Back to GetFilings.com

Table of Contents

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

FORM 10-Q

OR

UST Inc.

		Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (203) 661-1100
		NONE
		(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report.)
		Indicate by check mark whether 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 registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [  ]
		Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2). Yes [X] No [  ]
		Number of Common shares ($.50 par value) outstanding at September 30, 2003         165,850,445

Table of Contents

UST Inc.

(Registrant)

INDEX

(1)

Table of Contents

UST Inc.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

(2)

Table of Contents

UST Inc.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EARNINGS
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

(3)

Table of Contents

UST Inc.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

(4)

Table of Contents

UST Inc.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2003
(Unaudited)

(In thousands, except per share amounts or where otherwise noted)

BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2003 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ended December 31, 2003. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in Registrant’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002.

STOCK OPTIONS

In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 123, Accounting for Stock Based Compensation, Registrant accounts for its employee stock compensation plans using the intrinsic value-based method prescribed by Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees. Consistent with the method described in SFAS No. 123, if compensation expense for Registrant’s plans had been determined based on the fair value at the grant dates for awards under its plans, net earnings and earnings per share would have been reduced to the pro forma amounts indicated below:

(5)

Table of Contents

UST Inc.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

The components of comprehensive income for Registrant are net earnings, foreign currency translation adjustments, minimum pension liability adjustments and the change in the fair value of derivatives designated as effective cash flow hedges. For the third quarter of 2003 and 2002, total comprehensive income, net of taxes, amounted to $124,305 and $126,792, respectively. For the first nine months of 2003 and 2002, total comprehensive income, net of taxes, was $365,174 and $364,806, respectively.

REPURCHASE OF COMMON STOCK

Registrant repurchased 994,950 shares at a cost of $33.7 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2003. For the first nine months of 2003, Registrant repurchased 3.5 million shares at a cost of $110.5 million. These third quarter and nine month repurchase amounts included approximately 132,000 shares and 250,000 shares, respectively, which were repurchased at prevailing market prices directly from the trust established for Registrant’s defined benefit pension plans. The repurchases were made pursuant to Registrant’s authorized program to repurchase its outstanding common stock up to a maximum of 20 million shares. As of September 30, 2003, 12.3 million shares have been repurchased at a cost of $323.6 million under the program.

SEGMENT INFORMATION

Registrant’s reportable segments are Smokeless Tobacco and Wine. Those business units that do not meet quantitative reportable thresholds are included in all other operations. Included in all other operations for both periods are Registrant’s international and cigar operations. Interim segment information is as follows:

Registrant’s identifiable assets by reportable segment did not change significantly from amounts appearing in the December 31, 2002 Consolidated Segment Information (See Form 10-K for the year then ended), with the exception of Smokeless Tobacco assets which reflect a decrease due to the use of the restricted deposits to satisfy the antitrust judgment (see Other Matters note) and corporate assets which reflect an increase in cash and cash equivalents.

(6)

Table of Contents

UST Inc.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

EARNINGS PER SHARE

The following table presents the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:

Options to purchase 2 million shares and 4.4 million shares of common stock outstanding as of September 30, 2003 and 2002, respectively, were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because their exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the common shares and, therefore, would be antidilutive.

CONTINGENCIES

Registrant has been named in certain health care cost reimbursement/third party recoupment/class action litigation against the major domestic cigarette companies and others seeking damages and other relief. The complaints in these cases on their face predominantly relate to the usage of cigarettes; within that context, certain complaints contain a few allegations relating specifically to smokeless tobacco products. These actions are in varying stages of pretrial activities.

Registrant believes these pending litigation matters will not result in any material liability for a number of reasons, including the fact that Registrant has had only limited involvement with cigarettes and Registrant’s current percentage of total tobacco industry sales is relatively small. Prior to 1986, Registrant manufactured some cigarette products which had a de minimis market share. From May 1, 1982 to August 1, 1994, Registrant distributed a small volume of imported cigarettes and is indemnified against claims relating to those products.

(7)

Table of Contents

UST Inc.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

CONTINGENCIES (Continued)

Registrant is named in an action in Illinois brought by plaintiffs and purporting to state a class action “on behalf of themselves and all other persons similarly situated” alleging that Registrant “manipulates the nicotine levels and absorption rates” in its smokeless tobacco products and seeking to recover monetary damages “in an amount not less than the purchase price” of Registrant’s smokeless tobacco products and certain other relief. The purported class excludes all persons who claim any personal injury as a result of using Registrant’s smokeless tobacco products.

Registrant is also named in certain actions in West Virginia brought on behalf of individual plaintiffs against cigarette manufacturers, smokeless tobacco manufacturers, and other organizations seeking damages and other relief in connection with injuries allegedly sustained as a result of tobacco usage, including smokeless tobacco products. Included among the plaintiffs are six individuals alleging use of Registrant’s smokeless tobacco products and alleging the types of injuries claimed to be associated with the use of smokeless tobacco products; five of the six individuals also allege the use of other tobacco products.

Registrant is named in a purported class action in Florida brought by six plaintiffs “on behalf of themselves and all others similarly situated” against various smokeless tobacco manufacturers including Registrant and other organizations for personal injuries, including cancers of the mouth and larynx, oral lesions, leukoplakia, facial disfigurement, gum and tooth loss, fear of cancer, death and depression and other injuries allegedly resulting from the use of defendants’ smokeless tobacco products. Plaintiffs also claim nicotine “addiction” and seek unspecified compensatory damages and certain equitable and other relief, including but not limited to, medical monitoring.

Registrant believes, and has been so advised by counsel handling these cases, that it has a number of meritorious defenses to all such pending litigation. Except as to Registrant’s willingness to consider alternative solutions for resolving certain regulatory and litigation issues, all such cases are, and will continue to be, vigorously defended. Registrant believes that the ultimate outcome of all such pending litigation will not have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial position, but may have a material impact on its consolidated financial results for a particular reporting period in which resolved.

Registrant has been named as a defendant in a number of purported class actions brought by direct purchasers (wholesalers and distributors), indirect purchasers (consumers and retailers) and a class action brought by indirect purchasers in the state of Kansas of its moist smokeless tobacco products. As direct purchasers of Registrant’s smokeless tobacco products during the period January 1, 1990 to the present, plaintiffs in these consolidated actions allege individually and on behalf of a putative class of wholesalers and distributors that Registrant violated the federal antitrust laws and has engaged in this conduct unilaterally and in concert with “its co-conspirators.” Plaintiffs seek to recover unspecified statutory damages, before trebling, and certain equitable and other relief. Registrant has reached a settlement with more than 550 of its direct purchasing customers (wholesalers and distributors) who are potential class members in this putative class action whom represent more than 88 percent of Registrant’s sales volume based on 2002 sales revenue. For those distributors who agreed to settle the lawsuit and release all claims against Registrant, Registrant agreed to delay a planned reduction of its prompt-payment discount terms. The effect of this settlement is to delay cost savings planned for 2003 and will have no material adverse effect on Registrant’s consolidated financial results.

(8)

Table of Contents

UST Inc.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

CONTINGENCIES (Continued)

As indirect purchasers of Registrant’s smokeless tobacco products during various periods of time ranging from January 1990 to the date of potential certification of the proposed class, plaintiffs in those actions allege individually and on behalf of putative class members in a particular state or individually and on behalf of class members in the state of Kansas that Registrant has violated the antitrust laws, unfair and deceptive trade practices statutes and/or common law of those states. Plaintiffs seek to recover compensatory and statutory damages in an amount not to exceed $75,000 after trebling per putative class member, and certain other relief. The indirect purchaser actions are similar in all material respects.

Registrant also has been named in an action in Mississippi by an individual plaintiff as an indirect purchaser of Registrant’s smokeless tobacco products in the state of Mississippi for an unspecified period of time. Plaintiff alleges Registrant has violated state antitrust and consumer protection laws and also asserts a claim for civil conspiracy. Plaintiff seeks unspecified statutory and compensatory damages in an amount not to exceed $75,000, and certain other relief.

Each of the foregoing actions is derived directly from the Conwood litigation (see Other Matters note). For the plaintiffs in the putative class actions to prevail, they will have to obtain class certification. All of the plaintiffs in the above actions will have to obtain favorable determinations on issues relating to liability, causation and damages. Registrant believes, and has been so advised by counsel handling these cases, that it has meritorious defenses in this regard, and they are and will continue to be vigorously defended. Registrant believes that the ultimate outcome of these purported class actions and the Kansas class action will not have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial position, although if plaintiffs were to prevail, these actions could have a material impact on its consolidated financial results for the particular reporting period in which resolved. Registrant believes that the ultimate outcome of the individual case will not have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial position, and even if plaintiff was to prevail, this action is not expected to have a material impact on its consolidated financial results for the particular reporting period in which resolved.

Registrant has been named in an action in Kentucky brought by one of its competitors alleging that certain actions and practices of Registrant violate federal and state antitrust laws as well as the common law of Kentucky in connection with the marketing and sale of its moist smokeless tobacco products. Plaintiff seeks unspecified damages before trebling, punitive damages and injunctive and other relief.

This action is also derived directly from the Conwood litigation. It is not possible to predict the outcome of the litigation pending against Registrant. Litigation is subject to many uncertainties. In order to prevail, Registrant’s competitor will have to obtain favorable determinations on issues relating to liability, causation and damages. Registrant believes that it has meritorious defenses in this regard, and that the ultimate outcome of this action will not have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial position, although if plaintiff was to prevail, this action could have a material impact on its consolidated financial results for the particular reporting period in which resolved. There can be no assurances, however, that Registrant will be correct in its belief.

(9)

Table of Contents

UST Inc.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

CONTINGENCIES (Continued)

On February 14, 2002, in a state court action in Miami, Florida involving a commercial dispute alleging breach of contract and other claims in connection with the sale of cigars, a jury rendered a verdict against U.S. Cigar Sales Inc. and other affiliated companies of Registrant, awarding $43 million in compensatory and punitive damages to the plaintiff, a former distributor. On April 26, 2002, the court ruled on certain post-trial motions, thereby reducing the award to $7.4 million. On August 30, 2002, the court granted Registrant’s motion for set-off reducing the award to $3.6 million (including prejudgment interest and costs), and entered final judgment. Both plaintiff and Registrant have filed a notice of appeal to the Third District Court of Appeal.

Registrant believes, and has been so advised by counsel handling the case, that its appeal is well-founded and the trial court’s ruling on the post-trial motions that reduced the jury’s verdict and granted a set-off are supported by existing law and, as a result, believes that, while there can be no assurances, its appeal should ultimately be granted and the rulings on those post-trial motions should ultimately be affirmed on appeal. While Registrant believes that its appeal should ultimately be granted and the rulings on those post-trial motions should ultimately be affirmed, if all or part of the adverse verdict is reinstated after all appeals, satisfaction of such a judgment is not expected to have a material adverse effect on Registrant’s consolidated financial position, but may have a material impact on its consolidated financial results for a particular reporting period in which resolved.

OTHER MATTERS

On January 13, 2003, the Supreme Court of the United States declined to hear Registrant’s appeal and let stand the $1.05 billion Conwood antitrust award, plus interest and other costs, against Registrant, for which a charge was recognized in 2002. In January 2003, Registrant paid the antitrust award in the amount of $1.262 billion, which included additional interest charges for 2003. Registrant utilized funds held in restricted deposits in the amount of $1.242 billion (the balance at December 31, 2002) and $19.7 million of additional cash in satisfaction of the award.

In July 2003, Registrant renewed its $150 million 364-day credit agreement, which is part of Registrant’s $300 million credit facility, with several financial institutions. This new agreement’s terms are equivalent to those of the prior 364-day facility and it will expire in July 2004.

On August 1, 2003, Registrant made a $30 million voluntary cash contribution to its noncontributory defined benefit pension plans.

(10)

Table of Contents

UST Inc.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION
(Unaudited)

Results of Operations
Third Quarter and First Nine Months of 2003
Compared with the Third Quarter and First Nine Months of 2002

CONSOLIDATED RESULTS

For the third quarter of 2003, consolidated net sales decreased 3 percent to $437.6 million, operating income decreased 2.7 percent to $219.8 million and net earnings decreased 5 percent to $124 million. Basic and diluted earnings per share decreased 2.6 percent to $.75 and 3.9 percent to $.74, respectively, compared to the third quarter of 2002. For the first nine months of 2003, consolidated net sales increased 3 percent to $1.296 billion, operating income increased 1.6 percent to $646.7 million and net earnings decreased 2 percent to $363.9 million compared to the first nine months of 2002. For the nine-month period, basic earnings per share decreased 0.9 percent to $2.18, while diluted earnings per share remained level at $2.17 versus the similar 2002 period. The consolidated net sales variance for both 2003 periods included higher selling prices and lower unit volume for moist smokeless tobacco products as well as improved sales for Registrant’s international and cigar operations, partially offset by lower sales for wine products.

Both 2003 periods included a charge of $10.4 million, based upon a current estimate by management, as a result of an internal review following a management change at F.W. Rickard Seeds, Inc., a second-tier subsidiary within the Smokeless Tobacco segment, representing less than 1 percent of segment revenues. The charge was primarily the result of an inventory write down of $6.7 million, which was included in cost of products sold, and $3.7 million in other charges included in selling, advertising and administrative (SA&A) expenses. These charges were due to a circumvention by local management of controls and procedures and a lack of effective management oversight. This charge was completely offset by a corresponding reduction in Registrant’s incentive compensation (bonus) fund also included in SA&A expenses.

The consolidated gross margin percentage decreased for both 2003 periods, mainly due to the F.W. Rickard Seeds, Inc. inventory write down. Higher unit costs and lower unit volume for moist smokeless tobacco products also adversely affected the gross margin percentage, partially offset by higher selling prices for such products. SA&A expenses in 2003 decreased for the third quarter and increased for the first nine months as compared to the corresponding 2002 periods. Both 2003 periods included the reduction in the bonus fund, the absence of bonding costs associated with Registrant’s resolved antitrust litigation, increased salaries and related costs, primarily pension expense, and the non-inventory portion of the F.W. Rickard Seeds’ charge. The SA&A comparison for the nine-month period also included higher Smokeless Tobacco segment direct selling and advertising spending, a $4.4 million charge recorded in the first quarter of 2003 related to the bankruptcy filing of a significant wholesale customer, a $5.6 million reduction in expenses due to a change in benefit policy realized in 2002 and higher legal and other professional fees. Corporate expenses decreased for the third quarter, primarily as a result of the absence of a 2002 charge related to Registrant’s previous credit facility, and increased for the first nine months of 2003, primarily due to higher legal and other professional fees and insurance expense, partially offset by the absence of the credit facility charge. Net interest expense also increased in both the third quarter and first nine months of 2003, mainly as a result of lower income from cash investments, higher average debt outstanding and a slightly higher average rate on such debt. Lower earnings before income taxes and a lower effective tax rate in both 2003 periods resulted in a decrease in income tax expense versus the corresponding 2002 periods. The effective tax rate was 38.2 percent for both 2003 periods, compared to 38.5 percent in the similar 2002 periods. The 2003 rates were affected by the elimination of certain deduction limitations on specified executive compensation.

(11)

Table of Contents

UST Inc.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION (Continued)

Consolidated results for the third quarter of 2003 were negatively impacted by one less billing day in the Smokeless Tobacco segment, as compared to the corresponding 2002 period. Registrant’s smokeless tobacco products, which are dated for freshness to meet consumer preferences, are shipped to arrive, and revenue is recognized, once a week, each Monday. If results for the corresponding 2002 period were adjusted to reflect an equivalent billing day basis, consolidated net sales, operating profit, net earnings and diluted earnings per share for the third quarter of 2003 would have increased 3.7 percent, 8.8 percent, 7.1 percent and 8.8 percent, respectively. In computing these non-GAAP financial results, Registrant subtracted the effect of an average third quarter 2002 billing day from the actual GAAP results for the third quarter of 2002. This adjustment had the effect of decreasing 2002 net can sales of moist smokeless tobacco products, net sales, operating income, net earnings and diluted earnings per share by 12.2 million cans, $29.2 million, $23.9 million, $14.7 million and $.09, respectively. This non-GAAP information has been provided as an alternative for understanding Registrant’s comparative third quarter results. While Registrant’s GAAP financial results reflect the actual number of billing days in the respective periods, the trend information is not comparable due to the significance of one billing day’s impact on a reporting period’s results. See table on page 15 for reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP financial results.

SMOKELESS TOBACCO SEGMENT

Net sales for the Smokeless Tobacco segment decreased 2.9 percent to $376 million for the third quarter of 2003, and increased 3.7 percent to $1.129 billion for the first nine months, accounting for 87.1 percent of year-to-date consolidated net sales. The variance in net sales for both periods was favorably affected by higher selling prices and adversely affected by lower unit volume for moist smokeless tobacco products. Net unit volume for moist smokeless tobacco products decreased 6.7 percent to 159.4 million cans and 0.4 percent to 478.8 million cans for the third quarter and first nine months of 2003, respectively. Net unit volume results for both 2003 periods reflect lower premium-priced can sales and higher price value can sales, and include the effect of increased promotional can volume and higher returned goods. Promotional unit volume for the third quarter and nine-month period of 2003 accounted for approximately 5.5 percent and 5.2 percent, respectively, of total net can sales, showing increases of 1.3 million cans for the third quarter and 5.2 million cans for the nine-month period as compared to the similar 2002 periods. The promotional unit volume increase in the third quarter was mainly attributable to the introduction of Skoal Long Cut Vanilla Blend, while the nine-month period also included higher promotional volume for Skoal Berry Blend Pouches, Skoal Fine Cut Fresh-Snap can with guaranteed freshness dating and Red Seal, Registrant’s price value product. Overall, Red Seal accounted for 9.2 percent of Registrant’s total moist smokeless tobacco unit volume for the first nine months of 2003, compared to 7.7 percent for the corresponding 2002 period. The higher returned goods for the third quarter and first nine months of 2003 were primarily a result of cans associated with increased new product activity.

The net sales and net unit volume results for moist smokeless tobacco products for the third quarter reflect one less billing day in 2003 compared to the corresponding 2002 period. On an equivalent billing day basis, net sales and net unit volume would have increased 5 percent and 0.5 percent, respectively, compared to the third quarter of 2002.

(12)

Table of Contents

UST Inc.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION (Continued)

Registrant’s Retail Activity Data & Volume Tracking System (RAD-SVT), which measures shipments to retail, indicates that for the 26-week period ended September 6, 2003, total smokeless category retail shipments increased 1.5 percent over the similar 2002 period, on a can-volume basis. The premium segment declined 5.4 percent, while the price value segment increased 28.3 percent during the same period. Registrant’s share of the total smokeless category declined 3.6 percentage points to 73 percent. RAD-SVT information is provided as an indication of current domestic moist smokeless tobacco category trends from wholesale to retail and is not intended as a basis for measuring Registrant’s financial performance. This information can vary significantly from Registrant’s actual results due to the fact that Registrant reports shipments to wholesale, while RAD-SVT measure shipments from wholesale to retail. In addition, differences in the time periods measured, as well as new product introductions and promotions affect comparisons of Registrant’s actual results to those from RAD-SVT. The continued large-scale deployment of troops overseas, including reservists, has had a continued negative impact on RAD-SVT results, since it only measures domestic retail shipments. In addition, the incidence of smokeless tobacco usage among members of the military tends to be significantly higher than that of the broad adult population.

Cost of products sold increased 13 percent and 9.3 percent for the third quarter and first nine months of 2003, respectively. The increase for both periods was primarily a result of the $6.7 million charge taken in connection with F.W. Rickard Seeds, Inc., as well as higher unit costs for moist smokeless tobacco products. In addition, the third quarter comparison was partially offset by lower smokeless unit volume. Smokeless Tobacco segment gross profit decreased 5.8 percent for the third quarter and increased 2.7 percent for the nine-month period versus the corresponding 2002 periods. The gross profit percentage for the third quarter of 2003 decreased significantly, while declining only slightly for the nine-month period, as both periods include the aforementioned inventory write down and increased moist smokeless tobacco unit cost, partially offset by increased selling prices for such products.

Selling and advertising expenses remained level in the third quarter, while increasing for the first nine months of 2003, compared to the corresponding 2002 periods. The increase in the nine-month period was primarily attributable to higher spending on print media and marketing initiatives associated with Copenhagen and Skoal Pouches. Indirect selling expenses were higher for the third quarter and first nine months of 2003 due to increased salaries and related costs, which include the effect of higher pension expense. Administrative expenses decreased in the third quarter and remained level for the first nine months of 2003. The third quarter comparison was primarily affected by the aforementioned reduction in the bonus fund and the absence of bonding costs associated with Registrant’s resolved antitrust litigation, partially offset by the non-inventory portion of the F.W. Rickard Seeds’ charge. The nine-month comparison reflects these factors along with the $4.4 million charge recorded in the first quarter of 2003, related to the bankruptcy filing of a significant wholesale customer, as well as the absence of the aforementioned reduction in expenses in 2002 due to a change in benefit policy and higher legal and other professional fees.

Operating profit for the Smokeless Tobacco segment decreased 2.7 percent to $218.1 million and increased 2 percent to $646 million for the third quarter and first nine months of 2003, respectively, versus the similar 2002 periods. On an equivalent billing day basis, operating profit for the third quarter would have increased 8.9 percent versus 2002.

(13)

Table of Contents

UST Inc.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION (Continued)

WINE SEGMENT

Wine segment net sales decreased 8.6 percent to $50 million and 6.6 percent to $135.8 million for the third quarter and first nine months of 2003, respectively, accounting for 10.5 percent of year-to-date consolidated net sales. The decline in net sales for both 2003 periods was primarily a result of lower selling prices on selected premium brands and lower premium case volume. Premium case volume decreased 7.3 percent and 2.4 percent for the third quarter and nine-month periods of 2003, respectively. The case volume results in both 2003 periods were adversely affected by a combination of factors in the marketplace, including increased price competition caused by the oversupply of grapes, lower-priced imported wines and an indicated reduction in wholesale inventories. Case volume for Chateau Ste. Michelle increased in both 2003 periods, while case volume for Columbia Crest, Registrant’s other leading brand, declined considerably during these periods, when compared to the corresponding 2002 periods, as a result of the aforementioned factors. In addition, case volume comparisons were affected by a series of outstanding wine ratings in mid-2002, which propelled case sales, particularly for Columbia Crest, during that period. These two brands accounted for 80 percent of Registrant’s total year-to-date premium wine case volume sales in 2003.

Cost of products sold decreased in both 2003 periods as compared with 2002. The third quarter and first nine months of 2003 both included the effects of improved cost efficiencies and lower premium case volume. Gross profit decreased 13.4 percent to $17 million and 9.3 percent to $49.5 million for the third quarter and first nine months of 2003, respectively, primarily as a result of lower selling prices on selected premium brands. The nine-month period’s decrease was partially offset by the improved cost efficiencies. These factors caused the Wine segment gross profit percentage to decrease for both 2003 periods.

Selling and advertising expenses were higher in the third quarter, primarily as a result of increased spending on point of sale advertising, while they were lower for the first nine months of 2003, primarily due to decreased promotional spending at retail. Indirect selling, administrative and other expenses were slightly lower in the third quarter of 2003 and were higher in the nine-month period. Both 2003 periods included higher salaries and related costs, professional fees and other administrative spending, partially offset by the aforementioned reduction in the bonus fund. The nine-month comparison was also affected by the absence of a 2002 gain of $1 million on the sale of underutilized assets.

For the third quarter and first nine months of 2003, operating profit for the Wine segment decreased 37.1 percent to $4.5 million and 30.5 percent to $13.5 million, respectively, compared to the corresponding 2002 periods.

ALL OTHER OPERATIONS

Net sales for all other operations increased 25.2 percent to $11.5 million for the third quarter of 2003 and 28.3 percent to $31.7 million for the first nine months of 2003, as compared to the similar 2002 periods. These operations accounted for 2.4 percent of consolidated year-to-date 2003 net sales. Registrant’s international and cigar operations contributed to the sales growth in both 2003 periods. The international increase was mainly driven by Canadian smokeless tobacco sales in connection with the launch of Skoal Long Cut Berry Blend and a new 15-gram can, which provides more favorable pricing at retail. All other operations reported operating income of $1.9 million for the third quarter and $ 3.3 million for the first nine months of 2003, compared to operating losses of $0.1 million and $2.8 million in the corresponding 2002 periods. The improved operating results for the third quarter and first nine months of 2003 are primarily due to increased sales, while the nine-month period was also favorably affected by lower legal spending on cigar-related litigation.

(14)

Table of Contents

UST Inc.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION (Continued)

SCHEDULE OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL INFORMATION

The following information is provided to reconcile third quarter non-GAAP financial information (included earlier in “Consolidated Results” and “Smokeless Tobacco Segment”) to third quarter GAAP results for comparative purposes. While the GAAP results reflect the actual number of billing days in the respective periods, the trend information is not comparable due to the significance of one billing day’s impact on a reporting period’s results.

(1)  EBD - Equal Billing Day basis. Adjustment represents an average third quarter 2002 billing day.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
CHANGES IN FINANCIAL CONDITION SINCE DECEMBER 31, 2002

For the first nine months of 2003, net cash used in operating activities was $836.3 million compared to net cash provided by operations of $582.5 million in the corresponding 2002 period. The 2003 amount includes Registrant’s payment of the antitrust award of $1.262 billion offset by net cash provided by operating activities of $426 million. The primary source of cash was net earnings generated mainly by the Smokeless Tobacco segment. The decrease in net cash from operations was attributable to a lower increase in deferred taxes. The most significant uses of cash in operations, other than for the payment of the antitrust award, were for the payment of accounts payable and accrued expenses and for purchases of leaf tobacco for use in Registrant’s moist smokeless tobacco products. Registrant estimates that 2003 overall raw material inventory purchases and other costs, for leaf tobacco and grapes, will approximate amounts expended in 2002.

Net cash used in investing activities was $31.1 million in 2003 versus $41.7 million in 2002. Expenditures for both years were for the normal purchase of property, plant and equipment for Registrant’s smokeless tobacco and wine operations. Registrant expects spending for the 2003 capital program to approximate $59 million.

For the first nine months of 2003, Registrant’s net cash provided by financing activities was $912 million, compared to net cash used in financing activities of $509.6 million during the similar 2002 period. In 2003, Registrant utilized $1.242 billion of funds held in restricted deposits to substantially pay the antitrust award. Registrant spent $110.5 million on its share repurchase program in 2003. Dividends paid during the first nine months of 2003 exceeded those of the corresponding 2002 period as a result of the 4.2 percent dividend rate increase approved by the Board of Directors. In addition, the 2003 proceeds from the issuance of stock was significantly lower than such proceeds in 2002, as a result of a decrease in the exercise of stock options.

(15)

Table of Contents

UST Inc.

As a result of the aforementioned sources and uses of cash, Registrant’s cash balance increased $44.6 million from December 31, 2002 to $426.6 million.

Due to the antitrust litigation loss incurred in 2002, Registrant reported a stockholders’ deficit of approximately $7.9 million as of September 30, 2003. As a general matter, a company could be restricted from paying dividends or repurchasing its common stock if it were insolvent or had insufficient capital. However, in light of Registrant’s cash flows and the values inherent in Registrant as a going concern, consistent with prior periods, Registrant does not anticipate that reporting a stockholders’ deficit for accounting purposes will have any negative effects on its operations, cash flows, its ability to pay dividends or repurchase its common stock pursuant to its previously announced share repurchase program.

In July 2003, Registrant renewed its $150 million 364-day credit facility with several financial institutions. This new facility’s terms are equivalent to those of the prior 364-day facility and it will expire in July 2004.

Registrant’s cash requirements for the remainder of 2003 will primarily be for the payment of dividends, repurchase of common stock and capital spending. Funds generated from net earnings will be the primary means of meeting cash requirements over this period.

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

There have been no material changes in market risk since December 31, 2002.

AGGREGATE CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

There have been no material changes in Registrant’s aggregate contractual obligations since December 31, 2002, with the exception of incremental commitments to purchase leaf tobacco of approximately $33.7 million in connection with normal purchase contracts.

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Registrant, under the direction of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has reviewed and evaluated the effectiveness of its disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on such evaluation, Registrant’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer believe, as of the date of such evaluation, that Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures are reasonably designed to be effective for the purposes for which they are intended.

As noted above, Registrant recorded a charge related to F.W. Rickard Seeds, Inc., a second-tier subsidiary that accounts for less than 1 percent of Smokeless Tobacco segment revenues. Following the investigation, personnel changes have been effected to help ensure the proper implementation of controls and procedures. In addition, while Registrant believes that the problems were limited to F.W. Rickard Seeds, Inc., Registrant has taken additional steps to improve its internal controls, including centralization of the accounting and financial reporting functions, increasing the number of internal audit personnel in connection with financial and internal control reviews of subsidiaries and enhancing the procedures of the Disclosure Committee.

There have not been any other changes in Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting during the fiscal quarter to which this report relates that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

FORWARD-LOOKING AND CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS

Reference is made to the section captioned “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information” which was filed as part of item 7 - Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of Registrant’s 2002 Form 10-K, regarding important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement made by Registrant, including forward-looking statements contained in this report.

(16)

Table of Contents

UST Inc.
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

On October 20, 2003, Registrant was served with a Summons and Class Action Complaint in an action entitled Toby Campbell, et al. v. U. S. Smokeless Tobacco Company, et al., Superior Court of Arizona, Maricopa County (No. CV2003-019067). This case was brought by an individual plaintiff on behalf of himself and a purported class of indirect purchasers of Registrant’s smokeless tobacco products in the State of Arizona during the period January 1, 1990 to the present. Plaintiffs allege Registrant violated the Arizona antitrust law. Plaintiffs seek unspecified compensatory and statutory damages in an amount not to exceed $75,000 per putative class member and other relief.

The Campbell action is derived directly from the Conwood litigation. For the plaintiffs in this action to prevail, they will have to obtain class certification and favorable determinations on issues relating to liability, causation and damages. Registrant believes that it has meritorious defenses in this regard and this case is and will continue to be vigorously defended.

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

           (a) Exhibits

	31.	Section 302 Certifications
	32.	Section 906 Certification

           (b) Reports on Form 8-K

On July 18, 2003, Registrant filed a Current Report on Form 8-K which reported the release of its results of operations for, and its consolidated financial condition as of the quarter ended June 30, 2003.

(17)

Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

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

(18)