Business Strategy and Operations - The company plans to separate its Home and Personal Care (HPC) business into an independent publicly traded company, which may not be completed on the currently contemplated timeline or achieve intended benefits[8]. - The company has incurred significant costs related to recent strategic initiatives, including acquisitions and divestitures, which may not yield anticipated benefits[8]. - The Company operates in three segments: Global Pet Care, Home and Garden, and Home and Personal Care, with a focus on product innovation and performance enhancements[12]. - The company plans to continue focusing on new product development and performance enhancements to offer enhanced value to consumers[25]. Market and Economic Risks - Economic uncertainties, including the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas war, may negatively impact demand and disrupt supply chains[8]. - The company faces significant risks related to reliance on third-party partners and suppliers, which could adversely affect business operations[8]. - The company is dependent on a few suppliers for certain products, making it vulnerable to supply disruptions[8]. - The Company faces significant international business risks, including exchange rate fluctuations and compliance with foreign laws, which could impact financial performance[9]. - The company is exposed to market risks from changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, tariffs, and commodity prices[156]. Sales and Revenue Distribution - The Company reported that approximately 33.8% of segment sales for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024, were attributable to major retailers, including Walmart and Amazon[16]. - For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024, the sales distribution by quarter was as follows: Q1 - 24%, Q2 - 25%, Q3 - 25%, Q4 - 26%[17]. - The Home and Garden segment generated approximately 61.8% of its segment sales from major retailers such as Lowe's, Home Depot, and Walmart for the year ended September 30, 2024[19]. - The sales distribution for the Home and Garden segment by quarter was: Q1 - 12%, Q2 - 28%, Q3 - 37%, Q4 - 23% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024[20]. - Approximately 41.5% of segment sales for the year ended September 30, 2024, were attributed to major retailers Walmart and Amazon, each exceeding 10% of segment sales[23]. - Sales by quarter as a percentage of annual net sales for the year ended September 30, 2024, were 28% in Q1, 22% in Q2, 23% in Q3, and 27% in Q4[25]. Financial Performance and Risks - The company may not fully utilize its U.S. tax attributes, impacting financial performance[8]. - Increased focus on sustainability issues may adversely affect the company's reputation and financial condition[8]. - The company has substantial indebtedness that may limit financial flexibility and increase risks associated with future financing activities[9]. - The company is subject to various litigation risks, including product liability claims, which could adversely affect financial condition and results of operations[9]. - The market price of the Company's common stock is expected to be highly volatile, influenced by factors beyond the Company's control[9]. Research and Development - The Company’s research and development strategy emphasizes new product development and enhancements to existing products to provide greater consumer value[17][20]. - The company’s research and development strategy emphasizes innovative product introductions and improved functionality[25]. Internal Controls and ERP Implementation - The company's management concluded that its internal control over financial reporting was effective as of September 30, 2024, ensuring reliability in financial reporting according to U.S. GAAP[159]. - The company is in the process of implementing a new global enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, with pilot deployment initiated in Q4 of fiscal year 2023[159]. - The ERP implementation will replace existing operating and financial systems and will be rolled out over the next several years, starting with operations in Canada and Noblesville, Indiana[159]. - KPMG LLP audited the company's internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2024, confirming its effectiveness[159]. - The company emphasizes maintaining effective internal controls throughout the development and deployment of the ERP system[159]. - There have been no significant changes in the company's internal control over financial reporting during the fiscal fourth quarter that materially affected its effectiveness[159].
Spectrum Brands(SPB) - 2024 Q4 - Annual Report