Edgar Filing: APPLICA INC

Applica Incorporated

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q


x		QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
		FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2004

		OR

o		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 1-10177

APPLICA INCORPORATED

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)


Florida		59-1028301

(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

3633 Flamingo Road, Miramar, Florida		33027

(Address Of Principal Executive Offices)		(Zip Code)

(954) 883-1000

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

Former Name, If Changed Since Last Report:
Not Applicable

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirement for the past 90 days. Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes x No o

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:


	Number of shares
Class	outstanding on November 5, 2004
Common Stock, $0.10 par value		24,068,725

APPLICA INCORPORATED

INDEX


	Page
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION		3
Item 1. Financial Statements		3
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003		3
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2004 and 2003		4
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2004 and 2003		5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2004 and 2003		6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements		7
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations		18
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk		32
Item 4. Controls and Procedures		33
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION		34
Item 5. Other Information		34
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K		34
Termination & Release Agreement Belvin Freidson
Termination & Release Agreement Lai Kin
Sec 302 Chief Executive Officer Certification
Sec 302 Chief Financial Officer Certification
Sec 906 Chief Executive Officer Certification
Sec 906 Chief Financial Officer Certification

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

Applica Incorporated and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS


	September 30,
	2004			December 31,
	(Unaudited)			2003
	(In thousands)
Assets
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	5,107		$	12,735
Accounts and other receivables, less allowances of $11,652 in 2004 and $12,543 in 2003		136,177			131,021
Notes receivable – officers and former officer		1,554			1,615
Inventories		173,849			106,326
Prepaid expenses and other		18,980			21,828
Refundable income taxes		2,686			4,823
Future income tax benefits		2,442			11,616

Total current assets		340,795			289,964
Investment in Joint Venture		—			5,389
Property, Plant and Equipment - at cost, less accumulated depreciation of $76,680 in 2004 and $100,445 in 2003		43,252			62,154
Future Income Tax Benefits, Non-Current		8,304			49,695
Goodwill		—			62,812
Other Intangibles, Net		4,998			6,146
Other Assets		2,005			2,676

Total Assets	$	399,354		$	478,836

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	49,925		$	39,273
Accrued expenses		60,703			61,362
Current maturities of long-term debt		8,955			5,919
Current taxes payable		2,462			2,172
Deferred rent		665			301

Total current liabilities		122,710			109,027
Other Long-Term Liabilities		1,313			1,327
Long-Term Debt, Less Current Maturities		173,022			130,869
Shareholders’ Equity:
Common stock – authorized:75,000 shares of $0.10 par value; issued and outstanding:
24,069 shares in 2004 and 23,687 shares in 2003		2,407			2,369
Paid-in capital		158,865			156,604
(Accumulated deficit) retained earnings		(51,766	)		86,474
Note receivable – former officer		(1,496	)		(1,496	)
Accumulated other comprehensive earnings (loss)		(5,701	)		(6,338	)

Total shareholders’ equity		102,309			237,613

Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	$	399,354		$	478,836

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

Applica Incorporated and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)


	Three Months Ended September 30,
	2004					2003
	(In thousands, except per share data)
Net sales	$	187,750		100.0	%	$	173,512		100.0	%
Cost of goods sold		131,850		70.2			123,004		70.9

Gross profit		55,900		29.8			50,508		29.1
Selling, general and administrative expenses:
Operating expenses		52,846		28.1			53,358		30.8
Termination benefits		9,153		4.9			—		—
Loss on sale of subsidiary		784		0.4			—		—

Operating loss		(6,883	)	(3.7	)		(2,850	)	(1.7	)
Other expense (income):
Interest expense		2,360		1.3			3,597		2.1
Interest and other income		(80	)	—			(245	)	(0.1	)
Loss on early extinguishment of debt		—		—			1,906		1.1

		2,280		1.2			5,258		3.0

Loss before equity in net earnings of joint venture and income taxes		(9,163	)	(4.9	)		(8,108	)	(4.7	)
Equity in net earnings of joint venture		—		—			16,199		9.3

Loss before income taxes		(9,163	)	(4.9	)		8,091		4.7
Income tax provision		780		0.4			3,236		1.9

Net (loss) earnings	$	(9,943	)	(5.3	)%	$	4,855		2.8	%

Earnings (loss) per common share:
(Loss) earnings per common share – basic	$	(0.41	)			$	0.21

(Loss) earnings per common share – diluted	$	(0.41	)			$	0.20

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

Applica Incorporated and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)


	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2004					2003
	(In thousands, except per share data)
Net sales	$	479,236		100.0	%	$	431,598		100.0	%
Cost of goods sold		337,377		70.4			305,962		70.9

Gross profit		141,859		29.6			125,636		29.1
Selling, general and administrative expenses:
Operating expenses		146,729		30.6			132,240		30.6
Termination benefits		9,153		1.9			—		—
Loss on sale of subsidiary		784		0.2			—		—
Repositioning charge		(563	)	(0.1	)		—		—
Impairment of goodwill		62,812		13.1			—		—

Operating loss		(77,056	)	(16.1	)		(6,604	)	(1.5	)
Other expense (income):
Interest expense		6,718		1.4			11,431		2.6
Interest and other income		(1,069	)	(0.2	)		(893	)	(0.2	)
Loss on early extinguishment of debt		187		—			1,906		0.4

		5,836		1.2			12,444		2.9

Loss before equity in net earnings of joint venture and income taxes		(82,892	)	(17.3	)		(19,048	)	(4.4	)
Equity in net earnings of joint venture		—		—			55,199		12.8

(Loss) earnings before income taxes		(82,892	)	(17.3	)		36,151		8.4
Income tax provision		55,348		11.5			14,460		3.4

Net (loss) earnings	$	(138,240	)	(28.8	)%	$	21,691		5.0	%

Earnings (loss) per common share:
(Loss) earnings per common share – basic	$	(5.78	)			$	0.92

(Loss) earnings per common share – diluted	$	(5.78	)			$	0.91

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

Applica Incorporated and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)


	Nine Months Ended
	September 30,
	2004			2003
	(In thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net (loss) earnings	$	(138,240	)	$	21,691
Reconciliation to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment		10,945			15,184
Provision for doubtful accounts		346			3,276
Amortization of intangible and other assets		1,569			6,915
Loss on early extinguishment of debt		187			1,906
Loss on sale of subsidiary		784			—
Impairment of goodwill		62,812			—
Deferred taxes		53,911			15,308
Repositioning charge		(563	)		—
Other non-cash changes in equity items		—			10
Equity in net earnings of joint venture		—			(55,199	)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts and other receivables		(9,480	)		9,439
Inventories		(84,107	)		(40,118	)
Prepaid expenses and other		(1,750	)		(2,113	)
Other assets		962			3,064
Accounts payable and accrued expenses		16,704			12,298
Current income taxes		2,426			1,819
Other liabilities		350			491

Net cash used in operating activities		(83,144	)		(6,089	)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from sale of subsidiary		28,109			—
Additions to property, plant and equipment		(9,693	)		(9,536	)
Distributions from joint venture – net		1,192			51,410
Receivables from affiliates		77			503

Net cash provided by investing activities		19,685			42,377
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net borrowings (payments) under lines of credit		56,930			(7,900	)
Redemption of long-term debt		(4,390	)		(31,500	)
Exercise of stock options and issuance of common stock under employee stock purchase plan		2,187			1,043
Interest receivable from affiliates		(16	)		(30	)

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		54,711			(38,387	)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash		1,120			1,390
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents		(7,628	)		(709	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		12,735			7,683

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	5,107		$	6,974

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:
Cash paid during the nine-month period ended September 30:
Interest	$	7,723		$	14,232
Income taxes		—			—

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

Applica Incorporated
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — Continued

Applica Incorporated and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

1. SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Interim Reporting

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Applica Incorporated and its subsidiaries (“Applica”). All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. The unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X of the Securities and Exchange Commission and therefore do not include information or footnotes necessary for a complete presentation of financial position, results of operations and cash flows in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. However, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals), which, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair presentation of the financial statements, have been included. Operating results for the period ended September 30, 2004 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fourth quarter or full year ending December 31, 2004 due to the sale of Applica’s Hong Kong based manufacturing operations in July 2004, seasonal fluctuations in Applica’s business, changes in economic conditions and other factors. For further information, please refer to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto contained in Applica’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003.

Reclassifications

Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified for comparability.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market; cost is determined by the first-in, first-out method. Inventories are comprised of the following:


	September 30,		December 31,
	2004		2003
	(In thousands)
Raw materials	$	6,742	$	8,383
Work in process		448		3,507
Finished goods		166,659		94,436

	$	173,849	$	106,326

Stock Based Compensation

At September 30, 2004, Applica had four active stock based compensation plans. Applica accounts for stock-based compensation using the intrinsic value method. Accordingly, compensation cost for stock options issued is measured as the excess, if any, of the fair value of Applica’s common stock at the date of grant over the exercise price of the options. Applica’s net earnings (loss) and earnings (loss) per share would have been changed to the pro forma amounts indicated below had compensation cost for the stock option plans and non-qualified options issued to employees been determined based on the fair value of the options at the grant dates consistent with the method of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123.

Applica Incorporated
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — Continued


	For the three months ended					For the nine months ended
	September 30,			September 30,		September 30,			September 30,
	2004			2003		2004			2003
				(In thousands, except per share data)
Net earnings (loss):
As reported	$	(9,943	)	$	4,855	$	(138,240	)	$	21,691
Pro forma	$	(10,125	)	$	4,707	$	(138,799	)	$	21,370
Basic earnings (loss) per share:
As reported	$	(0.41	)	$	0.21	$	(5.78	)	$	0.92
Pro forma	$	(0.42	)	$	0.20	$	(5.80	)	$	0.91
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:
As reported	$	(0.41	)	$	0.20	$	(5.78	)	$	0.91
Pro forma	$	(0.42	)	$	0.19	$	(5.80	)	$	0.90

There was approximately $0.1 million in stock-based employee compensation expense included in net loss in the three months and nine months ending September 30, 2004 relating to the extension of the exercise period of options to purchase 500,000 shares of the common stock of Applica in connection with the resignation of Applica’s Chairman of the Board in August 2004. There was no stock-based employee compensation expense included in net earnings (loss) in the three and nine months ending September 30, 2003.

The above pro forma disclosures may not be representative of the effects on reported net earnings (loss) for future periods as options vest over several years and Applica may continue to grant options to employees.

In accordance with the requirements of SFAS No. 123, the fair value of each option grant was estimated on the date of grant using a binomial option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions used for grants in 2004 and 2003: no dividend yield; expected volatility ranging from 64.1% to 82.7%; risk-free interest rates of 3.0%; and expected holding periods of four years.

Comprehensive Income

The components of other comprehensive income, net of tax, were as follows:


	For the three months ended					For the nine months ended
	September 30,			September 30,		September 30,			September 30,
	2004			2003		2004			2003
				(In thousands)
(Loss) earnings	$	(9,943	)	$	4,855	$	(138,240	)	$	21,691
Foreign currency translation adjustment		520			1,012		558			2,825
Change in market value of derivatives		337			266		79			(243	)

	$	(9,086	)	$	6,133	$	(137,603	)	$	24,273

The components of accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax, were as follows:


	September 30,			December 31,
	2004			2003
	(In thousands)
Accumulated translation adjustment foreign currency	$	(5,529	)	$	(5,525	)
Accumulated net unrealized gain on derivatives		(172	)		(813	)

	$	(5,701	)	$	(6,338	)

Applica Incorporated
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — Continued

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

A variety of proposed or otherwise potential accounting standards are currently under study by standard-setting organizations and various regulatory agencies. Because of the tentative and preliminary nature of these proposed standards, management has not determined whether implementation of such proposed standards would be material to Applica’s consolidated financial statements.

Loss on Early Extinguishments of Debt

In February 2004, Applica redeemed $4.25 million of its 10% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2008. The notes were redeemed at prices between 103.25% and 103.33% of the principal amount, plus accrued interest. The cost of the redemption included $187,000 in prepayment premiums and the pro-rata write-off of deferred financing costs related to the redemption. In July 2003, Applica redeemed $30 million of the notes. The notes were redeemed at 105% of the principal amount, plus accrued interest. The cost of the 2003 redemption included $1.5 million in prepayment premiums and the pro-rata write-off off of $406,000 of deferred financing costs.

Vendor Consideration

Applica’s supplier of vacuum packaging products has agreed to reimburse Applica $4.0 million for a portion of the costs of litigating a patent infringement lawsuit with Tilia International, Inc., which was settled in April 2004. The reimbursement is evidenced by a note receivable bearing interest at a rate of 6% per annum and is payable over five years in equal quarterly installments of $200,000, plus interest, starting in December 2004. As the reimbursement is coming from a vendor and the payment thereof is indirectly associated with future purchases from the vendor, the amount to be received has been offset by a related deferred credit to be recognized over the five-year period as a reduction of future product costs.

2. SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Earnings Per Share

Weighted average basic shares for the three-month periods ended September 30, 2004 and 2003 were 24,068,730 and 23,631,586, respectively. Weighted average basic shares for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2004 and 2003 were 23,935,837 and 23,544,311, respectively. All common stock equivalents of 2,185,718 and 2,138,567 have been excluded from the diluted per share calculations in the three-month and the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2004 because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. Included in diluted shares for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2003 are common stock equivalents relating to options of 678,441 and 390,096, respectively. Potential common stock equivalents for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2003 were options to purchase 320,060 and 1,378,138 shares of common stock, respectively, with exercise prices ranging from $3.63 to $31.69 and $8.51 to $31.69, respectively.

In October 2004, Applica Incorporated and its U.S. operating subsidiary, Applica Consumer Products, Inc., entered into a new employment agreement with its President and Chief Executive Officer. Upon execution of the agreement, the President and Chief Executive Officer was granted options to purchase 500,000 shares of Applica common stock at a price of $4.16 per share. The options vest over three years and expire in 2009.

3. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Applica is subject to legal proceedings, product liability claims and other claims that arise in the ordinary course of our business. In the opinion of management, the amount of ultimate liability with respect to such matters, if any, in excess of applicable insurance coverage, is not likely to have a material effect on Applica’s business, financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. However, as the outcome of litigation or other claims is difficult to predict, significant changes in the estimated exposures could occur.

4. TERMINATION BENEFITS

In August 2004, David M. Friedson resigned his position as Chairman of the Board and a director of Applica. In connection with his resignation, Applica entered into a separation agreement with Mr. Friedson, pursuant to which Mr. Friedson’s employment agreement was terminated and Applica agreed to pay him $6.5 million over the next year. Mr. Friedson agreed to repay approximately $3.1 million in outstanding loans to

Applica Incorporated
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — Continued

Applica on or before June 15, 2005. Applica also agreed to provide Mr. Friedson certain health insurance benefits for a period of 18 months and to extend the exercise period of options to purchase 500,000 shares of the common stock of Applica for an exercise price of $3.625 per share. The options, which would have expired 90 days after the termination of Mr. Friedson’s employment, will now expire in December 2005, which was the original expiration. The extension of the options resulted in compensation expense of approximately $0.1 million. The agreement also contains mutual releases and confidentiality and non-compete provisions.

Additionally, during the third quarter of 2004, Applica incurred termination costs in connection with certain other employment and consulting agreements and relationships of approximately $2.6 million, including certain officers in Hong-Kong.

As of September 30, 2004, approximately $0.5 million of the termination benefits were paid. The remaining $8.6 million was included in accrued expenses in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2004.

5. SALE OF APPLICA DURABLE MANUFACTURING LIMITED

In July 2004, Applica sold its Hong Kong based manufacturing subsidiary, Applica Durable Manufacturing Limited (“Applica Durable”) for $28.1 million. The sale primarily allows Applica to outsource the manufacturing of its products in China. The decision to outsource the manufacturing operations did not materially impact the operations and cash flows of Applica, except for certain contract manufacturing operations.

The assets and liabilities sold as part of the transaction were comprised of the following:


	(In thousands)
Accounts receivable	$	8,175
Intercompany receivable		30,604
Inventory, net		15,455
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		4,516
Property and equipment, net		17,732

	$	76,482

Accounts payable and other current liabilities	$	36,782
Long-term debt		7,491
Deferred taxes		3,346

	$	47,619

For the nine month period ended September 30, 2004, revenues and gross profit from our contract manufacturing operations in China were $14.2 million and $3.5 million, respectively. Revenues and gross profit for the comparable periods in 2003 were $23.1 million and $2.2 million, respectively.

The sale of the Chinese manufacturing operations resulted in a loss of approximately $0.8 million primarily from the realization of cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments.

6. ASSETS HELD FOR SALE

In the fourth quarter of 2003, Applica entered into an agreement to sell its executive offices in Miami Lakes, Florida to an unrelated third party for $9.3 million. The sale closed on October 15, 2004 and $5.7 million of the proceeds was used to repay the outstanding mortgage on the property and the remainder was used to pay down Applica’s senior credit facility. The executive offices, including leasehold improvements, are classified as held for sale and included in prepaid expenses and other in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and were approximately $7.8 million and $8.2 million as of September 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003, respectively. The related mortgage was classified as current maturities of long-term debt in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet and was $5.7 million and $5.8 million as of September 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003, respectively.

7. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Applica Incorporated
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — Continued

The following is a summary of property, plant and equipment:


		September 30,		December 31,
	Useful Lives	2004		2003
	(Dollars in thousands)
Building	15-50 years	$	7,430	$	11,455
Building improvements	8-31 years		522		401
Computer equipment	3-5 years		29,747		26,495
Equipment and other	3-8 years		78,241		111,579
Leasehold improvements*	8 years		2,923		11,600
Land and land improvements**	15-31 years		1,069		1,069

Total			119,932		162,599
Less accumulated depreciation			76,680		100,445

		$	43,252	$	62,154

*		Shorter of remaining term of lease or useful life

**		Only improvements are depreciated

Applica is undergoing a major upgrade of its information technology infrastructure, including the installation of a new enterprise resource planning system. As of September 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003, approximately $9.3 and $3.4 million, respectively, of capitalized expenditures associated with the information technology upgrade were included in property, plant and equipment as non-operating assets.

8. REPOSITIONING, RECALL AND OTHER CHARGES

For the nine months ended September 30, 2004, the activity relating to the 2001 accrued repositioning was as follows:


	Amount								Amount
	Accrued at								Accrued at
	Dec. 31,		2004			2004			September
	2003		Write-offs*			Payments			30, 2004
			(In thousands)
Back-office consolidation	$	5,553	$	(563	)	$	(1,872	)	$	3,118

Represents a reduction of the amount accrued.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2003, the activity in the accrued repositioning and other charges was as follows:


	Amount					Amount
	Accrued at					Accrued at
	Dec. 31,		2003			September
	2002		Payments			30, 2003
			(In thousands)
Product recall	$	4,763	$	(505	)	$	4,258
Back-office consolidation		5,956		(3,850	)		2,106
Shareholder litigation		450		(450	)		—

	$	11,169	$	(4,805	)	$	6,364

The amounts accrued in connection with the repositioning and other charges were reflected in accrued expenses in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

9. INVESTMENT IN JOINT VENTURE

Applica Incorporated
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — Continued

Anasazi Partners, L.P. was a partnership owned 50% by Applica that invested in public and privately owned securities. In the fourth quarter of 2002, Anasazi Partners engaged an investment banker to pursue exit strategies for Anasazi’s equity investment in ZonePerfect Nutrition Company. As part of this process, a valuation of the investment was performed. Based on this valuation, in the first quarter of 2003, Anasazi increased the fair value of the investment by approximately $75.0 million, resulting in equity in net earnings of unconsolidated joint venture of $37.5 million in the first quarter 2003 consolidated statement of operations.

In July 2003, ZonePerfect was sold for approximately $160.0 million in cash, $20.0 million of which is being held in escrow as of September 30, 2004. Payment of $10.0 million of the amount held in escrow is contingent on the performance of a negotiated matter and no portion thereof has been reflected in the net earnings of Anasazi.

The funds held in escrow are to be released to the sellers, including Anasazi, at 18 and 24 months from date of closing, subject to any adjustments to the escrowed funds for breaches of representations and warranties or disputes related to the contingent negotiated matter. Management of Anasazi believes that Anasazi is entitled to receive additional amounts with respect to the contingent negotiated matter. Upon agreement with the purchaser of ZonePerfect, or release of the related funds from escrow, Applica expects to record additional earnings of up to $3.7 million.

In July 2003, the general partner of Anasazi Partners L.P. began the process of dissolving the partnership by distributing the remaining individual investments to the partners, which was completed in June 2004. In the first quarter of 2004, Applica received total cash distributions of $1.2 million in connection with the planned liquidation of Anasazi. The partnership was dissolved in the third quarter of 2004. At September 30, 2004, Applica’s interest in Anasazi represented its share of a portion of the escrow funds, which is in addition to the escrow contingency discussed above and is included in accounts and other receivables in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.

10. GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

As of June 30, 2004, Applica performed its annual fair value assessment of goodwill, with the assistance of an independent third party valuation group, and determined that the implied value of its goodwill was zero, resulting in a non-cash adjustment in the carrying value of goodwill of $62.8 million ($46.4 million after taxes) in the second quarter of 2004. The impairment charge was included as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying statements of operations for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2004.

In accordance with SFAS No. 142 “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” the testing for impairment of goodwill is performed in two steps: (1) potential impairment is identified by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount (including goodwill); and (2) if fair value is less than the carrying amount, an impairment loss is estimated as the excess of the carrying amount of the goodwill over its implied value. Applica is considered one reporting unit.

The impairment of goodwill was primarily due to lower than expected cash flows, resulting from lower-than-anticipated gross profit margins attributable to increased costs of raw materials and higher transportation costs, which are expected to continue for the foreseeable future. Implied fair value of goodwill was estimated using a combination of market multiples, comparable transactions and discounted cash flow methodologies.

The implied fair value of goodwill was determined by allocating the fair value of Applica to all of Applica’s assets and liabilities; any excess of fair value over the amount allocated represented implied fair value of goodwill. The allocation process is performed solely for purposes of testing goodwill for impairment. Thus, the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities are not affected.

The fair value of the individual assets is the amount at which an asset could be bought or sold in a current transaction not involving a forced or liquidating sale. The fair value of the individual liabilities is the amount at which a liability could be incurred or settled in a current transaction not involving a forced or liquidating sale.

In Applica’s process of allocating the fair value to its tangible assets, primarily accounts receivable, inventory and manufacturing property, plant and equipment in Mexico, and identifiable intangible assets (i.e., customer relationships and tradenames) and liabilities, Applica determined that the implied value of goodwill (the residual) was zero.

Applica Incorporated
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — Continued

The components of Applica’s intangible assets subject to amortization are as follows:


			September 30, 2004					December 31, 2003
			Gross					Gross
			Carrying		Accumulated			Carrying		Accumulated
	Average Life		Amount		Amortization			Amount		Amortization
	(Years)				(In thousands)
Licenses		4.3	$	3,000	$	(773	)	$	3,000	$	(333	)
Contract-Based		6.0		5,988		(3,217	)		5,988		(2,509	)

			$	8,988	$	(3,990	)	$	8,988	$	(2,842	)

Amortization expense for intangible assets during the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003 was $1.1 million and $6.4 million, respectively.

The following table provides information regarding estimated amortization expense for each of the following years ended December 31:


	(In thousands)
2004	$	1,555
2005		1,454
2006		1,452
2007		569
2008		261
Thereafter		855

11. PRODUCT WARRANTY OBLIGATIONS

Estimated future warranty obligations related to certain products are provided by charges to operations in the period in which the related revenue is recognized. Accrued product warranties as of September 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003 were as follows:


	(In thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2003	$	6,084
Accrued product warranties		26,511
Reduction		(28,980	)

Balance at September 30, 2004	$	3,615

12. INCOME TAXES

Applica’s tax provision is based on an estimated annual aggregation of the taxes on earnings of each of its foreign and domestic operations. For the three months ended September 30, 2004, Applica had an effective tax rate of 34% before an additional valuation allowance on deferred tax assets. For the nine months ended September 30, 2004, Applica had an effective tax rate of 38% before considering the impact on impairment of goodwill, providing for previously untaxed foreign earnings and an additional valuation allowance on deferred tax assets. The effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003 was 40%.

In the second quarter of 2004, Applica changed its position regarding the permanent investment of certain foreign undistributed earnings primarily as a result of its decision to exit its Chinese manufacturing operations. Applica intends to repatriate approximately $85.5 million of these previously untaxed earnings and recorded a related tax expense of $24.0 million in the second quarter of 2004. Additionally, Applica recognized a tax benefit of $16.4 million on its impairment of goodwill.

Applica Incorporated
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — Continued

positive and negative evidence needs to be considered, including a company’s current and past performance, the market environment in which the company operates, the utilization of past tax credits and length of carryback and carryforward periods.

Forming a conclusion that a valuation allowance is not needed is difficult when there is negative objective evidence such as cumulative losses in recent years. Cumulative losses weigh heavily in the overall assessment. As a result of the reviews undertaken at June 30, 2004 and September 30, 2004, Applica concluded that it was appropriate to record valuation allowances of $51.4 million and $3.9 million in the second and third quarters of 2004, respectively. Applica expects to realize the benefits of the remaining net deferred tax assets of approximately $10.7 million as of September 30, 2004, primarily from the repatriation of current and previously undistributed foreign earnings.

We expect to continue to maintain a valuation allowance on future tax benefits until an appropriate level of profitability is reached or we are able to develop tax strategies which would enable us to conclude that it is more likely than not that a portion of our deferred tax assets would be realized.

The earnings of subsidiaries in Canada, Mexico and Latin America (other than Chile) are generally taxed at rates comparable to or higher than 35%, the United States statutory rate. No tax provision is made for the undistributed earnings of the foreign subsidiaries that Applica expects will be permanently reinvested in its operations outside the United States.

The income tax provision for the three months ended September 30, 2004 of approximately $0.8 million consists of provisions for Applica’s foreign operations. No net provision or benefit was recorded for the operations in the United States in the three months ended September 30, 2004.

Income tax provision (benefit) for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 consists of the following (dollars in millions):


	Earnings (Loss)			Tax Provision
	Before Taxes			(Benefit)			Tax Rate
Loss (excluding goodwill impairment)	$	(20.1	)	$	(7.6	)		38	%
Impairment of goodwill		(62.8	)		(16.4	)		26	%
Previously untaxed foreign earnings of $85.5 million		—			24.0			28	%
Valuation allowance		—			55.3

Total	$	(82.9	)	$	55.3

13. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Applica’s domestic subsidiaries are guarantors of Applica’s 10% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2008. The following condensed consolidating financial information presents the results of operations, financial position and cash flows of Applica Incorporated (on a stand alone basis), the guarantor subsidiaries (on a combined basis), the non-guarantor subsidiaries (on a combined basis) and the eliminations necessary to arrive at the consolidated results of Applica. The results of operations and cash flows presented below assume that the guarantor subsidiaries were in place for all periods presented. Applica and guarantor subsidiaries have accounted for investments in their respective subsidiaries on an unconsolidated basis using the equity method of accounting. The guarantor subsidiaries are wholly owned subsidiaries of Applica and have fully and unconditionally guaranteed the notes on a joint and several basis. The notes contain certain covenants which, among other things, restrict the ability of the guarantor subsidiaries to make distributions to Applica Incorporated. Applica has not presented separate financial statements and other disclosures concerning the guarantor subsidiaries and non-guarantor subsidiaries because it has determined they would not be material to investors.

Applica Incorporated
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — Continued


	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2004
							Non-
	Parent			Guarantors			Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
							(In thousands)
Statement of Operations:
Net sales	$	—		$	383,805		$	237,176		$	(141,745	)	$	479,236
Cost of goods sold		—			264,990			214,132			(141,745	)		337,377

Gross profit		—			118,815			23,044			—			141,859
Operating expenses		—			127,813			18,916			—			146,729
Termination benefits, repositioning and other charges		—			8,621			753			—			9,374
Impairment of intangible asset		4,414			58,398			—			—			62,812

Operating profit (loss)		(4,414	)		(76,017	)		3,375			—			(77,056	)
Other (income) expense, net		118			6,422			(891	)		—			5,649
Loss on early extinguishment of debt		—			187			—			—			187

Earnings (loss) before equity in net earnings and income taxes		(4,532	)		(82,626	)		4,266			—			(82,892	)
Equity in net earnings (loss) of subsidiaries		(133,708	)		—			—			133,708			—
Income tax provision		—			53,456			1,892			—			55,348

Net earnings (loss)	$	(138,240	)	$	(136,082	)	$	2,374		$	133,708		$	(138,240	)

Balance Sheet:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	—		$	459		$	4,648		$	—		$	5,107
Accounts and other receivables, net		4,197			106,742			25,238			—			136,177
Receivables from affiliates and former officers		(197,415	)		(26,090	)		94,182			130,877			1,554
Inventories		—			132,252			41,597			—			173,849
Future income tax benefits		—			2,945			(503	)		—			2,442
Other current assets		—			12,204			9,462			—			21,666

Total current assets		(193,218	)		228,512			174,624			130,877			340,795
Investment in subsidiaries		475,816			104,989			25,510			(606,315	)		—
Property, plant and equipment, net		—			17,753			25,499			—			43,252
Long-term future income tax benefits		—			5,833			2,471			—			8,304
Other assets		1,995			20,005			11,387			(26,384	)		7,003

Total assets	$	284,593		$	377,092		$	239,491		$	(501,822	)	$	399,354

Accounts payable and accrued expenses	$	—		$	62,282		$	48,346		$	—		$	110,628
Current maturities of long-term debt		8,653			—			302			—			8,955
Deferred rent		—			665			—			—			665
Current taxes payable		—			396			2,066			—			2,462

Total current liabilities		8,653			63,343			50,714			—			122,710
Long-term debt		173,022			12,865			13,141			(26,006	)		173,022
Future income tax liabilities		—			2,369			(2,369	)		—			—
Other long-term liabilities		609			704			—			—			1,313

Total liabilities		182,284			79,281			61,486			(26,006	)		297,045
Shareholders’ equity		102,309			297,811			178,005			(475,816	)		102,309

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	284,593		$	377,092		$	239,491		$	(501,822	)	$	399,354

Cash Flow Information:
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	(171,542	)	$	(69,368	)	$	16,399		$	141,367		$	(83,144	)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities		50,604			105,807			35,101			(171,827	)		19,685
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		119,818			(37,104	)		(58,463	)		30,460			54,711
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash		1,120			—			—			—			1,120
Cash at beginning		—			1,124			11,611			—			12,735
Cash at end		—			459			4,648			—			5,107

Applica Incorporated
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — Continued


	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2003
							Non-
	Parent			Guarantors			Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
							(In thousands)
Statement of Operations:
Net sales	$	—		$	341,137		$	287,474		$	(197,013	)	$	431,598
Cost of goods sold		—			237,295			265,680			(197,013	)		305,962

Gross profit		—			103,842			21,794			—			125,636
Operating expenses		6			115,396			16,838			—			132,240

Operating earnings (loss)		(6	)		(11,554	)		4,956			—			(6,604	)
Other (income) expense, net		(69	)		13,268			(2,661	)		—			10,538
Loss on early extinguishment of debt		—			1,906			—			—			1,906

Earnings (loss) before equity in net earnings of joint venture and subsidiaries, and income taxes		63			(26,728	)		7,617			—			(19,048	)
Equity in net earnings of joint venture		55,199			—			—			—			55,199
Equity in net earnings (loss) of subsidiaries		(11,491	)		—			—			11,491			—
Income tax provision (benefit)		22,080			(3,666	)		(3,954	)		—			14,460

Net earnings (loss)	$	21,691		$	(23,062	)	$	11,571		$	11,491		$	21,691

Balance Sheet:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	—		$	2,861		$	4,113		$	—		$	6,974
Accounts and other receivables, net		—			101,036			32,876			—			133,912
Receivables from affiliates and former officers		(374,165	)		37,540			81,828			256,384			1,587
Inventories		—			106,088			44,093			—			150,181
Future income tax benefits		—			14,906			(252	)		—			14,654
Other current assets		—			4,532			13,382			—			17,914

Total current assets		(374,165	)		266,963			176,040			256,384			325,222
Investments in joint venture		5,038			—			—			—			5,038
Investment in subsidiaries		689,853			113,503			70,430			(873,786	)		—
Property, plant and equipment, net		—			16,166			55,149			—			71,315
Long-term future income tax benefits		—			37,850			5,220			—			43,070
Other assets		2,054			109,465			13,919			(44,108	)		81,330

Total assets	$	322,780		$	543,947		$	320,758		$	(661,510	)	$	525,975

Accounts payable and accrued expenses	$	—		$	46,411		$	72,019		$	—		$	118,430
Current maturities of long-term debt		151			—			—			—			151
Deferred rent		—			319			—			—			319
Current taxes payable		—			539			4,074			—			4,613

Total current liabilities		151			47,269			76,093			—			123,513
Long-term debt		155,931			37,914			13,142			(51,056	)		155,931
Future income tax liabilities		—			(780	)		780			—			—
Other long-term liabilities		1,643			434			—			—			2,077

Total liabilities		157,725			84,837			90,015			(51,056	)		281,521
Shareholders’ equity		165,055			459,110			230,743			(610,454	)		244,454

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	322,780		$	543,947		$	320,758		$	(661,510	)	$	525,975

Cash Flow Information:
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	5,567		$	(106,259	)	$	59,078		$	35,525		$	(6,089	)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities		56,696			58,687			(51,872	)		(21,134	)		42,377
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		(63,653	)		46,824			(7,167	)		(14,391	)		(38,387	)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash		1,390			—			—			—			1,390
Cash at beginning		—			3,609			4,074			—			7,683
Cash at end	$	—		$	2,861		$	4,113		$	—		$	6,974

Applica Incorporated
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — Continued

14. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

In the third quarter of 2003, Applica entered into an agreement to sell its executive offices located in Miami Lakes for $9.3 million. The sale closed in October 2004 and resulted in a gain of approximately $1.2 million. The gain will be recorded in the fourth quarter of 2004 as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses. The proceeds from the sale were used to repay the outstanding mortgage on the property and the remainder was used to paydown Applica’s credit facility. On October 4, 2004, Applica moved its executive offices to a leased facility in Miramar, Florida.

Applica’s management and Board of Directors are evaluating the impact to Applica of the recent enactment of the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004. This law provides for a temporary deduction on reinvested dividends from controlled foreign corporations to the U.S. Repatriation during the fourth quarter of 2004 may result in lower cash taxes as certain dividends are excluded from taxable income.

In October 2004, Applica extended the trademark license agreement with The Black & Decker Corporation through December 2010. Under the agreement as extended, Applica has agreed to continue to pay The Black & Decker Corporation guaranteed minimum royalty payments of $12.5 million in each year.

On October 29, 2004, Applica sold the Jerdon hotel and hospitality division. This division was sold because it no longer fit in the long-term strategic plans of Applica. The sale is expected to result in a gain on sale of approximately $3.0 million to $4.0 million. The gain will be recorded in the fourth quarter of 2004.

Revenues attributable to the Jerdon division for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2004 were $2.7 million and $7.8 million, respectively. Revenues for the comparable periods in 2003 were $3.4 million and $8.3 million, respectively. Pre-tax earnings for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2004 was $0.4 million and $0.2 million, respectively. Pre-tax earnings for the three-month period ended September 30, 2003 was $0.1 million and the pre-tax loss for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2003 was $0.2 million.

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

As used in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, “we,” “our,” “us,” the “Company” and “Applica” refer to Applica Incorporated and its subsidiaries, unless the context otherwise requires.

The following discussion and analysis and the related financial data present a review of the consolidated operating results and financial condition of Applica for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2004 and 2003. This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto contained in Applica’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003.

General

Applica is a marketer and distributor of a broad range of branded small electric consumer goods. Applica markets and distributes kitchen products, home products, pest control products, pet care products and personal care products. Applica markets products under licensed brand names, such as Black & Decker®, and its own brand names, such as Windmere®, LitterMaid® and Applica®. Applica’s customers include mass merchandisers, specialty retailers and appliance distributors primarily in North America, Latin America and the Caribbean. Applica operates manufacturing facilities in Mexico.

In 2003 and 2002, we operated manufacturing facilities in China and Mexico. Approximately 63% and 76% of the products sold by Applica were manufactured in such facilities during 2003 and 2002.

Extension of Black & Decker® Trademark License Agreement

In October 2004, we extended our trademark license agreement with The Black & Decker Corporation through December 2010. Under the agreement as extended, Applica has agreed to continue to pay The Black & Decker Corporation guaranteed minimum royalty payments of $12.5 million in each year.

Sale of Applica Durable Manufacturing Limited

Since 2003 Applica has been making changes to combat the margin pressures resulting from the combination of the inflation of raw materials prices and the deflationary pressures from the retail environment. We are focusing on more innovative products with higher margins, we have been rationalizing our manufacturing and sourcing strategy and we are attempting to improve our pricing with our customers. We have previously indicated our desire to shrink our manufacturing base and expand and improve our sourcing competency in order to reduce our risk profile and become more flexible in our ability to react to a rapidly changing global marketplace. As part of this process, in July 2004, Applica sold its Hong Kong based manufacturing subsidiary, Applica Durable Manufacturing Limited (“Applica Durable”), for $28.1 million.

As part of this transaction, Applica entered into a long-term supply agreement with an affiliate of the purchaser, Elec-Tech International Co., Ltd. The supply agreement provides for rebates during the first five years if Applica meets certain levels of product purchases. Additionally, the supply agreement provides a right of first refusal with respect to manufacturing or purchasing products, as applicable, for each party. We intend to use Elec-Tech as a significant source of product supply, however, we maintain the flexibility to purchase products from third parties in a number of circumstances, including Elec-Tech’s inability to meet our price, quality and delivery criteria.

The decision to sell Applica Durable and outsource the manufacturing operations did not materially impact the operations and cash flows of Applica, except for certain contract manufacturing operations. For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2004, revenues and gross profit from our contract manufacturing operations in China were $14.2 million and $3.5 million, respectively. Revenues and gross profit for the comparable periods in 2003 were $23.1 million and $2.2 million, respectively.

The sale of our Chinese manufacturing operations resulted in a loss of $0.8 million primarily from the realization of cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments associated with the sale. The loss was recorded in the third quarter of 2004.

Sale of Jerdon Hotel and Hospitality Division

On October 29, 2004, Applica sold its Jerdon hotel and hospitality division. Jerdon was sold because it no longer fit in the long-term strategic plans of Applica. The sale is expected to result in a gain on sale of approximately $3.0 million to $4.0 million. The gain will be recorded in the fourth quarter of 2004.

Revenues attributable to the Jerdon division for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2004 were $2.7 million and $7.8 million, respectively. Revenues for the comparable periods in 2003 were $3.4 million and $8.3 million, respectively. Pre-tax earnings for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2004 were $0.4 million and $0.2 million, respectively. Pre-tax earnings for the three-month period ended September 30, 2003 were $0.1 million and the pre-tax loss for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2003 was $0.2 million.

Forward Looking Statement Disclosure

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. Such statements are indicated by words or phrases such as “anticipates,” “projects,” “management believes,” “Applica believes,” “intends,” “expects,” and similar words or phrases. Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks, uncertainties or assumptions and may be affected by certain other factors, including the specific factors set forth below.

You should carefully consider the following risk factors, together with the other information contained in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003, in evaluating us and our business before making an investment decision regarding our securities:

•

Our business could be adversely affected by complications resulting from the transition of our manufacturing operations in China and our transition from primarily a manufacturer of products to a company that purchases most of its products from third parties.

•

We rely on manufacturing facilities of third parties to manufacture and assemble our products. An extended interruption in the operation of any facility or change in our relationship with a significant supplier could have an adverse impact on our operating results.

•

Our business could be adversely affected by complications resulting from our implementation of the new ERP system or other new computer technologies we install.

•

We depend on purchases from several large customers and any significant decline in these purchases or pressure from these customers to reduce prices could have a negative effect on our business.

•

Increases in cost and unavailability of raw materials and components will reduce our profitability.

•

Our business is very sensitive to the strength of the U.S. retail market and weakness in this market could adversely affect our business.

•

Our business could be adversely affected by currency fluctuations in our international operations. Additionally, if the Chinese renminbi and Hong Kong dollar are allowed to float freely, it could result in significant fluctuations in our product costs.

•

Our business involves the potential for product recalls and product liability claims against us.

•

The bankruptcy or financial difficulty of any major customer or fluctuations in the financial condition of the retail industry could adversely affect our business.

•

We operate a significant portion of our business outside of the United States which subjects us to additional risks.

•

Our business could be adversely affected by changes in trade relations with China.

•

Our business could be adversely affected by retailer inventory management.

•

Our future success requires us to develop new and innovative products on a consistent basis in order to increase revenues and we may not be able to do so or the start-up costs related to such products could be significant.

•

We are subject to several production-related risks which could jeopardize our ability to realize anticipated sales and profits.

•

The infringement or loss of our proprietary rights could have an adverse effect on our business.

•

Our operating results can be affected by seasonality.

•

We compete with other large companies that produce similar products.

•

Our debt agreements contain covenants that restrict our ability to take certain actions.

•

Government regulations could adversely impact our operations.

Should one or more of these risks, uncertainties or other factors materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results, performance, or achievements of Applica may vary materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to Applica or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements in this paragraph. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Applica undertakes no obligation to publicly revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the filing of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Outlook

We intend to update this “Outlook” section in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Annual Reports on Form 10-K subsequently filed with the SEC; however, Applica disclaims any intention or obligation to publicly announce the results of any revisions to any of the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect future events or developments.

We anticipate that sales for the fourth quarter of 2004 will be between $225.0 million and $235.0 million. The increased sales volume in the fourth quarter 2004 compared to 2003 is expected to result from:

•

sales in 2004 of the Home Café™ single-cup brewing system and the Tide™ Buzz™ ultrasonic stain removal system, both of which were co-developed with The Procter & Gamble Company;

•

the continued success of Lids Off™ Jar Openers and the Gizmo™ sub-brand of products; and

•

increases in sales of core Black & Decker® branded products.

These increases will be partially offset by lower contract manufacturing sales as a result of the sale of our manufacturing operations in China in July 2004.

We expect gross margins for the fourth quarter to improve as a result of:

•

sales of new products with higher margins; and

•

cost reductions resulting from the movement of the production of certain products from Mexico to third party suppliers in China.

We believe the improvement in gross margins will be offset by expected higher costs of raw materials, such as copper, steel, aluminum and plastic in our Mexican manufacturing operations. We anticipate that gross margins will be approximately 34% in the fourth quarter of 2004. We are highly dependent on sales of our new products in meeting our expectations for higher sales and margins in the fourth quarter compared to the same period in 2003.

We expect that selling, general and administrative operating expenses will increase to approximately 26% of sales compared to 24.5% in the same period in 2003. Variable cost categories will increase because of higher sales volume. Additionally, we plan to increase advertising and promotional spending. These expenses will be partially offset by lower amortization expense related to the Black & Decker® tradename.

We expect depreciation and amortization will be approximately $4.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2004.

We anticipate that interest expense will be approximately $2.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2004.

We sold our executive office building in October 2004. The sale resulted in a gain of approximately $1.2 million. The gain will be recorded in the fourth quarter 2004.

Capital expenditures in the fourth quarter of 2004 are planned to be approximately $5.3 million, driven by new products and our information technology initiative.

We continue to rationalize our Mexican manufacturing operations. As part of such rationalization, we plan to sell the building housing our factory in Queretaro, Mexico, which we expect will result in a gain over the current book value. Additionally, we continue to reduce our Mexican manufacturing capacity to reflect only the volume needed for the Mexican marketplace. We believe the financial impact of the sale of the building and the planned downsizing of the operations will offset. We expect these events to occur within the next 12 to 15 months, however, not necessarily in the same quarter.

We sold our Jerdon hotel and hospitality division in October 2004. We believe the sale will result in a gain on sale of approximately $3.0 to $4.0 million.

We are still evaluating the impact to Applica from the recent enactment of the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004. This law provides for a temporary deduction on reinvested dividends from controlled foreign corporations to the U.S. Repatriation during the fourth quarter of 2004 may result in lower cash taxes as certain dividends are excluded from taxable income.

Earnings per diluted share in the fourth quarter of 2004, excluding (a) the rationalization in Mexico, (b) the expected gain on the sale of Jerdon and (c) the impact of the American Job Creation Act, is expected to be between $0.40 and $0.50.

Results of Operations

Three Months Ended September 30, 2004 Compared To Three Months Ended September 30, 2003

Net Sales. Sales for Applica increased by $14.2 million to $187.8 million, an increase of 8.2% over the third quarter of 2003. The increase was largely the result of growth in sales of core Black & Decker® branded products and sales of several new products. For the third quarter of 2004:

•

sales of Black & Decker® branded products increased $25.0 million to $141.4 million; and

•

total sales of Littermaid® and Belson® (personal care) branded products increased $3.9 million to $26.5 million.

These increases were partially offset by:

•

decreases in sales of Windmere, Weitech (pest control) and other branded products of $7.3 million to $18.6 million; and

•

decreases in contract manufacturing sales of $7.4 million to $1.2 million.

Starting in the second quarter of 2004, the majority of the pest products were marketed under the Black & Decker® brand name.

We expect sales of Black & Decker® branded products to continue to increase for the remainder of 2004 as the result of sales of several new products, including the Home Café™ single-cup brewing system and the Tide™ Buzz™ ultrasonic stain removal system (both of which were co-developed with The Procter & Gamble Company) and the continued success of Lids Off™ Jar Openers. Additionally, we expect increased sales of recently introduced new items under the Gizmo™ sub brand.

Gross Profit. Applica’s gross profit margin increased to 29.8% for the three months ended September 30, 2004 as compared to 29.1% for the same period in 2003. The gross profit margin increase was primarily attributed to:

•

sales of new products with higher margins; and

•

the movement of production of core products from our manufacturing facility in Mexico to third parties in China.

The increase was partially offset by higher raw material costs in our Mexican manufacturing operations.

We have experienced significant increases in prices for raw materials, including plastic, steel, aluminum and copper in our Mexican manufacturing operations, as well as in inbound freight costs in the third quarter of 2004. We expect these trends to continue in the fourth quarter of 2004 and to continue to adversely impact gross profit margins.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.

Operating Expenses. Operating expenses decreased slightly for the three months ended September 30, 2004 to $52.8 million compared to $53.4 million in 2003. As a percentage of sales, operating expenses decreased to 28.1% in the third quarter of 2004 compared to 30.8% in the 2003 period primarily as the result of higher sales volume in 2004 leveraging fixed costs. In addition, the following factors contributed to the decrease in operating expenses in the third quarter of 2004 compared to 2003:

•

lower amortization of intangible assets of $1.9 million related to the write-off of the unamortized book value of an intangible asset related to the Black & Decker® tradename in the fourth quarter of 2003;

•

lower legal fees of $2.2 million as a litigation matter was settled in April 2004;

•

lower advertising and promotional expenses of $1.3 million; and

•

lower bad debt expense of $0.9 million.

These decreases in operating expenses as a percentage of sales were partially offset by:

•

increases of $3.7 million in freight and distribution expenses; and

•

increases of $2.6 million in royalty expenses, primarily related to the Black & Decker® trademark.

Management expects variable cost categories will continue to increase because of higher sales volume in the fourth quarter of 2004. Additionally, we plan to increase advertising and promotional spending in the fourth quarter.

Termination Benefits. In the third quarter of 2004, we incurred termination costs of approximately $9.2 million related to the resignation of Applica’s Chairman of the Board and certain other employment and consulting agreements and relationships.

Loss on Sale of Subsidiary. In the third quarter of 2004, we sold Applica Durable Manufacturing Limited, our Hong Kong based manufacturing operations, and recorded a loss on the sale of approximately $0.8 million, primarily from the realization of cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments.

Vendor Consideration. Applica’s supplier of vacuum packaging products has agreed to reimburse us $4.0 million for a portion of the costs of litigating a patent infringement matter with Tilia International, Inc. The reimbursement is evidenced by a note receivable bearing interest at 6% per annum and is payable over five years in equal quarterly installments of $200,000, plus interest. As the reimbursement is coming from a vendor and the payment thereof is indirectly associated with future purchases from the vendor, the amount to be received has been offset by a related deferred credit to be recognized over the five-year period as a reduction of future product costs.

Interest Expense. Interest expense decreased by $1.2 million, or 34.4%, to $2.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2004, as compared to $3.6 million for the third quarter of 2003, as the result of lower debt levels.

Equity in Net Earnings of Joint Venture. In the fourth quarter of 2002, Anasazi Partners, L.P., a partnership owned 50% by Applica that invested in public and privately owned securities, engaged an investment banker to pursue exit strategies for Anasazi’s equity investment in ZonePerfect Nutrition Company. As part of this process, a valuation of the investment was performed. Based on this valuation, in the first quarter of 2003, Anasazi increased the fair value of the investment by approximately $75.0 million, resulting in equity in net earnings of unconsolidated joint venture of $37.5 million in the first quarter 2003 consolidated statement of operations. In the second quarter of 2003, Anasazi increased the fair value of the investment by an additional $3.0 million, resulting in equity in net earnings of unconsolidated joint venture of $1.5 million for the second quarter of 2003.

In July 2003, ZonePerfect was sold for approximately $160.0 million in cash, $20.0 million of which was being held in escrow as of September 30, 2004. Payment of $10.0 million of the amount held in escrow is contingent on the performance of a negotiated matter and no portion thereof has been reflected in the net earnings of Anasazi. At September 30, 2004, Applica’s interest in Anasazi represented its share of a portion of the escrow funds, which is in addition to the escrow contingency discussed above.

The funds held in escrow are to be released to the sellers, including Anasazi, at 18 and 24 months from date of closing, subject to any adjustments to the escrowed funds for breaches of representations and warranties and disputes related to the contingent consideration. Management of Anasazi believes that Anasazi is entitled to receive additional amounts with respect to the contingent negotiated matter. Upon agreement with the purchaser of ZonePerfect, or release of the related funds from escrow, Applica expects to record additional earnings of up to approximately $3.7 million.

Taxes. Applica’s tax provision is based on an estimated annual aggregation of the taxes on earnings of each of its foreign and domestic operations. For the third quarter of 2004, Applica had an effective tax rate of 34% before an additional valuation allowance on deferred tax assets. The effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2003 was 40%.

SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes” requires that a valuation allowance be established when it is more likely than not that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. A review of all available positive and negative evidence needs to be considered, including a company’s current and past performance, the market environment in which the company operates, the utilization of past tax credits and length of carryback and carryforward periods.

Forming a conclusion that a valuation allowance is not needed is difficult when there is negative objective evidence such as cumulative losses in recent years. Cumulative losses weigh heavily in the overall assessment. As a result of the review undertaken at September 30, 2004, Applica concluded that it was appropriate to record an additional valuation allowance of $3.9 million in the third quarter. Applica expects to realize the benefits of the remaining net deferred tax assets of approximately $10.7 million as of September 30, 2004, primarily from the repatriation of current and previously undistributed foreign earnings.

Income tax provision (benefit) consists of the following (dollars in millions):


	Earnings (Loss)			Tax Provision
	Before Taxes			(Benefit)			Tax Rate
Loss	$	(9.2	)	$	(3.1	)		34	%
Valuation allowance		—			3.9

Total	$	(9.2	)	$	0.8

Earnings Per Share. Weighted average basic shares for the three-month periods ended September 30, 2004 and 2003 were 24,068,730 and 23,631,586, respectively. All common stock equivalents have been excluded from the diluted per share calculations in the three-month period ended September 30, 2004 because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. Included in diluted shares for the three-month period ended September 30, 2003 are common stock equivalents relating to options of 678,441.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2004 Compared To Nine Months Ended September 30, 2003

Net Sales. Sales for Applica increased by $47.6 million to $479.2 million, an increase of 11.0% over the comparable period in 2003. The increase was largely the result of growth in sales of Black & Decker® branded products and sales of several new products. For the first nine months of 2004:

•

sales of Black & Decker® branded products increased $72.3 million to $351.0 million; and

•

total sales of Littermaid and Belson® (personal care) branded products increased $9.1 million to $66.5 million.

These increases were partially offset by:

•

decreases in sales of Windmere, Weitech (pest control) and other branded products of $25.6 million to $46.2 million; and

•

decreases in contract manufacturing sales of $8.3 million to $15.5 million.

Starting in the second quarter of 2004, the majority of our pest products were marketed under the Black & Decker® brand name.

We expect sales of Black & Decker® branded products to continue to increase for the remainder of 2004 as the result of sales of several new products, including the Home Café™ single-cup brewing system and the Tide™ Buzz™ ultrasonic stain removal system, both of which were co-developed with The Procter & Gamble Company and the continued success of Lids Off™ Jar Openers. Additionally, we introduced new items under the Gizmo™ sub brand.

Gross Profit. Applica’s gross profit margin increased slightly to 29.6% for the first nine months of 2004 as compared to 29.1% for the same period in 2003. The gross profit margin increase is primarily attributed to:

•

sales of new products with higher margins;

•

the movement of production of core products from our manufacturing facility in Mexico to third parties in China; and

•

lower unabsorbed costs at our manufacturing facilities, primarily in the first half of 2004, due to higher production levels compared to the same period in 2003.

The increase in margins was partially offset by:

•

manufacturing retrenchment costs, which relate to expenses that did not qualify for accrual at December 31, 2003;

•

higher inbound freight costs, higher raw material costs; and

•

start-up costs related to the Home Café™ single-cup brewing system.

We continue to experience significant increases in prices for raw materials, including plastic, steel, aluminum and copper in our Mexican manufacturing operations, as well as in inbound freight costs. We expect this trend to continue for the remainder of 2004 and to continue to adversely impact gross profit margins.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.

Operating Expenses. Operating expenses increased $14.5 million, or 11.0%, for the first nine months of 2004 to $146.7 million as compared to the comparable period in 2003. These expenses remained flat as a percentage of sales at 30.6% in 2004 compared to the 2003 period. The increase in operating expenses is primarily the result of:

•

increases of $9.7 million in freight and distribution expenses;

•

increases of $7.5 million in royalty expenses, primarily Black & Decker®; and

•

increases of $2.9 million in advertising and promotions.

The increase in freight and distribution expenses was primarily the result of late product deliveries from our factories and suppliers, predominantly in the second quarter of 2004 that resulted in the need to expedite orders directly to our customers nationwide at a significant premium. Additionally, increases in volume and fuel costs contributed to the increase.

These increases in operating expenses were partially offset by lower amortization of intangible assets of $5.3 million, primarily related to the write-off of the unamortized book value of an intangible asset related to the Black & Decker® tradename in the fourth quarter of 2003.

Management expects variable cost categories will increase because of higher sales volume in the fourth quarter of 2004. Additionally, we plan to increase advertising and promotional spending in the fourth quarter.

Repositioning and Other Charges. In the first quarter of 2004, we settled an outstanding litigation matter for $125,000 and reversed the remaining accrual of $563,000 related to such litigation.

Impairment of Goodwill. As of June 30, 2004, we performed our annual fair value assessment of goodwill, with the assistance of an independent third party valuation group, and determined that the implied value of Applica’s goodwill was zero, resulting in a non-cash adjustment in the carrying value of goodwill of $62.8 million ($46.4 million after taxes). The impairment charge was included as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statement of operations for the first nine months of 2004.

The implied fair value of goodwill was determined by allocating Applica’s fair value to all of Applica’s assets and liabilities. Any excess of fair value over the amount allocated represented implied fair value of goodwill. The allocation process is performed solely for purposes of testing goodwill for impairment. Thus, the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities are not affected.

In our process of allocating the fair value to Applica’s tangible assets, primarily accounts receivable, inventory and manufacturing property, plant and equipment in Mexico, and identifiable intangible assets (i.e., customer relationships and tradenames) and liabilities, we determined that the implied value of goodwill (the residual) was zero.

Interest Expense. Interest expense decreased by $4.7 million, or 41.2%, to $6.7 million for the first nine months of 2004, as compared to $11.4 million for the comparable period in 2003, as the result of lower debt levels.

Loss On Early Extinguishment of Debt. In February 2004, Applica redeemed $4.25 million of its 10% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2008. The notes were redeemed at prices between 103.25% and 103.33% of the principal amount, plus accrued interest. The cost of the redemption included $187,000 in prepayment premiums and the pro-rata write-off of deferred financing costs related to the redemption. In July 2003, Applica redeemed $30 million of the notes. The notes were redeemed at 105% of the principal amount, plus accrued interest. The cost of the 2003 redemption included $1.5 million in prepayment premiums and the pro-rata write-off off of $406,000 of deferred financing costs.

Vendor Consideration. Applica’s supplier of vacuum packaging products has agreed to reimburse us $4.0 million for a portion of the costs of litigating a patent infringement matter with Tilia International, Inc. The reimbursement is evidenced by a note receivable bearing interest at a rate of 6% per annum and is payable over five years in equal quarterly installments of $200,000, plus interest. As the reimbursement is coming from a vendor and the payment thereof is indirectly associated with future purchases from the vendor, the amount to be received has been offset by a related deferred credit to be recognized over the five-year period as a reduction of future product costs.

Taxes. Applica’s tax provision is based on an estimated annual aggregation of the taxes on earnings of each of its foreign and domestic operations. For the first nine months of 2004, Applica had an effective tax rate of 38% before considering the impact on impairment of goodwill, providing for previously untaxed foreign earnings, and additional valuation allowances on deferred tax assets. The effective tax rate for the first nine months of 2003 was 40%.

In the second quarter of 2004, Applica changed its position regarding the permanent investment of certain foreign undistributed earnings primarily as a result of its decision to exit its Chinese manufacturing operations. Applica intends to repatriate approximately $85.5 million of these previously untaxed earnings and recorded a related tax expense of $24.0 million in the second quarter. Additionally, Applica recognized a tax benefit of $16.4 million on its impairment of goodwill.

Forming a conclusion that a valuation allowance is not needed is difficult when there is negative objective evidence such as cumulative losses in recent years. Cumulative losses weigh heavily in the overall assessment. As a result of the review undertaken at September 30, 2004, Applica concluded that it was appropriate to record additional valuation allowances of $51.4 million and $3.9 million in the second and third quarters of 2004, respectively. Applica expects to realize the benefits of the remaining net deferred tax assets of approximately $10.7 million as of September 30, 2004, primarily from the repatriation of current and previously undistributed foreign earnings.

Income tax provision (benefit) consists of the following (dollars in millions):


	Earnings (Loss)			Tax Provision
	Before Taxes			(Benefit)			Tax Rate
Loss (excluding goodwill impairment)	$	(20.1	)	$	(7.6	)		38	%
Impairment of goodwill		(62.8	)		(16.4	)		26	%
Previously untaxed foreign earnings of $85.5 million		—			24.0			28	%
Valuation allowance		—			55.3

Total	$	(82.9	)	$	55.3

Earnings Per Share. Weighted average basic shares for the first nine months of 2004 and 2003 were 23,935,873 and 23,544,311, respectively. Included in diluted shares for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2003 were common stock equivalents relating to options of 390,096. All common stock equivalents have been excluded from the diluted per share calculations in the nine-month period ended September 30, 2004 because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. Potential common stock equivalents for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2004 and 2003 were options to purchase 2,138,567 and 1,378,138 shares of common stock, respectively, with exercise prices ranging from $3.63 to $31.69 and $8.51 to $31.69, respectively.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Liquidity

Applica’s financial condition and liquidity remained adequate as of September 30, 2004. Cash and cash equivalents were approximately $5.1 million and $7.0 million at September 30, 2004 and September 30, 2003, respectively. Any excess cash in the United States is typically used to pay down Applica’s borrowings under its domestic credit facility on the next business day.

Operating Activities. Net cash used in operating activities was $83.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004, as compared to net cash used of $6.1 million in the comparable period in 2003. The cash used in the first nine months of 2004 is primarily the result of increases in inventory.

Investing Activities. For the nine months ended September 30, 2004, investing activities provided cash of $19.7 million, compared to cash provided of $42.4 million in the 2003 period. Cash provided by investing activities in the first nine months of 2004 was primarily due to proceeds from the sale of Applica Durable of $28.1 million and cash proceeds of $1.2 million received from Anasazi Partners L.P., a 50% joint venture, partially offset by capital expenditures of $9.7 million.

Applica makes capital expenditures primarily for new product development and maintenance of its manufacturing facilities. In addition, Applica is undergoing a major upgrade of its information technology infrastructure, including the installation of a new enterprise resource planning system. Capital expenditures for the fourth quarter of 2004 are expected to be approximately $5.3 million. We plan to fund our capital expenditures from cash flow from operations and, if necessary, borrowings under our credit facilities.

Financing Activities. Net cash provided by financing activities was $54.7 million for the nine months period ended September 30, 2004, compared to cash used of $38.4 million in the 2003 period. The cash provided by financing activities reflects the proceeds from borrowings of $56.9 million under our credit facility and exercise of stock options of $2.2 million, offset by redemption of $4.25 million of our 10% notes at a redemption price of $4.4 million.

We expect to continue to have cash requirements to support seasonal working capital needs and capital expenditures, to pay interest and to service debt.

Management continues to review its opportunities to repurchase additional 10% notes depending on several factors, including availability under Applica’s credit facility, the market price of the 10% notes and projected cash flow.

Capital Resources

Applica’s primary sources of short-term capital are its cash flow from operations and borrowings under its credit facilities. Applica’s current domestic credit facility is a $205 million asset-based senior secured revolving credit facility maturing December 28, 2005. As of November 4, 2004, Applica was borrowing approximately $101.6 million under the facility and had approximately $56.6 million available for future cash borrowings, based on Applica’s collateral value. Pursuant to the provisions of the credit facilities, Applica is prohibited from having availability of less than $20 million. Advances under the facility are primarily based upon percentages of outstanding eligible accounts receivable and inventories. The credit facility includes a $10.0 million sublimit for the issuance of letters of credit, with approximately $1.5 million outstanding under the limit as of November 4, 2004.

At Applica’s option, interest accrues on the loans made under the credit facility at either:

•		LIBOR (adjusted for any reserves), plus a specified margin (determined by Applica’s leverage ratio and set at 2.25% at September 30, 2004 and 2.25% at November 4, 2004), which was 4.18% at September 30, 2004 and 4.3% at November 4, 2004; or

•		the Base Rate (which is Bank of America’s prime rate), plus a specified margin (determined based upon Applica’s leverage ratio and was zero percent at September 30, 2004 and November 4, 2004), which was 4.75% at September 30, 2004 and at November 4, 2004.

Management expects its borrowing margins to increase to 2.5% for the remainder of 2004.

Swing loans up to $15.0 million bear interest at the Base Rate plus a specified margin (determined based on Applica’s leverage ratio and was zero percent at September 30, 2004 and at November 4, 2004), which was 4.75% at September 30, 2004 and at November 4, 2004.

Applica is in the process of negotiating an amendment to its existing credit facility to extend the maturity date to 2009 and reduce the facility to $175 million.

Certain of Applica’s foreign subsidiaries have approximately $1.3 million in trade finance lines of credit, payable on demand, which are secured by the subsidiaries’ tangible and intangible property and a guarantee by the parent company, Applica Incorporated. As of September 30, 2004, there was $0.3 million outstanding under the working capital lines and zero outstanding under the letter of credit lines. As of November 4, 2004, there was $1.2 million outstanding under the working capital lines and zero under the letter of credit lines.

In addition, Applica has senior subordinated notes bearing interest at a rate of 10%, payable semiannually, and maturing on July 31, 2008. The notes are general unsecured obligations of Applica Incorporated and rank subordinate in right of payment to all senior debt of Applica and rank pari passu in right of payment to all future subordinated indebtedness of Applica. The notes may be redeemed at the option of Applica, in whole or in part, at various redemption prices. During 2003, we repurchased $65.0 million of these notes. In February 2004, we repurchased an additional $4.25 million of 10% notes. As of September 30, 2004, the outstanding principal balance was $60.8 million.

In 2002, Applica entered into credit approved receivables purchasing agreements with CIT Group/ Commercial Services, Inc. The agreements allow Applica to transfer to CIT, without recourse, approved receivables of specified customers under certain circumstances, including the bankruptcy of covered customers. Applica remains the servicer of the approved receivables and pays fees based upon a percentage of the gross face amount of each approved receivable. These arrangements are strictly for the purpose of insuring selected receivables. At September 30, 2004 and 2003, $17.4 million and $19.2 million, respectively, of accounts receivable were insured under this arrangement. The agreement expires on December 31, 2004 and Applica is in the process of negotiating a new credit insurance agreement.

In April 2002, Applica Consumer Products, Inc. entered into a five-year $6.0 million mortgage loan on Applica’s executive offices located in Miami Lakes, Florida. The loan was secured by a mortgage on the property and the building located thereon. In the fourth quarter of 2003, Applica entered into an agreement to sell its executive offices located in Miami Lakes for $9.3 million, resulting in an estimated gain of approximately $1.2 million. The sale closed in October 2004. Approximately $5.7 million of proceeds was used to repay the outstanding mortgage on the property and the remainder was used to paydown our credit facility. In March 2004, Applica entered into a ten-year operating lease for new corporate office space in South Florida. The lease contains provisions for annual rental escalations of 2% beginning in October 2005.

At September 30, 2004, debt as a percent of total capitalization increased to 64.2%, as compared to 39.3% at September 30, 2003, primarily as the result of the impact on total shareholders’ equity of the impairment of goodwill and the valuation allowance on deferred tax assets, offset by a decrease of $41.6 million in debt year-over-year.

Applica’s ability to make scheduled payments of principal of, or to pay the interest on, or to refinance, its indebtedness, or to fund planned capital expenditures, and marketing expenses will depend on its future performance. Based upon the current level of operations and anticipated margin improvements and revenue growth, we believe that cash flow from operations and available cash, together with available borrowings under ours credit facility and other facilities, will be adequate to meet our future liquidity needs for the next several years. However, business may not generate sufficient cash flow from operations, our anticipated revenue growth and operating improvements may not be realized and future borrowings may not be available under the credit facility in an amount sufficient to enable us to service our indebtedness, including the outstanding 10% notes, or to fund our other liquidity needs. In addition, we may not be able to effect any needed refinancing on commercially reasonable terms or at all.

Use of Estimates and Critical Accounting Policies

The preparation of Applica’s financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and revenues and expenses during the period. Future events and their effects cannot be determined with absolute certainty; therefore, the determination of estimates requires the exercise of judgment. Actual results inevitably will differ from those estimates, and such differences may be material to our financial statements. Management continually evaluates its estimates and assumptions, which are based on historical experience and other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. These estimates and Applica’s actual results are subject to the risk factors listed in “Forward Looking Statement Disclosure” above.

Management believes that the following may involve a higher degree of judgment or complexity:

Collectibility of Accounts Receivable. Applica’s allowance for doubtful accounts is based on management’s estimates of the creditworthiness of its customers, current economic conditions and historical information, and, in the opinion of management, is believed to be an amount sufficient to respond to normal business conditions. Management sets specific allowances for customers in bankruptcy and other allowances for the remaining customers based upon historical collection experience. Should business conditions deteriorate or any major customer default on its obligations to Applica, this allowance may need to be significantly increased, which would have a negative impact upon Applica’s results of operations. Applica reviews its accounts receivable aging on a regular basis to determine if any of the receivables are past due. Applica writes off all uncollectible trade receivables against its allowance for doubtful accounts.

Inventory Allowances. Applica establishes an allowance based on historical experience and specific allowances when it is apparent that the expected realizable value of an inventory item falls below its original cost. A charge to operations results when the estimated net realizable value of inventory items declines below cost. Management regularly reviews Applica’s investment in inventories for declines in value.

Income Taxes. Significant management judgment is required in developing Applica’s provision for income taxes, including the determination of foreign tax liabilities, deferred tax assets and liabilities and any valuation allowances that might be required to be applied against the deferred tax assets. At September 30, 2004 and 2003, Applica had deferred tax assets in excess of deferred tax liabilities of $73.4 million and $67.9 million, respectively. Applica determined that it was more likely than not that $10.7 million and $57.7 million of such assets will be realized, resulting in a valuation allowance of $62.7 million and $10.2 million as of September 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Applica evaluates its ability to realize its deferred tax assets on a quarterly basis and adjusts the amount of its valuation allowance, if necessary. Applica operates within multiple taxing jurisdictions and is subject to audit in those jurisdictions. Because of the complex issues involved, any claims can require an extended period to resolve.

Long-Lived Assets. Applica reviews long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangibles held and used for possible impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. In evaluating the fair value and future benefits of its intangible assets, management performs an analysis of the anticipated undiscounted future net cash flows of the individual assets over the remaining amortization period. Applica recognizes an impairment loss if the carrying value of the asset exceeds the expected future cash flows.

Accruals for Product Liability Claims and Litigation. Applica is subject to various legal proceedings, product liability claims and other claims in the ordinary course of its business. Management estimates the amount of ultimate liability, if any, with respect to such matters in excess of applicable insurance coverage based on historical claims experience and current claim amounts, as well as other available facts and circumstances. As the outcome of litigation is difficult to predict and significant estimates are made with regard to future events, significant changes from estimated amounts could occur.

Other Estimates. During the years, Applica has made significant estimates in connection with specific events affecting its expectations. These have included accruals relating to the consolidation of its operations, plant closings, reduction in employees and product recalls. Applica makes a number of other estimates in the ordinary course of business relating to sales returns and allowances, warranty accruals, and accruals for promotional incentives. Historically, past changes to these estimates have not had a material impact on our financial condition

but have significantly affected results of operations from time to time. However, circumstances could change which may alter future expectations.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Interest Rate Risk Management

Applica is exposed to the impact of interest rate changes. Applica’s objective is to manage the impact of interest rate changes on earnings and cash flows and on the market value of its borrowings. Applica maintains fixed rate debt as a percentage of its net debt between a minimum and maximum percentage, which is set by policy.

It is Applica’s policy to enter into interest rate risk management transactions only to the extent considered necessary to meet its objectives as set forth above. Applica does not enter into interest rate risk management transactions for speculative purposes.

Outstanding as of September 30, 2004 were interest rate management contracts on approximately $80.0 million notional principal amount with a fair value of approximately $0.4 million. The market value represents the amount Applica would receive upon exiting the contracts at September 30, 2004 and was determined based on quotes obtained from Applica’s financial institutions. The market value related to the fair value of interest rate risk management contract is included as prepaid asset and an increase the bonds. The market value related to the cash flow interest rate risk management contracts is included as an offset to prepaid asset and other comprehensive income. Applica does not intend to exit these contracts at this time.

Significant interest rate risk management instruments held by Applica as of September 30, 2004 included pay-fixed and pay-floating swaps. The pay-fixed swaps effectively convert floating rate obligations to fixed-rate instruments. The pay-floating swap effectively converts medium term fixed-rate obligations to LIBOR-rate indexed variable-rate instruments. All swaps have maturity dates that mirror the maturity date of the underlying hedged transaction. For the period ending September 30, 2004, Applica did not discontinue any hedges due to the probability that the original underlying forecasted transaction would not occur.

The impact of interest rate risk management activities on pre-tax income during the quarter ended September 30, 2004 was not material.

Foreign Exchange Risk Management

Applica transacts business globally and is subject to risks associated with changing foreign exchange rates. Applica’s objective is to reduce earnings and cash flow volatility associated with foreign exchange rate changes to allow management to focus attention on core business issues and challenges. By policy, Applica maintains hedge coverage between minimum and maximum percentages of its forecasted foreign exchange exposures for periods not to exceed 18 months. The gains and losses on these contracts offset changes in the value of the related exposures.

It is Applica’s policy to enter into foreign currency transactions only to the extent considered necessary to meet its objectives as set forth above. Applica does not enter into foreign currency transactions for speculative purposes.

Outstanding as of September 30, 2004 were $19.8 million notional of contracts to purchase and/or sell foreign currency forward with a negative fair market value of approximately $0.9 million. The market value represents the amount Applica would pay upon exiting the contracts at September 30, 2004 and was determined based on quotes obtained from Applica’s financial institutions. This amount is included in long-term liabilities and other comprehensive income as of September 30, 2004. Applica does not intend to exit these contracts at this time.

Applica enters into various contracts that change in value as foreign exchange rates change to protect the value of its existing foreign currency assets and liabilities, commitments and forecasted foreign currency revenues. Applica uses option strategies and forward contracts that provide for the sale of foreign currencies to hedge forecasted revenues and expenses. Applica also uses forward contracts to hedge foreign currency assets and liabilities. While these hedging instruments are subject to fluctuations in value, such fluctuations are offset by changes in the value of the underlying exposures being hedged. The principal currencies hedged are the Mexican peso and Canadian dollar.

Additional Information

For additional information, see Item 7A. “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” in Applica’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. Applica has carried out an evaluation under the supervision of management, including the President and Chief Executive Officer and the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures. Based on that evaluation, such officers have concluded that, as of September 30, 2004, Applica’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the company in the reports filed or submitted by it under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC, and include controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by Applica in such reports is accumulated and communicated to management, including the President and Chief Executive Officer and the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.

Changes in Internal Controls. Applica is committed to continuously improving its internal controls and financial reporting. Beginning in 2003, Applica retained a consulting firm with experience in internal controls to assist management and the Audit Committee in reviewing Applica’s current internal controls structure with a view towards meeting the formalized requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. As a result of such review and the evaluation discussed above, management has determined that certain matters could be considered deficiencies in its internal control systems, including the following:

•		Many of the controls that are currently in place, including our policies and procedures, are informal and not standardized. As such, the reliability and effectiveness of these control processes are dependent on interpretation and execution by our employees.

•		Our legacy information technology systems are not fully integrated and do not, by themselves, provide for proper controls over access and change management.

These potential issues have been discussed in detail among management, the Audit Committee and Grant Thornton LLP, our independent accountants. Management has assigned the highest priority to completion of the resolution of these matters. As part of our ongoing efforts, many of our procedures have already been formalized and documented. Additionally, we are addressing IT access issues and have formalized and enhanced a number of our mitigating controls.

We are continuing to devote significant resources, both internal and external, to update, formalize and standardize our internal controls. We are in the process of implementing a new enterprise resource planning system that includes financial applications. As a result of the steps we have taken and will continue to take to improve our systems and controls, changes in internal controls were undertaken in the first nine months of 2004 and will be ongoing throughout the remainder of the year. Despite the issues identified above, management believes that our financial statements and related disclosures as filed to date present fairly, in all material respects, our financial condition and results of operations for the respective periods.

Limitations on the Effectiveness of Controls. Applica’s management does not expect that our disclosure or internal controls will prevent all errors or fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are 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 a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 5. Other Information

Applica entered into a termination and release agreement with Belvin Friedson on November 1, 2004. Pursuant to such agreement, Mr. Friedson’s consulting agreement was terminated and Applica agreed to pay him $900,000 in three installments over the next five months.

Lai Kin, a director of Applica Incorporated since 1989, resigned effective October 25, 2004. In connection with his resignation, Applica entered into a termination and release agreement with Mr. Lai on November 1, 2004. Pursuant to such agreement, Mr. Lai’s consulting agreement was terminated and Applica agreed to pay him $781,000 over the next 18 months.

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K.

(a)		Exhibits:

10.1		Termination and Release Agreement dated November 1, 2004 between Applica Incorporated and Belvin Freidson

10.2		Termination and Release Agreement dated November 1, 2004 between Applica Incorporated, Durable Manufacturing Limited and Lai Kin

31.1		Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)

31.2		Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)

32.1		Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350

32.2		Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350

(b)		Reports on Form 8-K:

		Form 8-K dated August 27, 2004 reporting under “Item 1.01 Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement” and “Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Principal Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Principal Officers” that David M. Friedson resigned his positions as Chairman of the Board and a director of Applica and that Applica and Mr. Friedson entered into a severance agreement.

		Form 8-K dated September 28, 2004 reporting under “Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Principal Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Principal Officers” that Ware H. Grove was appointed a director of Applica. Mr. Grove was also appointed to serve on the Audit Committee as its financial expert.

		Form 8-K dated October 4, 2004 reporting under “8.01 Other Events” that Applica issued a press release announcing that it had extended its trademark license agreement with The Black & Decker Corporation through December 2010.

		Form 8-K dated October 12, 2004 reporting under “Item 1.01. Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement” that Applica entered into a new employment agreement with Harry D. Schulman, the President and Chief Executive Officer.

		Form 8-K dated November 4, 2004 reporting under “Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition” that Applica issued a press release describing its results of operations for the quarter ended September 30, 2004 and attaching such press release.

SIGNATURES

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


	APPLICA INCORPORATED (Registrant)
November 8, 2004	By:	/s/ Harry D. Schulman
	Harry D. Schulman
	President and Chief Executive Officer



November 8, 2004	By:	/s/ Terry L. Polistina
	Terry L. Polistina
	Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Chief Financial and Accounting Officer)

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