UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
_______________________________
FORM 10-K

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006

Commission file number 1-4347
_______________________________
ROGERS CORPORATION
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Massachusetts
06-0513860
(State or other jurisdiction of
(I. R. S. Employer
incorporation or organization)
Identification No.)

P.O. Box 188, One Technology Drive, Rogers, Connecticut 06263-0188
(860) 774-9605
(Address and telephone number of principal executive offices)

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

Title of Class
Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
Common Stock, $1 Par Value
New York Stock Exchange
Rights to Purchase Capital Stock
New York Stock Exchange

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. Yes X No __

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes _ No X

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

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of the Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.   Yes __    No X

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
 
Large Accelerated Filer  X
Accelerated Filer __  
Non-accelerated Filer __

Indicate by checkmark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act) Yes No X

The aggregate market value of the voting common equity held by non-affiliates as of July 2, 2006, the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, was approximately $933,919,221 Rogers has no non-voting common equity.

The number of shares outstanding of capital stock as of February 16, 2007 was 17,650,527

 
 


Documents Incorporated by Reference:

Portions of Rogers’ definitive proxy statement for its Annual Meeting of Shareholders, currently scheduled for April 26, 2007, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Report.



 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
     
 
Part I
 
     
Item 1.
Business
4
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
9
Item 1B.
Unresolved Staff Comments
12
Item 2.
Properties
12
Item 3.
Legal Proceedings
13
Item 4.
Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
17
     
 
Part II
 
     
Item 5.
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
18
Item 6.
Selected Financial Data
19
Item 7.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
20
Item 7A.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
38
Item 8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
39
Item 9.
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
76
Item 9A.
Controls and Procedures
76
Item 9B.
Other Information
78
     
 
Part III
 
     
Item 10.
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
79
Item 11.
Executive Compensation
79
Item 12.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
79
Item 13.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
79
Item 14.
Principal Accounting Fees and Services
80
     
     
Item 15.
Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
81
     
 
Signatures
87
 
 
List of Exhibits:  
     
Exhibit 3a
Restated Articles of Organization of Rogers Corporation
 
Exhibit 10i
2006 Amendment to Voluntary Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors
 
Exhibit 10r-7
Amendment No. 7 to Summary of Director and Executive Officer Compensation
 
Exhibit 10aaa
Multicurrency Revolving Credit Agreement
 
Exhibit 10aab
Summary of October 27, 2006 Board of Directors Approved Amendments
 
Exhibit 21
Subsidiaries of Rogers Corporation
 
Exhibit 23.1
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
Exhibit 23.2
Consent of National Economic Research Associates, Inc.
 
Exhibit 23.3
Consent of Marsh, U.S.A., Inc.
 
Exhibit 31(a)
Certification of President and CEO Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
Exhibit 31(b)
Certification of Vice President Finance and CFO Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
Exhibit 32(a)
Certification of CEO and Vice President Finance and CFO Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 

 
3


PART I

Item 1.   Business

Industry

Rogers Corporation (the Company), founded in 1832, is one of the oldest publicly traded U.S. companies in continuous operation. The Company has adapted its products over the 175 years in its history to meet changing market needs, moving from originally manufacturing specialty paperboard for use in early electrical applications, to today predominantly supplying a range of specialty materials and components for portable communications, communications infrastructure, computer and office equipment, aerospace and defense, ground transportation and consumer products.

The Company’s current focus is on worldwide markets that have an increasing percentage of materials being used to support growing high technology applications, such as cellular base stations and antennas, handheld wireless devices, satellite television receivers and automotive electronics. The Company continues to focus on business opportunities around the globe and particularly in the Asian marketplace, as evidenced by the continued investment in and expansion of its manufacturing facilities in Suzhou, China, which function as the Company’s manufacturing base to serve its customers in Asia.

Business Segments & Products

The Company operates in four reportable segments: Printed Circuit Materials, High Performance Foams, Custom Electrical Components and Other Polymer Products. Financial information by business segment and geographic area appears in Note 11 of the Consolidated Financial Statements on pages 69 through 70 of this Form 10-K. The Company’s products are based on its core technologies in polymers, fillers, and adhesion. Most products are proprietary, or incorporate proprietary technology in their development and processing, and are sold under the Company’s valuable brand names.

Printed Circuit Materials

The Company’s Printed Circuit Materials reportable segment includes rigid and flexible printed circuit board laminates for high frequency, high performance applications. The Company’s Printed Circuit Materials have characteristics that offer performance and other functional advantages in many market applications, and serve to differentiate the Company’s products from other commonly available materials.

Printed Circuit Materials are sold principally to independent and captive printed circuit board manufacturers who convert the Company’s laminates to custom printed circuits.

The polymer-based dielectric layers of the Company’s rigid circuit board laminates are proprietary materials that provide highly specialized electrical and mechanical properties. Trade names for the Company’s rigid printed circuit board materials include RO3000®, RO4000®, DUROID®, RT/duroid®, ULTRALAM®, RO2800® and TMM® laminates. All of these laminates are used for making circuitry that receive, transmit, and process high frequency communications signals, yet each laminate has variant properties that addresses specific needs and applications within the communications market. High frequency circuits are used in the equipment and devices that comprise wireless communications systems, including cellular communications, digital cellular communications, paging, direct broadcast television, global positioning, mobile radio communications, and radar.

The flexible circuit materials that the Company manufactures are called R/flex® materials. They are mainly used to make interconnections for portable electronic devices, especially in cell phones, handheld and laptop computers, and hard disk drives.

Two of the Company’s joint ventures extend and complement the Company’s worldwide Printed Circuit Materials business. Polyimide Laminate Systems, LLC (PLS), the Company’s joint venture with Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. of Japan, was established in early 2000 to sell adhesiveless flexible circuit materials to Hutchinson Technology Incorporated (HTI). HTI uses these materials to make trace suspension assemblies in magneto resistive hard disk drives.

4

Rogers Chang Chun Technology, Co., Ltd. (RCCT), the Company’s joint venture with Chang Chun Plastics, Co., Ltd., was established in late 2001 to manufacture flexible circuit material for customers in Taiwan.

High Performance Foams

The Company’s High Performance Foams reportable segment includes urethane and silicone foams. These foams have characteristics that offer functional advantages in many market applications, and serve to differentiate the Company’s products from other commonly available materials.

High Performance Foams are sold to fabricators, distributors and original equipment manufacturers for applications in consumer, portable communications, computer and office equipment, ground transportation, aerospace and defense and other markets. Trade names for the Company’s High Performance Foams include: PORON® urethane foams used for making high performance gaskets and seals in vehicles, portable communications devices, computers and peripherals; PORON® cushion insole materials for footwear and related products; PORON® healthcare and medical materials for body cushioning and orthotic appliances; BISCO® silicone foams used for making flame retardant gaskets and seals in communications infrastructure equipment, aircraft, trains, cars and trucks, and for shielding extreme temperature or flame; and R/bak® compressible printing plate backing and mounting products for cushioning flexographic plates for printing on packaging materials.

Two of the Company’s joint ventures extend and complement the Company’s worldwide business in High Performance Foams. Rogers Inoac Corporation (RIC), a joint venture with Japan-based Inoac Corporation, manufactures high performance PORON® urethane foam materials in Mie and Nagoya, Japan to predominantly service the Japanese market. In 2004, the Company further extended its relationship with Inoac Corporation with the formation of another joint venture in Suzhou, China, Rogers Inoac Suzhou Corporation (RIS), which also manufactures PORON® urethane foam materials primarily for RIC and the Company’s wholly-owned PORON® urethane foam materials business.

Custom Electrical Components

The Company’s Custom Electrical Components reportable segment includes power distribution components and electroluminescent lamps and inverters. Power distribution components are manufactured by the Company in Ghent, Belgium and Suzhou, China, under the MEKTRON® trade name. Power distribution components are sold to manufacturers of high voltage/high voltage electrical inverter systems for use in mass transit and industrial applications, and to manufacturers of communication and computer equipment. The Company manufactures DUREL® electroluminescent lamps (EL lamps) and phosphor in Chandler, Arizona and Suzhou, China. The Company also designs and sells inverters that power EL lamps. These EL lamps and inverters are sold to manufacturers of portable communications equipment throughout the world. During 2006 and 2005, production capacity was added in China for both EL lamps and power distribution components, as the Company continues to work to bring manufacturing operations closer to its customers.

Other Polymer Products

The Company’s Other Polymer Products reportable segment includes elastomer components, composite materials, industrial laminates, and polyolefin foams. These products have characteristics that offer functional advantages in many market applications that serve to differentiate the Company’s products from those of its competitors and from other commonly available products.

Elastomer components are sold to original equipment manufacturers for applications in ground transportation, computer and office equipment, consumer and other markets. Trade names for the Company’s elastomer components include: NITROPHYL® floats for fill level sensing in fuel tanks, motors, and storage tanks; and ENDUR® elastomer rollers and belts for document handling in copiers, computer printers, mail sorting machines and automated teller machines. In 2004, the Company moved production of its elastomer components products from South Windham, Connecticut to its facility in Suzhou, China in an effort to be closer to its customers in the Asian marketplace and to improve production cost efficiencies. In 2006, to further improve production leverage, the Company moved its Korean float manufacturing operations, that it acquired in 2004, to its operations in Suzhou, China.

5

The Company’s nonwoven composite materials are manufactured for medical padding, industrial pre-filtration applications, and as consumable supplies in the lithographic printing industry.

Industrial laminates are manufactured by the Company under the Induflex â trade name. These polyester-based laminates, produced with thin aluminum and copper cladding, are sold mostly to telecommunications and data communication cable manufacturers for shielding electromagnetic and radio frequency interference, and to component manufacturers for making etched-foil heating elements and mobile phone antennas.

The Company’s polyolefin foams are sold to one significant customer, which uses them in certain printing applications.

Sales and Marketing

Most of the Company’s products are sold through direct sales channels positioned near major concentrations of its customers throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia. The Company’s products were sold to over 2,700 customers worldwide in 2006. Although the loss of all the sales made to any one of the Company’s larger customers would require a period of adjustment during which the business of a segment would be adversely affected, the Company believes that such adjustment could be made over a period of time due to the diversity of the Company’s customer base. The Company also believes that its business relationships with the major customers within all of its key markets are generally favorable, and that it is in a good position to respond promptly to variations in customer requirements and technology trends. However, the possibility exists of losing all the business of any major customer in any product line.

The Company markets its full range of products throughout the United States and in most foreign markets. Almost all of the Company’s sales are facilitated through the Company’s own worldwide sales force, with a small percentage facilitated through independent agents and distributors.

Competition

There are no firms that compete with the Company across its full range of product lines. However, each of the Company’s products faces competition in each business segment in domestic and foreign markets. Competition comes from firms of all sizes and types, including those with substantially more resources than the Company. The Company’s strategy is to offer technologically advanced products that are price competitive in their markets, and to link the product offerings with market knowledge and customer service. The Company believes this serves to differentiate the Company’s products in many markets.

Research and Development

The Company has many domestic and foreign patents and licenses and has additional patent applications on file related to all business segments. In some cases, the patents result in license royalties. The patents are of varying duration and provide some protection from competition. Although the Company vigorously defends its patents, the Company believes that its patents are most valuable when combined with its equipment, technology, skills and market position. The Company also owns a number of registered and unregistered trademarks and has acquired certain technology that it believes to be of importance to its business.
 

6


Environment

The nature and scope of the Company's business bring it in regular contact with the general public and a variety of businesses and government agencies. Such activities inherently subject the Company to the possibility of litigation, including environmental matters that are defended and handled in the ordinary course of business. The Company has established accruals for matters for which management considers a loss to be probable and reasonably estimable. The Company does not believe that the outcome of any of these environmental matters will have a material adverse effect on its results of operations, financial position or cash flows, nor has the Company had any material recurring costs or capital expenditures relating to environmental matters, except as disclosed in Item 3 (“Legal Proceedings”) and Footnote 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements of this Form 10-K. However, there can be no assurances that the ultimate liability concerning these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company.

Raw Materials

The manufacture of the Company’s various products and materials requires a wide variety of purchased raw materials. Some of these raw materials are available only from limited sources of supply that, if discontinued, could interrupt production. When this has occurred in the past, the Company has typically purchased sufficient quantities of the particular raw material to sustain production until alternative materials and production processes could be qualified with customers. Management believes that similar responses would mitigate any raw material availability issues in the future.

Seasonality

In the Company's opinion, there is generally no material concentration of products or markets within the business that are seasonal in nature, except for some minor seasonality for those products used in cellular telephones due to the annual new model launch timetable, which can vary slightly year to year in terms of timing and impact.

Employees

As of December 31, 2006, the Company employed approximately 2,500 employees.

Backlog

The Company’s backlog of firm orders was $39.8 million at December 31, 2006, as compared to $32.9 million at January 1, 2006. The increase at the end of 2006 was primarily related to the increase in sales in the Custom Electrical Components reportable segment, as backlog for electroluminescent lamps, primarily into the portable handheld communication device market, increased by approximately $4.0 million at year-end 2006 as compared to year-end 2005, in addition to increases in the backlog for other products sold in that segment.
 

7

Executive Officers

 
 
 
Name
 
 
 
Age
 
 
 
Present Position
Year
Elected to
Present
Position
 
 
 
Other Positions Held During 2002-2006
         
Robert D. Wachob
59
President and Chief
Executive Officer
2004
President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company from April 2002 to April 2004; Executive Vice President of the Company from January 2000 to April 2002
         
Dennis M. Loughran
49
Vice President,
Finance and Chief
Financial Officer
2006
Vice President, Finance and Supply Chain, Alcoa Consumer Products from June 2000 to January 2006
         
Paul B. Middleton
39
Corporate Controller
2001
Acting Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Controller of the Company from March 2005 to February 2006
         
Robert C. Daigle
43
Vice President,
Research and
Development and
Chief Technology
Officer
2003
Vice President and Manager, Advance Circuit Materials Division of the Company from October 2001 to October 2003
         
John A. Richie
59
Vice President,
Human Resources
1994
 
         
Robert M. Soffer
59
Vice President,
Treasurer and
Secretary
2005
Vice President and Secretary of the Company from December 2002 to March 2005; Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Clerk of the Company from June 2002 to December 2002; Vice President, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer and Clerk of the Company from April 2000 to June 2002
         
Debra J. Granger
47
Vice President,
Corporate
Compliance and
Controls
2007
Director, Corporate Compliance and Controls of the Company from March 2003 to February 2007; Manager, Investor and Public Relations of the Company from May 2000 to February 2003
         
W. David Smith
44
Vice President,
Manufacturing and
Information
Technology
2005
Vice President, Manufacturing of the Company from April 2004 to July 2005; Vice President, Elastomer Components Division of the Company from August 2000 to April 2004
         
Mario C. Kerr
52
Vice President,
Sales and
Marketing
2002
Corporate Director of Marketing of the Company from January 1999 to January 2002
         
Ty L. McFarland
38
Vice President,
Supply Chain
Management
2002
Supply Chain Manager of Durel Corporation from August 2001 to November 2002
         
Peter G. Kaczmarek
48
Vice President,
High Performance
Foams Division
2001
 
         
Frank J. Gillern
58
Vice President,
Advanced Circuit
Materials Division
2003
Vice President and Operations Manager of Durel Corporation from November 2000 to September 2003
         
 

8


 
 
 
Name
 
 
 
Age
 
 
 
Present Position
Year
Elected to
Present
 Position
 
 
 
Other Positions Held During 2002-2006
         
Michael D. Bessette
53
Vice President,
Durel Division
2003
Director, Product Development Polymers of the Company from June 2002 to December 2003; Senior R&D Group Manager of the Company from January 1998 to June 2002
         
Luc Van Eenaeme
48
Vice President,
Rogers Europe
2004
Acting Vice President and Managing Director, Rogers Europe from May 2003 to December 2003; New Business Development Manager of the Company from July 2002 to May 2003; Business Unit Manager of the Company’s Advanced Circuit Materials Operations in Europe from November 1998 to July 2002
         
Michael L. Cooper
54
Vice President,
Rogers Asia
2004
Vice President and Chief Information Officer of the Company from October 2001 to May 2004
         
 
Available Information

The Company makes available free of charge on its website ( http://www.rogerscorporation.com ) its Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, reports filed pursuant to Section 16 and amendments to those reports filed pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Exchange Act) as soon as reasonably practicable after the Company electronically files such material with, or furnishes it to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). In addition, the SEC maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC ( http://www.sec.gov ).

The Company also makes available on its website in a printable format the charters for certain of its various Board of Director committees, including the Audit Committee, Compensation and Organization Committee, and Nominating and Governance Committee, in addition to its Corporate Governance Guidelines, Bylaws and Code of Business Conduct and Ethics. This information is available in print without charge to any shareholder who requests it by sending a request to Rogers Corporation, One Technology Drive, P.O. Box 188, Rogers, CT 06263-0188, Attn: Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary. The Company’s website is not incorporated into or a part of this Form 10-K .

Item 1A. Risk Factors

The Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations are subject to various risks, including those discussed below, which may affect the value of the Company’s securities. The risks discussed below are those that management believes are currently the most significant, although additional risks not presently known to the Company or that the Company currently deems less significant may also impact its business, financial condition and results of operations, perhaps materially.

Technology and Product Development

The Company’s future results depend upon its ability to continue to develop new products and improve its product and process technologies. The Company’s success in these efforts will depend upon the Company’s ability to anticipate market requirements in its product development efforts, the acceptance and continued commercial success of the end user products for which the Company’s products have been designed, and the Company’s ability to adapt to technological changes and to support established and emerging industry standards.

In particular, the communications market is characterized by frequent new product introductions, evolving industry standards, rapid changes in product and process technologies, price competition and many new potential applications. The products that the Company manufactures and sells to the communications market are relatively new. To continue to be successful in this area, the Company must be able to consistently manufacture and supply materials that meet the demanding expectations of customers for quality, performance and reliability at competitive prices. The timely introduction by the Company of such new products could be affected by engineering or other development program delays and problems in effectively and efficiently increasing production to meet customer needs. In addition, the markets for computers and related equipment, such as printers and electronic portable hand-held devices, are characterized by rapid technological change, significant pricing pressures and short lead times. Because the Company manufactures and sells its own materials to meet the needs of these markets, the Company’s results may be negatively affected by these factors.

9

Volatility of Demand

The computer and related equipment industry and the communications industry have historically been characterized by wide fluctuations in product supply and demand. From time-to-time, these industries have experienced significant downturns, often in connection with, or in anticipation of, maturing product cycles and declines in general economic conditions. These downturns have been characterized by diminished product demand, production over-capacity and accelerated price erosion. The Company’s business may in the future be materially and adversely affected by such downturns.

Raw Materials

The Company from time to time must procure certain raw materials from single or limited sources that expose the Company to price increases and inconsistent material quality. In addition, the inability of the Company to obtain these materials in required quantities could result in significant delays or reductions in its own product shipments. In the past, the Company has been able to purchase sufficient quantities of raw materials to sustain production until alternative materials and production processes could be requalified with customers. However, any inability of the Company to obtain timely deliveries of materials of acceptable quantity or quality, or a significant increase in the prices of materials, could have a material adverse affect on the Company’s operating results.

Foreign Manufacturing and Sales

The Company’s international manufacturing and sales involve risks, including imposition of governmental controls, currency exchange fluctuation, potential insolvency of international customers, reduced protection for intellectual property rights, the impact of recessions in foreign countries, political instability, employee selection and retention and generally longer receivable collection periods, as well as tariffs and other trade barriers. There can be no assurance that these factors will not have an adverse effect on the Company’s future international manufacturing and sales, and consequently, on the Company’s business, operating results and financial condition.

Unanticipated Events that are Beyond the Company’s Control

The Company’s business and operating results may be affected by certain events that it cannot anticipate and that are beyond its control, such as natural disasters and national emergencies, which could disrupt production at the Company’s facilities and cause delayed deliveries, cancelled orders and possibly loss of market share. In addition, the Company purchases certain raw materials from single or limited sources, and, even if its facilities are not directly affected by such events, the Company could be affected by interruptions of production at its suppliers.

Key Personnel

The Company’s success depends to a significant extent upon the continued service of its executive officers and key management and technical personnel, particularly its experienced engineers, and on its ability to continue to attract and retain qualified personnel. The loss of services of one or more of its key personnel could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s operating results. In addition, there could be a material adverse effect on the Company’s operating results if the turnover rates for engineers and other key personnel increase significantly or if the Company is unable to continue to attract and retain qualified personnel.
 
10

Acquisitions and Divestitures

Acquisitions are a component of the Company’s growth strategy. Accordingly, the Company's future performance will be impacted by its ability to identify appropriate businesses to acquire, negotiate favorable terms for such acquisitions and then effectively and efficiently integrate such acquisitions into the Company's existing businesses. There is no certainty that the Company will succeed in such endeavors.

In relation to acquisitions and divestitures undertaken, it is common for the Company to structure the transactions to include earn-out and/or intellectual property royalty agreements that generally are tied to the performance of the underlying products or businesses acquired or divested. Accordingly, the Company’s future performance will be impacted by the respective performances of the products and/or businesses divested and the successful utilization of products and/or businesses acquired. In addition, there is no guarantee that these underlying products and/or businesses will perform as anticipated at the time the transactions were consummated.

Environmental and Other Litigation

The Company is subject to a variety of claims and lawsuits arising out of the conduct of its business. The Company is currently engaged in proceedings involving four waste disposal sites, as a participant in a group of potentially responsible parties (PRP's). The Company’s estimation of environmental liabilities is based on an evaluation of currently available information with respect to each individual situation, including existing technology, presently enacted laws and regulations, and the Company’s past experience in addressing environmental matters. Although current regulations impose potential joint and several liability upon each named party at any superfund site, the Company expects its contribution for cleanup to be limited due to the number of other PRP's, and the Company’s share of the contributions of alleged waste to the sites, which the Company believes is de minimis. In addition, the Company believes it has sufficient insurance to cover all material costs of these claims. However, there can be no assurances that the Company’s estimates will not be disputed or that any ultimate liability concerning these sites will not have a material adverse effect on the Company.

The Company is also involved in certain asbestos-related product liability litigation. The level of such litigation has escalated in certain U.S. states in the past several years and involves hundreds of companies that have been named as defendants. The Company believes it has sufficient insurance to cover all material costs of these claims and that it has valid defenses to these claims and intends to defend itself vigorously in these matters. However, there can be no assurances that the ultimate resolution of these matters will be consistent with the Company’s expectations and will not have a material adverse effect on the Company.

Adequacy of Reserve Levels

The Company establishes reserves to cover uncollectible accounts receivable, excess or obsolete inventory, fair market value write-downs of certain assets, and various liabilities, which may not be adequate to cover future write-downs or losses. These reserves are subject to adjustment from time to time depending on actual experience and are subject to many uncertainties, including bankruptcy or other financial problems at key customers. In the case of litigation matters for which reserves have not been established because the loss is not deemed probable, it is reasonably possible such matters could be decided against the Company and require the payment of damages or other expenditures in amounts that are not presently estimable.

The effects on the Company’s financial results by many of these factors depends in some cases on its ability to obtain insurance covering potential losses at reasonable rates.

Changes in Tax Rates and Exposure to Additional Income Tax Liabilities

The Company is subject to income taxes in both the United States and various foreign jurisdictions, and its domestic and international tax liabilities are subject to the allocation of income among these different jurisdictions. Its effective tax rates could be adversely affected by changes in the mix of earnings in countries with differing statutory tax rates, changes in the valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities, or in tax laws, which could affect the Company’s profitability. In particular, the carrying value of deferred tax assets is dependent on the Company’s ability to generate future taxable income. In addition, the amount of income taxes the Company pays is subject to audits in various jurisdictions, and a material assessment by a tax authority could affect profitability.

11

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

Item 2. Properties

On December 31, 2006, the Company operated various manufacturing facilities and sales offices throughout the United States, Europe and Asia. In general, its facilities are in good condition, are considered to be adequate for the uses to which they are being put, and are in the aggregate substantially in regular use. The principal facilities and offices are listed below:

 
Location
Floor Space
(Square Feet)
 
Type of Facility
 
Leased / Owned
       
United States
     
Rogers, Connecticut
506,000
Manufacturing / Administrative Offices
Owned
Woodstock, Connecticut
152,000
Manufacturing
Owned
Carol Stream, Illinois
215,000
Manufacturing
Owned
Chandler, Arizona
156,000
Manufacturing
Owned
Chandler, Arizona
142,000
Manufacturing
Owned
Chandler, Arizona
120,000
Manufacturing
Owned
South Windham, Connecticut
88,000
Formerly Manufacturing
Owned
 
     
Belgium
     
Evergem, Belgium
74,000
Manufacturing
Owned
Ghent, Belgium
104,000
Manufacturing
Owned
Ghent, Belgium
66,000
Manufacturing
Owned
       
Asia
     
Suzhou, China
200,000
Manufacturing
Owned
Suzhou, China
93,000
Manufacturing
Leased through 7/08
Suzhou, China
93,000
Manufacturing
Leased through 11/08
Suzhou, China
215,000
Manufacturing
Owned
Suzhou, China
10,000
Warehouse
Leased through 9/07
Tokyo, Japan
2,000
Sales Office
Leased through 3/08
Hwasung City, Korea
10,000
Manufacturing
Leased through 2/09
Wanchai, Hong Kong
1,000
Sales Office
Leased through 4/07
Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C.
1,000
Sales Office
Leased through 7/07
Seoul, Korea
1,000
Sales Office
Leased through 2/08
Singapore
1,000
Sales Office
Leased through 5/07
Shanghai, China
1,000
Sales Office
Leased through 8/08
Shenzhen, China
1,000
Sales Office
Leased through 6/07
Beijing, China
1,000
Sales Office
Leased through 9/08
 

12

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

The Company is currently engaged in the following environmental and legal proceedings:

Environmental Remediation in Manchester, Connecticut

In the fourth quarter of 2002, the Company sold its Moldable Composites Division (MCD) located in Manchester, Connecticut to Vyncolit North America, Inc. (Vyncolit), at the time a subsidiary of the Perstorp Group (Perstorp), located in Sweden. Subsequent to the divestiture, certain environmental matters were discovered at the Manchester location and Rogers determined that under the terms of the arrangement, the Company would be responsible for estimated remediation costs of approximately $500,000 and recorded this reserve in 2002 in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (SFAS) No. 5 (SFAS 5), Accounting for Contingencies . The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (CT DEP) accepted the Company’s Remedial Action Plan in February 2005. The Company completed its remediation activities in December 2005 and started post-remediation groundwater monitoring in 2006. The cost of the remediation approximated the reserve originally recorded in 2002. The Company plans to complete four rounds of quarterly groundwater monitoring and file a request for a waiver with the CT DEP if the groundwater monitoring confirms that soil remediation was successful. The cost of monitoring, which is not expected to be material, will be treated as period expenses as incurred.

Superfund Sites

The Company is currently involved as a potentially responsible party (PRP) in four active cases involving waste disposal sites. In certain cases, these proceedings are at a stage where it is still not possible to estimate the ultimate cost of remediation, the timing and extent of remedial action that may be required by governmental authorities, and the amount of liability, if any, of the Company alone or in relation to that of any other PRPs. However, the costs incurred since inception for these claims have been immaterial and have been primarily covered by insurance policies, for both legal and remediation costs. In one particular case, the Company has been assessed a cost sharing percentage of 2.67% in relation to the range for estimated total cleanup costs of $17 to $24 million. The Company has confirmed sufficient insurance coverage to fully cover this liability and has recorded a liability and related insurance receivable of approximately $0.5 million, which approximates its share of the low end of the range.

In all its superfund cases, the Company believes it is a de minimis participant and has only been allocated an insignificant percentage of the total PRP cost sharing responsibility. Based on facts presently known to it, the Company believes that the potential for the final results of these cases having a material adverse effect on its results of operations, financial position or cash flows is remote. These cases have been ongoing for many years and the Company believes that they will continue on for the indefinite future. No time frame for completion can be estimated at the present time.
 
PCB Contamination

The Company has been working with the CT DEP and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region I related to certain polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) contamination in the soil beneath a section of cement flooring at its Woodstock, Connecticut facility. The Company completed clean-up efforts in 2000 in accordance with a previously agreed upon remediation plan. Subsequent to these efforts, a Groundwater Remedial Action Plan was prepared to address residual PCB’s that were present in the shallow groundwater at the site. The Company recently proposed a Monitored Natural Attenuation (MNA) remedy to the CT DEP and the EPA, as the current well network appears sufficient to monitor the natural attenuation and the stability of the plume. The Company will continue to monitor the site and report the results of its monitoring to the CT DEP and the EPA. Since inception, the Company has spent approximately $2.5 million in remediation and monitoring costs related to the site. The Company cannot estimate the range of future remediation costs based on facts and circumstances known to it at the present time. The Company believes that this situation will continue for several more years and no time frame for completion can be estimated at the present time.

Asbestos Litigation

Over the past several years, there has been a significant increase in certain U.S. states in asbestos-related product liability claims brought against numerous industrial companies where the third-party plaintiffs allege personal injury from exposure to asbestos-containing products. The Company has been named, along with hundreds of other companies, as a defendant in some of these claims. In virtually all of these claims filed against the Company, the plaintiffs are seeking unspecified damages, or, if an amount is specified, it merely represents jurisdictional amounts or amounts to be proven at trial. Even in those situations where specific damages are alleged, the claims frequently seek the same amount of damages, irrespective of the disease or injury. Plaintiffs’ lawyers often sue dozens or even hundreds of defendants in individual lawsuits on behalf of hundreds or even thousands of claimants. As a result, even when specific damages are alleged with respect to a specific disease or injury, those damages are not expressly identified as to the Company.

13

The Company did not mine, mill, manufacture or market asbestos; rather, the Company made some limited products, which contained encapsulated asbestos. Such products were provided to industrial users. The Company stopped manufacturing these products in 1987.

·  
Claims

The Company has been named in asbestos litigation primarily in Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Mississippi. As of December 31, 2006, there were approximately 148 pending claims compared to 215 pending claims at January 1, 2006. The number of open claims during a particular time can fluctuate significantly from period to period depending on how successful the Company has been in getting these cases dismissed or settled. In addition, most of these lawsuits do not include specific dollar claims for damages, and many include a number of plaintiffs and multiple defendants. Therefore, the Company cannot provide any meaningful disclosure about the total amount of the damages sought.

The rate at which plaintiffs filed asbestos-related suits against the Company increased in 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004 because of increased activity on the part of plaintiffs to identify those companies that sold asbestos containing products, but which did not directly mine, mill or market asbestos. A significant increase in the volume of asbestos-related bodily injury cases arose in Mississippi in 2002. This increase in the volume of claims in Mississippi was apparently due to the passage of tort reform legislation (applicable to asbestos-related injuries), which became effective on September 1, 2003 and which resulted in a higher than average number of claims being filed in Mississippi by plaintiffs seeking to ensure their claims would be governed by the law in effect prior to the passage of tort reform. The number of asbestos-related suits filed against the Company declined in 2005 and then again in 2006. It is too early to determine if the rate of such filings against the Company will continue to decline.

·  
Defenses

In many cases, plaintiffs are unable to demonstrate that they have suffered any compensable loss as a result of exposure to the Company’s asbestos-containing products. Management continues to believe that a majority of the claimants in pending cases will not be able to demonstrate exposure or loss. This belief is based in large part on two factors: the limited number of asbestos-related products manufactured and sold by the Company and the fact that the asbestos was encapsulated in such products. In addition, even at sites where the presence of an alleged injured party can be verified during the same period those products were used, liability of the Company cannot be presumed because even if an individual contracted an asbestos-related disease, not everyone who was employed at a site was exposed to the Company’s asbestos-containing products. Based on these and other factors, the Company has and will continue to vigorously defend itself in asbestos-related matters.

·  
Dismissals and Settlements

Cases involving the Company typically name 50-300 defendants, although some cases have had as few as one and as many as 833 defendants. The Company has obtained dismissals of many of these claims. In 2006 and 2005, the Company was able to have approximately 76 and 159 claims dismissed, respectively, and settled 15 and 12 claims, respectively. The majority of costs have been paid by the Company’s insurance carriers, including the costs associated with the small number of cases that have been settled. Such settlements totaled approximately $5.1 million in 2006, and approximately $4.4 million in 2005. Although these figures provide some insight into the Company’s experience with asbestos litigation, no guarantee can be made as to the dismissal and settlement rate the Company will experience in the future.

Settlements are made without any admission of liability. Settlement amounts may vary depending upon a number of factors, including the jurisdiction where the action was brought, the nature and extent of the disease alleged and the associated medical evidence, the age and occupation of the claimant, the existence or absence of other possible causes of the alleged illness of the alleged injured party, and the availability of legal defenses, as well as whether the action is brought alone or as part of a group of claimants. To date, the Company has been successful in obtaining dismissals for many of the claims and has settled only a limited number. The majority of settled claims were settled for immaterial amounts, and the majority of such costs have been paid by the Company’s insurance carriers. In addition, to date, the Company has not been required to pay any punitive damage awards.

14

·  
Potential Liability

In late 2004, the Company determined that it was reasonably prudent, based on facts and circumstances known to it at that time, to have a formal analysis performed to determine its potential future liability and related insurance coverage for asbestos-related matters. This determination was made based on several factors, including the growing number of asbestos-related claims, at the time, and the related settlement history. As a result, National Economic Research Associates, Inc. (NERA), a consulting firm with expertise in the field of evaluating mass tort litigation asbestos bodily-injury claims, was engaged to assist the Company in projecting the Company’s future asbestos-related liabilities and defense costs with regard to pending claims and future unasserted claims. Projecting future asbestos costs is subject to numerous variables that are extremely difficult to predict, including the number of claims that might be received, the type and severity of the disease alleged by each claimant, the long latency period associated with asbestos exposure, dismissal rates, costs of medical treatment, the financial resources of other companies that are co-defendants in claims, uncertainties surrounding the litigation process from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and from case to case, and the impact of potential changes in legislative or judicial standards, including potential tort reform. Furthermore, any predictions with respect to these variables are subject to even greater uncertainty as the projection period lengthens. In light of these inherent uncertainties, the Company’s limited claims history and consultations with NERA, the Company believes that five years is the most reasonable period for recognizing a reserve for future costs, and that costs that might be incurred after that period are not reasonably estimable at this time. As a result, the Company also believes that its ultimate net asbestos-related contingent liability (i.e., its indemnity or other claim disposition costs plus related legal fees) cannot be estimated with certainty.

·  
Insurance Coverage

The Company’s applicable insurance policies generally provide coverage for asbestos liability costs, including coverage for both resolution and defense costs. Following the initiation of asbestos litigation, an effort was made to identify all of the Company’s primary and excess insurance carriers that provided applicable coverage beginning in the 1950s through the mid-1980s. There appear to be three such primary carriers, all of which were put on notice of the litigation. In late 2004, Marsh Risk Consulting (Marsh), a consulting firm with expertise in the field of evaluating insurance coverage and the likelihood of recovery for asbestos-related claims, was engaged to work with the Company to project the insurance coverage of the Company for asbestos-related claims. Marsh’s conclusions were based primarily on a review of the Company’s coverage history, application of reasonable assumptions on the allocation of coverage consistent with industry standards, an assessment of the creditworthiness of the insurance carriers, analysis of applicable deductibles, retentions and policy limits, the experience of NERA and a review of NERA’s reports.

·  
Cost Sharing Agreement

To date, the Company’s primary insurance carriers have provided for substantially all of the settlement and defense costs associated with its asbestos-related claims. However, as claims continued, the Company and its primary insurance carriers determined that it would be appropriate to enter into a cost sharing agreement to clearly define the cost sharing relationship among such carriers and the Company. As of November 5, 2004, an interim cost sharing agreement was established that provided that the primary insurance carriers would continue to pay all resolution and defense costs associated with these claims until a definitive cost sharing arrangement was consummated. This interim agreement was superseded by a definitive cost sharing agreement which was finalized on September 28, 2006. The cost sharing formula in the definitive agreement is essentially the same as in the formula in the interim agreement.

·  
Impact on Financial Statements

Given the inherent uncertainty in making future projections, the Company has had the projections of current and future asbestos claims periodically re-examined, and the Company will have them updated if needed based on the Company’s experience, changes in the underlying assumptions that formed the basis for NERA’s and Marsh’s models, and other relevant factors, such as changes in the tort system and the Company’s success in resolving claims against the Company. Based on the assumptions employed by and the report prepared by NERA and other variables, in the fourth quarter of 2004 the Company recorded a reserve for its estimated bodily injury liabilities for asbestos-related matters, including projected indemnity and legal costs, for the five-year period through 2009 in the undiscounted amount of $36.2 million. Likewise, based on the analysis prepared by Marsh, the Company recorded a receivable for its estimated insurance recovery of $36.0 million. This resulted in the Company recording a pre-tax charge to earnings of approximately $230,000 in 2004. At year-end 2005, NERA and Marsh were asked to update their respective analyses, which they did, and the Company adjusted its estimated liability and estimated insurance recovery, for the five-year period through 2010, to $37.9 million and $37.6 million, respectively, resulting in a cumulative pre-tax charge to earnings of approximately $300,000, of which approximately $70,000 was recognized in 2005. At year-end 2006, NERA and Marsh were again asked to update their respective analyses, which they did, and as a result the Company reduced the estimated liability and estimated insurance recovery, for the five-year period through 2011, to $22.9 million and $22.7 million, respectively, resulting in a cumulative pre-tax charge to earnings of approximately $190,000. This resulted in the recognition of approximately $110,000 of income in 2006. The significant reduction in estimated liabilities is primarily due to a reduction in the rate of claims filed against the Company and a decrease in the average settlement amount.

15

The amounts recorded by the Company for the asbestos-related liability and the related insurance receivables described above were based on currently known facts and a number of assumptions. However, projecting future events, such as the number of new claims to be filed each year, the average cost of disposing of such claims, coverage issues among insurers, and the continuing solvency of various insurance companies, as well as the numerous uncertainties surrounding asbestos litigation in the United States, could cause the actual liability and insurance recoveries for the Company to be higher or lower than those projected or recorded.

There can be no assurance that the Company’s accrued asbestos liabilities will approximate its actual asbestos-related settlement and defense costs, or that its accrued insurance recoveries will be realized. The Company believes that it is reasonably possible that it will incur additional charges for its asbestos liabilities and defense costs in the future, which could exceed existing reserves, but such excess amount cannot be estimated at this time. The Company will continue to vigorously defend itself and believes it has substantial unutilized insurance coverage to mitigate future costs related to this matter.

Other Environmental and General Litigation Matters

In 2004, the Company became aware of a potential environmental matter at its facility in Korea involving possible soil contamination. The initial assessment of the site has been completed and has confirmed that there is contamination. The Company believes that such contamination is historical and occurred prior to its occupation of the facility. Based on this information, the Company believes it is under no current obligation to remediate the site, but it will continue to monitor the issue.

The Company is also aware of a potential environmental matter involving soil contamination at one of its European facilities. The Company believes that the contamination is a historical issue attributed to the former owner, UCB, of the site. The Company recently completed a Descriptive Soil Investigation (DSI) at the site, and the contamination appears to be localized in the area of the former underground storage tanks. The Company is in the process of preparing a Remedial Action Plan for submittal to the OVAM, the applicable Belgian regulatory agency. As of December 31, 2006, the Company has recorded a reserve of $0.4 million, which approximates the low end of the potential loss.

In 2005, the Company began to market its manufacturing facility in South Windham, Connecticut to find potential interested buyers. This facility was formerly the location of the manufacturing operations of the Company’s elastomer component and float businesses prior to the relocation of these businesses to Suzhou, China in the fall of 2004. As part of its due diligence in preparing the site for sale, the Company determined that there were several environmental issues at the site and, although under no legal obligation to voluntarily remediate the site, the Company believed that remediation procedures would have to be performed in order to successfully sell the property. Therefore, the Company obtained an independent third-party assessment on the site, which determined that the potential remediation cost range would be approximately $0.4 million to $1.0 million. In accordance with SFAS 5, the Company determined that the potential remediation would most likely approximate the mid-point of this range and recorded a $0.7 million charge in the fourth quarter of 2005, which remains recorded at December 31, 2006.

16

In the second quarter of 2006, a former customer of the Company’s polyolefin foam business filed suit against the Company for a multitude of alleged improprieties, including breach of contract, although the Company has not been formally served in this lawsuit. The Company has entered into settlement discussions with this former customer in lieu of legal proceedings and as   of December 31, 2006, it estimates that the low end of the potential settlement range approximates $1.9 million, which has been accrued. Should settlement negotiations fail, the Company intends to defend itself vigorously in this matter.

In addition to the above issues, the nature and scope of the Company's business bring it in regular contact with the general public and a variety of businesses and government agencies. Such activities inherently subject the Company to the possibility of litigation, including environmental and product liability matters that are defended and handled in the ordinary course of business. The Company has established accruals for matters for which management considers a loss to be probable and reasonably estimable. It is the opinion of management that facts known at the present time do not indicate that such litigation, after taking into account insurance coverage and the aforementioned accruals, will have a material adverse impact on the results of operations, financial position, or cash flows of the Company.

For additional discussion on the Company’s environmental and litigation matters, see Footnote 10 to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.




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

None.


17

 

PART II

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The common stock of the Company is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “ROG”. As of the end of business on February 16, 2007, the Company had 719 shareholders of record. On the same date, the trading price of the Company’s common stock closed at $53.57 per share.

Capital Stock Market Prices

The following table sets forth the high and low prices during each quarter of the last two years on a per share basis.

   
2006
 
2005
 
   
High
 
Low
 
High
 
Low
 
                   
Fourth
 
$
75.00
 
$
58.80
 
$
41.40
 
$
34.63
 
Third
   
65.01
   
51.61
   
41.90
   
35.80
 
Second
   
64.30
   
49.47
   
45.00
   
33.87
 
First
   
56.04
   
38.50
   
46.50
   
39.08
 

Dividend Policy

The Company did not pay any dividends on its common stock in fiscal 2006 and 2005. The Company periodically evaluates the desirability of paying a dividend; however, at present, the Company expects to maintain a policy of emphasizing longer-term growth of capital rather than immediate dividend income .

Issuer Purchase of Equity Securities        

From time to time, the Company’s Board of Directors authorizes the repurchase, at management’s discretion, of shares of the Company’s common stock. On October 28, 2004, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to an aggregate of $25 million in market value of such common stock. This repurchase plan was scheduled to expire on October 28, 2005; however, on October 27, 2005, the Board of Directors cancelled the unused portion of this plan and approved another buyback program, under which the Company was authorized to repurchase up to an aggregate of an additional $25 million in market value of common stock over a twelve-month period. Under this buyback program, the Company repurchased approximately 95,000 shares of common stock at an aggregate purchase price of $3.6 million. There were no repurchases in 2006, and in October 2006 the program expired with authorization to repurchase approximately $21.4 million of common stock remaining. On February 15, 2007, the Board of Directors approved a new buyback program, under which the Company is authorized to repurchase up to an aggregate of $50 million in market value of common stock over a twelve-month period.

Item 6. Selected Financial Data

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
   
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
2003*
 
2002**
 
Sales and income
                     
                       
Net sales
 
$
454,562
 
$
356,112
 
$
370,237
 
$
246,972
 
$
222,938
 
Income before income taxes
   
58,331
   
11,786
   
46,779
   
35,034
   
24,809
 
Net income
   
46,456
   
16,440
   
34,069
   
26,275
   
18,607
 
                                 
Per Share Data
                               
                                 
Basic
   
2.77
   
1.01
   
2.08
   
1.67
   
1.20
 
Diluted
   
2.69
   
0.98
   
1.99
   
1.61
   
1.16
 
Book value
   
21.09
   
17.24
   
17.12
   
14.57
   
12.21
 
                                 
Financial Position
                               
                                 
Current assets
   
272,554
   
181,030
   
172,934
   
127,097
   
87,675
 
Current liabilities
   
82,143
   
57,366
   
57,387
   
50,023
   
34,780
 
Ratio of current assets to current liabilities
   
3.3 to 1
   
3.2 to 1
   
3.0 to 1
   
2.5 to 1
   
2.5 to 1
 
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments
   
81,823
   
46,401
   
39,967
   
34,481
   
28,928
 
Working capital
   
190,411
   
123,664
   
115,547
   
77,074
   
52,895
 
Property, plant and equipment, net
   
141,728
   
131,616
   
140,384
   
131,157
   
99,883
 
Total assets
   
480,902
   
400,600
   
405,195
   
314,440
   
257,701
 
Long-term debt less current maturities
   
   
   
   
   
 
Shareholders’ Equity
   
357,177
   
280,250
   
281,495
   
233,026
   
189,195
 
Long-term debt as a percentage of  shareholders’ equity
   
0
%
 
0
%
 
0
%
 
0
%
 
0
%
                                 
Other Data
                               
                                 
Depreciation and amortization
   
19,529
   
16,853
   
18,068
   
13,615
   
13,571
 
Research and development expenses
   
24,364
   
19,959
   
20,490
   
13,665
   
13,596
 
Capital expenditures
   
23,074
   
28,613
   
28,131
   
17,951
   
22,682
 
Number of employees (average)
   
2,416
   
1,975
   
1,728
   
1,197
   
1,251
 
Net sales per employee
   
188
   
180
   
214
   
206
   
178
 
Number of shares outstanding at year-end
   
16,937,523
   
16,255,024
   
16,437,790
   
15,995,713
   
15,496,261
 
                                 
 
* 2003 consolidated results include three months of operations of Durel Corporation (acquired on September 30, 2003).
** The Company’s Moldable Composites Division was divested in the fourth quarter of 2002.
 
19


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

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read together with the Selected Financial Data and our Consolidated Financial Statements and the related notes that appear elsewhere in this Form 10-K.

Business Overview

Rogers Corporation is a global enterprise that provides its customers with innovative solutions with industry leading materials-based specialty products for a variety of markets that include portable communications devices, communications infrastructure, computer and office equipment, aerospace and defense, ground transportation, and consumer markets. The Company generates revenues and cash flows through the development, manufacturing, and distribution of specialty material-based products and components that are sold to multiple customers, primarily original equipment manufacturers (OEM’s) and contract manufacturers, that, in turn, produce component products that are sold to end-customers for use in various applications. As such, Rogers’ business is highly dependent, although indirectly, on market demand for these end-user products. The Company’s ability to forecast future sales growth is largely dependent on management’s ability to anticipate changing market conditions and how the Company’s customers will react to these changing conditions; it is also highly limited due to the short lead times demanded by the Company’s customers and the dynamics of serving as a relatively small supplier in the overall supply chain for these end-user products. In addition, t he Company’s sales represent a number of different products across a wide range of price points and distribution channels that do not always allow for meaningful quantitative analysis of changes in demand or price per unit with respect to the effect on net sales.

The Company’s current focus is on worldwide markets that have an increasing percentage of materials being used to support growing high technology applications, such as cellular base stations and antennas, handheld wireless devices, satellite television receivers, hard disk drives and automotive electronics. The Company continues to focus on business opportunities around the globe and particularly in the Asian marketplace, as evidenced by the continued investment in and expansion of its manufacturing facilities in Suzhou, China, which function as the Company’s manufacturing base to serve its customers in Asia. Rogers’ goal is to become the supplier of choice for its customers in all of the various markets in which the Company participates. To achieve this goal, the Company strives to make the best products in these respective markets and to deliver the highest level of service to its customers.

In the past few years the Company has worked to better align its business with its customers, which includes having manufacturing capacity close to its customers in order to be responsive to their needs and to manufacture the highest quality products. To reach these goals, the Company has invested significantly in its operations in China, as many of its products, including electroluminescent (EL) lamps, busbars, elastomer components and floats are now being manufactured at its campus in Suzhou, China. The Company continues to focus on the expansion of this facility, particularly as the demand for certain key products, such as EL lamps, continues to grow from its Asian customers. The Company has future plans to expand this facility’s manufacturing capacity to include printed circuit materials, as well as new polyurethane foam capacity at its Rogers Inoac Suzhou Corporation (RIS) joint venture. Most of the manufacturing capacity that has been placed in China is now operating at yield and efficiency levels comparable to its US and Belgian operations, allowing the Company to further leverage the favorable cost and tax structures available in China. Much of the Company’s recently experienced record operating results are directly attributable to the China operations and the increasing demand for the Company’s industry leading products. The Company continues to focus on growing its key strategic businesses, particularly those that serve the portable communications devices markets.

As a result of the substantial efforts made in the last few years to reshape and grow the business, the Company experienced record sales and profit levels in 2006. Management believes that the Company is taking the steps to ensure that it has sufficient resources to focus on new business development and the necessary production capacity in place in its key markets to further grow its strategic businesses and believes that the strong performance experienced in 2006 will continue in 2007.

Going forward, the Company is also focused on developing new markets, such as semiconductor thermal management, that it believes will provide growth opportunities for its specialty materials products. As such, the Company entered into a strategic partnership with Thermal Transfer Composites Corporation (TTC), a company that has significant intellectual property associated with certain products in the semiconductor thermal management market, in the third quarter. Under this agreement, the Company will support TTC’s research and development efforts that will enable the further development of TTC’s proprietary technology and also provide TTC with additional distribution channels to broaden its range of potential customers. The agreement also includes an option to buy the business after a set period of time if certain milestones are achieved. The Company believes that pursuing these types of arrangements with companies that have emerging technologies and products will help foster and drive its future growth and allow the Company to diversify its product and market base, while minimizing the risk to the Company. In addition, in November 2006, the Company purchased the composite business of Precision Castparts Corp. (PCC), which is a worldwide manufacturer of complex metal components and products. In conjunction with the partnership with TTC, the Company now believes that it has the ability to deliver the largest range of metal matrix composite solutions in the world.

20

Realigning certain businesses, particularly in its Other Polymer Products reportable segment, to fit the long-term strategic goals of the Company and to bring that segment to acceptable profitability levels is another focus of the Company. As evidenced by the impairment charges recorded in the second quarter of 2006 on both its polyolefin foam and polyester-based industrial laminates businesses, the Company is aggressively evaluating the long-term prospects of each of its businesses in an effort to further strengthen its core product-base and to focus on the key businesses that management believes will allow the Company to continue to grow in the future.

Rogers continues to work diligently to constantly improve its processes and to expand its presence in the markets in which it participates. To help drive these improvements, the Company continues to invest in its Six Sigma® initiatives to help streamline and improve its processes - from manufacturing to transactional and from product to service. The Company continuously has projects in progress as it is focused on gaining both operational and transactional efficiencies as a result of its Six Sigma® efforts. Also, as part of the efforts to standardize the operational and financial processes and procedures it relies upon around the world, the Company is focusing significant effort and making strong progress in the implementation of a global enterprise resource planning (ERP) system that will bring its worldwide locations under a common system and allow for timely sharing of information around the globe. As with its past initiatives, the Company expects that these future undertakings will better position the Company for the long-term, but that it will take some time before the Company is able to achieve the desired benefits.

Results of Operations

The following table sets forth, for the last three fiscal years, selected Company operating data expressed as a percentage of net sales.
   
 
2006
 
 
2005
 
 
2004
 
               
Net sales
   
100.0%
 
 
100.0%
 
 
100.0%
 
Manufacturing margins
   
31.4%
 
 
29.0%
 
 
30.6%
 
                     
Selling and administrative expenses
   
13.9%
 
 
15.7%
 
 
15.1%
 
Research and development expenses
   
5.3%
 
 
5.6%
 
 
5.5%
 
Restructuring and impairment charges
   
2.5%
 
 
6.4%
 
 
0.7%
 
Operating profit
   
9.7%
 
 
1.3%
 
 
9.3%
 
                     
Equity income in unconsolidated joint ventures
   
1.9%
 
 
1.5%
 
 
1.6%
 
Other income
   
1.2%
 
 
0.5%
 
 
1.7%
 
Income before income taxes
   
12.8%
 
 
3.3%
 
 
12.6%
 
                     
Income taxes
   
2.6%
 
 
(1.3)%
 
 
3.4%
 
                     
Net income
   
10.2%
 
 
4.6%
 
 
9.2%
 
                     
 
21


2006 vs. 2005

Net Sales

The Company experienced record sales in 2006 of $454.6 million, an increase of 28% from $356.1 million of sales in 2005. The increase in sales is primarily due to an 87% increase in sales in the Custom Electrical Components reportable segment from $80.0 million in 2005 to $149.4 million in 2006; as well as slight increases in sales in each of the Company’s three other reportable segments. The factors resulting in these sales increases are discussed in greater detail in the “Segment Sales and Operations” section below.

Manufacturing Margins

Manufacturing margins increased approximately 240 basis points to 31.4% in 2006 from 29.0% in 2005. The increase in margins is primarily attributable to an increase of 12.1 percentage points in margins in the Custom Electrical Components reportable segment to 26.7% in 2006 from 14.6% in 2005. This increase is primarily driven from the increase in operating leverages due to the sales growth mentioned above, as well as improved production efficiencies, particularly in the new manufacturing operations in China. In addition, margins in the Other Polymer Products reportable segment increased to 12.2% in 2006 from (5.6)% in 2005 primarily due to the improved operating results in polyolefin foams in 2006 as compared to 2005, as a result of the restructuring activities that occurred in 2005. Manufacturing margins in the High Performance Foams and Printed Circuit Materials reportable segments were relatively flat year over year.

Selling and Administrative Expenses

Selling and administrative expenses were $63.0 million in 2006, an increase of $7.2 million from $55.8 million in 2005. The increase was driven by additional incentive compensation expense in 2006, primarily related to the increase in sales volume and operating results in 2006, as well as the expensing of stock options and other equity awards as a result of the adoption of SFAS No. 123 (Revised 2004), Share-Based Payment (SFAS 123R), in the first quarter of 2006. Overall selling and administrative expenses decreased slightly as a percentage of sales from 15.7% in 2005 to 13.9% in 2006.
 
Research and Development Expenses

Research and development expenses increased $4.4 million from $20.0 million in 2005 to $24.4 million in 2006. As a percentage of sales, expenses decreased slightly in 2006 to 5.3% as compared to 5.6% in 2005. The Company’s strategic plan is to invest an average of 6% of net sales annually into research and development and it is expected that future expenditures will be consistent with this targeted investment level. The Company continues to invest in research and development to improve its existing technologies and find new applications for these materials; as well as to explore new, emerging technologies that the Company believes will complement its existing product portfolio.

Restructuring and Impairment Charges

Restructuring and impairment charges in 2006 were $11.3 million as compared to $22.6 million in 2005. 2006 charges were comprised of $6.3 million related to the impairment of goodwill associated with the polyolefin foam business and $5.0 million related to the impairment of goodwill associated with the polyester-based industrial laminates business. 2005 charges included $22.0 million related to the impairment of certain assets of the polyolefin foam business and $0.6 million in charges related to the impairment of certain machinery and equipment associated with the Company’s high frequency materials business. Further discussion of these amounts is as follows:

·  
Polyolefin Foams

The Company acquired certain assets of the polyolefin foam business, including intellectual property rights, inventory, machinery and equipment, and customer lists from Cellect LLC, in the beginning of fiscal year 2002. The Company migrated the manufacturing process to its Carol Stream, Illinois facility, which was completed at the end of the third quarter of 2004. This migration included the development of new process technology and the purchase of custom machinery, which the Company believed at the time would allow it to gain efficiencies in the manufacturing process and improvements in product quality. After completing this transition, the Company focused on realizing these previously anticipated efficiencies and improvements, but encountered a variety of business issues, including changing customer requirements in the polyolefin marketplace, a significant increase in raw material costs, and other quality and delivery issues. In light of these circumstances, the Company commenced a study in the first quarter of 2005 to update its market understanding and assess the long-term viability of the polyolefin business. This study was completed in the second quarter of 2005 and confirmed that the business environment surrounding the polyolefin foam business had changed from the time of the Company’s initial purchase in 2002, which caused the Company to revisit its business plan for the polyolefin foam business. At that time, the polyolefin business was experiencing significant operating losses and, during the second quarter of 2005, the Company concluded that under the existing circumstances it would be very difficult and cost prohibitive to produce the current polyolefin products on a profitable basis and decided to scale back on the business by shedding unprofitable customers and concentrating on developing new, more profitable polyolefin products. This conclusion led to the performance of an impairment analysis that was conducted in accordance with SFAS No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets (SFAS 144), and SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (SFAS 142), and resulted in the $22.0 million charge recorded in 2005.

22

Subsequent to the second quarter of 2005, the Company worked to improve the operating performance and cash flows of the newly restructured business. The Company shed its most unprofitable product lines, which resulted in the retention of only one significant customer. In order to achieve acceptable profitability levels, the Company negotiated a prospective arrangement with this customer, which included a significant pricing increase and preferred supplier status for this particular product. This agreement would be effective for a one-year period beginning in January 2006. However, given the apparent mutually beneficial relationship with this customer at that time, the Company believed that this arrangement would be sustained for a longer period of time, which would generate sufficient cash flows to allow further growth in this business. In particular, the Company believed that the related polyolefin products being purchased by this customer had a distinct technological advantage in the marketplace. At the end of 2005, the long-term projections associated with this business were based on the newly negotiated contract, the assumption that this contract would be renewed at the end of 2006, and the organic growth the Company had experienced with this customer since the acquisition of the business, which the Company believed would continue in the future. The anticipated improvements in the business were further validated by the significant improvements in operating results and cash flows in the second half of 2005 as compared to the first half of the year and the further improvement achieved in the first half of 2006. Overall, these projections supported the recoverability of the residual asset base of the polyolefin business and the Company determined that no additional impairment charges were necessary at the end of 2005.

In the second quarter of 2006, however, this customer approached the Company with a demand to significantly reduce the pricing of its products, as well as to reduce volume levels of purchases from the Company. Although this demand was not prohibited under the terms of the existing supply agreement, compliance would result in immediate and significant reductions in profitability levels that were inconsistent with previous projections. This led the Company to begin negotiations on a new contract that would be effective after the existing contract expired at the end of 2006. The Company believed that, even under the most favorable outcome, the results of this negotiation would have a significant negative impact on the long-term outlook of its polyolefin foam business as the business would be impacted by both lower product pricing and lower volume levels, resulting in lower long-term revenues and operating margins. The Company concluded that this pending contract and change in the business relationship with this customer was an indicator of impairment that triggered an impairment analysis on the remaining assets of the polyolefin foam business under SFAS 144 and SFAS 142. The impairment analysis, which was completed as part of the second quarter closing process, resulted in the Company recording an impairment charge of $6.3 million in the second quarter of 2006 related to the goodwill associated with this business, which is aggregated into the Company’s Other Polymer Products reportable segment.
 
·  
Polyester-Based Industrial Laminates

In the second quarter of 2006, the Company recorded a non-cash pre-tax charge of $5.0 million related to the impairment of the goodwill associated with the polyester-based industrial laminates (PBIL) business, which is aggregated into the Company’s Other Polymer Products reportable segment. This business has historically focused its product offerings in the cable market, which is a market that has become more commodity-based with increased competition, and has experienced significant raw material price increases, particularly in copper and aluminum. Over the past few years, the Company chose to change its strategic focus and long-term operational plans to the non-cable industry, which it believed would yield higher margins and less competition. In the second quarter of 2006, a customer notified the Company that a key program related to a new, emerging technology had been cancelled. This customer, a major automotive manufacturer, had initially designed the Company’s new product into one of its programs, but decided to incorporate a different, less expensive technology into the program instead. This program was a key strategic initiative related to the long-term growth of this business in the non-cable industry. The Company is currently evaluating other potential customers for this technology, but is currently not designed into any specific programs. The nature of this product requires a design-in period of at least a few years in advance of the end product becoming available to consumers; therefore, the cancellation of this program significantly impacted the long-term forecasts and projections of the business and consequently, the fair value of the business. The Company determined that the cancellation of this program was an indicator of impairment due to the significance of the program on the long-term revenue and margin growth of this business. Consequently, the Company performed an impairment analysis on the PBIL business under SFAS 142. In the previous impairment analysis prepared by the Company in the fourth quarter of 2005 as part of its annual valuation performed in accordance with SFAS 142, the Company utilized annual revenue growth rates of approximately 5%, which considered the future sales of this new technology in the program it was designed into at that time. As a result of the cancellation of the program, the Company revised its growth projections to approximately 2% annually and also revised its projected margin levels for the revised product mix projections and higher than expected raw material prices. The impairment analysis, which was completed as part of the second quarter 2006 closing process, resulted in the Company recording an impairment charge of $5.0 million related to the goodwill associated with this business. The analysis did not result in the impairment of any of the entity’s other long-lived assets. At December 31, 2006, the PBIL business has a remaining book value of approximately $7.2 million, comprised primarily of accounts receivable, inventory, fixed assets and residual goodwill of approximately $0.5 million.

23

·  
High Frequency Materials

Also in 2005, an impairment charge of approximately $0.6 million was recorded in the fourth quarter on certain manufacturing equipment related to the high frequency materials operating segment. Specifically, the charge related to certain idle presses used in the high frequency manufacturing processes. At the end of 2005, the Company had no current plan to use the equipment in the near future; therefore, it determined that recording the impairment charge in the fourth quarter of 2005 was appropriate.

Equity Income in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures

Equity income in unconsolidated joint ventures increased $3.3 million from $5.3 million in 2005 to $8.6 million in 2006. The increase was primarily due to the success of Rogers Inoac Suzhou Corporation (RIS), the Company’s high performance foams joint venture in Suzhou, China. RIS started operations in China in early 2005 and experienced operating losses in the first half of that year. RIS began to contribute positively to the Company’s results in the fourth quarter of 2005 and has continued this positive trend throughout 2006. Results at the Company’s other joint ventures were relatively flat year over year.

Other Income (Expense)

Other income increased from $0.9 million in 2005 to $3.2 million in 2006. This increase is attributable primarily to certain charges in 2005 which did not recur in 2006, including a $0.7 million charge for certain environmental remediation matters at the Company’s facility in South Windham, Connecticut and a $0.7 million charge related to the buy-out of certain tenant lease arrangements in the Company’s Suzhou, China facilities.

Income Taxes

The Company’s effective tax rate was 20.4% in 2006 and (39.5)% in 2005. In 2006, the effective tax rate benefited from profits generated in jurisdictions with low tax rates (22 percentage point reduction) and non-taxable foreign sales income (two percentage point reduction). Also in 2006, the effective tax rate continued to benefit from general business credits (one percentage point reduction), partially offset by expense related to repatriation of foreign profits (three percentage point increase). In 2005, the effective tax rate benefited from non-taxable foreign sales income (20 percentage point reduction), profits generated in jurisdictions with low tax rates (14 percentage point reduction) as well as an adjustment to reconcile the 2004 tax return as filed in the third quarter of 2005 to the year-end projections (17 percentage point reduction).

24

It is the Company’s policy, in accordance with APB 23, that no U.S. taxes are provided on undistributed earnings of certain wholly-owned foreign subsidiaries because substantially all such earnings are expected to be indefinitely reinvested.

The Company provides deferred taxes for the undistributed earnings of its Japanese high performance foams joint venture. The net deferred tax asset for foreign tax credits available in excess of the expected tax on the undistributed income is entirely offset by a corresponding valuation allowance due to the future uncertainty of the recognition of such credits as they may be limited under the U.S. tax code.

The Company also claims a U.S. benefit for nontaxable foreign sales income as allowed under the current extraterritorial income exclusion (ETI). The World Trade Organization has upheld a challenge of this regime by the European Union and, in response, the U.S. has enacted the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 that repealed ETI and created a manufacturers activity deduction. ETI will be phased out by limiting the calculated deduction to 80% in 2005, 60% in 2006 and 0% thereafter. The manufacturing deduction is in the process of being phased in as a 3% deduction on the income from certain qualifying activities in 2005 and increasing to a 9% deduction in 2010. The Company has determined that the net effect of these items will not materially affect its tax rate in the short-term, but may have an impact, given the nature of the Company’s international business, once these changes are fully phased in. The decrease in the effective tax rate attributable to ETI is two percentage points and 20 percentage points for 2006 and 2005, respectively. The decrease in the effective tax rate attributable to the manufacturers’ activity deduction is less than one percentage point and two percentage points for 2006 and 2005, respectively.

The Company is eligible for a tax holiday on its earnings in China. Under the business license agreement granted to Rogers Technologies (Suzhou) Company (RSZ), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, the first two years of cumulatively profitable operations are taxed at a zero percent tax rate. In 2006, the second year under this agreement, RSZ reported pretax income of $23.6 million, which was subject to the zero percent tax rate, resulting in a decrease in the Company’s effective tax rate of 14 percentage points, or $0.48 in diluted earnings per share. In years three through five of the tax holiday (2007 - 2009) the tax rate in effect is 7.5% and in year six (2010) and beyond, the tax rate is 15%, subject to local government approval.

Backlog

The Company’s backlog of firm orders was $39.8 million at December 31, 2006, as compared to $32.9 million at January 1, 2006. The increase at the end of 2006 was primarily related to the increase in sales in the Custom Electrical Components reportable segment, as backlog for electroluminescent lamps, primarily into the portable handheld communication device market, increased by approximately $4.0 million at year-end 2006 as compared to year-end 2005, in addition to increases in the backlog for other products sold in that segment.

2005 vs. 2004

Net Sales

Net sales decreased by 4% in 2005 to $356.1 million from sales of $370.2 million in 2004. The decline in sales is primarily due to a 17% decline in sales in the Printed Circuit Materials reportable segment from $172.8 million in 2004 to $143.3 million in 2005; as well as a 10% decline in sales of the Company’s Other Polymer Products reportable segment from $48.8 million in 2004 to $43.9 million in 2005. These sales declines were partially mitigated by a 12% increase in sales of the High Performance Foams reportable segment from $79.4 million to $88.9 million and an increase in the Custom Electrical Components reportable segment of 16% from $69.2 million in 2004 to $80.0 million in 2005. These sales fluctuations are discussed in greater detail in the “Segment Sales and Operations” section below.

Manufacturing Margins

Manufacturing margins decreased approximately 160 basis points to 29.0% in 2005 from 30.6% in 2004. The decline in margins is primarily attributable to a decline of 13.5 percentage points in margins in the Custom Electrical Components reportable segment due primarily to the start-up of operations in Asia in both the electroluminescent lamp and busbar operations. Margins related to electroluminescent lamps were below expected levels, particularly in the beginning of 2005, as this was the first time the Company had manufactured this type of lamp using its new technology. As a result, yields were low as the Company worked to improve production results as a result of the learning curve typically associated with the introduction of a new product. At the end of 2005, margins had improved substantially on these lamps, both in the US and in Asia, although not enough to compensate for the unfavorable results experienced in the beginning of the year. Partially mitigating this negative impact was a 240 basis point increase in margins in the High Performance Foams reportable segment, driven primarily by operating efficiencies gained in the silicone foams product line as margins of polyurethane foams remained consistent with 2004 results.

25

Margins in the Printed Circuit Materials reportable segment were relatively flat year over year and margins in the Other Polymer Products reportable segment were also materially consistent in 2005 as compared to 2004.

Selling and Administrative Expenses

Selling and administrative expenses of $55.8 million in 2005 were consistent with expenditures in 2004 and increased slightly as a percentage of sales from 15.1% in 2004 to 15.7% in 2005. The increase in selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales is due primarily to the sales decline in 2005 as compared to 2004 as expenses remained consistent with 2004 spending levels.
 
Research and Development Expenses

Research and development expenses remained relatively consistent in 2005 as compared to 2004, decreasing slightly from $20.5 million in 2004 to $20.0 million in 2005. As a percentage of sales, expenses increased slightly in 2005 to 5.6% as compared to 5.5% in 2004. The Company’s strategic plan is to invest an average of 6% of net sales annually into research and development and it is expected that future expenditures will be consistent with this targeted investment level. The Company continues to invest in research and development to improve its existing technologies and find new applications for these materials; as well as to explore new, emerging technologies that the Company believes will complement its existing product portfolio.

Restructuring and Impairment Charges

Restructuring and impairment charges in 2005 were $22.6 million as compared to $2.6 million in 2004. 2005 charges included $22.0 million related to the impairment of certain assets of the polyolefin foam business and $0.6 million in charges related to the impairment of certain machinery and equipment associated with the Company’s high frequency materials business. 2004 charges were comprised of approximately $2.3 million due to the relocation of the Company’s elastomer component business from Connecticut to China and $0.3 million related to severance charges for certain employees of the Company’s Durel division. Further discussion of these amounts is as follows:

·  
Polyolefin Foams

The Company acquired certain assets of the polyolefin foam business, including intellectual property rights, inventory, machinery and equipment, and customer lists from Cellect LLC, in the beginning of fiscal year 2002. The Company migrated the manufacturing process to its Carol Stream, Illinois facility, which was completed at the end of the third quarter of 2004. This migration included the development of new process technology and the purchase of custom machinery, which the Company believed at the time would allow it to gain efficiencies in the manufacturing process and improvements in product quality. After completing this transition, the Company focused on realizing these previously anticipated efficiencies and improvements, but encountered a variety of business issues, including changing customer requirements in the polyolefin marketplace, a significant increase in raw material costs, and other quality and delivery issues. In light of these circumstances, the Company commenced a study in the first quarter of 2005 to update its market understanding and the long-term viability of the polyolefin foam business. This study was completed in the second quarter of 2005 and confirmed that the business environment surrounding the polyolefin foam business had changed from the time of the Company’s initial purchase in 2002, which caused the Company to revisit its business plan for the polyolefin foam business. The Company concluded during the second quarter that under the new circumstances it would be very difficult and cost prohibitive to produce the current polyolefin products on a profitable basis and decided to scale back on the current business by shedding unprofitable customers and to concentrate on developing new, more profitable polyolefin products.
 
26

 
As a result, the Company recorded non-cash pre-tax charges of $22.0 million related to the polyolefin foam operating segment, which is aggregated in the Company’s Other Polymer Products reportable segment. This charge includes a $20.4 million impairment charge on certain long-lived assets and $1.6 million in charges related to the write down of inventory and receivables related to the polyolefin foam business.

·  
High Frequency Materials

Also in 2005, an impairment charge of approximately $0.6 million was recorded in the fourth quarter on certain manufacturing equipment related to the high frequency materials operating segment. Specifically, the charge relates to certain idle presses used in the high frequency manufacturing processes. At the end of 2005, the Company had no current plan to use the equipment in the near future; therefore, it determined that recording the impairment charge in the fourth quarter of 2005 was appropriate.

·  
South Windham Facility

On January 21, 2004, the Company announced that it would cease operations at its South Windham, Connecticut facility by the end of 2004. The relocation of manufacturing operations of the Company’s molded polyurethane materials and nitrile rubber floats to the Company’s facility in Suzhou, China was completed in the third quarter of 2004. Total charges associated with this transaction amounted to approximately $2.3 million related primarily to severance that was paid to employees upon termination and completion of service requirements. In addition, the Company recognized a $0.8 million curtailment charge on its defined benefit pension plan in the fourth quarter of 2004 as a result of the termination of employees as the amortizable prior service cost related to terminated employees was accelerated into 2004 as a result of the shutdown.

·  
Durel

On October 5, 2004, the Company announced a restructuring plan that resulted in a headcount reduction at Durel. The terminations occurred early in the fourth quarter of 2004 and, in accordance with SFAS No. 146, Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities , the Company recognized approximately $330,000 in charges associated with related severance amounts due to eligible employees. All amounts were paid as of year-end 2005.

Equity Income in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures

Equity income in unconsolidated joint ventures decreased $0.9 million from $6.1 million in 2004 to $5.2 million in 2005. This 15% decrease was primarily due to the start-up of operations at the Company’s new foam joint venture in China, RIS. Operations for RIS began in late 2004 and did not become profitable until late 2005; thus mitigating the positive operating results experienced at the Company’s other joint ventures, RCCT and RIC.

Other Income (Expense)

Other income decreased from $6.1 million in 2004 to $0.9 million in 2005. This decrease was attributable primarily to the following factors: (i) a decrease of approximately $1.0 million in royalty income as a royalty agreement that was entered into when the Company divested its Moldable Composites Division in 2002 comes to an end as payments associated with this agreement decline over the life of the agreement; (ii) $2.2 million gain on the sale of a building in Arizona in 2004; (iii) $0.7 million charge in 2005 to accrue for certain environmental remediation matters at the Company’s facility in South Windham, Connecticut; and (iv) $0.7 million charge in 2005 related to the buy-out of certain tenant lease arrangements in the Company’s Suzhou, China facilities. Also, the Company experienced an increase in professional service fees of $0.7 million, particularly related to legal fees associated with certain legal and professional matters, including asbestos-related matters.
 
27


Income Taxes

The effective tax rate was (39.5)% in 2005 and 27.2% in 2004. In 2005, the effective tax rate benefited from non-taxable foreign sales income (20 percentage point reduction), profits generated in jurisdictions with low tax rates (14 percentage point reduction) as well as an adjustment to reconcile the 2004 tax return as filed in the third quarter of 2005 to the year-end projections (17 percentage point reduction). Also in 2005, as in 2004, the effective tax rate continued to benefit from foreign tax credits (10 percentage point reduction) and general business credits (six percentage point reduction).

It is the Company’s policy, in accordance with APB 23, that no U.S. taxes are provided on undistributed earnings of certain wholly-owned foreign subsidiaries because substantially all such earnings are expected to be indefinitely reinvested.

The Company provides deferred taxes for the undistributed earnings of its Japanese high performance foams joint venture. The net deferred tax asset for foreign tax credits available in excess of the expected tax on the undistributed income is entirely offset by a corresponding valuation allowance due to the future uncertainty of the recognition of such credits as they may be limited under the U.S. tax code.

The Company also claims a U.S. benefit for nontaxable foreign sales income as allowed under the current extraterritorial income exclusion (ETI). The World Trade Organization has upheld a challenge of this regime by the European Union and in response the U.S. has enacted the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 that repealed ETI and created a manufacturers activity deduction. ETI will be phased out by limiting the calculated deduction to 80% in 2005, 60% in 2006 and 0% thereafter. The manufacturing deduction is in the process of being phased in as a 3% deduction on the income from certain qualifying activities in 2005 to a 9% deduction in 2010. The Company has determined that the net effect of these items will not materially affect the tax rate in the short-term, but may have an impact, given the nature of the Company’s international business, once these changes are fully phased in. The decrease in the effective tax rate attributable to ETI is 20 percentage points and six percentage points for 2005 and 2004, respectively. The decrease in the effective tax rate attributable to the manufacturers activity deduction is two percentage points for 2005, the first year it is in effect.

The Company is eligible for a tax holiday on its earnings in China. Under the business license agreement granted to Rogers Technologies (Suzhou) Company (RSZ), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, the first two years of cumulatively profitable operations are taxed at a zero percent tax rate. In 2005, the first year under this agreement, RSZ reported pretax income of $6.9 million, which was subject to the zero percent tax rate, resulting in a decrease in the Company’s effective tax rate of 20 percentage points, or $0.14 in diluted earnings per share. In years three through five of the tax holiday the tax rate in effect is 7.5% and in year six and beyond, the tax rate is 15%, subject to local government approval.

Backlog

The Company’s backlog of firm orders was $32.9 million at fiscal year-end 2005, as compared to $27.0 million at fiscal year-end 2004. The increase in 2005 is due primarily to orders related to the Printed Circuit Materials reportable segment, as backlog increased by almost $4.0 million at year-end 2005 as compared to year-end 2004 due to the increase in orders in certain markets, particularly satellite television and communications.

Segment Sales and Operations

Printed Circuit Materials

(Dollars in millions)
 
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
               
Net sales
 
$
153.6
 
$
143.3
 
$
172.8
 
Operating income
   
13.3
   
19.5
   
32.0
 

Sales in the Printed Circuit Materials reportable segment increased by 7% in 2006 as compared to 2005, in which it declined by 17% from 2004. This increase was driven by an increase in sales of high frequency material products of 17% in 2006, partially offset by a decline in sales in the flexible circuit materials business of 12% in 2006. The overall increase in sales in this segment was driven by sales into the segment’s key strategic end markets - cellular communications infrastructure and satellite dishes for television reception. This segment is also experiencing improved traction with its advanced circuit materials in smaller emerging markets, such as local area networks, semiconductor chip packaging, and WiFi and WiMAX as its high performance materials are uniquely suited for the increasingly higher data transmission rates required for newer small and large-scale wireless applications.

28

Operating income includes stock compensation and other incentive compensation expense in 2006 of $5.1 million, which was not incurred in 2005. Excluding the additional compensation expense, operating income, as a percentage of net sales, decreased to 12% in 2006 as compared to 14% in 2005 and 19% in 2004. The primary driver of this decline was sales volume in the flex circuit materials business as the Company was able to leverage its existing overhead structure to drive profit performance in 2004, while having to absorb these costs at lower volume levels in 2005 and 2006.

Custom Electrical Components

(Dollars in millions)
 
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
               
Net sales
 
$
149.4
 
$
80.0
 
$
69.2
 
Operating income (loss)
   
14.8
   
(4.3
)
 
1.7
 

Net sales of the Custom Electrical Components reportable segment increased 87% in 2006 as compared to 2005 and 16% in 2005 as compared to 2004. The increase in sales in 2006 and 2005 to record levels was driven primarily by sales of electroluminescent (EL) lamps into the portable handheld communication device market, particularly in cell phone applications. Much of the sales growth is attributable to expansion in China that enabled the Company to increase its EL lamp manufacturing capacity to meet current market demand and drove sales growth. Consumer trends toward thin profile phones, with superior backlit keypads utilizing EL lamps, are expected to continue to drive sales in this segment through 2007. Sales of the Company’s power distribution component products were also strong, up 31% in 2006 as compared to 2005, as the Company began to utilize the capacity added in China late in 2005 and as it further penetrates the Asian marketplace.

Operating income (loss) includes stock compensation and other incentive compensation expense in 2006 of $3.8 million, which was not incurred in 2005. Excluding the additional compensation expense, operating income (loss), as a percentage of sales, increased to 12% in 2006 as compared to (5)% in 2005 and 3% in 2004. The increase in 2006 is due primarily to the increase in sales discussed above, as the Company was better able to leverage its overhead base at these higher volumes to maximize returns on its sales volumes and due to significant improvement in manufacturing efficiencies in Suzhou, China.

29

High Performance Foams

(Dollars in millions)
 
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
               
Net sales
 
$
103.2
 
$
88.9
 
$
79.4
 
Operating income
   
21.8
   
24.6
   
18.9
 

High Performance Foams reportable segment net sales increased 16% in 2006 as compared to 2005 and 12% in 2005 as compared to 2004. The sales increase is attributable to the continued growth in PORON â urethane foam product sales, which increased 17% in 2006 as compared to 2005 and 16% in 2005 as compared to 2004. Sales of silicone foams also increased in 2006 by 11% as compared to 2005, as opposed to a decrease in 2005 of 2.9% as compared to 2004. High Performance Foam materials are sold into every market segment the Company addresses, and most showed strength in 2006. Thinner, low-density foam products introduced earlier in 2006 sold well into a variety of handheld electronics products for cushioning and dust sealing applications .
 
Operating income includes stock compensation and other incentive compensation expense in 2006 of $5.9 million, which was not incurred in 2005. Excluding the additional compensation expense, operating income, as a percentage of net sales, remained relatively consistent at 27% in 2006 as compared to 28% in 2005 and 24% in 2004. The increase from 2004 to 2005 was primarily attributable to the Company being able to better leverage the increase in sales against its overhead base to maximize returns on its sales volumes.
 
29

Other Polymer Products

(Dollars in millions)
 
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
               
Net sales
 
$
48.4
 
$
43.9
 
$
48.8
 
Operating loss
   
(5.6
)
 
(35.0
)
 
(18.4
)

The Company’s Other Polymer Products reportable segment includes elastomer components and floats, composite materials, industrial laminates, and polyolefin foams. Net sales of the Other Polymer Products reportable segment increased 10% in 2006 as compared to 2005 and decreased 10% in 2005 as compared to 2004. The sales increase in 2006 is primarily attributable to increases in the elastomer components and floats, industrial laminates and polyolefin foams businesses. The sales decline in 2005 as compared to 2004 was attributable primarily to the restructuring of the polyolefin foam business, where the Company eliminated several unprofitable customers, and to the decline in sales of elastomer components of 19% in 2005 as compared to 2004, which stemmed from volatility in the automotive market.

Operating loss includes stock compensation and other incentive compensation expense in 2006 of $2.1 million, which was not incurred in 2005. In addition, the Company recorded restructuring charges of $11.3 million in 2006 and $22.0 million in 2005 (see “Restructuring and Impairment Charges” above for further discussion). Excluding these charges, the Other Polymer Products reportable segment operating income, as a percentage of sales, was 16% in 2006 as compared to an operating loss, as a percentage of sales, of (30)% in 2005 and (38)% in 2004. The improvement in operating results in 2006 is primarily attributable the increase in sales across the various businesses in the Other Polymer Products reportable segment and the benefits from the restructuring activities. The Company continues to evaluate the viability of its current product portfolio in this segment and constantly pursues other opportunities to further improve the results of this segment.

Joint Ventures

Rogers Inoac Corporation (RIC)

RIC, the Company’s joint venture with Japan-based Inoac Corporation, was established over 20 years ago and manufactures high performance PORON â urethane foam materials in Japan. Sales decreased 14% from 2005 to 2006 and increased 4% from 2004 to 2005. The decrease experienced in 2006 was primarily driven by lower volume purchases of standard communication products. In 2007, the Company expects renewed growth in the communication market as well as increased market share growth in various industrial markets, including automotive, and the increased adoptions of PORON â into the consumer electronics market.

Rogers Inoac Suzhou Corporation (RIS)

In 2003, the Company entered into a joint venture agreement with Inoac Corporation for the purpose of manufacturing PORON â urethane foam materials in China. RIS began operations during the second half of 2004 and had its first sales in the fourth quarter of 2004. Activity at RIS in 2004 was minimal and did not materially impact the Company’s 2004 results of operations. RIS experienced its first significant sales volumes and became profitable in the fourth quarter of 2005, as such sales increased by 195% from 2005 to 2006. The Company expects RIS to maintain these positive trends in 2007.

Rogers Chang Chun Technology Co., Ltd. (RCCT)

RCCT, the Company’s joint venture with Chang Chun Plastics Co., Ltd., was established in late 2001 to manufacture flexible circuit materials for customers in Taiwan. The joint venture experienced its first sales in 2002 and became profitable in 2004. Sales increased by 12% from 2005 to 2006 and 14% from 2004 to 2005. These increases were primarily related to continued growth and penetration in the Taiwanese flexible circuits market.
 
30


Polyimide Laminate Systems, LLC (PLS)

PLS, the Company’s joint venture with Mitsui Chemicals, Inc., sells adhesiveless laminates for trace suspension assemblies. Sales increased by 2% in 2006 as compared to 2005 and 10% in 2005 as compared to 2004. The sales increased slightly in 2006 as orders from the joint venture’s sole customer increased due to increased market demand for its products. The 2005 sales levels were achieved despite the decline in sales in 2004, a year in which its sole customer decided to allocate a portion of the trace suspension product business to multiple suppliers to mitigate its risk of reliance on a sole supplier.

Product and Market Development

The Company’s research and development team is dedicated to growing the Company’s businesses by developing cost effective solutions that improve the performance of customers’ products. Research and development as a percentage of sales was approximately 5.3% in 2006 as compared to 5.6% in 2005 and 5.5% in 2004. The Company’s strategic plan is to invest an average of 6% of net sales annually into research and development and it is expected that future expenditures will be consistent with this targeted investment level. The Company continues to invest in research and development to improve its existing technologies and find new applications for these materials; as well as to explore new, emerging technologies that the Company believes will complement its existing product portfolio.

The Company introduced a variety of new products during 2006. Printed circuit materials added three new RO4000 ® products, one that provides excellent passive intermodulation performance for base station antennas, one that expands the family of products available for base station power amplifier applications and one that provides excellent electrical performance for chip packaging applications. A new family of halogen-free flexible circuit materials consisting of laminates, coverfilms and freefilms was also introduced to provide customers with the flex performance needed for handset hinge flex applications and the excellent thermal resistance needed for high reliability during lead free soldering. High performance foams added thinner (0.75mm) softseal PORON â   gasketing materials to provide dust seals for the latest generation of thin phones and introduced a new foam product to address the needs of professional wound dressings. For custom electrical components, new flexible EL keypad lamps with improved manufacturing robustness and reliability were introduced in addition to new EL inverter modules and chip scale packages developed to support the further miniaturization of handsets.

Liquidity, Capital Resources, and Financial Position

The Company s management believes that the Company’s ability to generate cash from operations to reinvest in the business is one of its fundamental strengths, as demonstrated by the Company’s financial position remaining strong throughout 2006. The Company has remained debt free since 2002 and continues to finance its operational needs through internally generated funds. Management believes that over the next twelve months, internally generated funds plus available lines of credit will be sufficient to meet the capital expenditures and ongoing financial needs of the business. However, the Company continually reviews and evaluates the adequacy of its lending facilities and relationships.

Cash Flows from Operating, Investing and Financing Activities

At December 31, 2006 and January 1, 2006, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $13.6 million and $22.0 million, respectively, and working capital of $190.4 million and $123.7 million, respectively.

Cash flows from operating activities were $33.9 million in 2006 compared to $48.5 million in 2005 and $31.1 million in 2004. Significant items that impacted operating cash flows included the following:

·  
An increase in inventories of $25.7 million in 2006 as compared to a decrease of $3.1 million in 2005 and an increase of $20.5 million in 2004. The increase in 2006 is the result of the Company’s effort to build inventory to meet anticipated customer demand, particularly for the high frequency laminate, polyurethane foam and electroluminescent lamp products in Asia.
·  
An increase in accounts receivable of $23.0 million in 2006 as compared to $7.2 million in 2005 and $3.1 million in 2004. These increases are primarily attributable to the Company’s strong sales growth in the past three years. In 2005, although sales decreased slightly from 2004, sales in the fourth quarter were particularly strong, resulting in an increase in receivables at year-end.
·  
An increase in accounts payable and other accrued liabilities of $23.6 million in 2006 as compared to a decrease of $2.9 million in 2005 and $0.2 million in 2004. The increase in 2006 is primarily attributable to the increase in raw material purchases to support current production levels as further evidenced by the increase in inventory balances over the comparable period as discussed above. In addition, accrued employee benefits and compensation increased as a result of increases in projected annual incentive compensation and commission payouts for 2006, commensurate with the strong performance experienced throughout the year.
 
31

 
During 2006, the Company used $67.1 million in cash for investing activities as compared to $23.8 million in 2005 and $43.9 million in 2004. The increase in cash used for investing activities in 2006 is primarily attributable to the purchase of short-term investments during the year, as the Company had short-term investments of $68.2 million and $24.4 million at December 31, 2006 and January 1, 2006, respectively. The Company has invested excess cash in auction-rate securities, as these instruments are in accordance with the Company’s investment policy, which among other restrictions, limits the average maturity of investments in securities to one year or less. In addition, capital expenditures were $23.1 million, $28.6 million and $28.1 million in 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively. The 2006 capital spending was driven by the Company’s continuing investment in China, as the Company continued to build manufacturing capacity in Suzhou, China. Cash generated from the Company’s operating activities exceeded capital spending in all three years, and spending was financed through these internally generated funds. Capital expenditures in 2007 are forecasted to be between $45 million to $50 million. Other investing activities in 2004 included $4.8 million in proceeds from the sale of an idle building in Arizona and $3.4 million, net, in spending to acquire the Company’s Korean subsidiary, KF Inc.

Net cash provided by financing activities was $23.5 million in 2006 as compared to cash used in financing activities of $12.5 million in 2005 and cash provided by financing activities of $5.9 million in 2004. Activity in 2006 and 2004 was primarily related to proceeds from the sale of capital stock, as a result of the exercise of stock options, of $17.8 million and $8.4 million, respectively. The use of cash in 2005 was driven primarily by the Company’s stock repurchase program, as $15.9 million was spent to reacquire Company stock.

The Company, together with certain of its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Rogers Technologies (Barbados) SRL, Rogers (China) Investment Co., Ltd., Rogers N.V., and Rogers Technologies (Suzhou) Co. Ltd. entered into a Multicurrency Revolving Credit Agreement on November 13, 2006 with Citizens Bank of Connecticut (Credit Agreement). The Credit Agreement provides for an unsecured five-year revolving multi-currency credit facility of $75 million (Credit Facility A), and an unsecured 364-day revolving multi-currency credit facility of $25 million  (Credit Facility B). The Credit Agreement includes a letter of credit sub-facility of up to $75 million. Under the terms of the Credit Agreement, the Borrowers have the right to incur additional indebtedness through additional borrowings in an aggregate amount of up to $25 million.

Credit Facility A expires on November 13, 2011. Credit Facility B, which expires on November 12, 2007, is expected to be renewed annually. The rate of interest charged on any outstanding loans can, at the Borrower’s option and subject to certain restrictions, be based on the prime rate or at rates from 40 to 87.5 basis points over a LIBOR loan rate. The spreads over the LIBOR rate are based on the Company’s leverage ratio. Under the arrangement, the ongoing commitment fee varies from zero to 25 basis points of the maximum amount that can be borrowed, net of any outstanding borrowings and the maximum amount that beneficiaries may draw under outstanding letters of credit.

In conjunction with the execution of the Credit Agreement, on November 13, 2006 the Company terminated an unsecured revolving multi-currency credit facility of $50 million (the Prior Agreement). Borrowings under the Prior Agreement were subject to interest based upon the prime rate or a Eurocurrency loan rate and required the Company to pay a commitment fee of 30.0 to 37.5 basis points on the maximum borrowings available net of any outstanding borrowings.

There were no borrowings pursuant to the Credit Agreement and the Prior Agreement at December 31, 2006 and January 1, 2006, respectively. The Credit Agreement and the Prior Agreement contain restrictive covenants primarily related to total indebtedness, interest expense, and capital expenditures. The Company was in compliance with these covenants at December 31, 2006 and January 1, 2006.

32

Additionally, the Company was obligated under irrevocable standby letters of credit, which guarantee the Company’s self-insured workers compensation plan in the amount of $1.6 million at December 31, 2006. There were no borrowings outstanding on these letters of credit as of December 31, 2006.

Financial Position

The following discusses the significant fluctuations on the Company’s balance sheet at December 31, 2006 as compared to January 1, 2006:

·  
Increase in inventories of 61% is the result of the Company’s effort to build inventory to meet anticipated customer demand, particularly for the high frequency laminate, polyurethane foam and electroluminescent lamp products in Asia.
·  
Increase in accounts receivable of 45% is primarily attributable to the Company’s strong sales growth throughout the year.
·  
Decrease in asbestos-related liability and the related insurance receivables of 39% is a result of a reduction in the rate of claims filed against the Company and a decrease in the average settlement amount. See Note 10 of the Consolidated Financial Statements of this Form 10-K for further discussion.
·  
Increase in accrued employee benefits and compensation of 96% is a result of increases in projected annual incentive compensation and commission payouts for 2006, commensurate with the strong performance experienced throughout the year.
·  
Increase in accounts payable and other accrued liabilities of 39% is primarily attributable to the increase in raw material purchases to support current production levels as further evidenced by the increase in inventory balances over the comparable period as discussed above.
·  
Increase in additional paid-in capital of 90% is primarily related to a significant amount of stock options being exercised during the year.


Contractual Obligations

The following table summarizes the Company’s significant contractual obligations as of December 31, 2006:

(Dollars in thousands)
 
Payments Due by Period
 
   
 
Total
 
Within 1 Year
 
1-3
Years
 
3-5
Years
 
After 5 Years
 
                       
Operating leases
 
$
2,959
 
$
1,630
 
$
1,156
 
$
173
 
$
-
 
Inventory purchase obligations
   
5,116
   
5,116
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
Capital commitments
   
9,727
   
9,727
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
Pension and Retiree Health and Life Insurance Benefits (1)  
   
83,502
   
6,418
   
13,426
   
14,959
   
48,699
 
Total
 
$
101,304
 
$
22,891
 
$
14,582
 
$
15,132
 
$
48,699
 
                                 
(1) Pension benefit payments, which amount to $74.1 million, are expected to be paid through the utilization of pension plan assets; retiree health and life insurance benefits, which amount to $9.4 million, are expected to be paid from operating cash flows.

Effects of Inflation

The Company does not believe that inflation has had a material impact on its business, sales, or operating results during the periods presented.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

The Company does not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have, or are in the opinion of management reasonably likely to have, a current or future effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations

33

Recent Accounting Standards

Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes

In June 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes - an Interpretation of FASB No. 109 (FIN 48). FIN 48 is effective for accounting periods commencing after December 15, 2006 and the Company intends to adopt the new standard in the first quarter of 2007. FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and a measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. For those benefits to be recognized, a tax position must be more-likely-than-not to be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities. The amount recognized is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon settlement. The Company will be required to apply the provisions of FIN 48 to all tax positions upon initial adoption with any cumulative effect adjustment accounted for as an adjustment to retained earnings. The Company is currently assessing the impact of FIN 48 on its consolidated financial statements.

Critical Accounting Policies

The Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, which require management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Management bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances and believes that appropriate reserves have been established based on reasonable methodologies and appropriate assumptions based on facts and circumstances known to the Company; however, actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. An accounting policy is deemed to be critical if it requires an accounting estimate to be made based on assumptions that are highly judgmental and uncertain at the time the estimate is made, if different estimates could reasonably have been used; or if changes to those estimates are reasonably likely to periodically occur that could affect the amounts carried in the financial statements. These critical accounting policies are as follows:

Environmental and Product Liabilities

The Company accrues for its environmental investigation, remediation, operating and maintenance costs when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated. For environmental matters, the most likely cost to be incurred is accrued based on an evaluation of currently available facts with respect to each individual site, including existing technology, current laws and regulations and prior remediation experience. For sites with multiple potential responsible parties (PRP’s), the Company considers its likely proportionate share of the anticipated remediation costs and the ability of the other parties to fulfill their obligations in establishing a provision for those costs. Where no amount within a range of estimates is more likely to occur than another, the minimum is accrued. When future liabilities are determined to be reimbursable by insurance coverage, an accrual is recorded for the potential liability and a receivable is recorded for the estimated insurance reimbursement amount. The Company is exposed to the uncertain nature inherent in such remediation and the possibility that initial estimates will not reflect the final outcome of a matter.

In late 2004, the Company determined that it was reasonably prudent, based on facts and circumstances known to it at that time, to perform a formal analysis to determine its potential future liability and related insurance coverage for asbestos-related matters. The determination to perform this study was made based on several factors, including the growing number of asbestos-related claims and recent settlement history. Projecting future asbestos costs is subject to numerous variables that are extremely difficult to predict, including the number of claims that might be received, the type and severity of the disease alleged by each claimant, the long latency period associated with asbestos exposure, dismissal rates, costs of medical treatment, the financial resources of other companies that are co-defendants in claims, uncertainties surrounding the litigation process from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and from case to case, and the impact of potential changes in legislative or judicial standards, including potential tort reform. Furthermore, any predictions with respect to these variables are subject to even greater uncertainty as the projection period lengthens. In light of these inherent uncertainties, the Company’s limited claims history and consultations with National Economic Research Associates, Inc. (NERA), the Company believes that five years is the most reasonable period for recognizing a reserve for future costs, and that costs that might be incurred after that period are not reasonably estimable at this time. As a result, the Company also believes that its ultimate net asbestos-related contingent liability (i.e., its indemnity or other claim disposition costs plus related legal fees) cannot be estimated with certainty.

34

The models developed for determining the potential exposure and related insurance coverage were developed by outside consultants deemed to be experts in their respective fields. The models required the Company to make numerous assumptions that significantly impacted the results generated by the models. The Company believes the assumptions made are reasonable at the present time, but are subject to uncertainty based on the actual future outcome of its asbestos litigation. The original liability model determined the Company’s future liability annually for a 50-year period and was updated at the end of 2005. The Company believes, based on the limited amount of settlement and claims history currently known to it, that a reasonable future time frame to quantify its liability is five years, resulting in a liability at December 31, 2006 of approximately $22.9 million, which is substantially offset by an insurance receivable of $22.7 million. If the Company were to adjust its assumptions related to the determination of these amounts, the impact of increasing the time frame for projected claims from five years to seven years would be an increase to the liability of $9.9 million, which the Company believes would be substantially covered by insurance; conversely, the impact of changing this assumption from five years to three years would be a decrease to the liability of $9.8 million.

Given the inherent uncertainty in making future projections, the Company plans to have the projections of current and future asbestos claims periodically re-examined, and the Company will update them if needed based on the Company’s experience, changes in the underlying assumptions that formed the basis for NERA’s and Marsh Risk Consulting’s (Marsh) models, and other relevant factors, such as changes in the tort system. There can be no assurance that the Company’s accrued asbestos liabilities will approximate its actual asbestos-related settlement and defense costs, or that its accrued insurance recoveries will be realized. The Company believes that it is reasonably possible that it will incur additional charges for its asbestos liabilities and defense costs in the future, which could exceed existing reserves, but cannot estimate such excess amounts at this time.

Income Taxes

SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes (SFAS 109), establishes financial accounting and reporting standards to be used in determining the effect of income taxes. The objective of accounting for income taxes is to recognize the amount of taxes payable or refundable for the current fiscal year and the deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the Company’s Financial Statements. Deferred tax assets and liabilities reflect temporary differences between amounts of assets and liabilities for financial and tax reporting. Such amounts are adjusted, as appropriate, to reflect changes in tax rates expected to be in effect when the temporary differences reverse. The Company establishes a valuation allowance to offset any deferred tax assets if, based upon the available evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The determination of the amount of a valuation allowance to be provided on recorded deferred tax assets involves estimates regarding (1) the timing and amount of the reversal of taxable temporary differences, (2) expected future taxable income, and (3) the impact of tax planning strategies. In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, the Company considers all available positive and negative evidence, including past operating results, projections of future taxable income and the feasibility of ongoing tax planning strategies. The projections of future taxable income include a number of estimates and assumptions regarding our volume, pricing and costs. Additionally, valuation allowances related to deferred tax assets can be impacted by changes to tax laws.

Significant judgment is required in determining income tax provisions under SFAS 109 and in evaluating tax positions. The Company establishes additional provisions for income taxes when, despite the belief that tax positions are fully supportable, there remain certain positions that are likely to be challenged and that may not be sustained on review by tax authorities. In the normal course of business, the Company and its subsidiaries are examined by various Federal, State and foreign tax authorities. The Company regularly assesses the potential outcomes of these examinations and any future examinations for the current or prior years in determining the adequacy of our provision for income taxes. The Company continually assesses the likelihood and amount of potential adjustments and adjusts the income tax provision, the current tax liability and deferred taxes in the period in which the facts that give rise to a revision become known.  

Inventory Allowances

The Company maintains a reserve for obsolete and slow-moving inventory. Products and materials that are specifically identified as obsolete are fully reserved. In general, most products that have been held in inventory greater than one year are fully reserved unless there are mitigating circumstances, including forecasted sales or current orders for the product. The remainder of the allowance is based on management’s estimates and fluctuates with market conditions, design cycles and other economic factors. Risks associated with this allowance include unforeseen changes in business cycles that could affect the marketability of certain products and an unforecasted decline in current production. Management closely monitors the market place and related inventory levels and has historically maintained reasonably accurate allowance levels. In addition, the Company values certain inventories using the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method. Accordingly, a LIFO valuation reserve is calculated using the link chain index method and is maintained to properly value these inventories. The Company’s obsolescence reserve has ranged from 10% to 13% of gross inventory over the last three years. A 100 basis point adjustment to the December 31, 2006 obsolescence reserve would change the reserve by approximately $1.0 million.

35

Goodwill

In accordance with SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (SFAS 142), goodwill is subject to annual impairment tests, or earlier if events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may have been impaired. Determining the fair value of an operating segment is judgmental in nature and requires the use of significant estimates and assumptions, including revenue growth rates and operating margins, discount rates, and future market conditions, among others. The Company believes that the assumptions and rates used in its annual impairment test under SFAS 142 are reasonable, but inherently uncertain. The 2006 impairment test was performed in the fourth quarter of 2006 on the four operating segments for which the Company had goodwill recorded as of the fourth quarter of 2006, the annual testing date, and did not result in an impairment charge. The excess of fair value over carrying value for two of the operating segments, which carry $9.6 million of the total $10.7 million goodwill, as of the fourth quarter of 2006 ranged from approximately $23.4 million to $25.2 million. For the other two operating segments, which carry $1.1 million of the $10.7 million goodwill, the excess of fair value over carrying value as of the fourth quarter of 2006 ranged from approximately $0.4 million to $1.5 million. In order to evaluate the sensitivity of the analysis performed, the Company applied a hypothetical 10% decrease to the fair values of each operating segment, which resulted in excess fair value over carrying value ranging from approximately $0.1 million to $21.6 million for each respective operating segment.

Long-Lived Assets

The Company reviews property, plant and equipment and identified intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of assets may not be recoverable. Recoverability of these assets is measured by comparison of their carrying value to future undiscounted cash flows the assets are expected to generate over their remaining economic lives. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized in earnings equals the amount by which the carrying value of the assets exceeds their market value determined by either a quoted market price, if available, or a value determined by utilizing a discounted cash flow analysis. Although the Company did not record any impairment charges in 2006 related to its property, plant and equipment and identified intangible assets, deterioration in its business in the future could lead to such impairment charges in future periods. Actual future operating results and the remaining economic lives could differ from those used in calculating the expected future undiscounted cash flows, which could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s results of operations. In addition, in certain instances, assets may not be impaired but their estimated useful lives may have decreased. In these situations, the remaining net book value is amortized over the revised useful lives.

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits

The Company provides various defined benefit pension plans for its U.S. employees and sponsors three defined benefit healthcare and life insurance plans. The costs and obligations associated with these plans are dependent upon various actuarial assumptions used in calculating such amounts. These assumptions include discount rates, salary growth, long-term rate of return on plan assets, mortality rates and other factors. The assumptions used by the Company were determined as follows: (i) the discount rate used is based on comparisons to the Moody’s AA bond index and, to a lesser extent, the Citigroup Index, which represents a yield curve; (ii) the salary growth is based on the Company’s historical and projected level of salary increases; and (iii) the long-term rate of return on plan assets is determined based on historical portfolio results and management’s expectations of future returns. The rates used to determine the Company’s costs and obligations under its pension and postretirement plans are disclosed in Footnote 5 of the Consolidated Financial Statements of this Form 10-K. Each assumption has different sensitivity characteristics. For the year ended December 31, 2006, a 25 basis point reduction in the discount rate would have increased the Company’s net benefit cost by approximately $0.4 million; a 25 basis point increase in the salary growth rate used would have increased the Company’s net benefit cost by approximately $0.3 million; and a 25 basis point reduction in the long-term rate of return on plan assets would have increased the Company’s net benefit cost by approximately $0.3 million.

37

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

The Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts is determined based on a variety of factors that affect the potential collectibility of receivables, including length of time receivables are past due, customer credit ratings, financial stability of customers, specific one-time events and past customer history. In addition, in circumstances when the Company is made aware of a specific customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations, a specific allowance is established. The majority of accounts are individually evaluated on a regular basis and appropriate reserves are established as deemed appropriate based on the criteria previously mentioned. The remainder of the reserve is based on management’s estimates and takes into consideration historical trends, market conditions and the composition of the Company’s customer base. The risk associated with this estimate is that the Company would not become aware of potential collectibility issues related to specific accounts and thereby become exposed to potential unreserved losses. Historically, the Company’s estimates and assumptions around the allowance have been reasonably accurate and the Company has processes and controls in place to closely monitor customers and potential credit issues. Historically over the past three years, the Company’s allowance as a percentage of total receivables has ranged from 2.5% to 3.3%. A 50 basis point increase in the Company’s current year allowance to receivable ratio would increase its allowance reserve by approximately $0.4 million.
 
37


Forward-Looking Information  

Certain statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are based on management’s expectations, estimates, projections and assumptions. Words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “believes,” “estimates,” and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause the actual results or performance of the Company to be materially different from any future results or performance expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, changing business, economic, and political conditions both in the United States and in foreign countries; increasing competition; changes in product mix; the development of new products and manufacturing processes and the inherent risks associated with such efforts; the outcome of current and future litigation; the accuracy of the Company’s analysis of its potential asbestos-related exposure and insurance coverage; changes in the availability and cost of raw materials; fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; and any difficulties in integrating acquired businesses into the Company’s operations. Such factors also apply to the Company’s joint ventures. The Company makes no commitment to update any forward-looking statement or to disclose any facts, events, or circumstances after the date hereof that may affect the accuracy of any forward-looking statements, unless required by law.   Additional information about certain factors that could cause actual results to differ from such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those items described in Item 1A to this Form 10-K, “Risk Factors”.

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Market Risk

Currently, the Company is exposed to market risk from changes in foreign exchange rates. The Company does not use derivative instruments for trading or speculative purposes. The Company monitors foreign exchange and interest rate risks and manages such risks on specific transactions. The risk management process primarily uses analytical techniques and sensitivity analysis.

The Company has various borrowing facilities where the interest rates, although not fixed, are relatively low. Currently, an increase in the associated interest rates would not significantly impact interest expense on these facilities, as the Company currently has no debt.

The fair value of the Company’s investment portfolio or the related interest income would not be significantly impacted by either a 100 basis point increase or decrease in interest rates due mainly to the size and short-term nature of the Company’s investment portfolio and the relative insignificance of interest income to consolidated pre-tax income.

The Company’s financial results are affected by changes in foreign exchange rates and economic conditions in foreign countries in which the Company does business. The Company’s primary overseas markets are in Europe and Asia; thus exposing the Company to exchange rate risk from fluctuations in the Euro and the various currencies used in the Far East. Exposure to variability in currency exchange rates is mitigated, when possible, through the use of natural hedges, whereby purchases and sales in the same foreign currency and with similar maturity dates offset one another; however, no such material hedges were outstanding at year-end. The Company can initiate hedging activities by entering into foreign exchange forward contracts with third parties when the use of natural hedges is not possible or desirable. In 2006, a 10% increase/ decrease in exchange rates would have resulted in an increase/decrease to sales and net income of $28.4 million and $5.0 million, respectively.

38

 
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Board of Directors and Shareholders
Rogers Corporation


We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Rogers Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2006 and January 1, 2006, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended December 31, 2006. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a). These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

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

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Rogers Corporation and subsidiaries at December 31, 2006 and January 1, 2006, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended December 31, 2006, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of Rogers Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, based on criteria established in Internal Control Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 22, 2007 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

As discussed in Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements, in 2006 Rogers Corporation adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 158, Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, an amendment of FASB Statement Nos. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R) , and as discussed in Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements, also adopted SFAS No. 123 (Revised 2004), Share-Based Payment .
 
 
  ERNST & YOUNG
 
 
Boston, Massachusetts
February 22, 2007
 
39


CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
         
   
 
December 31,
2006
 
 
January 1,
2006
 
ASSETS
         
Current assets
         
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
13,638
 
$
22,001
 
Short-term investments
   
68,185
   
24,400
 
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,239 and $1,768
   
86,096
   
59,474
 
Accounts receivable from joint ventures
   
5,437
   
5,570
 
Accounts receivable, other
   
3,767
   
3,376
 
Note receivable, current
   
2,100
   
2,100
 
Inventories
   
70,242
   
43,502
 
Deferred income taxes
   
15,430
   
10,823
 
Asbestos-related insurance receivables
   
4,244
   
7,023
 
Other current assets
   
3,415
   
2,761
 
Total current assets
   
272,554
   
181,030
 
               
Notes receivable
   
-
   
2,100
 
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $141,490 and $120,721
   
141,728
   
131,616
 
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures
   
26,629
   
20,260
 
Deferred income taxes
   
4,828
   
-
 
Pension asset
   
974
   
6,667
 
Goodwill
   
10,656
   
21,928
 
Other intangible assets
   
454
   
764
 
Asbestos-related insurance receivables
   
18,503
   
30,581
 
Other long-term assets
   
4,576
   
5,654
 
Total assets
 
$
480,902
 
$
400,600
 
               
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
             
Current liabilities
             
Accounts payable
 
$
25,715
 
$
18,992
 
Accrued employee benefits and compensation
   
27,322
   
13,916
 
Accrued income taxes payable
   
9,970
   
7,209
 
Asbestos-related liabilities
   
4,244
   
7,023
 
Other current liabilities
   
14,892
   
10,226
 
Total current liabilities
   
82,143
   
57,366
 
               
Deferred income taxes
   
-
   
6,359
 
Pension liability
 
 
11,698
   
16,973
 
Retiree health care and life insurance benefits
 
 
10,021
   
7,048
 
Asbestos-related liabilities
   
18,694
   
30,867
 
Other long-term liabilities
   
1,169
   
1,737
 
               
Shareholders’ Equity
             
Capital Stock - $1 par value; 50,000,000 authorized shares; 16,937,523 and 16,255,024 shares issued and outstanding
   
16,938
   
16,255
 
Additional paid-in capital
   
59,352
   
31,220
 
Retained earnings
   
277,442
   
230,986
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income
   
3,445
   
1,789
 
Total shareholders' equity
   
357,177
   
280,250
 
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
 
$
480,902
 
$
400,600
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
 
40


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

For each of the fiscal years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2006
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
   
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
               
Net sales
 
$
454,562
 
$
356,112
 
$
370,237
 
Cost of sales
   
311,661
   
252,966
   
257,046
 
Gross margin
   
142,901
   
103,146
   
113,191
 
                     
Selling and administrative expenses
   
63,006
   
55,801
   
55,780
 
Research and development expenses
   
24,364
   
19,959
   
20,490
 
Restructuring and impairment charges
   
11,272
   
22,648
   
2,630
 
Operating income
   
44,259
   
4,738
   
34,291
 
                     
Equity income in unconsolidated joint ventures
   
8,563
   
5,251
   
6,097
 
Other income, net
   
3,156
   
886
   
6,131
 
Interest income, net
   
2,353
   
911
   
260
 
Income before income taxes
   
58,331
   
11,786
   
46,779
 
                     
Income tax (benefit) expense
   
11,875
   
(4,654
)
 
12,710
 
                     
Net income
 
$
46,456
 
$
16,440
 
$
34,069
 
                     
Net income per share:
                   
Basic
 
$
2.77
 
$
1.01
 
$
2.08
 
Diluted
   
2.69
   
0.98
   
1.99
 
                     
Shares used in computing:
                   
Basic
   
16,747,444
   
16,306,314
   
16,380,972
 
Diluted
   
17,287,837
   
16,724,397
   
17,103,583
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
 
41


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
Capital Stock
 
 
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
 
 
 
Retained Earnings
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
 
Total Shareholders’ Equity
 
                       
Balance at December 28, 2003
   
15,995
   
31,659
   
180,477
   
4,895
   
233,026
 
                                 
Comprehensive income:
                               
Net income
   
-
   
-
   
34,069
   
-
   
34,069
 
Other comprehensive income:
                               
Foreign currency translation
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
3,725
   
3,725
 
Minimum pension liability, net of tax
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
123
   
123
 
Total comprehensive income
                           
37,917
 
Stock options exercised
   
527
   
10,679
   
-
   
-
   
11,206
 
Stock issued to directors
   
14
   
251
   
-
   
-
   
265
 
Shares reacquired
   
(51
)
 
(2,753
)
 
-
   
-
   
(2,804
)
Shares issued
   
22
   
697
   
-
   
-
   
719
 
Share buyback
   
(70
)
 
(3,111
)
 
-
   
-
   
(3,181
)
Tax benefit on stock options exercised
   
-
   
4,347
   
-
   
-
   
4,347
 
                                 
Balance at January 2, 2005
   
16,437
   
41,769
   
214,546
   
8,743
   
281,495
 
                                 
Comprehensive income:
                               
Net income
   
-
   
-
   
16,440
   
-
   
16,440
 
Other comprehensive loss:
                               
Foreign currency translation
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
(6,891
)
 
(6,891
)
Minimum pension liability, net of tax
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
(63
)
 
(63
)
Total comprehensive income
                           
9,486
 
Stock options exercised
   
285
   
6,422
   
-
   
-
   
6,707
 
Stock issued to directors
   
20
   
256
   
-
   
-
   
276
 
Shares reacquired
   
(105
)
 
(4,119
)
 
-
   
-
   
(4,224
)
Shares issued
   
25
   
872
   
-
   
-
   
897
 
Share buyback
   
(407
)
 
(15,492
)
 
-
   
-
   
(15,899
)
Tax benefit on stock options exercised
   
-
   
1,512
   
-
   
-
   
1,512
 
                                 
Balance at January 1, 2006
 
$
16,255
 
$
31,220
 
$
230,986
 
$
1,789
 
$
280,250
 
                                 
Comprehensive income:
                               
Net income
   
-
   
-
   
46,456
   
-
   
46,456
 
Other comprehensive income (loss):
                               
Foreign currency translation
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
7,579
   
7,579
 
Minimum pension liability, net of tax
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
(50
)
 
(50
)
Total comprehensive income
                           
53,985
 
Adjustment to initially apply SFAS 158, net of tax
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
(5,873
)
 
(5,873
)
Stock options exercised
   
630
   
17,200
   
-
   
-
   
17,830
 
Stock issued to directors
   
8
   
398
   
-
   
-
   
406
 
Shares issued
   
45
   
713
   
-
   
-
   
758
 
Stock-based compensation expense
   
-
   
4,875
   
-
   
-
   
4,875
 
Tax benefit on stock options exercised
   
-
   
4,946
   
-
   
-
   
4,946
 
                                 
Balance at December 31, 2006
 
$
16,938
 
$
59,352
 
$
277,442
 
$
3,445
 
$
357,177
 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
 
42

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

For each of the fiscal years in the three-year period ended December, 31, 2006

(Dollars in thousands)
 
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
               
Operating Activities
             
Net income
 
$
46,456
 
$
16,440
 
$
34,069
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
                   
Depreciation and amortization
   
19,529
   
16,853
   
18,068
 
Stock-based compensation expense
   
4,875
   
-
   
-
 
Deferred income taxes
   
(9,597
)
 
(4,637
)
 
3,348
 
Excess tax benefit related to stock award plans
   
(4,946
)
 
-
   
-
 
Tax benefit related to stock award plans
   
-
   
1,512
   
4,347
 
Equity in undistributed income of unconsolidated joint ventures, net
   
(8,563
)
 
(5,251
)
 
(6,097
)
Dividends received from unconsolidated joint ventures
   
3,351
   
4,018
   
2,745
 
Loss (gain) on disposition / sale of assets
   
-
   
84
   
(947
)
Pension and postretirement benefits
   
(1,731
)
 
2,055
   
1,312
 
Impairment charges
   
11,272
   
22,648
   
-
 
Other, net
   
(1,210
)
 
1,922
   
1,122
 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities excluding effects of  acquisition and disposition of businesses:
                   
Accounts receivable
   
(22,979
)
 
(7,197
)
 
(3,103
)
Accounts receivable from joint ventures
   
133
   
(394
)
 
(1,997
)
Inventories
   
(25,729
)
 
3,106
   
(20,509
)
Other current assets
   
(596
)
 
264
   
(1,094
)
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities
   
23,629
   
(2,926
)
 
(206
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
33,894
   
48,497
   
31,058
 
                     
Investing Activities
                   
Capital expenditures
   
(23,074
)
 
(28,613
)
 
(28,131
)
(Purchase of) proceeds from short-term investments, net
   
(43,785
)
 
4,850
   
(12,594
)
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired
   
-
   
-
   
(3,408
)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
   
-
   
-
   
4,773
 
Investment in unconsolidated joint ventures, net
   
(250
)
 
-
   
(4,541
)
Proceeds from disposition of business
   
-
   
-
   
49
 
Net cash used in investing activities
   
(67,109
)
 
(23,763
)
 
(43,852
)
                     
Financing Activities
                   
Proceeds from sale of capital stock, net
   
17,830
   
2,483
   
8,402
 
Excess tax benefit related to stock award plans
   
4,946
   
-
   
-
 
Proceeds from issuance of shares to employee stock ownership plan
   
758
   
897
   
719
 
Purchase of stock
   
-
   
(15,899
)
 
(3,181
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
   
23,534
   
(12,519
)
 
5,940
 
                     
Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash
   
1,318
   
(931
)
 
(255
)
                     
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
   
(8,363
)
 
11,284
   
(7,109
)
                     
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
   
22,001
   
10,717
   
17,826
 
                     
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
 
$
13,638
 
$
22,001
 
$
10,717
 
                     
Supplemental disclosure of noncash investing activities
                   
Contribution of shares to fund employee stock ownership plan
 
$
954
 
$
825
 
$
689
 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
 
43

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1 - ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Organization

Rogers Corporation manufactures specialty materials, which are sold to targeted markets around the world. These specialty materials are grouped into four reportable segments: Printed Circuit Materials, which includes rigid circuit board laminates for high frequency printed circuits and flexible circuit board laminates for flexible interconnections, which are sold principally to printed circuit board manufacturers and equipment manufacturers for applications in the computer, portable communication device, communications infrastructure, aerospace and defense, and consumer markets; High Performance Foams, which includes urethane foams and silicone materials that are sold principally to manufacturers in the portable communication device, communication infrastructure, computer, ground transportation, aerospace and consumer markets; Custom Electrical Components, which includes electroluminescent lamps, inverters, and busbars that are sold principally to the ground transportation and portable communication device markets; and Other Polymer Products, which is comprised of industrial laminates, polyolefin foams, elastomer rollers, nitrophyl floats, and nonwoven materials.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, after elimination of intercompany accounts and transactions.

The Company operates on a 52 or 53-week fiscal year. Fiscal 2006 and 2005 were 52-week fiscal years; 2004 was a 53-week fiscal year with the extra week included in the first quarter results.

Reclassification

Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

Specifically, the Company reclassified certain amounts associated with its investments in auction-rate securities from cash to short-term investments during the 2006 fiscal year. Additionally, the Company reclassified the January 1, 2006 and January 2, 2005 consolidated balance sheets and statements of cash flows to properly classify into short-term investments $24.4 million and $27.3 million, respectively, of auction-rate securities previously classified as cash and cash equivalents.

Cash Equivalents

Highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less are considered cash equivalents. These investments are stated at cost, which approximates market value.

Short-Term Investments

The Company accounts for short-term investments in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 115, Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities . The Company’s short-term investments, which are carried at cost and consist of auction-rate securities, have been classified as held-to-maturity at December 31, 2006 and January 1, 2006. If the market values of individual securities decrease below cost for a period of six to nine months, the Company deems this indicative of an ‘other than temporary’ impairment and writes down the carrying amount of the investments to market value through other income, net in the consolidated statements of income. The Company has not recorded any such write downs in the years ended December 31, 2006, January 1, 2006 and January 2, 2005.

Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures

The Company accounts for its investments in and advances to unconsolidated joint ventures, all of which are 50% owned, using the equity method.

44

 
Foreign Currency

All balance sheet accounts of foreign subsidiaries are translated or remeasured at rates of exchange in effect at each year-end, and income statement items are translated at the average exchange rates for the year. Resulting translation adjustments for those entities that operate under the local currency are made directly to a separate component of shareholders' equity, while remeasurement adjustments for those entities that operate under the parent’s functional currency are made to the income statement as a component of “Other income, net”. Currency transaction adjustments are reported as income or expense.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

The Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts is determined based on a variety of factors that affect the potential collectibility of the related receivables, including the length of time receivables are past due, customer credit ratings, financial stability of customers, specific one-time events and past customer history. In addition, in circumstances where the Company is made aware of a specific customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations, a specific allowance is established. The majority of accounts are individually evaluated on a regular basis and appropriate reserves are established as deemed appropriate based on the criteria previously mentioned. The remainder of the reserve is based on management’s estimates and takes into consideration historical trends, market conditions and the composition of the Company’s customer base.

Inventories

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Certain inventories, amounting to $9.6 million and $7.3 million at December 31, 2006 and January 1, 2006, respectively, or 14% and 18% of total Company inventories in the respective periods, are valued by the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method. The cost of the remaining portion of the inventories was determined principally on the basis of actual first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) costs.

Inventories consist of the following:    

 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
December 31,
2006
 
 
January 1,
2006
 
           
Raw materials
 
$
16,170
 
$
12,450
 
Work-in-process
   
8,201
   
8,750
 
Finished goods
   
45,871
   
22,302
 
   
$
70,242
 
$
43,502
 
               
Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment is stated on the basis of cost. For financial reporting purposes, provisions for depreciation are calculated on a straight-line basis over the following estimated useful lives of the assets:

   
Years
 
Buildings and improvements
   
10-25
 
Machinery and equipment
   
5-15
 
Office equipment
   
3-10
 

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (SFAS 142), classifies intangible assets into three categories: (1) intangible assets with definite lives subject to amortization; (2) intangible assets with indefinite lives not subject to amortization; and (3) goodwill. The Company reviews goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives for impairment annually and/or if events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of an asset may have been impaired. The Company reviews intangible assets with definite lives for impairment whenever conditions exist that indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable, such as economic downturn in a market or a change in the assessment of future operations.

45

Goodwill and intangible assets are considered to be impaired when the net book value of a reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value. Fair values are typically established using a discounted cash flow methodology. The determination of discounted cash flows is based on the business’ strategic plans and long-range operating forecasts. The revenue growth rates included in the plans are management’s best estimates based on current and forecasted market conditions, and the profit margin assumptions are projected by each segment based on the current cost structure and anticipated cost changes.
 
As part of the 2004 impairment review, the Company reassessed the useful lives of its intangible assets and determined that certain trademarks should now be amortized over 10 years. Previously, the Company had not been recording amortization on these assets as the Company estimated that these trademarks were considered indefinite-lived intangible assets. The effect of this change on the Company’s results of operations, financial position and cash flows was not material.
 
Purchased patents, covenants-not-to-compete and licensed technology are capitalized and amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, generally from 3 to 17 years.

Environmental and Product Liabilities

The Company accrues for its environmental investigation, remediation, operating and maintenance costs when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated. For environmental matters, the most likely cost to be incurred is accrued based on an evaluation of currently available facts with respect to each individual site, current laws and regulations and prior remediation experience. For sites with multiple potential responsible parties (PRP’s), the Company considers its likely proportionate share of the anticipated remediation costs and the ability of the other parties to fulfill their obligations in establishing a provision for those costs. Where no amount within a range of estimates is more likely to occur than another, the minimum is accrued. When future liabilities are determined to be reimbursable by insurance coverage, an accrual is recorded for the potential liability and a receivable is recorded related to the insurance reimbursement. The Company is exposed to the uncertain nature inherent in such remediation and the possibility that initial estimates will not reflect the final outcome of a matter.

In late 2004, the Company determined that it was reasonably prudent, based on facts and circumstances known to it at that time, to perform a formal analysis to determine its potential future liability and related insurance coverage for asbestos-related matters. This determination was made based on several factors, including the growing number of asbestos-related claims and recent settlement history. Projecting future asbestos costs is subject to numerous variables that are extremely difficult to predict, including the number of claims that might be received, the type and severity of the disease alleged by each claimant, the long latency period associated with asbestos exposure, dismissal rates, costs of medical treatment, the financial resources of other companies that are co-defendants in claims, uncertainties surrounding the litigation process from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and from case to case, and the impact of potential changes in legislative or judicial standards, including potential tort reform. Furthermore, any predictions with respect to these variables are subject to even greater uncertainty as the projection period lengthens. In light of these inherent uncertainties, the Company’s limited claims history and consultations with National Economic Research Associates, Inc. (NERA), the Company believes that five years is the most reasonable period for recognizing a reserve for future costs, and that costs that might be incurred after that period are not reasonably estimable at this time. As a result, the Company also believes that its ultimate net asbestos-related contingent liability (i.e., its indemnity or other claim disposition costs plus related legal fees) cannot be estimated with certainty.

The models developed for determining the potential exposure and related insurance coverage were developed by outside consultants deemed to be experts in their respective fields. The models required the Company to make numerous assumptions that significantly impacted the results generated by the models. The Company believes the assumptions made are reasonable at the present time, but are subject to uncertainty based on the actual future outcome of its asbestos litigation. The original liability model projected the Company’s future liability annually for a 50-year period. The Company believes, based on the limited amount of settlement and claims history currently known to it, that a reasonable future time frame to quantify its liability is five years.

Given the inherent uncertainty in making future projections, the Company has had the projections of current and future asbestos claims periodically re-examined, and plans to continue to do so in the future, and the Company will update them, if needed, based on Company experience, changes in the underlying assumptions that formed the basis for NERA’s and Marsh Risk Consulting’s (Marsh) models, and other relevant factors, such as changes in the tort system. There can be no assurance that the Company’s accrued asbestos liabilities will approximate its actual asbestos-related settlement and defense costs, or that its accrued insurance recoveries will be realized. The Company believes that it is reasonably possible that it will incur additional charges for its asbestos liabilities and defense costs in the future, which could exceed existing reserves, but cannot estimate such excess amount at this time.

46

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Management believes that the carrying values of financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and accrued liabilities approximate fair value as a result of the short-term maturities of these instruments.

Concentration of Credit and Investment Risk

The Company extends credit on an uncollateralized basis to almost all customers. Concentration of credit and geographic risk with respect to accounts receivable is limited due to the large number and general dispersion of accounts that constitute the Company’s customer base. The Company periodically performs credit evaluations of its customers. At December 31, 2006 and January 1, 2006, there was one customer that accounted for approximately 12% and 11%, respectively, of the Company’s accounts receivable. No other individual customer comprised more than ten percent of the total accounts receivable balance at December 31, 2006 or January 1, 2006. The Company did not experience significant credit losses on customers’ accounts in 2006, 2005, or 2004.

The Company invests its excess cash principally in investment grade government and corporate debt securities. The Company has established guidelines relative to diversification and maturities that maintain safety and liquidity. These guidelines are periodically reviewed and modified to reflect changes in market conditions. The Company did not experience any significant losses on its cash equivalents or short-term investments in 2006, 2005, or 2004.

Income Taxes

The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes , which establishes financial accounting and reporting standards for the effect of income taxes. The objective of accounting for income taxes is to recognize the amount of taxes payable or refundable for the current year and the deferred tax liabilities and assets for the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the entity’s financial statements. The Company is subject to income taxes in the United States and in numerous foreign jurisdictions. No provision is made for U.S. income taxes on the undistributed earnings of its wholly-owned foreign subsidiaries because substantially all such earnings are indefinitely reinvested in those companies. Provision for the tax consequences of distributions, if any, from consolidated foreign subsidiaries is recorded in the year the distribution is declared.

The Company has provided for potential liabilities due in various jurisdictions. In the ordinary course of global business, there are many transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax outcome is uncertain. Some of these uncertainties arise as a consequence of cost reimbursement arrangements among related entities. Although the Company believes its estimates are reasonable, no assurance can be given that the final tax outcome of these matters will not be different than that which is reflected in the historical income tax provisions and accruals. Such differences could have a material impact on the Company’s income tax provision and operating results in the period in which such determination is made.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue is recognized upon delivery of products and transfer of title to customers, when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the price is fixed or determinable, and collection is reasonably assured.

Shipping and Handling Charges

Costs incurred by the Company for shipping and handling charges are charged to costs of sales and payments received by the Company from its customers for shipping and handling charges are included in net sales on the Company’s consolidated statements of income.

Pension and Retiree Healthcare and Life Insurance Benefits

The Company provides various defined benefit pension plans for its U.S. employees and sponsors three defined benefit healthcare and life insurance plans for its U.S. retirees. The costs and obligations associated with these plans are dependent upon various actuarial assumptions used in calculating such amounts. These assumptions include discount rates, salary growth, long-term rate of return on plan assets, mortality rates, and other factors. The assumptions used by the Company are determined as follows: (i) the discount rate used is based on comparisons to the Moody’s AA bond index, as well as a hypothetical yield curve that creates a reference portfolio of high-quality corporate bonds whose payments mimic the plan’s benefit payment stream; (ii) the salary growth is based on the Company’s historical and projected level of salary increases; (iii) the long-term rate of return on plan assets is determined based on historical portfolio results and management’s expectations of future returns, as well as current market assumptions related to long-term return rates; and (iv) the mortality rate is based on a mortality projection that estimates current longevity rates and their impact on the long-term plan obligations. The Company reviews these assumptions periodically throughout the year.

47

Earnings Per Share

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

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
             
   
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
Numerator:
                   
Net Income
 
$
46,456
 
$
16,440
 
$
34,069
 
                     
Denominator:
                   
Denominator for basic earnings per share - weighted averages shares
   
16,747,444
   
16,306,314
   
16,380,972
 
Effect of stock options
   
540,393
   
418,083
   
722,611
 
Denominator for diluted earnings per share - adjusted weighted-average shares
and assumed conversions
   
17,287,837
   
16,724,397
   
17,103,583
 
                     
Basic earnings per share
 
$
2.77
 
$
1.01
 
$
2.08
 
Diluted earnings per share
 
$
2.69
 
$
0.98
 
$
1.99
 

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Hedging Activity

The Company, on occasion, uses derivative instruments to manage certain foreign currency exposures. Derivative instruments are viewed as risk management tools by the Company and are not used for trading or speculative purposes. Derivatives used for hedging purposes must be designated and effective as a hedge of the identified risk exposure at the inception of the contract. Accordingly, changes in fair value of the derivative contract must be highly correlated with changes in the fair value of the underlying hedged item at inception of the hedge and over the life of the hedge contract.

Derivatives used to hedge forecasted cash flows associated with foreign currency commitments or forecasted commodity purchases are accounted for as cash flow hedges. Gains and losses on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges are recorded in other comprehensive income and reclassified to earnings in a manner that matches the timing of the earnings impact of the hedged transactions. The ineffective portion of all hedges, if any, is recognized currently in earnings.

On December 31, 2006 and January 1, 2006, the Company has outstanding forward contracts used to hedge foreign currency transactional exposures. The fair value of such investments were not material at December 31, 2006 and January 1, 2006. The effects of these contracts are recorded directly to the Company’s statement of income as these items have not been designated as hedges. As of December 31, 2006 and January 1, 2006, the Company does not have any instruments outstanding that would require hedge accounting treatment .

48

Advertising Costs

Advertising is expensed as incurred and amounted to $1.5 million, $1.5 million, and $1.7 million for 2006, 2005, and 2004, respectively.

Variable-Interest Entities

In December 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FIN No. 46 (revised December 2003), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities (FIN 46R) to address certain FIN 46 implementation issues. The Company adopted the provisions of FIN 46R in the first quarter of 2004. As a result of its review, the Company determined that it had one variable interest entity (VIE); however, the Company determined that it was not the primary beneficiary and, as such, did not consolidate the entity in accordance with FIN 46R. The VIE identified by the Company is Polyimide Laminate Systems, LLC (PLS), a 50% owned joint venture with Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. The joint venture sells adhesiveless laminates for trace suspension assemblies and was established in October 1999. Sales of PLS were approximately $20.4 million, $20.0 million and $18.2 million in 2006, 2005, and 2004, respectively. The Company’s maximum exposure to loss as a result of its involvement with PLS is limited to its equity investment, which was approximately $40,000 at December 31, 2006, and to its outstanding receivables if those amounts were to become uncollectible for various financial reasons, such as insolvency, which amounted to $2.5 million and $2.1 million at December 31, 2006 and January 1, 2006, respectively. In accordance with FIN 46R, the Company reviews its FIN 46R compliance whenever a reconsideration event occurs or a new situation exists that was not previously considered under FIN 46R.

Stock-Based Compensation

On December 16, 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123 (Revised 2004), Share-Based Payment (SFAS 123R), which is a revision of SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation (SFAS 123). SFAS 123R supersedes APB No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees , and amends SFAS No. 95, Statement of Cash Flows . Generally, the approach in SFAS 123R is similar to the approach described in SFAS 123. However, SFAS 123R requires all share-based payments, including grants of employee stock options, to be recognized in the income statement based on their fair values. Pro forma disclosure is no longer an alternative. SFAS 123R was initially effective for periods beginning after June 15, 2005; however, in April of 2005, the SEC delayed the effective date to the first annual period that begins after June 15, 2005.

On January 2, 2006 (the first day of the 2006 fiscal year), the Company adopted SFAS 123R using the modified prospective application as permitted under SFAS 123R. Under this transition method, compensation cost recognized in 2006 includes the following: (i) compensation cost for all share-based payments granted prior to but not yet vested as of January 1, 2006, based on the grant-date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of SFAS 123; and (ii) compensation cost for all share-based payments granted subsequent to January 1, 2006, based on the grant-date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of SFAS 123R. In accordance with the modified prospective method of adoption, the Company’s results of operations and financial position for prior periods have not been restated.

Recent Accounting Standards

Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes

In June 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes - an Interpretation of FASB No. 109 (FIN 48). FIN 48 is effective for accounting periods commencing after December 15, 2006 and the Company intends to adopt the new standard in the first quarter of 2007. FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and a measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. For those benefits to be recognized, a tax position must be more-likely-than-not to be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities. The amount recognized is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon settlement. The Company will be required to apply the provisions of FIN 48 to all tax positions upon initial adoption with any cumulative effect adjustment accounted for as an adjustment to retained earnings. The Company is currently assessing the impact of FIN 48 on its consolidated financial statements.

49


NOTE 2 - PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
December 31, 2006
 
January 1, 2006
 
           
Land
 
$
11,860
 
$
9,234
 
Buildings and improvements
   
101,789
   
95,807
 
Machinery and equipment
   
126,849
   
104,471
 
Office equipment
   
26,515
   
23,942
 
Equipment in process
   
16,205
   
18,883
 
     
283,218
   
252,337
 
Accumulated depreciation
   
(141,490
)
 
(120,721
)
   
$
141,728
 
$
131,616
 

Depreciation expense was $19.2 million in 2006, $16.5 million in 2005, and $17.7 million in 2004.


NOTE 3 - GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Identifiable intangible assets are comprised of the following:

 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
December 31, 2006
 
January 1, 2006
 
           
Trademarks and patents
 
$
1,022
 
$
1,022
 
Technology
   
786
   
786
 
Covenant-not-to-compete
   
625
   
625
 
     
2,433
   
2,433
 
Accumulated amortization
   
(1,979
)
 
(1,669
)
   
$
454
 
$
764
 
 
Amortization expense for 2006, 2005, and 2004, amounted to approximately $0.3 million, $0.3 million, and $0.4 million, respectively. For each of the next five fiscal years, amortization expense is estimated to be approximately $60,000. In 2005, the Company recorded an impairment charge on certain assets related to the polyolefin foam business, resulting in a reduction of the related intangible assets of $5.7 million (see Footnote 12). Also in 2005, the Company recorded a purchase accounting adjustment related to its acquisition of the 50% of Durel Corporation that the Company did not already own to reduce certain intangible assets as a result of the resolution of certain income tax contingencies.

In 2006, the Company recorded an additional non-cash pre-tax charge related to the impairment of goodwill in the polyolefin foams and polyester based operating segments in the amounts of $6.3 and $5.0 million, respectively. Both charges are included in restructuring and impairment charges on the Company’s statements of income.
 

50


The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the period ending December 31, 2006, by segment, is as follows:

 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Printed
Circuit
Materials
 
High
Performance
Foams
 
Custom
Electrical
Components
 
Other
Polymer
Products
 
 
 
Total
 
Balance as of December 28, 2003
 
$
-
 
$
7,410
 
$
-
 
$
9,261
 
$
16,671
 
Acquisition of KF, Inc.
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
2,224
   
2,224
 
Polyolefin foams purchase price a djustment
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
3,033
   
3,033
 
Balance as of January 2, 2005 and January 1, 2006
 
$
-
 
$
7,410
 
$
-
 
$
14,518
 
$
21,928
 
                                 
Polyester-based industrial laminates impairment
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
(5,013
)
 
(5,013
)
Polyolefin foams impairment
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
(6,259
)
 
(6,259
)
Balance as of December 31, 2006
 
$
-
 
$
7,410
 
$
-
 
$
3,246
 
$
10,656
 
 
51

NOTE 4 - SUMMARIZED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF UNCONSOLIDATED JOINT VENTURES

As of December 31, 2006, the Company had four joint ventures, each 50% owned, that are accounted for under the equity method of accounting.

Joint Venture
 
Location
 
Reportable Segment
 
Fiscal Year-End
 
               
Rogers Inoac Corporation
   
Japan
   
High Performance Foams
   
October 31
 
Rogers Inoac Suzhou Corporation
   
China
   
High Performance Foams
   
December 31
 
Rogers Chang Chun Technology Co., Ltd.
   
Taiwan
   
Printed Circuit Materials
   
December 31
 
Polyimide Laminate Systems, LLC
   
U.S.
   
Printed Circuit Materials
   
December 31
 
 
Equity income related to Rogers’ share of the underlying net income of the joint ventures amounted to $8.6 million, $5.3 million, and $6.1 million for 2006, 2005, and 2004, respectively. The Company had commission income from PLS of $2.0 million, $2.3 million, and $1.9 million for 2006, 2005, and 2004 respectively, which is included in other income, net on the statement of income.

The summarized financial information for these joint ventures is included in the following tables. Note that there is a difference between the Company’s investment in unconsolidated joint ventures and its one-half interest in the underlying shareholders’ equity of the joint ventures due primarily to two factors. First, the Company’s major initial contribution to one of the joint ventures was technology that was valued differently by the joint venture than it was on the Company’s books. Second, the translation of foreign currency at current rates differs from that at historical rates.

51

Summarized Information for Joint Ventures:

 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
December 31,
2006
 
 
January 1,
2006
 
           
Current assets
 
$
57,600
 
$
43,946
 
Noncurrent assets
   
16,804
   
19,426
 
Current liabilities
   
20,773
   
17,347
 
Noncurrent liabilities
   
2,050
   
4,260
 
Shareholders’ equity
   
53,258
   
41,765
 
 

   
For the years ended:
 
               
(Dollars is thousands)
 
December 31,
2006
 
January 1,
2006
 
January 2,
2005
 
               
Net sales
 
$
109,765
 
$
98,678
 
$
85,200
 
Gross profit
   
29,271
   
27,549
   
28,897
 
Net income
   
17,126
   
10,502
   
12,194
 
 
 
The effect of sales made between the unconsolidated joint ventures and the Company were appropriately accounted for on a consolidated basis. Receivables from joint ventures arise during the normal course of business from transactions between Rogers and the joint ventures, typically from the joint venture purchasing raw materials from Rogers to produce end products, which are sold to third parties.
 
 
NOTE 5 - PENSION BENEFITS AND RETIREMENT HEALTH AND LIFE INSURANCE BENEFITS

The Company has two qualified noncontributory defined benefit pension plans covering substantially all U.S. employees. The Company also has established a nonqualified unfunded noncontributory defined benefit pension plan to restore certain retirement benefits that might otherwise be lost due to limitations imposed by federal law on qualified pension plans, as well as to provide supplemental retirement benefits for certain senior executives of the Company.

In addition, the Company sponsors three unfunded defined benefit health care and medical and life insurance plans for retirees. The measurement date for all plans for 2006 and 2005 is December 31, 2006 and January 1, 2006, respectively.

Impact of Adoption of New Accounting Standard

On December 31, 2006, the Company adopted SFAS No. 158, Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and other Postretirement Plans - An amendment of FASB Statement Nos. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R) (SFAS 158). SFAS 158 requires an employer to: (a) recognize in its statement of financial position an asset for a plan’s overfunded status or a liability for a plan’s underfunded status; (b) measure a plan’s assets and its obligations that determine its funded status as of the end of the employer’s fiscal year; and (c) recognize changes in the funded status of a defined benefit postretirement plan in the year in which the changes occur and report these changes in comprehensive income. The measurement date provisions did not impact the Company as all of the plans have a measurement date of December 31, 2006 in the current fiscal year.

The impact of implementing SFAS 158 reduced total assets by $2.6 million, increased total liabilities by $6.9 million and reduced shareholders’ equity (decrease in accumulated other comprehensive income) by $5.9 million, net of deferred taxes of $3.6 million. The adoption did not affect the consolidated balance sheet at January 1, 2006 or the consolidated statements of income for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended December 31, 2006.

The adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive income upon the adoption of SFAS 158 represents the net unrecognized actuarial losses, unrecognized prior service costs (credits) and unrecognized transition obligation remaining from the initial adoption of SFAS No. 87, Employer’s Accounting for Pensions (SFAS 87). These amounts were previously netted against the plan’s funded status in the consolidated balance sheet. The Company will recognize these amounts in future periods as net periodic pension cost pursuant to the accounting policy for amortizing such amounts.

52

In addition, with the adoption of this Statement, actuarial gains and losses that are not immediately recognized as net periodic pension cost will be recognized as a component of other comprehensive income and amortized into net periodic pension cost in future periods.
 
Obligations and Funded Status
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
Pension Benefits
 
Retirement Health and
Life Insurance Benefits
 
   
2006
 
2005
 
2006
 
2005
 
Change in benefit obligation:
                 
                   
Benefit obligation at beginning of year
 
$
127,027
 
$
115,113
 
$
10,860
 
$
11,271
 
Service cost
   
4,534
   
4,168
   
778
   
674
 
Interest cost
   
6,820
   
6,501
   
565
   
563
 
Actuarial (gain) loss
   
(4,930
)
 
7,014
   
(396
)
 
(812
)
Benefit payments
   
(6,198
)
 
(5,769
)
 
(849
)
 
(836
)
Plan amendments
   
302
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
Benefit obligation at end of year
 
$
127,555
 
$
127,027
 
$
10,958
 
$
10,860
 
                           
Change in plan assets:
                         
                           
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year
 
$
100,197
 
$
91,065
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
Actual return on plan assets
   
12,386
   
12,578
   
-
   
-
 
Employer contributions
   
10,446
   
2,323
   
849
   
836
 
Benefit payments
   
(6,198
)
 
(5,769
)
 
(849
)
 
(836
)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year
 
$
116,831
 
$
100,197
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
                           
Funded status
 
$
(10,724
)
$
(26,830
)
$
(10,958
)
$
(10,860
)
                           

 
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets consist of:
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
Pension Benefits
 
Retirement Health and
Life Insurance Benefits
 
   
2006
 
2005
 
2006
 
2005
 
                   
Non-current assets
 
$
974
 
$
6,667
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
Current liabilities
   
-
   
-
   
(937
)
 
(900
)
Non-current liabilities
   
(11,698
)
 
(16,973
)
 
(10,021
)
 
(7,048
)
Deferred tax asset
   
-
   
2,431
   
-
   
-
 
Minimum pension liability included in accumulated other comprehensive income
   
-
   
3,954
   
-
   
-
 
Net amount recognized at end of year
 
$
(10,724
)
$
(3,921
)
$
(10,958
)
$
(7,948
)
                           

53



 
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income consist of:
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
Pension Benefits
 
Retirement Health
and  Life Insurance
Benefits
 
   
2006
 
2006
 
           
Net Actuarial Loss
 
$
10,081
 
$
2,355
 
Prior Service Cost
   
3,494
   
-
 
Net amount recognized at end of year
 
$
13,575
 
$
2,355
 
 
The projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation, and fair value of plan assets for the pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets were $4.1 million, $3.0 million and $0.0 million, respectively as of December 31, 2006, and $127.0 million, $109.0 million and $100.2 million, respectively, as of January 1, 2006. The decrease in these amounts at December 31, 2006, as compared to January 1, 2006, is primarily related to contributions of $10.4 million in 2006, which resulted in one of the qualified noncontributory defined benefit plans moving to a position in which the fair value of plan assets exceeded the accumulated benefit obligation at December 31, 2006.

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost
               
Postretirement Health and
 
   
Pension Benefits
 
Life Insurance Benefits
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
                           
Service cost
 
$
4,534
 
$
4,168
 
$
3,932
 
$
778
 
$
674
 
$
579
 
Interest cost
   
6,820
   
6,501
   
6,222
   
565
   
563
   
541
 
Expected return of plan assets
   
(8,706
)
 
(8,045
)
 
(7,069
)
 
-
   
-
   
-
 
Amortization of prior service cost
   
461
   
461
   
626
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
Amortization of net loss
   
565
   
659
   
548
   
162
   
163
   
127
 
Curtailment loss
   
-
   
-
   
794
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
Settlement gain
   
-
   
-
   
(154
)
 
-
   
-
   
-
 
Net periodic benefit cost
 
$
3,674
 
$
3,744
 
$
4,899
 
$
1,505
 
$
1,400
 
$
1,247
 
                                       
The estimated net loss and prior service cost for the defined benefit pension plans that will be amortized from other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year are $0.3 million and $0.5 million, respectively. The estimated net loss for the defined benefit postretirement plans that will be amortized from other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year is $0.1 million.

54


Assumptions
 
                   
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at year-end:
         
   
 
Pension Benefits
 
Retirement Health and
Life Insurance Benefits
 
   
2006
 
2005
 
2006
 
2005
 
                   
Discount rate
 
  5.75%
 
  5.50%
 
  5.75%
 
  5.50%
 
Rate of compensation increase
 
  4.00%
 
  4.00%
 
  -
 
  -
 
                       
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net benefit cost for years ended:
           
 
 
 
Pension Benefits  
 
Retirement Health and
Life Insurance Benefits
 
   
  2006
 
  2005
 
  2006
 
  2005
 
                       
Discount rate
   
5.50 %
 
 
5.75 %
 
 
5.50 %
 
 
5.75 %
 
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets
   
8.75 %
 
 
9.00 %
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
Rate of compensation increase
   
4.00 %
 
4.00 %
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
                           

For measurement purposes as of December 31, 2006, the Company assumed an annual healthcare cost trend rate of 9% for covered healthcare benefits in 2007. The rate was assumed to decrease gradually to 5% in 2010 and remain at that level thereafter. As of January 1, 2006, the Company assumed an annual healthcare cost trend rate of 9% for covered healthcare benefits in 2006. The rate was assumed to decrease gradually to 5% in 2009 and remain at that level thereafter. Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the health care plans. A one-percentage point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects:

   
 
One Percentage Point
 
   
Increase
 
Decrease
 
           
Effect on total of service and interest cost
 
$
163,393
 
$
(142,875
)
Effect on other postretirement benefit obligations
 
$
903,920
 
$
(789,915
)

Plan Assets

The Company’s pension plan weighted-average asset allocations at December 31, 2006 and January 1, 2006, by asset category, are as follows:

   
Current Target
         
   
Allocation
 
Plan Assets at Year-End
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
               
Equity securities
   
67 %
 
68 %
 
 
69 %
 
Debt securities
   
33 %
 
 
32 %
 
 
31 %
 
Total
   
100 %
 
 
100 %
 
 
100 %
 
                     
Investment Strategy

The Company’s defined benefit pension assets are invested with the objective of achieving a total rate of return over the long-term that is sufficient to fund future pension obligations. Overall investment risk is mitigated by maintaining a diversified portfolio of assets as reflected in the above tables .

Asset allocation target ranges were established to meet the Company’s investment objectives. The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets is based on several factors, including the plans’ asset allocation targets, the historical and projected performance on those asset classes, and on the plans’ current asset composition.

57

Cash Flows

Contributions

At the current time, the Company has met the minimum funding requirements for its qualified defined benefit pension plans and is therefore not required to make a contribution to the plans in 2007. In 2006 and 2005, the Company made annual contributions to the pension plans of approximately $10.4 million and $2.3   million, respectively. The Company will most likely make a contribution to the pension plans in 2007, but cannot estimate the amount at this time. As there is no funding requirement for the nonqualified defined benefit plans and the Retiree Health and Life Insurance benefit plans, the Company will contribute the amount of benefit payments made during the year consistent with past practices.

Estimated Future Payments

The following pension benefit payments, which reflect expected future employee service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid through the utilization of plan assets. The Retiree Health and Life Insurance benefits, for which no funding has been made, are expected to be paid from operating cash flows. The benefit payments are based on the same assumptions used to measure the Company’s benefit obligation at the end of fiscal 2006.

(Dollars in thousands)
   
 
Pension
Benefits
 
Retiree Health and Life Insurance Benefits
 
           
2007
 
$
5,481
 
$
937
 
2008
   
5,623
   
952
 
2009
   
5,936
   
915
 
2010
   
6,377
   
892
 
2011
   
6,793
   
897
 
2012-2016
   
43,919
   
4,780
 
               


NOTE 6 - EMPLOYEE SAVINGS AND INVESTMENT PLAN

The Company sponsors the Rogers Employee Savings and Investment Plan (RESIP), a 401(k) plan for domestic employees. Employees can defer an amount they choose, up to the yearly IRS limit, which is $15,000 in 2006 and $15,500 in 2007. Certain eligible participants are also allowed to contribute the maximum catch-up contribution per IRS regulations. Currently up to 5% of an eligible employee’s annual pre-tax contribution is matched at a rate of 50% by the Company. In 2006, 2005 and 2004, 100% of the Company’s matching contribution was invested in Company stock. RESIP related expense amounted to $1.1 million in each of 2006, 2005, and 2004, which related solely to Company matching contributions.


NOTE 7 - DEBT

Long-Term Debt

The Company, together with certain of its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Rogers Technologies (Barbados) SRL, Rogers (China) Investment Co., Ltd., Rogers N.V., and Rogers Technologies (Suzhou) Co. Ltd. entered into a Multicurrency Revolving Credit Agreement on November 13, 2006 with Citizens Bank of Connecticut (Credit Agreement). The Credit Agreement provides for an unsecured five-year revolving multi-currency credit facility of $75 million (Credit Facility A), and an unsecured 364-day revolving multi-currency credit facility of $25 million (Credit Facility B). The Credit Agreement includes a letter of credit sub-facility of up to $75 million. Under the terms of the Credit Agreement, the Borrowers have the right to incur additional indebtedness through additional borrowings in an aggregate amount of up to $25 million.

56

Credit Facility A expires on November 13, 2011. Credit Facility B, which expires on November 12, 2007, is expected to be renewed annually. The rate of interest charged on any outstanding loans can, at the Borrower’s option and subject to certain restrictions, be based on the prime rate or at rates from 40 to 87.5 basis points over a LIBOR loan rate. The spreads over the LIBOR rate are based on the Company’s leverage ratio. Under the arrangement, the ongoing commitment fee varies from zero to 25 basis points of the maximum amount that can be borrowed, net of any outstanding borrowings and the maximum amount that beneficiaries may draw under outstanding letters of credit.

In conjunction with the execution of the Credit Agreement, on November 13, 2006, the Company terminated an unsecured revolving multi-currency credit facility of $50 million (the Prior Agreement). Borrowings under the Prior Agreement were subject to interest based upon the prime rate or a Eurocurrency loan rate and required the Company to pay a commitment fee of 30.0 to 37.5 basis points on the maximum borrowings available net of any outstanding borrowings.

There were no borrowings pursuant to the Credit Agreement and the Prior Agreement at December 31, 2006 and January 1, 2006, respectively. The Credit Agreement and the Prior Agreement contain restrictive covenants primarily related to total indebtedness, interest expense, and capital expenditures. The Company was in compliance with these covenants at December 31, 2006 and January 1, 2006.

Additionally, the Company was obligated under irrevocable standby letters of credit, which guarantee the Company’s self- insured workers compensation plan in the amount of $1.6 million at December 31, 2006. There were no amounts outstanding on these letters of credit as of December 31, 2006.

Interest

Interest costs and bank fees incurred on bank commitments and debt, which approximate amounts paid, during the years 2006, 2005, 2004 were $130,000, $150,000, and $146,000, respectively.

Restriction on Payment of Dividends

Pursuant to the multi-currency revolving credit loan agreement, the Company cannot make a cash dividend payment if a default or event of default has occurred and is continuing or shall result from the cash dividend payment.

 
57



NOTE 8 - INCOME TAXES

Consolidated income (loss) before income taxes consists of:

(Dollars in thousands)
 
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
Domestic
 
$
4,230
 
$
(578
)
$
40,669
 
International
   
54,101
   
12,364
   
6,110
 
Total
 
$
58,331
 
$
11,786
 
$
46,779
 

The income tax expense (benefit) in the consolidated statements of income consists of:

(Dollars in thousands)
 
Current
 
Deferred
 
Total
 
2006
             
Domestic
 
$
12,109
 
$
(7,521
)
$
4,588
 
International
   
9,109
   
(1,203
)
 
7,906
 
State
   
254
   
(873
)
 
(619
)
Total
 
$
21,472
 
$
(9,597
)
$
11,875
 
                     
2005
                   
Domestic
 
$
(2,906
)
$
(3,900
)
$
(6,806
)
International
   
2,708
   
225
   
2,933
 
State
   
181
   
(962
)
 
(781
)
Total
 
$
(17
)
$
(4,637
)
$
(4,654
)
                     
2004
                   
Domestic
 
$
5,378
 
$
3,243
 
$
8,621
 
International
   
3,836
   
(103
)
 
3,733
 
State
   
148
   
208
   
356
 
  Total
 
$
9,362
 
$
3,348
 
$
12,710
 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2006 and January 1, 2006, respectively, are comprised of the following:
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
2006
 
 
2005
 
Deferred tax assets
         
Accrued employee benefits and compensation
 
$
9,519
 
$
6,528
 
Accrued postretirement benefits
   
6,316
   
3,020
 
Intercompany profit elimination
   
5,554
   
-
 
Other postretirement benefits
   
3,269
   
3,580
 
Investment in joint ventures, net
   
214
   
-
 
Tax credit carryforwards
   
-
   
1,381
 
Other
   
2,583
   
715
 
Total deferred tax assets
   
27,455
   
15,224
 
Less deferred tax asset valuation allowance
   
960
   
973
 
Total deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance
   
26,495
   
14,251
 
Deferred tax liabilities
             
Depreciation and amortization
   
6,237
   
9,086
 
Investment in joint ventures, net
   
-
   
701
 
Total deferred tax liabilities
   
6,237
   
9,787
 
Net deferred tax asset
 
$
20,258
 
$
4,464
 
               
 
58


Deferred taxes are classified on the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2006 and January 1, 2006 as a net current deferred tax asset of $15.4 million and $10.8 million, respectively, and a net long-term deferred tax asset (liability) of $4.8 million and ($6.4) million, respectively.

Income tax expense differs from the amount computed by applying the United States federal statutory income tax rate to income before income taxes. The reasons for this difference are as follows:
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
               
Tax expense at Federal statutory income tax rate
 
$
20,416
 
$
4,125
 
$
16,373
 
International tax rate differential
   
(6,648
)
 
(1,617
)
 
(56
)
Foreign tax credit
   
1,885
   
(1,174
)
 
(1,913
)
General business credits
   
(648
)
 
(712
)
 
(780
)
Nontaxable foreign sales income
   
(1,233
)
 
(2,365
)
 
(2,947
)
Manufacturer’s deduction
   
(87
)
 
(259
)
 
-
 
State income tax expense (benefit), net of federal benefit
   
(437
)
 
(608
)
 
392
 
Impairment of nondeductible goodwill
   
1,840
   
-
   
-
 
Valuation allowance change
   
(12
)
 
(60
)
 
(291
)
Provision to return adjustment
   
-
   
(1,956
)
 
-
 
Audit settlement reserve adjustment
   
(2,800
)
 
-
   
-
 
Other
   
(401
)
 
(28
)
 
1,932
 
Income tax (benefit) expense
 
$
11,875
 
$
(4,654
)
$
12,710
 
                     
The Company is eligible for a tax holiday on its earnings in China. Under the business license agreement granted to Rogers Technologies (Suzhou) Company (RSZ), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, the first two years of cumulatively profitable operations are taxed at a zero percent tax rate. In 2006, the second year under this agreement, RSZ reported pretax income of $23.6 million, which was subject to the zero percent tax rate, resulting in a decrease in the Company’s effective tax rate of 14 percentage points, or $0. 48 in diluted earnings per share. In years 3 through 5 of the tax holiday (2007 - 2009) the tax rate in effect is 7.5% and in year 6 (2010) and beyond, the tax rate is 15%, subject to local government approval.

A valuation allowance of $1.0 million at December 31, 2006 and January 1, 2006 is recorded for the net U.S. deferred tax asset associated with the excess foreign tax credits from undistributed foreign earnings available to offset resulting U.S. tax on future foreign source income. It is uncertain whether the net asset will be realized in future years due to the various foreign tax credit limitations imposed by the U.S. tax code. The Company performs an annual assessment of the realization of its deferred tax assets considering all of the available evidence, both positive and negative. The Company then records a valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets, which it believes, based on the weight of available evidence, will more likely than not be realized.

Through December 31, 2006, the Company has not provided U.S. income taxes on approximately $89.0 million of unremitted foreign earnings because substantially all such earnings were intended to be indefinitely reinvested outside the U.S.

Tax benefits arising from the exercise of stock options were $4.9 million, $1.5 million and $4.3 million in 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively. These tax benefits have been allocated to additional paid-in-capital in stockholder’s equity when realized.

Income taxes paid, net of refunds, were $12.7 million, $2.6 million and $7.1 million in 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.
 
59



NOTE 9 - SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY AND STOCK OPTIONS

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

Accumulated balances related to each component of accumulated other comprehensive income are as follows:

 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
December 31,
2006
 
January 1,
2006
 
           
Foreign currency translation adjustments
 
$
13,322
 
$
5,743
 
Minimum pension liability, net of $2,431 in deferred taxes in 2005
   
-
   
(3,954
)
Funded status of pension plans and other post retirement benefits, net of $6,053 in deferred taxes in 2006
   
(9,877
)
 
-
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income
 
$
3,445
 
$
1,789
 

Capital Stock and Equity Compensation Awards

Under various plans the Company may grant stock options to officers, directors, and other key employees at exercise prices that range as low as 50% of the fair market value of the Company’s stock as of the date of grant. However, to date, virtually all such options have been granted at an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the Company’s stock as of the date of grant. Except for grants made in 2004 and 2005, regular employee options in the United States generally become exercisable over a four-year period from the grant date and expire ten years after the date of grant. Stock option grants are also made to non-employee directors, generally on a semi-annual basis. For such director stock options, the exercise price is equal to the fair market value of the Company’s stock as of the grant date and they are immediately exercisable and expire ten years after the date of grant. The Company’s 2005 Equity Compensation Plan also permits the granting of restricted stock and certain other forms of equity awards to officers and other key employees. Stock grants in lieu of cash compensation are also made to non-employee directors.
 
Shares of capital stock reserved for possible future issuance are as follows:

 
 
December 31,
2006
 
January 1,
2006
 
           
Stock options
   
2,754,456
   
3,400,569
 
Rogers Employee Savings and Investment Plan
   
168,205
   
113,817
 
Rogers Corporation Global Stock Ownership Plan for Employees
   
374,998
   
400,703
 
Stock to be issued in lieu of deferred compensation
   
31,282
   
31,905
 
Total
   
3,328,941
   
3,946,994
 

Each outstanding share of Rogers capital stock has attached to it a stock purchase right. One stock purchase right entitles the holder to buy one share of Rogers capital stock at an exercise price of $60 per share. The rights become exercisable only under certain circumstances related to a person or group acquiring or offering to acquire a substantial block of Rogers capital stock. In certain circumstances, holders may acquire Rogers stock, or in some cases the stock of an acquiring entity, with a value equal to twice the exercise price. The rights expire on March 30, 2007 but may be exchanged or redeemed earlier. If such rights are redeemed, the redemption price would be $0.005 per right.

Stock Options

The Company currently grants stock options under various equity compensation plans. While the Company may grant to employees options that become exercisable at different times or within different periods, the Company has generally granted to employees options that vest and become exercisable in one-third increments on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th anniversaries of the grant dates. The maximum contractual term for all options is ten years.

In 2004, prior to the adoption of SFAS 123R, the Company immediately vested options for a total of 316,000 shares that were granted that year. The effect of this vesting increased 2004 pro-forma stock-based compensation expense by approximately $5.8 million. In November 2005, the Company accelerated the vesting of certain out-of-the money unvested non-qualified stock options granted in 2003, which increased 2005 pro-forma stock-based compensation expense by approximately $2.3 million. Also in 2005, the Company accelerated certain outstanding in-the-money unvested non-qualified stock options granted in 2002, which increased 2005 pro-forma stock-based compensation expense by approximately $0.5 million and resulted in an immaterial charge to earnings in 2005. Additionally, the Company immediately vested options for a total of 419,000 shares that were granted in 2005, which increased pro-forma stock-based compensation expense by approximately $6.9 million. For those stock options that were immediately vested in 2004 and 2005, shares obtained through these grants cannot be sold until after the fourth anniversary of the respective grant date, unless the individual’s employment is ended due to retirement, disability, death or involuntary termination. For those stock options with vesting schedules that were accelerated in 2005, any shares acquired pursuant to such accelerated vesting schedules cannot be sold until the original vesting date, unless the individual’s employment is ended due to retirement, disability, death or involuntary termination. Options issued to the Company’s Belgian employees and incentive stock options (ISOs) issued prior to the adoption of SFAS 123R were not accelerated. The primary purpose for modifying the terms of these options to accelerate their vesting was to eliminate future compensation expense that the Company would otherwise have been required to recognize in its statements of income beginning in the first quarter of 2006 in accordance with SFAS 123R.

60

The Company uses the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to calculate the grant-date fair value of an option. The fair value of options granted in 2006, 2005 and 2004 were calculated using the following weighted average assumptions:

           
   
December 31,
2006
 
January 1,
2006
 
January 2,
2005
 
Options granted
   
203,679
   
500,499
   
378,029
 
Weighted average exercise price
   
51.09
   
36.91
   
59.08
 
Weighted-average grant date fair value
   
23.52
   
16.51
   
27.96
 
Assumptions:
   
 
             
Expected volatility
   
38.5%
 
 
39.7%
 
 
37.5%
 
Expected term (in years)
   
6.3
   
6.3
   
6.8
 
Risk-free interest rate
   
4.67%
 
 
2.96%
 
 
4.06%
 
Expected dividend yield
   
-
   
-
   
-
 

Expected volatility - The Company is responsible for estimating volatility and has considered a number of factors, including historical volatility and implied volatility, when estimating volatility. For options granted prior to 2006, the Company used historical volatility to estimate the grant-date fair value of stock options. The Company changed its method of estimating expected volatility for all stock options granted after 2005 from exclusively relying on historical volatility to relying on a blended rate of historical and implied volatility. The Company believes that this blended volatility measure results in a more accurate estimate of the grant-date fair value of stock options because it takes into account the market’s expectations of future volatility.

Expected term - The Company qualifies for the simplified method of calculating the expected term on its stock options. Since the Company’s option awards normally vest in tranches, the expected life is determined utilizing the mid-point for each of the tranches, which are averaged to provide an overall expected term.

Risk-free interest rate - The Company uses the yield on zero-coupon U.S. Treasury securities for a period commensurate with the expected term assumption as its risk-free interest rate.

Expected dividend yield - The Company currently does not pay dividends on its common stock; therefore, a dividend yield of 0% was used in the Black-Scholes model.

The Company recognizes expense using the straight-line attribution method for both pre- and post-adoption grants. The amount of stock-based compensation recognized during a period is based on the value of the portion of the awards that are ultimately expected to vest. SFAS 123R requires forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. The term “forfeitures” is distinct from “cancellations” or “expirations” and represents only the unvested portion of the surrendered option. The Company currently expects, based on an analysis of its historical forfeitures, a forfeiture rate of approximately 3% and applied that rate to grants issued subsequent to adoption of SFAS 123R. This assumption will be reviewed periodically and the rate will be adjusted as necessary based on these reviews. Ultimately, the actual expense recognized over the vesting period will only be for those shares that vest.

The Company’s employee stock option agreements contain a retirement provision which results in the vesting of any unvested options immediately upon retirement. This provision effects the timing of option expense recognition for optionees meeting the criteria for retirement. In accordance with SFAS 123R, the Company recognizes compensation expense over the period from the date of grant to the date retirement eligibility is met if it is shorter than the required service period.

61

A summary of the activity under the Company’s stock option plans as of December 31, 2006 and changes during the year then ended, is presented below:
   
 
 
 
Options
Outstanding
 
 
Weighted-Average
Exercise Price
Per Share
 
Weighted-Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life in Years
 
 
 
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
 
Options outstanding at January 1, 2006
   
2,565,813
 
$
34.63
             
Options granted
   
203,679
   
51.09
             
Options exercised
   
(636,579
)
 
28.62
             
Options cancelled
   
(14,282
)
 
46.13
             
Options outstanding at December 31, 2006
   
2,118,631
   
37.94
   
6.6
 
$
44,944,499
 
Options exercisable at December 31, 2006
   
1,916,387
   
37.04
   
6.4
 
$
42,366,440
 
Options vested or expected to vest at December 31, 2006 *
   
2,112,564
   
37.90
   
6.6
 
$
44,719,034
 
                           

* In addition to the vested options, the Company expects a portion of the unvested options to vest at some point in the future. Options expected to vest is calculated by applying an estimated forfeiture rate to the unvested options.
 
During the year ended December 31, 2006, the total intrinsic value of options exercised (i.e. the difference between the market price at time of exercise and the price paid by the individual to exercise the options) was $13.3 million, and the total amount of cash received from the exercise of these options was $18.2 million. The total grant-date fair value of stock options that vested during the year ended December 31, 2006 was approximately $3.7 million.

As of December 31, 2006, there was $2.4 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock option awards. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.8 years.

A summary of activity under the stock options plans for the fiscal years ended 2006, 2005 and 2004 is presented below:

   
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
   
 
 
 
Shares
 
Weighted Average Exercise Price
 
 
 
 
Shares
 
Weighted Average Exercise Price
 
 
 
 
Shares
 
Weighted Average Exercise Price
 
                           
Stock Options
                         
Outstanding at beginning of year
   
2,565,813
 
$
34.63
   
2,371,937
 
$
32.86
   
2,529,941
 
$
26.47
 
Granted
   
203,679
   
51.09
   
500,499
   
36.91
   
378,029
   
59.08
 
Exercised
   
(636,579
)
 
28.62
   
(284,971
)
 
23.53
   
(526,249
)
 
20.91
 
Cancelled
   
(14,282
)
 
46.13
   
(21,652
)
 
39.76
   
(9,784
)
 
37.76
 
Outstanding at year-end
   
2,118,631
 
$
37.94
   
2,565,813
 
$
34.63
   
2,371,937
 
$
32.86
 
Options exercisable at end of year
   
1,916,387
         
2,502,595
         
1,688,599
       

62


Restricted Stock

In the first quarter of 2006, the Company started granting restricted stock to certain key executives. This restricted stock program is a performance based plan that awards shares of common stock of the Company at the end of a three-year measurement period. Awards associated with this program cliff vest at the end of the three-year period and eligible participants can be awarded shares ranging from 0% to 200% of the original award amount, based on defined performance measures associated with earnings per share.

The Company recognizes compensation expense on these awards ratably over the vesting period. The fair value of the award is determined based on the market value of the underlying stock price at the grant date. The amount of compensation expense recognized over the vesting period is based on the Company’s projections of the performance of earnings per share over the requisite service period and, ultimately, how that performance compares to the defined performance measure. If at any point during the vesting period, the Company concludes that the ultimate result of this measure will change from that originally projected, the Company will adjust the compensation expense accordingly and recognize the difference ratably over the remaining vesting period. During 2006, the Company granted restricted stock awards of 23,900 shares under this program and granted an additional one-time award to a certain executive that vests based on the completion of a three-year requisite service period measured from the grant date. This award cliff vests at the end of the three-year period and compensation expense is recognized ratably over the requisite service period. The Company recognized $0.7 million of compensation expense associated with these awards during the year ended December 31, 2006, which was based on a forecasted pay-out of 200% of the original award amount due to the strong financial results in 2006.

As of December 31, 2006, there was $1.9 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested restricted stock. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.6 years.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

The Company has an employee stock purchase plan (ESPP) that allows eligible employees to purchase, through payroll deductions, shares of the Company’s common stock at the end of the respective offering period. The Company offers two six-month offering periods per year, the first beginning in January and ending in June and the second beginning in July and ending in December. The ESPP plan contains a look-back feature that allows the employee to acquire stock at the underlying market price at the beginning or end of the respective period; whichever is lower, at a 15% discount from the market price. Under SFAS 123R, the Company recognizes compensation expense on these options ratably over the offering period based on the fair value of the anticipated number shares that will be issued at the end of each respective period. Compensation expense is adjusted at the end of each offering period for the actual number of shares issued. Fair value is determined based on two factors: (i) the 15% discount amount on the underlying stock’s market value on the first day of the respective plan period, and (ii) the fair value of the look-back feature determined by using the Black-Scholes model. In 2006, the Company recognized approximately $450,000 of compensation expense associated with the ESPP plan.

Common Stock Repurchase

From time to time, the Company’s Board of Directors authorizes the repurchase, at management’s discretion, of shares of the Company’s common stock. On October 28, 2004, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to an aggregate of $25 million in market value of such common stock. This repurchase plan was scheduled to expire on October 28, 2005; however, on October 27, 2005, the Board of Directors cancelled the unused portion of this plan and approved another buyback program, under which the Company was authorized to repurchase up to an aggregate of an additional $25 million in market value of common stock over a 12 month period. This plan expired on October 28, 2006, and a new buyback program was not initiated at that time. For the 2006 fiscal year, the Company did not repurchase any shares of common stock. As of January 1, 2006, the Company had repurchased approximately 406,800 shares of common stock, for a total of $15.9 million, as a result of the repurchase program. On February 15, 2007, the Board of Directors approved a new buyback program, under which the Company is authorized to repurchase up to an aggregate of $50 million in market value of common stock over a twelve-month period.
 

63


Liability Based Awards

Stock Appreciation Rights

Prior to the third quarter of 2006, the Company offered stock appreciation rights (SARs) to certain employees. These rights vested in one-third increments on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th anniversary dates of the grant and expire on the 10th anniversary of the grant date or three months after termination, whichever occurs first. These rights could only be settled in cash and, therefore, qualified as liability-based awards under SFAS 123R. The Company recognized compensation expense on these rights ratably over the vesting period. The fair value of the award was determined using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model and, since these awards were liability awards, the awards were revalued at each reporting period and compensation expense was adjusted accordingly. The expense recorded during the year related to this program was minimal. As of the third quarter of 2006, the SAR program was discontinued and replaced by a cash-based incentive program based on service time with the Company.

Impact on Earnings

As a result of adopting SFAS 123R on January 2, 2006, the Company’s net income before taxes for the year ended December 31, 2006 is lower by $3.7 million, and net income is lower by $2.2 million, than if it had continued to account for share-based compensation under APB 25. Cash flow from operations was lower by $4.9 million and the cash flow from financing activities was higher by $4.9 million. Basic and diluted earnings per share were lower for the year by $0.13 and $0.13 than if the Company had continued to account for share-based compensation under APB 25.

The following table details the effect on net income and earnings per share had stock-based compensation expense been recorded for the years ended January 1, 2006 and January 2, 2005, based on the fair-value method under SFAS 123. The reported and pro-forma net income and earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 2006 are the same since stock-based compensation expense was calculated under the provisions of SFAS 123R.

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
     
   
January 1,
2006
 
January 2,
2005
 
Net income, as reported
 
$
16,440
 
$
34,069
 
Less: Total stock-based compensation expense determined under
Black-Scholes option pricing model, net of related tax effect
   
7,344
   
9,832
 
Pro-forma net income
 
$
9,096
 
$
24,237
 
               
Basic earnings per share
             
As reported
 
$
1.01
 
$
2.08
 
Pro-forma
 
$
0.56
 
$
1.48
 
               
Diluted earnings per share
             
As reported
 
$
0.98
 
$
1.99
 
Pro-forma
 
$
0.54
 
$
1.42
 


NOTE 10 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Leases

The Company's principal noncancellable operating lease obligations are for building space and vehicles. The leases generally provide that the Company pays maintenance costs. The lease periods range from one to five years and include purchase or renewal provisions at the Company's option. The Company also has leases that are cancellable with minimal notice. Lease expense was $1.5 million in 2006, $1.6 million in 2005, and $1.4 million in 2004.

64


Future minimum lease payments under noncancellable operating leases at December 31, 2006, aggregated $3.0 million. Of this amount, annual minimum payments are $1.6 million, $0.8 million, $0.4 million, and $0.2 million for years 2007 through 2010, respectively.

Environmental Activities and General Litigation

The Company is currently engaged in the following environmental and legal proceedings:

Environmental Remediation in Manchester, Connecticut

In the fourth quarter of 2002, the Company sold its Moldable Composites Division (MCD) located in Manchester, Connecticut to Vyncolit North America, Inc. (Vyncolit), at the time a subsidiary of the Perstorp Group (Perstorp), located in Sweden. Subsequent to the divestiture, certain environmental matters were discovered at the Manchester location and Rogers determined that under the terms of the arrangement, the Company would be responsible for estimated remediation costs of approximately $500,000 and recorded this reserve in 2002 in accordance with SFAS No. 5, Accounting for Contingencies (SFAS 5). The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (CT DEP) accepted the Company’s Remedial Action Plan in February 2005. The Company completed its remediation activities in December 2005 and started post-remediation groundwater monitoring in 2006. The cost of the remediation approximated the reserve originally recorded in 2002. The Company plans to complete four rounds of quarterly groundwater monitoring and file a request for a waiver with the CT DEP if the groundwater monitoring confirms that soil remediation was successful. The cost of monitoring, which is not expected to be material, will be treated as period expenses as incurred.

Superfund Sites

The Company is currently involved as a potentially responsible party (PRP) in four active cases involving waste disposal sites. In certain cases, these proceedings are at a stage where it is still not possible to estimate the ultimate cost of remediation, the timing and extent of remedial action that may be required by governmental authorities, and the amount of liability, if any, of the Company alone or in relation to that of any other PRPs. However, the costs incurred since inception for these claims have been immaterial and have been primarily covered by insurance policies, for both legal and remediation costs. In one particular case, the Company has been assessed a cost sharing percentage of 2.67% in relation to the range for estimated total cleanup costs of $17 to $24 million. The Company has confirmed sufficient insurance coverage to fully cover this liability and has recorded a liability and related insurance receivable of approximately $0.5 million, which approximates its share of the low end of the range.

In all its superfund cases, the Company believes it is a de minimis participant and has only been allocated an insignificant percentage of the total PRP cost sharing responsibility. Based on facts presently known to it, the Company believes that the potential for the final results of these cases having a material adverse effect on its results of operations, financial position or cash flows is remote. These cases have been ongoing for many years and the Company believes that they will continue on for the indefinite future. No time frame for completion can be estimated at the present time.
 
PCB Contamination

The Company has been working with the CT DEP and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region I related to certain polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) contamination in the soil beneath a section of cement flooring at its Woodstock, Connecticut facility. The Company completed clean-up efforts in 2000 in accordance with a previously agreed upon remediation plan. The Groundwater Remedial Action Plan was prepared to address residual PCB’s that are present in the shallow groundwater. The extent of the PCB plume has been defined. Rogers recently proposed a Monitored Natural Attenuation (MNA) remedy to the CT DEP and the EPA, as the current well network appears to be sufficient to monitor natural attenuation and the stability of the plume. The Company will continue to monitor the site and report the results of its monitoring to the CT DEP and the EPA. Since inception, the Company has spent approximately $2.5 million in remediation and monitoring costs related to the site. The Company cannot estimate the range of future remediation costs based on facts and circumstances known to it at the present time. The Company believes that this situation will continue for several more years and no time frame for completion can be estimated at the present time.
 

65


Asbestos Litigation

Over the past several years, there has been a significant increase in certain U.S. states in asbestos-related product liability claims brought against numerous industrial companies where the third-party plaintiffs allege personal injury from exposure to asbestos-containing products. The Company has been named, along with hundreds of other companies, as a defendant in some of these claims. In virtually all of these claims filed against the Company, the plaintiffs are seeking unspecified damages, or, if an amount is specified, it merely represents jurisdictional amounts or amounts to be proven at trial. Even in those situations where specific damages are alleged, the claims frequently seek the same amount of damages, irrespective of the disease or injury. Plaintiffs’ lawyers often sue dozens or even hundreds of defendants in individual lawsuits on behalf of hundreds or even thousands of claimants. As a result, even when specific damages are alleged with respect to a specific disease or injury, those damages are not expressly identified as to the Company.

The Company did not mine, mill, manufacture or market asbestos; rather, the Company made some limited products, which contained encapsulated asbestos. Such products were provided to industrial users. The Company stopped manufacturing these products in 1987.

·  
Claims

The Company has been named in asbestos litigation primarily in Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Mississippi. As of December 31, 2006, there were approximately 148 pending claims compared to 215 pending claims at January 1, 2006. The number of open claims during a particular time can fluctuate significantly from period to period depending on how successful the Company has been in getting these cases dismissed or settled. In addition, most of these lawsuits do not include specific dollar claims for damages, and many include a number of plaintiffs and multiple defendants. Therefore, the Company cannot provide any meaningful disclosure about the total amount of the damages sought.

The rate at which plaintiffs filed asbestos-related suits against the Company increased in 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004 because of increased activity on the part of plaintiffs to identify those companies that sold asbestos containing products, but which did not directly mine, mill or market asbestos. A significant increase in the volume of asbestos-related bodily injury cases arose in Mississippi in 2002. This increase in the volume of claims in Mississippi was apparently due to the passage of tort reform legislation (applicable to asbestos-related injuries), which became effective on September 1, 2003 and which resulted in a higher than average number of claims being filed in Mississippi by plaintiffs seeking to ensure their claims would be governed by the law in effect prior to the passage of tort reform. The number of asbestos-related suits filed against the Company declined in 2005 and then again in 2006. It is too early to determine if the rate of such filings against the Company will continue to decline.

·  
Defenses

In many cases, plaintiffs are unable to demonstrate that they have suffered any compensable loss as a result of exposure to the Company’s asbestos-containing products. Management continues to believe that a majority of the claimants in pending cases will not be able to demonstrate exposure or loss. This belief is based in large part on two factors: the limited number of asbestos-related products manufactured and sold by the Company and the fact that the asbestos was encapsulated in such products. In addition, even at sites where the presence of an alleged injured party can be verified during the same period those products were used, liability of the Company cannot be presumed because even if an individual contracted an asbestos-related disease, not everyone who was employed at a site was exposed to the Company’s asbestos-containing products. Based on these and other factors, the Company has and will continue to vigorously defend itself in asbestos-related matters.

·  
Dismissals and Settlements

Cases involving the Company typically name 50-300 defendants, although some cases have had as few as one and as many as 833 defendants. The Company has obtained dismissals of many of these claims. In 2006 and 2005, the Company was able to have approximately 76 and 159 claims dismissed, respectively, and settled 15 and 12 claims, respectively. The majority of costs have been paid by the Company’s insurance carriers, including the costs associated with the small number of cases that have been settled. Such settlements totaled approximately $5.1 million in 2006, and approximately $4.4 million in 2005. Although these figures provide some insight into the Company’s experience with asbestos litigation, no guarantee can be made as to the dismissal and settlement rate the Company will experience in the future.

Settlements are made without any admission of liability. Settlement amounts may vary depending upon a number of factors, including the jurisdiction where the action was brought, the nature and extent of the disease alleged and the associated medical evidence, the age and occupation of the claimant, the existence or absence of other possible causes of the alleged illness of the alleged injured party, and the availability of legal defenses, as well as whether the action is brought alone or as part of a group of claimants. To date, the Company has been successful in obtaining dismissals for many of the claims and has settled only a limited number. The majority of settled claims were settled for immaterial amounts, and the majority of such costs have been paid by the Company’s insurance carriers. In addition, to date, the Company has not been required to pay any punitive damage awards.
 
 
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·  
Potential Liability

In late 2004, the Company determined that it was reasonably prudent, based on facts and circumstances known to it at that time, to have a formal analysis performed to determine its potential future liability and related insurance coverage for asbestos-related matters. This determination was made based on several factors, including the growing number of asbestos-related claims at the time and the related settlement history. As a result, National Economic Research Associates, Inc. (NERA), a consulting firm with expertise in the field of evaluating mass tort litigation asbestos bodily-injury claims, was engaged to assist the Company in projecting the Company’s future asbestos-related liabilities and defense costs with regard to pending claims and future unasserted claims. Projecting future asbestos costs is subject to numerous variables that are extremely difficult to predict, including the number of claims that might be received, the type and severity of the disease alleged by each claimant, the long latency period associated with asbestos exposure, dismissal rates, costs of medical treatment, the financial resources of other companies that are co-defendants in claims, uncertainties surrounding the litigation process from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and from case to case, and the impact of potential changes in legislative or judicial standards, including potential tort reform. Furthermore, any predictions with respect to these variables are subject to even greater uncertainty as the projection period lengthens. In light of these inherent uncertainties, the Company’s limited claims history and consultations with NERA, the Company believes that five years is the most reasonable period for recognizing a reserve for future costs, and that costs that might be incurred after that period are not reasonably estimable at this time. As a result, the Company also believes that its ultimate net asbestos-related contingent liability (i.e., its indemnity or other claim disposition costs plus related legal fees) cannot be estimated with certainty.

·  
Insurance Coverage

The Company’s applicable insurance policies generally provide coverage for asbestos liability costs, including coverage for both resolution and defense costs. Following the initiation of asbestos litigation, an effort was made to identify all of the Company’s primary and excess insurance carriers that provided applicable coverage beginning in the 1950s through the mid-1980s. There appear to be three such primary carriers, all of which were put on notice of the litigation. In late 2004, Marsh Risk Consulting (Marsh), a consulting firm with expertise in the field of evaluating insurance coverage and the likelihood of recovery for asbestos-related claims, was engaged to work with the Company to project the insurance coverage of the Company for asbestos-related claims. Marsh’s conclusions were based primarily on a review of the Company’s coverage history, application of reasonable assumptions on the allocation of coverage consistent with industry standards, an assessment of the creditworthiness of the insurance carriers, analysis of applicable deductibles, retentions and policy limits, the experience of NERA and a review of NERA’s reports.

·  
Cost Sharing Agreement

To date, the Company’s primary insurance carriers have provided for substantially all of the settlement and defense costs associated with its asbestos-related claims. However, as claims continued, the Company and its primary insurance carriers determined that it would be appropriate to enter into a cost sharing agreement to clearly define the cost sharing relationship among such carriers and the Company. As of November 5, 2004, an interim cost sharing agreement was established that provided that the primary insurance carriers would continue to pay all resolution and defense costs associated with these claims until a definitive cost sharing arrangement was consummated. This interim agreement was superseded by a definitive cost sharing agreement, which was finalized on September 28, 2006. The cost sharing formula in the definitive agreement is essentially the same as in the formula in the interim agreement.
 
 
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·  
Impact on Financial Statements

Given the inherent uncertainty in making future projections, the Company has had the projections of current and future asbestos claims periodically re-examined, and the Company will have them updated if needed based on the Company’s experience, changes in the underlying assumptions that formed the basis for NERA’s and Marsh’s models, and other relevant factors, such as changes in the tort system and the Company’s success in resolving claims against the Company. Based on the assumptions employed by and the report prepared by NERA and other variables, in the fourth quarter of 2004 the Company recorded a reserve for its estimated bodily injury liabilities for asbestos-related matters, including projected indemnity and legal costs, for the five-year period through 2009 in the undiscounted amount of $36.2 million. Likewise, based on the analysis prepared by Marsh, the Company recorded a receivable for its estimated insurance recovery of $36.0 million. This resulted in the Company recording a pre-tax charge to earnings of approximately $230,000 in 2004. At year-end 2005, NERA and Marsh were asked to update their respective analyses, which they did, and the Company adjusted its estimated liability and estimated insurance recovery, for the five-year period through 2010, to $37.9 million and $37.6 million, respectively, resulting in a cumulative pre-tax charge to earnings of approximately $300,000, of which approximately $70,000 was recognized in 2005. At year-end 2006, NERA and Marsh were again asked to update their respective analyses, which they did, and the Company further adjusted the estimated liability and estimated insurance recovery, for the five-year period ended 2011, to $22.9 million and $22.7 million, respectively, resulting in a cumulative pre-tax charge to earnings of approximately $190,000. This resulted in the recognition of approximately $110,000 of earnings in 2006. The significant reduction in estimated liabilities is primarily due to a reduction in the rate of claims filed against the Company and a decrease in the average settlement amount.

The amounts recorded by the Company for the asbestos-related liability and the related insurance receivables described above were based on currently known facts and a number of assumptions. However, projecting future events, such as the number of new claims to be filed each year, the average cost of disposing of such claims, coverage issues among insurers, and the continuing solvency of various insurance companies, as well as the numerous uncertainties surrounding asbestos litigation in the United States, could cause the actual liability and insurance recoveries for the Company to be higher or lower than those projected or recorded.

There can be no assurance that the Company’s accrued asbestos liabilities will approximate its actual asbestos-related settlement and defense costs, or that its accrued insurance recoveries will be realized. The Company believes that it is reasonably possible that it will incur additional charges for its asbestos liabilities and defense costs in the future, which could exceed existing reserves, but such excess amount cannot be estimated at this time. The Company will continue to vigorously defend itself and believes it has substantial unutilized insurance coverage to mitigate future costs related to this matter.

Other Environmental and General Litigation Matters

In 2004, the Company became aware of a potential environmental matter at its facility in Korea involving possible soil contamination. The initial assessment of the site has been completed and has confirmed that there is contamination. The Company believes that such contamination is historical and occurred prior to its occupation of the facility. Based on this information, the Company believes it is under no current obligation to remediate the site, but it will continue to monitor the issue.

The Company is also aware of a potential environmental matter involving soil contamination at one of its European facilities. The Company believes that the contamination is a historical issue attributed to the former owner, UCB, of the site. The Company recently completed a Descriptive Soil Investigation (DSI) at the site, and the contamination appears to be localized in the area of the former underground storage tanks. The Company is in the process of preparing a Remedial Action Plan for submittal to the OVAM, the applicable Belgian regulatory agency. As of December 31, 2006, the Company has recorded a reserve of $0.4 million, which approximates the low end of the potential loss.

In 2005, the Company began to market its manufacturing facility in South Windham, Connecticut to find potential interested buyers. This facility was formerly the location of the manufacturing operations of the Company’s elastomer component and float businesses prior to the relocation of these businesses to Suzhou, China in the fall of 2004. As part of its due diligence in preparing the site for sale, the Company determined that there were several environmental issues at the site and, although under no legal obligation to voluntarily remediate the site, the Company believed that remediation procedures would have to be performed in order to successfully sell the property. Therefore, the Company obtained an independent third-party assessment on the site, which determined that the potential remediation cost range would be approximately $0.4 million to $1.0 million. In accordance with SFAS 5, the Company determined that the potential remediation would most likely approximate the mid-point of this range and recorded a $0.7 million charge in the fourth quarter of 2005, which remains recorded at December 31, 2006.

68

In the second quarter of 2006, a former customer of the Company’s polyolefin foam business filed suit against the Company for a multitude of alleged improprieties, including breach of contract, although the Company has not been formally served in this lawsuit. The Company has entered into settlement discussions with this former customer in lieu of legal proceedings and as   of December 31, 2006, it estimates that the low end of the potential settlement range approximates $1.9 million, which has been accrued. Should settlement negotiations fail, the Company intends to defend itself vigorously in this matter.

In addition to the above issues, the nature and scope of the Company's business bring it in regular contact with the general public and a variety of businesses and government agencies. Such activities inherently subject the Company to the possibility of litigation, including environmental and product liability matters that are defended and handled in the ordinary course of business. The Company has established accruals for matters for which management considers a loss to be probable and reasonably estimable. It is the opinion of management that facts known at the present time do not indicate that such litigation, after taking into account insurance coverage and the aforementioned accruals, will have a material adverse impact on the results of operations, financial position, or cash flows of the Company.


NOTE 11 - BUSINESS SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION

As of December 31, 2006, the Company has identified ten operating segments and has aggregated those segments into four reportable segments as follows: Printed Circuit Materials, High Performance Foams, Custom Electrical Components, and Other Polymer Products. The following is a description of each reportable segment.

Printed Circuit Materials: This reportable segment is comprised of two operating segments and two joint ventures that produce laminate materials, which are primarily fabricated by others into circuits and used in electronic equipment for transmitting, receiving, and controlling electrical signals. These products tend to be proprietary materials that provide highly specialized electrical and mechanical properties to meet the demands imposed by increasing speed, complexity, and power in analog, digital, and microwave equipment. These materials are fabricated, coated and/or customized as necessary to meet customer demands and are sold worldwide.

High Performance Foams: This reportable segment consists of two operating segments and two joint ventures that manufacture products consisting primarily of high-performance urethane and silicone foams. These foams are designed to perform to predetermined specifications where combinations of properties are needed to satisfy rigorous mechanical and environmental requirements. These materials are sold primarily though fabricators and original equipment manufacturers on a worldwide basis.

Custom Electrical Components: This reportable segment is comprised of two operating segments that produce electroluminescent lamps, inverters and power distribution components. These products are custom designed electronic components tailored to the specific need of each of a wide range of applications and sold primarily to electronic subsystem assemblers and original equipment manufacturers primarily in the ground transportation and telecommunication markets on a worldwide basis.

Other Polymer Products : This reportable segment consists of four operating segments that produce the following products: elastomer component products, which include floats for fill level sensing in fuel tanks, motors and storage tanks and elastomer rollers and belts for document handling in copiers, computer printers, mail sorting machines, and automated teller machines; nonwoven composite materials that are manufactured for medical padding, industrial prefiltration applications, and consumable supplies in the lithographic printing industry; polyester based industrial laminates that are sold mostly to telecommunications and data communication cable manufacturers for shielding electromagnetic and radio frequency interference and to automotive component manufacturers for making flat, etch-foil heaters; and polyolefin foams that are used for making printing plate cushions, interior cushioning and gasketing in a range of consumer and industrial applications.

The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. The Company evaluates performance based on many factors including sales, sales trends, margins and operating performance.
 
69

Inter-company transactions, which are generally priced with reference to costs or prevailing market prices, have been eliminated from the data reported in the following tables.

Reportable Segment Information

 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Printed
Circuit
Materials
 
High
Performance
Foams
 
Custom
Electrical
Components
 
Other
Polymer
Products
 
 
 
Total
 
                       
2006
                     
Net sales
 
$
153,552
 
$
103,207
 
$
149,364
 
$
48,439
 
$
454,562
 
Operating income (loss)
   
13,295
   
21,817
   
14,744
   
(5,597
)
 
44,259
 
Total assets
   
210,121
   
117,688
   
114,526
   
38,567
   
480,902
 
Capital expenditures
   
5,188
   
4,481
   
10,673
   
2,732
   
23,074
 
Depreciation
   
3,993
   
3,357
   
11,375
   
494
   
19,219
 
Equity income in unconsolidated  joint ventures
   
2,396
   
6,167
   
-
   
-
   
8,563
 
                                 
2005
                               
Net sales
 
$
143,278
 
$
88,912
 
$
79,995
 
$
43,927
 
$
356,112
 
Operating income (loss)
   
19,519
   
24,598
   
(4,311
)
 
(35,068
)
 
4,738
 
Total assets
   
185,226
   
88,361
   
103,901
   
23,112
   
400,600
 
Capital expenditures
   
3,747
   
2,965
   
16,940
   
4,961
   
28,613
 
Depreciation
   
4,712
   
3,844
   
6,199
   
1,792
   
16,547
 
Equity income in unconsolidated joint ventures
   
2,943
   
2,308
   
-
   
-
   
5,251
 
                                 
2004
                               
Net sales
   
172,846
   
79,434
   
69,152
   
48,805
   
370,237
 
Operating income (loss)
   
31,971
   
18,940
   
1,738
   
(18,358
)
 
34,291
 
Total assets
   
197,112
   
88,049
   
68,786
   
51,248
   
405,195
 
Capital expenditures
   
3,476
   
2,924
   
7,355
   
14,376
   
28,131
 
Depreciation
   
5,466
   
3,391
   
5,683
   
3,131
   
17,671
 
Equity income in unconsolidated  joint ventures
   
3,266
   
2,831
   
-
   
-
   
6,097
 

Information relating to the Company’s operations by geographic area is as follows:

   
Net Sales (1)
 
Long-lived Assets (2)
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
2006
 
2005
 
                       
United States
 
$
129,884
 
$
117,814
 
$
130,302
 
$
75,913
 
$
83,646
 
Asia
   
228,494
   
165,316
   
165,767
   
44,387
   
35,544
 
Europe
   
83,487
   
64,674
   
64,768
   
32,084
   
34,354
 
Other
   
12,697
   
8,308
   
9,400
   
-
   
-
 
Total
 
$
454,562
 
$
356,112
 
$
370,237
 
$
152,384
 
$
153,544
 
                                 
(1) Net sales are attributed to countries based on the location of the customer.
(2) Long-lived assets are based on the location of the asset and include goodwill and property, plant and equipment.
 

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NOTE 12-RESTRUCTURING / IMPAIRMENT CHARGES

Polyolefin Foams

In 2005, the Company recorded a non-cash pre-tax charge of $22.0 million related to its polyolefin foams operating segment, which is aggregated in the Company’s Other Polymer Products reportable segment. This charge included a $20.4 million impairment charge on certain long-lived assets and $1.6 million in charges related to the write down of inventory and receivables related to the polyolefin foam business. Furthermore, in 2006, the Company recorded an additional non-cash pre-tax charge of $6.3 million related to the impairment of goodwill related to the polyolefin foams operating segment, which is included in Impairment Charges on the Company’s statement of operations.

These charges are the result of the cumulative events that occurred since the purchase of the polyolefin foam business in the beginning of fiscal year 2002. At that time, the Company acquired certain assets of the polyolefin foam business, including intellectual property rights, inventory, machinery and equipment, and customer lists from Cellect LLC. The Company migrated the manufacturing process to its Carol Stream, Illinois facility, which was completed at the end of the third quarter of 2004. This migration included the development of new process technology and the purchase of custom machinery, which the Company believed at the time would allow it to gain efficiencies in the manufacturing process and improvements in product quality. After completing this transition, the Company focused on realizing these previously anticipated efficiencies and improvements, but encountered a variety of business issues, including changing customer requirements in the polyolefin marketplace, a significant increase in raw material costs, and other quality and delivery issues. In light of these circumstances, the Company commenced a study in the first quarter of 2005 to update its market understanding and the long-term viability of the polyolefin business. This study was completed in the second quarter of 2005 and confirmed that the business environment surrounding the polyolefin foam business had changed from the time of the Company’s initial purchase in 2002, which caused the Company to revisit its business plan for the polyolefin foam business. At that time, the polyolefin business was experiencing significant operating losses and, during the second quarter of 2005, the Company concluded that under the existing circumstances it would be very difficult and cost prohibitive to produce the current polyolefin products on a profitable basis and decided to scale back on the business by shedding unprofitable customers and concentrating on developing new, more profitable polyolefin products. This conclusion led to the performance of an impairment analysis that was conducted in accordance with SFAS No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets (SFAS 144) and   SFAS 142 and resulted in the $22.0 million charge recorded in 2005.

Subsequently, the Company worked to improve the operating performance and cash flows of the newly restructured business. The Company shed its most unprofitable product lines, which resulted in the retention of only one significant customer. In order to achieve acceptable profitability levels, the Company negotiated a prospective arrangement with this customer, which included a significant pricing increase and preferred supplier status for this particular product. This agreement would be effective for a one-year period beginning in January 2006. However, given the apparent mutually beneficial relationship with this customer at that time, the Company believed that this arrangement would be sustained for a longer period of time, which would generate sufficient cash flows to allow further growth in this business. In particular, the Company believed that the related polyolefin products being purchased by this customer had a distinct technological advantage in the marketplace. At the end of 2005, the long-term projections associated with this business were based on the newly negotiated contract, the assumption that this contract would be renewed at the end of 2006, and the organic growth the Company had experienced with this customer since the acquisition of the business, which the Company believed would continue in the future. The anticipated improvements in the business were further validated by the significant improvements in operating results and cash flows in the second half of 2005 as compared to the first half of the year and the further improvement achieved in the first half of 2006. Overall, these projections supported the recoverability of the residual asset base of the polyolefin business and the Company determined that no additional impairment charges were necessary at the end of 2005.

In the second quarter of 2006, however, this customer approached the Company with a demand to significantly reduce the pricing of its products, as well as to reduce volume levels of purchases from the Company. Although this demand was not prohibited under the terms of the existing supply agreement, compliance would result in immediate and significant reductions in profitability levels that were inconsistent with previous projections. This led the Company to begin negotiations on a new contract that would be effective after the existing contract expired at the end of 2006. The Company now believed that, even under the most favorable outcome, the results of this negotiation would have a significant negative impact on the long-term outlook of its polyolefin foam business as the business would be impacted by both lower product pricing and lower volume levels, resulting in lower long-term revenues and operating margins. The Company concluded that this pending contract and change in the business relationship with this customer was an indicator of impairment that triggered an impairment analysis on the remaining assets of the polyolefin foam business under SFAS 144 and SFAS 142. The impairment analysis, which was completed as part of the second quarter closing process with the assistance of an independent third-party appraisal firm, resulted in the Company recording an impairment charge of $6.3 million in 2006 related to the goodwill associated with this business. Consequently, the polyolefin foam business has a remaining book value of approximately $1.5 million at December 31, 2006, comprised primarily of inventory and receivables, and no remaining intangible assets.
 
71

Polyester-Based Industrial Laminates

In 2006, the Company recorded a non-cash pre-tax charge of $5.0 million related to the impairment of the goodwill related to the polyester-based industrial laminates (PBIL) operating segment, which is aggregated into the Company’s Other Polymer Products reportable segment. This operating segment has historically focused its product offerings in the cable market, which is a market that has become more commodity-based with increased competition, and has experienced significant raw material price increases, particularly in copper and aluminum. Over the past few years, the Company chose to change its strategic focus and long-term operational plans to the non-cable industry, which it believed would yield higher margins and less competition. In 2006, a customer notified the Company that a key program related to a new, emerging technology had been cancelled. This customer, a major automotive manufacturer, had initially designed the Company’s new product into one of its programs, but decided to incorporate a different, less expensive technology into the program instead. This program was a key strategic initiative related to the long-term growth of this operating segment in the non-cable industry. Rogers is currently evaluating other potential customers for this technology, but is currently not designed into any specific programs. The nature of this product requires a design-in period of at least a few years in advance of the end product becoming available to consumers; therefore, the cancellation of this program significantly impacts the long-term forecasts and projections of the business and consequently, the current fair value of the business. The Company determined that the cancellation of this program was an indicator of impairment due to the significance of the program on the long-term revenue and margin growth of this business. Consequently, the Company performed an impairment analysis on the PBIL operating segment under SFAS 142. In the previous impairment analysis prepared by the Company in the fourth quarter of 2005 as part of its annual valuation performed in accordance with SFAS 142, the Company utilized annual revenue growth rates of approximately 5%, which considered the future sales of this new technology in the program it was designed into at that time. As a result of the cancellation of the program, the Company revised its growth projections to approximately 2% annually and also revised its projected margin levels for the revised product mix projections and higher than expected raw material prices. The impairment analysis, which was completed as part of the second quarter closing process with the assistance of an independent third-party appraisal firm, resulted in the Company recording an impairment charge of $5.0 million related to the goodwill associated with this business. The analysis did not result in the impairment of any of the entity’s other long-lived assets. Consequently, the PBIL business has a remaining book value of approximately $7.2 million, comprised primarily of accounts receivable, inventory, fixed assets and residual goodwill of approximately $0.5 million.

South Windham Facility

On January 21, 2004, the Company announced that it would cease operations at its South Windham, Connecticut facility by the end of 2004. The relocation of manufacturing operations of the Company’s molded polyurethane materials and nitrile rubber floats to the Company’s facility in Suzhou, China was completed in the third quarter of 2004. Total charges associated with this transaction amounted to $2.3 million and related primarily to severance that was paid to employees upon termination and completion of service requirements. In addition, the Company recognized a $0.8 million curtailment charge on its defined benefit pension plan in 2004 as a result of the termination of employees as the amortizable prior service cost related to terminated employees was accelerated into 2004 as a result of the shutdown.

Durel

On October 5, 2004, the Company announced a restructuring plan that resulted in a headcount reduction at its Durel operation. In accordance with SFAS No. 146, Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities , the Company recognized approximately $0.3 million in charges associated with related severance amounts due to eligible employees. All amounts had been paid as of January 1, 2006.

High Frequency Materials

In accordance with SFAS 144, an impairment charge of approximately $0.6 million was recorded in the fourth quarter of 2005 on certain manufacturing equipment related to the high frequency materials operating segment. Specifically, the charge relates to certain idle presses used in the high frequency manufacturing processes. At the end of 2005, the Company determined that there were no alternative uses for this equipment and no market was available to sell it. Accordingly, an impairment charge was recorded to write the equipment down to its estimated fair value.

72


NOTE 13-RELATED PARTIES

In the beginning of fiscal year 2002, the Company acquired certain assets of the high performance polyolefin foam business of Cellect LLC, including intellectual property rights, inventory, machinery and equipment, and customer lists, for approximately $10 million in cash, plus a potential earn-out over five years based upon performance. The acquisition was accounted for as a purchase pursuant to SFAS No. 141 Business Combinations (SFAS 141). As such, the purchase price was allocated to property, plant and equipment and intangible assets based on their respective fair values at the date of acquisition.

In June 2004, the Company entered into a post-closing agreement with Cellect that amended the terms of the original acquisition agreement, particularly as it related to the earn-out provision. Under the post-closing agreement, the Company agreed to accelerate the earn-out provision to the third quarter of 2004 and to fix the amount of the earn-out at $3.0 million. The obligation was partially satisfied in the second quarter of 2004 through a $200,000 cash payment to Cellect and the exchange of a $1.8 million note receivable the Company had from Cellect, with the balance of $1.0 million due at the conclusion of the supply agreement. In the third quarter of 2004, the Company ceased production activities at Cellect and began manufacturing polyolefins exclusively at its Carol Stream facility. In accordance with SFAS 141, the $3.0 million earn-out was recognized as additional purchase price and capitalized as goodwill in the second quarter of 2004.

In the second quarter of 2005, the Company reached an agreement with Cellect and settled its outstanding obligations by entering into a note with Cellect for $360,000. This agreement releases both companies from any future obligations to each other.
 
73

 
NOTE 14-ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES  

KF Inc.
 
On January 31, 2004, the Company acquired KF Inc. (KF), a Korean manufacturer of liquid level sensing devices for the automotive market, through a stock purchase agreement for approximately $3.9 million. The acquisition allows the Company to position itself for further growth and expansion in the float business in Asia. Under the terms of the agreement, KF is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rogers and was included in the Company’s consolidated results beginning on January 31, 2004. The acquisition was accounted for as a purchase pursuant to SFAS 141. As such, the purchase price was allocated to the acquired assets and liabilities as of the date of acquisition. The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the acquired assets as of the date of acquisition, which include amounts recorded in the fourth quarter of 2004 to finalize the purchase accounting for this acquisition:
 
(Dollars in thousands)
     
Purchase price
 
$
3,902
 
Less identified assets and liabilities:
       
Cash
   
495
 
Accounts receivable
   
255
 
Inventory
   
351
 
Property, plant and equipment
   
404
 
Intangible assets
   
800
 
Other assets
   
93
 
Accounts payable and other accruals
   
(434
)
Deferred tax liability
   
(235
)
Other liabilities
   
(51
)
Goodwill
 
$
2,224
 
 
Due to the insignificant effect of KF on Rogers’ consolidated statement of financial position and operating results, no pro-forma information has been presented.
 
74


NOTE 15- QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

The following is a summary of the unaudited quarterly results of operations for fiscal 2006 and 2005:

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

   
2006
 
   
First
Quarter
 
Second
Quarter
 
Third
Quarter
 
Fourth
Quarter
 
   
April 2, 2006
 
July 2, 2006
 
October 2, 2006
 
December 31, 2006
 
                   
Net sales
 
$
103,131
 
$
104,781
 
$
123,951
 
$
122,699
 
Cost of sales
   
66,844
   
70,784
   
85,446
   
88,587
 
Gross Margin
   
36,287
   
33,997
   
38,505
   
34,112
 
Net income
 
$
12,607
 
$
3,997
 
$
17,179
 
$
12,673
 
                           
Net income per share:
                         
Basic
 
$
0.76
 
$
0.24
 
$
1.02
 
$
0.75
 
Diluted
 
$
0.74
 
$
0.23
 
$
0.99
 
$
0.72
 
                           

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
   
2005
 
   
First
Quarter
 
Second
Quarter
 
Third
Quarter
 
Fourth
Quarter
 
   
April 3, 2005
 
July 3, 2005
 
October 2, 2005
 
January 1, 2006
 
                   
Net sales
 
$
88,103
 
$
84,633
 
$
85,391
 
$
97,985
 
Cost of sales
   
64,699
   
60,256
   
61,072
   
66,939
 
Gross Margin
   
23,404
   
24,377
   
24,319
   
31,046
 
Net income (loss)
 
$
5,125
 
$
(8,813
)
$
9,877
 
$
10,251
 
                           
Net income (loss) per share:
                         
Basic
 
$
0.31
 
$
(0.54
)
$
0.61
 
$
0.63
 
Diluted
 
$
0.30
 
$
(0.54
)
$
0.59
 
$
0.62
 
                           


75



 
SCHEDULE II

ROGERS CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

 
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
Balance at
Beginning of
Period
 
Charged to
(Reduction of)
Costs and
Expenses
 
 
Taken
Against
Allowance
 
 
Other
(Deductions)
Recoveries
 
 
Balance
at End of
Period
 
                       
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
                     
                       
December 31, 2006
 
$
1,768
 
$
434
 
$
(7
)
$
44
 
$
2,239
 
January 1, 2006
   
1,795
   
523
   
(436
)
 
(114
)
 
1,768
 
January 2, 2005
   
1,446
   
350
   
(33
)
 
32
   
1,795
 
                                 

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

None.

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

EVALUATION OF DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
The Company, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined under Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the ‘Exchange Act”), as of December 31, 2006. The Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are designed (i) to ensure that information required to be disclosed by it in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act are recorded, processed and summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and (ii) to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports the Company files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to its management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Based on their evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2006 in alerting management on a timely basis to information required to be included in the Company’s submissions and filings under the Act.

REMEDIATION OF PRIOR YEAR MATERIAL WEAKNESS
As described in Item 9A of our prior year Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed on March 31, 2006, our testing of internal control over financial reporting identified a material weakness related to insufficient technical review and oversight over our accounting for income taxes. During fiscal 2006 we implemented a remediation plan to address this material weakness including: engaging external tax advisors to assist in the preparation and review of our income tax calculations, improving documentation and instituting more formalized procedures to support the tax positions taken, establishing a more formalized review of tax positions with senior management and external technical advisors to ensure proper evaluation and accounting treatment of complex tax issues, and accelerating the timing of certain tax review activities during the financial statement close process. We believe these actions have strengthened our internal control over financial reporting related to our income tax processes and procedures and addressed the material weakness identified above.

76

The planned remediation steps set forth above were designed and initiated following the identification of the material weakness and deployed as soon as practical throughout fiscal year 2006, during which time, management continued to evaluate the operating effectiveness of our internal controls. All of the steps identified in the above remediation plan have been implemented as of December 31, 2006.

MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
The management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15(d)-15(f). The Company’s internal control system was designed to provide reasonable assurance to the Company’s management, Board of Directors and shareholders regarding the preparation and fair presentation of the Company’s published financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Our internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:

–  
pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets;
–  
provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management; and
–  
provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.

Management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006. In making its assessment of internal control over financial reporting, management used the criteria issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control—Integrated Framework. Based on the results of this assessment, management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, has concluded that, as of December 31, 2006, our internal control over financial reporting was effective.

The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, Ernst & Young LLP, has issued an audit report on management’s assessment of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, which report appears below.
 
 
  ROGERS CORPORATION
 
Rogers, Connecticut
February 26, 2007

CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING  
During fiscal 2006, the Company implemented additional controls and procedures over its accounting for income taxes to address the material weakness identified as of January 1, 2006. As of this filing, management believes that these controls are now in-place and functioning effectively and therefore has concluded that the material weakness identified as of January 1, 2006 has been fully remediated.
 
Other than the remediation steps described above, there were no changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter and year ended December 31, 2006 that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect its internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act.

77

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Rogers Corporation

We have audited management’s assessment, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting , that Rogers Corporation maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, based on criteria established in Internal Control Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the “COSO criteria”). Rogers Corporation’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on management’s assessment and an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating management’s assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, management’s assessment that Rogers Corporation maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on the COSO criteria. Also, in our opinion, Rogers Corporation maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Rogers Corporation as of December 31, 2006 and January 1, 2006 and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders equity and cash flows for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended December 31, 2006 of Rogers Corporation and our report dated February 22, 2007 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
 
 
  ERNST & YOUNG
 
Boston, Massachusetts
February 22, 2007


Item 9B. Other Information

None.
 
78


PART III

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

Pursuant to General Instruction G to Form 10-K, there is hereby incorporated by this reference the information with respect to the Directors of the Company set forth under the captions "Nominees for Director" and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in the Company’s definitive proxy statement for its 2007 Annual Meeting of Shareholders that is anticipated to be filed on April 26, 2007 pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Exchange Act. Information with respect to Executive Officers of the Company is presented in Part I, Item 1 of this report and is set forth in the Company’s definitive proxy statement for its 2007 Annual Meeting of Shareholders that is anticipated to be filed on April 26, 2007 pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Exchange Act.

Code of Ethics

The Company has adopted a code of business conduct and ethics, which applies to all employees, officers and directors of Rogers. The code of business conduct and ethics is posted on the Company’s website at http://www.rogerscorporation.com and is also available in print without charge to any shareholder who requests it by sending a request to Rogers Corporation, One Technology Drive, P. O. Box 188, Rogers, CT 06263-0188, Attn: Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary . The Company intends to satisfy the disclosure requirements regarding any amendment to, or waiver of, a provision of the code of business conduct and ethics for the Chief Executive Officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer (or others performing similar functions) by posting such information on its website. The Company’s website is not incorporated into or a part of this Form 10-K.

Item 11. Executive Compensation

Pursuant to General Instruction G to Form 10-K, there is hereby incorporated by this reference the information set forth under the captions “Directors’ Compensation” and "Executive Compensation" in the Company’s definitive proxy statement for its 2007 Annual Meeting of Shareholders that is anticipated to be filed on April 26, 2007 pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Exchange Act.

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

Pursuant to General Instruction G to Form 10-K, there is hereby incorporated by this reference the information with respect to Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters set forth under the captions "Stock Ownership of Management", "Beneficial Ownership of More Than Five Percent of Rogers Stock", and “Equity Compensation Plan Information” in the Company’s definitive proxy statement for its 2007 Annual Meeting of Shareholders that is anticipated to be filed on April 26, 2007 pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Exchange Act.

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
 
In the beginning of fiscal year 2002, the Company acquired certain assets of the high performance polyolefin foam business of Cellect LLC, including intellectual property rights, inventory, machinery and equipment, and customer lists, for approximately $10 million in cash, plus a potential earn-out over five years based upon performance. The acquisition was accounted for as a purchase pursuant to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141 (SFAS 141), Business Combinations . As such, the purchase price was allocated to property, plant and equipment and intangible assets based on their respective fair values at the date of acquisition.

In June 2004, the Company entered into a post-closing agreement with Cellect that amended the terms of the original acquisition agreement, particularly as it related to the earn-out provision. Under the post-closing agreement, the Company agreed to accelerate the earn-out provision to the third quarter of 2004 and to fix the amount of the earn-out at $3.0 million. The obligation was partially satisfied in the second quarter of 2004 through a $200,000 cash payment to Cellect and the exchange of a $1.8 million note receivable the Company had from Cellect with the balance of $1.0 million due at the conclusion of the supply agreement. In the third quarter of 2004, the Company ceased production activities at Cellect and began manufacturing polyolefins exclusively at its Carol Stream facility. In accordance with SFAS 141, the $3.0 million earn-out was recognized as additional purchase price and capitalized as goodwill in the second quarter of 2004.

In the second quarter of 2005, the Company reached an agreement with Cellect and settled its outstanding obligations by entering into a note with Cellect for $360,000. This agreement releases both companies from any future obligations to each other.

80

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

Pursuant to General Instruction G to Form 10-K, there is hereby incorporated by this reference the information with respect to Accountant Fees set forth under the caption “Fees of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” in the Company’s Proxy Statement for its 2007 Annual Meeting of Shareholders that is anticipated to be filed on April 26, 2007 pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Exchange Act.
 

80


Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

(a) (1) and (2) Financial Statements and Schedules - See Item 8.

(3) Exhibit Index:

The following list of exhibits includes exhibits submitted with this Form 10-K as filed with the SEC and those incorporated by reference to other filings.


2
Stock Purchase Agreement, dated September 30, 2003, among 3M Company, 3M Innovative Properties Company, Durel Corporation and Rogers Corporation for the purchase of Durel Corporation was filed as Exhibit 2.1 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on October 15, 2003*.
   
3a
Restated Articles of Organization of Rogers Corporation, as amended, filed herewith.
   
3b
Amended and Restated Bylaws of Rogers Corporation, effective February 21, 2007 filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 22, 2007*.
   
4a
1997 Shareholder Rights Plan was filed on Form 8-A dated March 24, 1997. The June 19, 1997 and July 7, 1997 amendments were filed on Form 8-A/A dated July 21, 1997. The April 10, 2000 amendment was filed on Form 8-K on May 16, 2000*.
   
4b
Certain Long-Term Debt Instruments, each representing indebtedness in an amount equal to less than 10 percent of the Registrant’s total consolidated assets, have not been filed as exhibits to this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The Registrant hereby undertakes to file these instruments with the Commission upon request.
   
4c
Shareholder Rights Agreement, dated as of February 22, 2007, between Rogers Corporation and Registrar and Transfer Company, as Rights Agent, filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on form 8-K filed on February 23, 2007.
   
10b
Description of the Company's Life Insurance Program**, was filed as Exhibit K to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 1980*.
   
10c
Rogers Corporation 2004 Annual Incentive Compensation Plan** (2004) was filed as Exhibit 10c to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2003*.
   
10d
Rogers Corporation 1988 Stock Option Plan** (as amended December 17, 1988, September 14, 1989, October 23, 1996, April 18, 2000, June 21, 2001, August 22, 2002, December 5, 2002 and October 27, 2006). The 1988 plan, the 1988 amendment, and the 1989 amendment were filed as Exhibit 10d to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 1, 1995 (the 1994 Form 10-K)*. The 1996 amendment was filed as Exhibit 10d to the 1996 Form 10-K*. The April 18, 2000 amendment, June 21, 2001 amendment, August 22, 2002 amendment and December 5, 2002 were filed as Exhibit 10d to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2003*. The October 27, 2006 amendment is filed as Exhibit 10aab herewith.
   
10e
Rogers Corporation 1990 Stock Option Plan** (as restated and amended on October 18, 1996, December 21, 1999, amended on April 18, 2000, June 21, 2001, August 22, 2002, October 7, 2002, December 4, 2002 and October 27, 2006). The October 18, 1996 restatement and amendment was filed as Registration Statement No. 333-14419 on Form S-8 dated October 18, 1996*. The December 21, 1999 amendment was filed as Exhibit 10e to the 1999 Form 10-K*. The October 7, 2002 amendment was filed as Exhibit 10e to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2002*. The April 18, 2000 amendment, June 21, 2001 amendment, August 22, 2002 amendment and December 5, 2002 amendment was filed as Exhibit 10e to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2003*. The October 27, 2006 amendment is filed as Exhibit 10aab herewith.
   
10f
Rogers Corporation Deferred Compensation Plan** (1983) was filed as Exhibit O to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 1, 1984*.
 
81

 
   
10g
Rogers Corporation Deferred Compensation Plan** (1986) was filed as Exhibit 10e to the 1987 Form 10-K*.
   
10h
Rogers Corporation 1994 Stock Compensation Plan** (as restated and amended on October 17, 1996, amended on December 18, 1997, April 18, 2000, June 21, 2001, August 22, 2002, December 5, 2002 and October 27, 2006). The 1994 plan, as amended and restated on October 17, 1996, was filed as Exhibit 10h to the 1996 Form 10-K*. The 1997 amendment was filed as Exhibit 10h to the 1997 Form 10-K*. The April 18, 2000 amendment, June 21, 2001 amendment, August 22, 2002 amendment, and December 5, 2002 amendment were filed as Exhibit 10h to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2003*. The October 27, 2006 amendment is filed as Exhibit 10aab herewith.
   
10i
Rogers Corporation Voluntary Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors** (1994, as amended December 26, 1995, December 27, 1996 and as restated and amended December 21, 1999, October 7, 2002, and December 5, 2002). The 1994 plan, the December 26, 1995 and December 27, 1996 amendments were filed as Exhibit 10i to the 1994 Form 10-K, 1995 Form 10-K, and 1996 Form 10-K, respectively*. The December 21, 1999 restatement and amendment were filed as Exhibit 10i to the 1999 Form 10-K*. The October 7, 2002 amendment was filed as Exhibit 10i to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2002*. The December 5, 2002 amendment was filed as Exhibit 10i to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2003*. The December 18, 2006 amendment is filed as Exhibit 10i herewith.
   
10j
Rogers Corporation Voluntary Deferred Compensation Plan for Key Employees** (1993, as amended on December 22, 1994, December 21, 1995, December 22, 1995, April 17, 1996 and as restated and amended on December 21, 1999, October 7, 2002, and December 5, 2002). The 1993 plan and the 1994 amendments were filed as Exhibit 10j to the 1994 Form 10-K*. The 1995 and 1996 amendments were filed as Exhibit 10j to the 1995 Form 10-K and 1996 Form 10-K, respectively*. The December 21, 1999 restatement and amendment were filed as Exhibit 10j to the 1999 Form 10-K*. The October 7, 2002 amendment was filed as Exhibit 10j to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2002 *. The December 5, 2002 amendment was filed as Exhibit 10j to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2003*.
 
 
10k
Rogers Corporation Long-Term Enhancement Plan for Senior Executives of Rogers Corporation** (December 18, 1997*, as amended April 4, 2000, October 7, 2002, and December 5, 2002). The April 4, 2000 amendment was file as Exhibit 10k to the 2000 Form 10-K*. The October 7, 2002 amendment was filed as Exhibit 10k to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2002*. The December 5, 2002 amendment was filed as Exhibit 10k to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2003*.
   
10l
Rogers Corporation 1998 Stock Incentive Plan**(1998, as amended September 9, 1999, December 21, 1999, April 18, 2000, June 21, 2001, October 10, 2001, August 22, 2002, November 7, 2002, December 5, 2002, February 19, 2004, and October 27, 2006). The 1998 Plan was filed as Registration Statement No. 333-50901 on April 24, 1998*. The September 9, 1999 and December 21, 1999 amendments were filed as Exhibit 10l to the 1999 Form 10-K*. The October 10, 2001 and November 7, 2002 amendments were filed as Exhibit 10l to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2002 *. The April 18, 2000 amendment, June 21, 2001 amendment, August 22, 2002 amendment, December 5, 2002 amendment and February 19, 2004 amendment were filed as Exhibit 10l to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2003*. The October 27, 2006 amendment is filed as Exhibit 10aab herewith.
   
10l-1
Amendment, effective April 28, 2005 to 1998 Stock Incentive Plan**, filed as Exhibit 10.8 to Rogers’ Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 2, 2005*.
 
82

 
   
10m
Multicurrency Revolving Credit Agreement (as amended September 7, 2001 and October 25, 2002) dated December 8, 2000 was filed as Exhibit 10m to the 2000 Form 10-K*. The September 7, 2001 and October 25, 2002 amendments were filed as Exhibit 10m-1 and Exhibit 10m-2, respectively to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2005.* A December 22, 2005 amendment was filed as Exhibit 10m-3 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 1, 2006 * and fourth amendment dated March 31, 2006 was filed as Exhibit 10m-4 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed May 12, 2006.*
 
 
10n
Rogers Corporation Executive Supplemental Agreement** (as amended April 29, 2004) for the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, dated December 5, 2002, was filed as Exhibit 10n to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2002*. The April 29, 2004 amendment was filed as Exhibit 10n to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2005*.
   
10o
Rogers Corporation Pension Restoration Plan** (as amended and restated March 10, 2004). The March 10, 2004 Rogers Corporation Amended and Restated Pension Plan ** was filed as Exhibit 10o to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2003*.
   
10o-1
First Amendment to Rogers Corporation Amended and Restated Pension Restoration Plan**, dated February 27, 2006, filed as Exhibit 10o-1 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 1, 2006.* .
   
10p
2002 Financial Statements for the Company’s former joint venture with 3M, Durel Corporation, were filed as Exhibit 99.3 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year-ended December 29, 2002*.
   
10q
Unaudited Financial Statements for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2003 for the Company’s former joint venture with 3M, Durel Corporation were filed as Exhibit 33b to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year-ended December 28, 2003*.
   
10r
Summary of Director and Executive Officer Compensation**, filed as Exhibit 10r to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2005*.
   
   
10r-1
Amendment No. 1 to Summary of Director and Executive Officer Compensation**, filed as Exhibit 10r-1 to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 9, 2005*.
   
10r-2
Amendment No. 2 to Summary of Director and Executive Officer Compensation**, filed as Exhibit 10r-2 to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 10, 2005*.
   
10r-3
Amendment No. 3 to Summary of Director and Executive Officer Compensation**, filed as Exhibit 10r-3 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 23, 2006*.
   
10r-4
Amendment No. 4 to Summary of Director and Executive Officer Compensation**, filed as Exhibit 10r-4 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 1, 2006.* *.
   
10r-5
Amendment No. 5 to Summary of Director and Executive Officer Compensation**, filed as Exhibit 10r-5 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed May 12, 2006.*
   
10r-6
Amendment No. 6 to Summary of Director and Executive Officer Compensation**, filed as Exhibit 10r-6 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed November 20, 2006.*
   
10r-7
Amendment No. 7 to Summary of Director and Executive Officer Compensation**, filed herewith.
   
10s
Form of 1991 Special Severance Agreement**, filed as Exhibit 10s to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2005*.
   
10t
Schedule of 1991 Special Severance Agreements**, filed as Exhibit 10t to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2005*.
   
10u
Form of Indemnification Agreement for Executives**, filed as Exhibit 99.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K on December 14, 2004*.
 
83

 
   
10v
Schedule of Indemnification Agreements for Executives**, filed as Exhibit 10v to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2005*.
   
10v-1
Amendment No. 1 to Schedule of Indemnification Agreements for Executives**, filed as Exhibit 10v-1 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 1, 2006.* *.
   
10w
Form of Indemnification Agreement for Directors**, filed as Exhibit 99.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K on December 14, 2004*.
   
10x
Schedule of Indemnification Agreements for Directors**, filed as Exhibit 10x to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2005*.
   
10x-1
Amendment No. 1 to Schedule of Indemnification Agreements for Directors*, filed as Exhibit 10x-1 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 1, 2006.* *.
   
10y
Change in Control Severance Agreement**, dated March 3, 2004, by and between the Company and Robert C. Daigle, filed as Exhibit 10y to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2005*.
   
10z
Change in Control Severance Agreement**, dated October 2, 1991, by and between the Company and Robert D. Wachob, filed as Exhibit 10z to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2005*.
   
10aa
Change in Control Severance Agreement**, dated October 2, 1991, by and between the Company and Robert M. Soffer, filed as Exhibit 10aa to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2005*.
   
10ab
Change in Control Severance Agreement**, dated March 3, 1996, by and between the Company and John A. Richie, filed as Exhibit 10ab to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2005*.
   
10ac
Change in Control Severance Agreement**, dated March 3, 2004, by and between the Company and Paul B. Middleton, filed as Exhibit 10ac to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2005*.
   
10ad
Guaranty to Multicurrency Revolving Credit Agreement by Rogers China, Inc., dated April 3, 2001, filed as Exhibit 10ad to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2005*.
   
10ae
Guaranty to Multicurrency Revolving Credit Agreement by Rogers KF, Inc., dated February 18, 2004, filed as Exhibit 10ae to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2005*.
   
10af
Officer Special Severance Agreement**, dated February 1, 2006, by and between Rogers and Dennis M. Loughran, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 6, 2006*.
   
10ag
Revised Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement under the 2005 Plan**, filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 23, 2006*.
   
10ag-1
Revised Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement under the 2005 Plan**, filed as Exhibit 10ag-1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed May 12, 2006.*.
   
10ah
Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement (For Officers and Employees, with vesting) under the 2005 Plan** (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Rogers’ registration statement on Form S-8 dated April 28, 2005, and filed on April 29, 2005)*.
   
10ah-1
Revised Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement (for Officers and Employees, with vesting) under the 2005 Plan**, filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 23, 2006*.
 
84

 
   
10ah-2
Revised Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement (for Officers and Employees, with vesting) under the 2005 Plan**, filed as Exhibit 10ah-2 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed May 12, 2006*.
   
10ai
Revised Form of Restricted Stock Agreement under the 2005 Plan**, filed as Exhibit 10.7 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 23, 2006.
   
10aj
Rogers Corporation 2005 Equity Compensation Plan** (the “2005 Plan”)(filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Rogers’ registration statement on Form S-8 dated April 28, 2005, and filed on April 29, 2005)*. First Amendment to the 2005 Plan, filed as Exhibit 10aj-1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed November 10, 2006.* Second Amendment to the 2005 Plan, filed as Exhibit 10aj-2 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed November 10, 2006.*
   
10ak
Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement under the 2005 Plan** (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Rogers’ registration statement on Form S-8 dated April 28, 2005, and filed on April 29, 2005)*.
   
10al
Form on Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement (for Officers and Employees, without vesting) under the 2005 Plan** (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to Rogers’ registration statement on Form S-8 dated April 28, 2005, and filed on April 20, 2005)*.
   
10al-1
Amended Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement (for Officers and Employees, without vesting) under the 2005 Plan**, filed as Exhibit 10al-1 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 1, 2006.* *.
   
10al-2
Amended Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement (for Officers and Employees, without vesting) under the 2005 Plan**, filed as Exhibit 10al-2 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed May 12, 2006*.
   
10am
Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement (for Non-Employee Directors) under the 2005 Plan** (filed as Exhibit 10.5 to Rogers’ registration statement on Form S-8 dated April 28, 2005, and filed on April 29, 2005)*.
   
10am-1
Revised Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement (for Non-Employee Directors) under the 2005 Plan** filed as Exhibit 10am-1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed May 12, 2006*.
   
10an
Form of Stock Appreciation Right Agreement under the 2005 Plan** (filed as Exhibit 10.6 to Rogers’ registration statement on Form S-8 dated April 28, 2005, and filed on April 29, 2005)*.
   
10ao
Form of Restricted Stock Agreement under the 2005 Plan** (filed as Exhibit 10.7 to Rogers’ registration statement on Form S-8 dated April 28, 2005, and filed on April 29, 2005)*.
   
10ap
Form of Performance-Based Restricted Stock Award Agreement under the 2005 Plan** filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Rogers’ Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 22, 2006 and as amended on Form 8-K/A filed on May 10, 2006*.
   
10aq
Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement (without vesting) under the 1988 Plan**, filed as Exhibit 10aq to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed May 12, 2006*.
   
10ar
Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement (with vesting) under the 1988 Plan**, filed as Exhibit 10ar to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed May 12, 2006*.
   
10as
Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement (with vesting) under the 1988 Plan**, filed as Exhibit 10as to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed May 12, 2006*.
   
10at
Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement (for Officers, Employees, and Other Key Persons, with vesting) under the 1988 Plan**, filed as Exhibit 10at to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed May 12, 2006*.
 
85

 
   
10au
Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement (for Officers, Employees, and Other Key Persons, without vesting) under the 1988 Plan**, filed as Exhibit 10au to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed May 12, 2006*.
   
10av
Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement (without vesting) under the 1990 Plan**, filed as Exhibit 10av to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed May 12, 2006*.
   
10aw
Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement (for Employees, with vesting) under the 1994 Plan**, filed as Exhibit 10aw to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed May 12, 2006*.
   
10ax
Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement (for Employees, without vesting) under the 1994 Plan**, filed as Exhibit 10ax to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed May 12, 2006*.
   
10ay
Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement (for Officers and Employees, with vesting) under the 2005 Plan**, filed as Exhibit 10ay to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed May 12, 2006*.
   
10az
Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement (with vesting) under the 2005 Plan**, filed as Exhibit 10az to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed May 12, 2006*.
   
10aaa
Multicurrency Revolving Credit Agreement with Citizens Bank of Connecticut dated November 13, 2006, filed herewith.+
   
10aab
Summary of October 27, 2006 Board of Directors Approved Amendments to (i) Rogers Corporation 1988 Stock Option Plan, as amended, (ii) Rogers Corporation 1990 Stock Option Plan, as restated and amended, (iii) Rogers Corporation 1994 Stock Compensation Plan, as restated and amended and (iv) Rogers Corporation 1998 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended, and to Certain Other Employee Benefit or Compensation Plans, filed herewith.**
 
21
Subsidiaries of the Rogers, filed herewith.
   
23.1
Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, filed herewith.
   
23.2
Consent of National Economic Research Associates, Inc., filed herewith.
   
23.3
Consent of Marsh U.S.A., Inc., filed herewith.
   
31(a)
Certification of President and Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, filed herewith.
   
31(b)
Certification of Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, filed herewith.
   
32(a)
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, filed herewith.
   
*
In accordance with Rule 12b-23 and Rule 12b-32 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, reference is made to the documents previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which documents are hereby incorporated by reference.
**
Management Contract.
+
Confidential Treatment requested for the deleted portion of this Exhibit.

86

Signatures

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

ROGERS CORPORATION
(Registrant)
   
 
/s/ Dennis M. Loughran
 
 
/s/ Paul B. Middleton
Dennis M. Loughran
 
Paul B. Middleton
Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer
 
Corporate Controller
Principal Financial Officer
 
Principal Accounting Officer

Dated: February 26, 2007

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below on February 26, 2007, by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities indicated.
 
 
/s/ Robert D. Wachob
 
 
 
/s/ Gregory B. Howey
Robert D. Wachob
President and Chief Executive Officer
Director
Principal Executive Officer
 
Gregory B. Howey
Director
 
 
/s/ Dennis M. Loughran
 
 
 
/s/ Leonard R. Jaskol
Dennis M. Loughran
Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer
Principal Financial Officer
 
Leonard R. Jaskol
Director  
 
 
/s/ Paul B. Middleton
 
 
 
/s/ Carol R. Jensen
Paul B. Middleton
Corporate Controller
Principal Accounting Officer
 
Carol R. Jensen
Director
 
 
/s/ Leonard M. Baker
 
 
 
/s/ Eileen S. Kraus
Leonard M. Baker
Director
 
Eileen S. Kraus
Director
 
 
/s/ Walter E. Boomer
 
 
 
/s/ William E. Mitchell
Walter E. Boomer
Director
 
William E. Mitchell
Director
 
 
/s/ Charles M. Brennan, III
 
 
 
/s/ Robert G. Paul
Charles M. Brennan, III
Director
 
Robert G. Paul
Director
 
/s/ Edward L. Diefenthal
   
Edward L. Diefenthal
Director
   
 
87
Exhibit 3a

THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
KEVIN H. WHITE
Secretary of the Commonwealth
State House, Boston Mass.

RESTATED ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION
 
General Laws, Chapter 156B, Section 74
 
This certificate must be submitted to the Secretary of the Commonwealth within sixty days after the date of the vote of stockholders adopting the restated articles of organization. The fee for filing this certificate is prescribed by General Laws, Chapter 156B, Section 114. Make check payable to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
 
We, Norman L. Greenman, President, and Richard N. Bail, Clerk of Rogers Corporation located at Room 722, 82 Devonshire Street, Boston, Massachusetts do hereby certify that the following restatement of the articles of organization of the corporation was duly adopted at a meeting held on April 1, 1966, by vote of 351,317 shares of capital stock out of 412,277 shares outstanding at the record date for said meeting, being at least two-thirds of each class of stock outstanding and entitled to vote and of each class or series of stock adversely affected thereby: -
 
 
 
1.
The name by which the corporation shall be known is: -
Rogers Corporation
 
 
2. 
The purposes for which the corporation is formed are as follows: -
 
To manufacture, buy, sell and otherwise deal in and conduct research with respect to electrical insulation, plastics molding materials, breathable plastics, circuitry, precision rubber products, gasket materials, other fiber-polymer materials or products and similar commodities, and to carry on any business permitted by the laws of Massachusetts to a corporation organized under Chapter 156B.
 
 
3.
The total number of shares and the par value, if any, of each class of stock which the corporation is authorized to issue is as follows:
 
       
With Par Value
 
Class of Stock
 
Without Par Value
Number of Shares
 
 
Number of Shares  
 
 Par Value
             
Preferred
 
None
 
None
             
Common
 
700,000
 
None
 
 
 

 
 
 
*4.
If more than one class is authorized, a description of each of the different classes of stock with, if any, the preferences, voting powers, qualifications, special or relative rights or privileges as to each class thereof and any series now established:
 
None
 
 
*5.
The restrictions, if any, imposed by the articles of organization upon the transfer of shares of stock of any class are as follows:
 
None
 
 
*6.
Other lawful provision, if any, for the conduct and regulation of the business and affairs of the corporation, for its voluntary dissolution, or for limiting, defining, or regulating the powers of the corporation, or of its directors or stockholders, or of any class of stockholders:
 
Meetings of the stockholders may be held at any place in the United States permitted by law.
 
If so provided in the By-Laws of the corporation, the directors may make, amend or repeal the By-Laws in whole or in part, except with respect to any provision thereof which by law, the Articles of Organization, the By-Laws, or any of them as from time to time amended, requires action by the stockholders. Any By-Law adopted by the directors may be amended or repealed by the stockholders.
 
*If there are no such provisions, state “None”.
 
*We further certify that the foregoing restated articles of organization effect no amendments to the articles of organization of the corporation as heretofore amended, except amendments to the following articles…………………
 
(*If there are no such amendments, state “None”).
 
The statement of corporate purposes has been revised, and the wording of the provision concerning amendment of the By-Laws has been changed.
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF AND UNDER THE PENALTIES OF PERJURY, we have hereto signed our names this first day of April in the year 1966.
 
 
/s/ Norman L. Greenman
 
President
   
 
/s/ Richard N. Bail
 
Clerk

 
 

 

THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS

RESTATED ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION

(General Laws, Chapter 156B, Section 74)

I hereby approve the within restated articles of organization and, the filing
fee in the amount of $100.00 having been paid, said articles are deemed to have
been filed with me this 6th day of April, 1966.

/s/ Kevin H. White

KEVIN H. WHITE
Secretary of the Commonwealth
State House, Boston, Mass.


Return: David M. Elwood
82 Devonshire St.
Boston, Massachusetts
227-3180
 
 
 

 

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
 
KEVIN H. WHITE
Secretary of the Commonwealth
STATE HOUSE, BOSTON, MASS.

ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT
 
General Laws, Chapter 156B, Section 72
 
This certificate must be submitted to the Secretary of the Commonwealth within sixty days after the date of the vote of stockholders adopting the amendment. The fee for filing this certificate is prescribed by General Laws, Chapter 156B, Section 114. Make check payable to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
 
We, Norman L. Greenman, President, and Richard N. Bail, Clerk of Rogers Corporation located at Room 722, 82 Devonshire Street, Boston, Massachusetts, do hereby certify that the following amendment to the articles of organization of the corporation was duly adopted at a meeting held on August 5, 1966, by vote of 343,011 shares of capital stock out of 412,362 shares outstanding, being at least a majority of each class outstanding and entitled to vote thereon: -
 
VOTED:   That the articles of organization of the corporation, as heretofore amended and restated, be amended so that
 
 
(a)
the 700,000 authorized shares of Capital Stock without par value, including both the outstanding and the unissued shares, shall be changed into 1,050,000 shares of Capital Stock of $1 par value per share in the ratio of one and one-half shares of Capital Stock of $1 par value per share for each share of Capital Stock without par value, and
 
 
(b)
the authorized capital stock of the corporation shall be increased from the 1,050,000 shares of Capital Stock of $1 par value per share resulting from such change to 1,500,000 shares of Capital Stock of $1 par value per share.
 
FURTHER  
 
VOTED: 
 
That when such amendment shall have been made effective the Capital Stock account of the corporation be reduced by the transfer therefrom to an account to be designated Paid-in
Surplus of an amount equal to the excess of the stated amount of the Capital Stock immediately before the taking effect of such amendment over the aggregate par value of the
shares of Capital Stock to be outstanding immediately thereafter.
 
 
 

 
 
The foregoing amendment will become effective when these articles of amendment are filed in accordance with Chapter 156B, Section 6 of the General Laws unless these articles specify, in accordance with the vote adopting the amendment, a later effective date not more than thirty days after such filing, in which event the amendment will become effective on such later date.
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF AND UNDER THE PENALTIES OF PERJURY, we have hereto signed our names this fifth day of August in the year 1966.
 
 
/s/ Norman L. Greenman
 
President
   
 
/s/ Richard N. Bail
 
Clerk

 
 

 

THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS

ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT
(General Laws, Chapter 156B, Section 72)

I hereby approve the within articles of amendment and, the filing
fee in the amount of $250.00 having been paid, said articles are deemed to have
been filed with me this tenth day of August, 1966.

/s/ Kevin H. White

KEVIN H. WHITE
Secretary of the Commonwealth
State House, Boston, Mass.


Return: Andrew M. Wood, Esq.
Gaston, Snow Motley & Holt
82 Devonshire St.
Boston 02109
 
 
 

 
 
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
 
Secretary of the Commonwealth
State House   Boston, Mass.

 
ARTICLES OF
 
MERGER OF PARENT AND SUBSIDIARY CORPORATIONS
 
PURSUANT TO GENERAL LAWS, CHAPTER 156B, SECTION 82
 
This certificate must be submitted to the Secretary of the Commonwealth within sixty days after the meeting of the board of directors at which the merger is voted. The fee for filing this certificate is prescribed by General Laws, Chapter 156B, Section 114. Make check payable to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
 
We, Norman L. Greenman and Richard N. Bail, President and Clerk of ROGERS CORPORATION organized under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and herein called the parent corporation, do hereby certify as follows:
 
1.   That the subsidiary corporation(s) to be merged into the parent corporation is as follows:
 
Name
State of Organization
Date of Organization
     
BEMOL CORPORATION
Massachusetts
2/5/69
 
2.   That the parent corporation owns at least ninety per cent of the outstanding shares of each class of the stock of each subsidiary corporation to be merged into the parent corporation.
 
3.  
[DELETED PURSUANT TO INSTRUCTIONS]
 
4.   That at a meeting of the directors of the parent corporation held on November 14, 1975, the following vote pursuant to subsection (a) of General Laws, Chapter 156B, Section 82, was duly adopted:
 
VOTED:  
That Bemol Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of this corporation, be merged with and into this corporation in accordance with Section 82 of Chapter 156B of the General Laws of
Massachusetts, such merger to become effective on December 29, 1975; and
 
 
 

 
 
FURTHER
VOTED:  
That the appropriate officers of this corporation be, and each of them hereby is, authorized and empowered on behalf of this corporation and in its name to prepare, or cause to be
prepared, execute, acknowledge and file, or cause to be filed, Articles of Merger under said Section 82 and any and all other documents, instruments and agreements, and any amendments
thereto, and to take any and all other actions which such officers may, in their discretion, deem necessary or appropriate in order to effect the merger of Bemol Corporation into this
corporation, the execution and filing of such documents and the taking of such actions to be conclusive evidence of the necessity or appropriateness thereof.
 
5.   The effective date of the merger as specified in the vote set out under Paragraph 4 is December 29, 1975.
 
6.   [DELETED PURSUANT TO INSTRUCTIONS]
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF and the penalties of perjury we have hereto signed our names this 28th day of November, 1975
 
 
/s/ Norman L. Greenman
 
Norman L. Greenman, President
   
 
/s/ Richard N. Bail
 
Richard N. Bail, Clerk

 
 

 

THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS

ARTICLES OF MERGER OF PARENT AND SUBSIDIARY CORPORATIONS

(General Laws, Chapter 156B, Section 82)


I hereby approve the within articles of merger or parent and subsidiary corporations and, the filing fee in the amount of $100.00 having been paid, said articles are deemed to have
been filed with me this 1st day of December, 1975.

Effective Date: 12/29/75

/s/ Paul Guzzi

Secretary of the Commonwealth
State House, Boston, Mass.


Mr. Roger Feldman
Gaston Snow & Ely Bartlett
82 Devonshire St.
Boston
 
 
 

 

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
MICHAEL JOSEPH CONNOLLY
Secretary of the Commonwealth
ONE ASHBURTON PLACE, BOSTON, MASS. 02108
 
FEDERAL IDENTIFICATION NO. 06-0513860
 
ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT
 
General Laws, Chapter 156B, Section 72
 
This certificate must be submitted to the Secretary of the Commonwealth within sixty days after the date of the vote of stockholders adopting the amendment. The fee for filing this certificate is prescribed by General Laws, Chapter 156B, Section 114. Make check payable to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
 
We, Harry H. Birkenruth, Vice President, and Richard N. Bail, Clerk of Rogers Corporation located at Fourteenth Floor, One Federal Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110 do hereby certify that the following amendment to the articles of organization of the corporation was duly adopted at a meeting held on March 29, 1979, by vote of 1,000,209 shares of capital stock out of 1,200,865 shares outstanding, being at least a majority of each class outstanding and entitled to vote thereon: -
 
Voted:  
That the Restated Articles of Organization of the Corporation, as heretofore amended, be amended so that the authorized capital stock of the Corporation shall be increased from 1,500,000
shares of Capital Stock of $1 par value per share to 5,000,000 shares of Capital Stock of $1 par value per share.
 
FOR INCREASE IN CAPITAL FILL IN THE FOLLOWING:
 
The total amount of capital stock already authorized is 1,500,000 shares common with par value
 
The amount of additional capital stock authorized is 3,500,000 shares common with par value
 
The foregoing amendment will become effective when these articles of amendment are filed in accordance with Chapter 156B, Section 6 of the General Laws unless these articles specify, in accordance with the vote adopting the amendment, a later effective date not more than thirty days after such filing, in which event the amendment will become effective on such later date.
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF AND UNDER THE PENALTIES OF PERJURY, we have hereto signed our names this 29th day of March, in the year 1979.
 
 
/s/ Harry H. Birkenruth
 
Vice President
   
 
/s/ Richard N. Bail
 
Clerk
 
 
 

 
 
THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS

ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT
(General Laws, Chapter 156B, Section 72)

I hereby approve the within articles of amendment and, the filing
fee in the amount of $1,750.00 having been paid, said articles are deemed to have
been filed with me this 29th day of March, 1979.

/s/ Michael Joseph Connolly

MICHAEL JOSEPH CONNOLLY
Secretary of the Commonwealth
State House, Boston, Mass.


TO BE FILLED IN BY CORPORATION
PHOTO COPY OF AMENDMENT TO BE SENT TO:


David M. Elwood, Esquire
One Federal Street
Boston, MA 02110
Telephone: (617) 426-4600
 
 
 

 
 
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
MICHAEL JOSEPH CONNOLLY
Secretary of the Commonwealth
ONE ASHBURTON PLACE, BOSTON, MASS. 02108


FEDERAL IDENTIFICATION NO. 06-0513860
 

 
ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT
 
General Laws, Chapter 156B, Section 72
 
This certificate must be submitted to the Secretary of the Commonwealth within sixty days after the date of the vote of stockholders adopting the amendment. The fee for filing this certificate is prescribed by General Laws, Chapter 156B, Section 114. Make check payable to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
 
We, Harry H. Birkenruth, Vice President, and Richard N. Bail, Clerk of Rogers Corporation located at Fourteenth Floor, One Federal Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110 do hereby certify that the following amendment to the articles of organization of the corporation was duly adopted at a meeting held on March 29, 1979, by vote of 895,595 shares of Capital Stock out of 1,200,865 shares outstanding, being at least two-thirds of each class outstanding and entitled to vote thereon and of each class or series of stock whose rights are adversely affected thereby: -
 
Voted:  
That Article 6 of the Restated Articles of Organization of the Corporation, as heretofore amended, be amended by the addition thereto of the following paragraph:
 
“The vote of two-thirds of each class of stock of the corporation outstanding and entitled to vote on the question shall be necessary for the approval of an agreement providing for the merger or consolidation of the corporation with or into another corporation, except for any merger or consolidation for which no stockholder vote is required by statute. If any such agreement would adversely affect the rights of any class of stock of the corporation, the vote of two-thirds of such class, voting separately, shall also be necessary to authorize such agreement. For this purpose any series of a class which is adversely affected in a manner different from other series of the same class shall, together with any other series of the same class adversely affected in the same manner, be treated as a separate class. None of the provisions set forth in this paragraph may be amended, altered or repealed in any respect except by vote of two-thirds of each class of stock outstanding and entitled to vote thereon.”
 
 
 

 
 
The foregoing amendment will become effective when these articles of amendment are filed in accordance with Chapter 156B, Section 6 of the General Laws unless these articles specify, in accordance with the vote adopting the amendment, a later effective date not more than thirty days after such filing, in which event the amendment will become effective on such later date.
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF AND UNDER THE PENALTIES OF PERJURY, we have hereto signed our names this 29th day of March, in the year 1979
 
 
/s/ Harry H. Birkenruth
 
Vice President
   
 
/s/ Richard N. Bail
 
Clerk

 
 

 

THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS

ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT
(General Laws, Chapter 156B, Section 72)

I hereby approve the within articles of amendment and, the filing
fee in the amount of $50.00 having been paid, said articles are deemed to have
been filed with me this 29th day of March, 1979.

/s/ Michael Joseph Connolly

MICHAEL JOSEPH CONNOLLY
Secretary of the Commonwealth
State House, Boston, Mass.


TO BE FILLED IN BY CORPORATION
PHOTO COPY OF AMENDMENT TO BE SENT TO:

David M. Elwood, Esquire
One Federal Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02110
Telephone: (617) 426-4600
 
 
 

 
 
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
 
MICHAEL JOSEPH CONNOLLY
Secretary of State
ONE ASHBURTON PLACE, BOSTON, MASS. 02108

FEDERAL IDENTIFICATION NO. 06-0513860
 
ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT
 
General Laws, Chapter 156B, Section 72
 
This certificate must be submitted to the Secretary of the Commonwealth within sixty days after the date of the vote of stockholders adopting the amendment. The fee for filing this certificate is prescribed by General Laws, Chapter 156B, Section 114. Make check payable to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
 
We, Harry H. Birkenruth, Vice President, and Richard N. Bail, Clerk of Rogers Corporation located at Fourteenth Floor, One Federal Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110 do hereby certify that the following amendment to the articles of organization of the corporation was duly adopted at a meeting held on April 1, 1982, by vote of 2,557,536 shares of capital stock out of 2,878,502 shares outstanding, being at least a majority of each class outstanding and entitled to vote thereon: -
 
Voted:  
That the Restated Articles of Organization of the Corporation, as heretofore amended, be amended so that the authorized capital stock of the Corporation shall be increased from 5,000,000
shares of Capital Stock of $1 par value per share to 10,000,000 shares of Capital Stock of $1 par value per share.
 
FOR INCREASE IN CAPITAL FILL IN THE FOLLOWING:
 
The total amount of capital stock already authorized is 5,000,000 shares common with par value
 
The amount of additional capital stock authorized is 5,000,000 shares common with par value
 
The foregoing amendment will become effective when these articles of amendment are filed in accordance with Chapter 156B, Section 6 of The General Laws unless these articles specify, in accordance with the vote adopting the amendment, a later effective date not more than thirty days after such filing, in which event the amendment will become effective on such later date.
 
 
 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF AND UNDER THE PENALTIES OF PERJURY, we have hereto signed our names this First day of April, in the year 1982.
 
 
/s/ Harry H. Birkenruth
 
Vice President
   
 
/s/ Richard N. Bail
 
Clerk
 
 
 

 

THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
 
ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT
(General Laws, Chapter 156B, Section 72)

I hereby approve the within articles of amendment and, the filing
fee in the amount of $2,500.00 having been paid, said articles are deemed to have
been filed with me this 2nd day of April, 1982.

/s/ Michael Joseph Connolly

MICHAEL JOSEPH CONNOLLY
Secretary of State


TO BE FILLED IN BY CORPORATION
PHOTO COPY OF AMENDMENT TO BE SENT TO:

David M. Elwood, Esquire
Gaston Snow & Ely Bartlett
One Federal Street
Boston, MA 02110
Telephone: (617) 426-4600
 
 
 

 

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
 
MICHAEL JOSEPH CONNOLLY
Secretary of State
ONE ASHBURTON PLACE
BOSTON, MASS. 02108
 
 
FEDERAL IDENTIFICATION NO. 06-0513860
 
ARTICLES OF
 
MERGER OF PARENT AND SUBSIDIARY CORPORATIONS
 
PURSUANT TO GENERAL LAWS, CHAPTER 156B, SECTION 82
 
The fee for filing this certificate is prescribed by General Laws, Chapter 156B, Section 114.
 
Make check payable to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
 
We, Norman L. Greenman and Richard N. Bail, President and Clerk of Rogers Corporation organized under the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts and herein called the parent corporation, do hereby certify as follows:
 
1.   That the subsidiary corporation(s) to be merged into the parent corporations are/is as follows:
 
Name
State of Organization
Date of Organization
     
Soladyne, Inc.
California
5/26/76
2.   That the parent corporation owns at least ninety per cent of the outstanding shares of each class of the stock of each subsidiary corporation to be merged into the parent corporation.
 
3.   That in the case of each of the above-named corporations the laws of the state of its organization, if other than Massachusetts, permit the merger herein provided for and that all action required under the laws of each such state in connection with this merger has been duly taken. (If all the corporations are organized under the laws of Massachusetts and if General Laws, Chapter 156B is applicable to them, then Paragraph 3 may be deleted.)
 
4.   That at a meeting of the directors of the parent corporation the following vote, pursuant to subsection (a) of General Laws, Chapter 156B, Section 82, was duly adopted:
 
RESOLVED, that this corporation merge Soladyne, Inc., its wholly-owned subsidiary corporation, into itself and assume all its obligations pursuant to Section 1110 of the California Corporations Code.
 
 
 

 
 
5.   The effective date of the merger as specified in the vote set out under Paragraph 4 is December 31, 1984.
 
6.   (This Paragraph 6 may be deleted if the parent corporation is organized under the laws of Massachusetts.) The parent corporation hereby agrees that it may be sued in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for any prior obligation of any subsidiary corporation organized under the laws of Massachusetts with which it has merged, and any obligation hereafter incurred by the parent corporation, including the obligation created by subsection (e) of General Laws, Chapter 156B, Section 82, so long as any liability remains outstanding against the parent corporation in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and it hereby irrevocably appoints the Secretary of the Commonwealth as its agent to accept service of process for the enforcement of any such obligations, including taxes, in the same manner as provided in Chapter 181.
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF and under the penalties of perjury we have hereto signed our names this 13th day of December, 1984.
 
 
/s/ NL Greenman
 
President
   
 
/s/ Richard N. Bail
 
Clerk
 
 
 

 
 
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
 
ARTICLES OF MERGER OF PARENT AND SUBSIDIARY CORPORATIONS

(General Laws, Chapter 156B, Section 82)

I hereby approve the within articles of merger or parent and subsidiary corporations and, the filing fee in the amount of $200.00 having been paid, said articles are deemed to have
been filed with me this 20th day of December, 1984.

Effective Date: December 31, 1984

/s/ Michael Joseph Connolly

MICHAEL JOSEPH CONNOLLY
Secretary of State


TO BE FILLED IN BY CORPORATION
Photo Copy Of Merger To Be Sent To:

John A. Kozar
Rogers Corporation
Rogers, CT 06263
Telephone: (203) 774-9605
 
 
 

 

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
 
OFFICE OF THE MASSACHUSETTS SECRETARY OF STATE
 
MICHAEL JOSEPH CONNOLLY, Secretary
ONE ASHBURTON PLACE, BOSTON, MASS. 02108
 
 
FEDERAL IDENTIFICATION NO. 06-0513860
ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT
 
General Laws, Chapter 156B, Section 72


This certificate must be submitted to the Secretary of the Commonwealth within sixty days after the date of the vote of stockholders adopting the amendment. The fee for filing this certificate is prescribed by General Laws, Chapter 156B, Section 114. Make check payable to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
 
We, Norman L. Greenman, President and David M. Elwood, Clerk of Rogers Corporation located at Fourteenth Floor, One Federal Street, Boston, MA 02110 do hereby certify that the following amendment to the articles of organization of the corporation was duly adopted at a meeting held on March 31, 1988, by vote of 2,392,344 shares of Capital Stock out of 2,981,629 shares outstanding, being at least two-thirds of each class outstanding and entitled to vote thereon and of each class or series of stock whose rights are adversely affected thereby: -
 
Voted:  
That Article 6 of the Restated Articles of Organization of the Corporation, as heretofore amended, be amended by the addition thereto of the following two paragraphs
 
“To the fullest extent permitted by the Massachusetts Business Corporation Law, as it exists or may be amended from time to time, a director of the Corporation shall not be personally liable to the Corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, notwithstanding any provision of law imposing such liability. This provision shall not eliminate the liability of a director with respect to any act or omission that occurred prior to the date upon which this provision became effective.
 
No amendment to or repeal of this provision shall apply to, or have any effect on, the liability or alleged liability of any director of the Corporation that would otherwise be eliminated by this provision with respect to any acts or omissions of such director occurring prior to such amendment or repeal.”
 
The foregoing amendment will become effective when these articles of amendment are filed in accordance with Chapter 156B, Section 6 of The General Laws unless these articles specify, in accordance with the vote adopting the amendment, a later effective date not more than thirty days after such filing, in which event the amendment will become effective on such later date.
 
 
 

 
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF AND UNDER THE PENALTIES OF PERJURY, we have hereto signed our names this thirty-first day of March, in the year 1988
 
 
/s/ NL Greenman
 
President
   
 
/s/ David M. Elwood
 
Clerk
 
 
 

 

THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS

ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT
(General Laws, Chapter 156B, Section 72)

I hereby approve the within articles of amendment and, the filing
fee in the amount of $75.00 having been paid, said articles are deemed to have
been filed with me this 6th day of April, 1988.

/s/ Michael J. Connolly

MICHAEL JOSEPH CONNOLLY
Secretary of State


TO BE FILLED IN BY CORPORATION
PHOTO COPY OF AMENDMENT TO BE SENT TO:

David M. Elwood, Esquire
One Federal Street
Boston, MA 02110
Telephone: (617) 426-4600
 
 
 

 

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

OFFICE OF THE MASSACHUSETTS SECRETARY OF STATE
MICHAEL JOSEPH CONNOLLY, Secretary
ONE ASHBURTON PLACE, BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02108
 
 
FEDERAL IDENTIFICATION NO. 06-0513860
 

ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT
General Laws, Chapter 156B, Section 72


We, Harry H. Birkenruth, President and Robert M. Soffer, Clerk of ROGERS CORPORATION located at: c/o Shafner & Gilleran, 75 Federal Street, 18th Floor, Boston, MA 02110 do hereby certify that these ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT affecting Articles NUMBERED: 3 of the Articles of Organization were duly adopted at a meeting held on April 28, 1994, by vote of: 2,471,132 shares of Capital Stock out of 3,234,719 shares outstanding, being at least a majority of each type, class or series outstanding and entitled to vote thereon: -
 
 
 

 

To CHANGE the number of shares and the par value (if any) of any type, class or series of stock, which the corporation is authorized to issue, fill in the following:
 
The total presently authorized is:
 
WITHOUT PAR VALUE STOCKS
TYPE
NUMBER OF SHARES
COMMON
 
PREFERRED
 

 
WITH PAR VALUE STOCKS
TYPE
NUMBER OF SHARES
PAR VALUE
COMMON
10,000,000
$1.00
PREFERRED
   

 
CHANGE the total authorized to:
 
WITHOUT PAR VALUE STOCKS
TYPE
NUMBER OF SHARES
COMMON
 
PREFERRED
 

 
WITH PAR VALUE STOCKS
TYPE
NUMBER OF SHARES
PAR VALUE
COMMON
25,000,000
$1.00
PREFERRED
   

 
The foregoing amendment will become effective when these articles of amendment are filed in accordance with Chapter 156B, Section 6 of The General Laws unless these articles specify, in accordance with the vote adopting the amendment, a later effective date not more than thirty days after such filing, in which event the amendment will become effective on such later date. EFFECTIVE DATE:
 
 
 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF AND UNDER THE PENALTIES OF PERJURY, we have hereunto signed our names this 28th day of April, in the year 1994.
 
 
/s/ Harry H. Birkenruth
 
President
   
 
/s/ Robert M. Soffer
 
Clerk
 
 
 

 
 
THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS

ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT
GENERAL LAWS, CHAPTER 156B, SECTION 72

I hereby approve the within articles of amendment and, the filing fee in
the amount of $15,000 having been paid, said articles are deemed to have
been filed with me this 24th day of May, 1994

/s/ Michael Joseph Connolly

MICHAEL JOSEPH CONNOLLY
Secretary of State


TO BE FILLED IN BY CORPORATION
PHOTOCOPY OF ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT TO BE SENT TO:

Prentice Hall Legal & F.S.
15 Columbus Circle
New York, New York 10023
Attn: Mike McManus
 
 
 

 
 
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
 
William Francis Galvin
Secretary of the Commonwealth
One Ashburton Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02108-1512
 
 
FEDERAL IDENTIFICATION NO. 06-0513860
ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT
(General Laws, Chapter 156B, Section 72)

We, Walter E. Boomer, President and Robert M. Soffer, Clerk of Rogers Corporation located at c/o Abrams, Roberts & Klickstein, 265 Franklin Street, Boston, MA 02110 certify that these Articles of Amendment affecting articles numbered: 3 of the Articles of Organization were duly adopted at a meeting held on April 23, 1998, by vote of: 6,423,290 shares of Capital Stock, $1.00 per share par value of 7,591,730 shares outstanding, being at least a majority of each type, class or series outstanding and entitled to vote thereon:
 
To change the number of shares and the par value (if any) of any type, class or series of stock which the corporation is authorized to issue, fill in the following:
 
The total presently authorized is:
 
WITHOUT PAR VALUE STOCKS
WITH PAR VALUE STOCKS
TYPE
NUMBER OF SHARES
TYPE
NUMBER OF SHARES
PAR VALUE
Common:
Common:
   
Preferred:
Capital
25,000,000
$1.00
Preferred:
   

 
Change the total authorized to:
 
WITHOUT PAR VALUE STOCKS
WITH PAR VALUE STOCKS
TYPE
NUMBER OF SHARES
TYPE
NUMBER OF SHARES
PAR VALUE
Common:
Common:
   
Preferred:
Capital
50,000,000
$1.00
Preferred:
   
 
 
 

 

The foregoing amendment(s) will become effective when these Articles of Amendment are filed in accordance with General Laws, Chapter 156B, Section 6 unless these articles specify, in accordance with the vote adopting the amendment, a later effective date not more than thirty days after such filing, in which event the amendment will become effective on such later date.
 
Later effective date:
 
SIGNED UNDER THE PENALTIES OF PERJURY,   this 23rd day of April, 1998.
 
 
/s/ Walter E. Boomer
 
President
   
 
/s/ Robert M. Soffer
 
Clerk

 
 

 

THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS

ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT
(General Laws, Chapter 156B, Section 72)
 
I hereby approve the within Articles of Amendment and, the filing
fee in the amount of $25,000 having been paid, said articles are deemed to have
been filed with me this 8th day of May, 1998.

/s/ William Francis Galvin

WILLIAM FRANCIS GALVIN
Secretary of the Commonwealth


TO BE FILLED IN BY CORPORATION
Photocopy of document to be sent to:

Steven R. London, Esquire
Brown, Rudnick, Freed & Gesmer, P.C.
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02110
 
 
 

 
 
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
William Francis Galvin
Secretary of the Commonwealth
One Ashburton Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02108-1512
 
 
FEDERAL IDENTIFICATION NO. 06-0513860
 

ARTICLES OF MERGER OF PARENT AND SUBSIDIARY CORPORATIONS
(General Laws, Chapter 156B, Section 82)


 
We, Robert D. Wachob, President and Robert M. Soffer, Clerk of Rogers Corporation, organized under the laws of Massachusetts and herein called the parent corporation, certify as follows:
 
1.   That the subsidiary corporation(s) to be merged into the parent corporation is/are:

Name
 
State of Organization
 
Date of Organization
         
Durel Corporation
 
Delaware
 
June 1, 1988
 
2.   The parent corporation, at the date of the vote, owned not less than ninety percent (90%) of the outstanding shares of each class of stock of the subsidiary corporation or corporations with which it has voted to merge.

Item 3 below may be deleted if all the corporations are organized under the laws of Massachusetts and if General Laws, Chapter 156B is applicable to them.
 
3.   That in the case of each of the above named corporations, the laws of the state of its organization, if other than Massachusetts, permit the merger herein described, and that all action required under the laws of each such state in connection with this merger has been duly taken.
 
4.   That at a meeting of the directors of the parent corporation, the following vote, pursuant to General Laws, Chapter 156B, Section 82, Subsection (a) was duly adopted.
 
Voted :   That Rogers Corporation, a Massachusetts corporation, merge, and it hereby does merge into itself Durel Corporation, a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Rogers
Corporation, and pursuant to such merger this corporation assumes all of Durel Corporation’s obligations.
 
 
 

 
 
Further
Voted :   That the merger shall become effective at the close of business on December 28, 2003.

Further
Voted :   That the terms and provisions of the Articles of Merger of Parent and Subsidiary Corporations (the “ Articles ”) attached hereto as Exhibit A , and the execution and delivery of the Articles by
Robert D. Wachob, President of this corporation, and Robert M. Soffer, Clerk of this corporation, be, and the same hereby are, authorized and approved in all respects.
 
Further
Voted :   That the merger of Durel Corporation into this corporation, as contemplated by the Articles, may be amended or terminated and abandoned by the Board of Directors of this corporation at any
time prior to the time that this merger filed with the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts becomes effective.
 
5.   The effective date of the merger shall be the date approved and filed by the Secretary of the Commonwealth. If a later effective date is desired, specify such date, which shall not be more than thirty
days after the date of filing:

Close of business December 28, 2003.
 
6.   [DELETED PURSUANT TO INSTRUCTIONS]

SIGNED UNDER THE PENALTIES OF PERJURY, this 12th day of December, 2003.

 
/s/ Robert D. Wachob
 
President
   
 
/s/ Robert M. Soffer
 
Clerk

 
 

 

THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS

ARTICLES OF MERGER OF PARENT AND SUBSIDIARY CORPORATIONS
(General Laws, Chapter 156B, Section 82)


 
I hereby approve the within Articles of Merger of Parent and Subsidiary Corporations and, the filing fee in the amount of $250.00 having been paid, said articles are deemed
 
to have been filed with me this 16th day of December, 2003.

Effective date: December 28th, 2003

WILLIAM FRANCIS GALVIN
Secretary of the Commonwealth


TO BE FILLED IN BY CORPORATION
Contact information:

Terrence W. Mahoney
LeBoeuf, Lamb, Greene & MacRae L.L.P.
260 Franklin Street, Boston, MA 02110
Telephone: 617-748-6810
Email: tmahoney@llgm.com


 

 

EXHIBIT 10aaa
 
 
 
 

CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT REQUESTED. CONFIDENTIAL PORTIONS OF THE DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED AND HAVE BEEN SEPARATELY FILED WITH THE U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION.
 
 
 
MULTICURRENCY REVOLVING CREDIT AGREEMENT
 
 
 
DATED as of November 13, 2006
 
 
among
 
 
Rogers Corporation,
Rogers Technologies (Barbados) SRL,
Rogers (China) Investment Co., Ltd.,
Rogers N.V.,
Rogers Technologies (Suzhou) Co. Ltd.,
 
 
and
 
 
Citizens Bank of Connecticut
 

Table of Contents


1
DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF INTERPRETATION
  1
1.1.
Definitions
  1
1.2
Rules of Interpretation
17
2
THE REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITIES
18
2.1.
Revolving Credit Facilities
18
2.1.1.
Revolving Credit Facility A
18
2.1.2
Revolving Credit Facility B
19
2.2.
Unused Line Fee
19
2.3.
Reduction of Commitments
19
2.4.
The Revolving Credit Notes
19
2.5.
Interest Provisions
20
2.6.
Borrowing Procedures
20
2.6.1
LIBOR Loan Requests
20
2.6.2
Prime Rate Loan Requests
20
2.6.3
Continuation and Conversion Elections
20
2.7
Repayments,  Prepayments and Interest
21
2.7.1
Continuations and Coversions
21
2.7.2
Voluntary  Prepayment of LIBOR  Rate Loans
21
2.8.
[Intentionally Omitted]
22
2.9.
Optional Currencies
22
2.9.1.
General
22
2.9.2.
Exchange Rate
23
2.9.3.
Multiple Denominations
23
2.9.4.
Funding
23
3
REPAYMENT OF THE REVOLVING CREDIT LOANS
23
3.1.
Maturity
23
3.2.
Mandatory Repayments of the Loans
23
3.3.
Optional Repayments of the Loans
24
4
LETTERS OF CREDIT
24
4.1.
Letter of Credit Commitments
24
4.1.1.
Commitment to Issue Letters of Credit
24
4.1.2.
Letter of Credit Applications
24
4.1.3.
Terms of Letters of Credit
24
4.2.
Reimbursement Obligation of the Borrowers
25
4.3.
Letter of Credit Payments
25
4.4.
Obligations Absolute
25
4.5.
Reliance by Issuer
26
4.6.
Letter of Credit Fee
26
5
CERTAIN GENERAL PROVISIONS
26
5.1.
Indemnities
26
5.2.
Taxes
27
5.3.
Funds for Payments
27
5.3.1.
Payments to Bank
27
5.3.2.
No Offset, etc
27
5.3.3.
Currency Matters
28
5.4.
Computations
28
5.5.
Substitute Rate
29
5.6.
LIBOR Rate Lending Unlawful
29
5.7.
Increased Costs
29
5.8.
Increased Capital Costs
30
5.9.
Certificate
30
5.10.
Indemnity
30
5.11.
Interest After Default
31
5.12.
Indemnifiable Events
31
 

 
6
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE BORROWERS
31
6.1.
Corporate Authority
31
6.1.1.
Incorporation; Good Standing
31
6.1.2.
Authorization
32
6.1.3.
Enforceability
32
6.2.
Governmental Approvals
32
6.3.
Title to Properties; Leases
32
6.4.
Financial Statements and Projections
32
6.4.1.
Fiscal Year
32
6.4.2.
Financial Statements
33
6.4.3.
Projections
33
6.5.
No Material Changes, Solvency etc
33
6.6.
Franchises, Patents, Copyrights, etc
33
6.7.
Litigation
33
6.8.
No Materially Adverse Contracts, etc
34
6.9.
Compliance with Other Instruments, Laws, etc
34
6.10.
Tax Status
34
6.11.
No Event of Default
34
6.12.
Holding Company and Investment Company Acts
34
6.13.
Absence of Financing Statements, etc
34
6.14.
Certain Transactions
35
6.15.
Employee Benefit Plans
35
6.15.1.
In General
35
6.15.2.
Terminability of Welfare Plans
35
6.15.3.
Guaranteed Pension Plans
35
6.15.4.
Multiemployer Plans
36
6.16.
Use of Proceeds
36
6.16.1.
General
36
6.16.2.
Regulations U and X
36
6.16.3.
Ineligible Securities
36
6.17.
Environmental Compliance
36
6.18.
Subsidiaries, etc
37
6.19.
Disclosure
38
7
AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS OF THE BORROWERS
38
7.1.
Punctual Payment
38
7.2.
Maintenance of Office
38
7.3.
Records and Accounts
38
7.4.
Financial Statements, Certificates and Information
39
7.5.
Notices
39
7.5.1.
Defaults
40
7.5.2.
Environmental Events
40
7.5.3.
Notice of Litigation and Judgments
40
7.5.4.
Notice of Understanding
40
7.6.
Corporate Existence; Maintenance of Properties
40
7.7.
Insurance
40
7.8.
Taxes
41
7.9.
Inspection of Properties and Books, etc
41
7.9.1.
General
41
7.9.2.
Communications with Accountants
41
7.10.
Compliance with Laws, Contracts, Licenses, and Permits
41
7.11.
Compliance with Environmental Laws
41
7.12.
Employee Benefit Plans
42
7.13.
Use of Proceeds
42
7.14.
Additional Subsidiaries
42
7.15.
Further Assurances
42
 

 
8
CERTAIN NEGATIVE COVENANTS OF THE BORROWERS
42
8.1.
Restrictions on Indebtedness
42
8.2.
Restrictions on Liens
43
8.3.
Restrictions on Investments
45
8.4.
Distributions
47
8.5.
Merger, Consolidation and Disposition of Assets
47
8.5.1.
Mergers and Acquisitions
47
8.5.2.
Disposition of Assets
47
8.6.
Sale and Leaseback
48
8.7.
Employee Benefit Plans
48
8.8.
Business Activities
49
8.9.
Fiscal Year
49
8.10.
Transactions with Affiliates
49
8.11.
Activities of World Properties
49
8.12.
Modification of Charter Documents
50
8.13.
Upstream Limitations
50
8.14.
Inconsistent Agreements
50
9
FINANCIAL COVENANTS OF THE BORROWER
50
9.1.
Leverage Ratio
50
9.2.
Interest Coverage Ratio
50
9.3.
Capital Expenditures
50
10
CLOSING CONDITIONS
50
10.1.
Loan Documents
51
10.2.
Certified Copies of Charter Documents
51
10.3.
Corporate Action
51
10.4.
Incumbency Certificate
51
10.5.
Opinion of Counsel
51
10.6.
UCC Search Results, etc
51
10.7.
Payment of Fees and Expenses
51
10.8.
Termination of Existing Bank of America Agreement
51
10.9.
Payoff Letter
51
10.10.
Initial Loan Request
51
11
CONDITIONS TO ALL BORROWINGS
52
11.1.
Representations True; No Event of Default
52
11.2.
No Legal Impediment
52
11.3.
Governmental Regulation
52
11.4.
Proceedings and Documents
52
 

 
12
EVENTS OF DEFAULT; ACCELERATION; ETC
52
12.1.
Events of Default and Acceleration
52
12.2.
Termination of Commitments
55
12.3.
Remedies
55
13
SETOFF
55
14
JOINT AND SEVERAL LIABILITY
55
15
EXPENSES AND INDEMNIFICATION
55
15.1.
Expenses
56
15.2.
Indemnification
56
15.3.
Survival
56
16
TREATMENT OF CERTAIN CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
56
16.1.
Confidentiality
57
16.2.
Prior Notification
57
16.3.
Other
57
17
SURVIVAL OF COVENANTS, ETC
57
18
PARTICIPATION
57
18.1.
Participations
58
18.2.
Disclosure
58
18.3.
Assignment by Borrower
58
19
NOTICES, ETC
58
20
GOVERNING LAW
58
21
HEADINGS
59
22
COUNTERPARTS
59
23
ENTIRE AGREEMENT, ETC
59
24
WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL
59
25
CONSENTS, AMENDMENTS, WAIVERS, ETC
59
26
SEVERABILITY
60
27
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE BANK
60
 
 
 
 

 
CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT REQUESTED. CONFIDENTIAL PORTIONS OF THE DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED AND HAVE BEEN SEPARATELY FILED WITH THE U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION.

MULTICURRENCY REVOLVING CREDIT AGREEMENT
 
 
            This MULTICURRENCY REVOLVING CREDIT AGREEMENT is made as of November 13, 2006, by and between Rogers Corporation, a Massachusetts corporation having its principal place of business at One Technology Drive, Rogers, Connecticut 06263 ("Rogers US"), Rogers Technologies (Barbados) SRL, a corporation organized and existing under the laws of Barbados having its principal place of business at Fidelity House, Wildey Business Park, St. Michael, Barbados ("Rogers Barbados"), Rogers (China) Investment Co., Ltd., a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the People's Republic of China having its principal place of business at 338 Shenshu Road, Suzhou Industrial Park, Suzhou, People's Republic of China 215122 ("Rogers China"), Rogers N.V., a corporation organized and existing under the laws of Belgium having its principal office at Afrikalaan 188, B-9000, Gent, Belgium ("Rogers Belgium"), Rogers Technologies (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the People's Republic of China having its principal place of business at 399 Suhong Zhong Road, Suzhou Industrial Park, Suzhou, People's Republic of China 215122 ("Rogers Suzhou"; Rogers US, Rogers Barbados, Rogers China, Rogers Belgium, and Rogers Suzhou are hereinafter referred to individually as a "Borrower" and collectively as the "Borrowers"), and Citizens Bank of Connecticut (the "Bank"), a Connecticut stock savings bank with offices at 90 State House Square, 10th Floor, Hartford, Connecticut 06103.
 
      1. DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF INTERPRETATION .
 
     1.1.      Definitions .   The following terms shall have the meaning set forth in this §1 or elsewhere in the provision of this Credit Agreement referred to below:
 
            Adjustment Date .  The first day of the month immediately following the month in which a Compliance Certificate is to be delivered by the Borrowers pursuant to §7.4(c) hereof.
 
            Affiliate .  Any Person that would be considered to be an affiliate of any Borrower under Rule 144(a) of the Rules and Regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, as in effect on the date hereof, if such Borrower were issuing securities.
 
            Applicable Margin .  For each period commencing on an Adjustment Date through the date immediately preceding the next Adjustment Date (each a "Rate Adjustment Period"), the Applicable Margin shall be the applicable margin set forth below with respect to the Leverage Ratio, as determined for the period ending on the fiscal quarter ended immediately preceding the applicable Rate Adjustment Period.
 

 
 
LEVEL
 
LEVERAGE RATIO
PRIME RATE
LOANS
LIBOR RATE LOANS
UNUSED LINE FEE RATE
 
 
 
 
 
IV
Greater than
1.50:1.00
[*]%
[*]%
[*]%
 
III
Less than or equal to
1.50:1.00 but greater
than 1.25:1.00
 
[*]%
 
[*]%
 
[*]%
 
 
 
 
 
 
II
Less than or equal to
1.25:1.00 but greater
than 0.75:1.00
 
[*]%
 
[*]%
 
[*]%
 
 
 
 
 
 
I
Less than or equal to
0.75:1.00
 
[*]%
 
[*]%
 
[*]%
 
     Notwithstanding the foregoing, (a) for Loans outstanding, the Letter of Credit Fees and the commitment fees payable during the period commencing on the Closing Date through the date immediately preceding the first Adjustment Date to occur after the Closing Date, the Applicable Margin shall be Level I set forth above, and (b) if the Borrowers fail to deliver any Compliance Certificate pursuant to §7.4(c) hereof then, for the period commencing on the next Adjustment Date to occur subsequent to such failure through the date immediately following the date on which such Compliance Certificate is delivered, the Applicable Margin shall be the highest Applicable Margin set forth above.

      Balance Sheet Date. January 1, 2006.

      Bank of America. Bank of America, N.A.

      Bank's Head Office. 90 State House Square, Hartford, Connecticut 06103.

      Bank's Special Counsel. Tyler Cooper & Alcorn, LLP or such other counsel as may be approved by the Bank.

      Borrowers. As defined in the preamble hereto.

      Business Day. (a) Any day which is neither a Saturday or Sunday nor a legal holiday on which commercial banks are authorized or required to be closed in Hartford, Connecticut; (b) when such term is used to describe a day on which a borrowing, payment, prepaying, or repaying is to be made in respect of any LIBOR Rate Loan, any day which is: (i) neither a Saturday or Sunday nor a legal holiday on which commercial banks are authorized or required to be closed in New York City; and (ii) a London Banking Day; and (c) when such term is used to describe a day on which an interest rate determination is to be made in respect of any LIBOR Rate Loan, any day which is a London Banking Day.

[*] CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT REQUESTED
 

 
      Capital Assets. Fixed assets, both tangible (such as land, buildings, fixtures, machinery and equipment) and intangible (such as patents, copyrights, trademarks, franchises and good will); provided that Capital Assets shall not include any item customarily charged directly to expense or depreciated over a useful life of twelve (12) months or less in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
 
      Capital Expenditures. For any period, the aggregate amount paid or the amount of Indebtedness incurred (including in respect of obligations under any Capitalized Leases) by Rogers US or any of its Subsidiaries (i) for Capital Assets during such period, determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, as indicated on the financial statements of Rogers US and its Subsidiaries prepared in accordance with such principles, and (ii) in connection with the lease of any assets by Rogers US or any of its Subsidiaries as lessee under any Synthetic Lease to the extent that such assets would have been Capital Assets had the Synthetic Lease been treated for accounting purposes as a Capitalized Lease.
 
      Capitalized Leases. Leases under which Rogers US or any of its Subsidiaries is the lessee or obligor, the discounted future rental payment obligations under which are required to be capitalized on the balance sheet of the lessee or obligor in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

CERCLA. See §6.17(a).

Closing Date. The first date on which the conditions set forth in §§10 and 11 have been satisfied.

Code. The Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

Commitment. The amount of the Bank's commitment to make Loans to the Borrowers under Revolving Credit Facility A and Revolving Credit Facility B, and to issue, extend and renew Letters of Credit for the account of, the Borrowers under Revolving Credit Facility A, in each case, as the same may be reduced from time to time; or if a Commitment is terminated pursuant to the provisions hereof, zero.

Compliance Certificate. See §7.4(c).

Consolidated or consolidated. With reference to any term defined herein, shall mean that term as applied to the accounts of Rogers US and its Subsidiaries, consolidated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

Consolidated Foreign Tangible Assets. Consolidated Foreign Total Assets less the sum of:

(a)   the total book value of all assets of Rogers US's Foreign Subsidiaries properly classified as intangible assets under generally accepted accounting principles, including such items as good will, the purchase price of acquired assets in excess of the fair market value thereof, trademarks, trade names, service marks, brand names, copyrights, patents and licenses, and rights with respect to the foregoing; plus

(b)   all amounts representing any write-up in the book value of any assets of Rogers US's Foreign Subsidiaries resulting from a revaluation thereof subsequent to the Balance Sheet Date, excluding (i) adjustments for making short-term investments to market and (ii) transaction adjustments made in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement no. 133; provided that the underlying contract or arrangement is intended solely for hedging (and not speculative) purposes; plus

(c)   to the extent otherwise included in the computation of Consolidated Foreign Total Assets, any subscriptions receivable.
 

 
(c)   to the extent otherwise included in the computation of Consolidated Foreign Total Assets, any subscriptions receivable.

Consolidated Foreign Total Assets. The sum of (i) all assets ("consolidated balance sheet assets") of Rogers US's Foreign Subsidiaries determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, plus (ii) without duplication, all assets leased by Rogers US's Foreign Subsidiaries as lessee under any Synthetic Lease to the extent that such assets would have been consolidated balance sheet assets had the Synthetic Lease been treated for accounting purposes as a Capitalized Lease, plus (iii) without duplication, all sold receivables referred to in clause (vii) of the definition of the term "Indebtedness" to the extent that such receivables would have been consolidated balance sheet assets had they not been sold.

      Consolidated Net Income (or Deficit). For any period, the consolidated net income (or deficit) of Rogers US and its Subsidiaries for such period (taken as a cumulative whole), after deducting all operating expenses, provision for all taxes and reserves (including reserves for deferred income taxes established in connection with accelerated depreciation or amortization claimed for income tax purposes) and all other proper deductions, all determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and on a consolidated basis, after eliminating all inter-company items and portions of income (or deficit) properly attributable to minority interests, if any, in the stock of Subsidiaries; provided that there shall also be excluded (in each case without duplication):

 
(i)
the income (or loss) of any Person accrued prior to the date it becomes a Subsidiary or is merged into or with Rogers US or a Subsidiary, except as otherwise provided in the definition of Pro Forma Basis;

 
(ii)
any aggregate net gain (or net loss) arising from sales of capital assets or from the acquisition or retirement or sale of securities during such period, if such gain or loss is treated as an extraordinary item under generally accepted accounting principles;

 
(iii)
any net gain arising from the collection of the proceeds of any life insurance policy if such gain is treated as an extraordinary item under generally accepted accounting principles; and

 
(iv)
the undistributed net income of any Foreign Subsidiary to the extent Rogers US is prohibited from repatriating such income.

Consolidated Net Worth. The excess of Consolidated Total Assets over Consolidated Total Liabilities, less, to the extent otherwise includable in the computations of Consolidated Net Worth, any subscriptions receivable.

Consolidated Tangible Assets. Consolidated Total Assets less the sum of:
 

 
(a)   the total book value of all assets of Rogers US and its Subsidiaries properly classified as intangible assets under generally accepted accounting principles, including such items as good will, the purchase price of acquired assets in excess of the fair market value thereof, trademarks, trade names, service marks, brand names, copyrights, patents and licenses, and rights with respect to the foregoing; plus

(b)   all amounts representing any write-up in the book value of any assets of Rogers US and its Subsidiaries resulting from a revaluation thereof subsequent to the Balance Sheet Date, excluding (i) adjustments for marking short-term investments to market and (ii) transaction adjustments made in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement no. 133; provided that the underlying contract or arrangement is intended solely for hedging (and not speculative) purposes; plus

(c)   to the extent otherwise included in the computation of Consolidated Total Assets, any subscriptions receivable.

Consolidated Total Assets. The sum of (i) all assets ("consolidated balance sheet assets") of Rogers US and its Subsidiaries determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, plus (ii) without duplication, all assets leased by Rogers US or any Subsidiary as lessee under any Synthetic Lease to the extent that such assets would have been consolidated balance sheet assets had the Synthetic Lease been treated for accounting purposes as a Capitalized Lease, plus (iii) without duplication, all sold receivables referred to in clause (vii) of the definition of the term "Indebtedness" to the extent that such receivables would have been consolidated balance sheet assets had they not been sold.

Consolidated Total Interest Expense. For any period, the aggregate amount of interest required to be paid or accrued by Rogers US and its Subsidiaries during such period on all Indebtedness of Rogers US and its Subsidiaries outstanding during all or any part of such period, whether such interest was or is required to be reflected as an item of expense or capitalized, including payments consisting of interest in respect of any Capitalized Lease, or any Synthetic Lease, and including commitment fees, agency fees, facility fees, balance deficiency fees and similar fees or expenses in connection with the borrowing of money, other than fees and expenses incurred under §§5.7 or 5.8.

Consolidated Total Liabilities. All liabilities of Rogers US and its Subsidiaries determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and classified as such on the consolidated balance sheet of Rogers US and its Subsidiaries.

Conversion Request. A notice given by the Borrowers to the Bank of the Borrowers' election to convert or continue a Loan in accordance with §§ 2.6 or 2.7.

Credit Agreement. This Multicurrency Revolving Credit Agreement, including the Schedules and Exhibits hereto.

Default. See §12.1.

Distribution. The declaration or payment of any dividend on or in respect of any shares of any class of capital stock of any Borrower, other than dividends to the extent payable in shares of common stock of such Borrower; the purchase, redemption, or other retirement of any shares of any class of capital stock of any Borrower, directly or indirectly through a Subsidiary of such Borrower or otherwise, other than in connection with the exercise of stock options by employees or directors of such Borrower or its Subsidiaries (or former employees or former directors); the return of capital by any Borrower to its shareholders as such; or any other distribution on or in respect of any shares of any class of capital stock of any Borrower, other than pursuant to the Shareholder Rights Plan.
 

 
Dollar Equivalent. On any particular date, with respect to any amount denominated in Dollars, such amount of Dollars, and with respect to any amount denominated in a currency other than Dollars, the amount (as conclusively ascertained by the Bank absent manifest error) of Dollars which could be purchased by the Bank (in accordance with its normal banking practices) in the London foreign currency deposit markets with such amount of such currency at the spot rate of exchange prevailing at or about 11:00 a.m. (London time) on such date.

Dollars or $. Dollars in lawful currency of the United States of America.

Domestic Lending Office. Initially, the office of the Bank at the address set forth on page 1; thereafter, such other office of the Bank, if any, located within the United States that will be making or maintaining Prime Rate Loans.

Domestic Net Assets. The total domestic United States assets of Rogers US determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, excluding the value of Investments in, and amounts due from, Subsidiaries and Joint Ventures, less the total liabilities (excluding the Obligations) of Rogers US and its Subsidiaries determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

Domestic Subsidiary. Any Subsidiary which is not a Foreign Subsidiary; provided that for the purposes of §§6.17 and 7.11, the term Domestic Subsidiary shall mean any Subsidiary at any time owning, leasing or operating any Real Estate.

Drawdown Date. The date on which any Loan is made or is to be made, and the date on which any Loan is converted or continued in accordance with §§ 2.6 or 2.7.

EBITDA. The Consolidated Net Income (or Deficit) of Rogers US and its Subsidiaries for any fiscal period, plus, to the extent deducted in the calculation of Consolidated Net Income (or Deficit) and without duplication, (a) depreciation, amortization and other similar noncash changes for such period, (b) income tax expense for such period, and (c) Consolidated Total Interest Expense paid or accrued during such period, excluding the net income (or deficit) of any Person (other than a Subsidiary) in which Rogers US or a Subsidiary has an ownership interest, except to the extent that any such income has been actually received by Rogers US or such Subsidiary in the form of cash dividends or similar cash Distributions, in each case as determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

Employee Benefit Plan. Any employee benefit plan within the meaning of §3(3) of ERISA maintained or contributed to by any Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate, other than a Guaranteed Pension Plan or a Multiemployer Plan.

Environmental Laws. See §6.17(a).

EPA. See §6.17(b).

ERISA. The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.
 

 
ERISA Affiliate. Any Person which is treated as a single employer with any Borrower under §414 of the Code.

ERISA Reportable Event. A reportable event with respect to a Guaranteed Pension Plan within the meaning of §4043 of ERISA and the regulations promulgated thereunder.

EU Treaties. The Treaty of Rome of March 25, 1957 establishing the European Community, as amended by the Treaty on the European Union signed on February 7, 1992 (the Maastricht Treaty), and as further amended from time to time.

Euro or e. The single currency of the Participating Member States.

Eurocurrency Interbank Market. Any lawful recognized market in which deposits of Dollars and the relevant Optional Currencies are offered by international banking units of United States banking institutions and by foreign banking institutions to each other and in which foreign currency and exchange operations or eurocurrency funding operations are customarily conducted.

Eurocurrency Lending Office. The office of the Bank that shall be making or maintaining LIBOR Rate Loans, as the same may change from time to time.

Event of Default. See §12.1.

Excluded Taxes. Any (i) franchise taxes on the Bank, (ii) taxes on income or profits of the Bank, or (iii) other taxes incurred by the Bank except those imposed as a result of, or relating to, this Agreement.

Existing Bank of America Agreement. The Multi-Currency Revolving Credit Agreement dated as of December 8, 2000 among Rogers US, Bank of America, and the Bank, as amended and in effect immediately prior to the Closing Date.

Existing Letters of Credit. The letters of credit, if any, issued by Bank of America for the account of Rogers US prior to the Closing Date and listed on Schedule 2.

Financial Affiliate. A Subsidiary of the bank holding company controlling the Bank, which Subsidiary is engaging in any of the activities permitted by §4(k) of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 (12 U.S.C. §1843), as amended.

Foreign Exchange Exposure. The Bank's aggregate pre-settlement exposure, as determined by the Bank, under foreign exchange agreements to which the Bank and Rogers US are parties. In no event shall the aggregate Foreign Exchange Exposure exceed $7,500,000 at any one time.

Foreign Subsidiary. Any Subsidiary which conducts substantially all of its business in countries other than the United States of America and that is organized under the laws of a jurisdiction other than the United States of America and the States (or the District of Columbia) thereof.
 

 
generally accepted accounting principles. Accounting principles that are (A) consistent with the principles promulgated or adopted by the Financial Accounting Standards Board and its predecessors, as in effect from time to time, and (B) consistently applied in all material respects with past financial statements of Rogers US, in each case such that a certified public accountant would, insofar as the use of such accounting principles is pertinent, be in a position to deliver an unqualified opinion (other than a qualification regarding changes in generally accepted accounting principles) as to financial statements in which such principles have been properly applied.

Guaranteed Pension Plan. Any employee pension benefit plan within the meaning of §3(2) of ERISA maintained or contributed to by any Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate the benefits of which are guaranteed on termination in full or in part by the PBGC pursuant to Title IV of ERISA, other than a Multiemployer Plan.

Guarantors. Each Domestic Subsidiary of Rogers US existing on the Closing Date (other than World Properties) and each other Person required to be or become a guarantor from time to time pursuant to §7.14.

Guaranty. The Guaranty, dated or to be dated on or prior to the Closing Date, made jointly and severally by each Domestic Subsidiary of Rogers US (other than World Properties) in favor of the Bank pursuant to which each Domestic Subsidiary of Rogers US guaranties to the Bank the payment and performance of the Obligations and in form and substance satisfactory to the Bank, and any other guaranty substantially in the form of such Guaranty in favor of the Bank made by any Person required to be or become a guarantor pursuant to §7.14.

Hazardous Substances. See §6.17(b).
 
      Hedging Contracts. Interest rate swap agreements, interest rate cap agreements and interest rate collar agreements, or any other agreements or arrangements entered into between the Borrowers and the Bank and designed to protect the Borrowers against fluctuations in interest rates or currency exchange rates.
 
      Hedging Obligations. With respect to the Borrowers, all liabilities of the Borrowers to the Bank under Hedging Contracts.
 
      Indebtedness. As to any Person and whether recourse is secured by or is otherwise available against all or only a portion of the assets of such Person and whether or not contingent but without duplication:

     (i)   every obligation of such Person for money borrowed.

     (ii)   every obligation of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or other similar instruments, including obligations incurred in connection with the acquisition of property, assets or businesses,

     (iii)   every reimbursement obligation of such Person with respect to letters of credit, bankers' acceptances or similar facilities issued for the account of such Person,

     (iv)   every obligation of such Person issued or assumed as the deferred purchase price of property or services (including securities repurchase agreements but excluding trade accounts payable or accrued liabilities arising in the ordinary course of business),

     (v)   every obligation of such Person under any Capitalized Lease,
 

 
     (vi)   every obligation of such Person under any Synthetic Lease,

     (vii)   all sales by such Person of (A) accounts or general intangibles for money due or to become due, (B) chattel paper, instruments or documents creating or evidencing a right to payment of money or (C) other receivables (collectively "receivables"), whether pursuant to a purchase facility or otherwise, other than in connection with the disposition of the business operations of such Person relating thereto or a disposition of defaulted receivables for collection and not as a financing arrangement, and together with any obligation of such Person to pay any discount, interest, fees, indemnities, penalties, recourse, expenses or other amounts in connection therewith,

     (viii)   every obligation of such Person (an "equity related purchase obligation") to purchase, redeem, retire or otherwise acquire for value any shares of capital stock of any class issued by such Person, other than the obligation to purchase capital stock arising solely as a result of the difference between the trade date and the settlement date for such purchase,

     (ix)   every obligation of such Person under any forward contract, futures contract, swap, option or other financing agreement or arrangement (including, without limitation, caps, floors, collars and similar agreements), the value of which is dependent upon interest rates, currency exchange rates, commodities or other indices (a "Derivative Contract"),

     (x)   every obligation in respect of Indebtedness of any other entity (including any joint venture to which such Person is a party or any partnership in which such Person is a general partner) to the extent that such Person is liable therefor as a result of such Person's ownership interest in or other relationship with such entity, except to the extent that the terms of such Indebtedness provide that such Person is not liable therefor and such terms are enforceable under applicable law, and

     (xi)   every obligation, contingent or otherwise, of such Person guaranteeing, or having the legal effect of guaranteeing or otherwise acting as surety for, any obligation of a type described in any of clauses (i) through (x) (the "primary obligation") of another Person (the "primary obligor"), in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, and including, without limitation, any obligation of such Person (A) to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase of) any security for the payment of such primary obligation, (B) to purchase property, securities or services for the purpose of assuring the payment of such primary obligation, or (C) to maintain working capital, equity capital or other financial statement condition or liquidity of the primary obligor so as to enable the primary obligor to pay such primary obligation.

The "amount" or "principal amount" of any Indebtedness at any time of determination represented by (u) any Indebtedness, issued at a price that is less than the principal amount at maturity thereof, shall be the amount of the liability in respect thereof determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, (v) any Capitalized Lease shall be the principal component of the aggregate of the rental obligation under such Capitalized Lease payable over the term thereof that is not subject to termination by the lessee, (w) any sale of receivables shall be the amount of unrecovered capital or principal investment of the purchaser (other than Rogers US or any of its wholly-owned Subsidiaries) thereof, excluding amounts representative of yield or interest earned on such investment, (x) any Synthetic Lease shall be the stipulated loss value, termination value or other equivalent amount, (y) any Derivative Contract shall be the maximum amount of any termination or loss payment required to be paid by such Person (net of any offsetting positions) if such Derivative Contract were, at the time of determination, to be terminated by reason of any event of default or early termination event thereunder, whether or not such event of default or early termination event has in fact occurred and (z) any equity related purchase obligation shall be the maximum fixed redemption or purchase price thereof inclusive of any accrued and unpaid dividends to be comprised in such redemption or purchase price.
 

 
Ineligible Securities. Securities which may not be underwritten or dealt in by member banks of the Federal Reserve System under Section 16 of the Banking Act of 1933 (12 U.S.C. §24, Seventh), as amended.

Intellectual Property. See §8.11.

Interest Payment Date. (i) Relative to any Prime Rate Loan, with respect to interest accrued during the applicable calendar quarter, the last day of such calendar quarter (including the calendar quarter that includes the Drawdown Date of such Prime Rate Loan); provided that if the last day of the calendar quarter is not a Business Day, then the Interest Payment Date shall be the next succeeding Business Day; and (ii) relative to any LIBOR Rate Loan having an Interest Period of three months or less, the last Business Day of such Interest Period, and as to any LIBOR Rate Loan having an Interest Period longer than three months, each Business Day which is three months, or a whole multiple thereof, after the first day of such Interest Period and the last day of such Interest Period.

 
Interest Period. Relative to any LIBOR Rate Loans:

(A)   initially, the period beginning on (and including) the date on which such LIBOR Rate Loan is made or continued as, or converted into, a LIBOR Rate Loan pursuant to Section 2.6 or 2.7 and ending on (but excluding) the day which numerically corresponds to such date one, two, three, six, nine, or twelve months thereafter (or, if such month has no numerically corresponding day, on the last Business Day of such month), in each case as a Borrower may select in its notice pursuant to Section 2.6 or 2.7 ; and

(B)   thereafter, each period commencing on the last day of the next preceding Interest Period applicable to such LIBOR Rate Loan and ending one, two, three, six, nine, or twelve months thereafter, as selected by a Borrower by irrevocable notice to the Bank not less than two Business Days prior to the last day of the then current Interest Period with respect thereto;

provided, however, that
 
 
(i)
the Borrowers shall not be permitted to select Interest Periods to be in effect at any one time which have expiration dates occurring on more than five (5) different dates;
 
(ii)
Interest Periods commencing on the same date for LIBOR Rate Loans comprising part of the same advance under this Credit Agreement shall be of the same duration;
 
(iii)
Interest Periods for LIBOR Rate Loans in connection with which Borrowers have or may incur Hedging Obligations with the Bank shall be of the same duration as the relevant periods set under the applicable Hedging Contracts;
 
(iv)
if such Interest Period would otherwise end on a day which is not a Business Day, such Interest Period shall end on the next following Business Day unless such day falls in the next calendar month, in which case such Interest Period shall end on the first preceding Business Day; and
 
(v)
no Interest Period may end later than the termination of this Credit Agreement.

International Standby Practices. With respect to any standby Letter of Credit, International Standby Practices (ISP98), International Chamber of Commerce Publication No. 590, or any successor code of standby letter of credit practices among banks adopted by the Bank in the ordinary course of its business as a standby letter of credit issuer and in effect at the time of issuance of such Letter of Credit.

Investments. All expenditures made and (without duplication) all liabilities incurred (contingently or otherwise) (a) for the acquisition of stock (other than stock of Rogers US) or Indebtedness of any Person, (b) for loans, advances, capital contributions or transfers of property to any Person (other than sales of inventory, licenses of intellectual property and dispositions of obsolete assets in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices), (c) in respect of any guaranties (or other commitments as described under Indebtedness) of the obligations of any Person; provided that income from Joint Ventures shall not be an Investment for purposes of this Credit Agreement notwithstanding that Rogers US or such Subsidiary may, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, account for such income as a debit to the investment account on Rogers US or such Subsidiary's balance sheet. In determining the aggregate amount of Investments outstanding at any particular time: (i) the amount of any Investment represented by a guaranty shall be taken at not less than the principal amount of the obligations guaranteed and still outstanding; (ii) there shall be deducted in respect of each such Investment any amount received as a return of capital (but only by repurchase, redemption, retirement, repayment, liquidating dividend or liquidating distribution) or repayment of loan principal; (iii) there shall not be deducted in respect to any Investment any amounts received as earnings on such Investment, whether as dividends, interest or otherwise; (iv) the amount of Investments consisting of non-cash property (including without limitation any Intellectual Property) transferred to a Joint Venture shall be deemed to be the book value (determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles) of such non-cash property at the time of such transfer to such Joint Venture, disregarding for this purpose any valuation the parties to such Joint Venture shall have placed thereon for purposes of establishing such Joint Venture; provided that a non-perpetual license of Intellectual Property in which Rogers US or the applicable Subsidiary retains rights having significant value and which is of limited exclusivity with respect to the applicable territory or field of use, shall not be deemed to be a transfer of such Intellectual Property for purposes of this definition; and (v) there shall not be deducted from the aggregate amount of Investments any decrease in the value thereof; provided that Rogers US may in any fiscal period deduct from the aggregate amount of Investments decreases in the value of Investments (up to any aggregate amount of $2,500,000 during the term of this Agreement) to the extent the amount of any such decrease is deducted from Consolidated Net Income of Rogers US and its Subsidiaries during such fiscal period.

Japanese Yen. The lawful currency of the country of Japan.

Joint Venture. Any Affiliate of Rogers US or a Subsidiary of which the designated parent shall at any time own directly or indirectly through a Subsidiary or Subsidiaries less than a majority (by number of votes) of the outstanding Voting Stock; provided that notwithstanding the foregoing, Rogers Inoac shall be deemed to be a Joint Venture until such time as Rogers US shall own, directly or indirectly, sixty percent (60%) or more of its outstanding Voting Stock, at which time Rogers Inoac shall become a Subsidiary.

Letter of Credit. See §4.1.1.

Letter of Credit Application. See §4.1.1.

Letter of Credit Fee . See §4.6.

Leverage Ratio. As at any date of determination, the ratio of (a) Total Funded Indebtedness of Rogers US and its Subsidiaries outstanding on such date to (b) EBITDA of Rogers US and its Subsidiaries for the period of four consecutive fiscal quarters ended on such date (or, if such date is not a fiscal quarter end date, the period of four consecutive fiscal quarters most recently ended).

LIBOR Lending Rate. Relative to any LIBOR Rate Loan to be made, continued or maintained as, or converted into, a LIBOR Rate Loan for any Interest Period, a rate per annum determined pursuant to the following formula:

LIBOR Lending Rate =             LIBOR Rate
          (1.00 - LIBOR Reserve Percentage)
 
LIBOR Rate. Relative to any Interest Period for LIBOR Rate Loans, the offered rate for deposits of U.S. Dollars in an amount approximately equal to the amount of the requested LIBOR Rate Loan for a term coextensive with the designated Interest Period which the British Bankers’ Association fixes as its LIBOR rate as of 11:00 a.m. London time on the day which is two London Banking Days prior to the beginning of such Interest Period.
 
LIBOR Rate Loan. Any Loan the rate of interest applicable to which is based upon the LIBOR Rate.
 
LIBOR-Reference Banks Loan. Any Loan the rate of interest applicable to which is based upon the LIBOR-Reference Banks Rate.

LIBOR-Referenced Banks Lending Rate. Relative to a LIBOR-Referenced Banks Rate Loan for any Interest Period, a rate per annum determined pursuant to the following formula:

LIBOR-Reference Banks Lending Rate =    LIBOR-Reference Banks Rate
               (1.00 - LIBOR Reserve Percentage)
 
LIBOR-Reference Banks Rate. Relative to any Interest Period for LIBOR-Reference Banks Loans, the rate for which deposits in U.S. Dollars are offered by the Reference Banks to prime banks in the London interbank market in an amount approximately equal to the amount requested LIBOR-Reference Banks Loan at approximately 11:00 a.m., London time on the day that is two London Banking Days prior to the beginning of such Interest Period. The Bank will request the principal London office of each of the Reference Banks to provide a quotation of its rate. If at least two such quotations are provided, the rate for such date will be the arithmetic mean of the quotations. If fewer than two quotations are provided as requested, the rate for such date will be the arithmetic mean of the rates quoted by major banks in New York City selected by the Bank at approximately 11:00 a.m. New York City time for loans in U.S. Dollars to leading European banks for such Interest Period and in an amount approximately equal to the amount requested LIBOR-Reference Banks Loan.
 

 
LIBOR Reserve Percentage. Relative to any day of any Interest Period for LIBOR Rate Loans, the maximum aggregate (without duplication) of the rates (expressed as a decimal fraction) of reserve requirements (including all basic, emergency, supplemental, marginal and other reserves and taking into account any transitional adjustments or other scheduled changes in reserve requirements) under any regulations of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Board”) or other governmental authority having jurisdiction with respect thereto as issued from time to time and then applicable to assets or liabilities consisting of “Eurocurrency Liabilities”, as currently defined in Regulation D of the Board, having a term approximately equal or comparable to such Interest Period.

Loan Documents. This Credit Agreement, the Notes, the Letter of Credit Applications, the Letters of Credit, the Guaranty, and any other documents executed in connection with this Credit Agreement.

Loan Request. See §2.6.
 
      Loans. Revolving credit loans made or to be made by the Bank to the Borrowers pursuant to §2.
 
      London Banking Day. A day on which dealings in US dollar deposits are transacted in the London interbank market.

Material Adverse Effect. A material adverse effect on (a) the business, condition (financial or otherwise), operations, performance or properties of Rogers US and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, (b) the rights and remedies of the Bank to enforce any of the Loan Documents or (c) the ability of any Borrower or any of the Guarantors to perform its obligations under the Loan Documents.

Maximum Drawing Amount. The maximum aggregate amount that the beneficiaries may at any time draw under outstanding Letters of Credit, as such aggregate amount may be reduced from time to time pursuant to the terms of the Letters of Credit.

Multiemployer Plan. Any multiemployer plan within the meaning of §3(37) of ERISA maintained or contributed to by any Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate.

Notes. Revolving Credit Note A and Revolving Credit Note B.

Obligations. All indebtedness, obligations and liabilities of any of the Borrowers and their respective Subsidiaries to the Bank, individually or collectively, existing on the date of this Credit Agreement or arising thereafter, direct or indirect, joint or several, absolute or contingent, matured or unmatured, liquidated or unliquidated, secured or unsecured, arising by contract, operation of law or otherwise, arising or incurred under this Credit Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents or in respect of any of the Loans made or Reimbursement Obligations incurred or any of the Notes, Letter of Credit Application, Letter of Credit or other instruments at any time evidencing any thereof. Without limiting any other provision of this Agreement, the Borrowers shall be jointly and severally liable for all of the Obligations.
 

 
Optional Currency. The Japanese Yen, the Euro, and any other currency that is freely convertible into Dollars and is traded on a recognized Eurocurrency Interbank Market selected by the Bank in good faith.

Outstanding. With respect to the Loans, the aggregate unpaid principal thereof as of any date of determination.

Overnight Rate. For any day, (a) as to Loans denominated in Dollars, the weighted average interest rate paid by the Bank for federal funds acquired by the Bank, and (b) as to Loans denominated in an Optional Currency, the rate of interest per annum at which overnight deposits in the applicable Optional Currency, in an amount approximately equal to the amount with respect to which such rate is being determined, would be offered for such day by the Bank to major banks in the London interbank market.

Participating Member State. A member state of the European Union that adopts a single currency in accordance with the EU Treaties.

PBGC. The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation created by §4002 of ERISA and any successor entity or entities having similar responsibilities.

Permitted Liens. Liens, security interests and other encumbrances permitted by §8.2.

Person. Any individual, corporation, partnership, trust, unincorporated association, business, or other legal entity, and any government or any governmental agency or political subdivision thereof.

Prime Rate. The rate of interest announced by Bank in Hartford, Connecticut from time to time as its “Prime Rate.” The Borrowers acknowledge that the Bank may make loans to its customers above, at or below the Prime Rate. Interest accruing by reference to the Prime Rate shall be calculated on the basis of actual days elapsed and a 365-day year.

Prime Rate Loan. Any Loan for the period(s) when the rate of interest applicable to such Loan is calculated by reference to the Prime Rate.

Pro Forma Basis. In connection with a proposed stock or asset acquisition, the calculation of compliance with the financial covenants set forth in §9 hereof by Rogers US and its Subsidiaries (including the person or asset(s) to be acquired) with reference to the audited historical financial results of such Person, if available, and if not so available, then with reference to such management certified financial results of such Person as shall be reasonably acceptable to the Bank (or, if an acquisition of assets, the financial results attributable to such assets) for the most recently ended period of four consecutive fiscal quarters ending prior to the date of such acquisition for which such management certified financial results are available (but in any event ending no later than the penultimate fiscal quarter ending prior to the date of such acquisition), after giving effect on a pro forma basis to such acquisition in the manner described below:

(i)   all Indebtedness (whether under this Credit Agreement or otherwise), all assets and any other balance sheet adjustments incurred or made in connection with such acquisition shall be deemed to have been incurred or made on the first day of such period of four fiscal quarters, and all Indebtedness of the Person acquired or to be acquired in such acquisition which was or will have been repaid in connection with the consummation of such acquisition shall be deemed to have been repaid concurrently with the incurrence of the Indebtedness incurred in connection with such acquisition;
 

 
(ii)   all Indebtedness assumed to have been incurred pursuant to the preceding clause (i) shall be deemed to have borne interest at the sum of (a) the arithmetic mean of (x) the LIBOR Rate for LIBOR Rate Loans denominated in the currency in which such Indebtedness has been incurred having an Interest Period of one month, as in effect on the first day of such period of four fiscal quarters, and (y) the LIBOR Rate for LIBOR Rate Loans having an Interest Period of one month, as in effect on the last day of such period of four fiscal quarters plus (b) the Applicable Margin on LIBOR Rate Loans then in effect (after giving effect to the incurrence of such Indebtedness);

(iii)   without duplication, Consolidated Net Income and EBITDA of Rogers US and its Subsidiaries shall be determined, and any adjustments to Consolidated Net Income and EBITDA which are attributable to the change in ownership and/or management resulting from such acquisition shall be deemed to have been realized, assuming that such acquisition occurred on the first day of such period of four fiscal quarters; and

(iv)   other reasonable cost savings, expenses and other income statement or operating statement adjustments which are attributable to the change in ownership and/or management resulting from such acquisition as may be approved by the Bank in writing (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld) shall be deemed to have been realized on the first day of such period of four fiscal quarters.

RCRA. See §6.17(a).

Real Estate. All real property situated in the United States of America at any time owned or leased (as lessee or sublessee) by Rogers US or any of its Subsidiaries.

Record. The grid attached to a Note, or the continuation of such grid, or any other similar record, including computer records, maintained by the Bank with respect to any Loan referred to in such Note.
 
      Reference Banks. Four major banks in the London interbank market.
 
      Reimbursement Obligation. The Borrowers' obligation to reimburse the Bank on account of any drawing under any Letter of Credit as provided in §4.2.
 
      Revolving Credit A Commitment. The amount of the Bank's Commitment under Revolving Credit Facility A, as in effect from time to time. On the Closing Date, the Revolving Credit A Commitment is Seventy-five Million Dollars ($75,000,000).
 
      Revolving Credit B Commitment. The amount of the Bank's Commitment under Revolving Credit Facility B, as in effect from time to time. On the Closing Date, the Revolving Credit B Commitment is Twenty-five Million Dollars ($25,000,000).
 
      Revolving Credit A Maturity Date . November 13, 2011.
 

 
      Revolving Credit B Maturity Date. November 13, 2007.
 
      Revolving Credit Facility A. See §2.1.1.
 
      Revolving Credit Facility B. See §2.1.2.
 
      Revolving Credit Note. See §2.4.
 
      Revolving Credit Note A. The promissory note evidencing the Borrowers' obligations with respect to Revolving Credit Facility A.
 
      Revolving Credit Note B. The promissory note evidencing the Borrowers' obligations with respect to Revolving Credit Facility B.
 
      Revolving Credit Note Record. A Record with respect to a Revolving Credit Note.
 
      Rogers Inoac. Rogers Inoac Corporation, a Japanese corporation.
 
      Sale/Leaseback Arrangement. See §8.6.
 
      SARA. See §6.17(a).
 
      Same Day Funds. With respect to disbursements and payment in (a) Dollars, immediately available funds and (b) an Optional Currency, same day or other funds as may be determined by the Bank to be customary in the place of disbursement or payment for the settlement of international banking transactions in the relevant Optional Currency.
 
      Senior Funded Debt. The Total Funded Indebtedness of Rogers US and its Subsidiaries, less the amount of any such Indebtedness subordinated to the Obligations on terms and conditions satisfactory to the Bank.
 
      Senior Funded Debt to EBITDA Ratio. As of any given date, the ratio of (a) the total amount of Senior Funded Debt on such date to (b) the consolidated EBITDA of Rogers US and its Domestic Subsidiaries for the most recently ended rolling twelve-month period.
 
      Shareholder Rights Plan. The Rights Agreement between Rogers US and Registrar and Transfer Company, as rights Bank, and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as of March 25, 1997.
 
      Subsidiary. Any corporation, association, trust, or other business entity of which the designated parent owns or acquires directly or indirectly through a Subsidiary or Subsidiaries at least a majority (by number of votes) of the outstanding Voting Stock, other than Rogers Inoac; provided that at such time as Rogers US shall own, directly or indirectly, sixty percent (60%) or more of the outstanding Voting Stock of Rogers Inoac, Rogers Inoac shall become a Subsidiary of Rogers US for purposes of this Credit Agreement.
 
      Synthetic Lease. Any lease treated as an operating lease under generally accepted accounting principles and as a loan or a financing for U.S. income tax purposes.
 
      Taxes. See §5.2.
 

 
      Total Commitment. The sum of the Revolving Credit A Commitment and the Revolving Credit B Commitment, as in effect from time to time. On the Closing Date the Total Commitment is $100,000,000.
 
      Total Funded Indebtedness. On any date of determination, all Indebtedness of Rogers US and its Subsidiaries for borrowed money (including, without limitation, all notes and bonds and all guarantees by such Persons of Indebtedness of others for borrowed money), purchase money Indebtedness, Indebtedness consisting of reimbursement obligations with respect to letters of credit, and Indebtedness with respect to Capitalized Leases and Synthetic Leases outstanding on such date, determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Total Funded Indebtedness shall not include Indebtedness for borrowed money of any Joint Venture unless Rogers US or a Subsidiary has guaranteed the Indebtedness for borrowed money of such joint venture or similar entity or is otherwise liable for such Indebtedness.
 
      Type. As to any Loan, its nature as a Prime Rate Loan or a LIBOR Rate Loan.
 
      Uniform Customs. With respect to any Letter of Credit, the Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits (1993 Revision), International Chamber of Commerce Publication No. 500 or any successor version thereto adopted by the Bank in the ordinary course of its business as a letter of credit issuer and in effect at the time of issuance of such Letter of Credit.
 
      Unpaid Reimbursement Obligation. Any Reimbursement Obligation for which the Borrowers do not reimburse the Bank on the date specified in, and in accordance with, §4.2.
 
      Unused Line Fee Rate. The applicable rate per annum set forth in the chart contained in the definition of Applicable Margin under the heading "Unused Line Fee Rate".
 
      Voting Stock. Stock or similar interests, of any class or classes (however designated), the holders of which are at the time entitled, as such holders, to vote for the election of a majority of the directors (or persons performing similar functions) of the corporation, association, trust or other business entity involved, whether or not the right so to vote exists by reason of the happening of a contingency.
 
      World Properties. World Properties, Inc., an Illinois corporation and a wholly-owned Subsidiary of Rogers US.
 
     1.2   Rules of Interpretation.
 
          (a)   A reference to any document or agreement shall include such document or agreement as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time in accordance with its terms and the terms of this Credit Agreement.
 
          (b)   The singular includes the plural and the plural includes the singular.
 
          (c)   A reference to any law includes any amendment or modification to such law.
 
          (d)   A reference to any Person includes its permitted successors and permitted assigns.
 

 
          (e)   Accounting terms not otherwise defined herein have the meanings assigned to them by generally accepted accounting principles applied on a consistent basis by the accounting entity to which they refer.
 
          (f)   The words "include", "includes" and "including" are not limiting.
 
          (g)   All terms not specifically defined herein or by generally accepted accounting principles, which terms are defined in the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, have the meanings assigned to them therein, with the term "instrument" being that defined under Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code.
 
          (h)   Reference to a particular "§" refers to that section of this Credit Agreement unless otherwise indicated.
 
          (i)   The words "herein", "hereof", "hereunder" and words of like import shall refer to this Credit Agreement as a whole and not to any particular section or subdivision of this Credit Agreement.
 
          (j)   Unless otherwise expressly indicated, in the computation of periods of time from a specified date to a later specified date, the word "from" means "from and including," the words "to" and "until" each mean "to but excluding," and the word "through" means "to and including."
 
          (k)   This Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents may use several different limitation, tests or measurements to regulate the same or similar matters. All such limitations, tests and measurements are, however, cumulative and are to be performed in accordance with the terms thereof.
 
          (l)   This Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents are the result of negotiation among, and have been reviewed by counsel to, among others, the Bank and the Borrowers and are the product of discussions and negotiations among all parties. Accordingly, this Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents are not intended to be construed against the Bank merely on account of the Bank's involvement in the preparation of such documents.

2.   THE REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITIES.
 
     2.1.   Revolving Credit Facilities.
 
            2.1.1.   Revolving Credit Facility A. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Credit Agreement, the Bank agrees to lend to the Borrowers and the Borrowers may borrow, repay, and reborrow from time to time from the Closing Date up to but not including the Revolving Credit A Maturity Date, upon notice by any Borrower to the Bank given in accordance with §2.6, such sums in Dollars and/or at such Borrower's option and subject to §2.9, in an Optional Currency, as are requested by such Borrower up to a maximum aggregate amount outstanding (after giving effect to all amounts requested) at any one time equal to the Revolving Credit A Commitment minus the sum of (a) the Maximum Drawing Amount and (b) all Unpaid Reimbursement Obligations, provided that the sum of the Dollar Equivalents of the outstanding amounts of the Loans under Revolving Credit Facility A (after giving effect to all amounts requested) plus the Maximum Drawing Amount and all Unpaid Reimbursement Obligations shall not at any time exceed the Revolving Credit A Commitment. Each request for a Loan hereunder shall constitute a representation and warranty by the Borrowers that the conditions set forth in §10 and §11, in the case of the initial Loans to be made on the Closing Date, and §11, in the case of all other Loans, have been satisfied on the date of such request.
 

 
                2.1.2.   Revolving Credit Facility B. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Credit Agreement, the Bank agrees to lend to the Borrowers and the Borrowers may borrow, repay, and reborrow from time to time from the Closing Date up to but not including the Revolving Credit B Maturity Date, upon notice by any Borrower to the Bank given in accordance with §2.6, such sums in Dollars and/or at such Borrower's option and subject to §2.9, in an Optional Currency, as are requested by such Borrower up to a maximum aggregate amount outstanding (after giving effect to all amounts requested) at any one time equal to the Revolving Credit B Commitment, provided that the sum of the Dollar Equivalents of the outstanding amounts of the Loans under Revolving Credit Facility B (after giving effect to all amounts requested) plus the total Foreign Exchange Exposure, as determined by the Bank, shall not at any time exceed the Revolving Credit B Commitment. Each request for a Loan hereunder shall constitute a representation and warranty by the Borrowers that the conditions set forth in §10 and §11, in the case of the initial Loans to be made on the Closing Date, and §11, in the case of all other Loans, have been satisfied on the date of such request.
 
        2.2.   Unused Line Fee. The Borrowers agree to pay to the Bank a fee calculated at the Unused Line Fee Rate per annum on the average daily amount during each calendar quarter or portion thereof from the Closing Date to the Revolving Credit A Maturity Date by which the Total Commitment minus the sum of the Maximum Drawing Amount and all Unpaid Reimbursement Obligations exceeds the Dollar Equivalent of the outstanding amount of Loans during such calendar quarter. The unused line fee shall be payable quarterly in arrears on the first Business Day of each calendar quarter for the immediately preceding calendar quarter commencing on the first such date following the date hereof, with a final payment on the Revolving Credit A Maturity Date or any earlier date on which any Commitment shall terminate.
 
      2.3.   Reduction of Commitments. The Borrowers shall have the right at any time and from time to time upon three (3) days prior written notice to the Bank to reduce by $5,000,000 or a larger integral multiple of $1,000,000 or terminate entirely the Revolving Credit A Commitment or the Revolving Credit B Commitment, whereupon such Commitment shall be reduced or, as the case may be, terminated. Upon the effective date of any such reduction or termination, the Borrowers shall pay to the Bank the full amount of any unused line fee then accrued on the amount of the reduction. No reduction or termination of any Commitment may be reinstated.
 
        2.4.   The Revolving Credit Notes. The Loans under Revolving Credit Facility A shall be evidenced by Revolving Credit Note A in substantially the form of Exhibit A hereto, and the Loans under Revolving Credit Facility B shall be evidenced by Revolving Credit Note B in substantially the form of Exhibit B hereto (each a "Revolving Credit Note"), dated as of the Closing Date and completed with appropriate insertions. Each Revolving Credit Note shall be payable to the order of the Bank in a principal amount equal to the Revolving Credit A Commitment or Revolving Credit B Commitment, as applicable, or, if less, the outstanding amount of all Loans made by the Bank, plus interest accrued thereon, as set forth below. The Borrowers irrevocably authorize the Bank to make or cause to be made, at or about the time of the Drawdown Date of any Loan or at the time of receipt of any payment of principal on a Revolving Credit Note, an appropriate notation on the Revolving Credit Note Record for such Revolving Credit Note reflecting the making of such Loan or (as the case may be) the receipt of such payment. The outstanding amount of the Loans set forth on each Revolving Credit Note Record shall be prima facie evidence of the principal amount thereof owing and unpaid to the Bank, but the failure to record, or any error in so recording, any such amount on a Revolving Credit Note Record shall not limit or otherwise affect the obligations of the Borrowers hereunder or under any Revolving Credit Note to make payments of principal of or interest on any Revolving Credit Note when due.
 

 
     2.5.   Interest Provisions. Interest on the outstanding principal amount of any Loan when classified as a: (i) LIBOR Rate Loan shall accrue during each Interest Period at a rate equal to the sum of the LIBOR Lending Rate for such Interest Period plus the Applicable Margin thereto and be payable on each Interest Payment Date, (ii) LIBOR-Reference Banks Rate Loan shall accrue during each Interest Period at a rate equal to the sum of the LIBOR-Reference Banks Lending Rate for such Interest Period plus the Applicable Margin thereto and be payable on each Interest Payment Date, and (iii) Prime Rate Loan shall accrue during each Interest Period at a rate equal to the Prime Rate and be payable on each Interest Payment Date.
 
     2.6.   Borrowing Procedures.  
 
                 2.6.1 LIBOR Loan Requests. By delivering a borrowing request to the Bank on or before 10:00 a.m., New York time, on a Business Day, any Borrower may from time to time irrevocably request, on not less than two nor more than five Business Days’ notice, that a LIBOR Rate Loan be made in a minimum amount of $100,000 and integral multiples of $100,000, with a specified Interest Period. On the terms and subject to the conditions of this agreement, each LIBOR Rate Loan shall be made available to such Borrower no later than 11:00 a.m. New York time on the first day of the applicable Interest Period by deposit to the account of such Borrower as shall have been specified in its borrowing request.
 
                 2.6.2 Prime Rate Loan Requests. By delivering a borrowing request to the Bank on or before 2:00 p.m., Hartford time, on a Business Day, any Borrower may from time to time irrevocably request that a Prime Rate Loan be made in a minimum amount of $100,000 and integral multiples of $100,000. On the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement, each Prime Rate Loan shall be made available to such Borrower on the next Business Day following receipt of such borrowing request (if such request is made by 2:00 p.m., Hartford time) or the second Business Day following receipt of such request (if such request is made after 2:00 p.m., Hartford time) by deposit to the account of such Borrower as shall have been specified in its borrowing request.
 
                 2.6.3 Continuation and Conversion Elections. (a) By delivering a continuation/conversion notice to the Bank on or before 10:00 a.m., New York time, on a Business Day, any Borrower may from time to time irrevocably elect, on not less than two nor more than five Business Days’ notice, that all, or any portion in an aggregate minimum amount of $100,000 and integral multiples of $100,000, of any LIBOR Rate Loan be converted on the last day of an Interest Period into a LIBOR Rate Loan with a different Interest Period, or continued on the last day of an Interest Period as a LIBOR Rate Loan with a similar Interest Period, provided, however, that no portion of the outstanding principal amount of any LIBOR Rate Loans may be converted to, or continued as, LIBOR Rate Loans when any default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, and no portion of the outstanding principal amount of any LIBOR Rate Loans may be converted to LIBOR Rate Loans of a different duration if such LIBOR Rate Loans relate to any Hedging Obligations. In the absence of delivery of a continuation/conversion notice with respect to any LIBOR Rate Loan at least two Business Days before the last day of the then current Interest Period with respect thereto, each maturing LIBOR Rate Loan shall automatically be continued as a LIBOR Rate Loan with an Interest Period of thirty (30) days. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing (if the Bank does not otherwise elect to exercise any right to accelerate the Loans it is granted hereunder), each maturing LIBOR Rate Loan shall automatically be continued as a Prime Rate Loan.
 

 
(b) By delivering a conversion notice to the Bank on or before 10:00 a.m., New York time, on a Business Day, any Borrower may from time to time irrevocably elect, on not less than two nor more than five Business Days’ notice, that all, or any portion in an aggregate minimum amount of $100,000 and integral multiples of $100,000, of any Prime Rate Loan be converted on the last day of an Interest Period into a LIBOR Rate Loan, provided, however, that no portion of the outstanding principal amount of any Prime Rate Loans may be converted to, or continued as, LIBOR Rate Loans when any default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing. In the absence of delivery of a conversion notice with respect to any Prime Rate Loan, each Prime Rate Loan shall remain a Prime Rate Loan.
 
     2.7 Repayments, Prepayments and Interest.
 
                 2.7.1 Continuations and Conversions. LIBOR Rate Loans shall mature and become payable in full on the last day of the Interest Period relating to such LIBOR Rate Loan. Prior to the termination of this Credit Agreement, upon the maturity of a LIBOR Rate Loan it may be continued for an additional Interest Period or may be converted to a Prime Rate Loan (if there exists no default or Event of Default and the Bank does not otherwise elect to exercise any right to accelerate the Loans it is granted hereunder).
 
                 2.7.2 Voluntary Prepayment of LIBOR Rate Loans. LIBOR Rate Loans may be prepaid upon the terms and conditions set forth herein. For LIBOR Rate Loans in connection with which the Borrowers have or may incur Hedging Obligations, additional obligations may be associated with prepayment, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable Hedging Contracts. The Borrowers shall give the Bank, no later than 10:00 a.m., New York City time, at least four (4) Business Days notice of any proposed prepayment of any LIBOR Rate Loans, specifying the proposed date of payment of such LIBOR Rate Loans, and the principal amount to be paid. Each partial prepayment of the principal amount of LIBOR Rate Loans shall be in an integral multiple of $100,000 and accompanied by the payment of all charges outstanding on such LIBOR Rate Loans and of all accrued interest on the principal repaid to the date of payment. Borrowers acknowledge that prepayment or acceleration of a LIBOR Rate Loan during an Interest Period shall result in the Bank incurring additional costs, expenses and/or liabilities and that it is extremely difficult and impractical to ascertain the extent of such costs, expenses and/or liabilities. Therefore, all full or partial prepayments of LIBOR Rate Loans shall be accompanied by, and the Borrowers hereby promise to pay, on each date a LIBOR Rate Loan is prepaid or the date all sums payable hereunder become due and payable, by acceleration or otherwise, in addition to all other sums then owing, an amount (“LIBOR Rate Loan Prepayment Fee”) determined by the Bank pursuant to the following formula:
 

 
(a)   the then current rate for United States Treasury securities (bills on a discounted basis shall be converted to a bond equivalent) with a maturity date closest to the end of the Interest Period as to which prepayment is made, subtracted from

(b)   the LIBOR Lending Rate plus the Applicable Margin applicable to the LIBOR Rate Loan being prepaid.

If the result of this calculation is zero or a negative number, then there shall be no LIBOR Rate Loan Prepayment Fee. If the result of this calculation is a positive number, then the resulting percentage shall be multiplied by:

(c)   the amount of the LIBOR Rate Loan being prepaid.

The resulting amount shall be divided by:

(d)   360

and multiplied by:

(e)   the number of days remaining in the Interest Period as to which the prepayment is being made.

Said amount shall be reduced to present value calculated by using the referenced United States Treasury securities rate and the number of days remaining on the Interest Period for the LIBOR Rate Loan being prepaid.
 
     The resulting amount of these calculations shall be the LIBOR Rate Loan Prepayment Fee. The Bank will notify the Borrowers of the amount of the LIBOR Rate Loan Prepayment Fee and costs for which Bank is entitled to indemnification under Section 5.1 within two (2) Business Days after receipt of the Borrowers' notice of proposed prepayment; provided, however, that the Bank's failure to give such notice within such time shall not impair or otherwise affect the Borrowers' obligation to pay the LIBOR Rate Loan Prepayment Fee or costs for which Bank is entitled to indemnification under Section 5.1.
 
     2.8.   [Intentionally Omitted]
 
     2.9.   Optional Currencies.
 
                 2.9.1.   General. Subject to this §2.9.1 and the satisfaction of the terms and conditions of §10 (in the case such Loans to be made on the Closing Date) and §11, each Loan requested to be made in an Optional Currency will be made on the Drawdown Date specified therefor in the applicable Loan Request, in the Optional Currency requested in such Loan Request and, upon being so made, will have the Interest Period requested in such Loan Request. If on or prior to any Drawdown Date of a Loan in which a Borrower has requested be denominated in an Optional Currency, the Bank determines (which determination shall be conclusive) that the requested Optional Currency is not freely transferable and convertible into Dollars or that it will be impracticable for the Bank to fund the Loan in such Optional Currency, then the requested Loan shall instead be denominated in Dollars.
 

  
                 2.9.2.   Exchange Rate. For purposes of this Credit Agreement the amount in one Optional Currency which shall be equivalent on any particular date to a specified amount in another Optional Currency shall be that amount (as conclusively ascertained by the Bank by its normal banking practices, absent manifest error) in the first Optional Currency which is or could be purchased by the Bank (in accordance with normal banking practices) with such specified amount of the second Optional Currency in any recognized Eurocurrency Interbank market selected by the Bank in good faith for delivery on such date at the spot rate of exchange prevailing at 11:00 a.m. (London time) on such date.
 
           2.9.3.   Multiple Denominations. In the event that any portion of the funds available under the terms of this Credit Agreement is denominated in one or more Optional Currencies, the Dollar Equivalent of such portion of the funds shall be calculated pursuant to the definition of "Dollar Equivalent". The amount so determined shall then be added to the amount already outstanding in Dollars for the purpose of determining the remaining availability of funds under §2.1 hereof and any required repayments under §3.2(a).
 
           2.9.4.   Funding. The Bank may make any Loan denominated in an Optional Currency by causing its Eurocurrency Lending Office or any of its foreign branches or foreign affiliate to make such Loan (whether or not such lending office, branch or affiliate is named as a lending office prior thereto; provided that in such event the obligation of the Borrowers to repay such Loan shall nevertheless be to the Bank and shall, for all purposes of this Credit Agreement be deemed made by the Bank to the extent of such Loan, for the account of such applicable lending office, branch or affiliate.

3.   REPAYMENT OF THE REVOLVING CREDIT LOANS.
 
      3.1.  Maturity. (a) The Borrowers promise to pay on the Revolving Credit A Maturity Date, and there shall become absolutely due and payable on the Revolving Credit A Maturity Date, all Loans under Revolving Credit Facility A outstanding on such date, together with any and all accrued and unpaid interest thereon.

           (b) The Borrowers promise to pay on the Revolving Credit B Maturity Date, and there shall become absolutely due and payable on the Revolving Credit B Maturity Date, all Loans under Revolving Credit Facility B outstanding on such date, together with any and all accrued and unpaid interest thereon.
 
     3.2.   Mandatory Repayments of the Loans. (a) If at any time the sum of the Dollar Equivalents of the outstanding amounts of the Loans under Revolving Credit Facility A, the Maximum Drawing Amount and all Unpaid Reimbursement Obligations exceeds the Revolving Credit A Commitment (whether as a result of currency fluctuations or otherwise), then the Borrowers shall immediately pay the amount of such excess to the Bank for application: first, to any Unpaid Reimbursement Obligations; second, to the Loans; and third, to provide the Bank cash collateral for Reimbursement Obligations as contemplated by §4.2(b) and (c).
 

 
(b) If at any time the sum of the Dollar Equivalents of the outstanding amounts of the Loans under Revolving Credit Facility B and the Foreign Exchange Exposure, as determined by the Bank, exceeds the Revolving Credit B Commitment (whether as a result of currency fluctuations or otherwise), then the Borrowers shall immediately pay the amount of such excess to the Bank for application to the Loans.
 
     3.3.   Optional Repayments of the Loans. The Borrowers shall have the right, at its election, to repay the outstanding amount of the Loans, as a whole or in part, at any time without penalty or premium, provided that any full or partial prepayment of the outstanding amount of any LIBOR Rate Loans shall be subject to the terms of Section 2.7.2. The Borrowers shall give the Bank written notice no later than 10:00 a.m. (Hartford time) on the date of any proposed prepayment pursuant to this §3.3 of Prime Rate Loans specifying the principal amount to be prepaid. Each such partial prepayment of the Loans shall be in an integral multiple of $50,000 (or in the case of a Loan denominated in an Optional Currency an amount (rounded to the nearest thousand) of which the Dollar Equivalent is $50,000), shall be accompanied by the payment of accrued interest on the principal prepaid to the date of prepayment and shall be applied, in the absence of instruction by the Borrowers, first to the principal of Prime Rate Loans and then to the principal of LIBOR Rate Loans.


 
4. LETTERS OF CREDIT.
 
     4.1.   Letter of Credit Commitments.
 
           4.1.1.  Commitment to Issue Letters of Credit. Subject to the terms and conditions hereof and the execution and delivery by any Borrower of a letter of credit application on the Bank's customary form (a "Letter of Credit Application"), the Bank in reliance upon the representations and warranties of the Borrowers contained herein, agrees, at any time and from time to time from the Closing Date to the date which is thirty (30) days prior to the Revolving Credit A Maturity Date, to issue, extend and renew for the account of such Borrower one or more standby or documentary letters of credit (individually, a "Letter of Credit") denominated in Dollars, in such form as may be requested from time to time by such Borrower and agreed to by the Bank; provided, however, that, after giving effect to such request, the sum of (i) the Maximum Drawing Amount of all Letters of Credit, (ii) all Unpaid Reimbursement Obligations, and (iii) the Dollar Equivalent of the amount of all Loans outstanding shall not exceed the Revolving Credit A Commitment.
 
           4.1.2.  Letter of Credit Applications. Each Letter of Credit Application shall be completed to the satisfaction of the Bank. In the event that any provision of any Letter of Credit Application shall be inconsistent with any provision of this Credit Agreement, then the provisions of this Credit Agreement shall, to the extent of any such inconsistency, govern.

           4.1.3.  Terms of Letters of Credit. Each Letter of Credit issued, extended or renewed hereunder shall, among other things, (i) provide for the payment of sight drafts for honor thereunder when presented in accordance with the terms thereof and when accompanied by the documents described therein, and (ii) have an expiry date no later than seven (7) days prior to the Revolving Credit A Maturity Date. Each Letter of Credit so issued, extended or renewed shall be subject to the Uniform Customs or, in the case of a standby Letter of Credit, either the Uniform Customs or the International Standby Practices.
 

 
     4.2.   Reimbursement Obligation of the Borrowers. In order to induce the Bank to issue, extend and renew each Letter of Credit, the Borrowers hereby agree to reimburse or pay to the Bank, with respect to each Letter of Credit issued, extended or renewed by the Bank hereunder,

(a)   except as otherwise expressly provided in §4.2(b) and (c), on each date that any draft presented under such Letter of Credit is honored by the Bank, or the Bank or otherwise makes a payment with respect thereto, (i) the amount paid by the Bank under or with respect to such Letter of Credit, and (ii) the amount of any taxes (other than Excluded Taxes), fees, charges or other costs and expenses whatsoever incurred by the Bank in connection with any payment made by the Bank under, or with respect to, such Letter of Credit,

(b)   upon the reduction (but not termination) of the Revolving Credit A Commitment to an amount less than the Maximum Drawing Amount, an amount equal to such difference, which amount shall be held by the Bank as cash collateral for all Reimbursement Obligations, and

(c)   upon the termination of the Revolving Credit A Commitment, or the acceleration of the Reimbursement Obligations with respect to all Letters of Credit in accordance with §12, an amount equal to the then Maximum Drawing Amount on all Letters of Credit, which amount shall be held by the Bank as cash collateral for all Reimbursement Obligations.
     
Each such payment shall be made to the Bank at the Bank's Head Office in Same Day Funds. Interest on any and all amounts remaining unpaid by the Borrowers under this §4.2 at any time from the date such amounts become due and payable (whether stated in this §4.2, by acceleration or otherwise) until payment in full (whether before or after judgment) shall be payable to the Bank on demand at the rate specified in §5.11 for overdue principal on Prime Rate Loans.
 
      4.3.  Letter of Credit Payments. If any draft shall be presented or other demand for payment shall be made under any Letter of Credit, the Bank shall notify the Borrowers of the date and amount of the draft presented or demand for payment and of the date and time when it expects to pay such draft or honor such demand for payment. The responsibility of the Bank to the Borrowers shall be only to determine that the documents (including each draft) delivered under each Letter of Credit in connection with such presentment shall be in conformity in all material respects with such Letter of Credit.
 
     4.4.   Obligations Absolute. The Borrowers' obligations under this §4 shall be absolute and unconditional under any and all circumstances and irrespective of the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default or any condition precedent whatsoever or any setoff, counterclaim or defense to payment which any Borrower may have or have had against the Bank or any beneficiary of a Letter of Credit. The Borrowers further agree with the Bank that the Bank shall not be responsible for, and the Borrowers' Reimbursement Obligations under §4.2 shall not be affected by, among other things, the validity or genuineness of documents or of any endorsements thereon, even if such document should in fact prove to be in any or all respects invalid, fraudulent or forged, or any dispute between or among any Borrower, the beneficiary of any Letter of Credit or any financing institution or other party to which any Letter of Credit may be transferred or any claims or defenses whatsoever of such Borrower against the beneficiary of any Letter of Credit or any such transferee. The Bank shall not be liable for any error, omission, interruption or delay in transmission, dispatch or delivery of any message or advice, however transmitted, in connection with any Letter of Credit, except to the extent such error, omission, interruption or delay arose from the Bank's gross negligence or willful misconduct. The Borrowers agree that any action taken or omitted by the Bank under or in connection with each Letter of Credit and the related drafts and document, if done in good faith and absent gross negligence or willful misconduct, shall be binding upon the Borrowers and shall not result in any liability on the part of the Bank to the Borrowers.
 

 
     4.5.   Reliance by Issuer. To the extent not inconsistent with §4.4, the Bank shall be entitled to rely, and shall be fully protected in relying upon, any Letter of Credit, draft, writing, resolution, notice, consent, certificate, affidavit, letter, cablegram, telegram, telecopy, telex or teletype message, statement, order or other document believed by it to be genuine and correct and to have been signed, sent or made by the proper Person or Persons and upon advice and statements of legal counsel, independent accountants and other experts selected by the Bank.
 
     4.6.   Letter of Credit Fee. The Borrowers shall pay a fee (in each case, a "Letter of Credit Fee") to the Bank in respect of each documentary or standby Letter of Credit calculated at the rate equal to the Applicable Margin for LIBOR Rate Loans per annum of the face amount of such Letter of Credit. The Letter of Credit Fees for each Letter of Credit shall be payable quarterly in arrears on the first day of each calendar quarter for the immediately preceding calendar quarter.


5.   CERTAIN GENERAL PROVISIONS.
 
     5.1.   Indemnities. In addition to the LIBOR Rate Loan Prepayment Fee, the Borrowers agree to reimburse the Bank (without duplication) for any increase in the cost to the Bank, or reduction in the amount of any sum receivable by the Bank, in respect, or as a result of:

(a)
any conversion or repayment or prepayment of the principal amount of any LIBOR Rate Loans on a date other than the scheduled last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto, whether pursuant to Section 2.6 or 2.7 or otherwise;

(b)
any LIBOR Rate Loans not being continued as, or converted into, LIBOR  Rate Loans in accordance with the continuation/conversion notice thereof, or
 
(c)
any costs associated with marking to market any Hedging Obligations that (in the reasonable determination of the Bank) are required to be terminated as a result of any conversion, repayment or prepayment of the principal amount of any LIBOR Rate Loan on a date other than the scheduled last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto, whether pursuant to Section 2.7 or otherwise;
 
The Bank shall promptly notify the Borrowers in writing of the occurrence of any such event, such notice to state, in reasonable detail, the reasons therefor and the additional amount required fully to compensate the Bank for such increased cost or reduced amount. Such additional amounts shall be payable by the Borrowers to the Bank within five days of its receipt of such notice, and such notice shall, in the absence of manifest error, be conclusive and binding on the Borrowers. The Borrowers understand, agree and acknowledge the following: (i) the Bank does not have any obligation to purchase, sell and/or match funds in connection with the use of LIBOR Rate as a basis for calculating the rate of interest on a LIBOR Rate Loan, (ii) the LIBOR Rate may be used merely as a reference in determining such rate, and (iii) the Borrowers have accepted the LIBOR Rate as a reasonable and fair basis for calculating such rate, the LIBOR Rate Prepayment Fee, and other funding losses incurred by the Bank. Borrowers further agree to pay the LIBOR Rate Prepayment Fee and other funding losses, if any, whether or not the Bank elects to purchase, sell and/or match funds.
 

 
     5.2.   Taxes. All payments by the Borrowers of principal of, and interest on, the LIBOR Rate Loans and all other amounts payable hereunder shall be made free and clear of and without deduction for any present or future income, excise, stamp or franchise taxes and other taxes, fees, duties, withholdings or other charges of any nature whatsoever imposed by any taxing authority, but excluding franchise taxes and taxes imposed on or measured by the Bank’s net income or receipts (such non-excluded items being called “Taxes”). In the event that any withholding or deduction from any payment to be made by the Borrowers hereunder is required in respect of any Taxes pursuant to any applicable law, rule or regulation, then the Borrowers will

(a)
pay directly to the relevant authority the full amount required to be so withheld or deducted;

(b)
promptly forward to the Bank an official receipt or other documentation satisfactory to the Bank evidencing such payment to such authority; and
 
(c)
pay to the Bank such additional amount or amounts as is necessary to ensure that the net amount actually received by the Bank will equal the full amount the Bank would have received had no such withholding or deduction been required.

Moreover, if any Taxes are directly asserted against the Bank with respect to any payment received by the Bank hereunder, the Bank may pay such Taxes and the Borrowers will promptly pay such additional amount (including any penalties, interest or expenses) as is necessary in order that the net amount received by the Bank after the payment of such Taxes (including any Taxes on such additional amount) shall equal the amount the Bank would have received had such Taxes not been asserted.

If the Borrowers fail to pay any Taxes when due to the appropriate taxing authority or fails to remit to the Bank the required receipts or other required documentary evidence, the Borrowers shall indemnify the Bank for any incremental Taxes, interest or penalties that may become payable by the Bank as a result of any such failure.
 
     5.3.   Funds for Payments.
 
     5.3.1.   Payments to Bank. All payments of principal, interest, Reimbursement Obligations, commitment fees, Letter of Credit Fees and any other amounts due hereunder or under any of the other Loan Documents shall be made in Same Day Funds on the due date thereof to the Bank at the Bank's Head Office or at such other place that the Bank may from time to time designate, in each case at or about 11:00 a.m. (Hartford, Connecticut time or other local time at the place of payment).
 
      5.3.2.   No Offset, etc. All payments by the Borrowers hereunder and under any of the other Loan Documents shall be made without recoupment, setoff or counterclaim and free and clear of and without deduction for any Taxes (other than any Excluded Taxes, if applicable) now or hereafter imposed or levied by any jurisdiction or any political subdivision thereof or taxing or other authority therein unless the Borrowers are compelled by law to make such deduction or withholding. If any such obligation is imposed upon the Borrowers with respect to any amount payable by any Borrower hereunder or under any of the other Loan Documents, the Borrowers will pay to the Bank on the date on which such amount is due and payable hereunder or under such other Loan Document, such additional amount in Dollars as shall be necessary to enable the Bank to receive the same net amount which the Bank would have received on such due date had no such obligation been imposed upon the Borrowers. The Borrowers will deliver promptly to the Bank certificates or other valid vouchers for all Taxes or other charges deducted from or paid with respect to payments made by the Borrowers hereunder or under such other Loan Document.
 

 
                5.3.3.   Currency Matters.

(a)   Dollars are the currency of payment for each and every sum due at any time from the Borrowers hereunder; provided, that (i) except as expressly provided in this Credit Agreement, each repayment of a Loan or a part thereof shall be made in the currency in which such Loan is denominated at the time of repayment; (ii) each payment of interest shall be made in the currency in which the applicable principal amount is denominated; (iii) each payment of Letter of Credit Fees and commitment fees shall be in Dollars; (iv) each payment in respect of costs, expenses and indemnities shall be made in the currency in which they were incurred; and (v) any amount expressed to be payable in a currency other than Dollars shall be paid in that other currency.

(b)   No payment to the Bank (whether under any judgment or court order or otherwise) shall discharge the obligation or liability in respect of which it was made unless and until the Bank shall have received payment in full in the currency in which such obligation or liability was incurred, and to the extent that the amount of any such payment shall, on actual conversion into such currency, fall short of such obligation or liability expressed in that currency, the Borrowers shall indemnify and hold harmless the Bank, as the case may be, with respect to the amount of the shortfall. In the event that, notwithstanding the requirements of §5.3.3(a), the Borrowers make a payment in a currency other than the currency in which the amount to be paid is expressed, the Bank shall use reasonable efforts to convert such amount promptly into such currency in accordance with its usual and customary practice.
 
     5.4.   Computations. All computations of interest on the Loans (other than Prime Rate Loans), unused line fees, Letter of Credit Fees and all other fees and charges shall be based on a 360-day year and paid for the actual number of days elapsed. All computations of interest on Prime Rate Loans shall be based on a 365-day year and paid for the actual number of days elapsed. Except as otherwise provided in the definition of the term "Interest Period" with respect to LIBOR Rate Loans, whenever a payment hereunder or under any of the other Loan Documents becomes due on a day that is not a Business Day, the due date for such payment shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day, and interest shall accrue during such extension. The Bank shall disclose to the Borrowers the outstanding amount of the Loans as reflected on the Revolving Credit Note Records from time to time within ten (10) days after notice from the Borrowers requesting such amount. The outstanding amount of the Loans as reflected on the Revolving Credit Note Records from time to time shall be considered correct and binding on the Borrowers unless within five (5) Business Days after receipt of any notice by the Bank of such outstanding amount, the Bank shall notify the Borrowers to the contrary.
 

 
     5.5.   Substitute Rate. If the Bank shall have reasonably determined (which determination shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error) that

(a)
by reason of circumstances affecting the relevant market, US Dollar deposits in the relevant amount and for the relevant Interest Period are not available to the Bank in the London interbank market; or

(b)
by reason of circumstances affecting the Bank in the London interbank market, adequate means do not exist for ascertaining the LIBOR Rate applicable hereunder to LIBOR Rate Loans of any duration; or

(c)
the LIBOR Rate does not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to the Bank of funding LIBOR Rate Loans that the Borrowers have requested,

the Bank shall forthwith give telephonic notice of such determination, confirmed in writing, to the Borrowers, and upon delivery of such notice, all LIBOR Rate Loans shall automatically convert, at the Borrowers' option, either (i) to Prime Rate Loans or (ii) to LIBOR-Reference Banks Loans. Until any such notice has been withdrawn by the Bank, no further Loans shall be made as, or converted into, LIBOR Rate Loans.
 
     5.6.   LIBOR Rate Lending Unlawful. If the Bank shall determine (which determination shall, upon notice thereof to the Borrowers be conclusive and binding on the Borrowers) that the introduction of or any change in or in the interpretation of any law, rule, regulation or guideline, (whether or not having the force of law) makes it unlawful, or any central bank or other governmental authority asserts that it is unlawful, for the Bank to make, continue or maintain any LIBOR Rate Loan as, or to convert any Loan into, a LIBOR Rate Loan of a certain duration, all LIBOR Rate Loans of such type shall automatically convert into LIBOR-Reference Banks Loans at the end of the then current Interest Periods with respect thereto or sooner, if required by such law or assertion. For purposes of this Credit Agreement, in the event of such a conversion, all LIBOR-Reference Banks Loans shall be treated (except as to interest rate) as equivalent to a LIBOR Rate Loan of similar amount and Interest Period. For greater certainty, all provisions of this Credit Agreement relating to LIBOR Rate Loans shall apply equally to LIBOR-Reference Banks Loans, including, but not limited to the manner in which LIBOR-Reference Banks Loans are requested, continued, converted, the manner in which interest accrues, is payable, principal payments are made, whether voluntary or involuntary, as well as any penalties, increased costs or taxes associated with any of the foregoing.
 
     5.7.   Increased Costs. If on or after the date hereof the adoption of any applicable law, rule or regulation or guideline (whether or not having the force of law), or any change therein, or any change in the interpretation or administration thereof by any governmental authority, central bank or comparable agency charged with the interpretation or administration thereof, or compliance by the Bank with any request or directive (whether or not having the force of law) of any such authority, central bank or comparable agency:

(a)   shall subject the Bank to any tax, duty or other charge with respect to its LIBOR Rate Loans or its obligation to make LIBOR Rate Loans, or shall change the basis of taxation of payments to the Bank of the principal of or interest on its LIBOR Rate Loans or any other amounts due under this agreement in respect of its LIBOR Rate Loans or its obligation to make LIBOR Rate Loans (except for the introduction of, or change in the rate of, tax on the overall net income of the Bank or franchise taxes, imposed by the jurisdiction (or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof) under the laws of which the Bank is organized or in which the Bank’s principal executive office is located); or

(b)   shall impose, modify or deem applicable any reserve, special deposit or similar requirement (including, without limitation, any such requirement imposed by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System of the United States) against assets of, deposits with or for the account of, or credit extended by, the Bank or shall impose on the Bank or on the London interbank market any other condition affecting its LIBOR Rate Loans or its obligation to make LIBOR Rate Loans;
 

 
and the result of any of the foregoing is to increase the cost to the Bank of making or maintaining any LIBOR Rate Loan, or to reduce the amount of any sum received or receivable by the Bank under this Agreement with respect thereto, by an amount deemed by the Bank to be material, then, within 15 days after demand by the Bank, the Borrowers shall pay to the Bank such additional amount or amounts as will compensate the Bank for such increased cost or reduction.
 
     5.8.   Increased Capital Costs. If any change in, or the introduction, adoption, effectiveness, interpretation, reinterpretation or phase-in of, any law or regulation, directive, guideline, decision or request (whether or not having the force of law) of any court, central bank, regulator or other governmental authority affects or would affect the amount of capital required or expected to be maintained by the Bank, or person controlling the Bank, and the Bank determines (in its sole and absolute discretion) that the rate of return on its or such controlling person’s capital as a consequence of its commitments or the Loans made by the Bank is reduced to a level below that which the Bank or such controlling person could have achieved but for the occurrence of any such circumstance (other than a circumstance in which the Bank's capital is required to be increased because of losses on loans to other borrowers), then, in any such case upon notice from time to time by the Bank to the Borrowers, the Borrowers shall immediately pay directly to the Bank additional amounts sufficient to compensate the Bank or such controlling person for such reduction in rate of return. A statement of the Bank as to any such additional amount or amounts (including calculations thereof in reasonable detail) shall, in the absence of manifest error, be conclusive and binding on the Borrowers. In determining such amount, the Bank may use any method of averaging and attribution that it (in its sole and absolute discretion) shall deem applicable.
 
     5.9.   Certificate. A certificate setting forth any additional amounts payable pursuant to §§5.7 or 5.8 and a brief explanation of such amounts which are due, submitted by the Bank or the Bank to the Borrowers, shall be conclusive, absent manifest error, that such amounts are due and owing.
 
     5.10.   Indemnity. The Borrowers agree to indemnify the Bank and to hold the Bank harmless from and against any loss, cost or expense (including loss of anticipated profits) that the Bank may sustain or incur as a consequence of (i) default by the Borrowers in payment of the principal amount of or any interest on any LIBOR Rate Loans as and when due and payable, including any such loss or expense arising from interest or fees payable by the Bank to lenders of funds obtained by it in order to maintain its LIBOR Rate Loans, (ii) default by any Borrower in making a borrowing or conversion after such Borrower has given (or is deemed to have given) a Loan Request or a Conversion Request relating thereto in accordance with §2.6 or §2.7 or (iii) the making of any payment of a LIBOR Rate Loan or the making of any conversion of any such Loan to a Prime Rate Loan on a day that is not the last day of the applicable Interest Period with respect thereto, including interest or fees payable by the Bank to lenders of funds obtained by it in order to maintain any such Loans.
 

 
     5.11.   Interest After Default. During the continuance of a Default or an Event of Default the principal of the Loans and all other amounts payable hereunder or under any of the other Loan Documents shall, until such Default or Event of Default has been cured or remedied bear interest at a rate per annum (a) in the case of the Loans, equal to two percentage points (2%) above the rate of interest otherwise applicable to such Loans pursuant to §2.5, and (b) in the case of all such other amounts, equal to two percentage points (2%) above the rate of interest otherwise applicable to Prime Rate Loans pursuant to §2.5.
 
     5.12.   Indemnifiable Events.

(a)   Should an event referred to in Section 5.5, 5.6, 5.7, or 5.8 occur that results in an additional amount or amounts due by Borrower to Bank (an “Indemnifiable Event”), Bank shall notify Borrower of the Indemnifiable Event. To the extent the Indemnifiable Event is not addressed by an adjustment to the LIBOR Lending Rate, the LIBOR-Referenced Banks Lending Rate, or the Prime Rate, as applicable, the Borrower and Bank shall thereafter attempt to negotiate in good faith, within thirty (30) days of the day that Borrower receives notice, an adjustment that will adequately compensate Bank. If the Borrower and Bank are unable to agree to an adjustment amount within thirty (30) days of the day that Borrower receives notice, then Borrower shall within 15 days after demand by the Bank, pay to the Bank such additional amount or amounts as are necessary to compensate Bank in accordance with the applicable section. A statement of the Bank as to any such additional amount or amounts (including calculations thereof in reasonable detail) shall, in the absence of manifest error, be conclusive and binding on the Borrowers. In determining such amount, the Bank may use any method of averaging and attribution that it (in its sole and absolute discretion) shall deem applicable.

(b)   In all cases, should the Borrower’s prepayment of any Obligations or the Borrower’s reduction of a Commitment in accordance with Section 2.3 result in the reduction or elimination of the additional amount or amounts that would otherwise be due Bank pursuant to sections 5.5,5.6,5.7 or 5.8, then Borrower may at its sole discretion prepay such Obligations or reduce the commitment under this Agreement.

     (c)   A change in the LIBOR Reserve Percentage shall not constitute an Indemnifiable Event for the purposes of this Section 5.12.


6.   REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE BORROWERS.

Each Borrower represents and warrants to the Bank as follows:
 
     6.1.   Corporate Authority.
 
                6.1.1.   Incorporation; Good Standing. Each of Rogers US and its Subsidiaries (i) is a corporation or other limited liability entity duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its state or other jurisdiction of incorporation except, in the case of Foreign Subsidiaries that are not Borrowers, where the failure to be so organized, existing or in good standing would not have a Material Adverse Effect, (ii) has all requisite corporate power to own its property and conduct its business as now conducted and as presently contemplated, and (iii) is in good standing as a foreign corporation and is duly authorized to do business in each jurisdiction where such qualification is necessary except where a failure to be so qualified would not have a Material Adverse Effect.
 

 
           6.1.2.   Authorization. The execution, delivery and performance of this Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which the Borrowers or any of their respective Subsidiaries are or are to become a party and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby (i) are within the authority (corporate or otherwise) of such Person, (ii) have been duly authorized by all necessary proceedings (corporate or otherwise), (iii) to the knowledge of the Borrowers or any of their respective Subsidiaries, do not conflict with or result in any breach or contravention of any provision of law, statute, rule or regulation to which any Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries is subject or any judgment, order, writ, injunction, license or permit applicable to any Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries and (iv) do not conflict with any provision of the charter or bylaws of, or any agreement or other instrument binding upon, any Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries.
 
               6.1.3.   Enforceability. The execution and delivery of this Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which the Borrowers or any of their respective Subsidiaries are or are to become a party will result in valid and legally binding obligations of such Person enforceable against it in accordance with the respective terms and provisions hereof and thereof, except as enforceability is limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other laws relating to or affecting generally the enforcement of creditors' rights and except to the extent that availability of the remedy of specific performance or injunctive relief is subject to the discretion of the court before which any proceeding therefor may be brought.
 
     6.2.   Governmental Approvals. The execution, delivery and performance by the Borrowers and any of their respective Subsidiaries of this Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which the Borrowers or any of their respective Subsidiaries are or are to become a party and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby do not require the approval or consent of, or filing with, any governmental agency or authority other than those already obtained.
 
     6.3.   Title to Properties; Leases. Except as indicated on Schedule 6.3 hereto and except for property and assets disposed of pursuant to §8.5.2, Rogers US and its Subsidiaries own all of the assets reflected in the consolidated balance sheet of Rogers US and its Subsidiaries as at the Balance Sheet Date or acquired since that date (except property and assets either singly or in the aggregate (i) the failure of which to be owned by Rogers US or a Subsidiary would not have a Material Adverse Effect, or (ii) sold or otherwise disposed of in the ordinary course of business since that date), subject to no rights of others, including any mortgages, leases, conditional sales agreements, title retention agreements, liens or other encumbrances except Permitted Liens.
 
      6.4.   Financial Statements and Projections.
 
           6.4.1.   Fiscal Year. Except as set forth in Schedule 6.4.1, Rogers US and each of its Domestic Subsidiaries has a fiscal year which is the twelve months beginning on the Monday nearest January 1 and ending on the Sunday nearest December 31 of each year.
 

 
           6.4.2.   Financial Statements. There has been furnished to the Bank a consolidated balance sheet of Rogers US and its Subsidiaries as at the Balance Sheet Date, and a consolidated statement of income of Rogers US and its Subsidiaries for the fiscal year then ended, each certified by Ernst & Young LLP. Such balance sheet and statement of income have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and fairly present the financial condition of Rogers US as at the close of business on the date thereof and the results of operations for the fiscal year then ended. There are no contingent liabilities of Rogers US or any of its Subsidiaries as of such date involving material amounts, known to the officers of Rogers US, which were not disclosed in such balance sheet and the notes related thereto.
 
            6.4.3.   Projections. The projections of the annual operating budgets of Rogers US and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, balance sheets and cash flow statements for the 2006 to 2010 fiscal years of Rogers US, copies of which have been delivered to the Bank, disclose all material assumptions made with respect to general economic, financial and market conditions used in formulating such projections. To the knowledge of Rogers US or any of its Subsidiaries, no facts exist that (individually or in the aggregate) would result in any material change in any of such projections. The projections are based upon reasonable estimates and assumptions, have been prepared on the basis of the assumptions stated therein and reflect the reasonable estimates of Rogers US and its Subsidiaries of the results of operations and other information projected therein.
 
      6.5.   No Material Changes, Solvency etc. (a) Since the Balance Sheet Date there has occurred no materially adverse change in the financial condition or business of Rogers US and its Subsidiaries as shown on or reflected in the consolidated balance sheet of Rogers US and its Subsidiaries as at the Balance Sheet Date, or the consolidated statement of income for the fiscal year then ended, other than changes in the ordinary course of business that have not had any Material Adverse Effect. Since the Balance Sheet Date, no Borrower has made any Distributions other than as permitted by §8.4.

(b)   Except as disclosed on Schedule 6.5(b), Rogers US and each of its Subsidiaries (both before and after giving effect to the transactions contemplated by this Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents) (i) is solvent, (ii) has assets having a fair value in excess of its liabilities, (iii) has assets having a fair value in excess of the amount required to pay its liabilities on existing debts as such debts become absolute and matured, and (iv) has, and expects to continue to have, access to adequate capital for the conduct of its business and the ability to pay its debts from time to time incurred in connection therewith as such debts mature.
 
     6.6.   Franchises, Patents, Copyrights, etc. Each of Rogers US and its Subsidiaries possesses all franchises, patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade names, licenses and permits, and rights in respect of the foregoing, adequate for the conduct of its business substantially as now conducted without known conflict with any rights of others, except where the failure to possess any of the foregoing would not, either in any case or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
     6.7.   Litigation. Except as set forth in Schedule 6.7 hereto, there are no actions, suits, proceedings or investigations of any kind pending or threatened against any Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries before any court, tribunal or administrative agency or board that, if adversely determined, would be reasonably likely, either in any case or in the aggregate, to +have a Material Adverse Effect, or result in any substantial liability not adequately covered by insurance, or for which adequate reserves are not maintained on the consolidated balance sheet of Rogers US and its Subsidiaries, or which question the validity of this Credit Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents, or any action taken or to be taken pursuant hereto or thereto.
 

 
     6.8.   No Materially Adverse Contracts, etc. Neither Rogers US nor any of its Subsidiaries is subject to any charter, corporate or other legal restriction, or any judgment, decree, order, rule or regulation that has or is expected in the future to have a Material Adverse Effect. Neither Rogers US nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to any contract or agreement that has or is expected, in the judgment of Rogers US's officers, to have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
     6.9.   Compliance with Other Instruments, Laws, etc. Neither Rogers US nor any of its Subsidiaries is in violation of any provision of its charter documents, bylaws, or any agreement or instrument to which it may be subject or by which it or any of its properties may be bound or any decree, order, judgment, statute, license, rule or regulation, in any of the foregoing cases in a manner that could result in the imposition of substantial penalties or have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
     6.10.   Tax Status. Rogers US and its Subsidiaries (i) to their knowledge have made or filed all federal and state income and all other tax returns, reports and declarations required by any jurisdiction to which any of them is subject, (ii) to their knowledge have paid all taxes and other governmental assessments and charges shown or determined to be due on such returns, reports and declarations, except those being contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings and (iii) have set aside on their books provisions reasonably adequate for the payment of all taxes for periods subsequent to the periods to which such returns, reports or declarations apply. There are no unpaid taxes in any material amount claimed to be overdue by the taxing authority of any jurisdiction except for those being contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings, and (except in respect of such contested taxes) the officers of the Borrowers know of no basis for any such claim. On the Closing Date, neither Rogers US nor its Subsidiaries is the subject of an ongoing audit conducted by the Internal Revenue Service or an agency having equivalent authority in any other country, except as otherwise set forth on Schedule 6.10.
 
     6.11.   No Event of Default. No Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.
 
      6.12.   Holding Company and Investment Company Acts. Neither Rogers US nor any of its Subsidiaries is a "holding company", or a "subsidiary company" of a "holding company", or an "affiliate" of a "holding company", as such terms are defined in the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935; nor is it an "investment company", or an "affiliated company" or a "principal underwriter" of an "investment company", as such terms are defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940.

      6.13.
  Absence of Financing Statements, etc. To the knowledge of Rogers US or any of its Subsidiaries, after reasonable inquiry, and except with respect to the liens set forth on Schedule 8.2 and other Permitted Liens, there is no financing statement, security agreement, chattel mortgage, real estate mortgage or other document filed or recorded with any filing records, registry or other public office, that purports to cover, affect or give notice of any present or possible future lien on, or security interest in, any assets or property of any Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or any rights relating thereto.
 

 
      6.14.   Certain Transactions. Except for arm's length transactions pursuant to which Rogers US or any of its Subsidiaries makes payments in the ordinary course of business upon terms no less favorable than Rogers US or such Subsidiary could obtain from third parties, none of the officers, directors, or to the knowledge of the Borrowers employees of Rogers US or any of its Subsidiaries is presently a party to any transaction with Rogers US or any of its Subsidiaries (other than for services as employees, officers and directors), including any contract, agreement or other arrangement providing for the furnishing of services to or by, providing for rental of real or personal property to or from, or otherwise requiring payments to or from any officer, director or such employee or, to the knowledge of the Borrowers, any corporation, partnership, trust or other entity in which any officer, director, or any such employee has a substantial interest or is an officer, director, trustee or partner.
 
      6.15.   Employee Benefit Plans.
 
               6.15.1.   In General. Each Employee Benefit Plan and each Guaranteed Pension Plan (each, a "Plan") has been maintained and operated in compliance in all material respects with the provisions of ERISA and, to the extent applicable, the Code, including but not limited to the provisions thereunder respecting prohibited transactions and the bonding of fiduciaries and other persons handling plan funds as required by §412 of ERISA, except where such noncompliance would not have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
             6.15.2.   Terminability of Welfare Plans. No Employee Benefit Plan that is an employee welfare benefit plan within the meaning of §3(1) or §3(2)(B) of ERISA provides benefit coverage subsequent to termination of employment, except as set forth on Schedule 6.15 or as required by Title I, Part 6 of ERISA or the applicable state insurance laws. The Borrowers may terminate each such Plan at any time (or at any time subsequent to the expiration of any applicable bargaining agreement) in the discretion of the Borrowers without liability to any Person other than for claims arising prior to termination.
 
            6.15.3.   Guaranteed Pension Plans. Each contribution required to be made to a Guaranteed Pension Plan, whether required to be made to avoid the incurrence of an accumulated funding deficiency, the notice or lien provisions of §302(f) of ERISA, or otherwise, has been timely made. No waiver of an accumulated funding deficiency or extension of amortization periods has been received with respect to any Guaranteed Pension Plan, and neither Rogers US nor any ERISA Affiliate is obligated to or has posted security in connection with an amendment to a Guaranteed Pension Plan pursuant to §307 of ERISA or §401(a)(29) of the Code. No liability to the PBGC (other than required insurance premiums, all of which have been paid when due) has been incurred by Rogers US or any ERISA Affiliate with respect to any Guaranteed Pension Plan and there has not been any ERISA Reportable Event (other than an ERISA Reportable Event as to which the requirement of 30 days notice has been waived), or any other event or condition which presents a material risk of termination of any Guaranteed Pension Plan by the PBGC. Based on the valuation of each Guaranteed Pension Plan dated as of January 1, 2006, and on the actuarial methods and assumptions employed for that valuation, as of January 1, 2006 the benefit liabilities of each such Guaranteed Pension Plan within the meaning of §4001 of ERISA did not exceed the value of the assets of such Guaranteed Pension Plan by more than $500,000.
 

 
            6.15.4.   Multiemployer Plans. Neither Rogers US nor any ERISA Affiliate has incurred any material liability (including secondary liability) to any Multiemployer Plan as a result of a complete or partial withdrawal from such Multiemployer Plan under §4201 of ERISA or as a result of a sale of assets described in §4204 of ERISA. Neither Rogers US nor any ERISA Affiliate has been notified that any Multiemployer Plan is in reorganization or insolvent under and within the meaning of §4241 or §4245 of ERISA or is at risk of entering reorganization or becoming insolvent, or that any Multiemployer Plan intends to terminate or has been terminated under §4041A of ERISA.
 
6.16.   Use of Proceeds .
 
          6.16.1.   General. The proceeds of the Loans shall be used on the Closing Date to repay all existing Indebtedness, if any, outstanding under the Existing Bank of America Agreement and thereafter for (i) working capital, Capital Expenditures and other lawful general corporate purposes, and (ii) acquisitions, in each case subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement. The Borrowers will obtain Letters of Credit solely for general corporate purposes.
 
          6.16.2.   Regulations U and X. No portion of any Loan is to be used, and no portion of any Letter of Credit is to be obtained, for the purpose of purchasing or carrying any "margin security" or "margin stock" as such terms are used in Regulations U and X of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, 12 C.F.R. Parts 221 and 224.
 
            6.16.3.   Ineligible Securities. No portion of the proceeds of any Loans is to be used, and no portion of any Letter of Credit is to be obtained, for the purpose of knowingly purchasing, or providing credit support for the purchase of, during the underwriting or placement period or within 30 days thereafter, any Ineligible Securities underwritten or privately placed by a Financial Affiliate.
 
6.17.   Environmental Compliance. Except as disclosed on Schedule 6.17:

(a)   to the best of the knowledge of Rogers US or its Domestic Subsidiaries, none of Rogers US, its Domestic Subsidiaries or any of the Real Estate currently owned or leased by any one or more of them or in respect of which any of them is an "operator" within the meaning of that term as used in 42 U.S.C. §§9601 et seq. is in violation of any judgment, decree, order, law, license, rule or regulation pertaining to environmental matters, including without limitation, those arising under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act ("RCRA"), the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 as amended ("CERCLA"), the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 ("SARA"), the Federal Clean Water Act, the Federal Clean Air Act, the Toxic Substances Control Act, or any analogous state or local statute, regulation, ordinance, order or decree (hereinafter "Environmental Laws"), which violation would have a Material Adverse Effect;

(b)   neither Rogers US nor any of its Domestic Subsidiaries has received notice from any third party including, without limitation, any federal, state or local governmental authority, (i) that any one of them has been identified by the United States Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") as a potentially responsible party under CERCLA with respect to a site listed on the National Priorities List, 40 C.F.R. Part 300 Appendix B; (ii) that any hazardous waste, as defined by 42 U.S.C. §6903(5), any hazardous substances as defined by 42 U.S.C. §9601(14), any pollutant or contaminant as defined by 42 U.S.C. §9601(33) and any toxic substances, oil or hazardous materials or other chemicals or substances regulated by any Environmental Laws ("Hazardous Substances") which any one of them has generated, transported or disposed of has been found at any site at which a federal, state or local agency or other third party has conducted or has ordered that Rogers US or any of its Domestic Subsidiaries conduct a remedial investigation, removal or other response action pursuant to any Environmental Law; or (iii) that it is a named party to any claim, action, cause of action, complaint, or legal or administrative proceeding (in each case, contingent or otherwise) in connection with such third party's incurrence of costs, expenses, losses or damages of any kind whatsoever caused by the release of Hazardous Substances; and
 

 
(c)   to the knowledge of Rogers US or its Domestic Subsidiaries after reasonable inquiry, (i) no portion of the Real Estate currently owned or leased by any one or more of them or in respect of which any of them is an "operator" within the meaning of that term as used in 42 U.S.C. §§9601 et seq. has been used for the handling, processing, storage or disposal of Hazardous Substances except in accordance with applicable Environmental Laws (A) at any time since 1995; or (B) between 1980 and 1995, other than matters which have been closed and could not reasonably be expected to be reopened and as to which the failure to comply with such laws would not have a Material Adverse Effect; or (C) prior to 1980, other matters as to which the failure to comply with such laws would not have a Material Adverse Effect; (ii) no underground tank or other underground storage receptable for Hazardous Substances is located on any portion of that Real Estate except in accordance with applicable Environmental Law; (iii) in the course of any business or operations conducted by Rogers US, its Domestic Subsidiaries or other operators of its properties, no Hazardous Substances are currently being generated or are currently being used on the Real Estate except in accordance with applicable Environmental Laws; (iv) there have been no releases (i.e. any past or present releasing, spilling, leaking, pumping, pouring, emitting, emptying, discharging, injecting, escaping, disposing or dumping) or threatened releases of Hazardous Substances on, upon, into or from the Real Estate currently owned or leased by any one or more of them or in respect of which any of them is an "operator" within the meaning of that term as used in 42 U.S.C. §§9601 et seq. of Rogers US or its Domestic Subsidiaries, which releases would have a Material Adverse Effect; (v) there have been no releases from any real property in the vicinity of any of the Real Estate currently owned or leased by any one or more of them or in respect of which any of them is an "operator" within the meaning of that term as used in 42 U.S.C. §§9601 et seq. which, through soil or groundwater contamination, may have come to be located on that Real Estate, and which would have a Material Adverse Effect; and (vi) any Hazardous Substances that have been generated on any of the Real Estate currently owned or leased by any one or more of them or in respect of which any of them is an "operator" within the meaning of that term as used in 42 U.S.C. §§9601 et seq. have been transported offsite by carriers having an identification number issued by the EPA, treated or disposed of by treatment or disposal facilities maintaining valid permits as required under applicable Environmental Laws at the time of such transportation, treatment or disposal.
 
     6.18.   Subsidiaries, etc. The only Subsidiaries of each of the Borrowers are set forth on Schedule 6.18 hereto. Except as set forth on Schedule 6.18 hereto or as permitted by §8.3, neither Rogers US nor any Subsidiary of Rogers US has an interest in any Joint Venture or is engaged in any partnership with any other Person.
 
     6.19.   Disclosure . None of this Credit Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a material fact (known to Rogers US or any of its Subsidiaries in the case of any document or information not furnished by it or any of its Subsidiaries) necessary in order to make the statements herein or therein not misleading. There is no fact known to Rogers US or any of its Subsidiaries which has a Material Adverse Effect, or which is reasonably likely in the future to have a Material Adverse Effect, exclusive of effects resulting from changes in general economic conditions, legal standards or regulatory conditions.
 

 
7.   AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS OF THE BORROWERS.

Each Borrower covenants and agrees that, so long as any Loan, Unpaid Reimbursement Obligation, Letter of Credit or Note is outstanding or the Bank has any obligation to make any Loans or to issue, extend or renew any Letters of Credit:
 
      7.1.   Punctual Payment. The Borrowers will duly and punctually pay or cause to be paid the principal and interest on the Loans, all Reimbursement Obligations, the Letter of Credit Fees, the fees, and all other amounts provided for in this Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which any Borrower or any of their respective Subsidiaries is a party, all in accordance with the terms of this Credit Agreement and such other Loan Documents.
 
      7.2.   Maintenance of Office. Rogers US will maintain its chief executive office in Rogers, Connecticut, or at such other place in the United States of America as Rogers US shall designate upon written notice to the Bank, where notices, presentations and demands to or upon the Borrowers in respect of the Loan Documents to which any Borrower is a party may be given or made. Rogers Barbados will maintain its chief executive office in Fidelity House, Wildey Business Park, St. Michael, Barbados, or at such other place in Barbados as Rogers Barbados shall designate. Rogers China will maintain its chief executive office in 338 Shenshu Road, Suzhou Industrial Park, Suzhou, People's Republic of China, or at such other place in China as Rogers China shall designate. Rogers Belgium will maintain its chief executive office in Afrikalaan 188, B-9000, Gent, Belgium, or at such other place in Belgium as Rogers Belgium shall designate. Rogers Suzhou will maintain its chief executive office in 399 Suhong Zhong Road, Suzhou Industrial Park, Suzhou, People's Republic of China, or at such other place in China as Rogers Suzhou shall designate.
 
     7.3.   Records and Accounts. Rogers US will (i) keep, and cause each of its Subsidiaries to keep, true and accurate records and books of account in which full, true and correct entries will be made in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, (ii) maintain adequate accounts and reserves for all taxes (including income taxes), depreciation, depletion, obsolescence and amortization of its properties and the properties of its Subsidiaries, contingencies, and other reserves, and (iii) at all times engage Ernst & Young LLP or other independent certified public accountants satisfactory to the Bank as the independent certified public accountants of Rogers US and its Subsidiaries (on a consolidated basis) and will not permit more than thirty (30) days to elapse between the cessation of such firm's (or any successor firm's) engagement as the independent certified public accountants of Rogers US and its Subsidiaries and the appointment in such capacity of a successor firm as shall be satisfactory to the Bank.
 

 
      7.4.   Financial Statements, Certificates and Information. The Borrowers will deliver to the Bank:

(a)   as soon as practicable, but in any event not later than the earlier of (i) five (5) days after filing the same with the Securities and Exchange Commission or (ii) one hundred twenty (120) days after the end of each fiscal year of Rogers US, Rogers US shall (x) post on its website the consolidated balance sheet of Rogers US and its Subsidiaries, as at the end of such year, and the related consolidated statement of income and consolidated statement of cash flow for such year, each setting forth in comparative form the figures for the previous fiscal year and all such consolidated statements to be in reasonable detail, prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and certified without qualification (other than a qualification regarding changes in generally accepted accounting principles) by Ernst & Young LLP or by other independent certified public accountants satisfactory to the Bank, and (y) notify the Bank that Rogers US has posted such information on its website;

(b)   as soon as practicable, but in any event not later than sixty (60) days after the end of each of the fiscal quarters of Rogers US, copies of the unaudited consolidated balance sheet of Rogers US and its Subsidiaries as at the end of such quarter, and the related consolidated statement of income and consolidated statement of cash flow for such fiscal quarter and for the portion of Rogers US's fiscal year then elapsed, each setting forth in comparative form the figures for the comparable periods in the previous fiscal year (where applicable), all such consolidated statements to be in reasonable detail and prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, together with a certification by a principal financial accounting officer of Rogers US that the information contained in such financial statements fairly presents the financial position of Rogers US and its Subsidiaries on the date thereof (subject to year-end adjustments);

(c)   simultaneously with the delivery of the financial statements referred to in subsections (a) and (b) above, a statement certified by a principal financial or accounting officer of Rogers US in substantially the form of Exhibit C hereto (a "Compliance Certificate") setting forth in reasonable detail computations evidencing compliance with the covenants contained in §9 and (if applicable) reconciliations to reflect changes in generally accepted accounting principles since the Balance Sheet Date;

(d)   contemporaneously with the filing or mailing thereof, copies of all material of a financial nature filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission or sent to the stockholders of Rogers US;

(e)   not later than May 1 of each year, (i) a budget for the fiscal year of Rogers US and (ii) projections of Rogers US and its Subsidiaries for the current fiscal year and the two (2) subsequent fiscal years, updating those projections delivered to the Bank and referred to in §6.4.3 or, if applicable, updating any later such projections delivered pursuant to this §7.4(e); and

(f)   from time to time such other financial data and information (including a standard annual accountants' management letter) as the Bank may reasonably request.
 

 
      7.5.   Notices.

    7.5.1.   Defaults. The Borrowers will promptly notify the Bank in writing of the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default.

    7.5.2.   Environmental Events. The Borrowers will promptly give notice to the Bank (i) of any violation of any Environmental Law that Rogers US or any of its Domestic Subsidiaries reports in writing to any federal, state or local environmental agency and may reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, and (ii) any written notice from any federal, state or local environmental agency or board of potential environmental liability that may reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

    7.5.3.   Notice of Litigation and Judgments. Each Borrower will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, give notice to the Bank in writing within fifteen (15) days of becoming aware of any litigation or proceedings threatened in writing or any pending litigation and proceedings affecting such Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or to which such Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries is or becomes a party involving an uninsured claim against such Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, and stating the nature and status of such litigation or proceedings. Each Borrower will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, give notice to the Bank, in writing, in form and detail satisfactory to the Bank, within ten (10) days of any judgment not covered by insurance, final or otherwise, against such Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in an amount in excess of $5,000,000.

    7.5.4.   Notice of Underfunding. The Borrowers will promptly notify the Bank if at any time, based on the latest valuation of each Guaranteed Pension Plan, and on the actuarial methods and assumptions employed for that valuation, the benefit liabilities of each such Guaranteed Pension Plan within the meaning of §4001 of ERISA exceed 111% of the value of the assets of such Guaranteed Pension Plan.
 
     7.6.   Corporate Existence; Maintenance of Properties. Each Borrower will do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect its corporate existence, rights and franchises and those of its Subsidiaries and will not, and will not cause or permit any of its Subsidiaries to, convert to a limited liability company. It (i) will cause all of its properties and those of its Subsidiaries used or useful in the conduct of its business or the business of its Subsidiaries to be maintained and kept in good condition, repair and working order, (ii) will cause to be made all necessary repairs, renewals, replacements, betterments and improvements thereof, all as in the judgment of such Borrower may be necessary so that the business carried on in connection therewith may be properly and advantageously conducted at all times, and (iii) will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, continue to engage primarily in the businesses now conducted by them and in related businesses; provided that nothing in this §7.6 shall prevent any Borrower from discontinuing the operation and maintenance of any of its properties or any of those of its Subsidiaries if such discontinuance is, in the judgment of such Borrower, desirable in the conduct of its or their business and would not have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
      7.7.   Insurance. Each Borrower will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, maintain with financially sound and reputable insurers insurance with respect to its properties and business against such casualties and contingencies as shall be in accordance with the general practices of businesses engaged in similar activities in similar geographic areas and in amounts, containing such terms, in such forms and for such periods as may be reasonable and prudent.
 

 
      7.8.   Taxes. Each Borrower will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, duly pay and discharge, or cause to be paid and discharged, before the same shall become overdue, all taxes, assessments and other governmental charges imposed upon it and its real properties, sales and activities, or any part thereof, or upon the income or profits therefrom, as well as all claims for labor, materials, or supplies that if unpaid might by law become a lien or charge upon any of its property, other than amounts not to exceed $5,000.00 where the failure to make such payment would not constitute a Material Adverse Effect; provided that any such tax, assessment, charge, levy or claim need not be paid if the validity or amount thereof shall currently be contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and if such Borrower or such Subsidiary shall have set aside on its books adequate reserves with respect thereto; and provided further that such Borrower and each Subsidiary of such Borrower will pay all such taxes, assessments, charges, levies or claims forthwith upon the commencement of proceedings to foreclose any lien that may have attached as security therefor.
 
      7.9.   Inspection of Properties and Books, etc.

     7.9.1.   General. Each Borrower shall permit the Bank, through any of the Bank's designated representatives, to visit and inspect any of the properties of such Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, to examine the books of account of such Borrower and its Subsidiaries (and to make copies thereof and extracts therefrom), and to discuss the affairs, finances and accounts of such Borrower and its Subsidiaries with, and to be advised as to the same by, its and their officers, all at such reasonable times and intervals as the Bank may reasonably request and, in the absence of a Default or Event of Default, at the Bank's cost and with reasonable advance notice.

     7.9.2.   Communications with Accountants. Each Borrower authorizes the Bank to communicate directly with such Borrower's independent certified public accountants and authorizes such accountants to disclose to the Bank any and all financial statements and other supporting financial documents and schedules including copies of any management letter with respect to the business, financial condition and other affairs of such Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries. At the request of the Bank, each Borrower shall deliver a letter addressed to such accountants instructing them to comply with the provisions of this §7.9.2.
 
      7.10.   Compliance with Laws, Contracts, Licenses, and Permits. Each Borrower will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, comply in all material respects with (i) the applicable laws and regulations wherever its business is conducted, (ii) the provisions of its charter documents and by-laws, (iii) all agreements and instruments by which it or any of its properties may be bound and (iv) all applicable decrees, orders, and judgments. If any authorization, consent, approval, permit or license from any officer, agency or instrumentality of any government shall become necessary or required in order that any Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries may fulfill any of its obligations hereunder or any of the other Loan Documents to which such Borrower or such Subsidiary is a party, such Borrower will, or (as the case may be) will cause such Subsidiary to, immediately take or cause to be taken all reasonable steps within the power of such Borrower or such Subsidiary to obtain such authorization, consent, approval, permit or license and furnish the Bank with evidence thereof.
 
      7.11.   Compliance with Environmental Laws. Each Borrower will, and will cause each of its Domestic Subsidiaries to, comply with all applicable Environmental Laws and the terms of any permits, licenses or approvals required for the operation of such Borrower's or any Domestic Subsidiaries' businesses or Real Estate currently owned, leased or "operated" within the meaning of 42 U.S.C. §§9601 et seq. by any one or more of them, other than where such failure to comply could not result in a fine, judgment, penalty or other levy in excess of $10,000.00 and could not result in an order of any court or administrative or regulatory agency enjoining or otherwise preventing the use of any material part of such Borrower's or any Domestic Subsidiary's business.
 

 
      7.12.   Employee Benefit Plans. Each Borrower will (i) promptly upon request of the Bank, furnish to the Bank a copy of the most recent actuarial statement required to be submitted under §103(d) of ERISA and Annual Report, Form 5500, with all required attachments, in respect of each Guaranteed Pension Plan and (ii) promptly upon receipt or dispatch, furnish to the Bank any notice, report or demand sent or received in respect of a Guaranteed Pension Plan under §§302, 4041, 4042, 4043, 4063, 4065, 4066 and 4068 of ERISA, or in respect of a Multiemployer Plan, under §§4041A, 4202, 4219, 4242, or 4245 of ERISA.
 
      7.13.   Use of Proceeds. The Borrowers will use the proceeds of the Loans and will obtain Letters of Credit solely for the purposes described in §6.16.1.
 
      7.14.   Additional Subsidiaries. If, after the Closing Date, any Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries creates or acquires, either directly or indirectly, any Subsidiary, or acquires an interest in any Joint Venture, it will, on or before the last date of the fiscal quarter in which such creation or acquisition occurs, notify the Bank of such creation or acquisition, as the case may be, and provide the Bank with an updated Schedule 6.18 hereof. Rogers US will cause each Domestic Subsidiary (other than World Properties) created, acquired or existing on or after the Closing Date to become a Guarantor within thirty (30) days of such Domestic Subsidiary having been created, acquired or existing, and shall cause such Domestic Subsidiary to execute and deliver to the Bank a Guaranty, together with a legal opinion in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Bank opining as to the authorization, validity and enforceability of such Guaranty.
 
      7.15.   Further Assurances. Each Borrower will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, cooperate with the Bank and execute such further instruments and documents as the Bank shall reasonably request to carry out to its satisfaction the transactions contemplated by this Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

8.   CERTAIN NEGATIVE COVENANTS OF THE BORROWERS.

Each Borrower covenants and agrees that, so long as any Loan, Unpaid Reimbursement Obligation, Letter of Credit or Note is outstanding or the Bank has any obligation to make any Loans or to issue, extend or renew any Letters of Credit:
 
      8.1.   Restrictions on Indebtedness. Each Borrower will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, create, incur, assume, guarantee or be or remain liable, contingently or otherwise, with respect to any Indebtedness other than the following (each of which categories shall be interpreted as being separately permitted, notwithstanding any overlap among such categories):

(a)   Indebtedness to the Bank arising under any of the Loan Documents;

(b)   endorsements for collection, deposit or negotiation and warranties of products or services, in each case incurred in the ordinary course of business;
 

 
(c)   Indebtedness (i) incurred in connection with the secured financing of any real or personal property by Rogers US or any of its Subsidiaries, (ii) under any Synthetic Lease or (iii) under any Capitalized Lease, provided that the aggregate principal amount of such Indebtedness (including under any such Synthetic Lease or Capitalized Lease) of Rogers US and its Subsidiaries shall not exceed the aggregate amount of $10,000,000 at any one time;

(d)   Indebtedness of Rogers US and its Domestic Subsidiaries existing on the date hereof and listed and described on Schedule 8.1(d) hereto;

(e)   Indebtedness of Rogers US's Foreign Subsidiaries existing on the date hereof and listed and described on Schedule 8.1(e) hereto;

(f)   Indebtedness (i) of a Subsidiary of Rogers US to Rogers US or to another Subsidiary of Rogers US, (ii) of Rogers US to any Guarantor, or (iii) of Rogers US to World Properties in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $20,000,000; provided that in each of cases (ii) and (iii) above, such Indebtedness shall be subordinated to the Obligations on terms and conditions satisfactory to the Bank;

(g)   [Intentionally Omitted]

(h)   Indebtedness of Foreign Subsidiaries (other than as permitted by §8.1(f)) which, when aggregated with amounts outstanding under §8.1(e), shall not exceed fifty percent (50%) of Consolidated Foreign Tangible Assets at any time;

(i)   [Intentionally Omitted]

(j)   Indebtedness in respect of Derivative Contracts entered into solely for hedging (and not speculative) purposes in the ordinary course of Rogers US's (or the applicable Subsidiary's) business; and

(k)   unsecured Indebtedness of the Borrowers and Rogers US's Domestic Subsidiaries other than as permitted by clauses (a) through (j) above; provided that the aggregate principal amount of all such Indebtedness shall not exceed $25,000,000 at any time outstanding.
 
 
      8.2.  Restrictions on Liens. Each Borrower will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, (i) create or incur or suffer to be created or incurred or to exist any lien, encumbrance, mortgage, pledge, charge, restriction or other security interest of any kind upon any of its property or assets of any character whether now owned or hereafter acquired, or upon the income or profits therefrom; (ii) transfer any of such property or assets or the income or profits therefrom for the purpose of subjecting the same to the payment of Indebtedness or performance of any other obligation in priority to payment of its general creditors; (iii) acquire, or agree or have an option to acquire, any property or assets upon conditional sale or other title retention or purchase money security agreement, device or arrangement; (iv) suffer to exist for a period of more than thirty (30) days after the same shall have been incurred any Indebtedness or claim or demand against it that if unpaid might by law or upon bankruptcy or insolvency, or otherwise, be given any priority whatsoever over its general creditors; or (v) sell, assign, pledge or otherwise transfer any "receivables" as defined in clause (vii) of the definition of the term "Indebtedness," with or without recourse; or (vi) enter into or permit to exist any arrangement or agreement, enforceable under applicable law, which directly or indirectly prohibits such Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries from creating or incurring any lien, encumbrance, mortgage, pledge, charge, restriction or other security interest other than in favor of the Bank under the Loan Documents and other than customary anti-assignment provisions in leases and licensing agreements entered into by such Borrower or such Subsidiary in the ordinary course of its business, provided that such Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries may create or incur or suffer to be created or incurred or to exist the following (each of which categories shall be interpreted as being separately permitted, notwithstanding any overlap among such categories):
 

 
                (a) liens in favor of Rogers US on all or part of the assets of Subsidiaries of Rogers US securing Indebtedness owing by Subsidiaries of Rogers US to Rogers US;

(b)   liens to secure taxes, assessments and other government charges in respect of obligations not overdue or liens on properties to secure claims for labor, material or supplies in respect of obligations not overdue;

(c)   deposits or pledges made in connection with, or to secure payment of, workmen's compensation, unemployment insurance, old age pensions or other social security obligations;

(d)   liens on properties in respect of judgments or awards that have been in force for less than the applicable period for taking an appeal so long as execution is not levied thereunder or in respect of which Rogers US or such Subsidiary shall at the time in good faith be prosecuting an appeal or proceedings for review and in respect of which a stay of execution shall have been obtained pending such appeal or review;

(e)   liens of carriers, warehousemen, mechanics and materialmen, and other like liens on properties, in existence less than 120 days from the date of creation thereof in respect of obligations not overdue;

(f)   encumbrances on real property owned by Rogers US or a Subsidiary consisting of easements, rights of way, zoning restrictions, restrictions on the use of real property and defects and irregularities in the title thereto, which defects and irregularities do not individually or in the aggregate have a Material Adverse Effect; and landlord's or lessor's liens under leases to which Rogers US or a Subsidiary of Rogers US is a party;

(g)   liens existing on the date hereof and listed on Schedule 8.2 hereto;

(h)   purchase money security interests in, title retention agreements in, conditional sales agreements for, purchase money mortgages on or other single asset liens on real or personal property securing Indebtedness of the type and amount permitted by §8.1(c), which security interests, mortgages or liens cover only the applicable real or personal property and do not extend to any other assets or properties of Rogers US or its Subsidiaries;

(i)   liens or security interests arising pursuant to or in connection with the Economic Development and Manufacturing Assistance Act of 1990 (the "Act") set forth in Sections 32-220 to 32-234 of Chapter 5881 of Title 32 of the General Statutes of Connecticut Revision of 1958, Revised to 1996 as the same may be amended from time to time (the "Connecticut Statutes") and as set forth in Connecticut tax code (the "Connecticut Tax Code") Section 12-81(70) and (72) of Chapter 201 of Title 12 of the Connecticut Statues (the lien described in this clause (i) shall be limited to transactions in which tax credits or exemptions are granted to purchasers under the Act and the Connecticut Tax Code arising from the purchase of specific machinery and equipment);
 

 
(j)   liens or security interests in, or pledges or assignments of, life insurance policies owned by Rogers US or any of its Subsidiaries securing borrowings against the cash value of said policies provided that the Indebtedness in respect of such borrowings is permitted by §8.1(g);

(k)   liens on the assets and properties of Foreign Subsidiaries securing Indebtedness of such Foreign Subsidiaries permitted by §8.1(h); and

(l)   unrecorded minor liens, leases or encumbrances on the Real Estate or other assets of Rogers US and its Subsidiaries which do not interfere materially with the use of the property or assets affected in the ordinary course of such Person's business and do not secure Indebtedness for borrowed money.
 
      8.3.   Restrictions on Investments. Each Borrower will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, make or permit to exist or to remain outstanding any Investment except Investments in the following (each of which categories shall be interpreted as being separately permitted, notwithstanding any overlap among such categories):

(a)   marketable direct or guaranteed obligations of the United States of America or any state or city therein, in each case that mature within two (2) years from the date of purchase by Rogers US; provided that such obligations of any such state or city shall have a long-term credit rating of not less than "A" by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. and Standard & Poors Ratings Services;

(b)   Investments made in accordance with the Investment Policy adopted by Rogers US's Board of Directors as in effect on the date hereof, a copy of which has been furnished to the Bank;

(c)   Investments in Foreign Subsidiaries in accordance with the following:

(i) if the Senior Funded Debt to EBITDA Ratio is less than or equal to 3.5:1.0, there shall be no limitation on the amount of such Investments;

(ii) if the Senior Funded Debt to EBITDA Ratio is greater than 3.5:1.0, and Domestic Net Assets are equal to or greater than $120,000,000, the maximum amount of such Investments (including any Investments of the kind described in Sections 8.1(f) and 8.3(f)) at any one time shall be $75,000,000; and

(iii) if the Senior Funded Debt to EBITDA Ratio is greater than 3.5:1.0, and Domestic Net Assets are less than $120,000,000, the maximum amount of such Investments (including any Investments of the kind described in Sections 8.1(f) and 8,3(f)) at any one time shall be $50,000,000.

(d)   [intentionally omitted];

(e)   Investments existing on the date hereof (including existing Investments in the Foreign Subsidiaries and Joint Ventures) and listed on Schedule 8.3 hereto;
 

 
(f)   Investments with respect to Indebtedness permitted by §8.1(f);

(g)   (i) Investments by the Guarantors consisting of the Guaranty, (ii) Investments by any Subsidiary in Rogers US, (iii) Investments by Rogers US in any Guarantor, and (iv) Investments in World Properties not to exceed $750,000 at any time outstanding;

(h)   Investments in Joint Ventures in accordance with the following:

(i) if the Senior Funded Debt to EBITDA Ratio is less than or equal to 3.5:1.0, there shall be no limitation on the amount of such Investments;

(ii) if the Senior Funded Debt to EBITDA Ratio is greater than 3.5:1.0, and Domestic Net Assets are equal to or greater than $120,000,000, the maximum amount of such Investments at any one time shall be $40,000,000; and

(iii) if the Senior Funded Debt to EBITDA Ratio is greater than 3.5:1.0, and Domestic Net Assets are less than $120,000,000, the maximum amount of such Investments at any one time shall be $30,000,000.

(i)   Investments in respect of Guarantied JV/Foreign Indebtedness permitted by §8.1(i);

(j)   Investments in respect of guaranties by Rogers US or any of its Domestic Subsidiaries of contractual obligations (not constituting Indebtedness) of Foreign Subsidiaries or Joint Ventures requiring payments in any fiscal year in excess of $500,000 ("Material JV/Foreign Contracts"); provided that the aggregate amount of required payments under all such guarantied Material JV/Foreign Contracts shall not exceed $5,000,000 in any fiscal year of Rogers US;

(k)   Investments consisting of promissory notes received as proceeds of asset dispositions permitted by §8.5.2;

(l)   Investments consisting of loans and advances to employees or former employees for moving, entertainment, travel and other similar expenses in the ordinary course of business not to exceed $1,500,000 in the aggregate at any time outstanding;

(m)   Investments in respect of mergers, consolidations and acquisitions permitted by §8.5.1; and

(n)   Investments other than as permitted by clauses (a) through (m) above; provided that the aggregate amount of all such Investments shall not exceed $750,000 at any time outstanding.
 

 
For the avoidance of doubt, the foregoing restrictions shall not apply to investments made by any Guaranteed Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan or so-called "Rabbi Trust" established for the benefit of directors or executives of Rogers US (or former executives or directors).
 
     8.4.   Distributions. No Borrower will make any Distributions unless no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or shall arise from such Distribution.
 
      8.5.   Merger, Consolidation and Disposition of Assets.
 
                 8.5.1.   Mergers and Acquisitions. Each Borrower will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, become a party to any merger or consolidation, or agree to or effect any asset acquisition or stock acquisition (other than the acquisition of assets in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices) except:

(i)   the merger or consolidation of one or more of the Subsidiaries of Rogers US with and into Rogers US,

 
(ii)
the merger or consolidation of two or more Subsidiaries of Rogers US,

 
(iii)
mergers or consolidations with or stock or asset acquisitions of entities or businesses that are in the same or a related line of business as Rogers US or any of its Subsidiaries and which have been approved by the board of directors or equivalent governing body of the entity or business to be acquired; provided that (x) in the case of mergers or consolidations Rogers US or a Subsidiary is the survivor thereof, (y) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing both immediately before and immediately after giving effect to such transaction, and (z) if the aggregate consideration for such stock or asset acquisition is $35,000,000 or more, prior to consummating such acquisition Rogers US (A) shall have delivered to the Bank projections, prepared based on assumptions and otherwise in a manner reasonably satisfactory to the Bank, of the balance sheets, statements of income and cash flows of Rogers US and its Subsidiaries for the forthcoming period of four fiscal quarters after giving effect to such acquisition, and (B) based on the projections referred to in clause (A) above, shall have demonstrated to the reasonable satisfaction of the Bank that (x) both immediately before and immediately after giving effect to such acquisition the Borrowers are and will be in compliance with the financial covenants set forth in §9 on a Pro Forma Basis and (y) the Borrowers can reasonably be expected to remain in compliance with the financial covenants set forth in §9 for such forthcoming period of four fiscal quarters.
 
 
                 8.5.2.   Disposition of Assets. Each Borrower will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, become a party to or agree to or effect any sale or other disposition of assets, except the following (each of which categories shall be interpreted as being separately permitted, notwithstanding any overlap among such categories):

(a)   Rogers US and its Subsidiaries may sell inventory, license intellectual property and dispose of obsolete assets, in each case in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices;

(b)   Rogers US and its Subsidiaries may transfer intellectual property to World Properties consistent with past practices;


 
(c)   any Guarantor may sell or otherwise dispose of all or any part of its assets to Rogers US or another Guarantor;

(d)   Rogers US may sell or otherwise dispose of any assets to a Guarantor;

(e)   any Foreign Subsidiary may sell or otherwise dispose of all or any part of its assets to Rogers US, any Guarantor or any other Foreign Subsidiary;

(f)   Rogers US or any Subsidiary may sell or otherwise dispose of all or any part of its stock or its assets to any other Person; provided that the aggregate value on the books of Rogers US and its Subsidiaries of the assets so sold or otherwise disposed of (including any dispositions of the assets or stock of World Properties pursuant to §8.11) shall not exceed (i) ten percent (10%) of Consolidated Tangible Assets in any fiscal year of Rogers US, as determined on the last day of the previous fiscal year, and (ii) twenty-five percent (25%) of Consolidated Tangible Assets in the aggregate during the term of this Credit Agreement, as determined on December 31, 2006, it being understood that prior to December 31, 2006 the Borrowers shall be required to comply only with the requirements of subclause (i) of this proviso with respect to such dispositions); and

(g)   Rogers US may transfer assets consisting of cash or cash equivalents or stock of Rogers US into a so-called "Rabbi Trust" for the benefit of certain executives or directors of Rogers US (or former executives or directors); provided that the amount of cash or cash equivalents so transferred shall not exceed, in the aggregate, a maximum amount of $25,000,000 during the term of this Agreement.
 
     8.6.   Sale and Leaseback. Each Borrower will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, enter into any arrangement, directly or indirectly, whereby such Borrower or any Subsidiary of such Borrower shall sell or transfer any property owned by it in order then or thereafter to lease such property or lease other property that such Borrower or any Subsidiary of such Borrower intends to use for substantially the same purpose as the property being sold or transferred (each, a "Sale/Leaseback Arrangement"); provided that so long as in each case the Indebtedness incurred thereunder is permitted by §8.1(c), Rogers US and its Subsidiaries may (a) enter into Sale/Leaseback Arrangements the aggregate consideration for which does not exceed $5,000,000 during the term of this Credit Agreement, and (b) enter into Sale/Leaseback Arrangements with respect to newly-acquired property purchased no more than sixty (60) days prior to the effective date of such Sale/Leaseback Arrangement.
 
     8.7.   Employee Benefit Plans. Neither Rogers US nor any ERISA Affiliate will:

(a)   engage in any "prohibited transaction" within the meaning of §406 of ERISA or §4975 of the Code which could result in a material liability for Rogers US or any of its Subsidiaries; or

(b)   permit any Guaranteed Pension Plan to incur an "accumulated funding deficiency", as such term is defined in §302 of ERISA, in excess of 11% for a period of thirty (30) days or more, whether or not such deficiency is or may be waived; or
 

 
(c)   fail to contribute to any Guaranteed Pension Plan to an extent which, or terminate any Guaranteed Pension Plan in a manner which, could result in the imposition of a lien or encumbrance on the assets of Rogers US or any of its Subsidiaries pursuant to §302(f) or §4068 of ERISA; or

(d)   amend any Guaranteed Pension Plan in circumstances requiring the posting of security pursuant to §307 of ERISA or §401(a)(29) of the Code; or

(e)   terminate any Guaranteed Pension Plan at any time that the benefit liabilities (with the meaning of §4001 of ERISA) of such Guaranteed Pension Plan exceed the value of the assets of such Plan.
 
      8.8.   Business Activities. Each Borrower will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, engage directly or indirectly (whether through Subsidiaries or otherwise) in any type of business other than the businesses conducted by them on the Closing Date, in related businesses, and in other businesses consistent with a reasonable business and industry expansion plan.
 
     8.9.   Fiscal Year. Each Borrower will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, change the date of the end of its fiscal year from that set forth in §6.4.1, unless any such change (i) will have no Material Adverse Effect and (ii) does not prevent such Borrower and its Subsidiaries from calculating and does not limit the ability of the Bank from readily determining compliance with the provisions of this Agreement, including without limitation the financial covenants set forth in §9.
 
      8.10.   Transactions with Affiliates. Each Borrower will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, engage in any transaction with any Affiliate (other than for services as employees, officers and directors), including any contract, agreement or other arrangement providing for the furnishing of services to or by, providing for rental of real or personal property to or from, or otherwise requiring payments to or from any such Affiliate or, to the knowledge of the Borrowers, any corporation, partnership, trust or other entity in which any such Affiliate has a substantial interest or is an officer, director, trustee or partner, except in accordance with customary business practices for companies organized in the United States engaged in similar transactions with domestic and international affiliates.
 
      8.11.   Activities of World Properties. Rogers US will not permit World Properties to (a) own or otherwise hold any assets other than patents, trademarks, copyrights and related rights (the "Intellectual Property"), or notes and interest receivable, cash and short term investments received in connection with Intellectual Property licensed or transferred by World Properties, or (b) engage directly or indirectly (whether through Subsidiaries or otherwise) in any type of business other than the ownership, licensing, protecting, defending and managing of the Intellectual Property. Rogers US will not permit World Properties to transfer (including pursuant to long-term licenses) the Intellectual Property or its other assets in any way economically or legally equivalent to a sale, except that World Properties may transfer assets in such manner in an amount not to exceed (i) ten percent (10%) of the book value of its total assets in any fiscal year, as determined on the last day of the previous fiscal year, and (ii) twenty-five percent (25%) of the book value of its total assets in the aggregate during the term of this Credit Agreement, as determined on December 31, 2006. Rogers US will not sell or otherwise transfer the stock of World Properties to anyone other than a wholly-owned Subsidiary, nor will it permit World Properties to incur any Indebtedness or to create or incur or suffer to be created or incurred or to exist any lien, encumbrance, mortgage, pledge, charge, restriction or other security interest of any kind upon any of its property or assets, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, or upon the income or profits therefrom.


 
      8.12.   Modification of Charter Documents. Neither Rogers US nor any of its Subsidiaries will amend or permit to be amended its certificate of incorporation or bylaws, or similar organizational documents without the Bank's prior written consent unless such change or amendment would not have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
      8.13.   Upstream Limitations. Neither Rogers US nor any of its Subsidiaries will enter into, or permit any of their Subsidiaries to enter into, any agreement, contract or arrangement (other than this Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents) restricting the ability of such Subsidiary to pay or make dividends or distributions in cash or kind, to make loans, advances or other payments of whatsoever nature or to make transfers or distributions of all or any part of its assets to any Borrower or any Subsidiary of which such Subsidiary is a Subsidiary.
 
      8.14.   Inconsistent Agreements. Neither Rogers US nor any of its Subsidiaries will, nor will they permit their Subsidiaries to, enter into any agreement containing any provision which would be violated or breached by the performance by any Borrower or any Subsidiary of its obligations hereunder or under any of the Loan Documents.

9.   FINANCIAL COVENANTS OF THE BORROWER .

Each Borrower covenants and agrees that, so long as any Loan, Unpaid Reimbursement Obligation, Letter of Credit or Note is outstanding or the Bank has any obligation to make any Loans or to issue, extend or renew any Letters of Credit:

      9.1.   Leverage Ratio. The Borrowers will not, as of the end of any fiscal quarter, permit the Leverage Ratio to exceed 2.00 to 1.00 at any time.
 
     9.2.   Interest Coverage Ratio. The Borrowers will not, as of the end of any fiscal quarter, permit the ratio of (i) EBITDA for any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters ended on such date, to (ii) Consolidated Total Interest Expense for such period to be less than 3.00 to 1.00 at any time.
 
      9.3.   Capital Expenditures. The Borrowers will not make, or permit any Subsidiary of any Borrower to make, Capital Expenditures in any fiscal year that exceed, in the aggregate for all Borrowers and their Subsidiaries:

(a) $75,000,000 if (i) the aggregate cash balances of Rogers US and its Domestic Subsidiaries equal or exceed $35,000,000 at all times during such fiscal year, and (ii) the sum of the Maximum Drawing Amount, all Unpaid Reimbursement Obligations, and the outstanding amount of Loans is less than or equal to 50% of the Total Commitment at all times during such fiscal year; and

(b) otherwise, $50,000,000.
 

 
10.   CLOSING CONDITIONS.

The obligations of the Bank to make the initial Loans and to issue any initial Letters of Credit shall be subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions precedent:
 
     10.1.   Loan Documents. Each of the Loan Documents shall have been duly executed and delivered by the respective parties thereto, shall be in full force and effect and shall be in form and substance satisfactory to the Bank. The Bank shall have received a fully executed copy of each of this Credit Agreement, the Notes, and Guaranty and all other Loan Documents.
 
     10.2.   Certified Copies of Charter Documents. The Bank shall have received from each of the Borrowers and each of the Guarantors a copy, certified by a duly authorized officer of such Person to be true and complete on the Closing Date, of each of (i) its charter or other incorporation documents as in effect on such date of certification, and (ii) its by-laws as in effect on such date.
 
      10.3.   Corporate Action. All corporate action necessary for the valid execution, delivery and performance by each of the Borrowers and each of the Guarantors of this Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which it is or is to become a party shall have been duly and effectively taken, and evidence thereof satisfactory to the Bank shall have been provided to the Bank.
 
      10.4.   Incumbency Certificate. The Bank shall have received from each of the Borrowers and each of the Guarantors an incumbency certificate, dated as of the Closing Date, signed by a duly authorized officer of such Borrower or such Guarantor, as the case may be, and giving the name and bearing a specimen signature of each individual who shall be authorized: (i) to sign, in the name and on behalf of such Borrower or such Guarantor, each of the Loan Documents to which such Borrower or such Guarantor is or is to become a party; (ii) in the case of each Borrower, to make Loan Requests and Conversion Requests and to apply for Letters of Credit; and (iii) to give notices and to take other action on its behalf under the Loan Documents.
 
      10.5.   Opinion of Counsel. The Bank shall have received favorable legal opinions addressed to the Bank, dated as of the Closing Date, in form and substance satisfactory to the Bank, from Burns & Levinson, counsel to Rogers US and its Subsidiaries.
 
      10.6.   UCC Search Results, etc. The Bank shall be satisfied with the results of all Uniform Commercial Code, Patent and Trademark Office, mortgage, tax and judgment lien search results with respect to Rogers US and its Domestic Subsidiaries in all relevant jurisdictions.
 
      10.7.   Payment of Fees and Expenses. The Borrowers shall have paid to the Bank and all expenses subject to reimbursement under the terms of this Credit Agreement.
 
      10.8.   Termination of Existing Bank of America Agreement. Bank of America shall have received a letter from Rogers US terminating all commitments to lend under the Existing Bank of America Agreement effective on and as of the Closing Date.
 
      10.9.   Payoff Letter. The Bank and Rogers US shall have received a payoff letter from Bank of America, indicating the amount of the loan obligations of Rogers US, if any, under the Existing Bank of America Agreement to be discharged on the Closing Date.
 
      10.10.   Initial Loan Request. The Bank shall have received a Loan Request, if applicable, dated the Closing Date duly completed with the details of all Loans to be made on the Closing Date, if any, together with disbursement instructions from the Borrowers with respect to proceeds thereof.
 

 
11.   CONDITIONS TO ALL BORROWING
The obligations of the Bank to make any Loan and to issue, extend or renew any Letter of Credit, in each case whether on or after the Closing Date, shall also be subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions precedent:
 
     11.1.   Representations True; No Event of Default. Each of the representations and warranties of any of the Borrowers and their respective Subsidiaries contained in this Credit Agreement, the other Loan Documents or in any document or instrument delivered pursuant to or in connection with this Credit Agreement shall be true as of the date as of which they were made and shall also be true at and as of the time of the making of such Loan or the issuance, extension or renewal of such Letter of Credit, with the same effect as if made at and as of that time (except to the extent of changes resulting from transactions contemplated or permitted by this Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents and changes occurring in the ordinary course of business that singly or in the aggregate do not have a Material Adverse Effect, and to the extent that such representations and warranties relate expressly to an earlier date) and no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing.
 
     11.2.   No Legal Impediment. No change shall have occurred in any law or regulations thereunder or interpretations thereof that in the reasonable opinion of the Bank would make it illegal for the Bank to make such Loan or to issue, extend or renew such Letter of Credit. The Bank is not aware, on and as of the Closing Date, of any such law or regulations.
 
      11.3.   Governmental Regulation. The Bank shall have received such statements in substance and form reasonably satisfactory to the Bank as the Bank shall require for the purpose of compliance with any applicable regulations of the Comptroller of the Currency or the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.
 
     11.4.   Proceedings and Documents. All proceedings in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Credit Agreement, the other Loan Documents and all other documents incident thereto shall be satisfactory in substance and in form to the Bank and the Bank's Special Counsel, and the Bank and such counsel shall have received all information and such counterpart originals or certified or other copies of such documents as the Bank may reasonably request.

12.   EVENTS OF DEFAULT; ACCELERATION; ETC.
 
     12.1.   Events of Default and Acceleration. If any of the following events ("Events of Default" or, if the giving of notice or the lapse of time or both is required, then, prior to such notice or lapse of time, "Defaults") shall occur:

(a)   any Borrower shall fail to pay any principal of the Loans when the same shall become due and payable, whether at the stated date of maturity or any accelerated date of maturity or at any other date fixed for payment;

(b)   any Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries shall fail to pay any interest on the Loans, the unused fee, any Letter of Credit Fee, any Reimbursement Obligation, or other sums due hereunder or under any of the other Loan Documents, within five (5) days after the same shall become due and payable, whether at the stated date of maturity or any accelerated date of maturity or at any other date fixed for payment;
 

 
(c)   any Borrower shall fail to comply with any of its covenants contained in §§7.1, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6 (as it relates to corporate existence), 7.8, 8 or 9;

(d)   any Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries shall fail to perform any term, covenant or agreement contained herein or in any of the other Loan Documents (other than those specified elsewhere in this §12.1) for thirty (30) days after written notice of such failure has been given to the Borrowers by the Bank;

(e)   any representation or warranty of any Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in this Credit Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents or in any other document or instrument delivered pursuant to or in connection with this Credit Agreement shall prove to have been false in any material respect upon the date when made or deemed to have been made or repeated;

(f)   any Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries shall fail to pay at maturity, or within any applicable period of grace, any obligation for borrowed money or credit received (other than trade payables incurred in the ordinary course of business) or in respect of any Capitalized Leases in an aggregate principal amount outstanding of $1,000,000 or more, or fail to observe or perform any material term, covenant or agreement contained in any agreement by which it is bound, evidencing or securing borrowed money or credit received or in respect of any Capitalized Leases in an aggregate principal amount outstanding of $1,000,000 or more, for such period of time as would permit (assuming the giving of appropriate notice if required) the holder or holders thereof or of any obligations issued thereunder to accelerate the maturity thereof, or any such holder or holders shall rescind or shall have a right to rescind the purchase of any such obligations;

(g)   any Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries shall make an assignment for the benefit of creditors, or admit in writing its inability to pay or generally fail to pay its debts as they mature or become due, or shall petition or apply for the appointment of a trustee or other custodian, liquidator or receiver of such Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or of any substantial part of the assets of such Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or shall commence any case or other proceeding relating to such Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries under any bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, insolvency, readjustment of debt, dissolution or liquidation or similar law of any jurisdiction, now or hereafter in effect, or shall take any action to authorize or in furtherance of any of the foregoing, or if any such petition or application shall be filed or any such case or other proceeding shall be commenced against such Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries and such Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries shall indicate its approval thereof, consent thereto or acquiescence therein or such petition or application shall not have been dismissed within sixty (60) days following the filing thereof;

(h)   a decree or order is entered appointing any such trustee, custodian, liquidator or receiver or adjudicating any Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries bankrupt or insolvent, or approving a petition in any such case or other proceeding, or a decree or order for relief is entered in respect of such Borrower or any Subsidiary of such Borrower in an involuntary case under federal bankruptcy laws as now or hereafter constituted;

(i)   there shall remain in force, undischarged, unsatisfied (unless bonded) and unstayed, for more than forty-five days, whether or not consecutive, any final judgment against any Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries that, with other outstanding final judgments, undischarged, against such Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries exceeds in the aggregate $5,000,000;
 

 
(j)   if any of the Loan Documents shall be cancelled, terminated, revoked or rescinded, in each case otherwise than in accordance with the terms thereof or with the express prior written agreement, consent or approval of the Bank, or any action at law, suit or in equity or other legal proceeding to cancel, revoke or rescind any of the Loan Documents shall be commenced by or on behalf of any Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries party thereto or any of their respective stockholders, or any court or any other governmental or regulatory authority or agency of competent jurisdiction shall make a determination that, or issue a judgment, order, decree or ruling to the effect that, any one or more of the Loan Documents is illegal, invalid or unenforceable in accordance with the terms thereof;

(k)   any Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate incurs any liability to the PBGC or a Guaranteed Pension Plan pursuant to Title IV of ERISA in an aggregate amount exceeding $5,000,000, or any Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate is assessed withdrawal liability pursuant to Title IV of ERISA by a Multiemployer Plan requiring aggregate annual payments exceeding $3,000,000, or any of the following occurs with respect to a Guaranteed Pension Plan: (i) an ERISA Reportable Event, or a failure to make a required installment or other payment (within the meaning of §302(f)(1) of ERISA), provided that the Bank determines in its reasonable discretion that such event (A) is reasonably likely to result in liability of such Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries to the PBGC or such Guaranteed Pension Plan in an aggregate amount exceeding $5,000,000 and (B) could constitute grounds for the termination of such Guaranteed Pension Plan by the PBGC, for the appointment by the appropriate United States District Court of a trustee to administer such Guaranteed Pension Plan or for the imposition of a lien in favor of such Guaranteed Pension Plan; or (ii) the appointment by a United States District Court of a trustee to administer such Guaranteed Pension Plan; or (iii) the institution by the PBGC of proceedings to terminate such Guaranteed Pension Plan;

(l)   any Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries shall be enjoined, restrained or in any way prevented by the order of any court or any administrative or regulatory agency from conducting any material part of its business and such order shall continue in effect for more than thirty (30) days;

(m)   there shall occur the loss, suspension or revocation of, or failure to renew, any license or permit now held or hereafter acquired by any Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries if such loss, suspension, revocation or failure to renew would have a Material Adverse Effect; or

(n)   any person or group of persons (within the meaning of Section 13 or 14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) shall have acquired beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission under said Act) of 20% or more of the outstanding shares of common stock of Rogers US; or, during any period of twelve consecutive calendar months, individuals who were directors of Rogers US on the first day of such period shall cease to constitute a majority of the board of directors of Rogers US;
 

 
then, and in any such event, so long as the same may be continuing, the Bank may, by notice in writing to the Borrowers, declare all amounts owing with respect to this Credit Agreement, the Notes and the other Loan Documents and all Reimbursement Obligations to be, and they shall thereupon forthwith become, immediately due and payable without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived by each Borrower; provided that in the event of any Event of Default specified in §§12.1(g) or 12.1(h), all such amounts shall become immediately due and payable automatically and without any requirement of notice from the Bank.
 
     12.2.   Termination of Commitments. If any one or more of the Events of Default specified in §12.1(g) or §12.1(h) shall occur, any unused portion of the credit hereunder shall forthwith terminate and the Bank shall be relieved of all further obligations to make Loans to any Borrower and to issue, extend or renew Letters of Credit. If any other Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the Bank may, by notice to the Borrowers, terminate the unused portion of the credit hereunder, and upon such notice being given such unused portion of the credit hereunder shall terminate immediately and the Bank shall be relieved of all further obligations to make Loans and to issue, extend or renew Letters of Credit. No termination of the credit hereunder shall relieve any Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries of any of the Obligations.
 
     12.3.   Remedies. In case any one or more of the Events of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, and whether or not the Bank shall have accelerated the maturity of the Loans pursuant to §12.1, the Bank may proceed to protect and enforce its rights by suit in equity, action at law or other appropriate proceeding, whether for the specific performance of any covenant or agreement contained in this Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents or any instrument pursuant to which the Obligations to the Bank are evidenced, including as permitted by applicable law the obtaining of the ex parte appointment of a receiver, and, if such amount shall have become due, by declaration or otherwise, proceed to enforce the payment thereof or any other legal or equitable right of the Bank. No remedy herein conferred upon any Bank or the holder of any Note or purchaser of any Letter of Credit Participation is intended to be exclusive of any other remedy and each and every remedy shall be cumulative and shall be in addition to every other remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or by statute or any other provision of law.


13.   SETOFF.

Regardless of the adequacy of any collateral, during the continuance of any Event of Default, any deposits or other sums credited by or due from the Bank to any Borrower and any securities or other property of any Borrower in the possession of the Bank may be applied to or set off by the Bank against the payment of Obligations and any and all other liabilities, direct, or indirect, absolute or contingent, due or to become due, now existing or hereafter arising, of the Borrowers to the Bank.

14.   JOINT AND SEVERAL LIABILITY.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the Borrowers shall be jointly and severally liable for all of the Obligations.
 

 
15.   EXPENSES AND INDEMNIFICATION.
 
     15.1.   Expenses. The Borrowers agree to pay (i) the reasonable costs of producing and reproducing this Credit Agreement, the other Loan Documents and the other agreements and instruments mentioned herein, (ii) any taxes (including any interest and penalties in respect thereto) payable by the Bank (other than Excluded Taxes) on or with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Credit Agreement (the Borrowers hereby agreeing to indemnify the Bank with respect thereto), (iii) the reasonable fees, expenses and disbursements of the Bank or any of its affiliates or Bank's Special Counsel or any local counsel to the Bank incurred in connection with the preparation, syndication, administration or interpretation of the Loan Documents and other instruments mentioned herein, each closing hereunder, any amendments, modifications, approvals, consents or waivers hereto or hereunder, the cancellation of any Loan Document upon payment in full in cash of all of the Obligations or pursuant to any terms of such Loan Document for providing for such cancellation, and (iv) all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses (including without limitation reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs, which attorneys may be employees of the Bank, and reasonable consulting, accounting, appraisal, investment banking and similar professional fees and charges) incurred by the Bank, in each case in connection with (A) the enforcement of or preservation of rights under any of the Loan Documents against any Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or the administration thereof after the occurrence of a Default or Event of Default and (B) any litigation, proceeding or dispute whether arising hereunder or otherwise, in any way related to the Bank’s relationship with any Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries.
 
     15.2.   Indemnification. Each Borrower agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Bank and its affiliates (together, the "Indemnitees") from and against any and all claims, actions and suits whether groundless or otherwise, and from and against any and all liabilities, losses, damages and expenses of every nature and character arising out of this Credit Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents or the transactions contemplated hereby including, without limitation, (i) any actual or proposed use by any Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries of the proceeds of any of the Loans or Letters of Credit, (ii) any Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries entering into or performing this Credit Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents or (iii) with respect to any Borrower and its Subsidiaries and the Real Estate, (x) the violation of any Environmental Law, or (y) the presence, disposal, escape, seepage, leakage, spillage, discharge, emission, release or threatened release of any Hazardous Substances in violation of applicable Environmental Laws or any action, suit, proceeding or investigation brought or threatened with respect thereto (including, but not limited to, claims with respect to wrongful death, personal injury or damage to property), in each case including, without limitation, the reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel and allocated costs of internal counsel incurred in connection with any such investigation, litigation or other proceeding; provided that the Borrowers shall not be required to indemnify any Indemnitee from and against any claims, actions, suits, liabilities, losses, damages or expenses to the extent the same arises out of such Indemnitee’s own gross negligence or willful misconduct. In litigation, or the preparation therefor, the Bank and its affiliates shall be entitled to select their own counsel and, in addition to the foregoing indemnity, each Borrower agrees to pay promptly the reasonable fees and expenses of such counsel. If, and to the extent that the obligations of the Borrowers under this §15.2 are unenforceable for any reason, the Borrowers hereby agree to make the maximum contribution to the payment in satisfaction of such obligations which is permissible under applicable law.
 
     15.3.   Survival. The covenants contained in this §15 shall survive payment or satisfaction in full of all other Obligations.
 

 
16.   TREATMENT OF CERTAIN CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION.
 
      16.1.   Confidentiality. The Bank agrees, on behalf of itself and each of its affiliates, directors, officers, employees and representatives (including their respective counsel, auditors and accountants), to use reasonable precautions to keep confidential, in accordance with their customary procedures for handling confidential information of the same nature and in accordance with safe and sound banking practices, any non-public proprietary information supplied to it by any Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries pursuant to this Credit Agreement that is identified orally or in writing by such Person as being confidential or proprietary (or words of like effect) at the time the same is delivered to the Bank, provided that nothing herein shall limit the disclosure of any such information (a) after such information shall have become public other than through a violation of this §16, (b) to the extent required by statute, rule, regulation or judicial process, (c) to counsel for any of the Bank, (d) to bank examiners or any other regulatory authority having jurisdiction over any Bank, or to auditors or accountants, (e) in connection with any litigation to which the Bank is a party, or in connection with the enforcement of rights or remedies hereunder or under any other Loan Document, or (f) to any participant (or prospective participant) so long as such participant agrees to be bound by the provisions of §18.2. The covenants contained in this §16.1 shall survive payment or satisfaction in full of the Obligations for a period of eighteen (18) months.
 
      16.2.   Prior Notification. Unless specifically prohibited by applicable law or court order, the Bank shall, prior to disclosure thereof, notify the Borrowers of any request for disclosure of any such non-public information by any governmental agency or representative thereof (other than any such request in connection with an examination of the financial condition of the Bank by such governmental agency) or pursuant to legal process.
 
      16.3.   Other. In no event shall the Bank be obligated or required to return any materials furnished to it by any Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries. The obligations of the Bank under this §16 shall supersede and replace the obligations of the Bank under any confidentiality letter in respect of this financing signed and delivered by the Bank to the Borrowers prior to the date hereof and shall be binding upon any assignee of, or purchaser of any participation in, any interest in any of the Loans or Reimbursement Obligations from the Bank.

17.   SURVIVAL OF COVENANTS, ETC.

All covenants, agreements, representations and warranties made herein, in the Notes, in any of the other Loan Documents or in any documents or other papers delivered by or on behalf of any Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries pursuant hereto shall be deemed to have been relied upon by the Bank, notwithstanding any investigation heretofore or hereafter made by any of them, and shall survive the making by the Bank of any of the Loans and the issuance, extension or renewal of any Letters of Credit, as herein contemplated, and shall continue in full force and effect so long as any Letter of Credit or any amount due under this Credit Agreement or the Notes or any of the other Loan Documents remains outstanding or the Bank has any obligation to make any Loans or to issue, extend or renew any Letter of Credit, and for such further time as may be otherwise expressly specified in this Credit Agreement. All statements contained in any certificate or other paper delivered to the Bank at any time by or on behalf of any Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries pursuant hereto or in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby shall constitute representations and warranties by such Borrower or such Subsidiary hereunder unless otherwise specifically provided in such certificate or other paper.
 

 
18.   PARTICIPATION.
 
      18.1.   Participations. The Bank may sell participations to one or more banks or other entities in all or a portion of the Bank's rights and obligations under this Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

 
      18.2.  Disclosure. Each Borrower agrees that in addition to disclosures made in accordance with standard and customary banking practices the Bank may disclose information obtained by the Bank pursuant to this Credit Agreement to participants and potential participants hereunder; provided that such participants or potential participants shall agree (i) to treat in confidence such information unless such information otherwise becomes public knowledge through no fault of the Bank, (ii) not to disclose such information to a third party, except as required by law or legal process and (iii) not to make use of such information for purposes of transactions unrelated to such contemplated assignment or participation. For purposes of this §18.2 participant or potential participant may include a counterparty with whom the Bank has entered into or potentially might enter into a derivative contract referenced to credit or other risks or events arising under this Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document.
 
     18.3.   Assignment by Borrowers. No Borrower shall assign or transfer any of its rights or obligations under any of the Loan Documents without the prior written consent of the Bank.

19.   NOTICES, ETC.

Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Credit Agreement, all notices and other communications made or required to be given pursuant to this Credit Agreement or the Notes or any Letter of Credit Applications shall be in writing and shall be delivered in hand, mailed by United States registered or certified first class mail, postage prepaid, sent by overnight courier, or sent by telegraph, telecopy, facsimile or telex and confirmed by delivery via courier or postal service, addressed as follows:

(a)   if to the Borrowers, at One Technology Drive, P.O. Box 188, Rogers, Connecticut 06263-0188, Attention: Robert M. Soffer, Vice President and Treasurer or at such other address for notice as the Borrowers shall last have furnished in writing to the Bank; and

(b)   if to the Bank, at 90 State House Square, 10 th Floor, Hartford, Connecticut 06103, Attention: Patricia D. Donnelly, Vice President, or such other address for notice as the Bank shall last have furnished in writing to the Borrower.

Any such notice or demand shall be deemed to have been duly given or made and to have become effective (i) if delivered by hand, overnight courier or facsimile to a responsible officer of the party to which it is directed, at the time of the receipt thereof by such officer or the sending of such facsimile and (ii) if sent by registered or certified first-class mail, postage prepaid, on the third Business Day following the mailing thereof.

20.   GOVERNING LAW.

THIS CREDIT AGREEMENT AND, EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE SPECIFICALLY PROVIDED THEREIN, EACH OF THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS ARE CONTRACTS UNDER THE LAWS OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS AND SHALL FOR ALL PURPOSES BE CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH AND GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF SAID COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS (EXCLUDING THE LAWS APPLICABLE TO CONFLICTS OR CHOICE OF LAW). EACH OF THE PARTIES AGREES THAT ANY SUIT FOR THE ENFORCEMENT OF THIS CREDIT AGREEMENT OR ANY OF THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS MAY BE BROUGHT IN THE COURTS OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS OR ANY FEDERAL COURT SITTING THEREIN AND CONSENTS TO THE NONEXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF SUCH COURT AND SERVICE OF PROCESS IN ANY SUCH SUIT BEING MADE UPON ANY BORROWER BY MAIL AT THE ADDRESS SPECIFIED IN §19. EACH OF THE PARTIES HEREBY WAIVES ANY OBJECTION THAT IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE VENUE OF ANY SUCH SUIT OR ANY SUCH COURT OR THAT SUCH SUIT IS BROUGHT IN AN INCONVENIENT COURT.
 

 
21.   HEADINGS.

The captions in this Credit Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not define or limit the provisions hereof.

22.   COUNTERPARTS.

This Credit Agreement and any amendment hereof may be executed in several counterparts and by each party on a separate counterpart, each of which when executed and delivered shall be an original, and all of which together shall constitute one instrument. In proving this Credit Agreement it shall not be necessary to produce or account for more than one such counterpart signed by the party against whom enforcement is sought.

23.   ENTIRE AGREEMENT, ETC.

The Loan Documents and any other documents executed in connection herewith or therewith express the entire understanding of the parties with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby. Neither this Credit Agreement nor any term hereof may be changed, waived, discharged or terminated, except as provided in §25.

24.   WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL.

Each Borrower hereby waives its right to a jury trial with respect to any action or claim arising out of any dispute in connection with this Credit Agreement, the Notes or any of the other Loan Documents, any rights or obligations hereunder or thereunder or the performance of such rights and obligations. Except as prohibited by law, each Borrower hereby waives any right it may have to claim or recover in any litigation referred to in the preceding sentence any special, exemplary, punitive or consequential damages or any damages other than, or in addition to, actual damages. Each Borrower (i) certifies that no representative, agent or attorney of the Bank has represented, expressly or otherwise, that the Bank would not, in the event of litigation, seek to enforce the foregoing waivers and (ii) acknowledges that the Bank has been induced to enter into this Credit Agreement, the other Loan Documents to which it is a party by, among other things, the waivers and certifications contained herein.

25.   CONSENTS, AMENDMENTS, WAIVERS, ETC.

Any consent or approval required or permitted by this Credit Agreement to be given by the Bank may be given, and any term of this Credit Agreement, the other Loan Documents or any other instrument related hereto or mentioned herein may be amended, and the performance or observance by any Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries of any terms of this Credit Agreement, the other Loan Documents or such other instrument or the continuance of any Default or Event of Default may be waived (either generally or in a particular instance and either retroactively or prospectively) with, but only with, the written consent of the Borrowers and the written consent of the Bank. No waiver shall extend to or affect any obligation not expressly waived or impair any right consequent thereon. No course of dealing or delay or omission on the part of the Bank in exercising any right shall operate as a waiver thereof or otherwise be prejudicial thereto. No notice to or demand upon any Borrower shall entitle such Borrower to other or further notice or demand in similar or other circumstances.
 

 
26.   SEVERABILITY.

The provisions of this Credit Agreement are severable and if any one clause or provision hereof shall be held invalid or unenforceable in whole or in part in any jurisdiction, then such invalidity or unenforceability shall affect only such clause or provision, or part thereof, in such jurisdiction, and shall not in any manner affect such clause or provision in any other jurisdiction, or any other clause or provision of this Credit Agreement in any jurisdiction.

27.   REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE BANK.

The Bank represents and warrants to the Borrowers that the execution, delivery and performance of this Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which the Bank is a party and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby (i) are within the authority (corporate or otherwise) of the Bank, (ii) have been duly authorized by all necessary proceedings (corporate or otherwise), (iii) do not conflict with or result in any breach or contravention of any provision of law, statute, rule or regulation to which the Bank is subject or any judgment, order, writ, injunction, license or permit applicable to the Bank, and (iv) do not conflict with any provision of the charter or bylaws of, or any agreement or other instrument binding upon, the Bank.

[remainder of page intentionally left blank]



IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have duly executed this Credit Agreement as a sealed instrument as of the date first set forth above.
 
 
ROGERS CORPORATION
   
   
 
By: __________________________
 
Robert D. Wachob
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
   
   
 
By: ___________________________
 
Dennis M. Loughran
 
Vice President-Finance and Chief Financial Officer
   
   
   
 
ROGERS TECHNOLOGIES (BARBADOS) SRL
   
   
 
By: __________________________
 
Robert M. Soffer, Manager
   
   
   
 
ROGERS (CHINA) INVESTMENT CO., LTD
   
   
 
By: __________________________
 
Robert D. Wachob, Director
   
   
 
By: ___________________________
 
Robert M. Soffer, Director
 

 
 
ROGERS N.V.
   
   
 
By: __________________________
 
Robert D. Wachob
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
   
   
 
By: ___________________________
 
Dennis M. Loughran
 
Vice President-Finance and Chief Financial Officer
   
   
   
 
ROGERS TECHNOLOGIES (SUZHOU) CO. LTD.
   
   
 
By: __________________________
 
Robert D. Wachob, Director
   
   
 
By: ___________________________
 
Robert M. Soffer, Director
   
   
   
   
 
CITIZENS BANK OF CONNECTICUT
   
   
 
By: __________________________________
 
Patricia D. Donnelly
 
Vice President
 


EXHIBIT A

REVOLVING CREDIT NOTE A
 
$75,000,000.00
November __, 2006

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned Rogers Corporation, a Massachusetts corporation, Rogers Technologies (Barbados) SRL, a corporation organized and existing under the laws of Barbados, Rogers (China) Investment Co., Ltd., a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the People's Republic of China, Rogers N.V., a corporation organized and existing under the laws of Belgium, and Rogers Technologies (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the People's Republic of China (individually, a "Borrower" and collectively, the "Borrowers") hereby jointly and severally promise to pay to the order of Citizens Bank of Connecticut (the "Bank"), a Connecticut stock savings bank, at the Bank's Head Office at 90 State House Square, 10 th Floor, Hartford, Connecticut 06103:

(a)   prior to or on the Revolving Credit A Maturity Date, the principal amount of SEVENTY-FIVE MILLION DOLLARS ($75,000,000.00) or, if less, the aggregate unpaid principal amount of Loans advanced by the Bank to the Borrowers under Revolving Credit Facility A pursuant to the Multicurrency Revolving Credit Agreement dated as of November __, 2006 (as amended, modified, supplemented or restated and in effect from time to time, the "Credit Agreement"), among the Borrowers and the Bank; and

(b)   interest on the principal balance hereof from time to time outstanding, from the Closing Date under the Credit Agreement through and including the repayment in full hereof and termination of all commitments under the Credit Agreement, at the times and at the rates set forth in the Credit Agreement.

This Revolving Credit Note A (the "Note") evidences borrowings under and has been issued by the Borrowers in accordance with the terms of the Credit Agreement. The Bank and any holder hereof is entitled to the benefits of the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and may enforce the agreements of the Borrowers contained therein, and any holder hereof may exercise the respective remedies provided for thereby or otherwise available in respect thereof, all in accordance with the respective terms thereof. All capitalized terms used in this Note and not otherwise defined herein shall have the same meanings herein as in the Credit Agreement.

The Borrower irrevocably authorizes the Bank to make or cause to be made, at or about the time of the Drawdown Date of any Loan or at the time of receipt of any payment of principal of this Note, an appropriate notation on the grid attached to this Note, or the continuation of such grid, or any other similar record, including computer records, reflecting the making of such Loan or (as the case may be) the receipt of such payment. The outstanding amount of the Loans set forth on the grid attached to this Note, or the continuation of such grid, or any other similar record, including computer records, maintained by the Bank with respect to any Loans shall be prima facie evidence of the principal amount thereof owing and unpaid to the Bank, but the failure to record, or any error in so recording, any such amount on any such grid, continuation or other record shall not limit or otherwise affect the obligation of the Borrowers hereunder or under the Credit Agreement to make payments of principal of and interest on this Note when due.
 

 
The Borrowers have the right in certain circumstances and the obligation in certain other circumstances to prepay the whole or part of the principal of this Note on the terms and conditions specified in the Credit Agreement.

If any one or more of the Events of Default shall occur, the entire unpaid principal amount of this Note and all of the unpaid interest accrued thereon may become or be declared due and payable in the manner and with the effect provided in the Credit Agreement.

No delay or omission on the part of the Bank or any holder hereof in exercising any right hereunder shall operate as a waiver of such right or of any other rights of the Bank or such holder, nor shall any delay, omission or waiver on any one occasion be deemed a bar or waiver of the same or any other right on any further occasion.

Each Borrower and every endorser and guarantor of this Note or the obligation represented hereby waives presentment, demand, notice, protest and all other demands and notices in connection with the delivery, acceptance, performance, default or enforcement of this Note, and assents to any extension or postponement of the time of payment or any other indulgence, to any substitution, exchange or release of collateral and to the addition or release of any other party or person primarily or secondarily liable.

THIS NOTE AND THE OBLIGATIONS OF THE BORROWERS HEREUNDER SHALL FOR ALL PURPOSES BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS (EXCLUDING THE LAWS APPLICABLE TO CONFLICTS OR CHOICE OF LAW). EACH BORROWER AGREES THAT ANY SUIT FOR THE ENFORCEMENT OF THIS NOTE MAY BE BROUGHT IN THE COURTS OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS OR ANY FEDERAL COURT SITTING THEREIN AND CONSENTS TO THE NONEXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF SUCH COURT AND THE SERVICE OF PROCESS IN ANY SUCH SUIT BEING MADE UPON SUCH BORROWER BY MAIL AT THE ADDRESS SPECIFIED IN §19 OF THE CREDIT AGREEMENT. EACH BORROWER HEREBY WAIVES ANY OBJECTION THAT IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE VENUE OF ANY SUCH SUIT OR ANY SUCH COURT OR THAT SUCH SUIT IS BROUGHT IN AN INCONVENIENT COURT.

This Note shall be deemed to take effect as a sealed instrument under the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

 
[Signatures on next page]
 


    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have caused this Revolving Credit Note to be signed in their corporate names by their duly authorized officers as of the day and year first above written.

 
ROGERS N.V.
   
   
By: __________________________
Robert D. Wachob
President and Chief Executive Officer
   
   
 
By: ___________________________
 
Dennis M. Loughran
 
Vice President-Finance and Chief Financial Officer
   
   
   
 
ROGERS TECHNOLOGIES (BARBADOS) SRL
   
   
 
By: __________________________
 
Robert D. Wachob
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
   
 
By: ___________________________
 
Dennis M. Loughran
 
Vice President-Finance and Chief Financial Officer
   
   
   
 
ROGERS (CHINA) INVESTMENT CO., LTD.
   
   
 
By: __________________________________
 
Robert D. Wachob
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
   
 
By: __________________________________
 
Dennis M. Loughran
 
Vice President-Finance and Chief Financial Officer
 


 
ROGERS N.V.
   
   
 
By: __________________________
 
Robert D. Wachob
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
   
   
 
By: ___________________________
 
Dennis M. Loughran
 
Vice President-Finance and Chief Financial Officer
   
   
   
 
ROGERS TECHNOLOGIES (SUZHOU) CO. LTD.
   
   
 
By: __________________________
 
Robert D. Wachob
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
   
 
By: ___________________________
 
Dennis M. Loughran
 
Vice President-Finance and Chief Financial Officer


 
Date
   
Amount
of Loan
   
Amount of
Principal Paid
or Prepaid
   
Balance of
Principal
Unpaid
   
Notation
Made By:
 
                           
                           
                           
                           
                           
                           
                           
                           
                           
                           
                           
                           
                           
                           
                           
                           
                           
                           
                           
                           
                           
                           
                           
                           
                           
                           
                           
                         
                           
                           
                           
                           
                           
                           
                           
                           
                           
                           
                           
                           
                           
                           
                           


 
EXHIBIT B

REVOLVING CREDIT NOTE B
 
$25,000,000.00
November __, 2006
 
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned Rogers Corporation, a Massachusetts corporation, Rogers Technologies (Barbados) SRL, a corporation organized and existing under the laws of Barbados, Rogers (China) Investment Co., Ltd., a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the People's Republic of China, Rogers N.V., a corporation organized and existing under the laws of Belgium, and Rogers Technologies (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the People's Republic of China (individually, a "Borrower" and collectively, the "Borrowers") hereby jointly and severally promise to pay to the order of Citizens Bank of Connecticut (the "Bank"), a Connecticut stock savings bank, at the Bank's Head Office at 90 State House Square, 10 th Floor, Hartford, Connecticut 06103:

(a)   prior to or on the Revolving Credit B Maturity Date, the principal amount of TWENTY-FIVE MILLION DOLLARS ($25,000,000.00) or, if less, the aggregate unpaid principal amount of Loans advanced by the Bank to the Borrowers under Revolving Credit Facility B pursuant to the Multicurrency Revolving Credit Agreement dated as of November __, 2006 (as amended, modified, supplemented or restated and in effect from time to time, the "Credit Agreement"), among the Borrowers and the Bank; and

(b)   interest on the principal balance hereof from time to time outstanding, from the Closing Date under the Credit Agreement through and including the repayment in full hereof and termination of all commitments under the Credit Agreement, at the times and at the rates set forth in the Credit Agreement.

This Revolving Credit Note B (the "Note") evidences borrowings under and has been issued by the Borrowers in accordance with the terms of the Credit Agreement. The Bank and any holder hereof is entitled to the benefits of the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and may enforce the agreements of the Borrowers contained therein, and any holder hereof may exercise the respective remedies provided for thereby or otherwise available in respect thereof, all in accordance with the respective terms thereof. All capitalized terms used in this Note and not otherwise defined herein shall have the same meanings herein as in the Credit Agreement.

The Borrower irrevocably authorizes the Bank to make or cause to be made, at or about the time of the Drawdown Date of any Loan or at the time of receipt of any payment of principal of this Note, an appropriate notation on the grid attached to this Note, or the continuation of such grid, or any other similar record, including computer records, reflecting the making of such Loan or (as the case may be) the receipt of such payment. The outstanding amount of the Loans set forth on the grid attached to this Note, or the continuation of such grid, or any other similar record, including computer records, maintained by the Bank with respect to any Loans shall be prima facie evidence of the principal amount thereof owing and unpaid to the Bank, but the failure to record, or any error in so recording, any such amount on any such grid, continuation or other record shall not limit or otherwise affect the obligation of the Borrowers hereunder or under the Credit Agreement to make payments of principal of and interest on this Note when due.
 

 
The Borrowers have the right in certain circumstances and the obligation in certain other circumstances to prepay the whole or part of the principal of this Note on the terms and conditions specified in the Credit Agreement.

If any one or more of the Events of Default shall occur, the entire unpaid principal amount of this Note and all of the unpaid interest accrued thereon may become or be declared due and payable in the manner and with the effect provided in the Credit Agreement.

No delay or omission on the part of the Bank or any holder hereof in exercising any right hereunder shall operate as a waiver of such right or of any other rights of the Bank or such holder, nor shall any delay, omission or waiver on any one occasion be deemed a bar or waiver of the same or any other right on any further occasion.

Each Borrower and every endorser and guarantor of this Note or the obligation represented hereby waives presentment, demand, notice, protest and all other demands and notices in connection with the delivery, acceptance, performance, default or enforcement of this Note, and assents to any extension or postponement of the time of payment or any other indulgence, to any substitution, exchange or release of collateral and to the addition or release of any other party or person primarily or secondarily liable.

THIS NOTE AND THE OBLIGATIONS OF THE BORROWERS HEREUNDER SHALL FOR ALL PURPOSES BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS (EXCLUDING THE LAWS APPLICABLE TO CONFLICTS OR CHOICE OF LAW). EACH BORROWER AGREES THAT ANY SUIT FOR THE ENFORCEMENT OF THIS NOTE MAY BE BROUGHT IN THE COURTS OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS OR ANY FEDERAL COURT SITTING THEREIN AND CONSENTS TO THE NONEXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF SUCH COURT AND THE SERVICE OF PROCESS IN ANY SUCH SUIT BEING MADE UPON SUCH BORROWER BY MAIL AT THE ADDRESS SPECIFIED IN §19 OF THE CREDIT AGREEMENT. EACH BORROWER HEREBY WAIVES ANY OBJECTION THAT IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE VENUE OF ANY SUCH SUIT OR ANY SUCH COURT OR THAT SUCH SUIT IS BROUGHT IN AN INCONVENIENT COURT.

This Note shall be deemed to take effect as a sealed instrument under the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

 
[Signatures on next page]
 


    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have caused this Revolving Credit Note to be signed in their corporate names by their duly authorized officers as of the day and year first above written.

 
ROGERS N.V.
   
   
 
By: __________________________
 
Robert D. Wachob
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
   
   
 
By: ___________________________
 
Dennis M. Loughran
 
Vice President-Finance and Chief Financial Officer
   
   
   
 
ROGERS TECHNOLOGIES (BARBADOS) SRL
   
   
 
By: __________________________
 
Robert D. Wachob
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
   
 
By: ___________________________
 
Dennis M. Loughran
 
Vice President-Finance and Chief Financial Officer
   
   
   
 
ROGERS (CHINA) INVESTMENT CO., LTD.
   
   
 
By: __________________________________
 
Robert D. Wachob
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
   
 
By: __________________________________
 
Dennis M. Loughran
 
Vice President-Finance and Chief Financial Officer
 


 
ROGERS N.V.
   
   
 
By: __________________________
 
Robert D. Wachob
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
   
   
 
By: ___________________________
 
Dennis M. Loughran
 
Vice President-Finance and Chief Financial Officer
   
   
   
 
ROGERS TECHNOLOGIES (SUZHOU) CO. LTD.
   
   
 
By: __________________________
 
Robert D. Wachob
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
   
 
By: ___________________________
 
Dennis M. Loughran
 
Vice President-Finance and Chief Financial Officer
 


Date
   
Amount
of Loan
   
Amount of
Principal Paid
or Prepaid
   
Balance of
Principal
Unpaid
   
Notation
Made By:
 
                           
                           
                           
                           
                           
                           
                           
                           
                           
                           
                           
                           
                           
                           
                           
                           
                           
                           
                           
                           
                           
                           
                           
                           
                           
                           
                           
                           
                           
                           
                           
                           
                           
                           
                           
                           
                           
                           
                           
                           
                           
                           
                           
 

 
EXHIBIT C

FORM OF
COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE


______________, 200__


Citizens Bank of Connecticut
90 State House Square
10 th Floor
Hartford, CT 06103

Re:   Compliance Certificate

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Reference is made to the Multicurrency Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of November __, 2006 (as amended, modified, supplemented or restated and in effect from time to time, the "Credit Agreement"), by and among ROGERS CORPORATION, ROGERS TECHNOLOGIES (BARBADOS) SRL, ROGERS (CHINA) INVESTMENT CO., LTD., ROGERS N.V., and ROGERS TECHNOLOGIES (SUZHOU) CO. LTD. (the "Borrowers"), and CITIZENS BANK OF CONNECTICUT (the "Bank"). Capitalized terms used herein without definition that are defined in the Credit Agreement shall have the respective meanings assigned to such terms in the Credit Agreement.

Pursuant to §7.4 of the Credit Agreement, a principal financial or accounting officer of the Borrower hereby certifies to each of you as follows: (a) the information furnished in the calculations attached hereto was true and correct as of the last day of the fiscal [year] [quarter] next preceding the date of this certificate; (b) as of the date of this certificate, there exists no Event of Default or condition which would, with either (or both) the giving of notice or the lapse of time, result in an Event of Default; and (c) the financial statements delivered herewith were prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (as defined in the Credit Agreement ), except, in the case of quarterly statements, for year-end adjustments and provisions for footnotes.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned officer has executed this Compliance Certificate as of the date first written above.
 
   
ROGERS CORPORATION
 
       
   
By: __________________________
 
   
Name:  
 
   
Title:
 
 

 
Compliance Certificate Worksheet

ROGERS CORPORATION

As of __________________
 
Section
 
9.1
Leverage   Ratio .
         
(four consecutive fiscal quarters then ended)
           
             
 
A. Total Funded Indebtedness:
       
             
 
(1)
Indebtedness for borrowed money      
    (including notes and bonds):
$
   
 
(2)
plus purchase money Indebtedness:
$
   
 
(3)
plus Indebtedness consisting of reimbursement      
    obligations with respect to letters of credit;
$
   
 
(4)
plus Indebtedness with respect to Capitalized Leases:      
    and Synthetic Leases
$
   
 
(5)
Total:
$
   
           
 
B. EBITDA:
       
           
 
(1)
Consolidated Net Income:
$
   
 
(2)
plus depreciation and amortization and similar      
    non-cash charges:
$
   
 
(3)
plus income tax expense:
$
   
 
(4)
plus Consolidated Total Interest Expense:
$
   
 
(5)
minus net income (or deficit) of joint ventures,      
    except to the extent actually received in cash:
$
   
 
(6)
Total:
$
   
           
 
C. Ratio of A(5) to B(6:)
     
           
 
D. Maximum Permitted Leverage Ratio:
 
 
2.00:1.00
           
9.2
Interest   Coverage   Ratio .
     
 
(four fiscal quarters then ended)
     
           
 
A. EBITDA (see 9.1(B)):
$
   
           
 
B. Consolidated Total Interest Expense:
$
   
           
 
C. Ratio of A to B:
 
 
 
:
           
 
D. Minimum Required Interest Coverage Ratio:
 
 
3.00:1.00
 
 
 

 
 
9.3
Capital Expenditures
     
 
(any fiscal year)
 
   
         
 
A. Capital Expenditures:
$
   
 
B. Maximum Permitted Capital Expenditures
$
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
SCHEDULE 6.3
 
ENCUMBRANCES
 
Liens disclosed on SCHEDULE 8.2
 
Permitted Liens
 
[*]
 
 
[*] CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT REQUESTED

 
 

 
 
SCHEDULE 6.4.1
 
FISCAL YEARS OTHER THAN THOSE ENDING ON THE SUNDAY NEAREST DECEMBER 31ST

None
 
 
 

 

SCHEDULE 6.5(b)
 
INSOLVENCY, ETC. OF BORROWER AND SUBSIDIARIES
 

At July 2, 2006 the following Subsidiaries had liabilities in excess of assets resulting from amounts owed to Rogers Corporation:
 
Rogers Japan, Inc.
 
Rogers Southeast Asia, Inc.
 
Rogers L-K Corp.
 
TL Properties, Inc.
 
1
 

 

SCHEDULE 6.7
 
LITIGATION
 
Rogers Corporation (the “Company”) is currently engaged in the following environmental and legal proceedings:

Environmental Remediation in Manchester, Connecticut

In the fourth quarter of 2002, the Company sold its Moldable Composites Division (MCD) located in Manchester, Connecticut to Vyncolit North America, Inc., a subsidiary of the Perstorp Group, located in Sweden. Subsequent to the divestiture, certain environmental matters were discovered at the Manchester location and Rogers determined that under the terms of the arrangement, the Company would be responsible for estimated remediation costs of approximately $500,000 and recorded this reserve in 2002 in accordance with SFAS No. 5 (FAS 5), Accounting for Contingencies. In the fourth quarter of 2004, the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (CT DEP) accepted the Company’s plan of remediation, which was also subsequently accepted by the Town of Manchester. In the second half of 2005, the Company commenced remediation procedures at the site, which was completed in the first half of 2006. Billings related to the remediation approximated the original accrual and are substantially complete as of the end of the second quarter of 2006. The Company is currently in the monitoring stages of the remediation and will be responsible for such monitoring for at least two years after completion of the remediation. The costs of monitoring, which are not expected to be material, will be treated as period expenses as incurred.

Superfund Sites

The Company is currently involved as a potentially responsible party (PRP) in four active cases involving waste disposal sites. In certain cases, these proceedings are at a stage where it is still not possible to estimate the ultimate cost of remediation, the timing and extent of remedial action that may be required by governmental authorities, and the amount of liability, if any, of the Company alone or in relation to that of any other PRPs. However, the costs incurred since inception for these claims have been immaterial and have been primarily covered by insurance policies, for both legal and remediation costs. In one particular case, the Company has been assessed a cost sharing percentage of 2.47% in relation to the range for estimated total cleanup costs of $17 to $24 million. The Company has confirmed sufficient insurance coverage to fully cover this liability and has recorded a liability and related insurance receivable of approximately $0.5 million, which approximates its share of the low end of the range. The Company believes that this remediation will continue for many years.

In all its superfund cases, the Company believes it is a de minimis participant and has only been allocated an insignificant percentage of the total PRP cost sharing responsibility. Based on facts presently known to it, the Company believes that the potential for the final results of these cases having a material adverse effect on its results of operations, financial position or cash flows is remote. These cases have been ongoing for many years and the Company believes that they will continue on for the indefinite future. No time frame for completion can be estimated at the present time.
 
PCB Contamination

1
 

 
 
The Company has been working with the CT DEP and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region I related to certain polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) contamination in the soil beneath a section of cement
flooring at its Woodstock, Connecticut facility. The Company completed clean-up efforts in 2000 in accordance with a previously agreed upon remediation plan. This Groundwater Remedial Action Plan was prepared to address PCB’s that are present in the shallow groundwater and competent bedrock. The Company is in the process of determining the extent of PCB contamination in the groundwater prior to implementing the Groundwater Remedial Action Plan. In the first quarter of 2006, additional contamination was found in well clusters installed along the edge of the building and the Company subsequently installed additional clusters, which tested negative for contamination. The Company is currently working with the CT DEP to finalize a remedial action plan based on these latest results. The Company cannot estimate the range of future remediation costs based on facts and circumstances known to it at the present time and has not recorded a reserve as of July 2, 2006 related to this issue. The Company believes that this situation will continue for several more years and no time frame for completion can be estimated at the present time. Since inception, the Company has spent approximately $2.5 million in remediation and monitoring costs related to the site.
 
Asbestos Litigation

o
Overview

Over the past several years, there has been a significant increase in certain U.S. states in asbestos-related product liability claims brought against numerous industrial companies where the third-party plaintiffs allege personal injury from exposure to asbestos-containing products. The Company has been named, along with hundreds of other industrial companies, as a defendant in some of these claims. In virtually all of these claims filed against the Company, the plaintiffs are seeking unspecified damages or, if an amount is specified, it merely represents jurisdictional amounts or amounts to be proven at trial. Even in those situations where specific damages are alleged, the claims frequently seek the same amount of damages, irrespective of the disease or injury. Plaintiffs’ lawyers often sue dozens or even hundreds of defendants in individual lawsuits on behalf of hundreds or even thousands of claimants. As a result, even when specific damages are alleged with respect to a specific disease or injury, those damages are not expressly identified as to the Company.

The Company did not mine, mill, manufacture or market asbestos; rather, the Company made some limited products, which contained encapsulated asbestos. Such products were provided to industrial users. The Company stopped the manufacture of these products in 1987.

o
Claims

The Company has been named in asbestos litigation primarily in Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Mississippi. As of July 2, 2006, there were approximately 160 pending claims compared to 215 pending claims at January 1, 2006. The number of open claims during a particular time can fluctuate significantly from period to period depending on how successful the Company has been in getting these cases dismissed or settled. In addition, most of these lawsuits do not include specific dollar claims for damages, and many include a number of plaintiffs and multiple defendants. Therefore, the Company cannot provide any meaningful disclosure about the total amount of the damages sought.
 
2
 

 

The rate at which plaintiffs filed asbestos-related suits against a number of defendants, including the Company, increased in 2001, 2002 and the first half of 2003 because of increased activity on the part of plaintiffs to identify those companies that sold asbestos containing products, but which did not directly mine, mill or market asbestos. In addition, a significant increase in the volume of asbestos-related bodily injury cases arose in Mississippi beginning in 2002 and extended through mid-year 2003. This increase in the volume of claims in Mississippi was apparently due to the passage of tort reform legislation (applicable to asbestos-related injuries), which became effective on September 1, 2003 and which resulted in a large number of claims being filed in Mississippi by plaintiffs seeking to ensure their claims would be governed by the law in effect prior to the passage of tort reform. The number of asbestos-related suits filed against the Company increased in 2004, then decreased in 2005. At this time, the Company cannot accurately estimate if the full year rate of such filings against the Company will continue to decline in 2006.

o
Defenses

In many cases, plaintiffs are unable to demonstrate that they have suffered any compensable loss as a result of exposure to the Company’s asbestos-containing products. Management continues to believe that a majority of the claimants in pending cases will not be able to demonstrate exposure or loss. This belief is based in large part on two factors: the limited number of asbestos-related products manufactured and sold by the Company and the fact that the asbestos was encapsulated in such products. In addition, even at sites where the presence of an alleged injured party can be verified during the same period those products were used, liability of the Company cannot be presumed because even if an individual contracted an asbestos-related disease, not everyone who was employed at a site was exposed to the Company’s asbestos-containing products. Based on these and other factors, the Company has and will continue to vigorously defend itself in asbestos-related matters.
 
o
Dismissals and Settlements

Cases involving the Company typically name 50-300 defendants, although some cases have had as few as 1 and as many as 833 defendants. The Company has obtained dismissals of many of these claims. In the first half of 2006, the Company was able to have approximately 40 claims dismissed, including 18 in the second quarter of 2006, and settled 10 claims, including 4 in the second quarter of 2006. For the full year 2005, the Company previously disclosed that approximately 99 claims were dismissed; however, in the second quarter of 2006, the Company received new information from its legal counsel reporting that approximately 158 claims were dismissed during 2005. Approximately 12 claims were settled in 2005. The majority of costs have been paid by the Company’s insurance carriers, including the majority of costs associated with the small number of cases that have been settled. Payments related to such settlements were approximately $2 million in the first half of 2006, including approximately $1 million in the second quarter of 2006, and $4.4 million in all of 2005. Although these figures provide some insight into the Company’s experience with asbestos litigation, no guarantee can be made as to the dismissal and settlement rate the Company will experience in the future.

Settlements are made without any admission of liability. Settlement amounts may vary depending upon a number of factors, including the jurisdiction where the action was brought, the nature and extent of the disease alleged and the associated medical evidence, the age and occupation of the alleged injured party, the existence or absence of other possible causes of the alleged illness of the alleged injured party, and the availability of legal defenses, as well as whether the action is brought alone or as part of a group of claimants. To date, the Company has been successful in obtaining dismissals for many of the claims and has settled only a limited number. The majority of settled claims were settled for immaterial amounts, and the Company’s insurance carriers have paid the majority of such costs. In addition, to date, the Company has not been required to pay any punitive damage awards.
 
3
 

 
 
o
Potential Liability

National Economic Research Associates, Inc. (NERA), a consulting firm with expertise in the field of evaluating mass tort litigation asbestos bodily-injury claims, was engaged to assist the Company in projecting the Company’s future asbestos-related liabilities and defense costs with regard to pending claims and future unasserted claims. Projecting future asbestos costs is subject to numerous variables that are extremely difficult to predict, including the number of claims that might be received, the type and severity of the disease alleged by each claimant, the long latency period associated with asbestos exposure, dismissal rates, costs of medical treatment, the financial resources of other companies that are co-defendants in claims, uncertainties surrounding the litigation process from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and from case to case, and the impact of potential changes in legislative or judicial standards, including potential tort reform. Furthermore, any predictions with respect to these variables are subject to even greater uncertainty as the projection period lengthens. In light of these inherent uncertainties, the Company’s limited claims history and consultations with NERA, the Company believes that five years is the most reasonable period for recognizing a reserve for future costs, and that costs that might be incurred after that period are not reasonably estimable at this time. As a result, the Company also believes that its ultimate net asbestos-related contingent liability (i.e., its indemnity or other claim disposition costs plus related legal fees) cannot be estimated with certainty.

o
Insurance Coverage

The Company’s applicable insurance policies generally provide coverage for asbestos liability costs, including coverage for both resolution and defense costs. Following the initiation of asbestos litigation, an effort was made to identify all of the Company’s primary and excess insurance carriers that provided applicable coverage beginning in the 1950s through the mid-1980s. There appear to be three such primary carriers, all of which were put on notice of the litigation. Marsh Risk Consulting (Marsh), a consulting firm with expertise in the field of evaluating insurance coverage and the likelihood of recovery for asbestos-related claims, has been engaged to work with the Company to project the insurance coverage of the Company for asbestos-related claims. Marsh’s conclusions were based primarily on a review of the Company’s coverage history, application of reasonable assumptions on the allocation of coverage consistent with industry standards, an assessment of the creditworthiness of the insurance carriers, analysis of applicable deductibles, retentions and policy limits, and the experience of NERA and a review of NERA’s report.

o
Cost Sharing Agreement

To date, the Company’s primary insurance carriers have provided for substantially all of the legal and defense costs associated with its asbestos-related claims. However, as claims continue, the Company and its primary insurance carriers have determined that it would be appropriate to enter into a cost sharing agreement to clearly define the cost sharing relationship among such carriers and the Company. As of November 5, 2004, an interim cost sharing agreement was established that provided that the primary insurance carriers would continue to pay legal and defense costs associated with these claims until a definitive cost sharing arrangement was consummated. A definitive cost sharing agreement has been negotiated amongst the primary insurance carriers and the Company that is expected to be finalized during the third quarter of 2006. The cost sharing formula in the definitive agreement is essentially the same as the one currently being used by the respective parties.
 
4
 

 
 
o
Impact on Financial Statements

Given the inherent uncertainty in making future projections, the Company plans to have the projections of current and future asbestos claims periodically re-examined, and the Company will update them if needed based on the Company’s experience, changes in the underlying assumptions that formed the basis for NERA’s and Marsh’s models, and other relevant factors, such as changes in the tort system and the success in resolving claims against the Company. Based on the assumptions employed by and the report prepared by NERA and other variables, in the fourth quarter of 2004 the Company recorded a reserve for its estimated bodily injury liabilities for asbestos-related matters, including projected indemnity and legal costs, for the five-year period through 2009 in the undiscounted amount of $36.2 million. Likewise, based on the analysis prepared by Marsh, the Company recorded a receivable for its estimated insurance recovery of $36.0 million. This resulted in the Company recording a pre-tax charge to earnings of approximately $230,000 in 2004. At year-end 2005, NERA and Marsh were asked to update their respective analyses, which they did, and the Company adjusted its estimated liability and estimated insurance recovery to $37.9 million and $37.6 million, respectively, resulting in a cumulative pre-tax charge to earnings of approximately $300,000, of which approximately $70,000 was recognized in 2005. These amounts are currently reflected in the Company’s financial statements at July 2, 2006 as no material changes occurred during the quarter that would cause the Company to believe that an additional update to the analysis was required. The Company plans to have the analysis updated again at the end of 2006.
 
The amounts recorded by the Company for the asbestos-related liability and the related insurance receivables described above were based on currently known facts and a number of assumptions. However, projecting future events, such as the number of new claims to be filed each year, the average cost of disposing of such claims, coverage issues among insurers, and the continuing solvency of various insurance companies, as well as the numerous uncertainties surrounding asbestos litigation in the United States, could cause the actual liability and insurance recoveries for the Company to be higher or lower than those projected or recorded.

There can be no assurance that the Company’s accrued asbestos liabilities will approximate its actual asbestos-related settlement and defense costs, or that its accrued insurance recoveries will be realized. The Company believes that it is reasonably possible that it will incur additional charges for its asbestos liabilities and defense costs in the future, which could exceed existing reserves, but such excess amount cannot be estimated at this time. The Company will continue to vigorously defend itself and believes it has substantial unutilized insurance coverage to mitigate future costs related to this matter.

Other Environmental and Legal Matters

o
In 2004, the Company became aware of a potential environmental matter at its facility in Korea involving possible soil contamination. The initial assessment on the site has been completed and has confirmed that there is contamination. The Company believes that such contamination is historical and occurred prior to its occupation of the facility. Also, the Company is in the process of relocating this operation from Korea to its manufacturing facility in Suzhou, China. Based on this information and the fact that the Company will be finished with the relocation in the second half of 2006, the Company believes it is under no current obligation to remediate the site and does not believe that it is probable that it will be responsible for any future remediation. The Company will continue to monitor this issue in the future.
 
5
 

 
 
o
The Company is also aware of a potential environmental matter involving soil contamination at one of its European facilities. The Company is currently assessing this matter and believes that it is probable that a loss contingency exists relating to this site. In the first quarter of 2006, the Company increased its estimates of the potential remediation costs to a range of between $0.3 million and $1.0 million from its previous estimates of between $200,000 and $400,000. The Company increased its reserve in the first quarter of 2006 to approximate the low end of its updated range. In the second quarter of 2006, the Company decided to conduct a more thorough investigation of the site to determine the extent of the contamination and to develop a more accurate assessment of the potential costs associated with any remediation plan.

o
In 2005, the Company began to market its manufacturing facility in South Windham, Connecticut to find potential interested buyers. This facility was formerly the location of the manufacturing operations of the Company’s elastomer component and float businesses prior to the relocation of these businesses to Suzhou, China in the fall of 2004. As part of its due diligence in preparing the site for sale, the Company determined that there were several environmental issues at the site and, although under no legal obligation to voluntarily remediate the site, the Company believes that remediation procedures will have to be performed in order to successfully sell the property. Therefore, the Company obtained an assessment, which determined that the potential remediation cost range would be approximately $0.4 million to $1.0 million. In accordance with SFAS 5, the Company determined that the potential remediation would most likely approximate the mid-point of this range and recorded a $0.7 million charge in the fourth quarter of 2005. The timing of any potential remediation action is largely dependent upon the progress the company makes in its efforts to sell this facility and no definitive timetable has currently been established.
 
o
In the second quarter of 2006, a former customer of the Company’s polyolefin foam business filed suit against the Company for a multitude of alleged improprieties, including breach of contract. Although the Company has not been formally served in this lawsuit, the Company is currently in negotiations with this customer and intends to defend itself vigorously in this matter. As of the end of the second quarter of 2006, the Company believes that a loss in this matter is probable and estimates that the low end of the potential settlement range approximates $0.7 million, which has been accrued.

In addition to the above issues, the nature and scope of the Company's business bring it in regular contact with the general public and a variety of businesses and government agencies. Such activities inherently subject the Company to the possibility of litigation, including environmental and product liability matters that are defended and handled in the ordinary course of business. The Company has established accruals for matters for which management considers a loss to be probable and reasonably estimable. It is the opinion of management that facts known at the present time do not indicate that such litigation, after taking into account insurance coverage and the aforementioned accruals, will have a material adverse impact on the results of operations, financial position, or cash flows of the Company.

6
 

 
 
SCHEDULE 6.10
 
TAX STATUS
None
 
1
 

 

SCHEDULE 6.15
 
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS PROVIDING COVERAGE SUBSEQUENT TO TERMINATION

Benefits That Continue During Severance - Salaried
   
Medical Insurance:
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield
 
 
PPO Network
Dental Insurance:
Delta Dental Plan of New Jersey
 
 
Option I (5715-01)
 
Option II (5715-02)
Flexible Spending Accounts:
   
Health Care Reimbursement
 
Dependent Care Reimbursement
Sentinel Benefits
     
Group Term Life Insurance:
Aetna
 
 
Benefits That Continue During Retirement - Salaried:
Medical Insurance: Early retirees keep the insurance plan listed above until age 70
Medical Part B Reimbursement:
For the small group of special 1990 retirees (only), payments are made on a monthly basis reimbursing them for their Medicare Part B entitlement.
 
     
Benefits That Continue During Retirement - Union:
Medical Insurance:
Early Union Retirees choose to continue the medical plan listed above until age 65. Normal contributions are made on a monthly basis.
 
Life Insurance:
   
$2,000 Policy
Aetna
 
 
1
 

 

SCHEDULE 6.15, continued
 
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS PROVIDING COVERAGE SUBSEQUENT TO TERMINATION

 
Benefits That Continue During A Lay-Off Period - Union
   
   
Laid-off employees that meet certain labor contract requirements can choose to continue their medical benefits for a specific period of time, by paying a reduced premium, as outlined in their specific labor contract.
     
Medical Insurance:
 
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield
   
PPO Network
     
Dental Insurance:
 
Delta Dental Plan of New Jersey
   
Oak Plan
Group Term Life Insurance:
 
Aetna
 
2
 

 

SCHEDULE 6.17
ENVIRONMENTAL NONCOMPLIANCE


6.17(a) Violations - Material Adverse Effect - None

6.17(b) Superfund Site Involvement
 
Rogers Corporation is currently involved as a potentially responsible party (PRP) in four active cases involving waste disposal sites. In certain cases, these proceedings are at a stage where it is still not possible to estimate the ultimate cost of remediation, the timing and extent of remedial action that may be required by governmental authorities, and the amount of liability, if any, of Rogers Corporation alone or in relation to that of any other PRPs. However, the costs incurred since inception for these claims have been immaterial and have been primarily covered by insurance policies, for both legal and remediation costs. In one particular case, Rogers Corporation has been assessed a cost sharing percentage of 2.47% in relation to the range for estimated total cleanup costs of $17 to $24 million. Rogers Corporation has confirmed sufficient insurance coverage to fully cover this liability and has recorded a liability and related insurance receivable of approximately $0.5 million, which approximates its share of the low end of the range.

In all its superfund cases, Rogers Corporation believes it is a de minimis participant and has only been allocated an insignificant percentage of the total PRP cost sharing responsibility. Based on facts presently known to it, Rogers Corporation believes that the potential for the final results of these cases having a material adverse effect on its results of operations, financial position or cash flows is remote. These cases have been ongoing for many years and Rogers Corporation believes that they will continue on for the indefinite future. No time frame for completion can be estimated at the present time.
 
The active cases are as follows:

Case 1 sites and date of first notice:
Chem Dyne Disposal Corporation, 3/82; Yaworski Lagoon, 3/83; Cannons Engineering Corporation, 4/86; and Hassayampa Landfill, 4/87

Case 2 sites and date of first notice:
Chathem Brothers Barrell Yard, 1/91

Case 3 sites and date of first notice:
Solvent Recovery Services, 1/92; Old Southington Landfill, 1/94; and Angelillo Property 3/2000

Case 4 sites and date of first notice:
Omega Chemical Site, 9/94; and Casmalia Disposal Site 10/98
 
1
 

 
 
SCHEDULE 6.17, continued
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

6.17(c) Rogers Historic Site Activity - Voluntary Compliance
 
Description of Item
Location
 
Remarks
       
PCB Soil Contamination
Woodstock, Connecticut
 
The use of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) prior to 1972 resulted in soil contamination, which was discovered in 1994. The EPA, became involved when Borrower voluntarily notified that agency of the situation. Clean up and remediation was completed in 2000. The EPA filed a complaint and assessed a $281,400 penalty. Borrower is vigorously disputing this penalty and, although the EPA’s Environmental Appeals Board has sided with the EPA, Borrower expects to file an appeal with the Federal Appeals Court. A reserve was established for the penalty by the Borrower.
       
Groundwater Contamination
South Windham, Connecticut
 
Area groundwater contamination was discovered and allegations made that Borrower’s plant was the source. The results of Borrower’s investigation indicated that there was some minor localized soil contamination but that the groundwater contamination came from an old, abandoned off-site town dump. The soil contamination was properly removed and disposed of off-site in 1980 and 1981.
         
Removal of Latex
Drying Pits
Woodstock, Connecticut
   
In 1979 and 1980 the dried latex was removed from the drying pits, and properly disposed of off-site. The confirmation soil testing was accomplished and the lagoons were filled in. The DEP was notified of this.
         
Study of Local
Landfill
Woodstock, Connecticut
   
In the mid-1980’s consultants were hired to investigate the possible contamination of groundwater from Borrower wastes at the Woodstock, Connecticut landfill. Study confirmed that groundwater contamination existed, but nothing indicated that Borrower’s wastes contributed anything above what would be expected from general municipal landfilling and there were no environmental violations or fines. The report was submitted to the Town of Woodstock, Connecticut and the DEP; the matter is closed.
 
2
 

 

SCHEDULE 6.17, continued
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

6.17(c) Rogers Historic Site Activity - Voluntary Compliance

Description of Item
Location
  Remarks
Fuel Oil Spill
Woodstock, Connecticut
  In 1992 an oil tank overflowed when being filled. The spill was cleaned up in accordance with applicable Environmental Laws and the DEP was notified.
           
Removal of Lagoons
Rogers, Connecticut
  In 1979 and 1980, two lagoons were cleaned and filled in. Although the project is closed, future soil testing may be required by the DEP.
           
Overflow Tank
Rogers, Connecticut
  In 1990, an abandoned concrete overflow tank used with pre-1975 plating operations was cleaned and removed in accordance with applicable Environmental Laws and properly disposed of off-site. The DEP was notified.
         
Oil Spills (2)
South Windham, Connecticut
  In 1992 an oil tank overflowed during filling in one instance and in another a leaking oil tank was discovered. The DEP was notified in both cases and the tank was cleaned and replaced in accordance with applicable environmental laws and properly disposed of off-site.
         
Phenol Spill
Manchester, Connecticut
  In 1969 and 1970 a phenol bulk tank leaked and spilled onto floor and parking lot. The spill was cleaned up and the bulk tank system was decontaminated and removed in accordance with applicable environmental laws and the tank system and contaminated materials were properly disposed of.

4
 

 

SCHEDULE 6.17, continued
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

6.17(c) Rogers Historic Site Activity - Voluntary Compliance
 
Description of Item
Location
Remarks
     
Oil Spill
Manchester, Connecticut
In 1986 fuel oil overflowed from the tank during filling. The DEP was notified and the spill was remedied in accordance with applicable environmental laws.
     
Solvent Contamination of Soil
Chandler, Arizona
In 1994 local testing discovered several areas of low-level soil contamination, from Borrower’s prior operations at a plant that is now leased to a third party. Contamination levels do not require agency notification or immediate remediation.
     
Connecticut Voluntary Remediation Action
Rogers, South Windham and Woodstock, Connecticut
  Currently, the Rogers, South Windham and Woodstock, Connecticut plants have RCRA interim Part A permitted hazardous waste storage areas. As part of a required closure plan, Connecticut requires that voluntary soil and groundwater evaluations be done and initial reports of results have been submitted to the DEP. These facilities were properly closed pursuant to the requirements of RCRA prior to 1994.
 
4
 

 

SCHEDULE 6.17, continued
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

6.17(c) Summary of Environmental Agency Notices Since 1995

Rogers
Locations
Description
of Notice
Date
Notice
Received
Date
Resolved
Remarks
         
Chandler,
Arizona
Complaint Arizona
Department of
Environmental
Quality (ADEQ)
1/9/95
2/24/95
Even though Part B storage area had been decommissioned for over a year and a closure notice had been sent to the EPA, the ADEQ was not notified by the EPA. The ADEQ filed a complaint for not submitting previously required inspection reports. The situation was clarified and the complaint was dropped.
         
Rogers,
Connecticut
Notice of
Violation (DEP)
5/8/95
6/13/95
Non-contact cooling water was discharged into sewer and was not clearly indicated on the permit conditions. This was corrected and no penalty was incurred.
         
Chandler, Arizona
Notice of Deficiency
 (Maricopa County,
Arizona)
12/8/95
2/28/96
Documentation on air emission correction made. The process was corrected and no penalty was incurred.
         
Manchester,
Connecticut
Notice of
Violation (DEP)
2/22/96
6/17/96
The Notice of Violation alleged that Borrower failed to submit a compliance plan for air emissions by 5/1/94. Borrower was not required to submit plan and the Notice of Violation was rescinded.
         
Rogers,
Connecticut
Notice of
Violation (DEP)
4/4/96
5/2/96
A Notice of Violation was issued because the DEP did not have a discharge permit renewal application in their files. Borrower proved that the application was submitted and received on a timely basis. The Notice of Violation was dropped.

6
 

 
 
SCHEDULE 6.17, continued
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

6.17(c) Summary of Environmental Agency Notices Since 1995

Rogers
Locations
Description
of Notice
Date
Notice
Received
 
Date
Resolved
Remarks
         
Woodstock,
Connecticut
Notice of
Violation (DEP)
5/30/97
6/97
A Notice of Violation was issued alleging that 1996 monitoring results were not submitted to the DEP. Certified mail receipts proved that reports had been sent and the DEP received them. The matter was dropped.
         
South Windham, Connecticut
Notice of
Violation (DEP)
11/24/97
12/23/97
Stormwater plan was not updated to reflect personnel changes and changes in run-off location. The process was corrected and no penalty was incurred.
         
Chandler,
Arizona
Notice of Deficiency (Maricopa) County, Arizona)
7/28/98
8/13/98
Inconsistency in the operations log of chemical usage was corrected and no penalty was incurred.
         
Manchester,
Connecticut
Notice of
V iolation (DEP)
8/28/98
10/22/98
Stormwater plan wasn’t updated to reflect personnel changes. The process was corrected and no penalty was incurred.
         
Chandler,
Arizona
Notice of
Violation (ADEQ)
8/26/98
11/5/98
Hazardous waste container had improperly affixed labels, the contingency plan was not updated and training records were incomplete. These items were corrected and no penalty was incurred.
         
Manchester,
Connecticut
Notice of
Violation (DEP)
9/23/98
1/5/99
Emergency Response Plan did not reflect recent changes in personnel, job titles, training requirements and inspection protocols. These items were corrected and no penalty was incurred.
         
Woodstock,
Connecticut
Notice of
Violation (DEP)
12/7/98
12/18/98
There was improper labeling of hazardous waste containers in the satellite accumulation area. The process was corrected and no penalty was incurred.

7
 

 
 
SCHEDULE 6.17, continued
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

6.17(c) Summary of Environmental Agency Notices Since 1995

Rogers
Locations
Description
of Notice
Date
Notice
Received
Date
Resolved
Remarks
         
Manchester,
Connecticut
Notice of
Violation (DEP)
12/7/98
1/5/99
Violation due to overflow/spill of particulates from baghouse collectors. The process was corrected and no penalty was incurred.
         
Rogers,
Connecticut
Notice of
Violation (DEP)
12/7/98
1/15/99
Satellite hazardous waste containers were not properly sealed and several containers lacked date information. The process was corrected and no penalty was incurred.
         
South Windham, Connecticut
Notice of
Violation (DEP)
2/8/99
3/5/99
A Notice of Violation was issued regarding discharge of wash water to leaching field. The issue was resolved and no penalty was incurred.
         
Rogers,
Connecticut
Notice of
Violation (DEP)
5/98
10/9/98
A Notice of Violation was issued because the Site Pollution Prevention Plan was not certified by a licensed professional engineer. This was corrected and no penalty was incurred.
         
Rogers,
Connecticut
Notice of
Violation (DEP)
6/15/99
7/14/99
A Notice of Violation was issued alleging that an improper analytical method was used by outside testing lab and that the discharges exceeded pH limitations. The lab was using the correct test method but recorded the wrong reference number. The pH issues were due to faulty pH equipment and not to nature of effluent. The equipment was replaced. No penalty was incurred.
 
8
 

 

SCHEDULE 6.17, continued
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

6.17(c) Summary of Environmental Agency Notices Since 1995

Rogers
Locations
Description
of Notice
Date
Notice
Received
Date
Resolved
Remarks
         
Manchester,
Connecticut
Notice of
Violation (DEP)
10/4/99
10/29/99
A Notice of Violation was issued to force installation of an in-line flow meter on discharges of non-contact cooling water to sewer. In-line flow meters were installed and no penalty was incurred.
         
Chandler,
Arizona
Notice of Violation
(Maricopa County,
Arizona)
7/24/00
8/1/00
Maricopa County required additional information on chemical usage and throughput to the plant’s thermal oxidizer. This was supplied and no penalty was incurred.
         
Chandler,
Arizona
Voluntary Submission of
Possible TSCA
Violation
11/3/00
11/25/00
Discovery that one constituent of a product imported from Japan was not on public TSCA listing prompted a notice to the EPA of a probable violation with imports over past several years. It was determined that the item was listed on a confidential listing. Borrower has resumed importation of the material with EPA's agreement.
 
Notices of violations subsequent to 12/8/2000, none of which are material, to be provided.
 
NOTE:
The disclosure of information on any part of this Schedule 6.17 is deemed to be disclosure of such information on all other relevant portions of this schedule.
 
9
 

 
 
SCHEDULE 6.18
 
SUBSIDIARIES OF BORROWERS
 
Subsidiary Name
Place of Incorporation
KF, Inc.
South Korea
Rogers (China) Investment Co., Ltd
Peoples Republic of China
Rogers Circuit Materials, Incorporated
Delaware
Rogers GmbH
Germany
Rogers Induflex, N.V.
Belgium
Rogers Japan, Inc.
Delaware
Rogers KF, Inc.
Delaware
Rogers Korea, Inc.
Delaware
Rogers L-K Corp.
Delaware
Rogers N.V.
Belgium
Rogers S.A.
France
Rogers (Shanghai) International Trading Co., Ltd.
Peoples Republic of China
Rogers Southeast Asia, Inc.
Delaware
Rogers Specialty Materials Corporation
Delaware
Rogers Taiwan, Inc.
Delaware
Rogers Technologies (Barbados) SRL
Barbados
Rogers Technologies Singapore, Inc.
Delaware
Rogers Technologies (Suzhou) Company Ltd.
Peoples Republic of China
Rogers (UK) Ltd.
England
TL Properties, Inc.
Arizona
World Properties, Inc.
Illinois
   
Joint Venture Corporations (all 50% owned by vote)
Place of Incorporation
Rogers Chang Chun Technology Co., Ltd.
Taiwan
Rogers Inoac Corporation
Japan
Rogers Inoac Suzhou Corporation
Peoples Republic of China
Polyimide Laminate Systems, LLC
Delaware
 
1
 

 

SCHEDULE 8.1(d)
 
INDEBTEDNESS OF ROGERS US AND DOMESTIC SUBSIDIARIES

None
 
 
 

 

SCHEDULE 8.1(e)
 
INDEBDTEDNESS OF FOREIGN SUBSIDIARIES

Rogers Technologies (Barbados) SRL - $30,375,000 Note Payable to Rogers Corporation

 
 

 

SCHEDULE 8.2
 
CURRENTLY OUTSTANDING LIENS
 
Holder
 
Asset
Bayer Polymers LLC
 
consigned polyol inventory
100 Bayer Road
   
Pittsburgh PA 15205-9741
   
     
Facilitec, Inc.
 
furniture
 
 
 

 

SCHEDULE 8.3
 
INVESTMENTS PERMITTED BY VIRTUE OF DISCLOURE

Investments by Rogers Corporation
               
  Investment In: Investment Value (US$):  
 
Rogers Inoac Corporation Technology Co. Ltd.
341,417
 
Rogers Chang Chun
42,419
 
Rogers Inoac Suzhou Co. Ltd
0
 
Rogers L-K Corp.
2,437,192
 
TL Properties, Inc.
1,000
 
World Properties, Inc
103,494
 
Rogers Specialty Materials Corporation
1,000
 
Polyimide Laminate Sys
39,979
 
Rogers Technologies (Barbados) SRL
2,468,389
 
Rogers NV
480,493
 
Rogers Induflex NV
5,183,474
 
Rogers Japan Inc.
1,000,100
 
Rogers Southeast Asia
100
 
Rogers Taiwan Inc.
100
 
Rogers Korea Inc
1,000
 
Rogers Tech Singapore
1,000
 
Rogers Circuit Materials
1,000
 
Rogers China
1,000
 
Rogers Technologies Suzhou Company, Ltd
8,064
 
Rogers KF
10
 
Note Receivable from Rogers Technologies (Barbados) SRL
30,375,000
 
Investments by Rogers Technologies (Barbados) SRL
   
     
Investment In :
 
Investment Value (US$):
Rogers Technologies (China) Inc., Ltd
 
32,200,000
     
Investments by Rogers Technologies (China) Inc., Ltd
   
     
Investment In:  
 
Investment Value (US$):
Rogers Technologies (Suzhou) Inc., Ltd
 
29,000,000
Rogers Technologies (Shanghai) Inc., Ltd
 
200,000
 
1

Exhibit 10aab




Summary of Board of Directors Approved Amendments to Certain Stock Option Plans and Certain Other Employee Benefit or Compensation Plans


On October 27, 2006, the Board of Directors of Rogers Corporation (the “Company”) approved the following:

The term “Fair Market Value” as contained in the Company’s (i) 1988 Stock Option Plan; (ii) 1990 Stock Option Plan; (iii) 1994 Stock Compensation Plan; and (iv) 1998 Stock Incentive Plan, and any and all other employee benefit or compensation plans maintained by the Company to which such change would be relevant (all of the aforementioned plans, including any and all amendments and restatements thereto are referred to herein as the “Plans”) is hereby redefined, to mean the “last” selling price, the price at “close”, or such other equivalent reported price for the Company’s Capital Stock on such date, in each case as quoted in the New York Stock Exchange Composite Transactions in The Wall Street Journal newspaper; provided, however, that if there are no such market quotations for such date, then as determined in good faith by the Company. The effective date for the aforementioned amendments to the Plans was October 27, 2006.


Exhibit 10i

ROGERS CORPORATION
VOLUNTARY DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN
FOR NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTORS
AMENDED AND RESTATED EFFECTIVE AS OF DECEMBER 21, 1999

2006 Amendment

Pursuant to the powers and procedures for amendment of the Rogers Corporation Voluntary Deferred Compensation Plan For Non-Employee Directors, as amended and restated effective as of December 21, 1999 and as further amended (as amended, the “Plan”), described in Section 10(a) of the Plan, the Compensation and Organization Committee of the Board of Directors of Rogers Corporation (the “Committee”) hereby amends the Plan as follows:

1.
Effective as of December 18, 2006, Section 2 is amended by deleting said Section 2 in its entirety and substituting therefor the following:
       
 
  “2.
Right to Defer. For each calendar year beginning on or after January 1, 2000, each Director may elect to defer payment of up to one-hundred percent (100%) of each of (i) the portion of (A) the annual retainer fee or (B) the meeting fees, if any, payable to such Director in shares of capital stock, $1 par value (the “Stock”) of the Company (the “Stock Fees”) and/or (ii) the portion of (A) the annual retainer fee (for calendar years beginning on or after January 1, 2007) or (B) the meeting fees, if any, payable to such Director in cash, for service as a Director of the Company during such calendar year.”
       
2.
Except as so amended, the Plan in all other respects is hereby confirmed.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Committee has caused this 2006 Amendment to the Plan to be duly executed on this 18 th Day of December, 2006.

 
ROGERS CORPORATION
   
 
By : /s/ Robert M. Soffer
 
Robert M. Soffer
 
Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary

Page 1 of 1



Exhibit 10r-7


AMENDMENT NO. 7 TO SUMMARY OF DIRECTOR AND EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENSATION

As of February 27, 2007




Summary of Director and Executive Officer Compensation, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 18, 2005, and amended as of May 9, 2005, August 10, 2005, February 22, 2006, March 31, 2006, May 12, 2006 and November 20, 2006, is hereby amended and restated in its entirety:


I.   DIRECTOR COMPENSATION.

The following table sets forth the rates of compensation for non-management directors that became effective on April 1, 2006.
 
Annual Retainer
 
Audit Committee Chairperson*
$45,000
Compensation and Organization Committee Chairperson
$42,500
Lead Director*
$50,000
Nominating and Governance Committee Chairperson
$40,000
Finance Committee Chairperson
$40,000
Safety and Environment Committee Chairperson
$38,500
Each Other Non-Management Director
$35,000
 
* Robert G. Paul, who is Chairperson of the Audit Committee as well as Lead Director, on an annualized basis, receives an annual retainer of $60,000 ($35,000 as a Non-Management Director, an additional $10,000 as Chairperson of the Audit Committee, and an additional $15,000 as Lead Director).
 

Board Meeting Attendance Fees
 
Non-Management Directors $1,500
 
Committee Meeting Attendance Fees
 
Committee Chairpersons
$1,500
Committee Members
$1,000
Telephone Meetings
 
50% of the fee entitled had the meeting been held in person
 
 

Under the 2005 Equity Compensation Plan (the “2005 Plan”), the annual retainer for non-management directors was paid semi-annually in shares of Rogers Corporation (“Rogers”) capital stock, with the number of shares of stock granted based on their then fair market value (pro-rated to reflect directors joining or leaving the Board after the beginning of the year). However, beginning on January 1, 2007, non-management directors will receive the annual retainer semi-annually in cash unless they choose to receive Rogers capital stock. Stock options are also granted to each non-management director twice a year. Currently, such semi-annual stock option grants are for 2,250 shares (also pro-rated for a director joining or leaving the Board after the beginning of the year), each with an exercise price equal to the fair market value of a share of Rogers capital stock as of the date of grant. Such options are immediately exercisable and expire ten years from the date of grant even if the individual is no longer serving as a Rogers director.
 
On a yearly basis, non-management directors can choose whether to receive their meeting fees in cash, stock or a combination thereof. In addition, under Rogers’ non-qualified deferred compensation plan for non-management directors, such individuals may elect to defer all or a portion of their annual retainer and meeting fees, regardless of whether such amounts would have been paid in cash or in Rogers capital stock.
 
For 2007, certain of Rogers’ non-management directors made the following elections:
 
Edward L. Diefenthal: Receive the annual retainer in Rogers stock on a current basis.
 
Gregory B. Howey: Defer receipt of Rogers stock for the annual retainer. Receive meeting fees in Rogers stock, but defer receipt.
 
Carol R. Jensen: Receive the annual retainer in Rogers stock on a current basis.
 
Eileen S. Kraus: Receive meeting fees in Rogers stock on a current basis.
 
William E. Mitchell: Receive the annual retainer in Rogers stock on a deferred basis.
 
Rogers’ other non-management directors, Leonard M. Baker, Charles M. Brennan, III, Walter E. Boomer, Leonard R. Jaskol, and Robert G. Paul, by not making any such special election, will receive cash for the 2007 annual retainer on a current basis (as will Ms. Kraus) and will receive their meeting fees in cash on a current basis (as will Mr. Diefenthal, Dr. Jensen and Mr. Mitchell).
2


II. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.

The table below sets forth the base salaries provided to the following executive officers of Rogers as of the dates shown below.
 
Executive Officer  
 
Annual Salary
5/29/06(1)
 
Annual Salary
Effective 3/19/07
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Robert D. Wachob
 
$
433,004
 
$
475,020
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
           
 
           
Dennis M. Loughran
           
Vice President Finance and Chief Financial Officer
 
$
260,000
 
$
273,000
 
 
           
 
           
Robert C. Daigle
 
$
225,524
 
$
242,502
 
Vice President, R&D and
           
Chief Technology Officer
           
 
           
John A. Richie
 
$
201,032
 
$
215,436
 
Vice President, Human Resources
           
 
           
Robert M. Soffer
 
$
193,362
 
$
201,994
 
Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary
           
 
           
Paul B. Middleton
 
$
186,056
 
$
193,596
 
Corporate Controller
           
 
(1) Effective May 29, 2006, the annual base salaries of Messrs. Daigle, Richie, Soffer and Middleton were increased to offset a decrease in their automobile and gasoline allowance. The other salaries listed in this column were effective as of 3/20/06.
 
Executive Officers are also eligible to receive a bonus each year under the Rogers Annual Incentive Compensation Plan. The Annual Incentive Compensation Plan has target bonuses of 60% to 75% of base salary for the CEO, and between 25% and 45% for the other executive officers. Actual bonuses may vary from 0% to 300% of the target bonuses depending on performance relative to annual profit improvement objectives. These amounts are determined by the performance of Rogers (Net Income Per Share) versus the annual objectives. In general, the broader the responsibility of the executive, the larger the portion of his or her award which is based upon corporate, rather than divisional results; the corporate portion is 100% of the consideration for the executive officers listed below. For 2006, overall corporate performance exceeded the 300% target amount, and, as a result, all of the following executive officers received a bonus at the 300% level.

3

 
Executive Officer
 
  Bonus Amount at 300% Level
 
 
      
Robert D. Wachob
 
$
909,308
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
     
 
     
Dennis M. Loughran
 
$
312,000
 
Vice President Finance and Chief Financial Officer
     
 
     
Robert C. Daigle
 
$
271,939
 
Vice President, R&D and Chief Technology Officer
     
 
     
John A. Richie
 
$
211,384
 
Vice President, Human Resources
     
 
     
Robert M. Soffer
 
$
145,665
 
Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary
     
 
     
Paul B. Middleton (1)
 
$
139,601
 
Corporate Controller
     
 
(1) None of the above executive officers received a bonus for 2005, except for Mr. Middleton, as bonus performance targets were not achieved in 2005. However, Mr. Middleton was awarded a $20,000 bonus for 2005 in recognition of his contributions as Acting Chief Financial Officer for ten months.

4



III. A. EXECUTIVE OFFICER STOCK OPTION GRANTS.

Executive officers of Rogers are eligible to receive stock option grants each year, based on the individual's level in the organization and, the same performance criteria used to determine salary adjustments. These criteria are not weighted. Options generally have an exercise price equal to at least the fair market value of the Rogers stock as of the date of grant. Regular options generally have a ten-year life and generally vest in one-third increments on the second, third and fourth anniversary dates of the grant.

On February 15, 2006 and February 14, 2007, the Compensation and Organization Committee of the Board of Directors approved grants of stock options for a number of Rogers employees including the following executive officers; except for Mr. Wachob whose grants were approved on February 16, 2006 and February 15, 2007.



   
2006
 
2007
 
Executive Officer   
 
Number of Shares in
Non-Qualified
Stock Option Grant 
 
Number of Shares
in Incentive
Stock Option Grant
 
Number of Shares in Non-Qualified
Stock Option Grant
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
Robert D. Wachob
   
33,500
   
4,000
   
33,550
 
President and Chief Executive
                 
Officer
                 
 
                 
Dennis M. Loughran
   
9,000
   
6,000
   
10,350
 
Vice President Finance and Chief Financial Officer
                 
 
                 
Robert C. Daigle
   
2,600
   
6,000
   
10,350
 
Vice President, R&D and Chief Technology Officer
                 
 
                 
 
                 
John A. Richie
   
1,900
   
6,000
   
8,550
 
Vice President, Human Resources
                 
 
                 
Robert M. Soffer
   
0
   
5,750
   
6,200
 
Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary
                 
 
                 
Paul B. Middleton
   
0
   
5,750
   
6,200
 
Corporate Controller
                 
                     
 
All of the above 2006 non-qualified stock options and incentive stock options permit the purchase, for up to ten years (unless previously terminated), of the number of shares of common stock shown above. Such 2006 grants were at an exercise price of $48.00 per share, except in the case of Mr. Wachob, whose exercise price was $47.98 per share. The options granted to Messrs. Loughran, Daigle, Richie, Soffer and Middleton vest in one-third increments on the second, third and fourth anniversary of the grant date, February 15, 2006. The options granted to Mr. Wachob vest as follows: (i) the incentive stock option vests as to 2,000 shares on February 16, 2009 and 2,000 shares on February 16, 2010; and (ii) the non-qualified stock option vests as to 12,500 shares on February 16, 2008, 10,500 shares on February 16, 2009, and 10,500 shares on February 16, 2010. Collectively, Mr. Wachob's 2006 incentive stock options and non-qualified stock options vest in one-third increments.

All of the above 2007 non-qualified stock options permit the purchase, for up to ten years (unless previously terminated), of the number of shares of common stock shown above. Such 2007 grants were at an exercise price of $52.51, except in the case of Mr. Wachob, whose exercise price was $53.10. All such options vest in one-third increments on the second, third, and fourth anniversary of the grant date, February 14, 2007, except Mr. Wachob whose grant date was February 15, 2007. None of the above individuals received an incentive stock option in February of 2007.
 
5

 
III. B. EXECUTIVE OFFICER RESTRICTED STOCK GRANTS.
 
As of April 28, 2005, executive officers became eligible to receive various types of equity awards including restricted stock grants.

On February 15, 2006 Dennis M. Loughran, Rogers’ new Vice President Finance and Chief Financial Officer, was awarded 2,500 shares of restricted common stock, at a purchase price of $0 and which vest completely on the third anniversary date of the grant.

On March 16, 2006, the Compensation and Organization Committee (the “Committee”) of the Board of Directors approved awards of restricted stock to certain executive officers (the "2006 Awards"). The 2006 Awards are subject to the achievement of a pre-established performance goal relating to the cumulative annual growth in earnings per share of Rogers capital stock during fiscal years 2006, 2007 and 2008 as set by the Committee. No shares of restricted stock will be issued unless and until such performance goal is met.

On February 14, 2007, the Committee approved awards of restricted stock to certain executive officers and a restricted stock award was made to Mr. Wachob on February 15, 2007 (collectively, the "2007 Awards"). The 2007 Awards are subject to the achievement of a pre-established performance goal relating to the cumulative annual growth in earnings per share of Rogers capital stock during fiscal years 2007, 2008 and 2009 as set by the Committee. No shares of restricted stock will be issued unless and until such performance goal is met.


The 2006 and 2007 targeted restricted stock awards were granted to the following executive officers:
 
Executive Officer 
 
Target Number of Shares in 2006
 
Target Number of Shares in 2007
 
 
 
 
 
Robert D. Wachob
 
 
7,000
 
 5,200
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
 
   
 
           
Dennis M. Loughran
   
2,500
(1)
1,450
Vice President Finance and Chief Financial Officer
         
 
 
 
   
 
Robert C. Daigle
 
 
1,600
 
 1,450
Vice President, R&D and Chief Technology Officer
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
John A. Richie
 
 
1,450
 
 1,350
Vice President, Human Resources
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
Robert M. Soffer
 
 
1,050
 
 1,000
Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
Paul B. Middleton
 
 
1,050
 
 1,000
Corporate Controller
 
 
   
 
 
(1) A time based award.

The exact number of shares of restricted stock that will be issued to each of the executive officers listed above will depend upon where the actual performance achieved during the three subsequent fiscal years from each grant falls on a performance scale set by the Committee, which ranges from 0% to 200% of the target number of shares specified above. This does not apply to Mr. Loughran’s February 15, 2006 grant which was time based.
 
6



IV. RETIREMENT PLANS.

Rogers also maintains the Rogers Corporation Defined Benefit Pension Plan (the "Pension Plan"), for which all United States executive officers are eligible. The Pension Plan Table below reflects estimated annual benefits payable at age 65, the normal retirement age, at various compensation levels and years of service pursuant to Rogers' non-contributory defined benefit pension plans for domestic salaried employees.

Annual Pension Benefits (1) (2)
Final Average
Years of Service
Earnings (3)
5 years
10 years
15 years
20 years
25 years
30 years
35 years
$125,000
$9,930
$19,860
$29,790
$39,710
$49,640
$59,570
$62,700
150,000
12,120
24,230
36,350
48,460
60,580
72,700
76,450
175,000
14,300
28,610
42,910
57,210
71,520
85,820
90,200
200,000
16,490
32,980
49,470
65,960
82,450
98,950
103,950
225,000
18,680
37,360
56,040
74,710
93,390
112,070
117,700
250,000
20,870
41,730
62,600
83,460
104,330
125,200
131,450
275,000
23,050
46,110
69,160
92,210
115,270
138,320
145,200
300,000
25,240
50,480
75,720
100,960
126,200
151,450
158,950
325,000
27,430
54,860
82,290
109,710
137,140
164,570
172,700
350,000
29,620
59,230
88,850
118,460
148,080
177,700
186,450
375,000
31,800
63,610
95,410
127,210
159,020
190,820
200,200
400,000
33,990
67,980
101,970
135,960
169,950
203,950
213,950
425,000
36,180
72,360
108,540
144,710
180,890
217,070
227,700
450,000
38,370
76,730
115,100
153,460
191,830
230,200
241,450
475,000
40,550
81,110
121,660
162,210
202,770
243,320
255,200
500,000
42,740
85,480
128,220
170,960
213,700
256,450
268,950
 


(1)  
Benefits are calculated on a single life annuity basis.
 (2)  
Federal law limits the amount of benefits payable under tax-qualified plans, such as the Rogers Corporation Defined Benefit Pension Plan. Rogers has adopted a non-qualified retirement plan (the “Pension Restoration Plan”) for: (i) the payment of amounts to all plan participants who may be affected by such federal benefit limitations and other plan provisions; and (ii) the payment of supplemental amounts to certain senior executives specified by the Compensation and Organization Committee of the Board of Directors. In general, the total pension benefit due an individual will be actuarially equivalent to the amount calculated under Rogers’ qualified pension plan as if such federal benefit limitations did not exist, as if covered compensation included amounts deferred under a deferral plan, and for certain senior executives specified by the Compensation and Organization Committee of the Board of Directors, as if covered compensation included bonuses paid on or after January 1, 2004, as described in footnote 3 below. Accordingly, the benefits shown have not been reduced by such limitations or provisions.
(3)  
Final average earnings is the average of the highest consecutive five of the last ten years’ annual earnings as of June 1 of each year. Covered compensation includes only salary, whether or not deferred under a deferral plan, and for certain senior executives over age 55 that have been specified by the Compensation and Organization Committee of the Board of Directors, including Messrs. Wachob, Richie, and Soffer, covered compensation under the Pension Restoration Plan also includes bonuses paid on or after January 1, 2004, and will include bonuses paid before January 1, 2004 in the event of their death, disability, or termination of employment that results in the payment of severance. If there is a change in control of Rogers, covered compensation under the Pension Restoration Plan for these senior executives and for certain additional senior executives that have been specified by the Compensation and Organization Committee of the Board of Directors will also include bonuses paid before January 1, 2004. If there is a change in control of Rogers, the Pension Restoration Plan provides that benefits payable under such plan shall be reduced to an amount so that such benefits would not constitute so-called “excess parachute payments” under applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. As of January 1, 2007, the five-year average earnings for Messrs. Wachob, Daigle, Richie, Soffer and Middleton, and their estimated years of credited service are: Mr. Wachob, $539,091 and 23 years; Mr. Daigle, $199,170 and 19 years; Mr. Richie, $232,008 and 30 years; Mr. Soffer, $214,242 and 28 years and Mr. Middleton $168,948 and 6 years. As of January 1, 2007, in the case of Mr. Loughran, earnings for calculating his pension would currently be based on average earnings of $260,000 and one year of service.
 
 
8

V. TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT AND CHANGE OF CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS.

Rogers’ severance policy for regular, full-time salaried employees provides, in general, for continuation of salary payments, health insurance and certain other benefits for employees whose employment has been involuntarily terminated. The number of weeks of salary and benefits continuance is based on length of service. The policy may be amended, modified or terminated at any time by Rogers, except in the case of the executive officers of Rogers as of November 1991. Such officers may elect the benefits of either the policy in effect in November 1991, or the severance policy, if any, which may be in existence at the time each such individual’s employment terminates. The right of these executive officers to make such an election may be cancelled by Rogers or the executive on three years written notice. Messrs. Wachob and Soffer would be entitled to 78 weeks of salary and benefit continuance upon termination of employment covered by the policy in effect in November 1991.

 
The board of directors determined that it would be in the best interests of Rogers to ensure that the possibility of a change in control of Rogers would not interfere with the continuing dedication of Rogers executive officers to their duties to Rogers and its shareholders. Toward that purpose, Rogers has agreements with its Chief Executive Officer and certain of its other executive officers which provide certain severance benefits to them in the event of a termination of their employment during a 36 month period following a change in control, as defined in the agreements. The initial term of each agreement is three years and the term is automatically extended for additional one-year periods each anniversary date of the agreements, unless either party objects to such extension. If within a 36 month period following a change in control, an executive’s employment is terminated without cause, as defined in the agreements, or if such executive resigns in certain specified circumstances, then the executive is generally entitled to the following severance benefits: (i) twice his annual base salary plus bonus; (ii) two years of additional pension benefits; and (iii) the continuation of health and life insurance plans and certain other benefits for up to two years. The agreements provide that severance and other benefits be reduced to an amount so that such benefits would not constitute so-called “excess parachute payments” under applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
 
9

 

 





Exhibit 21

ROGERS CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
Subsidiaries of the Registrant


 
 
 
Company
Percentage of
Voting Securities
Owned
Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or
Organization
     
Rogers L-K Corp.
100%
Delaware
Rogers Japan Inc.
100%
Delaware
Rogers Southeast Asia, Inc.
100%
Delaware
Rogers Taiwan, Inc.
100%
Delaware
Rogers Korea, Inc
100%
Delaware
Rogers China, Inc.
100%
Delaware
Rogers Technologies Singapore, Inc.
100%
Delaware
Rogers Specialty Materials Corporation
100%
Delaware
Rogers Circuit Materials Incorporated
100%
Delaware
Rogers Technologies (Suzhou) Co., Ltd.
100%
China
TL Properties, Inc.
100%
Arizona
World Properties, Inc.
100%
Illinois
Rogers Technologies (Barbados) SRL
100%
Barbados
Rogers Induflex N.V.
100%
Belgium
Rogers N.V.
100%
Belgium
Rogers GmbH
100%
Germany
Rogers (U.K.) Ltd.
100%
England
Rogers S.A.
100%
France
Rogers (Shanghai) International Trading Co. Ltd.
100%
China
Rogers (Shanghai) International Trading Co. Ltd. - Shenzen Branch
100%
China
Rogers KF, Inc.
100%
Delaware
KF, Inc.
100%
Korea
     
Rogers Inoac Corporation *
50%
Japan
Rogers Inoac Suzhou Corporation *
50%
China
Polyimide Laminate Systems, LLC *
50%
Delaware
Rogers Chang Chun Technology Co. Ltd. *
50%
Taiwan
     
* These entities are unconsolidated joint ventures and accordingly are not included in the consolidated financial statements of Rogers Corporation, except to the extent required by the equity method of accounting.


Exhibit 23.1

Consent of Independent Registered Pubilc Accounting Firm

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements (Form S-8 Nos. 333-124489, 333-59634, 333-50901, 333-42545, 333-14419 and 33-53353 and Form S-3 No. 33-53369) pertaining to various stock option plans, employee savings plans, employee stock ownership plans, and stock grants of Rogers Corporation of our reports dated February 22, 2007, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of Rogers Corporation, Rogers Corporation management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of Rogers Corporation, included in the Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2006.


ERNST & YOUNG

Boston, Massachusetts
February 22, 2007

Exhibit 23.2

CONSENT OF NATIONAL ECONOMIC RESEARCH ASSOCIATES, INC.

We hereby consent to the references to our firm with respect to the economic analysis we performed regarding Rogers Corporation’s projected liability for its asbestos-related liabilities and defense costs contained in the Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 of Rogers Corporation and any amendments thereto, and to all references to us as having conducted such analysis. In giving the foregoing consent, we do not admit that we come within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, nor do we admit that we are experts with respect to any part of such Form 10-K within the meaning of the term “experts” as used in the Securities Act or the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.



 
National Economic Research Associates, Inc.
   
   
 
By: / s/ Denise Martin
 
Name: Denise Martin
 
Title: Senior Vice President

New York, New York
February 26, 2007



Exhibit 23.3

CONSENT OF MARSH USA, INC.

We hereby consent to the references to our firm with respect to the analysis we performed regarding Rogers Corporation’s insurance coverage for its asbestos-related liabilities and defense costs contained in the Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 of Rogers Corporation and any amendments thereto, and to all references to us as having conducted such analysis. In giving the foregoing consent, we do not admit that we come within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, nor do we admit that we are experts with respect to any part of such Form 10-K within the meaning of the term “experts” as used in the Securities Act or the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.



 
MARSH USA, INC.
   
   
 
By: /s/ John H. Denton
 
Name: John H. Denton
 
Title: Senior Vice President
 
New York, New York
February 26, 2007





Exhibit 31(a)
CERTIFICATIONS PURSUANT TO
SECTION 302 OF
THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Robert D. Wachob, certify that:

1.  
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Rogers Corporation;

2.  
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.  
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.  
The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
 
a.  
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
 
 
b.  
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
 
 
c.  
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 
 
d.  
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
 

5.  
The registrant's other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
 
a.  
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
 
 
b.  
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
 

Date: February 27, 2007


/s/ Robert D. Wachob
Robert D. Wachob
President and Chief Executive Officer




Exhibit 31(b)
CERTIFICATIONS PURSUANT TO
SECTION 302 OF
THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Dennis M. Loughran, certify that:

1.  
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Rogers Corporation;

2.  
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.  
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.  
The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
 
a.  
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
 
 
b.  
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
 
 
c.  
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 
 
d.  
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
 

5.  
The registrant's other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 
a.  
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
 
 
b.  
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
 

Date: February 27, 2007


/s/ Dennis M. Loughran
Dennis M. Loughran
Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer


Exhibit 32(a)
SECTION 1350 CERTIFICATION
PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
(Subsections (a) and (b) of Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code)

Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (subsections (a) and (b) of Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code), each of the undersigned officers of Rogers Corporation, a Massachusetts corporation (the “Corporation”), does hereby certify that:

The Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 (the “Form 10-K”) of the Corporation fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the information contained in the Form 10-K fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Corporation.



/s/ Robert D. Wachob
Robert D. Wachob
President and Chief Executive Officer
February 27, 2007



/s/ Dennis M. Loughran
Dennis M. Loughran
Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer
February 27, 2007