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

FORM 10-K

(Mark One)

|X| ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended January 30, 2004

OR

|_| TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from to

Commission File No. 001-08772

HUGHES SUPPLY, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Florida 59-0559446
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)

One Hughes Way
Orlando, Florida 32805
(Address of principal executive offices)

(407) 841-4755
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Name of each exchange
Title of each class on which registered
Common Stock ($1.00 Par Value) New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes |X| No |_|

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item
405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K. |_|

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as
defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2) Yes |X| No

The aggregate market value of the registrant's voting stock held by
non-affiliates as of the last business day of the registrant's most recently
completed second fiscal quarter ($35.35 per share as of August 1, 2003):
$784,386,134.

There were 30,631,377 shares of the registrant's Common Stock ($1.00 par
value) outstanding as of April 9, 2004.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Designated portions of the Definitive Proxy Statement for the 2004 Annual
Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 20, 2004 are incorporated by reference
in Part III of this Report.


Page 1 of 75


TABLE OF CONTENTS



Item Page


PART I

Item 1. Business.................................................................. 3

Item 2. Properties................................................................ 16

Item 3. Legal Proceedings......................................................... 16

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders....................... 16

PART II

Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters.... 17

Item 6. Selected Financial Data................................................... 18

Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations....................................... 19

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk................ 34

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data............................... 35

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on
Accounting and Financial Disclosure....................................... 66

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures................................................... 66

PART III

Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of Hughes Supply......................... 66

Item 11. Executive Compensation ................................................... 66

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management ........... 66

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions ........................... 66

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.................................... 66

PART IV

Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K .......... 66

Signatures................................................................ 74
Index of Exhibits Filed with this Report.................................. 75



Page 2 of 75


PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

Forward-Looking Statements

Some of the statements set forth or incorporated by reference in this
report constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A
of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 and are subject to the safe harbor provisions created by those sections.
When used in this report and the information incorporated by reference herein,
the words "believe," "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "may," "will,"
"should," "plan," "intend," "project" or phrases such as "will be
well-positioned to," "will benefit," "will gain" and similar expressions are
intended to identify forward-looking statements. Although we believe that the
expectations reflected in our forward-looking statements are reasonable, our
expectations may not prove to be correct. Actual results or events may differ
significantly from those indicated in our forward-looking statements as a result
of various important factors, as discussed in the section entitled "Risk
Factors" in this Item 1. We assume no obligation to publicly update or revise
our forward-looking statements, except to the extent required by law. The
following should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial
statements and the notes thereto filed as part of this report.

Fiscal Year

Our fiscal year is a 52- or 53-week period ending on the last Friday in
January. Fiscal year 2004 and fiscal year 2002 contained 52 weeks while fiscal
year 2003 contained 53 weeks. The additional week in fiscal year 2003 was
included in the first quarter.

Our Business

Founded in 1928, we are one of the nation's largest diversified wholesale
distributors of construction, repair and maintenance-related products. We
distribute over 350,000 products to more than 100,000 customers through our 486
branches located in 38 states. Our customers include electrical, plumbing and
mechanical contractors; public utilities; property management companies;
municipalities; and industrial companies. Although we have a national presence,
we operate principally in the southeastern and southwestern United States. These
geographic regions include 13 of the 15 fastest growing states in the United
States.

We are organized on a product line basis into six reportable segments:
Water & Sewer; Plumbing/Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC);
Maintenance, Repair and Operations (MRO); Utilities; Electrical; and Industrial
Pipe, Valves and Fittings (PVF). We include in an "All Other" category our
Building Materials, Fire Protection and Mechanical Industrial product lines. Our
segments are complementary, enabling us to be a single-source provider and
providing us with opportunities to secure a larger share of our customers'
business. Our customers use our products for commercial, residential, industrial
and public infrastructure construction projects, and related maintenance, repair
and operations. We believe that the diversity of the end-markets we serve and
our broad offering of replacement, repair and maintenance products help lessen
the impact on us of the seasonality and cyclicality that affect the construction
industry as a whole.


Page 3 of 75


We believe that more than 75 years of experience delivering superior
customer service, the depth and breadth of our product offerings and our sales
force's extensive technical expertise, have enabled us to become and remain a
market leader in our businesses. The following table illustrates our estimated
domestic market position in each of our product lines (based on net sales), the
end-markets served and the principal products sold:



Product Market End Markets
Lines Position Served Principal Products
- ------------------ ------------------ ---------------------- -------------------------------------------------

Water & Sewer #2 Nationally Residential, Piping products, fire hydrants, water meters
Commercial, storm drains, precast concrete vaults
Public Infrastructure
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Plumbing/HVAC #2 Nationally Residential, Plumbing fixtures and related fittings, plumbing
Commercial, accessories and supplies, HVAC equipment
Industrial and parts
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MRO #1 Nationally Commercial Plumbing and electrical supplies, appliances and
in Apartment parts, hardware, HVAC equipment and parts
MRO Market
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Utilities #2 Nationally Public Infrastructure Electrical transmission and distribution
equipment, wire and cable, tools and fasteners,
energy products
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Electrical Southeast Residential, Wire management products, electrical
Region Market Commercial, distribution equipment, wire and cable,
Leader Industrial automation equipment

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Industrial PVF Southwest Industrial Pipes, valves, flanges, fittings, plate, sheet,
Region Market tubing
Leader
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All Other Not Commercial, Building materials, fire protection products,
Applicable Residential, mechanical industrial products
Industrial,
Pubic Infrastructure


Our Industry

Based on industry data and management estimates, we believe that the U.S.
wholesale construction, repair and maintenance distribution market collectively
generated approximately $200 billion of revenues in 2003 and is highly
fragmented. We are one of the largest diversified wholesale distributors in the
United States (based on net sales), and we have less than a 2% overall market
share. Spending in the U.S. construction, repair and maintenance industries
generally follows trends in the domestic economy, although different factors
affect the level of spending in various market segments, which can result in
significantly different growth rates across those segments.

We believe that the following industry trends will benefit our business:

o Continued Population Growth in Core Markets. According to U.S.
Department of Commerce estimates, 13 of the 15 fastest growing
states, from which we derive nearly 80% of our consolidated net
sales will account for 75% of the net population change in the
United States from 1995 to 2025. We believe that this growth will
lead to new residential and commercial construction and will require
additions and improvements to public infrastructure.

o Recovery in Commercial and Industrial Activity. Although commercial
and industrial spending has declined significantly over the past
several years and the industry continues to face near-term pressure,
we believe that if the domestic economy continues to expand, this
end-market will recover. Because of our largely fixed cost operating
structure, we believe that growth in this sector will be a
significant profitability driver for us.

o Increased Market Share Opportunities for National MRO Distributors.
We believe that the continuing consolidation of large property
management companies and the continuing growth in group purchasing
organizations will benefit MRO distributors that can provide
single-source purchasing and national same- or next-day delivery
capabilities. We believe that we are well-positioned to capitalize
on these trends as well as additional opportunities in the property
management, lodging and hospitality, healthcare, education and
government services markets.


Page 4 of 75


o Increased Spending on Domestic Public Infrastructure Projects.
According to a 2002 report by the Congressional Budget Office, in
order to replace and/or maintain aging public water and wastewater
infrastructure, federal, state and local governments will need to
spend an aggregate of approximately $300 billion over the next
decade. We also anticipate significant spending over the next decade
to upgrade electric transmission and distribution systems in the
United States. We believe that the power grid failure in 2003
affecting much of the eastern United States illustrated the
consequences of underinvestment in these systems. The Electric Power
Research Institute estimated in a November 2003 report that if the
electric transmission and distribution industry invested an
additional $25 billion each year, U.S. businesses would generate an
additional $100 billion of gross domestic product annually through
more efficient facility operations.

o Industry Consolidation. The highly fragmented nature of our industry
is leading to consolidation because larger distributors can more
cost-effectively and efficiently meet customers' needs, due in large
part to greater information technology capabilities, financial
capacity, purchasing power, national coverage and operating leverage
compared to smaller competitors. In addition, larger distributors
have the resources necessary to meet the demands of professional
customers, such as a broad product offering from industry-leading
manufacturers, better overall product expertise and value-added
services. We believe that with our strong competitive position,
size, geographic reach and experienced management team, we are well
positioned to continue to benefit from consolidation trends within
the wholesale distribution industry.

Our Competitive Strengths

We believe that the following competitive strengths are the key to our
success:

o Respected Industry Leader in a Highly Fragmented Market. As one of
the largest and most well-recognized wholesale distributors of
construction, repair and maintenance-related products in the United
States, we have advantages over our smaller competitors. We enjoy
economies of scale, such as significant purchasing power with our
vendors; a broad offering of products and services; the resources to
invest in state-of-the-art information technology and other
operating systems to offer value-added services to our customers;
and the geographic presence to service national accounts.

o Comprehensive Product Offering and Loyal Customer Base. As part of
our emphasis on superior customer service, we offer more than
350,000 products, providing us with a competitive advantage over
smaller distributors that focus on a narrower product range. We
believe that our broad product offering provides us opportunities to
be a single-source supplier to our customers and to participate in
multiple phases of construction projects and related repair and
maintenance work. We complement our product offering with
customer-driven, value-added services, such as integrated supply,
kitting, assembly and fabrication services. We believe that our
operating history of over 75 years, our broad product and service
offering, our highly knowledgeable sales force, our local market
focus, our well-known brand name and our reputation for superior
customer service have been critical to our ability to shift our
customers' purchasing decision away from one based primarily on
price to one also built on expertise, trust, loyalty and service.

o Highly Knowledgeable Sales Force. We have approximately 2,100 sales
personnel who work directly with our branches. The members of our
sales force are highly knowledgeable technical professionals, many
of whom have engineering or other technical backgrounds. As a
result, our customers work directly with sales personnel who have
relevant expertise in our customers' particular disciplines. We
believe that our technical expertise and our collaborative working
relationship with our customers as well as our delivery capabilities
distinguishes us from many of our competitors, including large
retailers of home improvement products, which we believe are not
well-equipped to provide the depth of technical expertise and
service that professional customers require.

o Strong Purchasing Power. Because of our size and market position, we
have significant purchasing power with our vendors. We use our
preferred vendor program, which currently includes approximately 650
vendors, to concentrate a significant portion of our purchasing with
a core group that views us as a strategic partner and offers us
higher discounts and greater rebates than we have or would have
achieved through more diffuse purchasing practices. These discounts
and volume rebates enable us to respond effectively to competitive
pressures in our local markets.


Page 5 of 75


o Highly Experienced and Proven Senior Management Team. We believe
that our senior management team's experience with rapidly growing
and market-leading distribution companies is a competitive advantage
as we seek to expand our business. In April 2001, Tom Morgan joined
our company as President and Chief Operating Officer, and in May
2003, he became our Chief Executive Officer. Prior to joining us,
Mr. Morgan was chief executive officer of U.S. Office Products and
spent 22 years at Genuine Parts, an automotive and office products
distributor. Since his arrival, Mr. Morgan has recruited a new
senior management team, including David Bearman, our Executive Vice
President and Chief Financial Officer, who joined us in March 2003.
Mr. Bearman's experience includes serving as chief financial officer
of Cardinal Health, a pharmaceutical distribution company, from 1989
to 1998, and more than 20 years' prior experience at General
Electric Company, where he served as chief financial officer of four
different GE subsidiaries.

Our Business Strategy

We intend to become the leading wholesale distributor of construction,
repair and maintenance-related products in the United States. In pursuing that
goal, we expect to significantly increase our earnings and return on invested
capital, which we believe will lead to increased shareholder value. Our
multi-year strategy focuses on (1) structural changes to our core businesses
designed to increase revenues while improving our efficiency in managing
operating costs, working capital and fixed assets; (2) organic growth and (3)
strategic acquisitions.

The key elements of our strategy are to:

o Focus on Best-in-Class Distribution. Our operating strategy is to buy,
operate and sell as one integrated, streamlined organization. Specific
actions taken or to be taken include the following:

o The implementation of an integrated, company-wide, industry-leading
distribution platform to ensure that our logistics and customer
support functions operate on a common system, which is part of the
information technology framework we collectively refer to as Hughes
Unified;

o The establishment of a world class purchasing system that will
provide us with additional purchasing leverage resulting in improved
margins and will enhance our working capital efficiency by improving
fill rates and inventory turnover;

o The development and implementation of best-in-class financial
systems with a particular emphasis on enhanced management of our
accounts receivable and accounts payable to gain transactional
efficiencies and on data warehousing to ensure that we are capturing
relevant and timely information about our customers and vendors;

o The rationalization of our branches, particularly in our
Plumbing/HVAC, Electrical, and Building Materials businesses, to
maximize branch profitability while continuing to provide our
customers with convenient access to our broad product offering;

o The strengthening of our position in the supply chain by further
integrating our business with that of our vendors through the use of
electronic data interfaces and other technology links and with the
businesses of our customers by providing value-added services, such
as integrated supply, kitting, assembly and fabrication services and

o The continued execution of best-in-class marketing programs,
targeting both customers and vendors, which are designed to build on
the Hughes brand name, to increase incremental revenues, improve
customer retention and enhance business relationships across the
supply chain.

o Capitalize on Organic Growth Opportunities. We believe that there is
significant potential for organic growth in each of our business segments,
with particular opportunities in our MRO, Water & Sewer and Utilities
businesses. We intend to capture additional MRO business by continuing to
expand our geographic footprint, further developing our MRO-specific,
web-based catalog business and targeting national accounts serving the
property management, lodging and hospitality, healthcare, education and
government services markets. In our Water & Sewer business, in addition to
capitalizing on population growth trends and the resulting infrastructure
needs, federal and state mandates requiring drainage and storm water
management compliance present significant opportunities for us. In our
Utilities business, we also believe there are opportunities for us to
develop enhanced relationships with municipal, cooperative and
investor-owned electric utility companies that, in order to gain
efficiencies and reduce inventories, are relying more on wholesale
distributors for procurement services.


Page 6 of 75


o Pursue Strategic Acquisitions. In addition to our organic growth, we
continue to pursue selective acquisitions of companies that complement our
current portfolio of businesses. In evaluating acquisition candidates, we
seek companies that are market leaders; possess good operations
management; serve high growth end-markets; generate high returns on
invested capital; expand our geographic footprint; provide the opportunity
to realize operating and administrative cost savings and reduce our
exposure to the seasonality and cyclicality of new construction markets.
Our acquisitions of Century Maintenance Supply, Inc. (MRO), and Marden
Susco, LLC (Water & Sewer) in fiscal year 2004 and our acquisition of
Utiliserve Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries (Utilities) in fiscal year
2003 demonstrate our ability to identify and consummate acquisitions of
companies that meet our selective criteria. We also evaluate our current
product lines against these criteria and will make changes to our
portfolio, as we deem appropriate.

Our Businesses

We distribute products and offer services in the following major product
categories, which correspond to our reportable operating segments. A summary of
net sales, operating income, assets and accounts payable for our operating
segments is presented in Note 16 to the consolidated financial statements in
Item 8, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Water & Sewer

We provide a complete line of water, sewer and storm-drain products to
serve the needs of both contractors and municipalities in all aspects of the
water and wastewater industries. Our waterline products transmit potable and
non-potable water from the source to treatment plants, storage towers and
pumping stations and ultimately to homes and businesses. Also included in this
product category is our concrete business, which complements our Water & Sewer
business by manufacturing prefabricated concrete vaults used for sewer and storm
drain applications. Because all commercial and residential structures require
water and sewer systems, we consider our Water & Sewer business to be a leading
indicator of future construction activity. Our Water & Sewer business operates
primarily in the southeastern and southwestern United States through 109
branches located in 22 states.

Products and Services. The products in our Water & Sewer segment include
waterworks products such as piping, fire hydrants, storm drains, backflow
prevention devices, water meters, irrigation products, concrete sewer products
and concrete electrical and telephone vaults. In addition, we offer specialized
industry services including leak detection, water system audits, hot tapping,
manhole rehabilitation, line stopping, control valve testing and repair and
engineered plant products and services.

Customers. The Water & Sewer product line primarily serves the
residential, commercial and public infrastructure markets with customers
including underground utility contractors, utility companies, telecommunications
companies, site developers, municipalities and government agencies such as the
U.S. Department of Transportation.

Competition. We believe that we are the second largest distributor of
water and sewer products in the United States. Our primary competitors in the
water and sewer market include National Waterworks, Inc. and Ferguson
Enterprises, Inc. (a subsidiary of Wolseley plc) on a national level and other
regional and local distributors.

Plumbing/HVAC

We are one of the nation's largest distributors of plumbing supplies,
offering complete inventories for one-stop service. Our plumbing products are
sold primarily to contractors and homebuilders for bathroom and kitchen
installation. Also included in this segment is our HVAC business, which
distributes air conditioning and heating equipment. Our HVAC products are sold
to contractors for the installation and repair of central air conditioners,
furnaces and refrigeration systems. Our plumbing/HVAC business operates
primarily in the southeastern and southwestern United States through 149
branches located in 17 states.

Products and Services. The products in the Plumbing/HVAC product line
include residential and commercial water heaters, furnaces, heat pumps, pipes
and fittings, air conditioning units, plumbing fixtures, faucets and
accessories, pumps and sprinkler heads, mechanical valves and repair parts. In
addition, our dedicated technical personnel provide complete plastics
fabrication, pipe cutting and threading, project management, procurement and
field services.

Customers. The Plumbing/HVAC product line serves the residential,
commercial and industrial markets with customers including plumbing, mechanical,
HVAC and remodeling contractors; homebuilders; commercial and industrial
purchasing agents; and municipalities.


Page 7 of 75


Competition. We believe that we are the second largest distributor of
plumbing products in the United States. Our primary national competitors in the
Plumbing/HVAC market include Ferguson Enterprises, Noland Company, Hajoca
Corporation, Winholesale, Inc. and Watsco Inc.

MRO

Following our acquisition of Century Maintenance Supply, Inc. ("Century")
on December 19, 2003, we are the nation's largest MRO products supplier in the
apartment MRO industry. Currently, there are approximately 20 million apartment
units in the United States that continually require routine maintenance and
repair in order to retain existing tenants and attract new ones. Historically,
the apartment MRO market has been less cyclical than new construction markets as
maintenance work is required regardless of economic and/or weather conditions.
With our full range of MRO supplies that are available to be shipped for same or
next-day delivery, we are able to provide our customers with the items they need
quickly and efficiently. Our MRO business operates throughout the United States
currently through 66 branches located in 28 states.

Products and Services. The products in our MRO product line include the
items needed to maintain an apartment unit or complex in good working condition,
such as plumbing and electrical supplies, appliances and parts, hardware, door
and window parts, HVAC equipment and parts, pool supplies, lawn and garden and
janitorial supplies. Our services include custom cutting and building of
products such as mini-blinds, drawers and screens; lock re-keying for bulk lock
orders and customer-specific activities, such as seminars and customized
ordering.

Customers. The MRO product line primarily serves the multi-family housing
market with customers that include local, regional and national property
management companies that either own or manage apartment complexes.

Competition. We believe our primary competitors in the apartment MRO
market include Home Depot Supply, Wilmar Industries, Inc. (a subsidiary of
Interline Brands, Inc.) on a national level, and other local wholesale and
retail hardware and home improvement stores.

Utilities

We are one of the nation's largest distributors of transmission and
distribution products to electric utility companies. We believe that there are
opportunities for us to develop enhanced relationships with municipal,
cooperative and investor-owned electric utility companies, which we believe the
wholesale distribution industry historically has underserved. As utility
companies seek ways to gain efficiencies in costs and working capital, they are
increasingly turning to wholesale distributors for purchasing and inventory
management services. In addition to broad and deep inventories, we offer supply
chain management services that lower costs and improve service levels. Our
Utilities business operates primarily in the southeastern, southwestern and
midwestern United States through 36 branches, serving utility customers in
approximately 25 states.

Products and Services. The products in our Utilities product line include
electrical distribution equipment, wire and cable, energy products, electrical
meters and pole line hardware. In addition, we offer value-added services that
include warehouse integration and outsourcing, substation and transmission and
distribution packaging, meter testing and repair, field-testing, tool repair and
storm and emergency response.

Customers. The Utilities product line primarily serves the public
infrastructure markets with customers including various municipal, cooperative
and investor-owned electric utilities.

Competition. We believe that we are the second largest distributor of
electric utilities products in the United States. Our primary competitors in the
electric utilities market are Wesco International, Inc. on a national level and
various regional independent distributors.

Electrical

We were founded over 75 years ago as a distributor of electrical supplies.
Our Electrical segment provides electrical construction and maintenance products
and related services to the commercial, industrial and residential markets.
While we have expanded into other product lines and markets, the Electrical
segment remains an important part of our business and an essential complement to
our other product lines. Our Electrical business operates primarily in the
southeastern and southwestern United States through 39 branches located in 5
states.

Products and Services. The products and services in our Electrical product
line include wire management products, electrical distribution equipment, wire
and cable, automation equipment, tools and fasteners, light bulbs, light
fixtures, motor controls, energy products, wiring devices, data/communications
products and storeroom/job trailer management.


Page 8 of 75


Customers. The Electrical product line serves the commercial, residential
and industrial markets with customers including electrical contractors,
industrial companies, original equipment manufacturers ("OEMs") and commercial
businesses.

Competition. We believe that we are a market-leading distributor of
electrical products in the southeastern United States. Our primary national
competitors in the electrical market include Graybar Electric Company, Inc.,
Consolidated Electrical Distributors, Inc., Rexel, Inc., Wesco International,
Inc., GE Supply (a division of General Electric Company), Sonepar USA and
numerous smaller electrical distributors.

Industrial PVF

We believe we offer one of the nation's largest inventories of high
quality, specialty stainless and high nickel alloy industrial PVF products for
industrial, mechanical and specialty uses. Our extensive depth and breadth of
products and key relationships with the world's leading manufacturers enable us
to deliver solutions to a wide range of industrial and commercial customers. Our
Industrial PVF business operates primarily in the southwestern United States
through 35 branches located in 15 states.

Products and Services. The products in our Industrial PVF product line
include valves, flanges, fittings, pipe, plate, sheet and tubing, all offered in
commodity and specialty materials and in various pressure ratings. Services
include valve automation and repair, piping fabrication and pipe cutting and
grooving.

Customers. The Industrial PVF product line primarily serves the industrial
markets with customers that include power, petrochemical, food and beverage,
pulp and paper, mining, marine and pharmaceutical companies; industrial and
mechanical contractors; fabricators; wholesale distributors; exporters and OEMs.

Competition. We believe we are a market-leading distributor of industrial
PVF products in the southwestern United States. Our primary national competitors
in the Industrial PVF market include Wilson Pipe & Supply Inc., McJunkin
Corporation, Ferguson Enterprises and Red Man Pipe and Supply Company.

All Other (Includes Building Materials, Fire Protection and Mechanical
Industrial)

Our "All Other" product category includes our Building Materials, Fire
Protection and Mechanical Industrial businesses.

Building Materials. As one of the nation's largest distributors of
construction supplies, we are able to provide our customers with field-tested
and proven brand names in a wide range of building materials. Our Building
Materials business operates in the southeastern United States through 28
branches located in 5 states.

Products. Products in our Building Materials product line include concrete
and masonry supplies and accessories, lumber, bridge rail, overhang
brackets, erosion control products, bearing pads, tilt-up bracing rental,
lifting and bracing inserts, sealants, waterproofing and fireproofing
materials, commercial washroom specialties, tools and accessories.

Customers. The Building Materials product line primarily serves the
commercial, industrial and public infrastructure markets, with customers
such as general contractors and subcontractors, including concrete,
masonry and road and bridge contractors.

Competition. Our primary competitors in the building materials market
include National Construction Supply, White Cap Construction Supply, Ram
Tool and Supply and numerous smaller distributors.

Fire Protection. We are one of the nation's largest distributors of fire
protection products offering complete fire protection pre-fabrication
capabilities, which allows us to construct, deliver and install entire fire
protection systems for our customers. Our Fire Protection branches and
fabrication facilities are located strategically within our large network of
Water & Sewer branches, giving our customers access to materials for both
aboveground and underground applications. Our Fire Protection business operates
throughout the United States through 15 branches located in 10 states.

Products and Services. Products and services in our Fire Protection
product line include sprinkler heads and devices, steel pipe and fittings,
backflow prevention devices, valves, hydrants, air compressors and
fabrication.

Customers. The Fire Protection product line serves fire protection
contractors, subcontractors and builders in the commercial, residential
and industrial markets.


Page 9 of 75


Competition. Our primary national competitors in the fire protection
market include Pacific Fire Safety (a division of Ferguson Enterprises),
Viking Fire Group and Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Company, Inc.

Mechanical Industrial. Our Mechanical Industrial business offers a
complete inventory of valves, actuators and accessories, and a variety of
consulting services. Our Mechanical Industrial business operates in the
southeastern United States through 9 branches located in 3 states.

Products and Services. Products and services in our Mechanical Industrial
product line include carbon, stainless and thermoplastic pipe, valves,
fittings and accessories; steam traps; actuators; valve positioners;
gauges; sanitary piping systems; valve automation and repair; high density
polyethylene (hdpe) pipe fabrication and field installation and pipe
cutting and grooving.

Customers. The Mechanical Industrial product line serves the commercial
and industrial markets, with customers including fabricators, OEMs,
industrial subcontractors, mechanical contractors, exporters, purchasing
agents, maintenance departments, engineering departments and planners.

Competition. Our primary competitors in the mechanical industrial market
include Ferguson Enterprises, McJunkin Corporation, Winholesale, Inc. and
Home Depot Supply.

Our Customers

We currently serve over 100,000 active customers who are typically
professionals who choose their vendors primarily on the basis of product
availability, relationships with and expertise of sales personnel, price and the
quality and scope of services offered. Additionally, professional customers
generally buy in large volumes, are repeat buyers because of their involvement
in longer-term projects and require specialized services. We do not market our
products to retail consumers. We differentiate ourselves with the depth and
breadth of products offered and services provided, including fabrication,
integrated supply, kitting, design assistance, material specifications,
scheduled job site delivery, follow-up job site visits to ensure satisfaction
and technical product services (including blueprint take-off and computerized
order quotes).

Vendors

To be the best customer service company in each of the industries we
serve, we must offer the depth and breadth of products our customers need, often
on a special order basis. To accomplish this, we purchase from over 10,000
vendors; however, approximately 1,000 vendors provided products comprising over
90% of our consolidated net sales for the fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002. No
single vendor accounted for more than 5% of our total purchases during the
fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002. We have a centralized vendor development
department, which is dedicated to fostering key vendor relationships,
consolidating purchasing volume and refining agreements with our vendors. Key
initiatives in this area include:

o Vendor and Purchasing Consolidation. Our vendor and purchasing
consolidation efforts have resulted in significantly higher rebate
income over the past several years. In addition to providing higher
rebate income, our vendor consolidation efforts for products such as
steel pipe (62 vendors to 7 vendors), light bulb products (3 vendors
to 1 vendor) and pvc pressure fittings (5 vendors to 1 vendor) have
increased efficiency by simplifying administrative processes and
improving service levels from our vendors, without sacrificing
service to our customers.

o Preferred Vendor Program. Our preferred vendor program, which
includes approximately 650 vendors, has resulted in stronger, more
strategic relationships with a more concentrated group of vendors.
It leverages our existing vendor relationships by helping to
increase sales of our vendors' products through various initiatives,
including sales promotions and cooperative marketing efforts.

o Electronic Data Interchange (EDI). We have converted the number of
vendors with which we electronically exchange a full set of
transactions such as purchase orders, acknowledgements and invoices
from 11 in fiscal 2003 to more than 700 in fiscal 2004. This
conversion has resulted in reduced manual efforts and increased data
reliability and accuracy. These initiatives require minimal
investment and provide significant opportunities for improved
customer service and supply chain efficiencies.

We expect that the continued development of these vendor initiatives,
together with the implementation of our integrated distribution platform and a
state-of-the-art purchasing system, will significantly improve profitability,
supply chain efficiencies and customer service, while helping us achieve our
goal of efficiently buying, operating and selling as one streamlined company.


Page 10 of 75


Distribution and Logistics

Our distribution network consists of 486 branches and six central
distribution centers in the United States. The efficient operation of our
distribution network is critical in providing quality service to our customer
base. Our central distribution centers and branches use warehouse management
technology to optimize receiving, inventory control and picking, packing and
shipping functions. Our purchasing agents in our branches use a computerized
inventory system to monitor stock levels, while central distribution centers in
Arizona, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and Ohio provide purchasing assistance
as well as a broad stock of inventory that supplements the inventory of the
branches. In addition, we use several of our larger branches in other parts of
the United States as distribution points for certain product lines.

The majority of customer orders are shipped from inventory at our
branches. In order to maintain complete control of the delivery process, we use
our own fleet of over 4,000 vehicles to deliver products to our customers. We
also accommodate special orders from our customers and facilitate the shipment
of certain large volume orders directly from the manufacturer to the customer.
Orders for larger construction projects normally require long-term delivery
schedules throughout the period of construction, which in some cases may
continue for several years.

We are continuously looking for ways to leverage our people, facilities
and fleet. In November 2003, we opened a pilot branch in Miami, Florida in which
six product lines now operate in one common facility. Although the product lines
share a common facility, their operations are not fully integrated at this time.
The continued implementation of our common distribution system will allow us to
more fully integrate the purchasing, warehousing, inventory management,
administration and fleet operations of our product lines and evaluate future
implementations of this branch configuration model.

Sales

We employ a specialized and experienced sales force for each of our
product lines, including over 1,000 outside sales representatives that work with
contractors, subcontractors, professional buyers, property management companies
and municipalities. Our sales representatives provide product specifications and
usage data, design solutions and develop job quotes in an effort to help
customers fulfill their needs. Additionally, over 800 inside sales account
representatives and approximately 300 counter associates expedite orders,
deliveries, quotations, requests for pricing and the release of products for
delivery.

Marketing

Our marketing department's focus is to help drive incremental sales,
increase customer retention and enhance business relationships across the supply
chain. Our marketing programs build Hughes brand awareness and bring value to
the supply chain by helping our vendors market and sell their products to a
broad customer base. We are continuing to execute our best-in-class marketing
programs, and we believe the following marketing materials and programs are
unparalleled in our industry and differentiate us from our competitors:

o The creation of best-in-class promotional product brochures that
provide our sales force with the tools they need to increase sales,
while providing our vendors with an opportunity to participate in
our comprehensive targeted sales program;

o The production of comprehensive product line catalogs with color
photos that showcase vendors' products and facilitate routine
ordering for customers;

o Unrivaled customer awards programs that drive incremental sales and
build customer loyalty and

o The hosting of themed marketing events throughout our major markets
attended by thousands of our customers, which provides us with the
opportunity to show customer appreciation while allowing our vendors
to showcase their quality products.

Additionally, our marketing department has developed government and
healthcare initiatives to increase our business in the construction and MRO
markets. The government initiative is designed to effectively solicit and secure
local, state and national bids in the government area. On May 1, 2003, we were
awarded a General Services Administration contract that will streamline the
federal bid process. Furthermore, the government initiative has been awarded a
national contract for tools and materials handling with U.S. Communities, the
largest local government purchasing alliance in the United States. The
healthcare sales initiative is aimed at identifying, developing and pursuing
current hospital, assisted living and other related healthcare new construction
and MRO opportunities along with cultivating key relationships within the
healthcare community and its key contractors and subcontractors.


Page 11 of 75


Information Technology

Our information technology ("IT") systems are capable of supporting
numerous operational functions including purchasing, receiving, order
processing, shipping, inventory management, sales analysis and accounting. In
addition, our customers and sales representatives rely on these systems for
real-time information on product pricing, inventory availability and order
status. The systems also provide management with information relating to sales,
inventory levels and customer payments and with other data that is essential for
us to operate efficiently and provide a high level of service to our customers.

We believe that our continued investment in upgrading, consolidating and
integrating our IT systems is necessary to provide a state-of-the art platform
to continue our strategic growth, efficiency and customer service programs. Our
IT initiatives will help us increase operational efficiencies, particularly in
the area of working capital management; improve information flow, which will aid
in decision-making; provide a means for decreasing transaction costs and provide
us with the infrastructure necessary to realize further administrative cost
savings associated with past and future business acquisitions.

We continue to implement the Hughes Unified framework, which includes an
e-commerce enabled, customer fulfillment, inventory management, logistics and
distribution management system. It is designed specifically for construction and
contractor-oriented distributors. We began implementing this software in
December 2001, and expect implementation to be completed within the next 18 to
20 months. We believe that this timeframe will enable us to reduce risk,
minimize customer disruption and spread implementation costs. Within the Hughes
Unified framework, we will consider integration of select best-in-class
applications, such as financial, purchasing and data warehousing functions. Our
IT initiatives will help us achieve our goal of buying, operating and selling as
one efficient, streamlined company.

Seasonality

Our operating results are impacted by seasonality. Generally, sales of our
products are higher in the second and third quarters of each fiscal year due to
more favorable weather and daylight conditions during these periods. Seasonal
variations in operating results may also be significantly impacted by inclement
weather conditions, such as cold or wet weather, which can delay construction
projects.

Competition

We believe that we are one of the largest wholesale distributors of our
range of products in the United States and that no other company competes
against us across all of our product lines. However, there is significant
competition in each of our individual product lines. Our competition includes
other wholesalers, manufacturers that sell products directly to their respective
customer base and some of our customers that resell our products. We also
compete, to a limited extent, with retailers in the markets for plumbing,
electrical fixtures and supplies, building materials, MRO supplies and
contractors' tools. Competition varies depending on product line, customer
classification and geographic market. The principal competitive factors in our
business include, but are not limited to, availability of materials and
supplies; technical product knowledge and expertise as to application and usage;
advisory or other service capabilities; pricing of products and availability of
credit.

Inventories

We are a wholesale distributor of construction, repair and
maintenance-related products and therefore maintain extensive inventories to
meet the rapid delivery requirements of our customers. Our inventories are based
on the needs, delivery schedules and lead times of our customers. We focus on
distributing products that leverage our strengths in inventory management,
purchasing, specialized sales force, distribution and logistics, credit
management and information technology. As of January 30, 2004, our inventories
totaled approximately $467.0 million and represented approximately 24.8% of our
total assets.

Employees

As of January 30, 2004, we had approximately 8,400 employees. The
acquisitions of Century and Marden Susco, LLC ("Marden Susco") added
approximately 1,000 and 100 employees, respectively, to our headcount in fiscal
year 2004. We currently have 24 employees that are represented by two labor
unions. We consider our relationships with our employees to be good.

Environmental Laws

Compliance with federal, state and local environmental protection laws has
not, in the past, had a material effect upon our consolidated results of
operations and financial condition. We do not anticipate any material effect in
the future.


Page 12 of 75


Risk Factors

Our business is subject to significant risks. You should carefully
consider the risks and uncertainties described below and in the other
information included or incorporated by reference in this report, including our
consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto filed as part of this
report. If any of the events described below actually occur, our business,
financial condition or results of operations could be materially and adversely
affected.

Risks Related to Our Business

We operate in a highly competitive marketplace, which may result in decreased
demand or prices for our products.

The wholesale construction, repair and maintenance distribution industry
is highly competitive and fragmented. The principal competitive factors in our
business include, but are not limited to:

o availability of materials and supplies;

o technical product knowledge and expertise as to application and
usage;

o advisory or other service capabilities;

o pricing of products and

o availability of credit.

Our competition includes other wholesalers and manufacturers that sell
products directly to their respective customer base and some of our customers
that resell our products. We also compete, to a limited extent, with retailers
in the markets for plumbing, electrical fixtures and supplies, building
materials, MRO supplies and contractors' tools. Competition varies depending on
product line, customer classification and geographic market. We may not be
successful in responding effectively to competitive pressures, particularly from
competitors with substantially greater financial and other resources than us.
Furthermore, because of the fragmented nature of the markets in which we
operate, we are also susceptible to being underbid by local competition.

Delays in the implementation of our new unified operating system, or
interruptions in the proper functioning of our information systems, could
disrupt our operations and cause unanticipated increases in our costs.

We continue to implement our Hughes Unified operating system and expect
implementation to be completed over the next few years. We believe that this
time frame will enable us to reduce implementation-related risk, minimize
customer disruption, reduce system outages and disruptions and spread
implementation costs. Delays in the successful implementation of the new
operating system or its failure to meet our expectations could result in adverse
consequences, including disruption of operations or unanticipated increases in
costs. In addition, the proper functioning of our information systems is
critical to the successful operation of our business. Although we protect our
information systems through physical and software safeguards and we have back-up
remote processing capabilities, these information systems are still vulnerable
to natural disasters, power losses, telecommunications failures, physical or
software break-ins and similar events. If our critical information systems fail
or are otherwise unavailable, we would have to accomplish these functions
manually, which could temporarily affect our ability to process orders, identify
business opportunities, maintain proper levels of inventories, bill accounts
receivable and pay expenses.

We rely heavily on our key personnel and the loss of one or more of these
individuals could harm our ability to carry out our business strategy.

We believe that our ability to implement our business strategy and our
continued success will largely depend upon the efforts, skills, abilities and
judgment of our executive management team. Our success also depends to a
significant degree upon our ability to recruit and retain our highly
knowledgeable sales personnel and our marketing, operations and other senior
managers. We may not be successful in attracting and retaining these employees
or in managing our growth successfully, which may in turn have an adverse effect
on our results of operations and financial condition.


Page 13 of 75


We may not be able to efficiently or effectively integrate newly-acquired
businesses into our business or achieve expected profitability from our
acquisitions.

Integrating newly-acquired businesses involves a number of risks,
including:

o unforeseen difficulties in integrating operations and systems;

o problems assimilating and retaining our employees or the employees
of the acquired company;

o challenges in retaining our customers or those of the acquired
company following the acquisition;

o potential adverse short-term effects on operating results through
increased costs or otherwise and

o the possibility that management may be distracted from regular
business concerns by integration activities and related problem
solving.

If we are unable to effectively integrate strategic acquisitions, our
business, results of operations and financial condition could be adversely
affected.

We have substantial fixed costs and, as a result, our operating income is
sensitive to changes in our net sales.

A significant portion of our expenses are fixed costs, which do not
fluctuate proportionately with net sales. Consequently, a percentage decline in
our net sales has a greater percentage effect on our operating income. Any
decline in our net sales could cause our profitability to be adversely affected.

Because our business is working capital intensive, we rely on our ability to
manage our product purchasing and customer credit policies.

Our operations are working capital intensive, and our inventories,
accounts receivable and accounts payable are key components of our working
capital. We manage our inventories and accounts payable through our product
purchasing policies and our accounts receivable through our customer credit
policies. Approximately 95% of our net sales are credit sales, and although we
take measures to secure lien and bond rights, our customers' ability to pay may
depend on the economic strength of the construction industry and regional
economies. If we fail to adequately manage our product purchasing or customer
credit policies, our working capital and financial condition may be adversely
affected.

We depend on our vendors for materials and supplies. Unexpected product
shortages or an increase in their prices could interrupt our operations and
adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

In total, we purchase materials and supplies from over 10,000
manufacturers and other vendors, not one of which accounted for more than 5% of
our total material and supply purchases during fiscal year 2004. Despite this
widely diversified base of manufacturers and vendors, we may still experience
shortages as a result of unexpected industry demand or production difficulties.
If this were to occur and we were unable to obtain a sufficient allocation of
products from other manufacturers and vendors, there could be a short-term
adverse effect on our results of operations and long-term adverse effect on our
customer relationships and reputation. In addition, we have strategic
relationships with key vendors. In the event we are unable to maintain those
relationships, we may lose some of the competitive pricing advantages that those
relationships offer us, which could, in turn, adversely affect our results of
operations and financial condition.

We may not be successful in identifying and consummating future acquisitions,
which is an important element of our business strategy.

We intend to continue to grow, in part, through strategic acquisitions. We
compete with a number of other companies in pursuing future acquisitions, and
some of those competitors may be more successful than we are in completing
strategic acquisitions. Moreover, acquisitions we propose to make may be subject
to antitrust reviews and may face other regulatory challenges. In addition, we
may require additional debt or equity financing to fund future acquisitions, and
that financing may not be available or on terms we consider reasonable. As a
result of these and other factors, our ability to identify and consummate future
acquisitions is uncertain.

If we become subject to material liabilities under our self-insured programs,
our financial results may be adversely affected.

We provide workers' compensation, automobile and product/general liability
coverage through a program that is partially self-insured. In addition, we
provide medical coverage to our employees through a partially self-insured
preferred provider organization. Our results of operations and financial
condition may be adversely affected if the number and severity of insurance
claims increase.


Page 14 of 75


Risks Related to Our Industry

Our operating results depend on the strength of the general economy, which is
beyond our control.

Demand for our products and services depend to a significant degree on
construction, repair and maintenance spending in the commercial, residential,
industrial and public infrastructure markets. The level of activity in these
end-markets depends on a variety of factors that we cannot control, including:

o In the commercial market, vacancy rates, interest rates, the
availability of financing and regional and general economic
conditions;

o In the residential market, new housing starts and residential
renovation projects, which are influenced by interest rates,
availability of financing, housing affordability, unemployment,
demographic trends, gross domestic product growth and consumer
confidence;

o In the industrial market, capital spending, the industrial economic
outlook, corporate profitability, interest rates and capacity
utilization and

o In the public infrastructure market, interest rates, availability of
public funds and general economic conditions.

Weather conditions can also affect the timing of construction and the
demand for our products and services. Although we have diversified our business
to reduce our exposure to the seasonality and cyclicality of the construction
markets through our focus on expanding our MRO and other replacement-related
businesses, we continue to be sensitive to changes in the economy, which may
adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. We are
especially susceptible to economic fluctuations in Florida, Texas, North
Carolina, Georgia and Arizona, which collectively accounted for approximately
65% of our consolidated net sales in fiscal year 2004.

Fluctuating commodity prices may adversely impact our operating results.

The cost of steel, aluminum, copper, nickel alloys, polyvinyl chloride
(pvc) and other commodities used in products distributed by us can be volatile.
Although we attempt to pass increased costs to our customers, we are not always
able to do so quickly or at all. Significant fluctuations in the cost of such
commodities have adversely affected and in the future may adversely affect our
results of operations and financial condition.

The movement of manufacturing facilities overseas may adversely affect our
operating results.

The U.S. manufacturing industry has experienced, and is expected to
continue to experience, a shift in production to overseas facilities. This shift
has resulted in the closings of existing facilities in the United States, which
has reduced, and may continue to reduce, the amount of our business in our
Industrial PVF segment. If additional U.S. operations of our customers are moved
overseas or if new plant construction in the United States continues to decline,
our results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected.

Risks Related to Our Common Stock

Our quarterly results may have an adverse effect on the market price of our
common stock.

Our future operating results may vary from quarter to quarter depending on
factors such as seasonality and general economic conditions. If our financial
results for a quarter fall below investors' expectations, the market price of
our common stock may decline, perhaps significantly.

Dividend payments are restricted and within the discretion of our board of
directors.

The payment of future dividends, if any, will be at the discretion of our
board of directors, after taking into account various factors, including
earnings, capital requirements and surplus, financial position, contractual
restrictions and other relevant business considerations. We are also party to
debt instruments and agreements that contain provisions limiting the amount of
dividends that we may pay. In the future, we may become a party to debt
instruments or agreements that further restrict our ability to pay dividends.
Moreover, our board of directors may in the future decide not to pay, or to
reduce the amount of, dividends even when the aforementioned factors are
positive.

Our stock price may fluctuate substantially.

Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol
"HUG." The market price of our stock has fluctuated substantially in the past
and could fluctuate substantially in the future, based on a variety of factors,
including our


Page 15 of 75


operating results, availability of capital, changes in general conditions in the
economy, the financial markets, the wholesale construction, repair and
maintenance industry or other developments affecting us, our customers or our
competitors, some of which may be unrelated to our performance. Those
fluctuations and demand for our products may adversely affect the price of our
stock. In addition, if our results of operations fail to meet the expectations
of investors, our stock price could decline.

Furthermore, the stock market in general has experienced volatility that
has often been unrelated to the operating performance of companies in our
industry. These fluctuations and general economic, political and market
conditions may adversely affect the market price of our common stock, regardless
of our operating results. The volatility also could impair our ability in the
future to offer common stock as a source of additional capital or as
consideration in the acquisition of other businesses.

Certain anti-takeover provisions may make our stock less attractive to
investors.

Certain provisions of our restated articles of incorporation, as amended,
Florida law and our shareholders' rights plan may make it more difficult for a
third party to acquire a controlling interest in us, even if a change in control
would benefit shareholders. These provisions may delay or prevent transactions
in which shareholders would receive a substantial premium for their shares over
then-prevailing market prices. These provisions may also limit shareholders'
ability to approve transactions they may otherwise believe are in their best
interests. In particular, these provisions include a provision dividing the
board of directors into three classes of directors elected for staggered
three-year terms; a provision authorizing the issuance of preferred stock
without shareholder approval and a provision requiring that certain business
combinations receive approval by two-thirds of our shares of voting stock.

Available Information

We make our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q,
current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports available on our
website, www.hughessupply.com, under "Investor Relations", free of charge, as
soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file or furnish such
materials to the SEC. During the period covered by this report, we posted our
periodic reports on Form 10-K, Form 10-Q, and our current reports on Form 8-K
and any amendments to those documents to our website as soon as reasonably
practicable after those reports were filed or furnished electronically with the
SEC.

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

Our corporate headquarters, a leased facility consisting of approximately
195,000 square feet, is located in Orlando, Florida. In addition, we own or
lease approximately 600 properties serving 486 branches in 38 states. The
typical sales branch consists of a combined office and warehouse facility with
an average size of 19,000 square feet. We also operate six central distribution
centers, with an average size of 125,000 square feet. We believe that our
properties are in good condition and are suitable and adequate to carry out our
business. None of the owned principal properties is subject to any encumbrance
that is material to our consolidated operations.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We are involved in various legal proceedings arising in the normal course
of our business. In the opinion of our management, none of the proceedings are
material in relation to our consolidated financial statements.

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

No matters were submitted to a vote of our security holders during the
fourth quarter ended January 30, 2004.


Page 16 of 75


PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol
"HUG". As of March 26, 2004, there were approximately 799 shareholders of record
of our common stock. The following table presents the high and low sale prices
for shares of our common stock for each quarterly period along with cash
dividends per share in fiscal years 2004 and 2003:

First Second Third Fourth
Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Full Year
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal 2004

Market price per share:
High $ 28.90 $ 39.11 $ 40.15 $ 51.75 $ 51.75
Low 19.77 28.69 32.19 38.59 19.77
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dividends per share $ 0.100 $ 0.100 $ 0.100 $ 0.100 $ 0.400
===============================================================================
Fiscal 2003

Market price per share:
High $ 42.98 $ 44.98 $ 35.30 $ 34.55 $ 44.98
Low 29.20 33.24 25.84 24.74 24.74
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dividends per share $ 0.085 $ 0.085 $ 0.085 $ 0.100 $ 0.355
===============================================================================

Payment of future dividends, if any, will be at the discretion of our
board of directors, after taking into account various factors, including
earnings, capital requirements and surplus, financial position, contractual
restrictions and other relevant business considerations. There can be no
assurance that dividends will be declared or paid any time in the future.


Page 17 of 75


ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The following selected financial data should be read in conjunction with
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations" as well as our financial statements, notes to those statements and
other financial information appearing elsewhere in this report.



(in millions, except per share data and ratios) Fiscal Years (1)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2004 (2),(3) 2003 (3) 2002 2001 2000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

STATEMENTS OF INCOME:
Net sales $ 3,253.4 $ 3,066.3 $ 3,037.7 $ 3,310.2 $ 2,994.9
Cost of sales 2,519.7 2,356.6 2,340.6 2,565.1 2,321.0
Gross margin ratio to net sales 22.6% 23.1% 22.9% 22.5% 22.5%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Selling, general and administrative expenses $ 589.8 $ 568.0 $ 564.0 $ 590.6 $ 510.7
Percentage of net sales 18.1% 18.5% 18.6% 17.8% 17.1%
Depreciation and amortization (4) 21.2 20.5 31.1 32.6 29.8
Operating income 122.7 121.2 101.3 106.3 133.4
Operating margin 3.8% 4.0% 3.3% 3.2% 4.5%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interest and other income $ 6.4 $ 7.3 $ 9.3 $ 17.7 (5) $ 8.0
Interest expense 34.6 30.3 35.9 43.3 31.8
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income before income taxes $ 94.5 $ 98.2 $ 74.7 $ 80.7 $ 109.6
Percentage of net sales 2.9% 3.2% 2.5% 2.4% 3.7%
Income taxes 36.8 40.1 30.6 34.2 43.7
Net income 57.7 58.1 44.1 46.5 65.9
Percentage of net sales 1.8% 1.9% 1.5% 1.4% 2.2%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Earnings per share:
Basic $ 2.52 $ 2.50 $ 1.90 $ 2.00 $ 2.82
Diluted 2.46 2.45 1.88 1.97 2.80
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic 22.9 23.2 23.2 23.2 23.4
Diluted 23.5 23.7 23.4 23.6 23.5
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BALANCE SHEETS:
Working capital (current assets less current liabilities) $ 603.6 $ 558.8 $ 588.3 $ 679.1 $ 653.0
Property and equipment, net 161.8 157.8 145.7 152.1 144.8
Goodwill 609.8 320.1 263.8 249.8 243.4
Total assets 1,881.3 1,434.9 1,293.2 1,406.7 1,367.9
Total debt 413.3 441.9 422.9 531.5 535.8
Shareholders' equity 1,012.0 644.8 594.5 570.0 522.4
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current ratio 2.4 to 1 2.5 to 1 3.1 to 1 3.2 to 1 3.2 to 1
Total debt-to-capital 29% 41% 42% 48% 51%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OTHER:
Cash dividends per share $ 0.400 $ 0.355 $ 0.340 $ 0.340 $ 0.340
Return on average shareholders' equity 7.0% 9.4% 7.6% 8.5% 13.1%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


(1) Our fiscal year is a 52 or 53-week period ending on the last Friday in
January. All fiscal years presented contained 52 weeks, while fiscal year
2003 contained 53 weeks.

(2) Results for fiscal year 2004 include the results of Century Maintenance
Supply, Inc. and Marden Susco, LLC from the acquisition dates of December
19, 2003 and August 4, 2003, respectively.

(3) Results for fiscal years 2004 and 2003 include the results of Utiliserve
Holdings, Inc. from the acquisition date of August 9, 2002.

(4) Effective Janury 26, 2002, we adopted Statement of Financial Accounting
Standard ("FAS") 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. Under FAS 142,
goodwill is no longer amortized.

(5) Includes $11.0 million gain on sale of pool and spa business in January
2001.


Page 18 of 75


ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS

The following is a discussion and analysis of certain significant factors
that have affected our financial condition as of January 30, 2004, and the
results of operations for fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002. This information
should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and
notes thereto contained herein.

Business

Founded in 1928, we are one of the nation's largest diversified wholesale
distributors of construction, repair and maintenance-related products. We
distribute over 350,000 products to more than 100,000 customers through our 486
branches located in 38 states. Our customers include electrical, plumbing and
mechanical contractors; public utilities; property management companies;
municipalities and industrial companies. Although we have a national presence,
we operate principally in the southeastern and southwestern United States.

Fiscal Year

Our fiscal year is a 52- or 53-week period ending on the last Friday in
January. Fiscal year 2004 and fiscal year 2002 contained 52 weeks while fiscal
year 2003 contained 53 weeks. The additional week in fiscal year 2003 was
included in the first quarter.

Segment Information

During the third quarter of fiscal year 2004, we revised our reporting
structure to provide additional disclosure by realigning our previously reported
operating segments (Electrical/Plumbing, Industrial PVF and Water &
Sewer/Building Materials) on a more disaggregated basis by product line into six
operating segments and an All Other category. The revised operating segments
are: Water & Sewer, Plumbing/HVAC, MRO, Utilities, Electrical and Industrial
PVF. The All Other category includes our Building Materials, Fire Protection and
Mechanical Industrial product lines. The Industrial PVF segment remains
unchanged.

The corporate category includes corporate level expenses not allocated to
our operating segments. Inter-segment sales are excluded from net sales
presented for each segment. Operating income for each segment includes certain
corporate expense allocations for employee benefits, corporate overhead
expenses, data processing expenses and property/casualty insurance. These
allocations are based on consumption or at a standard rate determined by
management.

In connection with the change of our reporting structure and to more
accurately reflect consumption, we changed our method of allocating corporate
overhead expenses to the segments. All prior period segment results have been
reclassified to reflect these changes.

Business Combinations and Divestitures

On December 19, 2003, we acquired Century Maintenance Supply, Inc.
("Century"), a leading distributor of MRO products serving the multi-family
apartment market. Century has a nationwide distribution network of 39
strategically located branches in major metropolitan markets in 35 states. The
acquisition will enable us to become a leader in the apartment MRO market and
facilitate entry into adjacent customer markets such as hospitality and lodging,
assisted living and healthcare, education and government. Century's results of
operations have been included in our consolidated statements of income since
December 19, 2003.

On August 4, 2003, we acquired substantially all of the net assets of
Marden Susco, LLC ("Marden Susco"), a southern California supplier of
underground piping products for use in municipal water, sewer and storm drain
systems. The acquisition allowed us to expand our Water & Sewer business into
California. The results of Marden Susco's operations have been included in our
consolidated statements of income since August 4, 2003.

On August 9, 2002, we acquired all of the capital stock of Utiliserve
Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries ("Utiliserve"), a wholesale distributor of
electrical transmission and distribution products and services to the U.S.
electric utility industry. As a result of the acquisition, we are a leading
provider of electrical transmission and distribution products and services in
the United States. We also expanded our development of customer contracts as a
result of Utiliserve's value-added services, including vendor-managed inventory,
collaborative emergency response, and job-site delivery. The results of
Utiliserve's operations have been included in our consolidated statements of
income since August 9, 2002.


Page 19 of 75


Prior to fiscal year 2001, our Plumbing/HVAC business conducted
international operations in Mexico. In fiscal year 2001, we experienced
continued operating losses in these international operations. As a result of
these losses and based on an analysis of future profitability and anticipated
customer demand for these businesses, we terminated our international operations
in fiscal year 2002.

In fiscal year 2000, we acquired bestroute.com ("bestroute"). In the
fourth quarter of fiscal year 2001, bestroute was not able to meet its operating
plan and incurred substantial operating losses attributable to its inability to
gain market acceptance and generate net sales sufficient to cover its operating
costs. As a result of these continued losses and viability concerns, we
discontinued bestroute's operations in March 2001.

Results of Operations

Same-Store Sales Methodology

We compute and disclose same-store sales, which exclude net sales related
to (a) acquired and newly-opened branches until operating results are included
in the consolidated financial statements for all periods in the current and
prior fiscal years, (b) branch combinations and splits unless within the same
segment and physical location and (c) closed and divested branches. All
same-store sales amounts and percentages presented in this report exclude the
impact of the additional week of net sales in the first quarter of fiscal year
2003.

Overview

Overall, our performance in fiscal year 2004 reflected continued strength
in the residential construction market and improvement in the commercial
construction industry. After a slow start in the first half of the year, our
business came back strongly in the second half, delivering sales beyond our
expectations, particularly in the fourth quarter. We achieved 2% same-store
sales growth in fiscal year 2004, our first year of positive same-store sales
growth since fiscal year 2001. Gross margin ratio to net sales decreased due to
competitive pressures and changes to our product mix, with historically lower
gross margin businesses like Utilities comprising a higher percentage of our
consolidated net sales. Offsetting some of the sell-side margin pressure were
higher vendor rebates and discounts as a result of our vendor consolidation
efforts and improved programs with our suppliers.

Performance in fiscal year 2004 was hindered by a significant sales and
profitability decrease in the Industrial PVF segment, our highest operating
margin business, as well as underperforming branches in our Plumbing/HVAC
segment. The comparison with fiscal year 2003 was also impacted by the
additional week in the first quarter of fiscal year 2003. We experienced higher
operating expenses in freight, employee healthcare, marketing and insurance
during fiscal year 2004. Given our fixed cost structure, we will continue to
manage expenses carefully to leverage sales. However, we are also increasing our
level of investment spending, particularly in information technology, through
various initiatives such as the implementation of our Hughes Unified
distribution platform and new systems in finance and data warehousing.

We continue to maintain a focus on working capital improvement, and as a
result, net cash flow provided by operating activities grew to a record $145.9
million for the year. Initiatives to improve our working capital efficiency to
support sales growth will continue and we expect operating cash flow to continue
to be strong. In January 2004, we completed an equity offering of 6,900,000
shares and, used the net proceeds primarily to fund our acquisition of Century
and to repay indebtedness under our revolving credit agreement. The equity
offering strengthened our capital structure by lowering our total
debt-to-capital ratio to 29% from the previous year's 41%, establishing a
stronger foundation to support future organic and acquisition growth.


Page 20 of 75


Net Sales

Net sales are affected by numerous factors, including, but not limited to,
seasonality, weather, commodity pricing, competition and construction cycles.

Consolidated and same-store net sales by segment in fiscal years 2004,
2003 and 2002 were as follows (dollars in millions):



Consolidated Net Sales
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal Years Ended
----------------------------------- % Variance % Variance
2004 2003 2002 2004 to 2003 2003 to 2002
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Water & Sewer $ 922.4 $ 877.2 $ 833.1 5.2% 5.3%
Plumbing/HVAC 842.1 826.9 855.3 1.8% (3.3%)
MRO 158.7 118.9 110.5 33.5% 7.6%
Utilities 363.8 248.3 144.9 46.5% 71.4%
Electrical 362.8 375.5 430.6 (3.4%) (12.8%)
Industrial PVF 283.2 313.9 330.4 (9.8%) (5.0%)
All Other 320.4 305.6 332.9 4.8% (8.2%)
- --------------------------------------------------------
$ 3,253.4 $ 3,066.3 $ 3,037.7 6.1% 0.9%
========================================================


Same-Store Sales
-----------------------------------------------------
Fiscal Years Ended
---------------------- Dollar % Variance
2004 2003 (1) Variance 2004 to 2003
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Water & Sewer $ 885.9 $ 850.7 $ 35.2 4.1%
Plumbing/HVAC 825.2 794.5 30.7 3.9%
MRO 124.7 117.0 7.7 6.6%
Utilities 141.3 151.0 (9.7) (6.4%)
Electrical 362.7 367.5 (4.8) (1.3%)
Industrial PVF 283.2 308.1 (24.9) (8.1%)
All Other 316.2 291.9 24.3 8.3%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 2,939.2 $ 2,880.7 $ 58.5 2.0%
======================================================================


Same-Store Sales
-------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal Years Ended
---------------------- Dollar % Variance
2003 (1) 2002 Variance 2003 to 2002
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Water & Sewer $ 787.8 $ 773.0 $ 14.8 1.9%
Plumbing/HVAC 740.8 751.0 (10.2) (1.4%)
MRO 118.9 109.9 9.0 8.2%
Utilities 146.1 146.8 (0.7) (0.5%)
Electrical 371.7 425.9 (54.2) (12.7%)
Industrial PVF 311.5 334.3 (22.8) (6.8%)
All Other 338.3 356.2 (17.9) (5.0%)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 2,815.1 $ 2,897.1 $ (82.0) (2.8%)
======================================================================


(1) The difference in same-store sales amounts for fiscal 2003 is due to our
same-store sales methodology. See "Same-Store Sales Methodology".

Consolidated net sales in fiscal year 2004 totaled $3,253.4 million, an
increase of $187.1 million or 6.1%, compared to fiscal year 2003's net sales of
$3,066.3 million due partially to the acquisitions of Century, Marden Susco and
Utiliserve as well as strong residential construction activity and an
improvement in the commercial construction market during the second half of the
fiscal year. The Century and Marden Susco acquisitions added net sales of $29.2
million and $31.2 million, respectively, during fiscal year 2004. A full year of
Utiliserve activity in fiscal year 2004 increased net sales by $131.3 million.
These increases, along with an increase in consolidated net sales from
newly-opened branches of $6.4 million were partially offset by a decrease of
$14.4 million related to closed and/or combined branches and a benefit of $55.1
million included in fiscal year 2003's consolidated net sales due to the
additional week included in its first quarter.


Page 21 of 75


In fiscal year 2004, consolidated same-store sales increased $58.5
million or 2.0%. This increase was due to the procurement of several large
subdivision and municipal projects in the midwestern water and sewer markets, an
overall improvement in the commercial construction markets served by the
Plumbing/HVAC segment and the Building Materials product line in the eastern
United States, and market share growth in the MRO segment. These increases were
partially offset by lower sales in the Industrial PVF segment due to weak
end-market demand and the loss of a large Utilities segment customer during the
second quarter of fiscal year 2004.

Consolidated net sales in fiscal year 2003 increased $28.6 million or 0.9%
compared to fiscal year 2002. Acquired and newly-opened branches accounted for
$141.9 million of the increase. The majority of net sales for acquired and
newly-opened branches were attributable to the Utilities and Water & Sewer
segments, which accounted for $102.0 million and $34.8 million, respectively, of
this increase. Included in the Utilities segment's acquired and newly-opened
branch sales was $95.3 million of net sales related to the acquisition of
Utiliserve. The additional week included in the first quarter of fiscal year
2003 added $55.1 million of net sales. Partially offsetting these increases was
a decline of $82.0 million or 2.8% in same-store sales largely as a result of a
slow-down in the non-residential building and commercial construction sectors
and a decline in Industrial PVF sales due to the postponement or cancellation of
certain projects. Consolidated net sales from closed and/or combined branches
also decreased by $86.4 million.

Water & Sewer

Net sales in fiscal year 2004 totaled $922.4 million, an increase of $45.2
million or 5.2% compared to fiscal year 2003's net sales of $877.2 million. This
increase was partially due to the acquisition of Marden Susco, which resulted in
additional net sales of $31.2 million in fiscal year 2004. Same-store sales
increased $35.2 million or 4.1% as a result of increased subdivision projects
and increased sewer and waterline projects during fiscal year 2004. Partially
offsetting these increases was a $14.5 million decrease resulting from the
additional week in the first quarter of fiscal year 2003 and a $6.3 million
decrease related to closed and/or combined branches.

Same-store sales increased $14.8 million or 1.9% in fiscal year 2003
compared to fiscal year 2002 primarily due to favorable public and residential
construction in fiscal year 2003, which increased approximately 6%. In addition,
this segment was awarded several large infrastructure projects, including an
automated water meter project for $3.2 million. Partially offsetting these
increases was a reduction of $4.1 million in the concrete product line's net
sales mainly due to decreased demand in the Texas market.

Plumbing/HVAC

Net sales in fiscal year 2004 totaled $842.1 million, an increase of $15.2
million or 1.8% compared to fiscal year 2003's net sales of $826.9 million. This
increase was primarily due to sales growth from acquired and newly-opened
branches of $5.3 million and same-store sales increases of $30.7 million or 3.9%
due to increased business on several large accounts due to improved market
penetration in fiscal year 2004 and overall improvement in the commercial
plumbing market. These increases were offset partially by the additional week in
the first quarter of fiscal year 2003, which added $14.5 million to fiscal year
2003's net sales as well as a decline of $6.3 million of net sales related to
closed and/or combined branches.

Same-store sales decreased $10.2 million or 1.4% in fiscal year 2003
compared to fiscal year 2002 largely as a result of competitive pressures in
certain local markets, compounded by weak commercial and industrial business. In
addition, same-store sales in the Texas market were also unfavorably impacted
due to inclement weather conditions. Partially offsetting these decreases was an
increase in sales in the Plumbing/HVAC's western region, due in part to the
expansion of our customer base.

MRO

Net sales for fiscal year 2004 totaled $158.7 million, an increase of
$39.8 million or 33.5% compared to fiscal year 2003's net sales of $118.9
million. This increase was partially due to the acquisition of Century, which
resulted in additional net sales of $29.2 million in fiscal year 2004.
Same-store sales increased $7.7 million or 6.6%, and net sales for newly-opened
branches increased $4.8 million from the prior year. Despite historically high
vacancy rates, net sales increased due to our continued focus on securing
national accounts to increase market share and our construction services
initiative. Under the national accounts initiative, the MRO segment targets
large property management companies to become their preferred supplier. The
construction services initiative is geared toward renovation and refurbishment
of older apartment complexes. These increases were partially offset by the
impact of the additional week in the first quarter of fiscal year 2003, which
added $1.9 million to net sales in fiscal year 2003.

Same-store sales increased $9.0 million or 8.2% in fiscal year 2003
compared to fiscal year 2002 primarily due to MRO's strategic focus on both its
national accounts and construction services initiatives.


Page 22 of 75


Utilities

Net sales in fiscal year 2004 totaled $363.8 million, an increase of
$115.5 million or 46.5% compared to the fiscal year 2003's net sales of $248.3
million. A full year of Utiliserve activity in fiscal year 2004 increased net
sales by $131.3 million. This increase was partially offset by the impact of the
additional week in the first quarter of fiscal year 2003, which added $2.9
million to net sales in the prior year. Same-store sales decreased $9.7 million
or 6.4% due primarily to the loss of a large electric utility customer during
the second quarter of fiscal year 2004. Utiliserve's net sales are not reflected
in same-store sales due to our calculation methodology.

Despite a highly competitive market and a general slowdown in the economy,
the Utilities segment's same-store net sales remained relatively flat in both
periods with a $0.7 million or 0.5% decrease in fiscal year 2003 compared to
fiscal year 2002. This resulted from sales initiatives aimed at providing
value-added services, such as the installation and testing of automated electric
utility meters.

Electrical

Net sales in fiscal year 2004 totaled $362.8 million, a decrease of $12.7
million or 3.4% compared to fiscal year 2003's net sales of $375.5 million. This
decrease resulted, in part, from the additional week in the first quarter of
fiscal year 2003, which added $7.5 million to net sales in fiscal year 2003, and
a decline of $0.4 million related to closed and/or combined branches. Same-store
sales decreased $4.8 million or 1.3% primarily due to weakness in the commercial
construction and industrial markets, particularly in office buildings and hotel
construction during the first half of fiscal year 2004. The economic downturn in
these markets experienced over the last three years has placed significant
pressure on the electrical distribution industry; however during the fourth
quarter of fiscal year 2004, sales and bid activity improved as commercial
construction activity increased.

Same-store sales decreased $54.2 million or 12.7% in fiscal year 2003
compared to fiscal year 2002 largely as a result of the economic slowdown in the
electrical commercial construction market, particularly in the southeast and
Texas. Competitive pressures in certain local markets, weak commercial,
industrial and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) business and inclement
weather conditions in the Texas market also contributed to the decrease.

Industrial PVF

Net sales in fiscal year 2004 totaled $283.2 million, a decrease of $30.7
million or 9.8% compared to fiscal year 2003's net sales of $313.9 million.
Contributing to the decrease was $7.2 million of net sales related to the
additional week in the first quarter of fiscal year 2003. Same-store sales
decreased $24.9 million or 8.1% primarily due to the sharp decline in power and
petrochemical industry capital spending and new plant construction.

Same-store sales decreased $22.8 million or 6.8% in fiscal year 2003
compared to fiscal year 2002. This decrease reflected the postponement or
cancellation of certain gas utility, petrochemical and power generation plant
construction and/or rehabilitation projects in late fiscal year 2002 and
throughout fiscal year 2003. These projects were postponed and cancelled by our
customers due to economic conditions, which resulted in reduced plant
utilization and reduced capital spending. The same-store sales decline was
partially offset by increased sales prices for certain commodity-based products,
including stainless steel and nickel alloys.

All Other

Net sales in fiscal year 2004 totaled $320.4 million, an increase of $14.8
million or 4.8% compared to fiscal year 2003's net sales of $305.6 million.
Same-store sales increased $24.3 million or 8.3%. The Building Materials product
line benefited from the strong increase in the number and size of construction
projects in Florida and higher non-building construction starts. The Fire
Protection product line also posted strong sales growth as a result of expansion
into new markets and increases in subdivision and waterline projects. These
increases were partially offset by the additional week of sales in the first
quarter of fiscal year 2003, which added $6.6 million to net sales in fiscal
year 2003, as well as a decline in net sales of $3.6 million related to closed
and/or combined branches.

Same-store sales decreased $17.9 million or 5.0% in fiscal year 2003
compared to fiscal year 2002 primarily due to declines in the Building Materials
and Fire Protection product lines, which decreased 4.2% and 11.8%, respectively.
These decreases were largely attributable to a slowdown in non-residential and
commercial construction markets particularly in the eastern region for the Fire
Protection product line and the Atlanta market for the Building Materials
product line.


Page 23 of 75


Gross Margin

Gross margin is affected by numerous factors, including, but not limited
to, product mix changes, commodity pricing, competition, vendor rebates,
inventory charges and direct shipments compared to stock sales.

The decrease in gross margin ratio to net sales to 22.6% in fiscal year
2004 from 23.1% in fiscal year 2003 was driven primarily by competitive pricing
pressures and the mix of our net sales activity. In fiscal year 2004, the
Utilities segment, which has historically generated lower gross margins than our
other segments, comprised a higher percentage of consolidated net sales, and the
Industrial PVF segment, a higher gross margin business, comprised a lower
percentage of consolidated net sales. Additionally an unfavorable margin impact
resulting from higher inventory reserve requirements was partially offset by an
increase in vendor rebates resulting from our continued vendor consolidation
efforts and improved programs with our suppliers.

Gross margin ratio to net sales was 23.1% and 22.9% in fiscal year 2003 and
fiscal year 2002, respectively. Gross margin ratio to net sales benefited from
increased vendor rebates and discounts as a result of our vendor consolidation
efforts, and a reduction in inventory reserve requirements attributable to lower
dead stock and excess inventory levels. Partially offsetting this improvement
was the addition of Utiliserve to the sales mix, which generates lower gross
margins but higher operating margins than our other segments. Pricing pressures
brought about by intensified competition resulting from the slowdown in the
non-residential and commercial construction sectors and the adverse impact of
deflationary pressures on pvc and ductile iron pipe products also unfavorably
impacted gross margin ratio to net sales in fiscal year 2003.

Operating Expenses

We are primarily a fixed cost business; consequently, a percentage change
in our net sales has a greater percentage effect on our operating expense ratio.

Operating expenses and percentage of net sales for fiscal years 2004, 2003
and 2002 were as follows (dollars in millions):



Operating Expenses Percentage of Net Sales
----------------------------- -------------------------------
Fiscal Years Ended Fiscal Years Ended
----------------------------- -------------------------------
2004 2003 2002 2004 2003 2002
- ---------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------

Personnel expenses $ 386.1 $ 379.8 $ 373.9 11.9% 12.4% 12.3%
Other selling, general and
administrative expenses 203.7 188.2 190.1 6.3% 6.1% 6.3%
Depreciation and amortization 21.2 20.5 31.1 0.7% 0.7% 1.0%
Impairment of long-lived assets -- -- 0.7 -- -- --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
Total operating expenses $ 611.0 $ 588.5 $ 595.8 18.8% 19.2% 19.6%
================================================================


As a percentage of net sales, personnel expenses were 11.9% and 12.4% in
fiscal years 2004 and 2003, respectively. Our workforce increased 16.7% from
approximately 7,200 employees at January 31, 2003 to approximately 8,400
employees at January 30, 2004 primarily as a result of the acquisitions of
Century and Marden Susco. Century and Marden Susco added $7.7 million of
personnel expenses to fiscal year 2004, and a full year of Utiliserve activity
during the year additionally increased personnel expenses by $6.1 million.
Employee healthcare insurance expenses increased $3.6 million due to increased
enrollment and higher rates. The primary factor contributing to the decrease in
personnel expenses as a percentage of net sales was a favorable impact resulting
from a change to our employee vacation policy. Under the new vacation policy
adopted in fiscal year 2004, employees earn their vacation entitlement ratably
during the year. Previously, vacation was granted at the beginning of the
calendar year. This policy change resulted in a net reversal of our vacation
accrual of $8.1 million. Personnel expenses were also favorably impacted by the
additional week in fiscal year 2003, which added approximately $7.2 million to
the prior year's first quarter.

As percentage of net sales, other selling, general and administrative
expenses were 6.3% and 6.1% in fiscal years 2004 and 2003, respectively. The
increase was primarily attributable to higher fuel prices, resulting in
increased shipping and freight costs of $5.3 million, a $1.7 million increase in
marketing expenses related to enhanced customer award programs, an increase of
$1.6 million in telecommunications expenses attributable to increased bandwidth
capacity, and an insurance expense increase of $1.3 million due primarily to
increased insurance premiums. Fiscal year 2004 also included expenses of $2.2
million primarily for lease obligations related to the closure of seven
Plumbing/HVAC branches and our Texas distribution center, and $2.2 million
associated with the relocation of our corporate offices. These increases were
offset by a $4.5 million decrease in our provision for doubtful accounts due
primarily to lower write-offs of uncollectible customer accounts and higher
recoveries of previously written off receivables. The additional week in the
first quarter of fiscal year 2003 included $1.2 million of other selling,
general and administrative expenses.


Page 24 of 75


As a percentage of net sales, personnel expenses were 12.4% and 12.3% in
fiscal year 2003 and fiscal year 2002, respectively. Our workforce remained
essentially flat with approximately 7,200 employees at January 31, 2003 and
January 25, 2002. At January 31, 2003, this included approximately 200 employees
as a result of the acquisition of Utiliserve, which increased personnel expenses
by $5.6 million in fiscal year 2003. The additional week in the first quarter of
fiscal year 2003 also added $7.2 million of personnel expenses. The primary
factors contributing to the increase in personnel expenses in fiscal year 2003
were higher employee health insurance expense ($2.4 million) and incentive
compensation expense ($6.5 million) associated with bonus programs and
restricted stock issued to key executives during fiscal year 2002. These
increases were partially offset by reductions in overtime ($1.3 million),
contract labor ($2.6 million) and severance expense ($2.7 million). In fiscal
year 2003, we continued with our hiring freeze and wage and salary management
programs, which included limits on merit and promotional salary increases. These
savings were offset in fiscal year 2003 by incremental personnel costs
associated with the Hughes Unified implementation and increased employee health
insurance.

As a percentage of net sales, other selling, general and administrative
expenses were 6.1% and 6.3% in fiscal year 2003 and fiscal year 2002,
respectively. The additional week in the first quarter of fiscal year 2003 added
$1.2 million of other selling, general and administrative expenses. We
experienced higher losses totaling $1.5 million on our property/casualty
insurance program and increased data processing expenses of $1.0 million
primarily for consulting related to the Hughes Unified operating system. We also
made donations of $0.9 million in fiscal year 2003 to Hughes Supply Foundation,
Inc., a not-for-profit charitable organization. Offsetting these increases were
expenses of $3.1 million that were incurred in fiscal year 2002, primarily for
lease obligations ($1.6 million) and other contractual obligations ($1.5
million), related to the closure and/or consolidation of branches in fiscal year
2002. Our provision for doubtful accounts decreased $2.0 million in fiscal year
2003 due to provisions in fiscal year 2002 for uncollectible receivables related
to our international business.

As a percentage of net sales, depreciation and amortization were 0.7% and
1.0% in fiscal year 2003 and fiscal year 2002, respectively. Of the total $10.6
million decrease, $9.2 million related to the amortization of goodwill, which
was eliminated in fiscal year 2003 under Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards ("FAS") 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. The remaining
decrease of $1.4 million was largely the result of reduced capital spending in
fiscal year 2003 along with the elimination of depreciation expense related to
our forklift fleet and trailers. Certain of these assets were sold and
subsequently leased-back by us in fiscal year 2002.

In the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2002, we recorded an impairment loss
of $0.7 million related to goodwill of one entity in our Plumbing/HVAC segment.

Operating Income

We are primarily a fixed cost business; therefore all operating segments
were favorably impacted in fiscal year 2003 by the leverage gained from the
additional week of net sales. Operating income is affected significantly by
fluctuations in net sales as well as changes in our business and product mix.

Operating income by segment and as a percentage of net sales in fiscal
years 2004, 2003 and 2002 was as follows: (dollars in millions):

Operating Income (Loss)


------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal Years Ended Percentage of Net Sales
----------------------------- -------------------------------
2004 2003 2002 2004 2003 2002
----------------------------- -------------------------------

Water & Sewer $ 45.1 $ 40.4 $ 38.9 4.9% 4.6% 4.7%
Plumbing/HVAC 8.4 14.0 (2.8) 1.0% 1.7% (0.3%)
MRO 10.1 8.8 5.8 6.4% 7.4% 5.2%
Utilities 13.7 10.2 7.2 3.8% 4.1% 5.0%
Electrical 8.2 8.1 12.8 2.3% 2.2% 3.0%
Industrial PVF 23.0 31.7 29.1 8.1% 10.1% 8.8%
All Other 14.2 8.0 10.3 4.4% 2.6% 3.1%
-----------------------------
$ 122.7 $ 121.2 $ 101.3 3.8% 4.0% 3.3%
=============================



Page 25 of 75


Operating income in fiscal year 2004 totaled $122.7 million, increasing
$1.5 million or 1.2%, compared to fiscal year 2003's operating income of $121.2
million. Operating income as a percentage of net sales decreased 20 basis points
to 3.8% in fiscal year 2004 compared to 4.0% in fiscal year 2003 due primarily
to a decline in Industrial PVF net sales and profitability as a result of the
significant downturn in the petrochemical and power industries, and the
additional week included in the first quarter of fiscal year 2003, which
improved the prior year's operating income leverage by $4.6 million. Partially
offsetting these decreases was operating income from the acquisitions of Century
and Marden Susco, which collectively added $3.2 million of operating income to
fiscal year 2004. A full year of Utiliserve activity in fiscal year 2004 also
increased operating income $5.7 million.

Operating income in fiscal year 2003 totaled $121.2 million, increasing
$19.9 million or 19.6%, compared to operating income of $101.3 million in fiscal
year 2002. Operating income as a percentage of net sales was 4.0% and 3.3% in
fiscal year 2003 and fiscal year 2002, respectively. The 70 basis points
increase was primarily driven by the elimination of $9.2 million of goodwill
amortization, which is no longer required under FAS 142, combined with higher
gross margins, which improved 20 basis points in fiscal year 2003. Since we are
primarily a fixed cost business, with the most significant variable expense
being cost of sales, operating income for all of our segments was also favorably
impacted by the additional week in fiscal year 2003, which added approximately
$4.6 million of operating income.

Water & Sewer

Operating income as a percentage of net sales increased to 4.9% in fiscal
year 2004 from 4.6% in fiscal year 2003. The 30 basis points increase in fiscal
year 2004 was due primarily to increased sales volume and stable margins on
large-scale projects in relation to fixed expenses.

Operating income as a percentage of net sales remained essentially flat at
4.6% and 4.7% in fiscal year 2003 and fiscal year 2002, respectively. The
leverage gained from the additional week included in fiscal year 2003 and the
elimination of goodwill amortization in accordance with FAS 142 was offset by
lower sales volume and reduced gross margins in relation to fixed expenses for
our Water & Sewer segment. The decrease in gross margin was due in part to
competitive pressures and deflationary pricing on pvc and ductile iron pipe
products. Several low margin infrastructure projects combined with a higher
proportion of direct shipments, which typically generate lower gross margins,
also negatively impacted gross margins in fiscal year 2003.

Plumbing/HVAC

Operating income as a percentage of net sales decreased to 1.0% of net
sales in the fiscal year 2004 from 1.7% of net sales in fiscal year 2003. The 70
basis points decrease during fiscal year 2004 was primarily due to lower gross
margin direct shipments comprising a higher percentage of the sales mix as well
as increased selling, general and administrative expenses driven by costs
associated with closing of seven underperforming branches and our Texas
distribution center during January 2004. These decreases were partially offset
by lower personnel expenses resulting from headcount reductions. Additionally
fiscal year 2003's performance was favorably impacted by the leverage gained
from the additional week in its first quarter.

As a percentage of net sales, operating income increased to 1.7% in fiscal
year 2003 from an operating loss of 0.3% in fiscal year 2002. The 200 basis
points improvement in operating income was largely attributable to lower
provisions for doubtful accounts, the elimination of goodwill amortization in
accordance with FAS 142 and the leverage gained from the additional week
included in fiscal year 2003. The provision for doubtful accounts decreased to
$2.5 million in fiscal year 2003 from $6.3 million in fiscal year 2002 largely
due to the economic slowdown that affected our markets, particularly our
international business, during late fiscal year 2001. In fiscal year 2002, we
recorded provisions for doubtful accounts of $3.9 million for our international
business. Gross margin also improved due, in part, to the closure of certain
branches in fiscal year 2002. During the third and fourth quarters of fiscal
year 2002, we closed 23 branches in the Plumbing/HVAC segment because these
branches did not strategically fit into our core businesses and/or they did not
perform to expectations. These branches generally yielded lower gross margins in
relation to the other branches. Gross margin was also favorably impacted by
margin improvement programs initiated during fiscal year 2002, including
increases in vendor rebate programs and focused purchasing.

MRO

Operating income as a percentage of net sales decreased to 6.4% in fiscal
year 2004 from 7.4% in fiscal year 2003. The decrease of 100 basis points in
fiscal year 2004 was primarily driven by lower gross margins due to changes in
sales mix and higher selling, general and administrative expenses partially
attributable to start-up costs associated with newly-opened


Page 26 of 75


branches. Additionally fiscal year 2003's performance was favorably impacted by
the leverage gained from the additional week in its first quarter.

Operating income as a percentage of net sales was 7.4% and 5.2% in fiscal
year 2003 and fiscal year 2002, respectively. The 220 basis points improvement
was due to the leverage gained from the additional week included in the first
quarter of fiscal year 2003 combined with substantially higher sales volumes and
gross margin improvements. The increase in gross margin was primarily
attributable to more focused purchasing and a change in sales mix from lower
margin products such as appliances to higher margin products, including imported
items such as plumbing fixtures.

Utilities

Operating income as a percentage of net sales decreased to 3.8% in fiscal
year 2004 from 4.1% in fiscal year 2003. The 30 basis points decrease was
primarily due to lower gross margins due to competitive pressures. Increased
selling, general and administrative expenses were partially offset by lower
provisions for doubtful accounts due to the recovery of a significant customer
account in fiscal year 2004. Additionally fiscal year 2003's performance was
favorably impacted by the leverage gained from the additional week in its first
quarter.

Operating income as a percentage of net sales decreased to 4.1% in fiscal
year 2003 from 5.0% in fiscal year 2002. Operating income was negatively
impacted by lower gross margins, which resulted from a change in sales mix.
Partially offsetting this decrease was the leverage gained from the additional
week included in fiscal year 2003 and the acquisition of Utiliserve, which
generates higher operating income returns compared to the Utilities segment and
Hughes as a whole.

Electrical

Operating income as a percentage of net sales remained relatively flat at
2.3% and 2.2% in fiscal year 2004 and fiscal year 2003, respectively. Reduced
selling, general and administrative expenses were proportionate with lower sales
volumes resulting from competitive pressures and weak commercial and industrial
markets. Gross margins benefited from improved vendor rebates, which resulted
from our continued focus on vendor consolidation efforts and improved programs
with suppliers.

Operating income as a percentage of net sales decreased to 2.2% in fiscal
year 2003 from 3.0% in the fiscal year 2002. Lower sales volumes in relation to
the fixed expenses for the Electrical segment offset the leverage gained from
the additional week included in fiscal year 2003 and the elimination of goodwill
amortization in accordance with FAS 142. Partially offsetting this decline was
improved gross margin, largely due to the implementation of centralized pricing
on the Hughes Unified operating system. Gross margin also benefited from margin
improvement programs initiated during fiscal year 2002, including increases in
vendor rebate programs, more focused purchasing and reduced dead stock
inventories, which resulted from the sale, disposal or return of inventories to
our vendors.

Industrial PVF

Operating income as a percentage of net sales decreased to 8.1% in fiscal
2004 from 10.1% in fiscal year 2003. The decrease was primarily due to
substantially lower sales volumes and gross margins in fiscal year 2004 due to
the sharp decline in power and petrochemical industry capital spending and new
plant construction.

Operating income as a percentage of net sales increased to 10.1% in fiscal
year 2003 from 8.8% in fiscal year 2002. The Industrial PVF segment benefited
from the leverage gained from the additional week in fiscal year 2003 and the
elimination of goodwill amortization in accordance with FAS 142. Despite reduced
sales volumes in fiscal year 2003, the Industrial PVF segment was able to
increase gross margin by 190 basis points. This gross margin improvement in
fiscal year 2003 was due to increased sales prices for certain commodity-based
products, including stainless steel and nickel alloys. Gross margin also
benefited from increases in the vendor rebate programs and reduced dead stock
inventories, which resulted from the sale, disposal or return of inventories to
the vendors.

All Other

Operating income as a percentage of net sales increased to 4.4% in fiscal
year 2004 from 2.6% in fiscal year 2003. Significant increases in sales volumes,
particularly strong sales growth in the Building Materials and Fire Protection
product lines, resulted in a 170 basis points improvement in fiscal year 2004.
These increases were partially offset by decreases in gross margins on stock
shipments associated with competitive pressures.


Page 27 of 75


Operating income as a percentage of net sales decreased to 2.6% in fiscal
year 2003 from 3.1% in fiscal year 2002. Higher provisions for doubtful accounts
and lower gross margins offset the leverage gained from the additional week in
fiscal year 2003 and the elimination of goodwill amortization under FAS 142.
Gross margin decreased primarily as a result of competitive pressures and
deflationary pricing on lumber and plywood products in the Building Materials
product line.

Interest and Other Income

Interest and other income totaled $6.4 million, $7.3 million, and $9.3
million in fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The decrease in
fiscal 2004 was primarily due to reduced collections of service charge income on
past due or delinquent accounts. The decrease in interest and other income in
fiscal year 2003 was attributable to reduced interest income of $1.5 million, of
which $0.9 million related to the $25.0 million short-term receivable recorded
in connection with the sale of our pool & spa business in January 2001. Average
cash balances and interest rates declined during fiscal year 2003, which
contributed to the remaining decrease in interest income. Further contributing
to the overall decrease in interest and other income was reduced foreign
exchange gains related to our discontinued international operations in Mexico.

Interest Expense

In fiscal year 2004 and fiscal year 2003, interest expense totaled $34.6
million and $30.3 million, respectively. The increase was primarily due to
approximately $2.6 million of debt issuance costs associated with the interim
$250.0 million senior unsecured term loan (the "term loan") and additional
borrowings under our senior revolving credit facility used to initially fund the
acquisition of Century. We used the proceeds from the issuance of our common
stock in January 2004 to repay the term loan in full. We also incurred $1.1
million of loan origination fees in connection with the amendment of our
revolving credit agreement to permit the new term loan borrowings and to make
its financial and other covenants essentially the same as the term loan
agreement. These increases were offset by lower average interest rates and lower
outstanding debt balances in fiscal year 2004. Total debt decreased $28.6
million or 6.5% from $441.9 million as of January 31, 2003 to $413.3 million of
January 30, 2004 and our weighted-average interest rate for fiscal year 2004
decreased 110 basis points compared to the prior year.

Interest expense totaled $30.3 million and $35.9 million in fiscal year
2003 and fiscal year 2002, respectively. The decrease in interest expense of
$5.6 million or 15.6% in fiscal year 2003 was due to a reduction of average
outstanding debt balances combined with lower interest rates in fiscal year
2003. Borrowing levels were reduced in the first and second quarters of fiscal
year 2003 largely as a result of working capital improvements. In the third
quarter of fiscal year 2003, we made additional borrowings under our senior
revolving credit agreement in order to fund the acquisition of Utiliserve. As a
result, total debt increased from $422.9 million at January 25, 2002 to $441.9
million at January 31, 2003.

Income Taxes

Our effective tax rate was 38.9%, 40.9% and 41.0% in fiscal years 2004,
2003 and 2002, respectively. The decrease in fiscal year 2004 was primarily
attributable to a lower effective state income tax rate and a tax benefit
related to a discontinued operation in Mexico.

Net Income

Net income totaled $57.7 million, $58.1 million and $44.1 million in
fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Diluted earnings per share were
$2.46, $2.45 and $1.88 in fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. In
fiscal year 2003, we adopted FAS 142, which eliminated the amortization of
goodwill. Had we accounted for goodwill consistent with the provisions of FAS
142 in prior periods, our net income and diluted earnings per share would have
been $57.7 million, $58.1 million, and $49.5 million and $2.46, $2.45 and $2.11
in fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Other factors impacting net
income and diluted earnings per share have been discussed above.


Page 28 of 75


Financial Condition

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The following sets forth certain measures of our liquidity (dollars in
millions):



Fiscal Years Ended
---------------------------------------
2004 2003 2002
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Net cash provided by operating activities $ 145.9 $ 112.4 $ 143.0
Net cash used in investing activities (291.5) (42.2) (22.5)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 152.2 (75.3) (136.1)
==============================================================================================


January 30, January 31, January 25,
2004 2003 2002
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Working capital $ 603.6 $ 558.8 $ 588.3
Current ratio 2.4 to 1 2.5 to 1 3.1 to 1
Debt-to-capital 29.0% 41.0% 42.0%
==============================================================================================


Working Capital

Compared to fiscal year 2003, working capital increased $44.8 million or
8.0% in fiscal year 2004. The increase in working capital was primarily
attributable to higher accounts receivable balances driven by same-store sales
growth and the acquisitions of Century and Marden Susco, lower current portion
of long-term debt due to the pay-off of a senior note that matured during the
fourth quarter of fiscal year 2004, and increased cash and cash equivalents.
These working capital increases were offset by lower levels of owned inventories
(inventories less accounts payable) resulting from improved inventory and
payables management. We continue to maintain a focus on working capital
improvement and have implemented initiatives to improve each element of our
working capital.

Lower levels of cash and other current assets combined with increases in
current maturities of long-term debt, accounts payable, and accrued compensation
and benefits balances drove the working capital decrease of $29.5 million in
fiscal year 2003. These changes were partially offset by increases in accounts
receivable and inventories. Other current assets decreased primarily due to the
collection of income tax receivables in the first quarter of fiscal year 2003.
The higher accounts receivable, inventories and accounts payable reflect the
acquisition of Utiliserve, which added $30.4 million of working capital at
January 31, 2003. Inventories and accounts payable balances increased due to
strategic purchases, primarily in the Industrial PVF segment. The increase in
accrued compensation and benefits is due to higher accrued bonuses from
increased profitability in fiscal year 2003 combined with the timing of
bi-weekly payroll payments.

Operating Activities

In fiscal years 2004 and 2003, cash flows provided by operating activities
totaled $145.9 million and $112.4 million, respectively. The increase of $33.5
million in operating cash flows was primarily driven by fluctuations in
inventories and accounts payable. Partially offsetting these operating cash flow
increases were fluctuations in other current assets and accrued compensation and
benefits.

The $28.5 million increase in inventories during fiscal year 2004 includes
$45.3 million related to the acquisitions of Century and Marden Susco, which are
classified as investing activities for cash flow reporting purposes. The
remaining net inventory decrease of $16.8 million is the result of improved
inventory management, and lower pricing of pvc and ductile pipe products in the
Water & Sewer segment offset by strategic Industrial PVF segment purchases that
took place in fiscal year 2003.

Improved cash disbursement management was the primary driver of the $78.3
million increase to accounts payable in fiscal year 2004 of which $19.6 million
was associated with the acquisitions of Century and Marden Susco and classified
as an investing activity for cash flow reporting purposes.

In the first quarter of fiscal year 2003, we collected approximately $20.0
million of non-recurring income tax receivables, which decreased the other
current asset balance and favorably impacted operating cash flows for fiscal
year 2003. Fluctuations


Page 29 of 75


in accrued compensation and benefits balances primarily reflect the decrease in
our vacation accrual associated with a policy change in 2004 and the timing of
bi-weekly payroll payments.

Accounts receivable balances increased $70.2 million in fiscal year 2004
of which $50.5 million related to investing activity associated with the
acquisitions of Century and Marden Susco. The remaining increase of $24.3
million due to increasing sales volumes during the fourth quarter of fiscal year
2004 was offset by the fiscal year 2004 provision for doubtful accounts of $4.6
million, which was lower than fiscal year 2003's provision primarily due to
lower write-offs of uncollectible customer accounts and higher recoveries of
previously written off receivables. Days sales outstanding also remained
consistent in both periods.

The decrease of $30.6 million in net cash provided by operating activities
in fiscal year 2003 resulted from increases in inventories and accounts
receivable and a decrease in depreciation and amortization. These decreases were
partially offset by increases in net income, accounts payable, accrued
compensation and benefits, and a decrease in other current assets. Accounts
receivable increased as a result of higher sales volumes in January 2003
compared to January 2002. Overall, days sales outstanding for accounts
receivable remained essentially flat in both periods. Inventories and accounts
payable increased as a result of strategic purchases, primarily in the
Industrial PVF Segment. Other current assets primarily decreased due to the
collection of income tax receivables in fiscal year 2003. The increase in net
income of $14.0 million was partially offset by a decrease in depreciation and
amortization primarily resulting from the elimination of goodwill amortization
under FAS 142.

Going forward, we expect to maintain a sufficient level of liquidity for
operational purposes.

Investing Activities

Our expenditures for property and equipment were $15.9 million, $15.3
million and $16.9 million in fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Of
these expenditures, $9.4 million, $9.7 million and $7.6 million, respectively,
related to IT outlays. Included in the IT outlays were $5.6 million, $7.5
million and $4.7 million related to the Hughes Unified operating system in
fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The Hughes Unified capital
expenditures were primarily for personal computers and related hardware along
with capitalized software upgrades. Fiscal year 2005 capital expenditures are
expected to be in the range of approximately $20 million to $25 million, of
which approximately $4.8 million relates to the Hughes Unified operating system.
We also plan to implement new systems in finance and data warehousing.

Proceeds from the sale of property and equipment totaled $4.0 million,
$4.5 million and $8.7 million in fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.
The decrease in fiscal year 2003 was due to the sale and subsequent leaseback of
substantially all of our forklift fleet and certain of our trailers in August
2001, which generated cash proceeds of $5.7 million. Partially offsetting this
decrease were proceeds from sales of certain land and building assets in fiscal
year 2003 resulting from the closure and consolidation of branches.

Cash payments for business acquisitions totaled $279.6 million, $33.4
million and $32.0 million in fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. On
December 19, 2003, we acquired Century, a leading supplier of MRO products
serving the multi-family apartment market throughout the United States. The
purchase price consisted of $260.0 million cash paid for Century's net assets,
including the assumption of $31.4 million of accounts payable and accrued
liabilities, and $101.4 million of debt. Effective August 4, 2003, we acquired
substantially all of the net assets of Marden Susco, a southern California
supplier of underground piping products for use in municipal water, sewer and
storm drain systems. We paid $19.6 million for the net assets of Marden Susco,
including the assumption of $13.7 million of accounts payable and accrued
liabilities and $6.7 million of debt. In August 2002, we acquired all of the
capital stock of Utiliserve, a wholesale distributor of electrical transmission
and distribution products and services to the United States electric utility
industry. We paid $33.4 million for the equity value of Utiliserve and assumed
$54.5 million and $33.2 million of long-term debt and other liabilities,
respectively.

On December 30, 2002, we sold the remaining 49.0% of our equity investment
in Anasteel Supply Company, LLC. for $2.3 million. We received cash proceeds of
$2.0 million with the remaining $0.3 million of consideration in the form of a
long-term note receivable due July 31, 2005. The note receivable bears interest
at a fixed rate of 7.0%.

On March 2, 2001, in connection with the closure of bestroute.com, one of
our e-commerce ventures, we entered into an agreement with the holders of
723,183 of our stock rights originally issued as consideration for the
acquisition. This agreement cancelled 347,541 of the stock rights and enabled
the remaining stock rights to be redeemed for $7.3 million in cash, all of which
was paid by the end of the second quarter of fiscal year 2002.


Page 30 of 75


In connection with the sale of the assets of our Pool & Spa business in
January 2001, we received $23.0 million of cash proceeds with the remaining
$25.0 million of consideration in the form of a short-term note receivable,
which bore interest at 7.0% and was fully collected in fiscal year 2002.

Financing Activities

Total debt was $413.3 million and $441.9 million as of January 30, 2004
and January 31, 2003, respectively, reflecting a decrease of $28.6 million or
6.5%. The decrease in total debt was attributable to principal payments on debt
and strong cash flows provided by operating activities, offset by borrowings
made under our revolving credit agreement. Scheduled payments on our senior
notes totaled $63.1 million, $18.7 million, and $14.9 million in fiscal years
2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Net borrowings (payments) on our senior
revolving credit facility totaled $27.7 million, $19.6 million and ($100.3
million) in fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002 respectively.

On March 15, 1999, our board of directors authorized us to repurchase up
to 2,500,000 shares of our outstanding common stock to be used for general
corporate purposes. Since March 15, 1999, we have repurchased a total of
1,831,400 shares at an average price of $22.91 per share, of which 258,600
shares, 257,000 shares and 394,700 shares at average prices of $23.39 per share,
$27.78 per share and $19.10 per share were repurchased during fiscal years 2004,
2003 and 2002, respectively. Shares repurchased totaled $6.0 million, $7.1
million and $7.5 million in fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

On March 26, 2003, we replaced our existing $275.0 million revolving
credit agreement, which was scheduled to mature on January 25, 2004, with a new
$252.5 million senior revolving credit facility, subject to borrowing
limitations, which matures on March 26, 2007. The new senior revolving credit
facility is unsecured and contains financial and other covenants, including
limitations on dividends and maintenance of certain financial ratios. Interest
is payable at market rates plus applicable margins and commitment fees ranging
from 0.15% to 0.30% per annum are paid on the new senior revolving credit
facility. On May 22, 2003, we amended our senior revolving credit facility to
increase maximum borrowing capacity from $252.5 million to $290.0 million
effective June 9, 2003.

To initially fund our acquisition of Century in December 2003 we borrowed
$250.0 million at 3.39% per annum under an interim senior unsecured term loan
agreement (the "term loan"). Concurrently, our existing revolving credit
agreement was amended to permit the new term loan borrowings and to make
financial and other covenants essentially the same as those in the term loan
agreement. The balance of the funds necessary to expedite the acquisition were
borrowed under our existing revolving credit facility.

On January 28, 2003 we completed the sale of 6,900,000 shares of common
stock in a public offering that generated net proceeds of $317.5 million. The
proceeds were primarily used to fund the acquisition of Century and to repay
indebtedness under our revolving credit agreement. At January 30, 2004 there
were no outstanding borrowings under the term loan agreement.

Dividend payments totaled $9.4 million, $8.1 million and $8.0 million
during fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The higher dividend
payments were primarily attributable to an increase in our dividend rates, which
were $0.400 per share, $0.355 per share and $0.340 per share in fiscal years
2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

We are required to maintain certain financial ratios and minimum net worth
levels contained in the covenants of our debt agreements. The covenants restrict
our activities regarding investments, liens, borrowing and leasing, and payment
of dividends other than stock. At January 30, 2004, we are in compliance with
all financial and other covenants.

As of January 30, 2004, we had approximately $8.3 million of cash and
$190.0 million of unused borrowing capacity (subject to borrowing limitations
under long-term debt covenants) to fund ongoing operating requirements and
anticipated capital expenditures. We believe we have sufficient borrowing
capacity and cash on hand to take advantage of growth and business
opportunities.


Page 31 of 75


Off-balance Sheet Arrangements

We have entered into operating leases for certain facilities, vehicles and
equipment. Many of our vehicle and equipment leases typically contain set
residual values and residual value guarantees. We believe that the likelihood of
any material amounts being funded in connection with these commitments is
remote. The following table shows our approximate commitments related to those
operating leases that contain residual value guarantees as of January 30, 2004
(in millions):



Total
Amounts Less than 1 - 3 4 - 5 After
Committed 1 year years years 5 years
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Residual guarantees under operating leases $ 3.0 $ 0.1 $ 1.7 $ 1.2 $ --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Contractual Obligations

The following table summarizes our approximate payments due under
specified contractual obligations as of January 30, 2004 (in millions):



Payments due by period
--------------------------------------------------------
Less than 1 - 3 4 - 5 After
Total 1 year years years 5 years
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Long-term debt $ 413.3 $ 44.6 $ 113.8 $ 175.2 $ 79.7
Non-cancelable operating leases 181.4 52.7 71.2 32.2 25.3
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total contractual cash obligations $ 594.7 $ 97.3 $ 185.0 $ 207.4 $ 105.0
==============================================================================================


Recent Accounting Pronouncements

FAS 149, Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging
Activities, was issued in April 2003 and amends and clarifies financial
accounting and reporting for derivative instruments, including certain
derivative instruments embedded in other contracts and for hedging activities
under FAS 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. FAS
149 provides greater clarification of the characteristics of a derivative
instrument so that contracts with similar characteristics will be accounted for
consistently. In general, FAS 149 is effective for contracts entered into or
modified after June 30, 2003, and for hedging relationships designated after
June 30, 2003. As we do not currently have any derivative financial instruments,
the adoption of FAS 149 did not have an impact on our consolidated financial
statements.

FAS 150, Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics
of both Liabilities and Equity, was issued in May 2003 and clarifies the
accounting for certain financial instruments with characteristics of both
liabilities and equity and requires that those instruments be classified as
liabilities in statements of financial position. Previously, many of those
financial instruments were classified as equity. FAS 150 is effective for
financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003 and otherwise
is effective at the beginning of the first interim period beginning after June
15, 2003. As we did not have any of these financial instruments, the adoption of
FAS 150 did not have an impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation ("FIN") 46,
Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, was issued in January 2003. FIN 46
requires certain variable interest entities to be consolidated by the primary
beneficiary of the entity if the equity investors in the entity do not have the
characteristics of a controlling financial interest or do not have sufficient
equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional
subordinated financial support from other parties. The consolidation and
disclosure requirements apply immediately to variable interest entities created
after January 31, 2003. For variable interest entities created or acquired prior
to February 1, 2003, the provisions of FIN 46 must be applied for the first
interim or annual period ending after December 15, 2003. We are not the primary
beneficiary of any variable interest entities as of January 30, 2004.

In December 2003, a revision to FIN 46 ("FIN 46R") was issued to clarify
some of the provisions of the interpretation and to exempt certain entities from
its requirements. Adoption of the provisions of FIN 46R is required for interim
periods ending after March 15, 2004. We are currently evaluating the impact that
the adoption of this revision will have on our consolidated financial
statements, and do not expect it to have a material impact.

In December 2003, the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and
Modernization Act of 2003 (the "Act") was signed into law. The Act introduces a
prescription drug benefit under Medicare as well as a federal subsidy to
sponsors of retiree health care benefit plans that provide a benefit that is at
least actuarially equivalent to the prescription drug benefit under Medicare.
Questions have arisen regarding whether an employer that provides postretirement
prescription drug coverage


Page 32 of 75


should recognize the effects of the Act on its accumulated postretirement
benefit obligation (APBO) and net postretirement benefit costs under FAS 106,
Employers' Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions. While we
do offer benefits, including prescription drug coverage, to employees who have
attained certain levels of service after they have retired, those benefits are
only available to retirees until age 65, at which time Medicare coverage becomes
effective. As such, we do not believe that this specific provision of the Act
will have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

In December 2003, the FASB issued FAS 132 (Revised) ("FAS 132-R"),
Employer's Disclosure about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits. FAS
132-R retains disclosure requirements of the original FAS 132 and requires
additional disclosures relating to assets, obligations, cash flows, and net
periodic benefits cost. FAS 132-R is effective for fiscal years ending after
December 15, 2003. Interim period disclosures are effective for interim periods
beginning after December 15, 2003. The provisions of FAS 132-R did not have a
material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

In December 2003, the Staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission
("SEC" or "the Staff") issued Staff Accounting Bulletin ("SAB") 104, Revenue
Recognition, which superseded SAB 101, Revenue Recognition in Financial
Statements. SAB 104's primary purpose is to rescind accounting guidance in SAB
101 related to multiple element revenue arrangements, superseded as a result of
the issuance of Emerging Issues Task Force Issue 00-21, Accounting for Revenue
Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables which was effective for revenue
arrangements entered into in fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2003. The
provisions of SAB 104 did not have a material impact on our consolidated
financial statements.

Critical Accounting Policies

Our significant accounting policies are more fully described in the notes
to the consolidated financial statements. Certain of our accounting policies
require the application of significant judgment by management in selecting the
appropriate assumptions for calculating financial estimates. As with all
judgments, they are subject to an inherent degree of uncertainty. These
judgments are based on our historical experience; current economic trends in the
industry; information provided by customers, vendors and other outside sources
and management's estimates, as appropriate. Our significant accounting policies
include:

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

We evaluate the collectibility of accounts receivable based on numerous
factors, including past transaction history with customers, their credit
worthiness and an assessment of our lien and bond rights. Initially, we estimate
an allowance for doubtful accounts as a percentage of net sales based on
historical bad debt experience and on a quarterly basis, we write-off
uncollectible receivables. This estimate is periodically adjusted when we become
aware of a specific customer's inability to meet its financial obligations
(e.g., bankruptcy filing) or as a result of changes in the overall aging of
accounts receivable. While we have a large customer base that is geographically
dispersed, a slowdown in the markets in which we operate may result in higher
than expected uncollectible accounts, and therefore, the need to revise
estimates for bad debts. To the extent historical credit experience is not
indicative of future performance or other assumptions used by management do not
prevail, the allowance for doubtful accounts could differ significantly,
resulting in either higher or lower future provisions for doubtful accounts. At
January 30, 2004 and January 31, 2003, the allowance for doubtful accounts
totaled $6.5 million and $8.5 million, respectively.

Inventories

Inventories are carried at the lower of cost or market. The cost of
substantially all inventories is determined by the moving average cost method.
We evaluate our inventory value at the end of each quarter to ensure that it is
carried at the lower of cost or market. This evaluation includes an analysis of
each branch's physical inventory results over the last two years, a review of
potential dead stock based on historical product sales and forecasted sales and
an overall consolidated analysis of potential excess inventory. Periodically,
the branch's perpetual inventory records are adjusted to reflect permanent
declines in market value. To the extent historical physical inventory results
are not indicative of future results and if future events impact, either
favorably or unfavorably, the saleability of our products or our relationship
with certain key vendors, our inventory reserves could differ significantly,
resulting in either higher or lower future inventory provisions. At January 30,
2004 and January 31, 2003, our inventory reserves totaled $4.5 million and $6.0
million, respectively.

Consideration Received from Vendors

At the beginning of each calendar year, we enter into agreements with many
of our vendors providing for inventory purchase rebates upon achievement of
specified volume purchasing levels. We accrue the receipt of vendor rebates as
part of our cost of sales for products sold based on progress towards earning
the vendor rebates, taking into consideration cumulative purchases of inventory
to date and projected purchases through the end of the year. An estimate of
unearned vendor rebates is


Page 33 of 75


included in the carrying value of inventory at each period end for vendor
rebates to be received on products not yet sold. While we believe we will
continue to receive consideration from vendors in fiscal year 2005 and
thereafter, there can be no assurance that vendors will continue to provide
comparable amounts of vendor rebates in the future.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Long-lived assets, including property and equipment, are reviewed for
possible impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying
amount of an asset may not be recoverable. To analyze recoverability, we project
undiscounted future cash flows over the remaining life of the asset. If these
projected cash flows are less than the carrying amount, an impairment loss is
recognized based on the fair value of the asset less any costs of disposition.
Our judgment regarding the existence of impairment indicators are based on
market and operational performance. Future events could cause us to conclude
that impairment indicators exist and that assets are impaired. Evaluating the
impairment also requires us to estimate future operating results and cash flows
that require judgment by management. If different estimates were used, the
amount and timing of asset impairments could be affected. In the fourth quarter
of fiscal year 2002, we recorded an impairment loss of $0.7 million related to
goodwill of one entity in our Plumbing/HVAC segment.

Self-Insurance

We are self-insured for certain losses relating to workers' compensation,
automobile, general and product liability claims. We also maintain stop loss
coverage to limit the exposure arising from such claims. Self-insurance losses
for claims filed and claims incurred but not reported are accrued based upon our
estimates of the aggregate liability for uninsured claims using loss development
factors and actuarial assumptions followed in the insurance industry and our
historical loss development experience. To the extent the projected future
development of the losses resulting from workers' compensation, automobile,
general and product liability claims incurred as of January 30, 2004 differs
from the actual development of such losses in future periods, our insurance
reserves could differ significantly, resulting in either higher or lower future
insurance expense. At January 30, 2004 and January 31, 2003, self-insurance
reserves totaled $1.0 million and $5.6 million, respectively.

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Commodity Rate Risk

We are aware of the potentially unfavorable effects inflationary pressures
may create through higher asset replacement costs and related depreciation,
higher interest rates and higher material costs. In addition, our operating
performance is affected by price fluctuations in steel, nickel alloy, copper,
aluminum, plastic, lumber and other commodities. We seek to minimize the
effects of inflation and changing prices through economies of purchasing and
inventory management resulting in cost reductions and productivity improvements
as well as price increases to maintain reasonable profit margins.

We believe that inflation (which has been moderate over the past few
years) did not significantly affect our operating results or markets in fiscal
years 2004, 2003 or 2002. As discussed above, our results of operations were
both favorably and unfavorably impacted by increases and decreases in the
pricing of certain commodity-based products. Such commodity price fluctuations
have from time to time created cyclicality in our financial performance and
could continue to do so in the future.

Interest Rate Risk

At January 30, 2004, we had approximately $124.6 million of outstanding
variable-rate debt. Based upon a hypothetical 10% increase or decrease in
interest rates from their January 30, 2004 levels, the market risk with respect
to our variable-rate debt would not be material. We manage our interest rate
risk by maintaining a combination of fixed-rate and variable-rate debt.


Page 34 of 75


ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

Index to Financial Statements



Page(s)
-------


Consolidated Statements of Income for Fiscal Years Ended January 30, 2004,
January 31, 2003 and January 25, 2002....................................... 36

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of January 30, 2004 and January 31, 2003........ 37

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for Fiscal Years Ended
January 30, 2004, January 31, 2003 and January 25, 2002..................... 38

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for Fiscal Years Ended
January 30, 2004, January 31, 2003 and January 25, 2002..................... 39

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements..................................... 40-63

Report of Independent Certified Public Accountants............................. 64

Management's Responsibility for Financial Statements........................... 65



Page 35 of 75


HUGHES SUPPLY, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Income
(in millions, except per share data)



Fiscal Years Ended
-----------------------------------------
January 30, January 31, January 25,
2004 2003 2002
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Net Sales $ 3,253.4 $ 3,066.3 $ 3,037.7
Cost of Sales 2,519.7 2,356.6 2,340.6
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gross Margin 733.7 709.7 697.1
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Operating Expenses:
Selling, general and administrative 589.8 568.0 564.0
Depreciation and amortization 21.2 20.5 31.1
Impairment of long-lived assets -- -- 0.7
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Total operating expenses 611.0 588.5 595.8
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Operating Income 122.7 121.2 101.3
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Non-Operating Income (Expenses):
Interest and other income 6.4 7.3 9.3
Interest expense (34.6) (30.3) (35.9)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(28.2) (23.0) (26.6)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Income Before Income Taxes 94.5 98.2 74.7
Income Taxes 36.8 40.1 30.6
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Income $ 57.7 $ 58.1 $ 44.1
===================================================================================

Earnings Per Share:
Basic $ 2.52 $ 2.50 $ 1.90
===================================================================================
Diluted $ 2.46 $ 2.45 $ 1.88
===================================================================================

Weighted average Shares Outstanding:
Basic 22.9 23.2 23.2
===================================================================================
Diluted 23.5 23.7 23.4
===================================================================================


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these
consolidated financial statements.


Page 36 of 75


HUGHES SUPPLY, INC.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in millions, except share and per share data)



January 30, January 31,
2004 2003
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Assets
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 8.3 $ 1.7
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $6.5
and $8.5 493.3 423.1
Inventories 467.0 438.5
Deferred income taxes 19.4 19.7
Other current assets 53.0 47.1
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total current assets 1,041.0 930.1

Property and Equipment, Net 161.8 157.8
Goodwill 609.8 320.1
Other Assets 68.7 26.9
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total assets $ 1,881.3 $ 1,434.9
=============================================================================================================================

Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Current Liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt $ 44.6 $ 63.8
Accounts payable 308.3 230.0
Accrued compensation and benefits 39.3 43.3
Other current liabilities 45.2 34.2
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total current liabilities 437.4 371.3

Long-Term Debt 368.7 378.1
Deferred Income Taxes 55.4 34.0
Other Noncurrent Liabilities 7.8 6.7
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total liabilities 869.3 790.1

Commitments and Contingencies (Note 10)

Shareholders' Equity:
Preferred stock, no par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized; none issued;
preferences, limitations and relative rights to be established by the Board of Directors -- --
Common stock, par value $1 per share; 100,000,000 shares authorized;
30,795,577 and 23,935,764 shares issued 30.8 23.9
Capital in excess of par value 533.3 222.4
Retained earnings 465.1 416.7
Treasury stock, 216,952 and 245,700 shares, at cost (5.5) (6.8)
Unearned compensation related to outstanding restricted stock (11.7) (11.4)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total shareholders' equity 1,012.0 644.8
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 1,881.3 $ 1,434.9
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these
consolidated financial statements.


Page 37 of 75


HUGHES SUPPLY, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity
(in millions, except share and per share data)



Common Stock Capital in Treasury Stock
------------------- Excess of Retained ------------------- Unearned
Shares Dollars Par Value Earnings Shares Dollars Compensation Total
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Balance at January 26, 2001 24,211,485 $ 24.2 $ 228.1 $ 337.1 (576,783) $ (13.3) $ (6.1) $ 570.0
Net income -- -- -- 44.1 -- -- -- 44.1
Cash dividends--$0.340 per share -- -- -- (8.0) -- -- -- (8.0)
Purchase of treasury stock -- -- -- -- (394,700) (7.5) -- (7.5)
Shares issued under stock option plans
and related tax benefits -- -- 0.3 (1.7) 265,378 5.6 -- 4.2
Purchase and retirement
of common shares (91,322) (0.1) (0.8) (1.1) -- -- -- (2.0)
Retirement of treasury stock (342,854) (0.3) (3.2) (4.0) 342,854 7.5 -- --
Issuance of restricted stock,
net of cancellations (2,709) -- 0.5 1.3 339,000 7.2 (9.5) (0.5)
Amortization of restricted stock -- -- -- -- -- -- 1.5 1.5
Cancellation of stock rights issued
to bestroute.com -- -- (7.3) -- -- -- -- (7.3)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at January 25, 2002 23,774,600 $ 23.8 $ 217.6 $ 367.7 (24,251) $ (0.5) $ (14.1) $ 594.5
Net income -- -- -- 58.1 -- -- -- 58.1
Cash dividends--$0.355 per share -- -- -- (8.5) -- -- -- (8.5)
Purchase of treasury stock -- -- -- -- (257,000) (7.1) -- (7.1)
Shares issued under stock option plans
and related tax benefits 216,836 0.1 5.8 (0.1) 15,551 0.3 -- 6.1
Purchase and retirement
of common shares (25,784) -- (0.5) (0.6) -- -- -- (1.1)
Issuance of restricted stock,
net of cancellations (29,888) -- (0.5) 0.1 20,000 0.5 (0.1) --
Amortization of restricted stock -- -- -- -- -- -- 2.8 2.8
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at January 31, 2003 23,935,764 $ 23.9 $ 222.4 $ 416.7 (245,700) $ (6.8) $ (11.4) $ 644.8
Net income -- -- -- 57.7 -- -- -- 57.7
Cash dividends--$0.400 per share -- -- -- (10.1) -- -- -- (10.1)
Purchase of treasury stock -- -- -- -- (258,600) (6.0) -- (6.0)
Shares issued under stock option plans
and related tax benefits -- -- 1.2 (0.4) 199,348 5.1 -- 5.9
Issuance of common stock, net 6,900,000 6.9 310.6 -- -- -- -- 317.5
Purchase and retirement
of common shares (10,299) -- (0.1) (0.3) -- -- -- (0.4)
Issuance of restricted stock,
net of cancellations (29,888) -- (0.8) 1.5 88,000 2.2 (3.3) (0.4)
Amortization of restricted stock -- -- -- -- -- -- 3.0 3.0
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at January 30, 2004 30,795,577 $ 30.8 $ 533.3 $ 465.1 (216,952) $ (5.5) $ (11.7) $ 1,012.0
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these
consolidated financial statements.


Page 38 of 75


HUGHES SUPPLY, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in millions)



Fiscal Years Ended
-------------------------------------
January 30, January 31, January 25,
2004 2003 2002
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income $ 57.7 $ 58.1 $ 44.1
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 21.2 20.5 31.1
Provision for doubtful accounts 4.6 9.1 11.1
Amortization of restricted stock 2.7 2.8 1.0
Income tax benefit of stock options exercised 1.2 1.4 0.3
Deferred income taxes 10.7 14.9 10.4
Other 2.9 (1.2) 0.1
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of businesses acquired:
Accounts receivable (24.3) (24.3) 50.1
Inventories 16.8 (11.6) 55.0
Other current assets (0.8) 10.6 (12.3)
Other assets (3.6) (0.4) (1.8)
Accounts payable 63.3 25.2 (41.3)
Accrued compensation and benefits (8.5) 9.0 (0.9)
Other current liabilities 0.9 (2.3) (4.3)
Other noncurrent liabilities 1.1 0.6 0.4
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash provided by operating activities 145.9 112.4 143.0
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Capital expenditures (15.9) (15.3) (16.9)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment 4.0 4.5 8.7
Business acquisitions, net of cash (279.6) (33.4) (32.0)
Proceeds from sale of investment in affiliated entity -- 2.0 --
Purchase of bestroute.com stock rights -- -- (7.3)
Proceeds from sale of pool and spa business -- -- 25.0
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash used in investing activities (291.5) (42.2) (22.5)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Net borrowings (payments) under short-term debt arrangements 27.7 19.6 (100.3)
Proceeds from issuance of senior term loan 250.0 -- --
Principal payments on other debt and debt of acquired entities (422.3) (73.0) (23.8)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net 317.5 -- --
Change in book overdrafts (4.6) (10.3) 1.8
Purchase of treasury shares (6.0) (7.1) (7.5)
Dividends paid (9.4) (8.1) (8.0)
Other (0.7) 3.6 1.7
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 152.2 (75.3) (136.1)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net (Decrease) Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents 6.6 (5.1) (15.6)
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Year 1.7 6.8 22.4
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Year $ 8.3 $ 1.7 $ 6.8
===========================================================================================================================


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these
consolidated financial statements.


Page 39 of 75


Note 1--Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Business

Founded in 1928, we are one of the nation's largest diversified wholesale
distributors of construction, repair and maintenance-related products
distributing over 350,000 products to more than 100,000 customers through 486
branches located in 38 states. Our customers include electrical, plumbing and
mechanical contractors; public utilities; property management companies;
municipalities and industrial companies. Although we have a national presence,
we operate principally in the southeastern and southwestern United States.

We are organized on a product line basis into six reportable segments:
Water & Sewer; Plumbing/Heating and Air Conditioning (HVAC); Maintenance, Repair
and Operations (MRO); Utilities; Electrical and Industrial Pipe, Valves and
Fittings (PVF). An "All Other" category includes our Building Materials, Fire
Protection and Mechanical Industrial product lines.

Principles of Consolidation

Our consolidated financial statements include our accounts and the
accounts of our wholly owned subsidiaries. Significant intercompany balances and
transactions have been eliminated. Results of operations of companies acquired
are included from their respective dates of acquisition. Investments in 50% or
less owned affiliates over which we have the ability to exercise significant
influence are accounted for using the equity method. During fiscal years 2004,
2003 and 2002, we did not have any "less than 20% owned" investments in
affiliates accounted for under the equity method.

Fiscal Year

Our fiscal year is a 52- or 53-week period ending on the last Friday in
January. Fiscal years 2004 and 2002 contained 52 weeks while fiscal year 2003
contained 53 weeks. The additional week in fiscal year 2003 was included in the
first quarter.

Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires
management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in
the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results
could differ from those estimates and the differences could be material.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

We consider all highly liquid investments with maturities of three months
or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

We evaluate the collectibility of accounts receivable based on numerous
factors, including past transaction history with customers, their credit
worthiness, and an assessment of our lien and bond rights. Initially, we
estimate an allowance for doubtful accounts as a percentage of net sales based
on historical bad debt experience and on a quarterly basis, we write off
uncollectible receivables. This estimate is periodically adjusted when we become
aware of a specific customer's inability to meet its financial obligations (e.g.
bankruptcy filing) or as a result of changes in the overall aging of accounts
receivable. While we have a large customer base that is geographically
dispersed, a slowdown in the markets in which we operate may result in higher
than expected uncollectible accounts, and therefore, the need to revise
estimates for bad debts. To the extent historical credit experience is not
indicative of future performance or other assumptions used by management do not
prevail, the allowance for doubtful accounts could differ significantly,
resulting in either higher or lower future provisions for doubtful accounts. At
January 30, 2004 and January 31, 2003, the allowance for doubtful accounts
totaled $6.5 million and $8.5 million, respectively.


Page 40 of 75


Inventories

Inventories are carried at the lower of cost or market. The cost of
substantially all inventories is determined by the moving average cost method.
We evaluate our inventory value at the end of each quarter to ensure that it is
carried at the lower of cost or market. This evaluation includes an analysis of
each branch's physical inventory results over the last two years, a review of
potential dead stock based on historical product sales and forecasted sales and
an overall consolidated analysis of potential excess inventory. Periodically,
the branch's perpetual inventory records are adjusted to reflect permanent
declines in market value. To the extent historical physical inventory results
are not indicative of future results and if future events impact, either
favorably or unfavorably, the saleability of our products or our relationship
with certain key vendors, our inventory reserves could differ significantly,
resulting in either higher or lower future inventory provisions. At January 30,
2004 and January 31, 2003, our inventory reserves totaled $4.5 million and $ 6.0
million, respectively.

Consideration Received From Vendors

At the beginning of each calendar year, we enter into agreements with many
of our vendors providing for inventory purchase rebates ("vendor rebates") upon
achievement of specified volume purchasing levels. We accrue the receipt of
vendor rebates as part of our cost of sales for products sold based on progress
towards earning the vendor rebates, taking into consideration cumulative
purchases of inventory to date and projected purchases through the end of the
year. An estimate of unearned vendor rebates is included in the carrying value
of inventory at each period end for vendor rebates received on products not yet
sold. While we believe that we will continue to receive consideration from
vendors in fiscal year 2005 and thereafter, there can be no assurance that
vendors will continue to provide comparable amounts of vendor rebates in the
future.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are recorded at cost and depreciated using both
straight-line and declining-balance methods based on the following estimated
useful lives of the assets:

Buildings and improvements 5-40 years
Transportation equipment 2-20 years
Furniture, fixtures and equipment 1-12 years

Maintenance and repair costs are charged to expense as incurred. Renewals
and improvements that extend the useful lives of assets are capitalized. Gains
or losses are recognized upon disposition. Interest costs related to assets
under construction are capitalized during the construction period and totaled
$0.6 million, $0.4 million and $0.3 million in fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002.
Depreciation of property and equipment totaled $16.6 million, $16.1 million and
$18.1 million in fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price paid over the fair
value of the net assets acquired in connection with business acquisitions.
Effective January 26, 2002, we adopted Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards ("FAS") 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. FAS 142 requires
entities to assess the fair value of the net assets underlying all
acquisition-related goodwill on a reporting unit basis effective beginning in
fiscal year 2003. When the fair value is less than the related goodwill value,
entities are required to reduce the amount of goodwill. The approach to
evaluating the recoverability of goodwill as outlined in FAS 142 requires the
use of valuation techniques utilizing estimates and assumptions about projected
future operating results and other variables. Under the new impairment approach,
we may be subject to earnings volatility if additional goodwill impairment
occurs at a future date. FAS 142 also requires entities to discontinue the
amortization of goodwill, including amortization of goodwill acquired in past
business combinations. Accordingly, we no longer amortized goodwill beginning in
fiscal year 2003 (see note 4).

At January 30, 2004 and January 31, 2003, goodwill, net of accumulated
amortization, totaled $609.8 million and $320.1 million, respectively.
Accumulated amortization of goodwill totaled $40.3 million at January 30, 2004
and January 31, 2003.


Page 41 of 75


Other Assets

We capitalize certain software development costs, which are being
amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the
software, ranging from 2 to 7 years. At January 30, 2004 and January 31, 2003,
capitalized software development costs totaled $10.6 million and $9.4 million,
respectively, net of accumulated amortization of $14.9 million and $11.7
million, respectively. Amortization of capitalized software development costs
totaled $3.2 million, $3.9 million and $3.6 million in fiscal years 2004, 2003
and 2002, respectively.

Intangible assets, which principally consist of customer contracts
acquired in business combinations, are recorded at their respective fair values
in accordance with FAS 141, Business Combinations, and are generally amortized
using the straight-line method. Additional disclosure related to acquired other
intangible assets as of fiscal year-end 2004 and 2003 are as follows (in
millions):



Fiscal Years Ended
-----------------------------------------------------
2004 2003
-----------------------------------------------------
Gross Gross
Carrying Accumulated Carrying Accumulated
Value Amortization Value Amortization
-------- ------------ -------- ------------

Amortized intangible assets

Acquired customer contracts $ 37.1 $ (1.4) $ 8.2 $ (0.2)
Non-compete/employment
agreements 3.1 (0.3) 0.4 (0.1)
-------- -------- -------- --------
Total 40.2 (1.7) 8.6 (0.3)

Unamortized intangible assets

Private label tradenames 5.9 -- -- --
-------- -------- -------- --------
Total $ 46.1 $ (1.7) $ 8.6 $ (0.3)
---------------------------------------------------


The weighted-average amortization period is 13 years for acquired customer
contracts and 5 years for non-compete agreements. The weighted-average period
for acquired customer contracts and non-compete agreements on a combined basis
is 12 years.

The aggregate amortization expense for fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002
was $1.4 million, $0.4 million and $0.2 million, respectively. Total estimated
annual amortization expense expected for the next five fiscal years, based on
current levels of intangible assets is $3.5 million.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Other than Goodwill

Long-lived assets, including property and equipment, are reviewed for
possible impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying
amount of an asset may not be recoverable. To analyze recoverability, we project
undiscounted future cash flows over the remaining life of the asset. If these
projected cash flows are less than the carrying amount, an impairment loss is
recognized based on the fair value of the asset less any costs of disposition
(see note 6). Our judgments regarding the existence of impairment indicators are
based on market and operational performance. Future events could cause us to
conclude that impairment indicators exist and that assets are impaired.
Evaluating the impairment also requires us to estimate future operating results
and cash flows. If different estimates were used, the amount and timing of asset
impairments could be affected.

Self-Insurance

We are self-insured for certain losses relating to workers' compensation,
automobile, general and product liability claims. We also maintain stop loss
coverage to limit the exposure arising from such claims. Self-insurance losses
for claims filed and claims incurred but not reported are accrued based upon our
estimates of the aggregate liability for uninsured claims using loss development
factors and actuarial assumptions followed in the insurance industry and our
historical loss development experience. To the extent the projected future
development of the losses resulting from workers' compensation, automobile,
general and product liability claims incurred as of January 30, 2004 differs
from the actual development of such losses in future periods, our insurance
reserves could differ significantly, resulting in either higher or lower future
insurance expense. At January 30, 2004 and January 31, 2003, self-insurance
reserves totaled $1.0 million and $5.6 million, respectively.


Page 42 of 75


Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable,
accounts payable, accrued compensation and benefits, and other current
liabilities approximate their fair values because of the short-term nature of
these instruments. The fair value of our long-term debt is estimated based on
quoted market prices for the same or similar issues or on current rates offered
to us for debt of the same remaining maturities. The fair value of long-term
debt was computed by discounting the remaining cash flows by a rate equal to the
estimated constant treasury rate for the remaining life of the debt instrument
plus applicable credit spread over the remaining average life of the issue. The
fair values of long-term debt approximated $324.3 million and $395.9 million and
the related carrying values were $413.3 million and $441.9 million at January
30, 2004 and January 31, 2003, respectively.

Revenue Recognition

We ship products to customers predominantly by our internal fleet and to a
lesser extent by third party carriers. We recognize revenues from product sales
when title to the products is passed to the customer, which occurs at the point
of destination for products shipped by our internal fleet and at the point of
shipping for products shipped by third party carriers. Revenues related to
services are recognized in the period the services are performed and totaled
$2.6 million, $2.4 million and $2.6 million in fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002,
respectively.

Concentration of Credit Risk

The majority of our sales are credit sales which are made primarily to
customers whose ability to pay is dependent, in part, upon the economic strength
of the construction industry in the areas where they operate. Concentration of
credit, risk with respect to trade accounts receivable, is limited by the large
number of customers comprising our customer base. We perform ongoing credit
evaluations of our customers and in certain situations obtain collateral
sufficient to protect our credit position.

Advertising

Advertising costs are charged to expense as incurred and totaled $6.8
million, $5.1 million and $5.3 million in fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002,
respectively.

Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs

We include shipping and handling fees billed to customers in net sales.
Shipping and handling costs associated with inbound freight are capitalized to
inventories and relieved through cost of sales as inventories are sold. Shipping
and handling costs associated with outbound freight are included in selling,
general and administrative expenses and totaled $25.3 million, $24.1 million and
$23.5 million in fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

Income Taxes

Income taxes are recorded for the tax effects of transactions reported in
the consolidated financial statements and consist of taxes currently due plus
deferred taxes resulting from temporary differences. Such temporary differences
result from differences in the carrying value of assets and liabilities for tax
and financial reporting purposes. The deferred tax assets and liabilities
represent the future tax consequences of those differences, which will either be
taxable or deductible when the assets and liabilities are recovered or settled.
Deferred taxes are also recognized for operating losses that are available to
offset future taxable income. An assessment is made as to whether or not a
valuation allowance is required to offset deferred tax assets.

Stock-Based Compensation

We measure compensation expense for employee and director stock options as
the aggregate difference between the market and exercise prices of the options
on the date that both the number of shares the grantee is entitled to receive
and the purchase price are known. Compensation expense associated with
restricted stock grants is equal to the market value of the shares on the date
of grant and is recorded pro rata over the required holding period. For purposes
of pro forma disclosures under FAS 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,
as amended by FAS 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation - Transition and
Disclosure, the estimated fair value of the stock options is amortized to
compensation expense over the options' vesting period.


Page 43 of 75


The following table illustrates the effect on net income and earnings per
share if the fair value based method had been applied to all outstanding and
unvested awards in each period (in millions except per share data):



Fiscal Years Ended
-------------------------------
2004 2003 2002
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Net income as reported: $ 57.7 $ 58.1 $ 44.1
Deduct: Total stock-based compensation expense determined under the
fair value based method for all awards, net of related tax effects (3.6) (2.0) (0.6)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pro forma net income $ 54.1 $ 56.1 $ 43.5
==================================================================================================================

Earnings per share:
Basic--as reported $ 2.52 $ 2.50 $ 1.90
==================================================================================================================
Basic--pro forma $ 2.36 $ 2.42 $ 1.88
==================================================================================================================

Diluted--as reported $ 2.46 $ 2.45 $ 1.88
==================================================================================================================
Diluted--pro forma $ 2.30 $ 2.37 $ 1.86
==================================================================================================================


Comprehensive Income

We do not have any significant components of comprehensive income.

Reclassifications

Certain prior year amounts in the consolidated financial statements have
been reclassified to conform to current year presentation. These
reclassifications had no net impact on previously reported results of
operations.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

FAS 149, Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging
Activities, was issued in April 2003 and amends and clarifies financial
accounting and reporting for derivative instruments, including certain
derivative instruments embedded in other contracts and for hedging activities
under FAS 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. FAS
149 provides greater clarification of the characteristics of a derivative
instrument so that contracts with similar characteristics will be accounted for
consistently. In general, FAS 149 is effective for contracts entered into or
modified after June 30, 2003, and for hedging relationships designated after
June 30, 2003. As we do not currently have any derivative financial instruments,
the adoption of FAS 149 did not have an impact on our consolidated financial
statements.

FAS 150, Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics
of both Liabilities and Equity, was issued in May 2003 and clarifies the
accounting for certain financial instruments with characteristics of both
liabilities and equity and requires that those instruments be classified as
liabilities in statements of financial position. Previously, many of those
financial instruments were classified as equity. FAS 150 is effective for
financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003 and otherwise
is effective at the beginning of the first interim period beginning after June
15, 2003. As we did not have any of these financial instruments, the adoption of
FAS 150 did not have an impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation ("FIN") 46,
Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, was issued in January 2003. FIN 46
requires certain variable interest entities to be consolidated by the primary
beneficiary of the entity if the equity investors in the entity do not have the
characteristics of a controlling financial interest or do not have sufficient
equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional
subordinated financial support from other parties. The consolidation and
disclosure requirements apply immediately to variable interest entities created
after January 31, 2003. For variable interest entities created or acquired prior
to February 1, 2003, the provisions of FIN 46 must be applied for the first
interim or annual period ending after December 15, 2003. We are not the primary
beneficiary of any variable interest entities as of January 30, 2004.

In December 2003, a revision to FIN 46 ("FIN 46R") was issued to clarify
some of the provisions of the interpretation and to exempt certain entities from
its requirements. Adoption of the provisions of FIN 46R is required for interim
periods ending after March 15, 2004. We are currently evaluating the impact that
the adoption of this revision will have on our consolidated financial
statements, and do not expect it to have a material impact.


Page 44 of 75


In December 2003, the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and
Modernization Act of 2003 (the "Act") was signed into law. The Act introduces a
prescription drug benefit under Medicare as well as a federal subsidy to
sponsors of retiree health care benefit plans that provide a benefit that is at
least actuarially equivalent to the prescription drug benefit under Medicare.
Questions have arisen regarding whether an employer that provides postretirement
prescription drug coverage should recognize the effects of the Act on its
accumulated postretirement benefit obligation (APBO) and net postretirement
benefit costs under FAS 106, Employers' Accounting for Postretirement
Benefits Other Than Pensions. While we do offer benefits, including prescription
drug coverage, to employees who have attained certain levels of service after
they have retired, those benefits are only available to retirees until age 65,
at which time Medicare coverage becomes effective. As such, we do not believe
that this specific provision of the Act will have a material effect on our
consolidated financial statements.

In December 2003, the FASB issued FAS 132 (Revised) ("FAS 132-R"),
Employer's Disclosure about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits. FAS
132-R retains disclosure requirements of the original FAS 132 and requires
additional disclosures relating to assets, obligations, cash flows, and net
periodic benefits cost. FAS 132-R is effective for fiscal years ending after
December 15, 2003. Interim period disclosures are effective for interim periods
beginning after December 15, 2003. The provisions of FAS 132-R did not have a
material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

In December 2003, the Staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission
("SEC" or "the Staff") issued Staff Accounting Bulletin ("SAB") 104, Revenue
Recognition, which superseded SAB 101, Revenue Recognition in Financial
Statements. SAB 104's primary purpose is to rescind accounting guidance in SAB
101 related to multiple element revenue arrangements, superseded as a result of
the issuance of Emerging Issues Task Force Issue 00-21, Accounting for Revenue
Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables which was effective for revenue
arrangements entered into in fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2003. The
provisions of SAB 104 did not have a material impact on our consolidated
financial statements.

Note 2--Business Combinations and Divestitures

Business Combinations

On December 19, 2003, we acquired Century Maintenance Supply, Inc.
("Century"), a leading supplier of MRO products serving the multi-family
apartment market throughout the United States. The acquisition will enable us to
become a leader in the apartment MRO market and facilitate entry into adjacent
customer markets.

The purchase price consisted of $260.0 million cash paid for Century's net
assets, including the assumption of $31.4 million of accounts payable and
accrued liabilities and $101.4 million of debt. The results of Century's
operations have been included in our consolidated statements of income since
December 19, 2003. The total cost of the acquisition was allocated to the assets
acquired and liabilities assumed based on their respective fair values in
accordance with FAS 141. Goodwill, of which approximately $7.1 million is
deductible for tax purposes, and other intangible assets recorded in connection
with the transaction totaled $271.1 million and $36.4 million, respectively. The
goodwill and intangible assets were assigned entirely to our MRO segment. The
fair value assigned to intangible assets and the related weighted-average useful
life was based on valuations prepared by an independent third party appraisal
firm using estimates and assumptions provided by management. The intangible
assets are subject to amortization and consist primarily of customer lists,
private label trade names and employment agreements that are amortized on a
straight-line basis over a weighted-average useful life of 11.5 years. The
estimated annual amortization expense related to these contracts for the next
five fiscal years is expected to be $2.8 million. Unaudited pro-forma operating
results of operations, assuming the acquisition of Century had been completed as
of the beginning of fiscal year 2003, are as follows (in millions except per
share data):

Fiscal Years Ended
------------------------
2004 2003
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net sales $ 3,534.4 $ 3,357.0
Operating income 153.2 148.3
Net income 67.2 66.0
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Earnings per share:
Basic $ 2.93 $ 2.85
Diluted $ 2.86 $ 2.79
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

These pro forma results have been prepared for comparative purposes only and do
not purport to be indicative of what would have occurred had the acquisition
been made at the beginning of the period presented or the results which may
occur in the future.


Page 45 of 75


Effective August 4, 2003, we acquired substantially all of the net assets
of Marden Susco, LLC ("Marden Susco"), a southern California supplier of
underground piping products for use in municipal water, sewer and storm drain
systems. As a result of the acquisition, we have expanded the geographical
presence of our Water & Sewer business into the state of California.

The purchase price consisted of $19.6 million cash paid for Marden Susco's
net assets, including the assumption of $13.7 million of accounts payable and
accrued liabilities and $6.7 million of debt. The results of Marden Susco's
operations have been included in our consolidated statements of income since
August 4, 2003. The total cost of the acquisition was allocated to the assets
acquired and liabilities assumed based on their respective fair values in
accordance with FAS 141. Goodwill, all of which is deductible for income tax
purposes, and other intangible assets recorded in connection with the
transaction totaled $18.1 million and $1.0 million, respectively. The goodwill
and intangible assets were assigned entirely to our Water & Sewer segment. The
fair value assigned to intangible assets and the related weighted-average useful
life was based on valuations prepared by an independent third party appraisal
firm using estimates and assumptions provided by management. The intangible
assets are subject to amortization and consist primarily of employment
agreements, revenue backlog, and customer lists that are amortized on a
straight-line basis over a weighted-average useful life of 4.8 years. The
estimated annual amortization expense related to these contracts for the next
five fiscal years is expected to be $0.1 million. Pro forma results of
operations reflecting this acquisition have not been presented because the
results of operations of Marden Susco are not material to our consolidated
operating results or assets.

On August 9, 2002, we acquired 100% of the capital stock of Utiliserve
Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries ("Utiliserve"), a wholesale distributor of
electrical transmission and distribution products and services to the United
States' electric utility industry. As a result of the acquisition, we are a
leading provider of electrical transmission and distribution products and
services in the United States. We also expanded our development of customer
contracts as a result of Utiliserve's value-added services, including
vendor-managed inventory, collaborative emergency response and job-site
delivery. Through its supply chain management solutions, Utiliserve is able to
assume full responsibility for its customers' warehouse, workflow and inventory
management needs.

The purchase price consisted of $33.4 million cash paid (net of cash
acquired of $1.9 million) for Utiliserve's net equity along with the assumption
of $54.5 million and $33.2 million of debt and other liabilities, respectively.
The results of Utiliserve's operations have been included in our consolidated
statements of income since August 9, 2002. The total cost of the acquisition was
allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their
respective fair values in accordance with FAS 141. Goodwill, of which
approximately $25.7 million is deductible for income tax purposes, and other
intangible assets recorded in connection with the transaction totaled $56.3
million and $8.6 million, respectively. The goodwill was assigned entirely to
our Utilities segment. The fair value assigned to intangible assets and the
related weighted-average useful life was based on valuations prepared by an
independent third party appraisal firm using estimates and assumptions provided
by management. The intangible assets are subject to amortization and consist
mainly of customer contracts that are being amortized on a straight-line basis
over a weighted-average useful life of 14.6 years. The estimated annual
amortization expense related to these contracts for the next five fiscal years
is expected to be $0.6 million.

During fiscal year 2002, we acquired several other wholesale distributors
of materials to the construction and industrial markets that were accounted for
as purchases. These acquisitions, individually and in the aggregate, did not
have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements. Results of
operations of these companies from their respective dates of acquisition have
been included in the consolidated financial statements.


Page 46 of 75


The assets acquired and liabilities assumed for acquisitions are
summarized below (in millions):

Fiscal Years Ended
-------------------------------
2004 2003 2002
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accounts receivable $ 50.4 $ 19.9 $ 13.5
Inventories 45.3 30.5 9.7
Property and equipment 3.1 2.4 1.0
Goodwill 289.2 56.3 23.7
Other assets (including intangibles) 44.8 13.9 0.1
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Assets acquired 432.8 123.0 48.0
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (45.1) (33.2) (8.1)
Long-term debt (108.1) (54.5) (8.6)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Liabilities assumed (153.2) (87.7) (16.7)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cash purchase price $ 279.6 $ 35.3 $ 31.3
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Divestitures

On December 30, 2002, we sold our remaining 49.0% equity investment in
Anasteel Supply Company, LLC. for $2.3 million. We received cash proceeds of
$2.0 million with the remaining $0.3 million of consideration in the form of a
note receivable due July 31, 2005. The note receivable bears interest
at a fixed rate of 7.0%.

In fiscal year 2000, we invested $1.8 million in bestroute.com
("bestroute"), an e-commerce company founded in 1999 to provide hard-to-find
inventory products to wholesale distributors and end-users via the internet.
During fiscal year 2001, we were required to fund an additional $6.3 million to
bestroute as certain operating thresholds were met. In September 2000, we
acquired the remaining 51.0% interest of bestroute in a transaction where the
other members of bestroute received 723,183 stock rights of our company. Under
the terms of the agreement, the stock rights were exercisable by the holders on
or after February 1, 2001 and granted the holders the right to convert their
bestroute holdings into our common stock. The agreement also provided a call
provision under which we had the ability to call the stock rights in exchange
for shares of our common stock. The exercise of a portion of the stock rights
issued was contingent upon bestroute meeting its operating plan and
demonstrating continued viability as a business. In the fourth quarter of fiscal
year 2001, bestroute was not able to meet its operating plan and incurred
operating losses of $2.1 million. These losses were attributed to bestroute's
inability to gain market acceptance and generate revenues sufficient to cover
its operating costs. As a result of these continued losses and viability
concerns, we discontinued bestroute's operations on March 2, 2001, and entered
into an agreement with the holders of the stock rights to cancel 347,541 of the
stock rights and redeem the remaining rights for $7.3 million of cash.

Note 3--Property and Equipment

Property and equipment at January 30, 2004 and January 31, 2003 consist of
the following (in millions):

2004 2003
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Land $ 37.2 $ 34.6
Buildings and improvements 138.3 117.5
Transportation equipment 21.1 24.1
Furniture, fixtures and equipment 86.6 75.9
Construction in progress 1.3 19.9
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
284.5 272.0
Less accumulated depreciation (122.7) (114.2)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 161.8 $ 157.8
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Page 47 of 75


Note 4--Goodwill

Effective January 26, 2002, we adopted both FAS 141 and FAS 142. FAS 141
requires all business combinations initiated after June 30, 2001 to be accounted
for using the purchase method of accounting. FAS 141 also specifies the
criteria, which must be met in order for certain acquired intangible assets to
be recorded separately from goodwill. Under FAS 142, goodwill is no longer
amortized, but rather tested for impairment annually or more frequently if
events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired.
This new approach requires the use of valuation techniques and methodologies
significantly different from the undiscounted cash flow policy that was
previously followed.

Our nine operating segments are also the reporting units defined in FAS
142. The reporting units' goodwill was tested for impairment during the first
quarter of fiscal year 2004 based upon the expected present value of future cash
flows approach. As a result of this valuation process, as well as the
application of the remaining provisions of FAS 142, we concluded that there was
no impairment of goodwill related to any of our reporting units.

A summary of the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable
segment for the period ended January 30, 2004 is as follows (in millions):



Water & Plumbing/ Industrial
Sewer HVAC MRO Utilities Electrical PVF All Other Total
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Balance at
January 25, 2002 $ 86.6 $ 50.1 $ 1.7 $ 2.5 $ 9.0 $ 56.4 $ 57.5 $ 263.8

Goodwill acquired -- -- -- 56.3 -- -- -- 56.3
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at
January 31, 2003 86.6 50.1 1.7 58.8 9.0 56.4 57.5 320.1

Goodwill acquired 18.1 -- 271.1 -- -- -- -- 289.2

Finalization of
purchase accounting -- -- -- 0.5 -- -- -- 0.5
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at
January 30, 2004 $ 104.7 $ 50.1 $ 272.8 $ 59.3 $ 9.0 $ 56.4 $ 57.5 $ 609.8
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Prior to the adoption of FAS 142, we amortized goodwill over estimated
useful lives ranging from 15 to 40 years. Had we accounted for goodwill
consistent with the provisions of FAS 142 in prior periods, our net income,
basic earnings per share and diluted earnings per share would have been
affected as follows (in millions except per share data):

Fiscal Years Ended
-----------------------------
2004 2003 2002
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Net income, as reported $ 57.7 $ 58.1 $ 44.1
Add: goodwill amortization, net of tax -- -- 5.4
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adjusted net income $ 57.7 $ 58.1 $ 49.5
================================================================================

Basic earnings per share, as reported $ 2.52 $ 2.50 $ 1.90
Add: goodwill amortization, net of tax -- -- 0.23
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adjusted basic earnings per share $ 2.52 $ 2.50 $ 2.13
================================================================================

Diluted earnings per share, as reported $ 2.46 $ 2.45 $ 1.88
Add: goodwill amortization, net of tax -- -- 0.23
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adjusted diluted earnings per share $ 2.46 $ 2.45 $ 2.11
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Note 5--Branch Closure and Consolidation Activities

In the normal course of business, we continually evaluate the operations
and performance of our individual branches and identify branches for closure or
consolidation. Prior to fiscal year 2002, we approved a plan to close and
consolidate 43 branches,


Page 48 of 75


including bestroute as discussed in note 2 above, because these branches did not
strategically fit into our core businesses and/or they did not perform to our
expectations. During fiscal year 2003, we announced the closure of an additional
seven branches along with a distribution center in Georgia.

Effective January 1, 2003, we adopted FAS 146, Accounting for Costs
Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities, which addresses the recognition,
measurement, and reporting of costs that are associated with exit and disposal
activities. FAS 146 was effective for exit or disposal activities initiated
after December 31, 2002.

We closed seven underperforming Plumbing/HVAC branches and our Texas
distribution center during January 2004. Approximately $2.2 million of selling,
general and administrative expenses were recorded in connection with these
closings.

In addition to our branch closure activities, we relocated our corporate
offices during October 2003. As a result of this decision, we recorded
approximately $2.0 million of selling, general and administrative expenses
during fiscal year 2004 to establish an accrued liability for the fair value of
the remaining lease payments due under the previous locations' leases, net of
estimated sublease income. The accrual is expected to be paid out substantially
by April 2005.

The following is a summary of the expenses associated with our closure
activities (in millions):

Fiscal Years Ended
---------------------------
2004 2003 2002
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cost of sales $ -- $ 0.4 $ 1.7
================================================================================

Lease expense $ 4.0 $ -- $ 1.6
Severance expense -- 0.1 0.5
Professional expense (contractual obligation) -- -- 0.7
Other 0.4 (0.3) 0.9
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Selling, general and administrative expenses $ 4.4 $ (0.2) $ 3.7
================================================================================

Non-operating expenses $ -- $ -- $ 0.7
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The cost of sales amounts represented inventory write-downs of products
that will no longer be saleable following the closure of the branches. Severance
expense included charges associated with payments owed to employees who have
been or will be involuntarily terminated in connection with our branch closures.
We have accrued the estimated lease obligations from the planned closure dates
through the end of the contractual lease terms, net of any estimated sublease
income. Other costs accrued for branches identified for closure were based on
amounts due under agreements and/or based on estimates to terminate such
agreements as well as certain executory expenses. Non-operating expenses
primarily related to write-downs of assets for which we project the undiscounted
cash flows to be less than the carrying amount of the related investment.

During the third quarter of fiscal year 2003, we reversed accruals
totaling $0.5 million related to previous branch closures, mainly as a result of
favorable settlements of lease obligations for less than originally anticipated.

The liability balance, included in other current liabilities, related to
our closure activities as of January 30, 2004 and January 31, 2003 was as
follows (in millions):

Fiscal Years Ended
--------------------
2004 2003
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Beginning balance $ 1.2 $ 3.1
Provision (income) 4.4 (0.2)
Cash expenditures:
Lease (1.4) (1.1)
Severance -- (0.1)
Other (0.1) (0.3)
Non-cash asset impairments -- (0.2)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ending balance $ 4.1 $ 1.2
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Page 49 of 75


Note 6--Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

In the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2002, we recorded an impairment loss
of $0.7 million related to goodwill of one entity in our Plumbing/HVAC segment.

Note 7--Total Debt

Total debt at January 30, 2004 and January 31, 2003 consists of the
following (in millions):



Fiscal Years Ended
--------------------
2004 2003
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

8.27% senior notes, due 2003 $ -- $ 19.0
8.27% senior notes, due 2005 11.2 16.8
8.42% senior notes, due 2007 82.4 103.0
7.96% senior notes, due 2011 70.0 79.3
7.14% senior notes, due 2012 32.4 36.2
7.19% senior notes, due 2012 40.0 40.0
6.74% senior notes, due 2013 45.2 50.0
Unsecured bank notes under $290.0 revolving credit agreement,
payable March 26, 2007, with an interest rate of 2.0% at January 30, 2004 100.0 72.4
Other notes payable with varying interest rates of 2.2% to 7.6% at
at January 30, 2004 with due dates from 2004 to 2010 32.1 25.2
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total debt 413.3 441.9
Less current portion (44.6) (63.8)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total long-term debt $ 368.7 $ 378.1
=================================================================================================


Unsecured Bank Notes and Line of Credit Agreements

On March 26, 2003, we replaced our existing $275.0 million revolving
credit agreement, which was scheduled to mature on January 25, 2004, with a new
$252.5 million revolving credit agreement (the "new credit agreement"), subject
to borrowing limitations, which matures on March 26, 2007. On May 22, 2003, we
amended the new credit agreement to increase maximum borrowing capacity from
$252.5 million to $290.0 million effective June 9, 2003. The new credit
agreement is unsecured and contains financial and other covenants, including
limitations on dividends and maintenance of certain financial ratios. Interest
is payable at market rates plus applicable margins and commitment fees ranging
from 0.15% to 0.30% per annum are paid on the new credit agreement.

We have a commercial paper program backed by our new credit agreement.
There were no commercial paper borrowings outstanding at January 30, 2004 or at
January 31, 2003.

In order to initially fund the acquisition of Century, we borrowed $250.0
million at 3.39% under an interim senior unsecured term loan agreement (the
"term loan"). Effective December 19, 2003, the new credit agreement was amended
to permit the new term loan borrowings and to make financial and other covenants
essentially the same as those in the term loan agreement.

On January 28, 2004, we completed the sale of 6,900,000 shares of common
stock in a public offering that generated net proceeds of $317.5 million. The
proceeds we received were primarily used to fund the acquisition of Century. At
January 30, 2004 there were no outstanding borrowings under the term loan
agreement.

We had two short-term lines of credit with borrowing capacities of $10.0
million and $15.0 million, respectively, during fiscal year 2003. On July 25,
2002, both line of credit agreements were amended to extend the maturity dates
to June 30, 2003 and the funds under the $15.0 million line were allocated to an
operating lease agreement. On August 30, 2002, the


Page 50 of 75


operating lease agreement was amended to increase borrowing capacity from $15.0
million to $18.7 million. Under the terms of the operating lease agreement, we
lease certain equipment, including vehicles, forklifts and trailers from
various companies with funds provided by the $18.7 million line of credit.
Monthly payments are made to the bank in accordance with the terms of each
specific equipment lease. There was no remaining availability under the
operating lease agreement at January 30, 2004. The $10.0 million line of credit
was uncommitted and terminated when the new credit agreement was executed.

Other Notes Payable

On June 22, 2001, we entered into an agreement ("lease facility
agreement") with Atlantic Financial Group, Ltd. ("AFG"), certain financial
parties as lenders, and SunTrust Bank as agent ("SunTrust") in which AFG and
SunTrust agreed to fund up to $40.0 million for the acquisition and development
of real property projects, including up to $25.0 million for our new corporate
headquarters building in Orlando, Florida ("Orlando property"). Concurrently, we
entered into an agreement with AFG, certain financial parties as lenders, and
SunTrust as agent for the construction of a new multi-branch complex in Miami,
Florida ("Miami property"). Pursuant to this agreement, AFG and SunTrust agreed
to fund up to $15.0 million for the construction of this facility.

Orlando Property

Under the terms of the loan agreement ("Orlando loan agreement") between
AFG and SunTrust for the Orlando property, AFG was required to fund the lease
facility through a nominal equity investment, with the remainder funded through
non-recourse borrowings from SunTrust. Concurrent with the execution of the
Orlando loan agreement, we executed a master lease agreement ("Orlando lease
agreement") with AFG under which we would lease the Orlando property for a
five-year term, including the construction period and a lease period. The
Orlando lease agreement required interest only payments that began at the
earlier of the completion of construction or eighteen months following the
acquisition of the Orlando property. Payments were interest only at LIBOR rates
plus applicable credit spreads.

On June 5, 2002, we terminated our Orlando loan agreement with AFG and
SunTrust. Concurrently, we executed a new real estate term credit agreement (the
"credit agreement") with SunTrust, and the outstanding principal balance of $1.7
million under the Orlando loan agreement was paid off and rolled into the credit
agreement. Under the terms of the credit agreement, SunTrust agreed to fund up
to a maximum of $25.0 million for the acquisition and development of our new
corporate headquarters building in Orlando, Florida. The credit agreement bears
interest based on LIBOR plus applicable credit spreads and matures July 31,
2005. At January 30, 2004 and January 31, 2003, the total outstanding borrowings
of $24.4 million and $10.1 million, respectively, under the credit agreement are
recorded in long-term debt.

On March 16, 2004, we entered into sale-leaseback transaction in which we
sold the Orlando property to a subsidiary of Wachovia Development Corporation
and leased the property back for a period of 20 years. The lease expires on
March 16, 2024, with five 5-year extensions exercisable at our option upon 12
months notice. We do not have an option to purchase the leased facility at the
end of the minimum lease term and have not issued any residual value guarantee
of the value of the leased facility. The lease is accounted for as an operating
lease.

Miami Property

Under the terms of the loan agreement ("Miami loan agreement") between AFG
and SunTrust for the Miami property, AFG was required to fund the Miami property
through an equity investment of approximately 20% with the remainder funded
through non-recourse borrowings from SunTrust. Concurrent with the execution of
the Miami loan agreement, we executed a master lease agreement (the "Miami lease
agreement") with AFG. Under the terms of the Miami lease agreement, we leased
the Miami property with rent payments beginning September 2003. Rent payments
for the first four years were to be interest only at a rate based on LIBOR plus
applicable credit spreads.

As the lease was treated as a capital lease the outstanding borrowings and
related assets were reflected in long-term debt and property and equipment. At
January 31, 2003, the total outstanding borrowings of $6.7 million under the
Miami loan agreement were recorded in long-term debt. There were no outstanding
borrowings under the Miami lease agreement at January 30, 2004 because on
January 30, 2004, a subsidiary of SunTrust Bank agreed to purchase the property
from AFG and to lease the property to us under a new 20-year term lease expiring
in 2024, with 5 year extensions exercisable at our option upon 12 months notice.
The future minimum lease payments under the lease are approximately $22.7
million. We do not have an option to purchase the leased facility at the end of
the minimum lease term and have not issued any residual value guarantee of the
value of the leased facility. The gain on the sale of approximately $0.1 million
will be amortized over the minimum term of the lease, which has been accounted
for as an operating lease.


Page 51 of 75


Other

Our debt agreements contain covenants that require that we, among other
things, maintain certain financial ratios and minimum net worth levels. The
covenants also restrict our activities regarding investments, liens, borrowing
and leasing, and payment of dividends other than stock. Under the dividend
covenant, approximately $155.4 million was available at January 30, 2004 for
payment of dividends. At January 30, 2004, we were in compliance with all
financial and other covenants.

Maturities of debt for each of the five years subsequent to January 30,
2004 and in the aggregate are as follows (in millions):

Fiscal Years Ending
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2005 $ 44.6
2006 68.8
2007 45.0
2008 151.1
2009 24.1
Thereafter 79.7
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Total $ 413.3
================================================================================

Note 8--Income Taxes

The consolidated provision for income taxes consists of the following (in
millions):

Fiscal Years Ended
--------------------------------
2004 2003 2002
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Currently payable:
Federal $ 26.5 $ 23.3 $ 17.8
State 2.7 2.1 2.3
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
29.2 25.4 20.1
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deferred:
Federal 6.9 13.2 11.0
State 0.7 1.5 (0.5)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7.6 14.7 10.5
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income taxes $ 36.8 $ 40.1 $ 30.6
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The following is a reconciliation of tax computed at the statutory federal
rate to the income tax expense in the consolidated statements of income (dollars
in millions):



Fiscal Years Ended
------------------------------------------------------------------
2004 2003 2002
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amount % Amount % Amount %
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------

Tax computed at statutory federal rate $ 33.1 35.0% $ 34.4 35.0% $ 26.1 35.0%
Effect of:
State and local income tax,
net of federal income tax benefit 2.2 2.3% 2.3 2.4% 1.5 2.0%
Nondeductible expenses 0.9 1.0% 1.3 1.3% 2.4 3.1%
Other, net 0.6 0.6% 2.1 2.2% 0.6 0.9%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income taxes $ 36.8 38.9% $ 40.1 40.9% $ 30.6 41.0%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Page 52 of 75


The components of deferred tax assets and liabilities at January 30, 2004
and January 31, 2003 are as follows (in millions):

Fiscal Years Ended
--------------------
2004 2003
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deferred tax assets:
Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 3.1 $ 1.9
Inventories 7.4 6.2
Accrued vacation 0.3 2.5
Other accrued liabilities 7.2 4.5
State net operating losses 2.5 4.7
Deferred compensation 5.3 4.7
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gross deferred tax assets 25.8 24.5
Valuation allowance (0.6) (0.2)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total deferred tax assets 25.2 24.3
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Deferred tax liabilities:
Capitalized software development costs 2.9 2.7
Goodwill and intangible assets 33.2 16.6
Deferred revenue 11.6 9.7
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 11.3 9.4
Property and equipment 1.4 0.1
Other 0.8 0.1
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total deferred tax liabilities 61.2 38.6
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net deferred tax liabilities $ (36.0) $ (14.3)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

At January 30, 2004, we had federal and state net operating loss
carryforwards of $2.5 million, which expire between 2012 and 2024. A valuation
allowance has been provided on certain of the state net operating losses at
January 30, 2004 as full realization of these assets is not considered more
likely than not.

Note 9--Employee Benefit Plans

Profit Sharing Plan

We have a 401(k) profit sharing plan, which provides benefits for
substantially all of our employees who meet minimum age and length of service
requirements. The maximum percentage of each eligible employee's contribution to
be matched by the Company was increased from 5% to 6% on February 1, 2001.
Additional annual contributions may be made at the discretion of the board of
directors. Amounts charged to expense for this plan totaled $4.6 million, $4.9
million and $5.0 million in fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

Bonus Plans

We have bonus plans, based on growth, profitability formulas, and return
on assets, which provide incentive compensation for key officers and employees.
Amounts charged to expense for bonuses to executive officers totaled $3.4
million, $2.8 million and $1.3 million in fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002,
respectively.

Deferred Executive Compensation Plan

A non-qualified executive deferred compensation plan established on March
1, 2002 allows eligible employees to defer up to 90.0% of their cash
compensation through the plan. We do not match employees' contributions under
the current plan.

Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan

We have a defined benefit retirement plan, which provides supplemental
benefits for certain key executive officers, generally for periods up to 15
years, upon retirement, disability, or death. The obligations are not funded
separately from our general assets. At January 30, 2004 and January 30, 2003,
the liability under the plan, as determined in accordance with FAS


Page 53 of 75


87, Employers' Accounting for Pensions, was $5.7 million and $5.1 million,
respectively. The liability in each year is recorded in other noncurrent
liabilities. Amounts charged to expense under the plan totaled $0.9 million,
$0.6 million and $0.5 million in fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

Note 10--Commitments and Contingencies

Lease Commitments

We occupy certain facilities and operate certain equipment and vehicles
under leases that expire at various dates through the year 2024. In addition to
minimum rentals, there are certain executory costs such as real estate taxes,
insurance, and common area maintenance on most of our facility leases. Rent
expense under these leases totaled $57.3 million, $51.5 million and $51.6
million in fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Future minimum annual
rental payments under non-cancelable operating leases as of January 30, 2004
are as follows (in millions):

Fiscal Years Ending
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2005 $ 52.7
2006 41.4
2007 29.8
2008 21.4
2009 10.8
Thereafter 25.3
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total $ 181.4
================================================================================

Certain operating leases for vehicles and equipment expiring in fiscal
year 2009 contain residual value guarantee provisions and other guarantees which
would become due in the event of a default under the operating lease agreement,
or at the expiration of the operating lease agreement if the fair value of the
leased properties is less than the guaranteed residual value. The maximum amount
of our guarantee obligation at January 30, 2004 is approximately $3.0 million.

As indicated in Note 7 above, we entered into an agreement to lease our
newly constructed multi-branch complex in Miami, Florida from AFG beginning in
September 2003. As the lease was treated as a capital lease, the outstanding
borrowings and related assets were reflected in our long-term debt and property
and equipment. On January 30, 2004, a subsidiary of SunTrust Bank agreed to
purchase the property from AFG and to lease the property to us under a new
20-year term lease expiring in 2024, with 5-year extensions exercisable at our
option upon 12 months notice. The future minimum lease payments under the lease
are approximately $22.7 million. We do not have an option to purchase the leased
facility at the end of the minimum lease term and have not issued any residual
value guarantee of the value of the leased facility. As such, the gain on the
sale of approximately $0.1 million will be amortized over the minimum term of
the lease, which has been accounted for as an operating lease.

Legal Matters

We are involved in various legal proceedings arising in the normal course
of our business. In our opinion, none of the proceedings are material in
relation to our consolidated operations, cash flows, or financial position.

Note 11--Stock Option Plans

Stock Plans

The 1997 Executive Stock Plan (the "1997 Stock Plan") is our only
currently active stock plan at January 30, 2004. The Directors' Stock Option
Plan established for non-employee board of directors members became inactive in
May 2003. The 1997 Stock Plan authorizes the granting of both incentive and
non-incentive stock options for an aggregate of 3,250,000 shares of common
stock, to key employees. Options are granted at prices not less than the market
value on the date of grant, and the maximum term of an option may not exceed ten
years. Prices for incentive stock options granted to employees who own 10% or
more of our stock are at least 110% of market value at date of grant.
Options may be granted from time to time until December 31, 2006 with respect to
the 1997 Stock Plan. An option becomes exercisable at such times and in such
installments as set forth by the compensation committee of the board of
directors (the "compensation committee"). Under the 1997 Stock Plan, we can
grant up to 1,625,000 shares of the authorized options as restricted stock to
certain key employees. These shares are subject to certain transfer
restrictions, and vesting may be dependent upon continued employment, the
satisfaction of performance objectives, or both.


Page 54 of 75


In May 2002, the shareholders approved an amendment to the 1997 Stock Plan
allowing the compensation committee to make grants of performance-based
restricted shares to senior executives. Performance-based shares are used as an
incentive to increase shareholder returns with actual awards based on various
criteria, including increases in the price of our common shares, earnings per
share, shareholder value and net income. Compensation expense for the number of
shares issued is recognized over the vesting period. On August 21, 2002, March
18, 2003, and September 15, 2003, target awards of 125,000 shares, 35,000
shares, and 15,000 shares, respectively, were made to senior executives. These
shares are to be issued in five separate tranches if the price of our common
shares achieves certain price levels. During fiscal year 2004, 88,000 shares
were issued with a market value at the date of grant of $3.8 million. The market
value of the restricted stock at the date of grant was recorded as unearned
compensation, a component of shareholders' equity, and is being charged to
expense over the respective vesting periods. In fiscal year 2004 this expense
totaled $0.2 million. In fiscal year 2003, none of the stock price achievement
levels had been attained and accordingly, no restricted shares were issued to
participants.

During fiscal year 2002, we granted certain senior executives 410,000
restricted shares in accordance with a stock performance award under the 1997
Stock Plan. The shares were awarded in five separate tranches as the price of
our common shares achieved certain levels as determined by the
compensation committee. At January 25, 2002, all such stock price achievement
levels had been met. The shares vest five years from the award date, and are
subject to certain other vesting and forfeiture provisions contained in the 1997
Stock Plan. The market value of the restricted shares was $10.7 million at the
date of the grant and was recorded as unearned compensation, a component of
shareholders' equity. This amount is being charged to expense over the
respective vesting period and totaled $2.2 million, $2.2 million and $0.7
million in fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

During fiscal year 2003 and fiscal year 2002, we granted certain employees
20,000 shares and 11,000 shares of restricted stock, with market values at the
date of grant of $0.6 million and $0.3 million, respectively. There were no
non-performance shares granted to employees during fiscal year 2004. In fiscal
years 2004, 2003 and 2002, we cancelled 29,888 shares, 29,888 shares and 84,709
shares, respectively, of the restricted shares granted, with market values at
the date of grant of $0.5 million, $0.5 million and $1.5 million, respectively,
according to the provisions of the grant. The market value of the restricted
stock at the date of grant was recorded as unearned compensation, a component of
shareholders' equity, and is being charged to expense over the respective
vesting periods. In fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002, this expense totaled $0.7
million, $0.7 million and $0.8 million, respectively.

The 1997 Stock Plan also permits the granting of stock appreciation rights
("SARs") to holders of options. Such rights permit the option holder to
surrender an exercisable option, in whole or in part, on any date that the fair
market value of our common stock exceeds the option price for the stock and
receive payment in common stock or, if the board of directors approves, in cash
or any combination of cash and common stock. Such payment would be equal to the
excess of the fair market value of the shares under the surrendered option over
the option price for such shares. The change in value of SARs would be reflected
in income based upon the market value of the stock. No SARs have been granted or
issued through January 30, 2004.

Stock Options

Stock option and restricted stock activity and information about the 1997
Stock Plan and the Directors' Stock Plan are as follows:



Shares Weighted-
Subject Average
Stock Options To Option Option Price
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Balance at January 26, 2001 (1,098,789 shares exercisable) 1,123,889 $ 21.21
Granted 167,500 20.71
Exercised (255,425) 14.63
Cancelled (80,600) 26.91
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at January 25, 2002 (695,664 shares exercisable) 955,364 22.40
Granted 672,200 33.91
Exercised (232,387) 20.97
Cancelled (30,400) 31.40
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at January 31, 2003 (544,277 shares exercisable) 1,364,777 28.11
Granted 661,150 34.68
Exercised (199,348) 23.44
Cancelled (40,400) 32.07
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Balance at January 30, 2004 (704,729 shares exercisable) 1,786,179 $ 30.85
=========================================================================================



Page 55 of 75




Shares
Shares Available for
Restricted stock Outstanding Issuance
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Balance at January 26, 2001 342,521 518,979
Granted 421,000 (421,000)
Cancelled (84,709) 84,709
Vested (36,000) --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at January 25, 2002 642,812 182,688
Additional authorized -- 250,000
Shares transferred to stock option pool -- (288,900)
Shares assigned but not issued -- (125,000)
Granted 20,000 (20,000)
Cancelled (29,888) 29,888
Vested -- --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at January 31, 2003 632,924 28,676
Additional authorized -- 500,000
Shares transferred to stock option pool -- (118,750)
Issuance of assigned shares -- 38,000
Granted 88,000 (88,000)
Cancelled (29,888) 29,888
Vested (15,000) --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at January 30, 2004 676,036 389,814
=========================================================================================


Outstanding options at January 30, 2004 have expiration dates ranging from
August 17, 2004 to January 5, 2014.

The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding
at January 30, 2004:



Options Outstanding Options Exercisable
---------------------------------------- -----------------------
Weighted-
Average Weighted- Weighted-
Remaining Average Average
Number Contractual Exercise Number Exercise
Range of Exercise Prices Outstanding Life (Years) Price Exercisable Price
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

$12.83 - $18.75 298,068 5.3 $ 16.85 280,568 $ 16.95
21.00 - 28.75 117,941 6.3 24.35 98,441 24.79
30.90 - 36.05 1,236,670 8.6 34.05 321,720 33.58
38.01 - 49.65 133,500 8.2 38.17 4,000 39.33
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$12.83 - $49.65 1,786,179 7.8 $ 30.85 704,729 $ 25.76
================================================================================================


Stock-Based Compensation

We account for our stock option plans using the intrinsic value based
method of accounting, under which no compensation expense has been recognized
for stock option awards granted at fair market value. For purposes of pro forma
disclosures under FAS 123, as amended by FAS 148, the estimated fair value of
the stock options is amortized to compensation expense over the options' vesting
period. Pro forma information relating to the fair value of stock-based
compensation is presented in Note 1 under Stock-Based Compensation.

The fair value of each stock option is estimated on the date of grant
using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average
assumptions for grants:

Fiscal Years Ended
----------------------------
2004 2003 2002
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Risk-free interest rates 3.1% 4.6% 4.7%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dividend yield 1.1% 1.1% 1.5%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expected volatility 45.1% 40.3% 38.3%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expected stock option lives 5 8 8
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The weighted average estimated fair value of employee stock options
granted during 2004, 2003 and 2002 was $13.61,


Page 56 of 75


$15.94 and $9.16 per share, respectively. The pro forma calculations above do
not include the effects of options granted prior to fiscal year 1996.

The Black-Scholes option-pricing model was developed for use in estimating
the fair value of traded options that have no vesting restrictions and are fully
transferable. Option-pricing models require the input of highly subjective
assumptions including the expected stock price volatility. Because our stock
options have characteristics significantly different from those of traded
options, and because changes in the subjective input assumptions could
materially affect the fair value estimate, in our opinion, the existing models
do not necessarily provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of our
employee stock options.

Note 12--Capital Stock

On January 28, 2004, we completed the sale of 6,900,000 shares of common
stock in a public offering that generated net proceeds of $317.5 million. The
proceeds were primarily used to fund the acquisition of Century and to repay
indebtedness under our revolving credit agreement.

Treasury Stock

On March 15, 1999, our board of directors authorized the repurchase of up
to 2,500,000 shares of our outstanding common stock to be used for general
corporate purposes. Since March 15, 1999, we have repurchased 1,831,400 shares
at an average price of $22.91 per share, of which 258,600 shares at an average
price of $23.39 were purchased in fiscal year 2004, 257,000 shares at an average
price of $27.78 per share were repurchased in fiscal year 2003 and 394,700
shares at an average price of $19.10 per share were repurchased in fiscal year
2002.

Preferred Stock

Our board of directors established Series A Junior Participating Preferred
Stock ("Series A Stock") consisting of 75,000 shares. Each share of Series A
Stock will be entitled to 1,000 votes on all matters submitted to a vote of
shareholders. Series A Stock is not redeemable or convertible into any other
security. Each share of Series A Stock shall have a minimum cumulative
preferential quarterly dividend rate equal to the greater of $1.00 per share or
1,000 times the aggregate per share amount of the dividend declared on common
stock in the related quarter. In the event of liquidation, shares of Series A
Stock will be entitled to the greater of $1,000 per share plus any accrued and
unpaid dividends or 1,000 times the payment to be made per share of common
stock. No shares of Series A Stock are presently outstanding, and no shares are
expected to be issued except in connection with the shareholder rights plan
referred to below.

We have a shareholder rights plan. Under the plan, we distributed to
shareholders a dividend of one right per share of our common stock. When
exercisable, each right will permit the holder to purchase one one-thousandth of
a share (a "unit") of Series A Stock at a purchase price of $200 per unit from
the Company. The rights generally become exercisable if a person or group
acquires 15% or more of our common stock or commences a tender offer that could
result in such person or group owning 15% or more of our common stock. If
certain subsequent events occur after the rights first become exercisable, the
rights may become exercisable for the purchase of shares of our common stock, or
of an acquiring company, having a value equal to two times the exercise price of
the right. In general, the rights may be redeemed by the Company at $0.01 per
right at any time prior to the latter of (a) ten days after 20% or more of our
stock is acquired by a person or group and (b) the first date of a public
announcement that a person or group has acquired 15% or more of our stock. The
rights expire on June 2, 2008 unless terminated earlier in accordance with the
shareholder rights plan.


Page 57 of 75


Note 13--Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share are calculated by dividing net income by the
weighted-average number of shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share
includes the additional dilutive effect of our potential common shares, which
includes certain employee and director stock options, unvested shares of
restricted stock and stock rights issued in connection with the bestroute
acquisition in fiscal year 2001. The following summarizes the incremental shares
from these potentially dilutive common shares, calculated using the treasury
method, as included in the calculation of diluted weighted-average shares:



Fiscal Years Ended
--------------------------------------
2004 2003 2002
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Basic weighted-average number of shares 22,927,656 23,212,392 23,175,025
Incremental shares resulting from:
Stock options 187,787 153,011 96,062
Restricted stock 379,722 299,208 84,986
Stock rights issued in connection with bestroute
acquisition -- -- 67,550
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Diluted weighted-average number of shares 23,495,165 23,664,611 23,423,623
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Excluded from the above computations of diluted weighted-average number of
shares were unvested shares of restricted common stock of 10,000 shares and
82,000 shares at average prices of $31.35 and $31.27 per share for fiscal years
2003 and 2002, respectively, because their effect would have been anti-dilutive.
No unvested shares of restricted common stock were considered to have an
anti-dilutive effect for fiscal year 2004. Options to purchase 183,820 shares,
821,020 shares and 280,114 shares of common stock at average exercise prices of
$37.50, $33.95 and $32.34 per share for fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002,
respectively, were excluded from the above computations of diluted
weighted-average number of shares because their effect would have been
anti-dilutive.

Note 14--Supplemental Cash Flows

Additional supplemental information related to the consolidated statements
of cash flows is as follows (in millions):



Fiscal Years Ended
-----------------------------
2004 2003 2002
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Income taxes paid $ 13.1 $ 10.3 $ 36.6
Interest paid 31.3 29.9 35.8
Property acquired with debt 21.7 17.9 6.9
Debt paid with sale-leaseback proceeds 13.8 -- --
Note receivable from sale of investment in affiliated entity -- 0.3 --


During fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002, we awarded certain key employees
88,000 restricted shares, 20,000 restricted shares and 421,000 restricted shares
of our common stock, respectively, in accordance with the 1997 Executive Stock
Plan.

During fiscal year 2002, we retired 342,854 shares of our common stock
previously held in treasury. Dividends declared but not paid totaled $3.1
million and $2.4 million at January 30, 2004 and January 31, 2003, respectively.
See note 2 for the net assets acquired and liabilities assumed for acquisitions
recorded using the purchase method of accounting.

Note 15--Related Party Transactions

We lease several buildings and properties from certain related parties,
including our chairman of the board, two other members of the board of
directors, and an executive officer. The leases generally provide that all
expenses related to the properties are to be paid by us. Rents paid
under these leases totaled $2.5 million, $2.1 million and $2.1 million in fiscal
years 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

We made donations totaling $0.3 million, $0.9 million and $0.1 million to
Hughes Supply Foundation, Inc. ("HSF"), a not-for-profit charitable
organization, in fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The board of
directors of HSF is comprised of certain executives of our company, including
our chairman of the board, president and chief executive officer, and executive
vice president and chief financial officer.


Page 58 of 75


Note 16--Segment Information

During the third quarter of fiscal year 2004, we revised our reporting
structure to provide additional disclosure by realigning our previously reported
operating segments, Electrical/Plumbing, Industrial PVF, and Water &
Sewer/Building Materials on a more disaggregated basis by product line into six
operating segments and an All Other category. The revised operating segments
are: Water & Sewer, Plumbing/HVAC, MRO, Utilities, Electrical and Industrial
PVF. The All Other category includes our Building Materials, Fire Protection,
and Mechanical Industrial product lines. The Industrial PVF segment remains
unchanged.

The Corporate category includes corporate level expenses not allocated to
our operating segments. Inter-segment sales are excluded from net sales
presented for each segment. Operating income for each segment includes certain
corporate expense allocations for employee benefits, corporate overhead
expenses, data processing expenses, and property/casualty insurance. These
allocations are based on consumption or at a standard rate determined by
management.

In connection with the change of our reporting structure mentioned above,
we changed our method of allocating corporate overhead expenses to the segments.
All prior period segment results have been reclassified to reflect these
changes.

The following is a description of our operating segments:

Water & Sewer

The Water & Sewer segment provides a complete line of water, sewer and
storm-drain products to serve the needs of both contractors and municipalities
in all aspects of the water and wastewater industries. Our waterline products
transmit potable and non-potable water from the source to treatment plants,
storage towers and pumping stations and ultimately to homes and businesses. Also
included in this product category is our concrete business, which complements
our Water & Sewer business by manufacturing prefabricated concrete vaults used
for sewer and storm drain applications

Plumbing/HVAC

The Plumbing/HVAC segment includes both our plumbing and HVAC products.
Our plumbing products are sold primarily to contractors and homebuilders for
bathroom and kitchen installation. Our HVAC business distributes air
conditioning and heating equipment to contractors for the installation and
repair of central air conditioners, furnaces and refrigeration systems.

MRO

The MRO segment serves the multi-family housing market through customers
such as apartment property management companies. The products in the MRO segment
include the items needed to maintain an apartment unit or complex in good
working condition, such as plumbing, electrical, appliances/parts, hardware,
door/window parts, HVAC equipment/parts and janitorial supplies.

Utilities

The Utilities segment distributes products that electric utilities need to
bring power from the generating plants through the transmission and distribution
lines directly to the meters. In addition, the Utilities segment offers supply
chain management services, including warehouse integration and outsourcing,
meter testing and repair and product assembly. These products and services
allow us to provide the electric utility companies with the products they need
in order to keep their systems operational.

Electrical

The electrical segment serves the commercial, residential and industrial
markets with customers including electrical contractors, industrial companies,
original equipment manufacturers ("OEMs") and commercial businesses. The
products and services in our Electrical product line include wire management
products, electrical distribution equipment, wire and cable, automation
equipment, tools and fasteners, light bulbs, light fixtures, motor controls,
energy products, wiring devices, data/communications products and storeroom/job
trailer management.


Page 59 of 75


Industrial PVF

The Industrial PVF segment distributes specialty stainless and high nickel
alloy industrial PVF products for industrial, mechanical and specialty uses.
The segment primarily serves industrial customers such as petrochemical, food
and beverage, pulp and paper, mining, marine and pharmaceutical customers,
industrial and mechanical contractors, fabricators, wholesale distributors,
exporters and OEMs.

All Other

The "All Other" category includes our Building Materials, Fire Protection,
and Mechanical Industrial businesses. In addition, the All Other category
included revenues and expenses related to bestroute, an e-commerce company for
which operations were discontinued during fiscal year 2002.

The Building Materials business distributes products including concrete
and masonry supplies and accessories, lumber, bridge rail, overhang brackets,
erosion control products, bearing pads, tilt-up bracing rental, lifting and
bracing inserts, sealants, waterproofing and fireproofing materials, commercial
washroom specialties, tools and accessories primarily to the commercial,
industrial and public infrastructure markets, with customers such as general
contractors and subcontractors.

The Fire Protection branches and fabrication facilities are located
strategically within our large network of Water & Sewer branches, giving our
customers, contractors and builders in the commercial, residential and
industrial markets, access to the materials for both aboveground and underground
applications. Products and services provided include sprinkler heads and
devices, steel pipe and fittings, backflow prevention devices, valves, hydrants,
air compressors and fabrication.

The Mechanical Industrial business offers a complete inventory of valves,
actuators and accessories in addition to a variety of consulting services and
serves the commercial and industrial markets, with customers including
fabricators, OEMs, industrial subcontractors, mechanical contractors, exporters,
purchasing agents, maintenance departments, engineering departments and
planners.


Page 60 of 75


The following table presents net sales and other financial information by
segment for fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002, as reclassified for the changes
discussed above (in millions):



Water & Plumbing/ Industrial
Sewer HVAC MRO Utilities Electrical PVF All Other Corporate Total
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Net sales
2004 $ 922.4 $ 842.1 $ 158.7 $ 363.8 $ 362.8 $ 283.2 $ 320.4 $ -- $ 3,253.4
2003 877.2 826.9 118.9 248.3 375.5 313.9 305.6 -- 3,066.3
2002 833.1 855.3 110.5 144.9 430.6 330.4 332.9 -- 3,037.7
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Depreciation and
amortization
2004 $ 3.2 $ 3.3 $ 1.0 $ 1.5 $ 1.0 $ 0.7 $ 1.9 $ 8.6 $ 21.2
2003 3.1 3.7 0.4 0.9 1.3 0.8 2.4 7.9 20.5
2002 6.8 6.4 0.7 0.4 2.0 2.8 4.9 7.1 31.1
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Provision for doubtful
accounts
2004 $ 1.8 $ 0.8 $ 0.4 $ (0.9) $ 0.8 $ 0.6 $ 1.1 $ -- $ 4.6
2003 3.6 2.5 0.1 -- 1.3 0.4 1.2 -- 9.1
2002 3.1 6.3 -- -- 0.7 0.3 0.3 0.4 11.1
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating income
(loss)
2004 $ 45.1 $ 8.4 $ 10.1 $ 13.7 $ 8.2 $ 23.0 $ 14.2 $ -- $ 122.7
2003 40.4 14.0 8.8 10.2 8.1 31.7 8.0 -- 121.2
2002 38.9 (2.8) 5.8 7.2 12.8 29.1 10.3 -- 101.3
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interest and other
income (expense)
2004 $ 2.7 $ 2.2 $ 0.2 $ -- $ 0.6 $ (0.1) $ 0.7 $ 0.1 $ 6.4
2003 2.8 2.0 0.3 0.1 0.8 (0.1) 1.4 -- 7.3
2002 3.2 3.1 0.2 0.1 0.7 -- 1.1 0.9 9.3
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interest expense
2004 $ -- $ -- $ -- $ -- $ -- $ -- $ 0.1 $ 34.5 $ 34.6
2003 -- -- -- -- -- -- 0.1 30.2 30.3
2002 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 35.9 35.9
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income (loss) before
income taxes
2004 $ 47.8 $ 10.7 $ 10.3 $ 13.7 $ 8.8 $ 22.9 $ 14.7 $ (34.4) $ 94.5
2003 43.2 16.0 9.1 10.2 8.9 31.6 9.4 (30.2) 98.2
2002 42.1 (0.7) 6.0 7.4 13.5 29.1 11.2 (33.9) 74.7
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capital expenditures
2004 $ 2.5 $ 1.2 $ 1.8 $ 0.1 $ 0.1 $ 0.3 $ 0.3 $ 9.6 $ 15.9
2003 2.3 0.8 0.1 0.3 0.1 0.5 0.7 10.5 15.3
2002 3.2 1.7 0.6 0.2 0.3 0.7 2.8 7.4 16.9
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Page 61 of 75


The following table includes our investment in assets (accounts receivable
less allowance for doubtful accounts, inventories and goodwill) and accounts
payable for each segment at January 30, 2004 and January 31, 2003 (in millions):



Fiscal Year 2004
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accounts Segment Accounts
Receivable Inventories Goodwill Assets Payable
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Water & Sewer $ 161.4 $ 92.8 $ 104.7 $ 358.9 $ 78.8
Plumbing/HVAC 106.8 114.4 50.1 271.3 79.1
MRO 48.7 52.6 272.8 374.1 16.4
Utilities 30.9 46.8 59.3 137.0 22.2
Electrical 51.6 28.4 9.0 89.0 28.1
Industrial PVF 40.5 103.3 56.4 200.2 27.8
All Other 53.4 28.7 57.5 139.6 18.8
Corporate -- -- -- -- 37.1
- ---------------------------------------------------------------- --------- ---------
$ 493.3 $ 467.0 $ 609.8 1,570.1 $ 308.3
================================================================ =========
Cash and cash equivalents 8.3
Deferred income taxes 19.4
Other current assets 53.0
Property and equipment 161.8
Other assets 68.7
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Assets $ 1,881.3
=============================================================================


Fiscal Year 2003
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accounts Segment Accounts
Receivable Inventories Goodwill Assets Payable
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Water & Sewer $ 133.8 $ 81.5 $ 86.6 $ 301.9 $ 50.5
Plumbing/HVAC 100.9 116.9 50.1 267.9 57.0
MRO 13.1 16.8 1.7 31.6 3.6
Utilities 30.6 42.1 58.8 131.5 22.9
Electrical 57.4 37.5 9.0 103.9 28.1
Industrial PVF 41.2 117.3 56.4 214.9 19.1
All Other 46.1 26.4 57.5 130.0 17.5
Corporate -- -- -- -- 31.3
- ---------------------------------------------------------------- --------- ---------
$ 423.1 $ 438.5 $ 320.1 $ 1,181.7 $ 230.0
================================================================ =========
Cash and cash equivalents 1.7
Deferred income taxes 19.7
Other current assets 47.1
Property and equipment 157.8
Other assets 26.9
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Assets $ 1,434.9
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------



Page 62 of 75


Note 17--Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)

The following is a summary of the unaudited results of operations for each
quarter in fiscal years 2004 and 2003 (in millions except per share data):



First Second Third Fourth
Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Full Year
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fiscal 2004
Net sales $ 782.8 $ 815.1 $ 859.5 $ 796.0 $ 3,253.4
Gross margin 175.4 184.5 193.5 180.3 733.7
Net income 11.8 18.7 17.8 9.4 57.7
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Earnings per share:
Basic $ 0.52 $ 0.82 $ 0.78 $ 0.41 $ 2.52
Diluted 0.51 0.80 0.76 0.39 2.46
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average shares outstanding:
Basic 22.8 22.8 22.9 23.2 22.9
Diluted 23.1 23.3 23.4 24.0 23.5
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dividends per share $ 0.100 $ 0.100 $ 0.100 $ 0.100 $ 0.400
=========================================================================================

Fiscal 2003
Net sales $ 790.0 $ 774.7 $ 804.0 $ 697.6 $ 3,066.3
Gross margin 181.1 180.6 188.4 159.6 709.7
Net income 12.4 18.5 19.8 7.4 58.1
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Earnings per share:
Basic $ 0.54 $ 0.80 $ 0.85 $ 0.32 $ 2.50
Diluted 0.52 0.78 0.84 0.31 2.45
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average shares outstanding:
Basic 23.2 23.3 23.3 23.2 23.2
Diluted 23.6 23.8 23.6 23.5 23.7
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dividends per share $ 0.085 $ 0.085 $ 0.085 $ 0.100 $ 0.355
=========================================================================================



Page 63 of 75


Report of Independent Certified Public Accountants

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of Hughes Supply, Inc.

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the
related consolidated statements of income, shareholders' equity and cash flows
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Hughes
Supply, Inc. and its subsidiaries at January 30, 2004 and January 31, 2003, and
the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years
in the period ended January 30, 2004 in conformity with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements
are the responsibility of the Company's management; our responsibility is to
express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We
conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with auditing standards
generally accepted in the United States of America, which require that we plan
and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates
made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

As discussed in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements, effective
January 26, 2002, the Company changed its method of accounting for goodwill and
certain intangible assets as a result of adopting Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.


PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Orlando, Florida
April 14, 2004


Page 64 of 75


Management's Responsibility for Financial Statements

The consolidated financial statements and related information included in
this Annual Report were prepared in conformity with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States of America. Management is responsible
for the integrity of the financial statements and for the related information.
Management has included in the Company's consolidated financial statements
amounts that are based on estimates and judgments, which it believes are
reasonable under the circumstances. The responsibility of the Company's
independent accountants is to express an opinion on the fairness of the
consolidated financial statements. Their opinion is based on an audit conducted
in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of
America as further described in their report.

The Audit Committee of the board of directors is composed of four
non-management directors. The Committee meets periodically with financial
management, internal auditors and the independent accountants to review
internal accounting control, auditing and financial reporting matters.


Page 65 of 75


ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

We have not had any change in, or disagreement with, our accountants or a
reportable event, which is required to be reported in response to this item.

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures that are designed
to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the Company's reports
filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and
reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange
Commission's rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and
communicated to the Company's management, including the chief executive officer
and the chief financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions
regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating the disclosure
controls and procedures, management recognized that any controls and procedures,
no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance
of achieving the desired control objectives and management was required to apply
its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls
and procedures.

As of the end of the period covered by this report, management, under the
supervision of the Company's chief executive officer and chief financial
officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the
Company's disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and
15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Based upon that
evaluation, the chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded
that, as of the end of such period, the disclosure controls and procedures were
effective at a level of reasonable assurance to ensure that information required
to be disclosed in the reports the Company files and submits under the Exchange
Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported as and when required.

In addition, there have been no changes in the Company's internal control
over financial reporting, as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) or 15d-15(f) under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, during the Company's fourth fiscal quarter that
have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect the
Company's internal control over financial reporting.

PART III

The information required by Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 of Part III is
incorporated by reference to the Company's Definitive Proxy Statement for the
2004 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

PART IV

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

(a) The following documents are filed as part of this report:

(1) Financial Statements

The consolidated financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries
are included in Item 8 on pages 35 - 65.

(2) Financial Statement Schedules

The financial statement schedules are included on page 72. All other
schedules have been omitted as they are either not applicable, not
required or the information is given in the financial statements or
related notes thereto.

(3) Exhibits Filed

A substantial number of the exhibits listed below in the index to the
exhibits on page 68 - 71 are indicated as having been previously filed as
exhibits to other reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, or as exhibits to registration statements under the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended. Such previously filed exhibits are incorporated
by reference in this Form 10-K. Exhibits not incorporated by reference
herein are filed with this report.


Page 66 of 75


(b) Reports on Form 8-K

Hughes Supply filed or furnished the following current reports on Form 8-K
during the quarter ended January 30, 2004:

On November 25, 2003, Hughes Supply, Inc. furnished a Current Report on
Form 8-K dated November 25, 2003 that included information relating to our
third quarter operating results.

On November 26, 2003, Hughes Supply, Inc. filed a Current Report on Form
8-K dated November 26, 2003 that included information relating to the
announcement of our definitive all cash merger agreement with Century
Maintenance Supply, Inc.

On December 18, 2003, Hughes Supply, Inc. filed a Current Report on Form
8-K dated December 17, 2003 that included information relating to our
revised segment presentation.

On January 5, 2004, Hughes Supply, Inc. filed a Current Report on Form 8-K
dated December 19, 2003 that included information relating to our
acquisition of Century Maintenance Supply, Inc.

On January 8, 2004, Hughes Supply, Inc. filed an amendment to its Current
Report on Form 8-K dated December 19, 2003 that included certain financial
information relating to Century Maintenance Supply, Inc.

On January 23, 2004, Hughes Supply, Inc. filed a Current Report on Form
8-K dated January 22, 2004 that included information relating to the
pricing and offering for sale of shares of our common stock.

On February 2, 2004, Hughes Supply, Inc. furnished a Current Report on
Form 8-K dated January 30, 2004 that included information relating to
investor presentation materials used in meetings related to the sale of
shares of our common stock.


Page 67 of 75


INDEX TO EXHIBITS

(Item 14(a)3 - Exhibits Required by Item 601
of Regulation S-K and Additional Exhibits)

(2) Plan of acquisition.

2.1 Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of November 26, 2003, among
Hughes Supply, Inc., MRO Merger Corp., Century Maintenance Supply,
Inc., FS Equity Partners IV, L.P., Century Airconditioning Holdings,
Inc., and Dennis C. Bearden, incorporated by reference to Exhibit
2.1 Form 8-K filed on January 5, 2004 (Commission File No.
001-08772).

2.2 First Amendment to Agreement and Plan of Merger, incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 2.2 to Form 8-K filed on January 5, 2004
(Commission File No. 001-08772).

(3) Articles of incorporation and by-laws.

3.1 Restated Articles of Incorporation, as amended, incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April
30, 1997 (Commission File No. 001-08772).

3.2 Amended and Restated By-Laws of Hughes Supply, Inc. (As Amended and
Restated on May 20, 2003), incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2
to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 2, 2003 (Commission File No.
001-08772).

3.3 Form of Articles of Amendment of series A Junior Participating
Preferred Stock , incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.3 to Form
8-A dated May 22, 1998 (Commission File No. 001-08772).

(4) Instruments defining the rights of security holders, including indentures.

4.1 Form of Common Stock Certificate representing shares of the
Registrant's common stock, $1.00 par value, incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 31,
1997 (Commission File No. 001-08772).

4.2 Rights Agreement dated as of May 20, 1998 between Hughes Supply,
Inc. and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 99.2 to Form 8-A dated May 22, 1998 (Commission
File No. 001-08772).

(10) Material contracts.

10.1 Amended and restated lease agreements with Hughes, Inc. dated April
1, 2003, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 10Q for
the quarter ended May 2, 2003 (Commission File No. 001-08772).

Sub-Item Property
-------- --------
(a) 521 West Central Blvd, Orlando, FL
(b) 1010 Grand Avenue, Orlando, FL
(c) 2018 Lucerne Terrace, Orlando, FL
(d) 335 N. Ingraham Avenue, Lakeland, FL
(e) 951 Pierce Street, Clearwater, FL
(f) 903 Brentwood Drive Daytona, FL
(g) 401 Angle Road, Fort Pierce, FL
(h) 576 NE 23rd Street, Gainesville, FL
(i) 2525 12th Street, Sarasota, FL
(j) 341 South Seaboard Avenue, Venice, FL
(k) 2439 7th Street SW, Winter Haven, FL

10.2 Hughes Supply, Inc. 1988 Stock Option Plan as amended March 12, 1996
incorporated by reference to Exhibit to Form 10-K for the fiscal
year ended January 26, 1996 (Commission File No. 001-08772).


Page 68 of 75


10.3 Real Estate Term Credit Agreement, dated as of May 31, 2002, by and
among Hughes Supply Shared Services, Inc. as borrower, Hughes
Supply, Inc. as parent, and SunTrust Bank as lender incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 3,
2002 (Commission File No. 001-08772).

10.3 (a) First Amendment to Real Estate Term Credit Agreement, dated as
of March 26, 2003, by and among Hughes Supply Shared Services,
Inc. as borrower, Hughes Supply, Inc. as parent and SunTrust
Bank as lender, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(a) to
Form 10Q for quarter ended August 1, 2003 (Commission File No.
001-08772

10.4 Hughes Supply, Inc. Amended and Restated Directors' Stock Option
Plan with amendments approved through May 21, 2002, incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.4 to form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
January 31, 2003 (Commission File No. 001-08772).

10.5 Hughes Supply, Inc. Amended Senior Executives' Long-Term Incentive
Bonus Plan, adopted January 25, 1996, incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.9 to Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 26, 1996
(Commission File No. 001-08772).

10.6 Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of August 28, 1997, by and among
the Company and certain purchasers identified in Schedule A of the
Note Purchase Agreement, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15
to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 31, 1997 (Commission File
No. 001-08772).

10.7 Hughes Supply, Inc. 1997 Executive Stock Plan, Amended and Restated
Plan (as amended on April 9, 2003), incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.7 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 2, 2003
(Commission File No. 001-08772).

10.8 Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of May 29, 1996, by and among the
Company and certain purchasers identified in Schedule A of the Note
Purchase Agreement, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to
Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 30, 1998 (Commission
File No. 001-08772).

10.9 Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of May 5, 1998, by and among the
Company and certain purchasers identified in Schedule A of the Note
Purchase Agreement, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 30, 1998 (Commission File No.
001-08772).

10.10 Revolving Credit Agreement dated as of March 26, 2003 amount Hughes
Supply, Inc. as borrower, and the Lenders from time to time party
hereto and SunTrust Bank as administrative agent, incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.10 to Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
January 31, 2003 (Commission File No. 001-08772).

10.10 (a) Lender Joinder Agreement dated May 22, 2003 executed by BNP
PARIBAS in favor of Hughes Supply, Inc., the borrower, and
SunTrust Bank, as administrative agent, for the lenders from
time to time party to the revolving credit agreement dated as
of March 26, 2003, among the borrowers, lenders and
administrative agent, incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.10 (a) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 2, 2003
(Commission File No. 001-08772).

10.10 (b) Lender Joinder agreement dated May 22, 2003 executed by
CommerceBank N.A. in favor of Hughes Supply, Inc., the
borrower, and SunTrust Bank, as administrative agent, for the
lenders from time to time party to the revolving credit
agreement dated as of March 26, 2003, among the borrowers,
lenders and administrative agent, incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.10 (b) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 2,
2003 (Commission File No. 001-08772).

10.11 Loan and Aircraft Security Agreement dated as of November 12, 2002
between Juno Industries, Inc. (d/b/a Hughes Aviation), customer, and
SunTrust Leasing Corporation, lender, CESSNA 560 XL M/S No.
560-5119, FAA Registration Mark N357 WC incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.11 to form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31,
2003 (Commission File No. 001-08772).

10.12 Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of December 21, 2000 and amended
January 19, 2001, by and among the Company and certain purchasers
identified in Schedule A of the Note Purchase Agreement incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
January 26, 2001 (Commission File No. 001-08772).


Page 69 of 75


10.15 Master Lease Agreement, dated as of June 22, 2001 between Atlantic
Financial Group, Ltd, as Lessor and Hughes Supply, Inc. and Certain
Subsidiaries of Hughes Supply, Inc., as Lessees - Operating Lease
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to Form 10-Q for the
quarter ended October 31, 2001 (Commission File No. 001-08772).

10.15 (a) Loan Agreement, dated as of June 22, 2001 among Atlantic
Financial Group, Ltd, as Lessor and Borrower, the financial
institutions party hereto as Lenders and SunTrust Bank, as
Agent - Operating Lease incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.15 (a) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 31, 2001
(Commission File No. 001-08772).

10.15 (b) Construction Agency Agreement, dated as of June 22, 2001 among
Atlantic Financial Group, Ltd, and Hughes Supply, Inc. as
Construction Agent - Operating Lease incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.15 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October
31, 2001 (Commission File No. 001-08772).

10.15 (c) Guaranty Agreement from Hughes Supply, Inc., dated as of June
22, 2001 - Operating Lease incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.15 (c) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October
31, 2001 (Commission File No. 001-08772).

10.15 (d) Appendix A to the Operative Documents, Definitions and
Interpretation - Operating Lease incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.15 (d) to Form 10-Q for The quarter ended October
31, 2001 (Commission File No. 001-08772).

10.15 (e) First Amendment to Master Agreement incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.15 (e) to form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
January 31, 2003 (Commission File No. 001-08772).

10.16 (a) Amendment to Uncommitted Guidance and Swing Line Demand
Promissory Note dated July 26, 2002 by the Company and
SunTrust Bank, Inc. incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16
(a) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended August 2, 2002
(Commission File No. 001-08772).

10.17 Senior Term Loan Agreement dated as of December 19, 2003,
among Hughes Supply, Inc., Lehman Commercial Paper, Inc.
SunTrust Bank, and each of the several other banks and
financial institutions from time to time party thereto, Lehman
Brothers, Inc. and SunTrust Robinson Humphrey, as exclusive
joint advisors, joint book managers and joint lead arrangers
and SunTrust Bank, as administrative agent, incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K filed January 5, 2004
(Commission File No. 001-08772).

10.18 First Amendment to Revolving Credit Agreement dated as of
December 19, 2003, among Hughes Supply, Inc., the several
banks and other financial institutions from time to time party
thereto, and SunTrust Bank as administrative agent,
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Form 8-K filed
January 5, 2004 (Commission File No. 001-08772).

10.19 Lease agreements with SJ Limited Partnership.

Sub-Item Property
-------- --------
(a) 7311 Galveston Road, #800, Houston, TX
(b) 7311 Galveston Road, #510, Houston, TX

10.20 Lease agreement with SJ Partnership for 7311 Gavleston Road,
#710, Houston, TX

10.21 Lease agreement with Stanwood Limited Partnership for 2751
Miller Road, Decatur, GA

10.22 Lease agreement with SWS-GA Realty, Inc. and Stanwood
Interests Limited Partnership for 2331 Varkel Way, Lithonia,
GA


Page 70 of 75


10.23 Lease agreements with SWS-TX Realty, Inc.

Sub-Item Property
-------- --------
(a) 8511 Monroe Boulevard, Houston, TX
(b) 8505 Monroe Boulevard, Houston, TX

10.24 Lease agreements with JEM-Realty, Inc. and Stanwood Interests
Limited Partnership

Sub-Item Property
-------- --------
(a) 629 Pressley Road, Charlotte, NC
(b) 11835 West Fairmont Parkway, LaPorte, TX
(c) Tract 26 South Houston Gardens, No. 6,
Harris County, TX

(21) Subsidiaries of the Registrant.

(23) Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.

(31.1) Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of President and Chief
Executive Officer.

(31.2) Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Executive Vice
President and Chief Financial Officer.

(32.1) Certification Pursuant to Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title
18 of the United States Code by the President and Chief
Executive Officer.

(32.2) Certification Pursuant to Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title
18 of the United States Code by the Executive Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer.


Page 71 of 75


FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE

SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
For the Years Ended January 30, 2004, January 31, 2003 and January 25, 2002
(in millions)



Balance at Additions Balance at
Beginning Charged to End of
Description of Period Income Deductions Period
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2004
Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 8.5 $ 8.1(a) $ (10.1)(b) $ 6.5
Inventory reserves 6.0 7.8(c) (9.3)(d) 4.5
Deferred income taxes 0.2 0.4 -- 0.6
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2003
Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 8.4 $ 10.8(a) $ (10.7)(b) $ 8.5
Inventory reserves 9.8 0.9(c) (4.7)(d) 6.0
Deferred income taxes 0.1 0.1 -- 0.2
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2002
Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 6.1 $ 13.4(a) $ (11.1)(b) $ 8.4
Inventory reserves 10.4 8.0(c) (8.6)(d) 9.8
Deferred income taxes 0.7 -- (0.6) 0.1
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


(a) Represents gross bad debt expense, excluding recoveries of bad debts,
which totaled $3.5 million, $1.7 million and $2.3 million in fiscal 2004,
fiscal 2003 and fiscal 2002, respectively.

(b) Represents write-offs of uncollectible receivable amounts.

(c) Represents amounts charged for provision for inventory loss, including
book to physical inventory adjustments and estimated dead stock
write-offs.

(d) Deductions represent the net difference between the original inventory
provisions recorded and actual book to physical adjustments, dead stock
write-offs, and reductions in calculated reserve requirements.


Page 72 of 75


Report of Independent Certified Public Accountants on
Financial Statement Schedule

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors
of Hughes Supply, Inc.

Our audits of the consolidated financial statements referred to in our
report dated April 14, 2004 appearing in the 2004 Annual Report on Form 10-K
also included an audit of the financial statement schedule listed in Item
15(a)(2) of this Form 10-K. In our opinion, this financial statement schedule
presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein
when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements.


/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Orlando, Florida
April 14, 2004


Page 73 of 75


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.

HUGHES SUPPLY, INC.

By: /s/ Thomas I. Morgan
--------------------
Thomas I. Morgan
President and Chief Executive Officer

/s/ David Bearman
-----------------
David Bearman
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer

Date: April 14, 2004

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this
report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the
Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.


/s/ David H. Hughes /s/ Vincent S. Hughes
--------------------------- ---------------------------
David H. Hughes Vincent S. Hughes
April 14, 2004 April 14, 2004
(Director) (Director)


/s/ Thomas I. Morgan /s/ Dale E. Jones
---------------------------- ----------------------------
Thomas I. Morgan Dale Jones
April 14, 2004 April 14, 2004
(Director) (Director)


/s/ John D. Baker II /s/ William P. Kennedy
--------------------------- ----------------------------
John D. Baker II William P. Kennedy
April 14, 2004 April 14, 2004
(Director) (Director)


/s/ Robert N. Blackford /s/ Patrick J. Knipe
--------------------------- ----------------------------
Robert N. Blackford Patrick J. Knipe
April 14, 2004 April 14, 2004
(Director) (Director)


/s/ H. Corbin Day /s/ Amos R. McMullian
--------------------------- ----------------------------
H. Corbin Day Amos R. McMullian
April 14, 2004 April 14, 2004
(Director) (Director)


Page 74 of 75


INDEX OF EXHIBITS FILED WITH THIS REPORT

10.19 Lease agreements with SJ Limited Partnership.

Sub-Item Property
-------- --------
(a) 7311 Galveston Road, #800, Houston, TX
(b) 7311 Galveston Road, #510, Houston, TX

10.20 Lease agreement with SJ Partnership for 7311 Gavleston Road, #710,
Houston, TX

10.21 Lease agreement with Stanwood Limited Partnership for 2751 Miller
Road, Decatur, GA

10.22 Lease agreement with SWS-GA Realty, Inc. and Stanwood Interests
Limited Partnership for 2331 Varkel Way, Lithonia, GA

10.23 Lease agreements with SWS-TX Realty, Inc.

Sub-Item Property
-------- --------
(a) 8511 Monroe Boulevard, Houston, TX
(b) 8505 Monroe Boulevard, Houston, TX

10.24 Lease agreements with JEM-Realty, Inc. and Stanwood Interests
Limited Partnership

Sub-Item Property
-------- --------
(a) 629 Pressley Road, Charlotte, NC
(b) 11835 West Fairmont Parkway, LaPorte, TX
(c) Tract 26 South Houston Gardens, No. 6,
Harris County, TX

(21) Subsidiaries of the Registrant

(23) Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

(31.1) Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of President and Chief
Executive Officer

(31.2) Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Executive Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer

(32.1) Certification Pursuant to Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of
the United States Code by the President and Chief Executive Officer

(32.2) Certification Pursuant to Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of
the United States Code by the Executive Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer


Page 75 of 75