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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

FOR ANNUAL AND TRANSITION REPORTS
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission File No. 1-12620

PLAYTEX PRODUCTS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

        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 ý        No o

        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 registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendments of this Form 10-K ý.

        Indicate by check whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes ý        No o

        The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 28, 2002 was $382,133,599 (based on the closing sale price of $12.95 on June 28, 2002 as reported by the New York Stock Exchange-Composite Transactions). For this computation, the registrant has excluded the market value of all shares of its Common Stock reported as beneficially owned by named executive officers and directors of the registrant; such exclusion shall not be deemed to constitute an admission that any such person is an "affiliate" of the registrant.

        At March 25, 2003, 61,215,856 shares of Playtex Products, Inc. common stock, par value $.01 per share, were outstanding.

Documents incorporated by reference:

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

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PART I

Cautionary Statement for Purposes of the "Safe Harbor" Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

        This document includes forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations and projections about future results. When we use words in this document such as "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "expects," and similar expressions we do so to identify forward-looking statements. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are affected by risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that we make, including, among other things, the Risk Factors that are listed in Part 1, Item I. of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and:

You should keep in mind that any forward-looking statement made by us in this document, or elsewhere, speaks only as of the date on which we make it. New risks and uncertainties come up from time to time, and it's impossible for us to predict these events or how they may affect us. In light of these risks and uncertainties, you should keep in mind that any forward-looking statements made in this report or elsewhere might not occur.

        On November 13, 2002, we announced our intent to undertake a process to evaluate strategic alternatives for maximizing shareholder value. The strategic alternatives to be considered include, but are not limited to, business combinations with one or more parties to form a larger personal care and household products company, selling the entire company, divesting one or more lines of business, and acquiring strategic lines of business. We cannot assure you that this process will result in a transaction.

        In addition, the preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires us to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect:

•

the reported amounts and timing of revenue and expenses,

•

the reported amounts and classification of assets and liabilities, and

•

the disclosure of contingent liabilities.

Actual results may vary from our estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions are based on historical results, assumptions that we make as well as assumptions by third parties. The level of reserves for Sun Care product returns, bad debts and advertising and promotional costs are three areas of which you should be aware (see Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Critical Accounting Policies of this Annual Report on Form 10-K). As part of our customary review and reconciliation process, we periodically record adjustments to our accounting estimates. During the second quarter ended June 29, 2002, we recorded additional expenses of $2.0 million to cover higher than expected Sun Care returns from the 2001 Sun Care season. Also, we reduced our reserves for certain advertising and sales promotion programs conducted prior to 2002 by $1.7 million based on the actual costs of these programs versus our original estimates.

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Trademarks

        We have proprietary rights to a number of trademarks important to our business, such as: Active Sport, Baby Magic (in United States and Canada), Banana Boat, Binaca, Binky, Blasters, Big Sipster, CoolStraw, Diaper Genie, Dentax, DrinkUp, Drop-Ins, Fast Blast, Gentle Glide, Get On The Boat, Gripster, HandSaver, Heat Therapy, Heavy Traffic, Insulator, LipPops, Most Like Mother, Mr. Bubble, Natural Action, Ogilvie, Oxy Deep, Power Blasts, Power Shot, Precisely Right, QuickStraw, Quik Blok, Safe'N Sure, Silk Glide, SipEase, Slimfits, Soft Comfort, Sooth-A-Caine, Suntanicals, Tub Mate, Tek, Tussy, VentAire, VitaSkin, and Wet Ones. We also own a royalty free license in perpetuity to the Playtex and Living trademarks, and to the Woolite trademark for rug and upholstery cleaning products in the United States and Canada.

        All references to market share and market share data are for comparable 52 week periods and represent our percentage of the total U.S. dollar volume of products purchased by consumers in the applicable category (dollar market share, or retail consumption). This information is provided to us from the ACNielsen Company ("ACNielsen") and is subject to revisions. During 2001, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. ("Walmart"), ceased providing scanner/consumption data to third parties. As a result, ACNielsen restated consumption data for fiscals 2001 and 2000 to exclude Walmart consumption data.

Item 1. Business

A. History

        The Company was founded in 1932 as The International Latex Company (later International Playtex) as a manufacturer using latex-based technology. We introduced our first latex gloves in 1954 and acquired a tampon manufacturer in the mid-1960's, in addition to introducing our first disposable baby bottles and nipples. As such, we were an early manufacturer and marketer of infant feeding products, tampon and latex glove products and we developed strong leadership positions in each category. In 1988, our women's apparel operations were spun off and are currently owned by Sara Lee Corporation. During the mid/late 1990's, we made a series of strategic acquisitions, which have diversified and strengthened our product portfolio, including Banana Boat and Woolite in 1995; Wet Ones, Ogilvie, Binaca, Mr. Bubble and others in 1998; as well as Diaper Genie and Baby Magic in 1999. Throughout our history, Playtex has grown through industry leading product innovation and portfolio enhancing acquisitions of leading North American brands.

B. Executive Officers of Registrant

        Listed below are our executive officers and a short description of their prior work experiences. There are no family relationships or arrangements between any of them pursuant to which they were hired or promoted by the Company. Ages and positions are shown as of March 15, 2003.

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        Michael R. Gallagher has been Chief Executive Officer and a Director since 1995. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Gallagher was Chief Executive Officer of North America for Reckitt & Colman PLC ("R&C") (a consumer products company) from 1994 to 1995. Mr. Gallagher was President and Chief Executive Officer of Eastman Kodak's L&F Products subsidiary from 1988 until the subsidiary was sold to R&C in 1994. From 1984 to 1988, Mr. Gallagher held various executive positions with the Lehn & Fink Group of Sterling Drug. From 1982 to 1984, he was Corporate Vice President and General Manager of the Household Products Division of the Clorox Company ("Clorox"). Prior to that, Mr. Gallagher had various marketing and general management assignments with Clorox and with the Procter & Gamble Company ("P&G"). Presently he serves as a director of Allergan, Inc., AMN Healthcare Services, Inc., the Association of Sales and Marketing Companies, the Grocery Manufacturers Association, and the Haas School of Business—UC Berkley.

        Glenn A. Forbes has been Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and a Director since 2000. He has served the Company for the past 31 years in various finance and accounting positions, including Vice President, Finance from 1988 to 2000.

        Kevin M. Dunn has been President, Consumer Products Division since 2000. Prior to joining us, Mr. Dunn was President of R&C's North American Household Products Division from 1998 to 2000 and President, Food Products Division—North America from 1994 to 1997. He also held various executive positions with Eastman Kodak's L&F Products subsidiary from 1988 until the subsidiary was sold to R&C in 1994.

        John D. Leahy has been President of the International/Corporate Sales Division since 2000 and Senior Vice President, International/Corporate Sales from 1998 to 2000. He was Vice President of International/Corporate Sales from 1996 to 1998 and our Vice President of Sales from 1993 to 1996. From 1982 to 1993, Mr. Leahy held various sales positions with the Company.

        Richard G. Powers has been President, Personal Products Division since 1996. Prior to joining us, Mr. Powers was President of R&C's North American Personal Products Division. From 1992 to 1995, he was Vice President of Sales for R&C, and from 1990 to 1992 he was Vice President of Marketing for R&C's Durkee-French Foods Division. From 1973 to 1990, Mr. Powers held various positions in marketing and general management at General Foods Corp.

        James S. Cook has been Senior Vice President, Operations since 1991. From 1990 to 1991, he was our Vice President of Dover Operations. From 1988 to 1990, he was our Vice President of Distribution, Logistics & Management Information Systems. From 1982 to 1988, Mr. Cook held various senior level positions in manufacturing and distribution with us. From 1974 to 1982, he held various manufacturing and engineering positions at P&G.

        Paul A. Siracusa, Ph.D. has been Senior Vice President, Research and Development since 2000. From 1997 to 2000, he was Senior Vice President Research and Development for R&C. From 1995 to 1997, he was Divisional Vice President of Research & Development, North America for R&C. From 1992 to 1995, he was Director of Technology for the Lehn & Fink Group of Sterling Drug. Prior to that, he held various Research and Development positions with Henkel Corporation, International Flavors and Fragrances, and Union Carbide Corporation.

        Paul E. Yestrumskas has been Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary since 1995. Prior to joining us, Mr. Yestrumskas was Senior Counsel of Rhone-Poulenc, Inc. from 1991 to 1995. Prior to 1991, Mr. Yestrumskas held various positions in legal and government relations at Timex, Hubbell, Inc. and General Motors.

        Frank M. Sanchez has been Vice President of Human Resources for the Company since 1990. From 1987 to 1990, Mr. Sanchez was Vice President of Human Resources for Signal Apparel. Prior to that, he held various positions with Owens-Illinois and the American Can Company.

        Vincent S. Viviani has been Vice President of Quality Systems since 1998. Mr. Viviani was Director of Canadian & External Manufacturing for Reckitt & Colman from 1994 to 1998 and held the same position for Eastman Kodak's L&F Products subsidiary from 1988 to 1994. Prior to that, he held various manufacturing and distribution positions at Revlon.

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C. General

        We are a leading manufacturer and marketer of a diversified portfolio of well-recognized branded consumer and personal products, including:

        In fiscal 2002, approximately 97% of our net sales came from products in which we held the number one or two market share position in the United States. Products in which we held the number one U.S. market share position for fiscal 2002 and their dollar market share in their respective categories were:

Products in which we held the number two U.S. market share position for fiscal 2002 and their dollar market share in their respective categories were:

        In May 2000, the Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF") of the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") reached a consensus on Issue No. 00-14, "Accounting for Certain Sales Incentives." In April 2001, the EITF of the FASB reached a consensus on Issue No. 00-25, "Vendor Income Statement Characterization of Consideration from a Vendor to a Reseller." In November of 2001, both of these EITFs were codified in with related issues into EITF No. 01-9, "Accounting for Consideration Given By a Vendor To a Customer (Including a Reseller of the Vendor's Products)." We adopted the requirements of these Issues effective December 30, 2001, the start of our fiscal year 2002. These issues address the recognition, measurement, and income statement classification for certain advertising, promotional and cooperative spending activities. As a result of the adoption of these issues, we reclassified certain previously reported selling, general and administrative expenses to offset net sales to conform to our current year presentation. These reclassifications reduced both our net sales and selling, general and administrative expenses by equal and offsetting amounts and had no impact on our reported operating earnings, net income, or earnings per share (see Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements).

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D. Business Segments and Product Lines

        We are organized in three divisions, which allows us to focus more effectively on individual product lines, category management initiatives and certain specialty classes of trade. Our two largest divisions, the Personal Products Division and the Consumer Products Division, constituted approximately 81% of our consolidated net sales in fiscal 2002 compared to 82% in fiscal 2001 and 83% in fiscal 2000.

        Personal Products Division—The Personal Products Division accounted for approximately 59% of our consolidated net sales in fiscal 2002 compared to 58% in fiscal 2001 and 59% in fiscal 2000. This Division includes Infant Care and Feminine Care products sold in the United States primarily to mass merchandisers, grocery and drug classes of trade. The Infant Care product category includes:

        The Feminine Care product category includes a wide range of plastic and cardboard applicator tampons, as well as complementary products, marketed under such brand names as:

        Infant Care—Infant Care accounted for approximately 54% of Personal Products net sales in fiscal 2002 compared to 55% in fiscal 2001 and 56% in fiscal 2000.

        Our largest Infant Care business is infant feeding products, in which we held a market leading 35% dollar market share in 2002. We are particularly strong in both the disposable feeding and the infant cup categories with 2002 dollar market shares of 85% and 48%, respectively. We are also strong in the diaper pail category with our 93% dollar market share leading Diaper Genie brand. In pre-moistened towelettes, our Wet Ones brand held a 63% dollar market share of

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the hand and face segment. Our Mr. Bubble brand held a 27% dollar market share of the bath additives category and became the market share leader in this category during fiscal 2002. Baby Magic held a 9% dollar market share of the infant toiletries category and is strong in the lotions and bath segments with 17% and 16% dollar market shares of those segments.

        Our strategy for maintaining market leadership positions is centered on:

•

Continually offering new infant care solutions as well as improving existing products and expanding
        the size of the category,

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Marketing directly to expectant mothers through specialized channels such as industry publications
        and pediatricians, and

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Cross-selling opportunities across all product lines.

        Disposable Feeding & Reusable Bottles—We offer both disposable feeding systems and reusable bottles in addition to nipples and other complementary products marketed under the Playtex brand. Historically, we have focused on the disposable segment, as we believe that disposable bottle liners are healthier and more convenient than traditional reusable bottles. The disposable collapsible liner placed inside the holder limits the amount of air in-take by the baby and reduces painful spit-ups and burping.

        In 1996, we launched Drop-Ins, a significant enhancement to the disposable product line. Drop-Ins, patented, ready-formed disposable liners, made disposable liners much easier for parents to use and since its introduction has been the driving force behind our market share gains. Our disposable feeding systems currently account for 85% of the product category.

        In an effort to broaden our product offerings in the reusable bottle segment, we developed VentAire in 1998. The VentAire bottle, has a patented air venting system that allows air to escape as the baby sucks on the nipple, much like the benefits of a disposable bottle.

        Cups—In 1994, we introduced the spill-proof cup, an innovation that changed the infant cup category. Prior to this introduction, there was no real distinct market segment for children's cups. With the launch of the spill-proof line, the category has expanded from $34 million of retail sales to more than $100 million in 2002. Over the past few years, we have introduced new products to expand our offerings in the cups segment, including the QuickStraw cup, the CoolStraw cup, the Big Sipster, a cup targeted at older children, and the Gripster, made to fit small hands. In 2002, we introduced the Insulator cup line, representing the next generation in cup technology. The Insulator cup is designed to maintain the temperature and freshness of liquids for a longer period of time. We held a market leading 48% dollar market share in 2002. In 2003, we will introduce the Insulator Sport, a new insulated leak-proof cup with a flip top straw lid for growing kids and a new trainer cup for toddlers, The First Sipster.

        Diaper Disposal Systems—Diaper Genie, which we acquired in 1999, leads the diaper disposal market with a 93% dollar market share in 2002. The Diaper Genie business is comprised of two segments:

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Diaper Genie diaper pail unit, and

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Diaper Genie liner refills, the largest component of the business.

        The diaper pail unit individually seals diapers in an odor-proof, germ-proof chain. The unit uses our proprietary refill liners, which typically lasts approximately one month. In 2001, we improved the diaper pail unit and introduced a new liner. We improved the cutter cap system, which makes the unit easier to use and we introduced a toddler film refill to the market for older age children, targeted to extend the usage period. A large percentage of the diaper pail units are given to expectant mothers as gifts. This provides a unique opportunity to begin cross-marketing our entire line of infant care products before the baby arrives.

        Baby Toiletries—Baby Magic, which we acquired in 1999, occupies the number two position among the branded products in the U.S. baby toiletries category (defined as lotions, shampoos, powders, bath products, oils and gift packs), with a 9% dollar market share in 2002. Baby Magic is strongest in the lotions and bath segments with 17% and 16% dollar market shares, respectively. The U.S. baby toiletries category has been extremely competitive since our acquisition of the Baby Magic brand in 1999. In the second quarter of 2002, we introduced a new line of Baby Magic Calming Milk products including a foaming bath, bath lotion and massage lotion. Our dollar market share in the lotions and bath segments has increased since our launch of these products. Our market share results, in the fourth quarter of 2002, were our best since the second quarter of 2001. Our retail consumption increased 9.8% in the fourth quarter of 2002, while the category

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decreased 0.4% compared to the fourth quarter of 2001. Our full year 2002 dollar market share is down slightly compared to 2001.

        Pre-moistened towelettes—Early in 1998 we acquired Wet Ones, the market share leader in the hands and face segment of the market with a 63% dollar market share in 2002. Wet Ones are used by parents and others in applications other than diaper changing, such as cleaning up after meals or traveling away from home. The pre-moistened towelette category experienced rapid growth over the last few years as competitors entered the category and invested heavily in advertising and promotion to generate trial of their product. After two years of significant category growth, retail consumption in the category slowed in 2002, increasing 0.4% compared to 2001. Our retail consumption increased 2.3% and our dollar market share increased 1.2 percentage points compared to 2001.

        Other Infant Care Brands—We also entered the children's bubble bath and baby wipe categories in early 1998 with the acquisition of the Mr. Bubble, Chubs and Diaparene brands. Our Mr. Bubble children's bubble bath brand is a widely recognized brand name among consumers and became the market share leader in the bath additives category, in 2002, with a 27% dollar market share. In fiscal 2000, we decided to market our domestic baby wipes under the Baby Magic name and we continue to market Chubs internationally.

        Our infant care marketing is focused on a specific group of people: new and expectant mothers. These consumers undertake an immense amount of research and education, both before the child is born and after, to enhance their ability to make informed decisions concerning the health and welfare of their new infants. As such, we utilize techniques to communicate with parents in addition to traditional media advertising. Programs directed at new mothers include the distribution of millions of samples and coupons prenatally via childbirth instructors and postnatally in hospitals. The Company also provides educational materials to pediatricians, lactation consultants and hospitals such that new parents receive professional recommendations to use our infant care products. In addition, we have developed the website www.playtexbaby.com to provide information to new and expectant mothers as well as to introduce and market our entire line of infant care products. Across our entire infant care products, we communicate an image of quality, health, innovation and convenience to attract and retain users.

        Feminine Care—Playtex Feminine Care accounted for approximately 46% of Personal Products net sales in fiscal 2002 compared to 45% in fiscal 2001 and 44% in fiscal 2000. In the tampon category, consumer purchases are driven primarily by comfort, quality, protection and value, leading to intensely strong brand loyalties. For over 20 years, Playtex has been the second largest selling tampon brand overall in the U.S. and currently holds the largest position in the higher growth plastic applicator and deodorant segments. We have been able to consistently grow our share of the tampon category through a strategy of:

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Offering a diversified product line providing choice for consumers,

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Continuing new product development and product improvements,

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Leveraging the Playtex brand,

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Strategically targeting new users:
—    Young, first-time feminine product users
—    Conversion of pad users to tampons, and

•

Category expansion through introducing complementary products.

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        For fiscal 2002, we had a 30% share of the tampon category. Since 1996, we have grown our overall share of the tampon category by more than 5 points and the share differential between Playtex and the category share leader has narrowed from approximately 23 points in 1996 to less than 10 points in 2002.

        Late in the third quarter of 2002, the market share leader in the tampon category introduced a new plastic tampon product supported with extensive advertising and promotional spending. Our dollar market share in the tampon category decreased 2.7 percentage points in the fourth quarter of 2002 due, in part, to the heavily promoted new competitive product. For the first two months of 2003, the market share trend is stable with that of the fourth quarter of 2002, however it continues to lag behind similar year ago periods. We intend to aggressively defend our market share in the tampon category with advertising support and the introduction of two product improvements including an improved soft pearlized plastic applicator and an improved deodorant fragrance, each of which is intended to enhance consumer benefits. The improved product will be introduced by the first quarter of 2003 and should broadly reach retail shelves in the second quarter.

        Plastic applicator tampons—Historically, our core strength has resided in plastic applicator tampons where Playtex is the clear leader with a 61% 2002 dollar market share of the plastic applicator segment. Plastic applicator tampons represent approximately 87% of our feminine care business. We believe the plastic applicator segment enjoys superior growth dynamics as these products offer greater comfort and ease of insertion/removal to the user, are popular among younger demographics and are premium priced relative to cardboard and digital applicator products.

        Gentle Glide is our most significant plastic applicator tampon. These soft plastic applicator tampons were designed with a smooth rounded tip and a unique double-layer construction, allowing for ease of insertion and comfortable fit as well as reliable leakage protection. Our Gentle Glide line has provided a platform to launch new product enhancements. For example, in 1997, we introduced the Odor Absorbing product line that was the first to contain all natural material that absorbs odors without the use of a fragrance or deodorant. This line was developed to appeal to the large group of women who are concerned with odor protection, yet reluctant to use a fragranced tampon.

        Portables were developed to provide maximum convenience and portability. To meet consumer demand for smaller products, Portables have a compact construction with a two-piece applicator that allows the user to discreetly transport and easily assemble the product to a full-sized applicator. Additionally, Portables are associated with the same level of quality and protection as Gentle Glide products.

        Slimfits, introduced in 1996, are designed to appeal to a key niche segment of the tampon category: young teenagers. The introduction of Slimfits was a direct result of our strategy to focus on first-time, feminine care product users. To promote Slimfits, we utilized focused teen awareness campaigns and targeted product sampling. Slimfits have a narrower applicator and pledget providing for greater comfort and ease of insertion. We believe Slimfits will continue to build our business over the long-term by encouraging young women to use tampons rather than pads at an earlier age and by developing brand loyalty for our tampons at a time when lifelong preferences are forming. We believe these teenagers will develop a loyalty to the Playtex brand and they will naturally transition to the Gentle Glide line.

        Cardboard applicator tampons—Cardboard applicator tampons represented approximately 8% of Personal Products feminine care business net sales in fiscal 2002. We have a full line of cardboard applicator tampons to provide a complete portfolio of product offerings to consumers and to best match a broader array of consumer preferences. Users tend to be loyal to one form of applicator over another; thus, the introduction of a cardboard applicator to the tampon product portfolio has allowed us to leverage the Playtex brand name to capture a share of the cardboard applicator segment.

        Silk Glide is our line of cardboard applicator tampons. This line features a rounded-tip cardboard applicator and a unique surface coating which aims to provide the user with a high quality product in the cardboard applicator segment of the tampon category. This product is designed to provide similar comfort and ease of insertion found in plastic applicator tampons. Moreover, the Silk Glide line also serves as a platform to launch product extensions such as our Silk Glide Odor Absorbing Tampons, the only product of its type in the cardboard segment.

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        Complementary feminine care products—We recently introduced two new complementary feminine care products leveraging the consumer trust and strong brand awareness of our tampon franchise. We have been successful in working with retailers to merchandise these products in the feminine care aisle alongside our tampons to best leverage the Playtex brand name. These products demonstrate our ability to expand the category beyond tampons and should provide incremental sales growth going forward.

        In 2001, we introduced Personal Cleansing Cloths, pre-moistened towelettes for feminine hygiene. It has become the #1 brand in this small but growing niche category. Our Personal Cleansing Cloths are formulated with vitamin E and aloe and offer antibacterial efficacy.

        We introduced the Playtex Heat Therapy patch in July 2002. We believe there is potential for this product based upon research results and positive retailer feedback. Designed to be discrete and alleviate the discomfort associated with menstrual cramps for up to 12 hours, the Playtex patch is differentiated from other heat patches marketed to alleviate other types of discomfort.

        Consistent with our overall marketing strategy, our marketing efforts in Feminine Care have leveraged the strength of the Playtex brand that caters to the active, young female. Employing a "pull" strategy, we focus on advertising and selective consumer promotional activity to build our brand equity. Our Feminine Care marketing strategy centers on attracting first-time users and converting feminine protection pad users to tampon users by communicating the advantages of tampon usage. To that end, several recent advertising campaigns have highlighted the "diaper-like", "bulky" nature of the feminine protection pad while promoting the comfort and convenience of tampons. Given our singular focus on tampons, we believe that we are well positioned among our competitors to endorse tampons over pads and we hope to capture a disproportionately high number of new users.

        Consumer Products Division—The Consumer Products Division accounted for approximately 22% of our consolidated net sales in fiscal 2002 compared to 24% in fiscal 2001 and 2000. This division includes Sun Care, Household Products, and Personal Grooming products sold in the United States, primarily to mass merchandisers, grocery and drug classes of trade.

        Sun Care—Our Sun Care business consists of an extensive line of sun care products marketed under the Banana Boat trade name and accounted for approximately 52% of Consumer Products net sales in fiscal 2002, 54% in fiscal 2001, and 55% in fiscal 2000. Our offerings consist of an extensive line of sun care products designed for specific uses, such as sun protection with sun protection factors ("SPFs") from 4 to 50, waterproof and sweat proof formulas and infant and children's products. In 2002, we extended our Banana Boat franchise into the indoor tanning market. We also sell a variety of Banana Boat skin care products, including sunless tanning lotion and after-sun moisturizers containing additional ingredients such as vitamin E and aloe vera. Our Sun Care products are a strong number two in the U.S. sun care category with a 22% dollar market share in 2002.

        Retail consumption of our Sun Care products grew 4.9% in 2002 compared to 0.9% for the sun care category. Our results, at retail, benefited from two new products for the 2002 Sun Care season: VitaSkin and Indoor Tanning. VitaSkin combines the benefits of sun protection with a quality skin care product designed for everyday use and our Indoor Tanning product is our first product offering in the indoor tanning segment.

        Since 1995, Banana Boat has been able to consistently grow its share of the sun care category through a strategy of:

•

Providing new and differentiated products,

•

Communicating Banana Boat's family-oriented image, thus targeting the most attractive user groups, and

•

Working with our customers to best maximize sales and profitability through active category management.

        For the 2003 Sun Care season, we continue to bring new products to the market, including two new product lines Banana Boat Suntanicals and Banana Boat Baby Magic. New Suntanicals lotions are enriched with lavender and chamomile botanicals to indulge the skin and senses for a healthy-looking tan. Combining the heritage of two leading

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brands, Banana Boat Baby Magic sunblocks are clinically proven mild and offer a patented instant protection formula in the lotion that is superior to other baby sunblocks. New in indoor tanning is a Skin Cooling Tan Booster that provides a skin-cooling sensation while tanning. A new extension to the VitaSkin Advanced Sun Protection line is a two-step system that combines an exfoliating scrub with an instant sunless tanner to guarantee a more even, natural-looking tan. In addition, we are introducing a new tanning oil spray with carrot extract. We have also upsized our General Protection SPF 50 and Sport SPF 50 to 8 ounces to provide more value to the consumer. Lastly, we have created more contemporary packaging graphics across the portfolio to simplify the consumer's shopping experience.

        Our Sun Care marketing strategies are directed at the family demographic, where Banana Boat communicates a "fun-in-the-sun for the active wholesome family" image. In addition, the marketing and sales plan for Banana Boat utilizes specialized programs including: sweepstakes, sampling at outdoor events, radio tie-ins and new store openings to provide additional visibility for the brand. Our interactive website, www.bananaboat.com, conveys educational information in a fun, casual manner.

        To supplement our distribution network, we have a direct store delivery ("DSD") distribution team focused in high consumption areas of the U.S. (East and West Coast). With a fleet of more than thirty vans and operators with an in-depth knowledge of our sun care products, the DSD network allows us to build strong retailer relationships, gather marketing intelligence and ensure that our products are properly stocked on retailer shelves.

        Industry convention and the seasonal nature of the sun care business require that manufacturers of Sun Care products provide retailers with the opportunity to return unsold products at the end of the sun care season. To better reflect the impact of potential returns, we provide for estimated returns in our reported operating results as sales are made throughout the year. The level of returns may fluctuate from our estimates due to several factors including weather conditions, customer inventory levels, and competitive conditions (see Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Critical Accounting Policies of this Annual Report on Form 10-K).

        In 2002, we initiated a more proactive approach to managing late season shipments to retailers, which negatively impacted our comparable net sales results. The initiative is to better align our shipment patterns to retail consumption patterns during the Sun Care season. As such, we shipped less product during the second half of 2002 than in prior years. We expect to ship more product in the first half of 2003 as a result of the initial implementation of this initiative. We experienced higher than expected Sun Care product returns, in 2002, from the 2001 Sun Care season, which necessitated a change in estimate of our sales return reserve. This adjustment resulted from a few key accounts that unexpectedly returned excess product. We believe our initiatives to reduce Sun Care product returns will result in reducing the overall costs associated with our Sun Care business, as we better align our shipment patterns with consumption patterns for the 2003 Sun Care season.

        Household Products/Personal Grooming—Our Household Products/Personal Grooming business consists of a number of leading and well-recognized brands including our: Woolite rug and upholstery cleaning products, Playtex household gloves, Ogilvie at-home permanents and Binaca breath spray and drops. We also compete in the value-priced end of the toothbrush business with our Tek and Dentax brands of toothbrushes, and in deodorants with our Tussy brand. These products accounted for approximately 48% of our Consumer Products net sales in fiscal 2002, compared to 46% in fiscal 2001 and 45% in fiscal 2000.

        Woolite holds the #2 position in the U.S. rug and upholstery cleaning products category with a 24% dollar market share in 2002. Driving net sales and market share growth in 2002 were two new products: Woolite Instant Power Shot (non-foaming aerosol cleaner designed for quick removal of stains), introduced late in 2001 and Woolite Oxy Deep (oxygen based carpet cleaner designed to remove tough set-in stains) introduced in the third quarter of 2002. These two products accounted for 9.5 dollar market share points in the fourth quarter of 2002 and significantly contributed to our full-year market share and retail consumption gains in 2002.

        With a long-standing reputation for superior quality, durability and value, Playtex Gloves have enjoyed market share leadership since we introduced reusable household latex gloves in the U.S. in 1954. The Playtex brand name is virtually the only well known name in the segment and our Living and Handsaver brands are recognized as the highest

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quality reusable household gloves in the industry. Playtex is the only major household glove manufacturer with production in the U.S. As demand for disposable household gloves grew, we introduced a line of disposable gloves to leverage the Playtex brand in this category. We offer a complete line of gloves to retailers and have expanded our shelf presence in recent years. In 2002, we lost 2 dollar market share points due to competitive activities and an increase in private label, which is not unusual during tough economic times.

        Our Ogilvie brand is the market leader of the at-home permanents and straighteners category, with a 72% dollar market share in 2002. Retail consumption of at-home permanent products has been declining due to the tendency of consumers to get their hair permed in professional beauty salons. Our strategy is to grow our market leadership position by repositioning the brand to younger consumers and, as category leader, to positively impact the growth of the category as a whole. Since our acquisition of the Ogilvie brand we have successfully launched Ogilvie Straightener, which removes the curl from permed hair, controls the curl from naturally curly hair, and delivers smooth texture to hair. This product is targeted to younger consumers.

        Our Binaca brand of breath fresheners is also a well known brand. It is the leader in the spray & drops segment of the breath fresheners market with a 39% dollar market share in 2002. Our research indicates that Binaca has the highest brand awareness among breath freshener users. Since our acquisition of Binaca in January 1998, we have expanded front-end store placements and launched new products. In 1999, we launched Fast Blast, a non-aerosol spray product, and in 2001 we developed Binaca Power Blasts, a sugar free mint product.

        International/Corporate Sales Division—The International/Corporate Sales Division constituted approximately 19% of our consolidated net sales in fiscal 2002 compared to 18% in 2001 and 17% in 2000. The International/Corporate Sales Division includes:

The International/Corporate Sales Division sells the same products as are available to our U.S. customers. Sales to specialty classes of trade represented 54% of the total division's net sales in fiscal 2002 compared to 52% in fiscal 2001, and 50% in fiscal 2000.

E. Marketing

        We allocate a significant portion of our revenues to the advertising and promotion of our products. As a result of our adoption of EITF No. 01-9, "Accounting for Consideration Given By a Vendor To a Customer (Including a Reseller of the Vendor's Products)," we reclassified certain previously reported selling, general and administrative expenses to offset net sales in fiscal 2001 and 2000 to conform to our current year presentation (see Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements).

        Our advertising and promotion expenditures for the past three years were (in thousands):

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        These expenditures are primarily for television, radio and print advertising and production as well as consumer promotions and market research. We believe these expenditures support our brand-building activities and are an investment in the long-term longevity of our brands.

F. Competition

        The markets for our products are highly competitive and they are characterized by the frequent introduction of new products, often accompanied by major advertising and promotional programs. We compete primarily on the basis of product quality, product differentiation and brand name recognition supported by advertising and promotional programs.

        Our competitors consist of a large number of domestic and foreign companies, many of which have significantly greater financial resources and less debt than we do. We believe that the market for consumer-packaged goods is very competitive and may intensify further in the future. Competitive pressures on our products may result from:

        Our infant care, feminine care and gloves businesses are particularly competitive. Cups have been challenged by competitors offering less expensive products and new competitors entered the disposable feeding, baby toiletries and pre-moistened towelettes categories in recent years. In 2002, the market share leader in the tampon category introduced a new plastic tampon product supported with extensive advertising and promotions, and our gloves business has weakened due to competitive activities and an increase in private label, which is not unusual during tough economic times.

G. Regulation

        Government regulation has not materially restricted or impeded our operations. Certain of our products are subject to regulation under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act and the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act. We are also subject to regulation by the Federal Trade Commission with respect to the content of our advertising, our trade practices and other matters. We are subject to regulation by the United States Food and Drug Administration in connection with our manufacture and sale of tampons.

H. Distribution

        We sell our products using approximately 180 direct sales personnel, independent food brokers and exclusive distributors. Independent brokers supplement the direct sales force in the food class of trade, by providing more effective coverage at the store level. For the twelve months ended December 28, 2002 and December 29, 2001, our net sales in the U.S. were distributed to the following classes of trade:

        Our field sales force makes sales presentations at the headquarters or home offices of our customers, where applicable, as well as to individual retail outlets. The sales representatives focus their efforts on selling our products, providing services to our customers and executing programs to ensure sales to the ultimate consumer. Consumer-directed programs include arranging for on-shelf and separate displays and coordinating cooperative advertising participation.

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        We use four third-party distribution centers to ship the majority of our products to customers. These distribution centers are geographically located to maximize our ability to service our customers.

I. Research and Development

        Our research and development group operates out of a state-of-the-art technical center in Allendale, New Jersey and manufacturing facilities in Dover, Delaware. The Allendale facility was built for us under a fifteen-year lease, which commenced in 1999, with two five-year renewal options. Approximately 80 employees are engaged in our research and development programs, for which expenditures were $15.2 million in fiscal 2002, $13.9 million in fiscal 2001 and $11.6 million in fiscal 2000.

        The primary focus of our research and development group is to design and develop new and improved products that address our customers' wants and needs. In addition, our research and development group provides technology support to both in-house and contract manufacturing and safety and regulatory support to all of our businesses.

J. Trademarks and Patents

        We have proprietary rights to a number of trademarks important to our business, such as: Active Sport, Baby Magic (in United States and Canada), Banana Boat, Binaca, Binky, Blasters, Big Sipster, CoolStraw, Diaper Genie, Dentax, DrinkUp, Drop-Ins, Fast Blast, Gentle Glide, Get On The Boat, Gripster, HandSaver, Heat Therapy, Heavy Traffic, Insulator, LipPops, Most Like Mother, Mr. Bubble, Natural Action, Ogilvie, Oxy Deep, Power Blasts, Power Shot, Precisely Right, QuickStraw, Quik Blok, Safe'N Sure, Silk Glide, SipEase, Slimfits, Soft Comfort, Sooth-A-Caine, Suntanicals, Tub Mate, Tek, Tussy, VentAire, VitaSkin, and Wet Ones. The Playtex and Living trademarks in the United States and Canada are owned by Playtex Marketing. Playtex Marketing is responsible for protecting, exercising quality control over and enforcing the trademarks. Along with Apparel, we have a license from Playtex Marketing for the use of such trademarks in the United States and Canada on a perpetual, royalty-free basis. Apparel's license is for apparel and apparel-related products, and our license is for all other products. In all other countries, Apparel retains title to the Playtex and Living trademarks. We have a perpetual, royalty-free license to use such trademarks for all products other than apparel products in all other countries. We also own a royalty-free license in perpetuity to use the Woolite trademark for rug and upholstery cleaning products in the United States and Canada.

        We also own various patents related to certain products and their method of manufacture, including patents for: cardboard and plastic applicators for tampons, special over-wrap for tampons, baby bottles and nipples, disposable liners and plastic holders for the nurser systems, children's drinking cups, pacifiers, sunscreen formulation, carpet cleaning compositions, various containers for liquid and moist wipes products, including special containers for children's bubble bath.

        The patents expire at varying times, ranging from 2003 to 2022. We also have pending patent applications for various products and methods of manufacture relating to our tampons, infant feeding and sun care businesses. While we consider our patents to be important to our business, we believe that the success of our products is more dependent upon the quality of these products and the effectiveness of our marketing programs. No single patent is material to our business.

K. Raw Materials and Suppliers

        The principal raw materials used in the manufacture of our products are synthetic fibers, resin-based plastics and other chemicals and certain natural materials, all of which are normally readily available. While all raw materials are purchased from outside sources, we are not dependent upon a single supplier in any of our operations for any material essential to our business or not otherwise commercially available to us. We have been able to obtain an adequate supply of raw materials, and no shortage of any materials is currently anticipated.

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L. Customers and Backlog

        No single customer or affiliated group of customers, except Walmart, accounted for over 10% of our net sales in fiscal 2002, fiscal 2001, and fiscal 2000. Our next three largest customers represented in total approximately 18% of our total consolidated net sales in each of our last three fiscal years (see Note 17 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements). In accordance with industry practice, we grant credit to our customers at the time of purchase. In addition, we may grant extended payment terms to new customers and for the initial sales of introductory products and product line extensions. We also may grant extended terms on our Sun Care products due to industry convention and the seasonal nature of this business.

        Our practice is not to accept returned goods unless authorized by management of the sales organization. Returns result primarily from damage and shipping discrepancies. Exceptions to this policy include our Sun Care seasonal returns. We allow customers to return Sun Care products that have not been sold by the end of the Sun Care season, which is normal practice in the sun care industry. Customers are required to pay for the Sun Care product purchased during the season under the required terms. In instances where extended terms are granted on initial Sun Care orders, the terms require a substantial payment be made in the June time frame. We generally receive returns of our Sun Care products from September through March following the summer Sun Care season. In 2002, we initiated a more proactive approach to reduce the expense associated with Sun Care product returns. The initiative is to better align our shipment patterns to retail consumption patterns during the Sun Care season. In addition, we are requesting that retailers return unsold Sun Care product prior to the start of the next Sun Care season. As such, we believe most of our 2002 season Sun Care product returns were processed in fiscal 2002. We reduce our Sun Care sales and increase accrued liabilities for estimated returns, at the same time, based on management's estimates of these returns as a percent of Sun Care products sold. Refunds made to our customers for returned Sun Care products subsequently reduce accrued liabilities (see Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Critical Accounting Policies of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a more complete discussion on our policies regarding Sun Care product returns).

        Because of the short period between order and shipment dates (generally less than one month) for most of our orders, the dollar amount of current backlog is not considered to be a reliable indication of future sales volume.

M. Employees and Labor Relations

        Our worldwide workforce consisted of approximately 1,895 employees as of December 28, 2002, of whom approximately 180 were located outside the United States, primarily in Canada. We believe that our labor relations are satisfactory and no material labor cost increases are anticipated in the near future. Of the United States facilities, only the operation at Watervliet, New York had union representation at December 28, 2002. During 2002, we initiated a process to close our Watervliet, New York facility (see Note 3 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements). We expect this process to be completed prior to the expiration, on June 28, 2003, of the current collective bargaining agreement.

N. Environmental

        We believe that we are in substantial compliance with federal, state and local provisions enacted or adopted regulating the discharge of materials hazardous to the environment. There are no significant environmental expenditures anticipated for the current year.

O. Available Information

        We file our annual, quarterly, and current reports, proxy statements, and other documents with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1933 and 1934. You may read and copy any materials that we file with the SEC at the SEC's Public Reference Room at 450 Fifth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20549. The SEC also maintains an Internet website that contains our filed reports at www.sec.gov. In addition, we make our filings with the SEC available at the Investors Relations section of our website www.playtexproductsinc.com. You can call our Investor Relations Department at (203) 341-4017 or via email at invrel@playtex.com to request a copy of any of our reports filed with the SEC.

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Risk Factors

        Our business is subject to certain risks, and we want you to review these risks while you are evaluating our business and our historical results. Please keep in mind, that any of the following risks discussed below and elsewhere in this Annual Report could materially and adversely affect us, our operating results, our financial condition and our projections and beliefs as to our future performance. As such, our results could differ materially from those projected in our forward-looking statements. In addition, the preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles requires us to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect:

•

the reported amounts and timing of revenue and expenses,

•

the reported amounts and classification of assets and liabilities, and

•

the disclosure of contingent liabilities.

        Actual results may vary from our estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions are based on historical results, assumptions that we make as well as assumptions by third parties. The level of reserves for Sun Care product returns, bad debts and advertising and promotional costs are three areas of which you should be aware. As part of our customary review and reconciliation process, we periodically record adjustments to our accounting estimates. During the second quarter ended June 29, 2002, we recorded additional expenses of $2.0 million to cover higher than expected Sun Care returns from the 2001 Sun Care season. Also, we reduced our reserves for certain advertising and sales promotion programs conducted prior to 2002 by $1.7 million based on the actual costs of these programs versus our original estimates. (see Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations— Critical Accounting Policies of this Annual Report on Form 10-K).

We may not enter into a transaction associated with our decision to evaluate strategic alternatives.

        On November 13, 2002, we announced our intention to undertake a process to evaluate strategic alternatives for maximizing shareholder value. The strategic alternatives to be considered include, but are not limited to, business combinations with one or more parties to form a larger personal care and household products company, selling the entire company, divesting one or more lines of business, and acquiring strategic lines of business. There is no assurance this process will result in a transaction.

We have substantial debt, which has risks and restrictions.

        Our indebtedness at December 28, 2002 consists of $380.0 million in fixed rate debt and $447.7 million of variable rate debt.

        We intend to fund our operations, capital expenditures, debt service requirements and repay additional portions of debt principal through cash flow generated from operations, including proceeds from the sale of an undivided fractional interest in our accounts receivables through the Receivables Facility (see Note 9 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K), and borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility through fiscal 2007. However, we do not expect to generate sufficient cash flow from operations to make the 2008 and 2009 scheduled principal payments on the Term C Loan, which collectively total $425.3 million. In addition, we do not expect to generate sufficient cash flow from operations to make the $350.0 million scheduled principal payment on the 9³/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due June 1, 2011. Accordingly, we will have to refinance our obligations, sell assets or raise equity capital to repay the principal amounts of these obligations. Historically, we have been successful in generating operating cash flows and in obtaining the required refinancing to meet all of our obligations. However, we cannot guarantee that our operating results will continue to be sufficient or that future borrowing facilities will be available for the payment or refinancing of our debt on economically attractive terms.

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        Our level of debt could have adverse consequences to us, including, but not limited to:

•

Our ability to obtain additional financing in the future for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, general corporate purposes or other purposes may be impaired.

•

A significant portion of our cash flow from operations must be dedicated to the payment of principal and interest on our debt, which reduces the funds available to our operations.

•

A portion of our debt, $447.7 million at December 28, 2002 is at variable rates of interest, which may result in higher interest expense in the event of increases in interest rates.

•

Our indebtedness also contains certain financial and restrictive covenants (see Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources of this Annual Report on Form 10-K). Our failure to comply with these covenants could result in an event of default, which, if not rectified, may materially and adversely affect our operating results and our financial condition.

We may incur goodwill and other intangible asset impairment charges.

        Acquisitions recorded as purchases for accounting purposes have resulted, and in the future may result, in the recognition of significant amounts of goodwill and other intangible assets. At December 28, 2002, we had $494.3 million of goodwill and $139.2 million of other intangible assets consisting primarily of trademarks, patents and other intellectual property. We review these intangible assets for impairment at least annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Effective December 30, 2001, the beginning of our 2002 fiscal year, we adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," which changed our accounting for goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives from an amortization method to an impairment only approach. We tested our goodwill, under the methodologies as outlined in SFAS No. 142, for impairment as of December 29, 2001 and March 30, 2002 and determined that none of our goodwill was impaired. We also tested each of our trademarks for impairment by comparing the fair value of each trademark to its carrying value as of December 29, 2001 and March 30, 2002. Based on these impairment tests, we recorded a charge, reported as a cumulative effect of change in accounting principles, of $19.6 million ($12.4 million or $0.19 per diluted share, net of tax benefits) in the first quarter of 2002 (see Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K). This charge was to reduce the trademark carrying value of certain non-core brands, primarily Chubs and Diaparene, to their estimated fair value. We are required to test our goodwill and other indefinite lived intangible assets for impairment at least annually and more frequently if events or circumstances indicate a likelihood of impairment. Changes in the fair value of our businesses caused by various factors, some of which may be out of our control, may cause us to take additional impairment charges in the future.

We face significant competition from other consumer products companies.

        The markets for our products are highly competitive and are characterized by the frequent introduction of new products, often accompanied by major advertising and promotional programs. We believe that the market for consumer packaged goods will continue to be highly competitive and that the level of competition may intensify in the future. Our competitors consist of a large number of domestic and foreign companies, a number of which have significantly greater financial resources than we do and are not as highly leveraged as we are. If we are unable to continue to introduce new and innovative products that are attractive to consumers, or are unable to allocate sufficient resources to effectively market and advertise our products so that they achieve widespread market acceptance, we may not be able to compete effectively and our operating results and financial condition will be adversely affected. Our infant care, feminine care and gloves businesses are particularly competitive. Cups have been challenged by competitors offering less expensive products and new competitors entered the disposable feeding, baby toiletries and pre-moistened towelettes categories in recent years. In 2002, the market share leader in the tampon category introduced a new plastic tampon product supported with extensive advertising and promotions and our gloves business has weakened due to competitive activities and an increase in private label. In each case, we are aggressively defending our market share positions, but many of our competitors have greater financial resources than we do.

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We rely on a few large customers for a significant portion of our sales.

        A few of our customers are material to our business and operations. In fiscal 2002, Walmart our largest customer, represented approximately 25% of our consolidated net sales. Aggregate consolidated net sales to our next three largest customers represented approximately 18% of our total consolidated net sales in fiscal 2002. The loss of sales to a large customer could materially and adversely affect us, our operating results, our financial condition and our projections and beliefs as to our future performance.

We may be adversely affected by the trend towards retail trade consolidation.

        With the growing trend towards retail trade consolidation, we are increasingly dependent upon key retailers whose bargaining strength is growing. We may be negatively affected by changes in the policies of our retail trade customers, such as inventory destocking, limitations on access to shelf space and other conditions.

Sales of some of our products may suffer because of unfavorable weather conditions.

        Our businesses, especially Sun Care, may be negatively impacted by unfavorable weather conditions. In accordance with industry practice, we allow customers to return unsold Sun Care products at the end of the summer and these product returns may be higher in years when the weather is poor. This could adversely affect our business and operating results. In addition, consumption of our Feminine Care and Wet Ones products may be affected by unfavorable weather, although to a lesser extent than the Sun Care business, due primarily to reduced levels of outdoor activities.

Our acquisition strategy is subject to risks and may not be successful.

        We consider the acquisition of other companies engaged in the manufacture and sale of consumer products. At any given time, we may be in various stages of looking at these opportunities. Acquisitions are subject to the negotiation of definitive agreements and to other matters typical in acquisition transactions. There can be no assurance that we will be able to identify desirable acquisition candidates or will be successful in entering into definitive agreements relating to them. Even if definitive agreements are entered into, we cannot assure you that any future acquisition will be completed or that anticipated benefits of the acquisition will be realized. The process of integrating acquired operations into our operations may result in unforeseen operating difficulties, may absorb significant management attention and may require significant financial resources that would otherwise be available for the ongoing development or expansion of our existing operations. Future acquisitions by us could result in the incurrence of additional debt and contingent liabilities, which may have a negative effect on our operating results.

Haas Wheat controls a majority of our Board of Directors and its interests may conflict with yours.

        Haas Wheat & Partners, L.P. and its affiliates together hold approximately 33% of the outstanding shares of our common stock and will likely continue to exercise control over our business by virtue of their voting power with respect to the election of directors. In addition, under our by-laws and agreements among our stockholders, Haas Wheat and its affiliates have the right to approve a majority of the nominations to our board of directors. Haas Wheat and its affiliates may authorize actions that are not in your best interests, and in general, their interests may not be fully aligned with yours.

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Item 2. Properties

        Our principal executive office is located at 300 Nyala Farms Road, Westport, Connecticut 06880 and is occupied pursuant to a lease, which expires in 2005 with two five-year options to renew. Our principal manufacturing and distribution facilities are located in Dover, Delaware, Sidney and Streetsboro, Ohio, and Arnprior and Malton, Canada. We are in the process of closing our plastic molding facility in Watervliet, New York (see Note 3 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements). We maintain a research and development facility in Allendale, New Jersey. This facility is leased for a term of 15 years, expiring in 2013. We operate two facilities in Canada. We own the Arnprior facility, which is primarily a warehouse and assembly operation, and we lease the Malton facility, which is a warehouse and office site. This lease expires in 2004. In fiscal 2002, our average utilization rate of manufacturing capacity was an estimated 65%.

        The following table lists our principal properties as of December 28, 2002, which are located in seven states, Puerto Rico and Canada. The facilities in Arnprior and Malton, Canada and Guaynabo, Puerto Rico are used specifically by the International/Corporate Sales Division. All of the other facilities are shared amongst our three segments.

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

        Beginning in 1980, published studies reported a statistical association between tampon use and Toxic Shock Syndrome ("TSS"), a rare, but potentially serious illness. Since these studies, numerous claims have been filed against all tampon manufacturers, a small percentage of which have been litigated to conclusion. The number of TSS claims relating to our tampons has declined substantially over the years. During the mid-1980s, there were approximately 200 pending claims at any one time relating to our tampons. As of the end of February 2003, there were approximately 6 pending claims. Additional claims, however, may be asserted in the future. For TSS claims filed from October 1, 1985 until November 30, 1995, we are self-insured and bear the costs of defending those claims, including settlements and trials. Effective December 1, 1995, we obtained insurance coverage with certain limits in excess of the self-insured retention of $1.0 million per occurrence / $4.0 million in total, for claims occurring on or after December 1, 1995.

        The incidence rate of menstrually associated TSS has declined significantly over the years. The number of confirmed menstrually-related TSS cases peaked in 1980 at 814, with 38 deaths. At that time, the United States Center for Disease Control found that 71% of women who developed the condition had been using a new brand of tampons. That brand of product was removed from the market and The Food and Drug Administration proposed regulations, which required all tampon manufacturers to provide TSS warnings on their labeling. In 1981, the incidence of menstrually-

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related TSS was reported to be 470, with 13 deaths. It has continued to fall since then. Compared with the 814 menstrual TSS cases in 1980, there were only three confirmed cases in 1998 and six in 1997.

        We believe that there are no claims or litigation pending against us, including the TSS cases, which, individually or in the aggregate, would have a material effect on us. This assessment is based on:

        We have joined a group of potentially responsible parties with respect to the Kent County Landfill Site in Houston, Delaware, which has been designated a "Superfund" site by the State of Delaware. Based on the information currently available to us, the nature and quantity of material deposited by us and the number of other entities in the group, which are expected to share in the costs and expenses, we do not believe that our costs will be material. We will share equally with Apparel all expenses and costs associated with our involvement with this site.

        We are a defendant in various other legal proceedings, claims and investigations that arise in the normal course of business. In our opinion, the ultimate disposition of these matters, including those described above, will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

        Not applicable

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PART II

Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters

        We have two classes of authorized stock:

•

Common Stock, par value $.01 per share 244 holders of record, authorized 100,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding 61,215,856 shares at March 25, 2003, and

•

Preferred stock, par value $.01 per share, authorized 50,000,000 shares, none issued or outstanding as of
March 25, 2003.

Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "PYX". No cash dividends have ever been paid on our stock, and we are restricted from paying dividends by the terms of our debt agreements (see Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources and Note 8 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8. of this Annual Report on Form 10-K).

        The following table lists the high and low sale price per share of our stock during fiscal 2002 and fiscal 2001 as reported by the New York Stock Exchange-Composite Transactions:

Item 6. Selected Financial Data

        The information required by this item appears on page F-3 of this Form 10-K.

Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

        The information required by this item appears on pages F-4 to F-17 of this Form 10-K.

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk

        We periodically use financial instruments, such as derivatives, to manage the impact of interest rate changes on our variable rate debt and its effect on our earnings and cash flows. Our policies prohibit the use of derivative instruments for the sole purpose of trading for profit on price fluctuations or to enter into contracts, which intentionally increase our underlying interest rate exposure. At December 28, 2002, our total indebtedness consisted of $380.0 million in fixed rate debt and $447.7 million in variable rate debt. We currently are not a party to any financial instruments, such as derivatives, to manage the impact of interest rate changes on our variable rate debt. Based on our interest rate exposure at December 28, 2002, a 1% increase in interest rates would result in an estimated $4.5 million of additional interest expense on an annualized basis (see Note 8 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8. of this Annual Report on Form 10-K).

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Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

        The Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are filed as part of this Form 10-K and can be found on pages F-18 to F-53. The Independent Auditors' Report, dated January 27, 2003, is filed as part of this Form 10-K and can be found on page F-54. The Report of Management, dated January 27, 2003, is filed as part of this 10-K and can be found on page F-55.

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

        None

PART III

Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant

Item 11. Executive Compensation

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

        The information called for by these items (except for the information regarding our executive officers) is incorporated by reference to our Proxy Statement for the 2003 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. The information regarding our executive officers called for by Item 401 of Regulation S-K can be found in Item I(b) on pages 5 to 6 of this Form 10-K.

Item 14. Controls and Procedures

(a)

Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures. Within 90 days prior to the date of this report (the "Evaluation Date"), our Chief Executive Officer and our Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of our "disclosure controls and procedures" (as defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Rules 13a-14(c) and 15d-14(c). Based on that evaluation, these officers have concluded that as of the Evaluation Date, our disclosure controls and procedures were adequate and effective to ensure that material information relating to the Company would be made known to them, particularly during the period in which this Annual Report on Form 10-K was being prepared.

(b)

Changes in internal controls. There have been no significant changes in our internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect our internal controls after the date of their evaluation, nor any significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in such internal controls requiring corrective actions. As a result, no corrective actions were taken.

        It should be noted that any system of controls, however well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, and not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the systems are met. In addition, the design of any control system is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events. Because of these and other inherent limitations of control systems, there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all future conditions, regardless of how remote.

24

PART IV

Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedule and Reports on Form 8-K

        (a)    Financial Statements

        (1)  Our Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are filed as part of this Form 10-K and can be found on pages F-18 to F-53. The Independent Auditors' Report, dated January 27, 2003, is on page F-54 of this Form 10-K.

        (2)  Financial Statement Schedule

        The following financial statement schedule—Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts, is filed as part of this Form 10-K and is on page 26.

        All other schedules are omitted as the required information is not applicable to us or the information is already presented in our Consolidated Financial Statements or related Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

        (3)  Exhibits

        Please see our Exhibit Index on Pages X-1 to X-7 of this Form 10-K.

        (b)  Reports on Form 8-K

        On November 13, 2002, we filed a current report on Form 8-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Item 5 of that Form. Pursuant to Item 5, we announced our intent to undertake a process to evaluate strategic alternatives for maximizing shareholder value. The strategic alternatives to be considered include, but are not limited to, business combinations with one or more parties to form a larger personal care and household products company, selling the entire company, divesting one or more lines of business, and acquiring strategic lines of business.

25

PLAYTEX PRODUCTS, INC.

SCHEDULE II—VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
Twelve Months Ended December 28, 2002, December 29, 2001, and December 30, 2000
(In thousands)

(1)

Includes valuation and qualifying accounts of the Company's wholly-owned special purpose subsidiary used in conjunction with the Receivable Facility of $789 in 2001 and $302 in 2002. (see Note 9 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8. of this Annual Report on Form 10-K).

26

SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities indicated this 27th day of March, 2003.

27

PLAYTEX PRODUCTS, INC.
CERTIFICATIONS

I, Michael R. Gallagher, Chief Executive Officer, certify that:

1.

I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Playtex Products, Inc. for the year-ended December 28, 2002;

2.

Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual report;

3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report;

4.

The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and have:

a.

designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this annual report is being prepared;

b.

evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this annual report (the "Evaluation Date"); and

c.

presented in this annual report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

5.

The registrant's other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a.

all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant's auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and

b.

any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal controls; and

6.

The registrant's other certifying officers and I have indicated in this annual report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

28

PLAYTEX PRODUCTS, INC.
CERTIFICATIONS

I, Glenn A. Forbes, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, certify that:

1.

I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Playtex Products, Inc. for the year-ended December 28, 2002;

2.

Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual report;

3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report;

4.

The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and have:

a.

designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this annual report is being prepared;

b.

evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this annual report (the "Evaluation Date"); and

c.

presented in this annual report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

5.

The registrant's other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a.

all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant's auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and

b.

any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal controls; and

6.

The registrant's other certifying officers and I have indicated in this annual report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

29

PLATEX PRODUCTS, INC.

2002 ANNUAL REPORT TO STOCKHOLDERS

PLATEX PRODUCTS, INC.
2002 ANNUAL REPORT TO STOCKHOLDERS

INDEX

F-2

PLAYTEX PRODUCTS, INC.

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

(In thousands, except per share data)

(1)

Our fiscal year end is on the last Saturday in December nearest to December 31 and, as a result, a fifty-third week is added every 6 or 7 years. Fiscal 2000 was a fifty-three week year. All other years presented are fifty-two week years.

(2)

Includes a restructuring and asset impairment charge of $7.6 million as a result of the closing of our Watervliet, New York plastic molding facility (see Note 3 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements).

(3)

Amortization of intangible assets with indefinite lives was discontinued, as a result of our implementation of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142 "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" ("SFAS No. 142") (see Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements).

(4)

Includes an extraordinary loss of $3.7 million, net of $2.2 million of income tax benefits, as a result of amending our senior secured credit facility (see Notes 8 and 10 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements) and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle of $12.4 million, net of $7.1 million of income tax benefits, as a result of our implementation of SFAS No. 142 (see Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements). Offsetting these charges, in part, is a tax benefit of $14.3 million relating to new tax regulations associated with loss disallowance rules (see Note 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements).

(5)

Includes an extraordinary loss of $19.3 million, net of $12.8 million of income tax benefits, as a result of the refinancing of our senior indebtedness (see Notes 8 and 10 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements).

F-3

PLAYTEX PRODUCTS, INC.

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

        The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read together with our audited consolidated financial statements and notes, presented on pages F-18 through F-53.

Cautionary Statement for Purposes of the "Safe Harbor" Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

        This document includes forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations and projections about future results. When we use words in this document such as "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "expects," and similar expressions we do so to identify forward-looking statements. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are affected by risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that we make, including, among other things, the Risk Factors that are listed in Part I, Item 1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and:

        You should keep in mind that any forward-looking statement made by us in this document, or elsewhere, speaks only as of the date on which we make it. New risks and uncertainties come up from time to time, and it's impossible for us to predict these events or how they may affect us. In light of these risks and uncertainties, you should keep in mind that any forward-looking statements made in this report or elsewhere might not occur.

        On November 13, 2002, we announced our intent to undertake a process to evaluate strategic alternatives for maximizing shareholder value. The strategic alternatives to be considered include, but are not limited to, business combinations with one or more parties to form a larger personal care and household products company, selling the entire company, divesting one or more lines of business, and acquiring strategic lines of business. We cannot assure you that this process will result in a transaction.

        In addition, the preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles requires us to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect:

•

the reported amounts and timing of revenue and expenses,

•

the reported amounts and classification of assets and liabilities, and

•

the disclosure of contingent liabilities.

        Actual results may vary from our estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions are based on historical results, assumptions that we make as well as assumptions by third parties. The level of reserves for Sun Care product returns, bad debts and advertising and promotional costs are three areas of which you should be aware (see Management's Discussion and Analysis—Critical Accounting Policies). As part of our customary review and reconciliation process, we periodically record adjustments to our accounting estimates. During the second quarter ended June 29, 2002, we recorded additional expenses of $2.0 million to cover higher than expected Sun Care returns from the 2001 Sun Care season. Also, we reduced our reserves for certain advertising and sales promotion programs conducted prior to 2002 by $1.7 million based on the actual costs of these programs versus our original estimates.

F-4

General

Basis of Management's Discussion and Analysis

        We are organized in three divisions, which are categorized as business segments in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

        Our Personal Products Division accounted for 59% of our 2002 consolidated net sales. Our Personal Products Division includes Infant Care and Feminine Care products sold in the United States primarily to mass merchandisers, grocery and drug classes of trade. The Infant Care product category includes the following brands:

        The Feminine Care product category includes a wide range of plastic and cardboard applicator tampons, as well as complementary products, marketed under such brand names as:

        Our Consumer Products Division accounted for 22% of our 2002 consolidated net sales. Our Consumer Products Division includes a number of leading and well-recognized brands in niche categories sold in the United States primarily to mass merchandisers, grocery and drug classes of trade. The Consumer Products Division includes the following brands:

        Our International/Corporate Sales Division accounted for 19% of our 2002 consolidated net sales and includes:

        The International/Corporate Sales Division sells the same products as are available to our U.S. customers. Sales to the specialty classes of trade in the United States represented 54% of the division's consolidated net sales in fiscal 2002, up from 52% in fiscal 2001 and 50% in fiscal 2000.

F-5

Results of Operations

        Our net sales for each of the past three fiscal years 2002, 2001, and 2000 are provided based on our divisional structure (dollars in millions):

        We evaluate division performance based on their product contribution excluding general corporate allocations. Product contribution is defined as gross profit less advertising and sales promotion expenses. All other operating expenses are managed at a corporate level and are not used by us to evaluate division results. We do not segregate assets, amortization, capital expenditures, certain corporate and administrative costs, and interest income and interest expense when evaluating division performance.

        The following discussion presents a consolidated view of our results and, where appropriate, also provides insight to key indicators of division performance. Our results for the years ended December 28, 2002 and December 29, 2001 are for fifty-two week periods and our results for the year ended December 30, 2000 are for a fifty-three week period. Our fiscal year end is on the last Saturday in December nearest to December 31 and, as a result, a fifty-third week is added every 6 or 7 years.

        As a result of our adoption of the Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF") of the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Issue No. 00-14, "Accounting for Certain Sales Incentives" and Issue No. 00-25, "Vendor Income Statement Characterization of Consideration from a Vendor to a Reseller," both of which were codified in November of 2001 with related issues into EITF No. 01-09, "Accounting for Consideration Given By a Vendor To a Customer (Including a Reseller of the Vendor's Products)," we reclassified certain previously reported selling, general and administrative expenses to offset net sales in fiscal 2001 and 2000 to conform to our current year presentation. These reclassifications reduced both our net sales and selling, general and administrative expenses by equal and offsetting amounts and had no impact on our reported operating earnings, net income, or earnings per share (see Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements). We also reclassified certain expenses from the cost of sales line item to the selling, general and administrative line item to better reflect the nature of these expenses. We reclassified all prior year data to conform to our current year presentation.

        We also adopted, on December 30, 2001, Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 141, "Business Combinations," and SFAS No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets." As a result of the adoption of SFAS No. 142, we ceased the amortization of: (a) all of our remaining goodwill balance and (b) trademarks that are determined to have indefinite lives. Had we accounted for goodwill and other intangible assets under SFAS No. 142 for fiscals 2001 and 2000, our reported net earnings and earnings per share would have increased $18.1 million or $0.29 per diluted share in each year. Also in connection with the new requirements set forth in SFAS No. 142, we performed impairment tests on our indefinite-lived intangible assets based on a fair value concept. As a result of this testing, in the first quarter of 2002, we recorded an after tax impairment in trademarks for certain non-core businesses of $12.4 million,

F-6

net of $7.1 million of tax benefits, or $0.20 per diluted share (see Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements). The adoption of SFAS No. 141 had no impact on our earnings.

        On March 7, 2002, the U.S. Treasury issued new regulations that replace the loss disallowance rules applicable to the sale of stock of a subsidiary member of a consolidated tax group. These regulations permit us to utilize a previously disallowed $135.1 million tax capital loss that resulted from the sale of Playtex Beauty Care Inc., during fiscal 1999. We anticipate utilizing $40.0 million of the capital loss to offset a capital gain, in fiscal 2003, related to the retirement of our related party notes, which come due on December 15, 2003 (see Notes 7, 11 and 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements). Accordingly, in the first quarter of 2002, we recorded a tax benefit of $14.3 million. The impact, in fiscal 2002, was $0.22 on a diluted share basis.

        All references to market share and market share data are for comparable 52-week periods and represent our percentage of the total U.S. dollar volume of products purchased by consumers in the applicable category (dollar market share, or retail consumption). This information is provided to us from the ACNielsen Company ("ACNielsen") and is subject to revisions. During 2001, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. ("Walmart"), ceased providing scanner/consumption data to third parties. As a result, ACNielsen restated consumption and market share data for fiscals 2001 and 2000 to exclude Walmart consumption data.

Twelve Months Ended December 28, 2002 Compared To
    Twelve Months Ended December 29, 2001

Consolidated Net Sales—Our consolidated net sales decreased $4.4 million, to $719.1 million in 2002 as a result of lower Sun Care, Infant Care, and Personal Grooming net sales offset, in part, by gains in Feminine Care and Household Products. Our results benefited from a number of new products including Playtex Heat Therapy and Personal Cleansing Cloths, the Insulator cup, Baby Magic Calming Milk, and Woolite Oxy Deep.

Personal Products Division—Net sales increased $0.4 million, to $422.2 million in 2002.

        Net sales of Infant Care products decreased $5.1 million, or 2%, to $226.1 million in 2002. Excluding the results of our non-core Baby Wipes business, our net sales were essentially flat in 2002 versus 2001. The Infant Care category has been extremely competitive, especially in our Infant Feeding and Baby Toiletries businesses. During 2002, we introduced a number of new products in these categories such as our new Insulator Spill-Proof Cup and Baby Magic Calming Milk products. Our dollar market share in Infant Feeding decreased 2.1 percentage points in 2002 and our Baby Toiletries dollar market share decreased 0.3 percentage points compared to 2001. While our market share in these categories declined overall in 2002, recent trends indicate that our overall market share in Infant Feeding is stabilizing and our market share in Baby Toiletries is starting to improve. We believe product innovation is a key driver of long-term success and we are committed, as a leader in the Infant Care segment, to bring added value to consumers. In 2003, we will introduce the Insulator Sport, a new insulated leak-proof cup with a flip top straw lid for growing kids, a new trainer cup for toddlers, The First Sipster, a new disposable Premium Nurser gift pack and VentAire bottle gift pack.

        Net sales of Feminine Care products increased $5.5 million, or 3%, to $196.1 million in 2002. Our dollar market share in Tampons decreased 0.3 percentage points in 2002, to 29.6%, from 29.9% in 2001. We gained market share in Tampons for the first nine months of 2002. In the third quarter of 2002, a major competitor launched a new product in the plastic applicator segment of the tampon market, where we currently hold a market share leading position. Significant levels of advertising and promotional spending supported this new product launch. As a result, our dollar market share in Tampons declined from 30.3% for the four-week period ended September 28, 2002, to 26.6% for the four-week period ended December 28, 2003 and has remained approximately at that level for the first two months of 2003. Recent trends indicate that the competitor's share gain for the new product launch has leveled out. In early 2003 our consumption levels remain consistent with year-end 2002 consumption rates, however this trails the year-ago levels.

F-7

        We intend to continue to defend our market share position in Tampons. In 2003, we will increase our promotional brand support for all of our Feminine Care products especially during the first half of 2003. We have also made improvements to our Tampon products including a soft pearlized plastic applicator and an improved deodorant fragrance. The improved product will be introduced by the first quarter of 2003 and should broadly reach retail shelves in the second quarter. Our comparable net sales results benefited from Playtex Heat Therapy, a new product that we introduced late in the second quarter of 2002, and Playtex Personal Cleansing Cloths, which were introduced in the first quarter of 2001. Playtex Heat Therapy provides women suffering from menstrual pain a discrete method to soothe pain with a comforting heat patch that lasts for hours. The patch is effectively merchandised as a complementary product in the feminine care aisle. Playtex Personal Cleansing Cloths, pre-moistened towelettes for feminine hygiene, continue to grow as the number one brand in a small but growing complementary segment for our Feminine Care line.

Consumer Products Division—Net sales decreased $12.1 million, or 7%, to $159.8 million in 2002.

        Net sales of Sun Care products decreased $9.7 million, or 10%, to $83.3 million in 2002. Our dollar market share of the Sun Care category increased 0.8 percentage points in 2002, to 21.7%, from 20.9% in 2001. Our retail consumption grew 4.9% while the category increased 0.9%. Our results, at retail, benefited from two new products for the 2002 Sun Care season: VitaSkin and Indoor Tanning. Our net sales decline was primarily due to a reduction in shipments in the third quarter of 2002 and a shifting of shipments from the fourth quarter of 2002 into the first quarter of 2003. Each of these efforts are a part of our overall strategy to reduce the impact of Sun Care product returns. In addition, we reduced net sales by $3.3 million in the second quarter of 2002 as a result of higher than anticipated 2001 Sun Care season returns. We believe our initiatives to reduce Sun Care product returns will result in reducing the overall costs associated with Sun Care, as we better align our shipment patterns with consumption patterns for next season. We expect annualized cost savings associated with this initiative of between $2.0 and $3.0 million starting in 2003. For the 2003 Sun Care season, we introduced two new Banana Boat lines, Suntanicals and Baby Magic by Banana Boat in addition to new VitaSkin and Indoor Tanning products.

        Net sales of Household Products/Personal Grooming decreased $2.4 million, or 3%, to $76.5 million in 2002. The net sales decline was due to category weakness in each of the core categories in which we compete. Retail consumption of the rug and upholstery cleaning category decreased 3.8%, household gloves decreased 4.2%, the home perms/straighteners category decreased 14.7% and the breath freshener (spray and drops) category decreased 22.5% compared to 2001. All of our core products, except Gloves, exceeded category performance and increased their respective annual dollar market shares compared to 2001. Woolite's market share of the rug and upholstery cleaning category increased 3.5 percentage points in 2002, to 24.3%, from 20.8% in 2001. Our Woolite results benefited from two new products: Woolite Power Shot a deep penetrating carpet cleaner that we introduced late in 2001 and Woolite Oxy Deep, an oxygenated deep cleaning spot and stain product introduced in the third quarter of 2002. Ogilvie increased its dollar market share 1.2 percentage points in 2002, to 72.1%, of the home perms/straighteners category while Binaca increased its dollar market share 2.8 percentage points, to 38.5%, of the breath freshener (spray and drops) category. In Gloves, our dollar market share decreased 2.1 percentage points in 2002, to 29.5% of the household gloves category as a result of competitive activities including increased private label activity, which is not unusual during tough economic times.

International/Corporate Sales Division—Net sales increased $7.3 million, or 6%, to $137.1 million in 2002. A significant portion of this increase was due to higher Sun Care net sales to the specialty classes of trade, primarily club stores. Net sales in the U.S. specialty classes of trade increased 10% in 2002 and our international net sales were essentially flat compared to 2001. We believe the sales growth in the U.S. specialty classes of trade was due primarily to the increased focus on these distribution channels.

F-8

Consolidated Gross Profit—Our consolidated gross profit increased $0.9 million to $390.7 million in 2002. As a percent of net sales, gross profit increased 0.4 percentage points, to 54.3% in 2002. The increase in gross profit and gross profit as a percent of net sales was due primarily to the mix of products sold and favorable product cost.

Consolidated Product Contribution—Our consolidated product contribution increased $0.5 million to $307.3 million in 2002. As a percent of net sales, product contribution increased 0.3 percentage points to 42.7% in 2002. The increase in product contribution and product contribution as a percent of net sales was due to higher gross profit offset, in part, by higher advertising and sales promotion expenses.

Personal Products Division—Product contribution increased $4.5 million, or 2%, to $196.9 million in 2002. As a percent of net sales, product contribution increased 1.0 percentage point to 46.6% in 2002. The increase in product contribution and product contribution as a percent of net sales was due to higher net sales, favorable product cost and lower advertising and sales promotion expenses offset, in part, by unfavorable product mix impact on margin.

Consumer Products Division—Product contribution decreased $7.9 million, or 14%, to $49.2 million in 2002. As a percent of net sales, product contribution decreased 2.4 percentage points to 30.8% in 2002. The decrease in product contribution and product contribution as a percent of net sales was due primarily to lower net sales, lower gross profit and higher advertising and sales promotion expenses. Contributing to the decrease was a reduction of our net sales for Sun Care due to our initiative to reduce Sun Care product returns and higher than expected returns from the 2001 Sun Care season, which negatively impacted our reported product contribution by $2.0 million.

International/Corporate Sales Division—Product contribution increased $3.5 million, or 6%, to $62.0 million in 2002. As a percent of net sales, product contribution increased 0.2 percentage points to 45.2% in 2002. The increase in product contribution and product contribution as a percent of net sales was due to higher net sales and higher gross profit, partially offset by higher advertising and sales promotion expenses.

Consolidated Operating Earnings—Our consolidated operating earnings increased $7.5 million, or 6%, to $141.5 million in 2002. The increase in operating earnings was a result of a reduction of $21.1 million of amortization expense, in 2002, associated with our implementation of SFAS No. 142. In accordance with SFAS No. 142, we stopped the amortization of goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives on December 29, 2001, the beginning of our 2002 fiscal year (see Note 2 of Notes to Financial Statements). Assuming SFAS No. 142 was implemented on December 31, 2000, the start of our fiscal year 2001, our operating earnings would have decreased $13.6 million, or 10.2% compared to 2001. This decrease is the result of a restructuring and asset impairment charge of $7.6 million related to the closing of our Watervliet, New York plastic molding facility (see Note 3 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements) and a 3% increase in our selling, general and administrative expenses.

Consolidated Interest Expense, Net—Our consolidated interest expense decreased $16.3 million, or 22%, to $59.5 million in 2002. The decrease in interest expense was due to the combined impact of:

•

Lower average debt balances. Our average debt decreased $55.2 million in 2002, or 6% as a result of:

=>

the utilization of the Receivables Facility established in May 2001 (see Note 9 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements),

=>

our repayment of the $471.8 million outstanding on the Term A and Term B Loans, on May 29, 2002, with the issuance of a new $450.0 million Term C Loan and $21.8 million of cash (see Note 8 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements),

=>

our redemption of $20.0 million principal amount of Convertible Notes on November 6, 2002 (see Note 8 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements), and

=>

lower average borrowings on the Revolving Credit Facility.

F-9

•

Lower interest rates when compared to the prior year. Our weighted average variable interest rate in 2002 was 4.50% compared to 6.85% in 2001. The lower rates were due to a favorable interest rate environment as well as favorable pricing on our new Term C Loan.

Consolidated Other Expenses—Our consolidated other expenses increased $0.6 million, or 26%, to $2.7 million in 2002. In late May 2001, we entered into a receivables purchase agreement with a third party as part of the refinancing transaction (see Notes 8 and 9 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements). The amount charged to other expenses represents the discount offered to the third party on the sale of receivables and the amortization of deferred financing costs associated with the formation of the Receivables Facility. The increase in 2002 was due to having the Receivables Facility available to us for the full fiscal year.

Consolidated Income Taxes—Our consolidated income taxes decreased $10.9 million, or 43%, to $14.2 million in 2002. As a percent of pre-tax earnings, our effective tax rate decreased 26.9 percentage points to 18.0% of earnings before income taxes, extraordinary loss and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle. In the first quarter of 2002, we recorded a tax benefit of $14.3 million, or $0.22 per diluted share, due to new regulations issued by the U.S. Treasury on March 7, 2002 (see Note 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements). The new regulations permit us to partially utilize a previously disallowed capital loss on the sale of Playtex Beauty Care Inc., which we sold during fiscal 1999. We expect our effective tax rate, in 2003, to be approximately 37% of earnings before income taxes. This effective tax rate is below our historical average tax rate, because we ceased the amortization of goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives as a result of our adoption of SFAS No. 142 in 2002 (see Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements). A large portion of the goodwill amortization we recorded in previous periods was non-deductible for tax purposes, which resulted in a higher effective tax rate.

Extraordinary Loss—On May 29, 2002, we amended our Credit Facility and issued a new $450.0 million Term C Loan and, together with $21.8 million of cash, we repaid in full our outstanding obligations under our Term A Loan and Term B Loan, which collectively totaled $471.8 million (see Note 8 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements). We recorded an extraordinary loss during the second quarter ended June 29, 2002 of $3.7 million, net of income tax benefits of $2.2 million, or $0.06 per diluted share, associated with the write-off of unamortized deferred financing costs relating to our Term A Loan and Term B Loan.

        In the second quarter of 2001, we recorded an extraordinary loss of $19.3 million, net of income tax benefits of $12.8 million, or $0.32 per diluted share, as a result of the refinancing of our senior indebtedness (see Note 8 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements). This extraordinary loss included cash provisions for call premiums on our retired fixed rate indebtedness, a non-cash provision for the write-off of unamortized deferred financing costs, fees for two interest rate swap agreements related to our prior credit facility and duplicative net interest expense during the period between extinguishment and redemption of the fixed rate indebtedness.

Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Principle—In connection with the adoption of SFAS No. 142 (see Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements), we performed impairment tests on our indefinite-lived intangible assets based on a fair value concept as prescribed by this new accounting rule. We recorded an after tax charge of $12.4 million, net of income tax benefits of $7.1 million, or $0.19 per diluted share, as a cumulative effect of change in accounting principle as a result of the new impairment testing methodology. The impairment was related to certain trademarks acquired in our acquisition of Personal Care Holdings, Inc., which we acquired on January 28, 1998. We determined the fair values of all of our trademarks at December 29, 2001 and compared them with their carrying values. The trademarks impacted by this write-off were in our non-core brands including: Chubs, Diaparene, Tussy, Dorothy Gray, and Better Off.

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Twelve Months Ended December 29, 2001 Compared To
    Twelve Months Ended December 30, 2000

Consolidated Net Sales—Our consolidated net sales decreased $9.8 million, to $723.5 million in 2001. Fiscal 2001 was a challenging year for us, as a difficult economic environment and competitive issues, primarily in Infant Care, negatively impacted our results.

Personal Products Division—Net sales decreased $11.5 million, or 3%, to $421.8 million in 2001.

        Net sales of Infant Care products decreased $12.7 million, or 5%, to $231.2 million in 2001. During the past two years, the Infant Care segment has become increasingly competitive. New competition entered most of our Infant Care categories, often with lower priced products supported by extensive advertising and promotional activities. In Infant Feeding, our dollar market share was 36.8% in 2001, a decrease of 2.9 percentage points compared to 2000. This dollar market share decline was primarily the result of a decrease of 7.3 market share points in Cups. Our Cups decline was due to an influx of several lower priced spill-proof cup offerings from competitors. We lost 2.0 dollar market share points in Infant Toiletries due to new products introduced by the market share leader and our dollar market share in Wet Ones was pressured due to several new competitors entering the category and investing significantly in advertising and promotion to generate trial of their product. Our Wet Ones retail consumption has grown, but not at the rate of the category. We believe this new attention in pre-moistened towelettes favorably impacted our results as more consumers entered the hands and face segment. Our dollar market share of the pre-moistened towelettes categories was 61.9% in 2001. We gained 2.9 market share points in Disposable Feeding and 1.7 market share points in Reusable Hard Bottles and our Diaper Genie brand represented 93.1% of the Diaper Pail segment.

        Net sales of Feminine Care products increased $1.2 million, or 1%, to $190.6 million in 2001 driven by a 5% price increase across a large portion of our product offerings in 2001. Our share of the U.S. tampon category was essentially flat at 29.9% in 2001 compared to 30.2% in 2000. Our retail consumption grew 1.2%, in dollars, while the category grew 2.2%. The tampon category experienced an increase in price promotional activity in the plastic applicator segment and some private label impact in the cardboard applicator segment, beginning early in 2001. During 2001, we launched Playtex Personal Cleansing Cloths for use in feminine hygiene.

Consumer Products Division—Net sales decreased $2.5 million, or 1%, to $171.9 million in 2001.

        Net sales of Sun Care products decreased $2.5 million, or 3%, to $93.0 million in 2001. The sales decline is due primarily to lower sales of remnant product to customers that specialize in close-outs and unfavorable early season weather. The early season weather resulted in a higher growth rate in the indoor tanning and sunless segments compared to the "In Sun/After Sun" segment. Our business has historically been stronger in the "In Sun/After Sun" segment of the market. We did not have an indoor tanning product in 2001 and while we do have sunless products, they have not been an area of focus for our business. For the 2002 Sun Care season, we will be introducing an indoor tanning product and VitaSkin Advanced Sun Protection, a product line that combines the benefits of sun protection with a quality skin care product designed for everyday use. Our dollar market share of the Sun care category was 20.9% in 2001.

        Household Products/Personal Grooming 2001 net sales of $78.9 million were essentially flat compared to fiscal 2000. Net sales increases in Ogilvie and Woolite offset net sales declines in our Gloves and toothbrush businesses. Ogilvie benefited from our Straightener product and represented 70.9% of the home perms/straighteners category in 2001. Woolite benefited from the introduction of Woolite Spot & Stain Wipes, early in 2001, and improved sales versus 2000 for our Heavy Traffic and Pet Stain products. Our Gloves net sales were lower due primarily to competitive activities. Net sales of our toothbrush products declined 27% and our skin care brands declined 7% compared to 2000.

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International/Corporate Sales Division—Net sales increased $4.1 million, or 3%, to $129.8 million in 2001. The increase was due primarily to higher net sales in the specialty classes of trade. Net sales in the U.S. specialty classes of trade were $67.5 million in 2001, an increase of 8% compared to 2000. We believe this growth was due primarily to the increased focus on these distribution channels. Our international net sales including our Canadian subsidiary and Puerto Rico were $62.3 million in 2001, down $0.8 million compared to 2000.

Consolidated Gross Profit—Our consolidated gross profit decreased $8.7 million, or 2%, to $389.7 million in 2001. As a percent of net sales, gross profit decreased 0.5 percentage points, to 53.9% in 2001. The decrease in gross profit and gross profit as a percent of net sales was due primarily to our lower net sales and higher bad debt provisions.

Consolidated Product Contribution—Our consolidated product contribution decreased $2.9 million, or 1%, to $306.9 million in 2001. As a percent of net sales, product contribution increased 0.2 percentage points to 42.4% in 2001. The decrease in product contribution was due primarily to lower gross margins offset, in part, by lower overall advertising and sales promotion expenses.

Personal Products Division—Product contribution decreased $0.5 million to $192.3 million in 2001. The decrease was due to our lower net sales. As a percent of net sales, product contribution increased 1.0 percentage points to 45.6% in 2001. The increase in product contribution was primarily the result of lower overall advertising and sales promotion expenses as a percentage of net sales.

Consumer Products Division—Product contribution decreased $4.2 million, or 7%, to $57.0 million in 2001. As a percent of net sales, product contribution decreased 1.9 percentage points to 33.2% in 2001. The decrease in product contribution and product contribution as a percent of net sales was due primarily to higher advertising and sales promotion expenses in our Sun Care and Woolite businesses and higher expenses associated with Sun Care returns.

International/Corporate Sales Division—Product contribution increased $1.6 million, or 3%, to $58.5 million in 2001. The increase in product contribution was due primarily to higher net sales. As a percent of net sales, product contribution decreased 0.2 percentage points to 45.0% in 2001. The decrease was due primarily to higher advertising and sales promotion expenses as a percent of net sales.

Consolidated Operating Earnings—Our consolidated operating earnings decreased $13.9 million, or 9%, to $134.0 million in 2001. The decrease in operating earnings was the result of lower consolidated net sales, gross profit, and product contribution as discussed and higher selling, general and administrative expenses reflecting normal salary increases and support of new product initiatives.

Consolidated Interest Expense—Our consolidated interest expense decreased $9.0 million, or 11%, to $75.9 million in 2001. The decrease in interest expense was due to the combined impact of:

•

Lower average debt balances. Our average debt for 2001 was less than the prior year by $54.5 million, or 6%, due primarily to the establishment of a Receivables Facility (see Note 9 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements) and the prepayment of $21.0 million of scheduled principal payments on our new Term A Loan and $3.5 million of scheduled principal payments on our new Term B Loan;



•

Lower interest rates when compared to the prior year. Our weighted average variable interest rate in 2001 was 6.85% compared to 7.76% in 2000; and



•

A change in our debt portfolio, resulting in a higher ratio of variable rate debt to fixed rate debt, which created additional savings due to the favorable short-term interest rate environment in fiscal 2001.

Consolidated Other Expenses—Our consolidated other expenses were $2.1 million in 2001. During the second quarter of 2001, we entered into a receivables purchase agreement with a third party as part of the refinancing transaction (see Notes 8 and 9 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements). The amount charged to other expenses represents the discount offered to the third party on the sale of receivables and the amortization of deferred financing costs associated with the formation of the Receivables Facility.

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Consolidated Income Taxes—Our consolidated income taxes decreased $2.4 million, or 9%, to $25.1 million in 2001. As a percent of pre-tax earnings, our effective tax rate before extraordinary loss increased 1.3 percentage points to 44.9% of pre-tax earnings in 2001. Our effective tax rate increases, as the portion of goodwill amortization that is non-deductible for tax purposes becomes a larger portion of operating earnings.

Consolidated Extraordinary Loss—In the second quarter of 2001, we recorded an extraordinary loss of $19.3 million, net of income tax benefits of $12.8 million, or $0.32 per diluted share, as a result of the refinancing of our senior indebtedness (see Note 8 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements). The extraordinary loss included cash provisions for call premiums on our 9% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2003 (the "9% Notes") and our 8⁷/8% Senior Notes due 2004 (the "8⁷/8% Notes"), termination fees for two interest rate swap agreements related to our prior credit facility, and duplicative net interest expense during the period between extinguishment and redemption of the 9% Notes and 8⁷/8% Notes. The extraordinary loss also contained a non-cash provision for the write-off of unamortized deferred financing costs related to the 9% Notes, 8⁷/8% Notes and the prior credit agreement.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

        On November 13, 2002, we announced our intent to undertake a process to evaluate certain strategic alternatives including, but not limited to, business combinations, selling the entire company, divesting one or more lines of business, and acquiring strategic lines of business. We cannot assure you that this process will result in a transaction. Also certain scenarios may require us to seek additional debt or equity financing, in certain situations, in connection with some of the strategic alternatives available to us. As we cannot assure you that such financing will be available to us, our ability to execute certain strategic alternatives may be restricted.

        One of our major corporate objectives has been to reduce our outstanding indebtedness and lower our borrowing costs. We reduced our indebtedness by: $61.0 million in fiscal 2002, $42.8 million in fiscal 2001, and $56.3 million in fiscal 2000. Highlights of this strategy include:

•

On November 6, 2002, we redeemed $20.0 million principal amount of our 6% Convertible Notes. The remaining $30.0 million principal amount of Convertible Notes mature on January 31, 2004 and are currently redeemable by us, in whole or in part, at our option at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount, together with accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date.



•

On May 29, 2002, we amended our credit facility and issued a new $450.0 million Term C Loan and, together with $21.8 million of cash, we repaid in full our outstanding obligations under our Term A Loan and Term B Loan, which collectively totaled $471.8 million. Borrowings under the Term C Loan are less costly to us than borrowings under either the Term A Loan or Term B Loan. The interest rate, at our option, is LIBOR plus 2.25% for the Term C Loan compared to LIBOR plus 2.75% for the Term A Loan and LIBOR plus 3.00% for the Term B Loan. The Term C Loan matures May 31, 2009.



•

On May 22, 2001, we completed a refinancing of our senior indebtedness (the "Refinancing Transaction"). We issued $350.0 million principal amount of 9³/8% Notes, entered into a new senior secured credit facility (the "Credit Facility") consisting of a six-year $100.0 million Term A Loan, a eight-year $400.0 million Term B Loan, and a six-year $125.0 million Revolving Credit Facility. Also, as part of the Refinancing Transaction, we entered into a Receivables Facility through a newly formed special purpose bankruptcy remote subsidiary, Playtex A/R LLC. The net proceeds from the Refinancing Transaction and the Receivables Facility were used to pay-off all outstanding balances under our prior credit agreement. In addition, we extinguished our 9% Notes and our 8⁷/8% Notes. As mentioned above, on May 29, 2002 we paid-off the Term A Loan and Term B Loan by amending the Credit Facility and issuing a new $450.0 million Term C Loan.

F-13

        At December 28, 2002, long-term debt (including current portion but excluding obligations due to related party) was $827.8 million compared to $888.8 million at December 29, 2001. During 2002, we redeemed $20.0 million of our 6% Convertible Notes and repaid $40.0 million of variable rate debt. Our remaining scheduled principal repayment obligations are (excluding amounts due to related party):

        In the event that we have excess cash flow, as defined in our credit agreement, we may, within 90 days of each year-end, be required to: make either mandatory debt repayments on the Term C Loan equal to the amount of the excess cash flow, as defined, or make deposits into an excess cash flow account which will be used to redeem our 6% Convertible Notes. In March of 2003, we deposited $19.1 million into the excess cash flow account and we intend to use these funds to repay a portion of our 6% Convertible Notes in April of 2003.

        Our Revolving Credit Facility provides for borrowings of up to $125.0 million and matures on May 22, 2007. At December 28, 2002, we had $121.6 million available to borrow under the Revolving Credit Facility, net of outstanding letters of credit. At December 28, 2002, the undivided fractional interest sold by Playtex A/R LLC to a third party commercial paper conduit under the Receivables Facility was $39.0 million.

        The terms of the Credit Facility require us to meet certain financial tests and also include conditions or restrictions on:

        At December 28, 2002, our working capital (current assets net of current liabilities) increased $7.1 million to $114.9 million compared to $107.8 million at December 29, 2001.

•

Total current assets increased approximately $81.4 million at December 28, 2002 compared to December 29, 2001. The increase was primarily the result of the $80.0 million related party note that comes due in 2003 (see Note 7 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements). All other current assets increased $1.4 million compared to 2001.



•

Total current liabilities increased approximately $74.2 million at December 28, 2002 compared to December 29, 2001. The increase was primarily the result of the $78.4 million related party note that comes due in 2003 (see Note 11 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements) and the $4.5 million in current debt obligations associated with the Term C Loan. Accrued expenses decreased $11.2 million at December 28, 2002 compared to December 29, 2001 due primarily to an acceleration of the Sun Care returns process for the 2002 season compared to prior years and lower reserves for advertising and promotional expenses due to the timing of payments and programs. All other current liabilities increased $2.5 million compared to December 29, 2001.

        Our net cash flows from operations decreased $49.0 million, to $77.9 million in fiscal 2002. Our net cash flows from operations were very high at the end of 2001 due to the initial benefit realized on the establishment of the Receivables Facility. In fiscal 2001, we increased our cash flow derived from working capital by $56.5 million by selling an undivided fractional interest in our Accounts Receivable to a third party via our Receivables Facility. Excluding the sales of receivables in 2001 and 2002 via our Receivables Facility, our net cash flows from operations would have increased by $25.0 million in fiscal 2002 compared to 2001. We used the cash flows generated from operations, over the last three fiscal years, to reduce our outstanding indebtedness, as noted above, to fund purchases of capital assets and intangible assets and to pay fees related to our debt refinancing efforts.

        We intend to fund our operations, capital expenditures and debt service requirements through cash flow generated from operations, including proceeds from the Receivables Facility, and borrowings under the Revolving Credit

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Facility through fiscal 2007. However, we do not expect to generate sufficient cash flow from operations to pay in full the 2008 and 2009 scheduled principal payments on the Term C Loan, which collectively total $425.3 million. In addition, we do not expect to generate sufficient cash flow from operations to fund the $350.0 million scheduled principal payment on the 9³/8% Notes due in fiscal 2011. Accordingly, we will have to refinance our obligations, sell assets or raise equity capital to repay the principal amounts of these obligations. Historically, our cash flows from operations and refinancing activities have enabled us to meet all of our obligations. However, we cannot guarantee that our operating results will continue to be sufficient or that future-borrowing facilities will be available for the payment or refinancing of our debt on economically attractive terms.

        Capital expenditures for equipment and facility improvements were $16.4 million in 2002. These expenditures were used primarily to support new products and product improvements, expand capacity in key product areas, upgrade production equipment, invest in new technologies, and improve our facilities. We anticipate 2003 capital expenditures to be approximately $25.0 million.

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements and Other Commitments

        On occasion we enter into certain off-balance sheet arrangements and other commitments with unaffiliated third parties. At December 28, 2002, we had two-off balance sheet arrangements.

        On May 22, 2001, we entered into the Receivables Facility through a wholly owned, special purpose bankruptcy remote subsidiary of ours, Playtex A/R LLC (see Note 9 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements). Through the Receivables Facility, we sell on a continuous basis to Playtex A/R LLC substantially all of our domestic customers' trade invoices that we generate. Playtex A/R LLC sells to a third-party commercial paper conduit (the "Conduit") an undivided fractional ownership interest in these trade accounts receivable. We believe the Receivables Facility is beneficial to us as: (1) we convert trade receivables to cash faster, and (2) although we sell our invoices to Playtex A/R LLC at a discount and pay fees to the Conduit, these expenses are lower than our borrowing costs under the Credit Facility. We sold $39.0 million of undivided fractional interest in our receivables, at December 28, 2002, through the Receivables Facility.

        We also enter into operating leases with unaffiliated third parties. These leases are primarily for buildings, manufacturing equipment, automobiles and information technology equipment. At December 28, 2002, we had in aggregate $32.1 million of committed expenses associated with operating leases that are not reflected on our Consolidated Balance Sheet as a liability, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (see Note 15 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements). We believe operating leases are beneficial to us by allowing us to match the cost of the asset with the benefits derived from it. Operating leases also provide us with greater flexibility in regards to technological change, minimizing the risk of our productive assets becoming obsolete.

Critical Accounting Policies

        The preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles requires us to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect:

•

the reported amounts and timing of revenue and expenses,

•

the reported amounts and classification of assets and liabilities, and

•

the disclosure of contingent liabilities.

        Actual results could vary from our estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions are based on historical results, assumptions that we make as well as assumptions by third parties.

        The level of reserves for Sun Care product returns, bad debts and advertising and promotional costs are three areas of which you should be aware.

•

In accordance with industry practice, we allow our customers to return unsold Sun Care products at the end of the sun care season. We record sales at the time the products are shipped and title transfers. Simultaneously, we reduce sales and cost of sales, and reserve amounts on our balance sheet for anticipated returns based upon an estimated return level, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The level of returns may fluctuate from our estimates due to several factors including weather conditions, customer inventory levels, and

F-15

competitive conditions. There are, however, a number of uncertainties associated with Sun Care returns as noted above. Based on our 2002 season to date Sun Care results, each percentage point change in our return rates would have impacted our reported net sales by $1.4 million and our reported operating earnings by $1.2 million.

•

The extension of trade credit carries with it the chance that the customer may not pay for the goods when payment is due. We review our receivables portfolio and provide reserves for potential bad debts including those we know about and those that have not been identified but may exist due to the risk associated with the granting of credit. The estimated reserves required to cover potential losses, which are unknown as of the balance sheet date, are developed using historical experience. The adequacy of the estimated reserve may be impacted by the deterioration of a large customer and/or significant weakness in the economic environment resulting in a higher level of customer bankruptcy filings.



•

The nature of our advertising and promotional activities requires the use of estimates to record certain expenses and liabilities. These expenditures are primarily for television, radio and print advertising and production as well as consumer and trade incentives such as coupons and other price promotional activities. Actual costs associated with the redemption of coupons and other price promotional activities are not always known as of the balance sheet date and are estimated based on historical statistics and experience.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

        In July 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations ("SFAS No. 143"). SFAS No. 143 requires that asset retirement obligations that are identifiable upon acquisition and construction, and during the operating life of a long-lived asset be recorded as a liability using the present value of the estimated cash flows. A corresponding amount would be capitalized as part of the assets carrying amount and amortized to expense over the assets useful life. We are required to adopt the provisions of SFAS No. 143 effective December 29, 2002, the start of our fiscal year 2003. We do not believe SFAS No. 143 will impact us materially.

        In April 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 145 ("SFAS No. 145"), "Rescission of FASB Statements No. 4, 44, and 64, Amendment of FASB Statement No. 13, and Technical Corrections". This statement updates, clarifies and simplifies existing accounting pronouncements and becomes effective for us starting in fiscal 2003. In most instances, SFAS No. 145 will require gains and losses on extinguishments of debt to be classified as income or loss from continuing operations rather than as extraordinary items as previously required under the old accounting rules. Starting in 2003, any gain or loss on extinguishment of debt previously classified, as an extraordinary item in prior periods presented that does not meet the criteria of APB 30 for such classification will be reclassified to conform to the provisions of SFAS No. 145. SFAS No. 145 will require us to reclassify our historical results, but will have no impact on our previously reported net earnings.

        In July 2002, the FASB issued Statement No. 146, Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities ("SFAS No. 146") and nullifies EITF Issue No. 94-3. FAS 146 requires that a liability for a cost associated with an exit or disposal activity be recognized when the liability is incurred, whereas EITF No 94-3 had recognized the liability at the commitment date to an exit plan. We are required to adopt the provisions of SFAS No. 146 effective for exit or disposal activities initiated after December 28, 2002. SFAS No. 146 had no impact on our financial statements, as presented, for fiscal year end 2002.

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        In December 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 148 "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation—Transition and Disclosure—an amendment of SFAS 123." Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation was issued 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, this Statement amends the disclosure requirements of Statement 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. The amendments to Statement No. 123 in paragraphs 2(a)-2(e) of this Statement shall be effective for financial statements for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2002. Our plans are to continue to follow the intrinsic value approach of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25 for determining compensation expense related to the issuance of stock options as permitted by SFAS No. 123 (see Notes 1 and 13 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements).

        In November 2002, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 45 "Guarantor's Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others" which elaborates on the disclosures to be made by a guarantor in its interim and annual financial statements about its obligations under certain guarantees that it has issued. It also clarifies that a guarantor is required to recognize, at the inception of a guarantee, a liability for the fair value of the obligation undertaken in issuing the guarantee. This Interpretation does not prescribe a specific approach for subsequently measuring the guarantor's recognized liability over the term of the related guarantee. This Interpretation also incorporates, without change, the guidance in FASB Interpretation No. 34, "Disclosure of Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others", which is being superseded. The initial recognition and initial measurement provisions of this Interpretation are applicable on a prospective basis to guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002 and the disclosure requirements in this Interpretation are effective for financial statements of interim or annual periods ending after December 15, 2002. We do not believe, at December 28, 2002, we were a part to any indirect guarantees of indebtedness of others.

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PLAYTEX PRODUCTS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

(In thousands, except per share data)

See the accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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PLAYTEX PRODUCTS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except share data)