SEC Form 10-K Filing Report

Company: NEWELL BRANDS INC
CIK: 814453
SIC Code: 3089
Filing Date: 2018-03-01 00:00:00
Market Capitalization: 12869884.0

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ITEM 1. BUSINESS
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
“Newell Brands” or the “Company” refers to Newell Brands Inc. (formerly, Newell Rubbermaid Inc.) alone or with its wholly owned subsidiaries, as the context requires. When this report uses the words “we,” “us” or “our,” it refers to the Company and its subsidiaries unless the context otherwise requires. The Company was founded in Ogdensburg, New York in 1903 and is incorporated in Delaware. The Company’s principal executive office is located at 221 River Street, Hoboken, New Jersey 07030, and the Company’s telephone number is 201-610-6600.
Website Access to Securities and Exchange Commission Reports
The Company makes available free of charge on or through its website its annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as soon as practicable after the Company files them with, or furnishes them to, the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company’s Internet website can be found at www.newellbrands.com. The information on the Company’s website is not incorporated by reference into this annual report on Form 10-K.
GENERAL
Newell Brands is a global marketer of consumer and commercial products that help people make life better every day, where they live, learn, work and play. Our products are marketed under a strong portfolio of leading brands, including Paper Mate®, Sharpie®, Dymo®, EXPO®, Parker®, Elmer’s®, Coleman®, Jostens®, Marmot®, Rawlings®, Oster®, Sunbeam®, FoodSaver®, Mr. Coffee®, Rubbermaid Commercial Products®, Graco®, Baby Jogger®, NUK®, Calphalon®, Rubbermaid®, Contigo®, First Alert®, Waddington and Yankee Candle®. The Company sells its products in nearly 200 countries around the world and has operations on the ground in nearly 100 of these countries.
During 2017, the Company continued to execute the Growth Game Plan, the multi-year strategy that was updated in late 2016 for the new broader portfolio. The Growth Game Plan enables the simplification of the organization and frees up resources to invest in growth initiatives and strengthened capabilities in support of the Company’s brands. The changes being implemented in the execution of the Growth Game Plan are considered key enablers to building a more profitable and cash flow generative company, with global reach.
As part of the Growth Game Plan, the Company has transformed from a holding company to an operating company, consolidating its 32 business units into 16 global divisions while investing to extend its design, innovation, brand development and E-commerce capabilities across a broader set of categories. The new global divisions are the key commercial nodes in the Company, including a Global E-commerce division with responsibility for all E-commerce activity across the enterprise. The divisions generally align to the four areas of strategic focus for the Company of Live, Learn, Work, and Play. The new structure became effective January 1, 2017.
During 2017, the Company acquired Smith Mountain, a leading provider of premium home fragrance products, sold primarily under the WoodWick® Candle brand; Sistema Plastics, a leading provider of food storage and beverage containers in Australia, New Zealand, U.K, and parts of Europe; and Chesapeake Bay Candle, a leading developer, manufacturer and marketer of premium candles and other home fragrance products, focused on consumer wellness and natural fragrance.
During 2016, the Company committed to plans to divest several other businesses and brands to strengthen the portfolio to better align and focus the portfolio for growth and margin development. To that end, during 2017 the Company sold its Tools business, its Rubbermaid® consumer storage totes business, its stroller business under the Teutonia® brand, its Lehigh business, its firebuilding business, its triathlon apparel business under the Zoot® and Squadra® brands and its Winter Sports business.
In January 2018, Newell Brands announced that it will explore a series of strategic initiatives to accelerate its transformation plan, improve operational performance, reduce debt and leverage and enhance shareholder value. The Company is planning on focusing its portfolio on core consumer divisions. The Company is exploring strategic options for industrial and commercial product assets, including Waddington, Process Solutions, Rubbermaid Commercial Products and Mapa, as well as several smaller consumer businesses, including Rawlings, Goody, Rubbermaid Outdoor, Closet, Refuse and Garage, and U.S. Playing Cards. The accelerated transformation plan would significantly reduce operational and systems complexity, exposure to economic cycles and resin commodities and focus the Company’s remaining portfolio on leading brands in global consumer-facing categories that can leverage Newell Brands’ advantaged capabilities in brands, innovation, design and E-commerce.
STRATEGIC INITIATIVES
Newell Brands is committed to building leading brands through understanding the needs of consumers and using those insights to create innovative, highly differentiated product solutions that offer superior performance and value. The Company intends to continue to leverage its portfolio of leading brands to create a margin structure that allows for further increases in brand investment.
During 2016, the Company launched the Growth Game Plan, which is its strategy to simplify the organization and free up resources to invest in growth initiatives and strengthened capabilities in support of the Company’s brands. The changes being implemented in the execution of the Growth Game Plan are considered key enablers to building a bigger, faster-growing, more global and more profitable company.
The Growth Game Plan encompasses the following strategic elements:
The Newell Brands Vision
The Newell Brands vision for the Company is grounded in three core characteristics of the business: its geographic reach with sales in nearly 200 countries and territories, its presence in a broad set of large growing household product categories, and its portfolio of leading brands that make a difference in the lives of consumers every day. The Company asserts that it impacts lives through the broad geographic reach of its business system, through its category presence and leading brands that touch consumers at home, in school, at work, and where they play. The Company’s vision is that Newell Brands makes life better for hundreds of millions of consumers every day, where they live, learn, work, and play.
The Newell Brands DNA and Ambition
The Newell Brands DNA represents an aspirational set of behaviors that define the culture the company aspires to create. The Newell Brands DNA and Ambition serve as a call to action for the Company’s employees, challenging them to grow, transform, lead, and win. The Company captures our ambition with our employees as follows:
We believe growth and scale benefits drive value creation and we achieve our potential by putting the consumer first in everything that we do. Our portfolio is a powerful collection of leading brands in large, growing, unconsolidated global categories. Over time we are choice-fully building a more international business that reaches the consumer wherever they want to buy our brands. Our strategy is designed to achieve meaningful relative market share advantage in our core categories. We will win by combining Brand Development (insights, product design, innovation, brand communication) with Every Day Great Execution, partnering with our customers to build our categories and maximize reach, availability, and visibility. We are a transformative company in the stretching ambitions we pursue. The clarity of our strategy and the decisive way that we put our choices into action is a distinctive characteristic of our leaders. Money flows to growth and we are true to our entrepreneurial roots by focusing on impact in the market place. This process creates growth missions for our empowered teams. We build our people as we build new business. We expect our people and our ideas to be judged as leaders in our business community. Our brands are better together. We win by acting as one operating company that has the scale and capabilities to outgrow, out execute, and out spend our competition. Our strong financial foundation of cash generation creates a platform for scaling this model through strategic M&A in our core categories.
Organizational Structure
Newell Brands makes life better for hundreds of millions of consumers every day, where they live, learn, work, and play. The Company achieves this impact through its leading portfolio of brands, its commitment to further strengthen those brands, and by deploying its brands to new markets around the world. In order to align reporting with the Company’s Growth Game Plan strategy and organization structure, effective January 1, 2017, Newell Brands is reporting its financial results in five segments as Live, Learn, Work, Play and Other. All prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current reporting structure. For financial information about segments, please see the information provided in Footnote 18 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, which is incorporated by reference herein.
The Company’s reportable segments are as follows:
Segment
Key Brands
Description of Primary Products
Live
Aprica®, Baby Jogger®, Ball®, Calphalon®, Chesapeake Bay Candle®, Crock-Pot®, FoodSaver®, Graco®, Mr. Coffee®, NUK®, Oster®, Rubbermaid®, Sistema®, Sunbeam®, Tigex®, WoodWick®, Yankee Candle®
Household products, including kitchen appliances, gourmet cookware, bakeware and cutlery, food storage and home storage products, fresh preserving products, home fragrance products; baby gear, infant care and health products
Learn
Dymo®, Elmer’s®, Expo®, Jostens®, Mr. Sketch®, Paper Mate®, Parker®, Prismacolor®, Sharpie®, Waterman®,
X-Acto®
Writing instruments, including markers and highlighters, pens and pencils; art products; activity-based adhesive and cutting products; fine writing instruments, labeling solutions and custom commemorative jewelry and academic regalia
Work
Mapa®, Quickie®, Rubbermaid®, Rubbermaid Commercial Products®, Spontex®, Waddington
Cleaning and refuse products; hygiene systems; material handling solutions, consumer and commercial totes and commercial food service and premium tableware products
Play
Berkley®, Coleman®, Contigo®, Ex Officio®, Marmot®, Rawlings®, Shakespeare®
Products for outdoor and outdoor-related activities
Other
Jarden Plastic Solutions, Jarden Applied Materials, Jarden Zinc Products, Goody®, Bicycle®, Rainbow®
Plastic products including closures, contact lens packaging, medical disposables, plastic cutlery and rigid packaging, beauty products, vacuum cleaning systems and gaming products
Live
The Live segment manufactures or sources, markets and distributes a diverse line of household products. Kitchen appliances and home environment products are primarily sold under the Crock-Pot®, FoodSaver®, Mr. Coffee®, Oster®, Sistema® and Sunbeam® trademarks. Aluminum and stainless steel cookware and bakeware are sold under the Calphalon® trademark. The Live segment also has rights to sell various small appliance products, in substantially all of Europe under the Breville® brand name. Home fragrance products are primarily sold under the Chesapeake Bay Candle®, WoodWick® and Yankee Candle® trademark. Baby gear and infant care and health products are sold under the Baby Jogger®, Graco®, NUK® and Tigex® trademarks. Home storage products are sold under the Sistema® and Rubbermaid® trademark. The Live segment also utilizes an extensive licensing strategy to extend the reach of the brands across categories, geographies and strategic product extensions.
The Live segment primarily markets its products directly to club, department store, drug/grocery, mass merchant, specialty retailers and distributors, as well as our Yankee Candle retail stores.
Learn
The Company’s Learn segment includes the Writing and Fine Writing businesses, which have market share growth potential by further building strong brands like Sharpie®, Paper Mate®, and Expo® and deploying the portfolio into new geographies. The Elmer’s®, Labeling and Fine Writing businesses focus investment on innovation and brand support in existing markets. The Writing business designs, manufactures or sources and distributes writing instruments, adhesives, cutting products and labeling solutions, primarily for use in business and the home. The Segment’s largest writing instrument factory is based in the U.S.A (Tennessee). Permanent/waterbase markers, dry erase markers, highlighters and art supplies are primarily sold under the Sharpie®, Expo®, Sharpie® Accent®, Prismacolor® and Mr. Sketch® trademarks. Ballpoint pens and inks, roller ball pens, mechanical pencils and correction supplies are primarily sold under the Paper Mate®, InkJoy®, Uni-Ball® (used under exclusive license from Mitsubishi Pencil Co. Ltd. and its subsidiaries in North America and certain areas in Latin America), Sharpie®, Mongol® and Liquid Paper® trademarks. Activity-based adhesives and cutting products are primarily sold under the Elmer’s®, Krazy Glue® (a trademark of Toagosei Co. Ltd. used with permission) and X-Acto® trademarks. Fine writing instruments are primarily sold under the Parker®, Waterman® and Rotring® trademarks. The Writing business’s on-demand labeling solutions are primarily sold under the Dymo® Office trademark. Additionally, the Learn segment also includes the Company’s Jostens business, which provides a product portfolio of high-quality class and championship rings and other jewelry, caps and gowns, diplomas, varsity jackets, yearbooks and other accessories.
The Learn segment generally markets its products directly to mass merchants, warehouse clubs, grocery/drug stores, office superstores, office supply stores, contract stationers, travel retail, on-line and other retailers. The Jostens business markets and sells in the academic and achievement channel, under which we primarily serve U.S. high schools, colleges and universities, marketing and selling products to administrators, students and their parents. Jostens relies primarily on a network of independent sales representatives to sell its scholastic products in K-12 schools and an internal sales team to sell products to colleges and universities.
Work
The Work segment offers a broad portfolio of cleaning and commercial brands, including Rubbermaid®, Rubbermaid Commercial Products®, Quickie®, Spontex® and MAPA® that are found in homes, hospitals, schools, stadiums and other commercial settings. The Work segment’s Waddington business is a major global packaging manufacturer and marketer serving the foodservice, bakery, deli, produce and confectionary markets whose products include containers, serving ware, drinkware and cutlery; and upscale disposable plastic products.
The Work segment primarily markets its products through distributors and directly to mass merchants, home centers, commercial products distributors, select contract customers and other professional customers.
Play
The Play segment manufactures or sources, markets and distributes global consumer active lifestyle products for outdoor and outdoor-related activities, and primarily sells its products under the Berkley®, Coleman®, Contigo®, Ex Officio®, Marmot®, Rawlings®, and Shakespeare® trademarks. The businesses within the Play segment, such as camping, fishing and technical apparel, invest and innovate in brands in existing markets within the Growth Game Plan.
The Play segment primarily markets its products directly to club, department store, drug/grocery, mass merchant, sporting goods and specialty retailers and distributors.
Other
The Other segment manufactures, markets and distributes a wide variety of plastic products including closures, contact lens packaging, medical disposables, plastic cutlery and rigid packaging under Jarden Plastic Solutions. The Jarden Applied Materials business produces specialty nylon polymers, conductive fibers and monofilament used in various products. Jarden Zinc Products business manufactures a line of industrial zinc products marketed globally for use in the architectural, automotive, construction, electrical component and plumbing markets. The Other segment’s largest factory is based in the U.S.A. (South Carolina). The Other segment also sells beauty products, vacuum cleaning systems and gaming products.
The Other segment primarily markets its products through distributors and directly to mass merchants, home centers, commercial products distributors, select contract customers and other professional customers. The zinc products business is the sole source supplier of copper-plated zinc penny blanks to the United States Mint and a major supplier to the Royal Canadian Mint, as well as a supplier of brass, bronze and nickel-plated finishes on steel and zinc for coinage to other international markets.
OTHER INFORMATION
Multi-Product Offering
The Company’s broad product offering in multiple categories permits it to more effectively meet the needs of its customers. With families of leading brand names and profitable and innovative new products, the Company can assist volume purchasers in selling a more profitable product mix. As a potential single source for an entire product line, the Company can use program merchandising to improve product presentation, optimize display space for both sales and income, and encourage impulse buying by retail consumers.
Foreign Operations
Information regarding the Company’s 2017, 2016 and 2015 foreign operations and financial information by geographic area is included in Footnote 18 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and is incorporated by reference herein. Information regarding risks relating to the Company’s foreign operations is set forth in Part I, Item 1A, of this report and is incorporated by reference herein.
Please refer to Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Footnote 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding the Company’s Venezuelan operations.
Raw Materials and Sourced Finished Goods
The Company has multiple foreign and domestic sources of supply for substantially all of its material requirements. The raw materials and various purchased components required for its products have generally been available in sufficient quantities. The Company’s product offerings require the purchase of resin, corrugate, glass, plastic, expanded polystyrene, extinguisher powder, nylon, paper, plastic resin, sawdust, tin plate, wax and wood, natural rubber, electrical components, glass fiber, magnesium, adhesives, various paper-related packaging materials and metals, including steel, stainless steel, aluminum copper and gold. The Company’s resin purchases principally comprise polyethylene, polypropylene and copolyester.
The Company also relies on third-party manufacturers as a source for finished goods. Historically, the Company has experienced inflation in sourced product costs due to currency fluctuations and increased input and labor costs. For a limited number of product lines, a single manufacturer or a limited number of manufacturers may supply substantially all of the finished goods for a product line. In particular, certain businesses within the Company’s Live segment rely on third-party manufacturers for substantially all of their products. Specifically, the Baby division has a single source of supply for products that comprise a majority of sales and which owns the intellectual property for many of those products.
See Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for further discussion.
Backlog
The dollar value of unshipped factory orders is not material.
Seasonal Variations
Sales of the Company’s products tend to be seasonal, with sales, operating income and operating cash flow in the first quarter generally lower than any other quarter during the year, driven principally by reduced volume and the mix of products sold in the first quarter. The seasonality of the Company’s sales volume combined with the accounting for fixed costs, such as depreciation, amortization, rent, personnel costs and interest expense, impacts the Company’s results on a quarterly basis. In addition, the Company tends to generate the majority of its operating cash flow in the third and fourth quarters of the year due to seasonal variations in operating results, the timing of annual performance-based compensation payments, customer program payments, working capital requirements and credit terms provided to customers.
Patents and Trademarks
The Company has many patents, trademarks, brand names and trade names that are, in the aggregate, important to its business. The Company’s most significant registered trademarks include Sharpie®, Paper Mate®, Elmer’s®, Parker®, Waterman®, Dymo®, Rubbermaid®, Contigo®, Goody®, Calphalon®, Graco®, Baby Jogger®, Aprica®, Bionaire®, Coleman®, Crock-Pot®, First Alert®, FoodSaver®, Health o Meter®, Marmot®, Mr. Coffee®, Oster®, Quickie®, Rawlings®, Rival®, Shakespeare®, Stearns®, Sistema®, Sunbeam® and Yankee Candle®.
Customers/Competition
The Company’s principal customers are large mass merchandisers, such as discount stores, home centers, warehouse clubs, office superstores, craft stores, direct-to-consumer channels, specialty retailers and wholesalers, commercial distributors, e-commerce companies and Yankee Candle retail stores. Additionally, we distribute our Jostens and Waddington products through the academic and achievement channel and foodservice channel, respectively. The dominant share of the market represented by large mass merchandisers, together with consumer shopping patterns, contributes to a market environment in which dominant multi-category retailers and e-commerce companies have strong negotiating power with suppliers. This environment may limit the Company’s ability to recover cost increases through selling prices.
Current trends among retailers and e-commerce companies include fostering high levels of competition among suppliers, demanding innovative new products and products tailored to each of their unique requirements and requiring suppliers to maintain or reduce product prices and deliver products with shorter lead times. Other trends, in the absence of a strong new product development effort or strong end-user brands, are for retailers and e-commerce companies to import generic products directly from foreign sources and to source and sell products, under their own private label brands, which compete with the Company’s products. The combination of these market influences has created an intensely competitive environment in which the Company’s principal customers continuously evaluate which product suppliers to use, resulting in downward pricing pressures and the need for big, consumer-meaningful brands, the ongoing introduction and commercialization of innovative new products, continuing improvements in category management and customer service, and the maintenance of strong relationships with large, high-volume purchasers. The Company competes with numerous manufacturers and distributors of consumer products, many of which are large and well-established. Our Yankee Candle retail stores compete primarily with specialty candle and personal care retailers and a variety of other retailers, including department stores, gift stores and national specialty retailers that carry candles.
The Company’s principal methods of meeting its competitive challenges are creating and maintaining leading brands and differentiated products that deliver superior value and performance; delivering superior customer service and consistent on-time delivery; producing and procuring products at a competitive cost; and experienced management. In addition, the Company focuses on building consumer loyalty and increased consumer demand through increased investment in consumer insights and using those insights to develop innovative products and product features that meet consumers’ needs.
The Company has also positioned itself to respond to the competitive challenges in the retail environment by developing strong relationships with large, high-volume purchasers. The Company markets its strong multi-product offering through virtually every category of high-volume retailers, including discount, drug/grocery and variety chains; warehouse clubs; department, hardware and specialty stores; home centers; office superstores; contract stationers; and e-commerce companies. The Company’s largest customer, Walmart (which includes Sam’s Club), accounted for approximately 13.7%, 13.5% and 10.9% of net sales in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, across substantially all segments. The Company’s top-ten customers in 2017 included (in alphabetical order): amazon, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Costco, Lowe’s, Office Depot, Staples, Target, The Home Depot, Toys ‘R’ Us and Walmart.
Environmental Matters
Information regarding the Company’s environmental matters is included in the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations section of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and in Footnote 19 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and is incorporated by reference herein.
Research and Development
The Company’s research and development efforts focus on developing new, differentiated and innovative products to meet consumers’ needs. The Company’s product development efforts begin with consumer insights. The Company has consolidated its consumer marketing and insight capabilities into a global center of excellence and is investing further to strengthen these capabilities. The Company continues to invest to strengthen its product design, research and development capabilities and has consolidated its design and innovation capabilities into a global center of excellence. The Company’s enhanced marketing and insight and research and development capabilities have been leveraged to implement a new ideation process throughout the business, resulting in idea fragments that feed the development of product concepts.
Information regarding the Company’s research and development costs for each of the past three years is included in Footnote 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and is incorporated by reference herein.
Employees
As of December 31, 2017, the Company had approximately 49,000 employees worldwide. Approximately 12,000 of the Company’s employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements or are located in countries that have collective arrangements decreed by statute. Management believes that our relationships with our employees and collective bargaining unions are satisfactory.

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
The ownership of the Company’s common stock involves a number of risks and uncertainties. Potential investors should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below and the other information in this Annual Report on Form 10-K before deciding whether to invest in the Company’s securities. The Company’s business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially adversely affected by any of these risks. The risks described below are not the only ones facing the Company. Additional risks that are currently unknown to the Company or that the Company currently considers to be immaterial may also impair its business or adversely affect its financial condition or results of operations.
The Company is subject to risks related to its dependence on the strength of retail, commercial and industrial sectors of the economy in various parts of the world.
The Company’s business depends on the strength of the retail, commercial and industrial sectors of the economy in various parts of the world, primarily in North America, and to a lesser extent Europe, Latin America and Asia. These sectors of the economy are affected primarily by factors such as consumer demand and the condition of the retail industry, which, in turn, are affected by general economic conditions. With continuing challenging global economic conditions, particularly outside of the U.S., there has been considerable pressure on consumer demand, and the resulting impact on consumer spending has had and may continue to have an adverse effect on demand for the Company’s products, as well as its financial condition and results of operations. The Company could also be negatively impacted by economic crises in specific countries or regions. Such events could negatively impact the Company’s overall liquidity and/or create significant credit risks relative to its local customers and depository institutions. Consumer demand and the condition of these sectors of the economy may also be impacted by other external factors such as war, terrorism, geopolitical uncertainties, public health issues, natural disasters and other business interruptions. The impact of these external factors is difficult to predict, and one or more of these factors could adversely impact the Company’s business.
The Company is subject to intense competition in a marketplace dominated by large retailers and e-commerce companies.
The Company competes with numerous other manufacturers and distributors of consumer and commercial products, many of which are large and well-established. The Company’s principal customers are large retailers such as discount stores, home centers, warehouse clubs, office superstores, commercial distributors and e-commerce companies. The dominant share of the market represented by these large mass merchandisers, together with changes in consumer shopping patterns, has contributed to the formation of dominant multi-category retailers and e-commerce companies that have strong negotiating power with suppliers. Current trends among retailers and e-commerce companies include fostering high levels of competition among suppliers, demanding innovative new products and products tailored to each of their unique requirements, requiring suppliers to maintain or reduce product prices in response to competitive, economic or other factors, and requiring product delivery with shorter lead times. Other trends are for retailers and e-commerce companies to import products directly from foreign sources and to source and sell products under their own private label brands, typically at lower prices, that compete with the Company’s products.
The combination of these market influences and retailer consolidation has created an intensely competitive environment in which the Company’s principal customers continuously evaluate which product suppliers to use, resulting in downward pricing pressures and the need for big, consumer-meaningful brands, the ongoing introduction and commercialization of innovative new products, continuing improvements in category management and customer service, and the maintenance of strong relationships with large, high-volume purchasers. The Company also faces the risk of changes in the strategy or structure of its major customers, such as overall store and inventory reductions. The intense competition in the retail and e-commerce sectors, combined with the overall economic environment, may result in a number of customers experiencing financial difficulty, or failing in the future. For example, the Company’s results in 2017 were impacted negatively by the reorganization filing of a major customer in the Baby division within the Live segment. In particular, a loss of, or a failure by, one of the Company’s large customers could adversely impact the Company’s sales and operating cash flows. To address these challenges, the Company must be able to respond to competitive factors, and the failure to respond effectively could result in a loss of sales, reduced profitability and a limited ability to recover cost increases through price increases.
The Company’s sales are dependent on purchases from several large customers and any significant decline in these purchases or pressure from these customers to reduce prices could have a negative effect on the Company’s future financial performance.
The Company’s customer base is relatively fragmented. Although the Company has long-established relationships with many customers, the Company generally does not have any long-term supply or binding contracts or guarantees of minimum purchases with its largest customers. Purchases by these customers are generally made using individual purchase orders. As a result, these customers may cancel their orders, change purchase quantities from forecast volumes, delay purchases for a number of reasons beyond the Company’s control or change other terms of the business relationship. Significant or numerous cancellations, reductions, delays in purchases or changes in business practices or by customers could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, because many of the Company’s costs are fixed, a reduction in customer demand could have an adverse effect on the Company’s gross profit margins and operating income.
The Company depends on a continuous flow of new orders from large, high-volume retail customers; however, the Company may be unable to continually meet the needs of these customers. Retailers are increasing their demands on suppliers to:
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reduce lead times for product delivery, which may require the Company to increase inventories and could impact the timing of reported sales;
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improve customer service, such as with direct import programs, whereby product is supplied directly to retailers from third-party suppliers; and
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adopt technologies related to inventory management such as Radio Frequency Identification, otherwise known as RFID technology, which may have substantial implementation costs.
The Company cannot provide any assurance that it can continue to successfully meet the needs of its customers. A substantial decrease in sales to any of its major customers could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.
The Company’s customers may further consolidate, which could materially adversely affect its sales and margins.
The Company’s customers have steadily consolidated over the last two decades. The Company expects any customers that consolidate will take actions to harmonize pricing from their suppliers, close retail outlets and rationalize their supply chain, which could adversely affect the Company’s business and results of operations. There can be no assurance that, following consolidation, the Company’s large customers will continue to buy from the Company across different product categories or geographic regions, or at
the same levels as prior to consolidation, which could negatively impact the Company’s financial results. Further, if the consolidation trend continues, it could result in future pricing and other competitive pressures that could reduce the Company’s sales and margins and have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.
The Company’s plans to continue to improve productivity and reduce complexity and costs may not be successful, which would materially adversely affect its ability to compete.
The Company’s success depends on its ability to continuously improve its manufacturing operations to gain efficiencies, reduce supply chain costs and streamline or redeploy nonstrategic selling, general and administrative expenses in order to produce products at a best-cost position and allow the Company to invest in innovation and brand building, including advertising and promotion. The Company is currently in the process of delivering the cost synergies related to the acquisition of Jarden. Both efforts are global initiatives designed to reduce the complexity of the organization and increase investment in the Company’s most significant growth platforms. Project Renewal and the Company’s cost saving plans associated with the Jarden integration may not be completed substantially as planned, may be more costly to implement than expected, or may not result in, in full or in part, the positive effects anticipated. In addition, such initiatives require the Company to implement a significant amount of organizational change, which could have a negative impact on employee engagement, divert management’s attention from other concerns, and if not properly managed, impact the Company’s ability to retain key employees, cause disruptions in the Company’s day-to-day operations and have a negative impact on the Company’s financial results. It is also possible that other major productivity and streamlining programs may be required in the future.
If the Company is unable to commercialize a continuing stream of new products that create demand, the Company’s ability to compete in the marketplace may be adversely impacted.
The Company’s strategy includes investment in new product development and a focus on innovation. Its long-term success in the competitive retail environment and the industrial and commercial markets depends on its ability to develop and commercialize a continuing stream of innovative new products and line extensions that create demand. New product development and commercialization efforts, including efforts to enter markets or product categories in which the Company has limited or no prior experience, have inherent risks. These risks include the costs involved, such as development and commercialization, product development or launch delays, and the failure of new products and line extensions to achieve anticipated levels of market acceptance or growth in sales or operating income. The Company also faces the risk that its competitors will introduce innovative new products that compete with the Company’s products. In addition, sales generated by new products or line extensions could cause a decline in sales of the Company’s existing products. If new product development and commercialization efforts are not successful, the Company’s financial results could be adversely affected.
If the Company does not continue to develop and maintain leading brands or realize the anticipated benefits of increased advertising and promotion spend, its operating results may suffer.
The Company’s ability to compete successfully also depends increasingly on its ability to develop and maintain leading brands so that the Company’s retailer and other customers will need the Company’s products to meet consumer demand. Leading brands allow the Company to realize economies of scale in its operations. The development and maintenance of such brands require significant investment in brand-building and marketing initiatives. While the Company plans to continue to increase its expenditures for advertising and promotion and other brand-building and marketing initiatives over the long term, the initiatives may not deliver the anticipated results and the results of such initiatives may not cover the costs of the increased investment.
The Company incurred substantial additional indebtedness in connection with the Jarden Acquisition which could materially adversely affect the Company and its financial position, including decreasing its business flexibility and increasing its borrowing costs.
The Company incurred an additional $6.5 billion of debt (excluding approximately $4.1 billion of Jarden debt refinanced in connection with the acquisition) in connection with the completion of the Jarden Acquisition. Following completion of the Jarden Acquisition, the Company substantially increased its debt compared to its recent historical levels. This increased level of debt will increase the Company’s interest expense and could have the effect, among other things, of reducing the Company’s flexibility to respond to changing business and economic conditions. In addition, if the Company is unable to timely reduce its level of indebtedness, the Company will be subject to increased demands on its cash resources, which could increase its total debt-to-capitalization ratios, decrease its interest coverage ratios, result in a breach of covenants or otherwise adversely affect the business and financial results of the Company.
An increase in interest rates could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business.
While the vast majority of the Company’s debt is fixed, fluctuations in interest rates can increase borrowing costs on the portion that is variable and interest rate increases on this portion of the company’s debt could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business. In response to the last global economic recession, extraordinary monetary policy actions of the U.S. Federal Reserve and
other central banking institutions, including the utilization of quantitative easing, were taken to create and maintain a low interest rate environment. However, in both December 2015 and December 2016, the U.S. Federal Reserve raised its benchmark interest rate, each time by a quarter of a percentage point. In 2017, the U.S. Federal Reserve again raised its benchmark interest rate in March, June and December, each time by a quarter of a percentage point. While it is unclear whether such action over the last three years suggests a change in previous monetary policy positions, any such change or market expectation of such change may result in significantly higher long-term interest rates. Such a transition may be abrupt and may, among other things, reduce the availability and/or increase the costs of obtaining new debt and refinancing existing indebtedness.
If the Company is unable to make strategic acquisitions and to integrate its acquired businesses, the Company’s future growth and profitability could be adversely impacted.
The Company’s ability to continue to make strategic acquisitions and to integrate the acquired businesses successfully remain important factors in the Company’s future growth. In 2017, the Company completed the acquisitions of Sistema Plastics, a New Zealand-based provider of food storage containers primarily under the Sistema® brand, Smith Mountain Industries, a provider of home fragrance products, primarily under the WoodWick® Candle and Chesapeake Bay Candle® brands, a leading developer, manufacturer and marketer of premium candles and other home fragrance products, focused on consumer wellness and natural fragrance. In April 2016, the Company completed the acquisition of Jarden Corporation, which had recently acquired Jostens, Inc. and Waddington Group Inc. The Company’s ability to successfully integrate these or any other acquired business is dependent upon its ability to identify suitable acquisition candidates, integrate and manage product lines that have been acquired, obtain anticipated cost savings and operating income improvements within a reasonable period of time, assume unknown liabilities, known contingent liabilities that become realized or known liabilities that prove greater than anticipated, and manage unanticipated demands on the Company’s management, operational resources and financial and internal control systems. Furthermore, the Company’s ability to finance major acquisitions may be adversely affected by the Company’s financial position and access to credit markets. In addition, significant additional borrowings would increase the Company’s borrowing costs and could adversely affect its credit rating and could constrain the Company’s future access to capital. The Company may not successfully manage these or other risks it may encounter in acquiring and integrating a business or product line, which could have a material adverse effect on its business.
Circumstances associated with divestitures and product line exits could adversely affect the Company’s results of operations and financial condition.
The Company continually evaluates the performance and strategic fit of its businesses and products. In June 2016, the Company completed the sale of its Décor business, which comprised its Levolor® and Kirsch® window coverings brands. In March 2017, the Company completed the sale of its Tools business which comprised the Irwin® Lenox® and hilmor® brands. In July 2017, the Company completed the sale of its Winter Sports business, which included the Völkl® and K2® brands. In the third quarter of 2017, the Company completed the sale of the remaining portions of its Rubbermaid® consumer storage totes business. The Company may decide to sell or discontinue other businesses or products in the future based on an evaluation of performance and strategic fit. On January 25, 2018, the Company announced that it will explore a series of strategic initiatives to accelerate its transformation plan, improve operational performance and enhance shareholder value. The components of that plan include exploring the sale of a number of the industrial, commercial and small consumer businesses such as Waddington; Process Solutions; Rubbermaid Commercial Products; Mapa; Rawlings; Goody; Rubbermaid Outdoor, Closet, Refuse and Garage; and US Playing Cards. A decision to divest or discontinue a business or product may result in asset impairments, including those related to goodwill and other intangible assets, and losses upon disposition, both of which could have an adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations and financial condition. In addition, the Company may encounter difficulty in finding buyers or executing alternative exit strategies at acceptable prices and terms and in a timely manner and prospective buyers may have difficulty obtaining financing. Divestitures and business discontinuations could involve additional risks, including the following:
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difficulties in the separation of operations, services, products and personnel;
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the diversion of management’s attention from other business concerns;
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the retention of certain current or future liabilities in order to induce a buyer to complete a divestiture;
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the disruption of the Company’s business; and
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the potential loss of key employees.
The Company may not be successful in managing these or any other significant risks that it may encounter in divesting or discontinuing a business or exiting product lines, which could have a material adverse effect on its business.
The Company’s operating results can be adversely affected by changes in the cost or availability of raw materials, energy, transportation and other necessary supplies and services.
Pricing and availability of raw materials, energy, transportation and other necessary supplies and services for use in the Company’s businesses can be volatile due to numerous factors beyond its control, including general, domestic and international economic conditions, natural disasters, labor costs, production levels, competition, consumer demand, import duties and tariffs and currency exchange rates. For example, in 2017 the Company’s results were negatively impacted by raw material and transportation cost inflation and shortages resulting from hurricanes in the United States. This volatility can significantly affect the availability and cost of raw materials, energy, transportation and other supplies and services for the Company, and may, therefore, have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.
The Company’s success is dependent, in part, on its continued ability to reduce its exposure to increases in those costs through a variety of programs, including periodic purchases, future delivery purchases, long-term contracts, sales price adjustments and certain derivative instruments, while maintaining and improving margins and market share. Also, the Company relies on third-party manufacturers as a source for its products. These manufacturers are also subject to price volatility and labor cost and other inflationary pressures, which may, in turn, result in an increase in the amount the Company pays for sourced products. During periods of rising prices of raw materials, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to pass any portion of such increases on to customers. Conversely, when raw material prices decline, customer demands for lower prices could result in lower sale prices and, to the extent the Company has existing inventory, lower margins. As a result, fluctuations in raw material prices could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.
Some of the products the Company manufactures require particular types of glass, metal, paper, plastic, resin, wax, wood or other materials. Supply shortages for a particular type of material can delay production or cause increases in the cost of manufacturing the Company’s products. This could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.
The Company’s operations are dependent upon third-party vendors and suppliers whose failure to perform adequately could disrupt the Company’s business operations.
The Company currently sources a significant portion of parts and products from third parties. The Company’s ability to select and retain reliable vendors and suppliers who provide timely deliveries of quality parts and products will impact the Company’s success in meeting customer demand for timely delivery of quality products. In many cases, the Company does not enter into long-term contracts with its primary vendors and suppliers, instead buying parts and products on a “purchase order” basis. As a result, the Company may be subject to unexpected changes in pricing or supply of products.
The ability of third-party suppliers to timely deliver finished goods and/or raw materials, and the ability of the Company’s own facilities to timely deliver finished goods, may be affected by events beyond their control, such as inability of shippers to timely deliver merchandise due to work stoppages or slowdowns, or significant weather and health conditions affecting manufacturers and/or shippers. Any adverse change in the Company’s relationships with its third-party suppliers, the financial condition of third-party suppliers, the ability of third-party suppliers to manufacture and deliver outsourced parts or products on a timely basis, or the Company’s ability to import products from third-party suppliers or its own facilities could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.
In addition, the financial condition of the Company’s vendors and suppliers may be adversely affected by general economic conditions, such as credit difficulties and the uncertain macroeconomic environment in recent years. In addition, in some instances the Company maintains single-source or limited-source sourcing relationships, either because multiple sources are not available or the relationship is advantageous due to performance, quality, support, delivery, capacity or price considerations. For example, certain businesses in the Baby division have a single source of supply for products that comprise a majority of their sales and which owns intellectual property rights in respect of many of those products. Should any of these single source suppliers fail to manufacture sufficient supply, go out of business or discontinue a particular component, the Company may not be able to find alternative vendors and suppliers in a timely manner, if at all. Any inability of the Company’s vendors and suppliers to timely deliver quality parts and products or any unanticipated change in supply, quality or pricing of products could be disruptive and costly to the Company.
The Company cannot assure you that it could quickly or effectively replace any of its suppliers if the need arose, and the Company cannot assure you that it could retrieve tooling and molds possessed by any of its third-party suppliers. The Company’s dependence on these few suppliers could also adversely affect its ability to react quickly and effectively to changes in the market for its products.
Changes in foreign, cultural, political and financial market conditions could impair the Company’s international operations and financial performance.
Some of the Company’s operations are conducted or products are sold in countries where economic growth has slowed, such as Brazil; or where economies have suffered economic, social and/or political instability or hyperinflation; or where the ability to repatriate funds has been significantly delayed or impaired. Current government economic and fiscal policies in these economies, including stimulus measures and currency exchange rates and controls, may not be sustainable and, as a result, the Company’s sales or
profits related to those countries may decline. The economies of other foreign countries important to the Company’s operations could also suffer slower economic growth or economic, social and/or political instability or hyperinflation in the future. The Company’s international operations (and particularly its business in emerging markets), including manufacturing and sourcing operations (and the international operations of the Company’s customers), are subject to inherent risks which could adversely affect the Company, including, among other things:
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protectionist policies restricting or impairing the manufacturing, sales or import and export of the Company’s products;
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new restrictions on access to markets;
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lack of developed infrastructure;
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inflation (including hyperinflation) or recession;
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devaluations or fluctuations in the value of currencies;
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changes in and the burdens and costs of compliance with a variety of laws and regulations, including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, tax laws, accounting standards, trade protection measures and import and export licensing requirements, environmental laws and occupational health and safety laws;
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social, political or economic instability;
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acts of war and terrorism;
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natural disasters or other crises;
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reduced protection of intellectual property rights;
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increases in duties and taxation;
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restrictions on transfer of funds and/or exchange of currencies;
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expropriation of assets or forced relocations of operations; and
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other adverse changes in policies, including monetary, tax and/or lending policies, encouraging foreign investment or foreign trade by host countries.
Should any of these risks occur, the Company’s ability to manufacture, source, sell or export its products or repatriate profits could be impaired; the Company could experience a loss of sales and profitability from its international operations; and/or the Company could experience a substantial impairment or loss of assets, any of which could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s business.
The Company has foreign currency translation and transaction risks that may materially adversely affect the Company’s operating results, financial condition and liquidity.
The financial position and results of operations of many of the Company’s international subsidiaries are initially recorded in various foreign currencies and then translated into U.S. Dollars at the applicable exchange rate for inclusion in the Company’s financial statements. The strengthening of the U.S. Dollar against these foreign currencies ordinarily has a negative impact on the Company’s reported sales, operating margin and operating income (and conversely, the weakening of the U.S. Dollar has a positive impact). For the year ended December 31, 2017, foreign currency favorably affected reported sales by $34 million compared to prior year; however, the volatility of foreign exchange rates is unpredictable and could materially adversely affect the Company’s operating results.
The Company realizes margin impacts from changes in foreign currency because the Company’s costs for produced and sourced products are largely denominated in U.S. Dollars, and the Company’s international operations generally sell the Company’s products at prices denominated in local currencies. When local currencies decline in value relative to the U.S. Dollar in the regions in which the Company sells products whose costs are denominated in U.S. Dollars, the Company’s international businesses would need to increase the local currency sales prices of the products and/or reduce costs through productivity or other initiatives in order to maintain the same level of profitability. The Company may not be able to increase the selling prices of its products in its international businesses due to market dynamics, competition or otherwise and may not realize cost reductions through productivity or other initiatives. As a result, gross margins and overall operating results of the Company’s international businesses would be adversely affected when the U.S. Dollar strengthens.
The Company has been adversely impacted by developments in Venezuela, including the significant devaluations of the Venezuelan Bolivar that have occurred in recent years, the declining availability of U.S. Dollars and the implementation of pricing and exchange controls in Venezuela. As of December 31, 2015, the Company determined that it no longer could exercise control over the operations of its Venezuela subsidiary. Accordingly, the Company deconsolidated its Venezuela subsidiary on December 31, 2015 and recorded a pretax charge of $173 million.
Future government actions, including but not limited to, currency devaluations, import authorization controls, foreign exchange controls, price or profit controls or expropriation or other forms of government take-over, could adversely impact the Company’s business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
See Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Footnote 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.
A failure of one or more key information technology systems, networks, processes, associated sites or service providers could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s business or reputation.
The Company relies extensively on information technology (IT) systems, networks and services, including Internet sites, data hosting and processing facilities and tools and other hardware, software and technical applications and platforms, some of which are managed, hosted, provided and/or used by third parties or their vendors, to assist in conducting business. The various uses of these IT systems, networks and services include, but are not limited to:
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ordering and managing materials from suppliers;
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converting materials to finished products;
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shipping products to customers;
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marketing and selling products to consumers;
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collecting and storing customer, consumer, employee, investor and other stakeholder information and personal data;
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processing transactions;
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summarizing and reporting results of operations;
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hosting, processing and sharing confidential and proprietary research, business plans and financial information;
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complying with regulatory, legal or tax requirements;
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providing data security; and
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handling other processes necessary to manage the Company’s business.
Increased IT security threats and more sophisticated computer crime, including advanced persistent threats, pose a potential risk to the security of the Company’s IT systems, networks and services, as well as the confidentiality, availability and integrity of the Company’s data. The Company’s operations, especially its retail operations, involve the storage and transmission of employees’, customers’ and consumers’ proprietary information, such as credit card and bank account numbers. The Company’s payment services may be susceptible to credit card and other payment fraud schemes, including unauthorized use of credit cards, debit cards or bank account information, identity theft or merchant fraud. If the IT systems, networks or service providers relied upon fail to function properly, or if the Company suffers a loss or disclosure of customers’ and consumers’ data, business or stakeholder information, due to any number of causes, ranging from catastrophic events to power outages to security breaches, and business continuity plans do not effectively address these failures on a timely basis, the Company may suffer interruptions in its ability to manage operations, a risk of government enforcement action, litigation and possible liability, and reputational, competitive and/or business harm, which may adversely impact the Company’s results of operations and/or financial condition.
As techniques used to obtain unauthorized access or to sabotage systems change frequently and generally are not recognized until launched against a target, the Company may be unable to anticipate these techniques or implement adequate preventative measures. If an actual or perceived breach of the Company’s security occurs, the public perception of the effectiveness of the Company’s security measures could be harmed and the Company could lose customers and consumers, which could adversely affect its business.
Impairment charges could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial results.
Future events may occur that would adversely affect the reported value of the Company’s assets and require impairment charges. Such events may include, but are not limited to, strategic decisions made in response to changes in economic and competitive conditions, the impact of the economic environment on the Company’s sales and customer base, the unfavorable resolution of litigation, a material adverse change in the Company’s relationship with significant customers or business partners, or a sustained decline in the Company’s stock price. The Company continues to evaluate the impact of economic and other developments on the Company and its business units to assess whether impairment indicators are present. Accordingly, the Company may be required to perform impairment tests based on changes in the economic environment and other factors, and these tests could result in impairment charges in the future.
The Company’s businesses and operations are subject to regulation in the U.S. and abroad.
Changes in laws, regulations and related interpretations may alter the environment in which the Company does business. This includes changes in environmental, competitive and product-related laws, as well as changes in accounting standards, taxation and other regulations. Accordingly, the Company’s ability to manage regulatory, tax and legal matters (including environmental, human resource, product liability, patent and intellectual property matters), and to resolve pending legal and environmental matters without significant liability could require the Company to record significant reserves in excess of amounts accrued to date or pay significant fines during a reporting period, which could materially impact the Company’s results. In addition, new regulations may be enacted in the U.S. or abroad that may require the Company to incur additional personnel-related, environmental or other costs on an ongoing basis, significantly restrict the Company’s ability to sell certain products, or incur fines or penalties for noncompliance, any of which could adversely affect the Company’s results of operations.
As a U.S.-based multinational company, the Company is also subject to tax regulations in the U.S. and multiple foreign jurisdictions, some of which are interdependent. If these or other tax regulations should change, the Company’s financial results could be materially impacted. See Footnote 16 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.
The Company may incur significant costs in order to comply with environmental remediation obligations.
In addition to operational standards, environmental laws also impose obligations on various entities to clean up contaminated properties or to pay for the cost of such remediation, often upon parties that did not actually cause the contamination. Accordingly, the Company may be liable, either contractually or by operation of law, for remediation costs even if the contaminated property is not presently owned or operated by the Company, is a landfill or other location where it has disposed wastes, or if the contamination was caused by third parties during or prior to the Company’s ownership or operation of the property. Given the nature of the past industrial operations conducted by the Company and others at these properties, there can be no assurance that all potential instances of soil or groundwater contamination have been identified, even for those properties where an environmental site assessment has been conducted. The Company does not believe that any of the Company’s existing remediation obligations, including at third-party sites where it has been named a potentially responsible party, will have a material adverse effect upon its business, results of operations or financial condition. However, future events, such as changes in existing laws or policies or their enforcement, or the discovery of currently unknown contamination, may give rise to additional remediation liabilities that may be material. See “Environmental Matters” under Footnote 19 of the Notes to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 for a further discussion of these and other environmental-related matters.
The Company may not be able to attract, retain and develop key personnel.
The Company’s success at implementing Project Renewal, the Growth Game Plan, the integration of Jarden and its future performance depends in significant part upon the continued service of its executive officers and other key personnel. The loss of the services of one or more executive officers or other key employees could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations. The Company’s success also depends, in part, on its continuing ability to attract, retain and develop highly qualified personnel. Competition for such personnel is intense, and there can be no assurance that the Company can retain its key employees or attract, assimilate and retain other highly qualified personnel in the future.
The resolution of the Company’s tax contingencies may result in additional tax liabilities, which could adversely impact the Company’s cash flows and results of operations.
The Company is subject to income tax in the U.S. and numerous jurisdictions outside the U.S. Significant estimation and judgment are required in determining the Company’s worldwide provision for income taxes. In the ordinary course of the Company’s business, there are many transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. The Company is regularly under audit by various worldwide tax authorities. Although the Company believes its tax estimates are reasonable, the final outcome of tax audits and related litigation could be materially different than that reflected in its historical income tax provisions and accruals. There can be no assurance that the resolution of any audits or litigation will not have an adverse effect on future operating results.
The Company’s business involves the potential for product recalls, product liability and other claims against it, which could affect its earnings and financial condition.
As a manufacturer and distributor of consumer products, the Company is subject to the Consumer Products Safety Act of 1972, which empowers the Consumer Products Safety Commission to exclude from the market products that are found to be unsafe or hazardous, and similar laws under foreign jurisdictions. Under certain circumstances, the Consumer Products Safety Commission or a comparable foreign agency could require the Company to repurchase or recall one or more of its products. Additionally, other laws and agencies, such as the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, regulate certain consumer products sold by the Company in the United States and abroad, and more restrictive laws and regulations may be adopted in the future. Any repurchase or recall of the Company’s products could be costly and damaging to the Company’s reputation. If the Company were required to remove, or it voluntarily removed, its products from the market, the Company’s reputation could be tarnished and the Company might have large quantities of finished products that it could not sell. The Company also faces exposure to product liability claims in the event that one of its products is alleged to have resulted in property damage, bodily injury or other adverse effects. In addition to the risk of substantial monetary judgments or fines or penalties that may result from any governmental investigations, product liability claims or regulatory actions could result in negative publicity that could harm the Company’s reputation in the marketplace, adversely impact the value of its end-user brands, or result in an increase in the cost of producing the Company’s products.
Although the Company maintains product liability insurance in amounts that it believes are reasonable, that insurance is, in most cases, subject to large self-insured retentions for which the Company is responsible, and the Company cannot assure you that it will be able to maintain such insurance on acceptable terms, if at all, in the future or that product liability claims will not exceed the amount of insurance coverage. Additionally, the Company does not maintain product recall insurance. As a result, product recalls or product liability claims could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, the Company faces potential other types of litigation arising out of alleged defects in its products or otherwise, such as class action lawsuits. The Company does not maintain insurance against many types of claims involving alleged defects in its products that do not involve personal injury or property damage. The Company spends substantial resources ensuring compliance with governmental and other applicable standards. However, compliance with these standards does not necessarily prevent individual or class action lawsuits, which can entail significant cost and risk. As a result, these types of claims could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.
The Company’s product liability insurance program is an occurrence-based program based on its current and historical claims experience and the availability and cost of insurance. The Company currently either self-insures or administers a high retention insurance program for most product liability risks. Historically, product liability awards have rarely exceeded the Company’s individual per occurrence self-insured retention. The Company cannot assure you, however, that its future product liability experience will be consistent with its past experience or that claims and awards subject to self-insured retention will not be material.
See Footnote 19 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 for a further discussion of these and other regulatory and litigation-related matters.
If the Company fails to adequately protect its intellectual property rights, competitors may manufacture and market similar products, which could adversely affect the Company’s market share and results of operations.
The Company’s success with its proprietary products depends, in part, on its ability to protect its current and future technologies and products and to defend its intellectual property rights, including its patent and trademark rights. If the Company fails to adequately protect its intellectual property rights, competitors may manufacture and market similar products.
The Company holds numerous design and utility patents covering a wide variety of products. The Company cannot be sure that it will receive patents for any of its patent applications or that any existing or future patents that it receives or licenses will provide competitive advantages for its products. The Company also cannot be sure that competitors will not challenge, invalidate or avoid the application of any existing or future patents that the Company receives or licenses. In addition, patent rights may not prevent competitors from developing, using or selling products that are similar or functionally equivalent to the Company’s products.
A reduction in the Company’s credit ratings could materially and adversely affect its business, financial condition and results of operations.
The Company’s credit ratings impact the cost and availability of future borrowings and, accordingly, the Company’s cost of capital. The Company’s credit ratings reflect each rating organization’s opinion of its financial strength, operating performance and ability to meet its debt obligations. The Company cannot be sure that any of its current ratings will remain in effect for any given period of time or that a rating will not be lowered by a rating agency if, in its judgment, circumstances in the future so warrant. A downgrade by Moody’s Investor Services, Inc. (“Moody’s”) or Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services (“Standard & Poor’s”), which would reduce the Company’s senior debt below investment-grade, would increase the Company’s borrowing costs, which would adversely affect the Company’s financial results. Specifically, the interest rate payable on Notes issued in March 2016 are subject to adjustment from time to time if either Moody’s or Standard & Poor’s downgrades (or subsequently upgrades) its rating assigned to the Notes, though the interest on these notes will permanently cease to be subject to any adjustment (notwithstanding any subsequent decrease in ratings by either credit Rating Agency), if such Notes become rated “Baa1” or higher by Moody’s and “BBB+” or higher by Standard & Poors, in each case with stable or positive outlook. In addition, in the event of a reduction in credit rating, the Company would likely be
required to pay a higher interest rate in future financings, and its potential pool of investors and funding sources could decrease. If the Company’s short-term ratings were to be lowered, it would limit, or eliminate entirely, the Company’s access to the commercial paper market. The ratings from credit agencies are not recommendations to buy, sell or hold the Company’s securities, and each rating should be evaluated independently of any other rating.
The level of returns on pension and postretirement plan assets and the actuarial assumptions used for valuation purposes could affect the Company’s earnings and cash flows in future periods. Changes in government regulations could also affect the Company’s pension and postretirement plan expenses and funding requirements.
The funding obligations for the Company’s pension plans are impacted by the performance of the financial markets, particularly the equity markets, and interest rates. Funding obligations are determined under government regulations and are measured each year based on the value of assets and liabilities on a specific date. If the financial markets do not provide the long-term returns that are expected under the governmental funding calculations, the Company could be required to make larger contributions. The equity markets can be very volatile, and therefore the Company’s estimate of future contribution requirements can change dramatically in relatively short periods of time. Similarly, changes in interest rates and legislation enacted by governmental authorities can impact the timing and amounts of contribution requirements. An adverse change in the funded status of the plans could significantly increase the Company’s required contributions in the future and adversely impact its liquidity.
Assumptions used in determining projected benefit obligations and the fair value of plan assets for the Company’s pension and postretirement benefit plans are determined by the Company in consultation with outside actuaries. In the event that the Company determines that changes are warranted in the assumptions used, such as the discount rate, expected long-term rate of return on assets, expected health care costs, or mortality rates, the Company’s future pension and postretirement benefit expenses could increase or decrease. Due to changing market conditions or changes in the participant population, the assumptions that the Company uses may differ from actual results, which could have a significant impact on the Company’s pension and postretirement liabilities and related costs and funding requirements.
Damage to the Company’s reputation could have an adverse effect on the Company’s business.
Maintaining the Company’s strong reputation with consumers and suppliers worldwide is critical to the Company’s continued success. Adverse publicity about the Company, its brands, corporate practices, or any other issue that may be associated with the Company, whether or not deserved, could jeopardize that reputation. Such adverse publicity could come from traditional sources such as government investigations or public or private litigation, but may also arise from negative comments on social media regarding the Company or its brands. Damage to the Company’s reputation or a loss of consumer confidence in the Company’s brands could adversely affect the Company’s business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition, as well as require resources to repair the harm.
Governmental investigations or actions by other third parties could have a material adverse effect on management and the Company’s business operations.
The Company is subject to various federal, state and foreign laws and regulations. Responding to governmental investigations or actions by regulatory bodies may be both time-consuming and disruptive to the Company’s operations and could divert the attention of management and key personnel from the Company’s business operations. The impact of these and other investigations and lawsuits could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position and results of operations.
A deterioration in labor relations could adversely impact the Company’s global business.
As of December 31, 2017, the Company had approximately 49,000 employees, 12,000 of whom are covered by collective bargaining agreements or are located in countries that have collective arrangements decreed by statute. The Company periodically negotiates with certain unions representing Company employees and may be subject to work stoppages or may be unable to renew such collective bargaining agreements on the same or similar terms, or at all, all of which may have a material adverse effect on the business of the Company.
A potential proxy contest for the election of directors at our annual meeting could result in potential operational disruption, divert our resources and could potentially result in adverse consequences under certain of our debt documents and other agreements.
On February 8, 2018, Starboard Value and Opportunity Master Fund Ltd. (“Starboard”) delivered a letter to us nominating 10 director candidates for election to the Board at our 2018 annual meeting of shareholders (the “2018 Annual Meeting”). If Starboard is successful, it is possible that Starboard-nominated directors could constitute a majority of the Board following the 2018 Annual Meeting.
A proxy contest would require us to incur significant legal fees and proxy solicitation expenses and could result in potential operational disruption. Further, any perceived uncertainties as to our future direction and control could result in the loss of potential business opportunities and may make it more difficult to attract and retain qualified personnel and business partners, any of which could adversely affect our business and operating results.
If Starboard is able to replace a majority of our existing Board members, such a substantial Board turnover may constitute a change of control for purposes of our indentures and notes issued thereunder. In such event, absent amendment, consent or other action, certain outstanding series of our debt may require that we make a change of control offer at 101% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued interest if the change of control is accompanied by a rating event, which generally would require, among other things, a downgrade of our debt rating below investment grade by two of the three rating agencies within specified time periods. In addition, a change of control under these notes could, absent amendment, consent or other action, trigger a termination event under our securitization facility. In the event Starboard proceeds with its threatened election contest, the Company and its Board will evaluate what amendments, consents, determinations or technical actions could or should be made to address the potential adverse consequences to the Company from a potential change of control with respect to any outstanding indebtedness.
Further, a change in a majority of the Board may, under certain circumstances, result in a change of control under employment security agreements we have with our executive management, as well as our 2013 Incentive Plan and equity based awards issued thereunder. Pursuant to the agreements and awards, certain payments and vesting provisions may be triggered following a change of control, either immediately or conditioned upon a qualifying termination that occurs within 24 months of any such change of control.
The occurrence of any of the foregoing events could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

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ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
Not applicable.

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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Our corporate offices are located in leased office space in Hoboken, New Jersey, Atlanta, Georgia, Boca Raton, Florida and Norwalk, Connecticut. The Company owns or leases and operates 48 facilities in North America and 50 facilities outside North America that are primarily used for manufacturing. The Company also owns or leases and operates 102 facilities in North America and 48 facilities outside North America that are primarily used as regional distribution centers and warehouses.
At December 31, 2017, the Company and its subsidiaries lease or own facilities throughout the U.S., some of which have multiple buildings and warehouses encompassing approximately 36 million square feet. We lease or own international facilities encompassing approximately 17 million square feet primarily in Asia, Canada, Europe and Latin America.
Aside from the principal properties described above, the Company leases many offices worldwide for sales and administrative purposes. The Company leases approximately 595 Yankee Candle retail stores retail stores worldwide.
In general, our properties are well-maintained, considered adequate and are utilized for their intended purposes. See Footnote 7 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Property, Plant and Equipment, which discloses amounts invested in land, buildings and machinery and equipment. Also, see Footnote 12 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Commitments, to our Consolidated Financial Statements, which discloses the Company’s operating lease commitments.

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
ITEM 3 - ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION AND BY-LAWS
3.1
Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Newell Brands Inc., as amended as of April 15, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 15, 2016, File No. 001-09608).
3.2
By-Laws of Newell Brands Inc., as amended April 15, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 15, 2016, File No. 001-09608).

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ITEM 4. RESERVED
ITEM 4 - INSTRUMENTS DEFINING THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS, INCLUDING INDENTURES
4.1
Indenture dated as of November 1, 1995, between Newell Rubbermaid Inc. and The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A. (as successor to JPMorgan Chase Bank, formerly known as The Chase Manhattan Bank (National Association)), as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 3, 1996, File No. 001-09608).
4.2
Indenture, dated as of June 14, 2012, between Newell Rubbermaid Inc. and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 11, 2012, File No. 001-09608).
4.3
Indenture, dated as of November 19, 2014, between Newell Rubbermaid Inc. and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 14, 2014, File No. 001.09608).
4.4
Specimen Stock Certificate for Newell Brands Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2016, File No. 001-09608).
4.5
Form of 6.25% Notes due 2018 issued pursuant to an Indenture dated as of November 1, 1995, between Newell Rubbermaid Inc. and The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A. (as successor to JPMorgan Chase Bank, formerly known as The Chase Manhattan Bank (National Association)), as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 25, 2008, File No. 001-09608).
4.6
Form of 4.70% Notes due 2020 issued pursuant to an Indenture dated as of November 1, 1995, between Newell Rubbermaid Inc. and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. (as successor to JPMorgan Chase Bank, formerly known as The Chase Manhattan Bank (National Association)), as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 2, 2010, File No. 001-09608).
4.7
Form of 4.000% Note due 2022 issued pursuant to the Indenture, dated as of June 14, 2012, between Newell Rubbermaid Inc. and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 11, 2012, File No. 001-09608).
4.8
Form of 2.050% Note due 2017 issued pursuant to the Indenture, dated as of June 14, 2012, between Newell Rubbermaid Inc. and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 29, 2012, File No. 001-09608).
4.9
Form of 2.875% Note due 2019 issued pursuant to the Indenture, dated as of November 19, 2014, between Newell Rubbermaid Inc. and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 14, 2014, File No. 001-09608).
4.10
Form of 4.000% Note due 2024 issued pursuant to the Indenture, dated as of November 19, 2014, between Newell Rubbermaid Inc. and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 14, 2014, File No. 001-09608).
4.11
Form of 2.150% Note due 2018 issued pursuant to the Indenture, dated as of November 19, 2014, between Newell Rubbermaid Inc. and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 14, 2015, File No. 001-09608).
4.12
Form of 3.900% Note due 2025 issued pursuant to the Indenture, dated as of November 19, 2014, between Newell Rubbermaid Inc. and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 14, 2015, File No. 001-09608).
4.13
Form of 2.600% note due 2019 issued pursuant to the Indenture, dated as of November 19, 2014, between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 18, 2016, File No. 001-09608).
4.14
Form of 3.150% note due 2021 issued pursuant to the Indenture, dated as of November 19, 2014, between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 18, 2016, File No. 001-09608).
4.15
Form of 3.850% note due 2023 issued pursuant to the Indenture, dated as of November 19, 2014, between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 18, 2016, File No. 001-09608).
4.16
Form of 4.200% note due 2026 issued pursuant to the Indenture, dated as of November 19, 2014, between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 18, 2016, File No. 001-09608).
4.17
Form of 5.375% note due 2036 issued pursuant to the Indenture, dated as of November 19, 2014, between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 18, 2016, File No. 001-09608).
4.18
Form of 5.500% note due 2046 issued pursuant to the Indenture, dated as of November 19, 2014, between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 18, 2016, File No. 001-09608).
4.19
Form of 3 3/4% note due 2021 issued pursuant to the Indenture, dated as of November 19, 2014, between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.19 to Newell’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, File No. 001-09608).
4.20
Form of 5% note due 2023 issued pursuant to the Indenture, dated as of November 19, 2014, between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.20 to Newell’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, File No. 001-09608).
Pursuant to item 601(b)(4)(iii)(A) of Regulation S-K, the Company is not filing certain documents. The Company agrees to furnish a copy of each such document upon the request of the Commission.
ITEM 10 - MATERIAL CONTRACTS
10.1*
Newell Rubbermaid Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan as amended and restated August 5, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2013, File No. 001-09608).
10.2*
First Amendment to the Newell Rubbermaid Inc. 2008 Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended, dated August 9, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 9, 2017 File No. 001-09608).
10.3*
Newell Rubbermaid Inc. 2002 Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended and restated as of January 1, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2004, File No. 001-09608).
10.4*
Newell Rubbermaid Inc. Deferred Compensation Plans Trust Agreement, effective as of June 1, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2013, File No. 001-09608).
10.5*
Newell Rubbermaid Inc. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, effective January 1, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Company’s Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, File No. 001-09608).
10.6*
First Amendment to the Newell Rubbermaid Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan dated August 5, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2013, File No. 001-09608).
10.7*
Newell Brands Supplemental Employee Savings Plan, dated January 1, 2018.
10.8*
Rexair LLC Retirement Savings and Investment Plan, as amended and restated, dated January 1, 2018.
10.9*
Newell Brands Employee Savings Plan, as amended and restated, dated January 1, 2018.
10.10*
Newell Rubbermaid Severance Plan - Summary Plan Description for Executives in Bands 10 and above, effective July 1, 2014 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2014, File No. 001-09608).
10.11*
Newell Rubbermaid Inc. 2003 Stock Plan, as amended and restated effective February 8, 2006, and as amended effective August 9, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Appendix B to the Company’s Proxy Statement, dated April 3, 2006, and Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2006, File No. 001-09608).
10.12*
Newell Rubbermaid Inc. 2010 Stock Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 11, 2010, File No. 001-09608).
10.13*
First Amendment to the Newell Rubbermaid Inc. 2010 Stock Plan dated July 1, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2011, File No. 001-09608).
10.14*
Newell Rubbermaid Inc. 2013 Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Appendix B to the Company’s Proxy Statement dated March 28, 2013, File No. 001-09608).
10.15*
Newell Brands Inc. Management Bonus Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 8, 2017, File No. 001-09608).
10.16*
Forms of Stock Option Agreement under the Newell Rubbermaid Inc. 2003 Stock Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, File No. 001-09608).
10.17*
Form of Michael B. Polk Stock Option Agreement for July 18, 2011 Award (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 18, 2011, File No. 001-09608).
10.18*
Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement of Mark Tarchetti dated May 10, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2016, File No. 001-09608).
10.19*
Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement of Ralph Nicoletti dated June 8, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2016, File No. 001-09608).
10.20*
Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement of Fiona Laird, dated May 31, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, File No. 001-09608).
10.21*
Form of Agreement for Restricted Stock Unit Award Granted to Paula S. Larson on December 16, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23 to the Company’s Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, File No. 001-09608).
10.22*
2014 Restricted Stock Unit Equivalent Award Agreement dated as of December 28, 2015 between Newell Rubbermaid Inc. and Mark S. Tarchetti (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 22, 2015, File No. 001-09608).
10.23*
2015 Restricted Stock Unit Equivalent Award Agreement dated as of December 28, 2015 between Newell Rubbermaid Inc. and Mark S. Tarchetti (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 22, 2015, File No. 001-09608).
10.24*
Long-Term Incentive Performance Pay Terms and Conditions under the Newell Rubbermaid Inc. 2013 Incentive Plan for 2014 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2014, File No. 001-09608).
10.25*
Long-Term Incentive Performance Pay Terms and Conditions under the Newell Rubbermaid Inc. 2013 Incentive Plan, as updated February 10, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 10, 2015, File No. 001-09608).
10.26*
Long-Term Incentive Performance Pay Terms and Conditions under the Newell Rubbermaid Inc. 2013 Incentive Plan, as amended May 10, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 10, 2016, File No. 001-09608).
10.27*
Long-Term Incentive Performance Pay Terms and Conditions under the Newell Rubbermaid Inc. 2013 Incentive Plan, as amended on February 8, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 8, 2017, File No. 001-09608).
10.28*
Form of Stock Option Agreement under the Newell Rubbermaid Inc. 2010 Stock Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2010, File No. 001-09608, File No. 001-09608).
10.29*
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under the Newell Rubbermaid Inc. 2010 Stock Plan for 2013 Awards (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2013, File No. 001-09608).
10.30*
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under the Newell Rubbermaid Inc. 2013 Incentive Plan for Awards to Employees (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2013, File No. 001-09608).
10.31*
Form of 2017 Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under the Newell Rubbermaid Inc. 2013 Incentive Plan for Employees, as amended May 9, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2017, File No. 001-09608).
10.32*
Form of Non-Employee Director Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under the Newell Rubbermaid Inc. 2013 Incentive Plan, as amended May 9, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2017, File No. 001-09608).
10.33*
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the Newell Rubbermaid Inc. 2013 Incentive Plan for 2014 Awards (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2014, File No. 001-09608).
10.34*
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the Newell Rubbermaid Inc. 2013 Incentive Plan for Employees as Amended February 10, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 10, 2015, File No. 001-09608).
10.35*
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the Newell Rubbermaid Inc. 2013 Incentive Plan for Employees, as Amended May 10, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 13, 2016, File No. 001-09608).
10.36*
Form of 2017 Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under the Newell Rubbermaid Inc. 2013 Incentive Plan for Employees, as amended February 8, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 8, 2017, File No. 001-09608).
10.37*
Form of Non-Employee Director Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under the Newell Rubbermaid Inc. 2013 Incentive Plan for Awards Beginning May 2014 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2014, File No. 001-09608).
10.38*
Employment Security Agreement with Michael B. Polk dated July 18, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2011, File No. 001-09608).
10.39*
Form of Employment Security Agreement between the Company and the named executive officers of the Company other than the Chief Executive Officer (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.39 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, File No. 001-09608).
10.40*
Newell Rubbermaid Inc. Employment Security Agreements Trust Agreement, effective as of June 1, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2013, File No. 001-09608).
10.41*
Written Compensation Arrangement with Michael B. Polk, dated June 23, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 23, 2011, File No. 001-09608).
10.42*
Amendment to Written Compensation Arrangement with Michael B. Polk, dated October 1, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.34 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, File No. 001-09608).
10.43*
Amendment to Written Compensation Arrangement with Michael B. Polk dated May 11, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2016, File No. 001-09608).
10.44*
Compensation Arrangement with Mark Tarchetti dated May 12, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2016, File No. 001-09608).
10.45*
Compensation Arrangement with William A. Burke III, dated May 12, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2016, File No. 001-09608).
10.46*
Compensation Arrangement with Ralph Nicoletti dated May 12, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2016, File No. 001-09608).
10.47*
Compensation Arrangement with Fiona Laird dated May 25, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.38 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, File No. 001-09608).
10.48*
Separation Agreement and General Release, dated as of March 10, 2016, by and between Newell Rubbermaid Inc. and Paula Larson (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 10, 2016, File No. 001-09608).
10.49*
Separation Agreement and General Release, dated as of May 12, 2016, by and between Newell Brands Inc. and John K. Stipancich (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2016, File No. 001-09608).
10.50*
Separation Agreement and General Release, dated as of July 28, 2016, by and between Newell Brands Inc. and Joseph A. Arcuri (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 28, 2016, File No. 001-09608).
10.51*
Separation Agreement and General Release, dated as of August 24, 2017, by and between Newell Brands Inc. and Fiona C. Laird (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 24, 2017, File No. 001-09608).
10.52
Advisory Services Agreement, dated as of December 13, 2015, by and among Newell Rubbermaid Inc. and Mariposa Capital, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of Amendment No. 1 to Newell’s Registration Statement on Form S-4/A filed on February 17, 2016, File No. 333-208989).
10.53
Assignment and Assumption Agreement dated as of April 25, 2016 by and between Mariposa Capital, LLC and Mariposa Associates, LLC whereby Mariposa Capital, LLC assigns its rights, duties and obligations under the Advisory Services Agreement, dated as of December 13, 2015, by and among Newell Rubbermaid Inc. and Mariposa Capital, LLC to Mariposa Associates, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2016, File No. 001-09608).
10.54*
Separation Agreement, dated as of December 13, 2015, by and between Jarden Corporation and Martin E. Franklin (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of Jarden Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 17, 2015, File No. 001-13665).
10.55*
Separation Agreement, dated as of December 13, 2015, by and between Jarden Corporation and Ian G.H. Ashken (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of Jarden Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 17, 2015, File No. 001-13665).
10.56
Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of January 26, 2016 among Newell Rubbermaid Inc., the subsidiary borrowers party thereto, the guarantors party thereto, the lenders party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 26, 2016, File No. 001-09608).
10.57
Term Loan Credit Agreement dated as of January 26, 2016 among Newell Rubbermaid Inc., the guarantors party thereto, the lenders party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 26, 2016, File No. 001-09608).
10.58
Loan and Servicing Agreement, dated as of October 3, 2016, among Jarden Receivables, LLC, as Borrower, Newell Brands Inc., as Servicer, the Conduit Lenders, the Committed Lenders and the Managing Agents named therein, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Issuing Lender, PNC Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent, and PNC Capital Markets LLC, as Structuring Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 3, 2016, File No. 001-09608).
10.59
Third Amendment dated as of July 24, 2017 to the Loan and Servicing Agreement and Waiver, dated October 3, 2016, among Jarden Receivables, LLC, the Originators party thereto, Newell Brands Inc., as Servicer, PNC Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent and as a Managing Agent, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Issuing Lender and each Managing Agent party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2017, File No. 001-09608).
10.60
Third Amendment to Receivables Contribution and Sale Agreement, dated as of October 31, 2017 among Jarden Receivables, LLC, the Originators party thereto, Newell Brands Inc., as Servicer, PNC Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent and as a Managing Agent, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Issuing Lender and each Managing Agent party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2017, File No. 001-09608).
10.61
Omnibus Amendment, dated as of December 16, 2016 among Jarden Receivables, LLC, Originator parties thereto, Newell Brands Inc., as Servicer, PNC Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent and as a Managing Agent, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Issuing Lender and each Managing Agent party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.49 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, File No. 001-09608).
10.62
Second Omnibus Amendment, dated as of March 29, 2017 among Jarden Receivables, LLC, the Originators party thereto, Newell Brands Inc., as Servicer, PNC Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent and as a Managing Agent, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Issuing Lender and each Managing Agent party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2017, File No. 001-09608).
ITEM 12 - STATEMENT RE COMPUTATION OF RATIOS
Statement of Computation of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
ITEM 21 - SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT
21.1
Significant Subsidiaries of the Company.
ITEM 23 - CONSENT OF EXPERTS AND COUNSEL
23.1
Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
23.2
Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.
ITEM 31 - RULE 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) CERTIFICATIONS
31.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a), as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 12a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a), as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
ITEM 32 - SECTION 1350 CERTIFICATIONS
32.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
ITEM 101 - INTERACTIVE DATA FILE
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
 Filed herewith
* Represents management contracts and compensatory plans and arrangements.
ITEM 16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY
None.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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 BRANDS INC.
Registrant
By
/s/ Ralph J. Nicoletti
Ralph J. Nicoletti
Title
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
Date
March 1, 2018
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below on March 1, 2018, by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities indicated.
Signature
Title
/s/ Michael B. Polk
Chief Executive Officer and Director
Michael B. Polk
/s/ Ralph J. Nicoletti
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
Ralph J. Nicoletti
/s/ James L. Cunningham, III
Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer
James L. Cunningham, III
/s/ Michael T. Cowhig
Chairman of the Board and Director
Michael T. Cowhig
/s/ Thomas E. Clarke
Director
Thomas E. Clarke
/s/ Kevin C. Conroy
Director
Kevin C. Conroy
/s/ Scott S. Cowen
Director
Scott S. Cowen
James R. Craigie
Director
Debra A. Crew
Director
/s/ Steven J. Strobel
Director
Steven J. Strobel
/s/ Michael A. Todman
Director
Michael A. Todman
/s/ Raymond G. Viault
Director
Raymond G. Viault
Table of Contents
Schedule II
Newell Brands Inc. and Subsidiaries
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

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ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS

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ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

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ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

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ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
ITEM 10 - MATERIAL CONTRACTS
10.1*
Newell Rubbermaid Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan as amended and restated August 5, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2013, File No. 001-09608).
10.2*
First Amendment to the Newell Rubbermaid Inc. 2008 Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended, dated August 9, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 9, 2017 File No. 001-09608).
10.3*
Newell Rubbermaid Inc. 2002 Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended and restated as of January 1, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2004, File No. 001-09608).
10.4*
Newell Rubbermaid Inc. Deferred Compensation Plans Trust Agreement, effective as of June 1, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2013, File No. 001-09608).
10.5*
Newell Rubbermaid Inc. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, effective January 1, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Company’s Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, File No. 001-09608).
10.6*
First Amendment to the Newell Rubbermaid Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan dated August 5, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2013, File No. 001-09608).
10.7*
Newell Brands Supplemental Employee Savings Plan, dated January 1, 2018.
10.8*
Rexair LLC Retirement Savings and Investment Plan, as amended and restated, dated January 1, 2018.
10.9*
Newell Brands Employee Savings Plan, as amended and restated, dated January 1, 2018.
10.10*
Newell Rubbermaid Severance Plan - Summary Plan Description for Executives in Bands 10 and above, effective July 1, 2014 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2014, File No. 001-09608).
10.11*
Newell Rubbermaid Inc. 2003 Stock Plan, as amended and restated effective February 8, 2006, and as amended effective August 9, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Appendix B to the Company’s Proxy Statement, dated April 3, 2006, and Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2006, File No. 001-09608).
10.12*
Newell Rubbermaid Inc. 2010 Stock Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 11, 2010, File No. 001-09608).
10.13*
First Amendment to the Newell Rubbermaid Inc. 2010 Stock Plan dated July 1, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2011, File No. 001-09608).
10.14*
Newell Rubbermaid Inc. 2013 Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Appendix B to the Company’s Proxy Statement dated March 28, 2013, File No. 001-09608).
10.15*
Newell Brands Inc. Management Bonus Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 8, 2017, File No. 001-09608).
10.16*
Forms of Stock Option Agreement under the Newell Rubbermaid Inc. 2003 Stock Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, File No. 001-09608).
10.17*
Form of Michael B. Polk Stock Option Agreement for July 18, 2011 Award (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 18, 2011, File No. 001-09608).
10.18*
Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement of Mark Tarchetti dated May 10, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2016, File No. 001-09608).
10.19*
Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement of Ralph Nicoletti dated June 8, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2016, File No. 001-09608).
10.20*
Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement of Fiona Laird, dated May 31, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, File No. 001-09608).
10.21*
Form of Agreement for Restricted Stock Unit Award Granted to Paula S. Larson on December 16, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23 to the Company’s Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, File No. 001-09608).
10.22*
2014 Restricted Stock Unit Equivalent Award Agreement dated as of December 28, 2015 between Newell Rubbermaid Inc. and Mark S. Tarchetti (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 22, 2015, File No. 001-09608).
10.23*
2015 Restricted Stock Unit Equivalent Award Agreement dated as of December 28, 2015 between Newell Rubbermaid Inc. and Mark S. Tarchetti (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 22, 2015, File No. 001-09608).
10.24*
Long-Term Incentive Performance Pay Terms and Conditions under the Newell Rubbermaid Inc. 2013 Incentive Plan for 2014 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2014, File No. 001-09608).
10.25*
Long-Term Incentive Performance Pay Terms and Conditions under the Newell Rubbermaid Inc. 2013 Incentive Plan, as updated February 10, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 10, 2015, File No. 001-09608).
10.26*
Long-Term Incentive Performance Pay Terms and Conditions under the Newell Rubbermaid Inc. 2013 Incentive Plan, as amended May 10, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 10, 2016, File No. 001-09608).
10.27*
Long-Term Incentive Performance Pay Terms and Conditions under the Newell Rubbermaid Inc. 2013 Incentive Plan, as amended on February 8, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 8, 2017, File No. 001-09608).
10.28*
Form of Stock Option Agreement under the Newell Rubbermaid Inc. 2010 Stock Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2010, File No. 001-09608, File No. 001-09608).
10.29*
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under the Newell Rubbermaid Inc. 2010 Stock Plan for 2013 Awards (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2013, File No. 001-09608).
10.30*
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under the Newell Rubbermaid Inc. 2013 Incentive Plan for Awards to Employees (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2013, File No. 001-09608).
10.31*
Form of 2017 Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under the Newell Rubbermaid Inc. 2013 Incentive Plan for Employees, as amended May 9, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2017, File No. 001-09608).
10.32*
Form of Non-Employee Director Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under the Newell Rubbermaid Inc. 2013 Incentive Plan, as amended May 9, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2017, File No. 001-09608).
10.33*
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the Newell Rubbermaid Inc. 2013 Incentive Plan for 2014 Awards (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2014, File No. 001-09608).
10.34*
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the Newell Rubbermaid Inc. 2013 Incentive Plan for Employees as Amended February 10, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 10, 2015, File No. 001-09608).
10.35*
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the Newell Rubbermaid Inc. 2013 Incentive Plan for Employees, as Amended May 10, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 13, 2016, File No. 001-09608).
10.36*
Form of 2017 Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under the Newell Rubbermaid Inc. 2013 Incentive Plan for Employees, as amended February 8, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 8, 2017, File No. 001-09608).
10.37*
Form of Non-Employee Director Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under the Newell Rubbermaid Inc. 2013 Incentive Plan for Awards Beginning May 2014 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2014, File No. 001-09608).
10.38*
Employment Security Agreement with Michael B. Polk dated July 18, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2011, File No. 001-09608).
10.39*
Form of Employment Security Agreement between the Company and the named executive officers of the Company other than the Chief Executive Officer (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.39 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, File No. 001-09608).
10.40*
Newell Rubbermaid Inc. Employment Security Agreements Trust Agreement, effective as of June 1, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2013, File No. 001-09608).
10.41*
Written Compensation Arrangement with Michael B. Polk, dated June 23, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 23, 2011, File No. 001-09608).
10.42*
Amendment to Written Compensation Arrangement with Michael B. Polk, dated October 1, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.34 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, File No. 001-09608).
10.43*
Amendment to Written Compensation Arrangement with Michael B. Polk dated May 11, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2016, File No. 001-09608).
10.44*
Compensation Arrangement with Mark Tarchetti dated May 12, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2016, File No. 001-09608).
10.45*
Compensation Arrangement with William A. Burke III, dated May 12, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2016, File No. 001-09608).
10.46*
Compensation Arrangement with Ralph Nicoletti dated May 12, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2016, File No. 001-09608).
10.47*
Compensation Arrangement with Fiona Laird dated May 25, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.38 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, File No. 001-09608).
10.48*
Separation Agreement and General Release, dated as of March 10, 2016, by and between Newell Rubbermaid Inc. and Paula Larson (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 10, 2016, File No. 001-09608).
10.49*
Separation Agreement and General Release, dated as of May 12, 2016, by and between Newell Brands Inc. and John K. Stipancich (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2016, File No. 001-09608).
10.50*
Separation Agreement and General Release, dated as of July 28, 2016, by and between Newell Brands Inc. and Joseph A. Arcuri (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 28, 2016, File No. 001-09608).
10.51*
Separation Agreement and General Release, dated as of August 24, 2017, by and between Newell Brands Inc. and Fiona C. Laird (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 24, 2017, File No. 001-09608).
10.52
Advisory Services Agreement, dated as of December 13, 2015, by and among Newell Rubbermaid Inc. and Mariposa Capital, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of Amendment No. 1 to Newell’s Registration Statement on Form S-4/A filed on February 17, 2016, File No. 333-208989).
10.53
Assignment and Assumption Agreement dated as of April 25, 2016 by and between Mariposa Capital, LLC and Mariposa Associates, LLC whereby Mariposa Capital, LLC assigns its rights, duties and obligations under the Advisory Services Agreement, dated as of December 13, 2015, by and among Newell Rubbermaid Inc. and Mariposa Capital, LLC to Mariposa Associates, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2016, File No. 001-09608).
10.54*
Separation Agreement, dated as of December 13, 2015, by and between Jarden Corporation and Martin E. Franklin (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of Jarden Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 17, 2015, File No. 001-13665).
10.55*
Separation Agreement, dated as of December 13, 2015, by and between Jarden Corporation and Ian G.H. Ashken (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of Jarden Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 17, 2015, File No. 001-13665).
10.56
Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of January 26, 2016 among Newell Rubbermaid Inc., the subsidiary borrowers party thereto, the guarantors party thereto, the lenders party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 26, 2016, File No. 001-09608).
10.57
Term Loan Credit Agreement dated as of January 26, 2016 among Newell Rubbermaid Inc., the guarantors party thereto, the lenders party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 26, 2016, File No. 001-09608).
10.58
Loan and Servicing Agreement, dated as of October 3, 2016, among Jarden Receivables, LLC, as Borrower, Newell Brands Inc., as Servicer, the Conduit Lenders, the Committed Lenders and the Managing Agents named therein, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Issuing Lender, PNC Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent, and PNC Capital Markets LLC, as Structuring Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 3, 2016, File No. 001-09608).
10.59
Third Amendment dated as of July 24, 2017 to the Loan and Servicing Agreement and Waiver, dated October 3, 2016, among Jarden Receivables, LLC, the Originators party thereto, Newell Brands Inc., as Servicer, PNC Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent and as a Managing Agent, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Issuing Lender and each Managing Agent party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2017, File No. 001-09608).
10.60
Third Amendment to Receivables Contribution and Sale Agreement, dated as of October 31, 2017 among Jarden Receivables, LLC, the Originators party thereto, Newell Brands Inc., as Servicer, PNC Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent and as a Managing Agent, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Issuing Lender and each Managing Agent party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2017, File No. 001-09608).
10.61
Omnibus Amendment, dated as of December 16, 2016 among Jarden Receivables, LLC, Originator parties thereto, Newell Brands Inc., as Servicer, PNC Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent and as a Managing Agent, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Issuing Lender and each Managing Agent party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.49 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, File No. 001-09608).
10.62
Second Omnibus Amendment, dated as of March 29, 2017 among Jarden Receivables, LLC, the Originators party thereto, Newell Brands Inc., as Servicer, PNC Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent and as a Managing Agent, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Issuing Lender and each Managing Agent party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2017, File No. 001-09608).
ITEM 12 - STATEMENT RE COMPUTATION OF RATIOS
Statement of Computation of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
ITEM 21 - SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT
21.1
Significant Subsidiaries of the Company.
ITEM 23 - CONSENT OF EXPERTS AND COUNSEL
23.1
Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
23.2
Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.
ITEM 31 - RULE 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) CERTIFICATIONS
31.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a), as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 12a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a), as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
ITEM 32 - SECTION 1350 CERTIFICATIONS
32.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
ITEM 101 - INTERACTIVE DATA FILE
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
 Filed herewith
* Represents management contracts and compensatory plans and arrangements.
ITEM 16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY
None.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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 BRANDS INC.
Registrant
By
/s/ Ralph J. Nicoletti
Ralph J. Nicoletti
Title
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
Date
March 1, 2018
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below on March 1, 2018, by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities indicated.
Signature
Title
/s/ Michael B. Polk
Chief Executive Officer and Director
Michael B. Polk
/s/ Ralph J. Nicoletti
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
Ralph J. Nicoletti
/s/ James L. Cunningham, III
Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer
James L. Cunningham, III
/s/ Michael T. Cowhig
Chairman of the Board and Director
Michael T. Cowhig
/s/ Thomas E. Clarke
Director
Thomas E. Clarke
/s/ Kevin C. Conroy
Director
Kevin C. Conroy
/s/ Scott S. Cowen
Director
Scott S. Cowen
James R. Craigie
Director
Debra A. Crew
Director
/s/ Steven J. Strobel
Director
Steven J. Strobel
/s/ Michael A. Todman
Director
Michael A. Todman
/s/ Raymond G. Viault
Director
Raymond G. Viault
Table of Contents
Schedule II
Newell Brands Inc. and Subsidiaries
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

---

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

---

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP
ITEM 12 - STATEMENT RE COMPUTATION OF RATIOS
Statement of Computation of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
ITEM 21 - SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT
21.1
Significant Subsidiaries of the Company.
ITEM 23 - CONSENT OF EXPERTS AND COUNSEL
23.1
Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
23.2
Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.
ITEM 31 - RULE 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) CERTIFICATIONS
31.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a), as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 12a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a), as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
ITEM 32 - SECTION 1350 CERTIFICATIONS
32.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
ITEM 101 - INTERACTIVE DATA FILE
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
 Filed herewith
* Represents management contracts and compensatory plans and arrangements.
ITEM 16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY
None.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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 BRANDS INC.
Registrant
By
/s/ Ralph J. Nicoletti
Ralph J. Nicoletti
Title
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
Date
March 1, 2018
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below on March 1, 2018, by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities indicated.
Signature
Title
/s/ Michael B. Polk
Chief Executive Officer and Director
Michael B. Polk
/s/ Ralph J. Nicoletti
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
Ralph J. Nicoletti
/s/ James L. Cunningham, III
Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer
James L. Cunningham, III
/s/ Michael T. Cowhig
Chairman of the Board and Director
Michael T. Cowhig
/s/ Thomas E. Clarke
Director
Thomas E. Clarke
/s/ Kevin C. Conroy
Director
Kevin C. Conroy
/s/ Scott S. Cowen
Director
Scott S. Cowen
James R. Craigie
Director
Debra A. Crew
Director
/s/ Steven J. Strobel
Director
Steven J. Strobel
/s/ Michael A. Todman
Director
Michael A. Todman
/s/ Raymond G. Viault
Director
Raymond G. Viault
Table of Contents
Schedule II
Newell Brands Inc. and Subsidiaries
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

---

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

---

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

---

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

---

Stock Performance Metrics:
Return: 0.03152975812554359
1-Day Return: $1_day_return
3-Day Return: $3_day_return
5-Day Return: $5_day_return
10-Day Return: $10_day_return
20-Day Return: $20_day_return
40-Day Return: $40_day_return
60-Day Return: $60_day_return
80-Day Return: $80_day_return
100-Day Return: $100_day_return
150-Day Return: $150_day_return
252-Day Return: $252_day_return