e10vq
Table of Contents

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

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Quarterly Period Ended September 28, 2002

Commission file number 1-11793

THE DIAL CORPORATION

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
     
DELAWARE
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
  51-0374887
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
     
15501 NORTH DIAL BOULEVARD
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
  85260-1619
(Zip Code)

Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (480) 754-3425

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all Exchange Act reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months, and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes    [X]        No    [ ]

The number of shares of Common Stock, $.01 par value, outstanding as the close of business on October 25, 2002 was 95,082,229.

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
SIGNATURES
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit 10.1
Exhibit 99.1
Exhibit 99.2


Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

THE DIAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

                       
          (Unaudited)        
(in thousands, except share data)   September 28, 2002   December 31, 2001

 
 
ASSETS
               
Current Assets:
               
 
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 164,308     $ 29,414  
 
Receivables, less allowance of $3,728 and $5,131
    100,969       94,189  
 
Inventories
    138,832       129,977  
 
Deferred income taxes
    23,339       23,412  
 
Income tax receivable
          12,567  
 
Other current assets
    7,442       9,492  
 
 
   
     
 
     
Total current assets
    434,890       299,051  
Property and equipment, net
    228,281       252,957  
Deferred income taxes
    46,786       49,817  
Intangibles, net
    359,984       403,811  
Other assets
    11,966       18,480  
 
 
   
     
 
 
  $ 1,081,907     $ 1,024,116  
 
 
   
     
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Current Liabilities:
               
 
Trade accounts payable
  $ 104,184     $ 98,952  
 
Income taxes payable
    39,046        
 
Other current liabilities
    146,694       151,630  
 
 
   
     
 
     
Total current liabilities
    289,924       250,582  
 
 
   
     
 
Long-term debt
    459,013       445,341  
Pension and other benefits
    224,535       239,286  
Other liabilities
    6,148       7,029  
 
 
   
     
 
     
Total liabilities
    979,620       942,238  
 
 
   
     
 
Stockholders’ Equity:
               
 
Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 10,000,000 shares
               
   
authorized; no shares issued and outstanding
           
 
Common stock, $.01 par value, 300,000,000 shares
               
   
authorized; 105,925,979 and 105,712,924 shares issued
    1,059       1,057  
 
Additional capital
    430,862       420,611  
 
Retained income
    41,730       6,736  
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (103,426 )     (75,502 )
 
Employee benefits
    (51,531 )     (55,542 )
 
Treasury stock, 10,895,104 and 10,847,386 shares held
    (216,407 )     (215,482 )
 
 
   
     
 
     
Total stockholders’ equity
    102,287       81,878  
 
 
   
     
 
 
  $ 1,081,907     $ 1,024,116  
 
 
   
     
 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

2


Table of Contents

THE DIAL CORPORATION
STATEMENT OF CONSOLIDATED OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Unaudited)

                       
          Quarter Ended
         
(in thousands, except per share data)   September 28, 2002   September 29, 2001

 
 
Net sales
  $ 347,236     $ 333,647  
 
   
     
 
Costs and expenses:
               
   
Cost of products sold
    221,189       214,236  
   
Asset writedowns and other special items
          10,940  
 
   
     
 
     
Total cost of products sold
    221,189       225,176  
 
   
     
 
   
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    66,777       71,060  
 
Special charges and other asset writedowns
          486  
 
   
     
 
     
Total selling, general and administrative expenses
    66,777       71,546  
 
   
     
 
     
Total costs and expenses
    287,966       296,722  
 
   
     
 
Operating income
    59,270       36,925  
Interest and other expenses
    (9,741 )     (11,934 )
Net income of joint ventures
          986  
 
   
     
 
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
    49,529       25,977  
Income taxes on continuing operations
    18,427       12,114  
 
   
     
 
Income from continuing operations
    31,102       13,863  
 
   
     
 
Discontinued operation:
               
   
Loss from operation of discontinued Specialty Personal Care segment,
               
   
net of income tax benefit of $243
          (876 )
   
Loss on disposal of discontinued Specialty Personal Care segment, net
               
   
of income tax of $40,000
          (198,403 )
 
   
     
 
Total loss from discontinued operation
          (199,279 )
 
   
     
 
NET INCOME (LOSS)
  $ 31,102     $ (185,416 )
 
   
     
 
Basic net income per common share:
               
Income from continuing operations
  $ 0.34     $ 0.15  
Loss from discontinued operation
          (2.18 )
 
   
     
 
NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE — BASIC
  $ 0.34     $ (2.03 )
 
   
     
 
Diluted net income per common share:
               
Income from continuing operations
  $ 0.33     $ 0.15  
Loss from discontinued operation
          (2.18 )
 
   
     
 
NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE — DILUTED
  $ 0.33     $ (2.03 )
 
   
     
 
Weighted average basic shares outstanding
    92,539       91,494  
Weighted average equivalent shares
    2,112        
 
   
     
 
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding
    94,651       91,494  
 
   
     
 
NET INCOME (LOSS)
  $ 31,102     $ (185,416 )
Other comprehensive income (loss):
               
Foreign currency translation adjustment
    (483 )     (272 )
 
   
     
 
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
  $ 30,619     $ (185,688 )
 
   
     
 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

3


Table of Contents

THE DIAL CORPORATION
STATEMENT OF CONSOLIDATED OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Unaudited)

                     
        Nine Months Ended
       
(in thousands, except per share data)   September 28, 2002   September 29, 2001

 
 
Net sales
  $ 987,974     $ 942,238  
Costs and expenses:
               
 
Cost of products sold
    622,763       627,404  
 
Asset writedowns and other special items, net (gain) charge
    (1,182 )     10,940  
 
   
     
 
   
Total cost of products sold
    621,581       638,344  
 
   
     
 
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    198,196       195,197  
 
Special charges and other asset writedowns
          486  
 
   
     
 
   
Total selling, general and administrative expenses
    198,196       195,683  
   
Total costs and expenses
    819,777       834,027  
 
   
     
 
Operating income
    168,197       108,211  
Interest and other expenses
    (30,225 )     (37,829 )
Net income of joint ventures
    1,749       2,990  
 
   
     
 
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and cumulative effect
of the change in accounting principle
    139,721       73,372  
Income taxes on continuing operations
    51,614       28,855  
 
   
     
 
Income from continuing operations before cumulative effect of the change in accounting principle
    88,107       44,517  
Discontinued operation:
               
 
Loss from operation of discontinued Specialty Personal Care segment, net of income tax benefit of $1,120
          (3,691 )
 
Adjustment (loss) on disposal of discontinued Specialty Personal Care segment, net of tax of $40,000
    1,260       (198,403 )
 
   
     
 
Total adjustment (loss) from discontinued operation
    1,260       (202,094 )
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of income tax of $661
    (43,308 )      
 
   
     
 
NET INCOME (LOSS)
  $ 46,059     $ (157,577 )
 
   
     
 
Basic net income per common share:
               
Income from continuing operations
  $ 0.96     $ 0.49  
Income (loss) from discontinued operation
    0.01       (2.21 )
Cumulative effect of the change in accounting principle
    (0.47 )     0.00  
 
   
     
 
NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE — BASIC
  $ 0.50     $ (1.72 )
 
   
     
 
Diluted net income per common share:
               
Income from continuing operations
  $ 0.94     $ 0.49  
Income (loss) from discontinued operation
    0.01       (2.21 )
Cumulative effect of the change in accounting principle
    (0.46 )     0.00  
 
   
     
 
NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE — DILUTED
  $ 0.49     $ (1.72 )
 
   
     
 
Weighted average basic shares outstanding
    92,188       91,385  
Weighted average equivalent shares
    1,974        
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding
    94,162       91,385  
 
   
     
 
NET INCOME (LOSS)
  $ 46,059     $ (157,577 )
Other comprehensive income (loss):
               
Foreign currency translation adjustment
    (35,179 )     (504 )
 
   
     
 
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
  $ 10,880     $ (158,081 )
 
   
     
 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

4


Table of Contents

THE DIAL CORPORATION
STATEMENT OF CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

                       
          Nine Months Ended
         
(in thousands)   September 28, 2002   September 29, 2001

 
 
CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
               
Net income (loss)
  $ 46,059     $ (157,577 )
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
               
operating activities:
               
Loss (adjustment) from discontinued operation
    (1,260 )     202,094  
Effect of change in accounting principle, net of tax
    43,308        
 
Depreciation
    27,727       29,196  
 
Amortization
    93       7,486  
 
Deferred income taxes
    (404 )     (595 )
 
Asset writedowns and other special items, net
    (1,182 )     11,787  
 
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
               
     
Receivables
    (16,946 )     13,413  
     
Inventories
    (14,712 )     (3,156 )
     
Trade accounts payable
    12,088       (20,961 )
     
Income taxes payable
    47,539       (41,856 )
     
Other assets and liabilities, net
    409       44,124  
 
   
     
 
   
Net cash provided by operating activities
    142,719       83,955  
 
   
     
 
CASH FLOWS (USED) PROVIDED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
               
Capital expenditures and purchase price adjustment of acquisition
    (21,925 )     (17,631 )
Proceeds from disposition of discontinued operation
    2,000       8,000  
Investment in and transfers from discontinued operation
          46,345  
Proceeds from sale of assets
    2,937       2,260  
 
   
     
 
   
Net cash (used) provided by investing activities
    (16,988 )     38,974  
 
   
     
 
CASH FLOWS PROVIDED (USED) BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
               
Net change in debt resulting from interest rate swap termination
    13,386        
Repayment and amortization of debt
    285       11,665  
Net change in short-term bank debt
          (125,776 )
Dividends paid on common stock
    (11,074 )     (10,950 )
Cash proceeds from stock options
    8,809       1,969  
 
   
     
 
   
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities
    11,406       (123,092 )
 
   
     
 
Effects of foreign currency exchange rates on cash balances
    (2,243 )      
 
   
     
 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    134,894       (163 )
   
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
    29,414       6,733  
 
   
     
 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD
  $ 164,308     $ 6,570  
 
   
     
 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

5


Table of Contents

THE DIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

Note 1. Basis of Preparation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of The Dial Corporation and all majority-owned subsidiaries. This information should be read in conjunction with the financial statements set forth in The Dial Corporation Annual Report to Stockholders for the year ended December 31, 2001.

On August 28, 2001, we completed the sale of our Specialty Personal Care (“SPC”) business. The accompanying financial statements have been prepared to reflect our historical financial position and results of operations and cash flows as adjusted for the reclassification of the SPC business as a discontinued operation. The historical results of operations of the SPC business up to its date of disposition and the estimated loss on the sale of SPC are reported as a discontinued operation in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

Accounting policies utilized in the preparation of the financial information herein presented are the same as set forth in Dial’s annual financial statements except as modified for interim accounting policies which are within the guidelines set forth in Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 28, “Interim Financial Reporting.” The interim consolidated financial statements are unaudited. All adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial position as of September 28, 2002 and the results of operations and cash flows for the three months and nine months ended September 28, 2002 and September 29, 2001, have been included. Interim results of operations are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for the full year.

Note 2. Discontinued Operation

On August 28, 2001, we completed the sale of our Specialty Personal Care (“SPC”) business. This business segment included a variety of skin, hair, bath, body and foot care products sold under the Freeman, Sarah Michaels, and Nature’s Accents brand names. The sale of SPC was in line with our strategy to fix or jettison under-performing businesses. As a result of the sale, we incurred a one-time charge of $198.4 million, net of income tax benefits and expected sale proceeds, related to the write-off of SPC assets and an accrual for estimated exit costs. Proceeds from the sale were used to repay debt. As a result of this transaction, we sold the stock of our wholly-owned subsidiary, Sarah Michaels, Inc., and inventory, fixed assets and intangibles of the SPC business, but retained the related receivables and liabilities arising on or prior to the closing.

As consideration for the sale, Dial received aggregate purchase price consideration of $12.0 million, which consisted of $8.0 million in cash and two subordinated promissory notes in the amount of $2.0 million each. On December 31, 2001, we had not recorded the $4.0 million in promissory notes because of uncertainties regarding the realizability of such amounts. In the first quarter of 2002, we entered into an agreement with the buyer of this business to resolve disputes that arose in connection with the sale. Under the terms of that agreement, we received full payment on one of these notes, forgave the other note and agreed to bear the cost of some disputed expenses. In the first quarter of 2002, we recorded the $2.0 million ($1.3 million after-tax) received as a reduction of the loss recognized on the sale of the SPC business.

As a result of the loss recognized on the sale, we recorded a current tax benefit of approximately $40.0 million in the third quarter of 2001. This tax benefit resulted in cash savings in the third and fourth quarters of 2001 and the first nine months of 2002. The loss on the sale of SPC is comprised primarily of the write-off of goodwill and inventories. In addition, the sale resulted in approximately $52.4 million in

6


Table of Contents

capital losses which have not been recorded as a tax benefit. We will realize tax benefits on that capital loss only to the extent that we generate capital gains in the future.

Net sales of the discontinued SPC business for the third quarter and the first nine months of 2001 were $5.4 million and $26.2 million, respectively. As of September 28, 2002, our balance sheet includes approximately $18.9 million in liabilities and reserves for exit costs which were not assumed by the purchaser as a result of the sale. The majority of these remaining SPC liabilities are for lease costs of former SPC facilities. These SPC liabilities will be adjusted in the future if our estimates of remaining lease and other exit costs change. The affect of any future adjustments to SPC liabilities would be presented in the income statement as an adjustment to the previously recorded loss from discontinued operation.

Note 3. Effect of Change in Accounting Principle

Effective January 1, 2002, we recorded a $43.3 million after-tax impairment loss ($44.0 million pre-tax) on the goodwill and trademarks of our Argentina business as a result of adopting Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”. SFAS 142 established a new method of testing goodwill for impairment. The impairment associated with the Argentina business was calculated using a discounted cash flow model. The impairment charge was recorded in our Income Statement as a Cumulative effect of the change in accounting principle and, therefore, is not included in operating income. This intangible impairment affected the International and Other reporting segment.

Note 4. Special Items

2002 Special Gain

We recorded a net gain of $2.9 million ($2.2 million after-tax or $0.02 per diluted share) in the second quarter of 2002 associated with the previously dissolved joint venture with Henkel KGaA of Germany (“Henkel”) and from the sale of our Mexico City facility, offset in part by a writedown of fixed assets in our Guatemala facility. The gain from our Dial/Henkel joint venture of $1.7 million was included in Net income of joint ventures for income statement purposes. We sold our Mexico facility for $2.7 million, resulting in a pre-tax gain of $2.4 million, which was offset in part by a writedown of the carrying value of our Guatemala facility by approximately $1.2 million, pre-tax. For income statement purposes, the gain on the sale of our Mexico facility and the writedown of fixed assets in our Guatemala facility are included in Asset writedowns and other special items.

2001 Special Charges

In the third quarter of 2001, we recorded an $11.8 million special charge ($10.2 million after-tax) to consolidate manufacturing facilities in the United States and Argentina, to close our Mexico City manufacturing facility and to discontinue certain product inventories.

2000 Special Charges

In the second and third quarters of 2000 we recorded special charges related to the Dial/Henkel joint ventures, severance costs for prior management and other actions to improve operational efficiencies. We reversed $0.4 million of these special charges ($0.2 million after-tax) in the third quarter of 2001.

Note 5. Dial/Henkel Joint Venture

7


Table of Contents

In April 1999, we formed Dial/Henkel LLC, a joint venture with Henkel. Dial and Henkel each owned 50% of this joint venture. The joint venture was formed to develop and market a range of enhanced laundry products in North America. In July 1999, the joint venture acquired the Custom Cleaner home dry-cleaning business. During the third quarter of 2001, the joint venture discontinued the Custom Cleaner home dry cleaning business.

In the second quarter of 2002, Henkel received certain intellectual property rights related to the former Custom Cleaner business in exchange for their interest in Dial/Henkel LLC. As a result, we consolidated Dial/Henkel LLC’s operations in the second quarter of 2002. Prior to our assumption of Henkel’s interest in Dial/Henkel LLC, we accounted for this joint venture under the equity method of accounting. In the second quarter of 2002, we recorded a gain of $1.7 million ($1.6 million after-tax) related to lower than expected costs associated with the discontinued Custom Cleaner business. For income statement purposes, the gain was included in Net income of joint ventures.

Note 6. Inventories

Inventories consisted of the following:

                   
(in thousands)   September 28, 2002   December 31, 2001

 
 
Raw materials and supplies
  $ 38,885     $ 30,891  
Work in process
    9,164       9,295  
Finished goods
    90,783       89,791  
 
   
     
 
 
Total inventories
  $ 138,832     $ 129,977  
 
   
     
 

Note 7. Intangible Assets

Intangible assets subject to amortization consisted of the following:

                                                   
(in thousands)   September 28, 2002   December 31, 2001

 
 
              Accumulated                   Accumulated        
      Gross Carrying Value   Amortization   Net Carrying Value   Gross Carrying Value   Amortization   Net Carrying Value
     
 
 
 
 
 
Patents
  $ 1,371     $ (130 )   $ 1,241     $ 1,002     $ (82 )   $ 920  
Other intangibles
    900       (562 )     338       900       (516 )     384  
 
   
     
     
     
     
     
 
 
Total
  $ 2,271     $ (692 )   $ 1,579     $ 1,902     $ (598 )   $ 1,304  
 
   
     
     
     
     
     
 

Intangibles not subject to amortization consisted of the following:

                 
(in thousands)   September 28, 2002   December 31, 2001

 
 
Goodwill
  $ 311,935     $ 353,002  
Trademarks
    39,767       41,645  
Pension Related intangibles
    6,703       7,860  
 
   
     
 
Total
  $ 358,405     $ 402,507  
 
   
     
 

In connection with the implementation of SFAS 142, effective January 1, 2002, we ceased amortizing our intangible assets with indefinite lives. As a result, income from continuing operations for the third quarter of 2002 increased $1.9 million after-tax ($2.5 million pre-tax) or $0.02 per diluted share and for the nine months of 2002 increased $5.7 million after-tax ($7.4 million pre-tax) or $0.06 per diluted share.

Effective January 1, 2002, we recorded a $43.3 million after-tax impairment ($44.0 million pre-tax) to intangibles as a result of implementing SFAS 142. See Note 3 for further discussion of this impairment charge.

8


Table of Contents

Note 8. Long Term Debt

Long-term debt consisted of the following:

                   
(in thousands)   September 28, 2002   December 31, 2001

 
 
$250 million 7.0% Senior Notes due 2006, net of issue
               
   discount
  $ 247,286     $ 246,768  
$200 million 6.5% Senior Notes due 2008, net of issue
               
   discount
    198,731       198,573  
 
   
     
 
Total long-term debt
    446,017       445,341  
Fair market gain on termination of interest rate
               
 
swap
    12,996        
 
   
     
 
Reported long-term debt
  $ 459,013     $ 445,341  
 
   
     
 

In the third quarter of 2001, we entered into two interest rate swap contracts which effectively converted our $250 million 7% Senior Notes due in 2006, to floating rate debt based upon a 180 day LIBOR plus 182 basis points. We designated the swaps as fair value hedges. Accordingly, the fair value of the swaps was recorded as an asset and the carrying value of the underlying debt was increased by an equal amount in accordance with SFAS 133. During the third quarter of 2002, the swaps were terminated resulting in a net gain of $13.4 million. The gain is recorded with total debt and will be amortized as a reduction of interest expense over the remaining term of the $250 million 7% Senior Notes due 2006.

Note 9. Segments of an Enterprise

For organizational, marketing and financial reporting purposes, we are organized into two business segments: (i) Domestic Branded and (ii) International and Other. The segments were identified based on the economic characteristics, types of products sold, the customer base and method of distribution. Effective January 1, 2002, we began to include the International operating segment in the Other business segment due to its immaterial size. Prior to January 1, 2002, we included sales of industrial chemicals, which includes soap pellets and chemicals, principally glycerin and fatty acids that are by-products of the soap making process, in the International and Other business segment. Effective January 1, 2002, we began to include industrial chemicals in the Personal Cleansing operating segment within the Domestic Branded business segment. The historical segment information has been restated to reflect the changes.

Information related to our operations in different business segments is set forth below. The calculation of operating income for each segment includes an allocation of indirect general and administrative expenses based on each segment’s share of our consolidated net sales. The accounting policies of the business segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies in Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001.

9


Table of Contents

                             
        Domestic   International        
(in thousands)   Branded   and Other   Total

 
 
 
Net Sales:
                       
 
Quarter ended:
                       
   
September 28, 2002
  $ 307,802     $ 39,434     $ 347,236  
   
September 29, 2001
    287,039       46,608       333,647  
 
Nine months ended:
                       
   
September 28, 2002
  $ 875,893     $ 112,081     $ 987,974  
   
September 29, 2001
    808,568       133,670       942,238  
Operating Income (Loss):
                       
 
Quarter ended:
                       
   
September 28, 2002
  $ 55,097     $ 4,173     $ 59,270  
   
September 29, 2001(2)
    47,101       (10,176 )     36,925  
 
Nine months ended:
                       
   
September 28, 2002 (1)
  $ 155,143     $ 13,054     $ 168,197  
   
September 29, 2001(2)
    119,739       (11,528 )     108,211  
Goodwill at:
                       
   
September 28, 2002
  $ 311,935     $     $ 311,935  
   
December 31, 2001
    310,839       42,163       353,002  


(1)   Includes special items that net to a $1.2 million gain ($2.4 million gain in International and Other offset in part by a $1.2 million charge in Domestic Branded) in the second quarter of 2002.
(2)   Includes special charges of $11.8 million ($4.1 million in Domestic Branded and $7.7 million in International and Other
 segments) in the third quarter of 2001 offset by $0.4 million of reversed 2000 special charges in Domestic Branded.

10


Table of Contents

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION

Forward looking statements

Some statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “believe”, “expect”, “intend”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “project” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date the statement was made. These forward looking statements include, but are not limited to:

    our expectation that net sales, excluding Argentina, will rise 3% to 4% in the fourth quarter of 2002 versus the same period last year
 
    our expectation that operating margin will improve approximately 150 basis points in the fourth quarter of 2002 versus the same period last year
 
    our expectation that earnings from continuing operations, before special items, will be approximately $1.22 per share for the full year 2002
 
    our expectation that capital expenditures in 2002 will approximate $40 million, and
 
    our belief that the EEOC litigation will not have a material adverse effect on our operating results or financial condition

These statements are based upon management’s beliefs, as well as on assumptions made by and information currently available to management, and involve various risks and uncertainties that are beyond our control. Our actual results could differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, us.

Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified. Future events and actual results could differ materially from those set forth in, contemplated by, or underlying the forward-looking statements. Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition”, describe factors, among others, that could contribute to or cause such differences. Additional risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking statements are set forth in Exhibit 99 which is attached as an exhibit and incorporated by reference into this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Potential Sale of Dial And Future Capital Allocation Strategy

We believe that our long-term interests and those of our shareholders would be best served if we were part of a larger enterprise. We will continue to explore opportunities to become part of a larger company, which could include transactions with multiple parties. We have been working with Goldman Sachs & Co. and may continue to do so as we evaluate any opportunities for Dial to be part of a larger company.

No time constraints have been set for any transaction, and any decision regarding any potential transactions will be based upon the best interests of our shareholders. Accordingly, there is no assurance that any sale, merger or other transactions involving Dial or any of its businesses will occur in the near future or at all. In addition, decisions made in the course of continuing to improve our operating results could result in our recording additional special or restructuring charges or additional asset writedowns.

Due to Dial’s strong operating performance over the past two years, our Board recently extended the employment agreement of Herbert M. Baum, Dial’s Chairman, President and CEO until January 2006.

We will continue to focus on growing our core businesses and will evaluate capital allocation options in light of the significant amount of cash we are accumulating. The capital allocation alternatives we are reviewing include:

11


Table of Contents

    Acquisitions
 
    Debt reduction
 
    Share repurchases, and
 
    Investment in our base business

We currently believe that acquisitions should be our first priority. If suitable acquisition options do not emerge over the next year, then we currently expect to use excess cash to change our capital structure through a mix of debt reduction and share repurchases. We also would consider additional investment in our base business.

Sale of Specialty Personal Care Segment

On August 28, 2001, we completed the sale of our Specialty Personal Care (“SPC”) business. This business segment included a variety of skin, hair, bath, body and foot care products sold under the Freeman, Sarah Michaels, and Nature’s Accents brand names. The sale of SPC was in line with our strategy to fix or jettison under-performing businesses. As a result of the sale, we incurred a one time charge of $198.4 million, net of income tax benefits and expected sale proceeds, related to the write-off of SPC assets and an accrual for estimated exit costs. Proceeds from the sale were primarily used to repay debt. As a result of this transaction, we sold the stock of our wholly-owned subsidiary, Sarah Michaels Inc., and inventory, fixed assets and intangibles of the SPC business, but retained the related receivables and liabilities arising on or prior to the closing.

As consideration for the sale, Dial received aggregate purchase price consideration of $12.0 million, which consisted of $8.0 million in cash and two subordinated promissory notes in the amount of $2.0 million each. As of December 31, 2001, we had not recorded the $4.0 million in promissory notes because of uncertainties regarding the realizability of such amounts. In the first quarter of 2002, we entered into an agreement with the buyer of this business to resolve disputes that arose in connection with the sale. Under the terms of that agreement, we received full payment on one of these notes, forgave the other note and agreed to bear the cost of some disputed expenses. In the first quarter of 2002, we recorded the $2.0 million ($1.3 million after-tax) received as a reduction of the loss recognized on the sale of the SPC business.

As a result of the loss recognized on the sale, we recorded a current tax benefit of approximately $40.0 million in the third quarter of 2001. This tax benefit resulted in cash savings in the third and fourth quarters of 2001 and the first nine months of 2002. The loss on the sale of SPC is comprised primarily of the write-off of goodwill and inventories. In addition, the sale resulted in approximately $52.4 million in capital losses for which there were no tax benefits were provided. We will realize tax benefits on that capital loss only to the extent that we generate capital gains in the future.

Net sales of the discontinued SPC business for the third quarter and the first nine months of 2001 were $5.4 million and $26.2 million, respectively. As of September 28, 2002, our balance sheet includes approximately $18.9 million in liabilities and reserves for exit costs which were not assumed by the purchaser as a result of the sale. The majority of these remaining SPC liabilities are for lease costs of former SPC facilities. These SPC liabilities will be adjusted in the future if our estimates of remaining lease and other exit costs change. The affect of any future adjustments to SPC liabilities would be presented in the income statement as an adjustment to the previously recorded loss from discontinued operation.

Special Items

2002 Special Gain

We recorded a net gain of $2.9 million ($2.2 million after-tax) in the second quarter of 2002 associated with the previously dissolved joint venture with Henkel and from the sale of our Mexico City facility, offset

12


Table of Contents

in part by a writedown of fixed assets in our Guatemala facility. The gain from our Dial/Henkel joint venture of $1.7 million ($1.6 million after-tax) was included in Net income of joint ventures for income statement purposes. We sold our Mexico facility for $2.7 million, resulting in a pre-tax gain of $2.4 million, which was offset in part by a writedown of the carrying value of our Guatemala soap pouring facility by approximately $1.2 million, pre-tax. For income statement purposes, the gain on the sale of our Mexico facility and the writedown of fixed assets in our Guatemala facility are included in Asset writedowns and other special items.

2001 Special Charges

In the third quarter of 2001, we recorded an $11.8 million special charge ($10.2 million after-tax) to consolidate manufacturing facilities in the United States and Argentina and for the closure of our Mexico City manufacturing facility and discontinuation of certain product inventories. The activity in the first nine months of 2002 is summarized below:

                         
    Ending           Ending
    reserves at   Cash spent   reserves at
(in thousands)   12/31/01   during 2002   9/28/02

 
 
 
Employee separations
  $ 823     $ (823 )   $ 0  
Other exit costs
    1,581       (1,337 )     244  
 
   
     
     
 
Total
  $ 2,404     $ (2,160 )   $ 244  
 
   
     
     
 

The income statement classification of amounts recorded with respect to the 2001 Special Charges have been previously disclosed and no additional amounts were charged to net income in the first nine months of 2002. Remaining cash requirements for the special charges will be funded from normal operations.

The projected timing, estimated cost and projected savings related to this 2001 Special Charge are based on management’s judgement in light of the circumstances and estimates at the time the judgements were made. Accordingly, such estimates may change as future events evolve.

2000 Special Charges

In the second and third quarters of 2000 we recorded special charges related to the Dial/Henkel joint ventures, severance costs for prior management and other actions to improve operational efficiencies. We reversed $0.4 million of these special charges ($0.2 million after-tax) in the third quarter of 2001.

Recent Developments

Deteriorating Economic Conditions in Argentina

In the first nine months of 2002, we recorded a currency translation adjustment of $35.5 million as a direct charge to our stockholders’ equity, reflecting the devaluation of our net assets in Argentina as a result of a 57% currency devaluation of the Argentine Peso. This non-cash adjustment did not impact net income. Our Argentina operation accounted for approximately $39.4 million and $63.0 million of our net sales in the first nine months of 2002 and 2001, respectively. In light of the devaluation of the Argentine peso and the deteriorating economic conditions in Argentina, our sales in Argentina have been, and may continue to be, adversely impacted. Through the nine months ended September 28, 2002, our operating results in Argentina have been better than we originally anticipated partially as a result of higher sales volume, improved margins and favorable currency transaction adjustments. However, the situation in Argentina is changing rapidly, and it is difficult to predict with certainty the impact that Argentina will have on our future net sales and operating results. We currently expect Argentina to reach highly inflationary economic conditions during 2003. This may have an adverse impact on our Argentine operations.

13


Table of Contents

We are reviewing strategic alternatives with respect to our Argentina business, while working aggressively to improve the performance of this business. As of September 28, 2002, our investment in our Argentina business was approximately $27.7 million. At this time, we believe that if a decision is made in the future to divest this business, a writedown of assets to their estimated market value would be required. We would also be required to reverse the $97.6 million currency translation adjustment related to our Argentina business that is currently recorded in stockholders’ equity and take that charge to the income statement.

Kmart Bankruptcy

In January 2002, Kmart Corporation filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Kmart is one of our top ten customers. We sell products to Kmart primarily through Kmart’s distributor, Fleming Companies, Inc., but also sell products to Kmart directly.

Kmart recently closed approximately 300 stores in its effort to emerge from bankruptcy. Our sales to Kmart have decreased as a result of these store closings and from a decline in consumers visiting Kmart’s open stores. To date, Kmart’s bankruptcy has not had a material adverse effect on our sales or operating results. Although future actions that Kmart may take as part of its continuing reorganization efforts are not yet known, recent press reports indicate that Kmart is considering closing up to an additional 500 stores after the holidays. If Kmart ultimately decides to close a significant number of additional stores, these additional store closings could have an adverse impact on our sales and operating results in 2003.

2002 Outlook

As we have previously disclosed, our net sales, excluding Argentina, are expected to rise 3% to 4% in the fourth quarter of 2002 versus the same period last year. Operating margin is expected to improve approximately 150 basis points in the fourth quarter of 2002 versus the same period last year. As a result, we currently expect our earnings from continuing operations, before special items, to be approximately $1.22 per share for the full year.

Comparison of the Third Quarter of 2002 with the Third Quarter of 2001

Net sales for the quarter increased 4.1% to $347.2 million from $333.6 million in the same period in 2001 primarily as a result of a 7.2% increase in our Domestic Branded segment offset in part by a 15.4% decrease in our International and Other segment.

                                 
    Third Quarter   Increase (Decrease)
   
 
(in millions)   2002   2001   Amount   Percentage

 
 
 
   
Personal Cleansing
  $ 99.7     $ 92.0     $ 7.7       8.4 %
Laundry Care
    116.2       102.0       14.2       13.9 %
Air Fresheners
    42.2       44.5       (2.3 )     (5.2 )%
Food Products
    49.7       48.5       1.2       2.5 %
 
   
     
     
         
Total Domestic Branded segment
    307.8       287.0       20.8       7.2 %
Total International and Other
                               
segment
    39.4       46.6       (7.2 )     (15.4 )%
 
   
     
     
         
Total Company Net Sales
  $ 347.2     $ 333.6     $ 13.6       4.1 %
 
   
     
     
     
 

Net sales in our Domestic Branded segment increased 7.2% to $307.8 million from $287.0 million in the same period last year. The increase in Personal Cleansing sales resulted primarily from strength in body wash and liquid soap products offset in part by a decrease in industrial chemical sales. Category bar soap sales continue to be hurt by a consumer preference for body wash products over bar soap products. We expect this consumer preference trend to continue. Lower industrial chemical sales are primarily due to depressed glycerin prices, which we expect will continue.

The increase in Laundry Care sales is primarily due to increased sales of Purex liquid detergent. Part of this increase in Purex liquid detergent is due to a consumer preference for liquid detergent products versus powder detergent products. We currently expect that this consumer preference trend will continue.

The decrease in Air Freshener sales resulted primarily from overall weakness in most of our air freshener products combined with the discontinuation of One Touch electric scented oil products and Fresh Gels offset in part by the strong performance of Adjustables. Two new product introductions were made in the third quarter, Renuzit Super Odor Neutralizer and Renuzit High Impact Scented Oil. New product introductions did not have a significant impact on sales due to promotional costs.

The increase in Food Products sales resulted primarily from higher sales of Armour branded chili and private label products.

Net sales in our International and Other segment decreased 15.4% to $39.4 million from $46.6 million primarily due to lower net sales in Argentina resulting from the peso devaluation and closure of our

14


Table of Contents

Mexico operation offset in part higher Canadian sales of Purex liquid laundry detergent. Excluding Argentina, net sales in our International and Other segment increased 5.2%.

Our gross margin, before special items, improved 50 basis points to 36.3% from 35.8% in the same period in 2001. This improvement primarily resulted from higher volumes, manufacturing efficiencies and lower raw material costs offset in part by higher promotional spending. In the third quarter of 2001, special charges reduced our gross margin by 330 basis points to 32.5%.

Selling, general and administrative expenses, before special charges, decreased 6.0% to $66.8 from $71.1 million in the same period in 2001. This decrease primarily resulted from the effect of Argentina peso devaluation and lower intangible amortization expense due to the implementation of SFAS 142 and the closure of our Mexico facility. This is offset in part by higher employee performance-based compensation and higher pension cost due to our decision to decrease the expected rate of return on pension assets to 9% from 10%. In the third quarter of 2001, selling, general and administrative expenses included $0.5 million in special charges.

Interest and other expenses decreased 18.4% to $9.7 million from $11.9 million in the same period in 2001. The decrease was primarily due to lower debt levels offset in part by higher post-retirement benefit expenses.

We recognized a $1.0 million gain from the Dial/Henkel joint venture in the third quarter of 2001 primarily from lower than expected exit costs associated with the discontinued Purex Advanced business, offset in part by exit costs related to the discontinuation of the Custom Cleaner business in the third quarter of 2001.

Our effective tax rate on continuing operations for the third quarter of 2002 decreased to 37.2% from 46.6% in the same period in 2001. This decrease is primarily attributable to non-deductible foreign restructure charges in 2001 and the cessation of amortization of nondeductible goodwill as a result of implementing SFAS 142 in 2002. These decreases were offset in part by higher tax expense relating to foreign operations.

Income from continuing operations was $31.1 million, versus $13.9 million in the third quarter of 2001. As discussed above, this increase in income resulted from higher sales, improved gross margin, lower interest costs and a decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses.

The total loss from our discontinued Specialty Personal Care operation was $199.3 million in the third quarter of 2001. This loss primarily related to the loss from disposal of the Specialty Personal Care business.

Total net income increased to $31.1 million ($0.33 per diluted share) versus a loss of $185.4 million ($2.03 per diluted share) in the third quarter of 2001. The increase resulted primarily from the higher income from continuing operations and a decrease in the loss from our discontinued Specialty Personal Care operation, as discussed above.

Comparison of the First Nine Months of 2002 with the First Nine Months of 2001

Net sales for the first nine months increased 4.9% to $988.0 million from $942.2 million in the same period in 2001 primarily as a result of an 8.3% increase in our Domestic Branded segment offset in part by a 16.1% decrease in our International and Other segment.

                                 
    Nine Months Ended   Increase/(Decrease)
   
 
(in millions)   2002   2001   Amount   Percentage

 
 
 
 
Personal Cleansing
  $ 276.5     $ 266.8     $ 9.7       3.6 %
Laundry Care
    344.6       293.7       50.9       17.3 %
Air Fresheners
    118.7       116.3       2.4       2.1 %

15


Table of Contents

                                 
    Nine Months Ended   Increase/(Decrease)
   
 
(in millions)   2002   2001   Amount   Percentage

 
 
 
 
Food Products
    136.1       131.8       4.3       3.3 %
 
   
     
     
     
 
Total Domestic Branded segment
    875.9       808.6       67.3       8.3 %
Total International and Other segment
    112.1       133.6       (21.5 )     (16.1 )%
 
   
     
     
     
 
Total Company Net Sales
  $ 988.0     $ 942.2     $ 45.8       4.9 %
 
   
     
     
     
 

Net sales in our Domestic Branded segment increased 8.3% to $875.9 million from $808.6 million in the same period last year. The increase in Personal Cleansing sales resulted primarily from strong growth in body wash products offset in part by a decrease in industrial chemical sales, lower bar soap sales and spending to defend against a new competitive entry. Category bar soap sales continue to be hurt by a consumer preference for body wash products over bar soap products. We expect that this consumer preference trend will continue. Lower industrial chemical sales are primarily due to depressed glycerin prices, which we expect will continue.

The increase in Laundry Care sales is primarily due to an increase in Purex liquid detergent. Part of this increase in Purex liquid detergent is due to a consumer preference for liquid detergent products versus powder detergent products. We currently expect that this consumer preference trend will continue.

The increase in Air Freshener sales resulted primarily from strong performance of Adjustables offset in part by overall weakness in our other air freshener products combined with the discontinuation of One Touch electric scented oil products and Fresh Gels. Two new product introductions were made in the third quarter, Renuzit Super Odor Neutralizer and Renuzit High Impact Scented Oil. New product introductions did not have a significant impact on sales due to promotional costs.

The increase in Food Products sales resulted primarily from increased sales of Armour branded Vienna sausage, private label products and Armour branded chili offset in part by higher promotional spending.

Net sales in our International and Other segment decreased 16.1% to $112.1 million from $133.6 million. The decrease is primarily the net result of decreased Argentina sales resulting from the peso devaluation and closure of our Mexico operation offset in part by increased Canadian sales of Purex liquid laundry detergent and increased sales in our hotel amenities business. Excluding Argentina, net sales in our International and Other segment decreased 1.8%.

Our gross margin, before special items, improved by 360 basis points to 37.0% from 33.4% in the same period in 2001. This improvement primarily resulted from higher volumes, manufacturing efficiencies and lower raw material costs offset in part by higher promotional expenses. Our gross margin, after special items, increased 480 basis points to 37.1% from 32.3% in the same period last year.

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 1.3% to $198.2 million from $195.7 million in the same period of 2001. This increase primarily resulted from higher employee performance-based compensation and higher pension cost due to our decision to decrease the expected rate of return on pension assets to 9% from 10%. This increase was offset in part by the effect of the Argentina peso devaluation, lower intangible amortization expense due to the implementation of SFAS 142 and the closure of our Mexico facility. Excluding special items, selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales was 20.1% versus 20.7% for the first nine months of 2002 and 2001, respectively.

Interest and other expenses decreased 20.1% to $30.2 million from $37.8 million in the same period in 2001. The decrease in interest was primarily due to lower debt levels offset in part by a charge to write-off deferred issuance costs related to the old credit agreement that we terminated during the first quarter of 2002.

Income from the Dial/Henkel joint venture for the nine months ended September 28, 2002 decreased to a $1.7 million gain compared to a $3.0 million gain in the same period last year. All joint venture

16


Table of Contents

operations ceased during the third quarter of 2001.

Our effective tax rate on continuing operations for the first nine months of 2002 decreased to 36.9% from 39.3% in the same period in 2001. The decrease is primarily attributable to non-deductible foreign restructure charges in 2001 and the cessation of amortization of nondeductible goodwill as a result of implementing SFAS 142 in 2002. These decreases were offset in part by higher taxes relating to foreign operations. The income tax rate for 2002 on continuing operations, excluding special items, is 37.2%

Income from continuing operations before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle was $88.1 million versus $44.5 million in the first nine months of 2001. As discussed above, the increase in income resulted from higher sales, improved gross margin, lower interest costs and lower charges from special items offset in part by higher selling, general and administrative expenses.

Our discontinued operation reflects a gain of $1.3 million for the first nine months of 2002 compared to a loss of $202.1 million in the same period of 2001. The gain was due to an adjustment of the loss on disposal of our discontinued Specialty Personal Care segment in 2002 compared to the operating and disposal loss from this segment in the first nine months 2001.

Effective January 1, 2002, we recorded a $43.3 million after-tax charge for the cumulative effect of accounting change resulting from implementation of SFAS 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”.

Total net income increased to $46.1 million ($0.49 per diluted share) versus a net loss of $157.6 million ($1.72 per diluted share) in the first nine months of 2001. The increase is primarily due to a decrease in the loss from our discontinued Specialty Personal Care operation and increased income from continuing operations, as described above, offset in part by the charge that resulted from adopting SFAS 142.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash and cash equivalents increased $134.9 million during the first nine months to $164.3 million from $29.4 million. The increase in cash and cash equivalents was due to strong cash from operations in the first nine months of 2002.

Total debt at September 28, 2002 is $459.0 million as compared to $445.3 at December 31, 2001. The increase in total debt is primarily due to the fair market gain associated with the termination of the interest rate swaps in accordance with SFAS 133 “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities".

Cash flow from operations in the first nine months of 2002 was $142.7 million compared to $84.0 million in the same period in 2001 as a result of an increase in income from continuing operations and income tax benefits generated from the sale of our SPC business.

Capital expenditures for the first nine months of 2002 were $20.8 million. Capital spending in 2002 is currently expected to approximate $40 million. These expenditures will be concentrated on equipment and information systems that reduce costs, support new product initiatives and maintain our corporate infrastructure.

In the third quarter of 2001, we entered into two interest rate swap contracts which effectively converted our $250 million 7% Senior Notes due in 2006, to floating rate debt based upon a 180 day LIBOR plus 182 basis points. We designated the swaps as fair value hedges. Accordingly, the fair value of the swaps was recorded as an asset and the carrying value of the underlying debt was increased by an equal amount in accordance with SFAS 133. During the third quarter of 2002, the swaps were terminated resulting in a net gain of $13.4 million. The gain is recorded with total reported debt and will be amortized as a reduction of interest expense over the remaining term of the $250 million 7% Senior Notes due 2006.

17


Table of Contents

The Indentures governing our $250 million 7% Senior Notes due 2006 and $200 million 6.5% Senior Notes due 2008 impose restrictions on us with respect to, among other things, our ability to place liens on certain properties and enter into certain sale and leaseback transactions. In addition, the Indenture governing the $250 million 7% Senior Notes requires us to purchase from the holders of the Senior Notes, upon the exercise of such purchase right by each holder, all or any part of their Senior Notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount of the Senior Notes plus interest, upon the occurrence of either (i) a change of control of Dial that is followed by a rating decline or (ii) a significant asset sale yielding gross proceeds to us of $500 million or more in the aggregate that is followed by a rating decline. A “rating decline” shall be deemed to have occurred if, no later than 90 days after the public notice of either the occurrence or intention to effect a change of control or significant asset sale, either of the rating agencies assigns a rating to the Senior Notes that is lower than Baa3, in the case of a rating by Moody’s, or BBB-, in the case of a rating by Standard & Poor’s.

The events of default under the Indentures governing both the $250 million 7.0% Senior Notes due 2006 and the $200 million 6.5% Senior Notes due 2008 include the following:

  failure to pay principal or interest when due under the notes
 
  failure to comply with our covenants under the Indentures
 
  commencing any proceeding for bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization, and
 
  default under any other indebtedness for borrowed money having an aggregate principal amount outstanding of at least $50 million, which default results in such indebtedness being declared due and payable prior to its maturity date.

In the first quarter of 2002, we terminated our credit facility and replaced it with a new $150 million revolving credit facility. The new facility is comprised of two commitments: $75 million under commitments available until March of 2005 and $75 million under commitments available until March 2003. In May of 2002, this new credit facility was increased to $200 million, with $100 million available until March 2005 and $100 million available until March 2003. The credit facility requires us to pay commitment fees to the lenders. Borrowings under the facility bear interest at our option, at the banks’ prime rate or LIBOR plus a credit spread. The credit spread and the commitment fees paid for the facility are subject to adjustment should our debt ratings change. There were no amounts borrowed under this facility at September 28, 2002.

Our credit facility requires us to maintain a minimum net worth of $100 million plus 50% of net income (if positive) earned from the date of the facility. For purposes of calculating our minimum net worth, we exclude foreign currency translation gains or losses, gains or losses relating to any sale or other disposition of our Argentinean operations and/or the Armour food business and the previously discussed $43.3 million after-tax impairment charge ($44.0 million pre-tax) taken in the first quarter of 2002 for Argentina. We also are limited to a maximum ratio of funded debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) of 3.0 to 1.0.

The events of default under our credit facility include the following:

  failure to pay principal or interest when due
 
  failure to comply with our covenants, representations and warranties under the credit agreement
 
  default in the payment of, or failure to comply with our covenants relating to, other indebtedness with a principal amount outstanding of at least $15 million
 
  default under any material contract which results in liabilities or damages in excess of $25 million
 
  commencing any proceeding for bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization
 
  entry of a final, non-appealable judgment in excess of $25 million, and
 
  a change in control of Dial.

At September 28, 2002, we were in compliance with all covenants under our credit facility, our $250 million of 7.0% Senior Notes due 2006 and our $200 million of 6.5% Senior Notes due 2008.

18


Table of Contents

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2002, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) 146, “Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities.” SFAS 146 supersedes guidance established in the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Issue No. 94-3 regarding certain exit and disposal costs. The provisions of this Statement are effective for exit or disposal activities that are initiated after December 31, 2002. We currently do not expect any financial impact upon adoption of this statement.

In April 2002, the FASB issued SFAS 145, “Rescission of FASB Statements No. 4, 44, and 64, Amendment of FASB Statement No. 13, and Technical Corrections.” This Statement rescinds Statement 4 that required all gains and losses from extinguishment of debt to be aggregated and, if material, classified as an extraordinary item. Gains and losses from the extinguishment of debt will no longer be considered extraordinary. Statement 145 is effective for fiscal years beginning after May 15, 2002. We currently do not expect any financial impact upon adoption of this statement.

In June 2001, the FASB issued SFAS 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” Under the provisions of SFAS 142, goodwill and intangibles assets with indefinite lives are no longer amortized but are subject to annual impairment tests. SFAS 142 also established a new method of testing goodwill for impairment. We adopted SFAS 142 effective January 1, 2002, and expect that as a result our annual amortization expense will be reduced by approximately $9.9 million ($7.6 million annually after-tax or $0.08 per share). We recorded an impairment charge on our Argentina intangible assets from the change in accounting principle in the first quarter of 2002. The amount of the charge is $43.3 million after-tax ($44.0 million pre-tax) and was recorded in our income statement as a Cumulative effect of the change in accounting principle.

In the FASB EITF release Issue No. 01-09, “Accounting for Consideration Given by a Vendor to a Customer or a Reseller of the Vendor’s Products”. EITF 01-09 consolidates the previously discussed Issue No. 00-14 “Accounting for Certain Sales Incentives” and Issue No. 00-25 “Vendor Income Statement Characterization of Consideration Paid to a Reseller of the Vendor’s Products”. EITF 01-09 does not change the accounting treatment set forth by EITF 00-14 and EITF 00-25. We adopted EITF 01-09 effective January 1, 2002.

The implementation of EITF 01-09 requires a change to the way we previously classified certain sales incentives that were previously recorded as selling, general and administrative expenses. We have restated our historical net sales, cost of sales, and selling, general and administrative expense for 2001 as a result of the implementation of the consensus of Issue 01-09.

                         
    Quarter Ended   Nine Months Ended       Treatment prior to
(in millions)   September 29, 2001   September 29, 2001   Current Treatment   January 1, 2002

 
 
 
 
Trade promotions     $94.5     $ 284.2     Reduction of net sales   Selling, general and administrative expense
Coupons and rebates     $2.3     $ 10.3     Reduction of net sales   Selling, general and administrative expense
Free product     $2.6     $ 7.5     Increase to cost of goods sold   Selling, general and administrative expense

Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

Within the 90 days prior to the date of this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial

19


Table of Contents

Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that Dial’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective in timely alerting them to material information relating to the company (including its consolidated subsidiaries) required to be included in our periodic SEC filings. There were no significant changes in our internal controls or other factors that could significantly affect these controls subsequent to the date of their evaluation and there were no corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

20


Table of Contents

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

         On May 21, 1999, we were served with a complaint filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (the “EEOC”) in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division. This action is entitled Equal Employment Opportunity Commission v. The Dial Corporation, Civil Action No. 99 C 3356. The EEOC alleges that Dial has engaged in a pattern and practice of discrimination against a class of female employees by subjecting them to sexual or sex-based harassment and failing to take prompt remedial action after these employees complained about this alleged harassment. The EEOC is seeking to enjoin Dial from this alleged harassment, to require us to train our managerial employees regarding the requirements of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and to recover unspecified compensatory and punitive damages. We have denied the EEOC’s allegations. The trial is scheduled to begin in late April 2003. We currently do not believe that this lawsuit will have a material adverse effect on our operating results or financial condition. However, no assurances can be given regarding the ultimate outcome of this matter.

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

(A)   Exhibits

10.1       Employment Agreement with Herbert M. Baum dated August 15, 2002.
 
99.1       Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 Safe Harbor Compliance Statement for Forward-Looking Statements.
 
99.2       Certifications pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

(B)   Reports on Form 8-K
 
    We filed a Current Report on Form 8-K, dated July 18, 2002, reporting that Dial issued a press release relating to its second quarter financial results and outlook for the second half of 2002, a copy of which was filed as Exhibit 99.
 
    We filed a Current Report on Form 8-K, dated August 9, 2002, reporting that each of the Principal Executive Officer, Herbert M. Baum, and Principal Financial Officer, Conrad A. Conrad, submitted to the SEC sworn statements pursuant to Securities and Exchange Commission Order No. 4-460. Copies of the statements were attached as Exhibits 99.1 and 99.2, respectively. A copy of the related press release was attached as Exhibit 99.3.
 
    We filed a Current Report on Form 8-K, dated August 23, 2002, reporting that Dial issued a press release declaring a quarterly dividend on Dial Common Stock, a copy of which was filed as Exhibit 99.1. Dial issued a second press release announcing that Dial’s Board of Directors approved the Company’s business strategy and extended the CEO’s employment contract, a copy of which was filed as Exhibit 99.2.
 
    We filed a Current Report on Form 8-K, dated August 30, 2002, reporting that Dial issued a press release announcing that The Dial Corporation’s CEO and CFO would present at the Prudential Securities Back to School Consumer Conference. The release also announced that Dial expects that its full year 2002 earnings per share from continuing operations and before special items would be consistent with current guidance of approximately $1.19. A copy of the press release was filed as Exhibit 99.
 
    We filed a Current Report on Form 8-K, dated September 4, 2002, reporting that the union at Dial’s Aurora, Illinois plant voted down a four-year contract that had been unanimously

21


Table of Contents

    recommended by the union negotiating committee. As previously announced in Dial’s press release dated August 29, 2002, Dial also stated that a presentation to investors addressing the state of Dial’s business and Dial’s strategy going forward would take place on September 5, 2002. A copy of the presentation was filed as Exhibit 99.
 
    We filed a Current Report on Form 8-K, dated September 16, 2002, reporting that, on Sunday, September 15, 2002, the union at Dial’s Aurora, Illinois manufacturing facility ratified a new four-year labor agreement.
 
    We filed a Current Report on Form 8-K, dated September 18, 2002, reporting that Dial issued a press release announcing that The Dial Corporation’s CEO and CFO would present at the Banc of America Securities 32nd Annual Investment Conference. The release also announced that Dial was confident that full-year 2002 earnings per share before special items would be consistent with current guidance of approximately $1.19. A copy of the press release was filed as Exhibit 99.
 
    We filed a Current Report on Form 8-K, dated September 18, 2002, reporting that, as previously announced in Dial’s press release dated September 17, 2002, a presentation to investors addressing the state of Dial’s business and Dial’s strategy going forward would take place on September 23, 2002. A copy of the presentation was filed as Exhibit 99.
 
    We filed a Current Report on Form 8-K, dated September 30, 2002, reporting that Dial issued a press release announcing that The Dial Corporation’s Senior Vice President would present at the Merrill Lynch Global Branded Consumer Products Conference, a copy of which was filed as Exhibit 99.1. As previously announced in Dial’s press release dated September 26, 2002, Dial also reported that a presentation to investors would take place on October 1, 2002. A copy of the presentation was filed as Exhibit 99.2.
 
    We filed a Current Report on Form 8-K, dated September 30, 2002, reporting that Dial issued a press release relating to the conference call to announce its third quarter 2002 results to be held on Thursday, October 17, 2002, a copy of which was filed as Exhibit 99.

22


Table of Contents

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.

The Dial Corporation
(Registrant)

 

November 8, 2002

 
/s/ Herbert M. Baum

Herbert M. Baum
Chairman, President and
Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer and Authorized Officer)
 
/s/ Conrad A. Conrad

Conrad A. Conrad
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer and Authorized Officer)
 
/s/ John F. Tierney

John F. Tierney
Senior Vice President and Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer and Authorized Officer)

23


Table of Contents

Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

I, Herbert M. Baum, certify that:

         1.     I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of The Dial Corporation;

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

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

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

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

                  b) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this quarterly report (the “Evaluation Date”); and

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

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

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

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

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

         
Date:   November 8, 2002
  /s/ Herbert M. Baum
Herbert M. Baum
Chairman, President and
Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer and Authorized Officer)

24


Table of Contents

Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

I, Conrad A. Conrad, certify that:

         1.     I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of The Dial Corporation;

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

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

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

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

                  b) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this quarterly report (the “Evaluation Date”); and

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

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

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

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

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

         
Date:   November 8, 2002
  /s/ Conrad A. Conrad
Conrad A. Conrad
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer and Authorized Officer)

25


Table of Contents

EXHIBIT INDEX

 
10.1    Employment Agreement with Herbert M. Baum dated August 15, 2002.
99.1    Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 Safe Harbor Compliance Statement for Forward-Looking Statements.
99.2    Certifications pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

26