United States Securities and Exchange Commission

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-K

 

 

 

 

Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12 (g) of the Act:

NONE

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

 

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

 

 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.   x

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

 

 

The aggregate market value of the common stock held by non-affiliates as of June 30, 2009 was $2,227,224,064.

 

The number of shares outstanding of common stock, as of February 23, 2010, was 67,845,524 shares.

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the definitive Proxy Statement to be delivered to stockholders in connection with the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held May 5, 2010 are incorporated by reference into Part III of this report.

 

AptarGroup, Inc.

 

FORM 10-K

 

For the Year Ended December 31, 2009

 

INDEX

 

 

 

 

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ITEM 1.  BUSINESS

 

BUSINESS OF APTARGROUP

 

We are a leading global supplier of a broad range of innovative dispensing systems for the personal care, fragrance/cosmetic, pharmaceutical, household and food and beverage markets. We provide value-added dispensing systems (pumps, closures and aerosol valves) to global consumer product marketers allowing them to differentiate their products and meet consumers’ need for convenience.

Our business was started in the late 1940’s, manufacturing and selling aerosol valves in the United States, and has grown primarily through the acquisition of relatively small companies and internal expansion. We were incorporated in Delaware in 1992. In this report, we may refer to AptarGroup, Inc. and its subsidiaries as “AptarGroup” or the “Company”.

We have manufacturing facilities located throughout the world including North America, Europe, Asia and South America. We have over 5,000 customers with no single customer accounting for greater than 6% of our 2009 net sales.

Sales of our dispensing systems have traditionally grown at a faster rate than the overall packaging industry as consumers’ preference for convenience has increased and product differentiation through packaging design has become more important to our customers. Consumer product marketers have converted many of their products to packages with dispensers that offer the benefit of enhanced shelf appeal, convenience, cleanliness or accuracy of dosage. We expect this trend to continue.

Pumps are finger-actuated dispensing systems that dispense a spray or lotion from non-pressurized containers. The style of pump used depends largely on the nature of the product being dispensed, from small, fine mist pumps used with perfume and pharmaceutical products to lotion pumps for more viscous formulas.

Closures are primarily dispensing closures but to a lesser degree can include non-dispensing closures. Dispensing closures are plastic caps, primarily for plastic containers such as bottles and tubes, which allow a product to be dispensed without removing the cap.

Aerosol valves dispense product from pressurized containers. The majority of the aerosol valves that we sell are continuous spray valves, with the balance being metered dose inhaler valves.

 

AVAILABLE INFORMATION

 

Our periodic and current reports are available, free of charge, through a link on the Investor Relations page of our website (www.aptar.com), as soon as reasonably practicable after the material is electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. Also posted on our website are the charters for our Audit, Compensation, Governance and Executive Committees, our Governance Principles and our Code of Conduct. Within the time period required by the SEC and the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”), we will post on our website any amendment to or waiver to the Code of Conduct applicable to any executive officer or director. The information provided on our website is not part of this report and is therefore not incorporated herein by reference.

 

DESCRIPTION OF APTARGROUP’S REPORTING SEGMENTS

 

FINANCIAL INFORMATION ABOUT SEGMENTS

The Company operates in the packaging components industry, which includes the development, manufacture and sale of consumer product dispensing systems. We are organized into three reportable business segments. Operations that sell spray and lotion dispensing systems and accessories primarily to the personal care, fragrance/cosmetic and household markets form the Beauty & Home segment. Operations that sell closures to each market served by AptarGroup form the Closures segment. Operations that sell dispensing systems to the pharmaceutical market form the Pharma segment. Each of these three business segments is described more fully below. A summary of revenue, by segment, from external customers, profitability and total assets for each of the last three years is shown in Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 (which is incorporated by reference herein).

 

The Company announced that in 2010 we are undertaking a strategic realignment of its businesses under three market-focused business segments. The three new segments are Aptar Beauty + Home, Aptar Food + Beverage and Aptar Pharma. This new structure will make it easier for our customers to do business with us and will also broaden and accelerate the development of innovative new products with a global focus on market applications and consumer preferences.

 

BEAUTY & HOME

The Beauty & Home segment is our largest segment in terms of revenue and total assets representing 50% and 47% of AptarGroup’s Net Sales and Total Assets, respectively. The Beauty & Home segment primarily sells pumps and aerosol valves and accessories to the personal care and household and food/beverage markets and pumps and decorative components to the fragrance/cosmetic market. We believe we are the leading supplier of fragrance/cosmetic and personal care fine mist spray pumps worldwide and the second largest supplier of personal care lotion pumps worldwide. We believe we are also one of the largest continuous spray aerosol valve suppliers worldwide.

 

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Fragrance/Cosmetic.   Sales to the fragrance/cosmetic market for Beauty & Home accounted for approximately 56% of the segment’s total net sales in 2009. The fragrance/cosmetic market requires a broad range of pump dispensing systems to meet functional as well as aesthetic requirements. A considerable amount of research, time and coordination with the customers’ development staff is required to qualify a pump for use with their products. Within the market, we expect the use of pumps to continue to increase, particularly in the cosmetics and sampling sectors of this market. In the cosmetic sector, packaging for certain products such as anti-aging lotions continues to undergo a conversion from non-dispensing to pump systems, which continues to provide us with growth opportunities. Our airless dispensing systems, spray and lotion sampling devices, and decorative capabilities will also provide growth opportunities.

 

Personal Care.   Sales to the personal care market for Beauty & Home accounted for approximately 36% of the segment’s total net sales in 2009. Personal care products include fine mist spray pumps, lotion pumps and continuous spray aerosol valves. Typical personal care spray pump applications include hair care, sun care and deodorant products. Typical lotion pump applications include skin moisturizers and soap. Typical personal care continuous aerosol valve applications include hair care products, deodorants, shaving cream and most recently sun care lotions. Our research and development teams continue to design unique accessories that increase the value of our continuous aerosol valve offerings. Further, our bag-on-valve technology continues to provide marketers with unparalleled functionality. This technology physically separates the propellant from the product to be dispensed. It offers improved integrity of the product content, prevents expulsion of the propellant into the atmosphere and allows spraying of the product in any position. Sun care, tooth gel and nasal saline applications are examples of product applications using this technology.

 

Household.   Sales to the household market for Beauty & Home accounted for approximately 6% of the segment’s total net sales in 2009. Household products primarily use either continuous or metered dose spray aerosol valves and to a lesser degree spray pumps. Applications for continuous spray valves include disinfectants, spray paints, insecticides and automotive products. Metered dose valves are used for air fresheners. Spray pump applications primarily include household and industrial cleaners.

 

Food/Beverage.   Sales to the food/beverage market accounted for approximately 1% of segment net sales in 2009. We traditionally sell aerosol valves to this market for cooking sprays and oils and spray pumps for butter substitutes and certain salad dressings.

 

CLOSURES

The Closures segment is our second largest segment in terms of revenue and total assets representing 27% and 18% of AptarGroup’s Net Sales and Total Assets, respectively. We believe that we are the largest supplier of dispensing closures in the United States, and the second largest supplier in Europe. We primarily manufacture dispensing closures and, to a lesser degree, non-dispensing closures.

Sales of dispensing closures have grown as consumers worldwide have demonstrated a preference for a package utilizing the convenience of a dispensing closure. At the same time, consumer marketers are trying to differentiate their products by incorporating performance enhancing features such as no-drip dispensing, inverted packaging and directional flow to make packages simpler to use, cleaner and more appealing to consumers. Closures are primarily sold to the personal care, food/beverage and household markets.

 

Personal Care.   Historically, the majority of our dispensing closure sales have been to the personal care market. Sales to the personal care market for Closures accounted for approximately 56% of the segment’s total net sales in 2009. Products with dispensing closures include shampoos, shower gels and skin care lotions. While many personal care products in the U.S. and Europe have already converted from non-dispensing to dispensing closures, we expect to benefit from similar conversions in other geographic areas such as Eastern Europe (including Russia), Latin America and Asia. Recent product innovations serving this market include large, wide mouth, easy open jar closures with hinged lids and a push-open closure for various products.

 

Food/Beverage.   Sales to the food/beverage market for Closures accounted for approximately 34% of the segment’s total net sales in 2009. Sales of dispensing closures to the food/beverage market have increased significantly over the last several years as we continue to see an increase of interest from food/beverage marketers using dispensing closures for their products. Examples of food/beverage products currently utilizing dispensing closures include condiments, salad dressings, syrups, honey, water and dairy creamers. We believe there are good growth opportunities in the food/beverage market reflecting the continued and growing acceptance in this market of our silicone valve dispensing technology, and additional conversion from traditional packages to packages using dispensing closure systems, in particular for the single serve non-carbonated beverage industry.

 

Household.   Sales to the household market for Closures accounted for approximately 7% of the segment’s total net sales in 2009. While we have had success worldwide in selling dispensing closures to this market, it has not represented a significant amount of total dispensing closure sales. Products utilizing dispensing closures include dishwashing detergents, laundry care products and household cleaners.

 

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Fragrance/Cosmetic.   Sales to the fragrance/cosmetic market are not a significant part of Closures sales (approximately 1% of segment net sales in 2009), but are mentioned here as an example of potential growth areas for the Closures segment. We are optimistic that we will increase sales to this market with our recent introduction of our Pinpoint dispensing closure with a conical shaped silicone valve tip targeted at cosmetic applications, in particular for eye creams and other applications requiring precise application.

 

PHARMA

While the Pharma segment is our third largest segment in terms of revenue and total assets, accounting for 23% and 18% of AptarGroup’s Net Sales and Total Assets, respectively, it is our most profitable segment. We believe we are the leading supplier of pumps and metered dose inhaler valves (“MDI’s”) to the pharmaceutical market worldwide. Characteristics of this market include (i) governmental regulation of our pharmaceutical customers, (ii) contaminant-controlled manufacturing environments, and (iii) a significant amount of time and research from initially working with pharmaceutical companies at the molecular development stage of a medication through the eventual distribution to the market. We have clean-room manufacturing facilities in Argentina, China, France, Germany, Switzerland and the United States. We believe that the conversion from traditional medication forms such as pills and syringes to value-added, convenient dispensing will continue to increase.

Pumps sold to the pharmaceutical market deliver medications nasally, orally or topically. Currently the majority of our pumps sold are for allergy, cold or flu treatments. Potential opportunities for conversion from pills and syringes to pump dispensing systems include treatment for vaccines, additional cold and flu treatments, hormone replacement therapies, breakthrough pain medication and ophthalmic applications.

MDI’s are used for dispensing precise amounts of medication. This aerosol technology allows medication to be broken up into very fine particles, which enables the drug to be delivered typically via the pulmonary system. We work with pharmaceutical companies as they work to phase out the use of chlorofluorocarbon (“CFC”) propellants. We continue to increase our market share of MDI’s to this market as pharmaceutical companies replace CFC’s with alternative propellants and we expect our market share to continue to grow. Currently the majority of our MDI’s sold are used for respiratory ailments.

We continue to work on new dispensing systems and accessories in this segment such as a dose indicator feature for our MDI’s to let the patient know exactly how many doses are left in the container. Also, we have developed a unique delivery system which dispenses a consistent dosage independent of the force and speed of actuation. We are also developing devices featuring lock-out technologies and other ophthalmic applications. While we expect that these new products will come to market in the future, it is difficult to estimate when as the rigors of pharmaceutical regulations affect the timing of product introductions by our pharmaceutical customers which use our dispensing systems.

 

GENERAL BUSINESS INFORMATION

 

GROWTH STRATEGY

We seek to enhance our position as a leading global supplier of innovative dispensing systems by (i) expanding geographically, (ii) converting non-dispensing applications to dispensing systems, (iii) replacing current dispensing applications with our dispensing products and (iv) developing or acquiring new dispensing technologies.

We are committed to expanding geographically to serve multinational customers in existing and emerging areas. Targeted areas include Asia, South America, and Eastern Europe. In 2007, we opened a new manufacturing facility in Thailand. In 2008, we opened a new larger facility in Brazil to expand our injection molding and decorating (including serigraphy and hot stamping) of plastic accessories primarily for the fragrance and cosmetic markets. In 2009, we acquired a Brazilian company which supplies anodized aluminum parts to other companies within the Company.

We believe significant opportunities exist to introduce our dispensing systems to replace non-dispensing applications. Examples of these opportunities include potential conversion in the food/beverage market for single serve non-carbonated beverages, condiments, and cooking oils. In the fragrance/cosmetic market, potential conversion includes creams and lotions currently packaged in jars or tubes using removable non-dispensing closures, converting to lotion pumps or dispensing closures. We have developed and patented a thin sprayable dispensing system that can be inserted into magazines to replace the traditional scent strips. We believe this new innovative system will offer growth opportunities, particularly for fragrance samples. We have also developed a similar miniature flat sample for viscous creams as well as a small pump for use on vials for cosmetic lotions.

In addition to introducing new dispensing applications, we believe there are significant growth opportunities in converting existing pharmaceutical delivery systems (syringes or pills) to our more convenient dispensing pump or metered dose aerosol valve systems. Examples of opportunities in the pharmaceutical market include ways to dispense treatments for pulmonary conditions, vaccines, cold and flu treatments and hormone replacement therapies.

We are committed to developing or acquiring new dispensing technologies. Several years ago, we acquired intellectual property (patents, licenses and know how) and equipment relating to certain dry powder dispensing systems. We continue to develop this new technology and hope to have a product to market in the future. In 2008 we acquired a contract service organization specializing in analytical testing of nasal and inhalation products on behalf of pharmaceutical, biotech, drug delivery and device companies. We have entered into several exclusive licensing arrangements with third party innovators allowing us to continue to develop new dispensing systems using their technologies which are in various stages of development. We have also acquired businesses that manufacture aerosol valves with bag-on-valve technology. These systems physically

 

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separate the propellant from the product to be dispensed. It offers improved integrity of the product content, prevents expulsion of the propellant into the atmosphere and allows spraying of the product in any position. We also acquired three companies that manufacture decorative packaging components primarily for the high end of the fragrance/cosmetic market. This technology includes advanced molding capabilities as well as decoration (vacuum metallization and varnishing) of plastic components.

 

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

One of our competitive strengths is our commitment to innovation and providing innovative dispensing solutions for our customers. This commitment to innovation is the result of our emphasis on research and development. Our research and development activities are directed toward developing innovative dispensing systems, adapting existing products for new markets or customer requirements, and reducing costs. We have research and development organizations located in the United States, France, Germany and Italy. In certain cases, our customers share in the research and development expenses of customer initiated projects. Occasionally, we acquire or license from third parties technologies or products that are in various stages of development. Expenditures for research and development activities net of a French R&D credit were $50.2 million, $55.1 million and $53.7 million in 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

 

PATENTS AND TRADEMARKS

We customarily seek patent and trademark protection for our products and currently own and have numerous applications pending for United States and foreign patents and trademarks. In addition, certain of our products are produced under patent licenses granted by third parties. We believe that we possess certain technical capabilities in making our products that make it difficult for a competitor to duplicate.

 

TECHNOLOGY

Pumps and aerosol valves require the assembly of up to 15 different plastic, metal and rubber components using high-speed equipment. When molding dispensing closures, or plastic components to be used in pump or aerosol valve products, we use advanced plastic injection molding technology, including large cavitation plastic injection molds. We are able to mold within tolerances as small as one one-thousandth of an inch and we manufacture products in a high-speed, cost-effective manner. Our injection molding capabilities include recent advances such as spin-stack and cube molding which utilizes high-efficiency rotating molds. We are also utilizing In-Molding Assembly Technology (IMAT) which allows us to assemble products within the molding process. We have experience in liquid silicone rubber molding that we utilize in our dispensing closure operations and certain of our pump products. We also have technology to decorate plastic and metal components sold primarily to the fragrance/cosmetic and personal care markets as well as rubber gasket formulation and production technology primarily for the pharmaceutical markets.

 

MANUFACTURING AND SOURCING

More than half of our worldwide production is located outside of the United States. In order to augment capacity and to maximize internal capacity utilization (particularly for plastic injection molding), we use subcontractors to supply certain plastic, metal and rubber components. Certain suppliers of these components have unique technical abilities that make us dependent on them, particularly for aerosol valve and pump production. The principal raw materials used in our production are plastic resins and certain metal products. We believe an adequate supply of such raw materials is available from existing and alternative sources. We attempt to offset cost increases through improving productivity and increasing selling prices over time, as allowed by market conditions. Our pharmaceutical products often use specifically approved plastic resin for our customers. Significant delays in receiving components from these suppliers or discontinuance of an approved plastic resin would require us to seek alternative sources, which could result in higher costs as well as impact our ability to supply products in the short term.

 

SALES AND DISTRIBUTION

Sales of products are primarily through our own sales force. To a limited extent, we also use the services of independent representatives and distributors who sell our products as independent contractors to certain smaller customers and export markets.

 

BACKLOG

Our sales are primarily made pursuant to standard purchase orders for delivery of products. While most orders placed with us are ready for delivery within 120 days, we continue to experience a trend towards shorter lead times requested by our customers. Some customers place blanket orders, which extend beyond this delivery period. However, deliveries against purchase orders are subject to change, and only a small portion of the order backlog is noncancelable. The dollar amount associated with the noncancelable portion is not material. Therefore, we do not believe that backlog as of any particular date is an accurate indicator of future results.

 

CUSTOMERS

The demand for our products is influenced by the demand for our customers’ products. Demand for our customers’ products may be affected by general economic conditions and liquidity, government regulations, tariffs and other trade barriers. Our customers include many of the largest personal care, fragrance/cosmetic, pharmaceutical, household and food/beverage marketers in the world. We have over 5,000 customers with no single customer accounting for greater than 6% of 2009 net sales. A consolidation of our customer base has occurred. This trend is expected to continue. A concentration of customers may

 

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result in pricing pressures or a loss of volume. However, this situation also presents opportunities for increasing sales due to the breadth of our product line, our international presence and our long-term relationships with certain customers.

 

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS

A significant number of our operations are located outside the United States. Sales in Europe for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 were approximately 58%, 62% and 63%, respectively, of net sales. We manufacture the majority of units sold in Europe at facilities in the Czech Republic, England, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Russia, Spain and Switzerland. Other countries in which we operate include Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico and Thailand which when aggregated represented approximately 14%, 12% and 11% of our consolidated sales for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Export sales from the United States were $104.5 million, $100.1 million and $95.3 million in 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. For additional financial information about geographic areas, please refer to Note 17 in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 (which is incorporated by reference herein).

 

FOREIGN CURRENCY

A significant number of our operations are located outside of the United States. Because of this, movements in exchange rates may have a significant impact on the translation of the financial statements of our foreign entities. Our primary foreign exchange exposure is to the Euro, but we have foreign exchange exposure to the British Pound, Swiss Franc, South American and Asian currencies, among others. We manage our exposures to foreign exchange principally with forward exchange contracts to economically hedge booked transactions and firm purchase and sales commitments denominated in foreign currencies. A strengthening U.S. dollar relative to foreign currencies has a dilutive translation effect on our financial statements. Conversely, a weakening U.S. dollar has an additive effect. In some cases, we sell products denominated in a currency different from the currency in which the related costs are incurred. Changes in exchange rates on such inter-country sales could materially impact our results of operations.

 

WORKING CAPITAL PRACTICES

Collection and payment periods tend to be longer for our operations located outside the United States due to local business practices. Historically, we have not needed to keep significant amounts of finished goods inventory to meet customer requirements.

 

EMPLOYEE AND LABOR RELATIONS

AptarGroup has approximately 8,700 full-time employees. Of the full-time employees, approximately 1,900 are located in North America, 5,200 are located in Europe and the remaining 1,600 are located in Asia and South America. Approximately 165 of the North American employees are covered by a collective bargaining agreement, while the majority of our European employees are covered by collective bargaining arrangements made at either the local or national level in their respective countries. Termination of employees at certain of our international operations could be costly due to local regulations regarding severance benefits. There were no material work stoppages in 2009 and management considers our employee relations to be satisfactory.

 

COMPETITION

All of the markets in which we operate are highly competitive and we continue to experience price competition in all product lines and markets. Competitors include privately and publicly held entities. Our competitors range from regional to international companies. We expect the market for our products to remain competitive. We believe our competitive advantages are consistent high levels of innovation, quality and service, geographic diversity and breadth of products. Our manufacturing strength lies in the ability to mold complex plastic components in a cost-effective manner and to assemble products at high speeds. Our business is capital intensive and it is becoming more important to our customers to have global manufacturing capabilities. Both of these act as barriers to entry for new competitors wanting to enter our business.

While we have experienced some competition from low cost Asian suppliers particularly in the low-end fragrance/cosmetic and personal care market, this has not been significant. Indirectly, some fragrance marketers are sourcing their manufacturing requirements including filling of their product in Asia and importing the finished product back into the United States. However, some customers who had bought dispensing packaging products from low cost Asian suppliers in the past have reverted to purchasing our dispensing products again, citing the higher quality offered by our products and the logistical advantage of being closer to the customer.

 

ENVIRONMENT

Our manufacturing operations primarily involve plastic injection molding and automated assembly processes and, to a limited degree, metal anodization and vacuum metallization of plastic components. Historically, the environmental impact of these processes has been minimal, and we believe we meet current environmental standards in all material respects. To date, our manufacturing operations have not been significantly affected by environmental laws and regulations relating to the environment.

Recently there is increased interest and awareness from the public and our customers in “sustainability” or producing “sustainable products” and measuring “carbon footprints.” Several organizations including the World Business Council for Sustainable Development in conjunction with scientists from the United Nations International Government Panel on Climate Change, have developed protocols to identify and calculate the amount of greenhouse gases manufacturing facilities generate. We are currently evaluating opportunities to become more energy efficient and lower greenhouse gas emissions, both of which reduce our carbon footprint.

 

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GOVERNMENT REGULATION

Certain of our products are indirectly affected by government regulation. Growth of packaging using aerosol valves has been restrained by concerns relating to the release of certain chemicals into the atmosphere. Both aerosol and pump packaging are affected by government regulations regarding the release of volatile organic compounds (“VOC’s”) into the atmosphere. Certain states within the United States have regulations that required the reduction in the amount of VOC’s that can be released into the atmosphere and the potential exists for this type of regulation to expand worldwide. These regulations required our customers to reformulate certain aerosol and pump products, which may have affected the demand for such products. We own patents and have developed systems to function with alternative propellant and product formulations.

Future government regulations could include medical cost containment policies. For example, reviews by various governments to determine the number of drugs, or prices thereof, that will be paid by their insurance systems could affect future sales to the pharmaceutical industry. Such regulation could adversely affect prices of and demand for our pharmaceutical products. We believe that the focus on the cost effectiveness of the use of medications as compared to surgery and hospitalization provides us with an opportunity to expand sales to the pharmaceutical market. In general, government regulation of our customers’ products could impact our sales to them of our dispensing systems.

 

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

As discussed in the Description of AptarGroup’s Reporting Segments in Item 1, Part I, the Company has announced that it is undertaking a strategic realignment of its businesses in 2010. To begin this realignment process, the Company has identified our leaders of the new segments below in the listing of executive officers as of February 26, 2010:

 

 

There were no arrangements or understandings between any of the executive officers and any other person(s) pursuant to which such officers were elected.

ITEM 1A.  RISK FACTORS

 

Set forth below and elsewhere in this report and in other documents we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission are risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to materially differ from the results contemplated by the forward-looking statements contained in this report and in other documents we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us, or that we currently deem immaterial, may also impair our business operations. You should carefully consider the following factors in addition to other information contained in this report on Form 10-K before purchasing any shares of our common stock.

 

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FACTORS AFFECTING OPERATIONS OR OPERATING RESULTS

If we experience a long-term global recession, our business and operating results could be materially adversely impacted.   Due to our strong balance sheet, diverse product offerings, various end-markets served, and our broad geographic presence, we are well positioned to withstand slowness in any one particular region or market. However, given the continued uncertainty in global credit and financial markets (including diminished liquidity and credit availability, declines in consumer confidence, declines in economic growth, increases in unemployment rates, and uncertainty about economic stability), there can be no assurance that there will not be further deterioration in economic conditions. These economic uncertainties affect businesses such as ours in a number of ways, making it difficult to accurately forecast and plan our future business activities. The continued tightness of credit in financial markets may lead consumers and businesses to postpone spending, which may cause our customers to cancel, decrease or delay their existing and future orders with us. In addition, financial difficulties experienced by our suppliers, customers or distributors could result in product delays, increased accounts receivable defaults and inventory or supply challenges. Some of our materials are single-sourced. An interruption in supply would also impact our ability to meet customer demands. The continuing disruption in the credit markets has severely restricted access to capital. As a result, the ability to incur additional indebtedness to fund operations or refinance maturing obligations as they become due may be significantly constrained. We are unable to predict the likely duration and severity of the current disruptions in the credit and financial markets and adverse global economic conditions, and if the current uncertain economic conditions continue or further deteriorate, our business and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. Furthermore, it is not certain whether the duration or current economic uncertainty of the crisis will be severe enough to cause a permanent shift in consumer behavior leading to reduced spending on grooming products and a substitution of economic utility over convenience.

 

In difficult market conditions, our high fixed costs combined with potentially lower revenues may negatively impact our results.   Our business is characterized by high fixed costs and, notwithstanding our utilization of third-party manufacturing capacity, most of our production requirements are met by our own manufacturing facilities. In difficult industry environments, we are generally faced with a decline in the utilization rates of our manufacturing facilities due to decreases in product demand. During such periods, our plants do not operate at full capacity and the costs associated with this excess capacity are charged directly to cost of sales. The market conditions in the future may continue to adversely affect our utilization rates and consequently our future gross margins, and this, in turn, could have a material negative impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

We face strong global competition and our market share could decline.   All of the markets in which we operate are highly competitive and we continue to experience price competition in all product lines and segments. Competitors include privately and publicly held entities. Our competitors range from regional to international companies.

While we have experienced some competition from low cost Asian suppliers in some of our markets, particularly in the low-end fragrance/cosmetic and personal care market, this has not been significant. Indirectly, some fragrance marketers are sourcing their manufacturing requirements including filling of their product in Asia and importing the finished product back into the United States and Europe. If we are unable to compete successfully, our market share may decline, which could materially adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

 

We have foreign currency translation and transaction risks that may materially adversely affect our operating results.   A significant number of our operations are located outside of the United States. Because of this, movements in exchange rates may have a significant impact on the translation of the financial statements of our foreign entities. Our primary foreign exchange exposure is to the Euro, but we have foreign exchange exposure to South American and Asian currencies, among others. We manage our exposures to foreign exchange principally with forward exchange contracts to hedge certain transactions and firm purchase and sales commitments denominated in foreign currencies. A strengthening U.S. dollar relative to foreign currencies has a dilutive translation effect on our financial statements. Conversely, a weakening U.S. dollar has an additive effect. In some cases, we sell products denominated in a currency different from the currency in which the related costs are incurred. The volatility of currency exchange rates may materially affect our operating results.

 

If our unionized employees were to engage in a strike or other work stoppage, our business and operating results and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.   Approximately 165 of our North American employees are covered by a collective bargaining agreement, while the majority of our European employees are covered by collective bargaining arrangements made either at the local or national level in their respective countries. Although we believe that our relations with our employees are satisfactory, no assurance can be given that this will continue. If disputes with our unions arise, or if our unionized workers engage in a strike or other work stoppage, we could incur higher labor costs or experience a significant disruption of operations, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position and results of operations.

 

If we were to incur a significant product liability claim above our current insurance coverage, our operating results and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.   Approximately 23% of our net sales are made to customers in the pharmaceutical industry. If our devices fail to operate as intended, medication prescribed for patients may be under administered, or may be over administered. The failure of our devices to operate as intended may result in a product liability claim against us. We believe we maintain adequate levels of product liability insurance coverage. A product liability claim

 

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or claims in our Pharma segment or our other segments in excess of our insurance coverage may materially adversely affect our business, financial position and results of operations.

 

The success or failure of our customers’ products, particularly in the pharmaceutical market, may materially affect our operating results and financial condition.   In the pharmaceutical market, the proprietary nature of our customers’ products and the success or failure of their products in the market using our dispensing systems may have a material impact on our operating results and financial condition. We may potentially work for years on modifying our dispensing device to work in conjunction with a customer’s drug formulation. If the customer’s product is not successful on the market, the time spent may not be recovered. On the contrary, a successful product launch from one of our pharmaceutical customers may have a material positive impact on our operating results and financial condition.

 

Higher raw material costs and an inability to increase our selling prices may materially adversely affect our operating results and financial condition.   Raw material costs increased significantly over the past few years and we have generally been able to increase selling prices to cover increased costs. In the future, market conditions may prevent us from passing these increased costs on to our customers through timely price increases. In addition, we may not be able to improve productivity or realize our ongoing cost reduction programs sufficiently to help offset the impact of these increased raw material costs. As a result, higher raw material costs could result in declining margins and operating results.

 

We have approximately $231 million in recorded goodwill and changes in future business conditions could cause this asset to become impaired, requiring write-downs that would reduce our operating income.   We evaluate the recoverability of goodwill amounts annually, or more frequently when evidence of potential impairment exists. The impairment test is based on several factors requiring judgment. A decrease in expected reporting unit cash flows or changes in market conditions may indicate potential impairment of recorded goodwill and, as a result, our operating results could be materially adversely affected. See “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” in Part II, Item 7 (which is incorporated by reference herein).

 

The scope and complexity of the change in organization structure could increase certain risks.   The Company has announced that in 2010 we are undertaking a strategic realignment in our businesses under three market-focused business segments. This realignment will allow us to offer our full product range in each of our three new segments: Aptar Beauty + Home, Aptar Food + Beverage and Aptar Pharma. The new structure will also broaden and accelerate the development of innovative new products with a global focus on market applications and consumer preferences. This realignment will take some time to complete and we expect to be fully operating under the new structure beginning in 2011. However, we could experience some planning and execution risks as employees handle multiple roles during this transition period.

 

FACTORS AFFECTING APTARGROUP STOCK

Ownership by Certain Significant Shareholders.   Neuberger Berman Inc. and State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company each own approximately 12% and 9%, respectively, of our outstanding common stock. If one of these significant shareholders decides to sell significant volumes of our stock, this could put downward pressure on the price of the stock.

 

Certain Anti-takeover Factors.   Certain provisions of our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws may inhibit changes in control of AptarGroup not approved by the Board of Directors. These provisions include (i) special voting requirements for business combinations, (ii) a classified board of directors, (iii) a prohibition on stockholder action through written consents, (iv) a requirement that special meetings of stockholders be called only by the board of directors, (v) advance notice requirements for stockholder proposals and nominations, (vi) limitations on the ability of stockholders to amend, alter or repeal our bylaws and (vii) provisions that require the vote of 70% of the whole Board of Directors in order to take certain actions.

ITEM 1B.  UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

 

The Company has no unresolved comments from the SEC.

 

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2009 Form 10-K

ITEM 2.  PROPERTIES

 

We lease or own our principal offices and manufacturing facilities. None of the owned principal properties is subject to a lien or other encumbrance material to our operations. We believe that existing operating leases will be renegotiated as they expire, will be acquired through purchase options or that suitable alternative properties will be leased on acceptable terms. We consider the condition and extent of utilization of our manufacturing facilities and other properties to be generally good, and the capacity of our plants to be adequate for the needs of our business. The locations of our principal manufacturing facilities, by country, are set forth below:

 

 

 

In addition to the above countries, we have sales offices or other manufacturing facilities in Canada and Japan. Our corporate office is located in Crystal Lake, Illinois.

ITEM 3.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

Claims in the product liability and patent infringement areas, even if without merit, could result in the significant expenditure of our financial and managerial resources. It is possible that future results of operations or cash flows for any particular quarterly or annual period could be materially affected by an unfavorable resolution of such a claim.

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

 

None.

 

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2009 Form 10-K

ITEM 5.  MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED
STOCKHOLDER MATTERS, ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
AND SHARE PERFORMANCE

 

MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY

 

Information regarding market prices of our Common Stock and dividends declared may be found in Note 19 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 (which is incorporated by reference herein). Our Common Stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol ATR. As of February 16, 2010, there were approximately 400 registered holders of record.

 

RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES

 

The employees of AptarGroup S.A.S. and Valois S.A.S., our subsidiaries, are eligible to participate in the FCP Aptar Savings Plan (the “Plan”). All eligible participants are located outside of the United States. An independent agent purchases shares of Common Stock available under the Plan for cash on the open market and we do not issue shares. We do not receive any proceeds from the purchase of Common Stock under the Plan. The agent under the Plan is Banque Nationale de Paris Paribas Fund Services. No underwriters are used under the Plan. All shares are sold in reliance upon the exemption from registration under the Securities Act of 1933 provided by Regulation S promulgated under that Act. During the quarter ended December 31, 2009, the Plan purchased 835 shares of our common stock on behalf of the participants at an average price of $36.55 per share, for an aggregate amount of $31 thousand. No shares were sold during the quarter. At December 31, 2009, the Plan owns 17,858 shares of our Common Stock.

 

 

The Company announced the existing repurchase program on July 19, 2006. There is no expiration date for this repurchase program.

 

 

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2009 Form 10-K

SHARE PERFORMANCE

 

The following graph shows a five year comparison of the cumulative total stockholder return on AptarGroup’s common stock as compared to the cumulative total return of two other indexes: the Value Line Packaging & Container Industry Group (“Peer Group”) and the Standard & Poor’s 500 Composite Stock Price Index. The companies included in the Peer Group are: AptarGroup, Inc., Ball Corporation, Bemis Company, Inc., CLARCOR Inc., Crown Holdings, Inc., Greif, Inc., Mead Westvaco, Owen’s-Illinois, Inc., Packaging Corporation of America, Pactiv Corporation, Rock-Tenn Company, Sealed Air Corporation, Silgan Holdings, Inc., and Sonoco Products Company. Changes in the Peer Group from year to year result from companies being added to or deleted from the Value Line Packaging & Container Industry Group. These comparisons assume an initial investment of $100 and the reinvestment of dividends.

 

Comparison of 5 Year Cumulative Stockholder Returns

 

 

The graph and other information furnished in the section titled “Share Performance” under this Part II, Item 5 of this Form 10-K shall not be deemed to be “soliciting” material or to be “filed” with the Securities and Exchange Commission or subject to Regulation 14A or 14C, or to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

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2009 Form 10-K

 

 

 

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2009 Form 10-K

(In thousands, expect per share amounts or otherwise indicated)

 

The objective of the following Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Consolidated Results of Operations and Financial Condition (“MD&A”) is to help the reader understand the financial performance of AptarGroup, Inc. MD&A is presented in eight sections: Overview, Results of Operations, Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements, Overview of Contractual Obligations, Adoption of Accounting Standards, Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates, Operations Outlook and Forward-Looking Statements. MD&A should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained elsewhere in this Report on Form 10-K.

In MD&A, “we,” “our,” “us,” “AptarGroup,” “AptarGroup, Inc.” and “the Company” refer to AptarGroup, Inc. and its subsidiaries.

 

OVERVIEW

 

GENERAL

We are a leading global supplier of a broad range of innovative dispensing systems for the personal care, fragrance/cosmetic, pharmaceutical, household and food/beverage markets. We focus on providing value-added dispensing systems (pumps, closures and aerosol valves) to global consumer product marketers to allow them to differentiate their products and meet consumers’ need for convenience.

2009 was one of the most challenging years in our history but the strong fourth quarter results were encouraging. The global economic crisis touched all of our segments as consumer spending was greatly reduced. Also, our customers were cautious throughout most of the year and, as a result, they reduced their inventory levels particularly in the first half of the year. This caused order quantities to decline which hampered our ability to grow our sales. However, as we have done in the past, we managed to reduce costs without affecting our ability to quickly respond to our customers when the markets stabilize. Our operations in the developing countries did well as demand for our products remained strong in those regions and the continued conversion to convenient dispensing systems in the food and beverage markets was a positive driver for our Closures segment. The competitive pricing environment, faced particularly by our Beauty & Home and Closures segments, remained challenging throughout the year.

 

2009 HIGHLIGHTS

 

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2009 Form 10-K

 

 

NET SALES

Net sales decreased more than 11% in 2009 to $1.8 billion compared to $2.1 billion recorded in 2008. The U.S. dollar strengthened against several currencies including the Euro (our primary foreign currency exposure) in 2009 compared to 2008, and as a result, changes in exchange rates negatively impacted sales and accounted for approximately 5% of the 11% sales decline. Sales related to acquisitions were approximately $12.9 million. The remaining 7% of sales decline was due primarily to the weakness of our Beauty & Home segment as fragrance/cosmetic sales were significantly impacted by the challenging general economic conditions in 2009. Pricing was also negatively impacted primarily due to lower resin pass-through to customers.

In 2008, net sales increased more than 9% in 2008 to nearly $2.1 billion compared to $1.9 billion recorded in 2007. The U.S. dollar weakened against several currencies including the Euro in 2008 compared to 2007, and as a result, changes in exchange rates positively impacted sales and accounted for approximately 4% of the 9% sales growth. Approximately $9 million of the $180 million increase in net sales (less than 1% of the 9% increase) related to acquisitions completed during 2008. The remaining 4% of sales growth was due primarily to the strength of our Pharma segment. Sales price increases were primarily pass-throughs of the raw material cost increases we incurred during the year.

For further discussion on net sales by reporting segment, please refer to the segment analysis of net sales and operating income on the following pages.

 

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, net sales by geographic location:

 

 

 

COST OF SALES (EXCLUSIVE OF DEPRECIATION SHOWN BELOW)

Our cost of sales as a percentage of net sales decreased in 2009 to 66.6% compared to 68.1% in 2008.

 

The following factors positively impacted our cost of sales percentage in 2009:

 

Cost Reduction Efforts.   We implemented cost reduction programs to bring costs in line with current production levels.

 

Declining Resin Costs.   Resin costs declined during 2009 compared to 2008. While the majority of these input costs decreases are passed along to our customers in our selling prices, we experience a normal lag in the timing of passing on these cost decreases.

 

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2009 Form 10-K

Strengthening of the U.S. Dollar.   We are a net importer from Europe into the U.S. and other countries of products produced in Europe with costs denominated in Euros. As a result, when the U.S. dollar or other currencies strengthen against the Euro, products produced in Europe (with costs denominated in Euros) and sold in currencies that are stronger compared to the Euro have a positive impact on cost of sales as a percentage of net sales.

 

Favorable Product Mix.   Increases in the percentage of sales of our products to the pharmaceutical market, which traditionally generate higher margins, helped positively impact our cost of sales percentage in 2009.

 

The following factors negatively impacted our cost of sales percentage in 2009:

 

Underutilized Overhead Costs in Certain Operations.   Several of our business operations, especially in the Beauty & Home business segment, saw a decrease in unit volumes sold. As a result of the lower production levels, overhead costs were underutilized, thus negatively impacting cost of goods sold as a percentage of net sales.

 

Last in First Out (“LIFO”) Inventory Valuation.   Some of our U.S. operations use LIFO as their inventory valuation method. As some material costs, namely resins, increased at the end of the fourth quarter, the increase to the LIFO reserve in 2009 was approximately $0.4 million, thus negatively impacting our cost of sales percentage in 2009.

 

In 2008, our cost of sales as a percentage of net sales increased slightly in 2008 to 68.1% compared to 67.9% in 2007.

 

The following factors negatively impacted our cost of sales percentage in 2008:

 

Rising Input Costs.   Input costs, in particular resin, tinplate, utilities and transportation costs, continued to increase through the third quarter of 2008 over 2007, primarily in the U.S. and Europe, but also in the rest of the world. While we attempt to pass these rising input costs along in our selling prices we experience a lag in the timing of passing on these cost increases. We experienced decreases in certain material costs towards the end of the fourth quarter. However, the effects of these decreases do not offset the increases taken during the first nine months of the year.

 

Weakening of the U.S. Dollar.   We are a net importer from Europe into the U.S. and other countries of products produced in Europe with costs denominated in Euros. As a result, when the U.S. dollar or other currencies weaken against the Euro, products produced in Europe (with costs denominated in Euros) and sold in currencies that are weaker compared to the Euro have a negative impact on cost of sales as a percentage of net sales.

 

Underutilized Overhead Costs in Certain Operations.   Certain of our business operations in the Beauty & Home and Closures business segments saw a decrease in unit volumes sold and as a result of the lower production levels, overhead costs were underutilized, thus negatively impacting cost of goods sold as a percentage of net sales.

 

The following factors positively impacted our cost of sales percentage in 2008:

 

Favorable Product Mix.   Increased sales of our products to the pharmaceutical market, which traditionally generate higher margins, helped positively impact our cost of sales percentage in 2008.

 

Last in First Out (“LIFO”) Inventory Valuation.   As mentioned above, some of our U.S. operations use LIFO as their inventory valuation method. As some material costs, namely resins, dramatically decreased at the end of the fourth quarter, the decrease to the LIFO reserve in 2008 was approximately $2.3 million, thus positively impacting our cost of sales percentage in 2008.

 

SELLING, RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE

Our Selling, Research & Development and Administrative expenses (“SG&A”) decreased approximately 6% or $18.1 million in 2009. Changes in currency rates accounted for approximately $6.8 of the decrease. The remainder of the decrease is due primarily to cost savings efforts as mentioned above. However, SG&A as a percentage of net sales increased to 15.0% compared to 14.2% of net sales in the same period of the prior year primarily due to lower sales volumes.

In 2008, our SG&A increased approximately 8% or $23.0 million. Changes in currency rates accounted for approximately $13.1 million of the increase or 5% of the 8% increase. The remaining increase is primarily due to inflationary cost increases, higher bad debt expense and higher professional fees related to several corporate initiatives. SG&A expenses as a percentage of sales remained relatively consistent with the prior year at 14.2% in 2008 compared to 14.4% in 2007.

 

DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION

Depreciation and amortization expense increased 1% or $1.9 million in 2009 to $133.0 million compared to $131.1 million in 2008. Changes in currency rates reduced depreciation and amortization expense by approximately $5.6 million. The increase in depreciation and amortization after the change in currency rates is primarily due to the implementation of our worldwide enterprise reporting system. Depreciation and amortization expense increased to 7.2% of net sales in 2009 compared to 6.3% in 2008 mainly due to the implementation of our worldwide enterprise reporting system and the write-off of unutilized assets combined with lower sales volumes.

In 2008, depreciation and amortization expense increased 6% or $7.7 million. Changes in currency rates accounted for approximately $6.7 million of the increase. Depreciation and amortization expense decreased to 6.3% of net sales in 2008 compared to 6.5% in 2007.

 

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2009 Form 10-K

FACILITIES CONSOLIDATION AND SEVERANCE EXPENSE

Facilities consolidation and severance expenses were $7.6 million (0.4% of sales) in 2009. There were no corresponding expenses in 2008 or 2007. The amount represents the recognition of expenses related to the Company’s plan to consolidate several facilities and reduce headcount. The total costs associated with the consolidation/severance programs are estimated to be approximately $8 million. Annual savings are estimated to be in the range of $3 million to $4 million primarily beginning in 2010.

 

OPERATING INCOME

Operating Income decreased approximately $35.8 million or 15% to $198.4 million. The decrease is primarily due to the decrease in sales of our products, particularly in the Beauty & Home segment, the strengthening of the U.S. dollar compared to the Euro which is having a negative impact on the translation of our results in U.S. dollars, the increased amount of depreciation reported in 2009 and the impact of the facilities consolidation and severance program discussed above. Operating income as a percentage of sales decreased to 10.8% in 2009 compared to 11.3% in 2008 primarily for the same reasons.

In 2008, operating income increased approximately $21.3 million or 10% to $234.2 million. The increase in operating income is primarily due to the increase in sales of our products to the pharmaceutical market and the relative strength of the euro compared to the U.S. dollar which has an additive effect on the translation of our European results. This was partially offset by higher input and SG&A costs as mentioned above. 2008 operating income as a percentage of sales remained consistent with 2007 at 11.3%.

 

NET OTHER EXPENSES

Net other expenses in 2009 increased to $14.3 million compared to $7.5 million in 2008 principally reflecting the lower interest income of $9.8 million partially offset by lower interest expense of $2.2 million due to lower interest rates and lower external borrowings in 2009 compared to 2008.

In 2008, net other expenses decreased to $7.5 million compared to $10.7 million in 2007 principally reflecting the higher interest income of $4.2 million due to higher average cash balances in 2008 compared to 2007, offset partially by higher foreign currency losses of $1.7 million.

 

EFFECTIVE TAX RATE ON INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

The reported effective tax rate on income from continuing operations for 2009 and 2008 was 32.3%. The stable tax rate for 2009 includes the tax cost associated with an increase in dividend repatriation from Europe in 2009 offset by a change in the mix of income earned by country and savings from special elections available in Italy during 2009.

In 2008, the reported effective tax rate for 2008 increased to 32.3% compared to 31.0% in 2007. The increase in the tax provision for 2008 reflects primarily a change in the mix of income earned by country. This increase was partially offset by the benefits from tax changes that became effective in the current year related to lower tax rates in Germany and Italy.

 

INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

We reported income from continuing operations of $124.6 million in 2009 compared to $153.5 million reported in 2008 and $139.5 million reported in 2007.

 

INCOME FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

In the fourth quarter of 2007, we sold our Australian operation for approximately $6.7 million in cash and generated a gain on the sale of approximately $3.9 million before tax or $2.2 million after tax. Due to the immateriality of the results of the Australian operation, only the net gain of $2.2 million is reported in the Consolidated Statements of Income in the line Income From Discontinued Operations Net of Tax.

 

 

 

Net sales decreased approximately 14% in 2009 to $920.7 million compared to $1.1 billion in 2008. The strengthening U.S. dollar compared to the Euro negatively impacted sales and represented approximately 5% of the decrease while

 

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2009 Form 10-K

acquisitions were immaterial. The remaining 9% of the sales decrease was due mainly to declines in our fragrance/cosmetic and household markets. Sales excluding changes in exchange rates of our products to the fragrance/cosmetic and household markets decreased approximately 15% and 3%, respectively, in 2009 due to the economic conditions felt mainly in North America and Europe. However, fragrance/cosmetic and household sales to our developing markets such as Latin America and Southeast Asia continued to grow. The overall decrease in sales to the fragrance/cosmetic market was partially offset by sales to our personal care market. Sales excluding changes in exchange rates of our products to the personal care market increased 2% in 2009 mainly due to the increase in sales of our dispensing systems used on hand sanitizers and anti-bacterial products related to increased H1N1 flu awareness.

In 2008, net sales increased approximately 7% in 2008 to $1.1 billion compared to $1.0 billion in 2007. The weakening U.S. dollar compared to the Euro positively impacted the sales increase and represented approximately 5% of the increase while acquisitions were immaterial. The remaining 2% of the increase in sales was led by increased demand for our products from the fragrance/cosmetic market. Sales excluding changes in exchange rates of our products to the fragrance/cosmetic market increased approximately 4% in 2008 reflecting a continued growth in developing markets such as Latin America and Southeast Asia. Sales to Eastern Europe, the U.S. and parts of Western Europe were down in the second half of the year due to general economic conditions. Sales excluding changes in exchange rates of our products to the personal care and household markets were flat and down 4%, respectively, in 2008. We did not see any erosion in our customer base, but again attribute this softness to the general economic conditions.

Segment income decreased approximately 34% to $58.8 million in 2009 compared to $89.7 million reported in 2008. Acquisitions did not materially impact segment income during the year. The decrease in segment income of $30.9 million is due primarily to the reduction in sales (particularly to the fragrance/cosmetic market), underutilized overhead and the negative impact of a $1.5 million charge related to facilities consolidation and severance expenses. Although significant cost reduction activities were implemented during the year, it was not enough to offset the decline in sales volume, particularly in the first half of the year.

In 2008, segment income decreased approximately 6% to $89.7 million in 2008 compared to $95.6 million reported in 2007. The decrease in segment income of $5.9 million was due primarily to the significant increase in input costs for the first nine months of the year and our inability to pass on these costs fast enough to our customers. In addition, soft general economic conditions in the fourth quarter lead to underutilized capacity at some of our operations.

 

 

Net sales to the Closures segment decreased more than 9% in 2009 to $490.5 million compared to $541.7 million in 2008. The strengthening U.S. dollar compared to the Euro negatively impacted the sales decrease and represented approximately 5% of the decrease while an acquisition represented a favorable impact of 2%. Excluding changes in exchange rates and acquisitions, sales decreased 6% in 2009 compared to the same period of the prior year. Decreases in resin prices led to lower selling prices due to the pass through nature of this business and represented approximately 7% of the decline. Tooling sales excluding foreign currency and acquisitions also declined $12.7 million compared to the prior year. Sales excluding foreign currency changes to the personal care and household markets decreased approximately 9% and 16%, respectively, during 2009 compared to the same period in the prior year primarily due to the resin price pass through discussed above. An 8% increase in sales to the food and beverage market excluding currency changes was also adversely impacted by lower resin price pass through.

In 2008, net sales to the Closures segment increased nearly 10% in 2008 to $541.7 million compared to $493.0 million in 2007. The weakening U.S. dollar compared to the Euro positively impacted the sales increase and represented approximately 4% of the increase. Of the remaining 6% growth, increased selling prices due to the rising cost of resin accounted for approximately 4% of the increase while sales of custom tooling contributed 1%. 2008 also represented two dramatically different halves of business for the Closures segment. The first half of the year was positively impacted by favorable exchange rates (mainly Euro), a higher resin pass through, and higher tooling sales. Conversely, the second half of 2008 saw an unfavorable exchange rate impact (Euro, Mexican Peso, and Brazilian Real) and lower tooling sales, primarily in Europe. For the full year, sales excluding changes in exchange rates of our products to the food market increased 19% in 2008 mainly due to new ketchup and salad dressing launches in the U.S. This increase was offset by a 15% decrease in the household market during 2008 reflecting the loss of a detergent cap customer as well as a general slowdown in the closure personal care market.

Segment income increased 13% to $49.8 million in 2009 compared to $43.9 million in 2008. Included in these results are approximately $5.7 million of consolidation/restructuring expenses. The increase in segment income is primarily due to cost savings activities, the continued growth of the food/beverage market and the normal delay in the pass-through of lower resin costs to our customers during 2009.

 

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2009 Form 10-K

In 2008, segment income decreased 9% to $43.9 million in 2008 compared to $48.2 million in 2007. As was the case with the Beauty and Home segment, rising input costs during the first nine months of the year and our inability to pass these increased costs on to customers fast enough coupled with underutilized fixed overhead costs, particularly in Europe, were the primary reasons for the decrease in profitability.

 

 

Net sales to the Pharma segment decreased by nearly 6% in 2009 to $430.4 million compared to $457.5 million in 2008. The strengthening U.S. dollar compared to the Euro negatively impacted the sales decrease and represented approximately 4% of the decrease while acquisitions were immaterial. The remaining 2% decline is due to softer demand for both metered dose inhaler valves (“MDI’s”) and nasal spray pumps sold to the export markets.

In 2008, net sales to the Pharma segment increased more than 16% in 2008 to $457.5 million compared to $393.9 million in 2007. Changes in foreign currency rates positively affected the sales growth and accounted for 6% of the total growth. The remaining increase is primarily related to increased demand for our MDI’s used to dispense asthma medications and nasal spray pumps used to dispense allergy medications.

Segment income decreased 5% to $123.7 million in 2009 compared to $129.6 million reported in 2008. The decrease in profit is primarily due to lower sales and the impact of changes in currency exchange rates. Also included in segment income were $433 thousand related to the consolidation/restructure expenses.

In 2008, segment income increased 22% to $129.6 million compared to $106.0 million reported in 2007. The increase in segment income is primarily due to the higher sales volumes detailed above.

 

Our revolving credit facility and certain long-term obligations require us to satisfy certain financial and other covenants including:

 

 

Based upon the above debt to total capital ratio covenant we would have the ability to borrow approximately an additional $1.2 billion before the 55% requirement was exceeded.

Our foreign operations have historically met cash requirements with the use of internally generated cash or borrowings. These foreign subsidiaries have financing arrangements with several foreign banks to fund operations located outside the U.S., but all these lines are uncommitted. Cash generated by foreign operations has generally been reinvested locally. The majority of our $333.0 million in cash and equivalents is located outside of the U.S.

We believe we are in a strong financial position and have the financial resources to meet business requirements in the foreseeable future. We have historically used cash flow from operations as our primary source of liquidity. In the event that customer demand would decrease significantly for a prolonged period of time and negatively impact cash flow from operations, we would have the ability to restrict and significantly reduce capital expenditure levels, which historically have been the most significant use of cash for us. A prolonged and significant reduction in capital expenditure levels could increase future repairs and maintenance costs as well as have a negative impact on operating margins if we were unable to invest in new innovative products.

 

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

 

We lease certain warehouse, plant and office facilities as well as certain equipment under noncancelable operating leases expiring at various dates through the year 2029. Most of the operating leases contain renewal options and certain equipment leases include options to purchase during or at the end of the lease term. Other than operating lease obligations, we do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements. See the following section “Overview of Contractual Obligations” for future payments relating to operating leases.

 

 

 

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2009 Form 10-K

 

ADOPTION OF RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

 

The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued a new standard establishing the FASB Accounting Standards Codification ^tm (Codification) as the single source of authoritative accounting principles recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental entities in the preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP. Rules and interpretive releases of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) under authority of federal securities laws are also sources of authoritative GAAP for SEC registrants. The FASB will no longer issue new standards in the form of Statements, FASB Staff Positions, or Emerging Issues Task Force Abstracts; instead the FASB will issue Accounting Standards Updates. Accounting Standards Updates will not be authoritative in their own right as they will only serve to update the Codification. The issuance of this standard and the Codification does not change GAAP. We have adopted this standard for the current reporting period.

In October 2009, the FASB issued an update to existing guidance on revenue recognition for arrangements with multiple deliverables. This update will allow companies to allocate consideration received for qualified separate deliverables using estimated selling price for both delivered and undelivered items when vendor-specific objective evidence or third-party evidence is unavailable. Additional disclosures discussing the nature of multiple element arrangements, the types of deliverables under the arrangements, the general timing of their delivery, and significant factors and estimates used to determine estimated selling prices are required. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after June 15, 2010. We are currently evaluating the potential impact of this new standard but do not believe it will have a material impact on our financial statements.

In August 2009, the FASB further updated the fair value measurement guidance to clarify how an entity should measure liabilities at fair value. The update reaffirms fair value is based on an orderly transaction between market participants, even though liabilities are infrequently transferred due to contractual or other legal restrictions. However, identical liabilities traded in the active market should be used when available. When quoted prices are not available, the quoted price of the identical liability traded as an asset, quoted prices for similar liabilities or similar liabilities traded as an asset, or another valuation approach should be used. This update also clarifies that restrictions preventing the transfer of a liability should not be considered as a separate input or adjustment in the measurement of fair value. The guidance provided in this update is effective for the first reporting period beginning after issuance. Therefore, we have adopted this standard for the current reporting period.

In June 2009, the FASB issued a new accounting standard which provides amendments to previous guidance on the consolidation of variable interest entities. This standard clarifies the characteristics that identify a variable interest entity (“VIE”) and changes how a reporting entity identifies a primary beneficiary that would consolidate the VIE from a quantitative risk and rewards calculation to a qualitative approach based on which variable interest holder has controlling financial interest and the ability to direct the most significant activities that impact the VIE’s economic performance. This statement requires the primary beneficiary assessment to be performed on a continuous basis. It also requires additional disclosures about an entity’s involvement with a VIE, restrictions on the VIE’s assets and liabilities that are included in the reporting entity’s consolidated balance sheet, significant risk exposures due to the entity’s involvement with the VIE, and how its involvement with a VIE impacts the reporting entity’s consolidated financial statements. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2009. We are currently evaluating the potential impact of this new standard but do not believe it will have a material impact on our financial statements.

In December 2008, the FASB issued an update to accounting standards related to an employer’s disclosures about postretirement benefit plan assets. This update amends the disclosure requirements for employer’s disclosure of plan assets for defined benefit pensions and other postretirement plans. The objective of this update is to provide users of financial statements with an understanding of how investment allocation decisions are made, the major categories of plan assets held by the plans, the inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of plan assets, significant concentration of risk within the company’s plan assets, and for fair value measurements determined using significant unobservable inputs a reconciliation of changes between the beginning and ending balances. The update is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2009. Therefore, we have adopted the new disclosure requirements in this reporting period.

In April 2008, the FASB issued an update to the accounting standards related to determination of the useful life of intangible assets. This update amends the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under previous standards in order to improve the consistency between the useful life of a recognized intangible asset and the period of expected cash flows used to measure the fair value of the asset and other GAAP. This update is effective on January 1, 2009. The adoption did not have a material impact on our financial statements.

In March 2008, the FASB issued an update to disclosures about derivative instruments and hedging activities. This update requires enhanced disclosures about an entity’s derivative and hedging activities, including (i) how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, (ii) how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for, and (iii) how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. This standard is effective on January 1, 2009. As this update only required enhanced disclosures, this standard did not have an impact on the financial position, results of operations, or cash flows of the Company.

 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

 

The preparation of the 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. We continually evaluate

 

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our estimates, including those related to bad debts, inventories, intangible assets, income taxes, pensions and contingencies. We base our estimates on historical experience and on a variety of other assumptions believed to be reasonable in order to make judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. We believe the following critical accounting policies affect our more significant judgments and estimates used in preparation of our Consolidated Financial Statements. Management has discussed the development and selection of these critical accounting estimates with the audit committee of our Board of Directors and the audit committee has reviewed our disclosure relating to it in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Consolidated Results of Operations and Financial Condition (“MD&A”).

 

IMPAIRMENT OF GOODWILL

In accordance with current accounting standards, we evaluate our goodwill for impairment on an annual basis, or whenever indicators of impairment exist. Due to the economic uncertainty in 2009, we evaluated our goodwill for triggering events at the end of each quarter noting no indicators that a full impairment assessment was necessary. Accounting standards require that if the carrying value of a reporting unit for which goodwill exists exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized to the extent that the carrying value of the reporting unit goodwill exceeds the “implied fair value” of reporting unit goodwill.

As discussed in Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, we have evaluated our goodwill for impairment and have determined that the fair value of our reporting units exceeds their carrying value, so we did not recognize an impairment of goodwill. Goodwill of approximately $230.6 million is shown on our balance sheet as of December 31, 2009.

We believe that the accounting estimate related to determining the fair value of our reporting units is a critical accounting estimate because: (1) it is highly susceptible to change from period to period because it requires company management to make assumptions about the future cash flows for each reporting unit over several years in the future, and (2) the impact that recognizing an impairment would have on the assets reported on our balance sheet as well as our results of operations could be material. Management’s assumptions about future cash flows for the reporting units require significant judgment and actual cash flows in the future may differ significantly from those forecasted today. The estimate for future cash flows and its impact on the impairment testing of goodwill is a critical accounting estimate for all the segments of our business.

In estimating future cash flows, we use internally generated budgets developed from our reporting units and reviewed by management. We develop our budgets based upon recent sales trends for the reporting units, discussions with our customers, planned timing of new product launches, forecasted capital expenditure needs, working capital needs, costing factors and many other variables. From these internally generated budgets, a projection of cash flows is made based upon expected sales growth rates and fixed asset and working capital requirements based upon historical needs. Starting with our 2010 budget figures we have used sales growth rates of 5% for all three reporting segments. We have assumed that operating income will grow by 8% for both the Beauty and Home and Closures reporting segments while the Pharma segment operating income growth rate used was the same as the sales growth rate. Capital expenditures, working capital needs, and taxes and depreciation are based on historical trends and what is necessary to support the business in the future. We forecast our cash flows for 4 years and use a terminal value growth rate of 3%. These assumptions have not changed significantly from the prior year. A discounted cash flow model is used to discount the future cash flows back to the present using a weighted-average cost of capital. Our weighted average cost of capital calculation takes into consideration market risk premiums in the current equity and debt markets supplied by third party sources. We perform one calculation using our current debt to equity ratio. Due to our strong balance sheet and low debt levels, the weighted average cost of capital calculation using our current debt to equity ratio is 8.7%, which is a higher discount rate than if we used our targeted debt to equity ratio. We have used the same weighted average cost of capital for all our reporting segments. This fair value for the reporting unit is then corroborated by comparing it with a market multiple analysis of the reporting unit. The market multiple analysis is calculated by using AptarGroup’s overall EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes and depreciation) multiple and applying it to the reporting unit EBITDA for the current year.

The $230.6 million of goodwill is reported in three reporting units. Approximately $28.4 million of the goodwill is allocated to the Pharma reporting segment, $161.8 million is allocated to the Beauty and Home reporting segment and $40.3 million is allocated to the Closures reporting segment. Two of the three reporting units have fair values, which significantly exceed their carrying values. The third reporting unit contains approximately $40.3 million of the total $230.6 million in goodwill and has the smallest excess of fair value over carrying value of the three reporting units.

We believe our assumptions used in discounting future cash flows are appropriately conservative. Any increase in estimated cash flows would have no impact on the reported carrying amount of goodwill. However, if our current estimates of cash flow for this one reporting unit had been 69% lower, the fair value of the reporting unit would have been lower than the carrying value thus requiring us to perform an impairment test to determine the “implied value” of goodwill. The excess of the approximately $40.3 million in carrying value of goodwill over the “implied value” of goodwill would need to be written down for impairment. Without performing the second step of the goodwill impairment test, it would be difficult to determine the actual amount of impairment to be recorded, but theoretically, the full $40.3 million of goodwill would be at risk for impairment. A full $40.3 million impairment loss would have reduced Total Assets as of December 31, 2009 by approximately 2% and would have reduced Income From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes in 2009 by approximately 22%.

If we had been required to recognize an impairment loss of the full $40.3 million, it would likely not have affected our liquidity and capital resources because, in spite of the impairment loss, we would have been within the terms of our debt covenants.

 

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ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS

We record an allowance for doubtful accounts as an estimate of the inability of our customers to make their required payments. We determine the amount of our allowance for doubtful accounts by looking at a variety of factors. First, we examine an aging of the accounts receivable in each entity within the Company. The aging lists past due amounts according to invoice terms. In addition, we consider the current economic environment, the credit rating of the customers and general overall market conditions. In some countries we maintain credit insurance, which can be used in certain cases of non-payment.

We believe that the accounting estimate related to the allowance for doubtful accounts is a critical accounting estimate because: (1) it requires management to make assumptions about the ability to collect amounts owed from customers in the future, and (2) changes to these assumptions or estimates could have a material impact on our results of operations. The estimate for the allowance for doubtful accounts is a critical accounting estimate for all of our segments.

When we determine that a customer is unlikely to pay, we record a charge to bad debt expense in the income statement and an increase to the allowance for doubtful accounts. When it becomes certain the customer cannot pay (typically driven by the customer filing for bankruptcy) we write off the receivable by removing the accounts receivable amount and reducing the allowance for doubtful accounts accordingly. In 2009, we added approximately $0.7 million to the allowance for doubtful accounts while we wrote off or reduced the allowance for doubtful accounts by $2.7 million. Please refer to Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts over the past three years.

We had approximately $319.8 million in net accounts receivable at December 31, 2009. At December 31, 2009, we had approximately $9.9 million recorded in the allowance for doubtful accounts to cover all potential future customer non-payments net of any credit insurance reimbursement we would potentially recover. We believe our allowance for doubtful accounts is adequate to cover any future non-payments of our customers. However, if economic conditions deteriorate significantly or one of our large customers was to declare bankruptcy, a larger allowance for doubtful accounts might be necessary. It is extremely difficult to estimate how much of an additional reserve would be necessary, but we expect the largest potential customer balance at any one time would not exceed $18.0 million. An additional loss of $18.0 million would reduce our Total Assets as of December 31, 2009 by approximately 1% and would have reduced Income From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes by approximately 10%.

If we had been required to recognize an additional $18.0 million in bad debt expense, it would likely not have significantly affected our liquidity and capital resources because, in spite of the additional expense, we would have been within the terms of our debt covenants.

 

VALUATION OF PENSION BENEFITS

The benefit obligations and net periodic pension cost associated with our domestic and foreign noncontributory pension plans are determined using actuarial assumptions. Such assumptions include discount rates to reflect the time value of money, rate of employee compensation increases, demographic assumptions to determine the probability and timing of benefit payments, and the long-term rate of return on plan assets. The actuarial assumptions are based upon management’s best estimates, after consulting with outside investment advisors and actuaries. Because assumptions and estimates are used, actual results could differ from expected results.

The discount rate is utilized principally in calculating our pension obligations, which are represented by the Accumulated Benefit Obligation (ABO) and the Projected Benefit Obligation (PBO), and in calculating net periodic benefit cost. In establishing the discount rate for our foreign plans, we review a number of relevant interest rates including government security yields and Aa corporate bond yields. In establishing the discount rate for our domestic plans, we match the hypothetical duration of our plans, using a weighted average duration that is based upon projected cash payments, to a simulated bond portfolio (Citigroup Pension Index Curve). At December 31, 2009, the discount rates for our domestic and foreign plans were 5.90% and 5.55%, respectively.

We believe that the accounting estimates related to determining the valuation of pension benefits are critical accounting estimates because: (1) changes in them can materially affect net income, and (2) we are required to establish the discount rate and the expected return on fund assets, which are highly uncertain and require judgment. The estimates for the valuation of pension benefits are critical accounting estimates for all of our segments.

To the extent the discount rates increase (or decrease), our PBO and net periodic benefit cost will decrease (or increase) accordingly. The estimated effect of a 1% decrease in each discount rate would be a $19.8 million increase in the PBO ($14.1 million for the domestic plans and $5.7 million for the foreign plans) and a $2.6 million increase in net periodic benefit cost ($2.1 million for the domestic plans and $0.5 million for the foreign plans). To the extent the PBO increases, the after-tax effect of such increase could reduce Other Comprehensive Income and Stockholders’ Equity. The estimated effect of a 1% increase in each discount rate would be a $15.9 million decrease in the PBO ($11.2 million for the domestic plans and $4.7 million for the foreign plans) and a $1.4 million decrease in net periodic benefit cost ($1 million for the domestic plans and $0.4 million for the foreign plans). A decrease of this magnitude in the PBO would eliminate a substantial portion of the related reduction in Other Comprehensive Income and Stockholders’ Equity.

The assumed expected long-term rate of return on assets is the average rate of earnings expected on the funds invested to provide for the benefits included in the PBO. Of domestic plan assets, approximately 55% was invested in equities, 35% was invested in fixed income securities, 9% was invested in infrastructure and 1% was invested in a money market fund at December 31, 2009. Of foreign plan assets, approximately 17% was invested in equities, 32% was invested in fixed income securities, 4% was invested in real estate and 47% was invested in a money market fund at December 31, 2009. The Company

 

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contributed approximately $15.0 million in December 2009 to partially fund its previously unfunded German pension plans. These funds were invested in money market funds at December 31, 2009 and will be reinvested according to the foreign plan target allocation in 2010.

The expected long-term rate of return assumptions are determined based on our investment policy combined with expected risk premiums of equities and fixed income securities over the underlying risk-free rate. This rate is utilized principally in calculating the expected return on the plan assets component of the net periodic benefit cost. To the extent the actual rate of return on assets realized over the course of a year is greater or less than the assumed rate, that year’s net periodic benefit cost is not affected. Rather, this gain (or loss) reduces (or increases) future net periodic benefit cost over a period of approximately 15 to 20 years. To the extent the expected long-term rate of return on assets increases (or decreases), our net periodic benefit cost will decrease (or increase) accordingly. The estimated effect of a 1% decrease (or increase) in each expected long-term rate of return on assets would be a $0.5 million increase (or decrease) in net periodic benefit cost.

The average rate of compensation increase is utilized principally in calculating the PBO and the net periodic benefit cost. The estimated effect of a 0.5% decrease in each rate of expected compensation increase would be a $2.4 million decrease in the PBO ($0.8 million for the domestic plans and $1.6 million for the foreign plans) and a $0.5 million decrease to the net periodic benefit cost. The estimated effect of a 0.5% increase in each rate of expected compensation increase would be a $2.5 million increase in the PBO ($0.8 million for the domestic plans and $1.7 million for the foreign plans) and a $0.4 million increase to the net periodic benefit cost.

 

Our primary pension related assumptions as of December 31, 2009 and 2008 were as follows:

 

 

In order to determine the 2010 net periodic benefit cost, the Company expects to use the December 31, 2009 discount rates, rates of compensation increase assumptions and expected long-term returns on domestic and foreign plan assets. The estimated impact of the changes to the assumptions as noted in the table above on our 2010 net periodic benefit cost is not expected to be significant.

 

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SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

The Company uses the Black-Scholes option-valuation model to value stock options, which requires the input of subjective assumptions. These assumptions include the length of time employees will retain their vested stock options before exercising them (“expected term”), the estimated volatility of the Company’s stock price, risk-free interest rate, the expected dividend yield and stock price. The expected term of the options is based on historical experience of similar awards, giving consideration to the contractual terms, vesting schedules and expectations of future employee behavior. The expected term determines the period for which the risk-free interest rate and volatility must be applied. The risk-free interest rate is based on the expected U.S. Treasury rate over the expected term. Expected stock price volatility is based on historical volatility of the Company’s stock price. Dividend yield is management’s long-term estimate of annual dividends to be paid as a percentage of share price.

For 2009, expense related to share-based compensation was $9.8 million and represented approximately $0.10 per diluted share. Future changes in the subjective assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option-valuation model or estimates associated with forfeitures could impact our share-based compensation expense. For example, a 1 year reduction in the expected term of the options would decrease the Black-Scholes valuation and reduce share-based compensation by approximately $0.4 million. On the contrary, a 1 year increase in the expected term of the option would increase the Black-Scholes valuation and increase share-based compensation by approximately $0.3 million. In addition, changes in the stock price at the date of the grant would impact our share-based compensation expense. For example, a $5 decrease in the stock price would decrease the Black-Scholes valuation and reduce share-based compensation by approximately $1.0 million. On the contrary, a $5 increase in the stock price would increase the Black-Scholes valuation and increase share-based compensation by approximately $0.9 million.

 

OPERATIONS OUTLOOK

 

While we are encouraged by our fourth quarter results, the current economic uncertainty has not ended. The difficult unemployment situation in the U.S. and the generally sluggish economies in Europe will take some time to rebound.

The first quarter 2010 results are expected to show improvement compared to the prior year. Preliminary indications are that consumer confidence, primarily in the U.S. and Europe, will continue to rise and demand for our personal care and fragrance/cosmetic dispensing systems will be above prior year levels. Demand for our food and beverage dispensing systems will be driven by the continued conversion away from non-dispensing packaging. In addition, we expect stable demand for our unique drug delivery solutions and services from the pharmaceutical market.

The U.S. dollar has recently strengthened compared to the Euro and other currencies but is still weaker than what we experienced in the first quarter of 2009. Since a majority of our sales are denominated in Euros, a weaker dollar will have an additive impact on the translation of our Euro denominated financial statements into U.S. dollars. However, as we have mentioned before, we are a net importer of products produced in European countries with Euro based costs into the U.S. and sold in U.S. dollars. A weakened U.S. dollar compared to the Euro makes imported European produced products more expensive, thereby reducing operating margins. The net impact of the weakened U.S. dollar is difficult to predict or estimate, but it is likely that any positive impact realized from translating Euro denominated financial statements into U.S. dollars would be partially offset by the higher cost of imported products.

We expect the annual effective tax rate for 2010 to be in the range of 32.0% to 33.0% compared to a rate of 32.3% for 2009.

We are anticipating diluted earnings per share for the first quarter of 2010 to be in the range of $.48 to $.53 per share compared to $.38 per share recorded in the first quarter of 2009.

 

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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis and certain other sections of this Form 10-K contain forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” and other similar expressions or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “should,” “would” and “could” are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and are based on our beliefs as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to us. Accordingly, our actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements due to known or unknown risks and uncertainties that exist in our operations and business environment, including but not limited to:

 

Although we believe that our forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurance that actual results, performance or achievements will not differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Please refer to Item 1A (“Risk Factors”) of Part I included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional risk factors affecting the Company.

 

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MARKET RISKS

 

A significant number of our operations are located outside of the United States. Because of this, movements in exchange rates may have a significant impact on the translation of the financial condition and results of operations of our entities. Our primary foreign exchange exposure is to the Euro, but we also have foreign exchange exposure to the British Pound, South American and Asian currencies, among others. A strengthening U.S. dollar relative to foreign currencies has a dilutive translation effect on our financial condition and results of operations. Conversely, a weakening U.S. dollar has an additive effect.

Additionally, in some cases, we sell products denominated in a currency different from the currency in which the related costs are incurred. Any changes in exchange rates on such inter-country sales may impact our results of operations.

We manage our exposures to foreign exchange principally with forward exchange contracts to hedge certain firm purchase and sales commitments and intercompany cash transactions denominated in foreign currencies.

The table below provides information, as of December 31, 2009, about our forward currency exchange contracts. The majority of the contracts expire before the end of the first quarter of 2010 with the exception of a few contracts on intercompany loans that expire in the third quarter of 2012.

 

As of December 31, 2009, the Company has recorded the fair value of foreign currency forward exchange contracts of $1.2 million in accounts payable and accrued liabilities, $902 thousand in prepayments and other and $2.5 million in deferred and other non-current liabilities in the balance sheet.

At December 31, 2009, we had a fixed-to-variable interest rate swap agreement with a notional principal value of $10 million, which requires us to pay a variable interest rate (which was 0.4% at December 31, 2009) and receive a fixed rate of 6.6%. The variable rate is adjusted semiannually based on London Interbank Offered Rates (“LIBOR”). Variations in market interest rates would produce changes in our net income. If interest rates increase by 100 basis points, net income related to the interest rate swap agreement would decrease by less than $0.1 million, assuming a tax rate of 32%. As of December 31, 2009, we recorded the fair value of the fixed-to-variable interest rate swap agreement of $0.6 million in miscellaneous other assets with an offsetting adjustment to debt. No gain or loss was recorded in the income statement in 2009 as any hedge ineffectiveness for the period is minimal.

As of December 31, 2009, the Company had one foreign currency cash flow hedge. A French subsidiary of AptarGroup, AptarGroup Holding SAS, has hedged the risk of variability in Euro equivalent associated with the cash flows of an intercompany loan granted in Brazilian Real. The forward contracts utilized were designated as a hedge of the changes in the cash flows relating to the changes in foreign currency rates relating to the loan and related forecasted interest. The notional amount of the foreign currency forward contracts utilized to hedge cash flow exposure was 4.2 million Brazilian Real ($2.4 million) as of December 31, 2009. The notional amount of the foreign currency forward contracts utilized to hedge cash flow exposure was 5.5 million Brazilian Real ($2.4 million) as of December 31, 2008. During the year ended December 31, 2009, the Company did not recognize any net gain (loss) as any hedge ineffectiveness for the period was immaterial, and the Company did not recognize any net gain (loss) related to the portion of the hedging instrument excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness. These foreign currency forward contracts hedge forecasted transactions for approximately two years (March 2012).

 

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See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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