FIRST BRANDS CORP
10-Q, 1998-02-13
UNSUPPORTED PLASTICS FILM & SHEET
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                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

                                    FORM 10-Q

                  QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF
                      THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

FOR QUARTER ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997               COMMISSION FILE NUMBER
                                                           1-10395
                            FIRST BRANDS CORPORATION
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

       DELAWARE                                          06-1171404
- ------------------------                             -------------------
 State of Incorporation                                 (IRS Employer
                                                     Identification No.)

      83 Wooster Heights Rd., Building 301
                  P.O. Box 1911
            Danbury, Connecticut                          06813-1911
- ---------------------------------------------         -------------------
    (Address of principal executive offices)              (Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code        203-731-2300

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
requirements for the past 90 days.

                   YES  X         NO  
                       ---            ----
 
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of
common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

               CLASS                 Outstanding at February 1, 1998
- ----------------------------------   -------------------------------
     Common Stock, $.01 par value            39,647,762 shares




<PAGE>
<PAGE>






                            FIRST BRANDS CORPORATION

                               INDEX TO FORM 10-Q
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               PAGE
                                                               ----
<S>                                                           <C> 
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.  Financial Statements

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income -
  For the Three Month Periods
  Ended December 31, 1997 and 1996.....................          3

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income -
  For the Six Month Periods
  Ended December 31, 1997 and 1996.....................          4

Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets -
  December 31, 1997 and June 30, 1997..................          5

Consolidated Condensed Statement of Stockholders'
  Equity - For the Six Month Period
  Ended December 31, 1997..............................          6

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash
  Flows - For the Six Month Periods
  Ended December 31, 1997 and 1996.....................          7

Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial
  Statements...........................................       8-11

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis
  of Results of  Operations  and Financial
  Condition.............................................     12-14

Independent Auditors' Review Report...................          15

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings.............................          16

Items 2 - 6...........................................       16-17

SIGNATURE.............................................          18
</TABLE>


                                       -2-




<PAGE>
<PAGE>


                            FIRST BRANDS CORPORATION
                  CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                                   (UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        THREE MONTHS     THREE MONTHS
                                            ENDED            ENDED
                                        DECEMBER 31,     DECEMBER 31,
                                           1997              1996
                                        -----------      ----------
<S>                                     <C>                 <C>      

(in thousands - except per share 
   amounts)

Net sales............................   $ 309,282           $ 279,952
Cost of goods sold...................     196,994             178,233
Selling, general and
  administrative expenses............      75,406              67,902
Amortization and other depreciation..       3,595               3,017
Restructuring expense................       2,700                 --
Interest expense and amortization
  of debt discount and expense.......       7,843               4,626
Discount on sale of receivables......       1,149               1,131
Other income (expense), net..........         259                 373
                                          --------           --------
Income before provision for income
  taxes and cumulative effect of
  change in accounting principles....      21,854              25,416
Provision for income taxes...........       8,547              10,065
                                          --------           --------
Income before cumulative effect of
  change in accounting principle.....      13,307              15,351
Cumulative effect of change
   in accounting principle,
   net of taxes .....................      (6,922)                --
                                          --------           --------
Net income...........................     $ 6,385            $ 15,351
                                          ========           ========
Basic earnings per common share
   (Note 7):
   Income before cumulative effect of
     change in accounting principle..     $  0.33             $  0.38
   Cumulative effect of change in
     accounting principle ..........        (0.17)                --
                                          --------           --------
Net income..........................      $  0.16             $  0.38
                                          ========           ========
Based on the following number
 of shares..........................       39,696              40,848
                                          ========           ========
Diluted earnings per common 
   share (Note 7):
   Income before cumulative effect of
     change in accounting principle...    $  0.33             $  0.37
   Cumulative effect of change in 
     accounting principle ...........       (0.17)                --
                                          --------           --------
Net income...........................     $  0.16             $  0.37
                                          ========           ========
Based on the following number
 of shares...........................      40,644              41,898
                                          ========           ========
</TABLE>

     SEE ACCOMPANYING NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

                                       -3-




<PAGE>
<PAGE>


                            FIRST BRANDS CORPORATION
                  CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                                   (UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         SIX MONTHS       SIX MONTHS
                                           ENDED            ENDED
                                        DECEMBER 31,     DECEMBER 31,
                                            1997             1996
                                         ---------          ---------
 
<S>                                      <C>                 <C>
(in thousands - except per
 share amounts)

Net sales............................   $ 578,762           $ 535,549
Cost of goods sold...................     380,189             345,641
Selling, general and
   administrative expenses...........     129,317             118,121
Amortization and other depreciation..       7,455               6,271
Restructuring expense................       2,700                 --
Interest expense and amortization
  of debt discount and expense.......      14,957               8,875
Discount on sale of receivables......       2,296               2,151
Other income (expense), net..........         (29)                958
                                        ---------           ---------
Income before provision for income
  taxes and cumulative effect of
  change in accounting principles....      41,819              55,448
Provision for income taxes...........      16,339              22,090
                                        ---------           ---------
Income before cumulative effect of
  change in accounting principle.....      25,480              33,358
Cumulative effect of change in
  accounting principle, net of taxes..     (6,922)               --
                                        ---------           ---------
Net income...........................    $ 18,558            $ 33,358
                                        =========           =========
Basic earnings per common share
  (Note 7):
      Income before cumulative effect
         of change in accounting
         principle...................     $  0.63             $  0.82
      Cumulative effect of change in
         accounting principle .......       (0.17)                --
                                        ---------            ---------
Net income...........................     $  0.46             $  0.82
                                        =========            =========
Based on the following number
 of shares...........................      39,819              41,087
                                        =========            =========
      
Diluted earnings per common 
   share (Note 7):
     Income before cumulative effect 
        of change in accounting
        principle ....................    $  0.63             $  0.80
     Cumulative effect of change in
        accounting principle .........      (0.17)                --
                                        ---------           ---------
Net income...........................     $  0.46             $  0.80
                                        =========           =========
Based on the following number
  of shares..........................      40,703              42,062
                                        =========           =========

</TABLE>

     SEE ACCOMPANYING NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

                                       -4-




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                            FIRST BRANDS CORPORATION
                      CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                               DECEMBER 31,          JUNE 30,
                                                  1997                 1997
                                               -----------           ----------
                                               (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                            <C>                <C>       
(dollars in thousands, except 
  share amounts)

ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents...................   $    9,129         $    7,465
Accounts and notes receivable - net.........      132,400            137,380
Inventories.................................      158,624            151,976
Deferred tax assets.........................       22,441             24,702
Prepaid expenses............................        6,761              7,551
                                                ---------          ----------
 Total current assets......................       329,355            329,074

Property, plant and equipment (net of
  accumulated depreciation of $156,834 and
  $141,691).................................      416,577            377,128
Patents, trademarks, proprietary technology
  and other intangibles (net of accumulated
  amortization of $198,457 and $192,631)....      294,222            310,095
Deferred charges and other assets (net of
  accumulated amortization of $52,283
  and $52,029)..............................       31,493             37,311
                                                ---------          ----------
          Total assets......................   $1,071,647         $1,053,608
                                                =========          ==========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:

Liabilities
Notes payable...............................   $   18,626         $    8,432
Current maturities of long-term debt........        2,742              2,811
Accrued income and other taxes..............          930              7,373
Accounts payable............................       43,317             61,877
Accrued liabilities.........................       69,996            104,201
                                                ---------          ----------
     Total current liabilities..............      135,611            184,694

Long-term debt..............................      452,733            380,467
Deferred taxes payable......................       77,817             74,058
Deferred gain on sale of assets.............           74                148
Other long-term obligations.................       20,654             20,325

Stockholders' Equity
Preferred stock, $1 par value, 10,000,000
  shares authorized; none issued............          --                 --
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 120,000,000
  shares authorized at December 31, 1997
  and June 30, 1997; issued 43,500,762
  shares at December 31, 1997 and 
  43,394,044 shares at June 30, 1997
  (Note 7)..................................          435                434
Capital in excess of par value..............      132,344            130,994
Cumulative foreign currency translation
  adjustment................................      (21,799)           (12,455)
Common stock in treasury, at cost; 3,859,000
  shares at December 31, 1997 and
  3,355,000 at June 30, 1997................     (109,388)           (96,837)
Retained earnings...........................      383,166            371,780
                                                ---------         ----------
     Total stockholders' equity.............      384,758            393,916
                                                ---------         ----------
          Total liabilities and stockholders'
             equity.........................   $1,071,647         $1,053,608
                                                =========         ==========

     SEE ACCOMPANYING NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

                                       -5-




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                            FIRST BRANDS CORPORATION
            CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
                FOR THE SIX MONTH PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997
                                   (UNAUDITED)

</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                 Cumulative
                                     Capital       Foreign
                           Common   in Excess      Currency
                            Stock    of Par      Translation  Treasury     Retained
(in thousands)            Par Value   Value       Adjustment   Stock        Earnings     Total
                          ----------  --------    -----------  -------      ---------    ------
<S>                          <C>      <C>         <C>          <C>          <C>        <C>     
Balance as of
 June 30, 1997 ............  $ 434    $130,994    $(12,455)    $(96,837)    $371,780   $393,916

Exercise of
 Stock Options.............     1       1,350        --          --          --           1,351

Cash Dividends.............     --       --          --          --          (7,172)     (7,172)
Purchase of
 Treasury Stock............     --       --          --         (12,551)      --        (12,551)

Net Income.................     --       --          --          --          18,558      18,558

Foreign Currency
 Translation Adjustment....     --       --         (9,344)      --              --      (9,344)
                              -----    --------   ---------   ----------     -------   --------
Balance as of
 December 31, 1997.........  $ 435    $132,344   $ (21,799)  $ (109,388)   $383,166    $384,758
                             =====    ========   =========   ==========    ========    ========
</TABLE>

     SEE ACCOMPANYING NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

                                       -6-



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                            FIRST BRANDS CORPORATION
                 CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                   (UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           SIX MONTHS     SIX MONTHS
                                              ENDED         ENDED
                                          DECEMBER 31,    DECEMBER 31,
                                              1997           1996
                                         ------------     ------------
<S>                                       <C>             <C>
  (in thousands)     
Cash flows from operating activities:
  Net income...........................   $ 18,558        $ 33,358
    Adjustments to reconcile net income 
     to net cash provided by 
     operating activities:
Cumulative effect of change in
  accounting principle.................      6,922            --
  Depreciation and amortization........     22,570          20,277
  Deferred income taxes................      6,055           3,280
  Restructuring expense................      2,700            --
Change in certain non-cash current
  assets and liabilities:
  Decrease in accounts receivable......     21,896           5,454
  (Increase) decrease in inventories...     (6,648)          9,044
  Decrease  in prepaid expenses........        790           2,543
  (Decrease)   increase  in  accrued
     income and other taxes............     (1,915)          8,651
(Decrease) in accounts payable.........    (18,560)        (30,981)
(Decrease) in accrued liabilities......    (36,905)        (45,019)
Other changes..........................      3,044            (708)
                                         ----------      ----------
    Total adjustments..................        (51)        (27,459)
                                         ----------      ----------
Net cash provided by operating
   activities..........................     18,507           5,899
Cash flows from investing activities:
  Capital expenditures.................    (17,089)        (14,000)
  Acquisition of leased assets.........    (44,208)        (22,320)
  Purchase and installation of
  information system...................     (4,565)         (4,368)
                                         ----------       ---------
Net cash (used for) investing
  activities...........................    (65,862)        (40,688)
                                         ----------      ----------
Cash flows from financing activities:
  Increase in credit facility
     borrowings, net...................     70,529          45,000
  Increase in other borrowings, net....     11,862           5,889
  (Decrease) increase in 
     securitization of accounts
     receivable........................    (15,000)         10,000
  Proceeds from exercise of stock
     options...........................      1,351           2,099
  Purchase of common stock for
     treasury..........................    (12,551)        (23,089)
Dividends paid.........................     (7,172)         (5,828)
                                         ----------      ----------
Net cash provided by financing
  activities...........................     49,019          34,071
                                         ----------      ----------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and
  cash equivalents.....................      1,664            (718)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning
  of period............................      7,465           8,326
                                         ----------      ----------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of
  period...............................   $  9,129         $ 7,608
                                         ==========      ==========
</TABLE>

     SEE ACCOMPANYING NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

                                       -7-




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                            FIRST BRANDS CORPORATION
              NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

BASIS OF PRESENTATION 
In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated condensed
financial statements include all adjustments (all of which were of a normal
recurring nature) necessary to fairly present the results of operations for the
interim periods. All material intercompany transactions and balances have been
eliminated. The results of operations for the three and six month periods ended
December 31, 1997 are not necessarily indicative of the results for a full year.

First Brands Corporation ("First Brands" or the "Company") is engaged in the
development, manufacture, marketing and sale of consumer products under branded
and private labels. Principal branded products include: GLAD and GLAD-LOCK
(plastic wrap and bags); STP (oil and fuel additives and other specialty
automotive products); SCOOP AWAY, EVER CLEAN, EVERFRESH and JONNY CAT (cat
litters) and STARTERLOGG (fire starters) and HEARTHLOGG (fire logs).

INVENTORIES
Inventories were comprised of:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         December 31,   June 30,
                                              1997        1997
                                         ------------   ---------
                                              (in thousands)

   <S>                                   <C>            <C>       
   Raw materials....................... $   37,092      $   34,518
   Work-in-process.....................      6,295           5,795
   Finished goods......................    115,237         111,663
                                         ---------       ---------
       Total...........................  $ 158,624       $ 151,976
                                         =========       =========
</TABLE>

2. RESTRUCTURING

During the second quarter of fiscal 1998, the Company recorded an additional
restructuring charge of $2,700,000, increasing the $19,000,000 restructuring
charge established during the fourth quarter of fiscal 1997. The restructuring
reserve included expenses for employee related costs, primarily an early
retirement package and other costs to obtain personnel reductions, and certain
asset write down and disposal expenses largely related to a distribution
facility and office center in East Hartford, CT. The additional charge is due to
greater than anticipated participation in the early retirement program and
revision of earlier estimates.

                                       -8-



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3.  LONG-TERM DEBT

First Brands had long-term debt outstanding as of December 31, 1997 and June 30,
1997 as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             December 31,   June 30,
                                                                1997          1997
                                                             -----------    ---------
<S>                                                             <C>         <C>     
Senior Debt:                                                       (in thousands)
  $300,000,000 Revolving Credit Facility, 5 year term
     expiring February 2002, interest at prime rate,
     LIBOR plus .275% or CD rate plus .4%; facility
     fee of .15%..............................................  $240,000    $162,000
  $65,080,000 Australian and New Zealand Credit
     Facility, 7 year term expiring March 2004,
     interest at local Bill Rate plus .7%.....................    50,804      58,727
  $11,232,000 Canadian Credit Facility, 5 year
     term expiring March 2002, interest at Canadian
     prime rate, LIBOR plus .425% or Canadian
     Bankers Acceptance plus .425% ...........................     9,071       8,619
  Other.......................................................     5,600       3,932
                                                               ---------   ---------
                                                                 305,475     233,278
  Less: current maturities...................................     (2,742)     (2,811)
                                                               ---------   ---------
     Senior Debt.............................................    302.733     230,467
                                                               ---------   ---------
  Subordinated Debt:
   7 1/4% Senior Notes Due 2007..............................    150,000     150,000
                                                               ---------   ---------
     Total Long-term debt....................................  $ 452,733   $ 380,467
                                                               =========   =========
</TABLE>


The Company's revolving credit facility is unsecured, however, it does contain
certain restrictive covenants pertaining to the ratio of debt to equity,
dividend payments and stock repurchases.

The Australian and New Zealand credit facility is composed of two parts; one of
which was used to acquire the NationalPak business and a second part which can
be used for working capital needs. There are fixed periodic payments associated
with the acquisition borrowing, the working capital borrowing can be drawn on
and repaid at NationalPak's discretion. The facility is secured by the accounts
receivable, inventory and fixed assets of NationalPak.

The Canadian credit facility requires fixed periodic payments. The facility is
secured by the accounts receivable, inventory and fixed assets of the Canadian
business.

The 7 1/4% Note Indenture contains certain restrictive covenants and limitations
principally relating to the Company's right to incur debt and to engage in
certain sale and leaseback transactions.

First Brands was in compliance with the covenants of all debt agreements at
December 31, 1997.

4. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

The Company is engaged in a program to sell up to $100,000,000 in fractional
ownership interest, without recourse, in a defined pool of eligible trade
accounts receivable. Under the current terms of this agreement, the facility
automatically renews each year. The fractional interest sold as of December 31,
1997 totaled $70,000,000. The amounts sold are reflected as a reduction in
accounts receivable on the accompanying Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets
and costs associated with this program are recorded on the Consolidated
Condensed Statements of Income as discount on sale of receivables.


                                       -9-



<PAGE>
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5.  NOTES PAYABLE

Notes payable at December 31, 1997 of $18,626,000 consisted of $10,700,000 of a
$15,000,000 unsecured domestic line of credit and $7,926,000 of the Company's
international subsidiaries' working capital borrowings with local lenders. The
Company's international working capital credit facilities aggregated
$18,769,000, of which $10,843,000 was available at December 31, 1997. The
international facilities are generally secured by the assets of the respective
subsidiaries, with approximately $2,000,000 of the availability at one
subsidiary being guaranteed by First Brands Corporation (U.S.).

6.  TAXES

The provision for income tax expense for the three and six-months ended December
31, 1997 and 1996 consists of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  Three Months          Six Months
                                      Ended                Ended
                                   December 31,         December 31,
                              ------------------   -------------------
                                1997      1996      1997         1996
                              -------   --------   -------      ------
<S>                           <C>       <C>        <C>          <C>    
(in thousands)
    Current:
      Federal..............   $ 3,632   $ 6,321    $ 6,832      $14,225
      State ...............       715     1,477      1,469        3,254
      Foreign .............     1,142       624      1,983        1,331
                              -------   -------   --------      -------
          Total current....     5,489     8,422     10,284       18,810
    Deferred:
      Federal..............     2,379     1,398      4,776        2,796
      State................       188       310        719          620
      Foreign..............       491       (65)       560         (136)
                              -------   -------   --------      -------
          Total deferred...     3,058     1,643      6,055        3,280
                              -------   -------   --------      -------
             Total provision  $ 8,547   $10,065    $16,339       $22,090
                              =======   =======   ========      ========
</TABLE>

7.  EARNINGS PER SHARE AND DIVIDENDS

Effective December 31, 1997, the Company adopted Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 128, "Earnings per Share". SFAS No. 128
establishes standards for computing and presenting both basic and diluted
earnings per share ("EPS"). Basic EPS represents the earnings available to each
common share outstanding during the reporting period. Diluted EPS reflects the
earnings available to each common share after the affect of all potentially
dilutive common shares, such as stock options and convertible securities. SFAS
No. 128 requires a reconciliation between of the basic and diluted EPS numerator
and denominator. For the Company, the numerator is constant for both the basic
and diluted calculation. The denominator used in the diluted EPS calculation was
increased by 948,000 and 884,000 common share equivalents pertaining to stock
options for the three and six-month periods ended December 31, 1997,
respectively, and 1,050,000 and 975,000 common share equivalents pertaining to
stock options for the three and six-month periods ended December 31, 1996,
respectively.

The Company has paid its shareholders quarterly cash dividends of $0.08 and
$0.10 per share for the first and second quarters of fiscal 1998, respectively,
and $0.0625 and $0.08 per share for the first and second quarters of fiscal
1997, respectively.

                                      -10-




<PAGE>
<PAGE>




8. CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLE

During the second quarter of fiscal 1998 the Company recorded a $11,450,000
pre-tax charge. This charge relates to a change in accounting as required under
a consensus published by the FASB's Emerging Issues Task Force regarding Issue
No. 97-13 (November 1997), that requires immediate expensing of costs related to
certain business process re-engineering activities and information technology
transformations which have been previously capitalized.

9. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

During the second quarter of fiscal 1998 the Company entered into a contract to
fix the price of an additional 17% of its domestic polyethylene resin
requirements for the GLAD plastic wrap and bag business. With this new
agreement, the Company's contracts currently cover approximately 37% of its
domestic resin requirements until December 31, 2000. Starting in 2001, the
counter party has an annual option to extend one of the contracts, which today
covers approximately 20% of the domestic requirements, through 2003. The
contract prices are less than the market average for the last four years.

                                      -11-



<PAGE>
<PAGE>




                            FIRST BRANDS CORPORATION
                     MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
                  RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION

The following discussion and analysis of the consolidated results of operations
for the three and six month periods ended December 31, 1997 should be read in
conjunction with the accompanying unaudited Consolidated Condensed Financial
Statements and related Notes. The Company is primarily engaged in the
development, manufacture, marketing and sale of leading consumer products. The
Company's products which include "GLAD", "GLAD-LOCK", "STP", "SCOOP AWAY",
"EVERFRESH", "EVER CLEAN", "JONNY CAT", "STARTERLOGG" and "HEARTHLOGG" can be
found in large mass merchandise stores, chain supermarkets and other retail
outlets. The Company believes that the significant market positions occupied by
its products are attributable to brand name recognition, comprehensive product
offerings, continued product innovation, strong emphasis on vendor support and
aggressive advertising and promotion.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following table sets forth the percentages of net sales of the Company
represented by the components of income and expense for the three and six month
periods ended December 31, 1997 and 1996:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       Three Months           Six Months
                                           Ended                 Ended
                                         December 31,         December 31,
                                       -----------------     ---------------
                                       1997        1996      1997       1996
                                       ----        ----      ----       ----
<S>                                   <C>         <C>       <C>        <C>   
   Net sales......................    100.0%      100.0%    100.0%     100.0%

   Cost of goods sold.............     63.7        63.7      65.7       64.5
                                      ------       -----    ------     ------
   Gross profit...................     36.3        36.3      34.3       35.5

   Selling, general, and
     administrative expenses......     24.4        24.2      22.3       22.1
   Amortization and other
     depreciation ................      1.1         1.1       1.3        1.2
   Restructuring expense..........      0.9         --        0.5        --
   Interest expense and
     amortization of debt
     discount and expense.........      2.5         1.6       2.6        1.7
   Discount on sale of receivables      0.3         0.4       0.4        0.4
   Other income (expense), net....      0.0         0.1       0.0        0.2
                                      ------       -----    ------     ------
   Income before provision
     for income taxes
     and cumulative effect of
     change in accounting
     principle....................      7.1         9.1       7.2       10.3
   Provision for income taxes.....      2.8         3.6       2.8        4.1
                                      ------       -----    ------     ------
   Income before cumulative effect
    of change in accounting
    principle.....................      4.3         5.5       4.4        6.2
   Cumulative effect of change in
    accounting principle..........     (2.2)         --      (1.2)       --
                                      ------       -----    ------     ------
   Net income.....................      2.1%        5.5%      3.2%       6.2%
                                      ======       =====    ======     ======
</TABLE>


                                      -12-



<PAGE>
<PAGE>



    QUARTER AND SIX MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31 1997 COMPARED TO THE QUARTER AND
                       SIX MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996

Sales for the three month period ended December 31, 1997 were $309,282,000, 10%
ahead of last year's $279,952,000. For the six month period, sales were
$578,762,000, 8% above the prior year's $535,549,000. Household product sales
for the quarter increased 13%, reflecting sales from recent acquisitions
(NationalPak) along with higher fireplace product sales. Plastic wrap and bag
sales, excluding acquisitions, were off 4% primarily due to the move of a major
GLAD promotion to the third fiscal quarter where it is expected to be more
successful. Year-to-date, household product sales are 12% ahead of the prior
year. Automotive product sales were flat for the quarter, with domestic sales up
slightly, and international and export sales off due to weakening demand in
Asian markets. Year-to-date automotive sales are down 7% due to the residual
effects of inventory reductions by a major customer, as well as the timing of
certain customer orders. Quarterly and year-to-date sales of pet product grew
14% and 13%, respectively, over the prior year due to continued market growth,
market share increases and new products.

Cost of goods sold for the quarter was $196,994,000, 111% of last year's
$178,233,000. Year-to -date, cost of goods sold was $380,189,000, 110% of the
prior year's $345,641,000. Higher volumes generated from the NationalPak
acquisition resulted in increased costs for the quarter and year-to-date.
Increased polyethylene resin costs also affected the year-to-date results.

Gross profit for the quarter of $112,288,000 (36.3% of sales) was 110% of last
year's $101,719,000 (36.3% of sales). Year-to-date, gross profit of $198,573,000
(34.3% of sales) was 105% of last year's $189,908,000 (35.5% of sales).

Selling, general and administrative expenses during the quarter of $75,406,000
(24.4% of sales), were 111% of last year's $67,902,000 (24.2% of sales).
Year-to-date, expenses of $129,317,000 (22.3% of sales), were 109% of last
year's $118,121,000 (22.1% of sales). The increase over last year reflects
expenses associated with the NationalPak business as well as new product
marketing costs.

Amortization and other depreciation expense for the quarter was $3,595,000, 119%
of the prior year's $3,017,000, and for the six months was $7,455,000, 119% of
the prior year's $6,271,000. The higher cost primarily reflects amortization
expense associated with the NationalPak acquisition. Interest expense of
$7,843,000 for the quarter and $14,957,000 for the six month period was roughly
70% above the same period last year due to borrowing costs associated with the
NationalPak acquisition. Discount on sale of receivables reflects the costs
associated with the sale of a fractional ownership interest, without recourse,
in a defined pool of the Company's eligible trade accounts receivable.

The Company's effective tax rate for the quarter and six months was 39%,
compared to the prior year's rate of 40%. Lower rates in the current year
reflects a geographic change in the composition of worldwide pre-tax income,
with a larger share of income coming from foreign operations with lower
effective tax rates.

                               FINANCIAL CONDITION

Worldwide credit facilities in place at December 31, 1997 aggregated
$412,950,000 of which $91,580,000 was available, but unused. Excluding costs
associated with acquisitions and stock repurchases, the Company expects to repay
up to $60,000,000 on these credit facilities over the next twelve months by
utilizing the positive cash flow generated by its businesses. During the second
quarter and first half of fiscal 1998, the Company repurchased common shares
valued at $6,924,000 and $12,551,000, respectively. During the first half of
fiscal 1998, the Company also acquired previously leased equipment totaling
$44,208,000.


                                      -13-



<PAGE>
<PAGE>



The Company's current forecast for the 1998 fiscal year reflects capital
expenditures of approximately $42,500,000, and fixed payments (interest,
principal, discount on sale of receivables and lease payments) of approximately
$47,000,000.

Based on the Company's ability to generate funds from operations and the
availability of credit under its financing facilities, management believes it
will have the funds necessary to meet all of its described financing
requirements and all other financial obligations.

                CAUTIONARY STATEMENT AND "SAFE HARBOR" PROVISIONS
             OF THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995

Certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995 are contained within this report, reflecting
management's current estimate of future events. These forward-looking statements
are based on many assumptions, primarily related to the Company's expected
operating performance, and contain a number of risks and uncertainties including
changes in consumer demand, changes in prices of raw materials, changes in
distribution channels and competitive conditions, consumer acceptance of new
product lines, the company's ability to control internal costs, the successful
development of new technologies, the implementation of strategic initiatives and
general economic conditions. Accordingly, such forward-looking statements should
not be relied upon as a prediction of actual results.

               REVIEW BY INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

First Brands' independent certified public accountants have performed a limited
review of the financial information furnished herein in accordance with
standards established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
The Independent Auditors' Review Report is presented on Page 14 of this report.

                                      -14-


<PAGE>
<PAGE>



                       Independent Auditors' Review Report

The Board of Directors
First Brands Corporation:

We have reviewed the consolidated condensed balance sheet of First Brands
Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1997, and the related
consolidated condensed statements of income for the three and six-month periods
ended December 31, 1997 and 1996, the consolidated condensed statements of cash
flows for the six-month periods ended December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the
consolidated condensed statement of stockholders' equity for the six-month
period ended December 31, 1997. These consolidated condensed financial
statements are the responsibility of the Company's management.

We conducted our review in accordance with standards established by the American
Institute of Certified Public Accountants. A review of interim financial
information consists principally of applying analytical procedures to financial
data and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting
matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance
with generally accepted auditing standards, the objective of which is the
expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole.
Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

Based on our review, we are not aware of any material modifications that should
be made to the consolidated condensed financial statements referred to above for
them to be in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

As discussed in note 8, the Company changed its method of accounting for
business process reengineering costs effective October 1, 1997.

We have previously audited, in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards, the consolidated balance sheet of First Brands Corporation and
subsidiaries as of June 30, 1997, and the related consolidated statement of
income, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for the year then ended (not
presented herein); and in our report dated August 1, 1997, we expressed an
unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. In our opinion,
the information set forth in the accompanying consolidated condensed balance
sheet as of June 30, 1997, is fairly presented, in all material respects, in
relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.

                                         /s/ KPMG Peat Marwick LLP


New York, New York
January 29, 1998

                                      -15-


<PAGE>
<PAGE>



                           PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.        Legal Proceedings
               None.

Item 2.        Changes in Securities
               None.

Item 3.        Defaults Upon Senior Securities
               None.

Item 4.        Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
               Submitted at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders,
               October 24, 1997.

               
               1) Election of four Directors, each to serve for a three-year
               term expiring on the date of the Annual Meeting of Stockholders
               in 2000 and/or until his successor is duly elected or appointed
               and qualified:

               Name                        For          Withheld
               ----                        ---          --------
               John C. Ferries           36,057,048     93,866
               James R. Maher            35,981,003    169,911
               William V. Stephenson     35,953,023    197,891
               Robert G. Tobin           36,006,773    144,141

               2. Ratification of the selection by the Board of Directors of
               KPMG Peat Marwick LLP as independent auditors of the Company for
               the fiscal year 1998:

                                               Abstentions and
                   For         Against        Broker Non-Votes
               ----------      -------        ----------------
               36,036,198      49,214              65,502

               3. Ratification of the First Brands Corporation 1998 Performance
               Stock Option and Incentive Plan.

                                                Abstentions and
                   For         Against         Broker Non-Votes
                   ---         -------         ----------------
               34,091,100     1,947,085            112,729

Item 5.        Other Information
               None.

                                      -16-



<PAGE>
<PAGE>



Item 6.        Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

         A. Exhibit Index:

Exhibit
Number                        Description of Exhibit
- --------                      -----------------------
11*      --   Computation of Net Income Per Common Share
15*      --   Accountants' Acknowledgment
27*      --   EDGAR Financial Data Schedule

- ------------
* Filed herewith

        B. Reports on Form 8-K
           None.


                                      -17-



<PAGE>
<PAGE>



                                    SIGNATURE

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.

                            FIRST BRANDS CORPORATION
                                 (Registrant)


Date: February 12, 1998           By: /s/ Donald A. DeSantis
                                     -----------------------
                                     Donald A. DeSantis
                                     Senior Vice President and
                                     Chief Financial Officer
                                     (Principal Accounting
                                     and Duly Authorized
                                     Officer)


                                      -18-

<PAGE>




<PAGE>



                                Exhibit 11

                                                                   (Page 1 of 2)


                   COMPUTATION OF NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE
                    (in thousands - except per share amounts)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             Three months           Six Months
                                          ended December 31,   ended December 31,
                                            1997      1996      1997      1996
                                            ----      ----      ----      ----
<S>                                       <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>       
COMPONENTS OF BASIC NET INCOME
 PER COMMON SHARE:

Income before cumulative effect of
  change in accounting principle.......    13,307     15,351     25,480   33,358

Cumulative effect of change
  in accounting principle..............    (6,922)       --      (6,922)       --
                                         ---------  --------- ----------  -------
Net income.............................   $ 6,385   $ 15,351   $ 18,558   $33,358
                                         =========  ========  ==========  =======
Average common shares outstanding
  during the period....................    43,475     43,243     43,440   43,196
Average treasury shares held
  during the period....................    (3,779)    (2,395)    (3,621)  (2,109)
                                         ---------  --------- ----------  -------
Average common shares outstanding .....    39,696     40,848     39,819   41,087
                                         =========  ========= ==========  =======

Basic earnings per share:

  Income before cumulative effect of
    change in accounting principle ....   $  0.33    $  0.38   $   0.63 $   0.82

  Cumulative effect of change
    in accounting principle............     (0.17)       --       (0.17)     --
                                         ---------  --------- ----------  -------
  Net income...........................   $  0.16    $  0.38   $   0.46   $ 0.82
                                         =========  ========= ==========  =======
</TABLE>




<PAGE>
<PAGE>




                                 Exhibit 11

                                                                   (Page 2 of 2)

                   COMPUTATION OF NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE
                    (in thousands - except per share amounts)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          Three months                   Six Months
                                        ended December 31,            ended December 31,
                                        1997           1996           1997        1996
                                        ----           ----           ----        ----
<S>                                     <C>            <C>            <C>        <C>   
COMPONENTS OF DILUTED NET INCOME
 PER COMMON SHARE:

Income before cumulative effect of
  change in accounting principle ...    13,307         15,351         25,480     33,358

Cumulative effect of change
  in accounting principle ..........    (6,922)          --           (6,922)       --
                                       -------       --------        --------   -------
Net income ........................    $ 6,385       $ 15,351        $18,558   $ 33,358
                                       =======       ========        ========   =======
Average common shares outstanding
  during the period ................    43,475         43,243         43,440     43,196
Average treasury shares held
  during the period ................    (3,779)        (2,395)        (3,621)    (2,109)
Common shares issuable with
   respect to common equivalents
   for stock options ...............       948          1,050            884        975
                                       -------       --------        --------   -------
                                                                                        
Average common shares outstanding ..    40,644         41,898         40,703     42,062
                                       =======       ========        ========   =======
Diluted earnings per share:

  Income before cumulative effect of
   change in accounting principle ..   $  0.33       $   0.37        $   0.63   $  0.80

  Cumulative effect of change
   in accounting principle .........     (0.17)          --             (0.17)      --
                                       -------       --------        --------   -------
  Net income .......................   $  0.16       $   0.37        $   0.46   $  0.80
                                       =======       ========        ========   =======
</TABLE>


<PAGE>



<PAGE>


                                 Exhibit 15

                           Accountants' Acknowledgment

First Brands Corporation
83 Wooster Heights Road
Danbury, CT  06813-1911

Ladies and Gentlemen:

  RE: FORM S-8 REGISTRATION STATEMENTS NO. 33-35770, NO. 33-56992,
      NO. 33-56503 AND NO. 333-56503

With respect to the subject registration statements, we acknowledge our
awareness of the use therein of our reports dated October 30, 1997 and January
29, 1998 related to our review of interim financial information.

Pursuant to Rule 436(C) under the Securities Act of 1933, such reports are
not considered part of a registration statement prepared or certified by an
accountant or a report prepared or certified by an accountant within the meaning
of sections 7 and 11 of the Act.

                                            Very truly yours,

                                            /s/ KPMG Peat Marwick LLP

New York, New York
February 12, 1998


<PAGE>



<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE>           5
<MULTIPLIER>        1000
       
<S>                                           <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                               3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                     JUN-30-1998
<PERIOD-START>                        OCT-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                          DEC-31-1997
<CASH>                                      9,129
<SECURITIES>                                    0
<RECEIVABLES>                             132,400
<ALLOWANCES>                                1,653
<INVENTORY>                               158,624
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                          329,355
<PP&E>                                    573,411
<DEPRECIATION>                            156,834
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                          1,071,647
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                     135,611
<BONDS>                                   452,733
<COMMON>                                      435
                           0
                                     0
<OTHER-SE>                                384,758
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>            1,071,647
<SALES>                                   309,282
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                          309,282
<CGS>                                     196,994
<TOTAL-COSTS>                             196,994
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                          7,843
<INCOME-PRETAX>                            21,854
<INCOME-TAX>                                8,547
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                        13,307
<DISCONTINUED>                                  0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                 0
<CHANGES>                                  (6,922)
<NET-INCOME>                                6,385
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                0.16
<EPS-DILUTED>                                0.16
        


</TABLE>


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