UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934
For the quarter ended December 31, 2003
OR
[] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from _____________ to ____________
Commission file number 0-32013
SPEAR & JACKSON, INC.
----------------------------------------
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Nevada 91-2037081
- ------------------------------- ---------------
(State of other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organisation) Identification Number)
2200 Corporate Boulevard, Suite 314
Boca Raton, Florida 33431
- ---------------------------------------- --------
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: 561-999-9011
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Common Stock, par value $.001 per share
Indicate by checkmark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1034 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to file such report(s), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [ ]
Indicate by checkmark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined
in rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes [ ] No [X].
Registrant had 11,741,122 shares of Common Stock, $.001 par value per share,
outstanding as of February 13, 2004.
Spear & Jackson, Inc.
INDEX
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Page Number
Item 1 Financial Statements (Unaudited)
Consolidated Balance Sheets December 31, 2003
and September 30, 2003 (audited) 1
Consolidated Statements of Operations - Three Months
ended December 31, 2003 and 2002 2
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) -
Three Months ended December 31, 2003 and 2002 3
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Three Months
ended December 31, 2003 and 2002. 4
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 5-12
Item 2 Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations 13-26
Item 3 Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market 26
Risk
Item 4 Controls and Procedures 27
PART II OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1 Legal Proceedings 28
Item 2 Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds 29
Item 3 Defaults Upon Senior Securities 29
Item 4 Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders 29
Item 5 Other Information 29
Item 6 Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K 29
SIGNATURES 30
SPEAR & JACKSON, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands)
At December 31, At September 30,
2003 2003
--------------- ----------------
(Unaudited)
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 6,827 $ 9,191
Trade receivables, net 17,257 15,432
Inventories 26,046 23,350
Other current assets 1,344 999
-------- --------
Total current assets 51,474 48,972
Property, plant and equipment, net 24,117 19,561
Deferred taxation 11,671 10,919
Investments 159 148
-------- --------
Total assets $ 87,421 $ 79,600
======== ========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Notes payable $ 1,556 $ 304
Trade accounts payable 9,171 7,552
Accrued expenses and other liabilities 13,421 12,793
Foreign taxes payable 100 50
-------- --------
Total current liabilities 24,248 20,699
Other liabilities 1,734 1,787
Pension liability 26,868 25,262
-------- --------
Total liabilities 52,850 47,748
-------- --------
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock 12 12
Additional paid in capital 51,590 51,590
Accumulated other comprehensive
income:
Pension additional minimum
liability (32,579) (30,204)
Foreign currency translation
adjustment 12,219 7,406
Unrealized losses on derivative
instruments (15) (15)
Retained earnings 3,884 3,603
Less: 270,000 common stock held in
treasury, at cost (540) (540)
-------- --------
Total stockholders' equity 34,571 31,852
-------- --------
$ 87,421 $ 79,600
======== ========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
1
SPEAR & JACKSON, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
(in thousands)
For the Three Months Ended
December 31, December 31,
2003 2002
------------ -----------
(Restated)
Net sales $ 22,982 $ 22,182
Cost of goods sold 15,807 15,250
------------ -----------
Gross profit 7,175 6,932
Operating costs and expenses:
Selling, general and administrative
expenses 6,676 5,376
------------ -----------
Operating income 499 1,556
Other income (expense)
Royalties - 12
Rental income 36 33
Interest and bank charges (net) (78) (32)
------------ -----------
Income from continuing operations
before income taxes 457 1,569
Provision for income taxes (176) (386)
------------ -----------
Net income from continuing operations 281 1,183
------------ -----------
Discontinued operations:
Income from operations of Megapro
screwdriver division (including
taxation of $0) - 28
------------ -----------
Total income from discontinued
operations - 28
------------ -----------
Total net income $ 281 $ 1,211
============ ===========
Basic and diluted earnings
per share:
From continuing operations $ 0.02 $ 0.10
From discontinued operations $ 0.00 $ 0.00
------------ -----------
Total $ 0.02 $ 0.10
============ ===========
Weighted average shares outstanding 11,741,122 12,011,122
============ ===========
2
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
SPEAR & JACKSON, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(Unaudited)
(in thousands)
For the Three For the Three
Months Ended Months Ended
December 31, December 31,
2003 2002
-------------- ---------------
(Restated)
Total net income $ 281 $ 1,211
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Additional minimum pension liability (2,375) (894)
Foreign currency translation adjustments 4,813 1,939
-------------- ---------------
Total comprehensive income $ 2,719 $ 2,256
============== ===============
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
3
SPEAR & JACKSON, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
(in thousands)
For the Three Months Ended
December 31,
------------------------
2003 2002
---------- ---------
(Restated)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income attributable to continuing and
discontinued operations $ 281 $ 1,211
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
cash (used in) provided by operating
activities:
Depreciation 681 700
Loss on sale of plant, property and equipment 14 -
Deferred income taxes 109 411
Changes in operating assets and liabilities,
excluding the effects of acquisitions and
dispositions:
(Increase) decrease in trade receivables (317) 1,612
Increase in inventories (655) (2,150)
(Increase) decrease in other current assets (269) 193
Contributions paid to pension plan (698) (725)
Decrease (increase) in other non-current assets 318 (100)
Increase in trade accounts payable 934 3,077
Decrease in accrued expenses and other liabilities (639) (1,182)
Increase in foreign taxes payable 44 31
Decrease in other liabilities (38) (48)
-------- ---------
NET CASH (USED IN)PROVIDED BY
OPERATING ACTIVITIES (235) 3,030
-------- ---------
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment (3,425) (183)
-------- ---------
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES (3,425) (183)
-------- ---------
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Repayment of long-term debt - (2)
Increase in (repayment of) overdraft 1,228 (1,253)
-------- ---------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES 1,228 (1,255)
-------- ---------
Effect of exchange rate changes on
cash and cash equivalents 68 38
-------- ---------
CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (2,364) 1,630
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD 9,191 6,486
-------- ---------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD $ 6,827 $ 8,116
======== =========
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Cash paid for interest $ 71 $ -
======== =========
Cash paid for taxes $ 23 $ 56
======== =========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
4
SPEAR & JACKSON, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands except shares)
Note 1--Basis of Presentation
These consolidated financial statements are expressed in U.S.
dollars and have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States. The consolidated financial statements
include the accounts of Spear & Jackson Inc. (the Company) and its wholly owned
subsidiaries, Mega Tools Ltd., Mega Tools USA, Inc., Megapro Tools, Inc.,
S and J Acquisition Corp., Spear & Jackson plc and Bowers Group plc. Both
Spear & Jackson plc and Bowers Group plc are sub-holding companies and their
business is carried out by the following directly and indirectly owned
subsidiaries: Bowers Metrology Limited, Bowers Metrology UK Limited, Coventry
Gauge Limited, CV Instruments Limited, Eclipse Magnetics Limited, Spear &
Jackson (New Zealand) Limited, James Neill Canada Inc., James Neill Holdings
Limited, James Neill U.S.A. Inc., Spear & Jackson (Australia) Pty Ltd., Magnacut
Limited, Neill Tools Limited, Spear & Jackson Garden Products Limited, Spear
& Jackson Holdings Limited, Spear & Jackson France S.A. and Societe Neill France
S.A.
As further explained in note 4, below, the purchase of Spear & Jackson plc and
Bowers Group plc by Megapro Tools, Inc. (now Spear & Jackson, Inc.), which was
completed on September 6, 2002, was treated as a reverse acquisition.
All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated on
consolidation.
The accompanying unaudited condensed financial statements have been prepared in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial
statements pursuant to both the rules and regulations of the Securities and
Exchange Commission and with instructions to Form 10-Q. Accordingly, certain
information and footnote disclosures required for annual financial statements
have been condensed or omitted. The Company's management, believes that all
adjustments necessary to present fairly the Company's financial position as of
December 31, 2003 and September 30, 2003, and the results of operations for the
three month periods ended December 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002 and cash flows
for the periods ended December 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002 have been included
and that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not
misleading. The balance sheet at September 30, 2003 has been derived from the
audited financial statements at that date but does not include all of the
information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles
for complete financial statements. For further information, refer to the
consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the
Company's and Subsidiaries' annual report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended
September 30, 2003.
It is suggested that these financial statements be read in conjunction with the
audited consolidated financial statements and related footnotes of the Company
for the year ended September 30, 2003 included in the Company's annual report
filed on Form 10-KSB for the period then ended.
The consolidated financial statements of Spear & Jackson, Inc. are denominated
in US dollars. Changes in exchange rates between UK sterling and the US dollar
will affect the translation of the UK subsidiaries' financial results into US
dollars for the purposes of reporting the consolidated financial results. The
process by which each foreign subsidiary's financial results are translated into
US dollars is as follows: income statement accounts are translated at average
exchange rates for the period; balance sheet asset and liability accounts are
translated at end of period exchange rates; and equity accounts are translated
at historical exchange rates. Translation of the balance sheet in this manner
affects the stockholders' equity account, referred to as the accumulated other
comprehensive income account. Management have decided not to hedge against the
impact of exposures giving rise to these translation adjustments as such hedges
may impact upon the Company's cash flow compared to the translation adjustments
which do not affect cash flow in the medium term.
The results of operations for the three month period ended December 31, 2003 are
not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.
Certain reclassifications have been made to prior period amounts to conform to
current period presentation.
5
SPEAR & JACKSON, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(in thousands except shares)
Note 1--Basis of Presentation - continued
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates
and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and
accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Note 2 - Recently Issued Accounting Standards
In December 2003, the FASB revised SFAS No. 132, "Employers' Disclosures about
Pensions and other Postretirement Benefits," ("SFAS No. 132") establishing
additional annual disclosures about plan assets, investment strategy,
measurement date, plan obligations and cash flows.
In addition, the revised standard established interim disclosure requirements
related to the net periodic benefit cost recognized and contributions paid or
expected to be paid during the current fiscal year. The new annual disclosures
are effective for financial statements with fiscal years ending after December
15, 2003 and the interim- period disclosures are effective for interim periods
beginning after December 15, 2003. The Company will adopt the annual disclosures
for its fiscal year ending September 30, 2004 and the interim disclosures for
its fiscal quarter ending March 31, 2004. The adoption of the revised SFAS No.
132 will have no impact on the Company's results of operation or financial
condition.
Note 3 - Critical Accounting Policies
A summary of significant accounting policies is included in Note 2 to
the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company's Annual
Report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended September 30, 2003. Management believes
that the application of these policies on a consistent basis enables the Company
to provide useful and reliable financial information about the company's
operating results and financial condition.
As disclosed in the annual report on Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year
ended September 30, 2003, the discussion and analysis of our financial condition
and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements.
These have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States. The preparation of the financial statements
requires us to make estimates and assumptions and adopt accounting policies that
affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses as
disclosed in those financial statements. These judgements can be subjective and
complex, and consequently actual results could differ from those estimates. Our
most critical accounting policies relate to revenue recognition; foreign
exchange risk; inventory and pension and other postretirement benefit costs.
Since September 30, 2003, there have been no changes in our critical accounting
policies and no significant changes to the assumptions and estimates related to
them.
Note 4 - Nature of Business
The Company was incorporated in the State of Nevada on December 17,
1998 and was inactive until the acquisition of Mega Tools Ltd. and Mega Tools
USA, Inc. via reverse acquisition on September 30, 1999. The Company is engaged
in the manufacture and sale of a patented multi-bit screwdriver. The Company
entered into an exclusive North American license agreement with the patent
holder of a retracting cartridge type screwdriver. This license agreement gave
the Company unrestricted use of the patent in Canada and the United States until
November 8, 2005. The Company's wholly owned subsidiaries, Mega Tools USA, Inc.
and Mega Tools Ltd. manufactured and marketed the drivers to customers in the
United States and Canada. With effect from September 30, 2003 the Company
6
SPEAR & JACKSON, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(in thousands except shares)
Note 4 - Nature of Business - continued
exited its screwdriver operations following the sale of the trade and net assets
of Mega Tools USA, Inc. and Mega Tools Ltd. The historical results of operations
for this business have been reclassified to earnings (loss) from discontinued
operations on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations.
On September 6, 2002 the Company acquired the entire issued share
capital of Spear & Jackson plc and Bowers Group plc. These companies through
their principal operating entities, as disclosed in note 1, manufacture and
distribute a broad line of hand tools, lawn and garden tools, industrial magnets
and metrology tools primarily in the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, North
and South America, Asia and the Far East.
Having considered the relative sizes of the businesses involved in the
combination and other factors, the acquisition of Spear & Jackson plc and Bowers
Group plc ("S&J") by Megapro Tools, Inc. was accounted for as a reverse
acquisition for financial reporting purposes. The reverse acquisition is deemed
a capital transaction and the net assets of S&J (the accounting acquirer) were
carried forward to Megapro Tools, Inc. (the legal acquirer and the reporting
entity) at their carrying value before the combination. Although S&J was deemed
to be the acquiring corporation for financial accounting and reporting purposes,
the legal status of Megapro Tools, Inc. as the surviving corporation does not
change. The relevant acquisition process utilizes the capital structure of
Megapro Tools, Inc. and the assets and liabilities of S&J are recorded at
historical cost.
In these financial statements, S&J is the operating entity for
financial reporting purposes and the financial statements for all periods
presented represent S&J's financial position and results of operations. The
equity of Megapro Tools Inc. is the historical equity of S&J retroactively
restated to reflect the number of shares issued in the S&J acquisition.
On 7 November 2002 the Company changed its name from Megapro Tools,
Inc. to Spear & Jackson, Inc.
Note 5 - Segment Data
The Company's principal operations relate to the manufacture and
distribution of a broad line of hand tools, lawn and garden tools, industrial
magnets and metrology tools. These operations are conducted through business
divisions located primarily in the United Kingdom, France, USA and Australasia.
Given below are summaries of the significant accounts and balances by
business segment and by geographical location, reconciled to the consolidated
totals. In both periods, transactions and balances applicable to the Company's
distribution companies in France, Australia and New Zealand have been aggregated
with the hand and garden product businesses since these products represent the
most significant proportion of the distribution companies' trades. The summaries
also provide an analysis of the accounts and balances between continuing and
discontinued operations.
The financial information of the segments is regularly evaluated by the
corporate operating executives in determining resource allocation and assessing
performance and is periodically reviewed by the Company's Board of Directors.
The Company's senior management evaluates the performance of each business
segment based on its operating results and, other than general corporate
expenses, allocates specific corporate overhead to each segment. Accounting
policies for the segments are the same as those for the Company.
7
SPEAR & JACKSON, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(in thousands except shares)
Note 5--Segment Data - continued
The following is a summary of the significant accounts and balances (in
thousands) by business segment, reconciled to the consolidated totals.
Sales Long-lived Assets (a)
-------------------------------- -----------------------------
Three Months Ended Three Months Ended
December 31, December 31, December 31, December 31,
2003 2002 2003 2002
------------- --------------- ------------ --------------
Hand & garden tools $ 17,118 $ 16,693 $ 6,783 $ 6,531
Metrology tools 3,583 3,327 2,959 2,389
Magnetic products 2,281 2,162 1,025 887
Screwdrivers - 335 - 194
Corporate - - 13,350 9,024
------------- --------------- ------------ --------------
Total $ 22,982 $ 22,517 $ 24,117 $ 19,025
============= =============== ============ ==============
Attributable to:
Continuing operations $ 22,982 $ 22,182 $ 24,117 $ 18,831
Discontinued operations - 335 - 194
------------- --------------- ------------ --------------
$ 22,982 $ 22,517 $ 24,117 $ 19,025
============= =============== ============ ==============
Depreciation Capital expenditure
-------------------------------- -----------------------------
Three Months Ended Three Months Ended
December 31, December 31, December 31, December 31,
2003 2002 2003 2002
------------- --------------- ------------ --------------
Hand & garden tools $ 435 $ 486 $ 76 $ 165
Metrology tools 99 101 145 18
Magnetic products 76 62 2 -
Screwdrivers - 2 - -
Corporate 71 49 3,202 -
------------- --------------- ------------ --------------
Total $ 681 $ 700 $ 3,425 $ 183
============= =============== ============ ==============
Attributable to:
Continuing operations $ 681 $ 698 $ 3,425 $ 183
Discontinued operations - 2 - -
------------- --------------- ------------ --------------
$ 681 $ 700 $ 3,425 $ 183
============= =============== ============ ==============
Operating Income Net Interest
-------------------------------- -----------------------------
Three Months Ended Three Months Ended
December 31, December 31, December 31, December 31,
2003 2002 2003 2002
------------- --------------- ------------ --------------
Hand & garden tools $ 304 $ 1,103 $ (61) $ (19)
Metrology tools 289 298 (4) (5)
Magnetic products 272 346 (2) (2)
Screwdrivers - 35 - (7)
Corporate (366) (191) (11) (6)
------------- --------------- ------------ --------------
Total $ 499 $ 1,591 $ (78) $ (39)
============= =============== ============ ==============
Attributable to:
Continuing operations $ 499 $ 1,556 $ (78) $ (32)
Discontinued operations - 35 - (7)
------------- --------------- ------------ --------------
$ 499 $ 1,591 $ (78) $ (39)
============= =============== ============ ==============
(a) Represents property, plant and equipment, net.
8
SPEAR & JACKSON, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(in thousands except shares)
Note 5 - Segment Data - continued
The following table presents certain data by geographic areas (in thousands):
Sales (a) Long-lived Assets (b)
-------------------------------- ----------------------------
Three Months Ended Three Months Ended
December 31, December 31, December 31, December 31,
2003 2002 2003 2002
------------- ------------- ------------ -------------
United Kingdom $ 10,025 $ 10,639 $ 22,208 $ 17,044
Europe 4,058 3,910 1,335 1,183
Australasia 4,819 5,138 567 585
North America 1,437 1,897 7 203
Other 2,643 933 - -
------------- --------------- ------------ -------------
Total $ 22,982 $ 22,517 $ 24,117 $ 19,025
============= =============== ============ =============
Attributable to:
Continuing operations $22,982 $ 22,182 $ 24,117 $ 18,831
Discontinued operations - 335 - 194
------------- --------------- ------------ --------------
$22,982 $ 22,517 $ 24,117 $ 19,025
============= =============== ============ ==============
Depreciation Capital expenditure
-------------------------------- ----------------------------
Three Months Ended Three Months Ended
December 31, December 31, December 31, December 31,
2003 2002 2003 2002
------------- ------------- ------------ -------------
United Kingdom $ 598 $ 606 $ 3,411 $ 38
Europe 10 25 - 11
Australasia 71 65 12 134
North America 2 4 2 -
------------- --------------- ------------ -------------
Total $ 681 $ 700 $ 3,425 $ 183
============= =============== ============ =============
Attributable to:
Continuing operations $ 681 $ 698 $ 3,425 $ 183
Discontinued operations - 2 - -
------------- --------------- ------------ -----------
$ 681 $ 700 $ 3,425 $ 183
============= =============== ============ ===========
Operating income Net Interest
-------------------------------- ----------------------------
Three Months Ended Three Months Ended
December 31, December 31, December 31, December 31,
2003 2002 2003 2002
------------- ------------- ------------ -------------
United Kingdom $ 586 $ 1,575 $ (48) $ (9)
Europe (135) (80) (47) (24)
Australasia 146 302 7 (7)
North America (98) (206) 10 1
------------- --------------- ------------ -------------
Total $ 499 $ 1,591 $ (78) $ (39)
============= =============== ============ =============
Attributable to:
Continuing operations $ 499 $ 1,556 $ (78) $ (32)
Discontinued operations - 35 - (7)
------------- --------------- ------------ -----------
$ 499 $ 1,591 $ (78) $ (39)
============= =============== ============ ===========
(a) Sales are attributed to geographic areas based on the location of the
customers.
(b) Represents property, plant and equipment, net.
9
SPEAR & JACKSON, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(in thousands except shares)
Note 6 - Commitments and Contingencies
The Company is currently involved in a legal action with the former
managing director of Spear & Jackson plc concerning the amount of severance
compensation payable following his dismissal as managing director as part of a
management reorganization program in November 2002. The outcome of this action
will not be known until later in 2004 but the Company is confident that the
amounts provided in respect of the dispute will be adequate to cover any amounts
payable should the Company's defense be unsuccessful.
The Company has learned that a Formal Order of Investigation was issued
by the Securities and Exchange Commission on or about January 29, 2004 relating
to the accuracy of the Company's financial statements included in its reports
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and fulfillment by the Company
of other statutory obligations under Federal Securities Laws. The Company has
been cooperating with the Commission since the initiation of the inquiry, and
has previously filed an amendment to its periodic reports in response to various
comments and suggestions by the Staff.
From time to time, the Company is also subject to legal proceedings and
claims arising from the conduct of its business operations, including litigation
related to personal injury claims, customer contract matters, employment claims
and environmental matters. While it is impossible to ascertain the ultimate
legal and financial liability with respect to contingent liabilities, including
lawsuits, the Company believes that the aggregate amount of such liabilities, if
any, in excess of amounts accrued or covered by insurance, will not have a
material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position or results of
operation of the Company.
Note 7 - Subsequent Events
On January 16, 2004, the Board of Directors announced the approval for the
purchase of up to 500,000 shares of the Company's common stock in open market or
private transactions in compliance with applicable rules and conditions in force
at such times of potential purchase. As at the date of this return the Company
had not yet purchased any shares under this authorization.
Note 8 - Restatement of Previously Issued Financial Statements
On January 13, 2003, Spear & Jackson Inc. ("the Company") filed its annual
report on Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002. On May 28,
2003 the Company filed Amendment No. 1 to the Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for
the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002. The amendment restated the original
Form 10-KSB in order to re-present the acquisition of Spear & Jackson plc and
Bowers Group plc by Megapro Tools, Inc. as a reverse takeover. As a result of
this revision, Amendment 1 to the Quarterly Report on form 10-QSB for the three
months ended December 31, 2002 was also filed on May 28, 2003 to restate the
quarterly financial statements for that period under the revised basis of
consolidation.
Amendment No. 2 to the Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the year to September
30, 2002 was filed on December 29, 2003 in order to amend and restate the
consolidated financial statements for both the year ended September 30, 2002 and
the year ended September 30, 2001. Adjustments that impacted on the Consolidated
Statement of Operations, the Consolidated Balance Sheet and the Consolidated
Statement of Changes in Shareholders' Equity for the year ended September 30,
2002 also affected the previously filed forms 10-QSB and 10-QSB/A for the
quarters ended December 31, 2002, March 31, 2003 and June 30, 2003. These
quarterly returns have accordingly been re-stated and are to be filed during the
course of February 2004.
Amendments made to form 10-QSB/A (Amendment No.1) for the three months ended
December 31, 2002, as filed on May 28, 2003, in respect of the above
adjustments, specifically comprise the following:
1. The presentation of the Company's UK defined benefit pension plan has
been restated. The adjustments required arose from errors and omissions
in the calculations that were prepared by the Company's actuaries when
producing the pension plan disclosures that were originally included in
Amendment 1 to Form 10-KSB for the year ended 30 September 30, 2002.
The errors and omissions comprised:
10
SPEAR & JACKSON, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(in thousands except shares)
Note 8 - Restatement of Previously Issued Financial Statements - continued
a) Overstatements in the calculation of the market related value
of assets, which meant that additional unrecognized actuarial
losses should have been amortized in the consolidated income
statement for the year ended September 30, 2002.
b) At September 30, 2002, no comparison of the fair value of plan
assets to the accumulated benefit obligation ("ABO") was
performed. Consequently a pension prepayment was incorrectly
recognized in the consolidated balance despite the ABO being
in excess of the fair value of plan assets. The 2002
consolidated balance sheet was therefore amended to properly
record an additional minimum pension liability equivalent to
the shortfall of plan assets compared to the plan's ABO.
c) The pension disclosures at September 30, 2001 were also
reconsidered and an additional minimum pension liability was
recognized in respect of that year also.
At September 30, 2002 item (a) impacted the previously reported figure
for SGA expenses and also the tax charge for the year. Item (b)
resulted in the previously disclosed pension asset of $14,962 being
presented as a pension liability of $20,442 with corresponding debit
entries being made to deferred taxation of $10,621 and to the "Other
Comprehensive Income (Loss)" caption within shareholders' equity of
$24,343. The 2001 ABO pension adjustments, item (c), were reflected in
the consolidated statement of changes in shareholders' equity for the
year ended September 30, 2001. They also affected the SFAS 87 charges
for 2002 and subsequent years.
These adjustments also impacted on the previously submitted financial
statements for the three months ended December 31, 2002 as follows.
Item (a) reduced the figure for retained profits brought forward at
October 1, 2002, as originally stated, by $440. Item (b) resulted in
the previously disclosed pension asset of $16,337 being presented as a
pension liability of $20,345 with corresponding debit entries being
made to deferred taxation ($11,005) and to the "Other Comprehensive
Income (Loss)" caption within shareholders' equity ($25,237).
2. The fair value of the consideration for the deemed acquisition of
Megapro Tools, Inc. was revised. This resulted in goodwill of $1,138
being initially recognized which was then written off in the
Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended September 30,
2002 following a goodwill impairment review. With regard to the
financial statements for the three months ended December 31, 2002,
retained profits brought forward at October 1, 2002 were
correspondingly reduced by this amount.
3. Sales rebates totaling (pound)814 in the three months ended December
31, 2002, which were previously presented as a component of SG and A
expense, have been reanalyzed and are now shown as a reduction to
sales.
4. Expanded disclosures were included in "Other Comprehensive Income" in
respect of unrealized gains and losses on derivative instruments to
provide the quantified disclosures required by paragraphs 45-47 of SFAS
133.
5. Additional detailed segmental analysis disclosure.
6. Additional contingencies disclosure. This was done to supplement the
original presentation and to ensure consistency with the footnote
included in the financial statements for the year ended September 30,
2002 which were incorporated in Form 10-KSB/A (Amendment No 2) which
was filed on December 29, 2003.
11
SPEAR & JACKSON, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(in thousands except shares)
Note 8 - Restatement of Previously Issued Financial Statements - continued
In addition to the above, following the disposal of the Company's Megapro
screwdriver division in September 2003, the results of that business were
re-classified as discontinued operations in the Company's Consolidated Statement
of Operations for the year ended September 30, 2003. The Consolidated Statements
of Operations for the quarters ended December 31, 2002, March 31, 2003 and June
30, 2003 have also been revised to incorporate a similar re-classification of
operations.
The following tables present the consolidated statement of operations for the
three months ended December 31, 2002 as previously reported in Form 10-QSB/A
(Amendment No. 1, filed on May 28, 2003, and as restated. The financial
information is presented in thousands, except for per share data.
Spear & Jackson, Inc.
Consolidated Statement of Operations
For the Three Months Ended
December 31, 2002
---------------------------------------------------------
As Previously As Restated Discontinued As Restated
Reported Before Disclosure Operations After Disclosure
Of Discontinued Of Discontinued
Operations Operations
------------- ----------------- ------------ -----------------
Net sales $ 22,331 $ 22,517 $ (335) $ 22,182
Cost of goods sold 15,476 15,476 (226) 15,250
-------- -------- ------- ---------
Gross profit 7,855 7,041 (109) 6,932
Operating costs and expenses:
Selling, general and
administrative expenses 6,264 5,450 (74) 5,376
-------- -------- ------- ---------
Operating income (loss) from
continuing operations 1,591 1,591 (35) 1,556
Other income (expense)
Royalties (net) 12 12 - 12
Rental income 33 33 - 33
Interest and bank charges (net) (39) (39) 7 (32)
-------- -------- ------- ---------
Income (loss) from continuing
operations before taxation 1,597 1,597 (28) 1,569
Provision for income taxes (386) (386) - (386)
-------- -------- ------- ---------
Income (loss) from
continuing operations 1,211 1,211 (28) 1,183
======== ======== ======= =========
Discontinued operations:
Income from operations of Megapro
screwdriver division 28 28
-------- -------- ------- ---------
Income from discontinued operations - - 28 28
-------- -------- ------- ---------
Net income 1,211 1,211 - 1,211
======== ======== ======= =========
Basic and diluted income per share
From continuing operations $ 0.10 $ 0.10 $ 0.00 $ 0.10
From discontinued operations 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
-------- -------- ------- ---------
$ 0.10 $ 0.10 $ 0.00 $ 0.10
======== ======== ======= =========
Weighted average shares
outstanding 12,011,122 12,011,122 12,011,122 12,011,122
========== ========== ========== ==========
12
ITEM 2 Management's Discussion and Analysis or Plan of Operations
General
The following information should be read in conjunction with the consolidated
financial statements and notes thereto and other information set forth in this
report.
Forward Looking Statements
The information in this discussion contains forward-looking statements within
the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1934, as amended. These
forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including statements
regarding the Company's capital needs, business strategy and expectations. Any
statements contained herein that are not statements of historical facts may be
deemed to be forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify
forward-looking statements by terminology such as "may", "will", "should",
"potential" or "continue", the negative of such terms or other comparable
terminology. Although we believe that our expectations are based on reasonable
assumptions within the bounds of our knowledge of our business and operations,
actual results may differ materially from our expectations. Factors that could
cause actual results to differ from expectations include, without limitation:
- - achieving planned revenue and profit growth in each of the Company's business
units;
- - renewal of material contracts in the Company's business units consistent with
past experience;
- - successful and timely integration of any significant businesses acquired by
the Company and realization of anticipated synergies;
- - increasing price, products and services competition;
- - emergence of new competitors or consolidation of existing competitors;
- - the timing of orders and shipments;
- - continuing availability of appropriate raw materials and factored products;
- - maintaining and improving current product mix;
- - changes in customer requirements and in the volume of sales to principal
customers;
- - changes in governmental regulations in the various geographical regions where
the Company operates;
- - the timely implementation of the Company's restructuring programmes and
financial plans;
- - general economic and political conditions, including the global economic
slowdown and interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuation;
- - continuing development and maintenance of appropriate business continuity
plans for the Company's processing systems;
- - absence of consolidation among key customers;
- - attracting and retaining qualified key employees;
- - no material breach of security of any of the Company's systems;
- - the ability of the Company to control manufacturing and operating costs;
- - continued availability of financing, and financial resources on the terms
required to support the Company's future business strategies; and
- - the outcome of pending and future litigation and governmental or regulatory
proceedings.
13
In evaluating these statements, you should consider various factors, including
those summarized above, and, from time to time, in other reports the Company
files with the SEC. These factors may cause the Company's actual results to
differ materially from any forward-looking statement. The Company disclaims any
obligation to publicly update these statements, or disclose any difference
between its actual results and those reflected in these statements. The
information constitutes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
Overview
We were incorporated in December, 1998 under the laws of the state of Nevada. We
conduct our business operations through our wholly owned subsidiaries, Spear &
Jackson plc and Bowers Group plc, and, until September 30, 2003,Mega Tools Ltd.
and Mega Tools USA, Inc.
We acquired each of Mega Tools Ltd. and Mega Tools USA, Inc. on September 30,
1999. Prior to September 30, 1999, Mega Tools USA, Inc. was operated as a
subsidiary of Mega Tools Ltd. We acquired Mega Tools USA, Ltd. from Ms Maria
Morgan, Envision Worldwide Products Ltd., Mr. Robert Jeffery, Mr. Lex Hoos and
Mr. Eric Paakspuu in exchange for the issue of 6,200,000 restricted shares of
our common stock. We acquired Mega Tools USA, Inc. from Mega Tools Ltd. in
exchange for the payment of $340,000, which was satisfied by the issue of a
demand promissory note by us to Mega Tools Ltd. Our acquisition of Mega Tools
USA, Inc. was completed immediately prior to our acquisition of Mega Tools Ltd.
We had no business assets prior to the acquisition of Mega Tools Ltd. and Mega
Tools USA. Mega Tools Ltd. was incorporated in British Columbia, Canada on
January 7, 1994. Mega Tools USA, Inc. was incorporated under the laws of the
State of Washington on April 18, 1994.
In September 2002, we acquired all the issued and outstanding shares of Spear &
Jackson plc and Bowers Group plc, (together "S&J") owned by USI Mayfair Limited,
a wholly owned subsidiary of U.S. Industries, Inc. (now Jacuzzi Brands, Inc.),
for a purchase price comprising 3,543,281 shares of common stock and 6%
promissory notes in the principal amount of (pound)150,000. As further explained
in note 3 of the financial statements, this transaction was treated as a reverse
acquisition.
Reflecting the relative size of S&J within the continued business, Megapro
Tools, Inc. changed its name to Spear & Jackson, Inc. in November 2002.
With effect from September 30, 2003 the Company exited its screwdriver
operations following the disposal of the trade and assets of Mega Tools Limited
and Mega Tools USA, Inc.
Spear & Jackson, Inc., through its principal operating entities, as disclosed in
note 1 to the financial statements, manufactures and distributes a broad line of
hand tools, lawn and garden tools, industrial magnets and metrology tools
14
primarily in the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, North and South America,
Asia and the Far East. These products are manufactured and distributed under
various brand names including:
* Spear & Jackson - garden tools;
* Neill - hand tools;
* Bowers - bore gauges and precision measuring tools;
* Coventry Gauge - air and other gauges;
* CV - precision measuring instruments;
* Robert Sorby - wood turning tools;
* Moore & Wright - precision tools;
* Eclipse - blades and magnetic equipment;
* Elliot Lucas - pincers and pliers; and
* Tyzack - builders' tools
Until the disposal of the screwdriver division in September 2003, the Company
also manufactured and sold a range of patented multi-bit screwdrivers under the
"Megapro" brand name.
The Company's four principal business units and their product offerings can be
summarized as:
1) Neill Tools, which consists of S&J Garden Tools and Neill Tools,
manufactures, among other products, hand hacksaws, hacksaw blades,
hacksaw frames, builders' tools, riveter guns, wood saws and lawn,
garden and agricultural tools, all non-powered. In addition, Neill
Tools has supplemented its UK manufactured products with factored
products from Far Eastern suppliers. Neill Tools product offering now
includes a full range of hand power tools.
2) Eclipse Magnetics' key products are permanent magnets (cast alloy),
magnetic tools, magnetic chucks and turnkey magnetic systems. Products
range from very simple low-cost items to technically complex high value
added systems. In addition, Eclipse Magnetics engages in the trading of
other magnetic material, sourced from the Far East, both in the form of
sales of complete factored items to end-customers as well as sales of
component parts to UK manufacturers. Eclipse is also involved in
applied magnetics and supplies many areas of manufacturing with
products such as separators, conveyors, lifting equipment and material
handling solutions.
15
3) The Company's metrology division comprises:
Moore & Wright and Coventry Gauge which manufacture a wide variety of
products. These products include: low technology measuring tools and
hand held gauges for checking the threads, diameters and tapers of
machined components. This division has supplemented its manufactured
products with a range of factored items.
Bowers Metrology which is a manufacturer of high specification
metrology instruments including precision bore gauges, which measure
the diameter of machined components. In addition to the core range of
bore gauges, the Company also manufactures universal gauges and
hardness testing equipment.
4) Robert Sorby is a manufacturer of hand held wood working tools and
complementary products. The products are handcrafted with strong
aesthetic appeal.
In addition, Spear & Jackson, Inc. has subsidiary companies in France (Spear &
Jackson France SA) and Australasia (Spear & Jackson (Australia) Pty Limited and
Spear & Jackson (New Zealand) Limited) which act as distributors for Spear &
Jackson and Bowers manufactured products and complementary products sourced from
third party suppliers.
We currently sell our products to industrial, commercial and retail markets
throughout the world, with a significant concentration in the United Kingdom,
European Union, Australia and New Zealand.
These markets chiefly comprise:
The non-powered hand tool industry in which the Company has hand tool,
engineers' hand tool and garden tool business interests. These products are
typically sold in industrial catalogs, hardware stores, garden centers and
multiple retailers. This industry is highly mature with clearly defined
traditional brand names being joined by a broad base of "house brands" typically
supplied from third world manufacturers.
The magnetic industry. This can be split into magnet manufacturers and magnetic
integrators. The magnet users and integrators utilize the magnetic materials to
produce products such as security sensors, watches, electrical windows and
magnetic filters.
The metrology industry, which can be split into two main market segments: (i)
low tolerance tools such as tape measures, rulers and protractors and (ii)
surface roughness measuring equipment and laser measuring instruments, etc.,
used in the exact measurement of technologically precise machined components.
The Company's Bowers Metrology Group presently operates in the latter market
segment on a worldwide basis.
The hobbyist and professional wood turning industry. This industry is relatively
small and caters to individuals who have reasonable disposable income, often
retirees, or who are professional wood turners producing craft products.
16
Our strategy is to maintain and develop the revenues of our businesses through
such methods as:
(a) Maintaining and heightening the profile of our existing quality brand
names. Such activity will comprise trade, general and TV advertising,
extensive promotional work at trade shows, the development of corporate
web sites, etc.
(b) Continuous product improvement and innovation.
(c) Increasing market share by offering highly competitive product
offerings.
(d) The launch of new and innovative product and product ranges.
(e) Significantly increasing our US penetration via large "Big Box"
outlets.
The Company offers a comprehensive range of tools and equipment ranging from
hacksaw blades to pliers, from secateurs to digging forks and from a simple
magnet to a computer controlled materials handling system.
The Company's product offering is supported by a pipeline of new products and
range extensions. In the period from October 1, 2003 to December 31, 2003
announcements concerning new product ranges and other significant business
issues have included:
Neill Tools launched several new ranges of garden products in anticipation of
the new season, including:
* The premier brand for digging and cultivating tools in the UK and
Australasia, `Neverbend', was relaunched in an exciting new livery and
packaging. Neverbend is listed by major sheds and preliminary orders
have been above expectations.
* The `Razorsharp' range of cutting tools was launched, its unique
features include oval extending handles with an ergonomic grip to give
better handling qualities.
* `Proactive' lawn edging shears, with their geared cutting action, were
re-introduced, again with adjustable handles, to aid effective cutting
action.
* Several different gift sets were launched including a mini pruner,
Retro garden tools, twin pocket secateurs and a traditional basket of
garden tools.
Neill Tools is now experiencing the benefits of going direct to its customers
after ceasing trading with the UK intermediary distributor, Toolbank, in July
2003. We are now able to demonstrate and showcase our product face to face with
major customers and they are able to experience, first hand, our exciting new
product ranges. Feedback received from such customer meetings has already
highlighted demand for products not currently in our ranges. Development work on
these products has now started with the intention of introducing these items
into our product ranges later in the year.
17
The Eclipse Magnetics website was enhanced to include information on the
division's separation and systems businesses. Separators are used to eliminate
and detect ferrous contamination from foodstuffs and chemicals, and such
equipment is used widely in the pharmaceutical and food processing industries.
The systems business offers solutions to metal material handling using the
attributes of the "switch on, switch off" magnets.
Eclipse made further inroads into mainland Europe with its `popular' range of
magnets. The product range has been included in a major catalog which is
widely used throughout Europe.
Eclipse also launched the new `Ultra Lift Plus' which includes the patented
safety shim. This "switch on, switch off" magnet allows significant weights to
be lifted in complete safety.
Sorby introduced a range of electronically controlled woodturning lathes in the
quarter. These lathes proved particularly popular and UK sales exceeded all
expectations.
The success of Bowers' two point gauge, the `SmartPlug', which was launched in
the previous financial year continued to gather momentum in the quarter gaining
both new listings and incremental sales from existing customers. Emphasizing our
continuing focus on core competencies, we also invested a further $165,000 in a
C.N.C. grinder to ensure that Bowers maintains its reputation as premier
manufacturer and supplier of precision measuring products.
Australasia appointed a new Managing Director in the period. His key
responsibilities will include driving the companies into new markets and the
continuing promotion and support of the Spear & Jackson brand.
DISCUSSION OF CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
We prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States. As such, we are required to
make certain estimates, judgements and assumptions that we believe are
reasonable based upon the information available. These estimates and assumptions
affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the
consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and
expenses during the periods presented. Actual results could differ significantly
from those estimates under different assumptions and conditions.
Management's Discussion and Analysis or Plan of Operations in the Company's
10-KSB filing for the year ended September 30, 2003 included a detailed
discussion which addressed our most critical accounting policies. The quarterly
financial statements for the period ended December 31, 2003, attached hereto,
should therefore be read in conjunction with that discussion.
These policies are those that are most important to the portrayal of our
financial condition and results of operations and which require our most
18
difficult and subjective judgements, often as a result of the need to make
estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. Our most
critical accounting policies are those relating to revenue recognition, foreign
exchange risk and inventory valuation.
In addition, the Company operates a contributory defined benefit plan covering
certain of its employees in the United Kingdom based subsidiaries of Spear &
Jackson plc. Several statistical and other factors which attempt to anticipate
future events are used in calculating the expense and liability related to the
plans. These factors include assumptions about the discount rate, expected
return on plan assets and rate of future compensation increases as determined by
us, within certain guidelines, and in conjunction with our actuarial consultants
and auditors. Our actuarial consultants also use subjective factors such as
withdrawal and mortality rates to estimate the expense and liability related to
these plans. The actuarial assumptions used by us may differ significantly,
either favorably or unfavorably, from actual results due to changing market
and economic conditions, higher or lower withdrawal rates or longer or shorter
life spans of participants.
Since September 30, 2003 there have been no changes in our critical accounting
policies and no significant change to the assumptions and estimates related to
them.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The results discussed below compare the three months to December 31, 2003 with
the three months ended December 31, 2002. As explained in note 4 to the
financial statements, the acquisition of Spear & Jackson plc and Bowers Group
plc ("S&J") by Megapro Tools, Inc. (now Spear & Jackson, Inc.) has been
accounted for as a reverse acquisition. In these financial statements, S&J is
the operating entity for financial reporting purposes and the financial
statements for all periods represent S&J's financial position and results of
operations. The operating results and net assets of Megapro Tools, Inc. and its
subsidiary companies are included in the consolidated financial statements from
September 6, 2002, the date of its deemed acquisition until September 30, 2003,
the effective date of the disposal of the Megapro screwdriver division.
19
The disposal of the Megapro companies followed a strategic review of the
screwdriver division by the directors of Spear & Jackson, Inc. from which it was
determined that the screwdriver division was not a core activity. As a result of
the sale, the Megapro business was disclosed in the consolidated financial
statements for the years ended September 30, 2003 and September 30, 2002 as a
discontinued operation. The Consolidated Statement of Operations for the three
months ended December 31, 2002 included within the attached financial statements
accordingly adopts this presentation.
OVERVIEW
All figures are expressed in $'000 unless otherwise stated.
Net revenues from continuing operations increased to $22,982 from $22,182 in the
three months ended December 31, 2003 compared to the three months ended December
31, 2002.
The increase in revenues of $0.8m in the quarter ended December 31, 2003
compared to the comparable period in 2002 is attributable to a net sales volume
decrease offset by favorable exchange movements.
The volume shortfall arises principally in Neill Tools and Australasia. Neill
Tools sales show a decrease compared to the comparable quarter in 2002 as a
result of sluggish garden product sales and the presence, in 2002, of
significant low margin sales with the major UK hand tool wholesaler, Toolbank,
with whom trading has now ceased.
Revenues in Australia have decreased in quarter 1 2003/2004 when compared to
quarter 1 2002/3 because of the beneficial impact last year of significant sales
to a customer with whom the company no longer trades.
A new managing director has been appointed in Australia and his key
responsibilities include the recovery of lost sales and the regaining of market
share through new customer contacts.
The weakening US dollar has also had a detrimental effect on sales from our UK
subsidiaries into certain export markets where the sales are denominated in US$.
We continue to focus on profiling our sales mix towards higher margin products.
The beneficial impact of this strategy on gross profit has, however, been
diluted in the quarter ended December 31, 2003 compared to the three months
ended December 31, 2002 by the additional costs incurred in the restructuring of
the UK manufacturing cost base and by continued expenditure on the completion of
the reorganization program associated with the Company's new UK direct trading
route. These reorganization costs, together with the investment in new capital
equipment in the UK, are expected, however, to result in improved efficiencies
and reduced manning levels.
Margins were also negatively impacted by a number of raw material price rises,
particularly the increase in the price of cobalt which is the principal raw
20
material of our magnetic products. These adverse variances were, however,
mitigated by the exchange gains generated on factored products bought in US
dollars from the Far East.
In October 2003 we acquired, for $3.2 million, the land and buildings occupied
by our garden tools division in Wednesbury, England. This will secure the
operations there and will enable us to provide further capital investment at the
site with certainty.
These factors are dealt with in more detail below.
DIVISIONAL REVIEW
We aim to maintain and develop the revenues of our businesses through the launch
of new products, the enhancement of existing items and the continued marketing
of these companies' brands in order to retain and gain market share.
Summary details are as follows:
Neill Tools
Revenues for the quarter were slightly higher than last year with reduced
volumes being offset by favorable exchange variances. The reductions in sales
is primarily attributable to depressed garden products revenues. Sales are,
however, expected to pick up in the next two quarters when the new gardening
season begins in earnest.
Significantly, the weakness of the US dollar has also had an adverse effect on
certain of our $ denominated sales and margins in the quarter. Most of our
exports are to dollar related markets where customers have seen an increase of
over 10% in real terms in the quarter. Such increases have inevitably led to a
softening in demand while the dollar exchange rate stabilizes; a situation
faced by many other UK companies with material export sales interests. Our
exposure to the resultant margin dilution has been offset by US$ purchases of
raw materials and factored product from the Far East where we have seen
favorable exchange gains.
Following the cessation of trade with the UK wholesaler, Toolbank, a
restructuring of the UK sales team was initiated in July 2003 and was completed
in the current quarter. We are looking forward to the opportunity to deal direct
with customers. Much positive feedback has been received and, following
discussions with principal new customers concerning our product range, we
anticipate being able to launch several new products in the year. These products
are now in the final stages of development and are expected to equal the success
of product launches in 2002/03.
We continue to closely monitor manufacturing performance and we are beginning to
see the benefits of the hacksaw blade robotic investment of $75k with
efficiencies and product quality improvements in the quarter.
Further costs were incurred in the restructuring of the company's manufacturing
and administration functions from which operating income benefits and production
efficiencies are expected to accrue over the year.
21
Eclipse Magnetics
Eclipse Magnetics showed a slight increase on sales over the equivalent period
last year, with minor volume decreases offset by favorable exchange movements.
Cobalt is the main raw material used in the manufacture of the magnets. The
price on the open commodities market has doubled in the quarter and has had a
negative effect on our margins. This margin erosion has, however, been mitigated
by favorable, exchange-driven price movements on factored product purchased in
US dollars from suppliers in the Far East.
The division continues to focus its activities on both the maximization of
margin in its traditional magnet business (through establishment of keenly
priced supply lines for its factored products and via manufacturing
efficiencies) and the promotion of its "Special Division", higher value added
business. The division offers bespoke solutions to bulk material handling
problems and provides magnetic-based systems for the separation and detection of
ferrous metals in foods and chemicals etc.
New products in the period have included the `Ultra Lift Plus' with the patented
Safety Shin offering risk free lifting of metals. The `Ultra Lift Plus' has
unique safety features which prevent it from being switched off while the lifter
is on load.
Robert Sorby
Benefiting from increased volume and favorable exchange movements, Robert Sorby
revenues showed a 14% increase in the three months ended December 31, 2003
compared to sales in the comparable quarter last year.
Sorby exports over 60% of its product to the US and, as with other group
companies, the weakness of the US dollar against (pound) Sterling has had an
adverse effect on margins and sales. However, demand for the new electronically
controlled lathe continues to exceed expectations and the mail order and retail
outlet moved into profit in the quarter.
The outlook for ongoing profitability is favorable.
Bowers
Revenues for the quarter ended December 31, 2003 showed a slight increase,
overall, on sales from the equivalent period last year. A small volume decrease
was more than offset by favorable currency fluctuations.
The `SmartPlug' two point bore gauge, developed in-house by our engineers,
continues to help the metrology division flourish. Additionally, Bowers received
a new listing in a major European catalog for its high precision bore gauges.
Investment of $165 in a new `cone grinder' in the quarter will ensure that the
high level of precision required for the manufacture of the component parts in
bore gauging products is maintained. The equipment will improve quality and will
also provide higher efficiency and reduced costs.
22
S&J France
Sales for the quarter ended December 31, 2003 were, in volume terms, unchanged
from those for the three months ended December 31, 2002.
S&J France continues to provide the major `Big Boxes' in France with garden
products but is also planning to launch several new products during the year
that are not all garden and agricultural related. This will minimize the high
degree of seasonality currently inherent in the business and enable the company
to generate a more even and consistent level of earnings throughout the fiscal
year.
Australasia
The revenues for Spear & Jackson Australia and Spear & Jackson New Zealand in
the quarter ended December 31, 2003 were $0.3m higher, overall, than the
revenues for the comparable quarter last year. Sales volume decreases
(attributable in the main to quarter 1 of the prior year benefiting from the
inclusion of revenues from an Australian customer with whom the company no
longer trades) were mitigated by favorable exchange variances.
During the quarter we appointed a new Managing Director. His key
responsibilities will include the maintaining and improvement of the value of
the S&J brand in Australasia and the driving forward of marketing strategies for
the sale of both new product lines and existing group and externally sourced
products.
COSTS OF GOODS SOLD AND GROSS PROFIT
Costs of goods sold increased to $15,807 in the three-month period ended
December 31, 2003 from $15,250 in the three months ended December 31, 2002.
Costs of goods sold as a percentage of sales was constant at 68.8% in both the
quarter ended December 31, 2003 and the quarter ended December 31, 2002.
Gross profit percentages in the two quarters were therefore unchanged at 31.2%.
We will continue to monitor and evaluate means of maintaining and improving
current sales mixes and of further reducing costs of goods sold across all our
principal trading operations to avoid any margin erosion.
EXPENSES
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $1,300 from $5,376 in
the three months ended December 31, 2002 to $6,676 in the three months ending
December 31, 2003.
The increase of $1.3 million is attributable to adverse exchange fluctuations of
$0.5 million (caused by the movement in the US$/(pound) cross rate between the
two periods), general inflationary increases of approximately $0.1 million,
increased pension charges under FASB 87 (as advised by our actuaries) of $0.3
23
million and additional overheads of $0.4 million. The additional overhead costs
reflect set up costs for the introduction of a Florida based US sales
infrastructure, for which a VP of sales has now been recruited, expenses
incurred in the UK selling and administration reorganizations together with the
benefits realized in the quarter ended December 31, 2002, relating to a bad debt
recovery and the successful settlement of a senior employee severance liability
for an amount less than was anticipated, for which there are no comparable items
in the current period.
Expressed as a percentage of sales, selling, general and administration expenses
were 29.0% of revenues for the three months ended December 31, 2003 (2002:
24.3%).
Other income and expenses moved from a net credit of $13 in the three months
ended December 31, 2002 to a net expense of $42 in the three months ended
December 31, 2003. This adverse movement is attributable to higher 2003 bank
interest charges in the Company's French and UK businesses (principally as a
result of the level of UK borrowings increasing following the purchase of the
land and buildings in Wednesbury) and the receipt of royalty income of $12 in
2002 for which there is no similar item in the three months ended December 31,
2003.
INCOME FROM CONTINUING ACTIVITIES BEFORE INCOME TAXES
Our income from continuing activities before income taxes in the three months
ended December 31, 2003 amounted to $457. This compares to an income from
continuing activities before taxes for the three months ended December 31, 2002
of $1,569. This net decrease in profitability of $1.1 million is derived from
increased overhead costs of $1.3 million, as explained above, offset by an
overall improvement in gross profit of $0.2 million.
INCOME TAX
Income taxes of $176 were provided in the three months ended December 31, 2003
compared to a $386 income tax charge in the three months ending December 31,
2002.
Income taxes were 38.5% of profits before tax in the three months ended December
31, 2003 as opposed to 24.6% of the profit before income taxes in the three
months ended December 31, 2002.
Differences between the effective rate and the statutory rate of taxation result
from tax charges in certain overseas subsidiaries within the Spear & Jackson
group being taxed at rates different from the effective rate, the utilization of
tax losses which are not recognized within the deferred tax computation and
permanent differences between accounting and taxable income as a result of
non-deductible expenses and non-taxable income.
Because of the availability of tax net operating losses it is not anticipated
that any significant element of the tax charge for the three months ended
December 31, 2003 will result in the payment of income tax.
24
The effective rate of tax was lower in the quarter ended December 31, 2002 as a
result of the higher proportion of profits in that quarter which arose in
companies having the benefit of tax losses which had not been recognized as an
asset within the group deferred tax computation.
NET PROFIT FROM CONTINUING ACTIVITIES
Our net profit from continuing activities after income taxes was $281 for the
three months ended December 31, 2003. This compares to a profit from continuing
activities after income taxes of $1,183 for the same period in 2002.
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
The discontinued operations refer to the Megapro screwdriver division of Spear &
Jackson, Inc. which was acquired on September 6, 2002 and which was disposed of
with effect from September 30, 2003. The directors of the Company had previously
carried out a goodwill impairment appraisal and a strategic review of the
division and had determined that this division did not represent a continuing
core activity. Various divestment strategies were considered and as at September
30, 2003 the trade and assets of the principal Megapro companies were
transferred at their net book value to a management buy-in team headed by the
managing director of the Megapro business.
Total income attributable to discontinued operations was $28 in the quarter
ended December 31, 2002. Following the disposal of the business on September 30,
2003, there is no comparable item in the quarter ended December 31, 2003.
FINANCIAL CONDITION
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our cash position was $6,827 at December 31, 2003 and our net assets were
$34,571 at that date.
Net cash used in operating activities in the three month period ended December
31, 2003 was $235 compared to an operating cash generation of $3,030 in the
three months ended December 31, 2002. This decrease of $3,265 in 2003 arises
from:
* the reduction in net income (adjusted for depreciation and deferred taxes)
of $1.2 million,
* increased trade working capital outflows in the quarter ended December 31,
2003, when compared to the period ended December 31, 2002, relating to:
decreased receivables collections of $1.9 million, increased payables
outflow of $2.1 million.
The above adverse variances have been offset by:
* reduced inventory outflows of $1.5 million and favorable movements on other
assets and liabilities of $0.4 million.
The reasons for these working capital variances are summarized below.
In the period ended December 31, 2002 inventories increased by $2,150 in the
quarter while the inventory increase was reduced to $655 in the three months
ended December 31, 2003. Given the cyclical nature of the UK garden tool
business, inventory increases in Q1 are anticipated as we build inventories
prior to the start of the new garden season in spring. The 2002 increase of
$2,150 was, however, particularly high due to the inclusion of significant
inventory purchases, pre quarter-end, by our Australian subsidiary in
anticipation of Q2 sales. This pattern of purchasing activity was not repeated
in 2003, thereby reducing the Australian inventory levels. Additionally, UK
inventories show year on year reductions thanks to the ongoing implementation of
the group inventory reduction program.
The movement in inventories is also reflected in the trade payable inflows.
Buoyed by the pre quarter end purchasing in Australia, trade accounts payable
increased by $3,077 at December 31, 2002 when compared to September 30, 2002.
The increase in payables between September 30, 2003 and December 31, 2003 is
$934, mirroring the reduced purchasing activity in the UK and Australia.
UK sales revenues in August and September 2002 benefited from increased turnover
of approximately $1.1 million with the UK distributor, Toolbank, as that company
increased sales orders to secure higher rebate levels. This, in turn, increased
the total of trade receivables at September 30, 2002. The trade receivables
inflow in the quarter ended December 31, 2002 of $1,612 therefore incorporates
the cash received from these sales and the settlement of the related rebates is
similarly reflected in the decrease in accrued expenses of $1,182 for the three
months ended December 31, 2002. There were no similar sales in August and
September of 2003 and the cash flows associated with trade receivables and other
creditors are correspondingly affected.
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Cash outflow from investing activities was $3,425 in the period ended December
31, 2003. This compares to an outflow from investing activities in the period
ended December 31, 2002 of $183. Net cash used in investing activities in the
three months ended December 31, 2003 includes $3,425 of capital expenditure,
$3,200 of which relates to the purchase of the land and buildings at Wednesbury,
England which is the base for our UK garden tools manufacturing operation. Prior
to its purchase, this property was being leased from the former owners of Spear
& Jackson plc.
Net cash provided by financing activities was $1,228 in the period ended
December 31, 2003 compared to net cash absorbed by financing activities of
$1,225 in the period ended December 31, 2002.
This is due to the utilization of the UK bank overdraft facility in order to
finance the $3,200 purchase of the Wednesbury property in the quarter ended
September 30, 2003. In the 3 months ended December 31, 2002 the Company repaid
its overdraft in Australia.
The Spear & Jackson and Bowers companies have overdraft facilities with various
UK, French and Australian banks. Our business operations have been funded
primarily from net operating income. We have also utilized bank facilities in
the UK and France.
The financing of new product launches in the Spear & Jackson and Bowers
companies will be funded from their existing banking facilities. We believe that
we have sufficient capital resources and liquidity over both the short and
medium term to sustain our business operations. While we may require additional
financing in order to pursue any planned expansion of the Spear & Jackson or
Bowers operations, we do not require additional financing in order to sustain
our present business operations.
ITEM3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISKS
The Company is exposed to market risks which include changes in interest rates
and movements in foreign currency exchange rates as measured against the US
dollar.
The Company is exposed to interest rate changes primarily as a result of
interest payable on its bank borrowings in its UK and Australian subsidiaries.
As at December 31, 2003 the Company had borrowings in the form of overdrafts
amounting to $1,556 which are repayable on demand. Management believes that a
fluctuation in interest rates in the near future will not have a material impact
on the Company's consolidated financial statements. The nature and amount of our
debt may, however, vary as a result of future business requirements, market
conditions, and other factors. The definitive extent of our interest rate risk
is not therefore quantifiable or predictable because of the variability of
future interest rates and business financing requirements.
The Company has operations in the United Kingdom, France, Australia and New
Zealand. These operations transact business in the local currency and their
financial statements are prepared in those currencies. Translation of the
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balance sheets, income statements and cash flows of these subsidiaries into US
dollars is therefore impacted by changes in foreign exchange rates.
Additionally, these subsidiaries bill and receive payments from some of their
foreign customers and are invoiced and pay certain of their overseas suppliers
in the functional currencies of those customers and suppliers. To date, the
Company has not been materially adversely affected by exchange rate movements.
To help reduce exposure to foreign currency fluctuation, management has
periodically used foreign currency hedges and forward contracts. These currency
instruments allow management to hedge or cover currency exposures when these
exposures meet certain discretionary levels. However, it is not possible for the
Company to anticipate and take preventative measures against all adverse changes
in foreign currency exposure currently or in the future.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Quarterly Controls Evaluation and Related CEO and CFO Certifications
We conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of
our "disclosure controls and procedures" (Disclosure Controls) as of the end of
the period covered by this Quarterly Report. The controls evaluation was done
under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
Attached as exhibits to this Quarterly Report are certifications of the CEO and
the CFO, which are required in accord with Rule 13a-14 of the Exchange Act. This
Controls and Procedures section includes the information concerning the controls
evaluation referred to in the certifications and it should be read in
conjunction with the certifications for a more complete understanding of the
topics presented.
Definition of Disclosure Controls
Disclosure Controls are controls and procedures designed to reasonably assure
that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed under the
Exchange Act, such as this Quarterly Report, is recorded, processed, summarized
and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms.
Disclosure Controls are also designed to reasonably assure that such information
is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the CEO and CFO, as
appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Our
Disclosure Controls include components of our internal control over financial
reporting, which consists of control processes designed to provide reasonable
assurance regarding the reliability of our financial reporting and the
preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States.
Limitations on the Effectiveness of Controls
Our management, including the CEO and CFO, does not expect that our Disclosure
Controls or our internal control over financial reporting will prevent all error
and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can
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provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control system's
objectives will be met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the
fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be
considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all
control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that
all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, have been detected. These
inherent limitations include the realities that judgements in decision-making
can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake.
The design of any system of controls is based in part upon certain assumptions
about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any
design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future
conditions. Over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in
conditions or deterioration in the degree of compliance with policies or
procedures. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control
system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.
Conclusions
Based upon the controls evaluation, our CEO and CFO have concluded that, subject
to the limitations noted above, as of the end of the period covered by this
Quarterly Report, our Disclosure Controls were effective to provide reasonable
assurance that material information relating to Spear & Jackson, Inc. and its
consolidated subsidiaries is made known to management, including the CEO and
CFO.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as
defined in Rules13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act) that occurred
during the quarter ended December 31, 2003 that has materially affected, or is
reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial
reporting.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
The Company is currently involved in a legal action with the former managing
director of Spear & Jackson plc concerning the amount of severance compensation
payable following his dismissal as part of a management reorganization program
in September 2002. The outcome of this action will not be known until later in
2004 but the Company is confident that the amounts provided in respect of the
dispute will be adequate to cover any amounts payable should the Company's
defense be unsuccessful.
Additionally, the Company is, from time to time, subject to legal proceedings
and claims arising from the conduct of its business operations, including
litigation related to personal injury claims, customer contract matters,
employment claims and environmental matters. While it is impossible to ascertain
the ultimate legal and financial liability with respect to contingent
liabilities, including lawsuits, the Company believes that the aggregate amount
of such liabilities, if any, in excess of amounts accrued or covered by
insurance, will not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial
position or results of operation of the Company.
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Item 2. Changes in Securities and use of Proceeds
None
Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities
None
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
None
Item 5. Other Information
The Company has learned that a Formal Order of Investigation was issued by the
Securities and Exchange Commission on or about January 29, 2004 relating to the
accuracy of the Company's financial statements included in its reports filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission and fulfilment by the Company of
other statutory obligations under Federal Securities Laws. The Company has been
co-operating with the Commission since the initiation of the inquiry, and has
previously filed an amendment to its periodic reports in response to various
comments and suggestions by the Staff.
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
(a) Exhibits
31.1 302 Certification of Chief Executive
31.2 302 Certification of Chief Accounting Officer
32.1 906 Certification of Chief Executive Officer
32.2 906 Certification of Chief Accounting Officer
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
Form 8-K was filed on 16 January, 2004 in which the Company announced that
its Board of Directors had authorized the re-purchase of up to 500,000
common shares of the Company in market or private transactions.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed
on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorised.
SPEAR & JACKSON, INC.
By: /s/Dennis Crowley Dated: February 13, 2004
----------------
Dennis Crowley
Chairman, President and
Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
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