NEWELL RUBBERMAID INC
10-Q, 2000-11-14
GLASS CONTAINERS
Previous: NATIONAL MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGIES, 10QSB, EX-27, 2000-11-14
Next: NEWELL RUBBERMAID INC, 10-Q, EX-3, 2000-11-14






                     SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                           Washington, D.C.  20549


                                  FORM 10-Q

              Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)
                   of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
              for the Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 2000


                        Commission File Number 1-9608

                           NEWELL RUBBERMAID INC.

           (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

                DELAWARE                            36-3514169
               ---------                            ----------
    (State or other jurisdiction of              (I.R.S. Employer
     incorporation or organization)            Identification No.)


                          29 East Stephenson Street
                        Freeport, Illinois 61032-0943
                  (Address of principal executive offices)
                                 (Zip Code)

                               (815) 235-4171
            (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)


      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, and (2) has been
   subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

                  Yes /x/                       No /  /

      Number of shares of Common Stock outstanding (net of treasury
   shares) as of October 25, 2000:  266,578,587


   PART I.   FINANCIAL INFORMATION
   Item 1.   Financial Statements

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                        NEWELL RUBBERMAID INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                                            CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                                      (Unaudited, in thousands, except per share data)


                                                            Three Months Ended                   Nine Months Ended
                                                               September 30,                       September 30,
                                                             -----------------                   -----------------

                                                             2000              1999               2000             1999
                                                             ----              ----               ----             ----
       <S>                                                <C>               <C>               <C>               <C>
       Net sales                                          $1,686,741        $1,609,480        $4,949,100        $4,722,987
       Cost of products sold                               1,217,988         1,164,910         3,584,387         3,434,303
                                                           ---------         ---------         ---------         ---------
          GROSS INCOME                                       468,753           444,570         1,364,713         1,288,684

       Selling, general and
          administrative expenses                            214,509           267,485           675,706           849,978
       Restructuring costs                                     4,243            14,506            12,780           201,227
       Goodwill amortization and other                        13,378            12,692            39,096            37,355
                                                           ---------         ---------         ---------         ---------
          OPERATING INCOME                                   236,623           149,887           637,131           200,124

       Nonoperating expenses:
          Interest expense                                    33,184            26,012            95,021            75,713
          Other, net                                           3,440             4,634            10,022            10,922
                                                           ---------         ---------         ---------         ---------
          Net nonoperating expenses                           36,624            30,646           105,043            86,635
                                                           ---------         ---------         ---------         ---------
          INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES                         199,999           119,241           532,088           113,489
       Income taxes                                           77,000            46,504           204,854            89,697
                                                           ---------         ---------         ---------         ---------
          NET INCOME                                       $ 122,999         $  72,737         $ 327,234         $  23,792
                                                           =========         =========         =========         =========

       Earnings per share:
          Basic                                           $     0.46        $     0.26         $    1.22         $    0.08
          Diluted                                               0.46              0.26              1.22              0.08

       Dividends per share                                $     0.21        $     0.20         $    0.63         $    0.60

       Weighted average shares outstanding:
          Basic                                              266,567           281,937           269,056           281,738
          Diluted                                            276,500           292,041           278,987           281,738

     See notes to consolidated financial statements.


                                                                2



                                             NEWELL RUBBERMAID INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                                                   CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                                                    (Unaudited, in thousands)


                                                            September 30,         % of          December 31,          % of
                                                                2000              Total             1999             Total
                                                            -------------         -----         ------------         -----

       ASSETS

       CURRENT ASSETS
          Cash and cash equivalents                           $   21,439           0.3%            $ 102,164           1.5%
          Accounts receivable, net                             1,236,989          18.2%            1,178,423          17.5%
          Inventories, net                                     1,170,533          17.3%            1,034,794          15.4%
          Deferred income taxes                                  260,914           3.8%              250,587           3.7%
          Prepaid expenses and other                             164,401           2.4%              172,601           2.6%
                                                               ---------          ----             ---------          ----
          TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS                                 2,854,276          42.0%            2,738,569          40.7%

       MARKETABLE EQUITY SECURITIES                                6,892           0.1%               10,799           0.2%

       OTHER LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS                                71,863           1.1%               65,905           1.0%

       OTHER ASSETS                                              308,228           4.5%              335,699           5.0%

       PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET                      1,573,960          23.2%            1,548,191          23.0%

       TRADE NAMES AND GOODWILL                                1,973,309          29.1%            2,024,925          30.1%
                                                               ---------          ----             ---------          ----
          TOTAL ASSETS                                        $6,788,528         100.0%           $6,724,088         100.0%
                                                              ==========         =====            ==========         =====




















                                                                3







                                             NEWELL RUBBERMAID INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                                               CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (CONT.)
                                                    (Unaudited, in thousands)


                                                              September 30,        % of         December 31,          % of
                                                                   2000           Total             1999             Total
                                                              -------------       -----         ------------         -----

       LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

       CURRENT LIABILITIES
          Notes payable                                         $ 19,501          0.3%         $     97,291           1.4%
          Accounts payable                                       343,511          5.1%              376,596           5.6%
          Accrued compensation                                   103,236          1.5%              113,373           1.7%
          Other accrued liabilities                              781,421         11.5%              892,481          13.3%
          Income taxes                                            92,523          1.3%                   -             -
          Current portion of long-term debt                      100,017          1.5%              150,142           2.2%
                                                               ---------         ----             ---------          ----
          TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES                            1,440,209         21.2%            1,629,883          24.2%

       LONG-TERM DEBT                                          2,064,746         30.4%            1,455,779          21.7%

       OTHER NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES                             345,477          5.1%              354,107           5.3%

       DEFERRED INCOME TAXES                                      58,877          0.9%               85,655           1.3%

       MINORITY INTEREST                                           1,181          0.0%                1,658           0.0%

       COMPANY-OBLIGATED MANDATORILY
          REDEEMABLE CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED
          SECURITIES OF A SUBSIDIARY TRUST                       500,000          7.4%              500,000           7.4%

       STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
          Common stock - authorized shares,
          800.0 million at $1 par value;                         282,170          4.1%              282,026           4.2%
          Outstanding shares:
             2000   282.2 million
             1999   282.0 million
          Treasury stock;                                       (407,458)        (6.0%)              (2,760)         (0.1%)
          Outstanding shares:
             2000    15.6 million
             1999     0.1 million
          Additional paid-in capital                             214,868          3.2%              213,112           3.2%
          Retained earnings                                    2,492,564         36.7%            2,334,609          34.7%
          Accumulated other comprehensive
             loss                                               (204,106)        (3.0%)            (129,981)         (1.9%)
                                                               ---------         -----            ---------         -----

       TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY                              2,378,038         35.0%            2,697,006          40.1%
                                                               ---------         ----             ---------          ----
       TOTAL LIABILITIES AND
          STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY                                $6,788,528        100.0%           $6,724,088         100.0%
                                                              ==========        =====             =========         =====


     See notes to consolidated financial statements.

</TABLE>

                                                                4


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                             NEWELL RUBBERMAID INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                                              CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                                    (Unaudited, in thousands)


                                                                                For the Nine Months Ended
                                                                                      September 30,
                                                                                -------------------------

                                                                                  2000             1999
                                                                                  ----             ----

       OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

       <S>                                                                       <C>               <C>
       Net income                                                                327,234           23,792
       Adjustments to reconcile net income
          to net cash provided by operating activities:
          Depreciation and amortization                                          221,837          198,202
          Deferred income taxes                                                  (32,992)          25,061
          Net loss on marketable equity securities                                   -                822
          Other                                                                   (6,813)         159,323

       Changes in current accounts, excluding the
          effects of acquisitions:
          Accounts receivable                                                    (53,870)        (123,436)
          Inventories                                                           (145,570)         (57,339)
          Other current assets                                                     1,164          (12,756)
          Accounts payable                                                       (31,025)           1,416
          Accrued liabilities and other                                            4,873           73,210
                                                                               ---------          -------

       NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES                               $ 284,838        $ 288,295
                                                                               ---------        ---------
       INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
          Acquisitions, net                                                    $ (70,790)       $ (34,907)
          Expenditures for property, plant and equipment                        (240,501)        (139,726)
          Sale of marketable equity securities                                       -             11,438
          Disposals of non-current assets and other                               15,504           22,301
                                                                               ---------        ---------

       NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES                                  $ (295,787)      $ (140,894)
                                                                               ---------        ---------








                                                                5




                                             NEWELL RUBBERMAID INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                                          CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (CONT.)
                                                    (Unaudited, in thousands)


                                                                              For the Nine Months Ended
                                                                                    September 30,
                                                                              -------------------------

                                                                                2000             1999
                                                                                ----             ----

       FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
          Proceeds from issuance of debt                                       $ 831,945         $548,779
          Payments on notes payable
             and long-term debt                                                 (324,939)        (603,812)
          Proceeds from exercised stock options
             and other                                                              (147)          26,537
             Common stock repurchase                                            (402,962)             -
             Cash dividends                                                     (169,102)        (169,437)
                                                                               ---------        ---------
          NET CASH USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES                                $ (65,205)       $(197,933)
                                                                               ---------        ---------
       Exchange rate effect on cash                                               (4,571)          (2,040)
          DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
                                                                               $ (80,725)       $ (52,572)
       Cash and cash equivalents at beginning
          of year                                                                102,164           86,554
                                                                               ---------        ---------
       CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD                              $  21,439        $  33,982
                                                                               =========        =========
       Supplemental cash flow disclosures -
          Cash paid during the period for:
             Income taxes                                                      $ 121,315        $ 105,995
             Interest                                                          $ 133,768        $ 100,841

     See notes to consolidated financial statements.

</TABLE>







                                                                6



                   NEWELL RUBBERMAID INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

   NOTE 1 - GENERAL INFORMATION

        The condensed financial statements included herein have been
   prepared by the Company, without audit, pursuant to the rules and
   regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and reflect all
   adjustments necessary to present a fair statement of the results for
   the periods reported, subject to normal recurring year-end adjust-
   ments, none of which is expected to be material.  Certain information
   and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements
   prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
   have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations,
   although the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make
   the information presented not misleading. It is suggested that these
   condensed financial statements be read in conjunction with the financial
   statements and the notes thereto included in the Company's latest Annual
   Report on Form 10-K.


   NOTE 2 - ACQUISITIONS

        The Company acquired Mersch SA ("Mersch") on January 24, 2000 and
   Brio on May 24, 2000.  Both are manufacturers and suppliers of picture
   frames in Europe, and now operate as part of Newell Frames and Albums
   Europe.

        For these and for other minor acquisitions, the Company paid
   $50.8 million in cash and assumed $10.6 million of debt.  The
   transactions were accounted for as purchases; therefore, results of
   operations are included in the accompanying consolidated financial
   statements since their respective acquisition dates. The acquisition
   costs were allocated on a preliminary basis to the fair market value
   of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed and resulted in trade
   names and goodwill of approximately $31.2 million.

        The Company began to formulate an integration plan for these
   acquisitions as of their respective acquisition dates.  These plans
   may include exit costs for certain plants and product lines and
   employee terminations associated with the integrations.  The final
   adjustments to the purchase price allocations are not expected to be
   material to the consolidated financial statements.

        The unaudited consolidated results of operations for the nine
   months ended September 30, 2000 and 1999 on a pro forma basis, as
   though the Mersch and Brio businesses (as well as the 1999 acquisi-
   tions of Ateliers 28, Reynolds, McKechnie and Ceanothe) had been
   acquired on January 1, 1999, are as follows:




                                      7



                                              Nine Months Ended
                                                September 30,
                                              -----------------
                                                (in millions,
                                          except per share amounts)

                                           2000               1999
                                           ----               ----

    Net sales                           $  4,962.5          $ 5,018.6
    Net income                          $    327.0          $    24.0
    Basic earnings per share            $     1.22          $    0.09



   NOTE 3 - RESTRUCTURING COSTS

        In the first nine months of 2000, the Company recorded a pre-tax
   restructuring charge of $12.8 million ($7.9 million after taxes).
   This restructuring charge included $5.6 million of facility exit
   costs, $4.8 million of severance costs, $1.7 million of costs to exit
   contractual commitments and $0.7 million of discontinued product
   lines.  Most of these restructuring charges were associated with the
   integration of the Rubbermaid businesses into Newell.

        As of September 30, 2000, $12.6 million of reserves remain.
   These reserves consist primarily of $5.5 million for exit costs
   associated with the closure of four facilities, $4.7 million in
   contractual future maintenance costs on abandoned Rubbermaid computer
   software and $2.4 million for exit costs associated with discontinued
   product lines at Little Tikes.


   NOTE 4 - INVENTORIES

        Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market value.  The
   components of inventories, net of LIFO reserve, were as follows (in
   millions):

                                       September 30,     December 31,
                                            2000             1999
                                       -------------     ------------

    Materials and supplies              $   249.7         $   240.0
    Work in process                         179.0             149.5
    Finished products                       741.8             645.3
                                        ---------         ---------

                                        $ 1,170.5         $ 1,034.8
                                        =========         =========



                                      8







   NOTE 5 - PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

        Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following (in
   millions):

                                       September 30,     December 31,
                                            2000             1999
                                       -------------     ------------

    Land                                $    58.9         $    63.4
    Buildings and improvements              688.6             691.3
    Machinery and equipment               2,265.5           2,200.7
                                        ---------         ---------

                                        $ 3,013.0         $ 2,955.4
    Allowance for depreciation           (1,439.0)         (1,407.2)
                                        ---------         ---------
                                        $ 1,574.0         $ 1,548.2
                                        =========         =========


        Replacements and improvements are capitalized. Expenditures for
   maintenance and repairs are charged to expense. The components of
   depreciation are provided by annual charges to income calculated to
   amortize, principally on the straight-line basis, the cost of the
   depreciable assets over their depreciable lives.  Estimated useful
   lives determined by the Company are: buildings and improvements (5-40
   years) and machinery and equipment (2-15 years).

   NOTE 6 - LONG-TERM DEBT

      Long-term debt consisted of the following (in millions):

                                       September 30,     December 31,
                                            2000             1999
                                       -------------     ------------

    Medium-term notes                   $ 1,109.5         $   859.5
    Commercial paper                      1,050.0             718.5
    Other long-term debt                      5.2              27.9
                                         --------          --------

                                        $ 2,164.7         $ 1,605.9
    Current portion                        (100.0)           (150.1)
                                         --------          --------
                                        $ 2,064.7         $ 1,455.8
                                         ========          ========



        At September 30, 2000, $1,050.0 million (principal amount) of
   long-term commercial paper was outstanding.  The entire amount is
   classified as long-term debt because the amount is backed by a long-
   term revolving credit agreement.


                                      9








   NOTE 7  - EARNINGS PER SHARE

        The earnings per share amounts are computed based on the weighted
   average monthly number of shares outstanding during the year.  "Basic"
   earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income by weighted
   average shares outstanding.  "Diluted" earnings per share is calculated
   by dividing net income by weighted average shares outstanding, including
   the assumption of the exercise and/or conversion of all potentially
   dilutive securities ("in the money" stock options and company-obligated
   mandatorily redeemable convertible preferred securities of a subsidiary
   trust).  A reconciliation of the difference between basic and diluted
   earnings per share for the first nine months of 2000 and 1999 is shown
   below (in millions, except per share data):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                 Convertible
                                                              Basic         "In the money"        Preferred          Diluted
                                                              Method        stock options        Securities          Method
                                                              ------        -------------       ------------         -------
       <S>                                                   <C>                <C>               <C>              <C>
       Three months ended September 30, 2000:
       Net Income                                            $  123.0           N/A               $  4.1           $  127.1
       Weighted average
          shares outstanding                                    266.6           0.0                  9.9              276.5
       Earnings per Share                                    $   0.46            -                    -            $   0.46

       Three months ended September 30, 1999:
       Net Income                                            $   72.7           N/A                  4.1           $   76.8
       Weighted average
          shares outstanding                                    281.9           0.2                  9.9              292.0
       Earnings per Share                                    $   0.26            -                    -            $   0.26

       Nine months ended September 30, 2000:
       Net Income                                            $  327.2           N/A                 12.3           $  339.5
       Weighted average
          shares outstanding                                    269.1           0.0                  9.9              279.0
       Earnings per Share                                    $   1.22            -                    -            $   1.22

       Nine months ended September 30, 1999:
       Net Income                                            $   23.8           N/A                  0.0           $   23.8
       Weighted average
          shares outstanding                                    281.7           0.0                  0.0              281.7
       Earnings per Share (A)                                $   0.08            -                    -            $   0.08


     (A)  Diluted earnings per share for this  period excludes the impact
          of "in the money" stock options and convertible preferred
          securities because they are antidilutive.

</TABLE>

                                     10



   NOTE 8 - COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

        The following tables display Comprehensive Income (Loss) and the
   components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), in
   millions:

                                               Nine months ended
                                                 September 30,
                                               -----------------
                                               2000       1999
                                               ----       ----
    Comprehensive Income (Loss):
       Net income                            $ 327.2      $ 23.8
       Unrealized gain (loss) on                (2.6)        4.5
         marketable securities
       Foreign currency translation (loss)     (71.5)      (35.1)
                                             -------      ------

       Total Comprehensive Income (Loss)     $ 253.1       $(6.8)
                                             =======      ======
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       Net                Foreign            Accumulated
                                                    Unrealized            Currency              Other
                                                   Gain/(Loss)          Translation         Comprehensive
                                                  on Securities            (Loss)               Loss
                                                 ---------------        -----------         -------------
     <S>                                             <C>                 <C>                  <C>
     Accumulated Other
     Comprehensive Income (Loss):
        Balance at December 31, 1999                 $  0.1              $ (130.1)            $ (130.0)
        Change during nine months
          ended  September 30, 2000                    (2.6)                (71.5)               (74.1)
                                                     ------              --------             --------

     Balance at September 30, 2000                   $ (2.5)             $ (201.6)            $ (204.1)
                                                     ======              ========             ========

</TABLE>

















                                     11



     NOTE 9 - INDUSTRY SEGMENT INFORMATION

        The Company's results by business segment were as follows, in
   millions:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                        For the three months               For the nine months
                                                         ended September 30,               ended September 30,
                                                       -----------------------            --------------------
                                                       2000               1999            2000            1999
                                                       ----               ----            ----            ----
                       Net Sales
     ---------------------------------------
     <S>                                             <C>                <C>            <C>            <C>
     Plastic Storage & Organization                  $  433.2           $ 435.9        $ 1,286.6      $ 1,327.9
     Home Decor                                         326.4             327.8            972.1          941.6
     Office Products                                    326.9             309.3            948.0          885.5
     Infant/Juvenile Care & Play                        221.5             194.4            675.2          609.3
     Hardware & Tools                                   181.1             147.7            535.0          432.7
     Food Preparation, Cooking & Serving                197.6             194.4            532.2          526.0
                                                     --------          --------         --------       --------
                                                     $1,686.7          $1,609.5         $4,949.1       $4,723.0
                                                     ========          ========         ========       ========

                    Operating Income
     ---------------------------------------

     Plastic Storage & Organization                    $ 58.0            $ 33.3          $ 153.6          $ 9.8
     Home Decor                                          43.3              40.0            117.0          118.5
     Office Products                                     62.4              46.7            195.5          158.4
     Infant/Juvenile Care & Play                         25.3              (0.8)            82.3           24.2
     Hardware & Tools                                    35.1              27.3             87.8           77.6
     Food Preparation, Cooking & Serving                 35.3              34.8             72.3           70.5
     Corporate                                          (18.6)            (16.9)           (58.6)         (57.7)
                                                       ------            ------           ------         ------
                                                        240.8             164.4            649.9          401.3
     Restructuring costs                                 (4.2)            (14.5)           (12.8)        (201.2)
                                                       ------            ------           ------         ------
                                                       $236.6            $149.9           $637.1         $200.1
                                                       ======            ======           ======         ======
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    September 30,      December 31,
                                                                         2000              1999
                                                                    -------------      ------------
                  Identifiable Assets
     ---------------------------------------
     <S>                                                               <C>              <C>
     Plastic Storage & Organization                                    $1,178.3         $1,155.3
     Home Decor                                                           821.4            818.0
     Office Products                                                      745.8            720.9
     Infant/Juvenile Care & Play                                          490.1            433.9
     Hardware & Tools                                                     368.1            376.5
     Food Preparation, Cooking & Serving                                  567.4            539.8
     Corporate                                                          2,617.4          2,679.7
                                                                       --------         --------
                                                                       $6,788.5         $6,724.1
                                                                       ========         ========

</TABLE>

                                                               12




        Operating income is net sales less cost of products sold and
   selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses, but is not
   affected either by nonoperating (income) expenses or by income taxes.
   Nonoperating (income) expenses consists principally of net interest
   expense.  In calculating operating income for individual business
   segments, certain headquarter expenses of an operational nature are
   allocated to business segments primarily on a net sales basis.  Trade
   names and goodwill amortization is considered a corporate expense and
   not allocated to business segments.  All intercompany transactions
   have been eliminated and transfers of finished goods between areas are
   not significant.  Corporate assets primarily include trade names and
   goodwill, equity investments and deferred tax assets.

   NOTE 10 - NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

        Since June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board
   ("FASB") has issued SFAS Nos. 133, 137 and 138 related to "Accounting
   for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities" ("SFAS No. 133, as
   amended" or "Statements").  These Statements establish accounting and
   reporting standards requiring that every derivative instrument be
   recorded on the balance sheet as either an asset or liability measured
   at its fair value.  The Statements require that changes in the
   derivative's fair value be recognized currently in earnings unless
   specific hedge accounting criteria are met, in which case the gains or
   losses would offset the related results of the hedged item.  The
   Company is required to adopt these Statements on January 1, 2001.
   While the impact of the adoption of this statement is dependent on the
   fair value of our derivatives at the date of adoption, the impact of
   adopting SFAS 133, as amended, is not expected to have a material
   impact on the consolidated financial statements.  However, the
   adoption of these Statements could increase volatility in earnings and
   other comprehensive income.





















                                     13



   PART I

   Item 2.

                   MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
                RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION


   Results of Operations
   ---------------------

        The following table sets forth for the periods indicated items
   from the Consolidated Statements of Income as a percentage of net
   sales.

                                  Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended
                                    September 30,       September 30,
                                  ------------------  -----------------
                                    2000      1999      2000      1999
                                    ----      ----      ----      ----

    Net sales                      100.0%    100.0%    100.0%    100.0%
    Cost of products sold           72.2%     72.4%     72.4%     72.7%
                                   -----     -----     -----     -----
      GROSS INCOME                  27.8%     27.6%     27.6%     27.3%
    Selling, general and
      administrative expenses       12.7%     16.6%     13.7%     18.0%
    Restructuring costs              0.3%      0.9%      0.2%      4.3%
    Trade names and goodwill
      amortization and other         0.8%      0.8%      0.8%      0.8%
                                   -----     -----     -----     -----
      OPERATING INCOME              14.0%      9.3%     12.9%      4.2%
                                   -----     -----     -----     -----
    Nonoperating expenses:
      Interest expense               1.9%      1.6%      1.9%      1.6%
      Other, net                     0.2%      0.3%      0.2%      0.2%
                                   -----     -----     -----     -----
      Net nonoperating expenses      2.1%      1.9%      2.1%      1.8%
                                   -----     -----     -----     -----
      INCOME BEFORE
         INCOME TAXES               11.9%      7.4%     10.8%      2.4%
    Income taxes                     4.6%      2.9%      4.2%      1.9%
                                   -----     -----     -----     -----
      NET INCOME                     7.3%      4.5%      6.6%      0.5%
                                   =====     =====     =====     =====


        See notes to consolidated financial statements.


                                     14



                  Three Months Ended September 30, 2000 Vs.
                    Three Months Ended September 30, 1999
                  ----------------------------------------

        Net sales for the three months ended September 30, 2000 ("third
   quarter") were $1,686.7 million, representing an increase of $77.2
   million or 4.8% from $1,609.5 million in the comparable quarter of
   1999.  The increase in net sales is primarily due to contributions
   from Reynolds (acquired in October 1999), McKechnie (acquired in
   October 1999), Ceanothe (acquired in December 1999), Mersch (acquired
   in January 2000), Brio (acquired in May 2000) and internal sales
   growth of 1.9%.  The Company defines internal growth as growth from
   the core businesses, which include continuing businesses owned more
   than two years and minor acquisitions.  Sales by business segment for
   the third quarter were as follows, in millions:


                                                                Percentage
                                                                Increase/
                                             2000      1999      Decrease
                                             ----      ----      --------

    Plastic Storage & Organization        $  433.2    $ 435.9    (0.6)%
    Food Preparation, Cooking & Serving      197.6      194.4     1.6%
    Infant/Juvenile Care & Play              221.5      194.4    13.9% (1)
    Home Decor                               326.4      327.8    (0.4)%
    Hardware & Tools                         181.1      147.7    22.6% (2)
    Office Products                          326.9      309.3     5.7% (3)
                                          --------   --------

         Total                            $1,686.7   $1,609.5     4.8%
                                          ========   ========

   (1)  Internal growth.
   (2)  7.8% internal growth plus sales from the McKechnie
        acquisition.
   (3)  3.7% internal growth plus sales from the Reynolds acquisition.

        Gross income as a percentage of net sales in the third quarter of
   2000 was 27.8% or $468.8 million versus 27.6% or $444.6 million in the
   comparable quarter of 1999.

        Selling, general and administrative expenses ("SG&A") in the
   third quarter of 2000 were 12.7% of net sales or $214.5 million versus
   16.6% or $267.5 million in the comparable quarter of 1999.  Excluding
   charges of $47.2 million relating to recent acquisitions, SG&A
   expenses in the third quarter of 1999 was $220.3 million or 13.7% of
   net sales.  Excluding charges, SG&A declined as a result of integration


                                  15



   cost savings at Rubbermaid Home Products, Rubbermaid Europe, Little Tikes,
   Panex and Rotring, and tight spending control throughout the rest of the
   Company's core businesses.

        In the third quarter of 2000, the Company recorded a pre-tax
   restructuring charge of $4.2 million ($2.6 million after taxes).  The
   pre-tax charge included $1.5 million of facility exit costs, $1.4
   million of severance costs and $1.3 million of costs to exit
   contractual commitments and discontinue product lines primarily
   related to the Rubbermaid acquisition.

        In the third quarter of 1999, the Company recorded a pre-tax
   restructuring charge of $14.5 million ($8.9 million after taxes).  The
   pre-tax charge related to the Rubbermaid acquisition, and included
   $1.3 million of merger costs,  executive severance costs of $4.5
   million and $8.7 million of exit costs primarily related to impaired
   Rubbermaid capitalized computer software costs and facility exit
   costs.

        Trade names and goodwill amortization and other in the third
   quarter of 2000 were 0.8% of net sales or $13.4 million versus 0.8% or
   $12.7 million in the comparable quarter of 1999.

        Operating income in the third quarter of 2000 was 14.0% of net
   sales or $236.6 million versus operating income of 9.3% or $149.9
   million in the comparable quarter of 1999.  Excluding  restructuring
   costs and other charges in 1999 and 2000, operating income in the
   third quarter of 2000 was 14.3% or $240.9 million versus 14.6% or
   $234.8 million in the third quarter of 1999.  The increase in
   operating income was primarily due to $39.3 million of cost savings
   and synergies achieved as a result of the Rubbermaid merger.  These
   gains were partially offset by $34.6 million of increased raw
   materials costs.

        Net nonoperating expenses in the third quarter of 2000 were 2.1%
   of net sales or $36.6 million versus net nonoperating income of 1.9%
   or $30.6 million in the comparable quarter of 1999.  The increase in
   net non-operating expenses is primarily due to $7.2 million of increased
   interest expense as a result of higher debt levels and interest rates.

        The effective tax rate was 38.5% in the third quarter of 2000 versus
   39.0% in the third quarter of 1999.

        Net income for the third quarter of 2000 was $123.0 million,
   compared to net income of $72.7 million in the third quarter of 1999.
   Diluted earnings per share were $0.46 in the third quarter of 2000
   compared to $0.26 in the third quarter of 1999.  Excluding 2000
   restructuring costs of $4.2 million ($2.6 million after taxes), 1999
   restructuring costs of $14.5 million ($8.9 million after taxes), and
   other 1999 pre-tax charges of $70.4 million ($42.9 million after
   taxes), net income increased $1.0 million or 0.8% to $125.6 million in
   the third quarter of 2000 from $124.5 million in 1999.  Diluted earnings

                                     16



   per share, calculated on the same basis, increased 6.8% to $0.47 in the
   third quarter of 2000 from $0.44 in the third quarter of 1999.  The increase
   in net income was primarily due to Rubbermaid integration cost savings.
   These gains were partially offset by increased raw materials costs.  The
   increase in earings per share was primarily due to Rubbermaid integration
   cost savings and the impact of the stock repurchase, partially offet by
   increased raw materials costs.

                  Nine Months Ended September 30, 2000 Vs.
                    Nine Months Ended September 30, 1999
                  ----------------------------------------

        Net sales for the first nine months of 2000 were $4,949.1
   million, representing an increase of $226.1 million or 4.8% from
   $4,723.0  million in the comparable period of 1999.  The increase in
   net sales was primarily attributable to contributions from Reynolds
   (acquired in October 1999), McKechnie (acquired in October 1999),
   Ceanothe (acquired in December 1999), Mersch (acquired in January
   2000), and 1.6% internal growth.  Net sales for each of the Company's
   segments (and the primary reasons for the increase or decrease were as
   follows in millions:

                                                               Percentage
                                                               Increase/
                                            2000       1999     Decrease
                                            ----       ----     --------
    Plastic Storage & Organization        $1,286.6  $1,327.9    (3.1)   %
    Food Preparation, Cooking & Serving      532.2     526.0    (1.1)   %
    Infant/Juvenile Care & Play              675.2     609.3    10.8 (1)%
    Home Decor                               972.1     941.6     3.2    %
    Hardware & Tools                         535.0     432.7    23.6 (2)%
    Office Products                          948.0     885.5     7.1 (3)%
                                          --------   -------

         Total                            $4,949.1  $4,723.0     4.8%
                                          ========  ========


   (1)  Internal growth.
   (2)  6.6% internal growth plus sales from the McKechnie
        acquisition.
   (3)  5.2% internal growth plus sales from the Reynolds acquisition.

        Gross income as a percentage of net sales in the first nine
   months of 2000 was 27.6% or $1,364.7 million versus 27.3% or $1,288.7
   million in the comparable period of 1999.  Excluding charges of $3.1
   million relating to recent acquisitions, gross income in the first


                                     17



   nine months of 2000 was $1,367.8 million or 27.6% of net sales.
   Excluding 1999 charges of $61.6 million relating to the Rubbermaid
   merger, gross income for the nine months ended September 30, 1999 was
   $1,350.3 million or 28.6% of net sales.  The increase in gross income
   was primarily due to internal growth and cost savings related to recent
   acquisitions, offset by increased raw materials costs.

        Selling, general and administrative expenses ("SG&A") in the
   first nine months of 2000 were 13.7% of net sales or $675.7  million
   versus 18.0% or $850.0 million in the comparable period of 1999.
   Excluding charges of $5.9 million relating to recent acquisitions,
   SG&A in the first nine months of 2000 was $669.8 million or 13.5% of
   net sales.  Excluding 1999 charges of $136.2 million relating to the
   Rubbermaid merger, SG&A for the nine months ended September 30, 1999
   were $713.8 million or 15.1% of net sales.  SG&A declined as a result
   of integration cost savings at Rubbermaid Home Products, Rubbermaid
   Europe, Little Tikes, Panex and Rotring, and tight spending control
   throughout the rest of the Company's core businesses.

        In the first nine months of 2000, the Company recorded a pre-tax
   restructuring charge of $12.8 million ($7.9 million after taxes). The
   pre-tax charge included $5.6 million of facility exit costs, $4.8
   million of severance costs and $2.4 million of costs to exit
   contractual commitments and discontinue product lines primarily
   related to the Rubbermaid acquisition.

        In the first nine months of 1999, the Company recorded a pre-tax
   restructuring charge of $201.2 million ($168.1 million after taxes).
   The pre-tax charge related to the Rubbermaid acquisition, and included
   $38.2 million of merger costs (investment banking, legal and
   accounting fees), executive severance costs of $89.4 million and $73.6
   million of exit costs primarily related to impaired Rubbermaid
   capitalized computer software costs and facility exit costs.

        Trade names and goodwill amortization and other in the first nine
   months of 2000 were 0.8% of net sales or $39.1 million versus 0.8% or
   $37.4. million in the first nine months of 1999.

        Operating income in the first nine months of 2000 was 12.9% of
   net sales or $637.1 million versus 4.2% or $200.1  million in the
   comparable period of 1999.  Excluding restructuring costs and other
   charges in 1999 and 2000, operating income in the first nine months of
   2000 was 13.3% or $658.9 million versus 12.7% or $599.1 million in the
   first nine months of 1999.  The increase in operating margins excluding
   charges was primarily due to $123.1 million of cost savings and synergies
   achieved as a result of the Rubbermaid merger during the nine months ended
   September 30, 2000 and internal growth.  These savings were partially offset
   by increased raw materials costs of $97.6 million.

        Net nonoperating expenses in the first nine months of 2000 were
   2.1% of net sales or $105.0 million versus 1.8% of net sales or $86.6
   million in the comparable period of 1999. Net nonoperating expenses


                                     18



   increased due to $19.3 million higher interest expense as a result of the
   Company's increased level of debt and higher interest rates.

        Excluding restructuring costs and other gains and charges in 2000
   and 1999, the effective tax rate was 38.5% in the first nine months of
   2000 versus 39.0% in the first nine months of 1999.

        Net income for the first nine  months of 2000 was $327.2 million,
   compared to $23.8 million in the first nine months of 1999.  Diluted
   earnings per share were $1.22 in the first nine months of 2000
   compared to $0.08 in the first nine months of 1999.  Excluding 2000
   restructuring costs of $12.8 million ($7.9 million after taxes), other
   2000 pre-tax charges of $9.0 million ($5.5 million after taxes), 1999
   restructuring costs of $201.2 million ($168.1 million after taxes),
   and other 1999 pre-tax charges of $197.8 million ($120.7 million after
   taxes), net income increased $28.0 million or 8.9% to $340.6 million
   the first nine months of 2000 versus $312.6 million in 1999.  Diluted
   earnings per share, calculated on the same basis, increased 14.4% to
   $1.27 in the first nine months of 2000 versus $1.11 in the first nine
   months of 1999.  The increase in net income for the nine months ended
   September 30, 2000 was primarily due to Rubbermaid integration cost
   savings, tight spending control at our core businesses and internal
   growth.  These gains were partially offset by increased raw materials
   costs.  The increase in earnings per share was primarily due to
   Rubbermaid integration cost savings, tight spending control, internal
   growth and the impact of the stock repurchase, partially offset by
   increased raw materials costs.

   Liquidity and Capital Resources
   -------------------------------

   Sources:

        The Company's primary sources of liquidity and capital resources
   include cash provided from operations and use of available borrowing
   facilities.

        Cash provided from operating activities in the first nine months
   ended September 30, 2000 was $284.8 million compared to $ 288.3
   million for the comparable period of 1999.  The decrease in operating
   cash flows is primarily a result of increased inventory levels
   partially offset by the increase in net income.

        The Company has short-term foreign and domestic uncommitted lines
   of credit with various banks which are available for short-term
   financing.  Borrowings under the Company's uncommitted lines of credit
   are subject to discretion of the Lender.  The Company's uncommitted
   lines of credit do not have a material impact on the Company's
   liquidity.  Borrowings under the Company's uncommitted lines of credit
   at September 30, 2000 totaled $19.5 million.

        During 1997, the Company amended its revolving credit agreement
   to increase the aggregate borrowing limit to $1.3 billion, at a

                                     19



   floating interest rate.  The revolving credit agreement will terminate
   in August 2002.  At September 30, 2000, there were no borrowings under
   the revolving credit agreement.

        In lieu of borrowings under the Company's revolving credit
   agreement, the Company may issue up to $1.3 billion of commercial
   paper.  The Company's revolving credit agreement provides the
   committed backup liquidity required to issue commercial paper.
   Accordingly, commercial paper may only be issued up to the amount
   available for borrowing under the Company's revolving credit
   agreement.  At September 30, 2000, $1,050.0 million (principal amount)
   of commercial paper was outstanding.  The entire amount is classified
   as long-term debt.

        On March 24, 2000, the Company issued $300.0 million (principal
   amount) of 3-Year Medium Term Notes pursuant to its universal shelf
   program.  The securities mature on March 24, 2003, and bear a 3-month
   floating interest rate based on 3-month LIBOR +22 basis points.  The
   initial interest rate was 6.5%.  Proceeds were used to pay down
   commercial paper.  Including this financing, the Company had
   outstanding at September 30, 2000, a total of $1,109.5 million
   (principal amount) of Medium Term Notes.  The maturities on these
   notes range from 3 to 30 years at an average interest rate of 6.45%.

        A universal shelf registration statement became effective in July
   1999.  As of September 30, 2000, $449.5 million of Company debt and
   equity securities may be issued under the shelf.

   Uses:

        The Company's primary uses of liquidity and capital resources
   include acquisitions, dividend payments and capital expenditures.

        Cash used in acquiring businesses was $70.8 million and $34.9
   million in the first nine months of 2000 and 1999, respectively. In
   the first nine months of 2000, the Company acquired Mersch and Brio
   and made other minor acquisitions for cash purchase prices totaling
   $50.8 million.  In the first nine months of 1999, the Company acquired
   Ateliers 28 for a cash purchase price of $40.3 million.  All of these
   acquisitions were accounted for as purchases and were paid for with
   proceeds obtained from the issuance of commercial paper.

        Cash used for restructuring activities was $15.4 million and
   $127.6 million in the first nine months of 2000 and 1999,
   respectively.  Such cash payments represent primarily employee
   termination benefits and other merger expenses.

        Capital expenditures were $240.5 million and $139.7 million in the
   first nine months of 2000 and 1999, respectively.  The increase in capital
   expenditures is primarily a result of increased capital spending at those
   divisions acquired as part of the Rubbermaid merger.




                                     20



        Aggregate dividends paid during the first nine months of 2000 and
   1999 were $169.1 million ($0.63 per share) and $169.4 million ($0.60
   per share), respectively.

        During the first nine months of 2000, the Company repurchased
   15.5 million shares of its common stock at an average price of $26 per
   share, for a total cash price of $403.0 million under the company's
   stock repurchase program.  As of September 30, 2000, the company can
   use up to an additional $97 million to repurchase shares under the plan.

        Retained earnings increased in the first nine months of 2000 by
   $158.0 million.  Retained earnings decreased in the first nine months
   of 1999 by $145.6 million.  The difference between 1999 and 2000 was
   due to improved operating results in 2000 versus 1999 and restructuring
   costs in 1999 of $201.2 million ($168.1 million after taxes) and
   other pre-tax charges of $197.8 million ($120.7 million after taxes).

        Working capital at September 30, 2000 was $1,414.1 million
   compared to $1,108.7 million at December 31, 1999.  The current ratio
   at September 30, 2000 was 1.98:1 compared to 1.68:1 at December 31,
   1999.

        Total debt to total capitalization (total debt is net of cash and
   cash equivalents, and total capitalization includes total debt,
   convertible preferred securities and stockholders equity) was .43:1 at
   September 30, 2000 and .33:1 at December 31, 1999.

        The Company believes that cash provided from operations and
   available borrowing facilities will continue to provide adequate
   support for the cash needs of existing businesses; however, certain
   events, such as significant acquisitions, could require additional
   external financing.

   Market Risk
   -----------

        The Company's market risk is impacted by changes in interest
   rates, foreign currency exchange rates, and certain commodity prices.
   Pursuant to the Company's policies, natural hedging techniques and
   derivative financial instruments may be utilized to reduce the impact
   of adverse changes in market prices. The Company does not hold or
   issue derivative instruments for trading purposes, and has no material
   sensitivity to changes in market rates and prices on its derivative
   financial instrument positions.

        The Company's primary market risk is interest rate exposure,
   primarily in the United States. The Company manages interest rate
   exposure through its conservative debt ratio target and its mix of
   fixed and floating rate debt. Interest rate exposure was reduced
   significantly in 1997 from the issuance of $500 million 5.25%
   Company-Obligated Mandatorily Redeemable Convertible Preferred
   Securities of a Subsidiary Trust, the proceeds of which reduced
   commercial paper.  Interest rate swaps may be used to adjust interest
   rate exposures when appropriate based on market conditions, and, for

                                     21



   qualifying hedges, the interest differential of swaps is included in
   interest expense.

        The Company's foreign exchange risk management policy emphasizes
   hedging anticipated intercompany and third-party commercial
   transaction exposures of one year duration or less. The Company
   focuses on natural hedging techniques of the following form:  1)
   offsetting or netting of like foreign currency flows, 2) structuring
   foreign subsidiary balance sheets with appropriate levels of debt to
   reduce subsidiary net investments and subsidiary cash flows subject to
   conversion risk, 3) converting excess foreign currency deposits into
   U.S. dollars or the relevant functional currency and 4) avoidance of
   risk by denominating contracts in the appropriate functional currency.
   In addition, the Company utilizes forward contracts and purchased
   options to hedge commercial and intercompany transactions. Gains and
   losses related to qualifying hedges of commercial transactions are
   deferred and included in the basis of the underlying transactions.
   Derivatives used to hedge intercompany transactions are marked to
   market with the corresponding gains or losses included in the
   consolidated statements of income.

        Due to the diversity of its product lines, the Company does not
   have material sensitivity to any one commodity. The Company manages
   commodity price exposures primarily through the duration and terms of
   its vendor contracts.

        The amounts shown below represent the estimated potential
   economic loss that the Company could incur from adverse changes in
   either interest rates or foreign exchange rates using the
   value-at-risk estimation model.  The value-at-risk model uses
   historical foreign exchange rates and interest rates to estimate the
   volatility and correlation of these rates in future periods.  It
   estimates a loss in fair market value using statistical modeling
   techniques and including substantially all market risk exposures
   (specifically excluding equity-method investments).  The fair value
   losses shown in the table below have no impact on results of
   operations or financial condition as they represent economic not
   financial losses.

                             September 30,     Time       Confidence
                                  2000        Period        Level
                             -------------    ------      ---------
    (In millions)

       Interest rates             $4.7        1 day          95%
       Foreign exchange           $4.5        1 day          95%


        The 95% confidence interval signifies the Company's degree of
   confidence that actual losses would not exceed the estimated losses
   shown above.  The amounts shown here disregard the possibility that

                                     22



   interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates could move in the
   Company's favor.  The value-at-risk model assumes that all movements
   in these rates will be adverse.  Actual experience has shown that
   gains and losses tend to offset each other over time, and it is highly
   unlikely that the Company could experience losses such as these over
   an extended period of time.  These amounts should not be considered
   projections of future losses, since actual results may differ
   significantly  depending upon activity in the global financial
   markets.

   EURO CURRENCY CONVERSION

        On January 1, 1999, the "Euro" became the common legal currency
   for 11 of the 15 member countries of the European Union.  On that
   date, the participating countries fixed conversion rates between their
   existing sovereign currencies ("legacy currencies") and the Euro.  On
   January 4, 1999, the Euro began trading on currency exchanges and
   became available for non-cash transactions, if the parties elect to
   use it.  The legacy currencies will remain legal tender through
   December 31, 2001.  Beginning January 1, 2002, participating countries
   will introduce Euro-denominated bills and coins, and effective July 1,
   2002, legacy currencies will no longer be legal tender.

        After the dual currency phase, all businesses in participating
   countries must conduct all transactions in the Euro and must convert
   their financial records and reports to be Euro-based.  The Company has
   commenced an internal analysis of the Euro conversion process to
   prepare its information technology systems for the conversion and
   analyze related risks and issues, such as the benefit of the decreased
   exchange rate risk in cross-border transactions involving
   participating countries and the impact of increased price transparency
   on cross-border competition in these countries.

        The Company believes that the Euro conversion process will not
   have a material impact on the Company's businesses or financial
   condition on a consolidated basis.

   FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

        Forward-looking statements in this Report are made in reliance
   upon the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation
   Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements may relate to, but
   are not limited to, such matters as sales, income, earnings per share,
   return on equity, capital expenditures, dividends, capital structure,
   free cash flow, debt to capitalization ratios, interest rates,
   internal growth rates, Euro conversion plans and related risks,
   pending legal proceeding and claims (including environmental matters),
   future economic performance, operating income improvements, synergies,
   management's plans, goals and objectives for future operations and
   growth or the assumptions relating to any of the forward-looking
   information. The Company cautions that forward-looking statements are
   not guarantees since there are inherent difficulties in predicting
   future results, and that actual results could differ materially from
   those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Factors
   that could cause actual results to differ include, but are not limited
   to, those matters set forth in the Company's Annual Report on Form
   10-K, the documents incorporated by reference therein and in Exhibit
   99 in thereto.

                                     23



   PART I.

   Item 3.

         QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

        The information required by this item is incorporated herein by
   reference to the section entitled "Market Risk" in the Company's
   Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and
   Financial Condition (Part I, Item 2).

   PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

   Item 1.  Legal Proceedings

        The Company is subject to certain legal proceedings and claims,
   including the environmental matters described below, that have arisen
   in the ordinary conduct of its business or have been assumed by the
   Company when it purchased certain businesses.

        As of September 30, 2000, the Company was involved in various
   matters concerning federal and state environmental laws and
   regulations, including matters in which the Company has been
   identified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and certain
   state environmental agencies as a potentially responsible party
   ("PRP") at contaminated sites under the Federal Comprehensive
   Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act ("CERCLA") and
   equivalent state laws.

        In assessing its environmental response costs, the Company has
   considered several factors, including: the extent of the Company's
   volumetric contribution at each site relative to that of other PRPs;
   the kind of waste; the terms of existing cost sharing and other
   applicable agreements; the financial ability of other PRPs to share in
   the payment of requisite costs; the Company's prior experience with
   similar sites; environmental studies and cost estimates available to
   the Company; the effects of inflation on cost estimates; and the
   extent to which the Company's and other parties' status as PRPs is
   disputed.

        Based on information available to it, the Company's estimate of
   environmental response costs associated with these matters as of
   September 30, 2000 ranged between $18.0 million and $26.0 million. As
   of September 30, 2000, the Company had a reserve equal to $25 million
   for such environmental response costs in the aggregate. No insurance
   recovery was taken into account in determining the Company's cost
   estimates or reserve, nor do the Company's cost estimates or reserve
   reflect any discounting for present value purposes, except with
   respect to two long term (30 years) operation and maintenance CERCLA
   matters which are estimated at present value.



                                     24



        Because of the uncertainties associated with environmental
   investigations and response activities, the possibility that the
   Company could be identified as a PRP at sites identified in the future
   that require the incurrence of environmental response costs and the
   possibility of additional sites as a result of businesses acquired,
   actual costs to be incurred by the Company may vary from the Company's
   estimates.

        Subject to difficulties in estimating future environmental
   response costs, the Company does not expect that any amount it may
   have to pay in connection with environmental matters in excess of
   amounts reserved will have a material adverse effect on its
   consolidated financial statements.

        The Company is involved in a legal proceeding relating to the
   importation and distribution of vinyl mini-blinds made with plastic
   containing lead stabilizers. In 1996, the Consumer Product Safety
   Commission found that such stabilizers deteriorate over time from
   exposure to sunlight and heat, causing lead dust to form on mini-blind
   surfaces and presenting a health risk to children under six years of
   age.  In December 1998, 13 companies, including a subsidiary of the
   Company, were named as defendants in a case involving the importation
   and distribution of vinyl mini-blinds containing lead.  The case,
   filed as a Massachusetts class action in the Superior Court, alleges
   misrepresentation, breaches of express and implied warranties,
   negligence, loss of consortium and violation of Massachusetts consumer
   protection laws. The plaintiffs seek injunctive relief, unspecified
   damages, compensatory damages for personal injury and court costs.

        Eight complaints were filed against the Company and certain of
   its officers and directors in the U.S. District Court for the Northern
   District of Illinois on behalf of a purported class consisting of
   persons who purchased common stock of the Company, Newell Co. or
   Rubbermaid Incorporated during the period from October 21, 1998
   through September 3, 1999 or exchanged shares of Rubbermaid common
   stock for the Company's common stock as part of the Newell Rubbermaid
   merger. The complaints alleged that during the relevant time period
   the defendants violated the federal securities laws by issuing false
   and misleading statements concerning the Company's financial condition
   and results of operations.  The cases were consolidated before a
   single judge of that court.  The court appointed lead plaintiffs for
   the uncertified class and approved counsel for the lead plaintiffs.
   Plaintiffs then filed a Consolidated Amended Class Action Complaint
   consisting of six counts asserting claims under Sections 11, 12(a)(2)
   and 15 of the Securities Act and Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the
   Securities Exchange Act in which they alleged, among other things,
   that the Company and Rubbermaid Incorporated made materially false and
   misleading statements in documents filed with the SEC, including the
   registration statement filed by the Company in connection with the
   merger with Rubbermaid.  All defendants moved to dismiss that amended
   complaint. On October 2, 2000 the court issued a Memorandum Opinion
   and Order dismissing the amended complaint for failure to state a

                                     25



   claim upon which relief may be granted and on October 3, 2000 the
   court entered a judgment dismissing the complaint.  Plaintiffs have
   moved to reconsider two aspects of the court's ruling.  The court is
   scheduled to rule on that motion on November 15, 2000.  The Company
   believes that these claims are without merit and intends to continue
   to vigorously defend these lawsuits.

        Although management of the Company cannot predict the ultimate
   outcome of these matters with certainty, it believes that their
   ultimate resolution, including any amounts it may have to pay in
   excess of amounts reserved, will not have a material effect on the
   Company's consolidated financial statements.

   Item 6.   Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

        (a)  Exhibits:

        3.2  Amendment to By-Laws and Amended By-laws of Newell
             Rubbermaid Inc., as amended through November 13, 2000.

        12.  Statement of Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed
             Charges

        27.  Financial Data Schedule

        (b)  Reports on Form 8-K:

        None.

























                                     26



                                 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.

                                 NEWELL RUBBERMAID INC.
                                 Registrant


      Date: November 14, 2000    /s/ Dale L. Matschullat
                                 --------------------------------------
                                 Dale L. Matschullat
                                 Vice President - Finance


      Date: November 14, 2000    /s/ Brett E. Gries
                                 --------------------------------------
                                 Brett E. Gries
                                 Vice President - Accounting & Audit

































© 2022 IncJournal is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission