Back to GetFilings.com








SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION


Washington, D. C. 20549






FORM 10-K





[X] ANNUAL REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934


For the fiscal year
ended September 30, 2003







OR





[ ] TRANSITION REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934







Commission file number
1-12619





RALCORP HOLDINGS, INC.

(Exact name of
Registrant as specified in its Articles)















800 MARKET STREET

ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI 63101

(314) 877-7000


(Address,
including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of Registrant’s
principal executive offices)





Securities registered
pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:




MISSOURI

(State of incorporation)
43-1766315

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)







Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None





Indicate by check mark whether the
registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months, and (2) has been subject
to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. YES X   NO    




Indicate by check mark if disclosure
of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and
will not be contained, to the best of Registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or
information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any
amendment to this Form 10-K. [   ]




Indicate by check mark whether
Registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). YES X   NO    




On March 31, 2003, the aggregate
market value of the Common Stock held by non-affiliates of Registrant was $727,992,754.
Excluded from this figure is the Common Stock held by Registrant’s Directors, who are
the only persons known to Registrant who may be considered to be its
“affiliates” as defined under Rule 12b-2.



Number of shares of Common Stock, $.01 par value, outstanding as of November 28, 2003: 28,950,488.






DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED
BY REFERENCE





Registrant’s Notice of Annual
Meeting and Proxy Statement relating to its 2004 Annual Meeting (to be filed), to the
extent indicated in Part III.











Title of each class

Common Stock, $.01 par value

Common Stock Purchase Rights

Name of each exchange on which registered

New York Stock Exchange, Inc.

New York Stock Exchange, Inc.












































































































































1






CAUTIONARY STATEMENT ON FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS



        Forward-looking
statements, within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, are
made throughout this Report. These forward-looking statements are sometimes identified by
their use of terms and phrases such as “believes,” “should,”
“expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,”
“will,” or similar expressions elsewhere in this Report. The Company’s
results of operations and financial condition may differ materially from those in the
forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on management’s current views
and assumptions, and involve risks and uncertainties that could affect expected results.
For example, any of the following factors cumulatively or individually may impact expected
results:




(i)  
If the Company is unable to maintain a meaningful price gap between its private
label products and the branded products of its competitors, successfully
introduce new products or successfully manage costs across all parts of the
Company, the Company’s private label businesses could incur operating
losses;




(ii)  
Consolidation among members of the grocery trade may lead to increased wholesale
price pressure from larger grocery trade customers and could result in
significant profit pressure, or in some cases, the loss of key accounts if the
surviving entities are not customers of the Company;




(iii)  
Significant increases in the cost of certain raw materials (e.g., peanuts,
wheat, soybean oil, various tree nuts, corn syrup) or energy used to manufacture
the Company’s products, to the extent not reflected in the price of the
Company’s products, could adversely impact the Company’s results;




(iv)  
In light of its significant ownership in Vail Resorts, Inc., the Company’s
non-cash earnings can be adversely affected by unfavorable results from Vail
Resorts;




(v)  
The Company is currently generating profit from certain co-manufacturing
contract arrangements with other manufacturers within its competitive
categories. The termination or expiration of these contracts and the inability
of the Company to replace this level of business could negatively affect the
Company’s operating results;




(vi)  
The Company’s businesses compete in mature segments with competitors having
large percentages of segment sales;




(vii)  
The Company has realized increases to sales and earnings through the
acquisitions of businesses, but the ability to undertake future acquisitions
depends on many factors that the Company does not control, such as identifying
available acquisition candidates and negotiating satisfactory terms upon which
to purchase such candidates;




(viii)  
Presently, all of the interest on the Company’s indebtedness is set on a
short-term basis. Consequently, increases in interest rates will increase the
Company’s interest expense;




(ix)  
If actual or forecasted cash flows of any reporting unit deteriorate such that
its fair value falls below its carrying value, goodwill would likely be impaired
and an impairment loss would be recorded immediately as a charge against
earnings;




(x)  
In September 2003, the Company began implementing a new information systems
software program within its Snack Nuts & Candy segment. Implementation of
the new system could cause disruptions to the segment’s operations. In the
event the system is implemented within other segments, those segments could be
similarly impacted; and




(xi)  
Other uncertainties, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are
beyond the control of the Company, may impact its financial position, including
those risks detailed from time to time in its publicly filed documents. These
and other factors are discussed in the Company’s Securities and Exchange
Commission filings.




        The
list of factors above is illustrative, but by no means exhaustive. All forward-looking
statements should be evaluated with the understanding of their inherent uncertainty.





2






PART I



ITEM 1.  BUSINESS




        Ralcorp
Holdings, Inc. is a Missouri corporation incorporated on October 23, 1996. Our principal
executive offices are located at 800 Market Street, Suite 2900, St. Louis, Missouri 63101.
The terms “our,” “we,” “Company,” “Ralcorp,” and
“Registrant” as used herein refer to Ralcorp Holdings, Inc. and its consolidated
subsidiaries.




        We
are primarily engaged in the manufacturing, distribution and marketing of store brand
(private label) ready-to-eat and hot cereal products, store brand and branded crackers and
cookies, store brand and value branded snack nuts and chocolate candy, and store brand
wet-filled products such as salad dressings, mayonnaise, peanut butter, syrups, jams and
jellies, and specialty sauces.




        The
following sections of this report contain financial and other information concerning our
business developments and operations and are incorporated into this Item 1:
“Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations” under Item 7 of this Report; Note 2 “Acquisitions and
Goodwill,” Note 9 “Supplemental Earnings Statement and Cash Flow
Information,” and Note 19 “Segment Information” to the Financial Statements
filed as part of this document under Item 8.




        You
can find additional information about Ralcorp including our previous 10-Ks, 10-Qs, 8-Ks,
and other securities filings by visiting our website at http://www.ralcorp.com or the
SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov, from which they can be printed free of charge.
The Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines; Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
for Employees, including executive officers; Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for the
Board of Directors; and the Charters of the Board’s Audit and Corporate Governance
and Compensation Committees are also available on our website, from which they can be
printed free of charge. All of these documents are also available to shareholders upon
request sent to the Company’s Secretary.




RECENT BUSINESS
DEVELOPMENTS




        On
December 12, 2002, we completed the purchase of 1,145,667 shares of our common stock at a
price of $24.00 per share.




        On
January 22, 2003, we announced the restructuring of Senior Management. David P. Skarie was
appointed President of Ralston Foods in addition to his position as President of the
Carriage House Companies, Inc. Also, Kevin J. Hunt was appointed President of Nutcracker
Brands, Inc. in addition to his position as President of Bremner, Inc.




        On
February 4, 2003, we announced the sale of our tomato processing factory in Williams,
California.




        On
February 20, 2003, we announced the closure of our Kent, Washington in-store bakery
facility.




        On
May 22, 2003, we completed the sale of $150 million Floating Rate Senior Notes due May 22,
2010.




        On
September 18, 2003, we announced that on September 29, 2003, Joe R. Micheletto would
retire as Chief Executive Officer and President and would serve as Vice Chairman of the
Board of Directors. Kevin J. Hunt and David P. Skarie were each appointed Co-CEO and
President of Ralcorp in addition to their existing duties as Presidents of our operating
units.




        On
September 18, 2003, we announced that on September 30, 2003 Robert W. Lockwood would
retire as Corporate Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary and Charles G. Huber,
Jr. would be appointed Corporate Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary.




        On
November 6, 2003, we announced that effective immediately Richard R. Koulouris was
appointed Corporate Vice President, and President of Bremner, Inc. and Nutcracker Brands,
Inc.




        On
November 12, 2003, we announced the signing of a definitive agreement to purchase Bakery
Chef, Inc. for $287.5 million.




        On
December 3, 2003, we announced the completion of the acquisition of Bakery Chef, Inc.




        On December
4, 2003, we announced that David L. Beré was appointed Corporate Vice President,
and President and Chief Executive Officer of Bakery Chef, Inc.





3






OTHER INFORMATION
PERTAINING TO THE BUSINESS OF THE COMPANY




Segments




        Presently
our businesses are comprised of three reportable business segments: Cereals, Crackers
& Cookies (consisting of Ralston Foods and Bremner, Inc.); Dressings, Syrups, Jellies
& Sauces (The Carriage House Companies, Inc.); and Snack Nuts & Candy (Nutcracker
Brands, Inc.). Primarily, we produce and sell emulations of various types of branded food
products that retailers, mass merchandisers and drug stores sell under their own
“store” brands or under value brands. Each of our business segments attempts to
produce products that are equivalent in quality to branded products. In the event branded
producers modify their existing products or successfully introduce new products, we may
attempt to emulate the modified or new products. In conjunction with our customers, we
develop packaging and graphics that rival the national brands. Our goal is that the only
difference consumers perceive when purchasing our store brand products is a notable cost
savings when compared to branded counterparts.




        Cereals,
Crackers & Cookies




        The
Cereals, Crackers & Cookies segment is composed of two product lines: store brand
ready-to-eat and hot cereals (the “Store Brand Cereal Business”), and store
brand and branded crackers and cookies (the “Cracker and Cookie Business”). In
fiscal 2003, these product lines accounted for approximately 44% and 56%, respectively, of
the Company’s Cereals, Crackers & Cookies segment sales.




        Store
Brand Cereal Business




        Store
brand ready-to-eat cereals are currently produced at three operating facilities. Our
Cracker and Cookie Business produces shredded wheat cereal for the Store Brand Cereal
Business. Ready-to-eat cereals include 13 extruded cereals, fourteen flaked cereals, seven
biscuit cereals and three shredded cereals. Three additional cereals are produced for the
Store Brand Cereal Business through certain co-manufacturing arrangements. Store brand and
branded hot cereals are produced at one facility. The hot cereal products include
old-fashioned oatmeal, quick oatmeal, regular instant oatmeal, flavored instant oatmeals,
farina, instant Ralston®, a branded hot wheat cereal, and 3
Minute Brand
® hot cereals. As expected, we sell far more hot cereals in
cooler months. We believe we are the largest manufacturer in the U.S. of store brand
ready-to-eat and hot cereals.




        We
produce cereal products based on our estimates of customer orders and consequently
maintain, on average six to eight weeks’ inventory of finished products. Our
ready-to-eat and hot cereals are warehoused in and distributed through four independent
distribution facilities and two of our cereal plants, and shipped to customers principally
via independent truck lines. The ready-to-eat and hot cereal products are sold through
in-house district sales managers and independent food brokers.




        Cracker
and Cookie Business




        We
believe our Cracker and Cookie Business is currently the leading manufacturer of store
brand crackers and cookies for sale in the United States. The business also produces
branded cookies under the Rippin’ Good® brand. In addition, the
business produces branded and store brand cookies for sale in the in-store bakery sections
of food retailers. We utilize the brands Cascade® and
Lofthouse® for branded in-store bakery cookies. Sales of in-store
bakery cookies typically increase significantly near major holidays. The Cracker and
Cookie Business also produces Ry Krisp® branded crackers. Management
positions the Cracker and Cookie Business as a low cost, premier quality producer of a
wide variety of store brand crackers and cookies. We produce thirty-three kinds of store
brand cookies and eighteen kinds of store brand crackers.




        Our
Cracker and Cookie Business operates eight plants: one produces only Ry Krisp® crackers,
two produce store brand crackers and cookies, three produce store brand and
branded cookies, and two produce cookies for the in-store bakery sections of grocery
stores. Cracker and Cookie products are largely produced to order and shipped directly to
customers. In the fall and winter as consumer consumption of crackers increases, we have
the ability to produce to estimated volumes, thereby building product inventories ranging
from four to six weeks. The majority of the products sold to in-store bakery departments
of food retailers are stored and shipped frozen. Store brand crackers and cookies are sold
through a broker network and district manager sales staff. Branded Ry
Krisp
® crackers and many branded cookies are sold through direct store
distributor networks.





4






        Dressings,
Syrups, Jellies & Sauces




        Our
Dressings, Syrups, Jellies & Sauces segment operates six plants. Five plants produce a
variety of store brand shelf-stable dressings, syrups, jellies, salsas, sauces, and drink
mixes under the Major Peters’® brand. One plant produces only
peanut butter. The segment’s products are largely produced to order and shipped
directly to customers. The products are sold through an internal sales staff and a broker
network.




        Many
wet-filled products are easier to produce than those of the cereals, crackers and cookies
segments. However, due to the varied nature of branded counterparts and customer
preferences, this segment produces far more variations of each type of product compared to
our other segments. For example, we produce up to 40 varieties of many types of salad
dressing. At any one time, we maintain over 8,000 active SKUs in this segment.




        Snack
Nuts & Candy




        Our
Snack Nuts & Candy segment operates two plants that produce a variety of jarred,
canned and bagged snack nuts and one plant that produces chocolate candy. Our Snack Nut
and Candy products are largely produced to order and shipped directly to customers. We
sell our products through an internal sales staff and a broker network. The segment
produces store brand products as well as value branded products under the
Nutcracker® and Flavor House® brands. Snack
nut sales are seasonal. The segment sells approximately 45% of its snack nuts in a
four-month period between September and December. Profits from the sale of snack nuts are
impacted significantly by the cost of raw materials (peanuts and tree nuts). Our chocolate
candy products are positioned as premium chocolate products and not as an emulation of a
branded product. Consequently, our chocolate candy products are sold to customers who
maintain premium store brand product lines.




Ownership of Vail Resorts, Inc.




        We
own 7,554,406 shares of Vail Resorts, Inc. (Vail) common stock (approximately 21.5 percent
of the shares outstanding as of September 30, 2003). Additionally, two of our Directors,
Messrs. Stiritz and Micheletto, are on the Vail Board of Directors. Currently, we utilize
the equity method of accounting to reflect the portion of Vail’s earnings (or losses)
applicable to us on a non-cash basis.




        Pursuant
to a Shareholder Agreement entered into in connection with the acquisition of the Vail
common stock, we can only sell our Vail common stock in a registered offering allowed
under the Shareholder Agreement or in private transactions (provided the purchaser agrees
to be bound by the Shareholder Agreement). Vail’s results of operations are highly
seasonal and are dependent in part on weather conditions and consumers’ discretionary
spending trends. In light of the significance of our ownership in Vail in comparison to
our earnings and assets, changes in the price of Vail’s Common Stock can impact our
stock price.




Trademarks




        We
own a number of trademarks that are substantially important to our businesses, including
Lofthouse®, Nutcracker®, Flavor House®,
Rippin’ Good®, Golden Batch®, and
Major Peters’®.




Competition




        Our
businesses face intense competition from large branded manufacturers and highly
competitive store label manufacturers in each of their product lines. Top branded
ready-to-eat and hot cereal competitors include Kellogg, General Mills, Kraft Foods’
Post division, and Quaker Oats (owned by PepsiCo). Large branded competitors of the
Cracker and Cookie Business include Nabisco (owned by Kraft) and Keebler (owned by
Kellogg), which possess large portions of the branded cracker and cookie categories. The
Snack Nuts & Candy segment faces significant competition from one significant branded
snack nut producer (Planters, owned by Kraft). Top branded competitors of the Dressings,
Syrups, Jellies & Sauces segment include Kraft Foods, Bestfoods, Smucker’s, and
Heinz. In addition, privately owned store brand manufacturers provide significant
competition in all of the Company’s segments.





5






        The
industries in which we compete are highly sensitive to both pricing and promotion.
Competition is based upon product quality, price, effective promotional activities, and
the ability to identify and satisfy emerging consumer preferences. These industries are
expected to remain highly competitive in the foreseeable future. Our customers do not
typically commit to buy predetermined amounts of products. Moreover, many food retailers
utilize bidding procedures to select vendors. Consequently, in any segment up to 50% of
our business can be subject to a bidding process conducted by our customers.




        Future
growth opportunities are expected to depend on our ability to implement strategies for
competing effectively in all of our businesses, including strategies relating to enhancing
the performance of our employees, maintaining effective cost control programs, developing
and implementing methods for more efficient manufacturing and distribution operations, and
developing successful new products, while at the same time maintaining aggressive pricing
and promotion of our products.



Customers




        In
fiscal 2003, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. accounted for approximately 14% of our aggregate net
sales. Each of our reporting segments sells products to Wal-Mart. Additionally, we sell
our products to retail chains, mass merchandisers, grocery wholesalers, warehouse club
stores and drug stores across the country and in Canada.




Employees




        We
employ approximately 5,000 people in the United States (as of September 30, 2003).
Approximately 1,700 of our personnel are covered by thirteen union contracts and, from
time to time, the Company has experienced union organizing activities at its non-union
plants. The contracts expire at    times from January 31, 2004, to October 7, 2007.
The production employees at the Lancaster facility are presently working without a
contract and have the ability to engage in a strike at any time, but the operations of the
Lancaster facility have not been disrupted by the lack of a contract. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, we believe relations with our employees, including union employees, are good.




Raw
Materials and Energy




        Our
principal raw materials are grain and grain products, flour, corn syrup, sugar, soybean
oil, tomatoes, various nuts such as peanuts and cashews, and liquid chocolate. We purchase
raw materials and a variety of packaging materials from local, regional, national and
international suppliers. The cost of raw materials used in the Company’s products may
fluctuate widely due to weather conditions, government regulations, economic climate or
other unforeseen circumstances. From time to time, we will enter into supply contracts for
periods up to three years to secure favorable pricing for ingredients and up to five years
for packaging supplies. We also purchase natural gas, electricity, and steam for use in
our processing facilities. Where possible, and when advantageous to the Company, we enter
into long-term normal purchase contracts to reduce the price volatility of these items and
the cost impact upon our operations. In fiscal 2003, ingredients, packaging, and energy
represented approximately 43%, 22%, and 2%, respectively, of our total cost of goods sold.




Seasonality




        Due
to our equity interest in Vail, which typically yields more than the entire year’s
equity income during our second and third fiscal quarters, our net earnings are seasonal.
In addition, certain aspects of our operations, especially in the Snack Nuts & Candy
business, are seasonal, with a higher percentage of sales and operating profits expected
to be recorded in the first and fourth fiscal quarters. See Note 20 in Item 8 for
historical quarterly data.




Governmental
Regulation; Environmental Matters




        We
are subject to regulation by federal, state and local governmental entities and agencies.
As a producer of goods for human consumption, our operations are subject to stringent
production and labeling standards. For example, in the early 1990s, new labeling
regulations were promulgated and implemented which required us to modify information
disclosed on our packaging. Recently, new labeling regulations relating to trans fatty
acids have been adopted by regulatory bodies. Management expects that changes in packaging
and formulations can be implemented without a material adverse impact on our businesses if
existing packaging stock can be used during a transition period while formulas are
modified.





6






        Our
operations, like those of similar businesses, are subject to various federal, state and
local laws and regulations with respect to environmental matters, including air and water
quality, underground fuel storage tanks, waste handling and disposal, and other
regulations intended to protect public health and the environment. While it is difficult
to quantify with certainty the potential financial impact of actions regarding
expenditures for environmental matters, particularly remediation, and future capital
expenditures for environmental control equipment, in the opinion of management, based upon
the information currently available, the ultimate liability arising from such
environmental matters, taking into account established accruals for estimated liabilities,
should not have a material effect on our consolidated results of operations, financial
position, capital expenditures or other cash flows.




Contract Manufacturing




        From
time to time, any of our segments may provide products for branded companies. Often such
products are new branded products for which branded companies lack capacity. Most often,
branded products retain ownership for the formulas and trademarks related to products we
produce for them. Also, the contract manufacturing business tends to be inconsistent in
volume. Often, initial orders can be significant and favorably impact a fiscal period but
later volume will level off or the branded company will ultimately produce the product
internally and cease purchasing product from us.



ITEM 2.  PROPERTIES




        Our
principal properties are our manufacturing locations. Shown below are our principal owned
and leased properties. We also lease our principal executive offices and research and
development facilities in St. Louis, Missouri. Management believes its facilities are
suitable and adequate for the purposes for which they are used and are adequately
maintained. We believe each segment’s combination of facilities provides adequate
capacity for current and anticipated future customer demand.




TABLE OF CONTENTS
       
Cautionary Statement On Forward-Looking Statements  2
 
PART I
 
Item 1.  Business  3
Item 2.  Properties  7
Item 3.  Legal Proceedings  8
Item 4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders  8
Item 4A.  Executive Officers of the Registrant  9
 
PART II
 
Item 5.  Market for Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters  9
Item 6.  Selected Financial Data  10
Item 7.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations  11
Item 7A.  Quantitative And Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk  18
Item 8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data  19
Item 9.  Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure  42
 
PART III
 
Item 10.  Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant  43
Item 11.  Executive Compensation  43
Item 12.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters  43
Item 13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions  43
Item 14.  Controls and Procedures  43
Item 15.  Principal Accountant Fees and Services  43
 
PART IV
 
Item 16.  Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K  44
 
Signatures  45
Exhibit Index  46


















































































































































































































7






ITEM 3.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS




        We
are a party to a number of legal proceedings in various state and federal jurisdictions.
These proceedings are in varying stages and many may proceed for protracted periods of
time. Some proceedings involve complex questions of fact and law. Additionally, our
operations, like those of similar businesses, are subject to various federal, state, and
local laws and regulations intended to protect public health and the environment,
including air and water quality and waste handling and disposal.




        Pending
legal liability, if any, from these proceedings cannot be determined with certainty;
however, in the opinion of management based upon the information presently known, the
liability of the Company, if any, arising from the pending legal proceedings, as well as
from asserted legal claims and known potential legal claims which are likely to be
asserted, taking into account established accruals for estimated liabilities (if any), are
not expected to be material to our consolidated financial position, results of operations
and cash flows. In addition, while it is difficult to quantify with certainty the
potential financial impact of actions regarding expenditures for compliance with
regulatory matters, in the opinion of management, based upon the information currently
available, the ultimate liability arising from such compliance matters should not be
material to the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations and
cash flows.




        Additionally,
we retained certain potential liabilities associated with divested businesses (former
branded cereal business and ski resort business). Presently, management believes that
taking into account applicable liability caps, sharing arrangements with acquiring
entities and the known facts and circumstances regarding the retained liabilities,
potential liabilities of the divested businesses should not be material to the
Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.




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




        There
were no matters submitted to the security holders during the fourth quarter of fiscal year
2003.





8






ITEM 4A. EXECUTIVE
OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT



               
Plant Locations Size    
(Sq. Ft.)
  Owned/
Leased
Production
Lines
  Products
Battle Creek, MI  476,896   Owned  7     Cereal
Cedar Rapids, IA  150,000   Owned  5     Cereal
Lancaster, OH  478,719   Owned  11     Cereal
Sparks, NV  243,000   Owned  7     Cereal
Freeport, UT  124,000   Leased  4     Cookies
Princeton, KY  700,000   Owned  6     Crackers and Cookies
Poteau, OK  250,000   Owned  5     Crackers and Cookies
Minneapolis, MN  40,000   Owned  3     Crackers
Ogden, UT  325,000   Leased  5     Cookies
Tonawanda, NY  95,000   Owned  3     Cookies
Ripon, WI (two plants)  350,000   Owned  11     Cookies
Billerica, MA  80,000   Owned  8     Snack Nuts
Dothan, AL  135,000   Leased  14     Snack Nuts
Womelsdorf, PA  100,000   Owned  5     Candy
Buckner, NY  269,250   Owned  6     Dressings, Syrups, Jellies & Sauces
Dunkirk, NY  306,000   Owned  6     Dressings, Syrups, Jellies & Sauces
Fredonia, NY  367,000   Owned  10     Dressings, Syrups, Jellies & Sauces
Kansas City, KS  67,000   Owned  4     Dressings, Syrups, Jellies & Sauces
Los Angeles, CA  81,000   Leased  4     Dressings, Syrups, Jellies & Sauces
Streator, IL  165,000   Owned  1     Peanut Butter






















































































PART II




ITEM 5.  MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS




        The Company’s
common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “RAH”.
There were 11,402 shareholders of record on November 28, 2003. The Company has never paid
cash dividends and has no plan to pay cash dividends in the foreseeable future. The range
of high and low sale prices of Ralcorp common stock as reported on the NYSE Composite Tape
is set forth in Note 20 of the financial statements filed as a part of this document under
Item 8.





9






ITEM 6.  SELECTED
FINANCIAL DATA




FIVE YEAR FINANCIAL
SUMMARY




(In millions except per
share data)



Kevin J. Hunt   52   Co-Chief Executive Officer and President
of the Company since September 2003; Chief Executive Officer of Bremner, Inc. and Nutcracker Brands, Inc. since November 2003.
He served as Corporate Vice President of the Company from October
1995 to September 2003; President of Bremner from October 1995 to November
2003; and President of Nutcracker Brands from January 2003 to November 2003.
 
 
David P. Skarie  57   Co-Chief Executive Officer and President of the Company
since September 2003; President, The Carriage House Companies, Inc. and Ralston Foods since October 2002 and January 2003,
respectively. He served as Corporate Vice President of the Company from
March 1994 to September 2003; President of Nutcracker Brands, Inc. from
April 2002 to January 2003; President of Ralston Foods from June 2000 to
September 2002; and Director of Customer Development of Ralston Foods from
March 1994 to June 2000.
 
 
David L. Beré  50   Corporate Vice President, and President and Chief Executive
Officer of Bakery Chef, Inc. since the acquisition of Bakery Chef in
December 2003. He served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Bakery
Chef since December 1998; and President and Chief Executive Officer of
McCain Foods USA from April 1996 to December 1998.
 
 
Thomas G. Granneman  54   Corporate Vice President and Controller
since January 1999. He served as Vice President and Controller from December 1996 to January 1999.
 
 
Charles G. Huber, Jr.  39   Corporate Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of
the Company since October 2003. He served as Vice President and Assistant
General Counsel from September 2001 to October 2003; and Assistant General
Counsel from March 1994 to September 2001.
 
 
Richard R. Koulouris  47   Corporate Vice President, and President, Bremner, Inc. and Nutcracker Brands, Inc. since November 2003. He served as Vice President Operations, Bremner from September 1995 to November 2003. 
 
Scott Monette  42   Corporate Vice President and Treasurer since September 2001.
He joined Ralcorp in January 2001 as Vice President and Treasurer. Prior to
joining Ralcorp, Mr. Monette was Chief Investment Officer/Benefit Plans for
Hallmark Cards, Inc. from December 1998 to January 2001. He served as
Corporate Debt Manager for Hallmark Cards, Inc. from January 1996 to
December 1998.
 
 
Ronald D. Wilkinson  53   Corporate Vice President, and Director of Product Supply of
Ralston Foods and The Carriage House Companies, Inc. He has held the
Corporate Vice President position and the Ralston Foods position since
October 1996, and the Carriage House position since January 2003.
 
 
(Ages are as of December 31, 2003)






































































































































































































































































































































































































Year Ended September 30,
 
        2003     2002     2001     2000     1999  
 
Statement of Earnings Data  
Net sales (a)     $ 1,303.6   $ 1,280.3   $ 1,178.0   $ 847.0   $ 666.2  
Cost of products sold    (1,045.6 )  (1,027.6 )  (952.4 )  (672.0 )  (511.6 )
 
Gross profit    258.0    252.7    225.6    175.0    154.6  
Selling, general and administrative expenses    (171.3 )  (163.1 )  (153.2 )  (111.1 )  (99.6 )
Interest expense, net    (3.3 )  (5.9 )  (15.9 )  (8.8 )  (1.4 )
Goodwill impairment loss (b)    (59.0 )  -    -    -    -  
Restructuring charges (c)    (14.3 )  -    (2.6 )  (2.5 )  -  
Litigation settlement income (d)    14.6    1.6    -    -    -  
Merger termination fee (e)    -    -    4.2    -    -  
 
Earnings before income taxes and equity earnings    24.7    85.3    58.1    52.6    53.6  
Income taxes    (16.9 )  (30.7 )  (22.1 )  (19.6 )  (20.1 )
Equity in (loss) earnings of Vail Resorts, Inc.,  
    net of related deferred income taxes (f)    (.4 )  (.8 )  3.9    3.4    2.9  
 
Net earnings   $ 7.4   $ 53.8   $ 39.9   $ 36.4   $ 36.4  
 
Earnings per share:  
    Basic   $ 0.25   $ 1.79   $ 1.34   $ 1.21   $ 1.17  
    Diluted   $ 0.25   $ 1.77   $ 1.33   $ 1.19   $ 1.15  
Weighted average shares outstanding:  
    Basic    29.1    30.0    29.9    30.2    31.1  
    Diluted    29.7    30.4    30.1    30.6    31.7  
 
Statement of Cash Flows Data  
Cash provided (used) by:  
    Operating activities   $ 105.8   $ 110.8   $ 131.0   $ 33.0   $ 42.0  
    Investing activities    (30.7 )  (69.0 )  (90.2 )  (236.0 )  (75.6 )
    Financing activities    (49.3 )  (42.5 )  (41.0 )  205.2    23.2  
Depreciation and amortization    38.7    35.8    41.6    34.3    23.1  
 
Balance Sheet Data  
Working capital (excl. cash and cash equivalents)   $ 84.2   $ 85.4   $ 95.6   $ 144.8   $ 66.4  
Total assets    794.3    832.5    817.9    804.7    483.8  
Long-term debt    155.9    179.0    223.1    264.4    42.8  
Shareholders’ equity    412.7    436.1    389.4    350.3    324.1  








(a)


In 1999, Ralcorp acquired Martin Gillet & Co., Inc. and Southern Roasted
Nuts of Georgia, Inc. In 2000, Ralcorp acquired Ripon Foods, Inc., Cascade
Cookie Company, Inc., James P. Linette, Inc., and The Red Wing Company, Inc. In
2001, Ralcorp acquired The Torbitt & Castleman Company, LLC. In 2002,
Ralcorp acquired Lofthouse Foods Incorporated. For more information about the
2001 and 2002 acquisitions, see Note 2 to the financial statements in Item 8.









(b)


In 2003, a non-cash goodwill impairment loss related to the Carriage House
reporting unit was recorded in accordance with FAS 142. See Note 2 to the
financial statements in Item 8.









(c)


In 2003, restructuring charges related to the reduction of operations in
Streator, IL, the sale of the ketchup business and the tomato paste business,
and the relocation of in-store bakery production. In 2001, restructuring charges
related to plant closures in San Jose, CA and Baltimore, MD. In 2000,
restructuring charges related to the plant closure in Baltimore, MD. See Note 3
to the financial statements in Item 8.









(d)


In 2003 and 2002, Ralcorp received payments in settlement of its claims related
to vitamin antitrust litigation. The amounts received were recorded net of
related expenses.









(e)


In 2001, Agribrands International, Inc. terminated a merger agreement with
Ralcorp. Ralcorp received a payment of $5.0 as a termination fee, which was
recorded net of related expenses.












10




ITEM 7.  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS




        The
following discussion summarizes the significant factors affecting the consolidated
operating results, financial condition, liquidity and capital resources of Ralcorp
Holdings, Inc. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the financial statements
under Item 8, especially Note 19, and the “Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking
Statements” on page 2. The terms “our,” “we,”
“Company,” and “Ralcorp” as used herein refer to Ralcorp Holdings,
Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.




RECENTLY ISSUED
ACCOUNTING STANDARDS




        See
Note 1 for a discussion regarding recently issued accounting standards, including FAS 141,
142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 148, 149, and 150; FIN 45 and 46; and EITF 00-10, 00-14, 00-25,
01-09, and 02-17.




RESULTS OF OPERATIONS




Consolidated




        Net
Sales
Net sales grew from less than $1.2 billion in fiscal 2001 to nearly $1.3 billion in
2002 and over $1.3 billion in 2003. The 9% increase from 2001 to 2002 and the 2% increase
from 2002 to 2003 were due primarily to the timing of business acquisitions. Refer to the
segment discussions below for specific factors affecting results.




        Operating
Expenses
Cost of products sold was 80.2%, 80.3%, and 80.9% of net sales in 2003, 2002, and
2001, respectively, while selling, general and administrative (SG&A) was 13.1%, 12.7%,
and 13.0%. In fiscal 2002, gross margins increased as a result of improved operating
efficiencies in the Dressings, Syrups, Jellies & Sauces division and lower ingredient
costs in the Snack Nuts & Candy division. In fiscal 2002 we adopted FAS 142 which
discontinued the amortization of goodwill, while 2001 SG&A included $8.0 million of
goodwill amortization. In fiscal 2003, SG&A included $2.5 million of incremental
expenses associated with a pilot project to upgrade information systems, $1.5 million
related to accounts receivable losses caused by the bankruptcy of the Fleming Companies,
Inc. (Fleming), and $1.2 million related to the recall of a product produced for a
co-manufacturing customer. Again, refer to the segment discussions below for other factors
affecting results.




        Interest
Expense, Net
Net interest expense fell from $15.9 million in 2001 to $5.9 million in 2002
and $3.3 million in 2003 as a result of decreasing debt levels and interest rates. We
reduced our long-term debt from $264.4 million at the beginning of fiscal 2001 to $155.9
million by September 30, 2003 as cash from operations exceeded cash needs for business
acquisitions, capital expenditures, and stock repurchases. Since nearly all of our
interest rates are set on a short-term basis, the declining market rates throughout fiscal
2001, 2002, and 2003 had a favorable effect on interest expense. For more information
about our long-term debt, see Note 14. Refer to Note 11 for information about our
agreement to sell our trade accounts receivable on an ongoing basis, including amounts of
related discounts.




        Goodwill
Impairment Loss
We recorded a goodwill impairment loss in fiscal 2003. In accordance with
FAS 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” we completed our annual
goodwill impairment test of each of our reporting units during the fourth quarter. In the
first step of the test, the fair value of each reporting unit was compared with its
carrying amount. Based on that indicator, only the Carriage House reporting unit (i.e.,
the Dressings, Syrups, Jellies & Sauces segment) had a potential impairment, and the
second step of the test was conducted for that unit to determine the amount of impairment
loss by comparing the implied fair value of goodwill to its carrying value. The implied
fair value of goodwill is the excess of the fair value of the reporting unit over the fair
value of its identifiable net assets. Estimated fair values were determined based on the
best information available, including independent appraisals and the results of valuation
techniques such as EBITDA multiples and discounted future cash flows. The implied fair
value of goodwill was calculated to be $38.8 million, compared to the carrying value of
$97.8 million, so the goodwill impairment loss was determined to be $59.0 million. A
portion of Carriage House’s goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes, so the
deferred tax benefit of the loss was only $13.5 million. Factors leading to the impairment
included the bankruptcy of Fleming (formerly a significant customer of Carriage House),
the inability to quickly replace lost co-manufacturing business, the increasing
competitive pricing pressures in the private label food industry, and the near-term
production inefficiencies arising from the Carriage House restructuring initiatives
discussed below. For more information about Carriage House operations and our commitment
to improving results, refer to the Dressings, Syrups, Jellies & Sauces sections below.




11







        Restructuring
Charges
In the quarter ended December 31, 2002, we finalized our plans to reduce
operations at our Streator, IL facility and transfer production of all product lines
except peanut butter to other Dressings, Syrups, Jellies & Sauces locations. Related
termination benefits and equipment write-offs totaled $1.4 million in fiscal 2003.




        Also
in the quarter ended December 31, 2002, we sold our ketchup business, including certain
equipment and inventory, resulting in a net loss of $1.4 million. Further, we determined
that the resulting reduced cash flows from our tomato paste business, which had supplied
the Company’s ketchup production, was less than the carrying value of our paste
production facility located near Williams, CA, and an impairment charge of $5.0 million
was recorded as of December 31, 2002. On February 4, 2003, we sold the tomato paste
business, including the Williams, CA facility. The sale resulted in an additional loss of
$3.6. The ketchup and paste operations were both part of the Dressings, Syrups, Jellies
& Sauces segment.




        In
the quarter ended March 31, 2003, we announced our plans to close our in-store bakery
(ISB) facility in Kent, WA, part of the Cereals, Crackers & Cookies segment, and
transfer production to a new ISB plant located in Utah. We are also in the process of
transferring production from two other ISB facilities located near the new plant and
expect to complete the project by April of 2004. We recorded $2.9 million of expenses
related to this ISB restructuring in fiscal 2003.




        On
July 24, 2000 and January 23, 2001, respectively, we announced plans to close plants in
Baltimore, MD and San Jose, CA and move production to other Dressings, Syrups, Jellies
& Sauces facilities. Both of these closures were essentially completed by the end of
fiscal 2001. During 2001, Baltimore closure and relocation costs of $1.9 million were
expensed along with $.7 million related to San Jose, for a total of $2.6 million.




        For
more information regarding these restructuring charges, see Note 3.




        Litigation
Settlement Income
We received payments in fiscal 2003 and 2002 in settlement of our claims
related to vitamin antitrust litigation. The respective amounts recorded were $14.6 and
$1.6, net of related expenses.




        Merger
Termination Fee
Agribrands International, Inc. terminated a merger agreement with Ralcorp
on December 1, 2000. In accordance with the agreement, we received a payment of $5.0
million as a termination fee, which was recorded in the first quarter of fiscal 2001 net
of related expenses.




        Income
Taxes
Income tax provisions generally reflect statutory tax rates, adjusted by the effects
of non-deductible goodwill amortization expense or impairment losses. The effective rate
was approximately 38% in fiscal 2001, 36% in 2002, and 68.5% in 2003. The 2001 rate
included the effect of non-deductible goodwill amortization expense, while goodwill
amortization was eliminated in 2002 with the adoption of FAS 142. The 2003 rate included
the effect of the non-deductible portion of the goodwill impairment loss. Excluding that
effect, the 2003 rate was about 36%. The effective rate is expected to be approximately
36.5% for fiscal 2004. See Note 6 for more information about income taxes.




        Equity
in Earnings of Vail Resorts, Inc.
Our pre-tax earnings from Vail were $6.0 million for
fiscal 2001, as snowfall amounts and timing were favorable. For fiscal 2002 and 2003, we
recorded pre-tax losses of $1.2 million and $.7 million, respectively, from our investment
in Vail. Those losses included adjustments totaling $4.9 million in 2002 and $.8 million
in 2003 to reflect the cumulative effect of Vail’s earnings restatements for prior
years. In addition, Vail’s results were hurt by reduced travel in the past two years.
See Note 7 for more information about this equity investment.




Cereals,
Crackers & Cookies




        Fiscal
2003 vs. Fiscal 2002




        Net
sales for the Cereals, Crackers & Cookies segment were up 9 percent in fiscal 2003
from fiscal 2002, with the Ralston Foods cereal division and the Bremner cracker and
cookie division contributing increases of $4.2 million and $54.1 million, respectively.
About $30 million of the Bremner growth is attributable to an additional four months of
sales from Lofthouse, acquired on January 30, 2002, while the remainder came through
ongoing expansion with existing customers. Cracker volume was up 14 percent and base
cookie volume was down 5 percent. Excluding Lofthouse sales for the first four months, ISB
volume was up 4 percent year-over-year. For Ralston Foods, an increase in co-manufactured
ready-to-eat (RTE) cereal sales offset a decline in store brand RTE cereal for the year
(largely due to the Fleming bankruptcy), so combined RTE volume was flat. Hot cereal
volume was up 5 percent (despite losses related to the Fleming bankruptcy), but most of
the relative sales dollar improvement at Ralston Foods was due to the amount and timing of
promotional discounts.




12







        The
segment’s profit contribution was up $6.8 million (10 percent) for fiscal 2003. The
improvement is primarily attributable to the increased sales, but also to the reduced
promotional activity in the current year, reduced expenses related to capital projects,
lower freight costs, and favorable product mix. Those benefits were partially offset by
rising costs of insurance, employee benefits, and ingredients such as wheat flour, soybean
oil, honey, cocoa, and sugar.




        Fiscal
2002 vs. Fiscal 2001




        Net
sales for the Cereals, Crackers & Cookies segment were up $80.8 million in fiscal 2002
from fiscal 2001, as the Ralston Foods cereal division and the Bremner cracker and cookie
division contributed increases of $1.9 million and $78.9 million, respectively. While most
of Bremner’s growth came from the addition of the Lofthouse business, sales at its
other cookie businesses grew more than 25 percent as a result of additional
co-manufacturing business and ongoing expansion with existing private label customers.
Cracker sales volumes were down slightly due to lower demand for saltines. At Ralston
Foods, incremental sales to existing customers, driven by several recent product
introductions and additional distribution of established items, were offset by price
concessions, additional product promotions, and less co-manufacturing business. RTE cereal
volumes were up 1 percent from last year and hot cereal volume was up 4 percent.




        Profit
contribution for the segment increased $11.7 million from $58.4 million (10.2% of net
sales) in fiscal 2001 to $70.1 million (10.7% of net sales) in fiscal 2002. Again, most of
the improvement was the result of the acquired Lofthouse business and related synergies.
In addition, the segment’s profit was reduced by $2.4 million of goodwill
amortization in fiscal 2001, while goodwill was not amortized in 2002 due to the adoption
of FAS 142. Finally, in fiscal 2002 the segment benefited from favorable volumes, plant
efficiencies, and lower freight and energy costs, greatly offset by price concessions,
promotional programs and rising ingredient costs.




Dressings,
Syrups, Jellies & Sauces




        The
Company’s Dressings, Syrups, Jellies & Sauces segment’s net sales increased
from $420.5 million in fiscal 2001 to $451.5 million in 2002, then decreased to $405.8 in
2003. The 2002 increase was primarily due to the benefit of a full year of results from
The Torbitt & Castleman Company, LLC, acquired January 31, 2001. The favorable impact
of sales to new customers and increased business with some major existing customers was
offset by pricing concessions in certain categories and a reduction of volume with a major
co-manufacturing customer. The 2003 decline is attributable primarily to the loss of that
co-manufacturing customer at the beginning of the year, as well as to the sale of the
ketchup business in November 2002, reduced sales resulting from the Fleming bankruptcy,
and continued pricing pressures, partially offset by increased business with continuing
customers.




        The
segment’s profit contribution increased from $7.6 million (1.8% of net sales) in
fiscal 2001 to $13.5 million (3.0%) in fiscal 2002 and $8.0 million (2.0%) in fiscal 2003.
Except as discussed below, the dollar changes from year to year generally reflect the
changes in sales described above. During fiscal 2001, profit as a percent of sales began
to improve as the segment benefited from savings from the closure of two facilities and
additional synergies with Torbitt & Castleman. Those savings and synergies continued
into fiscal 2002, but the benefits were offset by a gross margin decline due to increased
ingredient costs, lower co-manufacturing volumes, and competitive pricing pressures. In
fiscal 2003, the profit percentage fell as a result of increased production costs due to
inefficiencies related to the lower volumes and restructuring initiatives, pricing
pressures, and charges related to the Fleming bankruptcy. In addition, the segment’s
profit was reduced by $3.2 million of goodwill amortization expense in fiscal 2001, while
goodwill was not amortized in 2002 or 2003 due to the adoption of FAS 142.





Snack
Nuts & Candy




        Net
sales for the Snack Nuts & Candy segment decreased from $182.3 million in fiscal 2001
to $172.8 million in fiscal 2002, then increased to $183.5 million in fiscal 2003. The
2002 decline was the result of the loss of a few customers in competitive bidding,
partially offset by increased business with continuing customers. The 2003 growth was
generated primarily through continuing increases in volume with several customers,
partially offset by continued competitive pricing pressures, an unfavorable product mix,
and a significant reduction in first quarter holiday orders from a major customer.




        The
segment’s profit contribution increased from $15.9 million (8.7% of net sales) in
fiscal 2001 to $20.6 million (11.9%) in fiscal 2002 and $22.8 million (12.4%) in fiscal
2003. The fiscal 2002 and 2003 percentages improved primarily as a result of favorable
costs on some ingredients, partially offset by increased costs on others and competitive
pricing pressures. Also, the segment’s profit was reduced by $2.4 million of goodwill
amortization expense in fiscal 2001, while goodwill was not amortized in 2002 or 2003 due
to the adoption of FAS 142.




13






LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL
RESOURCES




        Historically,
we have funded operating needs by generating positive cash flows through operations. We
expect to continue generating operating cash flows through our mix of businesses and
expect that short-term and long-term liquidity requirements will be met through a
combination of operating cash flows and strategic use of borrowings under committed and
uncommitted credit arrangements. Capital resources remained strong at September 30, 2003,
with a net worth of $412.7 million and a long-term debt to total capital ratio of 27
percent, compared to corresponding figures for September 30, 2002, of $436.1 million and
29 percent. Working capital, excluding cash and cash equivalents, was down to $84.2
million at September 30, 2003 from $85.4 million at September 30, 2002 as a result of
continuing reduction efforts, offset by an increase in our investment in Ralcorp
Receivables Corporation of nearly $23 million.




Operating
Activities




        Cash
flows from operating activities were $105.8 million, $110.8 million, and $131.0 million in
2003, 2002, and 2001, respectively. Operating cash flows were augmented in fiscal 2001 by
$61.0 million of proceeds from the sale of receivables in September. Conversely, cash was
reduced in fiscal 2003 by a $22.4 million net outflow as remittance of receivables
collections to the buyer exceeded payments received for new receivables. See
“Off-Balance Sheet Financing” below for more information about the sale of
receivables. In fiscal 2002 and especially in fiscal 2003, an emphasis on working capital
reduction resulted in lower inventory levels. Accounts payable have fluctuated due to the
timing of purchases. In 2003, operating cash flows were reduced by a $10 million
contribution to our qualified pension plan, included in “Other, net” on the
statement of cash flows. We do not expect to be required to make any significant
contributions to this plan in the next three years. See Note 16 for more information about
this plan.




Investing
Activities




        Net
cash paid for business acquisitions totaled $52.1 million in fiscal 2002 (Lofthouse Foods)
and $55.6 million in fiscal 2001 (Torbitt & Castleman). See Note 2 for more
information about acquisitions.




        Capital
expenditures were $36.1 million, $29.1 million, and $35.7 million in fiscal years 2003,
2002, and 2001, respectively. Capital expenditures for fiscal 2004 are expected to be
between $40 and $50 million.




        In
fiscal 2002, Ralcorp received $10.0 million of proceeds from the sale of its Carriage
House facility in San Jose, CA, with no material gain or loss.




Financing
Activities




        Strong
operating cash flows and reduced acquisition activity allowed the Company to reduce its
long-term debt in fiscal 2001, 2002, and 2003 by $41.7 million, $44.1 million, and $23.1
million, respectively. On May 22, 2003, the Company issued Floating Rate Senior Notes,
Series A, in the amount of $150.0, maturing on May 22, 2010. Borrowings under this private
placement debt financing incur interest at a rate of 3-month LIBOR plus 0.85%, adjusted
quarterly, with interest payable quarterly in arrears. We used the proceeds to repay
borrowings under our shorter-term credit arrangements. As of September 30, 2003, total
remaining availability under our $275 million revolving credit agreement and our $35
million uncommitted credit arrangements was $309.9 million and Ralcorp was in compliance
with all covenants (see Note 14). In addition, our September 30 balance sheet included
$29.0 million of cash and cash equivalents. Further cash needs could be met through the
sale of the Company’s investment in Vail Resorts, Inc., which had a market value of
$108 million at September 30, 2003. See Note 7 for more information about this investment,
including restrictions on sale.




        In
November 2002, the Board approved a tender offer for up to 4,000,000 shares at a single
price not in excess of $24.00 and not less than $21.00 per share. The offer was in the
form of a modified “Dutch Auction” where the final price is determined based
upon the number of shares, and the respective prices, tendered. The offer resulted in the
purchase of 1.15 million shares at a purchase price of $24.00 per share. As of September
30, 2003, 1,665,300 shares remained available for repurchase by the Company pursuant to
previous authorizations by the Board of Directors.




14








Off-Balance Sheet
Financing




        As an
additional source of liquidity, on September 24, 2001 the Ralcorp entered into a
three-year agreement to sell, on an ongoing basis, all of its trade accounts receivable to
a wholly owned, bankruptcy-remote subsidiary called Ralcorp Receivables Corporation (RRC).
RRC’s only business activities relate to acquiring and selling interests in
Ralcorp’s receivables. RRC’s purchases of Ralcorp trade receivables are funded
by selling an undivided percentage ownership interest in each individual receivable to a
bank commercial paper conduit (the Conduit), as well as by a portion of the cash collected
on previously purchased receivables. Upon the agreement’s termination, the Conduit
would be entitled to all cash collections on RRC’s accounts receivable until its
purchased interest has been repaid.




        The
trade receivables sale arrangement with RRC represents “off-balance sheet
financing” since the sale results in assets being removed from our balance sheet
rather than resulting in a liability to the Conduit. The organization documents of RRC and
the terms of the agreements governing the receivables sale transactions make RRC a
qualifying special purpose entity. As such, it is not to be consolidated in Ralcorp’s
financial statements under generally accepted accounting principles. Furthermore, the
“true sale” nature of the arrangement requires Ralcorp to account for RRC’s
transactions with the Conduit as a sale of accounts receivable instead of reflecting the
Conduit’s net investment as debt with a pledge of accounts receivable as collateral.
If RRC were not a qualifying special purpose entity and if the arrangement were not
considered a “true sale,” the outstanding balance of receivables would remain on
Ralcorp’s balance sheet, proceeds received from the Conduit would be shown as
short-term debt, and there would be no investment in RRC. See further discussion in Note
11.





INFLATION




        We
recognize that inflationary pressures may have an adverse effect on the Company through
higher asset replacement costs, related depreciation and higher material costs. We try to
minimize these effects through cost reductions and productivity improvements as well as
price increases to maintain reasonable profit margins. It is our view that inflation has
not had a significant impact on operations in the three years ended September 30, 2003.





OUTLOOK




        We
believe the opportunities in the private label, value brand, and food service areas are
favorable for long-term growth. In the past few years, we have taken significant steps to
reshape the Company, reducing our reliance on any one business segment while achieving
sufficient scale in the categories in which we operate. We expect to continue to improve
our business mix through volume and profit growth of existing businesses, as well as
through acquisitions or alliances. We will continue to explore those acquisition
opportunities that strategically fit with our intention to be the premier provider of
value-oriented food products.




        On
July 11, 2003, the Food and Drug Administration issued a final rule amending its
regulations on nutrition labeling to require that trans fat be declared in the nutrition
label of conventional foods and dietary supplements on a separate line immediately under
the line for the declaration of saturated fat. The new rule will be effective January 1,
2006. Because of this regulatory change, we may incur costs related to packaging
modifications. Furthermore, given the increased focus on trans fat content and the related
health risks indicated by recently published scientific studies, we may incur additional
costs to research and implement formulation changes on certain products.




        The
following sections contain discussions of the specific factors affecting the outlook for
each of our reportable segments.





Cereals, Crackers &
Cookies




        The
level of competition in the cereal category continues to be intense for our Ralston Foods
division. Competition comes from branded box cereal manufacturers, branded bagged cereal
producers and other private label cereal providers. For the last several years, category
growth in ready-to-eat and hot cereals has been minimal, which has exacerbated its
competitive nature. When branded competitors focus on price/promotion, the environment for
private label producers becomes more challenging. We must maintain an effective price gap
between our quality private label cereal products and those of branded cereal producers,
thereby providing the best value alternative for the consumer. Importantly, pricing and
volume agreements with customers are generally determined by the customers’ periodic
requests for competitive category reviews in each of our divisions. Ralston Foods
anticipates additional category review requests to occur in fiscal 2004. Further, Ralston
Foods is being negatively impacted by reduced sales resulting from the Fleming bankruptcy.





15






        Cost
increases, including recent increases in ingredient costs, contribute to margin pressures.
On an enterprise-wide basis, we manage these cost increases by selected forward purchasing
and hedging of certain ingredients. Increased employee health care and other benefit costs
will continue into the foreseeable future. Accordingly, aggressive cost containment
remains an important goal of the organization. In addition, increased distribution is
required to remain competitive whether through new and improved product emulations or new
co-manufacturing opportunities.




        Our
cracker and cookie operation, Bremner, also conducts business in a highly competitive
category and is affected by many of the same cost and pricing challenges. Major branded
competitors continue to market and promote their offerings aggressively and many smaller,
regional branded and private label manufacturers provide additional competitive pressures.
Bremner’s ability to maintain a sufficient price gap between products of branded
producers and Bremner’s quality private label emulations and its ability to realize
improved operating efficiencies from recent acquisitions will be important to its results
of operations.




        The
division continues its effort to maximize synergies through the combination of Lofthouse
with Cascade, which has given Bremner a significant presence in the in-store bakery cookie
category. As previously mentioned, we plan to complete the restructuring of our ISB group
by the end of April 2004, with expected annual cost savings of approximately $3.0 to $3.6
million. In addition, Bremner will continue to focus on cost containment, new products and
volume growth of existing products in order to improve operating results.





Dressings,
Syrups, Jellies & Sauces




        Carriage
House’s competitors, both large and small, continue to be aggressive on pricing. In
addition, the division continues to be negatively affected by certain ingredient cost
increases as well as increased employee health care and benefit costs. Wherever possible,
we will continue to implement slight price increases to help offset these rising costs.
Encouragingly, the cost of peanuts, a major ingredient for Carriage House (peanut butter),
has been favorably impacted by the Farm Act of 2002. Although we expect the segment to
benefit from lower peanut costs in fiscal 2004, such benefit will likely be more than
offset by the aforementioned cost increases and pricing pressures.




        We
have undertaken an aggressive plan to improve performance by selling unprofitable
businesses and continuing to rationalize production capacity. In June 2002, we sold our
honey operations. In September 2002, we announced our intention to significantly reduce
operations at the Streator, IL facility and transfer production of all product lines
except peanut butter to other facilities. As a result of this restructuring, we ultimately
expect to realize annual savings in cost of products sold of $2.5 million to $3.0 million
(approximately $1.0 million of which is non-cash) beginning in fiscal 2004. In November
2002, we sold our ketchup operations, although production continued through the end of the
first quarter, and on February 4, 2003, we sold our industrial tomato paste processing
facility. While net sales from the honey, ketchup, and paste businesses totaled
approximately $30 million in fiscal 2002, related operating profit was immaterial, so we
were able to reduce our capital investment without reducing returns.





Snack
Nuts & Candy




        Snack
nuts and candy continue to be very competitive categories. This segment of Ralcorp faces
significant competition from branded manufacturers as well as private label and regional
producers. During fiscal 2002, competitive bids for store brand customer business resulted
in either loss of margins or loss of customers to competitors. We expect this pricing
pressure to continue into the foreseeable future. In fiscal 2003, results were positively
impacted by lower peanut prices. In fiscal 2004, we expect competitive pressures could
reduce net selling prices while ingredient prices, particularly peanuts, will not decrease
any further. The segment will continue to focus on maintaining its customer base and the
high quality of its products and on developing new products. In addition, Snack Nuts &
Candy segment sales have been, and may continue to be, negatively impacted by the
bankruptcy of Fleming.




        The
segment has recently benefited from lower raw material costs on some ingredients. The cost
of cashews, a major ingredient, has trended down from significant highs in fiscal 2000 but
now appears to have stabilized. As discussed above, 2002 legislation has resulted in lower
peanut costs and may have a favorable effect on profitability. While some benefits of
reduced peanut costs were realized in fiscal 2003, the future effect cannot be quantified
at this time and is expected to be greatly offset by continued pricing pressures and
increasing costs of other ingredients, healthcare, and other employee benefits.




16








Bakery Chef Acquisition




        On
December 3, 2003, the Company purchased Bakery Chef, Inc., for $287.5 in cash. We financed
the acquisition primarily through borrowings under our existing $275 revolving credit
facility. Bakery Chef is a leading manufacturer of frozen griddle products (pancakes,
waffles and French toast) and frozen pre-baked biscuits sold primarily in the food service
channel, and also produces pre-baked frozen muffins, breads and rolls. Bakery Chef became
a wholly owned subsidiary of Ralcorp and will operate as a platform for entry into the
food service channel and frozen food segment. Bakery Chef operates five manufacturing
facilities, employs approximately 800 people, and had net sales of $165 for the year ended
December 31, 2002. Based upon Bakery Chef’s 2002 results, our initial assessment of
its intangible asset valuation and related amortization, and interest rate assumptions, we
anticipate the acquisition will immediately add $.25 to $.35 to our diluted earnings per
share on an annual basis.





CRITICAL ACCOUNTING
POLICIES AND ESTIMATES




        The
following discussion is presented pursuant to the United States Securities and Exchange
Commission’s Financial Reporting Release No. 60, “Cautionary Advice Regarding
Disclosure About Critical Accounting Policies.” The policies below are both important
to the representation of the Company’s financial condition and results and require
management’s most difficult, subjective or complex judgments.




        Under
generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, we make estimates and
assumptions that impact the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, and
expenses as well as the disclosure of contingent liabilities. We base estimates on past
experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the
circumstances. Those estimates form the basis for making judgments about carrying values
of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results
may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.




        We
record estimated reductions to revenue for customer incentive offerings. Should a greater
proportion of customers redeem incentives than estimated, additional reductions to revenue
may be required.




        Inventories
are valued at the lower of cost or market value and have been reduced by an allowance for
obsolete product and packaging materials. The estimated allowance is based on a review of
inventories on hand compared to estimated future usage and sales. If market conditions and
actual demands are less favorable than projected, additional inventory write-downs may be
required.




        We
review long-lived assets, including leasehold improvements and property and equipment, for
impairment whenever events or changes in business circumstances indicate that the carrying
amount of the assets may not be fully recoverable. Long-lived assets to be disposed of are
reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less the cost to sell.




        Goodwill
represents the excess of the cost of acquired businesses over the fair market value of
their identifiable net assets. At the beginning of fiscal 2002, Ralcorp adopted FAS 142,
which requires that we no longer amortize goodwill but review for impairment on a regular
basis. The goodwill impairment tests require us to estimate the fair value of our
businesses and certain assets and liabilities, for which we utilize valuation techniques
such as EBITDA multiples and discounted cash flows based on projections. In our fiscal
2003 tests, we assumed an EBITDA multiple of about 5.75 and a discount rate of 9.5%.




        Pension
assets and liabilities are determined on an actuarial basis and are affected by the
estimated market-related value of plan assets; estimates of the expected return on plan
assets, discount rates, and future salary increases; and other assumptions inherent in
these valuations. We annually review the assumptions underlying the actuarial calculations
and makes changes to these assumptions, based on current market conditions, as necessary.
Actual changes in the fair market value of plan assets and differences between the actual
return on plan assets and the expected return on plan assets will affect the amount of
pension expense or income ultimately recognized. The other postretirement benefits
liability is also determined on an actuarial basis and is affected by assumptions
including the discount rate and expected trends in healthcare costs. Changes in the
discount rate and differences between actual and expected healthcare costs will affect the
recorded amount of other postretirement benefits expense. See Note 16 for more information
about pension and other postretirement benefit assumptions.




        Liabilities
for workers’ compensation and accrued health care costs are estimated based on
historical experience and expected trends.




17







ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE
AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK




        In
the ordinary course of business, the Company is exposed to commodity price risks relating
to the acquisition of raw materials. The Company utilizes derivative financial
instruments, including futures contracts and options, to manage certain of these exposures
when it is practical to do so. As of September 30, 2003 and 2002, a hypothetical 10%
adverse change in the market price of the Company’s principal commodities, including
corn, oats, wheat and soybean oil, would have decreased the fair value of the
Company’s derivatives portfolio by $2.6 million and $1.1 million, respectively. This
volatility analysis ignores changes in the exposures inherent in the underlying hedged
transactions. Because the Company does not hold or trade derivatives for speculation or
profit, all changes in derivative values are effectively offset by corresponding changes
in the underlying exposures. For more information, see Note 1 and Note 13 to the financial
statements included in Item 8.




        The
Company has interest rate risk with respect to interest expense on variable rate debt. At
September 30, 2003 and 2002, the Company had $155.7 million and $178.6 million of variable
rate debt outstanding. A hypothetical 10% adverse change in weighted average interest
rates during fiscal 2002 and 2001 would have had an unfavorable impact of $.3 million and
$.4 million, respectively, on both the Company’s net earnings and cash flows. For
more information, see Note 14 and Note 21 to the financial statements included in Item 8.




18










ITEM 8. FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA





REPORT OF MANAGEMENT




        Management
of Ralcorp Holdings, Inc. is responsible for the preparation and integrity of the
Company’s financial statements. These statements have been prepared in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles and in the opinion of management fairly
present the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flow.




        The
Company maintains accounting and internal control systems that it believes are adequate to
provide reasonable assurance that assets are safeguarded against loss from unauthorized
use or disposition and that the financial records are reliable for preparing financial
statements. The selection and training of qualified personnel, the establishment and
communication of accounting and administrative policies and procedures, and an extensive
program of internal audits are important elements of these control systems.




        The
Board of Directors, through its Audit Committee consisting solely of independent
directors, meets periodically with management and the independent auditors to discuss
audit and financial reporting matters. To ensure independence, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
has direct access to the Audit Committee.




        The
report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent auditors, on their audits of the
accompanying financial statements follows. This report states that their audits were
performed in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. These standards
include an evaluation of internal control for the purpose of establishing a basis for
reliance thereon relative to the scope of their audits of the financial statements.





REPORT OF INDEPENDENT
AUDITORS




To the Shareholders and Board of
Directors of Ralcorp Holdings, Inc.:




        In
our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated
statements of earnings, of shareholders’ equity and of cash flows present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of Ralcorp Holdings, Inc. and its
subsidiaries at September 30, 2003 and 2002, and the results of their operations and their
cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2003 in
conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management; our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with auditing standards
generally accepted in the United States of America, which require that we plan and perform
the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free
of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the
accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating
the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.




        As
discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, in 2002 the Company changed
its method of accounting for goodwill to conform to Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 142.





/s/
PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP





PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

St. Louis, Missouri

November 13, 2003, except for Note
21, which is as of December 3, 2003



19











RALCORP HOLDINGS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT
OF EARNINGS



(Dollars in millions except per share data, shares in thousands)



(f)


In 2003 and 2002, Ralcorp adjusted its equity earnings to reflect the cumulative
effect of earnings restatements made by Vail Resorts, Inc. See Note 7 to the
financial statements in Item 8.

















































































































































































































































See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.



20









RALCORP HOLDINGS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET


(In millions except share and per share data)





Year Ended September 30,

      2003     2002     2001  

Net Sales   $ 1,303.6   $ 1,280.3   $ 1,178.0  
Cost of products sold    (1,045.6 )  (1,027.6 )  (952.4 )

Gross Profit    258.0    252.7    225.6  
Selling, general and administrative expenses    (171.3 )  (163.1 )  (153.2 )
Interest expense, net    (3.3 )  (5.9 )  (15.9 )
Goodwill impairment loss    (59.0 )  -    -  
Restructuring charges    (14.3 )  -    (2.6 )
Litigation settlement income    14.6    1.6    -  
Merger termination fee    -    -    4.2  

Earnings before Income Taxes and Equity Earnings    24.7    85.3    58.1  
Income Taxes    (16.9 )  (30.7 )  (22.1 )

Earnings before Equity Earnings    7.8    54.6    36.0  
Equity in (Loss) Earnings of Vail Resorts, Inc.,  
    Net of Related Deferred Income Taxes    (.4 )  (.8 )  3.9  

Net Earnings   $ 7.4   $ 53.8   $ 39.9  

Basic Earnings per Share   $ 0.25   $ 1.79   $ 1.34  

Diluted Earnings per Share   $ 0.25   $ 1.77   $ 1.33  

Weighted Average Shares  
    for Basic Earnings per Share    29,131    29,961    29,889  
Dilutive effect of:  
    Stock options    486    471    197  
    Restricted stock awards    2    1    -  
    Deferred compensation awards    127    -    -  

Weighted Average Shares  
    for Diluted Earnings per Share    29,746    30,433    30,086  










































































































































































































































See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.



21










RALCORP HOLDINGS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

(In millions)



September 30,


        2003     2002  


Assets  
Current Assets  
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 29.0   $ 3.2  
    Investment in Ralcorp Receivables Corporation    52.4    29.7  
    Miscellaneous receivables    10.9    6.2  
    Inventories    145.7    161.6  
    Deferred income taxes    2.9    5.1  
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets    3.0    2.8  


      Total Current Assets    243.9    208.6  
Investment in Vail Resorts, Inc.    80.1    80.8  
Property, Net    265.3    282.6  
Goodwill    177.6    238.0  
Intangible Assets, Net    15.7    13.9  
Other Assets    11.7    8.6  


      Total Assets   $ 794.3   $ 832.5  


Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity  
Current Liabilities  
    Accounts payable   $ 85.1   $ 75.2  
    Other current liabilities    45.6    44.8  


      Total Current Liabilities    130.7    120.0  
Long-term Debt    155.9    179.0  
Deferred Income Taxes    20.0    36.3  
Other Liabilities    75.0    61.1  


      Total Liabilities    381.6    396.4  


Commitments and Contingencies  
Shareholders’ Equity  
    Common stock, par value $.01 per share  
      Authorized: 300,000,000 shares  
      Issued: 33,011,317 shares    .3    .3  
    Capital in excess of par value    114.1    110.0  
    Retained earnings    393.8    386.4  
    Common stock in treasury, at cost (4,070,954 and 2,985,066 shares)    (76.9 )  (49.9 )
    Unearned portion of restricted stock    (.1 )  (.1 )
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss    (18.5 )  (10.6 )


      Total Shareholders’ Equity    412.7    436.1  


      Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity    $ 794.3   $ 832.5  




































































































































































































































































































See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.



22









RALCORP HOLDINGS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(Dollars in millions)




Year Ended September 30,


        2003     2002     2001  


Cash Flows from Operating Activities  
Net earnings   $ 7.4   $ 53.8   $ 39.9  
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net  
   cash flow provided by operating activities:  
   Depreciation and amortization    38.7    35.8    41.6  
   Sale of receivables, net    (22.4 )  (4.4 )  61.0  
   Deferred income taxes    (12.8 )  .6    6.3  
   Equity in loss (earnings) of Vail Resorts, Inc.    .7    1.2    (6.0 )
   Goodwill impairment loss    59.0    -    -  
   Tomato paste asset impairment    5.0    -    -  
   Loss on sale of tomato paste business    3.6    -    -  
   Changes in current assets and liabilities, net  
    of effects of acquisitions:  
    (Increase) decrease in receivables    (1.8 )  23.0    .4  
    Decrease (increase) in inventories    15.9    6.2    (7.6 )
    (Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses and other current assets    (.8 )  .4    .6  
    Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and other current liabilities    10.7    (10.8 )  (6.7 )
   Other, net    2.6    5.0    1.5  


    Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities    105.8    110.8    131.0  


Cash Flows from Investing Activities  
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired    -    (52.1 )  (55.6 )
Additions to property and intangible assets    (36.1 )  (29.1 )  (35.7 )
Proceeds from sale of property    2.5    12.4    1.1  
Proceeds from sale of tomato paste business    2.9    -    -  
Other, net    -    (.2 )  -  


    Net Cash Used by Investing Activities    (30.7 )  (69.0 )  (90.2 )


Cash Flows from Financing Activities  
Purchase of treasury stock    (28.6 )  -    -  
Proceeds from issuance of debt    150.0    -    -  
Net repayments under credit arrangements    (173.1 )  (44.1 )  (41.7 )
Proceeds from exercise of stock options    2.4    1.6    .7  


    Net Cash Used by Financing Activities    (49.3 )  (42.5 )  (41.0 )


Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents    25.8    (.7 )  (.2 )
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Year    3.2    3.9    4.1  


Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Year   $ 29.0   $ 3.2   $ 3.9  




























































































































































































































































































































































































































See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.



23










RALCORP HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollars in millions except per share data)





NOTE 1 – SUMMARY OF
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES




        Basis
of Consolidation –
The financial statements are presented on a consolidated basis and
include the accounts of Ralcorp and its majority-owned subsidiaries. All significant
intercompany transactions have been eliminated. Investments in 20%–50%-owned
companies are presented on the equity basis (see Note 7).




        Estimates
The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles, which require management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect reported amounts and disclosures. Actual results could differ from those estimates
and assumptions.




        Cash
Equivalents
include all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months
or less.




        Inventories
are valued generally at the lower of average cost or market. In connection with purchasing
key raw ingredient materials, the Company often uses commodities futures contracts to
reduce the risk of price fluctuations related to future raw materials requirements for
commodities such as corn, wheat, oats and soybean oil. For more information on these
commodity hedging activities, see Note 13.




        Property,
Plant and Equipment
is recorded at cost and depreciation expense is generally provided on
the straight-line basis by charges to costs or expenses at rates based on the estimated
useful lives of the properties. Estimated useful lives range from 3 to 15 years for
machinery and equipment and 10 to 50 years for buildings and leasehold improvements.
Depreciation expense was $35.4, $32.3, and $29.4 in fiscal 2003, 2002, and 2001,
respectively.




        Other
Intangible Assets
consist of a trademark and computer software developed or obtained for
internal use. The trademark currently has an indefinite life and is not subject to
amortization. The computer software is recorded at cost and amortized evenly over its
estimated useful life, ranging from 3 to 5 years. Amortization expense related to software
was $3.3, $3.5, and $4.2 in fiscal 2003, 2002, and 2001, respectively, with $2.3 scheduled
for fiscal 2004 and $1.1 scheduled each year for fiscal 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008.




        Recoverability
of Long-lived Assets –
The Company continually evaluates whether events or
circumstances have occurred which might impair the recoverability of the carrying value of
its long-lived assets, including identifiable intangibles and goodwill. An asset is deemed
impaired and written down to its fair value if estimated related future cash flows are
less than its carrying amount.




        Investments
The Company funds a portion of its deferred compensation liability by investing in
certain mutual funds in the same amounts as selected by the participating employees.
Because management’s intent is to invest in a manner that matches the deferral
options chosen by the participants and those participants can elect to transfer amounts in
or out of each of the designated deferral options at any time, these investments have been
classified as trading assets and are stated at fair value in “Other Assets”.
Both realized and unrealized gains and losses on these assets are included in earnings and
offset the related change in the deferred compensation liability.




        Revenue
is recognized in accordance with shipping terms. Net sales reflect gross sales, including
amounts billed to customers for shipping and handling, less sales discounts and
allowances.




        Shipping
and Handling
costs defined as freight are included in “Cost of products sold,”
while storage and other warehousing costs are included in “Selling, general, and
administrative.” Storage and other warehousing costs totaled $42.0, $40.1, and $34.2
in fiscal 2003, 2002, and 2001, respectively.




        Advertising
costs are expensed as incurred.




        Stock-based Compensation
is recognized using the intrinsic value method. Accordingly, no compensation expense has
been recognized for the stock options granted since the exercise price was equal to the
fair market value of the shares at the grant date, except for $.5 recorded in fiscal 2003
related to the modification of some awards.




24











        If
the Company had accounted for the stock-based compensation using the fair value method,
which requires recognition of the fair value of the options as compensation cost ratably
over the vesting period of the options, net earnings and earnings per share would have
been reduced as shown in the following table. See Note 18 for more information about the
Company’s stock-based compensation plans.



Common
Stock
Capital in
Excess of
Par Value
Retained
Earnings
Common
Stock in
Treasury
Unearned
Portion of
Restricted
Stock
Accum.
Other
Compre-
hensive
Loss
Total


Balance, September 30, 2000     $.3   $110.0   $292.7   $(52.7 ) $-   $-   $350.3  
Net earnings                39.9                   39.9  
Minimum pension liability  
  adjustment, net of $1.1 tax benefit                               (1.9 )  (1.9 )
Net gain on cash flow hedging  
  instruments, net of $.2 tax expense    .4    .4  


    Comprehensive income    38.4  
Activity under stock plans  
  (approx. 49,000 shares)       (.1 )         .8                 .7  


Balance, September 30, 2001   $ .3   $ 109.9   $ 332.6   $ (51.9 ) $ -   $ (1.5 ) $ 389.4  
Net earnings       53.8                       53.8  
Minimum pension liability  
  adjustment, net of $5.7 tax benefit                                   (9.8 )  (9.8 )
Net gain on cash flow hedging  
  instruments, net of $.4 tax expense                                    .7    .7  


    Comprehensive income    44.7  
Activity under stock plans  
  (approx. 117,000 shares)       .1           2.0     (.1 )         2.0  


Balance, September 30, 2002   $ .3   $ 110.0   $ 386.4   $ (49.9 ) $ (.1 ) $ (10.6 ) $ 436.1  
Net earnings       7.4                       7.4  
Minimum pension liability  
  adjustment, net of $6.1 tax benefit       (10.8 )   (10.8 )
Net gain on cash flow hedging  
  instruments, net of $1.6 tax expense    2.9    2.9  


    Comprehensive loss    (.5 )
Purchases of treasury stock  
  (approx. 1,181,000 shares)       (28.8 )               (28.8 )
Deferred compensation      3.3                             3.3  
Activity under stock plans  
  (approx. 95,000 shares)     .8           1.8                2.6  


Balance, September 30, 2003   $ .3   $ 114.1   $ 393.8   $ (76.9 ) $ (.1 ) $ (18.5 ) $ 412.7  






























































































































































        Recently
Issued Accounting Standards –
Significant developments in accounting rules are
discussed below.




        During
the fourth quarter of fiscal 2001, the Company implemented accounting reclassifications as
a result of the consensus of the Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) on issue 00-10, as well
as 00-14 and 00-25 which were later codified and reconciled in EITF 01-9. These
reclassifications had no impact on net earnings or earnings per share but did affect
reported net sales, cost of products sold, and selling, general and administrative
expenses.




        In
June 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FAS 141, “Business
Combinations,” which applies to all business combinations initiated after June 30,
2001. The major provisions of FAS 141 include (a) the elimination of the
pooling-of-interests method of accounting for business combinations, (b) additional
criteria for the recognition of intangible assets independent of goodwill, and (c)
disclosure of the primary reasons for a business combination and the allocation of the
purchase price paid to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed by major balance sheet
caption (see Note 2).




        On
October 1, 2001, the Company adopted FAS 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible
Assets,” which stops the amortization of goodwill and requires a goodwill impairment
test at least annually. Neither the transitional impairment test at adoption nor the first
annual test as of June 30, 2002 resulted in impairment of Ralcorp’s goodwill. See
Note 2 for information regarding the impairment loss recorded in fiscal 2003. The
following schedule shows fiscal 2001 net earnings and earnings per share (EPS) adjusted to
exclude Ralcorp’s goodwill amortization expense (net of tax effects) and to adjust
Ralcorp’s equity earnings to exclude the goodwill amortization expense of Vail
Resorts, Inc.



2003 2002 2001
 
Net earnings, as reported $ 7.4   $ 53.8   $ 39.9  
Add: Stock-based employee compensation 
    expense included in reported net earnings, 
    net of related tax effects   .5     -     -  
Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation 
    expense determined under fair value based method, 
    net of related tax effects   (2.4 )   (2.5 )   (1.7 )
 
Pro forma net earnings $ 5.5   $ 51.3   $ 38.2  
 
Earnings per share: 
    Basic - as reported $ 0.25   $ 1.79   $ 1.34  
    Basic - pro forma $ 0.19   $ 1.71   $ 1.28  

    Diluted - as reported
$ 0.25   $ 1.77   $ 1.33  
    Diluted - pro forma $ 0.19   $ 1.68   $ 1.27  

















































        On
October 1, 2003, the Company adopted FAS 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement
Obligations,” which addresses financial accounting and reporting for legal
obligations associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets and the
associated asset retirement costs. The Company does not currently have any obligations
within the scope of FAS 143, and therefore the application of this statement has had no
impact on its financial position, earnings, or cash flows.




25











        FAS
144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets,” was
adopted by the Company for its financial statements issued for fiscal year 2003, including
interim periods. FAS 144 superseded FAS 121, “Accounting for the Impairment of
Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of,” but retained the
requirements to (a) recognize an impairment loss only if the carrying amount of a
long-lived asset is not recoverable from its undiscounted cash flows and (b) measure an
impairment loss as the difference between the carrying amount and fair value of the asset.
The adoption of FAS 144 has not had a material impact on the Company’s financial
position, earnings, or cash flows.




        FAS
145, “Rescission of FASB Statements No. 4, 55, and 64, Amendment of FASB Statement
No. 13, and Technical Corrections,” was generally effective for the Company for
fiscal year 2003. The adoption of FAS 145 did not have a material impact on the
Company’s financial position, earnings, or cash flows.




        FAS
146, “Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities,”
addresses financial accounting and reporting for costs associated with exit or disposal
activities and nullifies EITF 94-3, “Liability Recognition for Certain Employee
Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit an Activity (including Certain Costs Incurred
in a Restructuring).” FAS 146 requires that a liability for a cost associated with an
exit or disposal activity be recognized when the liability is incurred rather than at the
date of an entity’s commitment to an exit plan. Costs covered by the standard include
lease termination costs and certain employee severance costs that are associated with a
restructuring, discontinued operation, plant closing, or other exit or disposal activity.
The Company adopted FAS 146 prospectively for exit or disposal activities initiated after
December 31, 2002. The adoption has not had a material impact on the Company’s
financial position, earnings, or cash flows.




        FAS
148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation-Transition and Disclosure,” amends
FAS 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” to provide alternative
methods of transition for a voluntary change to the fair value based method of accounting
for stock-based employee compensation. The Company currently has no plans to change to the
fair value based method from the intrinsic value method currently used. In addition, FAS
148 amends the disclosure requirement of FAS 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. Those
disclosure provisions were adopted by the Company in fiscal 2003 (see Note 18).




        FAS
149, “Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging
Activities,” was issued in April 2003 and is generally effective for contracts
entered into or modified after June 30, 2003, and for hedging relationships designated
after June 30, 2003. The amendment has not had a material impact on the Company’s
financial position, earnings, or cash flows.




        FAS
150, “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both
Liabilities and Equity,” became effective during fiscal 2003. The Company has not
issued any financial instruments within the scope of FAS 150.




        FASB
Interpretation No. (FIN) 45, “Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements
for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others,” 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, in certain cases, 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. FIN 45 became effective during fiscal 2003. The Company currently has no
obligations from guarantees which would require disclosure or the recognition of a
liability, except as disclosed in Note 14 and Note 15.




        FIN
46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an interpretation of ARB 51,”
was issued January 13, 2003. The Company currently has no involvement with variable
interest entities as defined by FIN 46. FIN 46 specifically states that qualifying
special-purpose entities, such as Ralcorp Receivables Corporation (RRC) discussed in Note
11, shall not be consolidated unless the holder has the unilateral ability to cause the
entity to liquidate or to change the entity so that it no longer meets certain conditions
described in Statement 140. Because RRC’s Board of Directors must include an
independent director, the Company does not have such unilateral ability.




        EITF
Issue No. 02-17, “Recognition of Customer Relationship Intangible Assets Acquired in
a Business Combination” clarifies certain recognition requirements in FAS 141,
“Business Combinations.” This additional guidance was adopted by the Company in
fiscal 2003 and was applied during the annual goodwill impairment tests performed during
the year. Its application did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial
position, earnings, or cash flows.




26










        Reclassifications
– Certain prior years’ amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current
year’s presentation.





NOTE 2 –
ACQUISITIONS AND GOODWILL




        Each
of the following acquisitions was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting,
whereby the results of operations are included in the consolidated statement of earnings
from the date of acquisition. The purchase price, including costs of acquisition, was
allocated to acquired assets and liabilities based on their estimated fair values at the
date of acquisition, and any excess was allocated to goodwill.





Fiscal
2002




        On
January 30, 2002, the Company completed the purchase of 100 percent of the stock of
Lofthouse Foods Incorporated (Lofthouse) for $52.8 in cash obtained through borrowings
from the Company’s revolving credit agreement. Lofthouse is a producer of high
quality cookies sold to the in-store bakeries of major U.S. grocers and mass
merchandisers. The combination of Lofthouse with Cascade, acquired in 2000, gave Ralcorp a
significant presence in this fast-growth category. The acquired business, with
approximately $70 in annual sales, is reported in the Cereals, Crackers and Cookies
segment. The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired
and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition. The assigned goodwill is deductible
for tax purposes. The trademark has an indefinite life and is not subject to amortization.




Net
Earnings
Basic
EPS
Diluted
EPS


Reported   $39 .9 $1 .34 $1 .33
Add back: Goodwill amortization  6 .2 .21 .21
Adjust: Equity in earnings of Vail Resorts, Inc.  .6 .02 .02


Adjusted  $46 .7 $1 .57 $1 .56


 








































































Fiscal 2001




        On
January 31, 2001, the Company completed the purchase of the wet products portion of The
Torbitt & Castleman Company, LLC (T&C), located in Buckner, KY. Acquired product
lines include private label syrups, Mexican sauces, jams and jellies, barbecue sauces,
flavored syrups and other specialty sauces and are part of the Dressings, Syrups, Jellies
& Sauces segment. The $55.6 cost exceeded the fair value of the net assets acquired by
$38.9. Before the adoption of FAS 142, that goodwill was being amortized on a
straight-line basis over 25 years. The goodwill is deductible for tax purposes.





Pro
Forma Information




        The
following unaudited pro forma information presents the 2002 and 2001 results of operations
of the Company, including equity earnings from Vail, as if the fiscal 2002 and 2001
acquisitions described above had occurred as of October 1, 2000. Pro forma adjustments to
earnings are net of income taxes at Ralcorp’s rates and include actual Lofthouse and
T&C earnings before taxes, additional interest expense and, in 2001, amortization of
related goodwill totaling $1.7 after taxes. These pro forma results may not necessarily
reflect the actual results of operations that would have been achieved, nor are they
necessarily indicative of future results of operations.



Current assets   $      9 .1
Property  12 .1
Goodwill  28 .4
Trademark  9 .0
Other assets  .1
 
    Total assets acquired  58 .7
 
Accounts payable  (3 .8)
Other current liabilities  (2 .1)
 
    Total liabilities assumed  (5 .9)
 
    Net assets acquired  $    52 .8
 

























































27










Goodwill




        The
changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment (see Note 19) were as
follows:



2002 2001
 
Net sales   $ 1,306.1   $ 1,274.3  
Net earnings     54.0     39.0  
Basic earnings per share  1.80     1.31  
Diluted earnings per share    1.77     1.30  
































































































        The
Company’s reporting units are tested for impairment in the fourth fiscal quarter,
after the annual forecasting process. In September 2003, a goodwill impairment loss of
$59.0 was recognized in the Dressings, Syrups, Jellies & Sauces reporting unit ($45.5
after taxes, or $1.53 per diluted share). Factors leading to the impairment included lost
sales and additional charges related to the bankruptcy of Fleming Companies, Inc. (filed
April 1, 2003), the inability to quickly replace co-manufacturing business lost at the
beginning of fiscal 2003, increasing competitive pricing pressures, and the near-term
production inefficiencies arising from restructuring initiatives. Those factors resulted
in lower than expected operating profits and cash flows in fiscal 2003, prompting
management to revise earnings forecasts for coming years. Estimated fair values of the
reporting unit and its identifiable net assets were determined based on the best
information available, including independent appraisals and the results of valuation
techniques such as EBITDA multiples and expected present value of future cash flows.





NOTE 3 –
RESTRUCTURING CHARGES




        In
the quarter ended December 31, 2002, the Company finalized its plans to reduce operations
at its Streator, IL facility and transfer production of all product lines except peanut
butter to other Dressings, Syrups, Jellies & Sauces locations. Termination benefits
totaling $1.2 were paid (145 employees) and equipment with a net book value of $.2 was
written off, for a total of $1.4 charged to restructuring expenses in fiscal 2003.




        Also
in the quarter ended December 31, 2002, the Company sold its ketchup business, including
certain equipment and inventory. The resulting net loss on the sale was $1.4 and included
writing off or reducing the carrying value of related inventories of packaging,
ingredients, and finished products, as well as $.4 for other exit costs incurred. Further,
management determined that the resulting reduced cash flows from its tomato paste
business, which had supplied the Company’s ketchup production, was less than the
carrying value of its paste production facility located near Williams, CA. Accordingly,
the fair value of the related fixed assets as of December 31, 2002, was assessed based on
a preliminary market quote, resulting in an impairment charge of $5.0. On February 4,
2003, the Company sold its tomato paste business, including the Williams, CA, facility.
The sale resulted in an additional loss of $3.6, including the write-off of $1.4 of
goodwill associated with that business. The ketchup and paste operations were both part of
the Dressings, Syrups, Jellies & Sauces segment.




        In
the quarter ended March 31, 2003, Ralcorp announced its plans to close its in-store bakery
(ISB) facility in Kent, WA, part of the Cereals, Crackers & Cookies segment, and
transfer production to a new ISB plant located in Utah. The Company is also in the process
of transferring production from two other ISB facilities located near the new plant and
expects to complete the project by April of 2004. The Company recorded $.2 of Kent
employee termination benefits (68 employees), $1.3 of costs to remove and relocate
equipment, and $.2 to write-off abandoned leasehold improvements. In addition, $1.2 of
Kent operating lease termination costs were recorded as a liability when the facility was
vacated, with $.5 in “Other current liabilities” and $.7 in “Other
Liabilities” on the balance sheet. That amount represents the present value of the
remaining lease rentals (through February 2007), reduced by estimated sublease rentals
that could be reasonably obtained for the property. Together, these costs totaled $2.9
charged to restructuring expenses in fiscal 2003. All other costs associated with this
project are charged to operating expenses as incurred or capitalized, as appropriate.



28









        On
January 23, 2001, the Company announced its plan to close the San Jose, CA, plant of its
Dressings, Syrups, Jellies & Sauces segment and move production to its other
facilities. This process was essentially complete by the end of fiscal 2001. Related costs
totaling $.7 were recorded as restructuring charges in fiscal 2001.




        On
July 24, 2000, the Company announced its plan to close the Baltimore, MD, plant of its
Dressings, Syrups, Jellies & Sauces segment and move production to its Dunkirk, NY,
facility. This process was completed in fiscal 2001. Related costs totaling $1.9 were
recorded as restructuring charges in fiscal 2001.




        The
following table reconciles the restructuring costs described above to “Restructuring
Charges” shown on the statement of earnings. The after-tax effect was $9.2, or $.31
per diluted share, in 2003 and $1.7, or $.06 per diluted share, in 2001. Other than the
Kent lease obligations recorded as described above, there were no restructuring reserves
at September 30, 2003 or 2002.




Cereals,
Crackers
& Cookies
Dressings,
Syrups,
Jellies
& Sauces
Snack Nuts
& Candy
Total

Balance, September 30, 2001   $    56 .0 $     99 .1 $    54 .4 $     209 .5
Goodwill acquired  28 .4    -    - 28 .4
Purchase price allocation adjustment     - .1    - .1

Balance, September 30, 2002  $    84 .4 $     99 .2 $    54 .4 $     238 .0
Goodwill written off related to sale 
   of industrial tomato paste business     - (1 .4)    - (1 .4)
Goodwill impairment loss     - (59 .0)    - (59 .0)

Balance, September 30, 2003  $    84 .4 $     38 .8 $    54 .4 $     177 .6






















































































NOTE 4 – LITIGATION
SETTLEMENT INCOME




        The
Company received payments in settlement of its claims related to vitamin antitrust
litigation. The amounts received were recorded net of related expenses. The after-tax
effect was $9.3, or $.31 per diluted share, in 2003 and $1.0, or $.03 per diluted share,
in 2002.





NOTE 5 – MERGER
TERMINATION FEE




        Agribrands
International, Inc. terminated a merger agreement with Ralcorp on December 1, 2000. In
accordance with the agreement, Ralcorp received a payment of $5.0 as a termination fee,
which was recorded in the first quarter of fiscal 2001 net of related expenses. The
after-tax effect was $2.6, or $.09 per diluted share.





NOTE 6 – INCOME
TAXES




        The
provision for income taxes consisted of the following:



2003 2002 2001

Streator plant downsizing   $     1 .4 $   -   $      -
Ketchup business sale  1 .4 -      -
Tomato paste asset impairment  5 .0 -      -
Tomato paste business sale  3 .6 -      -
ISB plant restructuring  2 .9 -      -
San Jose plant closure     - -   .7
Baltimore plant closure     - -   1 .9

   $    14 .3 $   -   $   2 .6




















































































































29









        A
reconciliation of income taxes with amounts computed at the statutory federal rate
follows:




2003 2002 2001

Current:        
     Federal  $     26 .8 $     27 .6 $     16 .7
     State  2 .6 2 .1 1 .2

   29 .4 29 .7 17 .9

Deferred: 
     Federal  (12 .3) .8 4 .4
     State  ( .2) .2 ( .2)

   (12 .5) 1 .0 4 .2

Income taxes  16 .9 30 .7 22 .1
Deferred income taxes on equity earnings (federal)  ( .3) ( .4) 2 .1

Total provision for income taxes  $     16 .6 $     30 .3 $     24 .2






























































        Deferred
income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying
amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used
for income tax purposes. Deferred tax assets (liabilities) at September 30 were as
follows:




2003 2002 2001

Computed tax at federal statutory rate (35%)   $    8 .4 $   29 .4 $   22 .4
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit  1 .6 1 .5 .7
Non-deductible goodwill impairment/amortization  7 .6    - 1 .2
Other, net  (1 .0) ( .6) ( .1)

   $   16 .6 $   30 .3 $   24 .2


































































































































































































































































































NOTE 7 – EQUITY
INVESTMENT IN VAIL RESORTS, INC.




        On
January 3, 1997, the Company sold its ski resorts holdings (Resort Operations) to Vail
Resorts, Inc. (Vail) in exchange for 7,554,406 shares of Vail common stock (NYSE:MTN). At
the date of the exchange, the Company’s equity interest in the underlying net assets
of Vail exceeded the net book value of the net assets contributed by the Company to Vail
by $37.5. This excess is being amortized ratably to the investment in Vail over 20 years.
The unamortized excess was $24.8 and $26.7 as of September 30, 2003 and 2002,
respectively. The amount of retained earnings that represents undistributed earnings of
Vail was $14.2 and $14.6 as of September 30, 2003 and 2002, respectively.




        The
following table summarizes information about the Company’s equity investment in Vail
at September 30:




2003 2002

 
Assets Liabilities Net   Assets Liabilities Net

 
Current:                
     Accrued liabilities  $      4 .0 $         - $      4 .0   $      2 .4 $         - $      2 .4
     Inventories     - (1 .5) (1 .5)   2 .1    - 2 .1
     Other items  .4    - .4   .6    - .6

 
   4 .4 (1 .5) 2 .9   5 .1    - 5 .1

 
Noncurrent: 
     Equity investment in Vail     - (21 .5) (21 .5)      - (21 .8) (21 .8)
     Property basis differences     - (33 .5) (33 .5)      - (32 .6) (32 .6)
     Intangible assets  4 .9    - 4 .9      - (5 .1) (5 .1)
     Pension  11 .8    - 11 .8   8 .2    - 8 .2
     Postretirement benefits  5 .8    - 5 .8   5 .4    - 5 .4
     Deferred compensation  7 .4    - 7 .4   5 .6    - 5 .6
     Insurance reserves  4 .7    - 4 .7   3 .8    - 3 .8
     Other items  .4    - .4   .2    - .2

 
   35 .0 (55 .0) (20 .0)   23 .2 (59 .5) (36 .3)

 
Total deferred taxes  $     39 .4 $  (56 .5) $  (17 .1)   $     28 .3 $  (59 .5) $  (31 .2)

 






























30









        Terms
of a shareholder agreement provide that the Company will not acquire any additional shares
of Vail stock except in limited circumstances. The Company has registration rights with
respect to the Vail stock, but the shareholder agreement provides that, with certain
limited exceptions, Vail and its largest shareholder can purchase at market prices any
Vail stock the Company desires to sell. The Company can only sell its Vail stock in a
registered offering allowed under the shareholder agreement or in private transactions
(provided the purchaser agrees to be bound by the shareholder agreement). The shareholder
agreement provides that the Company will vote the shares of Vail stock in accordance with
the recommendation of Vail’s Board of Directors with respect to shareholder proposals
and nominations to that Board, and with respect to other proposals, in proportion to the
votes of all other shareholders. However, the Company may vote as it deems appropriate
with respect to proposals for the merger of Vail, the sale of all Vail assets, the
creation of any other class of voting stock of Vail or changes to Vail’s certificate
of incorporation or bylaws if such changes adversely affect the Company’s rights
under the shareholder agreement. The Company has two representatives on the 17-member Vail
Board of Directors.




        Vail’s
fiscal year ends July 31, so the Company reports equity earnings on a two-month time lag.
In October 2002, Vail filed an amended Annual Report on Form 10-K for July 31, 2001, which
included restatements and reclassifications of previously issued financial information.
Because the effects on Ralcorp’s earnings were immaterial for any single year and in
total, the Company chose to reflect the full $4.9 impact ($3.2 after taxes, or $.10 per
diluted share) in fiscal 2002 rather than restate its previously reported financial
statements. In November 2003, Vail again restated its financial statements for prior
years. Because the effects on Ralcorp’s earnings were immaterial for any single year
and in total, the Company chose to reflect the full $.8 impact ($.5 after taxes, or $.02
per diluted share) in fiscal 2003 rather than restate its previously reported financial
statements. Vail’s summarized financial information, as restated, follows.




2003 2002

Ownership percentage   21 .5% 21 .5%
Carrying value  $      80 .1 $      80 .8
Market value  108 .0 107 .0

















































































































































31








NOTE 8 – EARNINGS PER SHARE




        The
following schedule shows common stock options and deferred compensation awards which were
outstanding and could potentially dilute basic earnings per share in the future but which
were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share for the periods
indicated because to do so would have been antidilutive. See Note 18 for more information
about outstanding options and deferred compensation plans.




Year Ended
July 31, 2003
Year Ended
July 31, 2002
Year Ended
July 31, 2001

Net revenues   $  710 .4 $  615 .3 $  543 .8
Total operating expenses   675 .9 566 .2 497 .9

Income from operations  $    34 .5 $    49 .1 $    45 .9

Income before cumulative effect 
   of change in accounting principle  $     (8 .5) $      8 .8 $    11 .5

Net income  $     (8 .5) $      7 .1 $    11 .5

 
July 31, 2003
 
July 31, 2002

Current assets  $       117 .0 $      109 .4
Noncurrent assets  1,338 .4 1,339 .6

   Total assets  $    1,455 .4 $   1,449 .0

Current liabilities  $       180 .0 $      154 .4
Noncurrent liabilities  750 .0 767 .0
Minority interest  29 .2 23 .6
Stockholders’ equity  496 .2 504 .0

   Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity  $    1,455 .4 $   1,449 .0






















































































































































































NOTE 9 –
SUPPLEMENTAL EARNINGS STATEMENT AND CASH FLOW INFORMATION




First
Quarter
Second
Quarter
Third
Quarter
Fourth
Quarter

Fiscal 2003          
Stock options at $25.09 per share  461,500   -   -   -  
Stock options at $25.23 per share  4,500   -   -   -  
Stock options at $28.15 per share  4,000   4,000   4,000   4,000  
Stock options at $29.85 per share  -   -   -   22,500  
 
Fiscal 2002 
Stock options at $25.09 per share  -   -   -   461,500  
Stock options at $25.23 per share  -   -   -   4,500  
Stock options at $28.15 per share  -   -   -   4,000  
Deferred compensation awards  113,263   99,856   93,301   -  
 
Fiscal 2001 
Stock options at $14.63 per share  407,000   -   -   -  
Stock options at $16.31 per share  5,000   -   -   -  
Stock options at $17.19 per share  432,500   423,500   423,500   -  
Stock options at $18.50 per share  -   458,000   458,000   -  
Stock options at $19.30 per share  -   -   -   22,500  
Deferred compensation awards  220,489   150,889   151,266   125,068  























































32









NOTE 10 –
SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION



2003 2002 2001

Repair and maintenance expenses   $  41 .1 $  41 .8 $  36 .7
Advertising and promotion expenses  8 .7 8 .7 8 .2
Research and development expenses  6 .2 5 .0 4 .4
Interest paid  3 .6 6 .1 16 .4
Income taxes paid, net of refunds  32 .3 29 .9 13 .6




































































































































































































NOTE 11 – SALE OF
RECEIVABLES




        To
reduce its long-term debt, on September 24, 2001 the Company entered into a three-year
agreement to sell, on an ongoing basis, all of its trade accounts receivable to a wholly
owned, bankruptcy-remote subsidiary called Ralcorp Receivables Corporation (RRC). RRC
funds its purchases of Ralcorp trade receivables by selling up to $66.0 of ownership
interests in such receivables to a bank commercial paper conduit, which issues commercial
paper to investors. Ralcorp continues to service the receivables as agent for RRC and the
bank conduit. RRC is a qualifying special purpose entity under FAS 140 and the sale of
Ralcorp receivables to RRC is considered a true sale for accounting, tax, and legal
purposes. Therefore, the trade receivables sold and the related commercial paper
borrowings are not recorded on Ralcorp’s consolidated balance sheet. However, the
Company’s consolidated balance sheet does reflect an investment in RRC that in
substance represents a subordinated retained interest in the trade receivables sold. As of
September 30, 2003, the outstanding balance of receivables (net of an allowance for
doubtful accounts) sold to RRC was $86.6 and proceeds received were $34.2, resulting in a
retained interest of $52.4. As of September 30, 2002, the outstanding balance of
receivables sold was $86.3 and proceeds received were $56.6, resulting in a retained
interest of $29.7. Discounts related to the sale of receivables totaled $.7 and $1.2 for
the years ended September 30, 2003 and September 30, 2002, respectively, and are included
on the statement of earnings in “Selling, general and administrative” expenses.



33









NOTE 12 –
ALLOWANCES FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS AND OBSOLETE INVENTORY




September 30,

2003     2002

Inventories      
     Raw materials and supplies  $       62 .2 $       59 .3
     Finished products  85 .4 102 .3

   147 .6 161 .6
     Allowance for obsolete inventory  (1 .9) (2 .9)

   $     145 .7 $     158 .7

Property 
     Land  $         5 .0 $         5 .2
     Buildings and leasehold improvements  84 .3 86 .6
     Machinery and equipment  378 .7 365 .1
     Construction in progress  16 .7 18 .7

   484 .7 475 .6
     Accumulated depreciation  (219 .4) (193 .0)

   $     265 .3 $     282 .6

Other Intangible Assets 
     Computer software  $       26 .7 $       21 .6
     Trademark  9 .0 9 .0

   35 .7 30 .6
     Accumulated amortization  (20 .0) (16 .7)

   $       15 .7 $       13 .9

Other Current Liabilities 
     Compensation  $       16 .0 $       15 .1
     Advertising and promotion  14 .6 14 .7
     Other items  12 .0 15 .0

   $       42 .6 $       44 .8
































































































































NOTE 13 – DERIVATIVES
AND OTHER FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS





Fair
Values




        The
carrying amounts reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheet for cash and cash equivalents,
receivables and accounts payable approximate fair value because of the short maturities of
these financial instruments. The estimated fair value of the Company’s long-term debt
(see Note 14) approximates book value since the interest rates on nearly all of the
outstanding borrowings are adjusted frequently.





Concentration
of Credit Risk




        The
Company’s primary concentration of credit risk is related to certain trade accounts
receivable due from several highly leveraged or “at risk” customers. At
September 30, 2003 and 2002, the amount of such receivables was immaterial. Consideration
was given to the financial position of these customers when determining the fair value of
the Company’s subordinated retained interest in accounts receivable (see Note 11).





Hedging
Activities




        On
October 1, 2000, the Company implemented Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (FAS)
No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” as
amended by FAS 137 and FAS 138 (collectively, the “Statement”). This Statement
requires all derivatives to be recognized in the balance sheet at fair value, with changes
in that fair value to be recorded in current earnings or deferred in other comprehensive
income, depending on whether the derivative instrument qualifies as a hedge and, if so,
the nature of the hedging activity. The Company’s transition adjustment upon adoption
of the Statement was immaterial. In the ordinary course of business, the Company is
exposed to commodity price risks relating to the acquisition of raw materials and supplies
and interest rate risks relating to debt. Authorized individuals within the Company may
utilize derivative financial instruments, including (but not limited to) futures
contracts, option contracts, forward contracts and swaps, to manage certain of these
exposures by hedging when it is practical to do so. The terms of these instruments
generally do not exceed twelve months. The Company is not permitted to engage in
speculative or leveraged transactions and will not hold or issue financial instruments for
trading purposes. Hedge accounting is only applied when the derivative is deemed to be
highly effective at offsetting changes in fair values or anticipated cash flows of the
hedged item or transaction. Earnings impacts for all designated hedges are recorded in the
Consolidated Statement of Earnings within the same line item as the gain or loss on the
item being hedged. For a fair value hedge of a recognized asset or liability or
unrecognized firm commitment, the entire change in fair value of the derivative is
recorded in earnings as incurred. For a cash flow hedge of an anticipated transaction, the
ineffective portion of the change in fair value of the derivative is recorded in earnings
as incurred, whereas the effective portion is deferred in accumulated other comprehensive
income in the Consolidated Balance Sheet until the transaction is realized, at which time
any deferred hedging gains or losses are recorded in earnings. During fiscal 2003, 2002,
and 2001, hedging activities consisted only of cash flow hedges on ingredient and
packaging purchases. Hedge gains totaling $5.3 were deferred into accumulated other
comprehensive income during fiscal 2003, $.8 was reclassified into




34









earnings, and $.1 of
ineffectiveness was recorded in earnings as incurred. During fiscal 2002, hedge gains
totaling $2.0 were deferred into accumulated other comprehensive income, $.9 was
reclassified into earnings, and $.1 of ineffectiveness was recorded in earnings as
incurred. Corresponding amounts were immaterial during fiscal 2001. The contractual
amounts of the related derivatives totaled $21.2 and $10.5 at September 30, 2003 and 2002,
respectively, while the corresponding fair values were $5.2 and $1.0.





NOTE 14 – LONG-TERM
DEBT




        Long-term debt
consisted of the following at September 30:




2003 2002 2001

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts        
     Balance, beginning of year  $        - $        - $    1 .6
     Provision charged to expense  1 .7 .1 .4
     Write-offs, less recoveries  (2 .2) ( .3) ( .3)
     Acquisitions     -    - .2
     Transfers to Ralcorp Receivables Corporation  .5 .2 (1 .9)

     Balance, end of year  $        - $        - $        -

Allowance for Obsolete Inventory 
     Balance, beginning of year  $    2 .9 $    2 .5 $    1 .6
     Provision charged to expense  4 .7 5 .5 3 .6
     Write-offs of inventory  (5 .7) (5 .2) (2 .8)
     Acquisitions     - .1 .1

     Balance, end of year  $    1 .9 $    2 .9 $    2 .5








































































































        On
May 22, 2003, the Company issued Floating Rate Senior Notes, Series A, in the amount of
$150.0. Borrowings under this private placement debt financing incur interest at a rate of
3-month LIBOR plus 0.85%, adjusted quarterly, with interest payable quarterly in arrears.
Borrowings under this agreement are unsecured and mature on May 22, 2010. The note
agreement contains certain representations, warranties, covenants, and conditions
customary to agreements of this nature. The covenants include requirements that debt not
exceed 3.5 times EBITDA (defined generally as net earnings plus interest expense, taxes,
depreciation, and amortization) and that adjusted net worth remain above a certain minimum
amount.




        On
October 16, 2001, the Company entered into a $275 revolving credit agreement. Borrowings
under the credit agreement incur interest at the Company’s choice of either (1) LIBOR
plus the applicable margin rate (currently 0.875%) or (2) the maximum of the federal funds
rate plus 0.50% or the prime rate. Such borrowings are unsecured and mature on October 16,
2004 unless such date is extended. The credit agreement calls for an unused fee (currently
0.20%), payable quarterly in arrears, and contains certain representations, warranties,
covenants, and conditions customary to credit facilities of this nature. The covenants
include requirements that debt not exceed three times EBITDA (defined generally as net
earnings plus taxes, interest expense, depreciation, and amortization), EBIT (defined
generally as net earnings plus interest and taxes) be at least three times interest
expense, and adjusted net worth remain above a certain minimum amount.




        The
Company has entered into uncommitted credit arrangements with banks that totaled $35.0 as
of September 30, 2003. Borrowings under these arrangements typically have terms of less
than a week. The amounts outstanding under these arrangements at September 30, 2003
matured October 1, 2003. Based upon management’s intent and ability to refinance
these amounts on a long-term basis, they were classified as long-term.




        Through
the acquisition of The Red Wing Company, Inc., the Company acquired an Industrial
Development Revenue Bond in the amount of $5.6, which bears interest at a variable rate
and matures on April 1, 2005.




        As
of September 30, 2003, $10.2 in letters of credit and surety bonds were outstanding with
various financial institutions, principally related to self-insurance requirements.



35









NOTE 15 – COMMITMENTS AND
CONTINGENCIES





Legal
Proceedings




        The
Company is a party to a number of legal proceedings in various state and federal
jurisdictions. These proceedings are in varying stages and many may proceed for protracted
periods of time. Some proceedings involve complex questions of fact and law. Additionally,
the operations of the Company, like those of similar businesses, are subject to various
federal, state, and local laws and regulations intended to protect public health and the
environment, including air and water quality and waste handling and disposal.




        Pending
legal liability, if any, from these proceedings cannot be determined with certainty;
however, in the opinion of Company management, based upon the information presently known,
the ultimate liability of the Company, if any, arising from the pending legal proceedings,
as well as from asserted legal claims and known potential legal claims which are probable
of assertion, taking into account established accruals for estimated liabilities (if any),
are not expected to be material to the Company’s consolidated financial position,
results of operations and cash flows. In addition, while it is difficult to quantify with
certainty the potential financial impact of actions regarding expenditures for compliance
with regulatory matters, in the opinion of management, based upon the information
currently available, the ultimate liability arising from such compliance matters should
not be material to the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of
operations and cash flows.




        Additionally,
the Company has retained certain potential liabilities associated with divested businesses
(its former branded cereal business and ski resort business). Presently, management
believes that taking into account applicable liability caps, sharing arrangements with
acquiring entities and the known facts and circumstances regarding the retained
liabilities, potential liabilities of the divested businesses should not be material to
the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.





Lease
Commitments




        Future
minimum rental payments (receipts) under noncancelable operating leases and subleases in
effect as of September 30, 2003 were:




2003   2002


 
Balance       
Outstanding       
Interest    
Rate    
  Balance       
Outstanding       
Interest    
Rate    


 
Floating Rate Senior Notes, Series A   $150.0   1.980 %   $       -   n/a  
$275 Revolving Credit Agreement  -   n/a     165.0 2.754 %
Uncommited credit arrangements  .1 2.000 %   8.0 2.700 %
Industrial Development Revenue Bond  5.6 0.990 %   5.6 1.540 %
Other  .2           Various   .4 Various    




   $155.9   $179.0





















































        Rent
expense for all operating leases was $7.9, $7.6, and $7.2 in fiscal 2003, 2002, and 2001,
respectively, net of sublease income of $.6 in each year.





Container
Supply Agreement




        During
fiscal 2002, the Company entered into a ten-year agreement to purchase certain containers
from a single supplier. It is believed that the agreement was related to the
supplier’s financing arrangements regarding the container facility. The
Company’s total purchases under the agreement were $7.7 in fiscal 2003 and $2.6 in
fiscal 2002. Generally, to avoid a shortfall payment requirement, the Company must
purchase approximately 655 million additional containers by the end of the ten-year term.
The minimum future payment obligation cannot be determined at this time, but is currently
estimated at $4.7.





Other
Contingencies




        In
connection with the sale of the Company’s Resort Operations in 1997, Vail assumed the
obligation to repay, when due, certain indebtedness of Resort Operations consisting of the
following: Series 1990 Sports Facilities Refunding Revenue Bonds in the aggregate
principal amount of $19.0, bearing interest at rates ranging from 7.75% to 7.875% and
maturing in installments in 2006 and 2008; and Series 1991 Sports Facilities Refunding
Revenue Bonds in the aggregate principal amount of $1.5, bearing interest at 7.375% and
maturing in 2010 (collectively, “Resort Operations Debt”). The Resort Operations
Debt is guaranteed by Ralston Purina Company (Ralston). Pursuant to an Agreement and Plan
of Reorganization signed when the Company was spun-off from Ralston in 1994, the Company
agreed to indemnify Ralston for any liabilities associated with the guarantees. To
facilitate the sale of the Company’s branded cereal business to General Mills in
1997, General Mills acquired the legal entity originally obligated to so indemnify
Ralston. Pursuant to the Reorganization Agreement with General Mills, however, the Company
has agreed to indemnify General Mills for any liabilities it may incur with respect to
indemnifying Ralston relating to aforementioned guarantees. Presently, management believes
there is not a significant likelihood that Vail will default on its repayment obligations
with respect to the Resort Operations Debt.



36









NOTE 16 – PENSION
AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS




        The
Company sponsors qualified and supplemental noncontributory defined benefit pension plans
and other postretirement benefit plans for its employees. The following tables provide a
reconciliation of the changes in the plans’ benefit obligations and fair value of
assets over the two-year period ending September 30, 2003, and a statement of the funded
status as of September 30 of both years.




2004       2005       2006       2007       2008       Later       Total      


Leases   $ 5.2 $ 5.0 $ 2.5 $ 1.7 $ .9 $ 2.9 $ 18.2
Subleases  (.6 ) (.7 ) (.1 ) -   -   -   (1.4 )


























































































































































































































































































































































        For
September 30, 2003 measurement purposes, the assumed annual rate of increase in the future
per capita cost of covered health care benefits was 11% for 2004, declining gradually to
an ultimate rate of 5% for 2010 and beyond. For September 30, 2002 measurement purposes,
the assumed annual rate of increase in the future per capita cost of covered health care
benefits was 12% for 2003, declining gradually to an ultimate rate of 5% for 2010. A 1%
change in assumed health care cost trend rates would result in a corresponding change in
the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation at September 30, 2003 of approximately
$2.8 and in the total service and interest cost components for fiscal 2003 of
approximately $.2.




        In
September 2003, Ralcorp’s Board of Directors approved management’s
recommendation to modify the pension benefits to be provided under the Ralcorp Retirement
Plan. Accordingly, no additional pension benefits will be earned by administrative
employees as the result of additional service or pay increases after December 31, 2003.
The resulting curtailment gain is shown above as a change in benefit obligation during
2003.


37







        The
following table provides the components of net periodic benefit cost for the plans.




Pension Benefits   Other Benefits

 
2003 2002   2003     2002

 
Change in benefit obligation          
Benefit obligation at beginning of year  $  138 .2 $  124 .2   $   27 .7 $   20 .6
Service cost  5 .4 4 .8   .1 .1
Interest cost  9 .1 8 .8   1 .8 1 .4
Actuarial loss  20 .7 6 .2   1 .6 7 .7
Curtailment gain  (15 .8)    -      -    -
Benefit payments  (6 .1) (5 .8)   (1 .4) (2 .1)

 
Benefit obligation at end of year  $  151 .5 $  138 .2   $   29 .8 $    27 .7

 
Change in fair value of plan assets 
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year  $    99 .6 $  107 .6   $          - $          -
Actual return on plan assets  11 .3 (2 .3)      -    -
Employer contributions  10 .1 .1      -    -
Benefit payments  (6 .1) (5 .8)      -    -

 
Fair value of plan assets at end of year  $  114 .9 $    99 .6   $          - $          -

 
Funded status  $   (36 .6) $   (38 .6)   $  (29 .8) $   (27 .7)
Unrecognized net actuarial loss  40 .1 35 .0   14 .0 13 .3
Unrecognized prior service cost     -    -   ( .1) ( .2)
Unrecognized transition asset  ( .1) ( .1)      -    -

 
Net amount recognized  $      3 .4 $     (3 .7)   $  (15 .9) $   (14 .6)

 
Amounts recognized 
Accrued benefit liability  $   (32 .0) $   (22 .2)   $  (15 .9) $   (14 .6)
Accumulated other comprehensive income  35 .4 18 .5      -    -

 
Net amount recognized  $      3 .4 $     (3 .7)   $  (15 .9) $   (14 .6)

 
Weighted-average assumptions 
as of September 30 
Discount rate  6.00 % 6.75 %   6.00 % 6.75 %
Rate of compensation increase  4.75 % 4.75 %   N/A   N/A  
Expected return on plan assets  9.00 % 9.50 %   N/A   N/A  























































































































































        In
addition to the above plans, the Company sponsors defined contribution [401(k)] plans
under which the Company makes matching contributions. The costs of these plans were $3.5,
$3.0, and $2.7 for the years ended September 30, 2003, 2002, and 2001, respectively. The
Company contributed $.9 annually to multiemployer pension plans in fiscal 2003 and 2002.





NOTE 17 –
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY




        At
September 30, 2003, 4,072,438 shares of the Company’s common stock were reserved
under various employee incentive compensation and benefit plans.




        The
Company has not issued any shares of preferred stock. The terms of any series of preferred
stock (including but not limited to the dividend rate, voting rights, convertibility into
other Company securities, and redemption) may be set by the Company’s Board of
Directors.




        At
September 30, 2003, accumulated other comprehensive loss included $22.5 in net minimum
pension liability adjustments after taxes, partially offset by a $4.0 net gain on cash
flow hedging instruments after taxes. At September 30, 2002, the respective amounts were
$11.7 partially offset by $1.1.




        In
November 2002, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a tender offer for up to
4,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at between $21.00 and $24.00 per
share. The offer was in the form of a modified “Dutch Auction” where the final
price is determined based upon the number of shares, and the respective prices, tendered.
The offer resulted in the purchase of 1.15 million shares at a purchase price of $24.00
per share on December 11, 2002.




        On
December 18, 1996, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a dividend distribution
of one share purchase right (Right) for each outstanding share of the Company’s
common stock. Each Right entitles a shareholder to purchase from the Company one common
share at an exercise price of $30 per share subject to antidilution adjustments. The
Rights, however, become exercisable only at the time a person or group acquires, or
commences a public tender offer for, 20% or more of the Company’s common stock. If an
acquiring person or group acquires 20% or more of the Company’s common stock, the
price will be further adjusted so that each Right (other than those held by the acquiring
person or group) would entitle the holder to acquire for the exercise price a number of
shares of the Company’s common stock found by dividing the then current exercise
price by the number of shares of the Company’s common stock for which a Right is then
exercisable and dividing that amount by 50% of the then current per share market price of
the Company’s common stock. In the event that the Company merges with, or transfers
50% or more of its assets or earning power to, any person or group after the Rights become
exercisable, holders of the Rights may purchase, at the exercise price, common stock of
the acquiring entity having a value equal to twice the exercise price. The Rights can be
redeemed by the Board of Directors at $.01 per Right only up to the tenth business day
after a person or group acquires 20% or more of the Company’s common stock. Also,
following the acquisition by a person or group of beneficial ownership of at least 20% but
less than 50% of the Company’s common stock, the Board may exchange the Rights for
common stock at a ratio of one share of common stock per Right. The Rights expire on
January 31, 2007.



38









NOTE 18 – STOCK-BASED
COMPENSATION PLANS




        On
January 31, 2002, the Company’s shareholders adopted the 2002 Incentive Stock Plan
(Plan), which reserves shares to be used for various stock-based compensation awards and
replaces the 1997 Incentive Stock Plan. The Plan provides that eligible employees may
receive stock option awards and other stock awards payable in whole or part by the
issuance of stock. At September 30, 2003, 1,475,734 shares were available for future
awards under the Plan.





Stock
Options




        Changes
in nonqualified stock options outstanding are summarized in the following table.




Pension Benefits   Other Benefits

 
2003     2002     2001       2003     2002       2001

 
Service cost   $      5 .4 $      4 .8 $      4 .0   $      .1 $      .1 $      .1
Interest cost  9 .1 8 .8 8 .3   1 .8 1 .4 1 .3
Expected return on plan assets  (11 .6) (12 .1) (11 .6)      -    -    -
Amortization of: 
     Net loss (gain)  .2 .1 ( .8)   .8 .3    -
     Prior service cost     - .2 .3      -    -    -
     Transition asset  ( .1)    - ( .1)      -    -    -

 
Net periodic benefit cost  $      3 .0 $      1 .8 $         .1   $   2 .7 $   1 .8 $   1 .4

 










































































































































































        Generally,
options are exercisable beginning from three to nine years after date of grant and have a
maximum term of ten years. The following table provides more information about options
outstanding at September 30, 2003.



2003   2002   2001

 
 
Shares
Under
Option
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
  Shares
Under
Option
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
  Shares
Under
Option
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

 
 
Outstanding, beginning of year   2,387,800   $     17 .35   2,038,000   $     15 .22   1,597,500   $     14 .09
Granted  322,500   24 .43   492,500   24 .98   523,000   18 .35
Exercised  (98,100 ) 14 .57   (122,800 ) 13 .02   (53,000 ) 12 .00
Forfeited or expired  (15,500 ) 20 .30   (19,900 ) 15 .53   (29,500 ) 15 .09

 
 
Outstanding, end of year  2,596,700   18 .31   2,387,800   17 .35   2,038,000   15 .22

 
 
Exercisable, end of year  724,575   14 .39   407,475   14 .36   125,750   14 .22

 
 


















































































































        The
fair value of each option grant was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes
option-pricing model. The weighted average assumptions and fair values for options granted
each year were as follows:




Outstanding   Exercisable

 
Range of
Exercise Prices
Shares
Under
Option
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Life
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
  Shares
Under
Option
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price


 
$12.00 - $15.00   884,450   3.35 years   $     12 .93   505,075   $     13 .14
$15.01 - $20.00  907,250   6.18 years  17 .84   219,500   17 .29
$20.01 - $25.00  321,500   8.96 years  23 .89   -        -
$25.01 - $29.85  483,500   8.18 years  25 .34   -        -

 
$12.00 - $29.85  2,596,700   5.93 years  18 .31   724,575   14 .39

 
















































39









Restricted Stock Awards




        The
Company granted restricted stock awards of 2,000, 2,155, and 1,795 shares during fiscal
2003, 2002, and 2001, respectively, to the Chairman of the Board. These shares may not be
sold, pledged, transferred or disposed of except upon the recipient’s death,
voluntary termination or retirement, or termination due to expiration of the
recipient’s term without re-election to a subsequent term. The weighted average grant
date fair value of the awards was $25.00 per share in 2003, $23.20 per share in 2002, and
$16.25 per share in 2001.





Deferred
Compensation




        The
Incentive Stock Plan provides for deferred compensation plans for non-management directors
and key employees, as well as an Executive Savings Investment Plan.




        Under
the Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Management Directors, any non-management director
may elect to defer, within certain limitations, their retainer and fees until retirement
or other termination of their directorship. Deferrals may be made in Ralcorp common stock
equivalents (Equity Option) or in cash under a number of funds operated by The Vanguard
Group Inc. with a variety of investment strategies and objectives (Vanguard Funds).
Deferrals in the Equity Option receive a 33 1/3% Company matching contribution that is
fully vested.




        Under
the Deferred Compensation Plan for Key Employees, eligible employees may elect to defer
payment of all or a portion of their bonus until some later date. Deferrals may be made in
the Equity Option or in the Vanguard Funds.




        The
Executive Savings Investment Plan allows eligible employees to defer up to 15% of their
compensation once they have reached the legislated maximum annual pre-tax contribution to
the Company’s Savings Investment Plan [401(k)] or their compensation exceeds the
legislated maximum compensation that can be recognized under that plan. A portion of the
deferrals under this plan receives a Company matching contribution that vests at a rate of
25% for each year of Company service.




        Matching
contributions related to these three deferred compensation plans resulted in additional
annual compensation expense of approximately $.1 for fiscal 2003, 2002, and 2001. Market
adjustments to the liability and investment related to these plans resulted in pretax
expense of $.9, $.6, and $1.9 for fiscal 2003, 2002, and 2001, respectively.





NOTE 19 – SEGMENT
INFORMATION




        The
Company’s operating segments offer different products and services and are managed
separately. These operating segments have been aggregated to present the Company’s
reportable segments – Cereals, Crackers & Cookies; Dressings, Syrups, Jellies
& Sauces; and Snack Nuts & Candy. The Company evaluates segment performance based
on profit or loss from operations before income taxes, interest, restructuring charges,
and other unallocated corporate expenses.




        The
accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in Note 1. The
Company’s revenues were primarily generated by sales within the United States;
foreign sales were immaterial. There were no material intersegment revenues. In fiscal
2003, one customer accounted for $186.5, or approximately 14%, of total net sales. Each of
the segments sells products to this major customer.




40








        The
table below presents information about reportable segments as of and for the years ended
September 30. Note that “Additions to property and intangibles” excludes
additions through business acquisitions (see Note 2).




2003 2002 2001

Expected stock price volatility   36 .21% 37 .16% 39 .03%
Risk-free interest rate  3 .52% 4 .70% 4 .97%
Expected option life  7 .09 yrs 7 .25 yrs 6 .93 yrs
Fair value (per share)  $10 .94 $12 .14 $9 .12








































































































































































































































































































































41








NOTE 20 – QUARTERLY
FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)




        The
results for any single quarter are not necessarily indicative of the Company’s
results for any other quarter or the full year. Due to the Company’s equity interest
in Vail (see Note 7), which typically yields more than the entire year’s equity
income during the Company’s second and third fiscal quarters, net earnings of the
Company are seasonal. In addition certain aspects of the Company’s operations,
especially in the Snack Nuts & Candy segment, are somewhat seasonal with a higher
percentage of sales and operating profits expected to be recorded in the first and fourth
fiscal quarters.




2003       2002       2001  


Net sales        
     Cereals  $        316 .7 $        312 .5 $        310 .6
     Crackers & Cookies  397 .6 343 .5 264 .6
     Dressings, Syrups, Jellies & Sauces  405 .8 451 .5 420 .5
     Snack Nuts & Candy  183 .5 172 .8 182 .3


       Total  $     1,303 .6 $     1,280 .3 $     1,178 .0


Profit contribution 
     Cereals, Crackers & Cookies  $          76 .9 $          70 .1 $          58 .4
     Dressings, Syrups, Jellies & Sauces  8 .0 13 .5 7 .6
     Snack Nuts & Candy  22 .8 20 .6 15 .9


       Total segment profit contribution  107 .7 104 .2 81 .9
     Accelerated depreciation related to restructuring  (3 .0)    -    -
     Interest expense, net  (3 .3) (5 .9) (15 .9)
     Goodwill impairment loss  (59 .0)    -    -
     Restructuring charges  (14 .3)    - (2 .6)
     Litigation settlement income  14 .6 1 .6    -
     Merger termination fee     -    - 4 .2
     Other unallocated corporate expenses  (18 .0) (14 .6) (9 .5)


       Earnings before income taxes and equity earnings  $          24 .7 $          85 .3 $          58 .1


Additions to property and intangibles 
     Cereals, Crackers & Cookies  $          19 .2 $          13 .5 $          14 .2
     Dressings, Syrups, Jellies & Sauces  10 .2 13 .9 14 .9
     Snack Nuts & Candy  1 .3 1 .3 1 .1
     Corporate  5 .4 .4 5 .5


       Total  $          36 .1 $          29 .1 $          35 .7


Depreciation and amortization 
     Cereals, Crackers & Cookies  $          24 .3 $          24 .0 $          25 .5
     Dressings, Syrups, Jellies & Sauces  8 .5 8 .7 11 .0
     Snack Nuts & Candy  2 .3 2 .3 4 .6
     Corporate  3 .6 .8 .5


       Total  $          38 .7 $          35 .8 $          41 .6


Assets, end of year 
     Cereals, Crackers & Cookies  $        331 .9 $        337 .1 $        295 .2
     Dressings, Syrups, Jellies & Sauces  168 .8 261 .2 273 .8
     Snack Nuts & Candy  101 .2 98 .1 104 .0
     Investment in Ralcorp Receivables Corporation  52 .4 29 .7 41 .0
     Investment in Vail Resorts, Inc.  80 .1 80 .8 81 .9
     Other unallocated corporate assets  59 .9 25 .6 22 .0


       Total  $        794 .3 $        832 .5 $        817 .9
























































































































































































NOTE 21 –
SUBSEQUENT EVENT




        On
December 3, 2003, the Company completed the acquisition of Bakery Chef, Inc., for $287.5
in cash. Bakery Chef is a leading manufacturer of frozen griddle products (pancakes,
waffles and French toast) and other frozen pre-baked products. This acquisition provides a
platform for increasing Ralcorp’s existing access to the food service channel and
allows entry into the frozen food segment. Bakery Chef operates five manufacturing
facilities, employs approximately 800 people, and had net sales of $165 for the year ended
December 31, 2002. Ralcorp financed the acquisition primarily through borrowings under its
existing $275 revolving credit facility. The allocation of the purchase price to the
acquired assets and liabilities has not yet been completed.



ITEM 9.  CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE





      Not
applicable.



42









PART III





ITEM
10.  DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT




        The
information regarding directors under the headings “ELECTION OF DIRECTORS,”
“INFORMATION ABOUT RALCORP’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS,” “BOARD
GOVERNANCE,” and “OTHER MATTERS – Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership
Reporting Compliance” in the Company’s Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy
Statement (to be filed) is hereby incorporated by reference. Information regarding
Executive Officers of the Company is included under Item 4A of Part I.





ITEM
11.  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION




        Information
appearing under the heading “EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION” and the remuneration
information under the heading “DIRECTOR COMPENSATION” in the Company’s
Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement (to be filed) are hereby incorporated by
reference.





ITEM
12.  SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED
STOCKHOLDER MATTERS




        The
discussion of the security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management appearing
under the heading “STOCK OWNERSHIP INFORMATION” and “EQUITY COMPENSATION
PLAN INFORMATION” in the Company’s Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement
(to be filed) is hereby incorporated by reference.





ITEM
13.  CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS




        Information
appearing under the headings “COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER
PARTICIPATION” and “OTHER RELATIONSHIPS INVOLVING DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, OR THEIR
ASSOCIATES” of the Company’s Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement (to be
filed) is hereby incorporated by reference.





ITEM
14.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES




First
Quarter
Second
Quarter
Third
Quarter
Fourth
Quarter
Total
Year


Fiscal 2003            
Net sales  $      348.3 $      314.4 $      311.5 $       329.4 $     1,303.6
Gross profit  68.5 60.5 62.5 66.5 258.0
Net earnings  13.3 16.8 16.0 (38.7 ) 7.4
Diluted earnings per share  .44 .57 .54 (1.34 ) .25
Market price per share - high  25.40 27.79 27.55 29.85 29.85
Market price per share - low  19.43 24.00 24.43 24.81 19.43
 
Fiscal 2002 
Net sales  $      325.1 $      313.5 $      314.9 $       326.8 $     1,280.3
Gross profit  65.9 60.4 63.4 63.0 252.7
Net earnings  12.8 14.6 18.1 8.3 53.8
Diluted earnings per share  .42 .48 .59 .25 1.77
Market price per share - high  24.30 28.24 31.25 31.80 31.80
Market price per share - low  18.93 22.40 25.62 20.70 18.93











(a)  


The Company maintains systems of internal controls with respect to gathering,
analyzing and disclosing all information required to be disclosed in this
report. Within the ninety days preceding the filing of this report, the Company
completed an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the
Co-Chief Executive Officers and Presidents and the Corporate Vice President and
Controller, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the
Company’s disclosure controls and procedures. Based upon the review, such
officers concluded that the design and operation of disclosure controls
effectively alerted management to material information regarding the Company and
required to be filed in this report.













ITEM
15.  PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES




        The
information under the heading “OTHER MATTERS – Independent Public
Accountants” and “OTHER MATTERS – Fees Paid To PricewaterhouseCoopers
LLC” in the Company’s Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement (to be filed)
is hereby incorporated by reference.




43









PART IV





ITEM
16.  EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K




(a)          
Documents filed with this report:






(b)  


There have been no significant changes in the Company’s internal controls
or other factors that could significantly affect those controls since their
review was completed.












1.  

Financial Statements. The following financial statements are filed as a part of
this document under Item 8.











 
- -Report of Independent Accountants
-Consolidated
Statement of Earnings for years ended September 30, 2003, 2002 and 2001
-Consolidated
Balance Sheet at September 30, 2003 and 2002
-Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for
years ended September 30, 2003, 2002 and 2001
-Consolidated Statement of
Shareholders’ Equity for the three years ended September 30, 2003
-Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements











2.  


Financial Statement Schedules. None. Schedules not included have been omitted
because they are not applicable or the required information is shown in the
financial statements or notes thereto. Financial statements of the
Registrant’s 50% or less owned companies have been omitted because, in the
aggregate, they are not significant.












3.  


Exhibits. See the Exhibit Index that appears at the end of this document and
which is incorporated herein. Exhibits 10.14 through 10.45 and Exhibit 10.47 are
management compensation plans or arrangements.














(b)  


Reports on Form 8-K. The Company filed the following reports on Form 8-K during
the last quarter of the fiscal year:












 

Form
8-K filed July 29, 2003 relating to a press release dated July 29, 2003 announcing fiscal
2003 third quarter earnings.












 

Form
8-K filed September 18, 2003 relating to a press release dated September 18, 2003
announcing the retirement of its Chief Executive Officer and President, Joe R. Micheletto,
and the appointment of his successors.










44









SIGNATURES




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





RALCORP HOLDINGS, INC.





 

Form
8-K filed September 18, 2003 relating to a press release dated September 18, 2003
announcing the retirement of its General Counsel and Secretary, Robert W. Lockwood, and
the appointment of his successor.


























December 4, 2003




        KNOW
ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and
appoints C. G. Huber and T. G. Granneman and each of them, his true and lawful
attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resolution, for him and in
his name, place, and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments to
this report, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in
connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said
attorneys-in-fact and agents full power and authority to do and perform each and every act
and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully and to
all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or their substitute or substitutes,
may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.




        Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed by
the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates
indicated.




                 
                 
                 
By:  /s/ KEVIN J. HUNT       /s/ DAVID P. SKARIE    
               Kevin J. Hunt

             Co-Chief Executive Officer

             and President
         David P. Skarie

       Co-Chief Executive Officer

       and President



















































































































45









EXHIBIT INDEX







Signature

Title                        
                    

Date                    

/s/ KEVIN J. HUNT   Co-Chief Executive Officer and President   December 4, 2003  
Kevin J. Hunt  (Principal Executive Officer) 
 
/s/ DAVID P. SKARIE  Co-Chief Executive Officer and President  December 4, 2003 
David P. Skarie  (Principal Executive Officer) 
 
/s/ THOMAS G. GRANNEMAN  Corporate Vice President and  December 4, 2003
Thomas G. Granneman  Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)
 
/s/ DAVID R. BANKS  Director  December 4, 2003 
David R. Banks 
 
/s/ JACK W. GOODALL  Director  December 4, 2003 
Jack W. Goodall 
 
/s/ M. DARRELL INGRAM  Director  December 4, 2003 
M. Darrell Ingram 
 
/s/ DAVID W. KEMPER  Director  December 4, 2003 
David W. Kemper 
 
/s/ JOE R. MICHELETTO  Director  December 4, 2003 
Joe R. Micheletto 
 
/s/ RICHARD A. LIDDY  Director  December 4, 2003 
Richard A. Liddy 
 
/s/ WILLIAM P. STIRITZ  Director  December 4, 2003 
William P. Stiritz 











































































































































































































































































































































































































 Exhibit
Number

Description of Exhibit

 *3.1             Restated Articles of Incorporation of Ralcorp Holdings, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s
Form 10-Q for the period ending December 31, 1996).
 
 
 *3.2  Bylaws of Ralcorp Holdings, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ending September 30, 2002). 
 
 *4.1  Shareholder Protection Rights Agreement (Filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 10 dated December 27, 1996). 
 
 *4.2  First Amendment to Shareholder Rights Protection Plan (Filed as Exhibit 4 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the period ending June 30, 1997). 
 
*10.1  $275,000,000 Credit Agreement among Ralcorp Holdings, Inc., the lenders named therein, and Bank One, N.A., as Agent, dated as of October 16, 2001 (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 10-K for
the year ending September 30, 2001).
 
 
*10.2  Reorganization Agreement dated as of January 31, 1997 by and
among Ralcorp Holdings, Inc., New Ralcorp Holdings, Inc., Ralston Foods,
Inc., Chex, Inc. and General Mills, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the
Company’s Form 10-Q for the period ending December 31, 1997).
 
 
*10.3  Tax Sharing Agreement dated as of January 31, 1997 between
Ralcorp Holdings, Inc. and New Ralcorp Holdings, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10.5
to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the period ending December 31, 1996).
 
 
*10.4  Receivables Purchase Agreement dated as of September 25, 2001 among Ralcorp Receivables Corporation,
Ralcorp Holdings, Inc., Falcon Asset Securitization Corporation and Bank One, N.A. (Filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ending September 30, 2001).
 
 
*10.4.1  Amendment No. 1 to Receivables Purchase Agreement dated as of September 25, 2001 among Ralcorp Receivables Corporation, Ralcorp Holdings, Inc., Falcon Asset Securitization Corporation and Bank
One, N.A. (Filed as Exhibit 10.4.1 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ending September 30, 2002).
 
 
*10.5  Technology Agreement dated as of January 31, 1997 by and among Ralcorp Holdings, Inc., New
Ralcorp Holdings, Inc. and Chex, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the period ending December 31, 1996).
 
 
*10.6  Trademark Agreement dated as of January 31, 1997 by and among Ralcorp Holdings, Inc., New Ralcorp
Holdings, Inc. and Chex, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the period ending
December 31, 1996).
 
 
*10.7  Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of August 13, 1996 by and among Ralcorp Holdings, Inc., General
Mills, Inc. and General Mills Missouri, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 2.6 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the
period ending December 31, 1996).
 
 
*10.8  Stock Purchase Agreement by and among Vail Resorts, Inc., Ralston Foods, Inc. and Ralston Resorts,
Inc. dated July 22, 1996 (Filed as Exhibit 10.10 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 10, dated December 27, 1996).
 
 
*10.9  Shareholder Agreement dated as of January 3, 1997 among Vail Resorts, Inc., Ralston Foods, Inc. and
Apollo Ski Partners L.P. (Filed as Exhibit 10.9 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the period ending December 31, 1996).
 
 
*10.10  First Amendment to Shareholder Agreement dated as of November 1, 1999 among Vail Resorts, Inc., Ralcorp Holdings, Inc. and Apollo Ski Partners LP. (Filed as Exhibit 10.9(a) to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ending September 30, 2000). 
 
*10.11  Amendment to Agreement and Plan of Merger dated October 26, 1996 by and among Ralcorp Holdings, Inc.,
General Mills, Inc. and General Mills Missouri, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10.11 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the period ending September 30, 1997).
 

46


 Exhibit
Number

Description of Exhibit

*10.12   Second Amendment to Agreement and Plan of Merger dated January 29, 1997 by and among Ralcorp Holdings, Inc., General Mills, Inc., and General Mills Missouri, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10.7 to the
Company’s Form 10-Q for the period ending December 31, 1996).
 
*10.13  Third Amendment to Agreement and Plan of Merger dated January 31, 1997 by and among Ralcorp Holdings,
Inc., General Mills, Inc. and General Mills Missouri, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10.8 to the Company’s
Form 10-Q for the period ending December 31, 1996).
 
*10.14  Incentive Stock Plan (Filed as Exhibit 10.01 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 10 dated
December 27, 1996).
 
*10.15  Form of 1997 Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement (Filed as Exhibit 10.01 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the period ending June 30, 1997).
 
*10.16  Form of 1997 Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement for Non-Management Directors (Filed as Exhibit 10.01 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the period ending June 30, 1997).
 
*10.17  Form of Amended and Restated Management Continuity Agreement for all Corporate Officers (Filed as
Exhibit 10.17 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ending September 30, 2001).
 
*10.18  Amended and Restated Management Continuity Agreement for J. R. Micheletto (Filed as Exhibit 10.18 to
the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ending September 30, 2001).
 
*10.19  Summary of Terms for 1998 Non-Qualified Stock Options (Filed as Exhibit 10.23 to the Company’s Form
10-K for the year ending September 30, 1998).
 
*10.20  Split Dollar Second to Die Life Insurance Arrangement (Filed as Exhibit 10.07 to the Company’s
Registration Statement on Form 10 dated December 27, 1996).
 
*10.21  Change in Control Severance Compensation Plan (Filed as Exhibit 10.06 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 10 dated December 27, 1996).
 
*10.22  Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Management Directors (Filed as Exhibit 10.22 to the Company’s Form
10-K for the year ending September 30, 2002).
 
*10.23  Deferred Compensation Plan for Key Employees (Filed as Exhibit 10.23 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ending September 30, 2002).
 
*10.24  Executive Life Insurance Plan (Filed as Exhibit 10.10 to the Company’s Registration statement on Form 10 dated December 27, 1996).
 
*10.25  Executive Health Plan (Filed as Exhibit 10.11 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 10 dated December 27, 1996).
 
*10.26  Executive Long Term Disability Plan (Filed as Exhibit 10.12 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 10 dated December 27, 1996).
 
*10.27  Supplemental Retirement Plan (Filed as Exhibit 10.14 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 10 dated December 27, 1996). 
 
*10.28  Executive Savings Investment Plan (Filed as Exhibit 10.28 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ending September 30, 2002). 
 
*10.29  Form of Indemnification Agreement for all Non-Management Directors of the Company (Filed as Exhibit 10.35 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ending September 30, 1999).
 
*10.30  Form of Indemnification AgreemenT for all Management Directors of the Company (Filed as Exhibit 10.36 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ending September 30, 1999).
 
*10.31  Form of Indemnification Agreement for all Corporate Officers who are not Directors of the Company
(Filed as Exhibit 10.37 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ending September 30, 1999).

47


 Exhibit
Number

Description of Exhibit

*10.32  Summary of Terms of 1999 Non-Qualified Stock Options (Filed as Exhibit 10.38 to the Company’s Form
10-K for the year ending September 30, 1999).
 
*10.33  Summary of Terms of 2001 Non-Qualified Stock Options (Filed as Exhibit 10.33 to the Company’s Form
10-K for the year ending September 30, 2001).
 
*10.34  Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement dated May 24, 2001 for each non-management Director
(Filed as Exhibit 10.34 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ending September 30, 2001).
 
*10.35  Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement dated September 27, 2001 for each non-management
Director (Filed as Exhibit 10.35 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ending September 30, 2001).
 
*10.36  Restricted Stock Award Agreement dated May 24, 2001 with William P. Stiritz (Filed as Exhibit 10.36
to the Company’s Form 10-K for the period ending September 30, 2001).
 
*10.37  Agreement between Ralcorp Holdings, Inc. and J. R. Micheletto dated May 23, 2002 (Filed as Exhibit
10.1 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the period ending June 30, 2002).
 
*10.38  Ralcorp Holdings, Inc. 2002 Incentive Stock Plan (Filed as Exhibit 10.38 to the Company’s Form 10-K
for the period ending September 30, 2002).
 
*10.39  2002 Restricted Stock Award Agreement with William P. Stiritz granted January 2, 2002 (Filed as
Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the period ending March 31, 2002).
 
*10.40  Form of 2002 Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement (Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 10-Q
for the period ending March 31, 2002).
 
*10.41  Form of 2002 Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement for non-management Directors (Filed as Exhibit
10.41 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the period ending September 30, 2002).
 
10.42  2003 Restricted Stock Award Agreement with William P. Stiritz.
 
10.43  Form of 2003 Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement.
 
10.44  Form of 2003 Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement for non-management Directors.
 
*10.45  Corrected Agreement between Ralcorp Holdings, Inc. and J. R. Micheletto dated May 23, 2002 (Filed as
Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the period ending December 31, 2002).
 
*10.46  Floating Rate Senior Notes, Series A, due May 22, 2010 Note Purchase Agreement (Filed as Exhibit 10.1
to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the period ending June 30, 2003).
 
10.47  Retirement Agreement and General Release between Ralcorp Holdings, Inc. and R. W. Lockwood dated
September 30, 2003.
 
21  Subsidiaries of the Company.
 
23  Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
 
*24  Power of Attorney (Included under Signatures).
 
31.1  Certification of Kevin J. Hunt.
 
31.2  Certification of David P. Skarie.
 
31.3  Certification of Thomas G. Granneman.
 
32  Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 of Kevin J. Hunt, David P. Skarie, and Thomas G.
Granneman.





* Incorporated by reference



48