior credit agreement was comprised of
two term loans and a revolving credit facility. Borrowings
outstanding under that credit agreement were $31,188 and had an
annual borrowing rate of 4.422 percent payable in quarterly
installments of $5,563. The current portion of this credit agreement
at September 30, 2002 was $22,250. The Company refinanced this credit
agreement during the third quarter 2003. See (b) above.
The Company's credit arrangements, generally the indenture governing the
Notes and the new CGA, impose certain restrictions on the Company regarding
capital expenditures and limit the Company's ability to do any of the
following: incur additional indebtedness, dispose of assets, make
repayments of indebtedness or amendments of debt instruments, pay
distributions, create liens on assets and enter into sale and leaseback
transactions, investments, loans or advances and acquisitions. Such
restrictions are subject to certain limitations and exclusions.
In addition, a default under certain covenants in the Indenture and the
CGA, respectively, could result in the acceleration of the Company's
payment obligations under the CGA and the
F-24
NBTY, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2003, 2002 and 2001
(in thousands, except per share amounts and number of locations)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Indenture, as the case may be, and, under certain circumstances, in cross-
defaults under other debt obligations. These defaults may have a negative
effect on the Company's liquidity.
Required principal payments of long-term debt are as follows:
Fiscal year ending September 30,
2004 $ 12,837
2005 12,885
2006 12,938
2007 162,495
2008 63,432
Thereafter 162,237
--------
$426,824
========
The fair value of the Company's long-term debt at September 30, 2003 and
2002, based upon current market rates, approximates the amounts disclosed
above.
9. Capital Lease Obligations
The Company enters into various capital leases for machinery and equipment,
which provide the Company with bargain purchase options at the end of such
lease terms. Future minimum payments under capital lease obligations as of
September 30, 2003 are as follows:
Fiscal year ending September 30,
2004 $5
2005 2
----
7
Less amount representing interest 1
----
Present value of minimum lease payments (including $4 due within one year) $6
====
10. Income Taxes
Income before income taxes consists of the following components:
2003 2002 2001
United States $ 59,529 $ 74,216 $28,047
Foreign 55,468 64,491 39,836
-------- -------- -------
$114,997 $138,707 $67,883
======== ======== =======
F-25
NBTY, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2003, 2002 and 2001
(in thousands, except per share amounts and number of locations)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Provision for income taxes consists of the following:
2003 2002 2001
Federal
Current $ 9,358 $26,835 $14,713
Deferred 5,864 (4,386) (1,682)
State
Current 1,334 2,760 1,513
Deferred 170 (451) (172)
Foreign
Current 17,493 19,150 11,767
Deferred (807) (992) (181)
------- ------- -------
Total provision $33,412 $42,916 $25,958
======= ======= =======
The following is a reconciliation of the income tax expense computed using
the statutory Federal income tax rate to the actual income tax expense and
its effective income tax rate.
2003 2002 2001
-------------------- -------------------- -------------------
Percent Percent Percent
of pretax of pretax of pretax
Amount income Amount income Amount income
------ --------- ------ --------- ------ ---------
Income tax expense at statutory rate $40,249 35.0% $48,548 35.0% $23,759 35.0%
State income taxes, net of federal
income tax benefit 1,504 1.3% 1,501 1.1% 2,444 3.6%
Amortization of goodwill - - 2,277 3.3%
Change in valuation allowance (8,275) (7.1%) (4,700) (3.4%) - -
Other, individually less than 5% (66) (0.1%) (2,433) (1.8%) (2,522) (3.7%)
------- ---- ------- ---- ------- ----
$33,412 29.1% $42,916 30.9% $25,958 38.2%
======= ==== ======= ==== ======= ====
F-26
NBTY, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2003, 2002 and 2001
(in thousands, except per share amounts and number of locations)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The components of deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows as of
September 30:
2003 2002
Deferred tax assets
Inventory reserves $ 8,684 $ 1,935
Accrued expenses and reserves not currently deductible 33,957 5,335
Tax credits 9,876 18,827
Valuation allowance (5,452) (13,727)
-------- --------
Total deferred income tax assets, net of
valuation allowance 47,065 12,370
-------- --------
Deferred tax liabilities
Property, plant and equipment (17,079) (17,731)
Intangibles (26,552) (361)
Undistributed foreign earnings (6,340) -
Other (286) -
-------- --------
Total deferred income tax liabilities (50,257) (18,092)
-------- --------
Total net deferred income tax liabilities (3,192) (5,722)
Less current deferred income tax assets (37,021) (11,206)
-------- --------
Long-term deferred income taxes $(40,213) $(16,928)
======== ========
Deferred tax assets have been recognized to the extent that it is more
likely than not that they will be realized. For the year ended September
30, 2003, the Company has foreign tax credit and NYS Investment tax credit
carryforwards of $4,424 and $5,452, respectively. During 2003, the Company
determined that sufficient evidence existed to allow for a release of
$8,275 of valuation allowance with regards to the foreign tax credit
carryforwards. A valuation allowance of $5,452 is still maintained against
the NYS investment tax credits that will begin to expire in 2013. The
amount of deferred tax assets considered realizable could be adjusted in
the future as the Company continues to monitor the future realization of
such deferred tax assets in addition to identifying additional tax planning
strategies. The change in the valuation allowance for the fiscal years
ended September 30, 2003 and 2002 is as follows:
2003 2002
Balance at October 1 $(13,727) $(18,427)
Utilization of foreign tax credit carryforwards 8,275 4,700
-------- --------
Balance at September 30 $ (5,452) $(13,727)
======== ========
F-27
NBTY, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2003, 2002 and 2001
(in thousands, except per share amounts and number of locations)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
11. Commitments
Operating Leases
The Company conducts retail operations under operating leases, which expire
at various dates through 2027. Some of the leases contain renewal options
and provide for contingent rent based upon sales plus certain tax and
maintenance costs.
Future minimum rental payments (excluding real estate tax and maintenance
costs) for retail locations and other leases that have initial or
noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year at September 30, 2003 are
as follows:
Fiscal year ending September 30,
2004 $ 68,409
2005 62,638
2006 57,080
2007 52,029
2008 46,160
Thereafter 159,472
--------
$445,788
========
Operating lease rental expense (including real estate taxes and maintenance
costs) and leases on a month to month basis were approximately $83,559,
$68,104 and $62,355 during fiscal 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.
Purchase Commitments
The Company was committed to make future purchases under various purchase
arrangements with fixed price provisions aggregating approximately $22,287
at September 30, 2003.
Capital Commitments
The Company had approximately $1,665 in open capital commitments at
September 30, 2003, primarily related to manufacturing equipment as well as
to computer hardware and software. Also, the Company has a $13,310
commitment for the construction of an automated warehouse over the next 18
months.
Employment and Consulting Agreements
The Company has employment agreements with two of its executive officers.
The agreements, effective October 1, 2002, have a term of five years and
are automatically renewed each year thereafter unless either party notifies
the other to the contrary. These agreements provide for minimum salary
levels and contain provisions regarding severance and changes in control of
the Company. The annual commitment for salaries to these two officers as of
September 30, 2003 was approximately $1,170.
F-28
NBTY, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2003, 2002 and 2001
(in thousands, except per share amounts and number of locations)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Company maintains a consulting agreement with Rudolph Management
Associates, Inc. for the services of Arthur Rudolph, a director of the
Company. The agreement requires Mr. Rudolph to provide consulting services
to the Company through December 31, 2003, in exchange for a consulting fee
of $450 per year, payable monthly. In addition, Mr. Rudolph receives
certain fringe benefits accorded to other executives of the Company. The
Company currently intends to renew this consulting agreement for a period
of one year on substantially similar terms.
Five members of the Company's European senior executive staff have service
contracts terminable by the Company upon twelve months notice. The annual
aggregate commitment for such executive staff as of September 30, 2003 was
approximately $1,080.
12. Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share ("EPS") computations are calculated utilizing the
weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the fiscal
years. Diluted EPS include the weighted average number of common shares
outstanding and the effect of common stock equivalents. The following is a
reconciliation between basic and diluted EPS:
2003 2002 2001
Numerator
Numerator for basic and diluted EPS - income
available to common stockholders $81,585 $95,791 $41,925
======= ======= =======
Denominator
Denominator for basic EPS - weighted-average shares 66,452 65,952 65,774
Effect of dilutive securities
Stock options 2,086 1,877 1,351
------- ------- -------
Denominator for diluted EPS - weighted-average shares 68,538 67,829 67,125
======= ======= =======
Net EPS
Basic EPS $ 1.23 $ 1.45 $ 0.64
======= ======= =======
Diluted EPS $ 1.19 $ 1.41 $ 0.62
======= ======= =======
13. Stock Option Plans
During fiscal 1999, the Board of Directors (the "Board") approved the
issuance of 3,000 options expiring at varying dates in 2008 and 2009 with
exercise prices ranging from $4.75 to $6.19 per share. During fiscal 2000,
the Board approved the issuance of 2,288 options expiring in 2010 with an
exercise price of $5.88 per share. During fiscal 2001, the Board approved
the issuance of 805 options expiring in 2011 with an exercise price of
$5.47 per share. The exercise price of each of the aforementioned issuances
was at or in excess of the market closing price at the date such options
were granted. Since September 19, 2003, the Common Stock has traded on the
New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE"). Prior to that date, the Common Stock
was included for quotation on the National Association of Securities
Dealers National Market System ("NASDAQ/NMS"). Stock options granted under
the plans generally become exercisable on
F-29
NBTY, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2003, 2002 and 2001
(in thousands, except per share amounts and number of locations)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
grant date and have a maximum term of ten years. The Company did not grant
any stock options during fiscal 2003 or 2002.
During fiscal 2003, options for 198 shares of common stock were exercised,
with an aggregate exercise price of $1,146. As a result of the exercise of
those options, the Company received a compensation deduction for tax
purposes of approximately $2,650. Accordingly, a tax benefit of
approximately $928 was credited to capital in excess of par. Also during
fiscal 2003, the Company received an additional compensation deduction of
approximately $412 due to the early disposition of certain incentive stock
options exercised by employees. Accordingly, a tax benefit of approximately
$144 was credited to capital in excess of par.
During fiscal 2002, options for 480 shares of common stock were exercised,
with an aggregate exercise price of $2,072 for which the Company received
cash proceeds of $1,899 and surrendered shares with a fair value of $173.
As a result of the exercise of those options, the Company received a
compensation deduction for tax purposes of approximately $3,882.
Accordingly, a tax benefit of approximately $1,409 was credited to capital
in excess of par. Also during fiscal 2002, the Company received an
additional compensation deduction of approximately $1,118 due to the early
disposition of certain incentive stock options exercised by employees.
Accordingly, a tax benefit of approximately $406 was credited to capital in
excess of par.
During fiscal 2001, options for 458 shares of common stock were exercised,
with an aggregate exercise price of $2,604. As a result of the exercise of
those options, the Company received a compensation deduction for tax
purposes of approximately $1,990. Accordingly, a tax benefit of
approximately $759 was credited to capital in excess of par. Also during
fiscal 2001, the Company received an additional compensation deduction of
approximately $1,299 due to the early disposition of certain incentive
stock options exercised by employees. Accordingly, a tax benefit of
approximately $500 was credited to capital in excess of par.
A summary of stock option activity is as follows:
2003 2002 2001
--------------------- --------------------- ---------------------
Weighted Weighted Weighted
average average average
Number exercise Number exercise Number exercise
of shares price of shares price of shares price
Outstanding at beginning of year 4,373 $5.77 4,853 $5.62 4,536 $5.71
Exercised (198) $5.79 (480) $4.32 (458) $5.67
Forfeited (30) $5.13
Granted 805 $5.47
Outstanding at end of year 4,175 $5.77 4,373 $5.77 4,853 $5.62
Exercisable at end of year 4,175 $5.77 4,373 $5.77 4,853 $5.62
Fair value of options granted during year $3.80
F-30
NBTY, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2003, 2002 and 2001
(in thousands, except per share amounts and number of locations)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding
at September 30, 2003:
Options Outstanding Options Exercisable
------------------------------------- -----------------------
Weighted
Average Weighted Weighted
Remaining Average Average
Range of Shares Contractual Exercise Shares Exercise
Exercise Prices Outstanding Life Price Exercisable Price
$4.75 - $6.19 4,175 6.2 years $5.77 4,175 $5.77
14. Employee Benefit Plans
The Company sponsors a 401(k) plan covering substantially all employees
with more than six months of service. As allowed under Section 401(k) of
the Internal Revenue Code, the Plan provides tax-deferred salary deductions
for eligible employees. Employees may contribute from one percent to 50
percent of their annual compensation to the Plan, limited to a maximum
annual amount as set periodically by the Internal Revenue Service. Company
contributions are two percent of the participant's gross earnings to an
annual maximum contribution of $4 per participant. Employees become fully
vested in employer contributions after three years of service.
The Company also sponsors an Employee Stock Ownership Plan and Trust (ESOP)
which covers substantially all employees who are employed at calendar year
end and have completed one year of service (providing they worked at least
the minimum number of hours as required by the terms of the plan during
such plan year). The ESOP is designed to comply with Section 4975(e)(7) and
the regulations thereunder of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
(Code) and is subject to the applicable provisions of the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Contributions are made on a
voluntary basis by the Company. There is no minimum contribution required
in any one year. There are no contributions required or permitted to be
made by an employee. All contributions are allocated to participant
accounts as defined. Employees become vested in their respective accounts
after five years of service, provided the ESOP is not considered top-heavy.
If the ESOP is considered top-heavy, employees will become vested after
three years of service.
The accompanying financial statements reflect contributions to these plans
in the approximate amount of $3,111, $1,429 and $1,480 during fiscal 2003,
2002 and 2001, respectively.
Certain international subsidiaries of the Company (mainly in the U.K.) have
company sponsored defined contribution plans to comply with local statutes
and practices. The accompanying financial statements reflect contributions
to these plans by such subsidiaries in the approximate amount of $464, $461
and $462 during fiscal 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.
F-31
NBTY, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2003, 2002 and 2001
(in thousands, except per share amounts and number of locations)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
15. Discontinued Product Charge
Effective March 15, 2003, the Company voluntarily discontinued sales of
products that contain ephedra. Income from operations for the fiscal year
ended September 30, 2003 includes a charge of approximately $4,500 ($3,191
or $0.05 diluted earnings per share, after tax) associated with such
discontinued product sales. The Company's belief that its ephedra products
were safe when used as directed has been supported by credible scientific
evidence. However, in light of adverse publicity surrounding ephedra and
the current environment in the U.S., the Company believed it was in its
best interest to voluntarily cease selling ephedra products, which
represented an insignificant portion of the Company's overall business.
16. Litigation Recovery of Raw Material Costs
The Company was a plaintiff in a vitamin antitrust litigation matter
brought in the United States District Court in the District of Columbia
against F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. and others for alleged price fixing.
Settlements with certain defendants were made, and the Company received
$21,354 ($14,756 or $0.22 diluted earnings per share, after tax) in
settlement of price fixing litigation during fiscal 2002.
17. Litigation
Pseudoephedrine Products
On April 14, 2003, a complaint was filed by the United States of America
against the Company arising from certain pseudoephedrine sales by the
Company from November 2000 through December 2002. The complaint, filed in
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, alleges technical
recordkeeping and reporting violations of the Controlled Substances Act, 21
U.S.C. Sections 801-904, and Controlled Substances Import and Export Act,
21 U.S.C. Sections 951-971, in a small fraction of the Company's sales of
over-the-counter antihistamine and decongestant products containing
pseudoephedrine. Total sales of such products generated approximately $160,
or only 0.0002 percent, of the Company's total sales for the fiscal years
ended September 30, 2002 and 2001, respectively. The Company has cooperated
in all respects with the Drug Enforcement Administration in its
investigation of sales identified in the complaint. Accordingly, the
Company believes that there is no valid basis nor precedent for the
penalties sought (which consist of monetary fines), and has launched a
vigorous defense. However, because this action is in its early stages, no
determination can be made at this time as to the final outcome of this
action, nor can its materiality be accurately ascertained.
Prohormone Products
On July 25, 2002, a putative consumer class action was filed in New York
state court against several manufacturers and retailers of so-called
prohormone supplements naming Vitamin World as a defendant. Prohormones are
substances such as androstenedione that plaintiffs allege are hormone
precursors ingested to promote muscle growth. Plaintiffs allege that the
advertising and labeling of certain prohormone supplements overstate their
efficacy and do not fully disclose their risks, and seek class
certification and injunctive and monetary relief. The action was severed
into separate class actions against each of the defendants. On December 6,
2002, an amended class action complaint was filed against Vitamin World
that purported to elaborate on the claims initially alleged. The court has
not yet certified a class and the matter is currently in discovery. The
Company believes that this action is without merit and intends to
vigorously defend against
F-32
NBTY, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2003, 2002 and 2001
(in thousands, except per share amounts and number of locations)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
the claims asserted. However, because this action is in its early stages,
no determination can be made at this time as to the final outcome of this
action, nor can its materiality be accurately ascertained.
In addition to the foregoing prohormone case in which the Company is a
defendant, there are two other cases filed in 2002 naming MET-Rx as a
defendant. On July 25, 2002, one putative consumer class action was filed
in California state court and one putative consumer class action was filed
in Florida state court. Plaintiffs in each of these cases allege that the
advertising and labeling of certain prohormone supplements overstate their
efficacy and do not fully disclose their risks, and seek class
certification, injunctive and monetary relief. In the Florida action,
plaintiffs allege in the alternative that if the prohormone products were
effective as advertised, they were anabolic steroids, controlled substances
under Florida law. On this alternative theory, plaintiffs seek treble
damages under the Florida Civil RICO statute. The cases are currently in
the discovery phase. The Company believes that these actions are without
merit and intends to vigorously defend against the claims asserted.
However, because these actions are in their early stages, no determination
can be made at this time as to their final outcome, nor can their
materiality be accurately ascertained.
Nutrition Bars
On August 28, 2001, the Company was also named as a defendant, along with
other companies, in a putative class action commenced in an Alabama state
court. Plaintiffs allege that NBTY manufactured and marketed misbranded
nutrition bars which understated carbohydrate content. Plaintiffs seek
class certification, injunctive, declaratory, and monetary relief. Class
discovery is being taken, and no class has been certified. NBTY is
vigorously opposing class certification on the basis that the plaintiffs
were not damaged as alleged as a result of any action by NBTY.
On October 3, 2002, the Company was named as a defendant in a second
putative class action commenced in the same Alabama state court as the
above-identified litigation. Plaintiffs, in an attempt to pursue several
retailers, including Vitamin World, and not manufacturers of nutrition
bars, allege that NBTY marketed misbranded nutrition bars. In November
2002, NBTY filed a motion to dismiss or abate the lawsuit based on the
principle that the court lacks subject-matter jurisdiction because the
earlier-filed lawsuit, which seeks identical relief for the same purported
class action against the manufacturers, preempts this second attempt to
certify a class against NBTY.
In addition to the foregoing nutrition bar cases in which the Company is a
defendant, there are six other cases filed in 2002 naming Rexall or a
subsidiary of Rexall as a defendant, each making substantially the same
allegations. NBTY acquired these cases with the purchase of Rexall. Three
cases were brought in California state court, on August 8, 2002, June 21,
2002 and August 29, 2002, respectively. One case was brought in Florida
state court on December 23, 2002, one case in Oklahoma state court on
December 31, 2002 and one case in Arkansas state court on December 31,
2002. Plaintiffs allege misbranding of nutrition bars and violations of
state unfair trade and practices statutes, unjust enrichment, misleading
advertising, unfair competition and other similar causes of action.
Plaintiffs seek disgorgement of profits, restitution, declaratory and
injunctive relief. NBTY contends that the California action is not
appropriate for class certification because the named plaintiffs are
inadequate class representatives and not typical of persons who purchased
the nutrition bars.
F-33
NBTY, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2003, 2002 and 2001
(in thousands, except per share amounts and number of locations)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Company believes that all of the above described nutrition bar suits
are without merit and intends to vigorously defend against the claims
asserted. Based upon the information available at this time, the Company
believes that its accrual is adequate for the exposure in the nutrition bar
litigation. However, because these actions are in their early stages, no
determination can be made at this time as to their final outcome, nor can
their materiality or the adequacy of the accrual be accurately ascertained.
In addition to the foregoing, other claims, suits, complaints and
regulatory inquiries (including product liability claims) arise in the
ordinary course of the Company's business. The Company believes that such
other claims, suits, complaints and inquiries would not have a material
adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial condition or results
of operations, if adversely determined against the Company.
18. Segment Information
The Company is organized by sales segments on a worldwide basis. The
Company's management reporting system evaluates performance based on a
number of factors; however, the primary measures of performance are the
sales and pretax operating income or loss (prior to corporate allocations)
of each segment, as this is the key performance indicator reviewed by
management. Operating income or loss for each segment does not include
corporate general and administrative expenses, interest expense and other
miscellaneous income/expense items. Such unallocated expenses remain within
corporate. Corporate also includes the manufacturing assets of the Company
and, accordingly, items associated with these activities, such as the
discontinued product charge and the litigation recovery of raw material
costs, remain unallocated in the corporate segment. The Company's segment
reporting disclosures for the prior periods presented have been
reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. The European
Retail operations does not include the impact of any intercompany transfer
pricing. The accounting policies of all of the operating segments are the
same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies
in Note 1.
The Company reports four worldwide segments: Wholesale; Retail: United
States; Retail: Europe; and Direct Response/Puritan's Pride. All of the
Company's products fall into one of these four segments. The Wholesale
segment is comprised of several divisions each targeting specific market
groups which include wholesalers, distributors, chains, pharmacies, health
food stores, bulk and international customers. The Retail: United States
segment generates revenue through its 533 Company-operated stores of
proprietary brand and third-party products. The Retail: Europe segment
generates revenue through its 563 Company-operated stores and 26 franchise
stores. Such revenue consists of sales of proprietary brand and third-party
products as well as franchise fees. The Direct Response/Puritan's Pride
segment generates revenue through the sale of its products primarily
through mail order catalog and the Internet. Catalogs are strategically
mailed to customers who order by mail or by phoning customer service
representatives in New York, Illinois and the United Kingdom.
F-34
NBTY, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2003, 2002 and 2001
(in thousands, except per share amounts and number of locations)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following table represents key financial information of the Company's
business segments:
2003 2002 2001
Wholesale
Revenue $416,627 $291,287 $196,832
Operating income 76,933 60,197 27,234
Depreciation and amortization 2,184 1,155 1,434
Identifiable assets 400,429 31,586 51,451
Capital expenditures 288 1,370 1,310
Retail
United States
Revenue $212,380 $198,602 $174,987
Operating loss (1,643) (4,975) (12,737)
Depreciation and amortization 12,733 13,235 13,820
Identifiable assets 62,577 73,278 79,401
Capital expenditures 3,335 4,633 9,118
Locations open at end of year 533 544 525
Europe
Revenue $363,597 $290,881 $262,876
Operating income 83,345 79,420 59,654
Depreciation and amortization 9,872 8,295 12,564
Identifiable assets 330,028 225,471 220,662
Capital expenditures 13,009 3,773 7,829
Locations open at end of year 589 468 461
Direct Response/Puritan's Pride
Revenue $199,944 $183,313 $172,203
Operating income 62,184 66,273 67,264
Depreciation and amortization 5,779 5,347 4,991
Identifiable assets 77,848 67,337 71,821
Capital expenditures 1,050 925 407
Corporate
Corporate expenses $(85,278) $(66,623) $(54,322)
Discontinued product charge (4,500) - -
Litigation recovery of raw material costs - 21,354 -
Depreciation and amortization - manufacturing 10,966 9,909 8,291
Depreciation and amortization - other 5,350 4,251 3,846
Corporate manufacturing identifiable assets 333,501 332,468 285,127
Capital expenditures - manufacturing 3,693 5,677 9,916
Capital expenditures - other 16,135 5,111 8,617
F-35
NBTY, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2003, 2002 and 2001
(in thousands, except per share amounts and number of locations)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
2003 2002 2001
Consolidated totals
Revenue $1,192,548 $964,083 $806,898
Operating income 131,041 155,646 87,093
Depreciation and amortization 46,884 42,192 44,946
Identifiable assets 1,204,383 730,140 708,462
Capital expenditures 37,510 21,489 37,197
Revenue by location of customer
United States $ 788,645 $633,911 $530,361
United Kingdom/Holland/Ireland 369,476 290,881 262,876
Other foreign countries 34,427 39,291 13,661
---------- -------- --------
Consolidated totals $1,192,548 $964,083 $806,898
========== ======== ========
Long-lived assets
United States $ 447,715 $257,308 $267,690
United Kingdom/Holland/Ireland 201,460 152,349 147,254
---------- -------- --------
Consolidated totals $ 649,175 $409,657 $414,944
========== ======== ========
19. Related Party Transactions
An entity owned by a relative of a director received sales commissions of
$643, $585 and $501 in fiscal 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively, and had
trade receivable balances approximating $3,598 and $3,632 at September 30,
2003 and 2002, respectively.
An entity owned by a relative of a director performed landscaping and
maintenance on the Company's properties and received compensation of $83,
$93 and $128 in 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.
F-36
NBTY, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2003, 2002 and 2001
(in thousands, except per share amounts and number of locations)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
20. Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)
The following is a summary of the unaudited quarterly results of operations
for fiscal 2003 and 2002:
Quarter ended
------------------------------------------------------
December 31, March 31, June 30, September 30,
2002 2003 2003 2003
2003
Net sales $241,403 $277,824 $308,474 $364,847
Gross profit 134,723 147,145 167,278 184,098
Income before income taxes 24,687 29,693 39,109 21,508
Net income 16,624 19,611 29,468 15,882
Net income per diluted share $ .24 $ .29 $ .43 $ .23(a)
2002
Net sales $215,090 $251,544 $251,987 $245,462
Gross profit 114,180 138,555 140,080 137,657
Income before income taxes 18,153 41,581 49,286 29,687
Net income 11,164 25,571 29,707 29,349
Net income per diluted share $ .17 $ .38 $ .44 $ .43(a)
(a) Amounts may not equal fiscal year totals due to rounding.
F-37
SCHEDULE II
NBTY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
For the years ended September 30, 2003, 2002 and 2001
(Dollars in thousands)
Column A Column B Column C Column D Column E
Additions
Balance at Charged to Charged to Balance at
beginning costs and Other end of
Description of period expenses Accounts Deductions period
- ----------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Fiscal year ended September 30, 2003:
Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 4,194 $2,970 $ (163)(a) $ 7,001
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets $13,727 $(8,275)(b) $ 5,452
Fiscal year ended September 30, 2002:
Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 3,222 $1,064 $ (92)(a) $ 4,194
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets $18,427 $(4,700)(b) $13,727
Fiscal year ended September 30, 2001:
Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 1,227 $2,014 $ (19)(a) $ 3,222
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets $18,427 $18,427
(a) Uncollectible accounts written off.
(b) Utilization of foreign tax credits.
S-1
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act,
the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by
the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
NBTY, Inc.
(Registrant)
By: /s/ Scott Rudolph
------------------------------------
Scott Rudolph
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Dated: December 16, 2003
Pursuant to the requirements of the Exchange Act, this Report has been
signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in
the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature Title Date
--------- ----- ----
/s/ Scott Rudolph Chairman and December 16, 2003
- ---------------------- Chief Executive Officer
Scott Rudolph (Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ Harvey Kamil President and Chief December 16, 2003
- ---------------------- Financial Officer
Harvey Kamil (Principal Operating Officer,
Principal Financial and
Accounting Officer)
/s/ Arthur Rudolph Director December 16, 2003
- ----------------------
Arthur Rudolph
/s/ Aram G. Garabedian Director December 16, 2003
- ----------------------
Aram G. Garabedian
/s/ Bernard G. Owen Director December 16, 2003
- ----------------------
Bernard G. Owen
Signature Title Date
--------- ----- ----
/s/ Alfred Sacks Director December 16, 2003
- ----------------------
Alfred Sacks
/s/ Murray Daly Director December 16, 2003
- ----------------------
Murray Daly
/s/ Glenn Cohen Director December 16, 2003
- ----------------------
Glenn Cohen
/s/ Nathan Rosenblatt Director December 16, 2003
- ----------------------
Nathan Rosenblatt
/s/ Michael L. Ashner Director December 16, 2003
- ----------------------
Michael L. Ashner
/s/ Michael C. Slade Director December 16, 2003
- ----------------------
Michael C. Slade
/s/ Peter White Director December 16, 2003
- ----------------------
Peter White