FORM 10-KSB

U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

(Mark One)

[X]

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

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004

[ ]

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

Commission File Number 0-17321

TOR Minerals International, Inc.
(Name of small business issuer in its charter)

Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

 

74-2081929
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

722 Burleson Street

Corpus Christi, Texas

78402

(Address, including zip code, of principal executive offices)

Issuer's telephone number: (361) 883-5591

Securities registered under Section 12(b) of the Act: None .

Securities registered under section 12(g) of the Act:
Common Stock, $0.25 par value

Check whether the issuer (1) filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Exchange Act during the past 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

___

Check if there is no disclosure of delinquent filers in response to Item 405 of Regulation S-B is not contained in this form, and no disclosure will 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-KSB or any amendment to this Form 10-KSB. [X]

State issuer's revenues for its most recent fiscal year: $30,476,000

State the aggregate market value of the voting stock and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates computed by reference to the price at which the common equity was sold, or the average bid and asked price of such common equity, as of February 28, 2005, computed by reference to the closing sale price of the registrant's Common Stock on The NASDAQ SmallCap Market tier of the NASDAQ Stock Market on such date: $31,036,531.

Number of shares of the registrant's Common Stock outstanding as of February 28, 2005

7,797,553

Documents incorporated by reference:

Certain portions of the registrant's definitive Proxy Statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, in connection with the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the registrant to be held May 14, 2004, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this report.

Transitional Small Business Disclosure Format (check one):

Yes

___

No

X

1

TOR MINERALS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Annual Report on Form 10-KSB

 

Page

PART I

 

Item 1 - Description of Business

3

General

3

Our Products

4

Raw Materials and Energy

6

Research and Development / Technical Services

6

Management

6

Marketing and Customers

7

Risks Related to Our Business

8

Environmental Regulations and Product Safety

10

Backlog

11

Patents and Trademarks

11

Employees

11

Additional Information

11

Item 2 - Description of Property

12

Corpus Christi Operations

12

Netherlands Operations

12

Malaysian Operations

13

Item 3 - Legal Proceedings

13

Item 4 - Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

13

PART II

 

Item 5 - Market for Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters

14

Market for Common Equity

14

Series A 6% Convertible Preferred Stock Dividends

15

Equity Compensation Plan

16

Small Business Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

16

Item 6 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations

17

Results of Operations

17

Liquidity, Capital Resources and Other Financial Information

20

Critical Accounting Policies

25

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations

26

Other Matters

27

Item 7 - Financial Statements

29

Item 8 - Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting
and Financial Disclosures

29

Item 8A - Controls and Procedures

29

Item 8B - Other Information

29

PART III

 

Item 9 - Directors, Executive Officers, Promoters and Control Persons;
Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act

29

Election of Officers

29

Code of Ethics

18

Item 10 - Executive Compensation

30

Item 11 - Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
and Related Stockholder Matters

30

Item 12 - Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

30

Item 13 - Exhibits

30

Item 14 - Principal Accountant Fees and Services

31

SIGNATURES

32

2

Forward-Looking Statement

This Annual Report on Form 10-KSB (the "Report"), including "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in Item 6, contains forward-looking statements about the business, financial condition and prospects of the Company. The actual results of the Company could differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements because of various risks and uncertainties including, without limitation, changes in demand for the Company's products, changes in competition, economic conditions, fluctuations in exchange rates, fluctuations in market price for TiO 2 pigments, interest rate fluctuations, changes in the capital markets, changes in tax and other laws and governmental rules and regulations applicable to the Company's business, and other risks indicated in the Company's filing with the Security and Exchange Commission, including those set forth in this report under Item 1. Description of Business - Risks Related to Our Business. These risks and uncertainties are beyond the ability of the Company to control, and, in many cases, the Company cannot predict all of the risks and uncertainties that could cause its actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements. When used in this report, the words "believes," "estimates," "plans," "expects," "anticipates" and similar expressions as they relate to the Company or its management are intended to identify forward-looking statements.

 

PART I

 

 

Item 1.

Description of Business

 

General

TOR Minerals International, Inc. ("TOR", "We" or the "Company") is a global specialty chemical company engaged in the business of manufacturing and marketing mineral products for use as pigments, pigment extenders and flame retardants used in the manufacture of paints, industrial coatings, plastics, catalysts and solid surface applications.

We were organized by Benilite Corporation of America ("Benilite") in 1973. Benilite, which was incorporated in Delaware in 1969, developed the then patented "Benilite process" for producing synthetic rutile, the principal ingredient used in the manufacture of HITOX® (high-grade titanium dioxide), from ilmenite ore. Benilite licensed and helped design several synthetic rutile plants located throughout the world which utilize this process (including the plant located in Ipoh, Malaysia, owned by the Company, as discussed below). Benilite concluded that synthetic rutile produced by the Benilite process could be further processed into a buff-colored titanium dioxide pigment having many of the characteristics of standard white titanium dioxide at a significant cost savings. These efforts by Benilite were the beginning of the Company's business. In 1980, the subsidiary of Benilite engaged in the development of HITOX was spun off by Benilite to its shareholders. In December 1988, the Company became a publicly owned company after completing a public offering of 1.38 million shares of its common stock. Our stock symbol is TORM.

Global Headquarters

We are headquartered in Corpus Christi, Texas, USA. This location houses senior management, customer service, logistics, and corporate research and development/technical service laboratories. Our financial and accounting functions also operate from this location. Our principal offices in Corpus Christi are located at 722 Burleson Street, Corpus Christi, Texas 78402, and our telephone number is (361) 883-5591. Our website is located at www.torminerals.com. Information contained in our website or links contained on our website is not part of this Annual Report of Form 10-KSB.

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US Manufacturing Site

The US manufacturing plant is situated alongside its own docks in Corpus Christi. This facilitates the easy handling of bulk mineral shipments by barge. The site has its own railhead and easy access to major highways linking it to the rest of the US and to Mexico. HITOX, BARTEX® and HALTEX® are all produced at this location.

Asia Headquarters & Manufacturing

We acquired TOR Minerals Malaysia, Sdn. Bhd. ("TMM") in 2000. Located in Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia close to the port of Lumut, TMM is a processor of local ilmenite, upgrading it to synthetic rutile ("SR"). This material is the basic building block for HITOX, but also is used as feed stock for white TiO 2 and used as a component in welding rod flux. The site has its own processing lines to manufacture HITOX. The sales team and the quality assurance laboratory for Asia are located at the offices in Ipoh.

Netherlands Manufacturing Site

In 2001, we acquired TOR Processing and Trade, B.V. ("TP&T"). Situated within reach of the major shipping port of Rotterdam in Hattem, Netherlands, TP&T specializes in the manufacturing of premium alumina products ("ALUPREM®") for use worldwide. Customer applications, quality assurance laboratory and support facilities are located in Hattem. TOR Minerals' global headquarters in Texas provides customer service and shipping logistics for TP&T's North American customers.

 

Our Products

TOR and our subsidiaries operate in the business of pigment manufacturing and related products in three geographic segments. All United States manufacturing is done at the facility located in Corpus Christi, Texas. Foreign manufacturing is done by the Company's wholly owned subsidiaries, TMM, located in Malaysia and TP&T, located in the Netherlands. Our products are currently marketed in the United States and in more than 60 other countries. We sell our products through a network of direct sales representatives employed by the Company and independent stocking distributors in the United States, as well as distributors and agents overseas. Our sales representatives sell directly to end-users and provide marketing support and guidance for our independent distribution network.

HITOX

Our principal product, HITOX, accounted for approximately 40% of net sales in 2004 and approximately 48% in 2003. HITOX, a light buff-colored titanium dioxide pigment, is made from SR. Titanium dioxide is the most widely used primary pigment in paints, coatings, plastics, paper and many other types of products. Normally titanium dioxide, or TiO 2 , gives opacity and whiteness to end products. Most TiO 2 is white; however, HITOX is a unique color pigment that is beige. HITOX occupies a special marketing niche as a high quality, color pigment that can replace some of the other more costly color pigments and some of the white TiO 2 . HITOX pigments are used by major international paint and plastics manufacturers. Uses include interior and exterior architectural paints, yellow traffic marking paints, industrial primers and coatings, roofing granules, PVC pipe and conduit, plastic sheeting and siding as well as plastic film.

HITOX, manufactured at plants located in both the US and Malaysia, utilizes SR manufactured at TMM as its primary raw material. In the milling process used to process HITOX, particles of SR mechanically abrade each other to form the end product, which after other processing, including testing and quality control procedures, is collected for bagging and shipping. The manufacturing process for producing HITOX is not simple and the details of the process and the operating parameters of the systems are not widely known. The HITOX manufacturing process is not patented.

In 2004, we completed the new HITOX production facility in Corpus Christi. The plant expansion will increase production of HITOX by approximately 10,000 tons annually and utilize a new proprietary production process that we expect to reduce costs and increase the size of the market for HITOX.

ALUPREM

Our alumina trihydrate ("ATH") products were expanded in 2001 with the introduction of ALUPREM, which is manufactured at our subsidiary, TP&T, in the Netherlands. ALUPREM, which stands for premium alumina,

4

 

represented approximately 27% of TOR's 2004 net sales compared to approximately 20% in 2003. TP&T's Managing Director, Dr. Olaf Karasch, developed the manufacturing process for ALUPREM. The details of the process and the operating parameters of the systems are not widely known. The ALUPREM manufacturing process is not patented.

ALUPREM products are for color critical applications as fillers and flame retardants, such as Solid Surface/Onyx and performance driven uses such as specialty wire and cable insulation, catalysts, high-tech polishing, pigments and specialty papers.

SYNTHETIC RUTILE

SR, the basic building block for HITOX, is manufactured at the Malaysian plant using the Benilite process for producing SR. Raw materials used in the manufacturing process include ilmenite, acid and fuel oil. The ilmenite is first treated in a reduction kiln and then subjected to leaching in hydrochloric acid where soluble iron and other impurities are removed. SR is also used as feed stock for white TiO 2 and as a component in welding rod flux. External sales of synthetic rutile accounted for approximately 17% of the net sales in 2004 compared to 15% in 2003.

BARTEX

BARTEX, manufactured at the US plant, is produced from high grade barites (barium sulfate) utilizing a milling process. The plant dedicates one of eight milling lines to the production of BARTEX, which accounted for approximately 10% of our 2004 and 2003 net sales.

Barium Sulfate's high density is one of the primary reasons it is used in coatings. As an inert extender pigment, BARTEX, characterized as ultra fine with high brightness and narrow particle size distribution, gives weight and body to products ranging from powder coatings used in appliance and office furniture finishes to rubber products such as carpet and curtain backings and plastics including billiard balls and poker chips. BARTEX allows more expensive prime white pigments, such as white TiO 2 , to be supplemented or replaced to some degree. BARTEX is manufactured in several different grades which are differentiated by average particle size and whiteness.

HALTEX

HALTEX, manufactured at the US plant, is produced from Bayer grade aluminum hydroxide using some of the same production technologies of our other products. In 2004, one of the plant's eight milling lines was dedicated to the production of a small particle size HALTEX pigment which accounted for approximately 3% of the Company's net sales in both 2004 and 2003.

HALTEX features engineered narrow particle sizing and high purity for optimum physical properties. The quality of our HALTEX is suitable for a broad range of technical applications including electrical wire and cable insulation, thermoset SMC/BMC molding compounds, thermoplastic profiles, PVC and rubber products, specialty coatings as well as adhesives and sealants.

New Products

TP&T began producing commercial quantities of both TOR COAT and TOR BRITE in late 2004, which are alumina mono oxyhydrate based pigments for use in the coatings industry. We have established one European customer for TOR COAT and are shipping truckload quantities to this customer. Sampling of TOR BRITE is underway in the US and Canadian markets and both TOR COAT and TOR BRITE are being tested in Europe. TP&T has received approval from one large manufacturer of automotive coatings for the production of TOR COAT and intends to begin supplying later in 2005.

Laboratory testing of production methods of manufacturing a .3 micron titanium dioxide pigment made from SR, which we have named HITOX-SF, occurred in 2001 through 2003. Laboratory quantities of the product were made before progressing to tests at various equipment manufacturers which were conducted in 2002 and 2003. In late 2003 and early 2004, TOR conducted commercial scale production tests at its Ipoh, Malaysia plant and manufactured a commercial lot in March 2004. Samples of .3 Micron HITOX-SF have been sent to more than 19 potential customers. During 2004 we designed and constructed a new HITOX processing line at the Corpus Christi operation specifically to allow for the production of .3 Micron HITOX-SF. Final production tests were conducted in January and February 2005 and commercial production commenced in March 2005.

5

Raw Materials and Energy

We utilize a variety of raw materials in the manufacture of our products. Outlined below are the principal raw materials for TOR's products.

SR: Titanium dioxide pigment can be produced using ilmenite, natural rutile, SR or titanium slag. SR is produced from ilmenite and typically has a titanium dioxide content ranging from 92% to 95%. Ilmenite is a black material found in natural mineral deposits and typically has a titanium dioxide content ranging from 44% to 60%. Ilmenite is found throughout the world, including China, India, Australia and North America. In Malaysia, ilmenite historically has been recovered incidental to tin mining, but as tin mining has decreased in Malaysia, the source and quality of ilmenite has been declining.

We are actively seeking alternative sources of supply for ilmenite. The price for our ilmenite has remained fairly stable, however, alternative offshore supplies could be 70% to 100% higher due to market conditions and freight. We expect to start utilizing a limited quantity of offshore ilmenite in 2006.

HITOX: TMM is the Company's sole suppler of SR, the raw material for HITOX. The cost of SR has increased approximately 18% primarily due to increase in freight cost associated with transporting SR from TMM to Corpus Christi. Other than TMM, there is only one other available source for the quality of SR required for the production of HITOX. If supplies of SR from TMM are interrupted and we are unable to arrange for alternative sources, this could result in our inability to produce HITOX, which accounted for 40% of our sales in 2004.

 

ALUPREM: Alumina trihydrate, the chief raw material for ALUPREM, is manufactured throughout the world including Europe and North America. The ATH material used for chemicals, fillers and flame-retardants is produced by the Bayer alumina process. This grade of ATH accounts for approximately 5% of the total ATH produced worldwide. The Company purchases Alumina from various suppliers in Europe. In 2004, the average prices for ATH increased approximately 5%.

BARTEX: High grade barites (barium sulfate) are mined in China, India, Turkey and Mexico and are the raw materials used to produce BARTEX. The quality of our barites has decreased thus decreasing our yield and increasing costs approximately 17% over our 2003 costs.

HALTEX: Bayer grade aluminum hydroxide, used to produce HALTEX, is purchased from two of the three suppliers located in the US.

Energy: We are highly dependent on energy in our manufacturing processes. Natural gas is the predominate energy source in Corpus Christi. Fuel oil is the predominate energy source at TMM and electricity is the primary source of energy at TP&T. Energy pricing has been highly volatile over the last year. The average price for natural gas in Corpus Christi increased approximately 17% over the 2003 average price. Fuel oil and electricity also increased but not to the extent of natural gas.

 

Research and Development / Technical Services

Our expenditures for research and development and technical services were approximately $453,000 in 2004 and $473,000 in 2003. We conduct our research and technical service primarily at our facilities in Corpus Christi and our efforts are principally focused on process technology, product development and technical service to our customers. There are no research and development costs borne directly by our customers.

 

Management

Mr. Richard L. Bowers was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer by the Board on May 23, 2001. Mr. Bowers had served as President and Chief Operating Officer since February 26, 2001. He had served as Executive Vice President/Director of Sales and Marketing since June 1, 1999. Previously, he had served from

6

1981 to 1994 as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Since 1995, Mr. Bowers has served as a director and is a shareholder of Environmental Analytics, Inc., a company that monitors fugitive emissions at chemical plants. Mr. Bowers has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Furman University.

Dr. Olaf Karasch was appointed Executive Vice President, Operations, by the Board on September 4, 2002. Dr. Karasch had served as Managing Director of TOR's wholly owned Netherlands subsidiary, TP&T, since joining the Company on May 16, 2001. In January 1996, Dr. Karasch was managing director for Flohme Chrome Plating and Plasma Coating. In 1997, he joined the Royal Begemann Group in the Netherlands, the predecessor of TP&T, until its purchase by TOR in 2001. Dr. Karasch received his Ph.D. in Mineralogy at Reinisch-Westfalische University in Aachen, Germany where he specialized in submicronization (particle size reduction below one micron).

Mr. Mark Schomp was appointed Vice President, Sales and Marketing, by the Board on September 4, 2002. Mr. Schomp is a Chemical Engineer who spent 15 years in sales and sales management with AluSussie-Lonza, a large European manufacturer of aluminum, aluminas, and other products. He has wide experience in selling pigments and fillers to plastics and coatings applications. Mr. Schomp joined the Company's sales department in 2001.

Mr. Lawrence W. Haas was appointed Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer by the Board on October 13, 2003. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Haas served as the Vice President of Finance at Hi-Rise Recycling Systems, Inc., a manufacturer of solid waste processing equipment and recycling systems. Mr. Haas has a Masters of Business Administration degree from the University of Texas and is a CPA.

Mr. Hee Chew Lee, the Managing Director of TMM, was appointed Vice President of Asian Operations by the Board on December 5, 2002. Mr. Lee, a Chemical Engineer, joined the Company in 1994 as General Manager and has served as the Managing Director of TMM since 1998.

 

Marketing and Customers

Sales and Marketing Department Organization

TOR's sales efforts are managed out of Corpus Christi, Texas, by the Vice President, Sales and Marketing. We have sales offices at each of our three locations. The Vice President has a number of area and product managers that work for the Company and help him both deal directly with customers and manage agent and distributor relations.

Distributors and Agents

We utilize a network of both domestic and foreign distributors and agents. Within North America there are multiple agents serving us on either a regional or a product basis. In most other countries there is one stocking distributor who purchases directly from TOR and resells in their territory. In certain large countries there may be multiple distributors. In this way we get the benefit of sales specialists with specific trade knowledge in each country.

Customers

Our end use customers include companies in the paints, coatings, solid surface, and PVC pipe industries. For the year ended December 31, 2004, approximately 17% and 16% of our total sales were to Kerr-McGee Chemical Corporation ("KMG") and Engelhard Corporation, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2003, sales to KMG and Engelhard Corporation were approximately 15% and 9%, respectively. We expect that a limited number of customers will continue to account for a substantial portion of our revenue for the foreseeable future. After eliminating the effects of KMG and Engelhard Corporation, the next top 10 customers accounted for 34% of the remaining sales in 2004 and 37% of sales in 2003. The foreign customers accounted for 25% of total net sales in 2004 and 29% in 2003. The Company has historically maintained a relatively stable customer base.

In March 2003, we entered into a five year sales agreement with KMG. Under the agreement, KMG agreed to purchase a minimum amount of SR from us annually for the term of the agreement. KMG has the option to purchase from us any additional amounts of SR they may require above the minimum amount. Pricing for the

7

annual shipments are established annually, with the price for the first year specified in the agreement. Subsequent prices are adjusted annually based on cost increases or decreases year over year, with any cost savings shared equally in the adjusted annual prices. If no cost savings are realized or the cost is higher year over year, the parties will negotiate the next year's price. The agreement contains customary termination provisions in the event of a default by either party. If the parties cannot agree on the product price after negotiation, KMG is not required to purchase the minimum amount of SR from us that year.

In February 2004, we entered into an agreement with Engelhard Corporation to supply 100% of their 2004 requirements for a specific grade of ALUPREM. On December 20, 2004, we entered into a new agreement with Engelhard Corporation to supply 100% of their 2005 requirement for a specific grade of ALUPREM. Either party may cancel the agreement in the event the other has failed to perform or observe the terms and conditions of the purchase order by giving ten days prior written notice.

Geographic Distribution

We sell our products in North, Central and South America, Asia and Europe and market them to customers located in more than 60 foreign countries. No individual foreign country accounted for 10% or more of the foreign sales in either 2004 or 2003. Sales to external customers are attributed to geographic area based on country of distribution.

A summary of the Company's sales by geographic area is presented below:

Summary by Geographic Area

2004

2003

Sales Revenue

% of
Total Sales

Sales Revenue

% of
Total Sales

United States

$ 22,787

74.8%

$ 17,033

70.6%

Canada, Mexico & South America

2,627

8.6%

3,028

12.6%

Pacific Rim

2,578

8.5%

1,355

5.6%

Europe, Africa & Middle East

2,484

8.1%

2,711

11.2%


Total Sales

----------
$ 30,476
=====

----------
100.0%
=====

----------
$ 24,127
=====

----------
100.0%
=====

Competition

We experience competition with respect to each of our products. Each product sold by TOR is in direct competition in the market with products which are similar. In order to maintain sales volumes, we must rely on our ability to manufacture and distribute products at competitive prices. We believe that quality, delivery on schedule and price are the principal competitive factors.

Competitors range from large corporations with a full line of production capabilities and products to small local firms specializing in one or two products. A number of these competitors are owned and operated by large diversified corporations. Many of these competitors, such as E.I. DuPont de Nemours & Co., Inc., Millennium Chemicals, Kerr-McGee Chemical Corporation, Kronos Inc. and J.M. Huber, have substantially greater financial and other resources, and their share of industry sales is substantially larger than TOR's.

 

Risks Related to Our Business

In addition to the factors discussed in the Forward-Looking Statement section provided at the beginning of this Annual Report on Form 10-KSB, the following are important factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of the Company. In addition, you should know that the risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones we face. Unforeseen risks could arise and problems or issues that we now view as minor could become more significant. If we were unable to adequately respond to any risks, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected. Additionally, we cannot be certain or give any assurances that any actions taken to reduce known risks or uncertainties will work.

8

Our foreign debt is subject to subjective acceleration provisions and demand provisions that allow our lending institutions to accelerate payment at any time. If our foreign debt were accelerated under the demand provisions, our working capital would be severely impacted.

Our subsidiaries have loan agreements with banks in Malaysia and the Netherlands that provide short-term credit facilities and term loans. These borrowings are subject to certain subjective acceleration provisions based on the judgment of the bank and demand provisions that provide that the banks may demand repayment at any time. We believe such a demand provision is customary in Malaysia and the Netherlands for such facilities. At December 31, 2004, our foreign debt consisted of $1,322,000 under the short-term credit facilities and $1,475,000 under the term loans.

The banks have made no indication that they will demand payment of any of our loans in Malaysia or the Netherlands; however, there can be no assurances that this debt will not be called in the future. If demand is made by the banks, we may require additional debt or equity financing to meet our working capital and operational requirements or, if required, to refinance maturing or demanded indebtedness. Should we find it necessary to raise additional funds, we may find that such funds are either not available or available only on terms that are unattractive in terms of shareholders' interest, or both. (See "Liquidity, Capital Resources and Other Financial Information" on page 20).

We have one primary source for SR and if that source was not available, we could not produce our primary product, HITOX.

TMM is our primary source for SR. There is only one other available source for the quality of SR required for the production of HITOX. If supplies of SR from TMM are interrupted and we are unable to arrange for an alternative source, this could result in our inability to produce HITOX which accounted for approximately 40% of our sales for the year ended December 31, 2004.

We are dependent on a limited number of customers and could experience significant revenue reductions if they use alternative sources.

We derive a significant portion of our revenue each quarter from a limited number of customers. For the year ended December 31, 2004, sales to KMG through a multi-year contract and Engelhard Corporation through a one year agreement accounted for approximately 17% and 16%, respectively, of our total revenues in 2004 and 15% and 9%, respectively in 2003. Our top 10 customers in 2004, including KMG and Engelhard, accounted for 53% and in 2003, 48%. We expect that a limited number of customers will continue to account for a substantial portion of our revenue for the foreseeable future. As a result, if we lose a major customer, our revenue would be adversely affected.

We review impairment of goodwill annually to determine if the carrying value has been impaired. If we were to determine that our goodwill has been impaired, it could result in a significant charge to our results from operations and income.

We review goodwill at least annually to determine if any impairment has occurred or more frequently if indicators of impairment are noted. Because no indicators of impairment were noted in 2004, we performed this review in October 2004 and have determined that no impairment exists at December 31, 2004, relating to the $1,981,000 carrying value of goodwill. There can be no assurance that future goodwill impairment tests will not result in a charge to net earnings. (See "Critical Accounting Policies - Impairment of Goodwill" on page 26).

Foreign currency fluctuations could adversely impact our financial condition.

Because we own assets located outside the United States and have revenues and expenses in currencies other than the US dollar, we may incur currency transaction and translation losses due to changes in the values of foreign currencies and in the value of the US dollar. Foreign currency exposure from transactions and commitments denominated in currencies other than the functional currency are managed by selectively entering into derivative transactions pursuant to our hedging practices. Translation exposure associated with translating the functional currency financial

9

statements of our foreign subsidiaries into US dollars is generally not hedged. Upon translation to the US dollar, operating results could be significantly affected by foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. In 2004, the US dollar weakened against other currencies (primarily the Euro). As we were in a net sales position (we had more Euro based sales than expenses) in foreign currency, we experienced an increase in net income of approximately $100,000 compared to 2003 rates. In 2003, the US dollar also weakened against our exposed currencies (primarily the Euro). In 2003, we were in a net buy position (we had more Euro based expenses than sales) during the year; therefore, we experienced a reduction in net income of approximately $350,000. We cannot predict the effect of changes in exchange rate fluctuations upon future operating results. (See "Foreign Operations - Impact of Exchange Rate" on page 27).

We review our assets for impairment whenever events or changes dictate a review which may require us to take a charge to net earnings (loss).

We have adopted Statements of Financial Accounting Standards No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment of or Disposal of Long Lived Assets . We review for indicators that these assets are impaired in accordance with this standard, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the long-lived asset or group of assets might not be recoverable. No impairments have been recorded during the years ended December 31, 2004 or 2003. There can be no assurance that future long-lived asset impairment tests will not result in a charge to earnings.

We borrow funds from time to time from members of our board of directors for working capital purposes.

In the past, we have had to borrow funds from members of our board of directors for working capital purposes. At December 31, 2004, we had a loan amounting to $500,000 outstanding to our Chairman, Bernard Paulson, a 15.5% shareholder, through Paulson Ranch. At December 31, 2003, the balance outstanding on loans from members of our board of directors was $1,230,735. It is possible we could require additional working capital loans in the future, but also that such loans from our board members would not be available because they have made no commitment to provide additional loans.

Our competitors are established companies that have greater experience than us in a number of crucial areas, including manufacturing and distribution.

There is intense competition with respect to each of our products. In order to maintain sales volume, we must consistently deliver high quality products on schedule at competitive prices. Our competitors range from large corporations with full lines of production capabilities and products, such as E. I. DuPont de Nemours & Co., Inc., Millenium Chemicals, Kerr-McGee Chemical Corporation, Kronos, Inc., and J. M. Huber, to small local firms specializing in one or two products. The established companies have significantly greater experience than us in manufacturing and distributing our products and have considerably more resources and market share, and we may have difficulty in competing with these companies.

Increases in energy, freight and certain raw material costs could negatively affect future gross margins.

Recent increases in the costs of our energy, freight and certain raw materials have negatively affected our 2004 gross margins. The extent of that impact on future gross margins will depend on future product mix and whether the cost increases can be absorbed through end customer price increases. It is possible that increases in energy, freight costs and prices of raw materials will adversely impact our future results from operations where these increased costs cannot be offset by correspondingly higher sales prices.

 

Environmental Regulations and Product Safety

Our plant in Corpus Christi is subject to regulations promulgated by the Federal Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") and state and local authorities with respect to the discharge of substances into the environment. We believe that the Corpus Christi plant is in compliance with all applicable federal, state and local laws and

10

regulations relating to the discharge of substances into the environment, and we do not expect that any material capital expenditures for environmental control facilities will be necessary in order to continue such compliance.

TMM's SR plant is required to be licensed by the Malaysian Atomic Energy Licensing Board ("AELB") because the ilmenite used by the plant is derived from tin tailings, which are a source of small amounts of monazite and hafnium which are radioactive rare earth compounds. As part of the licensing requirements, TMM is required to maintain a monitoring program for various emissions from the plant. The monitoring is done in-house by TMM personnel and results are reported to the AELB as required. The plant is subject to various other licensing and permitting requirements, all of which TMM is currently in compliance.

TP&T operates an alumina processing plant in Hattem, the Netherlands, and is governed by rules promulgated by both The Netherlands and the European Community. We believe that the Hattem plant is in compliance with all environmental and safety regulations.

HITOX and the ingredient from which it is produced, SR, are non-toxic and non-hazardous. HITOX complies with all applicable laws and regulations enforced by the United States Food and Drug Administration (the "FDA") and is an acceptable component of packaging materials used in direct contact with meat, poultry and other food products; of paints used in incidental contact with such products; and of other packaging materials, such as paper and paperboard. HITOX also complies with current color additive regulations promulgated by the FDA. In addition, HITOX has been tested for compliance with the applicable standards promulgated by the National Sanitation Foundation (the "NSF"), and we are authorized to use applicable NSF seals and/or logos in connection with the marketing of HITOX. This authorization is significant in that end users of titanium dioxide pigments who wish their products to be NSF approved must use component materials that also meet NSF standards.

 

Backlog

We normally manufacture our pigment products in anticipation of, and not in response to, customer orders and generally fill orders within a short time after receipt. Consequently, we seek to maintain adequate inventories of our pigment products in order to permit us to fill orders promptly after receipt. As of February 28, 2005, we do not have a significant backlog of customer orders.

 

Patents and Trademarks

We currently hold no patents on the processes for manufacturing any of our products. Six of TOR's products, HITOX (4/30/2015), ALUPREM (8/13/2011), HALTEX (7/28/2012), BARTEX (2/24/2007), OSO® (6/6/2009) and TITOX® (5/26/2012), are marketed under names which have been registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Trademarks are also registered in certain foreign countries.

 

Employees

As of December 31, 2004, we had a total of 45 full-time employees in the US, 24 at TP&T in the Netherlands and 134 at TMM in Malaysia, of which 62 are covered by a collective bargaining agreement with an in-house union. Our current collective bargaining agreement runs through December 31, 2005 and we do not anticipate any problems associated with the renewal/negotiations. We have not experienced any work stoppages and believe that our relations with all our employees are good.

 

Available Information

TOR's internet website address is www.torminerals.com. Our Annual Report on Form 10-KSB, quarterly reports on Form 10-QSB, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 are available through our internet website as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the Securities and Exchange

11

Commission. Our internet website and the information contained therein or connected thereto are not intended to be incorporated into this Annual Report on Form 10-KSB.

 

Item 2.

Description of Property

Corpus Christi Operations

We operate a plant in Corpus Christi, Texas, that manufactures HITOX, BARTEX, and HALTEX. The facility is located in the Rincon Industrial Park on approximately 14.86 acres of land, with 12.86 acres leased from the Port of Corpus Christi Authority (the "Port") and approximately two acres which we own. The first lease covers 10 acres of the plant site and the second covers 2.86 acres. The lease payments are subject to adjustment every five years for what the Port calls the "equalization valuation". This is used as a means of equalizing rentals on various Port lands and is determined solely at the discretion of the Port. We executed an amended lease agreement with the Port on July 11, 2000, which extended the expiration dates of both leases to June 30, 2027.

We own the improvements on the plant site, including a 3,400 square-foot office, a 5,000 square-foot laboratory building, a maintenance shop and several manufacturing and warehousing buildings containing a total of approximately 90,000 square feet of space. The leased premises include approximately 350 lineal feet of bulkheaded industrial canal frontage, which provides access to the Gulf of Mexico intercoastal waterway system through the Corpus Christi ship channel. This property also is serviced by a Company owned railroad spur that runs through our property to the canal.

Netherlands Operations

TOR Processing and Trade, located in Hattem, Netherlands, is located near the major shipping port of Rotterdam. The factory site, which the Company owns, was expanded in 2004 from approximately one acre to two acres and consists of a steel frame metal building which we are in the process of expanding from 10,000 square feet to 20,000 square feet, a 2,000 square foot office house which was purchased in July 2004 in conjunction with a land purchase and a 10,000 square foot warehouse with a loading dock which was purchased in January 2005. (See "Subsequent Liquidity Events", page 25).

In July 2004, TP&T entered into a mortgage loan in the amount of Euro 485,000 ($658,000 at December 31, 2004) which will be repaid over 25 years with interest fixed at 5.2% per year for the first four years. TP&T utilized Euro 325,000 ($441,000 at December 31, 2004) of the loan to finance the July 14, 2004 purchase of land and an office building, as well as to remodel the office building. The balance of the loan proceeds, Euro 160,000 ($217,000 at December 31, 2004), was used for expansion of their existing building. Monthly principal and interest payments commenced on September 1, 2004, and will continue through July 1, 2029. The monthly principal payment is Euro 1,616 ($2,192 at December 31, 2004). The loan balance at December 31, 2004 was Euro 479,000 ($650,000 at December 31, 2004).

TP&T entered into an additional mortgage loan on January 3, 2005, to fund the acquisition of a 10,000 square foot warehouse with a loading dock that is located adjacent to their existing production facility on the land purchased in July 2004. The mortgage, in the amount of Euro 470,000 ($633,000 on January 3, 2005), will be repaid over 25 years with interest fixed at 4.672% per year for the first five years. Thereafter, the rate will change to bank prime plus 1.75%. Monthly principal and interest payments will commence on February 28, 2005 and will continue through January 31, 2030. The monthly principal payment will be Euro 1,566 ($2,125 at December 31, 2004). The mortgage is secured by the land and building purchased on January 3, 2005.

At December 31, 2004, the expansion of TP&T's existing facility from 10,000 square feet to 20,000 square feet was approximately 80% complete. The expansion is scheduled for completion during the first quarter 2005. The estimated cost to complete the project is Euro 125,000 ($170,000 at December 31, 2004) which will be funded with cash generated by TP&T's operations.

12

Malaysian Operations

TOR Minerals Malaysia operates the SR manufacturing plant in Ipoh, Malaysia, and is close to the source of their major raw material - ilmenite. The plant site has 38 acres of land that TMM has a commitment to use through 2074.

TMM owns the improvements on the plant site, including a 3,960 square-foot office, a 1,980 square-foot laboratory, a spare parts storage warehouse, an employee cafeteria, and several manufacturing and warehousing buildings containing a total of approximately 106,500 square feet of space.

We believe that all of the facilities and equipment of the Company are adequately insured.

 

Item 3.

Legal Proceedings

The Company is involved in routine litigation incidental to its business.

 

Item 4.

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth quarter of the Company's fiscal year ended December 31, 2004.

 

Executive Officers

The names of the members of the Company's executive officers at February 28, 2005, each of whom is elected annually, are set forth below:

Name

Age

Position

Since

Richard L. Bowers

62

President and Chief Executive Officer

1999

Olaf Karasch

48

Executive Vice President, Operations

2001

Mark Schomp

45

Vice President, Sales & Marketing

2001

Lawrence W. Haas

50

Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer

2003

Hee Chew Lee

49

Vice President, Asian Operations

2002

Elizabeth Morgan

64

Secretary

1988

Richard L. Bowers, President, Chief Executive Officer and Director - Richard Bowers was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer on May 23, 2001. He joined Benilite in 1969 and was stationed in Singapore and Malaysia. In 1971, Mr. Bowers joined the staff of the Hitox Division of Benilite in Corpus Christi and was employed until the spin-off of the Company in 1980. From 1981 until 1994 he held positions of President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of the Company. Since 1995, Mr. Bowers has served as a director and is a shareholder of Environmental Analytics, Inc., a company that monitors fugitive emissions at chemical plants. Mr. Bowers has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Furman University.

Dr. Olaf Karasch, Executive Vice President, Operations - Dr. Olaf Karasch was appointed Executive Vice President, Operations by the Board on September 4, 2002. Dr. Karasch had served as Managing Director of TOR's wholly owned Netherlands subsidiary, TP&T, since joining the company on May 16, 2001. In January 1996, Dr. Karasch was managing director for Flohme Chrome Plating and Plasma Coating. In 1997, he joined the Royal Begemann Group in the Netherlands until its purchase by TOR in 2001. Dr. Karasch received his Ph.D. in Mineralogy at Reinisch-Westfalische University in Aachen, Germany where he specialized in submicronization (particle size reduction below one micron).

Mark Schomp, Vice President, Sales and Marketing - Mark Schomp was appointed Vice President, Sales and Marketing, by the Board on September 4, 2002. Mr. Schomp is a Chemical Engineer who spent 15 years in sales and sales management with AluSussie-Lonza, a large European manufacturer of aluminum, aluminas, and

13

other products. He has wide experience in selling pigments and fillers to plastics and coatings applications. Mr. Schomp joined the Company's sales department in 2001.

Lawrence W. Haas, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer - Lawrence W. Haas was appointed Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer by the Board on October 13, 2003. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Haas served as the Vice President of Finance at Hi-Rise Recycling Systems, Inc., a manufacturer of solid waste processing equipment and recycling systems. Mr. Haas has a Masters of Business Administration degree from the University of Texas and is a CPA.

Hee Chew Lee, Vice President, Asian Operations - Hee Chew Lee was appointed Vice President, Asian Operations, by the Board on December 5, 2002. Mr. Lee, a Chemical Engineer, joined TOR in 1994 as General Manager and has served as the Managing Director of TMM since 1998.

Elizabeth Morgan, Secretary - Elizabeth Morgan has served as Secretary since November 1988, Director Administration since 1999 and as Assistant to the President since September 1988. Prior to joining the Company, she served as Administrative Assistant to the President of Carl Oil & Gas Co., an independent oil and gas exploration company based in Corpus Christi, Texas.

No executive officer of the Company has any family relationship with any other director or executive officer of the Company.

 

PART II

 

Item 5.

Market for Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters

Market for Common Equity

We became a publicly owned company in December 1988. Prior to that time, our stock was not listed or traded on any stock exchange. From February 7, 1989 to February 10, 1995, our common stock was listed and traded on the National Market System of the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System (NASDAQ). A reduction in net tangible assets, along with annual net losses, required our securities to be moved from the NASDAQ National Market System to the NASDAQ SmallCap Market System effective February 10, 1995 (symbol: TORM).

The table below sets forth the high and low closing sales price of our common stock for the periods indicated, according to published sources.

Quarter Ended

March 31

June 30

Sept. 30

Dec. 31

2004

High

$

8.560

$

6.100

$

5.180

$

5.970

 

Low

 

4.999

 

3.830

 

3.740

 

4.470

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2003

High

$

2.500

$

3.250

$

6.060

$

5.840

 

Low

 

1.130

 

1.710

 

3.030

 

4.610

No cash dividends have ever been paid on our Common Stock.

The approximate number of holders of record of TOR's Common Stock as of December 31, 2004 was 125.

Series A 6% Convertible Preferred Stock Dividend

On December 6, 2004, we declared a dividend, in the amount of $15,000, for the quarterly period ending December 31, 2004, payable on January 1, 2005, to the holders of record of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock as of the close of business on December 6, 2004. In 2004, dividends declared on the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock totaled $56,000.

14

Equity Compensation Plan

The following table provides information as of December 31, 2004, about our Common Stock that may be issued upon the exercise of options, warrants and rights under all of our existing equity compensation plans (including individual arrangements):





Plan Category

Number of securities to be
issued upon exercise of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
(a)

Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
(b)

Number of securities remaining
available for future issuance under
equity compensation plans
(excluding securities reflected in
column (a))
(c)

Equity compensation plans
approved by security
holders



859,950



$ 2.761



258,200

Equity compensation plans
not approved by security
holders



--





--


Total

-----------
859,950
======


$ 2.761

-----------
258,200
======

Our 1990 Incentive Plan for TOR Minerals International, Inc. (the "1990 Plan") provided for the award of a variety of incentive compensation arrangements to such employees and directors as may be determined by a Committee of the Board. The ability to issue new options under the 1990 Plan expired in February of 2000, with options to acquire 372,200 shares of common stock still outstanding. At December 31, 2004, the 1990 Plan had 108,150 options outstanding.

On February 21, 2000, our Board of Directors approved the adoption of the 2000 Incentive Plan for TOR Minerals International (the "Plan"). The Plan provides for the award of a variety of incentive compensation arrangements to such employees and directors as may be determined by a Committee of the Board. The maximum number of shares of TOR's common stock initially authorized to be sold or issued under the Plan was 750,000. In the Annual Shareholders' meeting on May 14, 2004, the maximum number of shares of our common stock that may be sold or issued under the Plan was increased 300,000 shares from 750,000 shares to 1,050,000 shares subject to certain adjustments upon recapitalization, stock splits and combinations, merger, stock dividend and similar events. At December 31, 2004, the Plan had 701,800 options outstanding.

In 1999, an additional 75,000 options were issued outside the 1990 Plan at an exercise price of $2.125. Of the options issued outside the Plan, 50,000 options were outstanding at December 31, 2004.

Both the 1990 Plan and the 2000 Plan provide for the award of a variety of incentive compensation arrangements, including restricted stock awards, performance units or other non-option awards.

The number of options exercisable at December 31, 2004 and 2003 was 476,450 and 421,650, respectively. The weighted-average remaining contractual life of options outstanding at December 31, 2004, is 7.32 years. Exercise prices on outstanding options ranged from $0.92 to $5.41 per share as noted below.

Options Outstanding

Range of Exercise Prices

126,250

$ 0.92 - $ 1.99

511,700

$ 2.00 - $ 2.99

4,600

$ 3.00 - $ 3.99

115,500

$ 4.00 - $ 4.99

101,900

$ 5.00 - $ 5.41

-----------
859,950
======

 

 

Small Business Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The Company has no reportable purchases of equity securities.

15

 

Item 6.

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations

 

Results of Operations

Overview

We are a global specialty chemical company engaged in the business of manufacturing and marketing mineral products for use as pigments, pigment extenders and flame retardants used in the manufacture of paints, industrial coatings, plastics, catalysts and solid surface applications. We have three production facilities located in Corpus Christi, Texas, Ipoh, Malaysia, and in the Netherlands.

The facility in Corpus Christi, Texas, manufactures HITOX, BARTEX, and HALTEX. The facility is also the Global Headquarters for the Company. The facility in Ipoh, Malaysia, manufactures SR and HITOX. SR is the main raw material for HITOX. The Company also supplies SR to outside customers. The facility in Hattem, the Netherlands, manufactures Alumina based products. (See "Our Products" on page 4).

Approximately $7,689,000 or 25% of the 2004 sales are outside of the United States. Of these sales, approximately 31% are in currencies other than the US dollar, primarily Euro based. Of the $22,787,000 sales in the United States, $4,758,000 or 21% were Euro denominated sales.

Operating expenses in the foreign locations are primarily in local currencies. Accordingly, we have exposure to fluctuation in foreign currency exchange rates. These fluctuations impact the translation of sales, earnings, assets and liabilities from local currency to the US dollar. "Foreign Operations - Impact of Exchange Rate" on page 27).

Our business is closely correlated with the construction industry and its demand for materials that use pigments, such as paints and plastic pipe. This has generally led to higher sales in our second and third quarters due to increases in construction and maintenance during warmer weather. Also, pigment consumption is closely correlated with general economic conditions. When the economy is in an expansionary state, there is typically an increase in pigment consumption while a slow down typically results in decreased pigment consumption. When the construction industry or the economy is in a period of decline, TOR's sales and profit are likely to be adversely affected.

Critical success factors for the Company include managing its overall global manufacturing facilities to maximize efficiencies in the manufacturing process, controlling costs, increasing market share, developing new markets for our products and the effects of foreign currency fluctuations.

Our 2004 sales were $30,476,000, up approximately 26% from 2003. Net income was $1,104,000, down approximately 13% from 2003 net income of $1,264,000. The primary reason for the reduction in net income is due to significant increases in energy, freight and raw material costs which negatively affected our gross margin. While we generally increase prices to offset cost increases, these actions tend to lag the cost increases.

Our financial performance continues to be heavily dependent on sales of a single product line, HITOX pigment, which accounted for approximately 40% of the 2004 total sales as compared with 48% in 2003. As a result, we continually strive to diversify our sales by developing new products and expanding our existing product lines. During 2004 we designed and constructed a new HITOX processing line at the Corpus Christi operation specifically to allow for the production of .3 Micron HITOX-SF. Final production tests were conducted in January and February 2005 and commercial production commenced in March 2005. In addition, TP&T began producing commercial quantities of both TOR COAT and TOR BRITE in late 2004, which are alumina mono oxyhydrate based pigments for use in the coatings industry. We have established one European customer for TOR COAT and are shipping truckload quantities to this customer. Sampling of TOR BRITE is underway in the US and Canadian markets and both TOR COAT and TOR BRITE are being tested in Europe. TP&T has received approval from one large manufacturer of automotive coatings for the production of TOR COAT and intends to begin supplying later in 2005.

16

Net Sales : Consolidated net sales for 2004 were approximately $30,476,000, an increase of approximately $6,349,000 or 26% compared with 2003 net sales of approximately $24,127,000. Net sales are higher primarily due to increased volumes in all of our major product lines and to pricing increases. These increases are primarily due to the continued strengthening of the economy in the US and the rest of the world. Also contributing to the increase is the foreign currency exchange rate effect of the weakening US dollar against the Euro.

Following is a summary of our consolidated products sales for 2004 and 2003 (in thousands):

Product

2004 Sales

2003 Sales

$ Increase

% Increase

HITOX

$ 12,053

40%

$ 11,565

48%

$ 488

4%

ALUPREM

8,111

27%

4,735

20%

3,376

71%

SR

5,217

17%

3,514

15%

1,703

48%

BARTEX

2,998

10%

2,551

10%

447

18%

HALTEX

1,119

3%

846

3%

273

32%

OTHER

978

3%

916

4%

62

7%


TOTAL

----------
$ 30,476
=====

-------
100%
====

----------
$ 24,127
=====

-------
100%
====

--------
$ 6,349
====

------
26%
===

The increase in sales of our HITOX, BARTEX and HALTEX is primarily due to the continued strengthening of the US economy.

Our net sales to customers in the US increased approximately $5,754,000 or 34% from $17,033,000 in 2003 to $22,787,000 in 2004. Of the 2004 US sales, approximately $4,758,000 were denominated in Euros. The effect of the US dollar weakening against the Euro was to increase these sales by approximately $434,000 as compared to 2003 exchange rates.

Foreign net sales increased approximately $595,000 or 8% from approximately $7,094,000 in 2003 to $7,689,000 in 2004. The effect of the weakening US dollar was to increase these sales by approximately $182,000 as compared to 2003 exchange rates.

17

Corpus Christi Operation

Following is a summary of net sales for our Corpus Christi operation for 2004 and 2003 (in thousands):

Product

2004 Sales

2003 Sales

$ Increase

% Increase

HITOX

$ 9,273

46%

$ 8,730

55%

$ 543

6%

ALUPREM

6,131

30%

3,235

20%

2,896

90%

BARTEX

2,998

15%

2,551

16%

447

18%

HALTEX

1,119

6%

846

6%

273

32%

OTHER

679

3%

470

3%

209

44%


TOTAL

---------
$ 20,200
=====

-------
100%
====

---------
$ 15,832
=====

-------
100%
====

-------
$ 4,368
====

-------
28%
====

Netherlands Operation

Our subsidiary in the Netherlands, TP&T, manufactures and sales ALUPREM to third party customers, as well as to our Corpus Christi operation for distribution to our US customers. The following table represents TP&T's ALUPREM sales (in thousands) for 2004 and 2003 to third party customers. All inter-company sales have been eliminated.

Product

2004 Sales

2003 Sales

$ Increase

% Increase

ALUPREM

$ 1,980
====

100%
====

$ 1,500
====

100%
====

$ 480
===

32%
===

Malaysian Operation

Our subsidiary in Malaysia, TMM, manufactures and sells SR and HITOX to third party customers, as well as to our Corpus Christi operation. The following table represents TMM's sales (in thousands) for 2004 and 2003 to third party customers. All inter-company sales have been eliminated.

Product

2004 Sales

2003 Sales

$ Increase

% Increase

SR

$ 5,217

63%

$ 3,514

52%

$ 1,703

48 %

HITOX

2,780

33%

2,835

42%

(55)

(2)%

OTHER

299

4%

446

6%

(147)

(33)%


TOTAL

-------
$ 8,296
====

-------
100%
====

-------
$ 6,795
====

-------
100%
====

-------
$ 1,501
====

-------
22 %
====

18

  • HITOX Sales - Decreased $55,000 as a result of a decrease in volume of $187,000 over 2003 offset by price increases of $132,000. The volume decrease is primarily due to a reduction in TMM's third party sales to one customer.
  • Other Product Sales - Decreased $147,000 due primarily to a one time sale of Zircon in 2003.
  • TMM also supplies SR to the Corpus Christi operation which is used in the production of HITOX and supplies the Corpus Christi operation HITOX which is sold to the US customers on the West Coast (these sales are excluded from the above table).

Gross Margin : Gross margin increased $735,000 over 2003, however, as a percentage of sales the margin decreased 2% from 24% in 2003 to 22% in 2004. Significant factors contributing to the gross margin increase are:

  • Volume increases of approximately $1,575,000 primarily due to volume increases throughout all of our product lines.
  • Net sales price increases of approximately $750,000 primarily related to HITOX, BARTEX and HALTEX sold through the Corpus Christi location. The price effect increased margin percentage by approximately 3%.
  • Reduction of TMM's shutdown costs of approximately $190,000. The main production facility at TMM was shutdown during the first quarter of 2003 and was in production during all of 2004. This improved the margin by approximately 1%.
  • The effect of the Euro strengthening against the US dollar on translating Euro denominated sales and expenses resulted in approximately $190,000 increase in the margin. The change in mix of Euro based sales and expenses resulted in a 1% increase to the margin.

Offsetting the margin improvements are increased costs of production which are primarily due to:

  • Fuel price increases at all locations of approximately $630,000 (2% of sales).
  • Raw material cost increases related to the production of ALUPREM at TP&T and BARTEX and HALTEX at Corpus Christi of approximately $515,000 (2% of sales).
  • Freight cost increases, primarily relating to freight-in costs associated with transporting SR from TMM to Corpus Christi, of approximately $480,000 (2% of sales).
  • Maintenance expenses, primarily at TMM and Corpus Christi, increased approximately $350,000 (1% of sales). The increase in maintenance expenses are necessary in order to maintain present and future operating efficiencies.

General, Administrative and Selling Expenses : Total general, administrative and selling expenses ("SG&A") increased from $3,680,000 in 2003 to $4,567,000 in 2004, an increase of $887,000 or 24%. Significant factors contributing to the increase are:

  • Salary and benefits increased approximately $325,000 primarily due to an increase in personnel and wage/benefit increases.
  • Stock option expense increased $110,000 due to additional options granted during the year.
  • Travel and entertainment and sales promotion expenses increased approximately $115,000 due to activity promoting our products.

19

  • Accounting fees increased $185,000 primarily due to an increase in audit fees and Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404 implementation costs.
  • Legal fees increased approximately $50,000.
  • Investor relations increased $40,000 and various other SG&A expenses increased approximately $62,000

Interest Expense : Net interest expense in 2004 decreased $67,000 from $295,000 in 2003 to $228,000 in 2004. Included in the decrease was an adjustment in the amount of $33,000 which we recorded in the first quarter 2004 to reduce interest expense which represented a refund of excess interest payments made in 2003. Interest expense at the Corpus Christi operation decreased approximately $24,000 compared to 2003 primarily related to a reduction in related party debt and outstanding debt on the line of credit. TMM's interest expense decreased $54,000 primarily due to a decrease in TMM's utilization of its line of credit and ECR financing. TP&T's interest expense increased $44,000 compared to 2003 primarily due to new long-term debt on equipment financing and their facility expansion.

Income Taxes : We recorded $183,000 in income taxes in 2004, a $122,000 increase over 2003. Income taxes consisted of approximately $32,000 in State income taxes in the US and $151,000 of deferred tax expense recorded for TMM.

 

Liquidity, Capital Resources and Other Financial Information

Cash and Cash Equivalents

As noted on the following table, cash and cash equivalents decreased $40,000 from the end of 2003 to the end of 2004. Cash provided by operations accounted for $2,326,000 and financing activities provided $3,359,000. The Company used $5,665,000 in investment activities related primarily to the facility expansion at TP&T and the purchase of fixed assets at both the Corpus Christi operation and TP&T. The effect of the exchange rate fluctuations accounted for a decrease in cash of $60,000.

(In thousands)

2004

2003

Net cash provided by (used in)

Operating activities

$

2,326

$

1,583

Investing activities

(5,665)

(2,152)

Financing activities

3,359

829

Effect of exchange rate fluctuations

(60)

--


Net change in cash and cash equivalents


$

---------
(40)
=====


$

---------
260
=====

Operating Activities

Cash provided by operating activities in 2004 increased approximately $743,000 or 47% compared to 2003. The following are the major non-cash adjustments to net income and changes in working capital affecting cash provided by operating activities:

  • Deferred Income Taxes : The increase in our deferred income taxes was due to the recognition of deferred tax liabilities at both TMM and TP&T.
  • Accounts Receivable : Accounts receivable increased approximately $526,000 from the end of 2003 to the end of 2004 primarily due to the increase in sales volume offset by an increase in collection efforts during the fourth quarter 2004. Accounts receivable at the Corpus Christi operation decreased $350,000 on higher fourth quarter sales due primarily to increased collection efforts; TP&T's increased $195,000 due primarily to higher sales in the fourth quarter 2004; and TMM's increased $681,000 primarily due to a larger the fourth quarter sale of SR to KMG.

20

  • Inventories : Inventories increased approximately $1,054,000 from the end of 2003 to the end of 2004. Inventories at the Corpus Christi operation increased $1,087,000 primarily as a result of an increase in their raw materials of $2,125,000 (primarily SR and Barite) which was offset by a decrease in HITOX finished goods inventories of approximately $1,038,000. TP&T's inventories increased $131,000 primarily as a result of an increase their raw materials due to an increase in the operation's production requirements. TMM's inventories decreased $164,000 primarily relating to a decrease in their SR inventory.
  • Other Current Assets : Other current assets increased approximately $123,000 primarily due to an increase in VAT tax at TP&T which is refundable.
  • Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses : Trade accounts payable and accrued expenses increased approximately $1,033,000 from the end of 2003 to the end of 2004. Of the increase, the Corpus Christi operation accounted for approximately $1,029,000 primarily related to the HITOX plant expansion that came on line the end of 2004. TP&T's increased approximately $502,000 primarily due to the expansion of their plant facility and TMM's decreased $498,000 due to the timing of funds received from inter-company sales.

Investing Activities

Cash used in investing activities increased approximately $5,665,000 from the end of 2003 to the end of 2004 primarily for the purchase of fixed assets related to the expansion of our HITOX and ALUPREM production and the facility expansion at TP&T. Net investments for each of the Company's three locations are as follows:

  • Corpus Christi Operation : We invested approximately $2,983,000 primarily related to the new HITOX production facility. The plant expansion will increase production of HITOX titanium dioxide pigment at Corpus Christi by approximately 10,000 tons annually and utilize a new proprietary production process, which is expected to reduce costs and we believe has the potential to increase the size of the market for HITOX.
  • Netherlands Operation : We invested approximately $2,301,000 at TP&T primarily relating to their facility expansion and equipment to expand the ALUPREM production capacity. TP&T purchased the property adjacent to their existing plant site consisting of land and a small office building. In addition, TP&T has nearly completed the expansion of their existing building that effectively added another 10,000 square feet of plant space. The estimated cost to complete the facility expansion, which is scheduled for the first quarter 2005, is approximately $170,000. The equipment purchased in 2004 will allow TP&T to double their output of alumina and ultra fine white pigments. On January 3, 2005, TP&T finalized their purchase commitment for the acquisition of a 10,000 square foot warehouse with a loading dock at a cost of approximately $674,000. TP&T has restricted cash of approximately $219,000 that will be utilized during the first quarter 2005 towards the cost to complete the building expansion.
  • Malaysian Operation : Our net investment in 2004 at TMM of approximately $162,000 was primarily related to equipment upgrades for the production of SR.

Financing Activities

Financing activities provided cash of approximately $3,359,000 for the twelve-month period ending December 31, 2004. Significant factors relating to financing activities include the following:

  • Lines of Credit : Our borrowings on the domestic line of credit ("US Line") decreased $700,000 from $2,825,000 at the end of 2003 to $2,125,000 at the end of 2004. The decrease in the Company's US Line was due primarily to the funds received in the placement of common and preferred stock issued in January 2004. TP&T's bank line of credit increased approximately $115,000 from the end of 2003 to the end of 2004. The increase in TP&T's line of credit was due primarily to the financing of new equipment and their facility expansion.

21

  • Export Credit Refinancing - Malaysia : TMM's borrowings under the export credit refinancing facility ("ECR") decreased approximately $280,000 from $840,000 at the end of 2003 to $560,000 at the end of 2004 due primarily to the timing of cash receipts related to large SR sales to Corpus Christi and third parties. The ECR is a government supported financing arrangement specifically for exporters. TMM uses the ECR short-term financing of 150 days against customers' and inter-company purchase orders.
  • Related Party Term Loan : In February 2004, we reduced the term loan received from members of our Board of Director's from $1,000,000 to $500,000. In addition, our loan to Paulson Ranch, in the amount of $231,000 was paid off in February 2004.
  • Long-term Debt - Financial Institutions : TP&T's net long-term debt increased approximately $1,475,000 due to a new term loan for the purchase of equipment ($825,000) and a mortgage loan ($650,000). On January 3, 2005, TP&T entered into a new mortgage loan, in the amount of $633,000 to fund the acquisition of a 10,000 square foot warehouse located adjacent to their existing production facility. TMM paid off their long-term debt of approximately $70,000 in February 2004.
  • Issuance of Preferred and Common Stock : In January 2004, we raised approximately $2,500,000 through the placement of 526,316 shares of common stock and $1,000,000 through the placement of 200,000 shares of convertible preferred stock. We used $2,700,000 of the proceeds to pay amounts owed under our domestic line of credit and $500,000 to reduce the related party term loan from members of our Board of Directors (David Hartman and Douglas Hartman). The balance of the proceeds was used for working capital purposes.
  • Issuance of Common Stock Options: The Company received proceeds of $253,000 in 2004 as a result of employees and Directors exercising their common stock options.

Liquidity

The terms of the our borrowings contain restrictions and covenants, including subjective acceleration clauses and demand clauses on our foreign debt and covenants on our US debt based on our performance. Our failure to comply with such restrictions and covenants, or the exercise of subjective acceleration or demand clauses, could adversely affect our financial position. Management believes that it has adequate liquidity for fiscal year 2005 and expects to maintain compliance with all financial covenants throughout 2005.

Domestic Operations

We entered into a new loan agreement with Bank of America, N.A. (the "Bank") on December 21, 2004, which amended and restated our previous loan agreement (the "Agreement") with the Bank dated August 23, 2002, as amended. Under the loan agreement, the Bank has agreed to continue to provide us with a $5,000,000 revolving line of credit (the "Line") subject to a defined borrowing base limited to the lesser of $5,000,000 or 80% of eligible accounts receivable and 50% of eligible inventory up to a maximum of $2,850,000. The revolving loan is due on October 1, 2006. The Bank has also agreed to issue standby letters of credit for our account up to the amount available under the Line. Our prior term loan with the Bank in the amount of $782,500 was restated under the loan agreement to the unpaid balance of $581,859. The term loan bears interest at 5.2% and matures on May 1, 2007. We are required to make monthly principal payments in the amount of $20,064 with payments commencing on January 1, 2005. Both the Line and the term loan are secured by our US property, plant and equipment, as well as inventory and accounts receivable. At December 31, 2004, we had $2,125,000 outstanding on the Line and $654,000 was available to us on that date based on eligible accounts receivable and inventory borrowing limitations.

In 2003 the US revolving line of credit was classified as current due to the subjective acceleration clauses that allowed the Bank to accelerate payment in the event that, in the judgment of the Bank, we experienced adverse changes in our business. As noted above, we entered into a new loan agreement with the Bank on December 21, 2004. The new loan removed the subjective acceleration clauses and, as a result, we reclassified the US revolving line of credit from current to long-term debt on December 31, 2004, which is due on October 1, 2006.

22

The loan agreement contains covenants that, among other things, require the maintenance of financial ratios based on our consolidated results of operations. The loan agreement also requires us to notify the Bank upon the occurrence of a "material adverse event", which among other items, is considered to be an event that may adversely affect our financial condition, business, properties, operations, the Bank's collateral or the Bank's ability to enforce its rights under the loan agreement. Under our prior loan agreement with the Bank, the determination of an occurrence of a "material adverse event" was solely at the discretion of the Bank.

As noted above, the Agreement contains covenants that, among other things, require maintenance of certain financial ratios based on the results of the consolidated operations. The covenants, which are calculated at the end of each quarter, are as follows:

  • Debt to Net Worth Ratio - Required to be less than or equal to 2.0 to 1.0. At December 31, 2004, the Company's Debt to Net Worth Ratio was 0.3 to 1.0.
  • Current Ratio - Required to be at least 1.1 to 1.0. At December 31, 2004, the Company's Current Ratio was 1.8 to 1.0.
  • Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio - Required to be at least 1.25 to 1.0. For the four quarters ended December 31, 2004, the Company's Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio was 5.2 to 1.0.

As of and for the four quarters ended December 31, 2004, we were in compliance with all financial ratios contained in the Agreement and expect to be in compliance for a period of twelve-months beyond December 31, 2004.

Related Party Transactions

We entered into a loan and security agreement on April 5, 2001 with the Company's Chairman of the Board, Bernard Paulson, a 15.5% shareholder, through Paulson Ranch, Ltd. Paulson Ranch made a loan to TOR in the amount of $600,000 with an interest rate of 10.0%. The loan, which is subordinate to Bank of America, N.A., is secured by the Company's assets. The principal balance outstanding on December 31, 2003 was $230,735. On February 6, 2004, we paid the outstanding principal balance of $230,735 to Paulson Ranch.

On December 12, 2003, we entered into a loan and security agreement with the Company's Chairman of the Board, Bernard Paulson through the Paulson Ranch, Ltd., under which Paulson Ranch made a loan to TOR in the amount $500,000 with a variable interest rate of 4% per annum above the "Wall Street Journal Prime Rate". The loan, which is subordinate to Bank of America, N.A. and to the April 5, 2001 loan with Paulson Ranch, is secured by the Company's assets. Principal is due and payable on or before February 15, 2005. Accrued interest is paid monthly. The principal balance outstanding on December 31, 2004 was $500,000. The loan proceeds were used for working capital. On February 1, 2005, this loan was extended under the same terms and conditions to February 15, 2006.

On December 12, 2003, we entered into a loan and security agreement David Hartman, a member of our Board of Directors and a 7.9% shareholder, through the D & C H Trust, under which the D &C H Trust made a loan to TOR in the amount $250,000 with a variable interest rate of 4% per annum above the "Wall Street Journal Prime Rate". The loan, which is subordinate to Bank of America, N.A. and to the April 5, 2001 loan with Paulson Ranch, is secured by the Company's assets. We paid the outstanding principal balance of $250,000 and accrued interest to the D & C H Trust on February 6, 2004. The loan proceeds were used for working capital.

On December 12, 2003, we entered into a loan and security agreement with Douglas Hartman, a member of our Board of Directors and a 7.9% shareholder, through the Douglas MacDonald Hartman Family Irrevocable Trust (the "Trust"), under which the Trust made a loan to the Company in the amount $250,000 with a variable interest rate of 4% per annum above the "Wall Street Journal Prime Rate". The loan, which is subordinate to Bank of America, N.A. and to the April 5, 2001 loan with Paulson Ranch, is secured by the Company's assets. We paid the outstanding balance of $250,000 and accrued interest to the Trust on February 6, 2004. The loan proceeds were used for working capital.

23

Netherlands Operations

On July 7, 2004, our subsidiary, TP&T, entered into a new loan agreement with Rabobank in the Netherlands. The agreement increased TP&T's line of credit from Euro 650,000 to Euro 760,000 ($1,031,000 at December 31, 2004) for the purpose of funding the refundable portion of VAT tax on the operation's building expansion. The increase in TP&T's line of credit will be in effect until March 31, 2005. The credit facility is secured by TP&T's inventory and accounts receivable. We have guaranteed this credit facility. At December 31, 2004, TP&T had utilized Euro 562,000 ($762,000) of their short-term credit facility with an interest rate of Bank prime plus 2% (6.75% at December 31, 2004).

On July 7, 2004, TP&T entered into a mortgage loan with Rabobank. The mortgage, in the amount of Euro 485,000 ($658,000 at December 31, 2004), will be repaid over 25 years with interest fixed at 5.2% per year for the first four years. TP&T utilized Euro 325,000 ($441,000 at December 31, 2004) of the loan to finance the July 14, 2004, purchase of land and an office building, as well as to remodel the office building. The balance of the loan proceeds, Euro 160,000 ($217,000 at December 31, 2004), will be used for expansion of TP&T's existing building. These funds have been placed in a restricted account for the building expansion and will remain in the restricted account until the we have invested Euro 470,000 ($638,000 at December 31, 2004) in the expansion of TP&T's current plant facility. Monthly principal and interest payments commenced on September 1, 2004, and will continue through July 1, 2029. The monthly principal payment is Euro 1,616 ($2,192 at December 31, 2004). The loan balance at December 31, 2004 was Euro 479,000 ($650,000 at December 31, 2004). The mortgage loan is secured by the land and office building purchased on July 7, 2004.

On April 2, 2004, TP&T, entered into a new loan agreement with Rabobank. The new loan agreement with Rabobank funded a term loan in the amount of Euro 676,000 ($917,000 at December 31, 2004). The proceeds of the term loan were used to reduce the credit facility and reduce inter-company payables to Corpus Christi. The term loan, which is secured by TP&T's assets, will be repaid over a period of five years with a fixed interest rate until maturity of 5.5%. We have guaranteed this term loan. Monthly principal and interest payments commenced on July 1, 2004, and will continue through June 1, 2009. The monthly principal payment is Euro 11,266 ($15,285 at December 31, 2004). The loan balance at December 31, 2004 was Euro 608,000 ($825,000 at December 31, 2004).

TP&T's loan agreements covering both the credit facility and the term loans include subjective acceleration clauses that allow the Rabobank to accelerate payment if in the judgment of the bank, there are adverse changes in the Company's business. We believe that such subjective acceleration clauses are customary in the Netherlands for such facilities. However, if demand is made by the lending institutions, we may require additional debt or equity financing to meet our working capital and operational requirements, or if required, to refinance the demanded indebtedness.

Malaysian Operations

Our subsidiary, TMM, entered into new loan agreements on November 23, 2004, with two banks in Malaysia, HSBC Bank Malaysia Berhad ("HSBC") and RHB Bank Berhad ("RHB") to renew their short term credit facilities through October 31, 2005. The RHB facility provides for an overdraft line of credit up to 1,000,000 Ringgits ($263,000) and an export line of credit ("ECR") up to 9,300,000 Ringgits ($2,447,000). The HSBC facility provides for an overdraft line of credit up to 500,000 Ringgits ($132,000) and an ECR up to 8,000,000 Ringgits ($2,105,000). The overdraft facilities bear interest at 1.25% over bank prime and the ECR facilities bear interest at 1.0% above the funding rate stipulated by the Export-Import Bank of Malaysia Berhad. The ECR is a government supported financing arrangement specifically for exporters and is used by TMM for short-term financing of up to 120 to 180 days against customers' and inter-company shipments. The borrowings under the short term credit facilities are subject to certain subjective acceleration covenants based on the judgment of the banks and a demand provision that provide that the banks may demand repayment at any time. We believe such a demand provision is customary in Malaysia for such facilities. The loan agreements are secured by TMM's property, plant and equipment. The credit facilities prohibit TMM from paying dividends and the HSBC facility further prohibits loans to related parties without the prior consent of HSBC. At December 31, 2004, TMM had utilized $560,000 of their facility under the ECR, with a weighted average interest rate of 3.5%.

At December 31, 2003, TMM had two term loans with HSBC Bank Labuan and RHB Bank Labuan with an outstanding principal balance on each of the two term loans of $34,998 for total outstanding borrowings of

24

$69,996. The loans were secured by TMM's inventory, accounts receivable, and property, plant and equipment. These loans were fully paid on February 26, 2004.

Convertible Debentures

In April 2001, the Company raised $3,010,000 in a private placement of common stock and convertible debentures. In the private placement, the Company issued 301,000 shares of its common stock and $2,709,000 principal amount of convertible debentures. At December 31, 2002, all but 200,000 debentures had been converted to common stock. On April 3, 2003, the Renaissance Group exercised its option to convert the remaining 200,000 debentures with a carrying value of $360,000 into 200,000 common shares at the $1.80 per share conversion rate.

Subsequent Liquidity Events

On January 3, 2005, TP&T entered into a new mortgage loan with Rabobank to fund the acquisition of a 10,000 square foot warehouse with a loading dock that is located adjacent to TP&T's existing production facility. The mortgage, in the amount of Euro 470,000 ($633,000 on January 3, 2005), will be repaid over 25 years with interest fixed at 4.672% per year for the first five years. Thereafter, the rate will change to Rabobank prime plus 1.75%. Monthly principal and interest payments will commence on February 28, 2005 and will continue through January 31, 2030. The monthly principal payment will be Euro 1,566 ($2,125 at December 31, 2004). The mortgage is secured by the land and building purchased on January 3, 2005.

On February 1, 2005, Paulson Ranch, Ltd. extended the maturity date of its $500,000 loan to us from February 15, 2005 to February 15, 2006 under the same terms and conditions.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

General

TOR's discussion and analysis of its financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principals generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an on-going basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to bad debt, inventories, investments, intangible assets, income taxes, financing operations, and contingencies and litigation. TOR bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

Foreign Currency

Results of operations for our foreign subsidiaries, TMM and TP&T, are translated from the designated functional currency to the US dollar using average exchange rates during the period, while assets and liabilities are translated at the exchange rate in effect at the reporting date. Resulting gains or losses from translating foreign currency financial statements are reported as other comprehensive income (loss). The effect of changes in exchange rates between the designated functional currency and the currency in which a transaction is denominated are recorded as foreign currency transaction gains (losses) in earnings. However, the effects of changes in exchange rates associated with our US dollar denominated loans to TP&T that are of a long-term investment nature are reported as part of the cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment in our consolidated financial statements.

Depreciation

Our policy is to depreciate the SR production equipment (with a net book value of at December 31, 2004 and 2003 of $5,563,000 and $6,667,000, respectively which is included in machinery and equipment) over its remaining useful life using the units of production method and to evaluate the remaining life and recoverability of such equipment based on the projected units of production. There have been no material changes in the estimates of the units to produce upon which the units of production method of depreciation is based. All other property, plant and equipment is depreciated on the straight line basis from three to 39 years.

25

Bad Debt

TOR maintains allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make required payments. If the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required.

Income Taxes

Our effective tax rate is based on our level of pre-tax income, statutory rates and tax planning strategies. Significant management judgment is required in determining the effective rate and in evaluating our tax position. We have domestic and foreign net deferred tax assets resulting primarily from net operating loss carryforwards. These deferred tax assets are netted against our deferred tax liabilities in the jurisdiction in which they arose. If the result is a net deferred tax asset, it is fully reserved due to uncertainties related to future taxable income levels.

Inventory

We write down our inventory for estimated obsolescence or unmarketable inventory equal to the difference between the cost of inventory and the estimated market value based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions. If actual future demand or market conditions are less favorable than those projected by management, additional inventory write-downs may be required.

Impairment of Goodwill

We adopted the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 142, " Goodwill and Intangible Assets" , effective January 1, 2002. Under the provisions of Statement No. 142, the value of our goodwill (with a carrying value of approximately Euro 1,460,000 or $1,981,000 based on December 31, 2004 exchange rate) is not subject to amortization. We evaluate the carrying value of the goodwill at least annually, or more frequently if indicators of impairment are noted. First, we identify potential impairments by comparing the fair value of the reporting unit with its book value, including goodwill. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds the carrying amount, goodwill is not impaired. If the carrying amount exceeds the fair value, we calculate the possible impairment loss by comparing the implied fair value of goodwill with the carrying amount. If the implied goodwill is less than the carrying amount, a write-down is recorded. Based upon our most recent analysis, we believe that no impairment exists at December 31, 2004. There can be no assurance that future goodwill impairment tests will not result in a charge to net earnings (loss).

Valuation of Long-Lived Assets

The impairment of tangible and intangible assets is assessed when changes in circumstances (such as, but not limited to, a decrease in market value of an asset, current and historical operating losses or a change in business strategy) indicate that their carrying value may not be recoverable. This assessment is based on estimates of future cash flows, salvage values or net sales proceeds. These estimates take into account management's expectations and judgments regarding future business and economic conditions, future market values and disposal costs. Actual results and events could differ significantly from management's estimates.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations

Operating Leases

As of December 31, 2004, the Company leased 12.86 of the land at the facility located in Corpus Christi, Texas, from the Port of Corpus Christi Authority and manufacturing equipment from Banc of America Leasing & Capital, LLC. The minimum future rental payments under these and other immaterial operating leases as of December 31, 2004 are as follows:

Years Ending December 31,

(In thousands)

 

 

2005

$

217

2006

 

213

2007

 

197

2008

 

197

2009

 

197

Later years

 

1,185


Total minimum lease payments


$

-------
2,206
====

26

Purchase Commitment

On July 20, 2004, we announced that our subsidiary, TP&T, has committed to the purchase of a 10,000 square foot warehouse with a loading dock located adjacent to TP&T's existing production facility for Euro 470,000 ($633,000). TP&T purchased this property on January 3, 2005.

Building Construction:

At December 31, 2004, the expansion of TP&T's existing facility from 10,000 square feet to 20,000 square feet was approximately 80% complete. The expansion is scheduled for completion during the first quarter 2005. The estimated cost to complete the project is approximately Euro 125,000 ($170,000 at December 31, 2004)

Except as noted above, we did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are likely to have a material current or future effect on our financial conditions, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.

The following is a summary of all significant contractual obligations, both on and off Balance Sheet, as of December 31, 2004, that will impact our liquidity.

(In thousands)

Payments due by period

Contractual Obligations

Total

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009 +

Long-term Debt

$ 4,681

$ 950

$ 2,575

$ 310

$ 210

$ 636

Operating Leases

2,206

217

213

197

197

1,382

Purchase Commitment

633

633

--

--

--

--

TP&T Building Expansion

170

170

--

--

--

--


Total

--------
$ 7,690
====

--------
$ 1,970
====

--------
$ 2,788
====

------
$ 507
===

------
$ 407
===

--------
$ 2,018
====

 

Other matters

Anticipated Capital Expenditures

At December 31, 2004, we had $681,000 in assets not yet placed in service. These assets consist primarily of equipment and other construction costs related to the US Alumina plant construction. We originally planned to complete construction of the Alumina plant and begin US production in 2004. However, due to the need to quickly add Alumina production capacity in 2003, we elected to add production capacity at our existing Alumina plant at TP&T. We expect to complete construction and begin production of the US Alumina plant in the next two to three years. The expected costs to complete the US Alumina production line are approximately $4,000,000 to $6,000,000 depending upon the final scope of the project.

Inflation

General inflation has not had a significant impact on our business, and it is not expected to have a major impact in the foreseeable future.

Foreign Operations - Impact of Exchange Rate

We have two foreign operations, TMM in Malaysia and TP&T in the Netherlands. TMM measures and records its transactions in terms of the local Malaysian currency, the Ringgit, which is also the functional currency. If the value of the Ringgit compared with the US dollar floated, the Company would report the effects of translating the Ringgit to the US dollar in an equity account in the consolidated balance sheet. However, Malaysia imposed capital controls and fixed its Ringgit currency at 3.8 Ringgits per 1 US dollar in September of 1998 to stem the outflow of short-term capital in the wake of the Asian financial crisis. The Malaysian government has not changed the fixed exchange rate since that time. The majority of TMM's sales are denominated in US dollars and expenses are denominated in the Malaysian Ringgit. As the Malaysian Ringgit is pegged to the US dollar, there is insignificant translation and/or transaction effects of changing foreign currency rates. Because there is no guarantee that the Malaysian Government will maintain the pegged rate to the US dollar, TMM's non-Ringgit transactions and balance sheet items are hedged using forward exchange contracts. (See "Foreign Currency Forward Contracts" on page 28).

27

 

In the first quarter 2004, we changed TP&T's functional currency from U.S. dollar (USD) functional to Euro functional currency primarily as a result in a shift of a substantial majority of TP&T's sales contracts to Euro based contracts. In 2003, a substantial majority (approximately 64%) of TP&T's sales were USD denominated. Gains and losses resulting from translating the Balance Sheet from Euros to US dollars (including long-term Intercompany investments which are considered part of the net-investment in TP&T) are now recorded as cumulative translation adjustments (which are included in accumulated other comprehensive income, a separate component of shareholders' equity) on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. As a result of this change in functional currency, non-monetary assets and liabilities that had previously been accounted for using historical exchange rates between the Euro and USD have been translated at current exchange rates. Had the Company not made this change, year to date pretax income would have decreased approximately $135,000. As of December 31, 2004, the cumulative translation adjustment related to the change in functional currency totaled $1,737,000, net of taxes of $128,000. Such adjustment had an effect on the following balance sheet items:

(In thousands)

 

 

Property plant & equipment, net

$

1,466

Goodwill

 

698

Other, net

 

(427)


Total, net of tax


$

-------
1,737
====

 

Natural Gas Contracts

To protect against the increase in the cost of natural gas used in the manufacturing process, we have instituted a selective natural gas hedging program. We hedge portions of our forecasted natural gas purchases with forward contracts. When the price of natural gas increases, its cost is offset by the gains in the value of the forward contracts designated as hedges. Conversely, when the price of natural gas declines, the decrease in the cash flows on natural gas purchases is offset by losses in the value of the forward contract.

On September 3, 2002, we entered into a natural gas contract with Bank of America, N.A. to achieve the objectives of the hedging program. The contract was designated as a cash flow hedge. The contract was settled based on natural gas market prices for January 1, 2003 through April 30, 2003. We paid fixed prices averaging $3.90 per MM Btu on notional quantities amounting to 60,000 MM Btu's. The fair value of the hedge decreased $56,145 from December 31, 2002, to April 30, 2003 due to the settlement of the hedge.

On September 16, 2003, we entered into a new natural gas contract with Bank of America, N.A. to achieve the objectives of the hedging program. We designated the contract as a cash flow hedge, with the expectation that it would be highly effective in offsetting the price of natural gas. The contract was settled based on natural gas market prices from January 1, 2004 through April 30, 2004. We paid fixed prices averaging $5.26 per MM Btu on notional quantities amounting to 80,000 MM Btu's. The fair value of the hedge decreased $73,000 from December 31, 2003 to April 30, 2004 due to the settlement of the hedge. The recognition of this gain had no effect on our cash flow.

At December 31, 2004, we did not have a natural gas hedge contract outstanding.

Foreign Currency Forward Contracts

To protect our exposure to foreign exchange risks, we enter into foreign currency forward contracts. Gains and losses on foreign exchange contracts designated as hedges of identified exposure are offset against the foreign exchange gains and losses on the hedged financial assets and liabilities. Where the instrument is used to hedge against anticipated future transactions, gains and losses are not recognized until the transaction occurs. At December 31, 2004, we marked the contracts to market, recording a net gain of approximately $37,000 as a component of "Other Comprehensive Income", $54,000 as a current asset and $17,000 as a current liability on the balance sheet at December 31, 2004. The recognition of this net gain had no effect on our cash flow.

Internal Revenue Service Audit

The US Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") is currently examining our 2002 tax year. Although the IRS has yet to issue any proposed assessments, they have questioned the allowability of a 1994 NOL carryforward of approximately $9,810,000 that is scheduled to expire in 2009. We believe that our position complies with applicable tax law and we do not anticipate any material earnings impact.

28

 

Item 7.

Financial Statements

The Financial Statements are set out in this annual report on Form 10-KSB commencing on page F-1.

 

Item 8.

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting
and Financial Disclosures

No disagreements between the Company and its accountants have occurred within the 24-month period prior to the date of the Company's most recent financial statements or during any subsequent interim period.

 

Item 8A.

Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. Under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, management of the Company has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-14(c) and Rule 15d-14 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of the date of the evaluation, the Company's disclosure controls and procedures are effective in timely alerting them to the material information relating to the Company required to be included in its periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Changes in Internal Controls. During the period covered by this report, there were no changes that would have materially affected, or which were reasonably likely to materially offset, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

 

Item 8B.

Other Information

On November 19, 2004, the Board of Directors approved an increase in the fee for the Audit Committee Chairman from $500 to $1,000 for each committee meeting beginning in 2005.

 

 

PART III

 

Item 9.

Directors, Executive Officers, Promoters and Control Persons;
Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act

Election of Directors

Information which will be contained under the caption "Election of Directors" in the Company's Definitive Proxy Statement for its 2005 Annual Meeting of Shareholders is incorporated by reference in response to this Item 9. See Item 4, Part I of this Form 10-KSB for the caption "Executive Officers" for information concerning executive officers.

Code of Ethics

The Company had adopted a Code of Ethics that applies to all of its directors, officers (including its chief executive officer, chief financial officer, controller and any person performing similar functions) and employees. The Code of Ethics can be viewed on the Company's web site at www.torminerals.com. The Company intends to post amendments to, or waivers from, its Code of Ethics that apply to its Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Controller and any other person performing similar functions, on its website.

29

 

Item 10.

Executive Compensation

Information under the caption "Executive Compensation", which will be contained in the Company's Definitive Proxy Statement for its 2005 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 11.

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

Information under the caption "Executive Compensation - Security Ownership of Management", which will be contained in the Company's Definitive Proxy Statement for its 2005 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 12.

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

The discussion under the caption "Certain Transactions", which will be contained in the Company's Definitive Proxy Statement for its 2005 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 13.

Exhibits

(a)

The following documents are being filed as part of this annual report on Form 10-KSB:

 

1.

Financial Statements - The financial statements filed as part of this report are listed in the
"Index to Financial Statements" on page F-1 hereof.

 

2.

Exhibits - The Exhibits listed below are filed as part of, or incorporated by reference into, this report.

Exhibit No.

Description

 

 

2.1(2)

Purchase and Sale agreement effective March 1, 2000 between TOR Minerals International, Inc. and Megamin Ventures Sdn. Bhd.

2.2(5)

Asset purchase agreement effective May 16, 2001 between TOR Minerals International, Inc. and the Royal Begemann Group

2.3(5)

Closing agreement effective May 16, 2001 between TOR Minerals International, Inc. and the Royal Begemann Group

2.4(5)

Non-Compete agreement effective May 16, 2001 between TOR Minerals International, Inc. and the Royal Begemann Group

 

 

3.1

Certificate of Incorporation of the Company as amended through December 31, 2004

3.2

By-laws of the Company, as amended through December 31, 2004

 

 

4.1(1)

Form of Common Stock Certificate

4.2(5)

Form of Convertible Subordinated Debenture of the Company and Renaissance U.S. Growth and Income Trust, PLC, dated April 5, 2001, in the amount of $360,000

 

 

10.1(1)

Lease from Port of Corpus Christi Authority dated April 14, 1987

10.2(1)

Lease from Port of Corpus Christi Authority dated January 12, 1988 as
amended on December 24, 1992

10.3(1) **

Summary Plan Description for the 1990 Hitox Profit Sharing Plan & Trust

10.4(3) **

Summary Plan Description for the 2000 Incentive Plan for TOR Minerals International, Inc.

10.5(4)

Amendment of Leases from Port of Corpus Christi Authority dated July 11, 2000

10.6(6)

Security and Loan Agreement with Paulson Ranch dated April 5, 2001

10.7(7)

Subordination Agreement between the Company, Paulson Ranch, Ltd.,
and Bank of America dated May 1, 2002

10.8(8)

Security and Loan Agreement with Paulson Ranch dated December 12, 2003

10.9(8)

Security and Loan Agreement with D & C H Trust dated December 12, 2003

30

 

10.10(8)

Security and Loan Agreement with Douglas MacDonald Hartman Family
Irrevocable Family Trust dated December 12, 2003

10.11(9)

Form of Common Stock Purchase Agreement dated January 16, 2004

10.12(9)

Form of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement
dated January 15, 2004

10.13(11)

Master Lease Agreement with Bank of America Leasing & Capital, LLC ("BALC")
dated August 9, 2004

10.14(11) *

Schedule No. 1 to Master Lease Agreement with BALC dated September 27, 2004

10.15(12)

Schedule No. 2 to Master Lease Agreement with BALC dated December 21, 2004

10.16

Loan Agreement with Bank of America, N.A., dated December 21, 2004

10.17

Loan Agreement with HSBC Bank, dated November 23, 2004

10.18

Loan Agreement with RHB Bank, dated November 23, 2004

10.19 *

2004 Sale and Purchase Agreement with Engelhard Corporation,
dated February 2, 2004

10.20 *

2005 Sale and Purchase Agreement with Engelhard Corporation,
dated December 20, 2004

10.21 (13)

Sales Agreement with Kerr-McGee Chemical, LLC, dated March 28, 2003
and effective April 1, 2003

10.22 **

Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement for Officers A

10.23 **

Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement for Officers B

10.24 **

Form of Nonqualified Option Agreement for Directors

10.25

Allonge and Amendment to Promissory Note with Paulson Ranch, Ltd,
dated February 1, 2005

10.26

First Amendment to Security Agreement with Paulson Ranch, Ltd,
dated February 1, 2005

 

 

15.1(10)

Letter dated July 15, 2004 from Ernst & Young LLP to the Securities
and Exchange Commission

 

 

21

Subsidiaries of Registrant: TOR Minerals Malaysia Sdn Bhd and
TOR Processing & Trade BV

23.1

Consent of UHY Mann Frankfort Stein & Lipp CPAs, LLP

23.2

Consent of Ernst & Young, LLP

 

 

31.1

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

31.2

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

32.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

(1)

Incorporated by reference to the exhibit filed with the Registrant's Registration Statement
on Form S-1 (No. 33-25354) filed November 3, 1988, which registration statement became
effective December 14, 1988.

(2)

Incorporated by reference to the exhibit filed with the Company's Form 8-K dated March 1, 2000

(3)

Incorporated by reference to the exhibit filed with the Company's Form S-8 dated May 25, 2000

(4)

Incorporated by reference to the exhibit filed with the Company's Form 10-KSB dated December 31, 2000

(5)

Incorporated by reference to the exhibit filed with the Company's Form 8-K dated May 16, 2001

(6)

Incorporated by reference to the exhibit filed with the Company's June 30, 2001 Form 10-QSB

(7)

Incorporated by reference to the exhibit filed with the Company's March 31, 2002 Form 10-QSB

(8)

Incorporated by reference to the exhibit filed with the Company's December 12, 2003 Form 8-K

(9)

Incorporated by reference to the January 19, 2004 Form 8-K filed with the Commission
on January 21, 2004

(10)

Incorporated by reference to the exhibit filed with the Company's July 14, 2004 Form 8-K

(11)

Incorporated by reference to the exhibit filed with the Company's October 5, 2004 Form 8-K

(12)

Incorporated by reference to the exhibit filed with the Company's December 22, 2004 Form 8-K

(13)

Incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.2 filed with the Company's Registration
Statement on Form S-3/A (No. 333-114483) filed August 16, 2004

*

Confidential treatment has been requested for certain portions of the exhibit

**

Constitutes a compensation plan or agreement under which executive officers may participate

 

Item 14.

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

Information under the caption "Disclosure on Fees - Audit Fees and Tax Fees", which will be contained in the Company's Definitive Proxy Statement for its 2005 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, is incorporated herein by reference.

31

SIGNATURES

In accordance with Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, the registrant caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

TOR MINERALS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

(Registrant)

 

 

By

RICHARD L. BOWERS

 

Richard L. Bowers, President and CEO

Date: March 30, 2005

 

In accordance with the Exchange Act, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated.

Signatures

Capacity with the Company

Date

 

 

 

RICHARD L. BOWERS
(Richard L. Bowers)

President and Chief Executive Officer
Director

March 30, 2005

BERNARD A. PAULSON
(Bernard A. Paulson)

Chairman of the Board

March 30, 2005

LAWRENCE W. HAAS
(Lawrence W. Haas)

Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Accounting Officer)

March 30, 2005

W. CRAIG EPPERSON
(W. Craig Epperson)

Director

March 30, 2005

DAVID HARTMAN
(David Hartman)

Director

March 30, 2005

DOUG HARTMAN
(Doug Hartman)

Director

March 30, 2005

SI BOON LIM
(Si Boon Lim)

Director

March 30, 2005

THOMAS W. PAUKEN
(Thomas W. Pauken)

Director

March 30, 2005

CHIN YONG TAN
(Chin Yong Tan)

Director

March 30, 2005

32

TOR MINERALS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Annual Report on Form 10-KSB

 

 

Item 7. Index to Financial Statements

TOR Minerals International, Inc.

Page

 

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms

F-2

 

 

Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets - December 31, 2004 and 2003

F-4

Consolidated Income Statements - Years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003

F-5

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - Years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003

F-6

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity - Years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003

F-7

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003

F-8

 

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

F-10

Note 2 - Related Party Transactions

F-14

Note 3 - Private Placement of Common Stock and Series A Convertible Preferred Stock

F-14

Note 4 - Series A Convertible Preferred Stock Dividend

F-15

Note 5 - Long-Term Debt and Notes Payable to Banks

F-15

Note 6 - Inventories

F-18

Note 7 - Property, Plant and Equipment

F-18

Note 8 - Segment Information

F-19

Note 9 - Calculation of Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share

F-21

Note 10 - Income Taxes

F-21

Note 11 - Stock Options

F-23

Note 12 - Profit Sharing Plan

F-25

Note 13 - Derivatives and Hedging Activities

F-25

Note 14 - Commitments and Contingencies

F-26

Note 15 - Principal Customer Information

F-27

Note 16 - Foreign Customer Sales

F-27

Note 17 - Sales by Product

F-27

Note 18 - Subsequent Events

F-27

F - 1

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of

TOR Minerals International, Inc.

 

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of TOR Minerals International, Inc. and Subsidiaries ("the Company") as of December 31, 2004, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, shareholders' equity and cash flows for the year then ended. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall consolidated financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of TOR Minerals International, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2004, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the year then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

/s/ UHY Mann Frankfort Stein & Lipp CPAs, LLP

Houston, Texas

March 28, 2005

 

F - 2

 

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

 

Board of Directors and Shareholders

TOR Minerals International, Inc.

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of TOR Minerals International, Inc. as of December 31, 2003 and the related consolidated statement of operations, shareholders' equity, and cash flows for the year then ended. The consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the auditing standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards 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. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of TOR Minerals International, Inc. at December 31, 2003 and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for the year then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

 

As discussed in Note 1 to the financial statements, in 2003 the Company changed its method of accounting for stock-based compensation.

 

 

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

San Antonio, Texas

February 3, 2004

 

F - 3

TOR Minerals International, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 

December 31,

2004

2003

ASSETS

CURRENT ASSETS:

Cash and cash equivalents

$

341

$

381

Receivables:

Trade accounts receivable, net

5,609

5,072

Inventories

5,977

4,895

Other current assets

519

399


Total current assets

----------
12,446

----------
10,747

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, net

18,988

13,470

GOODWILL, net

1,981

1,283

OTHER ASSETS

219

42


$

----------
33,634
=====

$

----------
25,542
=====

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

Accounts payable

$

3,281

$

2,738

Accrued expenses

1,358

744

Notes payable under lines of credit

762

3,416

Export credit refinancing facility

560

840

Current maturities of long-term debt - Financial Institutions

450

240

Current maturities of long-term debt - Related Parties

500

--


Total current liabilities

----------
6,911

----------
7,978

LONG-TERM DEBT, EXCLUDING CURRENT MATURITIES

Long-term debt - Financial Institutions

1,606

411

Notes payable under lines of credit

2,125

--

Related party debt - Paulson Ranch

--

231

Related party debt - Paulson Ranch, D&CH Trust, Douglas
MacDonald Hartman Family Irrevocable Trust

--

1,000

DEFERRED TAX LIABILITY

279

--


Total liabilities

----------
10,921

----------
9,620

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:

Series A 6% convertible preferred stock $.01 par value: authorized,
5,000 shares; 200 shares issued and outstanding at 12/31/04
and no shares at 12/31/03

2

--

Common stock $.25 par value: authorized, 10,000 shares;
7,784 shares issued and outstanding at 12/31/04 and 7,134
shares at 12/31/03

1,946

1,783

Additional paid-in capital

22,047

18,164

Accumulated deficit

(3,056))

(4,104)

Accumulated other comprehensive income:

Unrealized gains on derivatives

37

79

Cumulative translation adjustment

1,737

--


Total shareholders' equity

----------
22,713

----------
15,922


$

----------
33,634
=====


$

----------
25,542
=====

See accompanying notes.

F - 4

TOR Minerals International, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Income Statements
(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 

Years Ended December 31,

2004

2003

NET SALES

$

30,476

$

24,127

Cost of sales

23,911

18,297

----------

----------

GROSS MARGIN

6,565

5,830

Technical services and research and development

453

473

General, administrative and selling expenses

4,567

3,680

Loss on disposal of assets

55

--

----------

----------

OPERATING INCOME

1,490

1,677

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):

Net interest expense

(228)

(295)

Gain (Loss) on Exchange Rate

23

(76)

Other, net

2

19

----------

----------

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAX

1,287

1,325

Income tax expense

183

61

----------

----------

NET INCOME

$

1,104

$

1,264

Preferred stock dividends

(56)

--


Income Available to Common Shareholders


$

----------
1,048
=====


$

----------
1,264
=====

Income per common shareholder:

Basic

$

0.14

$

0.18

Diluted

$

0.13

$

0.17

Weighted average common shares
and equivalents outstanding:

Basic

7,735

7,059

Diluted

8,034

7,240

 

See accompanying notes.

F - 5

TOR Minerals International, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(In thousands)

 

Years Ended December 31,

2004

2003

NET INCOME

$

1,104

$

1,264

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME, net of tax

Net gain on derivative instruments designated and
qualifying as cash flow hedges:

Net gain arising during the year

$

37

$

79

Net (gain) reclassified to income

(79)

(68)

Currency translation adjustment

1,737

--

----------

----------

Other comprehensive income, net of taxes of $128,000

1,695

11


COMPREHENSIVE INCOME


$

----------
2,799
=====


$

----------
1,275
=====

 

 

See accompanying notes.

F - 6

TOR Minerals International, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity
(In thousands)

 



Preferred Stock

 



Common Stock

 


Additional
Paid-In

 



Accumulated

 

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive

 


Total
Shareholders'

 

Shares

 

Amount

 

Shares

 

Amount

 

Capital

 

Deficit

 

Income

 

Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at 12/31/2002

--

$

--

 

6,886

$

1,721

$

17,447

$

(5,368)

$

68

$

13,868

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Issuance of common stock

 

 

 

 

200

 

50

 

310

 

 

 

 

 

360

Exercise of stock options

 

 

 

 

48

 

12

 

60

 

 

 

 

 

72

Option compensation expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

347

 

 

 

 

 

347

Net Income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,264

 

 

 

1,264

Unrealized gain (loss):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Natural gas hedge

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

17

 

17

Foreign currency hedge

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(6)

 

(6)

 

--------

 

--------

 

----------

 

----------

 

----------

 

----------

 

----------

 

----------

Balance at 12/31/2003

 

 

 

 

7,134

 

1,783

 

18,164

 

(4,104)

 

79

 

15,922

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Issuance of preferred stock

200

 

2

 

 

 

 

 

927

 

 

 

 

 

929

Issuance of common stock

 

 

 

 

526

 

132

 

2,276

 

 

 

 

 

2,408

Exercise of stock options

 

 

 

 

124

 

31

 

222

 

 

 

 

 

253

Option compensation expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

458

 

 

 

 

 

458

Dividends declared - preferred

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(56)

 

 

 

(56)

Net Income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,104

 

 

 

1,104

Cumulative translation adjustment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,737

 

1,737

Unrealized gain (loss):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Natural gas hedge

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(72)

 

(72)

Foreign currency hedge

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

30

 

30

 

--------

 

--------

 

----------

 

----------

 

----------

 

----------

 

----------

 

----------

Balance at 12/31/2004

200

$

2

 

7,784

$

1,946

$

22,047

$

(3,056)

$

1,774

$

22,713

 

====

 

====

 

=====

 

=====

 

=-====

 

=====

 

=====

 

======

 

See accompanying notes.

F - 7

TOR Minerals International, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands)

 

 

Years Ended December 31,

2004

2003

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

Net Income

$

1,104

$

1,264

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
provided by operating activities:

Depreciation

1,142

1,144

Amortization

58

100

Non-cash compensation - Stock Options

458

347

(Gain) loss on sale/disposal of property, plant and equipment

55

(6)

Deferred income taxes

151

--

Provision for bad debts

28

--

Changes in working capital:

Receivables

(526)

(2,445)

Inventories

(1,054)

(280)

Other current assets

(123)

(135)

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

1,033

1,594


Net cash provided by operating activities

----------
2,326

----------
1,583

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

Additions to property, plant and equipment

(5,457)

(2,158)

Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment

11

6

Other assets (restricted cash)

(219)

--


Net cash used in investing activities

----------
(5,665)

----------
(2,152)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

Proceeds (payment) from lines of credit

(585)

2,636

Proceeds (payment) from export credit refinancing facility

(280)

(2,284)

Proceeds from long-term bank debt

1,797

--

Payments on long-term bank debt

(391)

(590)

Proceeds from other long-term debt

--

1,000

Payments on other long-term debt

(731)

(5)

Proceeds from the issuance of preferred stock, common stock
and exercise of common stock options

3,590

72

Preferred stock dividends paid

(41)

--


Net cash provided by financing activities

----------
3,359

----------
829

Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash and cash equivalents

(60)

--

----------

----------

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

(40)

260

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

381

121


Cash and cash equivalents at end of year


$

----------
341
=====


$

----------
381
=====

See accompanying notes.

F - 8

TOR Minerals International, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Continued
(In thousands)

 

 

Years Ended December 31,

2004

2003

Supplemental cash flow disclosures:

Interest paid

$

235

$

295

Income tax paid

$

32

$

61

Non-cash financing activities:

Conversion of long-term debt to common stock

$

--

$

360

See accompanying notes.

F - 9

TOR MINERALS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2004 & 2003

 

1.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Business Description

TOR Minerals International, Inc. (the "Company"), a Delaware Corporation, is engaged in a single industry, the manufacture and sale of mineral products for use as pigments and extenders, primarily in the manufacture of paints, industrial coatings plastics, catalysts and solid surface applications. The consolidated financial statements include accounts of TOR Minerals International, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries, TOR Minerals Malaysia, Sdn. Bhd. ("TMM") and TOR Processing and Trade BV ("TP&T"). All significant intercompany transactions are eliminated in the consolidation process. The Company's global headquarters and US manufacturing site are located in Corpus Christi, Texas ("TOR US"). The Asian headquarters and manufacturing plant are located in Ipoh, Malaysia, and the Company's newest subsidiary is located in Hattem, The Netherlands. Approximately 30% of the Company's employees are represented by an in-house collective bargaining agreement which expires on December 31, 2005. We do not anticipate any problems associated with the renewal or negotiations of the collective bargaining agreement.

 

Basis of Presentation and Use of Estimates

TMM measures and records its transactions in terms of the local Malaysian currency, the Ringgit which is also the functional currency. Malaysia imposed capital controls and fixed its Ringgit currency at 3.8 Ringgits per 1 US dollar in September of 1998 to stem the outflow of short-term capital. The Malaysian government has not changed the fixed exchange rate since that time. However, there can be no assurance that the Malaysian government will maintain this fixed rate of currency exchange.

In the first quarter 2004, the Company changed TP&T's functional currency from U.S. dollar (USD) functional to Euro functional currency primarily as a result in a shift of a substantial majority of TP&T's sales contracts to Euro based contracts. In 2003, a substantial majority (approximately 64%) of TP&T's sales were USD denominated. Gains and losses resulting from translating the Balance Sheet from Euros to US dollars (including long-term Intercompany investments which are considered part of the net-investment in TP&T) are now recorded as cumulative translation adjustments (which are included in accumulated other comprehensive income, a separate component of shareholders' equity) on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. As a result of this change in functional currency, non-monetary assets and liabilities that had previously been accounted for using historical exchange rates between the Euro and USD have been translated at current exchange rates. Had the Company not made this change, year to date pretax income would have decreased approximately $135,000. As of December 31, 2004, the cumulative translation adjustment related to the change in functional currency totaled $1,737,000, net of taxes of $128,000. Such adjustment had an effect on the following balance sheet items:

(In thousands)

 

Property plant & equipment, net

$ 1,466

Goodwill

698

Other, net

(427)


Total, net of taxes

----------
$ 1,737
=====

In preparing financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid investments readily convertible to known cash amounts and with a maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase to be cash equivalents.

F - 10

TOR MINERALS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2004 & 2003

 

Accounts Receivable

The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers' financial condition and, generally, requires no collateral from its customers. The allowance for non-collection of accounts receivable is based upon the expected collectibility of all accounts receivable including review of agings and current economic conditions. At December 31, 2004 and 2003, the Company maintained a reserve for doubtful accounts of approximately $90,000 and $60,000, respectively.

Foreign Currency

Results of operations for the Company's foreign subsidiaries, TMM and TP&T, are translated from the designated functional currency to the US dollar using average exchange rates during the period, while assets and liabilities are translated at the exchange rate in effect at the reporting date. Resulting gains or losses from translating foreign currency financial statements are reported as other comprehensive income (loss). The effect of changes in exchange rates between the designated functional currency and the currency in which a transaction is denominated are recorded as foreign currency transaction gains (losses) in earnings. However, the effects of changes in exchange rates associated with our US dollar denominated loans to TP&T that are of a long-term investment nature are reported as part of the cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment in our consolidated financial statements.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market with cost being determined principally by use of the average-cost method. TMM is our primary source for SR. There is only one other available source for the quality of SR required for the production of HITOX. If supplies of SR from TMM are interrupted and we are unable to arrange for an alternative source, this could result in our inability to produce HITOX, which accounted for approximately 40% and 48% of our sales for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of depreciable assets which range from three to 39 years, except in Malaysia where most of the Company's production facility is depreciated using the units of production method. Depreciation expense computed using the units of production method for 2004 and 2003 was approximately $242,000 and $329,000, respectively. There have been no material changes in the estimates upon which the units of production method of depreciation is based. Maintenance and repair costs are charged to operations as incurred and major improvements extending asset lives are capitalized.

Long-Lived Assets

The impairment of long-lived assets is assessed when changes in circumstances indicate that their current carrying value may not be recoverable. Under Statements of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 144, " Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets ", assets held for use are tested for impairment if events or circumstances indicate potential impairment. Determination of impairment, if any, is made based on comparison of the undiscounted value of estimated future cash flows to carrying value. Asset impairment losses are then measured as the excess of the carrying value over the estimated fair value of such assets.

Intangible Assets

In June 2001 the FASB issued SFAS No. 141, " Business Combinations" and SFAS No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" . SFAS 141 requires that the purchase method of accounting be used for all business combinations initiated after June 30, 2001. SFAS 141 also includes guidance on the initial recognition and measurement of goodwill and other intangible assets arising from business combinations completed after June 30, 2001. Intangible assets with finite lives will continue to be amortized over their estimated useful lives.

Finite-lived Intangibles :

The Company adopted the provisions of SFAS 141 and SFAS 142 effective January 1, 2002. In connection with the Company's purchase of assets from the Royal Begemann Group in May 2001, the Company recorded intangible assets related to non-compete agreements in the amount of $300,000. These intangible assets,

F - 11

TOR MINERALS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2004 & 2003

 

which were amortized over three (3) years, were fully amortized in May 2004 with the Company recording amortization of $58,000 and $100,000 in 2004 and 2003, respectively.

Indefinite-lived Intangibles :

The Company adopted the provisions of SFAS 141 and SFAS 142 effective January 1, 2002. Under the provisions of SFAS 142, the value of the Company's goodwill (with a carrying value approximately Euro 1,460,000 or $1,981,000 based on the exchange rate at December 31, 2004) is not subject to amortization but will be reviewed at least annually for impairment or more frequently if impairment indicators exist. The Company completed its annual impairment test October 1, 2004, and concluded that there was no impairment of recorded goodwill, as the fair value of the reporting unit exceeded the carrying amount as of October 1, 2004. There can be no assurance that future goodwill impairment tests will not result in a charge to earnings.

Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes revenue when each of the following four criteria are met: 1) a contract or sales arrangement exists; 2) title and risk of loss transfers to the customer upon shipment for FOB shipping point sales and when the Company receives confirmation of receipt and acceptance by the customer for FOB destination sales; 3) the price of the products is fixed or determinable; 4) collectibility is reasonably assured.

Shipping and Handling

The Company records shipping and handling costs, associated with the outbound freight on products shipped to customers, as a component of cost of goods sold.

Income Taxes

The Company records income taxes under SFAS No. 109, " Accounting for Income Taxes ", using the liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse.

Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share are based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding and exclude any dilutive effects of options. Diluted earnings per share reflect the effect of all dilutive items.

Derivatives and Hedging Activities

Effective January 1, 2001, the Company adopted SFAS No. 133, " Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities" , as amended. The fair value of all outstanding derivative instruments are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheet in other current assets and current liabilities. Derivatives are held as part of a formally documented risk management (hedging) program. All derivatives are straightforward and are held for purposes other than trading. The Company measures hedge effectiveness by formally assessing, at least quarterly, the historical and probable future high correlation of changes in the fair value or expected future cash flows of the hedged item. The ineffective portions, if any, are recorded in current earnings in the current period. If the hedging relationship ceases to be highly effective or if becomes probable that an expected transaction will no longer occur, gains or losses on the derivative are recorded in current earnings. Changes in the fair value of derivatives are recorded in current earnings along with the change in fair value of the underlying hedged item if the derivative is designated as a fair value hedge or in other comprehensive income if the derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge. If no hedging relationship is designated, the derivative is marked to market through current earnings. The Company utilizes natural gas forward contracts to hedge a portion of its TOR US natural gas needs and foreign currency forward contracts at TOR US and TMM to hedge a portion of its foreign currency risk. (See Note 13 to the "Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements" on page F-25)

Accounting for Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities

On January 1, 2004, the Company adopted the Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 46, " Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities - An Interpretation of ARB No. 51" ("FIN 46"). FIN 46 addresses consolidation of business enterprises of variable interest entities. The Company has not acquired any variable interest entities, therefore, the adoption of FIN 46 did not materially impact the Company's financial position or results of operations.

F - 12

TOR MINERALS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2004 & 2003

 

Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation - Transition and Disclosure

On January 1, 2003, the Company adopted SFAS 148, " Accounting for Stock Based Compensation - Transition and Disclosure - An Amendment to FASB Statement No.123" . Upon adoption of SFAS 148, the Company elected to change its method of accounting for stock options from the intrinsic value method of Opinion 25 to the fair value method of Statement 123. The Company utilized the "Modified Prospective Method" of transition as provided for in SFAS 148. Under the Modified Prospective Method, the Company recorded compensation expense related to stock options for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 of approximately $458,000 and $347,000, respectively, reducing diluted earnings per share by $0.06 and $0.05, respectively.

Exercise prices on options outstanding at December 31, 2004, ranged from $0.92 to $5.41 per share. The weighted-average remaining contractual life of the options is 7.32 years. The number of options exercisable at December 31, 2004 and 2003 was 476,450 and 421,650, respectively.

Recent Accounting and Regulatory Pronouncements

FASB Statement No. 123 (Revised 2004), Share-Based Payment

The FASB has issued FASB Statement No. 123 (Revised 2004), Share-Based Payment . The new FASB rule requires that the compensation cost relating to share-based payment transactions be recognized in financial statements. That cost will be measured on the fair value of the equity or liability instruments issued. Statement 123R represents the culmination of a two-year effort to respond to requests from investors and many others that the FASB improve the accounting for share-based payment arrangements with employees. Public entities that file as small business issuers will be required to apply Statement 123R in the first interim or annual reporting period that begins after December 15, 2005.

The scope of Statement 123R includes a wide range of share-based compensation arrangements including share options, restricted share plans, performance-based awards, share appreciation rights, and employee share purchase plans. Statement 123R replaces FASB Statement 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation , and supersedes APB Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees . Statement 123, as originally issued in 1995, established as preferable a fair-value-based method of accounting for share-based payment transactions with employees. However, that statement permitted entities the option of continuing to apply the guidance in Opinion 25, as long as the footnotes to the financial statements disclosed what net income would have been had the preferable fair-value-based method been used. Although those disclosures helped to mitigate the problems associated with accounting under Opinion 25, many investors and other users of financials statements believed that the failure to include compensation costs in the income statement impaired the transparency, comparability and credibility of financial statements.

As noted above, the Company adopted FASB Statement 148, Accounting for Stock Based Compensation - Transition and Disclosure on January 1, 2003. Upon adoption of Statement 148, the Company elected to change its method of accounting for stock options from the intrinsic value method of Opinion 25 to the fair value method of Statement 123. Therefore, the adoption of Statement 123R should not have an impact on the Company's earnings.

FASB Statement No. 151, Inventory Costs - An amendment to ARB No. 43, Chapter 4

On November 24, 2004, the FASB issued FASB Statement No. 151, Inventory Costs - An amendment to ARB No. 43, Chapter 4. This new standard is the result of a broader effort by the FASB to improve financial reporting by eliminating differences between GAAP in the United States and GAAP developed by the IASB. As part of this effort, the FASB and the ISAB identified opportunities to improve financial reporting be eliminating certain narrow differences between their existing accounting standards. Statement 151 clarifies that abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs and spoilage should be expensed as incurred and not included in overhead. Further, Statement 151 requires that allocation of fixed production overheads to conversion costs should be based on normal capacity of the production facilities. The provisions of Statement 151 are effective for inventory costs incurred during fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005. Companies must apply the standard prospectively. Because the Company has historically expensed the abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs and spoilage, management does not believe that adoption of this statement will materially impact our financial position or results of operations.

F-13

TOR MINERALS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2004 & 2003

 

Reclassifications

Certain 2003 balances have been reclassified for comparative purposes.

 

2.

Related Party Transactions

The Company entered into a loan and security agreement on April 5, 2001 with the Company's Chairman of the Board, Bernard Paulson, a 15.5% shareholder, through Paulson Ranch, Ltd. Paulson Ranch made a loan to the Company in the amount of $600,000 with an interest rate of 10.0%. The loan, which is subordinate to Bank of America, N.A., is secured by the Company's assets. On February 6, 2004, the Company paid the outstanding principal balance of $230,735 and accrued interest to Paulson Ranch.

On December 12, 2003, the Company entered into a loan and security agreement with the Company's Chairman of the Board, Bernard Paulson through the Paulson Ranch, Ltd., under which Paulson Ranch made a loan to the Company in the amount $500,000 with a variable interest rate of 4% per annum above the "Wall Street Journal Prime Rate". The loan, which is subordinate to Bank of America, N.A. and to the April 5, 2001 loan with Paulson Ranch, is secured by the Company's assets. Principal is due and payable on or before February 15, 2005. Accrued interest is paid monthly. The principal balance outstanding on December 31, 2004 was $500,000. The loan proceeds were used for working capital. On February 1, 2005, Paulson Ranch, Ltd. extended the maturity date this loan from February 15, 2005 to February 15, 2006 under the same terms and conditions.

On December 12, 2003, the Company entered into a loan and security agreement with David Hartman, a member of the Company's Board of Directors and a 7.9% shareholder, through the D & C H Trust, under which the D &C H Trust made a loan to the Company in the amount $250,000 with a variable interest rate of 4% per annum above the "Wall Street Journal Prime Rate". The loan, which is subordinate to Bank of America, N.A. and to the April 5, 2001 loan with Paulson Ranch, is secured by the Company's assets. The Company paid the outstanding principal balance of $250,000 and accrued interest to the D & C H Trust on February 6, 2004. The loan proceeds were used for working capital.

On December 12, 2003, the Company entered into a loan and security agreement with Douglas Hartman, a member of the Company's Board of Directors and a 7.9% shareholder, through the Douglas MacDonald Hartman Family Irrevocable Trust (the "Trust"), under which the Trust made a loan to the Company in the amount $250,000 with a variable interest rate of 4% per annum above the "Wall Street Journal Prime Rate". The loan, which is subordinate to Bank of America, N.A. and to the April 5, 2001 loan with Paulson Ranch, is secured by the Company's assets. The Company paid the outstanding balance of $250,000 and accrued interest to the Trust on February 6, 2004. The loan proceeds were used for working capital.

 

3.

Private Placement of Common Stock and Series A Convertible Preferred Stock

In January 2004, the Company raised approximately $2,500,000 through the placement of 526,316 shares of common stock at a price of $4.75 per share to existing shareholders and new institutional holders. The Company also raised $1,000,000 through the placement of 200,000 shares of convertible preferred stock at $5.00 per share. The convertible preferred stock has a 6.0% coupon rate, and each preferred share is convertible into 0.84 shares of common stock and is redeemable at the option of the Company after two years. The securities were issued pursuant to the exemption provided by Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933. The transactions were privately negotiated without any general solicitation or advertising. The purchasers are "sophisticated investors" within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 and have access to all information concerning the Company needed to make an informed decision regarding the transaction. At the date of issue, the common and preferred shares were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and, therefore, could not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements. The Company filed a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission covering the resale of the common shares, which was declared effective on October 12, 2004. The Company used $3,200,000 of the proceeds to pay amounts owed under the Company's domestic line of credit and related party loans from David Hartman and Douglas Hartman. The balance of the proceeds was used for working capital purposes.

F - 14

TOR MINERALS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2004 & 2003

 

4.

Series A Convertible Preferred Stock Dividend

On December 6, 2004, the Company declared a dividend, in the amount of $15,000, for the quarterly period ended December 31, 2004, payable on January 1, 2005, to the holders of record of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock as of the close of business on December 6, 2004. The Company declared total dividends in 2004 of $56,000 on the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock.

 

5.

Long-Term Debt and Notes Payable

A summary of long-term debt and notes payable follows:

(In thousands)

 

December 31,

 

 

2004

 

2003

Variable rate term note payable to a US bank, with an interest
rate of bank prime plus 1.0%, 6.25% at December 31, 2003;
due May 1, 2007



$



--



$



581

Variable rate term note payable to a Malaysian offshore bank,
paid February 2004

 


--

 


35

Variable rate term note payable to a Malaysian offshore bank,
paid February 2004

 


--

 


35

Other indebtedness, payable to Paulson Ranch, a related party,
with an effective interest rate 10.0%, due April 2005

 


--

 


231

Other indebtedness, payable to Paulson Ranch / D&CH Trust /
Douglas MacDonald Hartman Family Irrevocable Trust, related
parties, with an effective interest rate of 8.0%, due February 2006

 



500

 



1,000

Fixed rate term note payable to a US bank, with an interest rate
of 5.2% at December 31, 2004, due May 1, 2007.

 


581

 


--

Fixed rate term Euro note payable to a Netherlands bank, with an
interest rate of 5.5% at December 31, 2004, due June 1, 2009.
(608 Euro)

 



825

 



--

Fixed rate term Euro note payable to a Netherlands bank, with an
interest rate of 5.2% at December 31, 2004, due July 1, 2029.
(479 Euro)

 



650

 



--

Revolving line of credit, payable to a US bank, with an interest rate
of bank prime, 5.25% at December 31, 2004, due October 1, 2006

 


2,125

 


--


Total

 

----------
4,681

 

----------
1,882

Less current maturities

 

950

 

240


Total long-term debt


$

----------
3,731
=====


$

----------
1,642
=====

In 2003 the US revolving line of credit was classified as current due to the subjective acceleration clauses that allowed the bank to accelerate payment in the event that, in the judgment of the bank, the Company experienced adverse changes in its business. As noted below, the Company entered into a new loan agreement with Bank of America, N.A. on December 21, 2004, which removed the subjective acceleration clauses. As a result, the US revolving line of credit was classified at December 31, 2004 as long-term debt.

The majority of the Company's debt is either floating rate or has been recently negotiated and the carrying values approximate fair value.

F - 15

TOR MINERALS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2004 & 2003

 

US Bank Credit Facility

The Company entered into a new loan agreement with Bank of America, N.A. (the "Bank") on December 21, 2004, which amended and restated our previous loan agreement (the "Agreement") with the Bank dated August 23, 2002, as amended. Under the loan agreement, the Bank has agreed to continue to provide us with a $5,000,000 revolving line of credit (the "Line") subject to a defined borrowing base limited to the lesser of $5,000,000 or 80% of eligible accounts receivable and 50% of eligible inventory up to a maximum of $2,850,000. The revolving loan is due on October 1, 2006. The Bank has also agreed to issue standby letters of credit for our account up to the amount available under the Line. The Company's prior term loan with the Bank was restated under the loan agreement to the unpaid balance of $581,859. The term loan bears interest at 5.2% and matures on May 1, 2007. The Company is required to make monthly principal payments in the amount of $20,064 with payments commencing on January 1, 2005. Both the Line and the term loan are secured by the Company's property, plant and equipment, as well as inventory and accounts receivable. At December 31, 2004, the Company had $2,125,000 outstanding on the Line and $654,000 was available to the Company on that date based on eligible accounts receivable and inventory borrowing limitations.

The loan agreement contains covenants that, among other things, require the maintenance of financial ratios based on our consolidated results of operations. The loan agreement also requires the Company to notify the Bank upon the occurrence of a "material adverse event", which among other items, is considered to be an event that may adversely affect our financial condition, business, properties, operations, the Bank's collateral or the Bank's ability to enforce its rights under the loan agreement. Under our prior loan agreement with the Bank, the determination of an occurrence of a "material adverse event" was solely at the discretion of the Bank.

As noted above, the Agreement contains covenants that, among other things, require maintenance of certain financial ratios based on the results of the consolidated operations. The covenants, which are calculated at the end of each quarter, are as follows:

As of and for the four quarters ended December 31, 2004, the Company was in compliance with all financial ratios contained in the Agreement and expects to be in compliance for a period of twelve-months beyond December 31, 2004.

Convertible Debentures

In April 2001, the Company raised $3,010,000 in a private placement of common stock and convertible debentures. In the private placement, the Company issued 301,000 shares of its common stock and $2,709,000 principal amount of convertible debentures. At December 31, 2002, all but 200,000 debentures had been converted to common stock. On April 3, 2003, the Renaissance Group exercised its option to convert the remaining 200,000 debentures with a carrying value of $360,000 into 200,000 common shares at the $1.80 per share conversion rate.

Netherlands Bank Credit Facility

On July 7, 2004, the Company's subsidiary, TP&T, entered into a new loan agreement with Rabobank in the Netherlands. The agreement increased TP&T's line of credit from Euro 650,000 to Euro 760,000 ($1,031,000 at December 31, 2004) for the purpose of funding the refundable portion of VAT tax on the operation's building expansion. The increase in TP&T's line of credit will be in effect until March 31, 2005. The credit facility is secured by TP&T's inventory and accounts receivable. The Company has guaranteed this credit facility. At December 31, 2004, TP&T had utilized Euro 562,000 ($762,000) of their short-term credit facility with an interest rate of Bank prime plus 2% (6.75% at December 31, 2004).

F - 16

TOR MINERALS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2004 & 2003

 

On July 7, 2004, TP&T entered into a mortgage loan with Rabobank. The mortgage, in the amount of Euro 485,000 ($658,000 at December 31, 2004), will be repaid over 25 years with interest fixed at 5.2% per year for the first four years. TP&T utilized Euro 325,000 ($441,000 at December 31, 2004) of the loan to finance the July 14, 2004, purchase of land and an office building, as well as to remodel the office building. The balance of the loan proceeds, Euro 160,000 ($217,000 at December 31, 2004), will be used for expansion of TP&T's existing building. These funds have been placed in a restricted account for the building expansion and will remain in the restricted account until the Company has invested Euro 470,000 ($638,000 at December 31, 2004) in the expansion of TP&T's current plant facility. Monthly principal and interest payments commenced on September 1, 2004, and will continue through July 1, 2029. The monthly principal payment is Euro 1,616 ($2,192 at December 31, 2004). The loan balance at December 31, 2004 was Euro 479,000 ($650,000 at December 31, 2004).

On April 2, 2004, TP&T, entered into a new loan agreement with Rabobank. The new loan agreement with Rabobank funded a term loan in the amount of Euro 676,000 ($917,000 at December 31, 2004). The proceeds of the term loan were used to reduce the credit facility and reduce inter-company payables to Corpus Christi. The term loan, which is secured by TP&T's assets, will be repaid over a period of five years with a fixed interest rate until maturity of 5.5%. The Company has guaranteed this term loan. Monthly principal and interest payments commenced on July 1, 2004, and will continue through June 1, 2009. The monthly principal payment is Euro 11,266 ($15,285 at December 31, 2004). The loan balance at December 31, 2004 was Euro 608,000 ($825,000 at December 31, 2004).

On January 3, 2005, TP&T entered into a new mortgage loan with Rabobank to fund the acquisition of a 10,000 square foot warehouse with a loading dock that is located adjacent to TP&T's existing production facility. The mortgage, in the amount of Euro 470,000 ($633,000 on January 3, 2005), will be repaid over 25 years with interest fixed at 4.672% per year for the first five years. Thereafter, the rate will change to Rabobank prime plus 1.75%. Monthly principal and interest payments will commence on February 28, 2005 and will continue through January 31, 2030. The monthly principal payment will be Euro 1,566 ($2,125 at December 31, 2004). The mortgage is secured by the land and building purchased on January 3, 2005.

TP&T's loan agreements covering both the credit facility and the term loans include subjective acceleration clauses that allow the Rabobank to accelerate payment if in the judgment of the bank, there are adverse changes in the Company's business. The Company believes that such subjective acceleration clauses are customary in the Netherlands for such facilities. However, if demand is made by the lending institutions, the Company may require additional debt or equity financing to meet our working capital and operational requirements, or if required, to refinance the demanded indebtedness.

Malaysian Bank Credit Facility

The Company's subsidiary, TMM, entered into new loan agreements on November 23, 2004, with two banks in Malaysia, HSBC Bank Malaysia Berhad ("HSBC") and RHB Bank Berhad ("RHB") to renew their short term credit facilities through October 31, 2005. The RHB facility provides for an overdraft line of credit up to 1,000,000 Ringgits ($263,000) and an export line of credit ("ECR") up to 9,300,000 Ringgits ($2,447,000). The HSBC facility provides for an overdraft line of credit up to 500,000 Ringgits ($132,000) and an ECR up to 8,000,000 Ringgits ($2,105,000). The overdraft facilities bear interest at 1.25% over bank prime and the ECR facilities bear interest at 1.0% above the funding rate stipulated by the Export-Import Bank of Malaysia Berhad. The ECR is a government supported financing arrangement specifically for exporters and is used by TMM for short-term financing of up to 120 to 180 days against customers' and inter-company shipments. The borrowings under the short term credit facilities are subject to certain subjective acceleration covenants based on the judgment of the banks and a demand provision that provide that the banks may demand repayment at any time. We believe such a demand provision is customary in Malaysia for such facilities. The loan agreements are secured by TMM's property, plant and equipment. The credit facilities prohibit TMM from paying dividends and the HSBC facility further prohibits loans to related parties without the prior consent of HSBC. At December 31, 2004, TMM had utilized $560,000 of their facility under the ECR, with a weighted average interest rate of 3.5%.

At December 31, 2003, TMM had two term loans with HSBC Bank Labuan and RHB Bank Labuan with an outstanding principal balance on each of the two term loans of $34,998 for total outstanding borrowings of $69,996. The loans were secured by TMM's inventory, accounts receivable, and property, plant and equipment. These loans were fully paid on February 26, 2004.

F-17

TOR MINERALS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2004 & 2003

 

Liquidity

Management believes that it has adequate liquidity for fiscal year 2005 and expects to maintain compliance with all financial covenants throughout 2005.

The following is a summary of maturities of long-term debt as of December 31, 2004 (Euro maturities based on the December 31, 2004 exchange rate):

Year Ending December 31,

(In thousands)

 

 

2005

$

950

2006

 

2,575

2007

 

310

2008

 

210

2009

 

636


Total


$

----------
4,681
=====

 

6.

Inventories

A summary of inventories follows:

(In thousands)

 

December 31,

 

 

2004

 

 

2003

Raw materials

$

3,636

 

$

1,179

Work in progress

 

201

 

 

390

Finished goods

 

1,458

 

 

2,790

Supplies

 

682

 

 

566


Total Inventories

 

----------
5,977

 

 

----------
4,925

Inventory reserve

 

--

 

 

(30)


Net Inventories


$

----------
5,977
=====

 


$

----------
4,895
=====

Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or market, including adjustments for inventory expected to be sold below cost as a result of damage, deterioration, obsolescence or pricing factors. At December 31, 2003, the Company maintained a reserve of $30,000 for inventory obsolescence. No reserve was deemed necessary at December 31, 2004.

 

7.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Major classifications and expected lives of property, plant and equipment are summarized below:

(In thousands)

 

 

December 31,

 

Expected Life

 

2004

 

2003

Land and Office building

39 years

$

1,270

$

534

Production facilities

10 - 20 years

 

6,097

 

5,803

Machinery and equipment

5 - 15 years, or units of production

 

23,871

 

19,736

Furniture and fixtures

3 - 20 years

 

930

 

825


Total

 

 

----------
32,168

 

----------
26,898

Less accumulated depreciation

 

 

(15,394)

 

(14,169)


Property, Plant and Equipment, net

 

 

----------
16,744

 

----------
12,729

Construction in progress

 

 

1,533

 

--

Assets not yet placed in service

 

 

681

 

741

 

 


$

----------
18,988
=====


$

----------
13,470
=====

F - 18

TOR MINERALS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2004 & 2003

 

The amounts of depreciation expense calculated on the Company's property, plant and equipment for the years ending December 31, 2004 and 2003 were $1,142,000 and $1,144,000, respectively.

The Company's policy is to depreciate the SR production equipment (with a net book value of at December 31, 2004 and 2003 of $5,563,000 and $6,667,000, respectively which is included in machinery and equipment) over its remaining useful life using the units of production method and to evaluate the remaining life and recoverability of such equipment based on the projected units of production. Depreciation expense computed using the units of production method for 2004 and 2003 was approximately $242,000 and $329,000, respectively. There have been no material changes in the estimates of the units to produce upon which the units of production method of depreciation is based.

Assets not yet placed in service as of December 31, 2004, consist primarily of equipment and other construction costs related to the US Alumina plant construction. The Company originally planned to complete construction of the Alumina plant and begin US production in 2004. Due to the need to quickly add Alumina production capacity in 2003, the Company elected to add production capacity at its existing Alumina plant at TP&T. Management expects to complete construction and begin production sometime in the next two to three years. The expected costs to complete the US Alumina production line are approximately $4,000,000 to $6,000,000 depending upon the final scope of the project.

 

8.

Segment Information

The Company and its subsidiaries operate in the business of pigment manufacturing and related products in three geographic segments. All United States manufacturing is done at the facility located in Corpus Christi, Texas. Foreign manufacturing is done by the Company's wholly owned subsidiaries, TMM, located in Malaysia and TP&T, located in the Netherlands. A summary of the Company's manufacturing operations by geographic area is presented below:


(In thousands)

 

United States
Corpus Christi

 

Netherlands
TP&T

 

Malaysia
TMM

 

Inter-Company
Eliminations

 


Consolidated

Years ended :

December 31, 2004

Sales Revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

External customer sales

$

20,200

$

1,980

$

8,296

 

$

--

 

$

30,476

Intercompany sales

 

--

 

4,322

 

4,521

 

 

(8,843)

 

 

--


Total Sales Revenue


$

----------
20,200


$

----------
6,302


$

----------
12,817

 


$

----------
(8,843)

 


$

----------
30,476

Option Compensation Expense

$

458

$

--

$

--

 

$

--

 

$

458

Depreciation & amortization

$

449

$

352

$

399

 

$

--

 

$

1,200

Interest income

$

2

$

2

$

3

 

$

--

 

$

7

Interest expense

$

117

$

68

$

50

 

$

--

 

$

235

Income tax expense

$

32

$

--

$

151

 

$

--

 

$

183

Location profit (loss)

$

(1,051)

$

311

$

1,830

 

$

14

 

$

1,104

Goodwill

$

--

$

1,981

$

--

 

$

--

 

$

1,981

Capital expenditures

$

2,983

$

2,301

$

173

 

$

--

 

$

5,457

Location long-lived assets

$

5,447

$

8,068

$

7,673

 

$

--

 

$

21,188

Location assets

$

10,652

$

9,310

$

13,672

 

$

--

 

$

33,634

F - 19

TOR MINERALS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2004 & 2003

 


(In thousands)

 

United States
Corpus Christi

 

Netherlands
TP&T

 

Malaysia
TMM

 

Inter-Company
Eliminations

 


Consolidated

December 31, 2003

Sales Revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

External customer sales

$

15,832

$

1,500

$

6,795

 

$

--

 

$

24,127

Intercompany sales

 

--

 

2,708

 

2,414

 

 

(5,122)

 

 

--


Total Sales Revenue


$

----------
15,832


$

----------
4,208


$

----------
9,209

 


$

----------
(5,122)

 


$

----------
24,127

Option Compensation Expense

$

347

$

--

$

--

 

$

--

 

$

347

Depreciation & amortization

$

548

$

234

$

462

 

$

--

 

$

1,244

Interest expense

$

141

$

51

$

104

 

$

--

 

$

296

Income tax expense

$

61

$

--

$

--

 

$

--

 

$

61

Location profit (loss)

$

(763)

$

(293)

$

1,826

 

$

494

 

$

1,264

Goodwill

$

--

$

1,283

$

--

 

$

--

 

$

1,283

Capital expenditures

$

704

$

796

$

658

 

$

--

 

$

2,158

Location long-lived assets

$

2,926

$

3,917

$

7,952

 

$

--

 

$

14,795

Location assets

$

8,031

$

5,141

$

12,370

 

$

--

 

$

25,542

Product sales of inventory from TMM and TP&T to Corpus Christi are based on inter-company pricing, which includes an inter-company profit margin. In the geographic information, the location profit (loss) from all locations is reflective of these inter-company prices, as is inventory at the Corpus Christi location prior to elimination adjustments. Such presentation is consistent with the internal reporting reviewed by the Company's chief operating decision maker. The elimination entries include an adjustment to the cost of sales resulting from the adjustment to ending inventory to eliminate inter-company profit, and the reversal of a similar adjustment from a prior period. To the extent there are net increases/declines period over period in Corpus Christi inventories that include an inter-company component, the net effect of these adjustments can decrease/increase location profit.

For the twelve-month period ending December 31, 2004, the Company's operation located in the United States received approximately 24% its of total sales revenue from a single customer, the Malaysian operation received approximately 39% its of total sales revenue from a single customer and the Netherlands operation received approximately 30% from a single customer. Approximately 17% and 16% of the 2004 total consolidated sales were to Kerr-McGee Chemical Corporation ("KMG") and Engelhard Corporation, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2003, sales to KMG and Engelhard Corporation were approximately 15% and 9%, respectively.

Sales from the subsidiary to the parent company are based upon profit margins which represent competitive pricing of similar products. Intercompany sales consisted of SR, HITOX and ALUPREM.

The Company's principal product, HITOX, accounted for approximately 40% of net consolidated sales in 2004 and approximately 48% in 2003.

Approximately 30% of the Company's employees are represented by an in-house collective bargaining agreement which expires on December 31, 2005. We do not anticipate any problems associated with the renewal or negotiations of the collective bargaining agreement.

F-20

TOR MINERALS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2004 & 2003

 

9.

Calculation of Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

Years Ended December 31,

 

2004

 

2003

Numerator :

 

 

 

 

Net Income

$

1,104

$

1,264

Preferred stock dividends

 

(56)

 

--

Numerator for basic earnings per share -
income available to common stockholders

 

----------
1,048

 

----------
1,264


Effect of dilutive securities:

 

----------
--
----------

 

----------
--
----------

Numerator for diluted earnings per share -
income available to common stockholders
after assumed conversions



$



1,048



$



1,264

 

=====

 

=====

Denominator :

 

 

 

 

Denominator for basic earnings per share -
weighted-average shares

 

7,735

 

7,059

Effect of dilutive securities:

 

 

 

 

Employee stock options

 

299

 

131

Convertible debentures

 

--

 

50


Dilutive potential common shares

 

----------
299
----------

 

----------
181
----------

Denominator for diluted earnings per share - adjusted weighted-average shares and assumed conversions

 

8,034

 

7,240

 

=====

 

=====

Basic earnings per common share :

 

 

 

 

Net Income

$

0.14

$

0.18

 

=====

 

=====

Diluted earnings per common share :

 

 

 

 

Net Income

$

0.13

$

0.17

 

=====

 

=====

Excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share were a total of 157,000 common shares issuable upon conversion of the 200,000 convertible preferred shares for the year ended December 31, 2004. The convertible preferred shares were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share as the effect would be antidilutive. For the twelve-month periods ending December 31, 2004 and 2003, options excluded from the diluted earnings per share were 101,900 and 106,900 respectively. The options were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because the exercise price was greater than the average market price of the common shares and, therefore, the effect would be antidilutive.

 

10.

Income Taxes

Components of Pretax Income (Loss)

(In Thousands)

 

Years Ended December 31,

 

 

2004

 

2003

Domestic

$

(1,019)

$

( 702)

Foreign

 

2,306

 

2,027


Pretax income (loss)


$

----------
1,287
=====


$

----------
1,325
=====

Components of Income Tax Expense

(In Thousands)

 

Years Ended December 31,

 

 

2004

 

2003

State

$

32

$

61

Foreign Deferred

 

151

 

--


Income Tax Expense


$

----------
183
=====


$

----------
61
=====

F - 21

TOR MINERALS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2004 & 2003

 

The following table accounts for the difference between the actual tax provision and the amounts obtained by applying the statutory US federal income tax rate of 34% to income before taxes.

Effective Tax Rate Reconciliation

(In Thousands)

 

Years Ended December 31,

 

 

2004

 

2003

Expense (benefit) computed at statutory rate

$

438

$

450

Change in valuation allowance - Domestic

 

268

 

(113)

Change in valuation allowance - Foreign

 

(626)

 

(167)

Effect of fluctuations in foreign exchange rates

 

--

 

(122)

Effect of items deductible for book not tax, net

 

 

 

 

Option compensation

 

155

 

--

Unallowable interest

 

71

 

--

Other

 

12

 

41

Effect of foreign tax rate differential

 

(130)

 

(79)

State income taxes, net of Federal benefit

21

40

Other, net

 

(24)

 

11

 


$

----------
183
=====


$

----------
61
=====

Significant Components of Deferred Taxes

(In thousands)

 

December 31,

 

 

2004

 

2003

Deferred Tax Assets:

 

 

 

 

Net operating loss carryforwards - Domestic

$

3,752

$

3,405

Net operating loss carryforwards - Foreign

 

2,416

 

2,815

Domestic PP&E

 

40

 

121

Intercompany Profit

 

173

 

149

Alternative minimum tax credit carryforward

 

65

 

65

Domestic Reserves

 

20

 

20

Other deferred assets

 

22

 

19

 

 

----------
6,488

 

----------
6,594

Valuation allowance

 

(3,903)
----------

 

(4,903)
----------

Total Deferred Tax Assets

$

2,585

$

1,691

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred Tax Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

Foreign PP&E

 

1,705

 

1,691

Foreign goodwill

 

394

 

--

Foreign unrealized foreign currency gains

 

752

 

--

Other

 

13

 

--


Total deferred liabilities

 

----------
2,864
----------

 

----------
1,691
----------

Net deferred tax liability

$

(279)
=====

$

--
=====

The Company provides for deferred taxes on temporary differences between the financial statements and tax bases of assets using the enacted tax rates that are expected to apply to taxable income when the temporary differences are expected to reverse. At December 31, 2004, the Company had $278,000 of noncurrent net deferred tax liabilities that relate to its foreign operations. Our US operations had net deferred assets of $3,887,000 that were fully reserved by the valuation allowance due to uncertainties as to the Company's ability to utilize the net deferred tax asset.

At December 31, 2003, the Company had net deferred tax assets of $4,903,000 which were fully reserved in the valuation allowance due to uncertainties as to the Company's ability to utilize the net deferred tax asset. At December 31, 2004 and 2003, we had federal net operating loss ("NOL") carryforwards of approximately $11,035,000 and $10,010,000 respectively, and foreign NOL carryforwards at TMM of approximately $5,000,000 and $7,175,000, respectively, and at TP&T, approximately $2,945,000 and $2,300,000, respectively. Approximately $9,810,000 of the US NOL carryforward will expire in 2009 and the balance of $1,225,000 is set to expire from 2012 to 2024. The foreign NOL carryforwards do not have an expiration date.

F - 22

TOR MINERALS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2004 & 2003

 

The undistributed earnings of the Company's foreign subsidiaries are considered to be indefinitely reinvested. Accordingly, no provision for US federal and state income taxes or foreign withholding taxes has been provided on approximately $7,025,000 of such cumulative undistributed earnings. Determination of the potential amount of unrecognized deferred US income tax liability and foreign withholding taxes is not practicable because of the complexities associated with its hypothetical calculation.

The US Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") is currently examining the 2002 tax year. Although the IRS has yet to issue any proposed assessments, they have questioned the allowability of a 1994 NOL carryforward of approximately $9,810,000 that is scheduled to expire in 2009. The Company believes that its position complies with applicable tax law and we do not anticipate any material earnings impact.

 

11.

Stock Options

On January 1, 2003, the Company adopted FASB Statement 148, Accounting for Stock Based Compensation - Transition and Disclosure . Upon adoption of Statement 148, the Company elected to change its method of accounting for stock options from the intrinsic value method of Opinion 25 to the fair value method of Statement 123. The Company utilized the "Modified Prospective Method" of transition as provided for in FASB Statement 148. Under the Modified Prospective Method, the Company recorded compensation expense related to stock options for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 of approximately $458,000 and $347,000, respectively, reducing diluted earnings per share by $0.06 and $0.05, respectively.

The Company's 1990 Incentive Plan for TOR Minerals International, Inc. (the "1990 Plan") provided for the award of a variety of incentive compensation arrangements to such employees and directors as may be determined by a Committee of the Board. The ability to issue new options under the 1990 Plan expired in February of 2000, with options to acquire 372,200 shares of common stock still outstanding. At December 31, 2004, the 1990 Plan had 108,150 options outstanding.

On February 21, 2000, the Company's Board of Directors approved the adoption of the 2000 Incentive Plan for TOR Minerals International (the "Plan"). The Plan provides for the award of a variety of incentive compensation arrangements to such employees and directors as may be determined by a Committee of the Board. The maximum number of shares of the Company's common stock initially authorized to be sold or issued under the Plan was 750,000. In the Annual Shareholders' meeting on May 14, 2004, the maximum number of shares of the Company's common stock that may be sold or issued under the Plan was increased 300,000 shares from 750,000 shares to 1,050,000 shares subject to certain adjustments upon recapitalization, stock splits and combinations, merger, stock dividend and similar events. At December 31, 2004, the Plan had 701,800 options outstanding.

In 1999, an additional 75,000 options were issued outside the 1990 Plan at an exercise price of $2.125. Of the options issued outside the 1990 Plan, 50,000 options were outstanding at December 31, 2004.

Both the 1990 Plan and the 2000 Plan provide for the award of a variety of incentive compensation arrangements, including restricted stock awards, performance units or other non-option awards.

F-23

TOR MINERALS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2004 & 2003

 

The following table summarizes certain information regarding stock option activity:

 

Total
Options
Reserved


Options
Outstanding

Weighted Average
Exercise Price


Range of
Exercise Prices

Balances at 12/31/2002

992,900

383,600

$ 1.816

$ 0.92

-

$ 4.25

Additional options authorized

--

--

 

 

 

 

Granted

--

516,900

$ 2.834

$ 2.21

-

$ 5.40

Exercised

(47,850)

(47,850)

$ 1.512

$ 1.19

-

$ 1.53

Forfeited or expired

(2,700)
-------------

(3,000)
-------------

$ 3.759

$ 1.15

-

$ 4.25

Balances at 12/31/2003

942,350

849,650

$ 2.445

$ 0.92

-

$ 5.40

Additional options authorized

300,000

--

 

 

 

 

Granted

--

135,100

$ 4.230

$ 2.21

-

$ 5.41

Exercised

(124,200)

(124,200)

$ 1.874

$ 1.09

-

$ 3.25

Forfeited or expired

--
-------------

(600)
-------------

$ 2.210

$ 2.21

-

$ 2.21

Balances at 12/31/2004

1,118,150
========

859,950
========

$ 2.761

$ 0.92

-

$ 5.41

 

The number of options vested and exercisable at December 31, 2004 and 2003 was 476,450 and 421,650, respectively. The weighted-average remaining contractual life of options outstanding at December 31, 2004 is 7.32 years. Exercise prices on the outstanding options ranged from $0.92 to $5.41 per share as noted below.

Options Outstanding

Range of Exercise Prices

126,250

$ 0.92 - $ 1.99

511,700

$ 2.00 - $ 2.99

4,600

$ 3.00 - $ 3.99

115,500

$ 4.00 - $ 4.99

101,900

$ 5.00 - $ 5.41

-----------
859,950
======

 

Pro forma information regarding net income and earnings per share is required by Statement 148, which also requires that the information be determined as if the Company has accounted for its employee stock options granted subsequent to December 31, 1994 under the fair value method of that Statement. The fair value for these options was estimated at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions for 2004 and 2003, respectively: risk-free interest rates of 3.96% and 3.54%; a dividend yield of zero; volatility factors of the expected market price of the Company's common stock of .850 and .838; and a weighted-average expected life of the option of 5 years in 2004 and in 2003. The weighted-average fair value of options granted in 2004 and 2003 was $3.06 and $1.94, respectively. Of the options issued in 2004, 20,000 options were issued with an exercise price that was less than the market price of the stock on the grant date. These 20,000 options were issued with an exercise price of $2.21 and the market price on the date of grant was $4.76.

The Black-Scholes option valuation model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options which have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. In addition, option valuation models require the input of highly subjective assumptions including the expected stock price volatility and expected lives. Because the Company's employee stock options have characteristics significantly different from those of traded options, and because changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, in management's opinion, the existing models do not necessarily provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of its employee stock options.

In connection with all of the Company's stock options, 1,118,150 shares of the Company's common stock have been reserved.

F - 24

TOR MINERALS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2004 & 2003

 

12.

Profit Sharing Plan

The Company has a profit sharing plan that covers the US employees. Contributions to the plan are at the option of and determined by the Board of Directors and are limited to the maximum amount deductible by the Company for Federal income tax purposes. For the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, there were no contributions to the plan.

The Company also offers a 401(k) on US employees savings plan administered by an investment services company. Employees are eligible to participate in the plan after completing six months of service with the Company. The Company matches contributions up to 4% of the employee's eligible earnings. Total Company contributions to the 401(k) plan for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 were $75,000 and $37,000, respectively.

 

13.

Derivatives and Hedging Activities

Natural Gas Contracts

To protect against the increase in the cost of natural gas used in the manufacturing process, the Company has instituted a selective natural gas hedging program. The Company hedges portions of its forecasted natural gas purchases with forward contracts. When the price of natural gas increases, its cost is offset by the gains in the value of the forward contracts designated as hedges. Conversely, when the price of natural gas declines, the decrease in the cash flows on natural gas purchases is offset by losses in the value of the forward contract.

On September 3, 2002, the Company entered into a natural gas contract with Bank of America, N.A. to achieve the objectives of the hedging program. The Company designated the contract as a cash flow hedge. The contract was settled based on natural gas market prices for January 1, 2003 through April 30, 2003. The Company paid fixed prices averaging $3.90 per MM Btu on notional quantities amounting to 60,000 MM Btu's. The fair value of the hedge decreased $56,145 from December 31, 2002, to April 30, 2003 due to the settlement of the hedge.

On September 16, 2003, the Company entered into a new natural gas contract with Bank of America, N.A. to achieve the objectives of the hedging program. The Company designated the contract as a cash flow hedge, with the expectation that it would be highly effective in offsetting the price of natural gas. The contract was settled based on natural gas market prices from January 1, 2004 through April 30, 2004. The Company paid fixed prices averaging $5.26 per MM Btu on notional quantities amounting to 80,000 MM Btu's. The fair value of the hedge decreased $73,000 from December 31, 2003 to April 30, 2004 due to the settlement of the hedge. The recognition of this gain had no effect on the Company's cash flow.

At December 31, 2004, there were no natural gas hedge contracts outstanding.

Foreign Currency Forward Contracts

To protect its exposure to foreign exchange risks, the Company selectively enters into foreign currency forward contracts. Gains and losses on foreign exchange contracts designated as hedges of identified exposure are offset against the foreign exchange gains and losses on the hedged financial assets and liabilities. Where the instrument is used to hedge against anticipated future transactions, gains and losses are not recognized until the transaction occurs. At December 31, 2004, the Company marked the contracts to market, recording a net gain of approximately $37,000 as a component of "Other Comprehensive Income", $54,000 as a current asset and $17,000 as a current liability on the balance sheet at December 31, 2004. The recognition of this net gain had no effect on the Company's cash flow.

F - 25

TOR MINERALS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2004 & 2003

 

14.

Commitments and Contingencies

Land Lease

The Company operates a plant in Corpus Christi, Texas. The facility is located in the Rincon Industrial Park on approximately 14.86 acres of land, with 12.86 acres leased from the Port of Corpus Christi Authority (the "Port") and approximately two acres owned by the Company. The first lease, which covers 10 acres of the plant site and the second covers 2.86 acres. The lease payments are subject to adjustment every 5 years for what the Port calls the "equalization valuation". This is used as a means of equalizing rentals on various Port lands and is determined solely at the discretion of the Port. The Company and the Port executed an amended lease agreement on July 11, 2000, which extended the expiration dates of both leases to June 30, 2027.

Equipment Lease

The Company entered into a master lease agreement (the "Master Lease") Banc of America Leasing & Capital, LLC ("BALC") dated August 9, 2004, effective August 13, 2004, for equipment related to the HITOX plant expansion. The latest date for any funding under the Master Lease was December 31, 2004. At the end of the lease term, we can either: 1) return the equipment; 2) extend the lease for a period to be agreed upon by the Company and BALC for an amount equal to the equipment's fair market rental value as determined by BALC; or 3) purchase the equipment at the then fair market value of the equipment.

On September 29, 2004, the Company entered into the first lease agreement schedule ("Schedule #1") under the Master Lease with BALC. The amount of the lease, $694,205, has a term of 84 months with equal installments of $8,792 per month. Schedule #1 contains an early buyout provision that grants the Company the option of purchasing the equipment after the payment of the 72 nd installment for $172,302.

On December 21, 2004, the Company entered into the second lease agreement schedule ("Schedule #2") under the Master Lease with BALC. The amount of the lease, $246,808, has a term of 84 months with equal installments of $3,132 per month. Schedule #2 contains an early buyout provision that grants the Company the option of purchasing the equipment after the payment of the 72 nd installment for $64,392.

Minimum future rental payments under these and other immaterial leases as of December 31, 2004 are as follows:

Years Ending December 31,

(In thousands)

 

 

2005

$

217

2006

 

213

2007

 

197

2008

 

197

2009

 

197

Later years

 

1,185


Total minimum lease payments


$

----------
2,206
=====

Rent expense under these leases was $97,000 and $53,000 per year during 2004 and 2003, respectively.

Purchase Commitment

On July 20, 2004, the Company announced that our subsidiary, TP&T, had committed to the purchase of a 10,000 square foot warehouse with a loading dock located adjacent to TP&T's existing production facility for Euro 470,000 ($633,000). TP&T purchased this property on January 3, 2005.

Construction Contract

At December 31, 2004, the expansion of TP&T's existing facility from 10,000 square feet to 20,000 square feet was approximately 80% complete. The expansion is scheduled for completion during the first quarter 2005. The estimated cost to complete the project is approximately Euro 125,000 ($170,000 at December 31, 2004).

F-26

TOR MINERALS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2004 & 2003

 

Contingencies

There are claims arising in the normal course of business that are pending against the Company. While it is not feasible to predict or determine the outcome of any case, it is the opinion of management that the ultimate dispositions will have no material effect on the financial statements of the Company.

The Company believes that it is in compliance with all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to the discharge of substances into the environment, and it does not expect that any material expenditures for environmental control facilities will be necessary in order to continue such compliance.

 

15.

Principal Customer Information

For the year ended December 31, 2004, sales to KMG through a multi-year contract and Engelhard Corporation through a one year agreement accounted for approximately 17% and 16%, respectively of our total revenues in 2004 and 15% and 9%, respectively, in 2003.

 

16.

Foreign Customer Sales

Revenues from sales to customers located outside the US for the years ending December 31, 2003 and 2002 are as follows:

 

 

Years Ended December 31,

Geographic Region

 

2004

 

2003

Canada, Mexico & South America

$

2,627

 

3,028

Pacific Rim

 

2,578

 

1,355

Europe, Africa & Middle East

 

2,484

 

2,711


Total


$

----------
7,689
=====


$

----------
7,094
=====

 

17.

Sales by Product

Revenues from sales by product for the years ending December 31, 2004 and 2003 are as follows:

Product

 

2004 Sales

 

2003 Sales

HITOX

$

12,053

$

11,565

ALUPREM

 

8,111

 

4,735

SR

 

5,217

 

3,514

BARTEX

 

2,998

 

2,551

HALTEX

 

1,119

 

846

OTHER

 

978

 

916


TOTAL


$

----------
30,476
=====


$

----------
24,127
=====

 

18.

Subsequent Events

On January 3, 2005, our subsidiary, TOR Processing and Trade, BV ("TP&T"), completed the purchase of a 10,000 square foot warehouse with a loading dock located adjacent to TP&T's existing production facility. The total acquisition cost of the new facility was Euro 500,716 ($673,919). The acquisition was funded with a new mortgage loan with Rabobank in the amount of Euro 470,000 ($632,578) and operating cash of Euro 30,716 ($41,341).

F-27

TOR MINERALS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2004 & 2003

 

The mortgage loan with Rabobank (Euro 470,000) will be repaid over 25 years with interest fixed at 4.672% per year for the first five years. Thereafter, the rate will change to Rabobank prime plus 1.75%. Monthly principal and interest payments will commence on February 28, 2005, and will continue through January 31, 2030. The monthly principal payment will be Euro 1,566 per month. The mortgage is secured by the land and building purchased on January 3, 2005.

On February 1, 2005, the Company extended its related party loan with Paulson Ranch, Ltd. under the same terms and conditions from February 15, 2005 to February 15, 2006.

F - 28

EXHIBIT 3.1

CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

OF

HITOX CORPORATION OF AMERICA

 

 

 

FIRST: The name of the corporation is HITOX CORPORATION OF AMERICA.

SECOND: The address of its registered office in the State of Delaware is No. 100 West Tenth Street, in the City of Wilmington, County of New Castle. Then name of its registered agent at such address is The Corporation Trust Company.

THIRD: The nature of the business or objects or purposes to be transacted, promoted, or carried on by the corporation are as follows:

To engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may be organized under the General Corporation Law of Delaware.

To manufacture, purchase or otherwise acquire, invest in, own mortgage, pledge, sell assign and transfer or otherwise dispose of, trade, deal in and deal with goods, wares and merchandise and personal property of every class and description.

To acquire and pay for in cash, stock or bonds of this corporation or otherwise, the good will, rights, assets and property, and to undertake or assume the whole or any part of the obligations or liabilities of any person, firm, association or corporation.

To acquire, hold, use, sell, assign, lease, grant licenses in respect of , mortgage or otherwise dispose of letters patent of the United States or any foreign country, patent rights, licenses and privileges, inventions, improvements and processes, copyrights, trademarks and trade names, relating to or useful in connection with the business of this corporation.


To acquire by purchase, subscription or otherwise, and to receive, hold, or own, guarantee, sell, assign, exchange, transfer, mortgage, pledge or otherwise dispose of or deal in and with any of the shares of the capital stock, or any voting trust certificates in respect of the shares of capital stock, scrip, warrants, rights, bonds, debentures, notes, trust receipts, and other securities, obligations, choses in action and evidences of indebtedness or interest issued or created by an corporations, joint stock companies, syndicates, associations, firms, trusts, or persons, public or private, or by the government of the United States of America, or by any foreign government, or by any State, territory, province, municipality o other political subdivision or by any governmental agency, and as owner thereof to possess and exercise all the rights, powers and privileges of ownership, including the right to execute consents and vote thereon, and to do any and all acts and things necessary or advisable for the presentation, protection, improvement and enhancement in value thereof.

To borrow or raise moneys for any of the purposes of the corporation and, from time to time without limit as to amount, to draw, make, accept, endorse, execute, and issue promissory notes, drafts, bills of exchange, warrants, bonds, debentures and other negotiable or non-negotiable instruments and evidences of indebtedness, and to secure the payment of any thereof and of the interest thereon by mortgage upon or pledge, conveyances or assignment in trust of the whole or any part of the property of the corporation, whether at the time owned or thereafter acquired, and to sell, pledge, or otherwise dispose of such bonds or other obligations of the corporation for its corporate purposes.

To purchase, receive, take by grant, gift, devise, bequest or otherwise, lease, or otherwise acquire, own, hold, improve, employ, use and otherwise deal in an with real or personal property, or any interest herein, wherever situated, and to sell, convey, lease, exchange, transfer or otherwise dispose of, or mortgage or pledge, all or any of the corporation's property and assets, or any interest herein, wherever situated.

In general, to carry on any business, contrary to the laws of the State of Delaware, and to have and exercise all of the powers conferred by the laws of said State upon corporations formed thereunder, and to do any or all of the things hereinbefore set forth to the same extent as natural persons could do, and in any part of the world, as principal, agent, or otherwise, and either alone or in company with others.

To conduct business in the State of Delaware, other States, the District of Columbia, the territories and colonies of the United States, and in foreign countries, an have one or more offices out of the State of Delaware, and to purchase, lease, or otherwise acquire, hold, use, develop, operate, maintain, sell, mortgage, pledge, or otherwise dispose of real and personal property within and without said state.

To do all and everything necessary, suitable or proper for the accomplishment of any of the purposes or the attainment of any of the objects or the furtherance of any of the powers herein set forth, and to do every other act or acts, thing or things, incidental or appurtenant to or growing out of or connected with the aforesaid business or powers or any part or parts thereof, provided the same be not inconsistent with the laws under which the corporation is organized.

The objects and purposes specified in the foregoing clauses of this Article THIRD shall, except where otherwise expressed in this Article, be in no wise limited or restricted by reference t, or interference from, the terms of any other clause of this or any other article in this certificate of incorporation, but shall be regarded as independent objects and purposes and shall be construed as powers as well as objects and purposes.

The corporation shall be authorized to engage in any lawful act or activity which corporations may be organized under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, and all the powers conferred upon such corporations by the laws, as in force from time to time, of the State of Delaware so far as not in conflict herewith, or which may be conferred by all act heretofore or hereafter amendatory of or supplemental to said General Corporation Law or said laws, and the enumeration of certain power as herein specified is not intended as exclusive of , or as a waive of, any of the powers, rights, or privileges granted or conferred by said General Corporation Law or said laws now or hereafter in force; provided, however, that the corporation shall not in any state, district, territory, possession or country carry on any business, or exercise any powers, which a corporation organized under the laws of said state, district, territory, possession or country could not carry on or exercise.

The business and purposes specified in the foregoing clauses shall, except where otherwise expressed, be in nowise limited or restricted by reference to, or inference from, the terms of any other clause in this certificate of incorporation, but the business and purposes specified in each of the foregoing clauses of this article shall be regarded as independent business an purposes.

FOURTH: The total number of shares of stock which the corporation shall have authority to issue is Four Hundred Thousand (400,000) and the par value of each of such shares is Ten Cents ($.10), amounting in the aggregate to Forty Thousand Dollars ($40,000).

FIFTH: The name and mailing address of each incorporator is as follows:

Name

Mailing Address

David A. Rose

11 Broadway, New York, N.Y.

C. J. Head

11 Broadway, New York, N.Y.

Robert Cohen

11 Broadway, New York, N.Y.

SIXTH: The corporation is to have perpetual existence.

SEVENTH: The private property of the stockholders shall not be subject to the payment of corporate debts to any extent whatsoever.

EIGHTH: All corporate powers of the corporation shall be exercised by the Board of Directors except as otherwise provided by law. The Board of Directors may, by resolution or resolutions, passed by a majority of the whole Board, designate one or more committees, each committee to consist of two or more of the directors of the corporation, which, to the extent provided in said resolutions or in the by-laws of the corporation, shall have and may exercise the powers of the Board of Directors in the management of the business and affairs of the corporation, and may have power to authorize the seal of the corporation to be affixed to all papers which may require it.

The number of the directors of the corporation shall be fixed from time to time by the by-laws and may be altered from time to time by amendment of the by-laws, but shall never be less than three. The Directors shall hold office for a term of one year or until the next annual meeting of stockholders and until their respective successors shall have been duly elected and shall have qualified, whichever shall first occur, provided however, that (i) at any special meeting of stockholders called for the purpose, the stockholders by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the stock of the corporation having voting power, or (ii) the holder or holders of more than 50% of the outstanding stock entitled to vote for the election of the directors, by written demand therefore filed with or sent to the Secretary of the corporation, or in his absence any other officer of the corporation, may remove any Director or Directors, with or without cause, and elect his or their successors to hold office until the next annual meeting of stockholders and until their respective successor shall have been duly elected and shall have qualified, whichever shall first occur. In case of vacancies on the Board of Directors, other than upon removal by vote of the stockholders at a special meeting as aforesaid, a majority of the directors then in office may elect Directors to fill such vacancies until the next annual meeting of stockholders and until their respective successors shall have been duly elected and shall have qualified, whichever shall first occur.

The directors may hold their meetings and the corporation may have an office or offices outside the State of Delaware if the by-laws so provide.

The members of the Board of Directors and of any committee thereof shall be entitled to such reasonable compensation for their services and reimbursement of expenses as shall be fixed in accordance with the by-laws.

None of the directors or officers need be a stockholder or a resident of the State of Delaware.

The Board of Directors may make by-laws and from time to time alter, amend or repeal any by-laws, but any by-laws made by the Board of Directors may be altered, amended or repealed by the stockholders at any annual meeting or at any special meeting, provided that notice of such proposed alteration, amendment or repeal is included in the notice of such special meeting.

The Board of Directors shall have power from time to time to fix and determine and to vary the amount of working capital of the corporation, to direct and determine the use and disposition thereof, to set apart, out of any funds of the corporation available for dividends, a reserve or reserves for any proper purpose, an to abolish any such reserve in the manner in which it was created.

The Board of Directors may from time to time establish, reestablish, amend, alter or repeal and may put into effect and carry out such a plan or plans as may from time to time be approved by it for the distribution among or sale to the officers and employees of the corporation, or any of them, in addition to their regular salaries or wages, of any moneys or other property of the corporation, or of any shares of stock of the corporation, of any class, in consideration for or in recognition of the services rendered by such officers and employees.

The Board of Directors from time to time shall determine whether and to what extent and at what times and places and under what conditions and regulations the accounts and books of the corporation or any of them, shall be open to the inspection of the stockholders, an no stockholder shall have any right to inspect any account, book or document of the corporation except as conferred by statute or as authorized by resolution of the Board of Directors.

The Board of Directors shall have the power to authorize and cause to be executed mortgages and liens upon the real and personal property of the corporation.

When and as authorized by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the stock of the corporation issued and outstanding having voting power given at stockholders' meeting duly called upon such notice as is required by the Laws of the State of Delaware, or when authorized by the written consent of the holder or holders of more than 50% of the voting stock of the corporation issued and outstanding, the Board of Directors may sell, lease or exchange all or substantially all of the property and assets of the corporation, including its goods will and its corporate franchises, upon such terms and conditions and for such consideration, which may consist in whole or in part of money or property, including shares of stock in, and/or securities of, any other corporation or corporations.

In addition to the powers and authorities hereinbefore or by statue expressly conferred upon them, the directors may exercise all such powers and do all such acts and things as may be exercised or done by the corporation, subject, nevertheless, to the provisions of the laws of the State of Delaware, of this Certificate and of the By-Laws of the corporation.

NINTH: (a) No contract or transaction between the corporation and one or more of its directors or officers, or between the corporation and any other corporation, partnership, association, or other organization in which one or more of its director or officers are directors or officers, or have a financial interest, shall be void or voidable solely for this reason, or solely because the director or officer is present at or participates in the meeting of the board or committee thereof which authorizes the contract or transaction, or solely because his or their votes are counted for such purposes, if:

(1) The material facts as to his interest and as to the contract or transaction are disclosed or are known to the board of directors or the committee, and the board or committee in good faith authorizes the contract or transaction by a vote sufficient for such purpose without counting the vote of the interested director or directors; or

(2) The material facts as to his interest and as to the contract or transaction are disclosed or are known to the shareholders entitled to vote thereon, an the contract or transaction is specifically approved in good faith by vote of the shareholders; or

(3) The contract or transaction is fair as to the corporation as of the time it is authorized, approved, or ratified, by the board of directors, a committee thereof, or the shareholders.

(b) Common or interested directors may be counted in determining the presence of a quorum at a meeting of the board of directors or of a committee which authorizes the contract or transaction.

(c) Any director of the corporation may vote upon any contract or other transaction between the corporation and any subsidiary or affiliated corporation without regard to the fact that he is also a director and/or officer of such subsidiary or affiliated corporation.

TENTH: The corporation shall have the power to indemnify officers, directors, employees and agents and maintain indemnification insurance on behalf of any director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation to the fullest extent permitted by Section 145 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware or otherwise.

ELEVENTH: No holder of stock of the corporation shall, as such holder, have any right to purchase or subscribe for any stock of any class which the corporation may issue or sell, whether or not exchangeable for any stock of the corporation of any or classes and whether out of unissued shares authorized by the Certificate of Incorporation of the corporation as originally filed or by an amendment thereof or out of shares of stock of the corporation acquired by it after the issue thereof; nor shall any holder of stock of the corporation, as such holder, have any right to purchase or subscribe for any obligation which the corporation may issue or sell that shall be convertible into, or exchangeable for, any stock of the corporation of any class or classes, or to which shall be attached or appurtenant any warrant or warrants or other instrument or instruments that shall confer upon the holder or holders of such obligation the right to subscribe for or purchase from the corporation any stock of any class or classes; except, in each such case, such right as may be granted by the Board of Directors.

TWELFTH: Whenever a compromise or arrangement is proposed between this corporation and its creditors or any class of them and/or between this corporation and its stockholders or any class of them, any court of equitable jurisdiction within the State of Delaware may, on the application in a summary way of this corporation or of any creditor or stockholder thereof, or on the application of any receiver or receivers appointed for this corporation under the provisions of Section 291 of Title 8 of the Delaware Code or on the application of trustees in dissolution or of any receiver or receivers appointed for this corporation under the provisions of Section 279 of Title 8 of the Delaware Code order a meeting of the creditors or class of creditors, and/or of the stockholders or class of stockholders of this corporation, as the case may be, to be summoned in such manner as the said court directs. If a majority in number representing three-fourths in value of the creditors or class of creditors, and/or of the stockholders or class of stockholders of this corporation, as the case may be, agree to any compromise or arrangement and to any reorganization of this corporation as consequence of such compromise or arrangement, the said compromise or arrangement and the said reorganization shall, if sanctioned by the court to which the said application has been made, be binding on all the creditors or class of creditors, and/or on all the stockholders or class of stockholders, of this corporation, as the case may be, and also on this corporation.

THIRTEENTH: Meetings of stockholders may be held within or without the State of Delaware, as the by-laws may provide. The books of the corporation may be kept (subject to any provision contained in the laws of the State of Delaware) outside the State of Delaware at such place or places as may be designated from time to time by the board of directors or in the by-laws of the corporation. Elections of directors need not be written ballot unless the by-laws of the corporation shall so provide.

FOURTEENTH: The corporation reserves the right to amend, alter, change or repeal any provision contained in this certificate of incorporation, in the manner now or hereafter prescribed by statute, and all rights conferred upon stockholders herein are granted subject to this reservation.

WE, THE UNDERSIGNED, being each of the incorporators hereinbefore named, for the purpose of forming a corporation pursuant to the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, do make this certificate, hereby declaring and certifying that this is our act and deed and that facts herein stated are true, and accordingly have hereunto set our hands this 26th day of December, 1973.

 

 

___________________________________

David A. Ross

 

___________________________________

C.J. Head

 

___________________________________

Robert Cohen

 

STATE OF NEW YORK )

: s s. :

COUNTY OF NEW YORK )

BE IT REMEMBERED that on this 26th day of December, A.D. 1973, personally came before me, Joseph S. Libasci a Notary Public for the State of New York, DAVID A. ROSS, C.J. HEAD and ROBERT COHEN, all of the parties to the foregoing Certificate of Incorporation, known to me personally to be such, and severally acknowledged the said certificated to be the act and deed of the signers respectively and that the facts stated therein are true.

GIVEN under my hand and seal of office the day and year aforesaid.

 

Notary Public

CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT

OF

CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

OF

HITOX CORPORATION OF AMERICA

(Pursuant to Section 242 of the General Corporation Law)

 

Hitox Corporation of America, a corporation organized and existing under and by virtue of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, DOES HEREBY CERTIFY:

FIRST: That at a meeting of the Board of Directors of said Hitox Corporation of America duly convened and held, at which a quorum was present and acting throughout, resolutions were duly adopted setting forth a proposed amendment of the certificate of incorporation of said corporation for the purpose of considering said amendment. The resolution setting forth said amendment is as follows:

"RESOLVED, that Article Fourth of the Certificate of Incorporation of Hitox Corporation of America be and the same is hereby amended to read as follows:

 

FOURTH: The total number of shares of stock which the Corporation shall have the authority to issue is One Million Two Hundred Fifty Thousand (1,250,000) shares and the par value of each such share is twenty five cents ($0.25) amounting in the aggregate to Three Hundred Twelve Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($312,500.00)."

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, said Hitox Corporation of America has caused this certificate to be signed by William T. Glynn, its Chairman, this 28th day of December, 1979.

 

HITOX CORPORATION OF AMERICA

By ________________________________

William T. Glynn

Chairman

 

ATTEST:

___________________________

 

 

CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT

OF

CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

OF

HITOX CORPORATION OF AMERICA

 

Hitox Corporation of America, a corporation organized and existing under any by virtue of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, DOES HEREBY CERTIFY:

FIRST: That at a meeting of the Board of Directors of said Hitox Corporation of America duly convened and held, at which a quorum was present and acting throughout, resolutions were duly adopted setting forth a proposed amendment of the certificate of incorporation of said corporation for the purpose of considering said amendment. The resolution setting forth said amendment is as follows:

"RESOLVED, that Article Fourth of the Certificate of Incorporation of Hitox Corporation of America be and the same is hereby amended to read as follows:

 

FOURTH: The total number of shares of stock which the Corporation shall have the authority issue to is Two Million (2,000,000) shares and the par value of each such share is twenty five cents ($0.25) amounting in the aggregate to Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000.00)."

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, said Hitox Corporation of America has caused this certificate to be signed by William T. Glynn, its Chairman, this 12th day of August, 1982.

 

HITOX CORPORATION OF AMERICA

By ________________________________

William T. Glynn

Chairman

 

ATTEST:

___________________________

 

 

CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT

OF

CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

OF

HITOX CORPORATION OF AMERICA

 

Hitox Corporation of America, a corporation organized and existing under any by virtue of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, DOES HEREBY CERTIFY:

FIRST: That at a meeting of the Shareholders of said Hitox Corporation of America duly convened and held, at which a quorum was present and acting throughout, resolutions were duly adopted setting forth a proposed amendment of the certificate of incorporation of said corporation for the purpose of considering said amendment. The resolution setting forth said amendment is as follows:

"RESOLVED, that Article Fourth of the Certificate of Incorporation of Hitox Corporation of America be and the same is hereby amended to read as follows:

 

FOURTH: The total number of shares of stock which the Corporation shall have the authority issue to is Two Million, Five Hundred Thousand (2,500,000) shares and the par value of each such share is twenty five cents ($0.25) amounting in the aggregate to Six Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars ($625,000.00)."

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, said Hitox Corporation of America has caused this certificate to be signed by Richard L. Bowers, its President, this 28th day of December, 1983.

 

HITOX CORPORATION OF AMERICA

By ________________________________

Richard L. Bowers, President

 

ATTEST:

___________________________

 

 

CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT

OF

CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

OF

HITOX CORPORATION OF AMERICA

 

Hitox Corporation of America, a corporation organized and existing under any by virtue of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, DOES HEREBY CERTIFY:

FIRST: That at a meeting of the Shareholders of said Hitox Corporation of America duly convened and held, at which a quorum was present and acting throughout, resolutions were duly adopted setting forth a proposed amendment of the certificate of incorporation of said corporation for the purpose of considering said amendment. The resolution setting forth said amendment is as follows:

"RESOLVED, that Article Fourth of the Certificate of Incorporation of Hitox Corporation of America be and the same is hereby amended to read as follows:

 

FOURTH: The total number of shares of stock which the Corporation shall have the authority issue to is Five Million (5,000,000) shares and the par value of each such share is twenty five cents ($0.25) amounting in the aggregate to One Million Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($1,250,000.00)."

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, said Hitox Corporation of America has caused this certificate to be signed by Richard L. Bowers, its President, this 22nd day of January, 1988.

 

HITOX CORPORATION OF AMERICA

By

Richard L. Bowers

 

ATTEST:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CERTIFICATE OF AME NDMENT

TO THE

CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

OF

HITOX CORPORATION OF AMERICA

 

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 242 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, it is hereby certified as follows:

1. The name of the corporation is Hitox Corporation of American ("the Corporation").

2. The Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation is hereby amended by amending Article Fourth of the Certificate of Incorporation to read in its entirety as follows:

The total number of shares of stock that the Corporation shall have the authority to issue is Fifteen Million (15,000,000), consisting of Ten Million (10,000,000) shares of common stock of the par value of Twenty-Five Cents ($.25) per share and Five Million (5,000,000) shares of preferred stock of the par value of One Cent ($.01) per share.

The Board of Directors is authorized, subject to limitations prescribed by law and the provisions of this Article FOURTH, to provide for the issuance of the shares of preferred stock in series, and by filing a certificate pursuant to the applicable law of the State of Delaware, to establish from time to time the number of shares to be included in each such series, and to fix the designation, powers, preferences and rights of the shares of each such series and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof.

The authority of the Board with respect to each series shall include, but not be limited to, determination of the following:

(a) The number of shares constituting that series and the distinctive designation of that series;

(b) The dividend rate on the shares of that series, whether dividends shall be cumulative, and, if so, from which date or dates, and the relative rights of priority, if any, of payment of dividends on shares of that series;

(c) Whether that series shall have voting rights, in addition to the voting rights provided by law, and, if so, the terms of such voting rights;

(d) Whether that series shall have conversion privileges, and if so, the terms and conditions of such conversion, including provision for adjustment of the conversion rate in such events as the Board of Directors shall determine;

(e) Whether the shares of that series shall be redeemable, and, if so, the terms and conditions of such redemption, including the date or dates upon or after which they shall be redeemable, and the amount per share payable in case of redemption, which amount may vary under different conditions and at different redemption dates;

(f) Whether that series shall have a sinking fund for the redemption or purchase of shares of that series, and, if so, the terms and amount of such sinking fund;

(g) The rights of the shares of that series in the event of voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the corporation, and the relative rights of priority, if any, of payment of shares of that series; and

(h) Any other relative rights, preferences and limitations of that series.

3. The amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation herein certified has been duly adopted in accordance with the provisions of Section 242 of the Delaware General Corporation Law.

Signed and attested to on May 28, 1991.

 

 

HITOX CORPORATION OF AMERICA

By ________________________________

Richard L. Bowers, President

 

ATTEST:

___________________________

 

 

CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT TO CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

of

HITOX CORPORATION OF AMERICA

 

It is hereby certified that:

1. The name of the corporation (hereinafter called the "corporation") is Hitox Corporation of America.

2. The certificate of incorporation of the corporation is hereby amended by striking out Article FIRST thereof and by substituting in lieu of said Article the following new Article:

"FIRST: The name of the corporation is TOR Minerals International, Inc."

3. The amendment of the certificate of incorporation herein certified has been duly adopted in accordance with the provisions of Section 242 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.

DATED as of May 5, 2000.

 

 

______________________________
Bernard A. Paulson, President and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

CERTIFICATE OF DESIGNATIONS, PREFERENCES, RELATIVE RIGHTS,

QUALIFICATIONS, LIMITATIONS AND RESTRICTIONS

OF THE

SERIES A PREFERRED STOCK

OF

TOR MINERALS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Pursuant to Section 151 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, the undersigned corporation submits the following statement for the purpose of establishing and designating a series of shares and fixing and determining the relative rights and preferences thereof:

1. The name of the Corporation is TOR Minerals International, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the " Corporation ").

2. The Board of Directors duly adopted the following resolution in a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Corporation on January 15, 2004:

WHEREAS, the Corporation's directors have reviewed and approved the Certificate of Designation (" Certificate of Designation "), attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference, delineating the number of shares, the voting powers, designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional, redemption, conversion, exchange, dividend or other special rights and qualifications, limitations or restrictions of a series of Preferred Stock to be issued by the Corporation and designated Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the " Series A Preferred Stock "); now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that 200,000 shares of authorized but unissued Preferred Stock be designated Series A Preferred Stock and that the Series A Preferred Stock have the rights, preferences, limitations and restrictions set forth herein; and, be it

FURTHER RESOLVED, that the President or any Vice President of the Corporation, individually or collectively, be, and such officers hereby are, authorized and directed to execute, acknowledge, attest, record and file with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware the Certificate of Designation in accordance with Delaware General Corporation Law and to take all other actions that such officers deem necessary to effectuate the Certificate of Designation.

1. Series A Preferred Stock . The Series A Preferred Stock (the " Series A Preferred "), will consist of 200,000 shares and will have the designations, preferences, voting powers, relative, participating, optional or other special rights and privileges, and the qualifications, limitations and restrictions as follows:

2. Dividends and Distributions .

(a) Series A Preferred . The holders of record of shares of Series A Preferred shall be entitled to receive, for each outstanding share of Series A Preferred held by them, dividends at a rate per annum equal to 6% of the Per Share Purchase Price (as defined in that certain Securities Purchase Agreement, dated January 15, 2004, between the Corporation and the purchasers listed on the signature pages thereto (the " Securities Purchase Agreement ")) per share (as adjusted for any stock dividends, combinations or splits with respect to such shares) of Series A Preferred, calculated on the basis of 360 days comprised of twelve 30-day months, out of funds legally available therefore, prior and in preference to any declaration or payment of any dividend on the Common Stock or any other shares of stock of any class of the Corporation, whether or not presently authorized, ranking as to redemption, payment of dividends or distribution of assets junior to the Series A Preferred (collectively, the " Junior Stock ") of the Corporation. Such dividends shall be cumulative, shall begin to accrue as to each outstanding share from the date of original issuance thereof, and shall be due and payable quarterly in arrears on the first Business Day (as hereinafter defined) of January, April, July and October each year beginning April 1, 2004 (each, a " Dividend Date "). Accrued but unpaid dividends from and after any Dividend Date shall accrue interest at an interest rate equal to the dividend rate. No dividends shall be paid on or declared and set apart for any of the Junior Stock until all accumulated and unpaid dividends with respect to the shares of Series A Preferred shall have been paid on or declared and set aside for the shares of Series A Preferred. The foregoing provisions shall not prohibit or prevent dividends payable solely in the form of Common Stock being declared and delivered with respect to the outstanding shares of Common Stock. For purposes of this Section, a "Business Day" is defined as any day upon which the banks are open for the transacting of business in the State of Delaware.

(b) Other Permitted Distributions . Notwithstanding Section 2(a) hereof, the Corporation may at any time, out of funds legally available therefore, repurchase shares of Common Stock of the Corporation issued to employees, directors or consultants pursuant to agreements to repurchase such stock in existence as of the date of the Securities Purchase Agreement (provided that the purchase price shall not exceed the price paid by such employee, director or consultant for the purchase of such shares), in each case whether or not dividends on the Series A Preferred shall have been declared and paid or funds set aside therefore, and in each event subject to any other contractual restrictions entered into by the Corporation.

3. Liquidation Rights . In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Corporation, whether voluntary or involuntary (a " Liquidation "), distributions shall be made to the holders of Series A Preferred in respect of such Series A Preferred before any amount shall be paid to the holders of any other class or series of capital stock of the Corporation in the following manner:

      1. Series A Preferred . The holders of the Series A Preferred shall be entitled to be paid first out of the assets of the Corporation available for distribution to holders of its capital stock an amount equal to the sum of (i) the product of the Per Share Purchase Price multiplied by the number of shares of Series A Preferred then outstanding, plus (ii) all accrued but unpaid dividends and interest then owed (calculated through the date of Liquidation), prior to any distribution to the holders of any other Junior Stock. If the proceeds from a Liquidation are not sufficient to pay to the holders of Series A Preferred the full preference amount set forth above, then such holders shall instead be entitled to receive the entire assets and funds of the Corporation legally available for distribution to the holders of capital stock, which assets and funds shall be distributed ratably among the holders of the Series A Preferred based on the number of shares of Series A Preferred held by each holder bears to the total number of Series A Preferred held by all such holders.

(b) Remaining Assets . After payment to the holders of the Series A Preferred of the amounts set forth in Section 3(a) above, the entire remaining assets and funds of the Corporation legally available for distribution, if any, shall be distributed among the holders of the Junior Stock.

(c) Valuation of Securities and Property . In the event the Corporation proposes to distribute assets other than cash in connection with any Liquidation, the value of the assets to be distributed to the holders of shares of Series A Preferred shall be determined in good faith by the Board of Directors. Any securities not subject to an investment letter or similar restrictions on free marketability shall be valued as follows:

(i) if traded on a national securities exchange or the NASDAQ National Market System (or SmallCap Market System) (" NASDAQ "), the value shall be deemed to be the average of the security's closing prices on such exchange or NASDAQ over the thirty (30) trading day period ending three (3) days prior to the distribution;

(ii) if actively traded over-the-counter (other than NASDAQ), the value shall be deemed to be the average of the closing bid prices over the thirty (30) day period ending three (3) days prior to the distribution; or

(iii) if there is no active public market, the value shall be the fair market value thereof as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors.

The method of valuation of securities subject to an investment letter or other restrictions on free marketability shall be adjusted to make an appropriate discount from the market value determined as above in clauses (i), (ii) or (iii) to reflect the fair market value thereof as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors.

(d) Mergers, Consolidations and Asset Sales . Any consolidation or merger of the Corporation with or into any other corporation or the sale or other transfer in a single transaction or a series of related transactions of all or substantially all of the assets of the Corporation, or any other reorganization of the Corporation (including any reincorporation or other merger or reorganization involving solely the Company and one or more of its wholly-owned subsidiaries), shall not be treated as a Liquidation.

4. Conversion . The holders of Series A Preferred have conversion rights as follows (the " Conversion Rights "):

(a) Right to Convert . Each share of Series A Preferred shall initially be convertible, at the option of the holder thereof, at any time on or after the date of issuance thereof, into 0.84 shares of Common Stock (the " Per Share Conversion Price "). Upon conversion, all accrued but unpaid dividends and interest then owed on the Series A Preferred so converted shall be paid in cash, to the extent permitted by Delaware General Corporation Law (and if not then permitted, at such time as the Corporation is permitted by Delaware General Corporation Law to pay dividends). The Per Share Conversion Price shall not be subject to adjustment except in connection with a stock split, stock dividend, combination, recapitalization and the like.

(b) Mechanics of Conversion . Before any holder of Series A Preferred shall be entitled to convert the same into shares of Common Stock and to receive certificates therefore, such holder shall surrender the certificate or certificates therefore, duly endorsed, at the principal office of the Corporation or of any transfer agent for the Series A Preferred, and shall give written notice to the Corporation at such office that such holder elects to convert the same. The Corporation shall as soon as practicable after such delivery, or after agreement and indemnification in the case of lost or mutilated certificates, issue and deliver at such office to such holder of Series A Preferred, a certificate or certificates for the number of shares of Common Stock to which it, he or she shall be entitled as aforesaid. Such conversion shall be deemed to have been made immediately prior to the close of business on the date of such surrender of the shares of Series A Preferred to be converted, and the person or persons entitled to receive the shares of Common Stock issuable upon such conversion shall be treated for all purposes as the record holder or holders of such shares of Common Stock on such date.

(c) Adjustments to Per Share Conversion Price .

(1) Subdivisions, Combinations, or Consolidations of Common Stock . In the event the outstanding shares of Common Stock shall be subdivided, combined or consolidated, by stock split, stock dividend, combination or like event, into a greater or lesser number of shares of Common Stock, the Per Share Conversion Price of the Series A Preferred in effect immediately prior to such subdivision, combination, consolidation, stock split or stock dividend shall, concurrently with the effectiveness of such subdivision, combination, consolidation, stock split or stock dividend be proportionately adjusted.

(2) Reclassifications . In the case, at any time after the date hereof, of any capital reorganization or any reclassification of the stock of the Corporation (other than as a result of a stock dividend or subdivision, split-up or combination of shares), or the consolidation or merger of the Corporation with or into another person (other than a consolidation or merger in which the Corporation is the continuing entity and which does not result in any change in the ownership of the Common Stock), the shares of Series A Preferred shall, after such reorganization, reclassification, consolidation or merger be convertible into the kind and number of shares of stock or other securities or property of the Corporation or otherwise to which such holder would have been entitled if immediately prior to such reorganization, reclassification, consolidation or merger such holder had converted his shares of Series A Preferred into Common Stock. The provisions of this Section 4(c)(2) shall similarly apply to successive reorganizations, reclassifications, consolidations or mergers.

(d) Certificate as to Adjustments . Upon the occurrence of each adjustment or readjustment of the Per Share Conversion Price of the Series A Preferred pursuant to this Section 4 , the Corporation, at its expense, shall promptly thereafter compute such adjustment or readjustment in accordance with the terms hereof and furnish to each holder of Series A Preferred a certificate setting forth such adjustment or readjustment and showing in detail the facts upon which such adjustment or readjustment is based. The Corporation shall, upon the written request at any time of any holder of Series A Preferred, furnish or cause to be furnished to such holder a like certificate setting forth (i) such adjustments and readjustments, if any, (ii) the Per Share Conversion Price of the Series A Preferred at the time in effect, and (iii) the number of shares of Common Stock and the amount, if any, of other property which at the time would be received upon the conversion of the Series A Preferred.

(e) Status of Converted Stock . In case any shares of Series A Preferred shall be converted pursuant to Section 4 hereof, the shares so converted shall be canceled, shall not be reissuable and shall cease to be a part of the authorized capital stock of the Corporation.

(f) Fractional Shares . Any fractional shares shall be rounded down to the nearest whole.

(g) Miscellaneous .

(i) All calculations under this Section 4 shall be made to the nearest cent or to the nearest one hundredth (1/100) of a share, as the case may be.

(ii) No adjustment in the Per Share Conversion Price of the Series A Preferred will be made if such adjustment would result in a change in such Per Share Conversion Price of less than $0.01. Any adjustment of less than $0.01 which is not made shall be carried forward and shall be made at the time of and together with any subsequent adjustment which, on a cumulative basis, amounts to an adjustment of $0.01 or more in such Per Share Conversion Price.

(h) No Impairment . The Corporation will not through any reorganization, recapitalization, transfer of assets, consolidation, merger, dissolution, issue or sale of securities or any other voluntary action, avoid or seek to avoid the observance or performance of any of the terms to be observed or performed hereunder by the Corporation, but will at all times in good faith assist in the carrying out of all the provisions of this Section 4 and in the taking of all action as may be necessary or appropriate in order to protect the conversion rights of the holders of Series A Preferred against impairment.

(i) Reservation of Stock Issuable Upon Conversion . The Corporation shall at all times reserve and keep available out of its authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock, solely for the purpose of effecting the conversion of the shares of Series A Preferred, such number of its shares of Common Stock as shall from time to time be sufficient to effect the conversion of all outstanding shares of Series A Preferred. If at any time the number of authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock shall not be sufficient to effect the conversion of all then outstanding shares of Series A Preferred, the Corporation will take such corporate action as may, in the opinion of its counsel, be necessary to increase its authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock to such number of shares as shall be sufficient for such purpose.

5. Voting Rights . The holders of the outstanding shares of Series A Preferred will not be entitled to vote except as otherwise required by the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware and except that the Corporation shall not, without first obtaining the approval (by vote or written consent) of the holders of at least a majority of the shares of Series A Preferred then outstanding, voting as a separate class, take any action to:

(a) alter the rights, preferences or privileges of the Series A Preferred;

(b) create any new class or series of shares, or issue any such shares or options or convertible securities exercisable or convertible into such shares, that have a preference over or are on a parity with the Series A Preferred with respect to dividends or liquidation preferences;

(c) reclassify stock into shares having a preference over or parity with the Series A Preferred with respect to dividends or liquidation preferences;

(d) authorize or pay any dividend or other distribution (other than a stock dividend) with respect to the Preferred Stock or the Common Stock (other than the cash dividends or Payments-in-Kind payable to the holders of Series A Preferred and as permitted under Section 2(a) or as otherwise permitted under Section 2(b) ) if any dividends payable with respect to the Series A Preferred are in arrears;

(e) repurchase, redeem or retire any shares of capital stock of the Corporation other than (i) the redemption of the Series A Preferred in accordance with the terms hereof, or (ii) the purchase of Common Stock from employees, directors and consultants pursuant to agreements with the Corporation as of the date of the Securities Purchase Agreement to repurchase such stock; provided that the purchase price shall not exceed the price paid by such employee for such stock; or

(f) alter or amend the provisions of this Section 5 .

6. Redemptions .

(a) Optional Redemption . At any time following the second anniversary of the date of issuance of the Series A Preferred, the Corporation may elect, at its option, to redeem from time to time shares of Series A Preferred in an amount equal to at least five percent (5%) of the shares of Series A Preferred (an " Optional Redemption Date ") (such percentage to be based upon the number of shares of Series A Preferred outstanding on the day prior to the first Optional Redemption Date; provided that such number of outstanding shares shall be reduced by the number of shares of Series A Preferred converted after the first Optional Redemption Date) at a price per share equal to the Redemption Price (as defined herein).

(b) Redemption Price . The holders of Series A Preferred shall be entitled to receive from the Corporation on a Optional Redemption Date out of funds legally available therefore a cash amount equal to the sum of (A) the product of the Per Share Purchase Price multiplied by the number of shares of Series A Preferred held by such holder to be so redeemed, plus (B) all accrued but unpaid dividends and interest then owed (calculated through the Optional Redemption Date) with respect to the shares of Series A Preferred held by such holder to be so redeemed (the " Redemption Price ").

(c) Redemption Procedure . The Corporation shall designate by lot, or in such other manner as the Board of Directors may determine, the shares to be redeemed, or shall effect such redemption pro rata. Not more than 60 nor less than 30 days prior to the Optional Redemption Date, notice by first-class mail, postage prepaid, shall be given to the holders of record of the Series A Preferred to be redeemed, addressed to such stockholders at their last addresses as shown on the books of the Corporation. Each such notice of redemption shall specify the date fixed for redemption, the Redemption Price, the place or places of payment, that payment will be made upon presentation and surrender of the shares of Series A Preferred, that on and after the redemption date dividends will cease to accumulate on such shares, the then-effective conversion rate pursuant to Section 4 and that the right of holders to convert shall terminate at the close of business on the Optional Redemption Date.

Any notice which is mailed as herein provided shall be conclusively presumed to have been duly given, whether or not the holder of the Series A Preferred receives such notice; and failure to give such notice by mail, or any defect in such notice, to the holders of any shares designated for redemption shall not affect the validity of the proceedings for the redemption of any other shares of Series A Preferred. On or after the date fixed for redemption as stated in such notice, each holder of the shares called for redemption shall surrender the certificate evidencing such shares to the Corporation at the place designated in such notice and shall thereupon be entitled to receive payment of the Redemption Price. If less than all the shares represented by any such surrendered certificate are redeemed, a new certificate shall be issued representing the unredeemed shares. If, on the date fixed for redemption, funds necessary for the redemption shall be available therefore and shall have been irrevocably deposited or set aside, then, notwithstanding that the certificates evidencing any shares so called for redemption shall not have been surrendered, the dividends with respect to the shares so called shall cease to accrue after the date fixed for redemption, the shares shall no longer be deemed outstanding, the holders thereof shall cease to be stockholders, and all rights whatsoever with respect to the shares so called for redemption (except the right of the holders to receive the Redemption Price without interest upon surrender of their certificates therefore) shall terminate.

(d) Continuing Obligation . If at any time the Corporation determines that in accordance with the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware it is unable to redeem the shares of Series A Preferred on any Optional Redemption Date, such redemption obligation shall be suspended until such time and from time to time thereafter when additional funds of the Corporation are legally available for redemption of shares of Series A Preferred, whereupon such funds immediately will be used to redeem the balance of the shares of Series A Preferred which the Corporation has become obligated to redeem on any Optional Redemption Date but which it has not redeemed and such funds will not be used for any other purpose.

(e) Dividends; Rights of Holders . No share of Series A Preferred shall be entitled to any dividends (declared or otherwise) after the date on which the Redemption Price of such share of Series A Preferred is paid. On such date, all rights of the holder of such share of Series A Preferred will cease, and such share of Series A Preferred will be deemed to be not outstanding.

(f) Reissuance; New Certificates . Any shares of Series A Preferred which are redeemed or otherwise acquired by the Corporation will be canceled and will not be reissued, sold or transferred. If fewer than the total number of shares of Series A Preferred represented by any certificate are redeemed, a new certificate representing the number of unredeemed shares of Series A Preferred will be issued to the holder thereof without cost to such holder within fifteen (15) business days after surrender of the certificate representing the redeemed shares.

(g) Ratable Offers . Neither the Corporation nor any of its subsidiaries will redeem, repurchase or otherwise acquire any shares of Series A Preferred pursuant to this Section 6 , except as expressly authorized herein or pursuant to a purchase offer made pro-rata to all holders of shares of Series A Preferred on the basis of the number of shares of Series A Preferred owned by each such holder.

7. Notices of Record Date . In the event of any taking by the Corporation of a record of the holders of any class of securities for the purpose of determining the holders thereof who are entitled to receive any dividend or other distribution, or to receive any other right, the Corporation shall mail to each holder of Series A Preferred, at least twenty (20) days prior to the date specified therein, a notice specifying the date on which any such record is to be taken for the purpose of such dividend, distribution or right, and the anticipated amount and character of such dividend, distribution or right.

8. Notices . Any notice required by the provisions of this Certificate to be given to the holders of Series A Preferred shall be deemed to have been sufficiently received (except as otherwise provided herein) (a) upon receipt when personally delivered, (b) or one (1) day after sent by overnight delivery or telecopy providing confirmation or receipt of delivery, or (c) three (3) days after being sent by certified or registered mail, postage and charges prepaid, return receipt requested, and addressed to each holder of record at such holder's address appearing on the books of the Corporation.

3. The undersigned further certifies that the authorized number of shares of Preferred Stock is 5,000,000 and that the number of shares of the Series A Preferred Stock, none of which has been issued, is 200,000.

4. The resolution set forth above has been duly adopted by all necessary action on the part of the Corporation.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, TOR Minerals International, Inc. has caused this Certificate to be executed by Richard L. Bowers, its President, and attested by Elizabeth K. Morgan, its Secretary, this 15 th day of January, 2004.

 

TOR MINERALS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

 

By:____________________________

Richard L. Bowers, President

 

ATTESTED:

 

By:____________________________

Elizabeth K. Morgan, Secretary

 

 

CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT

OF

CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

* * * * *

 

TOR Minerals International, Inc., a corporation organized and existing under and by virtue of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware,

DOES HEREBY CERTIFY:

FIRST: That at a meeting of the Board of Directors of TOR Minerals International, Inc. resolutions were duly adopted setting forth a proposed amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of said corporation, declaring said amendment to be advisable and calling a meeting of the stockholders of said corporation for consideration thereof. The resolution setting forth the proposed amendment is as follows:

RESOLVED, That the Certificate of Incorporation of this corporation be amended by changing the first paragraph of the Fourth Article thereof so that, as amended said Article shall be and read as follows:

"The total number of shares of stock that the Corporation shall have authority to issue is Twenty-Five million (25,000,000), consisting of Twenty Million (20,000,000) shares of common stock of the par value of Twenty-Five Cents ($.25) per share and Five Million (5,000,000) shares of preferred stock of the par value of One Cent ($.01) per share."

SECOND: That thereafter, pursuant to resolution of its Board of Directors, an annual meeting of the stockholders of said corporation was duly called and held upon notice in accordance with Section 222 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, at which meeting the necessary number of shares as required by statute were voted in favor of the amendment.

THIRD: That said amendment was duly adopted in accordance with the provisions of Section 242 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, said TOR Minerals International, Inc. has caused this certificate to be signed by ______________________________, its _______________________ , this ____ day of May, 2004.

 

 

 

By:____________________________

Elizabeth K. Morgan, Secretary

EXHIBIT 3.2

TOR MINERALS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

BY-LAWS

______________________________________

ARTICLE I

STOCKHOLDERS

 

SECTION 1. The annual meetings of the stockholders of the Corporation shall be held in such city in the United States, and at such time and at such place in such city as the Board of Directors, from time to time, shall establish provided that at least ten days notice shall be given to the stockholders of the time and place so fixed, on a day in May of each year, for the purpose of electing directors and for the transaction of such other business as may properly be brought before the meeting.

SECTION 2. Special meetings of the stockholders may be called upon the call of the Board of Directors or of the Executive Committee or of the Chairman or President (and shall be called by the Chairman or President at the request in writing of stockholders owning 10% of the outstanding shares of the Corporation entitled to vote at the meeting), at such time and at such place within or without the State of Delaware, as may be fixed by the Board of Directors or by the Executive Committee or by the Chairman or President (or by the stockholders owning 10% of the outstanding shares of the Corporation entitled to vote), as the case may be, and as may be stated in the notice setting forth such call.

If the Chairman or President, shall not, within five days after the receipt of such request from stockholders owning 10% of the outstanding shares of the Corporation entitled to vote; notify such holders of such stock in writing that such request will be complied with, or if notice of such meeting shall not be given within twenty-five days after the receipt of such request, such holders of outstanding stock of the Corporation entitled to vote shall have the power to call and convene such meeting of the stockholders. The record date for the determination of the holders of the outstanding stock entitled to vote at any such meeting called by such holders of such stock, as hereinabove provided, shall be the close of business on the thirtieth day next preceding the date on which such meeting shall be called to be held, unless such thirtieth day shall fall on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, in which event such record date shall be the close of business on the next preceding business day which is not a Saturday.

SECTION 3. Notice of the time and place for every meeting of stockholders shall be delivered personally or mailed at least ten days previous thereto to each stockholder of record entitled to vote, who shall have furnished a written address to the Secretary of the Corporation for the purpose. Such further notice shall be given as may be required by law. Meetings may be held without notice, if all stockholders entitled to vote are present, or if notice is waived by those not present. Notice of any meeting of stockholders shall not be required to be given to any stockholder who shall attend such meeting in person or by proxy; and if any stockholder shall, in person or by attorney thereunto authorized, in writing or by telegraph or cable, waive notice of any meeting, whether before or after such meeting be held, notice thereof need not be given him.

SECTION 4. The holders of record of a majority of the shares of the capital stock of the Corporation, issued and outstanding and entitled to vote, present in person or by proxy, shall except as otherwise provided by law, constitute a quorum at all meetings of the stockholders. If there be no such quorum, the holders of a majority of such shares so present or represented may adjourn the meeting from time to time until a quorum shall have been obtained and no notice of the adjourned meeting need be given except as required by law. At any adjourned meeting at which a quorum shall be represented, any business may be transacted which might have been transacted if the meeting had been held on the date originally fixed.

SECTION 5. Meetings of the stockholders shall be presided over by the Chairman or in his absence, the President, or, in his absence, a Chairman chosen at the meeting. The Secretary of the Corporation, or an Assistant Secretary, or, a person chosen at the meeting shall act as Secretary of the meeting.

SECTION 6. Each stockholder entitled to vote at any meeting shall have one vote in person or by proxy for each share of stock held by him which has voting power upon the matter in question at the time; but no proxy shall be voted on after three years from its date, unless the proxy provides for a longer period.

SECTION 7. At all elections of directors by the stockholders the voting shall be by ballot, and a majority of the votes cast thereat shall elect. The vote upon any question before any meeting of stockholders, other than the election of directors, shall, in the discretion of the presiding officer at any such meeting, be either by ballot or viva voce. At all meetings of stockholders, all questions (except matters of procedure which shall be determined by the Chairman of the meeting), the manner of deciding which is not specifically regulated by statute, or by the Certificate of Incorporation, or by these By-Laws, shall be determined by the vote of a majority of the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting present in person or by proxy.

SECTION 8. The presiding officer at each meeting of stockholders shall appoint an inspector or inspectors of election to conduct all votes by ballot unless such appointment shall be unanimously waived by those stockholders present or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote. In case any person appointed as an inspector shall fail to appear or to act, a substitute inspector shall be appointed by the presiding officer. Inspectors of election need not be stockholders of the Corporation and may be officers or employees of the Corporation, except that no director or candidate for the office of director shall be appointed as an inspector. Inspectors of election shall first take and subscribe to an oath or affirmation faithfully to execute the duties of inspector of such meeting with strict impartiality and according to the best of their respective abilities, and shall take charge of the polls and after the balloting shall make a certificate of the result of the vote taken.

SECTION 9. The officer who has charge of the stock ledger shall prepare and make, at least ten days before every meeting of stockholders, a complete list of the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting, arranged in alphabetical order, and showing the address of each stockholder and the number of shares registered in the name of each stockholder. Such list shall be open to the examination of any stockholder, for any purpose germane to the meeting, during ordinary business hours for a period of at least ten days prior to the meeting, either at a place within the city where the meeting is to be held, which place shall be specified in the notice of the meeting, or, if not so specified, at the place where the meeting is to be held. The list shall also be produced and kept at the time and place of the meeting during the whole time thereof, and may be inspected by any stockholder who is present.

The stock ledger shall be the only evidence as to who are the stockholders entitled to examine the stock ledger, said list of stockholders, or to vote in person or by proxy at any meeting of stockholders.

ARTICLE II

DIRECTORS

 

SECTION 1. (Amended 5/10/01) The number of directors which shall constitute the whole Board of Directors of the Corporation shall be fixed from time to time by resolution of the Board of Directors but shall not be less than five (5) nor more than nine (9), who shall serve and hold office until their respective successors are duly elected and qualified or until the annual meeting of the stockholders next ensuing or resignation or removal, whichever shall be first . A majority of the total number of directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. The vote of the majority of the directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is present, shall be the act of the Board of Directors. If at any meeting of the Board of Directors there shall be less than a quorum present, a majority of those present may adjourn the meeting from time to time until a quorum shall have been obtained.

SECTION 2. In case of vacancies on the Board of Directors, other than upon removal in the manner authorized in Section 7 of this Article II of the By-Laws, a majority of the Directors then in office may elect Directors to fill such vacancies until the next annual meeting of stockholders or until their respective successors shall have been duly elected and shall have qualified, whichever shall first occur. In case of any increase in the number of Directors, the additional Directors may be elected by the Board of Directors to hold office until the next annual meeting of the stockholders and until their successors are elected and qualified.

SECTION 3. Meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held at such place, within or without the State of Delaware, as may from time to time be fixed by resolution of the Board, or as may be specified in the call of any meeting. Regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held at such times as may from time to time be fixed by resolution of the Board, and special meetings may be held at any time upon the call of the Executive Committee Chairman or President, or a majority of directors, by oral, telegraphic, electronic or written notice, duly served on or sent or mailed to each Director not less than one day before such meeting. A meeting of the Board may be held without notice immediately after the annual meeting of stockholders at the same place at which such meeting was held. Notice need not be given of regular meetings of the Board held at times fixed by resolution of the Board. Meetings, whether regular or special, may be held at any time without notice if all the Directors are present or if those not present waive notice of the meeting in writing.

SECTION 4. (Amended 6/14/94) The Board of Directors may, in its discretion, by resolution passed by a majority of the whole Board designate an Executive Committee to consist of such Directors as the Board may from time to time determine, which Committee shall have, and may exercise when the Board is not in session, the powers of the Board of Directors in the management of the business and affairs of the Corporation, and shall have power to authorize the seal of the Corporation to be affixed to all papers which may require it; but the Executive Committee shall not have the power to fill vacancies in the Board or to change the membership of or to fill vacancies in the said Committee, or to make or amend By-Laws of the Corporation. The Board shall have the power at any time to change the membership of said Committee, to fill vacancies in it, or to dissolve it. The Executive Committee may make rules for the conduct of its business. A majority of the members of the said Committee shall constitute a quorum.

SECTION 5. The Board of Directors may, in its discretion, appoint other committees which shall have and may exercise such powers as shall be respectively conferred or authorized by the resolutions appointing them. A majority of any such committee, composed of more than two members, may determine its action and fix the time and place of its meetings, unless the Board of Directors shall otherwise provide. The Board of Directors shall have power at any time to change the members of such committee, to fill vacancies therein, and to dissolve the same.

SECTION 6. Each Director shall be paid such compensation, if any, and such sum for expenses of attendance, if any, as shall be fixed by the Board of Directors for his services as a director or as a member of a committee or both.

SECTION 7. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in the By-Laws of the Corporation, any one or more or all of the Directors may be removed either with or without cause at any time by the affirmative vote of a majority of issued and outstanding shares of stock of the Corporation at any special meeting which may be called by the Chairman or President at the request of the holder or holders of 10% of the outstanding shares entitled to vote for the election of Directors, at such time at such place within or without the State of Delaware as may be fixed in the notice of said meeting and thereupon the term of each Director or Directors who shall have been so removed shall forthwith terminate and there shall be a vacancy or vacancies in the Board of Directors, which vacancy or vacancies shall be filled by the election of a new Director or Directors at the same special meeting, which new Director or Directors shall serve until his successor or their successors shall be elected and shall qualify.

SECTION 8. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in the By-Laws of the Corporation, a Director may also be removed from office at any time during his or her term with or without cause by written demand therefor by the holder or holders of more than 50% of the outstanding stock entitled to vote for the election of Directors filed with or sent to the Secretary of the Corporation, or in his or her absence any other officer of the Corporation.

 

ARTICLE III (Amended 3/3/93)

INDEMNIFICATION

 

SECTION 1. Indemnification of Directors and Officers .

(a) Right to Indemnification . The Corporation shall indemnify and hold harmless, to the fullest extent permissible under Delaware law, as the same exists or may hereafter exist in the future (but, in the case of any future change, only to the extent that such change permits the Corporation to provide broader indemnification rights than the law permitted prior to such change), each person who was or is made a party or is threatened to be made a party or is otherwise involved in any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether formal or informal, whether of a civil, criminal, administrative or investigative nature (hereinafter a "proceeding"), by reason of the fact that he or she, or a person of whom he or she is the legal representative, is or was a director or officer of the Corporation, whether the basis of such proceeding is an alleged action or inaction in an official capacity or in any other capacity, from and against all costs, charges, liabilities and losses (including, without limitation, judgments, fines, ERISA excise taxes, or penalties and amounts paid or to be paid in settlement) suffered and expenses (including, without limitation, attorneys' fees and expenses) reasonably incurred by such person in connection therewith and such indemnification shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director or officer and shall inure to the benefit of his or her heirs, executors and administrators. The Corporation shall be required to indemnify a director or officer in connection with a proceeding initiated by such person only if such proceeding was authorized by the Board of Directors of the Corporation.

(b) Prepayment of Expenses . The Corporation shall pay expenses actually incurred by a director or officer in connection with any proceeding in advance of its final disposition; provided, however, that if Delaware law then requires, the payment of such expenses incurred by a director or officer in advance of the final disposition of a proceeding shall be made only upon delivery to the Corporation of an undertaking, by or on behalf of such director or officer, to repay all amounts so advanced if it shall ultimately be determined that such director or officer is not entitled to be indemnified under this Article or otherwise.

(c) Claims . If a claim under paragraph (a) of this Section 1 is not paid in full by the Corporation within thirty days after a written claim has been received by the Corporation, the claimant may at any time thereafter bring suit against the Corporation to recover the unpaid amount of the claim and, if successful in whole or in part, the claimant shall be entitled to be paid also the expense of prosecuting such claim. Neither the failure of the Corporation (including its Board, independent legal counsel, or its stockholders) to have made a determination that indemnification of the claimant is permissible in the circumstances because the claimant has met the applicable standard of conduct, if any, nor an actual determination by the Corporation (including its Board, independent legal counsel, or its shareholders) that the claimant has not met the standard of conduct, shall be a defense to the action or create a presumption that the claimant has not met the standard of conduct. In any such action, the Corporation shall have the burden of proving that the director or officer was not entitled to the requested indemnification or payment of expenses under applicable law.

SECTION 2. Indemnification of Employees and Agents . The Corporation may, in the discretion of the Board of Directors of the Corporation, provide indemnification to employees and agents of the Corporation to the fullest extent permissible under Delaware law.

SECTION 3. Expenses as a Witness . To the extent that any director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation is by reason of such position, or position with another entity at the request of the Corporation, a witness in any action, suit or proceeding, he or she shall be indemnified against all costs and expenses actually and reasonably incurred by him or her or on his or her behalf in connection therewith.

SECTION 4. Insurance . The Corporation may maintain insurance, at its expense, to protect itself and any director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation or of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any such expense, liability or loss, whether or not the Corporation would have the power to indemnify such person against such expense, liability or loss under Delaware law.

SECTION 5. Indemnity Agreements . The Corporation may enter into agreements with any director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation providing for indemnification to the fullest extent permissible under Delaware law.

SECTION 6. Separability . Each and every paragraph, sentence, term and provision of this Article III is separate and distinct, so that if any paragraph, sentence, term or provision hereof shall be held to be invalid or unenforceable for any reason, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect the validity or unenforceability of any other paragraph, sentence, term or provision hereof. To the extent required, any paragraph, sentence, term or provision of this Article III may be modified by a court of competent jurisdiction to preserve its validity and to provide the claimant with, subject to the limitations set forth in this Article III and any agreement between the Corporation and claimant, the broadest possible indemnification permitted under applicable law.

SECTION 7. Contract Right . Each of the rights conferred on directors and officers of the Corporation by Sections 1 and 3 of this Article and on employees or agents of the Corporation by Section 3 of this Article shall be a contract right and any repeal or amendment of the provisions of this Article shall not adversely affect any right hereunder of any person existing at the time of such repeal or amendment with respect to any act or omission occurring prior to the time of such repeal or amendment, and, further, such repeal or amendment shall not apply to any proceeding, irrespective of when the proceeding is initiated, arising from the service of such person prior to such repeal or amendment.

SECTION 8. Nonexclusivity . The rights conferred on any person by Article III shall not be exclusive of any other rights that any person may have or hereafter acquire under any statute, bylaw, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise.

SECTION 9. Other Indemnification . The Corporation's obligation, if any, to indemnify any person who was or is serving at its request as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, enterprise or non-profit entity shall be reduced by any amount such person has collected as indemnification from such other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, enterprise or non-profit enterprise.

SECTION 10. Indemnification For Proceedings Arising From Service Prior to Adoption of this Article III . The provisions of this Article III shall apply, subject to the limitations set forth in this Article III, to any proceeding, irrespective of when the proceeding is initiated, arising from the service of any person both prior to and from and after the adoption of this Article III; provided, however, if for any reason the provisions of this Article III shall not be valid or enforceable or applicable to any proceeding, irrespective of when the proceeding is initiated, arising from the service of any person prior to the adoption of this Article III, then the repeal of provisions of Article III of the Bylaws of the Corporation in effect prior to the adoption of this Article III shall not adversely affect any right or protection thereunder of any person in respect of any act or omission occurring prior to the time of such repeal, and in such circumstance, the provisions of the former Article III shall be contract rights that shall apply to any proceeding, irrespective of when the proceeding is initiated, arising from the service of such person prior to such repeal.

ARTICLE IV

OFFICERS

 

SECTION 1. The Board of Directors, as soon as may be practicable after the election thereof held in each year, shall choose a Chairman, a President, one or more Vice Presidents, a Secretary and a Treasurer. The Board of Directors or the Executive Committee may from time to time appoint such additional Vice Presidents, such Assistant Secretaries, Assistant Treasurers and such other officers as it may deem proper and may fill vacancies in any offices. The offices of Secretary and Treasurer may be held by the same person, and a Vice President of the Corporation may also be either the Secretary or the Treasurer. The Chairman and the President shall be chosen from the Directors. The Chairman shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation unless otherwise designated by the Board of Directors.

SECTION 2. The term of office of all officers shall be one year, or until their respective successors are chosen, but any officer may be removed from office with or without cause at any time by the affirmative vote of a majority of the members of the Board then in office.

SECTION 3. The officers of the Corporation shall each have such powers and duties as generally pertain to their respective offices, as well as such powers and duties as from time to time may be converted by the Board of Directors or by the Executive Committee. The Treasurer and the Assistant Treasurers may be required to give bond for the faithful discharge of their duties in such form and with such surety or sureties as the Board of Directors may from time to time prescribe.

ARTICLE V

CERTIFICATES OF STOCK

 

SECTION 1. The interest of each stockholder of the Corporation shall be evidenced by certificates for shares of stock in such form as the Board of Directors may from time to time prescribe. The shares in the stock of the Corporation shall be transferred on the books of the Corporation by the holder thereof in person or by his duly authorized attorney, upon surrender for cancellation of certificates for the same number of shares, with an assignment and power of transfer endorsed thereon or attached thereto, duly executed, with such proof of the authenticity of the signature as the Corporation or its agents may reasonably require.

SECTION 2. The certificates of stock shall be signed by two of the Chairman, the President, a Vice President, the Secretary, the Treasurer, an Assistant Secretary, or an Assistant Treasurer, and registered in such manner, if any, as the Board of Directors or the Executive Committee may by resolution prescribe. Where any such certificate is signed by a transfer agent or transfer clerk and by a registrar, the signatures of any such Chairman, President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Assistant Secretary or Assistant Treasurer may be facsimiles, engraved or printed.

Any person claiming a certificate of stock of this corporation to be lost, destroyed or mutilated, shall make an affidavit or affirmation to that effect and shall, if the Board of Directors so requires, give the Corporation a bond of indemnity in form and with one or more sureties satisfactory to the Board of Directors in at least double the value of the Stock represented by such certificate; whereupon, in the discretion of the Board of Directors, a new certificate may be issued of the same tenor and for the same number of shares as the one alleged to be lost, destroyed or mutilated. The Board of Directors may, upon such conditions as the Board shall specify, authorize the issuance of a new certificate of the same tenor and for the same number of shares as the one alleged to be lost, destroyed or mutilated, without the necessity of further action by the Board of Directors in each particular case, upon the filing with the Corporation of an affidavit or affirmation and by the giving of a bond of indemnity to the Corporation for an amount and in such form as shall be satisfactory to officers of the Corporation designated by the Board of Directors from time to time.

SECTION 3. In order to determine the stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of stockholders or any adjournment thereof, or to express consent to corporate action in writing without a meeting, or entitled to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution or allotment of any rights, or entitled to exercise any rights in respect of any change, conversion or exchange of stock or for the purpose of any other lawful action, the Board of Directors may fix, in advance, a record date, which shall not be more than sixty nor less than ten days before the date of such meeting, nor more than sixty days prior to any other action.

In the event no record date is so fixed:

(1)

The record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall be at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which notice is given, or, if notice is waived, at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which the meeting is held.

(2)

The record date for determining stockholders for any other purpose shall be at close of business on the day on which the Board of Directors adopts the resolution relating thereto.

(3)

A determination of stockholders of record entitled to a notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall apply to any adjournment of the meeting; provided, however, that the Board of Directors may fix a new record date for the adjourned meeting.

ARTICLE VI

CHECKS, NOTES, ETC.

 

All checks and drafts on the Corporation's bank accounts and all bills of exchange and promissory notes, and all acceptances, obligations and other instruments for the payment of money, shall be signed by such officer or officers, agent or agents as shall be thereunto authorized from time to time by the Chairman, President, any Vice President, the Secretary, the Treasurer, or any Assistant Secretary or Assistant Treasurer.

ARTICLE VII

OFFICES, BOOKS, RECORDS, ETC.

 

The Corporation and the stockholders and the Directors may have offices and the books, records, documents and papers of the Corporation, except as may otherwise be required by the laws of the State of Delaware, may be kept within or without the State of Delaware at such place or places as may be determined from time to time by the Board of Directors or the Executive Committee.

ARTICLE VIII

AMENDMENTS

 

The By-Laws of the Corporation may be amended, added to, rescinded, or repealed at any meeting of the Board of Directors or of the stockholders provided notice of the proposed change is given in the notice of the meeting. No change of the time or place for the annual meeting of the stockholders for the election of Directors shall be made except in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware in such case made or provided.

ARTICLE IX

PROVISIONS FOR NATIONAL EMERGENCIES

 

During the periods of emergency resulting from an attack on the United States or on a locality in which the Corporation conducts its business or customarily holds meetings of its Board of Directors or its stockholders, or during any nuclear or atomic disaster, or during the existence of any catastrophe, or other similar emergency condition, the following provisions shall apply, notwithstanding any different provision elsewhere contained in these By-Laws or in the Articles of Incorporation:

(1)

Whenever during such emergency and as a result thereof a quorum of the Board of Directors or a standing committee thereof cannot readily be convened for action, a meeting of such board or committee thereof may be called by any officer or director by a notice of the time and place given only to such of the directors as it may be feasible to reach at the time and by such means as may be feasible at the time, including publications or radio. The director or directors in attendance at the meeting shall constitute a quorum, provided, however, that the officers or other persons present designated on a list approved by the Board of Directors before the emergency, all in such order of priority and subject to such conditions and for such period of time as may be provided in the resolution approving such list, or in the absence of such a resolution, the officers of the Corporation who are present, in order of rank, and within the same rank in order of seniority, shall to the extent required to provide a quorum be deemed directors for such meeting.

(2)

The Board of Directors, either before or during any such emergency, may provide, and from time to time modify, lines of succession in the event that during such emergency any or all officers or agents of the Corporation shall for any reason be rendered incapable of discharging their duties.

(3)

The Board of Directors, either before or during any such emergency, may, effective in the emergency, change the head office or designate several alternative head offices or regional offices, or authorize the officers to do so.

(4)

No officer, director or employee acting in accordance with this article shall be liable except for willful misconduct.

(5)

To the extent not inconsistent with this article, all other articles of these By-Laws shall remain in effect during any emergency described in this article and upon its termination the provisions of this article covering the duration of such emergency shall cease to be operative.

EXHIBIT 10.16

SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED LOAN AGREEMENT

This Second Amended and Restated Loan Agreement (" Agreement " or " Loan Agreement ") dated as of December 21, 2004, by and between BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., a national banking association (" Lender "), and TOR MINERALS INTERNATIONAL, INC., a Delaware corporation. This Agreement amends and restates that prior Amended and Restated Loan Agreement between Borrower and Lender dated August 23, 2002, as amended.

In consideration of the Loans described below and the mutual covenants and agreements contained herein; and intending to be legally bound hereby, Lender and Borrower agree as follows:

  1. DEFINITIONS AND REFERENCE TERMS . In addition to any other terms defined herein, the following terms shall have the meaning set forth with respect thereto:
    1. Borrower :
    2. Tor Minerals International, Inc.
      722 Burleson Street
      Corpus Christi, Texas 78402

    3. Guarantor:
    4. None.

    5. Accounting Terms . All accounting terms not specifically defined or specified herein shall have the meanings generally attributed to such terms under generally accepted accounting principles (" GAAP "), as in effect from time to time, consistently applied.
    6. Business Day means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks are authorized to close under the laws of Texas, or are in fact closed in Texas.
    7. Cash Collateralize means to pledge and deposit with or deliver to Lender, as collateral for the LC Exposure, cash or deposit account balances pursuant to documentation in form and substance acceptable to Lender.
    8. Hazardous Materials means all toxic and hazardous wastes, pollutants, chemicals and substances, including without limitation asbestos, PBC's, petroleum products and byproducts, and all substances defined or listed as hazardous, toxic or prohibited substances in or pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 as amended, the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act as amended, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act as amended, the Toxic Substance Control Act as amended, the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act as amended, the Rivers and Harbors Act as amended, the Clean Water Act as amended, the Clean Air Act as amended, and all other substances or chemicals regulated under any other federal, state or local law, rule or regulation.
    9. LC means each standby letter of credit issued by Lender for the account of Borrower under this Agreement.
    10. LC Application means an application and agreement for the issuance or amendment of a documentary, standby, or direct pay letter of credit for the account of Borrower in the form from time to time in use by Lender.
    11. LC Borrowing means an extension of credit resulting from a drawing under any LC which has not been reimbursed or refinanced as a loan under the Revolving Note.
    12. LC Credit Extension means, with respect to any LC, the issuance, extension of the expiry date, amendment, renewal, or increase of the amount of such LC.
    13. LC Exposure means, at any time and without duplication, the sum of (a) the aggregate undrawn maximum face amount of each LC at such time, plus (b) the aggregate unpaid obligations of Borrower to reimburse the issuer for amounts paid by the issuer under LCs issued under Section 2.C (including all LC Borrowings and excluding any loans to fund such reimbursement obligations under Section   2.C ).
    14. LC Facility means a subfacility for the issuance of LCs, as described in Section 2.C .
    15. LC Termination Date means October 1, 2006.
    16. Loan Documents means this Loan Agreement, the Revolving Note, the Term Note, LCs and LC Applications, and all security agreements, financing statements, deeds of trust, mortgages, collateral assignments, assignments, guarantees, swaps, options, forward obligations and other security documents delivered to Lender by Borrower in connection with the transactions described herein, and all renewals, extensions, amendments, modifications, supplements, restatements, replacements or, or substitutions for, any of the foregoing.
    17. Loans means any and all amounts disbursed by Lender (a) to, or on behalf of Borrower under the Loan Documents, whether such amount constitutes an original disbursement of funds, the financing of an LC reimbursement obligation, or (b) in accordance with, and to satisfy the obligations of Borrower under, any Loan Document.
    18. Permitted Subordinated Debt means indebtedness of Borrower of up to $500,000 payable to Paulson Ranch, Ltd., provided that , the liens securing such indebtedness are contractually subordinated to the liens securing the Loans on terms satisfactory to Lender.
    19. Revolving Committed Amount means $5,000,000.
    20. Revolving Credit Exposure means, when determined, the sum of (a) the outstanding principal balance of the Revolving Note plus (b) the LC Exposure.
    21. Revolving Credit Limit means the lesser of (a) the Revolving Committed Amount and (b) the Borrowing Base.

  2. LOANS . The following provisions are applicable to the Loans to be made to Borrower by Lender:
    1. Revolving Line of Credit . Lender agrees to establish a revolving line of credit for Loans to be made to Borrower, which shall be evidenced by the promissory note maturing October 1, 2006 (or earlier if Lender's commitment to make Loans under the Revolving Note is otherwise canceled or terminated in accordance with Section 7 of this Agreement or otherwise), which is in the form attached as Exhibit A-1 , to which reference is here made for all purposes (the " Revolving Note "). The total amount of all Loans outstanding under the Revolving Note may vary from time to time, but shall not exceed in the aggregate at any one time the lesser of (a) the Revolving Committed Amount or (b) the Borrowing Base. " Borrowing Base " means the sum of 80% of Borrower's Eligible Accounts Receivable plus the lesser of (x) 50% of Borrower's Eligible Inventory or (y) $2,850,000. For purposes of this calculation only, Borrower's " Eligible Accounts Receivable " shall mean those accounts receivable for services actually performed and/or goods actually sold and delivered, which are invoiced and owing to Borrower, other than (1) receivables from Borrower's officers, directors, employees, stockholders or affiliates, (2) receivables that are subject to offset or credit, (3) receivables from customers which Lender has determined, in its sole discretion, not to be credit-worthy, (4) receivables that are contingent or are disputed by customers, and (5) receivables which remain unpaid 60 days past their due date. No single account will be allowed to comprise more than $500,000 of the Eligible Accounts Receivable amount, other than accounts receivable from Englehard Corporation, which may comprise up to 50% of Borrower's Eligible Accounts Receivable. Also, for purposes of this calculation only, " Eligible Inventory " shall mean all inventory located in the United States valued at the current market value, except in the case of synthetic rutile, which value shall be established by the lower quoted price for bulk Australian rutile in "Industrial Minerals."
    2. Borrowing Base Compliance on Revolving Note . Borrower agrees to deliver to Lender a Borrowing Base Certificate in the form attached as Exhibit B , stating the information set forth therein as of the date thereof 15 days after the end of each month, showing the information as of the last day of said month. If the Revolving Credit Exposure exceeds the Revolving Credit Limit, Borrower shall immediately (1) pay Lender an amount sufficient to reduce the outstanding loan balance advanced on the Revolving Note to an amount which does not exceed the authorized amount, or (2) increase the amount of assets in the Borrowing Base calculation to the extent necessary to increase the authorized amount above the total aggregate amount of all Loans outstanding and LC Exposure under the Revolving Note at such time.
    3. LC Facility .
      1. LC Commitment .
        1. Subject to the terms and conditions set out in this Agreement, Lender agrees, (1) from time to time on any Business Day during the period from December 21, 2004 until the LC Termination Date, to issue LCs for the account of Borrower, and to amend or renew LCs previously issued by it, in accordance with Section 2.C(ii) below, and (2) to honor drafts under the LCs; provided that, Lender shall not be obligated to make any LC Credit Extension with respect to any LC, if, as of the date of and after giving effect to such LC Credit Extension, the amount of such LC Credit Extension would exceed the available amount under the Revolving Note line. Within the foregoing limits, and subject to the terms and conditions hereof, the Borrower's ability to obtain LCs shall be fully revolving, and accordingly the Borrower may, prior to the LC Termination Date, obtain LCs to replace LCs that have expired or that have been drawn upon and reimbursed.
        2. Lender shall be under no obligation to issue any LC if:
          1. the expiry date of such requested LC would occur after the LC Termination Date, unless Lender has approved such expiry date;
          2. the issuance of such LC would violate one or more policies of Lender; or
          3. such LC is denominated in a currency other than U.S. Dollars.

        3. Lender shall be under no obligation to amend any LC if (1) Lender would have no obligation at such time to issue such LC in its amended form under the terms of this Agreement, or (2) the beneficiary of such LC does not accept the proposed amendment to such LC.

      2. Drawings and Reimbursements.
        1. Upon receipt from the beneficiary of any LC of any notice of a drawing under such LC, Lender shall notify Borrower thereof. Not later than 11:00 a.m. on the date of any payment by Lender under an LC (each such date, an " Honor Date "), Borrower shall reimburse Lender in an amount equal to the amount of such drawing. If Borrower fails to so reimburse Lender by such time, Borrower shall be deemed to have requested a loan under the Revolving Note to be disbursed on the Honor Date in an amount equal to the amount of the unreimbursed drawing (the " Unreimbursed Amount "). Any notice given by Lender pursuant to this Section 2.C(ii) may be given by telephone if immediately confirmed in writing; provided that , the lack of such an immediate confirmation shall not affect the conclusiveness or binding effect of such notice.
        2. With respect to any Unreimbursed Amount that is not fully refinanced by a loan under the Revolving Note because the conditions to a loan under the Revolving Note cannot be satisfied under this Agreement or related Loan Documents or for any other reason, Borrower shall be deemed to have incurred from Lender an LC Borrowing in the amount of the Unreimbursed Amount that is not so refinanced, which LC Borrowing shall be due and payable on demand (together with interest) and shall bear interest at the Default Rate (as defined in the Revolving Note).

      3. Obligations Absolute . The obligation of Borrower to reimburse Lender for each drawing under each LC and to repay each LC Borrowing shall be absolute, unconditional and irrevocable, and shall be paid strictly in accordance with the terms of this Agreement under all circumstances, Borrower shall promptly examine a copy of each LC and each amendment thereto that is delivered to it and, in the event of any claim of noncompliance with Borrower's instructions or other irregularity, Borrower will immediately notify Lender. Borrower shall be conclusively deemed to have waived any such claim against Lender and its correspondents unless such notice is given as aforesaid.
      4. Cash Collateral . Upon the request of Lender, (i) if Lender has honored any full or partial drawing request under any LC and such drawing has resulted in an LC Borrowing, or (ii) if, as of the LC Termination Date, any LC for any reason remains outstanding and partially or wholly undrawn, Borrower shall immediately Cash Collateralize the then outstanding LC Exposure (in an amount equal to such LC Exposure determined as of the date of such LC Borrowing or the LC Termination Date, as the case may be). Borrower hereby grants to Lender, a security interest in and lien upon all such cash, deposit accounts and all balances therein and all proceeds of the foregoing. Cash, and lien upon, collateral shall be maintained in blocked, non-interest bearing deposit accounts at Bank of America.
      5. Applicability of ISP98 and UCP . Unless otherwise expressly agreed by Lender and Borrower when an LC is issued, (i) the rules of the "International Standby Practices 1998" published by the Institute of International Banking Law & Practice (or such later version thereof as may be in effect at the time of issuance) shall apply to each standby LC, and (ii) the rules of the Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits, as most recently published by the International Chamber of Commerce (the " ICC ") at the time of issuance (including the ICC decision published by the Commission on Banking Technique and Practice on April 6, 1998, regarding the European single currency (euro)) shall apply to each commercial LC.
      6. Conflict with LC Application . In the event of any conflict between the terms hereof and the terms of any LC Application, the terms hereof shall control.

    4. LC Fees . At the time of issuance, Borrower shall pay to Lender an LC fee for each LC equal to the greater of (i) 2.0% of the maximum amount available to be drawn under such LC, or (ii) $300.00.
    5. Usage Fee . In consideration for Lender's commitment to maintain the Revolving Committed Amount available for advances under the Revolving Note, Borrower agrees to pay Lender a usage fee of 0.25% per annum on the difference between the Revolving Committed Amount and the average amount of the advances (exclusive of LC Exposure) made during the preceding quarter, calculated and invoiced to Borrower following each March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31, which shall be due and payable upon receipt.
    6. Term Loan . Borrower acknowledges and confirms that Lender previously made a term loan to Borrower of which $581,858.93 is outstanding on the date of this Agreement. Such term loan is evidenced by a promissory note dated of even date herewith and in the form attached as Exhibit A-2 , which reference is here made for all purposes (the " Term Note "). As of the date of this Agreement, Borrower hereby represents, warrants, agrees, covenants and reaffirms that: (i) Borrower has no (and it permanently and irrevocably waives, and releases Lender from, any, to the extent arising on or prior to the date of this Agreement) defense, setoff, counterclaim against Lender in regard to its obligations in respect of the Term Note and (ii) reaffirms its obligation to pay such term loan in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Term Note.
    7. Conditions to First and Subsequent Advances . In addition to other matters set forth elsewhere in this Agreement, the following conditions must be met and satisfied, and documents or certificates in form and substance satisfactory to Lender must be delivered to Lender, at Borrower's expense, prior to the first and, as appropriate each subsequent, advance on the Loan:
      1. Organizational Documents . Borrower shall furnish Lender with a complete set of Borrower's organizational documents, pertinent incumbency and signature certificates, and resolutions authorizing the Loans and execution of the Loan Documents. Borrower shall provide Lender with current certificates of existence issued by the Secretary of State and a current certificate of good standing issued by the Comptroller of Public Accounts of the State of Texas.

    8. No Obligation to Renew . Lender shall not be obligated to renew or extend the time for payment of any Loan beyond the maturity date stated therein. If a Loan is not renewed at maturity, Borrower will be required to pay the obligation out of other assets, or will be required to find another lender who is willing to refinance the debt. Any refinancing will be at the then prevailing market rate, which may be higher than the current rate. Also, there is no guaranty that the obligation can be refinanced on any basis. If a Loan is refinanced or renewed, Borrower may also be required to pay additional closing costs, or be required to provide additional collateral and/or a current appraisal, survey, title policy or other supporting data on the existing Collateral.
    9. Collateral . Payment of the Loans shall be secured by the following (" Collateral "):
      1. A first and prior security interest in all inventory, equipment, accounts, general intangibles, chattel paper, instruments, deposit accounts and insurance proceeds, now or hereafter owned by or owing to Borrower, and all proceeds thereof;
      2. A security interest in and right of set off against all funds in any deposit, savings or other accounts in the name of Borrower at Lender; and
      3. Any other collateral described in that Security Agreement of even date herewith from Borrower to Lender, and additional collateral which may be given to Lender at any time.

    10. Security Documents . Borrower agrees that it will sign and deliver to Lender all documents required by Lender in order to establish and perfect the security interests, liens, collateral assignments, swaps, options, forward obligations and guaranties provided for herein (which, together with any previously signed documents, are collectively referred to as " Security Documents " herein), and in order to accomplish any other purpose required by this Loan Agreement.

  3. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES . Borrower hereby represents and warrants to Lender as follows:
    1. Good Standing . Borrower is a corporation which is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware, and is duly licensed, qualified and in good standing as a foreign corporation authorized to do business in Texas and any other jurisdiction where, because of the nature of its activities or properties, such license or qualification is required.
    2. Authority and Compliance . Borrower has full power and authority to execute and deliver the Loan Documents and to incur and perform the obligations provided for therein, all of which have been duly authorized by all proper and necessary action of the appropriate governing body of Borrower. No consent or approval of any public authority or other third party is required as a condition to the validity of any Loan Document. Borrower is in compliance with all laws and regulatory requirements to which it is subject.
    3. Binding Agreement . This Agreement and the other Loan Documents executed by Borrower constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Borrower which are enforceable in accordance with their terms.
    4. Litigation . There is no proceeding involving Borrower pending or, to its knowledge, threatened, before any court or governmental authority, agency or arbitration authority, except as disclosed to Lender in writing and acknowledged by Lender prior to the date of this Agreement.
    5. No Conflicting Agreements . There is no charter, bylaw, stock provision, partnership agreement or other document pertaining to the organization, power or authority of Borrower, and no provision of any existing agreement, mortgage, indenture or contract binding on Borrower or affecting the Collateral, which would conflict with or in any way nullify or prevent the execution, delivery or carrying out of the terms of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.
    6. Ownership of Assets . Borrower has good title to the Collateral, as indicated in the Security Documents. The Collateral is free and clear of liens, except those granted to Lender and as disclosed to Lender in writing prior to the date of this Agreement.
    7. Taxes . All taxes and assessments due and payable by Borrower has been paid or are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings. Borrower and Guarantor have filed all tax returns which they are required to file.
    8. Financial Statements . All financial statements of Borrower which have been furnished to Lender are correct and complete in all respects, and accurately represent the financial condition of Borrower on the dates thereof or for the periods specified therein, and were prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles applied on a consistent basis throughout the periods involved. No Material Adverse Event has occurred since the date of the latest of each such financial statement. No financial statement nor any other written document which has been furnished to Lender by or on behalf of Borrower states any fact which is incorrect, or fails to state a fact which is necessary in order to make the statements which were made not misleading.
    9. Tying . None of the Loans were conditioned upon or subject to the requirement that Borrower obtain additional credit, property or services from Lender, provide additional credit, property or services to Lender, or not obtain some other credit, property or service from a competitor of Lender.
    10. Environmental . The conduct of the Borrower's business operations does not and will not violate any federal laws, rules or ordinances for environmental protection, regulations of the Environmental Protection Agency, any applicable local or state law, rule, regulation or rule of common law or any judicial interpretation thereof relating to the environment or to the possession, storage or use of Hazardous Materials.
    11. Good Faith . All information, reports, documents, projections and other data furnished to Lender in connection with the negotiation of the Loan(s) were furnished in good faith, with Borrower's belief in the accuracy thereof.
    12. Use of Proceeds; No Representations by Lender . All proceeds of the Loans have been or will be used solely for business purposes. Borrower solicited the Loans from Lender, and utilized or will utilize the proceeds of said Loans for such purposes as Borrower has determined in its sole business judgment. No representation, statement, suggestion, recommendations or advice of any kind, nature or description has been made by Lender to Borrower, and if any representation, statement, suggestion, recommendation or advice were given by Lender, now or hereafter, it was not, and will not be, relied upon by Borrower.
    13. Continuation of Representations and Warranties . All representations and warranties made under this Agreement shall be deemed to be made at and as of the date hereof and at and as of the date of any advance under any Loan.

  4. AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS . In addition to other covenants contained in the Loan Documents, until full payment and performance of all obligations of Borrower under the Loan Documents, Borrower will, unless Lender consents otherwise in writing (and without limiting any requirement of any other Loan Document) comply with the following affirmative covenants (" Affirmative Covenants "):
    1. Financial Records and Inspection . Borrower agrees to keep books and records which are full, true and correct records of all business transactions made by it, in accordance with GAAP applied on a consistent basis throughout the period involved. Borrower agrees to permit Lender's officers and authorized representatives to visit and inspect the Collateral, to examine Borrower's books of account and other records, and to discuss the affairs, finances and accounts of Borrower with its officers, accountants and representatives at such reasonable times and as often as Lender may desire. If requested, Borrower agrees to pay the reasonable fees and disbursements of such accountants selected by Lender for the foregoing purposes. Borrower's books and records will be located at Borrower's address set forth herein.
    2. Financial Covenants . Borrower agrees to maintain its financial condition as follows, determined in accordance with GAAP applied on a consistent basis (except to the extent modified by the following definitions):
      1. Debt to Worth Ratio . Borrower agrees to maintain, on a consolidated basis, a ratio of Total Liabilities (excluding the non-current portion of Subordinated Liabilities) to Tangible Net Worth not exceeding 2.0 to 1.0. " Total Liabilities " means the sum of current liabilities plus long term liabilities. " Tangible Net Worth " means the value of Borrower's total assets (including leaseholds and leasehold improvements and reserves against assets, but excluding goodwill, patents, trademarks, trade names, organization expense, unamortized debt discount and expense, capitalized or deferred research and development costs, deferred marketing expenses, and other like intangibles, and monies due from affiliates, officers, directors, employees, shareholders, members and deferred income taxes, but excluding the non-current portion of Subordinated Liabilities. " Subordinated Liabilities " means liabilities subordinated to Borrower's obligations to Lender in a manner acceptable to Lender in its sole discretion.
      2. Current Ratio . Borrower agrees to maintain, on a consolidated basis, a ratio of current assets to current liabilities of at least 1.1 to 1.0, calculated as of each March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31.
      3. Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio . Borrower agrees to maintain, on a consolidated basis, a Fixed Charged Coverage Ratio of at least 1.25 to 1.0. " Fixed Charged Coverage Ratio " means the ratio of (a) the sum of EBITDA plus lease expense and rent expense minus the sum of taxes and dividends, to (b) the sum of interest expense, lease expense, rent expense, the current portion of long term debt and the current portion of capitalized lease obligations. " EBITDA " means net income, less income or plus loss from discontinued operations and extraordinary items, plus income taxes, plus interest expense, plus depreciation, depletion and amortization, and plus non-cash charges. This ratio will be calculated at the end of each reporting period for which Lender requires financial statements from Borrower, using the results of the twelve-month period ending with that reporting period. The current portion of long-term liabilities will be measured as of the date 12 months prior to the current financial statement.
      4. Maintain Profitability . Borrower agrees that it will maintain a positive net income after tax on a rolling four quarter basis, on a consolidated basis, including foreign subsidiaries and properties, excluding only events resulting from required changes in GAAP accounting treatment of intangibles or similar events beyond the control of Borrower.

    3. Financial Statements . Borrower agrees to provide (or cause to be provided) the following financial information and statements in form and content acceptable to Lender, and such additional information as requested by Lender from time to time:
      1. Annual Financial Statements . Borrower agrees to furnish to Lender with annual financial statements certified and dated by an authorized financial officer of Borrower within 150 days after the close of each fiscal year, audited (with an unqualified opinion) by an independent Certified Public Accountant selected by Borrower and satisfactory to the Lender. Borrower's financial statements shall include a balance sheet as of the end of the year and a profit and loss statement reflecting operations during the year, setting forth comparable figures for the preceding year, all of which shall be in reasonable detail. The statements shall be prepared on a consolidated and consolidating basis.
      2. Periodic Financial Statements . Borrower agrees to furnish Lender with a copy of its internally prepared quarterly financial statements, certified and dated by an authorized financial officer of Borrower, within 45 days after each March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31, which financial statements shall include (a) a balance sheet as of the end of the quarter, (b) a profit and loss statement reflecting Borrower's operations during the quarter, (c) a summary of the inventory in Borrower's possession at the end of the quarter, priced at the lower of cost or market, and (d) an aged list of accounts receivable owed to Borrower at the end of the quarter. The statements shall be prepared on a consolidated and consolidating basis.
      3. Tax Returns . Borrower agrees to furnish Lender with copies of its income tax returns within 10 days after filing the same, and if requested by Lender, copies of any extensions of the filing date.
      4. Reports to Shareholders; SEC Filings . Borrower agrees to furnish Lender with a copy of its annual and quarterly reports to its shareholders when mailed to its shareholders. Borrower also agrees to furnish Lender with a copy of all press releases issued and all documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Form 10-K Annual Report, Form 10-Q Quarterly Report and Form 8-K Current Report, within five (5) days after the date of filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
      5. Management Letters . Borrower agrees to furnish Lender promptly, upon sending or receipt, with copies of any management letters and correspondence relating to management letters, sent or received by Borrower to or from Borrower's auditor.
      6. Other Information . Borrower agrees to furnish to Lender promptly such additional information, reports and statements respecting the business operations and financial condition of Borrower, as Lender may reasonably request.
      7. Compliance Certificate . Borrower's annual and periodic financial statements shall be accompanied by an executed Compliance Certificate in the form attached as Exhibit C , signed by Borrower's president and chief financial officer setting forth (a) the information and computations (in sufficient detail) to establish that Borrower is in compliance with all financial covenants at the end of the period covered by the financial statements then being furnished and (b) whether there existed as of the date of such financial statements and whether there exists as of the date of the certificate, any default under this Agreement and, if any such default exists, specifying the nature thereof and the action Borrower is taking and proposes to take with respect thereto.

    4. Principal Depository . Borrower agrees to maintain Lender as its principal depository bank, including for the maintenance of business, cash management, upgrading and administrative deposit accounts, or to provide Lender with documentation evidencing Lender's security interest in any deposit account which is maintained at another financial institution, waiving said institution's right of offset against said funds.
    5. Insurance . Borrower agrees that it will purchase and maintain in force insurance with responsible insurance companies in such amounts and against such risks as are customarily maintained by similar businesses operating in Corpus Christi, Texas, specifically including fire and extended coverage insurance covering all insurable assets and liability insurance and, with respect to insurance on the Collateral, containing a clause naming Lender as a loss payee, as an additional insured, or as its interest may appear (as applicable), and providing for at least 30 days' prior notice to prior to cancellation thereof. If requested, satisfactory evidence of such insurance will be supplied to Lender 30 days prior to each policy renewal. Borrower agrees that it will use its best efforts to expeditiously collect all insurance proceeds.
    6. Existence and Compliance . Borrower agrees to maintain its existence, good standing and qualification to do business, and comply with all laws, regulations and governmental requirements including, without limitation, environmental laws applicable to them or to any of their property, business operations and transactions.
    7. Adverse Conditions or Events . Borrower shall notify Lender in writing promptly upon the occurrence of (and in any event not later than 5 days after such occurrence) (a) the institution of or any adverse determination in any litigation, arbitration or governmental proceeding filed by or against Borrower, (b) any circumstance or event that, individually or collectively with other circumstances, would or could reasonably be expected to constitute an Event of Default under this Loan Agreement, (c) any material uninsured or partially uninsured loss through fire, theft, liability or property damage, (d) any circumstance or event that, individually or collectively with other circumstances, would or could reasonably be expected to result in impairment of the ability of Borrower to perform any of its payment or other material obligations under any Loan Document, or (e) any other circumstance or event that, individually or collectively with other circumstances, would or might adversely affect Borrower's financial condition, business, properties, or operations, the Collateral or Lender's ability to enforce its rights under the Loan Documents, in each case describing the same and the steps being taken with respect thereto (each of clauses (a) - (e) , a " Material Adverse Event ").
    8. Taxes and Other Obligations . Borrower agrees to pay all of its taxes, assessments and other obligations, including, but not limited to taxes, costs or other expenses arising out of this transaction, as the same become due and payable, except to the extent the same are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings in a diligent manner.
    9. Maintenance . Borrower agrees to maintain its tangible property in good condition and repair and make all necessary replacements thereof, and preserve and maintain all licenses, trademarks, privileges, permits, franchises, certificates and the like necessary for the operation of its business.
    10. Environmental . Borrower agrees to immediately advise Lender in writing of (i) any and all enforcement, cleanup, remedial, removal, or other governmental or regulatory actions instituted, completed or threatened pursuant to any applicable federal, state, or local laws, ordinances or regulations relating to any Hazardous Materials affecting Borrower's business operations; and (ii) all claims made or threatened by any third party against Borrower relating to damages, contribution, cost recovery, compensation, loss or injury resulting from any Hazardous Materials. Borrower shall immediately notify Lender of any remedial action taken by Borrower with respect to Borrower's business operations. Borrower will not use or permit any other party to use any Hazardous Materials at any of Borrower's places of business or at any other property owned by a Borrower except such materials as are incidental to Borrower's normal course of business, maintenance and repairs, and which are handled in compliance with all applicable environmental laws. Borrower agrees to permit Lender, its agents, contractors and employees to enter and inspect any of Borrower's real property at reasonable times for the purposes of conducting an environmental investigation and audit (including taking physical samples) to insure that Borrower is complying with this covenant. Borrower agrees to provide Lender, its agents, contractors, employees and representatives with access to and copies of all data and documents relating to or dealing with any Hazardous Materials used, generated, manufactured, stored or disposed of by Borrower's business operations. Borrower also agrees to furnish Lender with copies of all communications to or from Borrower and any environmental or regulatory agency when given or received.

  5. NEGATIVE COVENANTS . In addition to other covenants contained in the Loan Documents, until full payment and performance of all obligations of Borrower under the Loan Documents, Borrower agrees that it will not, without the prior written consent of Lender (and without limiting any requirement of any other Loan Documents) permit or perform any of the following prohibited activities (" Negative Covenants "):
    1. Mergers; Acquisitions; Transfers of Assets or Control . Borrower agrees that it will not be a party to any merger, or sell any subsidiary or all or any substantial part of its assets, or purchase or otherwise acquire all or substantially all of the assets or stock of another company, partnership, joint venture or person, without the prior written approval of Lender.
    2. Liens . Borrower agrees that it will not create or suffer to exist any security interest, pledge, title retention, lien or other encumbrance with respect to any of the Collateral, or fail to pay any lawful claim for labor or materials when due, other than liens securing Permitted Subordinated Debt.
    3. Extensions of Credit . Borrower agrees that it will not, without the prior written consent of Lender, make any loan or advance to any individual, partnership, corporation or other entity, except for loans to its subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business.
    4. Borrowings . Borrower agrees that it will not create, incur, assume or become liable in any manner for any indebtedness (whether for borrowed money, lease payments, as surety or guarantor for the debt for another, or otherwise) other than to Lender, except for the Loan(s) and (i) open accounts payable incurred in the ordinary course of Borrower's business, which shall be paid when due, (ii) purchase money indebtedness incurred in the ordinary course of Borrower's business, which shall be paid when due, (iii) capital leases, (iv) tax obligations (which shall be paid when due), (v) Permitted Subordinated Debt, (vi) a guaranty of a line of credit of up to EURO $650,000 of TOR Processing & Trade B.V., and (vii) a guaranty of a term loan of up to EURO $676,000 of TOR Processing & Trade B.V.; provided that in the case of clauses (vi) and (vii) , TOR Processing & Trade B.V. is at all times a wholly-owned subsidiary of Borrower.
    5. Character of Business . Borrower agrees that it will not change the general character of business as conducted at the date hereof, or engage in any type of business not reasonably related to its business as presently conducted.
    6. Management Change . Borrower agrees that it will not make any substantial changes in its present executive or management personnel.
    7. Investment Limitation . Borrower agrees that it will not make any investments, other than United States government obligations and stock of Borrower's subsidiaries.
    8. Compliance with Laws and Regulations . Borrower agrees that it will conduct its business in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, including but not limited to the Occupation Safety and Health Act, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, the Civil Rights Act, and the Americans With Disabilities Act. Borrower further agrees that no Collateral will be acquired with the proceeds of illegal controlled substance transfers or will be used for the manufacture or distribution of controlled substances in violation of law. Borrower further agrees that it will obtain all permits and licenses necessary for the normal operation of its business.

  6. DEFAULT . The occurrence of any one of the following events shall constitute an event of default (" Event of Default ") by Borrower under this Loan Agreement:
    1. Any failure to pay Lender any installment on any Loan when due;
    2. (1) Any failure of Borrower to pay, or any admission in writing of its inability to pay, any debt which is not being disputed in good faith as it becomes due, (2) any consent to or acquiescence in the appointment of a trustee or receiver for all or part of the property of Borrower, (3) the making of a general assignment for the benefit of creditors by Borrower, (4) the filing of any petition for bankruptcy, reorganization or other proceedings for the arrangement of debt under any insolvency law by Borrower, (5) the institution of any act or proceeding for dissolution or liquidation by Borrower, or (6) the commencement of any proceeding against Borrower under the bankruptcy Code, which proceeding is not dismissed within 60 days after filing;
    3. Any failure of Borrower to cure any violation of a Financial Covenant within 10 days after notice from Lender, and any other failure of Borrower to comply with, or the occurrence of any act, omission or event which is in violation of, this Agreement or any other Loan Document;
    4. Any warranty, representation or certification made to Lender by Borrower proves to have been incorrect, false or misleading in any material respect on the date made;
    5. Any financial statement, Compliance Certificate, report, schedule or other information furnished to Lender by or on behalf of Borrower proves to have been incorrect, false or misleading in any material respect on the date made;
    6. Any security interest, lien or mortgage against any Collateral becomes invalid or unenforceable;
    7. Any judgment for the payment of money is entered against Borrower which remains unsatisfied and in effect, without a stay of execution pending appeal, for any period of 60 consecutive days;
    8. Lender is served with, or become subject to, a court order, injunction, or other process or decree restraining or seeking to restrain it from paying any amount under any LC and either (i) a drawing has occurred under the LC and Borrower has refused to reimburse Lender for payment or (ii) the expiration date of the LC has occurred but the right of any beneficiary thereunder to draw under the LC has been extended past the expiration date in connection with the pendency of the related court action or proceeding and Borrower has failed to Cash Collateralize the then outstanding LC Exposure; and
    9. Borrower notifies Lender of the existence of a Material Adverse Event.

  7. REMEDIES UPON DEFAULT . Effect of Default . In addition to the rights, powers and remedies available under each of the Loan Documents and all rights and remedies available at law or in equity, upon the occurrence of any Event of Default or upon the expiration of any cure period after the occurrence of an event of default where a cure period is provided, Lender may refuse to make any further advances or issue any letters of credit on Borrower's behalf under the Revolving Note, may demand that Borrower Cash Collateralize the then existing LC Exposure, and may (but is under no obligation to), in its discretion, declare any one or more of the Loans to be immediately due and payable, and thereupon such Loans shall become due and payable, together with the interest which has accrued thereon through such date. Lender may take any action or proceeding at law or in equity which it deems advisable to collect and enforce the payment of the amounts owing to it. Each right, power and remedy granted to Lender herein, under any Loan Document or under applicable law, shall be cumulative, and shall be in addition to every other right, power and remedy which may now or hereafter be available to Lender, and each such right, power and remedy may be exercised by Lender from time to time and as often and in such order as may be deemed expedient to Lender. Borrower agrees to pay all expenses (including appraisal, environmental audit, expert and consultation fees), court costs and attorney's fees incurred by Lender in connection with collecting the Loans after default and/or curing any default arising hereunder.
  8. NOTICES . All notices, requests or demands which any party is required or may desire to give to any other party under any provision of this Agreement must be in writing delivered to Borrower and Guarantor at the addresses shown in Section 1.A of this Loan Agreement, and to Lender at the following address:
  9. Bank of America, N.A.

    with a copy to:

    Porter & Hedges, L.L.P.

    700 Louisiana, 7 th Floor

     

    P.O. Box 4744

    Houston, Texas 77002

     

    Houston, Texas 77210-4744

    Attn: Mark Montgomery

     

    Attn: Nick H. Sorensen

    Fax No. 713-247-7175

     

    Fax No. 713-226-0277

    or to such other address as any party may designate by written notice to the other party. Each such notice, request and demand shall be deemed given or made as follows:

    1. If sent by mail, upon the earlier of the date of receipt or five (5) days after deposit in the U.S. Mail, first class postage prepaid;
    2. If sent by any other means , upon delivery.

  10. COSTS, EXPENSES, AND ATTORNEYS' FEES . Borrower agrees to pay Lender immediately at closing the full amount of all costs and expenses, including title policy premiums, appraisal fees, and reasonable attorneys' fees, incurred by Lender in connection with (a) negotiation and preparation of this Agreement and each of the Loan Documents, and thereafter, on demand, (b) all other costs and attorneys' fees incurred by Lender for which Borrower is obligated to reimburse Lender in accordance with the terms of the Loan Documents.
  11. MISCELLANEOUS . Borrower and Lender further covenant and agree as follows, without limiting any requirement of any other Loan Document:
    1. Cumulative Rights; No Waiver . Each and every right granted to Lender under any Loan Document or allowed it by law or equity shall be cumulative of each other and may be exercised in addition to any and all other rights of Lender. No delay in exercising any right shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise by Lender of any right preclude any other or future exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right. Borrower expressly waives any presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, including but not limited to notice of intent to accelerate and notice of acceleration. No notice to or demand on Borrower in any case shall, of itself, entitle Borrower to any other or future notice or demand in similar or other circumstances.
    2. Applicable Law . This Agreement and the Loan Documents shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Texas.
    3. Amendment; No Assignment . No modification, consent, amendment or waiver of any provision of this Loan Agreement, nor consent to any departure by Borrower therefrom, shall be effective unless the same shall be in writing and signed by an officer of Lender, and then shall be effective only in the specified instance and for the purpose for which given. This Loan Agreement is binding upon each Borrower and its successors and assigns, and inures to the benefit of Lender, its successors and assigns; however, no assignment or other transfer of Borrower's rights or obligations hereunder shall be made or be effective without Lender's prior written consent. Lender may, in its sole discretion, permit such assignment, but it shall have no obligation to do so, and any such permission may be conditioned upon one or more of the following which Lender may require: (a) the assignee's integrity, reputation, character, creditworthiness and management ability being satisfactory to Lender in its sole judgment, (b) assignee's executing, prior to such assignment, a written assumption agreement containing such terms as Lender may require, (c) a principal paydown on the Loan, (d) an increase in the interest rate payable under the Loan, (e) a transfer fee, (f) a modification of the term of the Loan, and (g) any other modification of the Loan Documents which Lender may require. There is no third party beneficiary of this Loan Agreement.
    4. Documents . All documents, certificates and other items required under this Loan Agreement to be executed and/or delivered to Lender shall be in form and content satisfactory to Lender and its counsel.
    5. Captions and Pronouns . The captions appearing in this Loan Agreement are included only as a matter of convenience, and shall in no way limit or amplify or otherwise affect the construction of any provision hereof. Words of any gender shall be construed to include any other gender, words in the singular shall be construed to include the plural, and words in the plural shall be construed to include the singular, as the sense of the context requires. If "Borrower" refers to more than one person or entity, the obligations of each shall be joint and several. If no Guarantor is a party to this Agreement, references to the Guarantor shall be disregarded.
    6. Partial Invalidity . The unenforceability or invalidity of any provision of this Loan Agreement shall not affect the enforceability or validity of any other provision herein and the invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of any Loan Document to any person or circumstance shall not affect the enforceability or validity of such provision as it may apply to other persons or circumstances.
    7. Non-Applicability of Chapter 346 of Finance Code . The provisions of Chapter 346 of the Texas Finance Code are specifically declared by the parties not to be applicable to this Loan Agreement and the other Loan Documents.
    8. Set Off . Lender shall be entitled to set off and apply against the outstanding principal balance and accrued interest on the Loans any and all funds deposited by Borrower with Lender, whether general or special, demand or time, provisional or final, whether or not a Loan is then due, provided that an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing at the time of such set off.
    9. Survivability . All covenants, agreements, representations and warranties made herein or in the other Loan Documents shall survive the making of the Loan and shall continue in full force and effect so long as any of the Loan is outstanding or the obligation of the Lender to make any advances under the Loan shall not have expired.
    10. Maximum Interest . It is the intention of the parties to conform strictly to applicable usury laws as presently in effect. Accordingly, if any transaction contemplated hereby would be usurious under applicable law (including the laws of the United States of America), then in that event, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Loans or any other agreement entered into by the parties, it is agreed that the aggregate of all interest that is contracted for, charged or received by Lender shall in no circumstance exceed the maximum amount of interest allowed by applicable law, and any excess shall be credited to the principal amount of the Loans as of the date received, or if the principal amount of the Loan(s) has been paid in full, such excess shall be promptly refunded to the party paying the same, and neither Borrower nor any other person shall be obligated to pay the amount of any interest which is in excess of the maximum interest permitted by the applicable usury laws, and the effective rate of interest shall ipso facto be reduced to the highest lawful rate which a national Lender would be authorized to charge Borrower for such type of loan in Texas (" Maximum Lawful Rate "). All sums paid or agreed to be paid to Lender for the use, forbearance and detention of the money loaned to Borrower shall, to the extent permitted by applicable law, be amortized, pro rated, allocated and spread throughout the full term of the Loans until payment in full, so that the actual rate of interest does not exceed the Maximum Lawful Rate in effect at any particular time during the full term thereof.
    11. Indemnification . Borrower hereby agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless Lender, its agents and employees, from and against all causes of action, liabilities, obligations and penalties, including reasonable attorneys' fees, accruing to any third party, arising from or in any way related to any of the transactions contemplated hereby, including but not limited to (a) from any use, condition or operation of the Collateral or Borrower's business operations, (b) from responding to any levy or subpoena, (c) from any litigation to which Lender becomes a party, (d) from any lawful exercise of Lender's rights under this Loan Agreement and Loan Documents.
    12. Environmental Indemnification . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in Section 10.L , Borrower agrees to indemnify, defend and hold Lender and its successors and assigns harmless from and against any and all claims, demands, suits, losses, damages, assessments, fines, penalties, costs or other expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees and court costs) arising from or in any way related to any of the transactions contemplated hereby, including but not limited to actual or threatened damage to the environment, agency costs of investigation, personal injury or death, or property damage, due to a release or alleged release of Hazardous Materials, arising from Borrower's business operations, any other property owned by Borrower or in the surface or ground water arising from Borrower's business operations, or gaseous emissions arising from Borrower's business operations or any other condition existing or arising from Borrower's business operations resulting from the use or existence of Hazardous Materials, whether such claim proves to be true or false. Borrower and Guarantor further agree that their indemnity obligations to Lender shall include, but are not limited to, liability for damages resulting from the personal injury or death of an employee of Borrower, regardless of whether Borrower has paid the employee under the workmen's compensation laws of any state or other similar federal or state legislation for the protection of employees. The term "property damage" as used in this paragraph includes, but is not limited to, damage to any real or personal property of the Borrower, the Lender, and of any third parties. Borrower's obligations under this paragraph shall survive the repayment of the Loans and any deed in lieu of foreclosure or foreclosure of any Deed of Trust securing the Loan.

  12. ARBITRATION AND WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL .
    1. This section concerns the resolution of any controversies or claims between the parties, whether arising in contract, tort or by statute, including but not limited to controversies or claims that arise out of or relate to (i) this Agreement (including any renewals, extensions or modifications), or (ii) any document related to this Agreement (collectively a " Claim "). For the purposes of this arbitration provision only, the term "parties" shall include any parent corporation, subsidiary or Affiliate of Lender involved in the servicing, management or administration of any obligation described or evidenced by this agreement.
    2. At the request of any party to this Agreement, any Claim shall be resolved by binding arbitration in accordance with the Federal Arbitration Act (Title 9, U.S. Code) (the " Act "). The Act will apply even though this Agreement provides that it is governed by the law of a specified state.
    3. Arbitration proceedings will be determined in accordance with the Act, the applicable rules and procedures for the arbitration of disputes of JAMS or any successor thereof (" JAMS "), and the terms of this section. In the event of any inconsistency, the terms of this section shall control.
    4. The arbitration shall be administered by JAMS and conducted, unless otherwise required by law, in any U.S. state where real or tangible personal property collateral for this credit is located or if there is no such collateral, in Texas. All Claims shall be determined by one arbitrator; however, if Claims exceed Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000), upon the request of any party, the Claims shall be decided by three arbitrators. All arbitration hearings shall commence within ninety (90) days of the demand for arbitration and close within ninety (90) days of commencement and the award of the arbitrator(s) shall be issued within thirty (30) days of the close of the hearing. However, the arbitrator(s), upon a showing of good cause, may extend the commencement of the hearing for up to an additional sixty (60) days. The arbitrator(s) shall provide a concise written statement of reasons for the award. The arbitration award may be submitted to any court having jurisdiction to be confirmed and enforced.
    5. The arbitrator(s) will have the authority to decide whether any Claim is barred by the statute of limitations and, if so, to dismiss the arbitration on that basis. For purposes of the application of the statute of limitations, the service on JAMS under applicable JAMS rules of a notice of Claim is the equivalent of the filing of a lawsuit. Any dispute concerning this arbitration provision or whether a Claim is arbitrable shall be determined by the arbitrator(s). The arbitrator(s) shall have the power to award legal fees pursuant to the terms of this agreement.
    6. This section does not limit the right of any party to: (i) exercise self-help remedies, such as but not limited to, setoff; (ii) initiate judicial or non-judicial foreclosure against any real or personal property collateral; (iii) exercise any judicial or power of sale rights, or (iv) act in a court of law to obtain an interim remedy, such as but not limited to, injunctive relief, writ of possession or appointment of a receiver, or additional or supplementary remedies.
    7. The filing of a court action is not intended to constitute a waiver of the right of any party, including the suing party, thereafter to require submittal of the Claim to arbitration.
    8. By agreeing to binding arbitration, the parties irrevocably and voluntarily waive any right they may have to a trial by jury in respect of any Claim. Furthermore, without intending in any way to limit this agreement to arbitrate, to the extent any Claim is not arbitrated, the parties irrevocably and voluntarily waive any right they may have to a trial by jury in respect of such Claim. This provision is a material inducement for the parties entering into this agreement.

  13. NOTICE OF FINAL AGREEMENT . THIS WRITTEN LOAN AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS REPRESENT THE FINAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PARTIES AND MAY NOT BE CONTRADICTED BY EVIDENCE OF PRIOR, CONTEMPORANEOUS OR SUBSEQUENT ORAL AGREEMENTS OF THE PARTIES. THERE ARE NO UNWRITTEN ORAL AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE PARTIES .
  14. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed by their duly authorized representatives as of the date first above written.

    BORROWER:

     

    LENDER:

    TOR MINERALS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

     

    BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.

     

     

     

    By:___________________________________

     

    By:___________________________________

    Richard L. Bowers, President and

     

    Name:_________________________________

    Chief Executive Officer

     

    Title:__________________________________

     

    EXHIBIT A-1

    Form of Revolving Note

    PROMISSORY NOTE
    (Revolving)

    Date: December 21, 2004

    [X] Renewal

    Amount: $5,000,000

    Maturity Date: October 1, 2006

    Lender :

    Bank of America, N.A.
    700 Louisiana, 7 th Floor
    Houston, Texas 77002

    Borrower :

    Tor Minerals International, Inc.
    722 Burleson Street
    P. O. Box 2544
    Corpus Christi, Nueces County, Texas 78403

    FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned Borrower unconditionally promises to pay to the order of Lender, its successors and assigns, without setoff, at its offices indicated at the beginning of this Note or at such other place as may be designated by Lender, the principal amount of Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000) or so much thereof as may be advanced from time to time in immediately available funds, together with interest computed daily on the outstanding principal balance hereunder, at an annual interest rate, and in accordance with the payment schedule, indicated below.

  15. Rate [Prime Rate]. The interest rate is a rate per year equal to the Lender's Prime Rate. The Prime Rate is the rate of interest publicly announced from time to time by the Lender as its Prime Rate (the " Index "). The Prime Rate is set by the Lender based on various factors, including the Lender's costs and desired return, general economic conditions and other factors, and is used as a reference point for pricing some loans. The Lender may price loans to its customers at, above, or below the Prime Rate. Any change in the Prime Rate shall take effect at the opening of business on the day specified in the public announcement of a change in the Lender's Prime Rate. The Index is not necessarily the lowest rate charged by Lender on its loans and is set by Lender in its sole discretion. If the Index becomes unavailable during the term of this loan, Lender shall substitute an index determined by Lender to be comparable, in its sole discretion, and will notify Borrower accordingly. Lender will tell Borrower the current Index rate upon Borrower's request.
  16. Notwithstanding any provision of this Note, Lender does not intend to charge and Borrower shall not be required to pay any amount of interest or other charges in excess of the maximum permitted by applicable law. Borrower and Lender agree that the total amount of interest contracted for, charged, collected or received by Lender under this Agreement shall not exceed the Maximum Lawful Rate (as defined in the Loan Agreement defined below). To the extent, if any, that Chapter 303 of the Texas Finance Code (the " Finance Code ") is relevant to Lender for purposes of determining the Maximum Lawful Rate, the parties elect to determine the Maximum Lawful Rate under the Finance Code pursuant to the "weekly ceiling" from time to time in effect, as referred to and defined in Section 303.001-303.016 of the Finance Code; subject, however, to any right Lender subsequently may have under applicable law to change the method of determining the Maximum Lawful Rate.

  17. Revolving Feature. Borrower may borrow, repay and reborrow hereunder at any time, up to a maximum aggregate amount outstanding at any one time equal to the principal amount of this Note, provided that Borrower is not in default under any provision of this Note, any other documents executed in connection with this Note, or any other note or other loan documents now or hereafter executed in connection with any other obligation of Borrower to Lender, and provided that the borrowings hereunder do not exceed any borrowing base or other limitation on borrowings by Borrower. Lender shall incur no liability for its refusal to advance funds based upon its determination that any conditions of such further advances have not been met. Lender records of the amounts borrowed from time to time shall be conclusive proof thereof.
  18. Accrual Method. Unless otherwise indicated, interest at the Rate set forth above will be calculated by the 365/360 day method (a daily amount of interest is computed for a hypothetical year of 360 days; that amount is multiplied by the actual number of days for which any principal is outstanding hereunder).
  19. Rate Change Date. Any Rate based on a fluctuating index or base rate will change, unless otherwise provided, each time and as of the date that the index or base rate changes.
  20. Payment Schedule. All payments received hereunder shall be applied first to the payment of any expense or charges payable hereunder or under any other loan documents executed in connection with this Note, then to interest due and payable, with the balance applied to principal, or in such other order as Lender shall determine at its option.
  21. Single Principal Payment. Principal shall be paid in full in a single payment on October 1, 2006. Interest thereon shall be paid monthly, commencing on January 31, 2004, and continuing on the last day of each successive month thereafter, with a final payment of all unpaid interest at the stated maturity of this Note.

    Delinquency Charge. Lender shall be entitled to charge a delinquency charge on commercial loans on the amount of any installment or other amount in default for a period of not less than 15 days, in a reasonable amount not to exceed 4% of the amount of the delinquent installment, in addition to the interest provided for herein.

  22. Automatic Payment. Borrower has elected to authorize Lender to effect payment of sums due under this Note by means of debiting Borrower's account number 006110107387. This authorization shall not affect the obligation of Borrower to pay such sums when due, without notice, if there are insufficient funds in such account to make such payment in full on the due date thereof, or if Lender fails to debit the account.
  23. Representations, Waivers, Consents and Covenants. Borrower and Lender have entered into that certain Second Amended and Restated Loan Agreement dated December 21, 2004 (as amended, restated, or supplemented from time to time, the " Loan Agreement "). Borrower represents that all of the representations in the Loan Agreement are true and correct as of this date. Borrower covenants that it will keep all of the covenants and agreements set forth in the Loan Agreement. No waiver, consent, modification or amendment with respect to this Note shall be effective without compliance with the provisions of the Loan Agreement. Borrower, any endorser or guarantor hereof, or any other party hereto (individually an " Obligor " and collectively " Obligors ") and each of them jointly and severally: (a) waive presentment, demand, protest, notice of demand, notice of intent to accelerate, notice of acceleration of maturity, notice of protest, notice of nonpayment, notice of dishonor, and any other notice required to be given under the law to any Obligor in connection with the delivery, acceptance, performance, default or enforcement of this Note, any endorsement or guaranty of this Note, or any other documents executed in connection with this Note or any other note or other loan documents now or hereafter executed in connection with any obligation of Borrower to Lender (the " Loan Documents "); (b) consent to all delays, extensions, renewals or other modifications of this Note or the Loan Documents, or waivers of any term hereof or of the Loan Documents, or release or discharge by Lender of any of Obligors, or release, substitution or exchange of any security for the payment hereof, or the failure to act on the part of Lender, or any indulgence shown by Lender (without notice to or further assent from any of Obligors), and agree that no such action, failure to act or failure to exercise any right or remedy by Lender shall in any way affect or impair the obligations of any Obligors or be construed as a waiver by Lender of, or otherwise affect, any of Lender's rights under this Note, under any endorsement or guaranty of this Note or under any of the Loan Documents; and (c) after default, agree to pay, on demand, all costs and expenses of collection or defense of this Note or of any endorsement or guaranty hereof and/or the enforcement or defense of Lender's rights with respect to, or the administration, supervision, preservation, or protection of, or realization upon, any property securing payment hereof, including, without limitation, reasonable attorney's fees, including fees related to any suit, mediation or arbitration proceeding, out of court payment agreement, trial, appeal, bankruptcy proceedings or other proceeding, in such amount as may be determined reasonable by any arbitrator or court, whichever is applicable.
  24. [Intentionally Omitted.]
  25. Events of Default. The occurrence of any Event of Default specified in the Loan Agreement, unless cured within the time specified therein, shall constitute an Event of Default under this Note. The following are also events of default hereunder: (a) the failure to pay or perform any obligation, liability or indebtedness of any Obligor to Lender, or to any affiliate or subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation, whether under this Note or any Loan Documents, as and when due (whether upon demand, at maturity or by acceleration); (b) the failure to pay or perform any other obligation, liability or indebtedness of any Obligor to any other party; (c) the commencement of a proceeding against any Obligor for dissolution or liquidation, the voluntary or involuntary termination or dissolution of any Obligor or the merger or consolidation of any Obligor with or into another entity; (d) the insolvency of, the business failure of, the appointment of a custodian, trustee, liquidator or receiver for or for any of the property of, the assignment for the benefit of creditors by, or the filing of a petition under bankruptcy, insolvency or debtor's relief law or the filing of a petition for any adjustment of indebtedness, composition or extension by or against any Obligor; (e) Borrower has given Lender any representation or information which was, when it was made, false or materially misleading; (f) the failure of any Obligor to timely deliver such financial statements, including tax returns, other statements of condition or other information, as Lender shall request from time to time; (g) the entry of a judgment against any Obligor which Lender deems to be of a material nature, in Lender's sole discretion; (h) the seizure or forfeiture of, or the issuance of any writ of possession, garnishment or attachment, or any turnover order for any property of any Obligor; or (i) the failure of Borrower's business to comply with any law or regulation controlling its operation.
  26. Remedies upon Default. The effect of the occurrence of any Event of Default under this Note shall be as specified in the Loan Agreement. In addition, upon the occurrence of an Event of Default which is not cured within the time specified therein, (a) the Rate of Interest on this Note shall be increased, from and after such date, to the Prime Rate plus 4.0% per annum, not to exceed the maximum rate allowed by law (" Default Rate ") and (b) the entire balance outstanding under this Note and all other obligations of Borrower to Lender shall, at the option of Lender, become immediately due and payable, and any obligation of Lender to permit further borrowing under this Note shall immediately cease and terminate. The provisions herein for a Default Rate shall not be deemed to extend the time for any payment hereunder or to constitute a "grace period" giving Obligors a right to cure any default. At Lender's option, any accrued and unpaid interest, fees or charges may, for purposes of computing and accruing interest on a daily basis after the due date of the Note or any installment thereof, shall be deemed to be a part of the principal balance, and interest shall accrue on a daily compounded basis after such date at the Default Rate provided in this Note until the entire outstanding balance of principal and interest is paid in full. Upon a default under this Note, Lender is hereby authorized at any time, at its option and without notice or demand, to set off and charge against any deposit accounts of any Obligor (as well as any money, instruments, securities, documents, chattel paper, credits, claims, demands, income and any other property, rights and interests of any Obligor), which at any time shall come into the possession or custody or under the control of Lender or any of its agents, affiliates or correspondents, any and all obligations due hereunder. Additionally, Lender shall have all rights and remedies available under each of the Loan Documents, as well as all rights and remedies available at law or in equity.
  27. Non-Waiver. The failure at any time of Lender to exercise any of its options or any other rights hereunder shall not constitute a waiver thereof, nor shall it be a bar to the exercise of any of its options or rights at a later date. All rights and remedies of Lender shall be cumulative and may be pursued singly, successively or together, at the option of Lender. The acceptance by Lender of any partial payment shall not constitute a waiver of any default or of any of Lender's rights under this Note. No waiver of any of its rights hereunder, and no modification or amendment of this Note, shall be deemed to be made by Lender unless the same shall be in writing, duly signed on behalf of Lender; each such waiver shall apply only with respect to the specific instance involved, and shall in no way impair the rights of Lender or the obligations of Obligors to Lender in any other respect at any other time.
  28. Applicable Law, Venue and Jurisdiction. Borrower agrees that this Note shall be deemed to have been made in the State of Texas at Lender's address indicated at the beginning of this Note and shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Texas. In any litigation in connection with or to enforce this Note or any endorsement or guaranty of this Note or any Loan Documents, Obligors, and each of them, irrevocably consent to and confer personal jurisdiction on the courts of the State of Texas or the United States courts located within the State of Texas. Nothing contained herein shall, however, prevent Lender from bringing any action or exercising any rights within any other state or jurisdiction or from obtaining personal jurisdiction by any other means available under applicable law.
  29. Partial Invalidity. The unenforceability or invalidity of any provision of this Note shall not affect the enforceability or validity of any other provision herein and the invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Note or of the Loan Documents to any person or circumstance shall not affect the enforceability or validity of such provision as it may apply to other persons or circumstances.
  30. Binding Effect. This Note shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of Borrower, Obligors and Lender and their respective successors, assigns, heirs and personal representatives, provided, however, that no obligations of Borrower or Obligors hereunder can be assigned without prior written consent of Lender.
  31. Controlling Document. To the extent that this Note conflicts with or is in any way incompatible with any other document related specifically to the loan evidenced by this Note, this Note shall control over any other such document, and if this Note does not address an issue, then each other such document shall control to the extent that it deals most specifically with an issue.
  32. ARBITRATION AND WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL .
      1. This section concerns the resolution of any controversies or claims between Borrower or Lender, whether arising in contract, tort or by statute, including but not limited to controversies or claims that arise out of or relate to (i) this Note (including any renewals, extensions or modifications), or (ii) any document related to this Note (collectively a " Claim "). For the purposes of this arbitration provision only, the term "parties" shall include any parent corporation, subsidiary or affiliate of Lender involved in the servicing, management or administration of any obligation described or evidenced by this Note.
      2. At the request of Borrower or Lender, any Claim shall be resolved by binding arbitration in accordance with the Federal Arbitration Act (Title 9, U.S. Code) (the " Act "). The Act will apply even though this Note provides that it is governed by the law of a specified state.
      3. Arbitration proceedings will be determined in accordance with the Act, the applicable rules and procedures for the arbitration of disputes of JAMS or any successor thereof (" JAMS "), and the terms of this section. In the event of any inconsistency, the terms of this section shall control.
      4. The arbitration shall be administered by JAMS and conducted, unless otherwise required by law, in any U.S. state where real or tangible personal property collateral for this credit is located or if there is no such collateral, in Texas. All Claims shall be determined by one arbitrator; however, if Claims exceed Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000), upon the request of any party, the Claims shall be decided by three arbitrators. All arbitration hearings shall commence within ninety (90) days of the demand for arbitration and close within ninety (90) days of commencement and the award of the arbitrator(s) shall be issued within thirty (30) days of the close of the hearing. However, the arbitrator(s), upon a showing of good cause, may extend the commencement of the hearing for up to an additional sixty (60) days. The arbitrator(s) shall provide a concise written statement of reasons for the award. The arbitration award may be submitted to any court having jurisdiction to be confirmed and enforced.
      5. The arbitrator(s) will have the authority to decide whether any Claim is barred by the statute of limitations and, if so, to dismiss the arbitration on that basis. For purposes of the application of the statute of limitations, the service on JAMS under applicable JAMS rules of a notice of Claim is the equivalent of the filing of a lawsuit. Any dispute concerning this arbitration provision or whether a Claim is arbitrable shall be determined by the arbitrator(s). The arbitrator(s) shall have the power to award legal fees pursuant to the terms of this agreement.
      6. This section does not limit the right of Borrower or Lender: (i) exercise self-help remedies, such as but not limited to, setoff; (ii) initiate judicial or non-judicial foreclosure against any real or personal property collateral; (iii) exercise any judicial or power of sale rights, or (iv) act in a court of law to obtain an interim remedy, such as but not limited to, injunctive relief, writ of possession or appointment of a receiver, or additional or supplementary remedies.
      7. The filing of a court action is not intended to constitute a waiver of the right of any party, including the suing party, thereafter to require submittal of the Claim to arbitration.
      8. By agreeing to binding arbitration, the parties irrevocably and voluntarily waive any right they may have to a trial by jury in respect of any Claim. Furthermore, without intending in any way to limit this agreement to arbitrate, to the extent any Claim is not arbitrated, the parties irrevocably and voluntarily waive any right they may have to a trial by jury in respect of such Claim. This provision is a material inducement for the parties entering into this agreement.

    Borrower represents to Lender that the proceeds of this loan are to be used primarily for business, commercial or agricultural purposes. Borrower acknowledges having read and understood, and agrees to be bound by, all terms and conditions of this Note.

    NOTICE OF FINAL AGREEMENT:

  33. THIS WRITTEN PROMISSORY NOTE AND THE LOAN DOCUMENTS REPRESENT THE FINAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PARTIES, AND MAY NOT BE CONTRADICTED BY EVIDENCE OF PRIOR, CONTEMPORANEOUS, OR SUBSEQUENT ORAL AGREEMENTS OF THE PARTIES. THERE ARE NO UNWRITTEN ORAL AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE PARTIES.
  34. BORROWER:

     

    LENDER:

    TOR MINERALS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

     

    BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.

     

     

     

    By:___________________________________

     

    By:___________________________________

    Richard L. Bowers, President and

     

    Name:_________________________________

    Chief Executive Officer

     

    Title:__________________________________

    EXHIBIT A-2

    Form of Term Note

    PROMISSORY NOTE
    (Term)

    Date: December 21, 2004

    [X] Renewal

    Amount: $581,858.93

    Maturity Date: May 1, 2007

    Lender:

    Bank of America, N.A.
    700 Louisiana, 7 th floor

    Houston, Texas 77002

    Borrower:

    Tor Minerals International, Inc.
    722 Burleson Street
    P. O. Box 2544
    Corpus Christi, Nueces County, Texas 78403

    FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned Borrower unconditionally promises to pay to the order of Lender, its successors and assigns, without setoff, at its offices indicated at the beginning of this Note or at such other place as may be designated by Lender, the principal amount of Five Hundred Eighty-One Thousand Eight Hundred Fifty-Eight and 93/100 Dollars ($581,858.93) or so much thereof as may be advanced from time to time in immediately available funds, together with interest computed daily on the outstanding principal balance hereunder, at an annual interest rate, and in accordance with the payment schedule, indicated below.

  35. Rate . The interest rate shall be 5.2% per annum, fixed until maturity.
  36. Usury Savings Clause . Notwithstanding any provision of this Note, Lender does not intend to charge and Borrower shall not be required to pay any amount of interest or other charges in excess of the maximum permitted by applicable law. Borrower and Lender agree that the total amount of interest contracted for, charged, collected or received by Lender under this Agreement shall not exceed the Maximum Lawful Rate (as defined in the Loan Agreement defined below). To the extent, if any, that Chapter 303 of the Texas Finance Code (the " Finance Code ") is relevant to Lender for purposes of determining the Maximum Lawful Rate, the parties elect to determine the Maximum Lawful Rate under the Finance Code pursuant to the "weekly ceiling" from time to time in effect, as referred to and defined in Section 303.001-303.016 of the Finance Code; subject, however, to any right Lender subsequently may have under applicable law to change the method of determining the Maximum Lawful Rate.
  37. Accrual Method. Unless otherwise indicated, interest at the Rate set forth above will be calculated by the 365/360 day method (a daily amount of interest is computed for a hypothetical year of 360 days; that amount is multiplied by the actual number of days for which any principal is outstanding hereunder).
  38. Rate Change Date . Any Rate based on a fluctuating index or base rate will change, unless otherwise provided, each time and as of the date that the index or base rate changes.
  39. Payment Schedule . All payments received hereunder shall be applied, first to the payment of any expense or charges payable hereunder or under any other loan documents executed in connection with this Note, then to interest due and payable, with the balance applied to principal, or in such other order as Lender shall determine at its option.
  40. Level Principal Plus Accrued Interest. The principal amount of this note shall be due and payable in 38 successive monthly installments of $20,064.10 each, commencing on January 1, 2005 and continuing on the first day of each successive month thereafter, and one final installment of the balance remaining on May 1, 2007. Interest shall be due and payable monthly, with the first payment to be made on January 1, 2005 and continuing on the first day of each successive month thereafter.

    Delinquency Charge. Lender shall be entitled to charge a delinquency charge on commercial loans on the amount of any installment or other amount in default for a period of not less than 15 days, in a reasonable amount not to exceed 4% of the amount of the delinquent installment, in addition to the interest provided for herein.

  41. Automatic Payment . Borrower has elected to authorize Lender to effect payment of sums due under this Note by means of debiting Borrower's account number 6110107387. This authorization shall not affect the obligation of Borrower to pay such sums when due, without notice, if there are insufficient funds in such account to make such payment in full on the due date thereof, or if Lender fails to debit the account.
  42. Representations, Waivers, Consents and Covenants . Borrower and Lender have entered into that certain Second Amended and Restated Loan Agreement dated December 21, 2004 (as amended, restated, or supplemented from time to time, the " Loan Agreement "). Borrower represents that all of the representations in the Loan Agreement are true and correct as of this date. Borrower covenants that it will keep all of the covenants and agreements set forth in the Loan Agreement. No waiver, consent, modification or amendment with respect to this Note shall be effective without compliance with the provisions of the Loan Agreement. Borrower, any endorser or guarantor hereof, or any other party hereto (individually an " Obligor " and collectively " Obligors ") and each of them jointly and severally: (a) waive presentment, demand, protest, notice of demand, notice of intent to accelerate, notice of acceleration of maturity, notice of protest, notice of nonpayment, notice of dishonor, and any other notice required to be given under the law to any Obligor in connection with the delivery, acceptance, performance, default or enforcement of this Note, any endorsement or guaranty of this Note, or any other documents executed in connection with this Note or any other note or other loan documents now or hereafter executed in connection with any obligation of Borrower to Lender (the " Loan Documents "); (b) consent to all delays, extensions, renewals or other modifications of this Note or the Loan Documents, or waivers of any term hereof or of the Loan Documents, or release or discharge by Lender of any of Obligors, or release, substitution or exchange of any security for the payment hereof, or the failure to act on the part of Lender, or any indulgence shown by Lender (without notice to or further assent from any of Obligors), and agree that no such action, failure to act or failure to exercise any right or remedy by Lender shall in any way affect or impair the obligations of any Obligors or be construed as a waiver by Lender of, or otherwise affect, any of Lender's rights under this Note, under any endorsement or guaranty of this Note or under any of the Loan Documents; and (c) after default, agree to pay, on demand, all costs and expenses of collection or defense of this Note or of any endorsement or guaranty hereof and/or the enforcement or defense of Lender's rights with respect to, or the administration, supervision, preservation, or protection of, or realization upon, any property securing payment hereof, including, without limitation, reasonable attorney's fees, including fees related to any suit, mediation or arbitration proceeding, out of court payment agreement, trial, appeal, bankruptcy proceedings or other proceeding, in such amount as may be determined reasonable by any arbitrator or court, whichever is applicable.
  43. Prepayments . Prepayments may be made in whole or in part at any time on any principal amounts for which the interest rate is based on the Prime Rate or any other fluctuating interest rate or index which may change daily. All prepayments of principal shall be applied in the inverse order of maturity, or in such other order as Lender shall determine in its sole discretion. No prepayment of any other principal amounts shall be permitted without the prior written consent of Lender. Notwithstanding such prohibition, if there is a prepayment of any such principal, whether by consent of Lender, or because of acceleration or otherwise, the prepayment shall be accompanied by the amount of accrued interest on the amount prepaid, and a prepayment fee. The prepayment fee shall be in an amount sufficient to compensate Lender for any loss, cost or expense incurred by it as a result of the prepayment, including any loss of anticipated profits and any loss or expense arising from the liquidation or reemployment of funds obtained by it to maintain the credit or from fees payable to terminate the deposits from which such funds were obtained. Borrower shall also pay any customary administrative fees charged by Lender in connection with the foregoing. For purposes of this paragraph, Lender shall be deemed to have funded the credit by a matching deposit or other borrowing in the applicable interbank market, whether or not the credit was in fact so funded.
  44. Events of Default . The occurrence of any Event of Default specified in the Loan Agreement, unless cured within the time specified therein, shall constitute an Event of Default under this Note. The following are also events of default hereunder: (a) the failure to pay or perform any obligation, liability or indebtedness of any Obligor to Lender, or to any affiliate or subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation, whether under this Note or any Loan Documents, as and when due (whether upon demand, at maturity or by acceleration); (b) the failure to pay or perform any other obligation, liability or indebtedness of any Obligor to any other party; (c) the commencement of a proceeding against any Obligor for dissolution or liquidation, the voluntary or involuntary termination or dissolution of any Obligor or the merger or consolidation of any Obligor with or into another entity; (d) the insolvency of, the business failure of, the appointment of a custodian, trustee, liquidator or receiver for or for any of the property of, the assignment for the benefit of creditors by, or the filing of a petition under bankruptcy, insolvency or debtor's relief law or the filing of a petition for any adjustment of indebtedness, composition or extension by or against any Obligor; (e) Borrower has given Lender any representation or information which was, when it was made, false or materially misleading; (f) the failure of any Obligor to timely deliver such financial statements, including tax returns, other statements of condition or other information, as Lender shall request from time to time; (g) the entry of a judgment against any Obligor which Lender deems to be of a material nature, in Lender's sole discretion; (h) the seizure or forfeiture of, or the issuance of any writ of possession, garnishment or attachment, or any turnover order for any property of any Obligor; or (i) the failure of Borrower's business to comply with any law or regulation controlling its operation.
  45. Remedies upon Default . The effect of the occurrence of any Event of Default under this Note shall be as specified in the Loan Agreement. In addition, upon the occurrence of an Event of Default which is not cured within the time specified therein, (a) the Rate of Interest on this Note shall be increased, from and after such date, to the Prime Rate plus 4.0% per annum, not to exceed the maximum rate allowed by law (" Default Rate ") and (b) the entire balance outstanding under this Note and all other obligations of Borrower to Lender shall, at the option of Lender, become immediately due and payable, and any obligation of Lender to permit further borrowing under this Note shall immediately cease and terminate. The provisions herein for a Default Rate shall not be deemed to extend the time for any payment hereunder or to constitute a grace period giving Obligors a right to cure any default. At Lender's option, any accrued and unpaid interest, fees or charges may, for purposes of computing and accruing interest on a daily basis after the due date of the Note or any installment thereof, shall be deemed to be a part of the principal balance, and interest shall accrue on a daily compounded basis after such date at the Default Rate provided in this Note until the entire outstanding balance of principal and interest is paid in full. Upon a default under this Note, Lender is hereby authorized at any time, at its option and without notice or demand, to set off and charge against any deposit accounts of any Obligor (as well as any money, instruments, securities, documents, chattel paper, credits, claims, demands, income and any other property, rights and interests of any Obligor), which at any time shall come into the possession or custody or under the control of Lender or any of its agents, affiliates or correspondents, any and all obligations due hereunder. Additionally, Lender shall have all rights and remedies available under each of the Loan Documents, as well as all rights and remedies available at law or in equity.
  46. Non-Waiver . The failure at any time of Lender to exercise any of its options or any other rights hereunder shall not constitute a waiver thereof, nor shall it be a bar to the exercise of any of its options or rights at a later date. All rights and remedies of Lender shall be cumulative and may be pursued singly, successively or together, at the option of Lender. The acceptance by Lender of any partial payment shall not constitute a waiver of any default or of any of Lender's rights under this Note. No waiver of any of its rights hereunder, and no modification or amendment of this Note, shall be deemed to be made by Lender unless the same shall be in writing, duly signed on behalf of Lender; each such waiver shall apply only with respect to the specific instance involved, and shall in no way impair the rights of Lender or the obligations of Obligors to Lender in any other respect at any other time.
  47. Applicable Law, Venue and Jurisdiction . Borrower agrees that this Note shall be deemed to have been made in the State of Texas at Lender's address indicated at the beginning of this Note and shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Texas. In any litigation in connection with or to enforce this Note or any endorsement or guaranty of this Note or any Loan Documents, Obligors, and each of them, irrevocably consent to and confer personal jurisdiction on the courts of the State of Texas or the United States courts located within the State of Texas. Nothing contained herein shall, however, prevent Lender from bringing any action or exercising any rights within any other state or jurisdiction or from obtaining personal jurisdiction by any other means available under applicable law.
  48. Partial Invalidity . The unenforceability or invalidity of any provision of this Note shall not affect the enforceability or validity of any other provision herein and the invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Note or of the Loan Documents to any person or circumstance shall not affect the enforceability or validity of such provision as it may apply to other persons or circumstances.
  49. Binding Effect . This Note shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of Borrower, Obligors and Lender and their respective successors, assigns, heirs and personal representatives, provided, however, that no obligations of Borrower or Obligors hereunder can be assigned without prior written consent of Lender.
  50. Controlling Document . To the extent that this Note conflicts with or is in any way incompatible with any other document related specifically to the loan evidenced by this Note, this Note shall control over any other such document, and if this Note does not address an issue, then each other such document shall control to the extent that it deals most specifically with an issue.
  51. ARBITRATION AND WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL .
      1. This section concerns the resolution of any controversies or claims between Borrower or Lender, whether arising in contract, tort or by statute, including but not limited to controversies or claims that arise out of or relate to (i) this Note (including any renewals, extensions or modifications), or (ii) any document related to this Note (collectively a " Claim "). For the purposes of this arbitration provision only, the term "parties" shall include any parent corporation, subsidiary or affiliate of Lender involved in the servicing, management or administration of any obligation described or evidenced by this Note.
      2. At the request of Borrower or Lender, any Claim shall be resolved by binding arbitration in accordance with the Federal Arbitration Act (Title 9, U.S. Code) (the " Act "). The Act will apply even though this Note provides that it is governed by the law of a specified state.
      3. Arbitration proceedings will be determined in accordance with the Act, the applicable rules and procedures for the arbitration of disputes of JAMS or any successor thereof (" JAMS "), and the terms of this section. In the event of any inconsistency, the terms of this section shall control.
      4. The arbitration shall be administered by JAMS and conducted, unless otherwise required by law, in any U.S. state where real or tangible personal property collateral for this credit is located or if there is no such collateral, in Texas. All Claims shall be determined by one arbitrator; however, if Claims exceed Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000), upon the request of any party, the Claims shall be decided by three arbitrators. All arbitration hearings shall commence within ninety (90) days of the demand for arbitration and close within ninety (90) days of commencement and the award of the arbitrator(s) shall be issued within thirty (30) days of the close of the hearing. However, the arbitrator(s), upon a showing of good cause, may extend the commencement of the hearing for up to an additional sixty (60) days. The arbitrator(s) shall provide a concise written statement of reasons for the award. The arbitration award may be submitted to any court having jurisdiction to be confirmed and enforced.
      5. The arbitrator(s) will have the authority to decide whether any Claim is barred by the statute of limitations and, if so, to dismiss the arbitration on that basis. For purposes of the application of the statute of limitations, the service on JAMS under applicable JAMS rules of a notice of Claim is the equivalent of the filing of a lawsuit. Any dispute concerning this arbitration provision or whether a Claim is arbitrable shall be determined by the arbitrator(s). The arbitrator(s) shall have the power to award legal fees pursuant to the terms of this agreement.
      6. This section does not limit the right of Borrower or Lender: (i) exercise self-help remedies, such as but not limited to, setoff; (ii) initiate judicial or non-judicial foreclosure against any real or personal property collateral; (iii) exercise any judicial or power of sale rights, or (iv) act in a court of law to obtain an interim remedy, such as but not limited to, injunctive relief, writ of possession or appointment of a receiver, or additional or supplementary remedies.
      7. The filing of a court action is not intended to constitute a waiver of the right of any party, including the suing party, thereafter to require submittal of the Claim to arbitration.
      8. By agreeing to binding arbitration, the parties irrevocably and voluntarily waive any right they may have to a trial by jury in respect of any Claim. Furthermore, without intending in any way to limit this agreement to arbitrate, to the extent any Claim is not arbitrated, the parties irrevocably and voluntarily waive any right they may have to a trial by jury in respect of such Claim. This provision is a material inducement for the parties entering into this agreement.

    Borrower represents to Lender that the proceeds of this loan are to be used primarily for business, commercial or agricultural purposes. Borrower acknowledges having read and understood, and agrees to be bound by, all terms and conditions of this Note.

    NOTICE OF FINAL AGREEMENT:

  52. THIS WRITTEN PROMISSORY NOTE AND THE LOAN DOCUMENTS REPRESENT THE FINAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PARTIES, AND MAY NOT BE CONTRADICTED BY EVIDENCE OF PRIOR, CONTEMPORANEOUS, OR SUBSEQUENT ORAL AGREEMENTS OF THE PARTIES. THERE ARE NO UNWRITTEN ORAL AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE PARTIES.
  53. BORROWER:

     

    LENDER:

    TOR MINERALS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

     

    BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.

     

     

     

    By:___________________________________

     

    By:___________________________________

    Richard L. Bowers, President and

     

    Name:_________________________________

    Chief Executive Officer

     

    Title:__________________________________

     

    EXHIBIT B

    Form of Borrowing Base Certificate

    BORROWING BASE CERTIFICATE

    This Borrowing Base Certificate is delivered pursuant to Section 2.B of the Loan Agreement dated December 21, 2004 (as amended, restated or supplemented, the "Loan Agreement", between TOR Minerals International, Inc., a Delaware Corporation ("Borrower") and by Bank of America, N.A. ("Lender"). Words which are capitalized herein which are defined in said Loan Agreement shall have the same meaning specified in the Loan Agreement. The undersigned hereby certifies that the following amounts and statements are true and correct, as of _____________, 20__.

    1.

    Eligible Accounts Receivable ($___________ x 80%)

    $______________

    2.

    Eligible Inventory ($___________ x 50% - not to exceed $2,850,000)

    +______________

    3.

    Total of Lines 1 and 2 ("Borrowing Base Amount")

    $______________

    4.

    Less the amount of all advances presently outstanding under the Revolving Loan

    -______________

    5.

    Less the total amount of LC Exposure

    -______________

    6.

    Amount available for additional advances under the Revolving Note

    $______________

    [If an advance is being requested herewith] Borrower requests an advance of $_________________ under the Revolving Note.

    I hereby certify to Lender that all of the information contained in this Borrowing Base Certificate is true and correct as of the date shown above, that the balance sheet, profit and loss statement, inventory list and aged list of accounts receivable attached hereunto are true and correct as of said date, that no Material Adverse Event has occurred since said date, and that no Event of Default specified in the Loan Agreement has occurred.

    TOR MINERALS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

     

    BY:_________________________________

    Name:

    Title:

     

    EXHIBIT C

    Form of Compliance Certificate

    COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

    This Compliance Certificate is delivered pursuant to Section 4.C (viii) of the Loan Agreement dated as of December 21, 2004 (as amended, restated or supplemented, the "Loan Agreement" ) between TOR MINERALS INTERNATIONAL, INC., a Delaware corporation ("Borrower") and by BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. ( "Lender" ). Words which are capitalized herein which are defined in said Loan Agreement shall have the same meanings specified in the Loan Agreement. The undersigned, on behalf of the Borrower, hereby certifies and warrants pursuant to Sections 4.B (i) , (ii) and (iii) of the Loan Agreement, as follows:

    1.

    The undersigned is authorized to make this certificate on behalf of the Borrower.

    2.

    As of __________________, 20__

     

    (a)

    Section 4-B(i). Borrower's Ratio of Total Liabilities to Tangible Net Worth is __ to 1.0 for the twelve months ending on said date, as set forth on Attachment 1;

     

    (b)

    Section 4-B(ii) . Borrower's Ratio of Current Assets to Current Liabilities is __ to 1.0 on said date, computed as set forth on Attachment 2;

     

    (c)

    Section 4-B(iii). Borrower's Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio is __ to 1.0 on said date, computed as set forth on Attachment 3;

     

    (d)

    Section 4-B(iv). Borrower's net income after tax for the four quarters ending on said date, computed on a consolidated basis, is $________________, excluding only events resulting from required changes in GAAP accounting treatment of intangibles or similar events beyond the control of Borrower as indicated on Attachment 4; and

     

    (e)

    No Default. No Event of Default occurred or is continuing during the three month period to which this Compliance Certificate relates. No Material Adverse Event occurred or is continuing during the three month period to which this Compliance Certificate relates.

     

    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Undersigned has executed and delivered this certificate to Lender this ____ day of __________, 20__.

     

     

    TOR MINERALS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

     

    BY:_________________________________

    Name:

    Title:

     

     

    RATIFICATION AGREEMENT

    THIS RATIFICATION AGREEMENT (as amended, restated, or supplemented from time to time, this " Agreement ") is executed as of December 21, 2004, between TOR Minerals International, Inc., a Delaware corporation, (with its successors, " Obligor "), and Bank of America, N.A. (with its successors, " Lender ").

    RECITALS

  54. TOR Minerals International, Inc. and Lender entered into that certain Amended and Restated Loan Agreement dated as of August 23, 2002 (as amended or supplemented from time to time, the " Original Loan Agreement ").
  55. To secure its obligations and indebtedness under the Original Loan Agreement, Obligor executed that certain Security Agreement dated effective August 23, 2002 in favor of Lender and that certain Security Agreement dated effective May 1, 2002 (each as amended, restated or supplemented from time to time, a " Security Agreement " and collectively, the " Security Agreements ").
  56. Obligor and Lender desire to amend and restate the Original Loan Agreement and become party to that certain Second Amended and Restated Loan Agreement dated December 21, 2004 (as amended, restated, or supplemented from time to time, the " Loan Agreement ").
  57. Execution and delivery of this Agreement is a condition precedent to and material inducement for Lender entering into the Loan Agreement.
  58. Capitalized terms used, but not defined, in this Agreement, will have the meanings given such terms in the Loan Agreement.
  59. NOW, THEREFORE, for the premises and other valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which is hereby acknowledged, Lender and Obligor agree as follows:

      1. Ratification of Security Agreements . Obligor remains liable for its obligations under the Security Agreements. The Loan Agreement does not in any way affect or release the liens and security interests created by the Security Agreements and all the liens and security interests created by the Security Agreements constitute valid and existing liens on the Collateral (as defined in each Security Agreement), and shall remain in full force and effect to secure payment and performance of the obligations and liabilities under the Loan Agreement and the Security Agreements.
      2. Authorization . Obligor represents and warrants to Lender that (a) the execution and delivery of this Agreement have been authorized by all requisite action on its part and will not violate its organizational documents, (b) the representations and warranties in each Loan Document to which Obligor is a party are true and correct in all material respects on and as of the date of this Agreement as though made on this date, and (c) it is in full compliance with all covenants and agreements contained in each Loan Document to which it is a party.
      3. Successors and Assigns. This Agreement binds Obligor and its successors and assigns, and inures to the benefit of Lender and its respective successors and assigns.
      4. Governing Law . This Agreement must be construed--and its performance enforced--under Texas law.
      5. Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, and by the different parties on different counterpart signature pages, each of which when executed shall be deemed an original but all such counterparts taken together shall constitute one and the same Agreement.
      6. Arbitration . This Agreement is one of the Loan Documents and is subject to the arbitration provisions set forth in Section 11 of the Loan Agreement.
      7. Entire Agreement . THIS AGREEMENT, THE LOAN AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS REPRESENT THE FINAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PARTIES AND MAY NOT BE CONTRADICTED BY EVIDENCE OF PRIOR, CONTEMPORANEOUS, OR SUBSEQUENT ORAL AGREEMENTS BY THE PARTIES. THERE ARE NO UNWRITTEN ORAL AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE PARTIES.

    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be duly executed by their respective authorized signatories as of the date set out in the Preamble.

    TOR MINERALS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

     

    BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.

     

     

     

    By:___________________________________

     

    By:___________________________________

    Richard L. Bowers, President and

     

    Name:_________________________________

    Chief Executive Officer

     

    Title:__________________________________

     

    RATIFICATION AGREEMENT

    THIS RATIFICATION AGREEMENT (as amended, restated, or supplemented from time to time, this " Agreement ") is executed as of December 21, 2004, among TOR Minerals International, Inc., a Delaware corporation, (with its successors, " Borrower "), Paulson Ranch, Ltd., a _____ limited partnership (" Creditor "), and Bank of America, N.A. (with its successors, " Lender ").

    RECITALS

  60. Borrower and Lender entered into that certain Amended and Restated Loan Agreement dated as of August 23, 2002 (as amended or supplemented from time to time, the " Original Loan Agreement ").
  61. In connection with the Original Loan Agreement, Borrower, Lender and Creditor entered into that certain Subordination Agreement dated effective February 2, 2004 (as amended, restated or supplemented from time to time, the " Subordination Agreement ").
  62. Borrower and Lender desire to amend and restate the Original Loan Agreement and become party to that certain Second Amended and Restated Loan Agreement dated December 21, 2004 (as amended, restated, or supplemented from time to time, the " Loan Agreement ").
  63. Execution and delivery of this Agreement is a condition precedent to and material inducement for Lender entering into the Loan Agreement.
  64. Capitalized terms used, but not defined, in this Agreement, will have the meanings given such terms in the Loan Agreement.
  65. NOW, THEREFORE, for the premises and other valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which is hereby acknowledged, Borrower, Creditor and Lender agree as follows:

      1. Ratification of Security Agreements . Borrower, Creditor and Lender remain liable for their respective obligations under the Subordination Agreement. The Loan Agreement does not in any way affect the agreements contained in the Subordination Agreement and the Subordination Agreement remains in full force and effect.
      2. Authorization . Creditor represents and warrants to Lender that (a) the execution and delivery of this Agreement have been authorized by all requisite action on its part and will not violate its organizational documents, and (b) it is in full compliance with all covenants and agreements contained in the Subordination Agreement.
      3. Successors and Assigns. This Agreement binds Creditor, Borrower and their respective successors and assigns, and inures to the benefit of Lender and its respective successors and assigns.
      4. Governing Law . This Agreement must be construed--and its performance enforced--under Texas law.
      5. Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, and by the different parties on different counterpart signature pages, each of which when executed shall be deemed an original but all such counterparts taken together shall constitute one and the same Agreement.
      6. Arbitration . This Agreement is one of the Loan Documents and is subject to the arbitration provisions set forth in Section 11 of the Loan Agreement.
      7. Entire Agreement . THIS AGREEMENT, THE LOAN AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS REPRESENT THE FINAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PARTIES AND MAY NOT BE CONTRADICTED BY EVIDENCE OF PRIOR, CONTEMPORANEOUS, OR SUBSEQUENT ORAL AGREEMENTS BY THE PARTIES. THERE ARE NO UNWRITTEN ORAL AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE PARTIES.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be duly executed by their respective authorized signatories as of the date set out in the Preamble.

PAULSON RANCH, LTD.

 

By:___________________________________

Name:_________________________________

Title:__________________________________

TOR MINERALS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.

 

 

 

By:___________________________________

 

By:___________________________________

Richard L. Bowers, President and

 

Name:_________________________________

Chief Executive Officer

 

Title:__________________________________

EXHIBIT 10.17

HSBC

PRIVATE & CONFIDENTIAL

TOR Minerals (M) Sdn Bhd

4 1/2 Miles Lahat Road

PO Box 383

30200 IPOH

08 November 2004

 

 

Dear Sirs

BANKING FACILITIES

We confirm having completed our review of your banking facilities and are pleased to advise that we are agreeable to renewing the under mentioned revised facilities for the purposes as stated for a further period, subject to the terms and conditions as outlined in the attached annexure

The facilities are subject to review at any time. and in any event by October 2005 to our customary, overriding right of repayment on demand; and to the requirements of Biro Maklumat Cek from time to time. We shall be obliged if you will note to send us two signed/certified copies of your next set of audited accounts (i.e. as at 31 December 2004) and that your holding company. TOR Minerals International, before that date.

FACILITIES

PRESENT LIMIT

PROPOSED LIMIT

 

Overdraft

RM 500,000.00

RM 500,000.00

 

Bank Guarantee Line

--

RM 300,000.00

 

Export Line of which

RM 8,000,000.00

RM 8,000,000.00

*

Pre/Post Shipment Finance - 120 days/

(RM 8,000,000.00)

(RM 8,000,000.00)

*

Bankers Acceptances (BAE) - 90 days/

--

(RM 8,000,000.00)

*

HSBC Amanah Accepted Bills - (IAE) - 90 days/

--

(RM 8,000,000.00)

*

Loan Against Export (LAE) #

 

 

#

Import Line of which

RM 500,000.00

RM 500,000.00

*

Bankers Acceptances (BAI) - 90 days/

--

(RM 500,000.00)

*

HSBC Amanah Accepted Bills - (IAP)

--

(RM 500,000.00)

*

Clean Imprt Loans (CIL) #

 

 

#

Total Gross Foreign Exchange

RM 22,500,000.00

RM 22,500,000.00

**

Control Limit ( Equivalent Weighted Exchange Contract Limit )

(RM 4,500,000.00)

(RM 4,500,000.00)

 

*

Export Line interchangeable with Import Line but the total combined outstanding of Export Pre/Post Shipment Finance/BAE/IAE must not exceed RM/ 0 million and total combined outstanding of Import BAI/IAP must not exceed RM0.50 million respectively at any one time

**

Inclusive of mark-to-market losses incurred from time to time

#

Zero limit

 

 

PURPOSES

Overdraft

Working Capital

Bank Guarantee Line

For the issuance of miscellaneous guarantees in favour of relevant authorities and performance bonds to fuel oil suppliers

Export Line

To finance local/export sales
Bankers Acceptances (BAE)
To facilitate financing of exports/local sales of goods
HSBC Amanah .Accepted Bills-I (LAE)
To facilitate financing of exports/local sales of halal goods (related to your business other than capital investment goods) for up to 90 days
Loan Against Export (LAE)
The Loan Against Export (LAE) can only be _tilized for settlement of past due HSBC Amanah .Accepted Bills-i

Import Line

To finance purchases of raw materials/inventories. ,
Bankers Acceptances (BAT)
To facilitate financing of imports/local purchases of goods.
HSBC Amanah Accepted Bills-I (IAP)
To facilitate financing of imports/local purchases of halal goods (related to your business other than capital investment goods) for up to 90 days.
Clean Import Loans (CIL)
The Clean Import Loans (CIL) can only be _tilized for settlement of past due HSBC Amanah Accepted Bills-i

Foreign Exchange Contract

To fixed forward contracts covering bona fide trade transactions

The Bank reserves the right to cancel these facilities of not used, for the purposes granted

We wish to draw your attention to the attached terms and conditions witch require your understanding and acceptance to the arrangements made. ,

Please confirm that your total group borrowings comprising of your non-resident controlled holding companies' and subsidiaries' borrowings in Malavsia including those from us do not m aggregate exceed RM50.0 million (excluding short term trade financing facilities of less than 12 months [e.g. letters of credit, loan against import, bankers acceptances, ECR, bills discounting facilities], guarantees and foreign exchange line) at any one time in terms of ECM 8 of the Malaysian Exchange Control Regulations. In the event that you decide to negotiate or seek additional facilities from other financial institutions and or any other sources in Malaysia Which may lead to your borrowing exceeding RM50.0 million (excluding short torn trade financing facilities of less than 12 months [e.g. letter of credit, loan against import, bankers acceptances, ECR, bills discounting facilities], guarantees and foreign exchange lines) and/or change the method of computing your credit facilities. you arc required to inform this Bank and also obtain the necessary approval from the relevant authority

In terms of ECM 8 of the Malaysian Exchange Control Regulations, facilities extended to -%our company will continue to be subject to approval from Bank Negara Malaysia. and such approval for the existing facilities tin our books has been given in their letter dated 14JUN2000 Which is effective a until further notice.

The accountholder hereby agrees that the facilities hereunder arc subject to the requirements of the Biro Malkumat CA from time to time and that the Bank reserves the rig=ht to recall the facilities granted hereunder in the event the accountholders current account is closed b` any bank following the requirement of the Biro Maklumat CA notwithstanding that the accountholder's current account(s) With the Bank whether held solely or jointly with others has/have been conducted satisfactorily. ,

Please confirm that all your forward exchange transactions shall be trade-related. in compliance with Malavsian Exchange Control Regulations and supported by appropriate documentation Which may be required by the Bank prior to execution.

Please arrange for the authorised signatories of your company, in accordance with the Board Resolution to be given to the Bank to sigh and return to us this letter within 30 days from the date hereof, after winch date this offer will be deemed to have lapsed to signify your continued understanding and acceptance of the terms and conditions under which these facilities are granted.

Please also ensure that the attached list of securities is checked and the correctness confirmed together with the acceptance of this offer.

We are pleased to be of continued assistance to you and look forward to the development of a mutually beneficial and lasting relationship However; should you have any query, please do not hesitate to contact our Mr Lim Jit Foo at Telephone No 05-5226352

Yours faithfully

MARTIN ONG KIE HUNG

Martin Ong Kie Hung

Manager Commercial Banking Ipoh lips

HSBC.Malaysia - the world's local bank was recently voted Malaysia's "Best Foreign Bank" by Finance Asia and have also been named the "Best Bank Of The Year For Malaysia" by The Banker magazine, one of the highest accolades in the banking industry In addition, we received the Malaysian Prime Minister's, technologv award "Anugerah Perdana Teknologi Maklumat" for our innovative Cheque Scan manchine - the first bank to win this prestigious award.

 

 

 

 

We confirm our acceptance of the above facilities and that the Bank's agreement to provide us kith the abovementioned facilities will not contravene with the provisions of Section 62 of the Banking and Financial Institutions Act 1989 We accept that the Bank reserves the right to recall the facilities in the event that the facilities extended to us are not in compliance with the aforementioned section of the Act.

We confirm that all our forward foreign exchange transactions shall be trade-related and in compliance with Malaysian Exchange Control Regulations and supported by appropriate documentation which may be required by the Bank prior to execution.

We acknowledge that we are entering into each FEX transactions in reliance only upon our own judgment and in accordance with Section 7 of IFEMA terms.

We are agreeable that each party may electronically record all telephonic conversations and any such tape recordings may be submitted in evidence in any proceedings for any purpose relating to any FEX transaction.

We confirm that the Bank's agreement to provide us with the abovementioned facilities will not contravene the provision of ECM 8 of the Malaysian Exchange Control Regulations.

In the event that we decide to negotiate of seek additional facilities from other financial institutions and/or any other sources in Malaysia which :nay lead to our total borrowings exceeding RM50.0 million (excluding short term trade financing facilities of less than 12 months [e.g. letters of credit, loan against import, bankers acceptances, ECR, bills discounting facilities], guarantees and foreign exchange line) we shall inform you and also obtain the necessary approval from the relevant authority.

We further agreed that your Letter of Offer embodies in writing all the terms for the Banking Facilities to be granted to us and hereby confirm that any warranties, promises, representations, collateral agreements that may have been made or made to its, orally or otherwise by you ill the course of the pre-couraclual negotiations that have not now been included in your Letter of Offer shall hereafter be deemed by its to have lapsed and not legally binding upon you nor shall be raised by LIS as a clef once or to support any claim by us in any legal proceedings.

We also confirm that tile securities list attached to the letter of offer is correct.

In consideration of your agreeing to trade Laid pay oil maturity of the 1-ISBC Amanah Accepted Bills-i drawn on/accepted by you up to a maximum limit of RM8.0 million for IAE and 1010.511 mil for ]AP respectively against Lade bills drawn by its or drawn on its, we hereby make tile following undertaking and authorisations:

 

 

1.

It is hereby agreed that in the event a pledge is not for any reason whatsoever created or perfected as herein stated, we shall nevertheless, and we hereby unconditionally agrees to tile executed trade Financing General Agreement/General Security Agreement Relating to Goods be deemed to have created a charge over the Documents and the Goods, in favour of the Bank, and the provisions herein relating to a pledge shall apply, mutatis mutandis, to ,I charge.

2.

We hereby unconditionally agree that tile Bank shall not be detailed to have approved, ratified or accepted any act done by us in our capacity as agent of the Bank in the event tile Bank shall be of the opinion, which opinion still[ be final, that steel) act was done without proper authority and we shall indemnity tile Bank, its officers and employees against It in respect of all liabilities, claims, losses, costs (including on solicitor-client basis) anti damages of any kind which may be incurred by any of them and all actions or proceedings which may be brought by of against them in connection with the same or any matter :elated thereto.

3.

We herby unconditionally agree that the Rank shall not be liable or responsible for any misrepresentations made or frauds or other acts of similar nature committed by us or any of our officers, employees or agents in our or their capacity as agent of the Bank and we shall indemnify the Bank, its officers and employees against or in respect of all liabilities, claims, losses, costs (including on a solicitor-client basis) and damages of any kind which may be incurred by any of them and all actions or proceedings which may be brought by or against them in connection with the same or any matter related thereto.


Undertaking and authorisations of 1, 2 anti 3 of above arc deemed to be incorporated into tile conventional Trade Financing General Agreement/General Security Agreement Relating to Goods. Where its application to Islamic financing clauses in lire conventional Trade Financing General Agreement/General Security Agreement Relating to Goods that are contrary to Syariah does not apply.

4.

On the maturity date of each Amanah Accepted Bill drawn on/accepted by you, to debit our current account with the full amount of the selling price in respect of each such Amanah Accepted Bill, without any obligation on the Bank to give us notice of dishonour and without any reference to us If the credit balance in our current accountshall be insufficient to cover the amount of any matured Amanah .Accepted Bill drawn on/accepted by you, notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Bank shall be entitled by notice in writing to us, to forthwith convert the amount of the selling price in respect of such matured Amanah Accepted Bill to be an amount outstanding as a principal sum under the Bankers Acceptance Facility ("Converted Sum"). Upon such conversion, the Converted Sum shall be deemed to form part of the principal sum outstanding under the Bankers Acceptance Facility and accordingly to be secured by the existing securities listed in this Letter of Offer

5.

In addition to our authorisations and undertakings contained in this Letter of Offer and without affecting any other provision contained in this Letter of Offer, we unconditionally authorise the Bank, in the Bank's absolute discretion, to debit our current account or any other account held with the Bank without any reference to us, with the aggregate of the amounts of the selling prices payable under the HSBC Amanah Accepted Bills-i Facility granted to us even before the respective maturity dates of such HSBC Amanah .Accepted Bills-i and any costs or expenses arising there from ("Aggregate Selling Prices") In such event if the credit balance in our current account shall be insufficient to cover the amount of the .Aggregate Selling Prices and notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein contained, the Bank shall be entitled by notice in writing to us, to forthwith convert the amount of the Aggregate Selling Prices to the amount outstanding as a principal sum under the Clean Import Loan or Loan Against Export Facility ("Converted Sum") whichever is applicable Upon such conversion, the Converted Sum shall be deemed to form part of the principal sum outstanding under the Clean Import Loan or Loan Against Export Facility and accordingly be secured by the existing securities listed in this Letter of Offer

6.

To dispose of the proceeds of the trade Bill(s) collected towards reimbursement of the HSBC Amanah Accepted Bills-i and to debit our account with any shortage however arising.


Either

(a) agree to sell debt(s) represented by the trade Bill(s) to you and further irrevocably authorise you to dispose of the proceeds there from towards reimbursement of the HSBC Amanah Accepted Bills-i; OR

(b) undertake to pay to you the full amount of the relevant selling price immediately upon your notifying us to do so and in this respect we further irrevocably authorise you to debit our account accordingly,


in the event that proceeds of the relevant trade Bill shall not have been received by you on or before the maturity date of HSBC Amanah Accepted Bills-i

7.

To indemnify you against any amount outstanding in the event that you fail to recover all or any part of the selling price payable from time to time under the facility granted to us

8.

Notwithstanding the exercise of all or any of the above specifically authorised by us, you shall have the right to take legal action to recover any moneys due to you

9.

All terms and conditions as contained in the Bank's legal documentation shall continue to apply.

 

TOR MINERALS (M) SDN. BHD. (14387-W)

LEE HEE CHEW

Authorised Signatories and Company's Chop

Date Accepted : 23 November 2004

 

TERMS AND CONDTTIONS (ANNEXURE TO LETTER OF OFFER DATED 29 October 2004)

SECURITIY HELD

1.

An "all monies" debenture stamped for RMIO 0 million over all the fixed and floating assets of TOR Minerals (M) Sdn Bhd, that is to say a debenture to secure "all monies" in respect of general banking facilities owing from time to time including future advances, with an unlimited covenant to pay on the part of the company.


This debenture and registered charge to rank pari passu with same taken by RIM Bank Bhd (formerly known as Development & Commercial Bank Berhad)

2.

A collateral charge over IIS(D)KA 1376/75 and 1377/75 for Lot Nos 70808 and 70809 Mukim of Ulu Kinta in the name of TOR Minerals (M) Sdn Bird as the Chargor, that is to say a Charge to secure "all monies" in respect of general banking facilities owing from time to time including future advances, with an unlimited covenant to pay on the part of the Chargor

3.

Letter of Undertaking not to declare to pay- any dividend without the prior consent of the Bank

4.

Letter of Awareness from TOR Minerals International Inc (formerly known as Hitox Corporation of America) ,


The third-party security provider/guarantor shall undertake not to divest its shareholding or any part thereof in your company without first obtaining the Bank's consent

5.

General Security Agreement Relating To Goods dated 22 MAY 1991.

6.

Letter of Undertaking not to lend to related companies.

7.

Letter of Undertaking to upstamp the debenture whenever required by the Bank.

8.

Co-Lender's Agreement between RUB & HSBC. HSBC's RMIO 0 million rank part passu with RHB's RN115 0 million dated 25 April 1991

9.

Security Sharing Agreement between RUB Bank, HSBC Bank Maraysia Berhad,

RHB Labuan and HSBC Labuan.


If at any time the Bank shall consider that the security is insufficient you shall within 14 days from the date of a notice from the Bank provide such further security as the Bank shall require whether in cash or otherwise of such value and for such tenure as the Bank shall in its absolute discretion decide.

REPAYMENT:

In accordance with normal banking practice and notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein-contained and prior to the time for annual review these facilities are subject to our customary overriding right of repayment on demand and (but not limited to) the requirements of Biro Maklumat Cek from time to time.

TERMS IN RESPECT OF OVEDRAFT

INTEREST:

Interest will be charged by us at 1.25% per annum at daily rests above our Base Lending Rate (presently at 6.0% per annum). The effective rate is therefore presently at 7.25% per annum subject to fluctuations at our absolute discretion and payable monthly to the debit of your current account.

In the event the approved limit is exceeded, additional interest at the Bank's discretion will be charged and debited to your current account.

All interest due shall be capitalised and added for all purposes to the principal sum and shall bear interest at the relevant applicable rate notwithstanding any demand by the Bank and/or cessation of the banker and customer relationship for whatever reason.

For purposes of ascertaining whether the limit of the principal intended to be secured by the aforesaid security has been exceeded or not all accumulated and capitalised interest shall be deemed to be interest and not principal sum.

COMMITMENT
FEE:

Under the Rules of the Association of Banks in Malaysia. a commitment fee of 1.0"N per annum will be levied on the unutilized portion of the overdraft facility.

 

TERMS IN RESPECT OF BANK GUARANTEE LINE

COMMISSION ON
GUARANTEE

Commission of not less than 0.1% per month subject to a mimimum of RM100-00 shall be charged for the full liability period (inclusive of the Claim period) of the guarantee issued.


Where a Guarantee does not have a claim period, additional commission of not less than 0.1% per month ,hall he charged from the date of expiry to the date of return of the Guarantee or on receipt of notification from the beneficiary that the Bank is no longer liable under the Guarantee.


Commission shall be charged when a guarantee is issued and no refund is to be allowed under any condition whatsoever.

TERMS:

 

1.

All guarantees issued by us must bear an expiry date and we are at liberty to refuse to issue any particular guarantee if deemed expedient and the facility remains subject to our immediate right of settlement on demand as stated, in the terms of your Counter Indemnity in the event of any claims being made under the guarantee.

2.

Should any one of our guarantees be called up, we would immediately debit your account with the amount and you will arrange to have funds available for this purpose.

3.

This Guarantee facility is subject to our right to call for cash cover/cash margin on demand for prospective and continent liabilities under the guarantees/performance bonds issued/to be issued by us.

 

 

TERMS IN RESPECT OF IMPORT LINE AND EXPORT LINE

DC's OPENING
CHARGES:

At the prevailing rates as imposed by the Association of Bank in Malaysia, currently at 0.1% for each month or part thereof (minimum RM50-00).

INTEREST ON
EXPORT CREDIT
REFINANCING:

At 1.0% above the prevailing rates as laid down from time to time (presently 2.50% per annum) The effective rate is therefore 3 50% per annum subject to fluctuations at our discretion.

ADDITIONAL
INTEREST ON
OVERDUE BILLS:

In the event of late payment of bills, additional interest on the amount overdue will be charged at additional 1 0% per annum over the prescribed interest rate, from the due date until date of payment.


All interest due shall be capitalised and added for all purposes to the principal sum and bear interest at the relevant applicable rate notwithstanding any demand by the Bank and/or cessation of the banker and customer relationship for whatever reason.

TERMS:

These facilities are subject to our right to call for cash cover/cash margin on demand for prospective and contingent liabilities under the documentary credits issued/to be issued by us.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR BANKERS ACCEPTANCES

1.

Commission:

Bankers Acceptances commission to be charged at 1 0%.

2.

Interest:

Interest will be charged at a rate quoted by Bank for the respective tenures at the time of financing Quotations are obtainable upon request.

3.

Payment:

Notwithstanding any other provision herein contained, the Bank reserves the right at its absolute discretion to debit the full amount of each Bill on its maturity date to your current account without further reference to you.

4.

Enhanced Clause:

Sales proceeds of all Bankers Acceptances financed must be credited to your current account to meet payment of maturing Bankers Acceptances. Notwithstanding this, all Bankers Acceptances drawn must be paid on their respective maturity dates and if there is default in such payments, the matured Bankers Acceptance will be charged at

i) the maximum interest margin plus penalty (if any) prescribed by Bank Negara Malaysia from time to time, or

ii) the original discount rate plus a late payment fee of 1.0%; or

iii) the prevailing Bankers Acceptance discounting rate plus a late payment fee of 1.0% effective on the day the Bankers Acceptance goes into past due, or

iv) 1.0% per annum over our prevailing base lending rate plus a late payment fee of 1.50%, whichever is the highest, for the period overdue.

5.

Other Conditions:

The minimum Bill size for each trade transactions shall be RM50,000 or such other amount as advised by Bank Negara Malaysia or any other statutory bodies.

6.

Variation of Terms:

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein. the Bank may at any time and in its absolute discretion without discharging in any way your liabilities hereunder and under the Security Documents, vary the terms herein including but not limited to the rate of interest, additional interest, commission, overdue interest, and other charges herein stated and the amount or form of the facilities granted so as to convert the existing facilities or cancel one or more facilities or create two or more from the facilities (provided always at the applicable rate of interest) and such variation etc shall take effect upon notice being given by the Bank to you.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR HSBC AMANAH ACCEPTED BILLS-i

1.

Commission:

HSBC Amanah Accepted Bills-i commission will be charged at 1.0%

2.

Margin of Profit:

Margin of profit will be charged at a rate quoted by the Bank for the respective tenures at the time of financing. Quotations are obtainable upon request.

3.

Other Conditions:

The minimum Bill size for each trade transactions shall be RM50,000 or such other amount as advised by Bank Negara Malaysia.

4.

Enhance Clause:

Sales proceeds of all HSBC Amanah Accepted Bills-i financed must be credited to your current account to meet payment of maturing HSBC Amanah Accepted Bills-i

5.

Payment:

Notwithstanding any other provision herein contained, the Bank reserves the right at its absolute discretion to debit your current account with the full amount of the selling price in respect of each such Amanah Accepted Bill, without further reference to you

6.

Financing of Purchases/Imports:

Purchases/Imports will be financed based on Murabahah concept. Under this arrangement, you are appointed as the purchasing agent of the Bank. The required raw materials/trading goods would be purchased by you on behalf of the Bank. The Bank would then sell the raw materials/trading goods to you at a price, which will be inclusive of a profit margin and on deferred payment terms

7.

Financing of Sales/Exports:

Sales/Exports will be financed based on Bai Al-Dayn concept. Under this arrangement, you will sell your debt receivables to the Bank at a price to be agreed upon between both parties. The Bank's purchase price after deducting any charges payable to the Bank will be credited to your account

8.

Variation of Terms:

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the Bank may at any time and in its absolute discretion without affecting in any way your liabilities hereunder and under the Security Documents to vary and/or add to the terms herein by giving you notice in writing to that effect Provided Always that no such addition or variation shall have the effect of increasing the selling price or the commission rate or shortening the term of the Facility.

 

TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR CLEAN IMPORT LOAN (CIL) AND/OR LOAN AGAINST EXPORT (LAE)

1.

Payment:

All CIL and/or LAE drawn must be paid immediately.

2.

Overdue Interest:

In the event of non payment of CIL and/or LAE, the following overdue interest will

be charged

i) The maximum interest margin prescribed by Bank Negara Malaysia plus penalty of 1 0% over our base lending rate, per annum, or

ii) The original discount rate plus penalty of 1.0%; or

iii) The prevailing AAB discounting rate over penalty of 1.0% effective on the day the AAB goes into past due ,

whichever is the highest, for the period overdue.

3.

Variation of Terms:

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the Bank may at any time and in its absolute discretion without discharging in any way your liabilities hereunder and under the Security Documents, vary the terms herein including but not limited to the rate of interest, additional interest, commission, overdue interest, and other charges herein stated and the amount or form of the facilities granted so as to convert the existing facilities or cancel one or more facilities or create two or more from the facilities (provided always that the variation or conversion shall be at the applicable rate of interest) and such variation etc. shall take effect upon notice being given by the Bank to you.

GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

1.

Utilisation:

The procedure for accepting or discounting Bankers Acceptances/HSBC Amanah Accepted Bills-i will be subject to the conditions and guidelines laid down from time to time by Bank Negara Malaysia or other statutory bodies

TERMS RELATING TO FOREIGN EXCHANGE (FORWARD CONTRACT) LINE

1.

The Bank reserves the right at its absolute discretion to decide whether or not any utilisation of the Risk Weighted Foreign Exchange Contract Line may be made and to specify conditions only upon compliance with which such utilisation maybe made.

2.

The amount and value of any and each utilisation of the Risk Weighted Forcian Exchange Contract Line or their aggregate amount and value for the purpose of calculating the amount of any available limit of the Risk Weighted Foreign Exchange Contract Line or call for cash cover shall be as calculated by the Bank, such calculation to be conclusive.

3.

We reserve our overriding right to call for cash cover on demand if in the Bank's view a negative foreign exchange position requires such cover, and/or to close out any or all contracts outstanding at any time, without further reference to you and to demand settlement of the balance due to us The right to call for cash cover shall be in addition to and without prejudice to any relevant rights contained in the English Law IFEMA.

4.

Contracts covering foreign exchange transactions (or other treasury transactions) are governed by the conditions appearing on the reverse of the standard contract form These contract forms should be checked upon receipt, and the copy signed and returned to the Bank within 14 calendar days from date of contract.

5.

In accordance with Malaysia Exchange Control Regulations the maturity date of the forward contract must not be later than 6 months after the intended date of export or 12 months after the intended date of import, or in all other cases not later than 12 months after the date the forward contract is entered into, failing which any extension of such contracts will have to be approved in writing by Bank Negara Malaysia. Where such approval is obtained, the Bank reserves the right at its absolute discretion to extend, cancel, reduce the amount of and/or otherwise to adjust the maturity date of the forward FEX contract including the right to charge the funding costs of all contracts so extended or rolled over at prevailing mark-to-market rates.

6.

All notices including the originals of contract confirmations for FEX transactions will be delivered by hand or sent by ordinary post, and all demands will be delivered by hand or sent by registered post (not being AR registered post) to you, in both cases to the address given herein or last known to the Bank and shall be deemed received if delivered by hand at the time of delivery, if collected by hand at the time of collection and if sent by post three (3) days after posting, thereof notwithstanding its subsequent return by the post office.

7.

All spot and/or forward foreign exchange contracts entered into between you and the Bank from time to time have been, are and shall be for genuine underlying trade transactions and not for speculative purposes. Upon request, you shall provide the Bank with documentary evidence of firm underlying commitments to support the spot and/or forward foreign exchange contracts. You acknowledge the Bank's right to cancel the spot and/or forward contracts immediately when the underlying contract covered by the spot and/or forward exchange contract does not materialise or if there is no documentary evidence or the trade is not genuine

Without prejudice to anything herein contained, the Bank also reserves the right (and without further reference to you) to

- reduce the amount of the spot and/or forward contract when the amount of receipt/payment of the underlying transaction is reduced to less than the amount of the spot and/or forward contract.

- adjust the maturity date of the spot and/or forward contract when the Bank is satisfied that the due or expected date of payment/receipt of the underlying transaction has changed provided always that the new maturity date does not exceed the period permitted under exchange control and other relevant rules/laws,

and any differences arising therefrom shall be payable by you notwithstanding that the day originally stipulated for settlement may not have arrived, for which the Bank is hereby authorised to set-off from or debit and/or combine, consolidate any account(s) standing in your names) held at any Branches of the Bank.

8.

In the absence of an executed agreement governing foreign exchange contracts, the latest published English law IFEMA terms shall apply and each utilisation of the Risk Weighted Foreign Exchange Contract Line (whether or not the relevant IFEMA Document has been signed) shall be deemed to be subject to and shall be subject to the English Law IFEMA terms unless the relevant Confirmation/ contract specifies to the contrary. Spot and/or forward contracts are also governed by the conditions appearing on the reverse of the standard contract form.

In the event of any conflict between the terms of this facility letter, those of the English law IFEMA and the standard contract terms, the terms shall prevail in the following order

(a) the terms of the latest published English law IFEMA (a copy is available on request)

(b) the terms of this facility letter; and lastly

(c) the standard contract terms

EVENTS OF DEFAULT

If there are circumstances likely to lead to events of default among other things due to irregularities in your financial affairs or your inability to meet your indebtedness to us it is proposed that you contact us for an early appraisal of your commitment. The events of default are more comprehensively dealt with in the Charge/Debenture.

All sums due hereunder shall be repayable on demand in the event:

1.

you default in the payment of any instalments and/or interest or the conduct of your account has been unsatisfactory; or

2.

you fail to observe or perform any covenants herein; or

3.

a petition is presented or an order is made or resolution passed for your winding-up, dissolution or liquidation; or

4.

you commence a meeting for the purpose of making or proposing and/or enter into any arrangement with or for the benefit of your creditors; or

5.

a receiver or other similar officer is appointed of tire whole or any part of your assets or undertaking; or

6.

you shall cease or threaten to cease to carry on your business or to be unable to pay your debts or dispose or threaten to dispose of the whole or a substantial part of your undertaking or assets, or

7.

for any reason any guarantee or security given to us for the repayment of these loans shall be terminated or shall lapse for any reason whatsoever or if the guarantor shall be in default under the terms of such guarantee or dies or becomes of unsound mind or is wound up or commits any act of bankruptcy; or

8.

any of your other indebtedness to us or any third party or parties becomes capable in accordance with the relevant terms thereof of being declared due prematurely by reason of your default or your failure to make any payment in respect thereof on the due date for each payment or if due on demand when demanded or the security for such indebtedness becomes enforceable

9.

If, in the Bank's opinion, there is any change or threatened change in circumstances which would materially and adversely affect the Company's business or financial condition or the Company's ability to perform its obligations under this letter of offer or any other agreement with the Bank, including any change or threatened change in its shareholders or directors.

10.

If, by reason of and change after the date of this letter of offer in applicable law, regulation or regulatory requirements or, in the interpretation or application thereof of any governmental or other authority charged with the administration thereof it shall become unlawful for the Bank to comply with its obligations herein or to continue to make available the facilities.

11.

You breach any of the warranties/covenants contained herein and in the security documents.

COVENANT

1.

Utilisation of facilities granted must maintained at a level of not less than 50%.

2.

Trade debts due from the holding company/any related company must not more than RM6.0 million at the close of every financial year i.e. 31DEC.

3.

The company to maintain a gearing of not more than 150so long as the facilities remain.

GENERAL TERMS

1.

Availability of the Bank Guarantee Line is subject to all documentation/s required

having been completed to the satisfaction of the Bank.

If documentation/s required is not perfected for any reason whatsoever within a period of 3 months from the date of acceptance of this Letter of Offer, the Bank reserves the right at its absolute discretion to withdraw the facilities offered without further reference to you.

2.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the Bank may at any time and in its absolute discretion without discharging in any way your liabilities hereunder and under the Security Documents to vary the terms herein including but not limited to the rate of interest, additional interest, commission overdue interest, and other charges herein stated, and the amount or form of the facilities granted so as to convert the existing facilities or cancel one or more facilities or create two or more from the facilities (provided always at the applicable rate of interest) and such as variation etc shall take effect upon notice being given by the Bank to you

3.

In compliance with Bank Negara Malaysia's directive, it is a term and condition of this offer that if the credit facilities are not drawn down after a period of three months from completion of documentation, and upon failure on your pan to deliver your advice to the Bank in writing within 30 days from the expiry of the aforementioned three month period that the facilities are still required, the Bank shall have the right to withdraw the facilities offered without further reference to you.

4.

Any utilisation or drawdown hereunder shall be subject to the further condition precedent that, both at the time of the request for and at the time of the making of each disbursement all conditions herein contained have been fulfilled and no default has occurred and is continuing or would result from the proposed disbursement.

5.

Unless otherwise provided, a notice/demand by- the Bank hereunder or under the terms of this Letter of Offer may be served by registered post (not being AR Registered post) and shall be deemed to have been duly served on the third day following the day of posting if addressed to you at your last known address notwithstanding its subsequent return by the post office.

6.

All legal expenses and all other charges and disbursements (including stamp duty and the Bank's solicitors' fees on a solicitor and client basis) incurred in connection with or incidental to the preparation and execution of the security documents and in the recovery of the abovementioned facilities and enforcement of security shall be payable by you and if remaining unpaid shall be debited without further notice to your current account or a disbursement/suspense account opened by the Bank for the purpose.

7.

The property charged to us is to be insured against fire and other relevant risks for their full market value or replacement cost, whichever is the higher, with an insurance company acceptable to us with our interests as chargees noted therein for so long as the facilities exist. The original copy of the policy(ies) and all future policy together with the premium receipt are to be forwarded to us upon issuance thereof.

Interest in all existing and future insurance policies must be vested in the name of the Bank.

Should you default in taking the aforementioned policy(ies), it shall be lawful but not obligatory upon the Bank to take up such policy(ies). All charges incurred shall he debited to your current account or to a disbursement/suspense account opened by the Bank for the purpose.

8.

The assets (i.e building, plant and machinery, stocks etc) over which you have created the aforementioned Debenture/Charge are to be adequately insured against fire and other relevant risks for their full value or replacement costs whichever is the higher with our interests as chargees noted therein for as long as the facilities exist. The original copy of this policy and all future policies together with the premium receipts are to be forwarded to us before the expiry date.

9.

The Bank or its representatives shall be entitled to inspect and value the aforementioned property at least once every year and the costs in connection therewith will be debited to your current account or to another account opened by the Bank for the purpose

Without prejudice to anything contained herein, the Bank may at its absolute discretion vary the amount of the facilities if the value of the property charged as shown in the valuation report is less than the amount of the facilities, or any of your representations and warranties whether contained herein or otherwise shall be found to be untrue or incorrect.

10.

Inspection and valuation of the abovementioned property will be conducted at least once in every two years by us or by a firm of approved appraisers. The costs in connection therewith will be for your account.

11.

The Bank further reserves the right to immediately recall the facilities granted herein if any of your other indebtedness to the Bank or to any third party or parties becomes capable in accordance with the relevant terms thereof of being declared due prematurely by reason of a default or your failure to make any payment in respect thereof on the due date of each payment or if due on demand when demanded or the security for such indebtedness becomes enforceable.

12.

If the effect of any, or a change in any, law or regulation is to increase the cost to us of advancing, maintaining or funding these facilities or to reduce the effective return to us, we reserve the right to require payment on demand of such amounts as we consider necessary to compensate us therefore.

13.

The facilities granted do not contravene Section 62 of the Banking and Financial Institutions Act (BAFIA) 1989.

14.

Other terms and conditions as contained in the Bank's legal or security documentation/s shall apply in addition to any other terms and conditions that our solicitors will think fit to impose when formalising such documentation/s on our behalf

15.

A certificate signed by an officer of the Bank as to any amount(s) payable hereunder shall be conclusive evidence save for manifest error.

The facilities shall be binding and for the benefit of our successors and assignees whether these facilities are now or in the future provided by us, our successors or assignees or any other patty on our behalf, but you may not assign your rights or obligations hereunder.

You have authorised us in our absolute discretion without further reference or notice to you to apply any credit balance you may from time to time have in account(s) held with us in reduction of any surn then due to us.

The Bank may at its absolute discretion at any time and without further notice to you combine, consolidate or merge all or any of your accounts with any liabilities to the Bank and may set off or transfer any Burn outstanding to the credit of any such accounts at any branch of the Bank anywhere and in any currency exchanges as are appropriate to implement such set-of, in or towards the satisfaction of any of your liabilities to the Bank under the facilities.

Time is of the essence of the contract but no failure or delay on our part to exercise any power, right or remedy hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof nor shall any single or any partial exercise or waiver of any such power, right or remedy preclude its further exercise or the exercise of any power, right or remedy. The powers. rights and remedies hereby provided are cumulative and not exclusive of any powers, rights or remedies provided by law.

16.

Subject to the provision of the security documents (where applicable), if any amount received or recovered in respect of your liabilities hereunder or any part thereof is less than the amount then due, the Bank shall apply that amount to principal, interest, profit, fees or any other amount then due and payable hereunder in such proportions and order of priority and generally in such manner as the Bank may determine.

17.

The Bank shall charge at its absolute discretion, fees as follows:

Administration Fee of RM1,000-00 per deal;

Temporary Arrangement Fee of RM1200-00 per deal;

Transaction Fee of RMI1,000-00 per deal;

Facility Amendment Fees of RM1,000-00 per deal;

Renewal/Review Fees of RM1,000-00 per deal;

Customer-initiated Facility Restructuring/Adjustment Fee of RM1,000-00 per deal;

These charges shall be paid before any of the facilities are utilised and if remaining unpaid shall be debited without further notice to your current/disbursement/other account whether or not opened by the Bank for the purpose. Notwithstanding the payment of these charges, the Bank reserves the absolute discretion whether to grant or otherwise any facility; amendment, renewal/review, restructuring/adjustment of facility and/or temporary excess or temporary drawing against uncleared effects, as the case may be.

18.

If any one or more provisions of this Letter of Offer or any part thereof shall be declared or adjudged to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable under any applicable law such, illegality invalidity or unenforceability shall not vitiate any other provisions hereof which shall remain in full force, validity and effect

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

1.

A suitable Board of Directors' Resolution authorizing:

a.

the negotiation and acceptance of the aforementioned revised facilities, security arrangement and the terms and conditions laid down in this letter of offer;

b.

the provision of a list of directors authorised to sign and accept on behalf of the company the letter of offer and such other documents as the Bank may deem necessary and proper in connection therewith;

c.

the execution of all relevant security documents in accordance with your Memorandum and Articles of Association;

d.

the provision of a cash cover/cash margin, on demand by the Bank, in respect of the Bank's contingent liabilities under the guarantee/performance bonds issued/to be issued by the Bank.

e.

the provision of a cash cover/cash margin, on demand by the Bank, in respect of the Bank's contingent liabilities under the documentary credits issued/to be issued by the Bank.

2.

Submission of your audited accounts FYE31DEC2004 and that your holding company, TOR Minerals International within 6 months from close of financial year-end.

You hereby irrevocably agree that any information related to the facilities, the conduct of same and any related information on your accounts or otherwise may be used, stored, disclosed, transferred, compiled, matched, obtained and/or exchanged by the Bank from time to time as it may consider necessary to, from or with any person as the Bank may consider necessary including without limitation any member of the HSBC Group, any service provider or third party for any and all purposes in connection herewith and/or the provision of products, services and advances to you in relation hereto, to any bureaus or agencies established or to be established by Bank Negara Malaysia (including the Central Credit Reference Information System - "CCRIS") or by other authorities, the Association of Banks in Malaysia, to any (prospective or otherwise) guarantors and/or security providers and to any authorised depository agent.

All information given by the Bank to any of the abovementioned persons and any persons having access to the information under CCRIS (collectively referred to as "Users") is provided in good faith and for information purposes only and that whilst every care has been taken in compiling, collating or producing the information, the Bank and its officers shall not in any event be liable for any claim, loss, damage or liability howsoever arising (including direct or indirect, special, incidental, consequential or punitive damages or loss of profits or savings) to you or to any other persons whatsoever for the accuracy, completeness or authenticity of its contents or for the consequences of any reliance which may be placed on the information whether caused by any technical, hardware or software failure of any kind, interruption, error, omission, delay, viruses, act of God, act of war, strikes, industrial action or otherwise Information given is strictly confidential by the Users

Information given is kept strictly confidential by the recipients of information It is a term of the credit facilities granted to you that information regarding the facilities. the conduct of same and any related information on your accounts or otherwise will be given to the abovementioned named recipients for their use only

 

TOR MINERALS (M) SDN. BHD. (14387-W)

LEE HEE CHEW

Authorised Signatories and Company's Chop

Date Accepted : 23 November 2004

EXHIBIT 10.18

RHB

RHB BANK BERHAD (6171-m) Incorporated in Malaysia

Head Office, Tower Two & Three, RHB Center, Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Tel: 03-928788 Fax: 03-92879000 Telex: MA 31032 MA 32813 MA 30437 RHBANK Swift: RHBBMYKL


Date: 25 th October 2004

 
   

TOR Minerals (M) Sdn Bhd

PRIVATE & CONFIDENTIAL

4 1/2 Miles, Jalan Lahat

 

30200 Ipoh

 

Perak Darul Ridzuan

 
   

Attn: Mr Lee Hee Chew, Managing Director

 
   

Dear Sirs

 

RE: BANKING FACILITIES GRANTED TO TOR MINERALS (M) SDN BHD ("BORROWER")

Reference is made to our letter of offer dated 26 th April 2000.

   

We, RHB Bank Berhad ("the Bank") are pleased to inform you that the Bank has agreed to:

   

(i)

to renew your existing banking facilities to October 31, 2005;

(ii)

to restructure your existing banking facilities as stated below:

 

(a)

Reduction of existing Overdraft Facility from RM2.0 million to RM1.0 million:

 

(b)

Cancellation of existing Export Credit Refinancing Facility of RM5.5 million;

 

(c)

Increase the limit of the existing Multi-Trade Lines from RM 3.8 million to RM 9.3 million;

 

(d)

Increase the limit of the existing Foreign Exchange Contract Line ("FXCL") from RM5.0 million to RM15 million;

(iii)

to allow earmarking of the unutilized Overdraft Facility and Multi-Trade Lines for the utilization of the FXCL and Bank Guarantee facility;

(iv)

to cancel the existing Bills of Exchange Purchased Facility; and

(v)

to reduce the interest margin for the Overdraft Facility and Bankers Acceptance Facility by .025% per annum.

subject to the following terms and conditions:

 

1.

THE BANKING FACILITIES

 

The banking facilities granted to you are as follows:

Facility

Limit/Existing

Limit (RM)

Additional/

Reduction (RM)

Total/Revised

Limit (RM)

Overdraft ("OD")

2.0 million

(1.0 million)

1.0 million

Export Credit Financing (ECR")

5.5 million

(5.5 million)

Nil

Multi-Trade Lines consisting of:

3.8 million

5.5 million

9.3 million

Letter of Credit ("LC")/

Trust Receipt ("TR")/

Bankers Acceptance ("BA")/

Shipping Guarantee ("SG")/

ECR/Bills Purchased ("BP")

 

 

 

 

(maximum tenure of financing

where applicable is up to 150 days)

Bankers Guarantee

1.2 million

Nil

1.2 million

FXCL

5.0 million

10.0 million

15.0 million

Total

17.5 million

9.0 million

26.5 million

(hereinafter referred to as "the Banking Facility" and where the Banking Facility comprises more than one banking facilities, the expression "Banking Facility" shall where the context requires refer collectively to all and individually to each of the respective banking facilities comprising the Banking Facility)

   

2.

PURPOSE

   

The banking Facility shall be used for the purposes as set out below and if you require to use the Banking Facility or any part thereof for any other purpose, you shall have to first obtain the Bank's prior written consent which may or may not be granted at the Bank's absolute discretion, and if granted may be subject to such conditions as the Bank may impose:

   

2.1

Overdraft

 

For working capital.

   

2.2

Letter of Credit / Trust Receipt / Bankers Acceptance / Bills Purchased / Export Credit Refinancing

 

For trade financing.

   

2.3

Shipping Guarantee

 

For the release of goods from the port pending the receipt of shipping documents under our Letter of Credit.

   

2.4

Bankers Guarantee

 

As security deposit and tender/performance bond favoring various Government/ statutory bodies and private companies acceptable to the Bank.

   

2.5

Foreign Exchange Contract Limit

 

To hedge against the fluctuations in foreign exchange rates for trade related transactions as approved by Bank Negara Malaysia.

   

3.

AVAILABILITY PERIOD

   

3.1

The continued granting/extension of the Banking Facility to you is at all times subject to availability of funds.

   

4.

TENURE

   

4.1

The Banking Facility is subject to periodic review at the sole and absolute discretion of the Bank but, notwithstanding such periodic review, the Banking Facility shall be repayable on demand.

   

5.

INTEREST RATE(S)/ COMMISSION/ BANKING CHARGES/COMMINTMENT FEE/OTHER CHARGES

   

5.1

You shall pay interest on all monies due and payable by you and all monies outstanding and owing to the Bank in relation to the Banking Facility and commission, discount charges and any other charges payable in relation to the Banking Facility at such rate or rates as may be stipulated or prescribed by the Bank at any time and from time to time. Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, you shall pay interest commission, discount charges and any other charges payable in relation to the Banking Facility at the following rates:-

Facility

Interest Rate

Overdraft

Interest at one point two five per centum (1.25%) per annum above the Bank's Base Lending Rate with monthly rests.

Letter Of Credit

Commission at zero point one per centum (0.1%) on the amount of the Letter of Credit for each month or part thereof of the validity of the Letter of Credit subject to a minimum charge of RM50.00 for each Letter of Credit issued or at such other rate(s) as may be stipulated by the Association of Banks in Malaysia from time to time.

Trust Receipt

Interest at one point two five per centum (1.25%) per annum above the Bank's Base Lending Rate for local currency bills.

Bankers Acceptance

Acceptance commission of one point zero per centum (1.0%) per annum above the Bank's Cost of Fund for Bankers Acceptance.

Export Credit Refinancing

(Pre & Post Shipment)

Interest at one point zero per centum (1.0%) per annum above the Funding Rate stipulated by Export-Import Bank of Malaysia Berhad ("EXIM Bank").

Bills Purchased

Interest at one point two five per centum (1.25%) per annum above the Bank's Base Lending Rate for local currency bills and at the rate of one point two five per centum (1.25%) per annum above the Bank's Effective Cost of Funds for foreign currency bills.

Shipping Guarantee

Commission of zero point one per centum (0.1%) on the amount of each guarantee subject to a minimum charge of RM50.00 for each guarantee issued. If the guarantee is not returned to the Bank within three (3) months from the issue date, an additional commission of zero point six per centum (0.6%) per annum on the amount of the guarantee shall be charged up to the date of return of the guarantee.

Bankers Guarantee

Commission at one point zero per centum (1.0%) per annum on the amount of each guarantee for the full liability period (inclusive of the claims period) subject to a minimum charge of RM 100.00 for each guarantee issued.

(The Bank's Base Lending Rate is currently at six point zero per centum (6.0%) per annum).

   

5.2

Interest and commission at the aforesaid rate(s) ("the Prescribed Rate" which expression shall refer to the respective interest rates and commission chargeable on the respective facilities comprised under the Banking Facility) shall be payable by you, as well after as before judgment or demand.

 

 

5.3

You shall pay the Bank a commitment fee of one per centum (1%) per annum or such other rate as the Bank may at its sole and absolute discretion stipulate from time to time on the portion of the Overdraft Facility as shall be unutilized by you up to the aggregate approved limit at anytime and from time to time, commencing from the date when the Overdraft Facility is made available to you for utilization and the Bank shall be entitled to debit the commitment fee into your current or overdraft or any other account at the end of each month;

   

5.4

You shall pay the Bank an extension fee of RM10,000-00 within thirty (30) days, which fee shall be automatically debited from your current account upon acknowledgement of this Letter of Offer and will not be reimbursed even in the event that you cancel the Banking Facility.

   

6.

INCREASED RATE OF INTEREST ON DEFAULT/EXCESS AMOUNT

   

In addition and without prejudice to the rights and remedies of the Bank, if you should default in the payment of any sums on their respective due dates you shall pay interest on such overdue sums at the rate of 3.5% per annum above the Bank's Base Lending Rate or such other rate or rates as the Bank may, at its sole absolute discretion, at any time and from time to time impose without notice to you, and such rate or rates of interest ("the Default Rate") shall be payable by you as well after as before judgment or demand, from the due date up to the date of actual repayment.

   

7.

REPAYMENT

   

Notwithstanding any provisions to the contrary, the Banking Facility shall be payable on demand. In addition, you shall upon the expiry of the tenure (if any) of the Banking Facility or part thereof, repay the entire outstanding sum under each of the Banking Facility which tenure has expired. Until the expiry of the tenure of each of the Banking Facility or until a demand for repayment is made, you shall repay the Banking Facility as follows:

   

Facility

Repayment Terms

Overdraft

Upon demand or expiry of tenure

Letter of Credit

Upon maturity of term of the respective Letters of Credit

Trust Receipt

Upon maturity of term of the respective Trust Receipt

Bankers Acceptance

Upon maturity of term

Export Credit Refinancing

(Pre & Post Shipment)

Upon maturity of term of each drawing

Bills Purchased

Upon maturity of term

Shipping Guarantee

On demand

Bankers Guarantee

On demand

 

8.

SECURITY

   

The Banking Facility interest commissions and banking and/or other charges and expenses payable thereon or in connection therewith are to be secured by:

   

8.1

Against the existing 1 st legal charge over industrial property held under H. S. (D) Ka 1376/75, Lot 70808 and H.S. (D) Ka 1377/75. Lot 70809, both in Mukim of Ulu Kinta District of Kinta, Perak.

   

8.2

Against the existing debenture over the fixed and floating assets of the company, both present and future.

   

8.3

Against the existing Letter of Awareness from Megamin Venture Sdn Bhd, formerly Syarikat Megawati Sdn Bhd).

   

8.4

Against the existing Letter of Support from Hiltox Corporation of America, U.S.

   

9.

CONDITIONS FOR DRAWDOWN/UTILIZATION

   

9.1

In addition to the conditions precedent for drawdown as stipulated in the General Terms and Conditions annexed hereto, you shall also fulfill the following conditions precedent before you are allowed to drawdown on the Banking Facility:

   
 

Nil

   

10.

OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS

   

10.1

You are to instruct the valuer, Henry Butcher, Lim & Long Sdn Bhd to extend its professional indemnity to the Bank for the valuation report done on September 8, 2003 on the Land and Buildings together with plant and machinery on Lots 70808 and 70809, Mukim of Ulu Kinta, District of Kinta, Perak currently charged to the Bank.

   

10.2

Dato- Lim Keng Kay's indirect shareholding in TOR Minerals (M) Sdn Bhd is to remain intact throughout the tenure of the Banking Facility.

   

11.

INFORMATION DISCLOSURE

   

The Bank shall have the right to provide any information on you and the Banking Facility to:-

   

11.1

Bank Negara Malaysia, Cagamas Bhd and such other authorities as may be authorized by law to obtain such information;

   

11.2

companies which are now or in future may be within the RHB Capital Berhad Group of Companies;

   

11.3

any Security Party;

   

11.4

solicitors and/or other agents in connection with the preparation of any facility or security documents hereunder or any action or proceeding for the recovery of monies due and payable hereunder;

   

11.5

any potential assignee or other person proposing to enter into any contractual arrangement which requires the disclosure of such information; and

 

 

 

11.6

companies which are or which in the future may be subsidiaries of the Bank PROVIDED that the Bank shall take all reasonable care to ensure that such information shall remain confidential within the Bank's group of subsidiaries.

   

12.

AMENDEMENT AND/OR ADDITIONAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

   

12.1

The Bank may at any time hereafter at your request or at the Bank's absolute discretion grant additional banking facilities to you and/or convert and/or vary and/or substitute all or any of the Banking Facility hereby granted into another banking facility or facilities and, in any such event, the securities liabilities and /or obligations created pursuant to and by this Letter of Offer shall continue to be valid and binding for all purpose whatsoever up to the limit of the total banking facilities advanced to you notwithstanding such addition or change before mentioned but subject to such variations as shall be made known by the Bank to you and or implied by law or trade usage governing or applicable to the addition and/or changes aforesaid.

   

12.2

Notwithstanding any provisions to the contrary, the terms of the Letter of Offer may, at any time and from time to time, be varied or amended by the Bank at its absolute discretion with or without notice to you and thereupon such amendments and variations shall be deemed to become effective and the relevant provisions of this Letter of Offer shall be deemed to have been amended or varied accordingly and shall be read and construed as if such amendments and variations had been incorporated in and had formed part of this instrument at the time of execution hereof.

   

13.

ANNEXURES

   

The terms and conditions set out in the Annexures I, IA, II, III and IV hereto form an integral part of this Letter of Offer and in the event of any conflict or discrepancy between the terms and conditions in this Letter of Offer and the terms and conditions in the Annexures, the terms and conditions in this Letter of Offer shall prevail.

   

Except as specifically amended and/or varied hereby all terms and conditions in our previous letter of offer dated 26 th April 2000 and security documents to secure the Banking Facility as amended and/or varied herein shall remain in full force and effect and the letter of offer dated 26 th April 2000 and the security documents, as amended and/or varied by this letter shall from and after the date hereof be read as a single integrated document incorporating the amendments effected hereby.

   

Please indicate your acceptance of the Banking Facility upon the terms and conditions herein by signing the duplicate of this letter and returning the same to the Bank within thirty (30) days from the date hereof. In addition, you are required to execute such loan/security documents which the Bank's solicitors shall advise are necessary for the protection of the Bank's interest.

   

If this Letter of Offer is issued for the purpose of the renewal or extension of the Banking Facility, the continued utilization of the Banking Facility shall be deemed to be an acceptance of and subject to the terms and conditions of the Letter of Offer notwithstanding your failure to acknowledge receipt or acceptance of the Letter of Offer in writing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We thank you for giving us the opportunity to be of service to you.

 

Yours faithfully

For RHB BANK BERHAD

 

 

_____________________________

_____________________________

Lim Kok Fuat

Ahmad Rizal Lope Zainal Abidin

Senior Relationship Manager

Vice President

Corporate 2

Head - Corporate 2

Corporate Banking Division

Corporate Banking Division

   

 

I/We, the undersigned hereby confirm that I/We have read the terms and conditions set out above and in the annexures hereto and taken note of the same. I/We hereby accept the Banking Facility upon the terms and conditions mentioned above and in the Annexures. And, I/we hereby declare that I/we or none of our directors or managers are directly related as a spouse or child or parent to any of the directors officers or employees of the RHB Capital Berhad Group of Companies.

     
     
     

Dated:

........................................

 

........................................

   

(Name:

)

 

(Designation:

)

 

(NRIC No.

)

 

 

RHB

RHB BANK BERHAD

(6171-M)

RHB Bank Bhd. Ref: IPH 900052

Date of Letter of Offer: 25 th October 2004

Borrower: TOR Minerals (M) Sdn Bhd

ANNEXURE I

THE GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

1.

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

The borrower hereby represents and warrants to the Bank that:-

(i)

the Borrower has full legal right, authority, power and capacity to accept and to borrow the Banking Facility and to perform the terms of this Letter of Offer. In the event the Borrower is a company, the Borrower is a company duly incorporated and validly existing under the laws of Malaysia and has full power and authority to carry on its present business;

(ii)

the terms of this Letter of Offer constitute legal, valid and binding obligations enforceable against the Borrower;

(iii)

all consents authorizations and approvals which are required to be obtained in connection with or are necessary for the acceptance, delivery, legality or enforceability of this Letter of Offer and the use of the Banking Facility have been obtained and are in full force and effect;

(iv)

the Borrower's acceptance of this Letter of Offer and the performance of the terms herein will not contravene any law, regulation, order or decree of any governmental authority, agency or court to which the Borrower is subject;

(v)

the Borrower is not in default under any agreement to which the Borrower is a party or by which the Borrower may be bound and no litigation arbitration or administrative proceedings are presently current or pending or threatened against the Borrower;

(vi)

all information furnished by the borrower to the Bank in connection with the Banking in connection with the Banking Facility are true and correct and there has been no omission which would render the information inaccurate or misleading;

(vii)

the Borrower's last audited accounts have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles and practices generally accepted in Malaysia and give a true and fair view of the Borrower's financial position as at that date;

(viii)

there are no winding-up proceedings currently pending or threatened against the Borrower;

(ix)

none of the Borrower's are directors, shareholders, managers or their spouses, parents and children are in the employment of or directly related to any of the directors officers or employees of the RHB Capital Berhad Group of Companies.

 

 

 

2.

CONDITIONS PRECEDENT

2.1

The Banking Facility will be made available for the Borrower's utilization upon the fulfillment of the following conditions precedent:-

 

(i)

the Bank shall have received the Borrower's acceptance of this Letter of Offer within the time prescribed;

 

(ii)

all loan/security documents which are required herein and/or such other documents as may be required by the Bank and/or its solicitors shall have been executed by the Borrower and/or the relevant security parties, duly stamped and registered at such registries as the Bank may deem necessary or expedient within thirty (30) days from the date of the acceptance of the Letter of Offer or such other time as may be stipulated by the Bank;

 

(iii)

the Bank shall have received copies of the following documents certified as true and correct by the Borrower's secretary or director:-

   

(a)

all authorizations, licenses, approvals and consents which are necessary for the financing by the Bank hereunder, the carrying on of the Borrower's business and the execution of the security documents (if any);

   

(b)

the Borrower's Board of Directors' Resolution authorizing the acceptance and the borrowing of the Banking Facility and/or the execution of the loan/security documents (if any);

   

(c)

a copy each of the Borrower's (if applicable) certificate of incorporation and the Memorandum and Articles of Association and the Forms 24, 44 and 49 of the Companies Act 1965;

   

(d)

specimen signatures, authenticated in such manner as the Bank may require, of the persons authorized to act on the Borrower's behalf in respect of the transactions hereunder.

 

(iv)

the Borrower shall have paid all fees or charges payable or agreed to be paid by the Borrower to the Bank for or in connection with the Banking Facility including the preparation and perfection of the loan/security documents;

 

(v)

no Event of Default (as hereinafter stated) or no event which with the giving of notice or lapse of time or both would constitute and Event of Default shall have occurred or be continuing;

 

(vi)

no extraordinary circumstances or change of law or other governmental action shall have occurred which makes it improbable that the Borrower will be able to observe or perform the covenants and obligations herein; and

 

(vii)

the Bank's solicitors shall have made a search on the Borrower at the Companies Commission of Malaysia and the Director-General of Insolvency's Office and the results thereof shall have been satisfactory to the Bank.

2.2

In the case where guarantee(s) and/or other security ("the Security Document") is/are required by the Bank from third party(ies) ("the Security Party"), the utilization of the Banking Facility shall also be subject to the fulfillment of the following additional conditions precedent:-

(i)

the Security Document shall have been duly perfected and forwarded to the Bank;

(ii)

where the Security Party is a body corporate, such Security Party shall have forwarded to the Bank copies of the following documents:-

(a)

its Board of Directors' Resolution authorizing the execution of the Security Document;

(b)

a certified copy of its certificate of incorporation and Memorandum and Articles of Association and the forms 24, 44, and 49 of the Companies Act 1965;

(iii)

the Bank's solicitors shall have made a search on the Security Party at the Companies Commission of Malaysia and/or the Director-General of Insolvency's Office and the results thereof shall have been satisfactory to the Bank;

(iv)

all authorizations, approvals and consents which are necessary for the creation and delivery of the Security Document tot the Bank hereunder, shall have been obtained and delivered to the Bank;

3.

AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

During the tenure of the Banking Facility the Borrower shall:-

(i)

carry out the Borrower's business diligently and efficiently and in accordance with sound financial practices;

(ii)

furnish to the Bank all information reasonably required by the Bank in relation to the Borrower's business and financial position;

(iii)

keep full, proper and up to date accounts and furnish to the Bank within on hundred and eighty (180) days from the end of each of the borrower's financial year copies of the Borrower's annual report together with the balance sheet and profit and loss account duly audited and certified by a qualified independent auditor;

(iv)

keep and maintain the Borrower's present paid up share capital and any increases thereof;

(v)

punctually pay and/or cause to be paid all rents rates taxes and all other outgoings payable in respect of the premises at which the Borrower carry on business and properties which are security for the repayment of the Banking Facility;

(vi)

appoint from time to time only such auditor or firm of auditors acceptable to the Bank;

(vii)

notify the Bank of the occurrence of an Event of Default stipulated hereunder or of any event which would constitute an even of default in relation to any of the borrower's other indebtedness; and

(viii)

notify the Bank of any change in the borrower's Board of Directors or its management or its major or controlling shareholders or partners.

4.

RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS

During the tenure of the Banking Facility the Borrower shall not, without the prior written consent of the Bank:-

(i)

add to, delete, vary or amend the borrower's Memorandum and Articles of Association in any manner which would be inconsistent with the terms of the Letter of Offer;

(ii)

change the Borrower's financial year or the nature of the borrower's business;

(iii)

Sell, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of a substantial part of the Borrower's capital assets or undertake or permit any merger, consolidation or reorganization;

(iv)

enter into any transaction with any person firm or company except in the ordinary course of business and at arm's length commercial terms;

(v)

decrease or alter the Borrower's authorized or issued capital or alter the structure thereof or the rights attached thereto; and

(vi)

Change the Borrower's major or controlling shareholding or partnership structure.

5.

VARIATION OF INTEREST RATES

5.1

The Bank shall be entitled at its sole and absolute discretion, without notice to the Borrower, vary at any time and from time to time the Base Lending Rate of the Bank and/or Cost of Funds and/or the margin of interest imposed above the Base Lending Rate and/or Cost of Funds of the Bank and/or commissions or other rates of interest chargeable PROVIDED THAT the Bank will endeavor to provide notice of such variation(s) in the following manner:

(a)

in respect of the Base Lending Rate of the Bank by displaying at the premises of the Bank a general notice of the change of the Base Lending rate of the Bank addressed to the public generally and such display shall be deemed sufficient notice to the Borrower or by including a notice in the periodic statement of accounts sent to the Borrower or by any other modes deemed fit and proper by the Bank; and

(b)

in respect of the margin of interest imposed above the Base Lending Rate and/or Cost of Funds of the Bank and/or commissions by serving a notice in writing (which notice may be included in the periodic statements of account sent to the Borrower) on the borrower of the change in the margin of interest imposed above the Base Lending Rate and/or cost of funds of the Bank and/or in the commissions and such notice shall be deemed to have been sufficiently served on the borrower if sent by ordinary mail to the Borrower's usual last known place of residence/business or to the address above stated;

PROVIDED ALWAYS that the effective date of the change of the Base Lending Rate and/or margin of interest imposed above the Base Lending Rate and/or Cost of Funds and/or in the commissions or the other rates of interest chargeable shall be the date stipulated by the Bank at its sole absolute discretion. And notwithstanding anything hereinbefore contained, and delay or failure on the part of the Bank to give notice in accordance with the provisions herein contained shall not absolve the borrower from its obligation to pay the rate of interest and/or commissions determined by the Bank and such rate of interest so determined by the bank shall be payable from such date as the Bank shall in its sole and absolute discretion stipulate.

5.2

The bank shall be entitled at any time at its sole and absolute discretion with or without notice to the borrower and without assigning any reason to change the fundamental basis of calculation of the Prescribed Rate (whether it be the Base Lending Rate, Cost of Funds or any other basis by whatsoever named called).

6.

CAPITALIZATION OF INTEREST

Interest commission and fees remaining unpaid at the time when it shall become due and payable and all costs charges expenses and other moneys due and payable shall be added to the principal amount advanced under the Banking Facility and thereafter be treated as principal and be chargeable with interest at such rate at which interest shall from time to time and at any time be payable under this Letter of Offer. For the purpose of ascertaining whether the limit of the Banking Facility intended to be advanced or secured has been exceeded or not, all accumulated and capitalized interest, commission, fees, costs, charges, expenses and such other moneys shall be deemed to be interest and not principal.

7.

INTEREST AFTER DEMAND OR JUDGMENT

Notwithstanding the exercise by the Bank of any of its rights provided for hereunder or any other statutory or other rights or the making of any demand, interest chargeable on the Banking Facility shall continue to be chargeable on any sum of money which remains due and unpaid hereunder after the exercise of any of these rights and if not duly paid such interest will continue to be capitalized as provided herein notwithstanding that the banker-customer relationship may have ceased for any reason whatsoever; AND in the event that judgment is obtained in relation to any sum of money owing hereunder, wherein it is adjudged that any sum of money be paid to the Bank, interest shall be payable on such sum of money so adjudged to be payable to the Bank at the rate of interest chargeable hereunder from the date of such judgment until the date of full payment

8.

EVENTS OF DEFAULT

All monies outstanding under the Banking Facility together with interest thereon and all other monies relating thereto shall become immediately repayable by the borrower upon demand being made by the bank or upon the occurrence of any of the following events:-

(a)

the Borrower defaults in the payment of any money payable to the Bank after the same shall have become due whether formally demanded or not;

(b)

the Borrower defaults under any other provision herein which is not capable of remedy or which, being capable of remedy, is no remedied within fourteen (14) days after being required to do so by the Bank;

(c)

any representation, warranty or condition made or implied by the Borrower herein is incorrect or misleading in any material respect;

(d)

any license, authorization, approval, consent or permit which is required for the Borrower's business or the performance of the Borrower's obligations hereunder is revoked or withheld or modified or is otherwise not granted or fails to remain in full force and effect;

(e)

any of the Borrower's indebtedness or the indebtedness of any of the Security Party or their respective affiliate(s) or related corporation(s) becomes capable, in accordance with the relevant terms thereof, of being declared due prematurely by reason of default by the Borrower or such Security Party or affiliate(s) or related corporation(s) of the respective obligations in respect of the same or the Borrower or any of the Security Party or affiliate(s) or related corporation(s) fail to make payment in respect thereof ton the due date for such payment or if due on demand when demanded or the security for any such indebtedness becomes enforceable;

(f)

a petition be presented or an order be made or a resolution be passed for the Borrower's winding-up or the winding up of any of the Borrower's affiliate(s) or related corporation(s) or Security Party which is a body corporate;

(g)

a receiver and/or manager or liquidator is appointed to take possession of the Borrower's or related corporation(s) or Security party which is a body corporate;

(h)

the Borrower or any of the borrower's affiliate(s) or related corporation(s) or Security Party which is a body corporate ceases to threatens to cease to carry on all or a substantial part of the borrower's business or the borrower's affiliate(s) - or related corporation(s) -or the Security party's business;

(i)

any judgment is obtained against the Borrower or any of the Borrower's affiliate(s) or related corporation(s) or Security Party;

(j)

the Borrower or any of the Borrower's affiliate(s) or related corporation(s) or Security party enters into any composition or arrangement with or for the benefit of their respective creditors;

(k)

any other event or series of events whether related or not has or have occurred which in the opinion of the Bank (which opinion shall be final and binding) could or might affect or prejudice the borrower's ability or willingness to comply with all or any of the Borrower's obligations hereunder;

(l)

the Borrower or any of the Security Party who is an individual person commits any act of bankruptcy or becomes bankrupt or shall die or become insane;

(m)

any of the Security Document given to the Bank is or becomes for any reason whatsoever invalid or unenforceable;

(n)

if the Bank shall in its sole discretion consider that the Banking Facility or any of its security or its security position in relation to the repayment of the Banking Facility to be in jeopardy.

(The expression "affiliate" means in relation to any one corporation, any corporation directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by or under direct or indirect common control, in each case whether in law or in fact with such corporation and the expression "related corporation" shall be construed in accordance with the companies Act, 1965).

9.

BANK'S RIGHT TO COMMENCE FORECLOSURE AND LEGAL PROCEEDING CONCURRENTLY

Upon default or breach by the Borrower of any term covenant, stipulation and/or undertaking herein provided and on the part of the Borrower to be observed and performed, the Bank shall thereafter have the right to exercise all or any of the remedies available whether by this Letter of Offer or Security Document or by statute or otherwise and shall be entitled to exercise such remedies concurrently, including pursuing all remedies of sale or possession and civil suit to recover all moneys due and owing to the Bank.

10.

ILLEGALITY

If the Bank determines that the introduction or variation of any law, regulation or official directive (whether or not having the force of law) or any change in the interpretation or application thereof makes it unlawful for the Bank to maintain, fund or give effect to its obligations hereunder, the Bank shall forthwith give notice of such determination to the Borrower whereupon the Banking Facility to such extent shall be cancelled and the Borrower will forthwith upon notice from the Bank repay all monies outstanding under the Banking Facility together with interest thereon and all other monies agreed to be paid by the Borrower hereunder.

 

11.

INCREASED COSTS

Where the Bank determines that, as a result of the introduction or variation of any law, order, regulation or official directive whether or not having the force of law), or any change in the interpretation or application thereof by any competent authority , or compliance with any request (whether or not having the force of law) from Bank Negara Malaysia or other fiscal, monetary or other authority, the cost to the Bank of making available or continuing to make available the Banking Facility is increased or the amount of any sum received or receivable by the Bank in respect of the Bank making or continuing to make available the Banking Facility or the effective return to the Bank under the Banking Facility is reduced or the Bank is obliged to make any payment (expect in respect of tax on the Bank's overall net income) or forego any interest or other return on, or calculated by reference to, the amount of any sum received or receivable by the Bank from the Borrower under the Banking Facility, the Bank shall notify the Borrower of the circumstances leading to the Bank's determination and:-

(i)

the Borrower shall on demand pay to the Bank such reasonable amounts as the Bank may from time to time and at any time notify the Borrower to be necessary to compensate the Bank for such additional cost, reduction, payment or foregone interest or return provided that nothing herein contained shall prevent the Borrower from taking all necessary steps to mitigate the effect of such increased cost; and

(ii)

at any time thereafter, so long as the circumstances giving rise to the obligation to make the compensating payment continue, the borrower may upon giving the Bank not less than thirty (30) days' notice, cancel the Banking Facility.

12.

MARKET DISRUPTION

If in the opinion of the Bank, there has, since the date of the offer, been a change in national or international monetary, financial, economic or political conditions or currency exchange rates or exchange control which would render the Banking Facility temporarily or permanently commercially impracticable or impossible, the Bank shall notify the Borrower thereof, and:-

(i)

whilst such circumstances exist, no utilization of the Banking Facility will be allowed;

(ii)

the Bank shall negotiate in good faith for an alternative basis acceptable to the Bank fir continuing the Banking Facility; and

(iii)

unless within thirty (30) days after the giving of such notice such circumstances cease to exist or an alternative basis acceptable to the Bank is arrived at, the Banking Facility shall be cancelled.

13.

LEGAL AND INCIDENTAL EXPENSES

The Borrower shall pay all legal fees and incidental expenses in connection with the preparation, stamping and registration of any security documents required by the Bank hereunder even though the said documents are not executed by the Borrower for any reason whatsoever. If any money payable under the Banking Facility is required to be recovered through any process of law, the Borrower shall be liable to pay the Bank's solicitors' fees (on a solicitor and client basis) and any other fees and expenses incurred in respect of such recovery.

 

14.

WAIVER AND INDULGENCE

The terms and conditions herein may be waived by the Bank in whole or in part with or without conditions at the discretion of the Bank without prejudicing the rights of the Bank hereunder and any failure by the Bank to enforce any of the provisions hereunder or any forbearance delay or indulgence grated by the Bank to the borrower shall not be construed as a waiver of the Bank's rights hereunder.

15.

BANKING AND FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS ACT, 1989

The approval of the Banking Facility to the Borrower shall be upon the condition that the Bank will not breach or contravene any law legislation or regulation including, with limiting the generality of the foregoing, the provision of Section 2 of the Banking And Financial Institutions Act, 1989 or any other provisions thereof. The Borrower hereby declares to the Bank that none of the Borrower's directors, shareholders, managers or their spouses, parents and children is in the employment of or directly related to any of the directors, officers or employees of the RHB Capital Bherhad Group of companies. In the event any such relation ship is established or discovered now or in the future the Bank reserves the right forthwith to terminate and recall the Banking Facility.

16.

DUTY TO VERIFY STATEMENTS OF ACCOUNTS/CERTIFICATE OF BANK

The Borrower shall verify all statements of accounts sent to the Borrower by the Bank and immediately revert to the Bank in the event of any discrepancy in such statements of accounts failing which they shall be deemed to be conclusive and binding against the Borrower. A statement by the Bank and signed by any of its officers as to what at any time is the amount outstanding and rate of interest chargeable shall, save for manifest errors be final and conclusive and shall not be questioned by the Borrower on any account whatsoever.

17.

SET OFF/COMBINATION OR CONSOLIDATION OF ACCOUNTS

(a)

The Bank shall be entitled (but shall not be obliged) at any time and without notice to the Borrower to combine, consolidate or merge all or any of the Borrower's accounts and liabilities with and to the Bank anywhere whether in or outside Malaysia, alone or jointly with any other person and may transfer or set off any sums in credit in such accounts in or towards satisfaction of any of the Borrower's liabilities whether actual or contingent, primary or collateral notwithstanding that the credit balances on such accounts and the liabilities on any other accounts may not be expressed in the same currency and the Bank is hereby authorized to effect any necessary conversions at the Bank's own rate of exchange then prevailing.

(b)

Without prejudice to the generality of the above, the Bank further reserves the right at any time and without notice to the Borrower to debit any of the Borrower's accounts (whether in credit or debit) with the Bank for all payments due and payable by the Borrower howsoever to the Bank.

 

18.

SUSPENSE ACCOUNT

Any money received by the Bank in respect of the Banking Facility may be kept to the credit of a suspense account for so long as the Bank thinks fit without any obligation in the meantime to apply the same or any part thereof in or towards settlement of any liabilities due by the Borrower to the Bank.

xxxxxxxxxEND OF ANNEXURExxxxxxxxx

 

RHB

RHB BANK BERHAD

(6171-M)

RHB Bank Bhd. Ref: IPH 900052

Date of Letter of Offer: 25 th October 2004

Borrower: TOR Minerals (M) Sdn Bhd

ANNEXURE IA

ADDITIONAL GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

1.

During the tenure of the Banking Facility the Borrower shall:-

 

(i)

permit at all times the Bank, its officers, servants and/or agents to inspect all records of the Borrower at any office, branch or place of business of the Borrower or elsewhere and all records kept by any other authorities or persons in so far as such records relate to or affect the businesses and the properties of the Borrower and for the purpose of such inspection, give to or procure for the Bank and any officer, servant and/or agent of the Bank such written authorizations as may be required by the Bank;

 

(ii)

notify the Bank in the event the Borrower creates any form of charge, mortgage, debenture, pledge, lien, encumbrances or security interest of whatever nature or permit to exist any caveat or prohibitory order or both in respect of any of the Borrower's properties;

 

(iii)

ensure that all loans or advances from its directors, shareholders, and Related Corporation are subordinated to the Indebtedness; and

 

(iv)

in the event the Borrower or any of its subsidiaries or related companies (present and future) ("the Borrower Group of Companies) requires any banking, financial, investment and/or advisory products or services (collectively "the Products") which is offered by the RHB Capital Berhad Group of companies in its normal course of business, the Borrower shall offer or cause the Borrower Group of Companies to offer the relevant RHB Capital Berhad Group of Companies the right of first refusal to provide the Products to the Borrower or the Borrower Group of Companies.

2.

During the tenure of the Banking Facility the Borrower will not, without the prior written consent of the Bank:-

 

(i)

enter into any partnership, profit-sharing or royalty agreement whereby the borrower's income or profits are, or might be, shared with any other person, firm or company;

 

(ii)

enter into any management contract or similar arrangement whereby the Borrower's business or operations are managed by any other person, firm or company;

 

(iii)

lend or make advances to any person other than in the normal course of business;

 

(iv)

lend or make advance to any person other than to its subsidiaries or related companies (both as defined in the companies Act, 1965);

 

(v)

create any form of charge, mortgage, debenture, pledge, lien, encumbrances or security interest of whatever nature or permit to exist any caveat or prohibitory order or both in respect of any of the Borrower's properties; and

 

(vi)

declare and pay any dividend or other distribution whether of an income or capital nature (but such consent of the Bank will not be unreasonably withheld).

xxxxxxxxxEND OF ANNEXURExxxxxxxxx

 

RHB

RHB BANK BERHAD

(6171-M)

RHB Bank Bhd. Ref: IPH 900052

Date of Letter of Offer: 25 th October 2004

Borrower: TOR Minerals (M) Sdn Bhd

ANNEXURE II

TERMS AND CONDITIONS RELATING TO OVERDRAFT FACILITY

("O.D. FACILITY")

(i)

Utilization of the OD Facility shall be in such manner as the Bank may from time to time prescribe and in accordance with the normal usages and practices of banking in Malaysia.

(ii)

The Borrower's overdraft account must be operated actively and within the approved limit at all times and the Bank reserves the right to close the said account and to recall the OD Facility in the event of the Borrower's account is blacklisted under the biro Maklumat Cek (BMC) guidelines.

(iii)

The Borrower shall not utilize the OD Facility and the Bank may refuse to honor and pay on any check drawn by the Borrower if upon such utilization, the sums outstanding would exceed the limit granted by the Bank for the OD Facility unless the Bank shall agree otherwise.

(iv)

Interest on the OD Facility shall be due and payable immediately upon the demand by the Bank and until demanded as aforesaid, shall be paid monthly in arrears by the borrower on the last day of each month or such other date as the Bank may from time to time stipulate and the Bank shall be authorized to debit the Borrower's account with the unpaid interest at the end of each month.

(v)

The OD Facility shall be subject to such other terms and regulations as may be prescribed from time to time by the Bank at its sole and absolute discretion and the Borrower hereby irrevocably and unconditionally agrees to accept, abide and be bound by such terms and regulations.

 

 

 

xxxxxxxxxEND OF ANNEXURExxxxxxxxx

 

RHB

RHB BANK BERHAD

(6171-M)

RHB Bank Bhd. Ref: IPH 900052

Date of Letter of Offer: 25 th October 2004

Borrower: TOR Minerals (M) Sdn Bhd

ANNEXURE III

TERMS AND CONDITIONS RELATING TO TRADE FACILITIES

(Trade Facilities are subject to the Association of Banks in Malaysia's rules and Bank Negara Malaysia's guidelines as the case may be and as amended from time to time)

 

1.

LETTER OF CREDIT FACILITY ("LC FACILITY") AND

TRUST RECEIPT FACILITY ("TR FACILITY")

(i)

An application for the opening of any letter of credit under the LC Facility shall be made by delivering to the Bank a duly completed and executed LC Application in respect of such letter of credit, such LC Application to be in the form required by the Bank in accordance with its usual practice for the time being. The Bank may refuse any LC Application that is not in all respects satisfactory to the Bank.

(ii)

The commission payable by the borrower on each letter of credit opened by the Bank for the account of the Borrower under the LC Facility shall be payable upon the issue or opening of the respective letter of credit by the Bank or within such other period as the Bank may at its sole and absolute discretion deem fit and in any event, forthwith upon the Bank's demand.

(iii)

As against the Borrower, any LC Application shall be irrevocable once delivered to the Bank.

(iv)

No letter of credit will be opened by the Bank if the LC Application is submitted after the expiry of the tenor under the LC Facility. Letters of credit may be issued for amounts payable in, or determined by reference to, currencies other that Ringgit Malaysia if the Borrower so requests, unless the Bank in its sole discretion determines that such issue cannot reasonably be complied with.

(v)

No letter of credit will be opened if, following its opening, the aggregate of all the sums outstanding in respect of the LC Facility and other trade facilities of which the LC Facility forms a part thereof would exceed the aggregate limit prescribed by the Bank for the LC Facility and other trade facilities or any sub-limit specifically imposed by the Bank for the LC Facility unless the Bank shall agree to the contrary.

(vi)

The Bank shall at all times be entitled, without further investigation or enquiry, to make payment under a letter of credit if it has received a demand for payment and need not concern itself with the propriety of any claim made there under; accordingly it shall not be a defense to any claim made on the Borrower hereunder which is attributable to the making of any such payment, nor shall the borrower's obligations hereunder be impaired or affected by the fact (if it be the case) that the Bank might have been justified in refusing to pay the whole or part of the amount so paid.

(vii)

The Borrower is not entitled and shall not take any action to prevent the Bank from making a payment under the letter of credit for which a demand has been made in accordance therewith.

(viii)

Payment by the Bank of an amount under any letter of credit shall constitute an advance ("Advance") by it to the Borrower of the amount so paid (or, if such amount is denominated in another currency, the equivalent thereof in Ringgit Malaysia) which Advance, the Borrower shall (where a TR Facility is not made available to it), be obliged to repay immediately it arises (notwithstanding that demand for repayment thereof may not have been made on the Borrower) failing which the Bank shall be entitled to exercise all rights upon such default, including payment of interest thereon at the applicable Default Rate (both before as well as after judgment or demand).

(ix)

The Borrower may refinance its obligations in respect of any letter of credit issued by the Bank by utilizing the TR Facility to sign a trust receipt before the date upon which the Bank is required to make payment under a related letter of credit in such manner and upon such terms and conditions as the Bank may from time to time prescribe at its discretion.

(x)

Unless permitted by the Bank, the financing tenor of the trust receipts under TR Facility shall not exceed the period stated in this Letter of Offer.

(xi)

The interest payable by the Borrower to the Bank under the TR Facility for the tenor of the trust receipt shall be payable on the respective maturity date of the trust receipts failing which, the Bank shall be entitled to all rights under this Letter of Offer upon such default, including payment of interest thereon at the applicable Default Rate (both before as well as after judgment or demand). The Borrower shall pay all charges incurred or to be incurred by the Bank in connection with or arising from the TR Facility.

(xii)

No utilization of the TR Facility will be permitted if, following such utilization, the aggregate of all the sums outstanding in respect of the TR Facility and other trade facilities of which the TR Facility forms a part thereof would exceed the aggregate limit prescribed by the Bank for the TR Facility and other trade facilities or any sub-limit specifically imposed by the Bank for the TR Facility unless the Bank shall agree to the contrary.

(xiii)

In the event that the Borrower should fail to settle and repay to the Bank punctually on due date any amounts payable by the borrower tot the Bank under or in connection with or arising from the TR Facility, the without prejudice and in addition to any other rights or remedies which the Bank may be entitled to, the Bank may, at its sole and absolute discretion and without any obligation whether at law or in equity so to do, debit the Borrower's current account or overdraft account with the bank (if the Borrower maintains a current or overdraft account with the Bank) with such overdue amount together with interest thereon at the applicable Default Rate (both before as well as after judgment or demand) and the Borrower hereby irrevocably and unconditionally consents to the Bank so doing.

(xiv)

The LC Facility and the TR Facility shall be subject to such other terms and regulations as may be prescribed from time to time by the bank at its sole and absolute discretion and the Borrower hereby irrevocably and unconditionally agrees to accept, abide and be bound by such terms and regulations.

(xv)

The Borrower shall indemnify and keep the Bank indemnified against any damages, losses, accosts and/or expenses which the Bank may incur or suffer as a result of its grant of the LC Facility and/or the TR Facility to the Borrower.

2.

BANKERS ACCEPTANCE FACILITY ("BA FACILITY")

(i)

The Borrower may request the Bank to accept and provide financing by way of Bankers Acceptance by submitting to the Bank a duly completed application in the Bank's standard form.

(ii)

Bankers Acceptance may be drawn by the Borrower upon the Bank and presented to the Bank for the Bank's acceptance thereof under the BA Facility. The Bank will, subject to the availability of funs, upon the Bank's acceptance of the Bankers Acceptance pay to the Borrower the discounted proceeds less the acceptance commission and all other costs and expenses, if any, which the Bank may incur.

(iii)

Bankers Acceptance drawn by the Borrower upon the Bank for acceptance by the Bank under the BA Facility shall be for the purpose as stated in the Letter of Offer.

(iv)

Bankers Acceptance may only be accepted and discounted in accordance with the regulations and guidelines stipulated by Bank Negara Malaysia.

(v)

The Bank may accept and discount the Bankers Acceptance subject to the following conditions:-

 

(a)

the Borrower has not and will not obtain another source of financing for the trade transaction concerned and the BA Facility is for financing its trade transaction namely imports to and exports from Malaysia and domestic trade; and

 

(b)

delivery to the Bank of such satisfactory documentary evidence of the trade transaction as may be required by the Bank. In the case of financing of exports from Malaysia and/or sales within Malaysia, the original export bills or inland bills shall be delivered to the Bank for collection through the Bank unless otherwise agreed by the Bank, and the proceeds of the said export bills and/or inland bills shall be subject to the Bank's control until the Borrower's obligation is fully discharged on maturity of the Bankers Acceptance and the Bank has been paid in full. The bank may use the said proceeds towards settlement of all amounts owing by the borrower and remaining unpaid in respect of the BA Facility or any of the borrower's indebtedness to the Bank under any of the other facilities made available to the borrower;

(vi)

The Borrower shall make payment of the full face value of the Bankers Acceptance to the Bank on the maturity date of the Bankers Acceptance. No grace period is allowed for settlement of a Bankers Acceptance. Without prejudice and in addition to any other rights or remedies which the Bank may entitled to on maturity of the Bankers Acceptance the Bank may, at its sole and absolute discretion and without any obligation whether at law or in equity so to do, debit the Borrower's current or overdraft account with the Bank (if the Borrower maintains a current or overdraft account with the Bank) with the face value of the Bankers Acceptance at maturity and with any unpaid commission, interest or bank charges and the Borrower hereby irrevocably and unconditionally consents to the Bank so doing. Interest will be charged at the applicable Default Rate on the amount outstanding under the Bankers Acceptance, if the Bankers Acceptance is not discharged on the maturity date or if the monies received by the Bank are not sufficient to discharge the Bankers Acceptance on maturity, for the period commencing from the maturity date until the date the Bank receives full payment (both before as well as after judgment or demand).

(vii)

No Bankers Acceptance shall have a tenor of less than twenty-one (21) days or such other period as the Bank may specify from time to time or exceed the period as stated in the Letter of Offer.

(viii)

The acceptance by the Bank of the Bankers Acceptance drawn by the borrower is at the sole discretion of the Bank.

(ix)

The Bank may re-discount any Bankers Acceptance drawn by the borrower and discounted by the Bank and any moneys received by the Bank as a result of the re-discounting shall not be regarded as payment towards the borrower's liability to the Bank.

(x)

No Bankers Acceptance shall be issued by the Bank if, following such issue, the aggregate of all the sums outstanding in respect of the BA Facility and other trade facilities of which the BA Facility forms a part thereof would exceed the Aggregate limit prescribed by the Bank for the BA Facility and other trade facilities or any sub-limit specifically imposed by the Bank for the BA Facility unless the Bank shall agree otherwise.

(xi)

The Borrower shall indemnify and keep the Bank indemnified against any losses, costs and/or expenses which the Bank may incur as a result of its accepting an/or discounting the Bankers Acceptance drawn by the Borrower.

3.

EXPORT CREDIT REFINANCING FACILITY ("ECR FACILITY")

(i)

The Borrower may, subject to the provisions of the Letter of Offer, utilize the ECR Facility (Pre-shipment/Post-Shipment) in such manner and upon such conditions as the Bank may from time to time prescribe.

(ii)

The Borrower may by giving not less then two (2) Business Days notice to the Bank request the Bank to make an advance under the ECR Facility by submitting to the Bank a duly completed application in the Bank's standard form accompanied by such documents as the Bank may require to comply with all regulatory requirements and guidelines applicable to Export Credit Refinancing ("ECR")

(iii)

The period of financing for pre-shipment ECR advances shall commence from the date of drawdown of the ECR Facility (subject tot the lodgment of pre-shipment bill with the Bank) up to the maturity date of the pre-shipment bill. Interest on the pre-shipment bill shall be computed on the daily outstanding balance and be paid monthly on the last day of each month after the date on which an advance was made under the ECR Facility and on the maturity date or early discharge of the pre-shipment bill. In the event on the maturity date, payments are not made towards settlement of the pre-shipment bill the borrower shall pay interest thereon at the applicable Default Rate for the period commencing from the maturity date until the Bank receives full payment (both before as well as after judgment or demand).

(iv)

The period of financing post-shipment ECR advances shall commence from the time the borrower presents to the Bank export documents for financing up to the maturity date of the post-shipment bill or upon receipt of the export proceeds, whichever is earlier. Interest on the post-shipment bill shall be based on the nominal or maturity value and the financing period of the post-shipment ECR and shall be paid up-front by deducting from the principal amount of the advance under the post-shipment bill. In the event on the maturity date, the Bank does not receive the export proceeds for whatever reasons, the Borrower shall pay interest thereon at applicable Default Rate for the period commencing from the maturity date until the Bank receives full payment (both before as well as after judgment or demand).

(v)

The Borrower shall warrant that the goods relating to the underlying transaction re genuine exports and no other means of financing has been or will be obtained for the underlying exports.

(vi)

Notwithstanding the aforesaid utilization of the ECR Facility is subject to EXIM Bank's guidelines as amended from time to time.

(vii)

The Borrower shall not utilize the ECR Facility (Pre-Shipment/Post-Shipment) if upon such utilization, the aggregate of all the sums outstanding in respect of the ECR Facility (Pre-Shipment/Post-Shipment) and other trade facilities of which the ECR Facility (Pre-Shipment/Post-Shipment) forms a part thereof would exceed the aggregate limit prescribed by the Bank for the ECR Facility (Pre-Shipment/Post-Shipment) and other trade facilities or any sub-limit specifically imposed by the Bank for the ECR Facility (Pre-Shipment/Post-Shipment) unless the Bank shall agree otherwise.

(viii)

The Borrower shall indemnify and keep the Bank indemnified against any damages, losses, costs and expenses which the Bank may suffer or incur as a result of granting the ECR Facility (Pre-Shipment/Post-Shipment) to the Borrower.

(ix)

The ECR Facility (Pre-Shipment/Post-Shipment) shall be subject to such other terms and regulations as may be prescribed from time to time by the Bank at its sole and absolute discretion and the borrower hereby irrevocably and unconditionally agrees to accept, abide and be bound by such terms and regulations.

4.

BANKERS GUARNATEE ("BG")/SHIPPING GUARANTEE ("SG") FACILITY

(i)

A request for the issuance of shipping guarantees under the SG Facility and/or bank guarantees under the BG Facility to the party named in this Letter of Offer or any party acceptable to the Bank as beneficiary shall be made by the Borrower delivering to the Bank a duly completed and executed request ("Request") in the form prescribed by the Bank from time to time. Such Request shall be irrevocable once delivered to the Bank.

(ii)

Each Request shall be accompanied by such contracts or other documents relevant to the Request as the Bank may at its sole and absolute discretion require from time to time.

(iii)

Any shipping or bank guarantee to be issued by the bank shall be in such form and shall contain such terms as the Bank may at is sole and absolute discretion deem fit.

(iv)

The Borrower shall pay to the Bank commission at the rate stipulated in this Letter of Offer on each shipping or bank guarantee issued by the bank from time to time for the account of the Borrower and such payment shall be made upon the issue of the guarantee. The commission shall be payable, in the case of a bank guarantee, for the duration of the guarantee period including the claims period and in the case of a shipping guarantee, for the duration up to the date of return of the guarantee for cancellation or receipt by the Bank of a written confirmation from the beneficiary that the Bank is no longer liable under the guarantee.

(v)

There shall be no refund by the Bank of any commission paid by the Borrower to the Bank upon any early cancellation or release or premature return of any shipping for bank guarantee.

(vi)

No shipping or bank guarantee shall be issued by the Bank if, following such issue, the aggregate of all the sums outstanding in respect of the SG Facility and/or the BG Facility and other trade facilities of which the SG Facility and/or the BG Facility forms a part thereof would exceed the aggregate limit prescribed by the Bank for the SG Facility ad the BG Facility and other trade facilities or any sub-limit specifically imposed by the Bank for the SG Facility and the BG Facility unless the bank shall agree otherwise.

(vii)

If the beneficiary, under any shipping or bank guarantee shall demand any amount under any shipping or bank guarantee issued hereunder or in the event that the Bank is required to make or has made payment under any shipping or bank guarantee issued under the SG Facility or the BG Facility, the Bank may at any time demand payment from the Borrower and the Borrower shall forthwith pay the Bank in full the amount so demanded.

(viii)

The Bank shall as soon as practicable endeavor to notify the Borrower of any notice or demand for payment served on it by the beneficiary under any shipping or bank guarantee hereunder PROVIDED ALWAYS that any failure to delay on the part of the Bank to give such notice to the borrower in accordance with the provisions hereof shall not exempt the Borrower from its obligations to indemnify and reimburse the Bank or to pay interest thereon.

(ix)

The Borrower shall on demand by the Bank as aforesaid reimburse the Bank any amount paid by the Bank to the beneficiary under or pursuant to any shipping or bank guarantee issued hereunder and hereby undertakes to indemnify and hold harmless the Bank against all cost, losses, damages, fees and expenses which the Bank may incur or sustain by reason of or in any way arising from or in connection with any shipping or bank guarantee issued hereunder. Notwithstanding the aforesaid and for the purpose of clarification it is hereby expressly agreed and declared that nothing herein contained shall be construed so as to render it obligatory upon the Bank to first make payment under any shipping or bank guarantee issued hereunder, and thereafter seek reimbursement form the Borrower and it is hereby further agreed and declared that the borrower's obligations hereunder is to forthwith pay to the Bank the amount demanded by the Bank immediately upon the Bank's demand irrespective of whether or not the bank has made or has yet to make payment under nay shipping or bank guarantee issued under or pursuant to the SG Facility or the BG Facility.

(x)

The Borrower agrees that it shall remain liable to the Bank on any shipping or bank guarantee issued hereunder until the Bank is released from liability by the beneficiary named in such shipping or bank guarantee or, in the event of any shipping or bank guarantee issued hereunder being enforced until the Borrower had paid in full all amounts due hereunder, whichever is the later.

(xi)

The Borrower acknowledges and agrees that the Bank's obligation under any shipping or bank guarantee issued hereunder is absolute and unconditional and requires payment to the beneficiary named in such shipping or bank guarantee notwithstanding any objection on the part of the borrower. The Bank shall at all times be entitled to make any payment under the shipping or bank guarantee upon demand by the beneficiary named in such shipping or bank guarantee without further investigation or enquiry and need to concern itself with the propriety of any claim made under the shipping or bank guarantee. The Borrower hereby acknowledges and confirms that it shall not be entitled whether at law or in equity to stop or to demand the Bank to withhold any payment which is to be made by the Bank under or pursuant to the shipping or bank guarantee issued hereunder. And, the Bank shall be entitled to be reimbursed and indemnified by the Borrower and it shall not be a defense to any demand made on the Borrower that the Borrower or the Bank was or might have been justified in refusing payment in whole or in part of the amounts so claimed by the beneficiary, named in such guarantee.

(xii)

In the event that the Bank shall be required to make any payment under the pursuant to or arising from any shipping or bank guarantee issued by the Bank pursuant to the SG Facility or the BG Facility, the Borrower shall pay interest to the Bank at the applicable Default Rate (both before as well as after judgment or demand) on all moneys paid by the Bank commencing from the date such moneys are first paid out by the Bank up to the date of the Bank's actual receipt of the full amount thereof from the Borrower.

(xiii)

The Bank shall not be under any obligation (whether at law or in equity) to issue any shipping or bank guarantee and the Bank may at its sole and absolute discretion refuse to issue any shipping or bank guarantee without any obligation to give any reasons.

(xiv)

Without prejudice and in addition to any other rights or remedies which the Bank may be entitled to, the Bank may, at its sole and absolute discretion and without any obligation whether at law or in equity so to do, debit the Borrower's current account or overdraft account with the Bank (if the borrower maintains a current or overdraft account with the bank) with the amount claimed by a beneficiary, any unpaid commission, interest or bank charges and the Borrower hereby irrevocably and unconditionally consents to the Bank so doing.

(xv)

The SG Facility and the BG Facility shall be subject to such other terms and regulations as may be prescribed from time to time by the Bank at its sole and absolute discretion and the Borrower hereby irrevocably and unconditionally agrees to accept, abide and be bound by such terms and regulations.

5.

BILLS PURCHASED FACILITY ("BP FACILITY")

(i)

The Borrower may present foreign/domestic bills to the Bank for purchase and the Bank may as its sole and absolute discretion purchase such bills offered by the borrower under the BP Facility.

(ii)

Upon the Bank purchasing any bills presented by the Borrower to the Bank, the Bank shall credit the Borrower's current or overdraft account maintained with the Bank with the face value of the bill purchased by the Bank less the commission charged by the Bank for purchasing such bill and all other bank charges and costs payable by the Borrower.

(iii)

Without prejudice and in addition to any rights or remedies which the bank may be entitled to, the Bank may, at its sole and absolute discretion debit the Borrower's current or overdraft account maintained with the Bank with the face value of the bills purchased by the Bank under the BP Facility which has been returned to the Bank unpaid and the Borrower hereby irrevocably and unconditionally consents to the Bank so doing and such amounts debited shall become immediately due and payable and failing payment, interest at the applicable Default Rate, shall be charged from the due date until the date the Bank receives full payment (both before as well as after judgment or demand).

(iv)

The Bank may not honor any bill drawn or issued by the Borrower on the Bank for payment un the BP Facility if the Bank is of the opinion (which opinion shall be binding upon the Borrower) that the bill presented to the Bank for collection was issued or drawn by a party related to the Borrower or if following such purchase the aggregate of all the sums outstanding in respect of the BP Facility and other trade facilities of which the BP Facility forms part thereof, as the case may be, would exceed the aggregate limit imposed by the Bank for the BP Facility, unless the Bank shall agree otherwise.

(v)

The Borrower shall pay to the Bank a commission on each bill purchased by the bank under the BP Facility at the time such bill is purchased. The rate of commission charged by the Bank on each bill purchased by the Bank under the BP Facility shall be at such rate as may be determined by the Bank from time to time at its sole and absolute discretion.

(vi)

Bills returned unpaid and bills drawn by the borrower or any related party will not be purchased and ma only be accepted for collection purposes.

(vii)

The borrower acknowledges and accepts that notwithstanding any other provision to the contrary, the Bank reserves the right not to accept any bill drawn or issued by the borrower for payment under the BP Facility at the Bank's sole and absolute discretion.

(viii)

The borrower shall indemnify and keep the Bank indemnified against any damages, losses, costs and expenses which the Bank may suffer or incur as a result of granting the BP Facility to the Borrower.

(ix)

The Borrower shall not utilize the BP Facility if upon such utilization, the aggregate of all the sums outstanding in respect of the BP Facility and other trade facilities of which the BP Facility forms a part thereof would exceed the aggregate limit prescribed by the Bank for the SP Facility and the other trade facilities or any sub-limit specifically imposed by the Bank for the BP Facility unless the bank shall agree otherwise.

(x)

The BP Facility shall be subject to such other terms and regulations as may be prescribed from time to time by the Bank at its sole and absolute discretion and the Borrower hereby irrevocably and unconditionally agrees to accept, abide and be bound by such terms and regulations.

   

xxxxxxxxxEND OF ANNEXURExxxxxxxxx

 

RHB

RHB BANK BERHAD

(6171-M)

RHB Bank Bhd. Ref: IPH 900052

Date of Letter of Offer: 25 th October 2004

Borrower: TOR Minerals (M) Sdn Bhd

ANNEXURE IV

TERMS AND CONDITIONS ON FOREIGN EXCHANGE DEALING & SETTLEMENT

 

1.0

DEFINITIONS

1.1

In these Terms and Conditions the following terms shall have the meaning assigned thereto as follows:-

1.1.1

"Acceptable Currency" means any currency at any relevant time acceptable to the Bank.

1.1.2

"Account" means that account or accounts opened by the Customer with the Bank, whether current or otherwise, and into which all amounts payable or receivable in respect of any Foreign Exchange contract shall be credited or debited respectively.

1.1.3

"Bank" refers to RHB Bank Berhad (Company No : 6171-M), a company incorporated in Malaysia and having its registered office at level 8, tower Three, RHB Centre, Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur.

1.1.4

"Base Lending Rate" means the rate of interest per annum which is from time to time quoted by the Bank as its Base Lending Rate or if the Base Lending Rate is no longer applicable such other similar or equivalent rate of interest by whatsoever name called or quoted by the Bank.

1.1.5

"Contract Loss" means all losses, including but not limited to funding costs and loss of bargain suffered by the Bank, upon termination of a Foreign Exchange Contract.

1.1.6

"Cost of Funds" means the cost to the Bank of obtaining deposits from whatever sources to fund the Foreign Exchange Contract Line, plus the cost of maintaining statutory reserves and complying with liquidity and other requirements imposed from time to time and at any time by Bank Negara Malaysia or other appropriate authorities.

1.1.7

"Customer" refers to existing customers and new customers acceptable to the Bank to deal in foreign exchange. Such acceptance shall be at the sole discretion of the Bank.

1.1.8

"Foreign Exchange Contract" means value today, value tomorrow, spot and forward foreign exchange contracts.

1.1.9

"Foreign Exchange Contract Line (FXCL)" is defined as a limit established by the Bank for a Customer to govern the outstanding amount of spot and/or Forward Foreign Exchange contracts concluded with the Bank.

1.1.10

"Forward Foreign Exchange Contract" is defined as a contract for the purchase or sale of foreign currency for delivery after two (2) business days but not exceeding twelve (12) months delivery from the date of the deal, including outright forward contracts, swaps, futures, options, financial derivatives and any other arrangement to obtain a foreign currency, whether settlement is to be made in full or on a net basis. Notwithstanding the aforementioned, the term "Forward Foreign Exchange Contract" shall also include foreign exchange contracts where the tenure exceeds twelve (12) months and is in compliance with ECM 2 of the Exchange control of Malaysia ("ECM") Notices.

1.1.11

"Maturity Date" means the date on which a Customer is contractually obliged to settle its obligations under a Foreign Exchange Contract.

1.1.12

"Historical Rate" means the buying/selling spot for forward rate then applicable for a sale/purchase contract quoted by the Bank as at the date of concluding such contract.

1.1.13

"Prevailing Market Rate" means, on any day, the prevailing buying/selling spot or forward rate for a sale/purchase contract quoted by the Bank on such day.

1.1.14

"Rollover" means an extension of a Forward Foreign Exchange contract to mature at another future date.

1.1.15

"Same Day Settlement" refers to the simultaneous settlement of Foreign Exchange contract transactions on value date at different locations without taking into account of time zone differences.

1.1.16

"Settlement Limit" refers to the daily maximum Foreign Exchange contract amount that the Bank is willing to settle with a Customer on any one business day.

1.1.17

"Spot Foreign Exchange Contract" is defined as a contract for the purchase or sale of foreign currency where delivery is two (2) business days from the date of the deal.

1.1.18

"Threshold Amount" means when a maturing Forward Foreign Exchange Contract is closed out on the relevant Maturity Date by using the Prevailing Market Rate, the difference between the amount which would have been payable for the Forward Foreign Exchange contract had the same been closed out by using the Historical Rate and the amount payable for the Forward Foreign Exchange Contract calculated at the Prevailing market Rate.

1.2

In these Terms and Conditions, unless there is something in the subject or context inconsistent with such construction or unless it is otherwise expressly provided, any reference to the singular shall include the plural and vice versa.

2.0

DOCUMENTARY REQUIREMENTS

2.1

To deal in Foreign Exchange Contracts, Customer must provide the Bank with its Directors' Resolution confirming:-

 

(a)

The acceptance of the Bank's Letter of Offer incorporating the Foreign Exchange Contract Line Facility;

 

(b)

That all verbal, fax or written instructions to the Bank on Foreign Exchange Contracts shall be valid and binding instruction to the Bank;

 

(c)

the appointment of personnel (to be named therein) whose specimen signatures are to be provided therein, and who are thereby authorized to give instruction on Foreign Exchange Contracts, money market transactions, funds transfer and settlement (Note: The Bank must be notified immediately, in writing, of any changes to this list;

3.0

BUSINESS HOURS

3.1

Customer may deal in Foreign Exchange Contracts with the Bank within the Bank's business hours in Juala Lumpur (i.e. from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) on any day other than Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays in Kuala Lumpur ("Business Hours"). The Bank reserves the right to vary the Business Hours at its absolute discretion without prior notice to the Customer.

4.0

COMPLIANCE WITH EXCHANGE CONTROL OF MALAYSIA (ECM) NOTICES

4.1

Customer shall comply with requirements stipulated in the ECM Notices issued by Bank Negara Malaysia "(BNM") for time to time, particularly ECM 2 as well as the ECM Notices pertaining to Rollover of Forward Foreign Exchange Contracts, and shall bear the consequence(s) arising thereof if there is s contravention.

4.2

Prior to entering into a Foreign Exchange Contracts and unless the Bank agrees otherwise, the Customer shall be required to furnish the Bank with evidence of its compliance with the ECM requirements and such documents shall include, but not be limited to, supporting trade documents or such documents as shall be necessary to evidence a firm underlying commitment to transact in foreign currency funds, for any Foreign Exchange Contracts that has been established.

4.3

If Customer is exempted from the requirements specified in the ECM Notices, Customer shall provide the Bank proof of such exemption from Bank Negara Malaysia prior to any dealing.

5.0

DEALING

5.1

Procedures

5.1.1

All Foreign Exchange Contract dealings between the Bank's authorized dealer or officer and the Customer shall be conducted by telephone or such other mode as may be stipulated by the Bank. An irrevocable and binding contract shall be deemed concluded once the terms of the Foreign Exchange Contract have been verbally agreed upon by the Customer or in the case of Foreign Exchange orders, once the Bank verbally confirms the status of fulfilled Foreign Exchange orders, and the Customer shall honor the deal on the relevant Maturity Date.

5.1.2

Pursuant to Clause 5.1.1 above, the Customer hereby acknowledges confirms and agrees that all verbal exchanges and confirmations with the Bank shall be recorded by the Bank and that such recordings shall be admissible in court as evidence of the Foreign Exchange order placed and/or Foreign Exchange Contract concluded in the manner set out above. In the event of any dispute, the Bank shall be entitled to rely on the use of recorded conversation between the Customer and the Bank as evidence to substantiate its stand on the dispute.

5.1.3

The Bankwill send a confirmation advice to the Customer ("Confirmation Advice") by facsimile transmission or by post, on the Forward Foreign Exchange contract concluded or upon the confirmation of fulfilled Foreign Exchange orders, in the manner set out in Clause 5.1.1 above, for the Customer's acknowledgment. The Customer's acknowledgement of the Confirmation Advice on the copy thereof or any notification of any discrepancy in the confirmation Advice (which shall be conveyed to the Bank in writing) must be faxed or sent by the Customer to the Bank's Treasury Operations Department not later the 5 p.m. of the following day on which the Bank is open for business, failing which all the information contained in the confirmation Advice shall be deemed to be correct and binding on the Customer.

5.1.4

It is hereby agreed between the parties that the Customer's execution of the fax copy of the Confirmation Advice which is faxed back to the Bank shall be admissible in court as evidence of the acceptance of the same and shall be considered an original and primary document. It is further agreed that a good transmission report generated by the facsimile of either party shall be deemed good service and simultaneous receipt thereof.

5.1.5

Any omission, failure an/or delay by the Bank or the customer to follow the procedures set out in this Clause 5.1 shall not affect or prejudice the right and remedies of the Bank under the contract concluded in the manner set out in Clause 5.1.1 above.

5.2

Availability

5.2.1

The availability of the Foreign Exchange Contract Line to the Customer is subject always to availability of funds to the Bank and to the Bank's discretion to review the Customer's Foreign Exchange Contract Line (including but not limited to the limit established by the Bank on the Foreign Exchange Contract Line) at any time and from time to time. The Bank reserves the right to terminate or withdraw the Foreign Exchange Contract Line at any time and from time to time irrespective of whether or not the Customer has breached any of these Terms and Conditions and without any obligation (be it at law or in equity) to assign any reason for such termination or withdrawal

5.2.2

In the event of the withdrawal or termination of the Foreign Exchange Contract Line pursuant to the provisions contained in Clause 5.2.1 above or pursuant to any breach of these Terms and Conditions, the Bank reserves the right to cancel any outstanding Foreign Exchange Contracts and notice of such cancellation shall be served on the Customer as soon as practicable.

5.3

Independent Judgment

5.3.1

The Customer hereby acknowledges and confirms that each Foreign Exchange Contract has been or will be entered into in reliance only upon its own independent judgment. No reliance has been place upon any statement made by the Bank and/or any of the Bank's officers, servants and/or agents, nor has any representation or warranty in respect thereto been made on behalf of the Bank to the Customer.

5.3.2

The Customer further agrees that it shall be solely and fully responsible for monitoring its position(s) at all times and the Bank shall not be held liable to the Customer for any loss, damage, expense or liability incurred by the Customer if the Bank does not notify the Customer of its current position(s) and/or of any loss or potential loss or reduction in value in any security or of any matter or thing whatsoever.

 

 

5.4

Liability For Loss

 

The Bank shall not be held liable or responsible for any loss or damages (including without limitation loss of income, profits, direct or indirect, consequential or special damages) expenses or liabilities howsoever incurred or sustained by the Customer arising out of or in connection with:-

 

5.4.1

These Terms and Conditions, any Foreign Exchange Contract , any Confirmation Advice or other agreement or communication, including any refusal, failure or inability of the Bank to enter into any Foreign Exchange Contract and/or failure or omission to notify the Customer of such refusal, failure or inability as herein before mentioned; or

 

5.4.2

Any reliance by the Bank on any communication or document believed to be genuine and correct and to have been communicated by any person by whom it is purported to be communicated or signed.

6.0

ROLLOVER

6.1

Conditions

 

6.1.1

Any request for rollover of a Forward Foreign Exchange Contract upon maturity must be received by the Bank's authorized dealer or officer not later than 2:00 p.m. on the relevant Maturity Date, together with valid reasons to support such request for an extension.

 

6.1.2

The Bank reserves the absolute right to grant or reject a request for Rollover without assigning any reason therefore. If the Bank grants the Customer's request for the Rollover, the Bank may (but shall not be obliged to) send a Confirmation Advice to the Customer. A new Forward Foreign Exchange Contract shall thenceforth be deemed to have been entered into between the Bank and the Customer and all the provisions under these Terms and Conditions shall equally apply to such new Forward Foreign Exchange Contracts, including the procedures set out in Clause 5.1 pertaining to the handling of Confirmation Advice.

 

6.1.3

A new Forward Foreign Exchange Contract shall be rolled over at the Prevailing Market Rate except where the Threshold Amount is RM 10,000-00 or less , in which event; the Forward Foreign Exchange Contract may be rolled over at the Historical Rate. Cash settlement shall not take place where Rollover is at the Historical Rate and the Customer hereby indemnifies the Bank against any losses (including but not limited to funding cost) arising from the difference in the exchange rates.

 

6.1.4

Where Rollover is at the Prevailing Market Rate, cash settlement of the Threshold Amount must be effected on the Maturity Date.

7.0

PAYMENTS

7.1

All payments due to the Bank under these Terms and Conditions shall be in cleared funds and must be received by the Bank before the close of business of the Bank in Malaysia on the due date in the currency in which the advances by the bank is denominated or such currency as specified by the Bank, Payments due must be made in full and without any deduction, counterclaim, set-off or withholding, including but not limited to any taxes, charges, commissions (particularly in the case of outstation remittances) or duties payable, exchange costs/losses in respect thereof and/or any charges passed on to the Bank.

7.2

The Customer hereby irrevocably authorizes and instructs the Bank to credit to the Account all such amounts in the Acceptable Currency converted at the prevailing rate of exchange to be determined by the Bank on the date of payment.

7.3

In the event any amount payable by the Customer under any Foreign Exchange Contract or these Terms and Conditions (including without limitation, any Contract Loss) has not been paid, the Bank shall be entitled on such date to debit the Account in such amount in the Acceptable Currency, at a rate of exchange to be determined by the Bank and the Customer hereby agrees and undertakes to maintain sufficient funds in the Account for the aforesaid purpose.

7.4

In the event the amount in the Account is insufficient to settle the full amount payable under the relevant Foreign Exchange Contract or any other amounts due under these Terms and Conditions:-

7.4.1

The Bank shall be entitled to debit the Account towards partial payment of the outstanding amounts due by the Customer Provided Always that such partial payment shall not be deemed to be settlement of the amount outstanding; and

7.4.2

The Customer shall pay the Bank interest on such outstanding amounts from the date such amounts are due until the date of full payment and settlement at the prevailing rate of interest prescribed by the Bank from time to time.

7.5

Where such debiting as provided for in Clause 7.3, results in the Account being overdrawn, the Customer shall pay interest on the overdrawn amount(s) at the prevailing rate of interest prescribed by the Bank from time to time with respect to overdrawn amounts for the period commencing from the date on which the Account is overdrawn until the date of receipt by the Bank from the Customer payment of the amount overdrawn (as well after as before judgment) and which interest shall, if unpaid, be capitalized at the end of each calendar month.

7.6

The Bank shall be entitled to vary at its discretion the Base Lending Rate, Cost of Funds and the margin of interest imposed above the Base Lending Rate/Cost of Funds without prior notice to the customer.

7.7

The Customer hereby expressly agrees that the rights of the Bank to charge interest pursuant to Clauses 7.4 and 7.5 above, shall subsist notwithstanding that the Bank may have issued a notice of demand to the Customer to repay any monies under these Terms and Conditions and/or the relationship between the Bank and Customer as banker and customer may have been terminated and/or the Account of the Customer with the Bank closed.

7.8

The Bank may impose interest on late payment of cash settlement at a rate determined by the Bank in its discretion.

8.0

CANCELLATION

8.1

Customer shall submit a written instruction duly signed by an authorized person with reasons for the cancellation of a Foreign Exchange Contract concluded to the Bank. Such instruction received via facsimile shall be deemed acceptable.

8.2

The Bank reserves the right to cancel any Foreign Exchange Contract which in the opinion of the Bank contravenes the provision of ECM Notices.

8.3

Any losses arising from the cancellation pursuant to Clauses 8.1 or 8.2 above shall be borne by the Customer.

9.0

SETTLEMENT

9.1

The Bank may establish a Settlement Limit for Customer to govern all Foreign Exchange Contract dealings and Same Day Settlement shall be subject to the availability of the Customer's Same Day Settlement Limit (if any).

9.2

A list of the Bank's Foreign Exchange Contract settlement banks shall be provided upon the Customer's request.

9.3

Complete settlement instructions in writing and duly signed by an authorized person of the Customer must be given to the Bank before the relevant cut off time (as shall be notified by the Bank to the Customer). Remittance of funds shall also be subject to prior receipt of cash settlement from the Customer under the relevant Foreign Exchange Contract before 12:00 p.m. on the Maturity Date or such other time as may be notified by the Bank from time to time, failing which the Bank shall not be obliged to effect any remittance in accordance with the settlement instructions.

9.4

If settlement instructions reach the Bank after the stipulated cut-off time, the Bank shall only remit funds on a best effort basis. The Bank shall not be responsible for and the Customer shall keep the Bank fully indemnified against all losses, costs, expenses or interest charges (if any) arising out of or in connection with the same.

10.0

COSTS, EXPENSES AND INDEMNITY

10.1

The Customer shall on demand, pay to the Bank all costs losses and expenses incurred or to be incurred by the Bank in connection with the Foreign Exchange Contract Line and/or any Foreign Exchange Contract (including all legal fees on a solicitor-client basis, stamp, documentary and other duties and taxes and any penalty in respect thereof, where applicable), including the processing, implementation, completion and/or enforcement of the Bank's rights there under.

10.2

The Customer hereby agrees to indemnify, defend and hold the Bank harmless against any and all claims demands suits actions judgments damages costs losses expenses (including legal fees and expenses on a solicitor and client basis) and other liabilities whatsoever and howsoever caused that may arise or be incurred by the Bank in connection with:-

10.2.1

The Customer's default negligence failure or omission (including but not limited to the provision of inaccurate misleading erroneous and/or fraudulent information and/or instructions) in performing and observing any of its obligations under these Terms and Conditions and/or any Foreign Exchange Contract , in particular the Customer's obligations to honor the Foreign Exchange Contract on the relevant Maturity Date an/or under Clause 9.4 herein;

 

10.2.2

The cancellation of the FXCL and/or any Foreign Exchange Contract pursuant to the provisions of Clause 5.2 and Clause 8 of these Terms and Conditions.

10.2.3

The fluctuation in the rates of exchange of the relevant currencies on the Rollover or cancellation of any Foreign Exchange Contract.

10.2.4

The Bank's acceptance reliance and/or effecting of any of the Customer's instructions on its behalf in respect of Foreign Exchange Contract dealings which the Bank believes to be genuine and received from the Customer whether given orally or otherwise or in writing (fax or original); and/or

10.2.5

The exercise and/or preservation of any of the Bank's rights under these Terms and Conditions.

11.0

REMEDIES AND WAIVERS

11.1

The Bank's rights, power and remedies provided in these Terms and Conditions are cumulative and not exclusive of any rights, powers or remedies which the Bank would otherwise have, No delay or omission on the part of the Bank in exercising any right, power or remedy in respect of these Terms and Conditions or any Foreign Exchange Contract shall impair such right, power or remedy or constitute a waiver thereof nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right, power or remedy preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right power or remedy.

11.2

If performance by the Bank of any Foreign Exchange Contract shall become illegal or be prevented or delayed beyond the control of the Bank, the time for performance by the Bank shall be extended by a period equal to that during which performance shall be so illegal or be so prevented or delayed.

12.0

ASSIGNMENT

12.1

The Customer may not assign the benefit of any Foreign Exchange Contract. The Bank may assign or transfer the benefit of these Terms and conditions and/or any particular Foreign Exchange Contract to any third party without the prior consent of the Customer.

13.0

TIME

13.1

Time wherever mentioned herein is of the essence.

14.0

GOVERNING LAW

14.1

These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by the construed in accordance with the laws of Malaysia, including but not limited to legislation on exchanged control, and the parties hereto submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the courts in Malaysia.

 

15.0

AMENDMENT TO AND WAIVER OF TERMS AND CONDITIONS

15.1

The Bank reserves the right to amend and/or waive any of these Terms and Conditions in part or in whole at any time and from time to time, at is absolute discretion or arising from new guidelines implemented by The Association of Banks in Malaysia and/or Bank Negara Malaysia, Any waiver by the Bank shall be without prejudice to the right of the Bank to assert such Terms and Conditions in whole or in part at any time or from time to time thereafter.

   
   
   

[The rest of this page is left intentionally blank]

 

EXHIBIT 10.19*

 

Confidential Treatment Requested. Confidential portions of this document have been redacted and have been separately filed with the Commission.

Engelhard

P.O.Box 220

Attapulgus, GA 31715

(912) 485-3341

PURCHASE ORDER

PURCHASE ORDER NUMBERS MUST APPEAR

ON ALL INVOICES, PACKAGES, ETC.

ORDER DATE

QUOTATION NO.

F.O.B.

SHIP VIA

TERMS

ORDER NO.

2/02/04

 

DELIVERED

TANK TRUCK

NET 045 DAYS

SCM0000093

THIS PURCHASE ORDER IS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPEARING ON THE PAGE 1

REVERSE SIDE WHICH ARE SPECIFICALLY INCORPORATED INTO AND MADE PART OF THIS AGREEMENT

 

134719

SHIP TO:

TOR MINERALS INTERNATIONAL INC. Engelhard-Savannah

P.O. BOX 2549 1800 East President Street

CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS 78403 Savannah, Georgia 31404

QUANTITY

OUR ITEM NUMBER/DESCRIPTION

UNIT PRICE

UOM

EXTENDED

PRICE

 

(Aluminas: ALUPREM) Blanket order for Engelhard Savannah 2004 requirements, per Seller's "Standard. Specification-[*], ALUPREM [*]. O/S".

ALUPREM [*],[*]

Approximately [*] lbs.

Price

EURO [*] per pound ([*]). SELLER agrees that this price is firm for all of calendar year 2004.

Volume Commitment

BUYER agrees that 100% of 2004 demand for alumina conforming to contract specifications shall be procured from SELLER. BUYER and SELLER agree that indicated quantity is a good faith estimate only and no firm commitment of volume is hereby granted.

Freight Terms

DDU BUYER'S DOCK, PRE-PAID AND INCLUDED.

Payment Terms

N45 days after Ocean Bill of Lading

Delivery

SELLER agrees to effect delivery in liquid sea-bulk containers at a rate of [*] containers per week. BUYER reserves the right to modify delivery schedule based on business and market conditions.

Contract Documents

The following documents, acting together and incorporated by reference herein, shall constitute the entire agreement between the parties. No changes are allowed without the written consent of both parties.

1) BUYER'S Purchase Order

2) BUYER'S Purchase Order Acknowledgement promptly signed and returned to

 

 

 

DO NOT CHARGE GEORGIA SALES TAX-REGISTRATION NUMBER 043-79-03167-5 .

The Purchaser assumes liability for payment directly to the state of any sales, use or occupation tax if he uses or consumes the property herein purchased in such a way as to render the sales subject to tax.

PURCHASE ORDER

TOTAL PRICE

 

[*] portions of this document have been deleted from this document and have been filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission

ENGELHARD CORPORATION

BY /s/ Michael O'Donnell

Engelhard

P.O.Box 220

Attapulgus, GA 31715

(912) 485-3341

PURCHASE ORDER

PURCHASE ORDER NUMBERS MUST APPEAR

ON ALL INVOICES, PACKAGES, ETC.

ORDER DATE

QUOTATION NO.

F.O.B.

SHIP VIA

TERMS

ORDER NO.

2/02/04

 

DELIVERED

TANK TRUCK

NET 045 DAYS

SCM0000093

THIS PURCHASE ORDER IS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPEARING ON THE PAGE 2

REVERSE SIDE WHICH ARE SPECIFICALLY INCORPORATED INTO AND MADE PART OF THIS AGREEMENT

 

134719

SHIP TO:

TOR MINERALS INTERNATIONAL INC. Engelhard-Savannah

P.O. BOX 2549 1800 East President Street

CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS 78402 Savannah, Georgia 31404

QUANTITY

OUR ITEM NUMBER/DESCRIPTION

UNIT PRICE

UOM

EXTENDED

PRICE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[*].00

Michael O'Donnell, c/o Engelhard Corporation, PO Box 220, Attapulgus, GA 39815.

3) BUYER'S "Engelhard Corporation - Terms and Conditions of Purchase."

4) Seller's quotation delivered via e-mail on 01/27/2004 and signed by Mark Schomp.

023611113002083 130020000000083 ACMCNAIR

ALUPREM [*] - [*]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

. [*]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LB

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[*].00

DO NOT CHARGE GEORGIA SALES TAX-REGISTRATION NUMBER 043-79-03167-5 .

The Purchaser assumes liability for payment directly to the state of any sales, use or occupation tax if he uses or consumes the property herein purchased in such a way as to render the sales subject to tax.

PURCHASE ORDER

TOTAL PRICE

[*].00

ENGELGARD CORPORATION

ACMCNAIR

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER BY /s/ Michael O'Donnell 2/17/04

[*] portions of this document have been deleted from this document and have been filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission

EXHIBIT 10.20*

 

Confidential Treatment Requested. Confidential portions of this document have been redacted and have been separately filed with the Commission.

 

Engelhard

P.O.Box 220

Attapulgus, GA 31715

(912) 485-3341

PURCHASE ORDER

PURCHASE ORDER NUMBERS MUST APPEAR

ON ALL INVOICES, PACKAGES, ETC.

ORDER DATE

QUOTATION NO.

F.O.B.

SHIP VIA

TERMS

ORDER NO.

12/03/04

 

DDU BUYER'S DOCK

OCEAN FREIGHT

NET 15 DAYS

SCM0000110

THIS PURCHASE ORDER IS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPEARING ON THE PAGE 1

REVERSE SIDE WHICH ARE SPECIFICALLY INCORPORATED INTO AND MADE PART OF THIS AGREEMENT

 

134719

SHIP TO:

TOR MINERALS INTERNATIONAL INC. Engelhard-Savannah

P.O. BOX 2549 1800 East President Street

CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS 78403 Savannah, Georgia 31404

QUANTITY

OUR ITEM NUMBER/DESCRIPTION

UNIT PRICE

UOM

EXTENDED

PRICE

 

(105-Aluminas) Blanket order for Engelhard Savannah 2005 requirements, per Seller's "Standard. Specification-[*], ALUPREM [*]. O/S".

ALUPREM [*],[*]

[*] lbs.

Price

US $[*] per pound ([*]). SELLER & BUYER mutually agree that this price is firm for all of calendar year 2005.

Volume Commitment

BUYER agrees that 100% of 2005 demand for alumina conforming to contract specifications shall be procured from SELLER. BUYER and SELLER agree that indicated quantity is a good faith estimate only and no firm commitment of volume is hereby granted.

Freight Terms

DDU BUYER'S DOCK, PRE-PAID AND INCLUDED.

Payment Terms

N45 days after Ocean Bill of Lading

Delivery

SELLER agrees to effect delivery in [*] lb. ([*]) ISO-tank shipments at a rate of [*] per week. BUYER reserves the right to modify delivery schedule based on business and market conditions.

Contract Documents

The following documents, acting together and incorporated by reference herein, shall constitute the entire agreement between the parties. No changes are allowed without the written consent of both parties.

1) BUYER'S Purchase Order

2) BUYER'S Purchase Order Acknowledgement promptly signed and returned to

     

DO NOT CHARGE GEORGIA SALES TAX-REGISTRATION NUMBER 043-79-03167-5 .

The Purchaser assumes liability for payment directly to the state of any sales, use or occupation tax if he uses or consumes the property herein purchased in such a way as to render the sales subject to tax.

PURCHASE ORDER

TOTAL PRICE

 

[*] portions of this document have been deleted from this document and have been filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission

ENGELHARD CORPORATION

BY /s/ Michael O'Donnell

Engelhard

P.O.Box 220

Attapulgus, GA 31715

(912) 485-3341

PURCHASE ORDER

PURCHASE ORDER NUMBERS MUST APPEAR

ON ALL INVOICES, PACKAGES, ETC.

ORDER DATE

QUOTATION NO.

F.O.B.

SHIP VIA

TERMS

ORDER NO.

12/03/04

 

DDU BUYER'S DOCK

OCEAN FREIGHT

NET 15 DAYS

SCM0000110

THIS PURCHASE ORDER IS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPEARING ON THE PAGE 2

REVERSE SIDE WHICH ARE SPECIFICALLY INCORPORATED INTO AND MADE PART OF THIS AGREEMENT

 

134719

SHIP TO:

TOR MINERALS INTERNATIONAL INC. Engelhard-Savannah

P.O. BOX 2549 1800 East President Street

CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS 78402 Savannah, Georgia 31404

QUANTITY

OUR ITEM NUMBER/DESCRIPTION

UNIT PRICE

UOM

EXTENDED

PRICE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[*].00

Michael O'Donnell, c/o Engelhard Corporation, PO Box 220, Attapulgus, GA 39815.

3) BUYER'S "Engelhard Corporation - Terms and Conditions of Purchase."

4) Seller's quotation delivered via e-mail on 12/03/2004 and signed by Mark Schomp.

023611113002083 130020000000083 LHHARRELL

ALUPREM [*] - [*]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

. [*]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LB

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[*].00

DO NOT CHARGE GEORGIA SALES TAX-REGISTRATION NUMBER 043-79-03167-5 .

The Purchaser assumes liability for payment directly to the state of any sales, use or occupation tax if he uses or consumes the property herein purchased in such a way as to render the sales subject to tax.

PURCHASE ORDER

TOTAL PRICE

[*].00

ENGELGARD CORPORATION

LHHARRELL

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER BY /s/ Michael O'Donnell

[*] portions of this document have been deleted from this document and have been filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission

Exhibit 10.22

Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement for Officers A

 

 

OPTION NO.: _______________________

Shares: _________________________

Date of Grant: _______________________

 

INCENTIVE STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

 

A Incentive Stock Option (the "Option") for a total of shares (collectively,"Option Shares") of TOR Minerals International, Inc. (the "Company"), is hereby granted to _________ (the "Optionee") at the price determined in this Option and in all respects subject to the terms, definitions and provisions, of the 2000 Incentive Plan For TOR Minerals International, Inc. (the "Plan"), which is incorporated herein by reference, except to the extent otherwise expressly provided in this Option.

1. Option Price .  The Option Price is $______ for each Share, which is the Fair Market Value of the Share on the Date of Grant.

2. Vesting of Option Shares .  

The Option Shares shall vest ("Vest" and derivations) and become "Vested Option Shares" on the dates ("Vesting Dates") set forth in the following Vesting Schedule:

(i)

____________ Shares on ______________________

(ii)

____________ Shares on ______________________

(iii)

____________ Shares on ______________________

(iv)

____________ Shares on ______________________

(v)

____________ Shares on ______________________

3. Exercisability of Option.

(a) Date on Which Option Becomes Exercisable . This Option shall not be exercisable prior to the first Vesting Date. On or after the occurrence of the first Vesting Date (and prior to the termination of this Option), this Option shall be exercisable, in whole or in part, with respect to Vested Option Shares.

(b) Method of Exercise .  Without limitation, this Option shall be exercised by a written notice delivered to the Corporate Secretary (the "Secretary") who shall:

(i) state the election to exercise the Option and the number of Vested Option Shares in respect of which it is being exercised; and

(ii) be signed by the person or persons entitled to exercise the Option and, if the Option is being exercised by any person or persons other than the Optionee, be accompanied by proof, satisfactory to the Secretary, of the right of such person or persons to exercise the Option.

(c) Payment and Withholding .  The Option Price of any Vested Option Shares purchased shall be paid in cash, by cashier check or personal check.

(d) Issuance of Shares . No person shall be, or have any of the rights or privileges of, a holder of Shares subject to this Option unless and until certificates representing such Shares shall have been issued and delivered to such person, such issuance, without limitation, being subject to the terms of the Plan.

(e) Surrender of Option .  Upon exercise of this Option, the Optionee shall deliver this Option and any other written agreements executed by the Company and the Optionee with respect to this Option to the Secretary who shall endorse or cause to be endorsed thereon a notation of such exercise and return all agreements to the Optionee.

4. Term of Option .  Without limitation, the unexercised portion of this Option shall automatically terminate in ten (10) years from date of grant.

5. Administration .  Without limitation, the Plan and this Option shall be administered by the Committee described in the Plan.

6. Law Governing .  WITHOUT LIMITATION, THIS OPTION SHALL BE CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH AND GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF TEXAS.

 

TOR Minerals International, Inc.

By:________________________________

Richard L. Bowers
President and CEO

 

I hereby exercise _______ shares on this ____day of ____________.

 

 

_____________________________
Optionee

Exhibit 10.23

Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement for Officers B

 

 

OPTION NO.: _______________________

Shares: _________________________

Date of Grant: _______________________

 

INCENTIVE STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

A Incentive Stock Option (the "Option") for a total of shares (collectively,"Option Shares") TOR Minerals International, Inc. (the "Company"), is hereby granted to ______(the "Optionee") at the price determined in this Option and in all respects subject to the terms, definitions and provisions, of the 2000 Incentive Plan For TOR Minerals International, Inc. (the "Plan"), which is incorporated herein by reference, except to the extent otherwise expressly provided in this Option.

1. Option Price .  The Option Price is $_______ for each Share, which is the Fair Market Value of the Share on the Date of Grant.

2. Option Shares Fully Vested. All of the Option Shares are 100% Vested.  

3. Exercisability of Option.

    1. Date on Which Option Becomes Exercisable . This Option shall be exercisable immediately, in whole or in part, prior to the date of termination of this Option.

(b) Method of Exercise .  Without limitation, this Option shall be exercised by a written notice delivered to the Corporate Secretary (the "Secretary") who shall:

(i) state the election to exercise the Option and the number of Vested Option Shares in respect of which it is being exercised; and

(ii) be signed by the person or persons entitled to exercise the Option and, if the Option is being exercised by any person or persons other than the Optionee, be accompanied by proof, satisfactory to the Secretary, of the right of such person or persons to exercise the Option.

(c) Payment and Withholding .  The Option Price of any Vested Option Shares purchased shall be paid in cash, by cashier check or personal check.

(d) Issuance of Shares . No person shall be, or have any of the rights or privileges of, a holder of Shares subject to this Option unless and until certificates representing such Shares shall have been issued and delivered to such person, such issuance, without limitation, being subject to the terms of the Plan.

(e) Surrender of Option .  Upon exercise of this Option, the Optionee shall deliver this Option and any other written agreements executed by the Company and the Optionee with respect to this Option to the Secretary who shall endorse or cause to be endorsed thereon a notation of such exercise and return all agreements to the Optionee.

4. Term of Option .  Without limitation, the unexercised portion of this Option shall automatically terminate in ten (10) years from date of grant.

 

5. Administration .  Without limitation, the Plan and this Option shall be administered by the Committee described in the Plan.

6. Law Governing .  WITHOUT LIMITATION, THIS OPTION SHALL BE CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH AND GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF TEXAS.

 

 

TOR Minerals International, Inc.

By:________________________________

Richard L. Bowers
President and CEO

 

I hereby exercise _______ shares on this ____day of ____________.

 

 

_____________________________
Optionee

 

Exhibit 10.24

Form of Nonqualified Option Agreement for Directors

 

OPTION NO.: _______________________

Shares: _________________________

Date of Grant: _______________________

 

NONQUALIFIED STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

A Nonqualified Stock Option (the "Option") for a total of Two Thousand Five Hundred (2,500) shares (collectively,"Option Shares") of TOR Minerals International, Inc. (the "Company"), is hereby granted to _________ (the "Optionee") at the price determined in this Option and in all respects subject to the terms, definitions and provisions, of the 2000 Incentive Plan for TOR Minerals International, Inc.(the "Plan"), which is incorporated herein by reference , except to the extent otherwise expressly provided in this Option.

1. Option Price .  The Option Price is $_______ for each Share.

  1. Option Shares Fully Vested .  All of the Option Shares are 100% Vested

3. Exercisability of Option.

(a) Date on Which Option Becomes Exercisable . This Option shall be exercisable immediately, in whole or in part, prior to the date of termination of this Option.

(b) Method of Exercise .  Without limitation, this Option shall be exercised by a written notice delivered to the Corporate Secretary (the "Secretary") who shall:

(i) state the election to exercise the Option and the number of Vested Option Shares in respect of which it is being exercised; and

(ii) be signed by the person or persons entitled to exercise the Option or, following the death of the Optionee, by any person or persons where accompanied by proof, satisfactory to the Corporate Secretary, of the right of such person or persons to exercise the Option.

(c) Payment and Withholding .  The Option Price of any Shares purchased, and any withholding required by the Company, shall be paid by the Optionee to the Company in cash, by cashiers check or, with a personal check.

    1. Issuance of Shares . No person shall be, or have any of the rights or privileges of, a holder of Shares subject to this Option unless and until certificates representing such Shares shall have been issued and delivered to such person, such issuance, without limitation, being subject to the terms of the Plan.

(e) Surrender of Option .  Upon a partial exercise of this Option, if requested by the Corporate Secretary, the Optionee shall deliver this Option and any other written agreements executed by the Company and the Optionee with respect to this Option to the Secretary who shall endorse or cause to be endorsed thereon a notation of such partial exercise and return all agreements to the Optionee.

4. Term of Option .  Without limitation, the unexercised portion of this Option shall automatically terminate in ten (10) years from date of grant.

5. Administration .  Without limitation, the Plan and this Option shall be administered by the Committee described in the Plan.

6. Law Governing .  WITHOUT LIMITATION, THIS OPTION SHALL BE CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH AND GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF TEXAS.

 

 

TOR Minerals International, Inc.

By:________________________________

Richard L. Bowers
President and CEO

 

I hereby exercise _______ shares on this ____day of ____________.

 

 

_____________________________
Optionee

 

Exhibit 10.25

 

ALLONGE AND AMENDMENT NO. ONE

TO PROMISSORY NOTE

MAKER:

TOR MINERALS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

ORIGINAL PRINCIPAL SUM:

$500,000.00

DATE OF NOTE:

December 12, 2003

PAYEE:

PAULSON RANCH, LTD.

This instrument is an allonge and amendment to the Promissory Note described above. The said Promissory Note is hereby amended as follows:

The "maturity date" shall be extended from February 15, 2005, to February 15, 2006, at which time all unpaid principal and accrued interest shall be due and payable. Accrued interest shall continue to be due and payable on a monthly basis on February 15, 2005, and on the same day of each succeeding month thereafter, and at maturity.

Except as so amended, all of the other terms and conditions of said Promissory Note shall remain in full force and effect.

EXECUTED effective the 1st day of February, 2005.

THIS WRITTEN AGREEMENT REPRESENTS THE FINAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PARTIES AND MAY NOT BE CONTRADICTED BY EVIDENCE OF PRIOR, CONTEMPORANEOUS, OR SUBSEQUENT ORAL AGREEMENTS OF THE PARTIES. THERE ARE NO UNWRITTEN ORAL AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE PARTIES.

HOLDER:

MAKER:

PAULSON RANCH, LTD.

TOR MINERALS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

By: Paulson Ranch Management, LLC

 
   

By: ____________________________

Bernard A. Paulson
Its Member

By: ____________________________

Richard L. Bowers
Its President and CEO

Exhibit 10.26

 

FIRST AMENDMENT TO SECURITY AGREEMENT

 

This First Amendment to Security Agreement amends that Security Agreement dated December 12, 2003 (the "Agreement"), by and among TOR MINERALS INTERNATIONAL, INC., a Delaware corporation (the "Debtor") and PAULSON RANCH, LTD., D & C H TRUST, and DOUGLAS MACDONALD HARTMAN FAMILY IRREVOCABLE TRUST (collectively, the "Secured Party").

WHEREAS, the Agreement secured the following obligations of Debtor:

Promissory Note in the original sum of $500,000.00 payable to Paulson Ranch, Ltd.;

Promissory Note in the original sum of $250,000.00 payable to D & C H Trust; and

Promissory Note in the original sum of $250,000.00 payable to Douglas MacDonald Hartman Family Irrevocable Trust; and

WHEREAS, the Promissory Notes payable to D & C H Trust and Douglas MacDonald Harman Family Irrevocable Trust have been paid in full, but the Promissory Note payable to Paulson Ranch, Ltd. is being extended one additional year to February 15, 2006;

NOW, THEREFORE, Debtor and Secured Party acknowledge the following:

The sole remaining party as Secured Party under the Agreement is Paulson Ranch, Ltd., which remains entitled to the security interests, rights and benefits provided in the Agreement. The liens and security interests provided therein shall secure only the Promissory Note in the original sum of $500,000.00 payable to Paulson Ranch, Ltd.

Secured Party and Debtor additionally acknowledge that the Promissory Note dated April 5, 2001, in the original sum of $600,000.00 payable to Paulson Ranch, Ltd. has been paid in full; therefore, the security interests provided in the Agreement are subordinate and inferior only to those prior lien security interests in favor of Bank of America, N.A.

Except as so amended, all of the other terms and conditions of said Security Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and are renewed and extended hereby.

EXECUTED effective the 1st day of February, 2005.

SECURED PARTY:

DEBTOR:

PAULSON RANCH, LTD.

TOR MINERALS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

By: Paulson Ranch Management, LLC

 
   

By: ____________________________

Bernard A. Paulson
Its Member

By: ____________________________

Richard L. Bowers
Its President and CEO

Exhibit 21

 

 

Subsidiary of Registrant

 

 

Name of Subsidiary

TP&T (TOR Processing & Trade) B.V.

Jurisdiction of formation

The Netherlands

Subsidiary DBA

TOR Minerals (M), Sdn. Bhd.

 

 

 

Name of Subsidiary

TOR Minerals Malaysia, Sdn. Bhd.

Jurisdiction of formation

Malaysia

Subsidiary DBA

TOR Minerals (M), Sdn. Bhd.

 

Exhibit 23.1

 

 

 

 

 

Consent of UHY Mann Frankfort Stein & Lipp CPAs, LLP

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S-8 (Registration Nos. 33-61645, 333-37878), on Form S-3 (Registration No. 333-114483) and in the related Prospectus of TOR Minerals International, Inc. of our report dated March 28, 2005, with respect to the 2004 consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report (Form 10-KSB) of TOR Minerals International, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2004.

 

 

/s/ UHY Mann Frankfort Stein & Lipp CPAs, LLP

Houston, Texas

March 30, 2005

Exhibit 23.2

 

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

 

We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the Registration Statement (Form S-3 No. 333-114483) and related Prospectus of TOR Minerals International, Inc. for the registration of 3,376,316 shares of its common stock and to the incorporation by reference therein of our report dated February 3, 2004, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedules of TOR Minerals International, Inc. included in its Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2004.

We also consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-61645) pertaining to the 1990 Incentive Plan and the Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-37878) pertaining to the 2000 Incentive Plan for TOR Minerals International, Inc. of our report dated February 3, 2004, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedules of TOR Minerals International, Inc. included in the Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2004.

 

 

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

March 28, 2005

San Antonio, TX

 

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATION

 

I, Richard L. Bowers, President and Chief Executive Officer of TOR Minerals International, Inc. (the "Registrant"), certify that:

  1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-KSB of TOR Minerals International, Inc.;
  2. Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual report;
  3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report;
  4. The Registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the Registrant and have:
    1. designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this annual report is being prepared;
    2. (paragraph omitted pursuant to SEC Release Nos. 33-8238 and 34-47986);
    3. evaluated the effectiveness of the Registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this annual report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this annual report based on such evaluation; and
    4. disclosed in this annual report any change in the Registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Registrant's most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

  5. The Registrant's other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the Registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
    1. all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
    2. any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

 

 /s/ Richard L. Bowers

Richard L. Bowers

President and Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

March 30, 2005

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATION

 

I, Lawrence W. Haas, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of TOR Minerals International, Inc. (the "Registrant"), certify that:

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-KSB of TOR Minerals International, Inc.;

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

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

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

    1. designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this annual report is being prepared;
    2. (paragraph omitted pursuant to SEC Release Nos. 33-8238 and 34-47986);
    3. evaluated the effectiveness of the Registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this annual report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this annual report based on such evaluation; and
    4. disclosed in this annual report any change in the Registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Registrant's most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The Registrant's other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the Registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

    1. all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
    2. any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

 

/s/ Lawrence W. Haas

Lawrence W. Haas

Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Accounting and Financial Officer)

March 30, 2005

 

 

 

Exhibit 32.1

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted

Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

In connection with the Annual Report on Form 10-KSB of TOR Minerals, Inc. ("Registrant") for the year ended December 31, 2004 (the "Report") as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the undersigned Chief Executive Officer of the Registrant hereby certifies, pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

    1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and
    2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Registrant.

 

 

RICHARD L. BOWERS

Richard L. Bowers

President and Chief Executive Officer

March 30, 2005

 

Exhibit 32.2

 

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer

Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted

Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

In connection with the Annual Report on Form 10-KSB of TOR Minerals, Inc. ("Registrant") for the year ended December 31, 2004 (the "Report") as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the undersigned Chief Financial Officer of the Registrant hereby certifies, pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

    1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and
    2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Registrant.

 

 

LAWRENCE W. HAAS

Lawrence W. Haas

Treasurer and CFO

(Principal Financial Officer)

March 30, 2005