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, 2004
Commission file number 1-13879
OCTEL CORP.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
DELAWARE | 98-0181725 | |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
(IRS Employer Identification No.) |
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Global House Bailey Lane Manchester United Kingdom |
M90 4AA | |
(Address of principal executive offices) |
(Zip Code) |
Registrants telephone
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class |
Name of each exchange on which registered |
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Common stock, $0.01 par value |
New York Stock Exchange |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12 (g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months, and (2) has been subject to the filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes |
X |
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No |
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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 registrants knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [ ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b 2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934).
Yes |
X |
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No |
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The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of the most recently completed second fiscal quarter (June 30, 2004) was approximately $184 million, based on the closing price of the common shares on The New York Stock Exchange on June 30, 2004. Shares of common stock held by each officer and director and by each person who owns 5% or more of the outstanding common stock have been excluded in that such persons may be deemed to be affiliates. This determination of affiliate status is not necessarily a conclusive determination for any other purpose.
As of March 2, 2005, 12,485,235 shares of the registrants common stock were outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the 2004 Annual Report to Stockholders are incorporated by reference into Parts I, II and IV. Certain portions of Octel Corp.s Proxy Statement to be mailed to stockholders on or about April 15, 2005 for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 3, 2005 are incorporated in Part III hereof by reference.
3 | ||||
Item 1 |
Business | 3 | ||
Item 2 |
Properties | 11 | ||
Item 3 |
Legal Proceedings | 11 | ||
Item 4 |
Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders | 13 | ||
14 | ||||
Item 5 |
Market for the Registrants Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters | 14 | ||
Item 6 |
Selected Financial Data | 15 | ||
Item 7 |
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations | 15 | ||
Item 7A |
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk | 16 | ||
Item 8 |
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data | 16 | ||
Item 9 |
Changes In and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure | 17 | ||
Item 9A |
Controls and Procedures | 17 | ||
18 | ||||
Item 10 |
Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant | 18 | ||
Item 11 |
Executive Compensation | 18 | ||
Item 12 |
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters | 18 | ||
Item 13 |
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions | 18 | ||
Item 14 |
Principal Accountant Fees and Services | 18 | ||
19 | ||||
Item 15 |
Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K | 19 | ||
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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT RELATIVE TO FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain written and oral statements made by our Company and subsidiaries or with the approval of an authorized executive officer of our Company, including statements made in the Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations or elsewhere in this report and in other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, may constitute forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Generally, the words believe, expect, intend, estimate, project, will and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements, which generally are not historical in nature. All statements which address operating performance, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will occur in the futureincluding statements relating to volume growth, share of sales or earnings per share growth, and statements expressing general optimism about future operating resultsare forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from our Companys historical experience and our present expectations or projections. As and when made, management believes that these forward-looking statements are reasonable. However, caution should be taken not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements since such statements speak only as of the date when made. Although we believe that our expectations are based on reasonable assumptions within the bounds of our knowledge of our business and operations, moreover, there can be no assurance that actual results will not differ materially from our expectations. Among the risk factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations are the risks and uncertainties discussed in this annual report on Form 10-K and those described from time to time in the Companys other filings with the SEC. These include, without limitation, the timing of orders received from customers, the gain or loss of significant customers, competition from other manufacturers and changes in the demand for our products, including the rate of decline in demand for TEL, and business and legal risks inherent in non-US activities, including political and economic uncertainty, import and export limitations and market risks related to changes in interest rates and foreign exchange rates, successful completion of planned disposals, material fines or other penalties resulting from its voluntary disclosure to OFAC, and the existence and impact of any deficiencies or material weaknesses or remedial actions taken by the Company in respect of a potential violation of the Code of Ethics by the Chief Executive Officer which may have resulted in a potential violation of certain laws and regulations by the Chief Executive Officer and the Company, and compliance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. In addition, increases in the cost of product, changes in the market in general and significant changes in new product introduction could result in actual results varying from expectations. Should one or more of these risks materialize (or the consequences if such development worsen), or should the underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from those expected. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
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Item 1 | Business |
General
Octel Corp., a Delaware corporation (the Company) is a major manufacturer and distributor of fuel additives and other specialty chemicals. Its primary manufacturing operation is located at Ellesmere Port, South Wirral, United Kingdom. The Companys products are sold globally, primarily to oil refineries and other chemical and industrial companies. Principal product lines are lead alkyl antiknock compound (TEL), other petroleum additives and performance chemicals.
Until May 22, 1998, the Company was a wholly owned subsidiary of Great Lakes Chemical Corporation, a Delaware corporation (GLCC). On May 22, 1998, GLCC consummated the spin-off of its petroleum additives business by distributing shares in the Company to the stockholders of GLCC in a ratio of one Company share for every four GLCC shares held. In connection with the spin-off the Company issued 14,762,417 shares of common stock on May 26, 1998. A further 969 shares were subsequently issued in respect of late notified changes in GLCC stockholders at the record date of the spin-off issue.
The term Octel as used herein means Octel Corp. and its subsidiaries unless the context indicates otherwise.
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations on pages 22 through 37 of the 2004 Annual Report to Stockholders (the Report) are incorporated herein by reference.
Segmental Information
The Company presently has one dominant industry segment, petroleum additives. The Company has three businesses for management purposes TEL, Petroleum Specialties and Performance Chemicals. Because of operational and economic similarities and due to the relative sizes of the businesses, Petroleum Specialties and Performance Chemicals have previously been aggregated for reporting purposes as the Specialty Chemicals business segment. However, following the acquisition of the remaining 50% interest in Octel Starreon LLC in Petroleum Specialties and the acquisitions of Leuna Polymer GmbH (Leuna) and Aroma & Fine Chemicals Limited (AFC) in Performance Chemicals, the Company has decided to separate the two business units for external and internal reporting with effect from the fourth quarter of 2004. Note 3 to the Financial Statements included in the Report (the Financial Statements) on pages 47 and 48 of the Report, is incorporated herein by reference.
Description of the Business
The Company is an international chemical company specializing in the manufacture, distribution and marketing of fuel additives and specialty chemicals. The Company is organised into three business units for reporting purposes TEL, Petroleum Specialties and Performance Chemicals.
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TEL
Tetraethyl lead (TEL), the most significant of the Companys products, accounted for approximately 50.7% of the Companys 2004 sales. TEL was first developed in 1928 and introduced into the European market for internal combustion engines to boost octane levels in gasoline, allowing it to burn more efficiently and eliminating engine knock. It also acts as a lubricity aid, reducing engine wear. Worldwide use of TEL has declined since 1973 following the enactment of the US Clean Air Act of 1970 and similar legislation in other countries. The trend of countries exiting the leaded gasoline market has resulted in a rate of decline in volume terms in the last few years of between 10% and 25% per annum. Management believes that a decrease at the higher end of the range of 15% to 25% will arise in 2005, and that market volumes will continue to decline year on year.
The Company intends to manage the decline safely and effectively and to maximize the cash flow through the decline. Continuous cost improvement measures have been, and will continue to be, taken to respond to declining market demand.
The Company adopted SFAS 142 Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets effective January 1, 2002. This requires that goodwill deemed to have an indefinite life should no longer be amortized, but subject to an annual impairment review, or between years if events occur or circumstances change which suggest that an impairment may have occurred.
During 2002 and 2003, the goodwill impairment test for the TEL business was performed annually at December 31. Both these reviews showed that the fair value of the reporting unit based on after tax cash flows discounted at the Companys weighted average cost of capital exceeded the carrying value of TEL segment assets and, accordingly, no indicator of impairment existed and step two of the FAS 142 impairment test was not performed.
In light of the continuing decline in the TEL market globally, as the Company makes sales of TEL in each quarter, the remaining sales and corresponding cash flows that can be derived from the TEL business are reduced, and accordingly the fair value of the TEL reporting unit is reduced. Based on the Companys detailed forecast model, assumptions at December 31, 2003 indicated that the reduction in forecast future cash flows during 2004 would reduce the fair value of the reporting unit below the carrying value of TEL segment assets and, accordingly, there was likely to be a significant goodwill impairment charge during the year ended December 31, 2004. As a result the Company determined that quarterly impairment reviews be performed from January 1, 2004 and any impairment charge arising be recognized in the relevant quarter.
The value of the remaining cash flows from the TEL business segment is calculated at any review date by reference to the best available estimates for future revenues, gross margins, selling and administrative costs as well as the fixed and working capital requirements of the business. The resulting cash flows are then discounted and the total discounted cash flows of the TEL business are then allocated to the fair value of the TEL business unit at that date. The Company uses this information to derive an implied goodwill value which is then compared to the carrying value to determine what impairment is needed.
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Using this methodology and the assumptions underlying the detailed forecast model, the Company believes that it is possible to predict the pattern of likely future impairment charges of TEL business goodwill. This method reflects the relatively unique nature of the TEL business.
As a result of the reviews performed during 2004, an impairment charge of $40.7 million has been recognized in the year and the Company expects to incur a charge in subsequent years as the TEL market continues to decline.
Petroleum Specialties
The Petroleum Specialties business develops, produces and markets a range of specialty products, used as additives to fuels. The Company has developed a range of products and customized blends to meet market demand for cleaner-burning and more efficient fuels. The Refinery Specialties unit supplies a growing list of products and services that improve operational efficiencies and product performance at the refinery. There is an ongoing program of growth through mergers and acquisitions. This program has included the establishment in 1999 of a 50% owned joint venture with Starreon LLC to sell fuel additives in the USA and the subsequent acquisition of the remaining 50% of this US subsidiary, Octel Starreon LLC in July 2004. The Company has also acquired several wholly owned subsidiaries including Octel Deutschland GmbH, the Gamlen group, CP Manufacturing BV, CP3500 International Limited, the Bycosin AB group and Octel Exhaust Systems Limited. In November 2004, the Company announced the disposal of certain manufacturing and other assets held by the Companys Swedish subsidiary, Bycosin AB, (now known as Octel Sweden AB). The Company has also established a joint venture in Valvemaster® Limited.
Given the international scope of its operations, the Company is subject to laws of many different jurisdictions, including laws relating to the imposition of restrictions on trade and investment with various entities, persons and countries, some of which laws are conflicting. In 2004 the Company reviewed, as it does periodically, aspects of its operations in respect of such restrictions, and determined to dispose of certain non-core, non-US subsidiaries of Bycosin AB which had been engaged, since prior to the acquisition in 2001 of Bycosin AB by the Company, in transactions and activities, including the sale of certain fuel additives, with entities and persons that are in or associated with Cuba. Consequently, on November 15, 2004, Bycosin AB, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company organized under the laws of Sweden (now known as Octel Sweden AB, the Seller), entered into a Business and Asset Purchase Agreement (the Agreement) with Pesdo Swedcap Holdings AB (the Purchaser), Håkan Byström and others as the Purchasers guarantors, and Octel Petroleum Specialties Limited as the Sellers guarantor, and completed the all-cash transaction contemplated thereby (together with related transactions, the Transaction). The Agreement provided for, among other things: (i) the disposal of certain non-core Petroleum Specialties business and related manufacturing and other assets of the Seller; and (ii) the supply and distribution of certain power products to certain geographic regions. The net consideration paid by the Purchaser was approximately US$2.9 million.
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Consequent to the Transaction, subsidiaries of the Company will purchase certain fuel additive products from the Purchaser, and such subsidiaries will supply and distribute those products in certain geographic regions on an exclusive basis. The Company expects to partially offset the loss of net income from this transaction by the elimination of certain costs associated with running the Petroleum Specialties business in the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region.
Following completion of the Transaction, the Company made a voluntary disclosure to the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) regarding such transactions and activities engaged in by certain non-core non-US subsidiaries of the Seller. The Company has conducted an internal review of such transactions and activities and has disclosed to OFAC the results of such review. While the Company believes that it is no longer engaged in business with certain entities, persons and countries that are subject to restrictions and sanctions under U.S. trade laws and regulations and that it has taken appropriate steps to achieve compliance with applicable U.S. laws and regulations relating to trade and investment, if the Company or its subsidiaries (current or former) were found not to have complied with such laws or regulations, or any other applicable laws or regulations, including those of jurisdictions the laws of which are conflicting, the Company or its subsidiaries could be subject to fines or other civil or criminal penalties which could be material.
In July 2004, the Company purchased the remaining 50.0% of the interests in Octel Starreon LLC from the Starreon Corporation for a total consideration of $43.8 million.
Performance Chemicals
The Performance Chemicals focus going forward is to develop high performance products from its technology base complemented by selective acquisitions to achieve critical mass in a number of markets. The major product sourced from the UK business is the Octaquest® family of products, originally developed for the detergent market but now being adapted to new markets in personal care, paper and photographics. Subsidiaries include Octel Performance Chemicals Inc. (formerly Hi-Mar Specialties Inc.), a manufacturer of defoamers based in the USA, and ProChem Chemicals Inc., a custom and toll manufacturer also based in the USA. The portion of the Gamlen Group that specializes in water treatment technology is also included in this business segment.
In June 2004, the business segment acquired Leuna Polymer GmbH, a manufacturer of waxes, cold flow improvers and ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA), based in Germany. In August 2004, the business segment acquired Aroma & Fine Chemicals Limited. This business is based in the UK and manufactures aroma chemicals for use in the household, institutional care, industrial and personal care markets.
On January 14, 2005 the Company completed the acquisition of Finetex, Inc. for a consideration of $20.0 million. Finetex is a manufacturer and supplier of specialty surfactants and emollients to the personal care, cosmetics and other industrial markets and is based in New Jersey, USA and North Carolina, USA. The results of Finetex will be consolidated in the Performance Chemicals business segment from the date of acquisition.
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Raw Materials
Raw material purchases account for a substantial portion of the Companys manufacturing costs. The major purchases are ethylene, sodium, lead, CNI, ethyl chloride, various solvents and dibromoethane. These materials are, with the exception of ethylene in Germany, available readily from more than one source, and the Company uses long term contracts (generally with fixed prices and escalation terms) to enhance the security of supply and manage the risk of price escalation.
Patents and Intellectual Property
The Company has a portfolio of trademarks and patents, granted and in the application stage, covering products and processes. These trademarks and patents relate primarily to the Petroleum Specialties and the Performance Chemicals businesses, in which intellectual property forms a significant part of the Companys competitive strengths. The majority of these patents were developed by the Company. Most of these patents, subject to maintenance obligations, including the payment of renewal fees, have at least ten years life remaining. The Company also holds a license for the manufacture of fuel detergents. The Company has trademark registrations for the use of the name Octel® and for the Octagon device in Classes 1 and 4 of the International Classification of Goods and Services for the Purposes of the Registration of Marks in all countries in which it has a significant market presence. Octel also has trademark registrations for Octaquest® in all countries in which it has a significant market presence. The Company has applications in progress for a number of other trademark registrations in several jurisdictions.
Octel America Inc., a subsidiary of the Company, has trademarks for Ortholeum®, a lube oil additive antioxidant and metal deactivator, Ocenol®, an antifoam for refinery use, and Valvemaster®, a valve seat recession additive. The Company does not consider its business as a whole to be dependent on any one trademark, patent or licence.
Customers
TEL sales are made principally to the retail refinery market, which comprises independent, state or major oil company-owned refineries located throughout the world. Selling prices to major customers are usually negotiated under long-term supply agreements, with varying prices and terms of payment.
The Company has two significant customers whose sales represent more than ten per cent of consolidated revenues in 2003. Sales to one of the customers in 2004, 2003 and 2002 were $53.7 million, $50.6 million and $62.6 million, respectively. Sales to the other customer were $63.6 million and $51.3 million in 2004 and 2003 respectively. Sales to this customer were less than 10 percent of consolidated revenues in 2002.
The customers of the Companys Petroleum Specialties business are multinational oil companies and fuel retailers. Traditionally, a large portion of the total market was captive to oil companies that had fuel additives divisions providing supplies directly to their respective refinery customers. As a result of corporate restructurings and various mergers, joint ventures
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and other collaborative arrangements involving downstream refining and marketing operations, the tied supply arrangements between oil companies and their captive fuel additive divisions have been weakened and many refineries are increasingly looking to purchase their fuel additive requirements on the open market. This trend is creating new opportunities for independent additive marketers such as the Company.
The customers of the Companys Performance Chemicals business are mainly other chemical and industrial companies manufacturing chemical products with end uses in the household, personal care, institutional care and a variety of other industrial markets.
Competition
In the TEL business, Octel competes with marketers of products and processes that provide alternative ways of enhancing octane performance in automotive gasoline. Government regulations have restricted or eliminated the use of TEL as an automotive gasoline additive in many of the largest and developed markets such as North America and Europe. As a result, worldwide demand for TEL is progressively declining as the use of unleaded gasoline becomes more widespread. On a worldwide basis Octel remains the largest TEL manufacturer and marketer.
In the Petroleum Specialties market there are a limited number of competitors. No one company holds a dominant market share in the fuel additives market. The Company considers its competitive strengths are its strong technical development capacity, independence from major oil companies and its strong long-term relationships with refinery customers.
In the Performance Chemicals market there are a plethora of competitors as the Company operates in a number of market niches.
Agreements with Ethyl Corporation
The Nature of Operations policy in Note 1 to the Financial Statements, on page 44 of the Report, is incorporated herein by reference.
Octel supplies Ethyl Corporation (Ethyl) on a wholesale basis with TEL for resale to customers in the United States under two separate long term supply agreements at prices adjusted annually through agreed formulas.
Technology
The Companys principal research and development facilities are located in the Fuel Technology Centre at Bletchley, UK, together with facilities at Ellesmere Port, UK. The Companys research and development activity has been, and will continue to be, focused on the development of new products and formulations for the Petroleum Specialties and the Performance Chemicals businesses. Technical customer support is also provided for the TEL business. Expenditures to support research, product/application development and technical support services to customers were $10.5 million, $5.1 million, $6.0 million in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. $5.4 million of the increase in expenditures in 2004 over 2003 represents a reclassification of the cost of the UK Fuel Technology Centre to the research and development
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cost line item from the selling, general and administrative expense line item in 2003 and preceding years. The Company considers that its strong technical capability provides it with a significant competitive advantage. In the last three years, the Petroleum Specialties business has developed new detergent, lubricity and combustion improver products, in addition to the introduction of several new cost effective fuel additive packages. A patented process for manufacturing Octaquest® has enabled the Company to enter into a new market in the performance chemicals area.
Health, Safety and Environmental Matters
The Company is subject to Environmental Laws in all of the countries in which it does business. The principal Environmental Laws to which the Company is subject in the UK are the Environmental Protection Act 1990, the Water Resources Act 1991, the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and regulations and amendments thereto. Management believes that the Company is in material compliance with all applicable Environmental Laws, and has made appropriate provision for the continued costs of compliance with Environmental Laws. Nevertheless, there can be no assurance that changes in existing Environmental Laws, or the discovery of additional liabilities associated with the Companys current or former operations, will not have a material adverse effect on the Companys business, results of operations or financial condition.
The principal sites giving rise to environmental remediation liabilities are the former TEL operating sites at Paimboeuf in France and Doberitz and Biebesheim in Germany, together with the Ellesmere Port site in the UK, which is the last ongoing manufacturer of TEL. Remediation work is substantially complete at Paimboeuf and Biebesheim. Doberitz ceased to manufacture in March 2002. There was substantial demolition of the production facilities and support buildings on the site in 2004. During the fourth quarter of 2004, the Company reached agreement with the local and Federal authorities on the scope of remediation work to be undertaken on the site and the Companys liability for the costs of this work. Remediation work is expected to commence in early 2005 and to be largely complete by the end of the 2005. At Ellesmere Port there is a continuing remediation program related to those units that have closed. We regularly review the future costs of remediation and our current estimate is reflected in note 13 to the Financial Statements.
We record liabilities relating to the retirement of assets and environmental clean up when they are probable and costs can be estimated reasonably. This involves anticipating the program of work and the associated future costs, and so involves the exercise of judgement by management. Note 13 to the Financial Statements, on pages 55 and 56 of the Report, which quantifies environmental liabilities and provisions, is incorporated by reference.
Human Resources
The Companys workforce at December 31, 2004 consisted of 907 employees, of which 502 were in the UK. Approximately half of the Companys employees in the UK are represented by unions, including the Transport and General Workers Union and the Amalgamated Engineering and Electrical Union.
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The Company has in place an employee communication program to help its employees understand the business issues surrounding the Company and the corporate restructuring that has been implemented to respond to declining TEL demand and to the developing Petroleum Specialties and Performance Chemicals businesses. Regular briefings are conducted by line managers where Company-wide and departmental issues are discussed. More formal communication takes place with the trade unions recognized by the Company for negotiating and consultative purposes.
Available Information
The Company files annual, quarterly, and current reports, proxy statements, and other documents with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange Act). The public may read and copy any materials that the Company files with the SEC at the SECs Public Reference Room at 450 Fifth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20549, United States of America. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. Also, the SEC maintains an Internet website that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers, including the Corporation, that file electronically with the SEC. The public can obtain any documents that the Company files with the SEC www.sec.gov.
The Company also makes available, free of charge, through its Internet website (www.octel-corp.com) the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and, if applicable, amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act as soon as reasonably practicable after the Company electronically files such material with, or furnishes it to, the SEC.
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Item 2 | Properties |
A summary of the Companys principal facilities is shown in the following table. Each of these properties is owned by the Company, except where otherwise noted:
Location |
Principal Operations | |
Newark, Delaware, US (1) |
Octel Corp. Headquarters | |
Manchester, UK (1) |
Octel Corp. European Headquarters | |
Ellesmere Port, UK |
The Associated Octel Company Limited; Business Teams; Manufacturing; Research & Development; Administration | |
Bletchley, UK |
Fuel Technology Center | |
Widnes, UK |
Aroma & Fine Chemicals Limited; Manufacturing and Administration | |
Herne, Germany (1) |
Octel Deutschland GmbH; Manufacturing and Administration | |
Leuna, Germany |
Leuna Polymer GmbH; Manufacturing and Administration | |
Zug, Switzerland (1) |
OBOAdler Limited; Sales and Administration | |
Vernon, France |
Gamlen SA; Manufacturing and Administration | |
Littleton, Colorado, US (1) |
Octel Starreon LLC; Administration | |
High Point, North Carolina, US (1) |
ProChem Chemicals Inc.; Manufacturing and Administration | |
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, US (1) |
Octel Performance Chemicals Inc.; Manufacturing |
(1) | Leased property |
The headquarters of Octel Corp. is located at 220 Continental Drive, Newark, DE 19713.
The Companys TEL manufacturing site is at Ellesmere Port. Its TEL manufacturing capacity is currently 30,000 metric tons (mt) per annum. Actual annual operating levels are under review as part of managements response to the decline in TEL markets.
The Companys Petroleum Specialties manufacturing capacity at Ellesmere Port comprises a detergent plant (3,500 mt per annum).
The Companys Performance Chemicals manufacturing capacity at Ellesmere Port comprises an EDDS plant (1,500 mt per annum) for the manufacture of Octaquest®.
The Company disposed of the manufacturing and administration facility at Karlstad in Sweden in November 2004, as part of the disposal of the Bycosin Mexico subsidiaries and the disposal of certain other assets.
Item 3 | Legal Proceedings |
Infineum Patents
In April 2002, the Company commenced proceedings in the Patents Court in the UK against Infineum USA L.P. (Infineum) for the revocation of the UK equivalent of European Patent No. 0807155 (155), European Patent No. 0743972 (972) and European Patent No. 0743974 (974).
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Octel and Infineum have agreed that the issues between them concerning the validity of certain patents should be determined at the European Patent Office (EPO), and not in the UK courts. Accordingly Octel and Infineum have agreed that the UK proceedings for revocation of the patents and Infineums counterclaim for infringement should be stayed while this determination at the European Patent Office takes place.
The EPO revoked Infineums patent 974 completely. Infineum has appealed to the EPOs Board of Appeal. Octel, long with three other respondents, BASF, Clariant and Ethyl, will make representations to the Board of Appeal. It is unlikely that the appeal will be heard in 2005.
With regard to Infineums patents 155 and 972, all composition claims were revoked. Certain use claims were permitted. All five parties (Infineum and the respondents, Octel, BASF, Clariant and Ethyl) have appealed. The 972 appeal is scheduled to be heard in August 2005. All four parties (Infineum, Octel, Clariant and Ethyl) have appealed the 155 patent decision. The appeal is unlikely to be heard in 2005.
In addition Octel have opposed the following Infineum patents in the EPO:
i. | EP NO: 0890631, a patent for an acid based lubricity enhancer containing a detergent. Opposition filed September 2004. |
ii. | EP NO: 0743973, a patent for a lubricity enhancer and polyoxylalkylene compound. Opposition filed on January 21, 2004. |
Octel commenced opposition proceedings against Rhodias patent no: EP1090211. Infineum have opposed Octels diesel particulate fuel patent, EP no: EP:1047755.
Bycosin Disposal
Given the international scope of its operations, the Company is subject to laws of many different jurisdictions, including laws relating to the imposition of restrictions on trade and investment with various entities, persons and countries, some of which laws are conflicting. In 2004 the Company reviewed, as it does periodically, aspects of its operations in respect of such restrictions, and determined to dispose of certain non-core, non-US subsidiaries of Bycosin AB which had been engaged, since prior to the acquisition in 2001 of Bycosin AB by the Company, in transactions and activities, including the sale of certain fuel additives, with entities and persons that are in or associated with Cuba. Consequently, on November 15, 2004, Bycosin AB, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company organized under the laws of Sweden (now known as Octel Sweden AB, the Seller), entered into a Business and Asset Purchase Agreement (the Agreement) with Pesdo Swedcap Holdings AB (the Purchaser), Håkan Byström and others as the Purchasers guarantors, and Octel Petroleum Specialties Limited as the Sellers guarantor, and completed the all-cash transaction contemplated thereby (together with related transactions, the Transaction). The Agreement provided for, among other things: (i) the disposal of certain non-core Petroleum Specialties business and related manufacturing and other assets of the Seller; and (ii) the supply and distribution of certain power products to certain geographic regions. The net consideration paid by the Purchaser was approximately US$2.9 million.
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Following completion of the Transaction, the Company made a voluntary disclosure to the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) regarding such transactions and activities engaged in by certain non-core non-US subsidiaries of the Seller. The Company has conducted an internal review of such transactions and activities and has disclosed to OFAC the results of such review. While the Company believes that it is no longer engaged in business with certain entities, persons and countries that are subject to restrictions and sanctions under U.S. trade laws and regulations and that it has taken appropriate steps to achieve compliance with applicable U.S. laws and regulations relating to trade and investment, if the Company or its subsidiaries (current or former) were found not to have complied with such laws or regulations, or any other applicable laws or regulations, including those of jurisdictions the laws of which are conflicting, the Company or its subsidiaries could be subject to fines or other civil or criminal penalties which could be material.
United Color Manufacturing
On April 20, 2004, United Color Manufacturing filed a claim for damages and injunctive relief under the federal Lanham Act and Pennsylvania common law alleging false advertising by Octel Starreon concerning Octel Starreons Oil Red B Dyes. Octel Starreons management is pursuing and responding to this litigation vigorously, working closely with its legal representation to contest and defend the allegations of the Complaint. Though Octel Starreon views these claims as legally and factually unfounded, the Company has taken affirmative action to limit and cap prospective impact on the Companys business and monetary exposure, if any. The litigation is in the discovery phase, and there have been no rulings from the Court at this time as to the merits of the claims or defenses.
Other Matters
No director or officer and to our knowledge no affiliate of the Company or any associate of any director or officer is involved, or has a material interest in, any proceedings which would have a material adverse effect on the Company.
Item 103 of Regulation S-K requires disclosure of administrative or judicial proceedings arising under any federal, state or local provisions dealing with protection of the environment, if the monetary sanctions might exceed $100,000. There are currently no such proceedings.
Except as described above, there are no other material pending legal proceedings to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party, or of which any of their property is subject, other than ordinary routine litigation incidental to their respective business.
Item 4 | Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders |
No matter was submitted to a vote of security holders during the quarter ended December 31, 2004.
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Item 5 | Market for the Registrants Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters |
The Companys common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol - OTL). As of February 28, 2005 there were approximately 1,722 registered holders of the common stock.
Quarterly stock prices on page 61 of the Report are incorporated herein by reference.
Following the announcement in August 2002 of a semi-annual dividend of 5 cents per share, the first such payment was made in September 2002, with the second in June 2003. In line with its policy of semi-annual consideration of a dividend, on February 9, 2004 the Company paid a dividend of 6 cents per share to be paid to shareholders of record as of February 20, 2004 on April 1, 2004. A further dividend of 6 cents per share was paid on October 1, 2004. The Company announced on February 7, 2005 that a dividend of 7 cents per share would be paid on April 1, 2005 to shareholders of record on February 18, 2005.
The borrowing facilities entered into by the Company that were in place until January 30, 2004 restricted the Companys ability to pay dividends or buy back stock. Dividend payments and stock buy-backs could only be made if the Company:
1) | were in compliance with the borrowings agreements (including certain financial covenants); |
2) | would have been compliant following the proposed payments and buy-backs, and; |
3) | had provided the Companys bankers with appropriate notice of the proposed payments and buy-backs. |
The new refinancing facility completed on January 30, 2004 allows a maximum dividend of $1.5 million per annum plus 15% annual growth from 2005 provided that no default has occurred or would result from such payment. The Company may repurchase its own shares provided that this will not affect compliance with the financial covenants in the facility.
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The following table shows purchases of equity securities by the issuer or affiliated purchasers within the last quarter
ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Period |
(a) Total
Number of Shares Purchased |
(b) Average
Price Paid per Share |
(c) Total Number of
Shares Purchased as Part of the Publicly Announced Plans or Programs |
(d) Approximate Dollar
Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs |
||||||
October 1 - October 31 |
73,640 | $ | 20.94 | 73,640 | $ | 16.2 million | ||||
November 1 - November 30 |
25,600 | $ | 19.54 | 25,600 | $ | 15.7 million | ||||
December 1 - December 31 |
- | - | - | $ | 15.7 million | |||||
Total |
99,240 | $ | 20.58 | 99,240 | $ | 15.7 million |
The Company announced the resumption of its share buy-back program on August 13, 2003. The Board of Directors approved the resumption of the purchase of shares with an aggregate value of $6.4 million. This buy-back program had been originally announced on May 10, 2000. All shares repurchased were repurchased pursuant to this program.
On October 25, 2004 the Company announced that the board of directors of Octel Corp. had authorized an additional $15.0 million to repurchase Octels shares pursuant to its buy back program. The total amount approved to date in relation to share buy-backs is $21.4 million.
The Company also has authorized securities for issuance under equity compensation plans. The information contained in item 12 under the heading Shares Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans is incorporated herein by reference.
The Company has not, within the last three years, made any sales of unregistered securities.
Item 6 | Selected Financial Data |
The Financial Highlights on page 21 of the Report and the Quarterly Summary on page 61 of the Report are incorporated herein by reference.
The results of operations and financial condition of the group in 2004 include the effect of the acquisitions during the year of the remaining 50% interest in Octel Starreon LLC and the acquisitions of Leuna and AFC. Note 8 to the Financial Statements on pages 51 and 52 of the Report is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 7 | Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations |
The discussion on pages 22 through 37 of the Report is incorporated herein by reference.
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Liquidity and financial condition
The discussion on page 30 of the Report is incorporated herein by reference .
Critical Accounting Estimates
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations discusses Octels consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. On an on-going basis, management evaluates its estimates and judgments, including those related to environmental remediation, impairment of goodwill and intangible assets, pension accounting, restructuring costs and marketing agreements with Ethyl. Management bases its estimates and judgments on historical experience and on various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. Note 1 to the Financial Statements includes a summary of the significant accounting policies and methods used in the preparation of the Financial Statements.
Critical Accounting Estimates on pages 31 and 32 of the Report is incorporated herein by reference.
Contractual Commitments
Contractual Commitments on page 34 of the Report, and Note 19 on the Notes to the Financial Statements, are incorporated herein by reference.
Item 7A | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk |
Information relating to the Companys exposure to market risk on pages 33 and 34, and in Note 18 to the Financial Statements on pages 57 and 58 of the Report, is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 8 | Financial Statements and Supplementary Data |
The consolidated financial statements, together with the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP dated March 31, 2005 and quarterly financial information, which are on pages 39 through 61 of the Report, are incorporated herein by reference. The Financial Highlights on page 21 of the Report are also incorporated herein by reference.
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Item 9 | Changes In and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure |
There have been no changes in or disagreements with the Companys Independent Auditors on any matter of accounting principles or procedures or financial statement disclosure during the year ended December 31, 2004.
Item 9A | Controls and Procedures |
Information regarding Controls and Procedures is contained on pages 35 and 36 of the Report and is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 9B | Other Information |
None.
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Item 10 | Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant |
Information under the heading Management set out in the Proxy Statement, dated March 31, 2005, relating to the 2005 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 3, 2005 (the Proxy Statement) is incorporated herein by reference.
At its Board Meeting on February 24, 2004 the Company formally adopted a Code of Ethics. Any stockholder who requires a copy of the Code of Ethics, Corporate Governance Guidelines or any of the Board Committee Charters may obtain one in writing by writing to the Investor Relations Director, Octel Corp., Bailey Lane, Manchester M90 4AA, England, e-mail investor@octel-corp.com . These documents can also be accessed via the Corporations website, www.octel-corp.com.
Information regarding the composition and the workings of the Audit Committee is included under the headings Corporate Governance Committees of the Board of Directors Audit Committee and Audit Committee Report in the Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 11 | Executive Compensation |
The information under the heading Executive Compensation and Other Information in the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 12 | Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters |
The information under the heading Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management in the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.
Shares Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans
The information contained in the table entitled Equity Compensation Plan Information under the heading Equity Compensation Plans in the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.
The current limit for the total amount of shares which can be issued or awarded under the Companys seven share option plans is 3,043,000.
Item 13 | Certain Relationships and Related Transactions |
The information under the headings Transactions with Executives, Officers, Directors and Others and Certain Other Transactions and Relationships in the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 14 | Principal Accountant Fees and Services |
Information with respect to fees and services related to the Companys independent registered public accounting firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, is contained in the Audit Committee Report under the heading Principal Accountants Fees and Services in the Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.
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Item 15 | Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K |
(a) (1) | Financial Statements |
The Consolidated Financial Statements of Octel Corp. and its subsidiaries and related notes thereto, together with the report thereon of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP dated March 31, 2005 appearing on pages 39 through 61 of the 2004 Annual Report to Stockholders, are incorporated by reference in Item 8.
(2) | Financial Statement Schedules |
All financial statement schedules have been omitted since the information required to be submitted has been included in the financial statements or because they are either not applicable or not required under the Rules of Regulations S-X.
(3) | Exhibits |
2.1 | Transfer and Distribution Agreement, dated as of April 24, 1998, between Great Lakes Chemical Corporation (GLCC) and the Registrant. (3) | |
3.1 | Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant. (1) | |
3.2 | Amended and Restated By-laws of the Registrant filed herewith. | |
4.1 | Form of Common Stock Certificate. (2) | |
4.2 | Form of Rights Agreement between the Registrant and First Chicago Trust Company of New York, as Rights Agent. (2) | |
4.3 | Form of Certificate of Designations, Rights and Preferences of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock of the Registrant. (2) | |
4.4 | Indenture dated as of May 1, 1998 among the Registrant, Octel Developments PLC and the IBJ Schroder Bank and Trust Company, as trustee. (4) | |
4.5 | Form of 10% Senior Notes (contained in Exhibit 4.4 as Exhibit A). (4) | |
4.6 | Registration Rights Agreement dated as of April 30, 1998 among the Registrant, Octel Developments PLC and the initial purchasers. (1) | |
4.7 | Purchase Agreement dated as of April 30, 1998 among the Initial Purchasers, Octel Developments PLC and the Registrant. (4) |
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4.8 | Share purchase agreement between OBOAdler Holdings Limited and The Associated Octel Company Limited relating to the sale and purchase of the whole of the issued share capital of OBOAdler Company Limited, dated June 1, 1999. (6). | |
4.9 | Amendment to Rights Agreement (10). | |
10.1 | Tax Disaffiliation Agreement between GLCC and the Registrant. (1) | |
10.2 | Corporate Services Transition Agreement between GLCC and the Registrant. (1) | |
10.3 | Supply Agreement between GLCC and the Registrant for the supply of ethylene dibromide. (1) | |
10.4 | Supply Agreement between GLCC and the Registrant for the Supply of anhydrous hydrogen bromide. (1) | |
10.5 | Supply Agreement for the Supply of 10% sodium hydroxide solution. (1) | |
10.6 | Ethyl Corporation Market and Sales Agreement. (4) | |
10.7 | Octel Corp. Non Employee Directors Stock Option Plan. (4) | |
10.8 | Employment Agreement between Associated Octel Limited and Steve W Williams, Geoff J Hignett, Graham M Leathes and Robert A Lee. (1) | |
10.9 | Employment Agreement between Associated Octel Limited and Dennis J Kerrison. (1) | |
10.10 | Agreement between GLCC and the Registrant for the Toll Manufacturing of Stadis Product. (4) | |
10.11 | Octel Corp. Time Restricted Stock Option Plan. (3) | |
10.12 | Octel Corp. Performance Related Stock Option Plan. (3) | |
10.13 | Associated Octel Savings-Related Stock Option Plan. (3) | |
10.14 | Form of Octel Corp. Approved Company Share Option Plan. (8) | |
10.15 | Form of Octel Corp. Profit Sharing Share Scheme. (8) | |
10.16 | Employment Agreement between The Associated Octel Company Limited and Alan G Jarvis. (9) | |
10.17 | Employment offer letter from The Associated Octel Company Limited to John P Tayler. (9) | |
10.18 | Consultancy Agreement between Octel Corp. and Robert E Bew. (9) | |
10.19 | Employment offer letter from The Associated Octel Company Limited to Ian A Watling. (11) | |
10.20 | Employment offer letter from The Associated Octel Company Limited to Philip J Boon. (11) |
20
10.21 | Executive Services agreement, Richard Shone. (13) | |
10.22 | Contract of Employment, Sharon Todd. (13) | |
10.23 | Contract of Employment, Ian McRobbie. (13) | |
10.24 | Contract of Employment, Paul Jennings. (13) | |
10.25 | Contract of Employment, Alexander Dobbie. (13) | |
10.26 | Contract of Employment, Dr. Catherine Hessner. (filed herewith) | |
10.27 | Contract of Employment, Andrew Hartley. (filed herewith) | |
10.28 | $100,000,000 term loan agreement between Octel Corp., Octel Associates, Barclays Capital, Barclays Bank plc and others, dated June 3, 1999. (6) | |
10.29 | US$250,000,000 Facilities Agreement dated 29 October 2001 for Octel Corp. with Barclays Capital acting as mandated Lead Arranger and Barclays Bank plc acting as Agent and Security Agent. (12) | |
10.30 | Amendment and Restatement Agreement, dated 30 January 2004, relating to a Facilities Agreement, dated 29 October 2001 (as amended), by and among the Registrant, Barclays Bank plc, Lloyds TSB Bank plc, The Governor and Company of The Bank of Scotland, and certain other parties thereto. (14) | |
10.31 | Business and Asset Purchase Agreement, dated November 15, 2004, between Bycosin AB, Håkan Byström and others, and Octel Petroleum Specialties Limited. (16) | |
10.32 | Supply Agreement, dated November 15, 2004, between Bycosin AB and Pesdo Swedcap Holdings AB. (16) | |
12.1 | Statement Regarding Computation of Financial Ratios. (filed herewith) | |
13.1 | 2004 Annual Report to Stockholders of Octel Corp. (filed herewith) | |
13.2 | Opinion of Ernst & Young LLP on 1997 Combined Financial Statements. (9) | |
14 | The Octel Corp. Code of Ethics. (15) | |
21.1 | Subsidiaries of the Registrant. (incorporated in the Report filed herewith by reference) | |
24.1 | Powers of Attorney of Directors and Officers of the Registrant. (4) | |
31.1 | Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (filed herewith) | |
31.2 | Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (filed herewith) | |
32.1 | Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (filed herewith) |
21
32.2 | Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (filed herewith) | |
99.1 | Consolidated Financial Statements of OBOAdler Company Limited as of June 30, 1999 and for the year then ended. (7) |
Notes
(1) | Incorporated by reference to the Companys amendment dated April 21, 1998, to a previously filed Form 10-/A. |
(2) | Incorporated by reference to the Companys Form 10-/A previously filed on April 10, 1998. |
(3) | Incorporated by reference to the Companys amendment dated May 4, 1998 to a previously filed Form 10-/A. |
(4) | Incorporated by reference to the Companys Form S-4 previously filed on October 1, 1998. |
(5) | Filed with the Companys Form 10-Q on November 10, 1998. |
(6) | Filed with the Companys Form 8-K on November 12, 1999. |
(7) | Filed with the Companys Form 8-K/A on January 20, 2000. |
(8) | Filed with the Companys Form 10-K on March 26, 1999. |
(9) | Filed with the Companys Form 10-K on March 27, 2000. |
(10) | Filed with the Companys Form 8-K on July 21, 2000. |
(11) | Filed with the Companys Form 10-K on March 26, 2001. |
(12) | Filed with the Companys Form 10-K on March 25, 2002. |
(13) | Filed with the Companys Form 10-K on March 28, 2003. |
(14) | Filed with the Companys Form 8-K on February 9, 2004. |
(15) | Filed with the Companys Proxy Statement on March 15, 2004. |
(16) | Filed with the Companys Form 8-K on November 19, 2004. |
(b) | Reports on Form 8-K |
On October 26, 2004 the Company filed a Form 8-K announcing financial results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003. The Company also announced in
22
this Form 8-K that the board of directors of Octel Corp. had authorized an additional $15.0 million for the repurchase of Octels shares pursuant to its buy-back program.
On November 18, 2004 the Company filed a Form 8-K announcing the appointment of Andrew Hartley as Vice President and General Counsel.
On November 19, 2004 the Company filed a Form 8-K announcing the disposal of certain non-core Petroleum Specialties businesses and certain manufacturing and other assets of its Swedish subsidiary Bycosin AB (now known as Octel Sweden AB).
On December 22, 2004 the Company filed a Form 8-K announcing that it had entered into an agreement to purchase Finetex, Inc. for a consideration of $20.0 million.
23
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.
OCTEL CORP. | By: | /s/ Dennis J Kerrison | ||
(Registrant) | DENNIS J KERRISON | |||
Date: | President, Chief Executive Officer and | |||
March 31, 2005 | Director |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated:
March 31, 2005 | /s/ Paul W Jennings | |
Paul W Jennings, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |
||
March 31, 2005 | /s/ Robert E Bew | |
Dr Robert E Bew, Chairman and Director | ||
March 31, 2005 | /s/ Dennis J Kerrison | |
Dennis J Kerrison, President, Chief Executive Officer and Director | ||
March 31, 2005 | /s/ Martin M Hale | |
Martin M Hale, Director | ||
March 31, 2005 | /s/ Samuel A Haubold | |
Samuel A Haubold, Director | ||
March 31, 2005 | /s/ James Puckridge | |
James Puckridge, Director | ||
March 31, 2005 | /s/ Benito Fiore | |
Dr Benito Fiore, Director | ||
March 31, 2005 | /s/ Charles M Hale | |
Charles M Hale, Director | ||
March 31, 2005 | /s/ Hugh GC Aldous | |
Hugh GC Aldous, Director |
24
AMENDED AND RESTATED BY-LAWS
OF
OCTEL CORP.
(hereinafter called the Corporation)
ARTICLE I
OFFICES
Section 1. Registered Office. The registered office of the Corporation shall be in the City of Wilmington, County of New Castle, State of Delaware.
Section 2. Other Offices. The Corporation may also have offices at such other places, both within and without the State of Delaware, as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine.
ARTICLE II
MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS
Section 1. Place of Meetings. Meetings of the stockholders for the election of directors or for any other purpose shall be held at such time and place, either within or without the State of Delaware, as shall be designated from time to time by the Board of Directors and stated in the notice of the meeting or in a duly executed waiver of notice thereof.
Section 2. Annual Meetings. The annual meetings of stockholders shall be held on such date and at such time as shall be designated from time to time by the Board of Directors and stated in the notice of the meeting, at which meetings the stockholders shall elect directors, and transact such other business as may properly be brought before the meeting. Written notice of the annual meeting stating the place, date and hour of the meeting shall be given to each stockholder entitled to vote at such meeting not less than ten nor more than sixty days before the date of the meeting.
Section 3. Special Meetings. Unless otherwise prescribed by law or by the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation, as amended and restated from time to time (the Certificate of Incorporation), special meetings of stockholders may be called, for any purpose or purposes, by (i) the Chairman of the Board of Directors, (ii) the President, or (iii) the Board of Directors. The ability of the stockholders to call a special meeting of stockholders is hereby specifically denied. At a special meeting of the stockholders, only such business shall be conducted as shall be specified in the notice of meeting (or any supplement thereto) given by or at the direction of the Board of Directors. Written notice of a special meeting stating the place, date and hour of the meeting and the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called shall be given not less than ten (10) nor more than sixty (60) days before the date of the meeting to each stockholder entitled to vote at such meeting.
Section 4. Quorum; Adjournments, Postponements and Cancellations.
(a) Except as otherwise required by law or by the Certificate of Incorporation, the holders of a majority of the capital stock issued and outstanding and entitled
to vote thereat, present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum at all meetings of the stockholders for the transaction of business. A quorum, once established, shall not be broken by the withdrawal of enough votes to leave less than a quorum.
(b) Whether or not a quorum is present, any annual or special meeting of the stockholders may be adjourned to another date, without notice other than announcement at the meeting, by the Chairman of the meeting or by a majority vote of the shares represented at such meeting. At such adjourned meeting, at which a quorum shall be present or represented, any business may be transacted which might have been transacted at the meeting as originally noticed. If the adjournment is for more than thirty (30) days, or if after the adjournment a new record date is fixed for the adjourned meeting, a notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given to each stockholder entitled to vote at the meeting not less than ten nor more than sixty days before the date of the meeting.
(c) Any previously scheduled meeting of the stockholders may be postponed, and (unless the Certificate of Incorporation provides otherwise) any special meeting of the stockholders may be canceled, by resolution of the Board of Directors upon public notice given prior to the date previously scheduled for such meeting of the stockholders.
Section 5. Proxies. Any stockholder entitled to vote may do so in person or by his or her proxy appointed by an instrument in writing subscribed by such stockholder or by his or her attorney thereunto authorized, delivered to the Secretary of the meeting; provided, however, that no proxy shall be voted or acted upon after three years from its date, unless such proxy provides for a longer period. Without limiting the manner in which a stockholder may authorize another person or other persons to act for him or her as proxy, either of the following shall constitute a valid means by which a stockholder may grant such authority:
(a) A stockholder may execute a writing authorizing another person or other persons to act for such stockholder as proxy. Execution may be accomplished by the stockholder or such stockholders authorized officer, director, employee or agent signing such writing or causing such stockholders signature to be affixed to such writing by any reasonable means, including, but not limited to, by facsimile signature.
(b) A stockholder may authorize another person or other persons to act for such stockholder as proxy by transmitting or authorizing the transmission of a telegram or other means of electronic transmission to the person who will be the holder of the proxy or to a proxy solicitation firm, proxy support service organization or like agent duly authorized by the person who will be the holder of the proxy to receive such transmission, provided that any such telegram or other means of electronic transmission must either set forth or be submitted with information from which it can be determined that the telegram or other electronic transmission was authorized by the stockholder.
Any copy, facsimile telecommunication or other reliable reproduction of the writing or transmission authorizing another person or other persons to act as proxy for a stockholder may be substituted or used in lieu of the original writing or transmission for any and all purposes
2
for which the original writing or transmission could be used; provided, however, that such copy, facsimile telecommunication or other reproduction shall be a complete reproduction of the entire original writing or transmission.
Section 6. Voting. Except as otherwise required by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these By-Laws, at all meetings of the stockholders at which a quorum is present, the affirmative vote of the majority of shares present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote on the subject matter, voting as a single class, shall be the act of the stockholders in all matters other than the election of directors. Directors shall be elected by a plurality of the votes of the shares present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote on the election of directors, voting as a single class. The Board of Directors, in its discretion, or the officer of the Corporation presiding at a meeting of the stockholders, in his or her discretion, may require that any votes cast at such meeting shall be cast by written ballot..
Section 7. Nature of Business at Meetings of Stockholders. No business may be transacted at an annual meeting of stockholders, other than business that is either (a) specified in the notice of meeting (or any supplement thereto) given by or at the direction of the Board of Directors (or any duly authorized committee thereof), (b) otherwise properly brought before the annual meeting by or at the direction of the Board of Directors (or any duly authorized committee thereof) or (c) otherwise properly brought before the annual meeting by any stockholder of the Company (i) who is a stockholder of record on the date of the giving of the notice provided for in this Section 7 and on the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to vote at such annual meeting and (ii) who complies with the notice procedures set forth in this Section 7.
In addition to any other applicable requirements, for business to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a stockholder, such stockholder must have given timely notice thereof in proper written form to the Secretary of the Company.
To be timely, a stockholders notice to the Secretary must be delivered to or mailed and received at the principal executive offices of the Company not less than sixty (60) days nor more than ninety (90) days prior to the anniversary date of the immediately preceding annual meeting of stockholders; provided, however, that in the event that the annual meeting is called for a date that is not within thirty (30) days before or after such anniversary date, notice by the stockholder in order to be timely must be so received not later than the close of business on the tenth (10th) day following the day on which notice of the date of the annual meeting was mailed or public announcement of the date of the annual meeting was made, whichever first occurs. In no event shall the public announcement of an adjournment of an annual meeting commence a new time period for the giving of a stockholders notice as described above.
To be in proper written form, a stockholders notice to the Secretary must set forth as to each matter such stockholder proposes to bring before the annual meeting (i) a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the annual meeting and the reasons for conducting such business at the annual meeting, (ii) the name and record address of such
3
stockholder, (iii) the class or series and number of shares of capital stock of the Company which are owned beneficially or of record by such stockholder, (iv) a description of all arrangements or understandings between such stockholder and any other person or persons (including their names) in connection with the proposal of such business by such stockholder and any material interest of such stockholder in such business and (v) a representation that such stockholder intends to appear in person or by proxy at the annual meeting to bring such business before the meeting.
No business shall be conducted at the annual meeting of stockholders except business brought before the annual meeting in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 7, provided, however, that, once business has been properly brought before the annual meeting in accordance with such procedures, nothing in this Section 7 shall be deemed to preclude discussion by any stockholder of any such business. If the Chairman of an annual meeting determines that business was not properly brought before the annual meeting in accordance with the foregoing procedures, the Chairman shall declare to the meeting that the business was not properly brought before the meeting and such business shall not be transacted.
For purposes of this Section 7, public announcement shall mean an announcement in a press release reported by the Dow Jones News Service, Associated Press or comparable national news service or in a document publicly filed by the Corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Section 13, 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act).
Section 8. List of Stockholders Entitled to Vote. The officer of the Corporation who has charge of the stock ledger of the Corporation shall prepare and make, at least ten days before every meeting of stockholders, a complete list of the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting, arranged in alphabetical order, and showing the address of each stockholder and the number of shares registered in the name of each stockholder. Such list shall be open to the examination of any stockholder, for any purpose germane to the meeting, during ordinary business hours, for a period of at least ten (10) days prior to the meeting, either at a place within the city where the meeting is to be held, which place shall be specified in the notice of the meeting, or, if not so specified, at the place where the meeting is to be held. The list shall also be produced and kept at the time and place of the meeting during the whole time thereof, and may be inspected by any stockholder of the Corporation who is present.
Section 9. Stock Ledger. The stock ledger of the Corporation shall be the only evidence as to who are the stockholders entitled to examine the stock ledger, the list required by Section 8 of this Article II or the books of the Corporation, or to vote in person or by proxy at any meeting of stockholders.
Section 10. Record Date. In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of stockholders or any adjournment thereof, or entitled to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution or allotment of any rights, or entitled to exercise any rights in respect of any change, conversion or exchange of stock, or for the purpose of any other lawful action, the Board of Directors may fix a record
4
date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board of Directors and which record date (a) in the case of determination of stockholders entitled to vote at any meeting of stockholders or adjournment thereof, shall not be more than sixty (60) nor less than ten (10) days before the date of such meeting; and (b) in the case of any other action, shall not be more than sixty (60) days prior to such other action. If no record date is fixed: (x) the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall be at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which notice is given, or, if notice is waived, at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which the meeting is held; and (y) the record date for determining stockholders for any other purpose shall be at the close of business on the day on which the Board of Directors adopts the resolution relating thereto. A determination of stockholders of record entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall apply to any adjournment of the meeting; provided, however, that the Board of Directors may fix a new record date for the adjourned meeting.
Section 11. Inspectors of Election. In advance of any meeting of stockholders, the Board by resolution or the Chairman or President shall appoint one or more inspectors of election to act at the meeting and make a written report thereof. One or more other persons may be designated as alternate inspectors to replace any inspector who fails to act. If no inspector or alternate is present, ready and willing to act at a meeting of stockholders, the Chairman of the meeting shall appoint one or more inspectors to act at the meeting. Unless otherwise required by law, inspectors may be officers, employees or agents of the Corporation. Each inspector, before entering upon the discharge of his or her duties, shall take and sign an oath faithfully to execute the duties of inspector with strict impartiality and according to the best of his or her ability. The inspector shall have the duties prescribed by law and shall take charge of the polls and, when the vote is completed, shall make a certificate of the result of the vote taken and of such other facts as may be required by law.
ARTICLE III
DIRECTORS
Section 1. The Board of Directors shall consist of not less than three nor more than twelve members, the exact numbers of which shall be determined from time to time by resolution adopted by the Board of Directors. Except as provided in Section 3 of this Article III and notwithstanding Section 6 of Article II, directors shall be elected by the stockholders at the annual meetings of stockholders, and at each election the persons receiving the greatest number of votes, up to the number of directors then to be elected, shall be the persons then elected. Each director so elected shall hold office until such directors successor is duly elected and qualified, or until such directors death, or until such directors earlier resignation or remove. Directors need not be stockholders.
Section 2. Nomination of Directors. Only persons who are nominated in accordance with the following procedures shall be eligible for election as directors of the Company, except as may be otherwise provided in the Certificate of Incorporation with respect to the right of holders of preferred stock of the Corporation to nominate and elect a specified number of directors in certain circumstances. Nominations of persons for election to
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the Board of Directors may be made at any annual meeting of stockholders, or at any special meeting of stockholders called for the purpose of electing directors, (a) by or at the direction of the Board of Directors (or any duly authorized committee thereof) or (b) by any stockholder of the Company (i) who is a stockholder of record on the date of the giving of the notice provided for in this Section 2 and on the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to vote at such meeting and (ii) who complies with the notice procedures set forth in this Section 2.
In addition to any other applicable requirements, for a nomination to be made by a stockholder, such stockholder must have given timely notice thereof in proper written form to the Secretary of the Company.
To be timely, a stockholders notice to the Secretary must be delivered to or mailed and received at the principal executive offices of the Company (a) in the case of an annual meeting, not less than sixty (60) days nor more than ninety (90) days prior to the anniversary date of the immediately preceding annual meeting of stockholders; provided, however, that in the event that the annual meeting is called for a date that is not within thirty (30) days before or after such anniversary date, notice by the stockholder in order to be timely must be so received not later than the close of business on the tenth (10th) day following the day on which notice of the date of the annual meeting was mailed or public announcement of the date of the annual meeting was made, whichever first occurs, and (b) in the case of a special meeting of stockholders called for the purpose of electing directors, not later than the close of business on the tenth (10th) day following the day on which notice of the date of the special meeting was mailed or public announcement of the date of the special meeting was made, whichever first occurs. In no event shall the public announcement of an adjournment of an annual meeting commence a new time period for the giving of a stockholders notice as described above.
To be in proper written form, a stockholders notice to the Secretary must set forth (a) as to each person whom the stockholder proposes to nominate for election as a director (i) the name, age, business address and residence address of such person, (ii) the principal occupation or employment of such person, (iii) the class or series and number of shares of capital stock of the Company which are owned beneficially or of record by such person and (iv) any other information relating to such person that would be required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or other filings required to be made in connection with solicitations of proxies for election of directors pursuant to Section 14 of the Exchange Act, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder; and (b) as to the stockholder giving the notice (i) the name and record address of such stockholder, (ii) the class or series and number of shares of capital stock of the Company which are owned beneficially or of record by such stockholder, (iii) a description of all arrangements or understandings between such stockholder and each proposed nominee and any other person or persons (including their names) pursuant to which the nomination(s) are to be made by such stockholder, (iv) a representation that such stockholder intends to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting to nominate the persons named in its notice and (v) any other information relating to such stockholder that would be required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or other filings
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required to be made in connection with solicitations of proxies for election of directors pursuant to Section 14 of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. Such notice must be accompanied by a written consent of each proposed nominee to being named as a nominee and to serve as a director if elected.
No person shall be eligible for election as a director of the Company unless nominated in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 2. If the Chairman of the meeting determines that a nomination was not made in accordance with the foregoing procedures, the Chairman shall declare to the meeting that the nomination was defective and such defective nomination shall be disregarded.
For purposes of this Section 2, public announcement shall mean an announcement in a press release reported by the Dow Jones News Service, Associated Press or comparable national news service or in a document publicly filed by the Corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Section 13, 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act.
Section 3. Vacancies. Subject to the terms of any one or more classes or series of preferred stock, any vacancy on the Board of Directors that results from an increase in the number of directors may be filled by a majority of the directors then in office, provided that a quorum is present, and any other vacancy occurring on the Board of Directors may be filled by a majority of the Board of Directors then in office, even if less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director. Notwithstanding the foregoing, whenever the holders of any one or more class or classes or series of preferred stock of the Corporation shall have the right, voting separately as a class, to elect directors at an annual or special meeting of stockholders, the election, term of office, filling of vacancies and other features of such directorships shall be governed by the Certificate of Incorporation.
Section 4. Duties and Powers. The business of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board of Directors which may exercise all such powers of the Corporation and do all such lawful acts and things as are not by statute or by the Certificate of Incorporation or by these By-Laws required to be exercised or done by the stockholders.
Section 5. Organization. At each meeting of the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, or, in his or her absence, a director chosen by a majority of the directors present, shall act as Chairman. The Secretary of the Corporation shall act as Secretary at each meeting of the Board of Directors. In case the Secretary shall be absent from any meeting of the Board of Directors, an Assistant Secretary shall perform the duties of Secretary at such meeting; and in the absence from any such meeting of the Secretary and all the Assistant Secretaries, the Chairman of the meeting may appoint any person to act as Secretary of the meeting.
Section 6. Resignations and Removals of Directors. Any director of the Corporation may resign at any time, by giving written notice to the Chairman of the Board of Directors, the President or the Secretary of the Corporation. Such resignation shall take effect at the time therein specified or, if no time is specified, immediately; and, unless otherwise
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specified in such notice, the acceptance of such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective. Except as otherwise required by law and subject to the rights, if any, of the holders of shares of preferred stock then outstanding, any director or the entire Board of Directors may be removed from office at any time, but only for cause, and only by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority in voting power of the issued and outstanding capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote in the election of directors.
Section 7. Meetings. The Board of Directors of the Corporation may hold meetings, both regular and special, either within or without the State of Delaware. Regular meetings of the Board of Directors may be held at such time and at such place as may from time to time be determined by the Board of Directors and, unless required by resolution of the Board of Directors, without notice. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by the Chairman of the Board of Directors, the Vice Chairman, if there be one, or a majority of the directors then in office. Notice thereof stating the place, date and hour of the meeting shall be given to each director either by mail not less than forty-eight (48) hours before the date of the meeting, by telephone, facsimile or telegram on twenty-four (24) hours notice, or on such shorter notice as the person or persons calling such meeting may deem necessary or appropriate in the circumstances.
Section 8. Quorum. Except as may be otherwise required by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these By-Laws, at all meetings of the Board of Directors, a majority of the entire Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business and the act of a majority of the directors present at any meeting at which there is a quorum shall be the act of the Board of Directors. If a quorum shall not be present at any meeting of the Board of Directors, the directors present thereat may adjourn the meeting from time to time, without notice other than announcement at the meeting of the time and place of the adjourned meeting, until a quorum shall be present.
Section 9. Actions of Board. Unless otherwise provided by the Certificate of Incorporation or these By-Laws, any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors or of any committee thereof may be taken without a meeting, if all the members of the Board of Directors or committee, as the case may be, consent thereto in writing, and the writing or writings are filed with the minutes of proceedings of the Board of Directors or committee.
Section 10. Meetings by Means of Conference Telephone. Unless otherwise provided by the Certificate of Incorporation or these By-Laws, members of the Board of Directors of the Corporation, or any committee designated by the Board of Directors, may participate in a meeting of the Board of Directors or such committee by means of a conference telephone or similar communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other, and participation in a meeting pursuant to this Section 10 shall constitute presence in person at such meeting.
Section 11. Committees. The Board of Directors may, by resolution passed by a majority of the entire Board of Directors, designate one or more committees, each committee to consist of one or more of the directors of the Corporation. The Board of Directors may
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designate one or more directors as alternate members of any committee, who may replace any absent or disqualified member at any meeting of any such committee. In the absence or disqualification of a member of a committee, and in the absence of a designation by the Board of Directors of an alternate member to replace the absent or disqualified member, the member or members thereof present at any meeting and not disqualified from voting, whether or not he or they constitute a quorum, may unanimously appoint another member of the Board of Directors to act at the meeting in the place of any absent or disqualified member. Any committee, to the extent permitted by law and provided in the resolution establishing such committee, shall have and may exercise all the powers and authority of the Board of Directors in the management of the business and affairs of the Corporation. Each committee shall keep regular minutes and report to the Board of Directors when required.
Section 12. Compensation. The directors may be paid their expenses, if any, of attendance at each meeting of the Board of Directors and may be paid a fixed sum for attendance at each meeting of the Board of Directors or a stated salary, or such other emoluments as the Board of Directors shall from time to time determine. No such payment shall preclude any director from serving the Corporation in any other capacity and receiving compensation therefor. Members of special or standing committees may be allowed like compensation for attending committee meetings.
Section 13. Interested Directors. No contract or transaction between the Corporation and one or more of its directors or officers, or between the Corporation and any other corporation, partnership, association, or other organization in which one or more of its directors or officers are directors or officers, or have a financial interest, shall be void or voidable solely for this reason, or solely because the director or officer is present at or participates in the meeting of the Board of Directors or committee thereof which authorizes the contract or transaction, or solely because such persons or their votes are counted for such purpose if (i) the material facts as to such persons or their relationship or interest and as to the contract or transaction are disclosed or are known to the Board of Directors or the committee, and the Board of Directors or committee in good faith authorizes the contract or transaction by the affirmative votes of a majority of the disinterested directors, even though the disinterested directors be less than a quorum; or (ii) the material facts as to such persons or their relationship or interest and as to the contract or transaction are disclosed or are known to the stockholders entitled to vote thereon, and the contract or transaction is specifically approved in good faith by vote of the stockholders; or (iii) the contract or transaction is fair as to the Corporation as of the time it is authorized, approved or ratified, by the Board of Directors, a committee thereof or the stockholders. Common or interested directors may be counted in determining the presence of a quorum at a meeting of the Board of Directors or of a committee which authorizes the contract or transaction.
ARTICLE IV
OFFICERS
Section 1. General. The officers of the Corporation shall be chosen by the Board of Directors and shall be a President, a Secretary and a Treasurer. The Board of Directors, in its discretion, may also choose a Chairman of the Board of Directors (who must be a director)
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and one or more Vice Presidents, Assistant Secretaries, Assistant Treasurers and other officers. Any number of offices may be held by the same person, unless otherwise prohibited by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these By-Laws. The officers of the Corporation need not be stockholders of the Corporation nor, except in the case of the Chairman of the Board of Directors, need such officers be directors of the Corporation.
Section 2. Election. The Board of Directors at its first meeting held after each Annual Meeting of Stockholders shall elect the officers of the Corporation who shall hold their offices for such terms and shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as shall be determined from time to time by the Board of Directors; and all officers of the Corporation shall hold office until their successors are chosen and qualified, or until their earlier resignation or removal. Any officer elected by the Board of Directors may be removed at any time by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Board of Directors. Any vacancy occurring in any office of the Corporation shall be filled by the Board of Directors. The salaries of all officers of the Corporation shall be fixed by the Board of Directors.
Section 3. Voting Securities Owned by the Corporation. Powers of attorney, proxies, waivers of notice of meeting, consents and other instruments relating to securities owned by the Corporation may be executed in the name of and on behalf of the Corporation by the President or any Vice President and any such officer may, in the name of and on behalf of the Corporation, take all such action as any such officer may deem advisable to vote in person or by proxy at any meeting of security holders of any corporation in which the Corporation may own securities and at any such meeting shall possess and may exercise any and all rights and power incident to the ownership of such securities and which, as the owner thereof, the Corporation might have exercised and possessed if present. The Board of Directors may, by resolution, from time to time confer like powers upon any other person or persons.
Section 4. Chairman of the Board of Directors. The Chairman of the Board of Directors, if there be one, shall preside at all meetings of the stockholders and of the Board of Directors. Except where by law the signature of the President is required, the Chairman of the Board of Directors shall possess the same power as the President to sign all contracts, certificates and other instruments of the Corporation which may be authorized by the Board of Directors. During the absence or disability of the President, the Chairman of the Board of Directors shall exercise all the powers and discharge all the duties of the President. The Chairman of the Board of Directors shall also perform such other duties and may exercise such other powers as from time to time may be assigned to him or her by these By-Laws or by the Board of Directors.
Section 5. President. The President shall, subject to the control of the Board of Directors and, if there be one, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, have general supervision of the business of the Corporation and shall see that all orders and resolutions of the Board of Directors are carried into effect. The President shall execute all bonds, mortgages, contracts and other instruments of the Corporation requiring a seal, under the seal of the Corporation, except where required or permitted by law to be otherwise signed and executed and except that the other officers of the Corporation may sign and execute
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documents when so authorized by these By-Laws, the Board of Directors or the President. In the absence or disability of the Chairman of the Board of Directors, or if there be none, the President shall preside at all meetings of the stockholders and the Board of Directors. The President shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation. The President shall also perform such other duties and may exercise such other powers as from time to time may be assigned to him or her by these By-Laws or by the Board of Directors.
Section 6. Vice Presidents. At the request of the President or in his or her absence or in the event of his or her inability or refusal to act (and if there be no Chairman of the Board of Directors), the Vice President or the Vice Presidents if there is more than one (in the order designated by the Board of Directors) shall perform the duties of the President, and when so acting, shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the President. Each Vice President shall perform such other duties and have such other powers as the Board of Directors from time to time may prescribe. If there be no Chairman of the Board of Directors and no Vice President, the Board of Directors shall designate the officer of the Corporation who, in the absence of the President or in the event of the inability or refusal of the President to act, shall perform the duties of the President, and when so acting, shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the President.
Section 7. Secretary. The Secretary shall attend all meetings of the Board of Directors and all meetings of stockholders and record all the proceedings thereat in a book or books to be kept for that purpose; the Secretary shall also perform like duties for the standing committees when required. The Secretary shall give, or cause to be given, notice of all meetings of the stockholders and special meetings of the Board of Directors, and shall perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors or President, under whose supervision the Secretary shall be. If the Secretary shall be unable or shall refuse to cause to be given notice of all meetings of the stockholders and special meetings of the Board of Directors, and if there be no Assistant Secretary, then either the Board of Directors or the President may choose another officer to cause such notice to be given. The Secretary shall have custody of the seal of the Corporation and the Secretary or any Assistant Secretary, if there be one, shall have authority to affix the same to any instrument requiring it and when so affixed, it may be attested by the signature of the Secretary or by the signature of any such Assistant Secretary. The Board of Directors may give general authority to any other officer to affix the seal of the Corporation and to attest the affixing by his or her signature. The Secretary shall see that all books, reports, statements, certificates and other documents and records required by law to be kept or filed are properly kept or filed, as the case may be.
Section 8. Treasurer. The Treasurer shall have the custody of the corporate funds and securities and shall keep full and accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements in books belonging to the Corporation and shall deposit all moneys and other valuable effects in the name and to the credit of the Corporation in such depositories as may be designated by the Board of Directors. The Treasurer shall disburse the funds of the Corporation as may be ordered by the Board of Directors, taking proper vouchers for such disbursements, and shall render to the President and the Board of Directors, at its regular meetings, or when the Board of Directors so requires, an account of all transactions as Treasurer and of the financial
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condition of the Corporation. If required by the Board of Directors, the Treasurer shall give the Corporation a bond in such sum and with such surety or sureties as shall be satisfactory to the Board of Directors for the faithful performance of the duties of the office of Treasurer and for the restoration to the Corporation, in case of the Treasurers death, resignation, retirement or removal from office, of all books, papers, vouchers, money and other property of whatever kind in the Treasurers possession or under control of the Treasurer belonging to the Corporation.
Section 9. Assistant Secretaries. Except as may be otherwise provided in these By-Laws, Assistant Secretaries, if there be any, shall perform such duties and have such powers as from time to time may be assigned to them by the Board of Directors, the President, any Vice President, if there be one, or the Secretary, and in the absence of the Secretary or in the event of his or her disability or refusal to act, shall perform the duties of the Secretary, and when so acting, shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the Secretary.
Section 10. Assistant Treasurers. Assistant Treasurers, if there be any, shall perform such duties and have such powers as from time to time may be assigned to them by the Board of Directors, the President, any Vice President, if there be one, or the Treasurer, and in the absence of the Treasurer or in the event of the Treasurers disability or refusal to act, shall perform the duties of the Treasurer, and when so acting, shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the Treasurer. If required by the Board of Directors, an Assistant Treasurer shall give the Corporation a bond in such sum and with such surety or sureties as shall be satisfactory to the Board of Directors for the faithful performance of the duties of the office of Assistant Treasurer and for the restoration to the Corporation, in case of the Assistant Treasurers death, resignation, retirement or removal from office, of all books, papers, vouchers, money and other property of whatever kind in the Assistant Treasurers possession or under control of the Assistant Treasurer belonging to the Corporation.
Section 11. Other Officers. Such other officers as the Board of Directors may choose shall perform such duties and have such powers as from time to time may be assigned to them by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may delegate to any other officer of the Corporation the power to choose such other officers and to prescribe their respective duties and powers.
ARTICLE V
STOCK
Section 1. Form of Certificates. The certificates representing shares of all classes or series of Stock of the Corporation shall be in such form or forms as shall be approved by the Board of Directors, or the Corporations stock may be represented by uncertificated shares. In the case of certificated shares, the Corporation shall deliver certificates representing shares to the stockholders of the Corporation entitled thereto. Certificates representing such certificated shares shall be signed by the Chairman of the Board, the Vice Chairman of the Board, the President or the Vice President and either the Treasurer, Chief Finance Officer, the Assistant Treasurer, the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary and may, but shall not be required
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to, bear the seal of the Corporation or a facsimile thereof. The signatures of such officers upon the certificate may be facsimiles. In the event the original or facsimile signature on a certificate is of an officer who has ceased to be an officer before such certificate is issued, it may be issued by the Corporation with the same effect as if such person were such officer at the date of its issuance.
Section 2. Signatures. Any or all of the signatures on a certificate may be a facsimile. In case any officer, transfer agent or registrar who has signed or whose facsimile signature has been placed upon a certificate shall have ceased to be such officer, transfer agent or registrar before such certificate is issued, it may be issued by the Corporation with the same effect as if such person were such officer, transfer agent or registrar at the date of issue.
Section 3. Lost, Destroyed, Stolen or Mutilated Certificates. The Board of Directors may direct a new certificate to be issued in place of any certificate theretofore issued by the Corporation alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the person claiming the certificate of stock to be lost, stolen or destroyed. When authorizing such issue of a new certificate, the Board of Directors may, in its discretion and as a condition precedent to the issuance thereof, require the owner of such lost, stolen or destroyed certificate, or such persons legal representative, to advertise the same in such manner as the Board of Directors shall require and/or to give the Corporation a bond in such sum as it may direct as indemnity against any claim that may be made against the Corporation with respect to the certificate alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed.
Section 4. Transfers. Stock of the Corporation shall be transferable in the manner prescribed by law and in these By-Laws. Transfers of stock shall be made on the books of the Corporation only by the person named in the certificate or by such persons attorney lawfully constituted in writing and upon the surrender of the certificate therefor, properly endorsed for transfer and payment of all necessary transfer taxes; provided, however, that such surrender and endorsement or payment of taxes shall not be required in any case in which the officers of the Corporation shall determine to waive such requirement. Every certificate exchanged, returned or surrendered to the Corporation shall be marked Cancelled, with the date of cancellation, by the Secretary or Assistant Secretary of the Corporation or the transfer agent thereof. No transfer of stock shall be valid as against the Corporation for any purpose until it shall have been entered in the stock records of the Corporation by an entry showing from and to whom transferred.
Section 5. Transfer and Registry Agents. The Corporation may from time to time maintain one or more transfer offices or agencies and registry offices or agencies at such place or places as may be determined from time to time by the Board of Directors.
Section 6. Beneficial Owners. The Corporation shall be entitled to recognize the exclusive right of a person registered on its books as the owner of shares to receive dividends, and to vote as such owner, and to hold liable for calls and assessments a person registered on its books as the owner of shares, and shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in such share or shares on the part of any other person, whether or not it shall have express or other notice thereof, except as otherwise provided by law.
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ARTICLE VI
NOTICES
Section 1. Notices. Whenever written notice is required by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these By-Laws, to be given to any director, member of a committee or stockholder, such notice may be given by mail, addressed to such director, member of a committee or stockholder, at such persons address as it appears on the records of the Corporation, with postage thereon prepaid, and such notice shall be deemed to be given at the time when the same shall be deposited in the United States mail. Written notice may also be given personally or by telegram, facsimile, telex or cable.
Section 2. Waivers of Notice.
(a) Whenever any notice is required by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these By-Laws, to be given to any director, member of a committee or stockholder, a waiver thereof in writing, signed, by the person or persons entitled to such notice, whether before or after the time stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent to notice. Attendance of a person at a meeting, present by person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except where the person attends the meeting for the express purpose of objecting at the beginning of the meeting to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened.
(b) Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any regular or special meeting of the stockholders, directors or members of a committee of directors need be specified in any written waiver of notice unless so required by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these By-Laws.
ARTICLE VII
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 1. Dividends. Subject to the requirements of the Delaware General Corporation Law and the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation, dividends upon the capital stock of the Corporation may be declared by the Board of Directors at any regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors, and may be paid in cash, in property, or in shares of the Corporations capital stock. Before payment of any dividend, there may be set aside out of any funds of the Corporation available for dividends such sum or sums as the Board of Directors from time to time, in its absolute discretion, deems proper as a reserve or reserves to meet contingencies, or for purchasing any of the shares of capital stock, warrants, rights, options, bonds, debentures, notes, scrip or other securities or evidences of indebtedness of the Corporation, or for equalizing dividends, or for repairing or maintaining any property of the Corporation, or for any other proper purpose, and the Board of Directors may modify or abolish any such reserve.
Section 2. Disbursements. All checks or demands for money and notes of the Corporation shall be signed by such officer or officers or such other person or persons as the Board of Directors may from time to time designate.
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Section 3. Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the Corporation shall be fixed by resolution of the Board of Directors.
Section 4. Corporate Seal. The corporate seal shall have inscribed thereon the name of the Corporation, the year of its organization and the words Corporate Seal, Delaware. The seal may be used by causing it or a facsimile thereof to be impressed or affixed or reproduced or otherwise.
ARTICLE VIII
INDEMNIFICATION
Section 1. Power to Indemnify in Actions, Suits or Proceedings Other than Those by or in the Right of the Corporation. Subject to Section 3 of this Article VIII, the Corporation shall indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the Corporation) by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director or officer of the Corporation, or is or was a director or officer of the Corporation serving at the request of the Corporation as a director or officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if such person acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, such person had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. The termination of any action, suit or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not, of itself, create a presumption that such person did not act in good faith and in a manner which such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was unlawful.
Section 2. Power to Indemnify in Actions, Suits or Proceedings by or in the Right of the Corporation. Subject to Section 3 of this Article VIII, the Corporation shall indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of the Corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director or officer of the Corporation, or is or was a director or officer of the Corporation serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit if such person acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation; except that no indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the Corporation unless and only to the extent that the Court of Chancery or the court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view
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of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the Court of Chancery or such other court shall deem proper.
Section 3. Authorization of Indemnification. Any indemnification under this Article VIII (unless ordered by a court) shall be made by the Corporation only as authorized in the specific case upon a determination that indemnification of the director or officer is proper in the circumstances because such person has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in Section 1 or Section 2 of this Article VIII, as the case may be. Such determination shall be made (i) by a majority vote of the directors who are not parties to such action, suit or proceeding, even though less than a quorum, or (ii) if there are no such directors, or if such directors so direct, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion, or (iii) by the stockholders. To the extent, however, that a director or officer of the Corporation has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any action, suit or proceeding described above, or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, such person shall be indemnified against expenses (including attorneys fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection therewith, without the necessity of authorization in the specific case.
Section 4. Good Faith Defined. For purposes of any determination under Section 3 of this Article VIII, a person shall be deemed to have acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation, or, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, to have had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful, if such persons action is based on the records or books of account of the Corporation or another enterprise, or on information supplied to such person by the officers of the Corporation or another enterprise in the course of their duties, or on the advice of legal counsel for the Corporation or another enterprise or on information or records given or reports made to the Corporation or another enterprise by an independent certified public accountant or by an appraiser or other expert selected with reasonable care by the Corporation or another enterprise. The term another enterprise as used in this Section 4 shall mean any other corporation or any partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise of which such person is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent. The provisions of this Section 4 shall not be deemed to be exclusive or to limit in any way the circumstances in which a person may be deemed to have met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in Section 1 or 2 of this Article VIII, as the case may be.
Section 5. Indemnification by a Court. Notwithstanding any contrary determination in the specific case under Section 3 of this Article VIII, and notwithstanding the absence of any determination thereunder, any director or officer may apply to the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware or any other court of competent jurisdiction in the State of Delaware for indemnification to the extent otherwise permissible under Sections 1 and 2 of this Article VIII. The basis of such indemnification by a court shall be a determination by such court that indemnification of the director or officer is proper in the circumstances because such person has met the applicable standards of conduct set forth in Section 1 or 2 of this Article VIII, as the case may be. Neither a contrary determination in the specific case under Section 3 of this Article VIII nor the absence of any determination thereunder shall be a
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defense to such application or create a presumption that the director or officer seeking indemnification has not met any applicable standard of conduct. Notice of any application for indemnification pursuant to this Section 5 shall be given to the Corporation promptly upon the filing of such application. If successful, in whole or in part, the director or officer seeking indemnification shall also be entitled to be paid the expense of prosecuting such application.
Section 6. Expenses Payable in Advance. Expenses incurred by a director or officer in defending or investigating a threatened or pending action, suit or proceeding shall be paid by the Corporation in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such director or officer to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that such person is not entitled to be indemnified by the Corporation as authorized in this Article VIII.
Section 7. Nonexclusivity of Indemnification and Advancement of Expenses. The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by or granted pursuant to this Article VIII shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking indemnification or advancement of expenses may be entitled under the Certificate of Incorporation or any By-Law, agreement, contract, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or pursuant to the direction (howsoever embodied) of any court of competent jurisdiction or otherwise, both as to action in such persons official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding such office, it being the policy of the Corporation that indemnification of the persons specified in Section 1 and 2 of this Article VIII shall be made to the fullest extent permitted by law. The provisions of this Article VIII shall not be deemed to preclude the indemnification of any person who is not specified in Section 1 or 2 of this Article VIII but whom the Corporation has the power or obligation to indemnify under the provisions of the GCL, or otherwise.
Section 8. Insurance. The Corporation may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director or officer of the Corporation, or is or was a director or officer of the Corporation serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise against any liability asserted against such person and incurred by such person in any such capacity, or arising out of such persons status as such, whether or not the Corporation would have the power or the obligation to indemnify such person against such liability under the provisions of this Article VIII.
Section 9. Certain Definitions. For purposes of this Article VIII, references to the Corporation shall include, in addition to the resulting corporation, any constituent corporation (including any constituent of a constituent) absorbed in a consolidation or merger which, if its separate existence had continued, would have had power and authority to indemnify its directors or officers, so that any person who is or was a director or officer of such constituent corporation, or is or was a director or officer of such constituent corporation serving at the request of such constituent corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise, shall stand in the same position under the provisions of this Article VIII with respect to the resulting or surviving corporation as such person would have with respect to
17
such constituent corporation if its separate existence had continued. For purposes of this Article VIII, references to fines shall include any excise taxes assessed on a person with respect to an employee benefit plan; and references to serving at the request of the Corporation shall include any service as a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation which imposes duties on, or involves services by, such director or officer with respect to an employee benefit plan, its participants or beneficiaries; and a person who acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in the interest of the participants and beneficiaries of an employee benefit plan shall be deemed to have acted in a manner not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation as referred to in this Article VIII.
Section 10. Survival of Indemnification and Advancement of Expenses. The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by, or granted pursuant to, this Article VIII shall, unless otherwise provided when authorized or ratified, continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director or officer and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such a person.
Section 11. Limitation on Indemnification. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Article VIII to the contrary, except for proceedings to enforce rights to indemnification (which shall be governed by Section 5 hereof), the Corporation shall not be obligated to indemnify any director or officer (or his or her heirs, executors or personal or legal representatives) or advance expenses in connection with a proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such person unless such proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized or consented to by the Board of Directors of the Corporation.
Section 12. Indemnification of Employees and Agents. The Corporation may, to the extent authorized from time to time by the Board of Directors, provide rights to indemnification and to the advancement of expenses to employees and agents of the Corporation similar to those conferred in this Article VIII to directors and officers of the Corporation.
ARTICLE IX
AMENDMENTS, ETC.
Section 1. Amendments. These By-Laws may be altered, amended or repealed, in whole or in part, or new By-Laws may be adopted by the Board of Directors or by the stockholders as provided in the Certificate of Incorporation.
Section 2. Entire Board of Directors. As used in these By-Laws, the term entire Board of Directors means the total number of directors which the Corporation would have if there were no vacancies.
18
|
EMPLOYEES NAME : CATHY HESSNER
CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT
This document constitutes a formal offer of employment.
Please read details carefully, then indicate your acceptance of this offer by signing, dating and returning this copy to me.
An additional copy for your retention is enclosed.
Date 13 th November 2002
1. | NAME OF PARTIES |
EMPLOYER: The Associated Octel Company Limited
EMPLOYEE: Cathy Hessner
2. | Your Job Title is: Director of Human Resources |
3. | Your Normal Place of Work will be: |
You will initially be employed at our Global House, Manchester location, but as a term of your employment you may also be required to work at or from any other of the Companys establishments. You may also be transferred or seconded between establishments when necessary as required by business needs. Whilst your Contract of Employment provides for such transfer or secondment the Company will give careful and sympathetic consideration to your personal circumstances and career interests. |
4. | REMUNERATION |
i) | Your basic salary will be £92,001 per annum paid monthly in advance by credit transfer. This will be reviewed on 1st March 2004 and every March thereafter. |
ii) | You will be entitled to participate in the Senior Management Bonus Plan. In your case, the target pay-out would be 40% of basic salary, subject to Company and personal performance. The Plan normally runs from 1 st January to 31 st December. |
5. | HOURS OF WORK |
The normal hours of work are 38 hours per week exclusive of lunch breaks. |
The Company reserves the right to vary starting and finishing times either on a temporary or continuous basis. Any permanent departure from the normal working week will be notified in writing. However, irregular variations in working hours undertaken in response to operational needs will not be formally notified. |
For senior managers, it is recognised that the nature of their roles will involve occasionally working extended hours, either during the working week or at weekends. This is accepted as a normal part of the working life of a global business and does not warrant either extra payment or time off in lieu. Where a specific business reason requires working on a public holiday, time off in lieu on a day to day basis may be granted by a member of the Octel Management Board. |
6. | COMPANY CAR |
You will be provided with a fully expensed Company car, including private fuel. You may take a cash equivalent in lieu of a car. Currently the allowance is £8850 per annum. Will you please advise Wendy Thomas in Human Resources at Ellesmere Port of your preferred option. |
7. | HOLIDAYS |
For a full year your holiday entitlement is 25 days per annum. The holiday year runs from 1st March to the last day in February the following year. |
2
Service Related Holidays |
You shall be entitled to additional holiday entitlement dependent upon completed years of continuous service with the Company on the last day of February prior to the holiday year concerned with the following scale: |
Completed Years Service |
Additional Holidays
|
|
5 |
1 day | |
10 |
1 day | |
15 |
1 day |
You must arrange the timing of your holidays with your manager so that adequate manning cover can be maintained. The minimum holiday that may be taken at any time shall normally be one full day. However, you may be permitted to take up to 10 half day holidays in any year, or to depart from the normal pattern of holidays described above, provided your manager is satisfied that such arrangement is in no way detrimental to operational needs or to the reasonable opportunity for other staff to take a holiday. |
The Company may, if necessary, nominate up to 1 day out of each years entitlement when holiday must be taken. This may be on a general or departmental basis and advance notice will be given wherever possible. Any holiday entitlement outstanding at the end of the holiday year will normally be forfeited. However, in exceptional circumstances approval to carry over part (5 days maximum) of the entitlement from one holiday year to the next may be granted by the appropriate Octel Management Board Member, on the recommendation of the Department Manager and HR Department. During the months of January and February each year, staff may bring forward up to 5 days entitlement from the ensuing holiday year, by agreement with their manager. |
8. | NOTICE |
The Company has the right to terminate your employment by giving you twelve months notice in writing. This will not apply in the event of gross misconduct. You are required to give the Company six months notice in writing of termination of employment. Written notice of termination addressed to your manager, may be given on any day and will begin from the start of the following day. Failure to give proper notice constitutes a breach of contractual obligations. |
The Company will normally require dismissed employees to terminate forthwith and may give pay in lieu of notice. Staff may, however, be summarily dismissed (i.e. without pay in lieu of notice) when the Company is satisfied that an individual is guilty of gross misconduct. |
Should the need arise for redundancies to be declared, the Company reserves the right to implement a system for selection based upon principles other than last-in, first-out. |
9. | HEALTHCARE BENEFITS |
You will be entitled to the following healthcare benefits: |
Group Accident Insurance |
You will be covered by the Companys Group Accident Insurance. The Companys Insurance Department will be writing to you giving details of the Scheme. |
Octel Healthcare Scheme |
You are entitled to membership at Company cost. The scheme covers yourself, your spouse and any children up to the age of 21, or 24 if still in full time education. This is a taxable benefit. |
3
10. | SICKNESS ABSENCE |
The Companys scheme entitles you to payment of salary in respect of any period of up to one months absence from work because of certified sickness or incapacity. |
11. | MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS |
Employees may be required to submit to medical examinations, including biological sampling, which are either statutorily required, or are considered by the Companys Medical Officer to be necessary in connection with their duties. |
Any other investigations will be conducted on a purely voluntary basis. |
Should an employee, at any time, have been in contact with a person suffering from an infectious disease, they should consult the Companys Medical Officer before returning to work. |
12. | PENSION |
The Company operates a defined contribution Group Personal Pension for the benefit of employees. |
Membership of this scheme is available to all UK employees up to the Companys normal retirement date. |
If you join the GPP, there are two categories available:- |
Category 1: Contributions of 5% of pensionable salary from employees and 5% from the Company. The Company will also match extra contributions from employees up to a maximum of 3% (up to age 35) and 5% (over the age of 35), dependent on Inland Revenue limits. |
Category 2: Contributions of 3% of basic salary from employees and 3% from the Company. |
In recognition of your seniority, the Company will also make an extra 4% payment into the Plan. |
13. | INVENTIONS |
If at any time whilst employed by the Company a member of staff should invent, discover or devise individually or jointly with another person(s) any invention, design or improvement (collectively called the invention), then the Companys and Employees rights to such invention(s) are governed by current patent legislation. |
The legislation provides for employee inventions whether patentable or not, made in the course of an individuals normal duties to belong to the Company. In such cases the employee must promptly disclose the invention to the Company. Inventions not connected with an employees work or duties belong exclusively to the employee. A further provision generally entitles employees to compensation when an invention they have made and which belongs to the Company is patented and that patent is of outstanding benefit to the Company. |
The Companys Patents Committee, in reviewing the particulars of employees inventions, will take due account of the statutory provisions relating to inventions, Patents and Trade Marks. If you need further guidance on this section please consult your manager. |
4
14. | SECRECY |
You must not make use of or disclose (either during the period of your employment by the Company or at any later date) any information concerning the business of the Company, which for the purpose of this paragraph means and includes any company or partnership subsidiary to or associated with it, or any of its customers except as may be necessary in the proper execution of your duties on behalf of the Company or with the prior written consent of the Company or to the extent that such information may be generally available to the public. |
15. | PERSONAL DATA |
Octel needs to keep information about you for purposes connected with your employment. The sort of information we will hold includes information for payroll purposes, references, contact names and addresses and other personal details relating to your career with us. Some of this information may also be processed by other organisations on our behalf. |
We believe these uses are consistent with the principles of the Data Protection Act 1998. The information we hold will be for our management and administrative use only but we may, from time to time, need to disclose some information we hold about you to relevant third parties (eg The Inland Revenue). We may also transfer information about you to another Octel company/location (which may be outside of the European Economic Area) solely for purposes connected with your career or the management of our business. You agree to us keeping the information for these purposes throughout your employment and following its termination. |
You also agree to us keeping information about your health for the purposes of compliance with our health and safety and occupational health obligations; considering how your health affects your ability to do your job and, if you are or become disabled, whether you require any reasonable adjustments to be made to assist you at work; or in relation to the administration of insurance, pension, sick pay and any other related benefits in force from time to time. |
You agree to us holding details of any unspent convictions that may affect your suitability for employment in addition to any other personal data we require to ensure compliance with our Equal Opportunities Policy (eg race and/or ethnic origin). |
16. | STOCK OPTION SCHEME |
The company operates a stock option scheme for certain executives. Options are awarded, normally each Spring, at the discretion of the Board. You will be eligible to participate in the plan. |
5
CONDITIONS OF THIS OFFER
This offer of employment is conditional upon the following conditions being met:
n | Your satisfactory completion of a Company medical examination. |
n | Receipt of 2 satisfactory references One of which must by your current/last employer. (We will not approach your current employer until you have given us permission to do so). |
n | Sight of your birth certificate and copies of qualification certificates for our records. |
n | Mutual agreement on a Starting date. |
Acceptance :
Please ensure you read this document and sign below to acknowledge receipt and acceptance of the proposed contract as the terms and conditions governing your employment with The Associated Octel Company Limited.
Signed: |
Date: | |||||
On behalf of the Company |
||||||
Signed: |
Date: |
6
|
EMPLOYEES NAME : Andrew Hartley
CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT
This document constitutes a formal offer of employment.
Please read details carefully, then indicate your acceptance of this offer by signing, dating and returning this copy to me.
An additional copy for your retention is enclosed.
23 rd July 2004
1. | NAME OF PARTIES |
EMPLOYER: | The Associated Octel Company Limited |
EMPLOYEE: | Andrew Hartley |
2. | Your Job Title is: Vice President and General Counsel |
3. | Your Normal Place of Work will be: Global House, Manchester |
You will initially be employed at our Global House, Manchester site, but as a term of your employment you may also be required to work at or from any other of the Companys establishments. You may also be transferred or seconded between establishments when necessary as required by business needs. Whilst your Contract of Employment provides for such transfer or secondment the Company will give careful and sympathetic consideration to your personal circumstances and career interests. |
4. | REMUNERATION |
i) | Your basic salary will be £90,000 per annum paid monthly in advance by credit transfer. This will be reviewed on 1st March 2006 and every March thereafter. |
ii) | You will be entitled to participate in the Senior Management Bonus Plan. In your case, the target pay-out would be 30% and up to 45% of basic salary, subject to Company and personal performance. The Plan normally runs from 1 st January to 31 st December. |
5. | HOURS OF WORK |
The normal hours of work are 38 hours per week exclusive of lunch breaks. |
The Company reserves the right to vary starting and finishing times either on a temporary or continuous basis. Any permanent departure from the normal working week will be notified in writing. However, irregular variations in working hours undertaken in response to operational needs will not be formally notified. |
For senior managers, it is recognised that the nature of their roles will involve occasionally working extended hours, either during the working week or at weekends. This is accepted as a normal part of the working life of a global business and does not warrant either extra payment or time off in lieu. Where a specific business reason requires working on a public holiday, time off in lieu on a day to day basis may be granted by a member of the Octel Management Board. |
6. | COMPANY CAR |
You will be provided with a fully expensed Company car, including private fuel. You may take a cash equivalent in lieu of a car. Currently the allowance is £8,850 per annum. Will you please advise Karen Magaharan in Human Resources of your preferred option. |
7. | HOLIDAYS |
For a full year your holiday entitlement is 25 days per annum. The holiday year runs from 1st March to the last day in February the following year. Should you start after the 1 st March your first holiday entitlement will be calculated on a pro rata basis. |
2
Service Related Holidays
You shall be entitled to additional holiday entitlement dependent upon completed years of continuous service with the Company on the last day of February prior to the holiday year concerned with the following scale: |
Completed Years Service |
Additional Holidays
|
|
5 |
1 day | |
10 |
1 day | |
15 |
1 day |
You must arrange the timing of your holidays with your manager so that adequate manning cover can be maintained. The minimum holiday that may be taken at any time shall normally be one full day. However, you may be permitted to take up to 10 half day holidays in any year, or to depart from the normal pattern of holidays described above, provided your manager is satisfied that such arrangement is in no way detrimental to operational needs or to the reasonable opportunity for other staff to take a holiday. |
The Company may, if necessary, nominate up to 1 day out of each years entitlement when holiday must be taken. This may be on a general or departmental basis and advance notice will be given wherever possible. Any holiday entitlement outstanding at the end of the holiday year will normally be forfeited. However, in exceptional circumstances approval to carry over part (5 days maximum) of the entitlement from one holiday year to the next may be granted by the appropriate CEOCOM Member, on the recommendation of the Department Manager and HR Department. During the months of January and February each year, staff may bring forward up to 5 days entitlement from the ensuing holiday year, by agreement with their manager. |
8. | NOTICE |
The Company has the right to terminate your employment by giving you twelve months notice in writing. This will not apply in the event of gross misconduct. You are required to give the Company six months notice in writing of termination of employment. Written notice of termination addressed to your manager, may be given on any day and will begin from the start of the following day. Failure to give proper notice constitutes a breach of contractual obligations. |
The Company will normally require dismissed employees to terminate forthwith. |
Should the need arise for redundancies to be declared, the Company reserves the right to implement a system for selection based upon principles other than last-in, first-out. |
9. | HEALTHCARE BENEFITS |
You will be entitled to the following healthcare benefits: |
Group Accident Insurance
You will be covered by the Companys Group Accident Insurance. The Companys Insurance Department will be writing to you giving details of the Scheme. |
Octel | Healthcare Scheme |
You are entitled to membership for your spouse as well as yourself at Company cost. This is a taxable benefit. The Company reserves the right to change the provider of the Sickness Provident Scheme. |
10. | SICKNESS ABSENCE |
The Companys scheme entitles you to payment of salary in respect of any period of up to one months absence from work because of certified sickness or incapacity. |
3
11. | MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS |
Employees may be required to submit to medical examinations, including biological sampling, which are either statutorily required, or are considered by the Companys Medical Officer to be necessary in connection with their duties. |
Any other investigations will be conducted on a purely voluntary basis. |
Should an employee, at any time, have been in contact with a person suffering from an infectious disease, they should consult the Companys Medical Officer before returning to work. |
12. | PENSION |
The Company operates a defined contribution Group Personal Pension for the benefit of employees. |
Membership of this scheme is available to all UK employees up to the Companys normal retirement date. |
If you join the GPP, there are two categories available:- |
Category 1: Contributions of 5% of pensionable salary from employees and 5% from the Company. The Company will also match extra contributions from employees up to a maximum of 3% (up to age 35) and 5% (over the age of 35), dependent on Inland Revenue limits. |
Category 2: Contributions of 3% of basic salary from employees and 3% from the Company. |
In recognition of your seniority, the Company will also make an extra 5% payment into the Plan. |
13. | INVENTIONS |
If at any time whilst employed by the Company a member of staff should invent, discover or devise individually or jointly with another person(s) any invention, design or improvement (collectively called the invention), then the Companys and Employees rights to such invention(s) are governed by current patent legislation. |
The legislation provides for employee inventions whether patentable or not, made in the course of an individuals normal duties to belong to the Company. In such cases the employee must promptly disclose the invention to the Company. Inventions not connected with an employees work or duties belong exclusively to the employee. A further provision generally entitles employees to compensation when an invention they have made and which belongs to the Company is patented and that patent is of outstanding benefit to the Company. |
The Companys Patents Committee, in reviewing the particulars of employees inventions, will take due account of the statutory provisions relating to inventions, Patents and Trade Marks. If you need further guidance on this section please consult your manager. |
14. | SECRECY |
You must not make use of or disclose (either during the period of your employment by the Company or at any later date) any information concerning the business of the Company, which for the purpose of this paragraph means and includes any company or partnership subsidiary to or associated with it, or any of its customers except as may be necessary in the proper execution of your duties on behalf of the Company or with the prior written consent of the Company or to the extent that such information may be generally available to the public. |
4
15. | PERSONAL DATA |
Octel needs to keep information about you for purposes connected with your employment. The sort of information we will hold includes information for payroll purposes, references, contact names and addresses and other personal details relating to your career with us. Some of this information may also be processed by other organisations on our behalf. |
We believe these uses are consistent with the principles of the Data Protection Act 1998. The information we hold will be for our management and administrative use only but we may, from time to time, need to disclose some information we hold about you to relevant third parties (eg The Inland Revenue). We may also transfer information about you to another Octel company/location (which may be outside of the European Economic Area) solely for purposes connected with your career or the management of our business. You agree to us keeping the information for these purposes throughout your employment and following its termination. |
You also agree to us keeping information about your health for the purposes of compliance with our health and safety and occupational health obligations; considering how your health affects your ability to do your job and, if you are or become disabled, whether you require any reasonable adjustments to be made to assist you at work; or in relation to the administration of insurance, pension, sick pay and any other related benefits in force from time to time. |
You agree to us holding details of any unspent convictions that may affect your suitability for employment in addition to any other personal data we require to ensure compliance with our Equal Opportunities Policy (eg race and/or ethnic origin). |
5
CONDITIONS OF THIS OFFER
This offer of employment is conditional upon the following conditions being met:
n | Your satisfactory completion of a Company medical examination. |
n | Receipt of 2 satisfactory references One of which must by your current/last employer. (We will not approach your current employer until you have given us permission to do so). |
n | Sight of your birth certificate and copies of qualification certificates for our records. |
n | Mutual agreement on a Starting date. |
Acceptance :
Please ensure you read this document and sign below to acknowledge receipt and acceptance of the proposed contract as the terms and conditions governing your employment with The Associated Octel Company Limited.
Signed: |
Date: | |||||
On behalf of the Company |
||||||
Signed: |
Date: |
6
Exhibit 12.1
EXHIBIT 12.1STATEMENT REGARDING COMPUTATION OF FINANCIAL RATIOS
(in millions, except share and per share data)
Exhibit 13.1
01
WERE NOT JUST
AN ADDITIVES COMPANY.
WERE THE
ADDITIVES COMPANY.
02
WERE ADDING MORE
TO MAKE LIFE BETTER.
TODAYS OCTEL IS A DYNAMIC SPECIALTY
CHEMICALS COMPANY WITH A CLEAR FOCUS ON
INTEGRATING PERFORMANCE ADDITIVES INTO
OUR CORE MARKETS.
WERE ADDING FOCUS ON OUR CUSTOMERS,
THEIR MARKETS, AND THEIR NEEDS.
WERE ADDING ALLIANCES AND ACQUISITIONS
TO BUILD A TRULY GLOBAL BUSINESS.
WERE CREATING NOVEL ADDITIVE SOLUTIONS
THAT INCREASE PERFORMANCE IN ALL
END-USE APPLICATIONS.
WERE OCTELAND WERE ADDING VALUE,
VITALITY, AND INNOVATION TO EVERYTHING WE DO.
03
04
05
06
SMARTER PERFORMANCE IN SPECIALTY SOLUTIONS
BUSINESS UNIT
Performance Chemicals
PRODUCT RANGES
Chelating Agents
Conductivity Improvers
Defoamers
Rheology Modifiers
Specialty Surfactants
Dispersants
Conditioning Agents
Emulsifiers
Thickeners
Waxes
Fragrances
Emollients
Performance Chemicals supplies a range of specialty additives to its main markets: personal care and cosmetics; household and industrial; and surface coatings. In 2004, the business flourished and grew as we enhanced our product portfolio with two acquisitions, followed by a third just after year end. New products saw high growth in the year. Now a truly global business, Octels Performance Chemicals products are making a difference across the US, Europe, and Asia-Pacific.
The key to better performance in performance chemicals? Listening to and understanding our customers, and providing innovative and practical solutions to their problems across a range of markets and applications.
2004 HIGHLIGHTS
| Acquired Leuna Polymer GmbH, Germany, manufacturer of specialist synthetic waxes and EVA co-polymers |
| Acquired Aroma & Fine Chemicals, UK, manufacturer of aroma chemicals including lilestralis, used in fabric softeners, soaps, and other personal care products |
| Agreed to acquire Finetex, USA, a high quality, technology-based business supplying specialty surfactants and emollients to industrial markets, including personal care and cosmetics |
07
08
09
10
SMARTER PERFORMANCE IN FUEL ADDITIVES
BUSINESS UNIT
Petroleum Specialties
PRODUCT RANGES
Detergents and Formulations
Conductivity Improvers
Combustion Improvers
Cold Flow Improvers
Cetane Number Improvers
Dispersants
Stabilisers
Lubricity Improvers
Antioxidants
Octane Enhancers
Dyes and Markers
Corrosion Inhibitors
Filter Regeneration Additives
Metal Deactivators
Benefiting from Octels experience and expertise in fuel additives, Petroleum Specialties has grown both organically and by acquisition over the last five years. With our diverse product range and worldwide reach, we are well positioned to meet the needs of our customers in a broad section of fuel markets: power and marine; refinery and performance specialties; heating; and diesel particulate filter systems.
Weve worked steadily through 2004 on integrating our acquisitions, as well as on refocusing our business organization on a regional basis. This has resulted in improved service to our global customers. In the US, the acquisition of full ownership of our former joint venture, Octel Starreon, gives us a strong and wide base from which to further develop our American business.
2004 HIGHLIGHTS
| Acquired remaining 50 percent of Octel Starreon, and enjoyed a record year for this former joint venture |
| Developed a new three-regional structure |
| Bolstered growth in Asia Pacific through enterprising business partnerships |
| Gained a reliable quality supply of cold flow additives for our European business through Octels acquisition of Leuna Polymer |
11
12
13
14
SMARTER PERFORMANCE IN PRODUCT STEWARDSHIP
BUSINESS UNIT
Lead Alkyls
PRODUCT RANGES
Octane Enhancer - Tetraethyl Lead (TEL)
Historically the companys core product, tetraethyl lead (TEL) is the best performing octane enhancer for automotive and aviation gasoline, but cannot be used in gasoline for motor vehicles with catalytic converters. Octel continues to support the world phase-out program for TEL, working closely with customers to ensure responsible and safe supply of the product while it is still required. Through Octel Environmental, we manage the clean-up of redundant plants as refineries make the necessary transition.
The workforce at our manufacturing site joined hand in hand with our business team to meet with spirit the challenge of change. This year weve met production targets, matched the needs and requirements of customers in politically and economically sensitive areas of the world, and delivered an excellent performance in both product supply and redundant plant remediation.
2004 HIGHLIGHTS
| Maintained gross margin above 50 percent despite lower volumes |
| Deferred plant downsizing at Ellesmere Port into 2005 |
| Met all our customers needs through a politically challenging time |
15
LETTER TO SHAREHOLDERS
Dear Shareholders: Since Octels rebirth in 1998, the task of growing our specialty chemical businesswith a clear focus on performance additiveshas been our first priority. We believe this is the best way of growing shareholder value.
The success our company has enjoyed in achieving this goal can be attributed to three basic factors: strategically exploiting our technology and core competencies; developing trusting and fruitful partnerships with customers; and, most importantly, creating a company-wide environment that nurtures the dedication and commitment of employees throughout the world.
It should therefore be no surprise that our theme for this years Annual Report is Octels emergence as a true performance additive company. Indeed, TEL (tetraethyl lead), our original core business and star product, with its unique performance and gasoline enhancement properties, well may be regarded as the performance additive without equal. We are pleased to report that TEL had another excellent year. But demand for the product continues to phase out in our major markets. This, in turn, reinforces the need for us to establish critical mass in the specialty chemicals field.
And we have succeeded. Whereas 2003 was essentially a year of consolidation, 2004 marked a year of significant strides in the direction of specialty chemicals. We accomplished this with a twofold plan of organic growth and acquisitions.
In July, our purchase of the remaining 50 percent of our North American joint venture, Octel Starreon, set the stage for us to create a truly global fuel additives business within Petroleum Specialties. Throughout 2004 we completed the integration of previous acquisitions into this business, and now have a regionally-based organization that is adapted to meet our customers needs.
We also made two European acquisitions, purchasing Leuna Polymer in July, and Aroma & Fine Chemicals in August. Our busy summer was complemented by our agreement to purchase the American company Finetex; this transaction was completed in early 2005. Taken together, these three acquisitions have broadened and deepened our range of performance additives, and have also created a new strategic business unit for reporting purposes: Performance Chemicals.
We believe that this separation of our petroleum and non-petroleum specialties businesses will allow us to portray our activities with greater clarity; give shareholders a better understanding of our specialty chemicals business; and impart a real feel for how far weve come since our spin-off in 1998. At that time, our Specialty Chemicals business unit comprised a very small percent of our turnover, and the business was not profitable. Since then we have achieved respectable year-on-year growth. In 2004, the business grew 26 percent; since 1998, it has more than tripled.
16
Of course, a company such as ours requires vigilance across the board, both in financial and non-financial performance. So we continue to improve our non-financial performance in several sectors. We are particularly proud of Octels responsible approach to safety, health, and the environmentall areas of paramount concern. Our excellent safety record in 2004 reflects our having recorded no lost time accidents (LTAs) throughout the year. Our main manufacturing site in Ellesmere Port, UK, has achieved a record of three yearsand over three million man hourswithout an LTA. Our employees hard work and insistence on high standards in this area has earned us the UK Chemical Industries Association 2004 Responsible Care Award, as well as a third Gold Award from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents.
We continue to invest in training for our workforce, and in developing a partnership approach throughout a time of significant change. Our efforts were rewarded when we were honored to receive the CIA People Management Award for 2004. We are proud to be recognized in this way by our industry peers, and are fully conscious of the commitment invested by all our employees.
Regarding sustainable development, Octel is taking a prominent position in the UK chemical industry, and we are applying our principles across the company. Our Sustainable Development Report for 2004 builds on and supplements the Environment, Health, and Safety Report we have issued over the past four years, and will be made available to shareholders.
Looking ahead, we foresee a busy year of interesting challenges, sustained commitments, and increasing growth. We are confident in our employees ability to solve problems creatively, continue to improve performance, and add value through innovation. Our special thanks to them and to you, our shareholders, for supporting us in 2004.
|
|
|||
DENNIS J. KERRISON | ROBERT E. BEW | |||
PRESIDENT AND | CHAIRMAN | |||
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER |
17
18
19
20
2004
Financial Report
CONTENTS
Financial Highlights |
21 | |
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations |
22 | |
Managements Statement of Responsibility for Financial Statements |
38 | |
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm |
39 | |
Consolidated Statements of Income |
40 | |
Consolidated Balance Sheets |
41 | |
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows |
42 | |
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders Equity |
43 | |
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income |
43 | |
Notes on Consolidated Financial Statements |
44 | |
Quarterly Summary (unaudited) |
61 | |
Principal Subsidiaries |
62 | |
Board of Directors and Corporate Officers |
63 | |
Investor Information |
64 |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN MILLIONS EXCEPT PER SHARE FIGURES |
2004
(1)
|
2003
(1)(2
)
|
2002
(1)(2)
|
2001
|
2000
|
||||||||||
SUMMARY OF PERFORMANCE |
|||||||||||||||
Net sales |
$ | 480.5 | $ | 454.6 | $ | 441.0 | $ | 419.2 | $ | 422.4 | |||||
Impairment of TEL business goodwill (3) |
40.7 | | | | | ||||||||||
Operating income |
40.8 | 97.2 | 89.4 | 58.1 | 58.7 | ||||||||||
Costs of debt extinguishment |
| | | 17.1 | | ||||||||||
Income before income taxes and minority interest |
33.0 | 80.9 | 77.3 | 24.0 | 39.3 | ||||||||||
Minority interest |
1.9 | 4.3 | 3.0 | 4.2 | 3.6 | ||||||||||
Income taxes |
20.0 | 23.2 | 23.0 | 14.0 | 17.4 | ||||||||||
Income before share of affiliated company earnings |
|||||||||||||||
from continuing operations |
11.1 | 53.4 | 51.3 | 5.8 | 18.3 | ||||||||||
Net income |
6.2 | 51.8 | 52.1 | 5.6 | 18.3 | ||||||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities |
62.4 | 85.2 | 100.0 | 90.0 | 134.0 | ||||||||||
FINANCIAL POSITION AT YEAR END |
|||||||||||||||
Working capital |
60.4 | 67.8 | 41.0 | 68.1 | 87.2 | ||||||||||
Total assets |
790.6 | 741.6 | 747.8 | 788.7 | 700.8 | ||||||||||
Long-term debt (including current portion) |
124.3 | 104.6 | 159.2 | 231.0 | 210.0 | ||||||||||
Stockholders equity |
$ | 445.8 | $ | 430.2 | $ | 362.5 | $ | 290.4 | $ | 295.6 | |||||
FINANCIAL RATIOS |
|||||||||||||||
Net income as a percent of sales |
1.3 | 11.4 | 11.8 | 1.3 | 4.3 | ||||||||||
Effective income tax rate (4) |
64.3 | 30.3 | 31.0 | 70.7 | 48.8 | ||||||||||
Current ratio (5) |
1.2 | 1.6 | 0.9 | 1.0 | 1.4 | ||||||||||
SHARE DATA |
|||||||||||||||
Earnings per share |
|||||||||||||||
Basic |
0.50 | 4.34 | 4.41 | 0.48 | 1.46 | ||||||||||
Fully diluted |
0.48 | 4.13 | 4.15 | 0.45 | 1.41 | ||||||||||
Earnings per share from continuing operations |
|||||||||||||||
Basic |
0.90 | 4.48 | 4.34 | 0.49 | 1.46 | ||||||||||
Fully diluted |
0.85 | 4.25 | 4.09 | 0.46 | 1.41 | ||||||||||
Dividend paid per share |
0.12 | 0.05 | 0.05 | | | ||||||||||
Shares outstanding (basic, thousands) |
|||||||||||||||
At year end |
12,337 | 12,059 | 11,843 | 11,750 | 11,907 | ||||||||||
Average during year |
12,345 | 11,925 | 11,817 | 11,764 | 12,581 | ||||||||||
Stock price |
|||||||||||||||
High |
32.00 | 20.48 | 26.09 | 19.20 | 12.90 | ||||||||||
Low |
18.62 | 12.56 | 15.80 | 11.40 | 7.80 | ||||||||||
At year end |
20.81 | 19.69 | 15.80 | 18.00 | 11.50 |
(1) | From January 1, 2002, the amortization of goodwill ceased in accordance with FAS 142. |
(2) | 2003 and 2002 comparatives have been restated in order to reflect discontinued operations. |
(3) | See note 9 to the financial statements. |
(4) | Effective income tax rate is defined as Income taxes divided by Income before income taxes. |
(5) | Current ratio is defined as current assets divided by current liabilities. |
21
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION
AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
OVERVIEW
Octel Corp. (the Company) has three business segments for management purposes Lead Alkyls (TEL), Petroleum Specialties and Performance Chemicals. As a result of operational and economic similarities and due to the relative sizes of the businesses, Petroleum Specialties and Performance Chemicals have previously been aggregated for reporting purposes as the Specialty Chemicals business segment. However, following the acquisition of the remaining 50% of shares in Octel Starreon LLC in Petroleum Specialties, and the acquisitions of Leuna Polymer GmbH (Leuna) and Aroma & Fine Chemicals Limited (AFC) in Performance Chemicals in 2004, the Company has decided to separate out the two businesses in the former Specialty Chemicals segment for both internal and external reporting with effect from the fourth quarter of 2004. This more accurately reflects the way these businesses are now run. The Companys strategy is to maximize cash generation from the declining TEL business by consolidating the Companys position in the market and by rigorous management of the cost base. Funds generated by the TEL business will be used to pay down debt, to buy back shares and to invest in growing the Petroleum Specialties and Performance Chemicals businesses. Investment in these areas will be to stimulate organic growth in existing areas and to acquire new businesses.
TEL BUSINESS
TEL sales represented 50.7% of total sales in the year ended December 31, 2004. The principal product of the TEL business is the lead alkyl antiknock compound tetraethyl lead (TEL). The product was first developed in 1928 and introduced into the European market for internal combustion engines to boost octane levels in gasoline, allowing it to burn more efficiently and eliminating engine knock. It also acts as a lubricity aid, reducing engine wear. Worldwide use of TEL has declined since 1973 following the enactment of the Clean Air Act of 1970 in the USA and similar legislation in other countries, particularly in Europe. The trend away from use of leaded gasoline has resulted in a rate of volume decline in recent years in the range of 1025% per annum. The rate of volume decline experienced in 2004 was 15.5%. Management believes that a rate of decrease at the high end of this range will occur in 2005 and that TEL volumes will continue to decline year on year at a similar rate. When the market for leaded gasoline for use in automobile engines has ceased, a small volume will remain related to the use of TEL in aviation fuel.
In the TEL market, the Company sells principally to the retail refinery market, which comprises independent, state or major oil company owned refineries throughout the world. The TEL business competes with marketers of products and processes that provide alternative ways of enhancing octane performance in automotive gasoline. The Company is the largest marketer of TEL worldwide.
On October 1, 1998, after Octels spin-off from the Great Lakes Chemical Corporation (Great Lakes), the Company entered into sales and marketing agreements with Ethyl Corporation (Ethyl) to market and sell TEL in all areas of the world except North America and the European Economic Area for the period to December 31, 2009. The Company manufactures TEL and all marketing and sales effort is in the Octel name. The net proceeds are paid to Ethyl and Octel on an agreed formula, with Octel receiving 68% of the total. Octel supplies Ethyl on a wholesale price basis with TEL for resale to the customers in the United States under two separate long term supply agreements at prices adjusted annually through agreed formulae.
On November 9, 1999 the acquisition of the OBOAdler group was completed. Effective January 1, 2000 OBOAdler entered into sales and marketing agreements with Ethyl similar to those already in place between Octel and Ethyl.
On July 1, 2001 a marketing agreement was signed with Veritel Chemicals BV (Veritel). As Ethyl agreed to participate in this agreement, the only area excluded from the marketing agreements with Ethyl since this date has been North America. At the end of December 2001 the Company was notified, under the terms of the marketing supply and service agreements with Veritel, of a permanent source interruption in the supply of TEL from their supplier. This triggered phased payments to Veritel of $70 million of which 32% was recovered from Ethyl.
The Company continues to reduce the TEL cost base and manufacturing capacity in line with the decline in market demand. The German manufacturing site at Doberitz was closed in March 2002. Environmental remediation continues at the site. Demolition of the buildings is nearing completion and remediation of contaminated hot spots below ground will commence in 2005. In the fourth quarter of 2004 Octel reached agreement with the local and Federal authorities in Germany over the scope of the work
22
and the Companys liability, allowing the release of $6.4 million of the remediation provision carried in respect of that site. In 2002 the chlorine plant at Ellesmere Port was closed as the Company sought to purchase certain raw materials externally. The Company continues to review the costs of TEL manufacture at its one remaining TEL manufacturing site at Ellesmere Port in the UK. In the latest round of restructuring on that site that commenced in 2003, provision was made for the termination costs associated with the loss of 103 employees. By the end of 2004, 54 of these remained in employment due to the decision taken during 2004 to delay the reduction in the production capacity of TEL in the light of changed forecasts of market demand. These employees are expected to leave employment during 2005.
Effective January 1, 2002, the Company adopted FAS 142 and accordingly ceased amortizing goodwill and instead has performed an annual impairment review on the unamortized carrying value of goodwill of $269.1 million. At this time, the Company considered the transition provisions of FAS 141 and FAS 142 that required companies to disaggregate historical goodwill balances to the extent that information was available that enabled companies to first identify, and then accurately value, intangible assets. As a result of this exercise, management concluded that there were no other intangibles that met the conditions to be disaggregated from goodwill, as goodwill was the only intangible identified at the time of the spin-off from Great Lakes.
During 2002 and 2003, the goodwill impairment test was performed annually at December 31. Both these reviews showed that the fair value of the reporting unit based on after tax cash flows discounted at the Companys weighted average cost of capital exceeded the carrying value of TEL segment assets and, accordingly, no indicator of impairment existed and step 2 of the FAS 142 impairment test was not performed.
However, in light of the continuing decline in the TEL market globally, as the Company makes sales of TEL in each quarter, the remaining sales and corresponding cash flows that can be derived from the TEL business are reduced, and accordingly the fair value of the reporting unit is reduced. Based on our detailed forecast model, assumptions at December 31, 2003 indicated that the reduction in forecast future cash flows during 2004 would reduce the fair value of the reporting unit below the carrying value of TEL segment assets and, accordingly, there was likely to be a significant goodwill impairment charge during the year ended December 31, 2004. As a result the Company alerted the market and our shareholders to this fact and determined that quarterly impairment reviews be performed from January 1, 2004 and any impairment charge arising be recognized in the relevant quarter.
The value of the remaining cash flows from the TEL business segment is calculated at any review date by reference to the best available estimates for future revenues, gross margins, selling and administrative costs as well as the fixed and working capital requirements of the business. The resulting cash flows are then discounted and the total discounted cash flows of the TEL business are then allocated to the fair value of the assets and liabilities of the TEL business unit at that date. We use this information to derive an implied goodwill value, which is then compared to the carrying value to determine what impairment is needed.
Using this methodology and the assumptions underlying the detailed forecast model, it is possible to predict the pattern of likely future impairment charges of TEL business goodwill. However, although these future impairments are predictable, it is not appropriate to recognize them all immediately. This method reflects the relatively unique nature of the TEL business.
As a result of the reviews performed during 2004, an impairment charge of $40.7 million has been recognized in the year and management expects to incur a charge in subsequent years as the TEL market continues to decline. The current estimated impairment charge for 2005, 2006 and 2007 is $60.0 million, $34.0 million and $40.0 million, respectively. The increase in charge forecast for 2005 over that recognized in 2004 is primarily due to the fact that 2004 contained less than a full years charge as the fair value of TEL assets and liabilities only reduced to below the level of forecast discounted cash flows from TEL during the first quarter of 2004, combined with the expectation that the volume decline will be relatively high during 2005. The actual amount and timing of goodwill impairment and charges could differ significantly from the estimated charges due to the inherent nature of estimates and assumptions used in the forecast model. The impairment charge will continue to be reviewed quarterly in the light of developments in the TEL market.
PETROLEUM SPECIALTIES
Petroleum Specialties sales represented 36.3% of total net sales in 2004. The Petroleum Specialties business develops, produces and markets a range of specialty products, used as additives for fuels. The business supplies fuel additives for a wide range of end uses. These include refinery specialty products to improve operational efficiencies and product performance at the refinery, and additives for marine and power end uses as well as additives for domestic heating oil. The main customers are large oil and chemical companies. The business has grown through mergers and acquisitions. In 1999, Octel formed a joint venture with the Starreon Corporation to sell fuel additives in the USA. In 2001 the
23
Petroleum Specialties business segment acquired the Bycosin AB Group, the CP Manufacturing Group, CP3500 International Ltd, and the Gamlen Group.
In July 2004, the Company purchased the remaining 50.0% of shares in Octel Starreon LLC from the Starreon Corporation for a total consideration of $43.8 million.
Given the international scope of its operations, the Company is subject to laws of many different jurisdictions, including laws relating to the imposition of restrictions on trade and investment with various entities, persons and countries, some of which laws are conflicting. In 2004 the Company reviewed, as it does periodically, aspects of its operations in respect of such restrictions, and determined to dispose of certain non-core, non-US subsidiaries of Bycosin AB which had been engaged, since prior to the acquisition in 2001 of Bycosin AB by the Company, in transactions and activities, including the sale of certain fuel additives, with entities and persons that are in or associated with Cuba. Consequently, on November 15, 2004, Bycosin AB, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company organized under the laws of Sweden (now known as Octel Sweden AB, the Seller), entered into a Business and Asset Purchase Agreement (the Agreement) with Pesdo Swedcap Holdings AB (the Purchaser), Håkan Byström and others as the Purchasers guarantors, and Octel Petroleum Specialties Limited as the Sellers guarantor, and completed the all-cash transaction contemplated thereby (together with related transactions, the Transaction). The Agreement provided for, among other things: (i) the disposal of certain non-core Petroleum Specialties business and related manufacturing and other assets of the Seller; and (ii) the supply and distribution of certain power products to certain geographic regions. The net consideration paid by the Purchaser was approximately $2.9 million.
Consequent to the Transaction, subsidiaries of the Company will purchase certain fuel additive products from the Purchaser, and such subsidiaries will supply and distribute those products in certain geographic regions on an exclusive basis. The Company expects to partially offset the loss of net income from this transaction by the elimination of certain costs associated with running the Petroleum Specialties business in the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region.
Following completion of the Transaction, the Company made a voluntary disclosure to the US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) regarding such transactions and activities engaged in by certain non-core non-US subsidiaries of the Seller. The Company has conducted an internal review of such transactions and activities and has disclosed to OFAC the results of such review. While the Company believes that it is no longer engaged in business with certain entities, persons and countries that are subject to restrictions and sanctions under US trade laws and regulations and that it has taken appropriate steps to achieve compliance with applicable US laws and regulations relating to trade and investment, if the Company or its subsidiaries (current or former) were found not to have complied with such laws or regulations, or any other applicable laws or regulations, including those of jurisdictions the laws of which are conflicting, the Company or its subsidiaries could be subject to fines or other civil or criminal penalties which could be material.
PERFORMANCE CHEMICALS
Performance Chemicals sales represented 13.0% of total net sales in 2004. The Company supplies a key additive into the detergent market from the UK. This business segment has also grown by acquisition. In 2001 the business acquired Hi-Mar Specialties Inc. (now known as Octel Performance Chemicals Inc.), a manufacturer of surfactants based in the USA, and ProChem Chemicals Inc., a custom and toll manufacturer also based in the USA. A majority stake in Manhoko Ltd, a supplier of personal care products in Asia Pacific, was acquired in 2001 but was disposed of in June 2003. The portion of the Gamlen Group that specializes in water treatment technology was moved from the Petroleum Specialties segment in 2003. The comparative segmental figures for 2002 have been adjusted to reflect this change. In June 2004 the business segment acquired Leuna Polymer GmbH, a manufacturer of waxes, cold flow improvers and ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA) based in Germany. The total consideration was $8.1 million. In August 2004 the business segment acquired Aroma & Fine Chemicals Limited. This business is based in the UK and manufactures aroma chemicals for use in the household, institutional care, industrial and personal care markets. The total consideration was $34.5 million.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
FINETEX ACQUISITION
On January 14, 2005 the Company announced the completion of the acquisition of Finetex, Inc. (Finetex) for a consideration of $20 million. Finetex is a manufacturer and supplier of specialty surfactants and emollients to the personal care, cosmetics and other industrial markets and is based in New Jersey, USA and North Carolina, USA. The results of Finetex will be reported in the Performance Chemicals business segment.
SPECIAL COMMITTEE INVESTIGATION
On March 17, 2005, the Company announced that if had filed a Form 12b-25 (Notification of Late Filing) in respect of its Annual Report on Form 10-K as a result of the need to complete an investigation of the facts relating to the matter described below
24
(the Transaction) and to consider the impact of the Transaction on managements assessment of internal control over financial reporting.
On February 24, 2005, Dennis J. Kerrison, the Chief Executive Officer and President of the Company, arranged to transfer GBP 50,000 (equivalent to approximately ZAR 500,000 and approximately USD 95,000) from his bank account in the United Kingdom to the account of Associated Octel Company (South Africa) (Pty) Limited (AOCSA), a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of Octel Corp. On the same day, at the initiation of Mr. Kerrison, AOCSA made a payment of ZAR 500,000 (equivalent to approximately USD 95,000) for Mr. Kerrisons personal use. Mr. Kerrisons UK bank sent the funds to AOCSAs bank on February 24, 2005. Those funds were credited to AOCSAs bank account on February 28, 2005. AOCSA was reimbursed on behalf of Mr. Kerrison for associated costs (of approximately ZAR 629 equivalent to approximately USD 107) on March 3, 2005.
The investigation, which was conducted by independent counsel retained for this purpose by a special committee, consisting of the members of the Audit Committee and the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee (the Special Committee), was completed on March 29, 2005. Also on March 29, 2005, the Special Committee reported on the investigation to the Board of Directors of the Company and the Board of Directors adopted the findings of the Special Committee. Based on the findings of the Special Committee, the Board of Directors determined that the Transaction appeared to have violated the Companys Code of Ethics and that elements of the Transaction may have resulted in a potential violation of certain laws and regulations by the Chief Executive Officer, the Managing Director of AOCSA and the Company. The Board of Directors did not identify any matters that required adjustment to the Companys financial statements.
The individuals involved in the matter described above, including the Chief Executive Officer, will be subject to appropriate disciplinary procedures which as of the date of this report have not been determined. In addition, the following steps, among others, implementation of which will commence with immediate effect, have been recommended by the Special Committee and approved by the Board of Directors:
| Reinforcement of the importance of compliance with, together with a comprehensive re-education programme in respect of, the Companys Code of Ethics; |
| Enhancement of procedures in relation to consultation with in-house legal counsel in respect of unusual or non-routine transactions; and |
| The creation of a register of directors and officers interests and establishment of procedures in respect of actual or potential conflicts. |
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
FISCAL 2004 COMPARED TO FISCAL 2003
The following table also applies to the results of operations in 2002.
PRODUCT GROUP DATA
(IN MILLIONS) |
2004
|
2003
|
2002
|
|||||||||
Net sales: |
||||||||||||
TEL-Ongoing |
$ | 243.5 | $ | 266.3 | $ | 256.7 | ||||||
TEL-Chlorine |
| | 14.0 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
243.5 | 266.3 | 270.7 | ||||||||||
Petroleum Specialties |
174.6 | 155.8 | 136.4 | |||||||||
Performance Chemicals |
62.4 | 32.5 | 33.9 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
$ | 480.5 | $ | 454.6 | $ | 441.0 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Gross profit: |
||||||||||||
TEL-Ongoing |
$ | 140.3 | $ | 140.6 | $ | 136.3 | ||||||
TEL Chlorine |
| | (1.8 | ) | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
140.3 | 140.6 | 134.5 | ||||||||||
Petroleum Specialties |
56.4 | 54.2 | 45.3 | |||||||||
Performance Chemicals |
12.8 | 7.3 | 12.1 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
$ | 209.5 | $ | 202.1 | $ | 191.9 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Operating income: |
||||||||||||
TEL-Ongoing |
$ | 113.8 | $ | 118.4 | $ | 117.9 | ||||||
TEL-Chlorine |
| | (1.8 | ) | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
113.8 | 118.4 | 116.1 | ||||||||||
Petroleum Specialties |
10.8 | 13.0 | 9.5 | |||||||||
Performance Chemicals |
0.9 | (2.9 | ) | 0.4 | ||||||||
Corporate costs |
(31.1 | ) | (16.3 | ) | (17.1 | ) | ||||||
Restructuring charge |
(8.5 | ) | (15.0 | ) | (19.5 | ) | ||||||
Impairment of TEL business goodwill |
(40.7 | ) | | | ||||||||
Loss on disposals |
(4.4 | ) | | | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
$ | 40.8 | $ | 97.2 | $ | 89.4 | |||||||
|
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|
The following table is presented to show the impact of the acquisitions in 2004. There were no acquisitions in 2003 and so no similar analysis is required for the comparison of 2003 results to those achieved in 2002.
EFFECT OF ACQUISITIONS ON 2004 GROUP RESULTS COMPARED TO 2003
(IN MILLIONS) |
2004 AS
REPORTED |
EFFECT OF
ACQUISITIONS |
2004 BEFORE
ACQUISITIONS |
2003 AS
REPORTED |
||||||||||||
Net sales |
$ | 480.5 | $ | 29.0 | $ | 451.5 | $ | 454.6 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Gross profit |
209.5 | 5.6 | 203.9 | 202.1 | ||||||||||||
Selling general and administrative expense |
(93.4 | ) | (2.4 | ) | (91.0 | ) | (74.4 | ) | ||||||||
Research and development expense |
(10.5 | ) | (0.3 | ) | (10.2 | ) | (5.1 | ) | ||||||||
Amortization of intangible assets |
(11.2 | ) | (0.3 | ) | (10.9 | ) | (10.4 | ) | ||||||||
Impairment of TEL business goodwill |
(40.7 | ) | | (40.7 | ) | | ||||||||||
Restructuring charge |
(8.5 | ) | (0.1 | ) | (8.4 | ) | (15.0 | ) | ||||||||
Loss on disposals |
(4.4 | ) | | (4.4 | ) | | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Operating Income |
$ | 40.8 | $ | 2.5 | $ | 38.3 | $ | 97.2 | ||||||||
|
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|
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25
The table above includes the impact of the acquisition of Leuna, the results of which have been consolidated for six months and the results of AFC, the results of which have been consolidated for four months. The impact of the acquisition of the remaining 50% of the shares in Octel Starreon LLC has not been included as the results of Octel Starreon LLC have been fully consolidated by the Company since the inception of the joint venture in 1999, with a corresponding charge in the minority interest line item. The minority interest charge for the period to full acquisition of Octel Starreon LLC on July 8, 2004 was $1.9 million. Accordingly no table of the impact of acquisitions is presented for the Petroleum Specialties business segment.
The effect of acquisitions on 2004 Performance Chemicals business segment results compared to 2003 is as follows:
(IN MILLIONS) |
2004 AS
REPORTED |
EFFECT OF
ACQUISITIONS |
PERFORMANCE
CHEMICALS BEFORE ACQUISITIONS |
2003 AS
REPORTED |
||||||||||||
Net sales |
$ | 62.4 | $ | 29.0 | $ | 33.4 | $ | 32.5 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Gross profit |
12.8 | 5.6 | 7.2 | 7.3 | ||||||||||||
Selling general and administrative expense |
(10.3 | ) | (2.4 | ) | (7.9 | ) | (8.0 | ) | ||||||||
Research and development |
(1.3 | ) | (0.3 | ) | (1.0 | ) | (2.2 | ) | ||||||||
Amortization of intangible assets |
(0.3 | ) | (0.3 | ) | | | ||||||||||
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Business segment operating income |
$ | 0.9 | $ | 2.6 | $ | (1.7 | ) | $ | (2.9 | ) | ||||||
|
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NET SALES
Total net sales for 2004 were $25.9 million (5.7%) ahead of 2003 sales. The 2003 sales of $480.5 million figures have been adjusted from previously reported sales to reflect the disposal of the Bycosin Mexico business in 2004. The results of Bycosin Mexico are now reported in the discontinued operations line item, net of tax. The effect of acquisitions is reflected in the table above. After adjusting for the effect of acquisitions, sales fell by $3.1 million (0.7%).
TEL net sales fell by $22.8 million (8.6%) with volumes 15.5% down on 2003 volumes. Most of the reduction in volume was due to lower sales to the Middle East (down 72% in volume) and South East Asia (down 26% in volume) but sales to Africa, outside of South Africa, were 24% ahead of 2003 volumes. Good price management mitigated the effect of the decrease in volumes.
Net sales in Petroleum Specialties were $18.8 million (12.1%) ahead of 2003 sales, after adjustment for the disposal of Bycosin Mexico. Of this $7.3 million (4.7%) was due to the effect of the appreciation of the euro and sterling against the US dollar. Strong growth was experienced in the USA petroleum additives business. There was also growth in the European refinery and performance business.
Net sales in the Performance Chemicals segment were significantly impacted by the acquisitions in the year, as is demonstrated in the table above. After adjusting for the effect of acquisitions net sales grew by $0.9 million (2.8%) in the year. This was mainly due to growth in the non-detergent sales in the UK.
GROSS PROFIT
Total gross profit for 2004 of $209.5 million was $7.4 million ahead of 2003 gross profit. Gross profit in the TEL business at $140.3 million was only $0.3 million lower than in 2003 despite the lower sales. Gross profit margin increased from 52.8% to 57.6% and was boosted by the $6.4 million (2.6%) release of remediation provisions from the former production site at Doberitz in Germany. The Company reached an agreement in the fourth quarter of 2004 with the local authorities on the scope of work to be carried out and as a result the level of provision required has been reviewed and adjusted accordingly. In addition a $3.2 million provision created in 2003 for a potential liability under a take or pay contract for raw material for TEL has been released, as the decision to delay the reduction in manufacturing capacity has eliminated the expected liability under the contract. This release accounts for 1.3% of the increase in gross profit margin for 2004. The remaining increase in gross profit margin is attributed to strong selling price management.
In Petroleum Specialties, gross profit increased by $2.2 million. However, the gross profit margin fell from 34.8% to 32.3%. The major reason for this was the delay in passing through higher costs of oil based raw materials to selling prices. Also the fair value adjustment arising on the acquisition of the remaining 50% of Octel Starreon LLC in the period required a $0.4 million uplift to the carrying value of inventory to be recognized.
In Performance Chemicals, the effect of the acquisitions on the gross margin can be seen above. Although the acquisitions have a dilutive effect on the gross profit margin, the acquired companies require less selling, general and administrative expenditure and therefore enhance the net profit margin. In the existing businesses there was a weakening in the gross profit margin from 22.5% to 21.6%. The gross profit margin including the impact of acquisitions fell from 22.5% to 20.5%.
OPERATING EXPENSES
Operating expenses consist of selling, general and administrative expenses and research and development expenses. They increased by $24.4 million (30.7%) in 2004 to $103.9 million, $2.7 million of the increase being due to the effect of acquisitions.
In TEL the increase in operating expenses was $4.3 million including the effect of the weaker US dollar ($1.3 million). The rest is due to increased administrative and selling costs in the UK.
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In Petroleum Specialties, operating expenses were up from $41.1 million to $45.0 million. The main reason for the increase was the impact of the weaker US dollar on the significant sterling and euro denominated cost base.
In Performance Chemicals, the effect of the acquisitions on operating expenses can be seen from the table above. In the existing business, the improvement in operating income was primarily due to the reduced expenditure on research and development in this business segment.
There was a $14.8 million (90.8%) increase in the corporate costs line item. Due to the high proportion of inactive members in the Companys principal defined benefit pension scheme in the UK, the net pension credit associated with this is reported in the corporate costs line item. The net pension credit was $6.6 million lower in 2004 at $2.7 million. This was mainly due to the de-risking of the pension fund as a result of the decision to invest in a higher proportion of bonds rather than equities. The effect of the weaker US dollar on our predominantly UK based corporate cost base was $2.9 million. The external cost of compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley section 404 certification process was $1.5 million. The remaining $3.8 million of increase in the corporate costs line item is due to inflation and the increase of resources, predominantly in the areas of technology, finance and human resources.
The increase of $5.4 million to $10.5 million in reported research and development expense is mainly due to the reclassification of the cost of the UK Fuel Technology Centre to research and development cost from selling general and administrative expense in 2003.
AMORTIZATION OF INTANGIBLE ASSETS
An $11.2 million charge was recognized in 2004 in relation to the amortization of intangible assets. This was $0.8 million higher than the charge for 2003.
A charge of $10.3 million was recognized in the TEL business segment due to the amortization of an intangible asset arising from the permanent source interruption payments to Veritel, which is being amortized on a straight line basis over the six years ending December 31, 2007.
In the Petroleum Specialties business segment, a charge of $0.6 million was recognized relating to the amortization of certain intangible assets identified on acquisition of the remaining 50% of Octel Starreon LLC in July 2004. In the Performance Chemicals business segment, a charge of $0.3 million was recognized in relation to the acquisition of certain intangible assets identified during the fair value exercise that was undertaken on acquisition of AFC.
OPERATING INCOME BY BUSINESS SEGMENT
TEL operating income was $4.6 million (3.9%) below 2003 at $113.8 million. The one-off releases mentioned above broadly offset the volume effect of the lower sales. However, the higher operating expenses incurred were the main reason for the reduced operating income.
Petroleum Specialties operating income was $2.2 million (16.9%) below 2003 at $10.8 million. Although sales and gross profits were both boosted by the effect of the weaker US dollar, the effect of the weaker US dollar on operating expenses outweighed this benefit and reduced operating income overall by $1.3 million. In addition the effects of the fair value inventory charge and the charge for amortization of intangible assets in Octel Starreon LLC further reduced operating income by $1.1 million.
In Performance Chemicals, operating income was up by $3.8 million on 2003 to a profit of $0.9 million. The effect of the acquisitions is shown in the table above. In addition, the existing businesses benefited from a reduction in the level of research and development expenditure dedicated to this business segment.
IMPAIRMENT OF TEL BUSINESS GOODWILL
The Company has recognized a charge of $40.7 million for the impairment of TEL business goodwill in 2004. There was no charge in 2003, as a review of the discounted future cash flows indicated that these were sufficient to support the value of TEL goodwill at that date. The Company has tested TEL business goodwill at the end of each quarter in 2004 and has recognized a charge in each quarter. The charge in the first quarter was relatively small as the surplus discounted cash flow that existed at the end of 2003 was exhausted. The Company will continue to test the value of goodwill at the end of each quarter and expects to recognize a charge of approximately $60.0 million during 2005 based on current estimates of TEL cash flows.
LOSS ON DISPOSALS AND DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
The Company has recognized a total charge of $13.0 million in respect of the disposal of certain non-core businesses in the Petroleum Specialties business segment, manufacturing and other assets of Bycosin AB (a wholly owned Swedish subsidiary), now known as Octel Sweden AB, and the right to supply and distribute certain power products in certain geographic regions for a net consideration of $2.9 million. Of this total charge, $8.5 million represents a write-off of goodwill. The share of goodwill written off represents the proportion of the disposed business relative to the fair value of the integrated Petroleum Specialties business outside of the USA. The Bycosin Mexico subsidiaries were disposed of in their entirety and there is no ongoing involvement with that business and so the loss associated with that disposal, along with the operating income for the year to the date of disposal, has been included in discontinued operations. The net loss on disposal of the Bycosin Mexico subsidiaries was $3.9 million.
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The remaining $9.1 million of the loss on disposal of the Bycosin assets has been included in operating income in the loss on disposals line item as the business continues to source product from Bycosin in Sweden to support the power and marine markets. Also included in the loss on disposals line item is a $4.7 million profit arising on the disposal of the Paris office of Octel France that was no longer required following the integration of this business with Gamlen France.
RESTRUCTURING COSTS
A charge of $8.5 million was recognized in 2004 related to restructuring activities, compared to a charge of $15.0 million in 2003.
The major elements of this charge were:
| $3.2 million expense for discretionary demolition of redundant facilities at Ellesmere Port; |
| $2.0 million in relation to the programme to streamline production capacity and site support costs that commenced in 2003; |
| $1.5 million relating to the severance of certain senior UK employees; |
| $1.4 million related to restructuring the back office operations of the European Petroleum Specialties business; |
| $0.2 million related to severance in the French TEL office; and |
| $0.2 million related to severance in a US subsidiary. |
INTEREST EXPENSE AND INTEREST INCOME
Interest expense was $6.5 million compared to $12.6 million in 2003. The main reasons for this were the significantly lower level of average net debt during 2004 when compared to 2003 and the significantly lower interest rates payable following the refinancing of the companys finance facility completed in January 2004. The 2003 interest expense also included a charge of $1.9 million, relating to the amortization of deferred finance costs incurred on arranging the previous finance facility that were written off in the fourth quarter of 2003, prior to the completion of the new facility in January 2004. Interest income was $0.3 million higher than in 2003 due to the higher average level of cash on deposit during 2004.
OTHER EXPENSE (NET)
Other expense was a charge of $2.1 million, down from $4.2 million in 2003. A lower level of foreign exchange charge (down by $3.2 million) was the main reason for this reduction.
MINORITY INTEREST
The charge for minority interest in 2004 was $1.9 million down from $4.3 million in 2003 due to the purchase of the remaining 50% of Octel Starreon LLC in July 2004. The results of Octel Starreon had previously been fully consolidated with a corresponding charge to minority interest.
INCOME TAXES
The charge for income tax was $20.0 million at an effective rate of tax of 64.3%, up from 30.3% in 2003. The main reasons for the increase in the effective rate are the non taxable effect of TEL goodwill impairment, certain costs associated with the disposal of the Bycosin Mexico subsidiaries and other Bycosin assets and foreign exchange movements. There was a release of $3.9 million of certain precautionary tax reserves following a review of the tax expenses faced by the Company, as it is no longer considered probable that these tax payments will be made.
SHARE OF AFFILIATED COMPANY EARNINGS
The $1.0 million charge in 2004 related to the disposal of the Companys 49% stake in Joss Holdings BV (Joss) in the first quarter of 2004. The Company sold its stake to the majority shareholders. Joss had sold TEL into certain territories but this function will now be undertaken by another subsidiary of the Company as the distribution agreement with Joss expired at the end of 2003 and was not renewed. A loss of $1.0 million was recognized on disposal of the companys investment in Joss, of which $0.6 million related to a tax charge in the holding company that held the investment.
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
The charge of $3.9 million in 2004 related to the disposal of the Bycosin Mexico subsidiaries discussed above.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
FISCAL 2003 COMPARED TO FISCAL 2002
Results for 2002 and 2003 have been adjusted to reflect the disposal of both the Manhoko business and the manufacturing and certain other assets of the Bycosin business as discussed above.
NET SALES
In 2003, total net sales were 3.1% ahead of 2002 sales. The expected annual decline in the value of TEL sales did not materialize. The volume of sales fell by 11.1% but the average price of TEL increased by 16.7%. None of the remaining major customers exited the market in 2003. Sales volumes to Venezuela were adversely affected by the political disruption that started in late 2002 and continued into early 2003 but returned to normal levels
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by the second quarter of 2003. In the year, sales to North and South America were down by 38% and this was the main contributor to the fall in total volume year on year. Sales to Indonesia were up by 25% in the year as the leaded gasoline phase out program in that country was delayed. Sales to the Middle East were up by 36% in volume terms but this was offset by decreases elsewhere in the volumes to Africa and Eastern Europe.
There were no sales of chlorine in 2003 ($14.0 million in 2002) following the closure of the chlorine plant in 2002. This plant had made a loss of $1.8 million in 2002. Thus, total TEL net sales showed a decline of $4.4 million.
Petroleum Specialties net sales increased by 14.2% to $155.8 million. This growth was assisted by a positive currency exchange impact due to the strengthening of the euro and sterling against the US dollar. Without the exchange impact, sales increased by 4.3%. In like for like currency exchange terms, the largest growth was seen in the UK (up 11%) due to the higher sales of refinery products, in Germany (up 10%) due to the growth of both heating products and refinery products, and in additives sold by Octel Starreon in the USA (up 4%).
Performance Chemicals sales fell by 4.1% to $32.5 million. The main reason for this was the lower pricing of the detergent contract supplied through the UK.
GROSS PROFIT
Gross profit in TEL was $140.6 million, up $4.3 million (3.2%) on 2002. The reported gross profit margin on the ongoing TEL business fell slightly from 53.1% to 52.8%. This decline in gross profit margin was more than accounted for by a $3.2 million potential liability under raw material take or pay obligations that was recognized in the fourth quarter, following a review of production plans and raw material commitments. Good price management and cost control in the UK manufacturing plant narrowly failed to offset the impact of this charge on gross profit.
Gross profit in Petroleum Specialties was $54.2 million or 34.8% of net sales. This was slightly stronger than the 2002 gross profit margin of 33.2%. The gross margin improved marginally in the UK based refinery business and in Octel Starreon, the USA based petroleum additives business.
The gross profit margin in the Performance Chemicals business fell from 35.7% in 2002 to 22.5% in 2003. The main reason for this was a significant reduction in the pricing on the major detergent contract supplied through the UK.
OPERATING EXPENSES
Operating expenses in the TEL business were $22.2 million in 2003, up from $18.4 million in 2002. Of this total $10.4 million was amortization of intangible assets, up from $9.5 million in 2002. $9.9 million of the $10.4 million charge in 2003 relates to amortization of the intangible asset arising from the permanent source interruption payments to Veritel.
Other operating expenses were $11.8 million in 2003, up from $8.9 million in 2002, an increase of 32.6%. Approximately $0.8 million (9%) of the increase can be ascribed to differences in exchange rates as most of the costs are principally denominated in sterling. TEL also received a higher allocation of overall selling, general and administrative and research and development costs in the year following a review of cost allocation (up from 11.8% of the group total in 2002 to 14.6% in 2003).
Operating expenses in the Petroleum Specialties business segment were $41.2 million in 2003, up from $35.8 million in 2002, an increase of 15.1%. The strengthening of the US dollar added approximately $4.4 million (10.9%) to Petroleum Specialties selling, general and administrative costs but this was offset by benefits from earlier restructuring in the European subsidiaries.
Operating expenses in the Performance Chemicals business segment fell from $11.7 million to $10.2 million as remedial cost saving action was taken to offset the impact of the lower margins from the detergent contract.
Corporate costs were down $0.8 million at $16.3 million. Corporate costs were adversely impacted by the movement of the US dollar against sterling but benefited from the higher allocation of costs to the TEL business. Corporate costs included the benefit of a net pension credit of $9.3 million compared to a net pension credit of $11.8 million in 2002.
RESTRUCTURING CHARGE
The restructuring charge for 2003 was $15.0 million compared to a charge of $19.5 million in 2002. The major elements in this charge were;
| $6.5 million charge for streamlining production capacity and site infrastructure costs at the Ellesmere Port manufacturing facility. This programme was initiated after January 1, 2003 and as a result was booked in accordance with FAS 146. One hundred and three employees are to leave the company, but of these 75 remained in employment at the end of 2003; |
| $3.4 million charge to streamline the selling and administrative activities of the Specialty Chemicals business in Europe; |
| $2.2 million charge for demolition of the disused sodium plant at Ellesmere Port; and |
| $2.0 million charge to provide for aged and obsolete engineering stores at Ellesmere Port. |
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OTHER EXPENSES (NET)
Other expenses were $4.2 million (nil in 2002). This charge includes the profits and losses on the sale of assets and includes sundry other non-operating expenses.
MINORITY INTEREST
The minority interest charge increased from $3.0 million to $4.3 million reflecting a strong performance from our 50% owned subsidiary, Octel Starreon.
NET INTEREST CHARGE
The net interest charge was $12.1 million in 2003the same as in 2002. A charge of $1.9 million was recognized in the fourth quarter as the remaining deferred finance costs relating to the old financing facility were amortized ahead of the refinancing that was completed in January 2004. The gross interest charge was $12.6 million and interest received was $0.5 million in 2003.
TAXATION
The Companys effective tax rate remained consistent at 30.3% of income before income taxes in the year compared with 31.0% in 2002. The small net improvement arose principally due to changes in the mix of taxable profits made in the different geographical localities in which the Company operates.
CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLE
The $0.5 million credit recognized on change in accounting principle refers to the net fixed asset, after depreciation recognized on adoption of FAS 143.
LIQUIDITY AND FINANCIAL CONDITION
Net cash provided by operating activities was $62.4 million for 2004 compared to $85.2 million in 2003. Net income was $45.6 million lower than 2003, although $40.7 million of this decrease was attributable to the non-cash charge for impairment of TEL business goodwill. There was no equivalent charge in 2003. Further, the non-cash element of the loss on disposal of the Bycosin assets and the 49% share in Joss Chemicals BV was $13.7 million compared to the $2.7 million non-cash impact of disposals in 2003.
There was a small outflow of $2.2 million on accounts receivable in 2004 but there had been a significant inflow in 2003 in this area of $19.7 million due to the timing of TEL shipments. Receivables at December 31, 2004 represented 70% of fourth quarter sales compared to 60% of fourth quarter sales in 2003. The main difference is due to the receipt of payment for a shipment of TEL in early December 2004 falling in early 2005, compared to collection before year-end in 2003.
Although inventory is $20.4 million higher than 2003 at $76.9 million the impact of acquisitions is responsible for approximately half of that increase. The cash impact was $11.3 million. Of this amount $9.4 million is due to the planned build up of finished goods inventory in TEL ahead of a planned reduction in production capacity. There was a $3.0 million inflow arising from accounts payable and accrued liabilities arising from the phasing of year end payments.
The level of accrued income taxes was $12.6 million higher at the end of 2004 than at the end of 2003. The reason for this was differences in the timing of tax payments based on estimated tax payments and actual tax charges.
Expenditure from previous provisions on plant remediation and restructuring during 2004 resulted in a movement of provision of $6.8 million compared to $1.2 million in 2003.
Capital expenditure was $9.6 million in 2004 compared to $7.8 million in 2003. The major expenditure was on upgrading and improving TEL productive assets ($2.4 million), rollout of Oracle data processing systems and upgrades to IT hardware ($2.3 million) and expenditure on Petroleum Specialties assets ($1.3 million). Capital expenditure in the newly acquired businesses was $0.7 million and in other Performance Chemicals businesses was $0.6 million. The balance relates to $0.7 million spent in the research and development department and sundry other projects ($1.6 million).
The Company spent $80.2 million on acquisitions during 2004. The major elements of this net cash outflow were as follows:
| acquisition of remaining 50% of Octel Starreon$43.8 million; |
| acquisition of AFC before payment of deferred consideration by means of Loan Notes$30.8 million; |
| acquisition of Leuna net of cash acquired$5.2 million; |
| disposal of 49% shareholding Joss Chemicals BVnet inflow of $4.2 million; |
| acquisition of 20% shareholding in Deurex Microtechnologies GmbH$2.6 million; |
| Bycosin proceeds to date less cash disposedoutflow of $0.2 million; |
| sundry investments in associates$1.8 million; |
In addition, $4.8 million has been set aside in restricted cash to settle the Loan Notes, maturing in 2006 that were used to acquire AFC.
The Company received $5.2 million from the disposal of assets. The main inflow was $4.7 million from the disposal of the Paris office of Octel France.
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In January 2004, the Company repaid the $97.0 million term loan borrowings outstanding under the previous finance facility and drew down $100 million from the new term facility. Repayments of $30.0 million of this term facility are due on January 31 of 2005, 2006 and 2007, respectively, with a final repayment of $10.0 million falling due on July 30, 2007. The amount outstanding on the previous facility for Octel Starreon of $7.6 million was also repaid during 2004. On acquisition of AFC, a loan of $2.9 million was repaid. At December 31, 2004, $100.0 million remained outstanding on the senior term loan. A repayment of the term loan of $30.0 million is due on January 31, 2005.
This facility contains terms which, if breached, would result in the loan becoming repayable on demand. It requires, among other matters, compliance with certain financial ratio covenants, specifically a ratio of net debt to EBITDA (a non-GAAP measure of liquidity) and a ratio of net interest expense to EBITA (another non-GAAP measure of liquidity). The Company has been in compliance with the covenants in 2004.
Under the terms of the finance facility completed in January 2004, the Company agreed a revolving credit facility of $50.0 million. This expires on July 30, 2007. On August 31, 2004 the Company entered into an amendment agreement with the syndicate of banks whereby the revolving credit facility was increased from $50.0 million to $110.0 million. At December 31, 2004 borrowings under the revolving credit facility were $19.0 million.
The Company paid out dividends of $1.5 million during 2004 ($0.6 million in 2003). The Company paid a dividend of 6 cents per share on April 1, 2004 and a further dividend of 6 cents per share on October 1, 2004. The Company spent $4.5 million on share buy backs during 2004 ($1.2 million in 2003) and raised $5.5 million from the exercise and cash purchase of share options ($2.9 million in 2003).
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
The policies and estimates that the Company considers the most critical in terms of subjectivity and judgment of assessment are those related to environmental liabilities, the identification of and the impairment of goodwill and intangible assets, pension accounting, restructuring costs and the marketing agreements with Ethyl. Any adverse variance between actual results and future projections in these areas may impact on results of operations and financial condition.
The Company records environmental liabilities when they are probable and costs can be estimated reasonably. Remediation provisions at December 31, 2004 amounted to $21.9 million and relate principally to our sites in the UK and Germany. The Company has to anticipate the program of work required and the associated future costs, and has to comply with environmental legislation in the relevant countries. The Company views the costs of vacating our main UK site ($27.4 million at 2004 year-end) as a contingent liability because there is no present intention to exit the site.
The Company adopted FAS 142 Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets effective January 1, 2002. This requires that goodwill deemed to have an indefinite life should no longer be amortized, but subject to an annual impairment review, or between years if events occur or circumstances change which suggest that an impairment may have occurred.
The Company elected to perform its annual tests in respect of Petroleum Specialties and Performance Chemicals goodwill as of December 31 each year. In reviewing for any impairment charge the fair value of the reporting units underlying the segments is estimated using a discounted after tax cash flow methodology based on managements best estimates at that time.
During 2002 and 2003, the goodwill impairment test for the TEL business was performed annually at December 31. Both these reviews showed that the fair value of the reporting unit based on after tax cash flows discounted at the Companys weighted average cost of capital exceeded the carrying value of TEL segment assets and, accordingly, no indicator of impairment existed and step 2 of the FAS 142 impairment test was not performed.
In light of the continuing decline in the TEL market globally, as the Company makes sales of TEL in each quarter, the remaining sales and corresponding cash flows that can be derived from the TEL business are reduced, and accordingly the fair value of the TEL reporting unit is reduced. Based on the Companys detailed forecast model, assumptions at December 31, 2003 indicated that the reduction in forecast future cash flows during 2004 would reduce the fair value of the reporting unit below the carrying value of TEL segment assets and, accordingly, there was likely to be a significant goodwill impairment charge during the year ended December 31, 2004. As a result the Company determined that quarterly impairment reviews be performed from January 1, 2004 and any impairment charge arising be recognized in the relevant quarter.
The value of the remaining cash flows from the TEL business segment is calculated at any review date by reference to the best available estimates for future revenues, gross margins, selling and administrative costs as well as the fixed and working capital requirements of the business. The resulting cash flows are then discounted and the total discounted cash flows of the TEL business are then allocated to the fair value of the TEL business unit at that date. The Company uses this information to derive an implied goodwill value which is then compared to the carrying value to determine what impairment is needed.
Using this methodology and the assumptions underlying the detailed forecast model, the Company believes that it is possible to predict the pattern of likely future impairment charges of TEL business goodwill. This method reflects the relatively unique nature of the TEL business.
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As a result of the reviews performed during 2004, an impairment charge of $40.7 million has been recognized in the year and the Company expects to incur a charge in subsequent years as the TEL market continues to decline. The current estimated impairment charge for 2005, 2006 and 2007, is $60.0 million, $34.0 million and $40.0 million, respectively. The increase in charge forecast for 2005 over that recognized in 2004 is primarily due to the fact that 2004 contained less than a full years charge as the fair value of TEL assets and liabilities only reduced to below the level of forecast discounted cash flows from TEL during the first quarter of 2004, combined with the expectation that the volume decline will be relatively high during 2005. The impairment charge will continue to be reviewed quarterly in the light of developments in the TEL market.
At December 31, 2004, the Company performed its annual impairment review for goodwill for Petroleum Specialties and Performance Chemicals and believes that there has been no impairment of goodwill in respect of those reporting segments.
Goodwill of $8.5 million was written off in 2004 relating to the portion of the Bycosin business that was disposed of. However, additional goodwill was created in the year due to the acquisitions of the remaining 50% of Octel Starreon and the acquisition of AFC. The level of cash, current assets and tangible assets acquired in Leuna was such that no goodwill was recognized on that acquisition.
As part of the fair value accounting for the acquisitions the Company identified certain intangible assets in Octel Starreon and in AFC. An intangible asset of $4.8 million was recognized in AFC in respect of a number of specialized manufacturing processes. $2.8 million was also recognized in respect of ongoing customer relationships in that company. These assets will be amortized over their estimated economic life of ten years. A charge of $0.3 million was recognized in 2004 in respect of amortization of intangible assets in AFC.
In Octel Starreon, $2.3 million was recognized in respect of 50.0% of the value of certain approvals for the use of that companys products in certain military and civilian end uses. In addition $9.0 million was recognized in Octel Starreon as 50.0% of the value of certain critical ongoing customer relationships. $0.2 million was recognized in respect 50.0% of the value of one patent for a key product. These will be effectively amortized over their estimated economic life of ten years. A charge of $0.6 million was recognized in respect of amortization of those intangible assets in 2004.
The creation of these intangible assets has resulted in the recognition of deferred tax liabilities of $2.3 million in AFC and $4.0 million in Octel Starreon, which will be amortized through the income statement over the useful life of these intangible assets.
The Company accounts for pensions in accordance with FAS 87 and provides associated disclosures in accordance with FAS 132. The prepaid pension cost is material to our balance sheet, the net prepayment being $122.9 million at December 31, 2004. The underlying plan asset value and projected benefit obligation were $654.6 million and $647.8 million, respectively, at the end of 2004. Movements in the underlying plan asset value and projected benefit obligation are dependent on actual return on investments and pay awards, as well as our assumptions as to future trends in these areas. The continuation of the prepayment depends on the carrying value of the plan assets exceeding the accumulated benefit obligation. This surplus at the measurement date, October 5, 2004, was $40.7 million. In the event of a deficit, a creditor would be created equal to the sum of the prepayment and the deficit, and the related charge would be written off to accumulated other comprehensive income. The Companys independent advisors carried out a full actuarial valuation of the pension plan during 2003 and updated this during 2004. The results have been reflected in these financial statements. The Company will continue to monitor the status of the plan on a quarterly basis.
The Company commenced a major program of restructuring during the latter half of 2002. The Company embarked upon further restructuring during 2003 at the UK TEL manufacturing site. This was accounted for under FAS 146 as it was initiated after January 1, 2003. The scheme had a statutory element and an incentive element for agreeing to voluntary severance. The severance terms were also more generous than statutory terms. The statutory minimum element was recognized at the date at which the individual agreed to voluntary redundancy. The amount of total severance cost in excess of statutory requirements is being recognized over the remaining service life of those who agreed to leaving dates beyond their contractual notice period. A charge of $1.7 million related to this program was recognized in 2004 and a further charge of $1.1 million is expected in 2005. Other cash restructuring costs are being recognized as expended.
The Company has entered into a number of sales and marketing agreements with Ethyl for the sale of TEL in all areas of the world except North America and the European Economic Area through December 31, 2009. Under these agreements we produce the TEL and all marketing and sales effort is in the Octel name. Ethyl provides bulk distribution, marketing and other services. The net proceeds are paid to Ethyl and Octel on an agreed formula, with Octel receiving 68% of the total. Sales and expenses incurred under the agreement are included within the Companys income statement. Ethyls share of the net proceeds for services is charged within cost of goods sold. The majority of net proceeds are calculated and settled on a monthly basis, but there is an element receivable by the Company from Ethyl which is
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computed annually in arrears. In prior years the amounts involved were not significant, but because of increases in the value of this retrospective element we decided effective January 1, 2002, that it was more appropriate to recognize a prudent accrual during the year, based on best current estimates of the expected outcome.
MARKET RISK
We operate manufacturing and blending facilities, offices and laboratories around the world, though the largest manufacturing facility is located in the UK. We sell a range of TEL, Petroleum Specialties and Performance Chemicals to customers around the world. We use floating rate debt to finance these global operations. Consequently, we are subject to business risks inherent in non-US activities, including political and economic uncertainty, import and export limitations, and market risk related to changes in interest rates and foreign exchange rates. Our political and economic risks are mitigated by the stability of the countries in which our largest operations are located. Credit limits, ongoing credit evaluation and account monitoring procedures are used to minimize bad debt risk. Collateral is not generally required.
We use derivatives, including interest rate swaps and foreign currency forward exchange contracts, in the normal course of business to manage market risks. The derivatives used in hedging activities are considered risk management tools and are not used for trading purposes. In addition, we enter into derivative instruments with a diversified group of major financial institutions in order to monitor the exposure to non-performance of such instruments. Our objective in managing exposure to changes in interest rates is to limit the impact of such changes on earnings and cash flow and to lower overall borrowing costs. Our objective in managing the exposure to changes in foreign exchange rates is to reduce volatility on earnings and cash flow associated with such changes.
INTEREST RATE RISK
We use interest swaps to manage interest rate exposure and, under the terms of the 2001 refinancing agreements, half of the senior term loan became the subject of swap agreements. These swap agreements, which converted variable rate to fixed rate, ran to their original maturity date in October 2004. As of December 31, 2004 we had cash and cash equivalents of $33.3 million with no bank overdraft. As of December 31, 2004 long-term debt stood at $124.3 million including a current component of $30.2 million. The Company entered into new interest swap agreements in 2004 that covered $25.0 million of the $100.0 million term debt. On the basis that $25.0 million of the $100.0 million senior term loan is hedged against interest movements and that we would receive more interest on the positive cash balances, then unhedged debt, net of cash balances was $66.0 million. Thus a hypothetical absolute change of 1% in interest rates on the net amount of these balances for a one-year period would reduce net income and cash flows by around $0.7 million before tax. On a gross basis, assuming no additional interest on the cash balances, a 1% increase in interest rates would reduce net income and cash flows by approximately $1.0 million before tax.
The above does not consider the effect of interest or exchange rate changes on overall activity, nor management action to mitigate such changes.
EXCHANGE RATE RISK
More than 50% of the Companys forecast sales for 2005 are denominated in US dollars with the balance mainly comprising euros (over 35%) and sterling (around 10%). The TEL market is predominantly a US dollar market, although sales to certain territories are transacted in euros. TEL raw materials are purchased in a mixture of US dollars, sterling and euros but when the Ethyl compensation payments are taken into account, around 50% of the cost of goods sold in TEL is denominated in US dollars. Selling, administrative and general expenses are generally in the currency of the legal entity with the majority being denominated in sterling. A 5% increase in the US dollar against both sterling and the euro would result in additional operating income of $1.3 million, due mainly to the lower burden of the sterling denominated cost of goods sold and operating expenses.
In the Petroleum Specialties business segment more than 50% of forecast sales are denominated in euros and more than 40% in US dollars. The balance of Company sales are largely in sterling. The Petroleum Specialties segment is reasonably well hedged against a 5% increase in the US dollar against both sterling and the euro, as gross profit in these currencies approximately equals the operating expenses. For this reason such a shift in exchange rates, while reducing net sales by around $5.0 million and reducing operating expenses by more than $1.0 million, would have no material effect on operating income for this business segment.
In the Performance Chemicals business segment approximately 50% of forecast sales are denominated in euros, with the rest split evenly between US dollars and sterling. Due mainly to the large operating profits denominated in euros, a 5% increase in the US dollar against both sterling and the euro would reduce operating profit by approximately $0.4 million.
Corporate costs are largely denominated in sterling. A 5% increase in the US dollar against both the euro and sterling would increase reported operating income by approximately $2.0 million.
33
In all cases where a 5% increase in the US dollar has been used as an illustration, a 5% decrease would be expected to
CONTRACTUAL COMMITMENTS
The following represents contractual commitments at December 31, 2004 and the effect of those obligations on future cash flows:
(IN MILLIONS) |
TOTAL
|
LESS THAN
1 YEAR |
1 TO 3
YEARS |
4 TO 5
YEARS |
OVER
5 YEARS |
||||||||||
Long-term debt |
$ | 124.3 | $ | 30.2 | $ | 94.1 | $ | | $ | | |||||
Consideration payable on acquisition of Finetex |
20.0 | 20.0 | | | | ||||||||||
Settlement of Loan Notes |
4.8 | | 4.8 | | | ||||||||||
Remediation payments |
22.0 | 3.4 | 5.3 | 2.9 | 10.4 | ||||||||||
Severance payments |
7.7 | 7.7 | | | | ||||||||||
Unconditional purchase obligations |
16.6 | 12.6 | 4.0 | | | ||||||||||
Capital commitments |
2.5 | 2.5 | | | | ||||||||||
Operating lease commitments |
4.5 | 1.8 | 2.0 | 0.3 | 0.4 | ||||||||||
Interest payments on debt |
14.8 | 6.9 | 7.9 | | | ||||||||||
Planned funding of pension obligations |
23.0 | 4.5 | 9.5 | 9.0 | | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Total |
$ | 240.2 | $ | 89.6 | $ | 127.6 | $ | 12.2 | $ | 10.8 | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Company entered into an agreement in December 2004, and duly completed the acquisition of Finetex, Inc. in January 2005 for a consideration of $20.0 million.
The Company issued $4.8 million of Loan Notes in two equal tranches on acquisition of AFC. These Loan Notes mature in 2006.
Remediation payments represent those cashflows that the Company is currently obligated to pay in respect of current and former facilities. It does not include any discretionary remediation costs that the Company may choose to incur.
Unconditional purchase obligations relate to certain raw material take or pay contracts which have been entered into by the Company.
Capital commitments relate to certain capital projects that the Company has committed to undertake.
Operating lease commitments relate primarily to office space, motor vehicles and items of office equipment which are expected to be renewed and replaced in the normal course of business.
The Company is subject to interest at variable rates on certain elements of its long term debt. The estimated payments included in the table above assume a constant US base interest rate of 2.75% on the main credit facility. Estimated commitment fees are also included.
The amounts related to the pension scheme refer to the likely levels of Company funding of the UK defined benefit pensions scheme and certain pension commitments to senior employees. It is not meaningful to predict an amount after five years because there are so many uncertainities about wage rates and employment levels.
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS AND PLANT CLOSURES
The Company is subject to environmental laws in all of the countries in which it operates. Under certain environmental laws, the Company is responsible for the remediation of hazardous substances or wastes at currently or formerly owned or operated properties.
Most of our manufacturing operations have been conducted outside the United States and, therefore, any liability pertaining to the investigation and remediation of contaminated properties is likely to be determined under non-US law.
We evaluate costs for remediation, decontamination and demolition projects on a regular basis. Full provision is made for those costs to which we are committed under environmental laws. Total estimated future costs at December 31, 2004 were $49.3 million, of which $27.4 million were deemed to be at managements discretion. Full provision has been made for the committed costs of $21.9 million. Expenditure against provisions was $2.0 million, $3.7 million and $6.6 million in the years 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.
We have also incurred personnel severance costs in relation to the management of the decline in the TEL market and the restructuring of the Petroleum Specialties business segment. Total severance expenditure was $6.0 million, $8.2 million and $6.7 million in the years 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Provision is made for severance costs under the conditions of FAS 146 and FAS 112. The provision at December 31, 2004 was $6.6 million. Severance charges recognized in the income statement in 2004 relating to the restructuring program were $5.3 million. The Company expects that a further $1.1 million will be recognized in 2005 in respect of current severance programs under FAS 146.
INFLATION
Inflation has not been a significant factor for the Company over the last several years. Management believes that inflation will continue to be moderate over the next several years.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT RELATIVE TO FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain written and oral statements made by our Company and subsidiaries or with the approval of an authorized executive officer of our Company, including statements made in the Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations or elsewhere in this report and in other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, may constitute forward-
34
looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Generally, the words believe, expect, intend, estimate, project, will and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements, which generally are not historical in nature. All statements which address operating performance, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will occur in the futureincluding statements relating to volume growth, share of sales or earnings per share growth, and statements expressing general optimism about future operating resultsare forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from our Companys historical experience and our present expectations or projections. As and when made, management believes that these forward-looking statements are reasonable. However, caution should be taken not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements since such statements speak only as of the date when made. Although we believe that our expectations are based on reasonable assumptions within the bounds of our knowledge of our business and operations, moreover, there can be no assurance that actual results will not differ materially from our expectations. Factors which could cause actual results to differ from expectations include, without limitation, the timing of orders received from customers, the gain or loss of significant customers, competition from other manufacturers and changes in the demand for our products, including the rate of decline in demand for TEL, and business and legal risks inherent in non-US activities, including political and economic uncertainty, import and export limitations and market risks related to changes in interest rates and foreign exchange rates, successful completion of planned disposals and material fines or other penalties resulting from its voluntary disclosure to OFAC and the existence and impact of any deficiencies or material weaknesses or remedial actions taken by the Company in respect of the potential violation of the Code of Ethics by the Chief Executive Officer which may have resulted in a potential violation of certain laws and regulations by the Chief Executive Officer and the Company and compliance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. In addition, increases in the cost of product, changes in the market in general and significant changes in new product introduction could result in actual results varying from expectations. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
EVALUATION OF DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
As of the end of the period covered by this report the Company carried out an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Companys disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) as of the end of the period covered by this annual report.
On March 17, 2005, the Company announced that it had filed a Form 12b-25 (Notification of Late Filing) in respect of its Annual Report on Form 10-K as a result of the need to complete an investigation of the facts relating to the matter described below (the Transaction) and to consider the impact of the Transaction on managements assessment of internal control over financial reporting.
On February 24, 2005, Dennis J. Kerrison, the Chief Executive Officer and President of the Company, arranged to transfer GBP 50,000 (equivalent to approximately ZAR 500,000 and approximately USD 95,000) from his bank account in the United Kingdom to the account of Associated Octel Company (South Africa) (Pty) Limited (AOCSA), a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of Octel Corp. On the same day, at the initiation of Mr Kerrison, AOCSA made a payment of ZAR 500,000 (equivalent to approximately USD 95,000) for Mr Kerrisons personal use. Mr Kerrisons UK bank sent the funds to AOCSAs bank on February 24, 2005. Those funds were credited to AOCSAs bank account on February 28, 2005. AOCSA was reimbursed on behalf of Mr Kerrison for associated costs of approximately ZAR 629 (equivalent to approximately USD 107) on March 3, 2005.
The investigation, which was conducted by independent counsel retained for this purpose by a special committee, consisting of the members of the Audit Committee and the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee (the Special Committee), was completed on March 29, 2005. Also on March 29, 2005, the Special Committee reported on the investigation to the Board of Directors of the Company and the Board of Directors adopted the findings of the Special Committee. Based on the findings of the Special Committee, the Board of Directors determined that the Transaction appeared to have violated the Companys Code of Ethics and that elements of the Transaction may have resulted in a potential violation of certain laws and regulations by the Chief Executive Officer, the Managing Director of AOCSA and the Company. The Board of Directors did not identify any matters that required adjustment to the Companys financial statements.
Upon completion of the investigation, Octel Corp. management assessed the effectiveness of the Companys internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004 and concluded that a material weakness relating to deficiencies in the maintenance of effective controls over compliance with the Companys Code of Ethics, more fully described below, existed as of December 31, 2004. Based upon the evaluation of disclosure
35
controls and procedures and the material weakness described below, the Companys Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Companys disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of December 31, 2004. This conclusion is consistent with the Companys conclusion with regard to its internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004.
However, as the material weakness was limited to the area described below, management believes that the financial statements included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K fairly present, in all material respects, our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented.
MANAGEMENTS REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
The Companys management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The Companys 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.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. In addition, 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.
Octel Corp. management assessed the effectiveness of the Companys internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004. In making this assessment, management used the criteria in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).
A material weakness is a control deficiency, or combination of control deficiencies, that results in more than a remote likelihood that a material misstatement of the annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected. Effective controls over compliance with the Companys Code of Ethics were not maintained. In February 2005, the Companys Chief Executive Officer arranged to transfer funds from his bank account in the United Kingdom to the account of AOCSA. On the same day, at the initiation of Mr Kerrison, AOCSA made a payment on behalf of Mr Kerrison. The Board of Directors of the Company concluded that the Transaction appeared to have violated the Companys Code of Ethics and may have resulted in a potential violation of certain laws and regulations by the Chief Executive Officer, the Managing Director of AOCSA and the Company. In addition, local controls over disbursements at AOCSA were overridden as a result of the Transaction initiated by Mr Kerrison. Together, these facts provide evidence of a control deficiency in existence at December 31, 2004. This control deficiency did not result in an adjustment to the Companys financial statements. However, this control deficiency could result in a material misstatement to annual or interim financial statements that would not be prevented or detected. Accordingly, management has concluded that this deficiency constitutes a material weakness as of December 31, 2004. Because of this material weakness, management has concluded that the Company did not maintain effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, based on criteria in the Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the COSO.
Managements assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, United Kingdom (PwC), an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report that is included on page 39 of this Annual Report.
We have excluded Leuna Polymer GmbH and Aroma & Fine Chemicals Limited from our assessment of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004 because these entities were acquired by the Company in two purchase business combinations during 2004. These entities are wholly owned subsidiaries whose total assets and total revenues represent 1.4% and 3.7% and 6.0% and 2.4%, respectively, of the related consolidated financial statement amounts as of and for the year ended December 31, 2004.
REMEDIAL STEPS TO ADDRESS THE MATERIAL WEAKNESS
The individuals involved in the matter described above, including the Chief Executive Officer, will be subject to appropriate disciplinary procedures, which as of the date of this report have not been determined. In addition, the following steps, among others, implementation of which will commence with immediate effect, have been recommended by the Special Committee and approved by the Board of Directors:
| Reinforcement of the importance of compliance with, together with a comprehensive re-education programme in respect of, the Companys Code of Ethics; |
| Enhancement of procedures in relation to consultation with in-house legal counsel in respect of unusual or non-routine transactions; and |
| The creation of a register of directors and officers interests and establishment of procedures in respect of actual or potential conflicts. |
36
CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROLS OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
Except as otherwise discussed herein, there were no changes to our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the fourth quarter of the year ended December 31, 2004 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
FUTURE OUTLOOK
The future outlook reflects the dichotomy between the growing Petroleum Specialties and Performance Chemicals business segments and the declining TEL business segments. In the last seven years, TEL sales have declined from 82% to 51% of the Company total, and its share of gross profit has fallen from 92% to 67%. We expect TEL to continue to decline in importance in the overall Company results.
The TEL market has been in decline since the 1970s, and this trend is expected to continue. Given the uncertainties in the Asian, African and South American markets, world market decline in 2005 is likely to be at the high end of the 10% to 25% range. Cost control initiatives in prior years have delivered benefits in the current year, and the Company will continue to focus on this area. We expect the declining TEL business to continue to be cash generative.
The Petroleum Specialties business segment grew significantly in 2001 through acquisitions. The purchase of the remaining 50% of Octel Starreon in 2004 now gives the Company control over the strategy for growth in the key US petroleum additives market, particularly in the field of additives for the growing diesel market. The business will now seek to pursue organic growth in its three key regions, Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), USA and Asia Pacific. The Company will take further steps to restructure its back office and support operations to support the growth and to enhance profitability in EMEA and a charge of $1.1 million was recognized in the fourth quarter of 2004 in support of this aim.
The Performance Chemicals business segment grew substantially by acquisition in 2004. The full year impact of these acquisitions on operating income has yet to be seen. In continuance of the strategy of reinvesting the cash flows from the TEL segment into growth opportunities in its other businesses, the Company completed the acquisition of Finetex, Inc. in January 2005. The Company is building strategic positions in the personal care market, surfactants and also in the field of waxes. The Company also has a toll manufacturing base in the USA. Growth in sales in this business segment is expected to be approximately 10% per annum.
Following our adoption of FAS 142 in 2002, the annual amortization charge on goodwill has been replaced by an impairment review process. The continued decline in the TEL market will inevitably result in impairment charges in future years. Our latest review has revealed a need to recognize further impairment charges for TEL business goodwill impairment in each period until the TEL business cash flows are exhausted. An annual impairment review of the goodwill relating to the Petroleum Specialties and Performance Chemicals business segments indicates that there is no requirement to recognize an impairment charge in respect of this goodwill.
37
MANAGEMENTS STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITY FOR FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The management of Octel Corp. is responsible for the preparation and presentation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements and all other information in this Annual Report. The financial statements are prepared in accordance with the accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and include amounts that are based on managements informed judgments and estimates.
The Company maintains accounting systems and internal accounting controls that management believes provide reasonable assurance that the Companys financial reporting is reliable, that assets are safeguarded, and that transactions are executed in accordance with proper authorization. This internal control structure is supported by the selection and training of qualified personnel and an organizational structure that permits the delegation of authority and responsibility. The systems are monitored by an internal audit function that reports its findings to management.
The Companys financial statements have been audited by an independent public registered accounting firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, in accordance with auditing standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). These standards provide for the review of internal accounting control systems to plan the audit and determine auditing procedures and tests of transactions to the extent they deem appropriate.
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, which consists solely of independent non-employee directors, is responsible to the Board of Directors for overseeing the functioning of the accounting systems and related internal controls and the preparation of annual financial statements. The Audit Committee periodically meets with management, internal auditors and the independent auditors to review and evaluate their accounting, auditing and financial reporting activities and responsibilities. The independent registered public accounting firm and internal auditors have full and free access to the Audit Committee without managements presence to discuss internal accounting controls, results of their audits and financial reporting matters.
|
PAUL W. JENNINGS |
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER |
38
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To The Board of Directors and Shareholders of Octel Corp:
We have completed an integrated audit of Octel Corp.s 2004 consolidated financial statements and of its internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004 and audits of its 2003 and 2002 consolidated financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Our opinions, based on our audits, are presented below.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the accompanying index present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Octel Corp. and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Companys management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with 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 of financial statements includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
Also, we have audited managements assessment, included in Managements Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, and have concluded that Octel Corp. did not maintain effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, because of the effect of the material weakness described below relating to deficiencies in the maintenance of effective controls over compliance with the Companys Code of Ethics based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Companys 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 opinions on managements assessment and on the effectiveness of the Companys internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit of internal control over financial reporting 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. An audit of internal control over financial reporting includes obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating managements assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we consider necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinions.
A companys 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 companys internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) 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 (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the companys 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.
A material weakness is a control deficiency, or combination of control deficiencies, that results in more than a remote likelihood that a material misstatement of the annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected. The following material weakness has been identified and included in managements assessment. Effective controls over compliance with the Companys Code of Ethics were not maintained. In February 2005, Dennis J. Kerrison, the Companys Chief Executive Officer, arranged to transfer funds from his bank account in the United Kingdom to the account of Associated Octel Company (South Africa) (Pty) Limited (AOCSA), a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of the Company. On the same day, at the initiation of Mr. Kerrison, AOCSA made a payment on behalf of Mr. Kerrison for his personal use. The Board of Directors of the Company, based on the findings of an investigation undertaken by a Special Committee of the Board of Directors concluded that the transaction appeared to have violated the Companys Code of Ethics and may have resulted in a potential violation of certain laws and regulations by the Chief Executive Officer, the Managing Director of AOCSA and the Company. In addition, local controls over disbursements at AOCSA were overridden as a result of the Transaction initiated by Mr. Kerrison. Together, these facts provide evidence of a control deficiency in existence at December 31, 2004. This control deficiency did not result in an adjustment to the Companys financial statements. However, this control deficiency could result in a material misstatement to annual or interim financial statements that would not be prevented or detected.
This material weakness was considered in determining the nature, timing, and extent of audit tests applied in our audit of the 2004 consolidated financial statements, and our opinion regarding the effectiveness of the Companys internal control over financial reporting does not affect our opinion on those consolidated financial statements.
In our opinion, managements assessment that Octel Corp. did not maintain effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the COSO. Also, in our opinion, because of the effect of the material weakness described above on the achievement of the objectives of the control criteria, Octel Corp. has not maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the COSO.
As described in the Managements Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, management has excluded Leuna Polymer GmbH and Aroma & Fine Chemicals Limited from its assessment of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004 because these entities were acquired by the Company in two purchase business combinations during 2004. We have also excluded Leuna Polymer GmbH and Aroma & Fine Chemicals Limited from our audit of internal control over financial reporting. These entities are wholly owned subsidiaries whose total assets and total revenues represent 1.4% and 3.7% and 6.0% and 2.4%, respectively, of the related consolidated financial statement amounts as of and for the year ended December 31, 2004.
|
PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP |
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM |
MARCH 31, 2005 |
39
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31 |
2004
|
2003
|
2002
|
|||||||||
Net sales (Note 3) |
$ | 480.5 | $ | 454.6 | $ | 441.0 | ||||||
Cost of goods sold |
(271.0 | ) | (252.5 | ) | (249.1 | ) | ||||||
|
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|
||||
Gross profit (Note 3) |
209.5 | 202.1 | 191.9 | |||||||||
Operating expenses: |
||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative |
(93.4 | ) | (74.4 | ) | (67.5 | ) | ||||||
Research and development |
(10.5 | ) | (5.1 | ) | (6.0 | ) | ||||||
Restructuring charge |
(8.5 | ) | (15.0 | ) | (19.5 | ) | ||||||
Amortization of intangible assets |
(11.2 | ) | (10.4 | ) | (9.5 | ) | ||||||
Impairment of TEL business goodwill (Note 9) |
(40.7 | ) | | | ||||||||
Loss on disposals (Note 20) |
(4.4 | ) | | | ||||||||
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(168.7 | ) | (104.9 | ) | (102.5 | ) | |||||||
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Operating income (Note 3) |
40.8 | 97.2 | 89.4 | |||||||||
Interest expense |
(6.5 | ) | (12.6 | ) | (12.8 | ) | ||||||
Interest income |
0.8 | 0.5 | 0.7 | |||||||||
Other expense (net) |
(2.1 | ) | (4.2 | ) | | |||||||
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Income before income taxes and minority interest |
33.0 | 80.9 | 77.3 | |||||||||
Minority interest |
(1.9 | ) | (4.3 | ) | (3.0 | ) | ||||||
|
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Income before income taxes (Note 3) |
31.1 | 76.6 | 74.3 | |||||||||
Income taxes (Note 7) |
(20.0 | ) | (23.2 | ) | (23.0 | ) | ||||||
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Income before share of affiliated company earnings from continuing operations |
11.1 | 53.4 | 51.3 | |||||||||
Share of affiliated company earnings |
(1.0 | ) | 0.9 | 1.1 | ||||||||
Discontinued operations, net of tax (Note 22) |
(3.9 | ) | (3.0 | ) | (0.3 | ) | ||||||
Cumulative effect of change in accounting policy, net of tax (Note 24) |
| 0.5 | | |||||||||
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Net income |
$ | 6.2 | $ | 51.8 | $ | 52.1 | ||||||
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||||
Basic earnings per share |
$ | 0.50 | $ | 4.34 | $ | 4.41 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Diluted earnings per share |
$ | 0.48 | $ | 4.13 | $ | 4.15 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Weighted average shares outstanding (in thousands) basic |
12,345 | 11,925 | 11,817 | |||||||||
diluted |
12,989 | 12,554 | 12,557 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
40
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
AT DECEMBER 31 |
2004
|
2003
|
||||||
ASSETS |
||||||||
Current assets |
||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 33.3 | $ | 46.1 | ||||
Accounts receivable (less allowance of $4.0 and $4.8, respectively) |
84.4 | 71.7 | ||||||
Inventories |
||||||||
Finished goods |
50.4 | 40.7 | ||||||
Work in progress |
14.5 | 11.9 | ||||||
Raw materials |
12.0 | 3.9 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
76.9 | 56.5 | |||||||
Prepaid expenses |
5.0 | 4.6 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Total current assets |
199.6 | 178.9 | ||||||
Restricted cash (Note 23) |
4.8 | | ||||||
Property, plant and equipment (Note 12) |
71.8 | 48.7 | ||||||
Goodwill (Note 9) |
332.2 | 348.9 | ||||||
Intangible assets (Note 10) |
48.6 | 40.8 | ||||||
Deferred finance costs (Note 11) |
1.4 | 0.1 | ||||||
Prepaid pension cost (Note 6) |
122.9 | 115.9 | ||||||
Other assets (Note 23) |
9.3 | 8.3 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
$ | 790.6 | $ | 741.6 | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY |
||||||||
Current liabilities |
||||||||
Accounts payable |
$ | 49.7 | $ | 53.0 | ||||
Accrued liabilities |
62.1 | 43.7 | ||||||
Accrued income taxes |
15.4 | 2.8 | ||||||
Current portion of plant closure provisions (Note 13) |
10.0 | 9.2 | ||||||
Current portion of long-term debt (Note 14) |
30.2 | 1.7 | ||||||
Current portion of deferred income (Note 15) |
2.0 | 2.4 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Total current liabilities |
169.4 | 112.8 | ||||||
Plant closure provisions, net of current portion (Note 13) |
18.6 | 27.0 | ||||||
Deferred income taxes (Note 7) |
44.4 | 38.6 | ||||||
Deferred income, net of current portion (Note 15) |
4.4 | 7.7 | ||||||
Long-term debt, net of current portion (Note 14) |
94.1 | 102.9 | ||||||
Other liabilities |
13.7 | 15.8 | ||||||
Minority interest |
0.2 | 6.6 | ||||||
STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY (NOTE 16) |
||||||||
Common stock, $0.01 par value, authorized |
||||||||
40,000,000 shares, issued 14,777,250 shares |
0.1 | 0.1 | ||||||
Additional paid-in capital |
276.5 | 276.8 | ||||||
Treasury stock (2,439,737 and 2,717,511 shares at cost, respectively) |
(31.2 | ) | (32.4 | ) | ||||
Retained earnings |
213.8 | 209.1 | ||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income |
(13.4 | ) | (23.4 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Total stockholders equity |
445.8 | 430.2 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
$ | 790.6 | $ | 741.6 | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
41
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(IN MILLIONS)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31 |
2004
|
2003
|
2002
|
|||||||||
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES |
||||||||||||
Net income |
$ | 6.2 | $ | 51.8 | $ | 52.1 | ||||||
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities: |
||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
24.4 | 25.8 | 32.4 | |||||||||
Impairment of TEL business goodwill |
40.7 | | | |||||||||
Deferred income taxes |
(0.8 | ) | 5.0 | 1.6 | ||||||||
(Profit) / loss on disposal of equipment |
(4.3 | ) | 0.2 | 5.7 | ||||||||
Loss on disposal of business |
13.7 | 2.7 | | |||||||||
Unremitted earnings of affiliated company |
| (0.9 | ) | (1.1 | ) | |||||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: |
||||||||||||
Accounts receivable and prepaid expenses |
(2.2 | ) | 19.7 | 39.7 | ||||||||
Inventories |
(11.3 | ) | 2.2 | 3.5 | ||||||||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities |
3.0 | (2.7 | ) | (13.0 | ) | |||||||
Income taxes and other current liabilities |
11.4 | (11.4 | ) | 0.6 | ||||||||
Plant closure provisions |
(6.8 | ) | (1.2 | ) | (7.8 | ) | ||||||
Pension prepayment |
(7.0 | ) | (9.2 | ) | (22.7 | ) | ||||||
Other non-current liabilities |
(4.6 | ) | 3.2 | 9.0 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Net cash provided by operating activities |
62.4 | 85.2 | 100.0 | |||||||||
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES |
||||||||||||
Capital expenditures |
(9.6 | ) | (7.8 | ) | (11.4 | ) | ||||||
Business combinations, net of cash acquired |
(80.2 | ) | (6.0 | ) | (5.8 | ) | ||||||
Increase in restricted cash |
(4.8 | ) | | | ||||||||
Proceeds on disposal of property, plant and equipment |
5.2 | | | |||||||||
Veritel (Note 10) |
| (6.8 | ) | (30.8 | ) | |||||||
Other |
| 1.2 | (3.8 | ) | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Net cash used in investing activities |
(89.4 | ) | (19.4 | ) | (51.8 | ) | ||||||
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES |
||||||||||||
Minority interest |
(0.5 | ) | 1.8 | (1.4 | ) | |||||||
Receipt of long-term borrowings |
119.0 | | 16.6 | |||||||||
Repayment of long-term borrowings |
(107.5 | ) | (51.9 | ) | (88.6 | ) | ||||||
Net (decrease)/increase in short term borrowings |
| (4.0 | ) | 4.0 | ||||||||
Capital leases |
0.5 | | | |||||||||
Refinancing costs (Note 11) |
(2.7 | ) | (0.2 | ) | | |||||||
Dividends paid |
(1.5 | ) | (0.6 | ) | (0.6 | ) | ||||||
Repurchase of common stock (Note 16) |
(4.5 | ) | (1.2 | ) | (0.2 | ) | ||||||
Issue of treasury stock |
5.5 | 2.9 | 0.2 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Net cash used in financing activities |
8.3 | (53.2 | ) | (70.0 | ) | |||||||
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents |
5.9 | 6.8 | 5.5 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Net change in cash and cash equivalents |
(12.8 | ) | 19.4 | (16.3 | ) | |||||||
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR |
46.1 | 26.7 | 43.0 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR |
$ | 33.3 | $ | 46.1 | $ | 26.7 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
42
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY
(IN MILLIONS)
COMMON
STOCK |
ADDITIONAL
PAID IN CAPITAL |
TREASURY
STOCK |
RETAINED
EARNINGS |
ACCUMULATED
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME |
TOTAL
EQUITY |
||||||||||||||||||
Balance at January 1, 2002 |
$ | 0.1 | $ | 276.5 | $ | (35.5 | ) | $ | 106.4 | $ | (57.1 | ) | $ | 290.4 | |||||||||
Net income |
| | | 52.1 | | 52.1 | |||||||||||||||||
Dividend ($0.05 per share) |
| | | (0.6 | ) | | (0.6 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Net CTA (1) change |
| | | | 21.2 | 21.2 | |||||||||||||||||
Derivatives (2) |
| | | | (1.8 | ) | (1.8 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Repurchase of treasury stock |
| | (0.2 | ) | | | (0.2 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Issue of treasury stock |
| 0.2 | 1.2 | | | 1.4 | |||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Balance at December 31, 2002 |
0.1 | 276.7 | (34.5 | ) | 157.9 | (37.7 | ) | 362.5 | |||||||||||||||
Net income |
| | | 51.8 | | 51.8 | |||||||||||||||||
Dividend ($0.05 per share) |
| | | (0.6 | ) | | (0.6 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Net CTA (1) change |
| | | | 13.0 | 13.0 | |||||||||||||||||
Derivatives (2) |
| | | | 1.3 | 1.3 | |||||||||||||||||
Repurchase of treasury stock |
| | (1.2 | ) | | | (1.2 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Issue of treasury stock |
| 0.1 | 3.3 | | | 3.4 | |||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Balance at December 31, 2003 |
0.1 | 276.8 | (32.4 | ) | 209.1 | (23.4 | ) | 430.2 | |||||||||||||||
Net income |
| | | 6.2 | | 6.2 | |||||||||||||||||
Dividend ($0.12 per share) |
| | | (1.5 | ) | | (1.5 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Net CTA (1) change |
| | | | 9.4 | 9.4 | |||||||||||||||||
Derivatives (2) |
| | | | 0.6 | 0.6 | |||||||||||||||||
Repurchase of treasury stock |
| | (4.5 | ) | | | (4.5 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Issue of treasury stock |
| | 5.7 | | | 5.7 | |||||||||||||||||
Redemption of treasury stock |
| (0.3 | ) | | | | (0.3 | ) | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2004 |
$ | 0.1 | $ | 276.5 | $ | (31.2 | ) | $ | 213.8 | $ | (13.4 | ) | $ | 445.8 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) | Cumulative Translation Adjustment |
(2) | Unrealized exchange gains/(losses) on derivative instruments. |
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(IN MILLIONS)
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31 |
2004
|
2003
|
2002
|
|||||||
Net income for the year |
$ | 6.2 | $ | 51.8 | $ | 52.1 | ||||
Changes in cumulative translation adjustment |
9.4 | 13.0 | 21.2 | |||||||
Unrealized exchange gains/(losses) on derivative instruments |
0.6 | 1.3 | (1.8 | ) | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Total comprehensive income/(loss) |
$ | 16.2 | $ | 66.1 | $ | 71.5 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(IN MILLIONS)
AT DECEMBER 31 |
2004
|
2003
|
||||||
Cumulative translation adjustment |
$ | (13.5 | ) | $ | (22.9 | ) | ||
Unrealized gains and losses on derivatives |
0.1 | (0.5 | ) | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Accumulated other comprehensive income |
$ | (13.4 | ) | $ | (23.4 | ) | ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
43
NOTES ON CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1 NATURE OF OPERATIONS
The Company is a major international manufacturer and distributor of TEL and specialty chemicals, operating in 20 countries worldwide. The Companys products are sold globally, primarily to oil refineries and other chemical and industrial companies. Principal product lines and reportable segments are TEL, Petroleum Specialties and Performance Chemicals.
On October 1, 1998, the Company entered into sales and marketing agreements with Ethyl Corporation (Ethyl) to market and sell TEL in all areas of the world except North America and the European Economic Area for the period to December 31, 2009. All marketing and sales effort made under the arrangement is made in the name of Octel. Octel continues to produce all TEL marketed under the agreements and also provide marketing and other services. Ethyl continues to provide bulk distribution services, marketing and other services. The net proceeds under the agreements are paid to Octel and Ethyl as compensation for services and are based on an agreed-upon formula, with Octel receiving 68% of the total compensation for services provided. No separate legal entity or joint venture has been established as a consequence of the agreement. Sales and expenses incurred under the agreements are included within Octels income statement. These comprise all revenues and costs incurred directly by Octel, together with costs recharged by Ethyl for distribution and other services provided under the terms of the agreements. Ethyls share of the net proceeds for services is charged within cost of goods sold. This relationship was extended effective January 1, 2000 when OBOAdler entered into a similar agreement. Effective July 1, 2001 Ethyl agreed to participate in the Veritel agreement (see Note 10) and the scope of the agreements was extended to include the European Economic Area.
Refer to Note 3 for financial information on the Companys reportable segments.
NOTE 2 ACCOUNTING POLICIES
BASIS OF PREPARATION
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America and include all subsidiaries of the Company where the company has a controlling financial interest. All significant intercompany accounts and balances have been eliminated upon consolidation.
All acquisitions are accounted for as purchases and the results of operations of the acquired businesses are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition.
The results of discontinued operations are shown separately in the income statement. Comparative figures for 2003 and 2002 have also been adjusted to reflect the discontinued operations.
USE OF ESTIMATES
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
CASH EQUIVALENTS
Investment securities with maturities of three months or less when purchased are considered to be cash equivalents.
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
The Company records accounts receivable at net realizable value and maintains an allowance for customers not making required payments. The Company determines the adequacy of the allowance by periodically evaluating each customer receivable considering our customers financial condition, credit history and current economic conditions.
INVENTORIES
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (FIFO method) or market price. Cost includes materials, labor, and an appropriate proportion of plant overheads.
The Company accrues volume discounts where it is probable that the required volume will be attained and the amount can be reasonably estimated. The discounts are recorded as a reduction in the cost of materials based on projected purchases over the period of the agreement.
Provision is made for slow-moving or obsolete inventories as appropriate.
44
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is provided over the estimated useful lives of the assets using the straight-line method. The cost of additions and improvements is capitalized. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expenses.
The estimated useful lives of the major classes of depreciable assets are as follows:
Buildings |
7 to 25 years | |
Equipment |
3 to 10 years |
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Goodwill and intangible assets deemed to have indefinite lives are no longer amortized, but are subject to an annual impairment test. Other intangible assets continue to be amortized over their useful lives.
The measurement date for impairment testing of Petroleum Specialties and Performance Chemicals goodwill is December 31, annually. TEL goodwill is reviewed for impairment at the end of each quarter.
The Company regularly reviews goodwill and the other intangible assets for impairment based on projected post-tax cash flows, discounted at the Companys weighted average cost of capital. As expected the decline in the TEL market has resulted in impairment charges being incurred from 2004. It is highly likely that further charges will be incurred in future years as the market continues to decline. The impairment reviews of the goodwill relating to the Petroleum Specialties and Performance Chemicals businesses indicates that there is no requirement to recognize an impairment charge in respect of this goodwill.
DEFERRED FINANCE COSTS
The costs relating to debt financing are capitalized and separately disclosed in the balance sheets. A new financing arrangement was agreed on January 30, 2004 together with an amendment to that agreement on August 31, 2004. The costs from those financing arrangements of $2.7 million were capitalized and are being amortized using the average interest method over the expected life of the agreement.
IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS
The Company reviews the carrying value of its long-lived assets, including buildings and equipment, whenever changes in circumstances suggest that the carrying values may be impaired. In order to facilitate this test, the Company groups together assets at the lowest possible level for which cash flow information is available. Undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the assets are compared with the carrying value of the assets and if they are lower an impairment loss may be recognized. The amount of the impairment loss is the difference between the fair value and the carrying value of the assets. Fair values are determined using post-tax cash flows discounted at the Companys weighted average cost of capital.
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The Company uses various derivative instruments including forward currency contracts and options and interest rate swaps to manage certain exposures. These instruments are entered into under the Companys corporate risk management policy to minimize exposure and are not for speculative trading purposes.
FAS 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments, and requires that an entity recognize all derivatives as either assets or liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet and measure those instruments at fair value. Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are not designated as hedges, or do not meet the requirements for hedge accounting under FAS 133, are recognized in earnings. Derivatives are tested for effectiveness on a quarterly basis. The ineffective portion of the derivatives change in value is recognized in earnings. The effective portion is recognized in other comprehensive income until the hedged item is recognized in earnings.
The Company employs interest rate swaps which convert variable rate debt on $25.0 million of the $100.0 million senior term loan to fixed rate. These have been designated as cash flow hedges of the underlying variable rate obligation. These have been tested for effectiveness using the dollar offset method. At the end of the term of the swap arrangements, the cumulative gain or loss will be reclassified to the income statement. The interest rate swaps have been recorded as a non-current liability in the balance sheet.
ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AND REMEDIATION
Environmental compliance costs include ongoing maintenance, monitoring and similar costs. Environmental costs are accrued when environmental assessments or remedial efforts are probable and the cost can be reasonably estimated. Such accruals are adjusted as further information develops or circumstances change. Costs of future obligations are discounted to their present values using the Companys weighted average cost of capital.
45
REVENUE RECOGNITION
The Company supplies products to customers from its various manufacturing sites, and in some instances from containers held on customer sites, under a variety of standard shipping terms and conditions. In each case revenue is recognized when the transfer of legal title, which is defined and generally accepted in the standard terms and conditions, arises between the Company and the customer.
The Company recognizes the total revenue from TEL sales under the Ethyl agreements. The 32% compensation which is paid to Ethyl is recognized in cost of goods sold.
A component of Ethyls share of net proceeds (see Note 1) is an amount recoverable from Ethyl that is agreed annually in arrears. The Company recognizes this quarterly, based on best current estimates of the expected outcome.
Provisions for sales discounts and rebates to customers are based upon the terms of sales contracts and are recorded in the same period as the related sales as a deduction from revenue. The Company estimates the provision for sales discounts and rebates based on the terms of each agreement at the time of shipping.
COMPONENTS OF NET SALES
All amounts billed to customers relating to shipping and handling are classified as net sales. Shipping and handling costs incurred by the Company are classified as cost of goods sold.
COMPONENTS OF COST OF GOODS SOLD
Cost of goods sold is comprised of raw material costs including inbound freight, duty and non-recoverable taxes, inbound handling costs associated with the receipt of raw materials, packaging materials, production costs including labor costs, maintenance and utility costs, plant and engineering overhead, warehousing and outbound shipping costs and handling costs. Inventory losses and provisions and the costs of customer claims are also recognized in the cost of goods line item.
The 32% compensation which is paid to Ethyl is recognized in cost of goods sold.
COMPONENTS OF SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
Selling expenses comprise the costs of the direct sales force and the sales management and customer service departments required to support them. It also comprises the costs of sales conferences and trade shows, the cost of advertising and promotions and the cost of bad and doubtful debts. General and administrative expenses comprise the cost of support functions including accounting, human resources, information technology and the cost of group functions including corporate management, finance, tax, treasury, investor relations and legal departments.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT EXPENSES
Research, testing and development costs are expensed to the income statement as incurred.
EARNINGS PER SHARE
Basic earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period, while diluted earnings per share includes the effect of options and restricted stock that are dilutive and outstanding during the period.
FOREIGN CURRENCIES
The Companys policy is that exchange differences arising on the translation of the balance sheets of entities that have functional currencies other than the US dollar are taken to a separate equity reserve, the cumulative translation adjustment. In entities where the US dollar is the functional currency no gains or losses on translation occur. In these entities gains or losses on monetary assets relating to currencies other than the US dollar are taken to the income statement. Gains or losses on foreign currency transactions are included in other expenses in the income statement.
Management has conducted a review of functional currencies during the year and has concluded that there were no changes in the functional currencies in any of the Companys subsidiaries in 2004.
STOCK OPTION PLANS
The Company has elected to follow Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees (APB 25) and related interpretations in accounting for its employee stock options. Under APB 25, for fixed awards, when the exercise price of employee stock options equals the market price of the underlying stock on the date of the grant, no compensation expense is recorded. The Company has adopted the disclosure-only provisions of FAS 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation and FAS 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation Transition and Disclosure.
PENSION PLANS AND OTHER POST-EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
Annual costs of pension plans are actuarially determined based on FAS 87, Employers Accounting for Pensions. The Company has conformed its pension and other post-retirement disclosures to comply with FAS 132R, Employers Disclosures about Pensions and Other Post-Retirement Benefits.
RECLASSIFICATIONS
Certain reclassifications have been made to the consolidated financial statements for the prior years to conform to the December 31, 2004 presentation.
46
NOTE 3 BUSINESS SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHICAL AREA DATA
The Companys operations consist of one dominant industry segment: petroleum additives.
Within the industry segment the Company has identified three main product groups: TEL, Petroleum Specialties and Performance Chemicals. Chlorine is not a reportable segment but has been disclosed separately within TEL to give greater comparability. Prior to 2002 it operated on a cost recovery contractual basis and had no sales. The chlorine plant was closed in 2002.
The Company had two significant customers in the TEL business segment who individually accounted for more than 10% of net sales in 2004 and 2003. Net sales to these customers totalled $63.6 million and $51.3 million in 2004 and $53.7 million and $50.6 million in 2003, respectively. In 2002 the Company had one significant customer to whom net sales of $62.6 million were made.
The following table analyzes sales and other financial information by product group:
PRODUCT GROUP DATA
(IN MILLIONS) |
2004
|
2003
|
2002
|
|||||||||
Net sales: |
||||||||||||
TEL-Ongoing |
$ | 243.5 | $ | 266.3 | $ | 256.7 | ||||||
TEL-Chlorine |
| | 14.0 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
243.5 | 266.3 | 270.7 | ||||||||||
Petroleum Specialties |
174.6 | 155.8 | 136.4 | |||||||||
Performance Chemicals |
62.4 | 32.5 | 33.9 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
$ | 480.5 | $ | 454.6 | $ | 441.0 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Gross profit: |
||||||||||||
TEL-Ongoing |
$ | 140.3 | $ | 140.6 | $ | 136.3 | ||||||
TEL Chlorine |
| | (1.8 | ) | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
140.3 | 140.6 | 134.5 | ||||||||||
Petroleum Specialties |
56.4 | 54.2 | 45.3 | |||||||||
Performance Chemicals |
12.8 | 7.3 | 12.1 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
$ | 209.5 | $ | 202.1 | $ | 191.9 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Operating income: |
||||||||||||
TEL-Ongoing |
$ | 113.8 | $ | 118.4 | $ | 117.9 | ||||||
TEL-Chlorine |
| | (1.8 | ) | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
113.8 | 118.4 | 116.1 | ||||||||||
Petroleum Specialties |
10.8 | 13.0 | 9.5 | |||||||||
Performance Chemicals |
0.9 | (2.9 | ) | 0.4 | ||||||||
Corporate costs |
(31.1 | ) | (16.3 | ) | (17.1 | ) | ||||||
Restructuring charge |
(8.5 | ) | (15.0 | ) | (19.5 | ) | ||||||
Impairment of TEL business goodwill |
(40.7 | ) | | | ||||||||
Loss on disposals |
(4.4 | ) | | | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
$ | 40.8 | $ | 97.2 | $ | 89.4 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Identifiable assets at year end: |
||||||||||||
TEL |
$ | 342.1 | $ | 426.2 | $ | 430.5 | ||||||
Petroleum Specialties |
239.9 | 157.4 | 164.4 | |||||||||
Performance Chemicals |
85.7 | 42.1 | 47.7 | |||||||||
Corporate Prepaid pension cost |
122.9 | 115.9 | 105.2 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
$ | 790.6 | $ | 741.6 | $ | 747.8 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Company includes in the corporate costs line item the costs of managing the Group as a company with securities listed on the New York Stock Exchange and registered with the SEC. The cost of the President/CEOs office, group finance, group human resources, corporate secretary, legal fees and investor relations all fall into this category. The establishment costs of running the corporate offices in the USA and Europe are also included. The costs of the corporate development function are also included in this line item as it does not relate to the current trading activities of our other business segments. The corporate share of costs related to information technology, accounting and human resources are also included in this line item. Due to the low proportion of currently active members in the defined benefit pension scheme, any net pension cost or credit is also recognized in this line item.
Sales by geographic area are reported by source (where the transaction originates) and by destination (where the final sale to customers is made). Intercompany sales are priced to recover cost plus an appropriate mark-up for profit and are eliminated in the consolidated financial statements.
Identifiable assets are those directly associated with the operations of the geographical area.
Goodwill has not been allocated by geographical location on the grounds that
GEOGRAPHICAL AREA DATA
(IN MILLIONS) |
2004
|
2003
|
2002
|
|||||||||
Net sales by source: |
||||||||||||
United States |
$ | 92.7 | $ | 75.8 | $ | 72.7 | ||||||
United Kingdom |
285.3 | 235.5 | 278.9 | |||||||||
Rest of Europe |
182.1 | 215.8 | 140.3 | |||||||||
Other |
19.9 | 17.2 | 21.3 | |||||||||
Sales between areas |
(99.5 | ) | (89.7 | ) | (72.2 | ) | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
$ | 480.5 | $ | 454.6 | $ | 441.0 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Net sales by destination: |
||||||||||||
United States |
$ | 96.8 | $ | 74.2 | $ | 80.1 | ||||||
United Kingdom |
31.4 | 19.5 | 36.8 | |||||||||
Rest of Europe |
114.0 | 50.7 | 63.1 | |||||||||
Other |
238.3 | 310.2 | 261.0 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
$ | 480.5 | $ | 454.6 | $ | 441.0 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Income/(loss) before income taxes: |
||||||||||||
United States |
$ | (8.7 | ) | $ | (7.2 | ) | $ | (3.2 | ) | |||
United Kingdom |
47.9 | 35.8 | 63.6 | |||||||||
Rest of Europe |
27.6 | 47.7 | 9.3 | |||||||||
Other |
5.0 | 0.3 | 4.6 | |||||||||
Impairment of TEL business goodwill |
(40.7 | ) | | | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
$ | 31.1 | $ | 76.6 | $ | 74.3 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
47
GEOGRAPHICAL AREA DATA (continued)
(IN MILLIONS) |
2004
|
2003
|
2002
|
||||||
Long-lived assets at year end: |
|||||||||
United States |
$ | 14.5 | $ | 3.9 | $ | 4.3 | |||
United Kingdom |
201.0 | 162.3 | 161.5 | ||||||
Rest of Europe |
43.2 | 47.5 | 56.7 | ||||||
Other |
0.1 | 0.1 | 0.7 | ||||||
Goodwill |
332.2 | 348.9 | 352.8 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
$ | 591.0 | $ | 562.7 | $ | 576.0 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Identifiable assets at year end: |
|||||||||
United States |
$ | 43.5 | $ | 21.3 | $ | 30.4 | |||
United Kingdom |
295.1 | 238.5 | 212.0 | ||||||
Rest of Europe |
116.9 | 128.1 | 144.2 | ||||||
Other |
2.9 | 4.8 | 8.4 | ||||||
Goodwill |
332.2 | 348.9 | 352.8 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
$ | 790.6 | $ | 741.6 | $ | 747.8 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
NOTE 4 STOCK OPTION PLANS
The Company has seven stock option plans which provide for the issuance of options to key employees and directors of the Company. All grants are at the sole discretion of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, which administers the plans. Grants may be priced at market value or at a premium or discount. Vesting periods are up to four years and exercise periods of up to ten years. A total of 3,043,000 shares have been approved by the shareholders for allocation to the issue of share options.
The following table summarizes the transactions of the Companys stock option plans for the three year period ended December 31, 2004:
NUMBER OF
SHARES |
WEIGHTED
AVERAGE EXERCISE PRICE |
WEIGHTED
AVERAGE FAIR VALUE |
|||||||
Options outstanding December 31, 2001 |
1,351,311 | $ | 8.52 | ||||||
Granted at discount |
123,406 | $ | 14.97 | $ | 5.93 | ||||
at premium |
174,813 | $ | 16.41 | $ | 4.46 | ||||
Exercised |
(105,855 | ) | $ | 1.54 | |||||
Cancelled |
(33,043 | ) | $ | 6.41 | |||||
Cancelled for payment |
(32,909 | ) | $ | 1.86 | |||||
|
|
||||||||
Options outstanding December 31, 2002 |
1,477,723 | $ | 10.69 | ||||||
Grantedat discount |
167,892 | $ | | $ | 12.89 | ||||
at premium |
159,500 | $ | 13.91 | $ | 3.89 | ||||
Exercised |
(285,909 | ) | $ | 8.48 | |||||
Cancelled |
(18,809 | ) | $ | 16.12 | |||||
Cancelled for payment |
(16,980 | ) | $ | 12.66 | |||||
|
|
||||||||
Options outstanding December 31, 2003 |
1,483,417 | $ | 10.31 | ||||||
Granted at discount |
74,070 | $ | | $ | 22.66 | ||||
at market value |
18,850 | $ | 23.00 | $ | 6.70 | ||||
Exercised |
(483,494 | ) | $ | 10.62 | |||||
Cancelled |
(87,565 | ) | $ | 7.12 | |||||
|
|
||||||||
Options outstanding December 31, 2004 |
1,005,278 | $ | 10.28 | ||||||
|
|
The following table summarizes information about options outstanding at December 31, 2004:
RANGE OF EXERCISE PRICE |
NUMBER
OUTSTANDING AT DEC 31, 2004 |
WEIGHTED
AVERAGE REMAINING LIFE |
WEIGHTED
AVERAGE EXERCISE PRICE |
NUMBER
EXERCISABLE AT DEC 31, 2004 |
WEIGHTED
AVERAGE EXERCISE PRICE |
|||||||
$0-$5 |
214,588 | 8.43 years | $ | 0.00 | 10,898 | $ | 0.00 | |||||
$5-$10 |
146,188 | 5.36 years | $ | 7.81 | 146,188 | $ | 7.81 | |||||
$10-$15 |
403,946 | 6.24 years | $ | 13.50 | 245,446 | $ | 13.22 | |||||
$15-$20 |
223,206 | 4.70 years | $ | 16.63 | 106,435 | $ | 16.05 | |||||
$20-$25 |
17,350 | 9.37 years | $ | 23.00 | | | ||||||
|
|
|||||||||||
1,000,278 | 508,967 |
The fair value of options granted was estimated using the Black-Scholes model with the following assumptions:
2004
|
2003
|
2002
|
|||||||
Dividend yield |
0.5 | % | 3 | % | 3 | % | |||
Expected life |
4 years | 4.45 years | 45 years | ||||||
Volatility |
38.7 | % | 35 | % | 35 | % | |||
Risk free interest rate |
3.43 | % | 2.69 | % | 3.59 | % |
The following table summarizes the effect on net income and earnings per share had the Company recorded its compensation expense consistently with the method prescribed by FAS 123:
EARNINGS PER SHARE
|
||||||||||
(IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA) |
NET INCOME
|
BASIC
|
DILUTED
|
|||||||
2004 |
||||||||||
As disclosed |
$ | 6.2 | $ | 0.50 | $ | 0.48 | ||||
Compensation expense, net of tax, included in net income |
1.1 | |||||||||
Compensation expense, net of tax, that would have been included had FAS 123 been adopted |
(1.3 | ) | ||||||||
|
|
|
||||||||
Proforma net income |
$ | 6.0 | $ | 0.49 | $ | 0.46 | ||||
|
|
|
||||||||
2003 |
||||||||||
As disclosed |
$ | 51.8 | $ | 4.34 | $ | 4.13 | ||||
Compensation expense, net of tax, included in net income |
0.6 | |||||||||
Compensation expense, net of tax, that would have been included had FAS 123 been adopted |
(1.3 | ) | ||||||||
|
|
|
||||||||
Proforma net income |
$ | 51.1 | $ | 4.29 | $ | 4.07 | ||||
|
|
|
||||||||
2002 |
||||||||||
As disclosed |
$ | 52.1 | $ | 4.41 | $ | 4.15 | ||||
Compensation expense, net of tax, included in net income |
0.5 | |||||||||
Compensation expense, net of tax, that would have been included had FAS 123 been adopted |
(1.6 | ) | ||||||||
|
|
|
||||||||
Proforma net income |
$ | 51.0 | $ | 4.31 | $ | 4.06 | ||||
|
|
|
48
NOTE 5 EARNINGS PER SHARE
Basic earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year, while diluted earnings per share includes the effect of options that are dilutive and outstanding during the year. Per share amounts are computed as follows:
2004
|
2003
|
2002
|
||||||||||
Numerator (millions of dollars): |
||||||||||||
Income before affiliated company earnings from continuing operations |
$ | 11.1 | $ | 53.4 | $ | 51.3 | ||||||
Share of affiliated company earnings |
(1.0 | ) | 0.9 | 1.1 | ||||||||
Discontinued operations, net of tax |
(3.9 | ) | (3.0 | ) | (0.3 | ) | ||||||
Cumulative effect of change in accounting policy, net of tax |
| 0.5 | | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Net income available to common shares |
$ | 6.2 | $ | 51.8 | $ | 52.1 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Denominator (in thousands): |
||||||||||||
Weighted average common shares outstanding |
12,345 | 11,925 | 11,817 | |||||||||
Dilutive effect of stock options and awards |
644 | 629 | 740 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Denominator for diluted earnings per share |
12,989 | 12,554 | 12,557 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Net income per share: |
||||||||||||
Income before affiliated company earnings from continuing operations |
$ | 0.90 | $ | 4.48 | $ | 4.34 | ||||||
Share of affiliated company earnings |
(0.08 | ) | 0.07 | 0.09 | ||||||||
Discontinued operations, net of tax |
(0.32 | ) | (0.25 | ) | (0.02 | ) | ||||||
Cumulative effect of change in accounting policy, net of tax |
| 0.04 | | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Net income available to common shares |
$ | 0.50 | $ | 4.34 | $ | 4.41 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Net income per share, diluted: |
||||||||||||
Income before affiliated company earnings from continuing operations |
$ | 0.85 | $ | 4.25 | $ | 4.09 | ||||||
Share of affiliated company earnings |
(0.07 | ) | 0.07 | 0.08 | ||||||||
Discontinued operations, net of tax |
(0.30 | ) | (0.23 | ) | (0.02 | ) | ||||||
Cumulative effect of change in accounting policy, net of tax |
| 0.04 | | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Net income available to common shares |
$ | 0.48 | $ | 4.13 | $ | 4.15 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18,850 options were anti-dilutive in 2004 and have been excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share. 40,663 options were anti-dilutive in 2003 and 2002.
NOTE 6 PENSION PLANS
The Company maintains a contributory defined benefit pension plan covering substantially all UK employees. The Projected Benefit Obligation (PBO) is based on final salary and years of credited service, reduced by social security benefits according to a plan formula. Normal retirement age is 65, but provisions are made for early retirement.
The Companys funding policy is to contribute amounts to the plan to cover service costs to date as recommended by the Companys actuary. Employee and employer contributions since January 1, 2004, were at 5% and 22.6%, respectively, of pensionable pay. The plans assets are invested by six investment management companies in funds holding UK and overseas equities, UK and overseas fixed interest securities, index linked securities, property unit trusts and cash or cash equivalents. A full actuarial valuation of the pension plan was carried out during 2003, and an update carried out as at October 5, 2004, the results of both of which are reflected in the calculations below.
Assumptions for the plan as of the end of the last three years were as follows:
2004
|
2003
|
2002
|
|||||||
Weighted average discount rate |
5.60 | % | 5.50 | % | 5.60 | % | |||
Rate of increase in compensation levels |
3.60 | % | 3.50 | % | 3.00 | % | |||
Rate of return on plan assets |
5.40 | % | 5.75 | % | 6.75 | % |
Movements in PBO and the fair value of plan assets, and the funded status and prepaid pension cost of the plan are as follows:
(IN MILLIONS) |
2004
|
2003
|
||||||
Change in PBO |
||||||||
Balance at January 1 |
$ | 616.6 | $ | 583.3 | ||||
Interest cost |
37.4 | 32.1 | ||||||
Service cost |
6.2 | 7.0 | ||||||
Contributions by participants |
1.1 | 0.5 | ||||||
Benefits paid |
(40.3 | ) | (33.3 | ) | ||||
Actuarial losses |
26.8 | 27.0 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Balance at December 31 |
647.8 | 616.6 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Fair value of plan assets |
||||||||
Balance at January 1 |
644.0 | 580.7 | ||||||
Actual benefits paid |
(40.3 | ) | (33.3 | ) | ||||
Actual contributions by employer |
4.4 | 1.4 | ||||||
Actual contributions by participants |
1.1 | 0.5 | ||||||
Actual return on assets |
45.4 | 94.7 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Balance at December 31 |
654.6 | 644.0 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Plan assets excess over PBO |
6.8 | 27.4 | ||||||
Unrecognized net loss |
115.2 | 86.7 | ||||||
Unrecognized prior service cost |
0.9 | 1.8 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Prepaid pension cost |
$ | 122.9 | $ | 115.9 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
49
Net pension credit for the UK pension plans is as follows:
(IN MILLIONS) |
2004
|
2003
|
2002
|
|||||||||
Service cost |
$ | 6.2 | $ | 7.0 | $ | 5.4 | ||||||
Interest cost on PBO |
37.4 | 32.1 | 30.5 | |||||||||
Expected return on plan assets |
(47.4 | ) | (49.4 | ) | (47.4 | ) | ||||||
Net amortization and deferral |
1.1 | 1.0 | (0.3 | ) | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
$ | (2.7 | ) | $ | (9.3 | ) | $ | (11.8 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accumulated benefit obligation for the UK pension plan was $613.9 million and $585.6 million at December 31, 2004, and 2003, respectively.
The UK pension plans asset allocations at December 31, 2004 and 2003, by asset category are as follows:
2004
|
2003
|
|||||
Equity securities |
31 | % | 71 | % | ||
Debt securities |
68 | % | 28 | % | ||
Other |
1 | % | 1 | % | ||
|
|
|
|
|||
Total |
100 | % | 100 | % | ||
|
|
|
|
The current investment strategy of the UK pension plan is to obtain an asset allocation of 70% in favour of debt securities and 30% equity securities, in order to achieve a more predictable return on assets.
The estimated level of Company contributions into the UK pension plan for 2005 is $4.5 million. The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be made:
(IN MILLIONS) |
|||
2005 |
$ | 43.0 | |
2006 |
$ | 44.2 | |
2007 |
$ | 45.3 | |
2008 |
$ | 46.5 | |
2009 |
$ | 47.8 | |
2010-2014 |
$ | 259.6 |
Our German subsidiary has an unfunded defined benefit pension scheme. A valuation under FAS 87 has been performed in 2004 and a charge was recognized to reflect the projected benefit obligation.
Company contributions to defined contribution pension schemes during 2004 were $1.1 million, (2003: $2.2 million).
NOTE 7 INCOME TAXES
Income taxes are accounted for using the asset and liability method pursuant to FAS 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. Deferred taxes are recognized for the tax consequences of temporary differences by applying enacted statutory rates applicable to future years to differences between the financial statements carrying amounts and the tax bases of existing assets and liabilities. The effect on deferred taxes of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. In addition, FAS 109 requires the recognition of future tax benefits to the extent that realization of such benefits is more likely than not.
The sources of income/(loss) before income taxes were as follows:
(IN MILLIONS) |
2004
|
2003
|
2002
|
|||||||||
Domestic |
$ | (8.7 | ) | $ | (7.2 | ) | $ | (3.2 | ) | |||
Foreign |
39.8 | 83.8 | 77.5 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
$ | 31.1 | $ | 76.6 | $ | 74.3 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The components of income tax charges are summarized as follows:
(IN MILLIONS) |
2004
|
2003
|
2002
|
|||||||||
CURRENT: |
||||||||||||
Federal |
$ | 0.1 | $ | (0.2 | ) | $ | 1.3 | |||||
Foreign |
24.4 | 11.8 | 24.9 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
$ | 24.5 | $ | 11.6 | $ | 26.2 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
DEFERRED: |
||||||||||||
Federal |
(1.5 | ) | | | ||||||||
Foreign |
(3.0 | ) | 11.6 | (3.2 | ) | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
(4.5 | ) | 11.6 | (3.2 | ) | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
$ | 20.0 | $ | 23.2 | $ | 23.0 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash payments for income taxes were $13.7 million, $23.7 million and $21.3 million during 2004, 2003, and 2002, respectively.
The effective tax rate varies from the US federal statutory rate because of the factors indicated below:
2004
|
2003
|
2002
|
|||||||
Statutory rate |
35.0 | % | 35.0 | % | 35.0 | % | |||
Foreign tax rate differential |
(28.4 | ) | (9.1 | ) | (6.1 | ) | |||
Amortization |
(3.5 | ) | | 0.2 | |||||
Impairment of TEL business goodwill |
51.4 | | | ||||||
Unrecognized net operating losses |
7.6 | 3.5 | 5.5 | ||||||
Tax charge/(credit) from previous years |
(5.3 | ) | 0.1 | (4.4 | ) | ||||
Discontinued operations |
3.9 | 0.1 | | ||||||
Other (net) |
3.6 | 0.7 | 0.8 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
64.3 | % | 30.3 | % | 31.0 | % | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
50
The $40.7 million charge in respect of the impairment of TEL business goodwill has no cash or taxation impact and represents the most significant factor in the increase in the effective rate of tax. As in 2003 and 2002, the mix of taxable profits made in the different geographical localities in which the Company operates continued to have a favorable impact on the effective tax rate in 2004.
Details of deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:
(IN MILLIONS) |
2004
|
2003
|
||||||
DEFERRED TAX ASSETS: |
||||||||
Excess of tax over book basis in property, plant and equipment |
$ | 11.3 | $ | 11.1 | ||||
Net operating loss carryforwards |
12.3 | 8.5 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
23.6 | 19.6 | |||||||
Valuation allowance |
(11.3 | ) | (7.6 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Total deferred tax assets |
12.3 | 12.0 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
DEFERRED TAX LIABILITIES: |
||||||||
Pension costs |
36.9 | 34.8 | ||||||
Other |
19.8 | 15.8 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
56.7 | 50.6 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Total net provision |
$ | 44.4 | $ | 38.6 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
As a result of the Companys assessment of its net deferred tax assets at December 31, 2004, the Company considers it more likely than not that no valuation allowance is required for $1.0 million (2003 - $0.9 million) of its net operating loss carryforwards. These net operating loss carryforwards in 2004 and 2003 were generated in France as a result of recent restructuring activity in Europe. It is expected that sufficient taxable profits will be generated against which the net operating loss carryforwards can be relieved before their usage expires in approximately four years time.
Should it be determined in the future that it is no longer more likely than not that these assets will be realized, an additional valuation allowance would be required and the Companys operating results would be adversely affected during the period in which such a determination would be made.
The Company has not made provision for unremitted earnings from overseas subsidiaries on the grounds that they will not be remitted as they are required in the entities concerned or will be used to fund further investment into other territories. Any determination of the potential amount of unrecognized deferred taxes is not practicable due to the complexities associated with its hypothetical calculation.
NOTE 8 ACQUISITIONS
On June 30, 2004, the Company acquired a 100% interest in Leuna Polymer GmbH (Leuna) for consideration of $8.1 million. The Company purchased one common share which was valued at €1. Leuna is a manufacturer of diesel fuel additives and specialty waxes. Leuna was released from receivership in late June 2004 and consequently its results have only been consolidated since the beginning of July 2004.
On July 8, 2004, the Company purchased the 50% share in Octel Starreon LLC which had previously been held by Starreon Corporation LLC for total consideration of $43.8 million. The value of the partnership interest acquired from Starreon Corporation LLC was $0.6 million. The results of Octel Starreon LLC were already consolidated prior to acquisition of the remaining 50%, though from July 2004 there has been no charge in the income statement for minority interests in relation to Octel Starreon LLC.
On August 26, 2004, the Company acquired a 100% interest in Aroma & Fine Chemicals Limited (AFC) for $34.5 million. The results of AFC have been consolidated since September 1, 2004. 1.3 million common shares were purchased at a value of $0.2 million. Of the total consideration $4.8 million is in the form of Loan Notes, half of which are due for repayment in January 2006, with the remaining half in September 2006. AFC manufactures aroma chemicals which are principally sold into the household, institutional, industrial and personal care markets.
Octel Starreon LLC (Octel Starreon) was fully consolidated by the Company prior to the acquisition of the remaining 50% held by Starreon Corporation LLC, with the appropriate 50% proportion of its net income and balance sheet recognized as minority interest. Consequently the table below represents only the fair value adjustments made to the acquisition balance sheet, together with the removal of the associated minority interest.
51
The Company is still waiting for certain information in respect of site remediation and asset retirement obligations in order to complete the purchase price allocation for AFC and Leuna. It is not expected that there will be any material adjustment to the provisional assessment, and consequently the following values have been assigned to the major classes of assets and liabilities in the balance sheets of the acquired entities at acquisition date:
(IN MILLIONS) |
LEUNA
|
AFC
|
OCTEL STARREON |
TOTAL
|
||||||||
Cash |
$ | 2.9 | $ | | $ | | $ | 2.9 | ||||
Receivables |
4.4 | 6.0 | | 10.4 | ||||||||
Inventories |
2.4 | 6.8 | 0.4 | 9.6 | ||||||||
Property, plant and equipment |
1.0 | 25.2 | | 26.2 | ||||||||
Goodwill |
| 2.3 | 30.0 | 32.3 | ||||||||
Intangible assets |
| 7.6 | 11.5 | 19.1 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total assets |
10.7 | 47.9 | 41.9 | 100.5 | ||||||||
Current liabilities |
2.6 | 7.6 | | 10.2 | ||||||||
Long-term debt |
| 2.9 | | 2.9 | ||||||||
Deferred taxes |
| 2.6 | 4.0 | 6.6 | ||||||||
Other non-current liabilities |
| 0.3 | | 0.3 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total liabilities |
2.6 | 13.4 | 4.0 | 20.0 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net assets acquired |
8.1 | 34.5 | 37.9 | 80.5 | ||||||||
Decrease in minority interest |
| | 5.9 | 5.9 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Increase in net assets |
$ | 8.1 | $ | 34.5 | $ | 43.8 | $ | 86.4 | ||||
|
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|
|
|
|
|
The goodwill recognized in respect of Octel Starreon has been included within the Petroleum Specialties business segment and the goodwill in respect of AFC has been included within Performance Chemicals (see Note 9).
The following intangible assets were recognized in respect of AFC and Octel Starreon. Following review, no intangible assets were identified in respect of Leuna.
(IN MILLIONS |
AFC
|
OCTEL STARREON |
TOTAL
|
||||||
Technology |
$ | 4.8 | $ | 2.3 | $ | 7.1 | |||
Customer relationships |
2.8 | 9.0 | 11.8 | ||||||
Patents |
| 0.2 | 0.2 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Total assets |
$ | 7.6 | $ | 11.5 | $ | 19.1 | |||
|
|
|
|
|
|
All the intangible assets have been assessed as having a useful life of ten years and have no residual value.
The following unaudited information illustrates the results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 as if all the acquisitions had occurred on January 1, 2002. It has been adjusted to
reflect amortization of goodwill on acquisitions and financing transactions and the related interest expense. This information is for illustrative purposes only and is not meant to be indicative of actual results that might have been achieved or
UNAUDITED PROFORMA INFORMATION
(IN MILLIONS EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA) |
2004
|
2003
|
2002
|
||||||
Net sales |
$ | 521.0 | $ | 512.2 | $ | 488.8 | |||
Net income |
$ | 8.5 | $ | 58.3 | $ | 52.0 | |||
Earnings per share basic |
$ | 0.69 | $ | 4.89 | $ | 4.40 | |||
diluted |
$ | 0.65 | $ | 4.64 | $ | 4.14 |
On January 13, 2005, the Company acquired Finetex Inc. (Finetex) for consideration of approximately $20 million. Finetex is a technology based supplier of specialty surfactants and emollients for the personal care, cosmetics and industrial markets. Finetex will be included within the Performance Chemicals business segment for reporting purposes.
Due to the short amount of time which has elapsed since the acquisition, it is not yet practicable to provide a purchase price allocation or an estimate of goodwill.
NOTE 9 GOODWILL
Goodwill comprises the following:
PETROLEUM PERFORMANCE
|
||||||||||||||||
(IN MILLIONS) |
TEL
|
SPECIALTIES
|
CHEMICALS
|
TOTAL
|
||||||||||||
Gross cost at January 1, 2003 |
$ | 559.4 | $ | 66.5 | $ | 25.0 | $ | 650.9 | ||||||||
Disposals |
(0.8 | ) | (3.4 | ) | | (4.2 | ) | |||||||||
Exchange effect |
| 0.3 | | 0.3 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Gross cost at December 31, 2003 |
558.6 | 63.4 | 25.0 | 647.0 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Amortization at January 1, 2003 |
(289.4 | ) | (8.4 | ) | (0.3 | ) | (298.1 | ) | ||||||||
Exchange effect |
(0.1 | ) | 0.1 | | | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Amortization at December 31, 2003 |
(289.5 | ) | (8.3 | ) | (0.3 | ) | (298.1 | ) | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net book amount at December 31, 2003 |
$ | 269.1 | $ | 55.1 | $ | 24.7 | $ | 348.9 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Gross cost at January 1, 2004 |
$ | 558.6 | $ | 63.4 | $ | 25.0 | $ | 647.0 | ||||||||
Acquisitions |
| 30.0 | 2.3 | 32.3 | ||||||||||||
Disposals |
| (8.5 | ) | | (8.5 | ) | ||||||||||
Impairment |
(40.7 | ) | | | (40.7 | ) | ||||||||||
Exchange effect |
| 0.2 | | 0.2 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Gross cost at December 31, 2004 |
517.9 | 85.1 | 27.3 | 630.3 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Amortization at January 1, 2004 |
(289.5 | ) | (8.3 | ) | (0.3 | ) | (298.1 | ) | ||||||||
Amortization at December 31, 2004 |
(289.5 | ) | (8.3 | ) | (0.3 | ) | (298.9 | ) | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net book amount at December 31, 2004 |
$ | 228.4 | $ | 76.8 | $ | 27.0 | $ | 332.2 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
52
The Companys reporting units are generally consistent with the operating segments underlying the segments identified in Note 3.
The Company adopted FAS 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets effective January 1, 2002. This requires that goodwill deemed to have an indefinite life should no longer be amortized, but subject to an annual impairment review, or between years if events occur or circumstances change which suggest that an impairment may have occurred.
The Company elected to perform its annual tests in respect of Petroleum Specialties and Performance Chemicals goodwill as of December 31 each year. In reviewing for any impairment charge the fair value of the reporting units underlying the segments is estimated using a discounted after tax cash flow methodology based on managements best estimates at that time.
During 2002 and 2003, the goodwill impairment test for the TEL business was performed annually at December 31. Both these reviews showed that the fair value of the reporting unit based on after tax cash flows discounted at the Companys weighted average cost of capital exceeded the carrying value of TEL segment assets and, accordingly, no indicator of impairment existed and step 2 of the FAS 142 impairment test was not performed.
In light of the continuing decline in the TEL market globally, as the Company makes sales of TEL in each quarter, the remaining sales and corresponding cash flows that can be derived from the TEL business are reduced, and accordingly the fair value of the TEL reporting unit is reduced. Based on the Companys detailed forecast model, assumptions at December 31, 2003 indicated that the reduction in forecast future cash flows during 2004 would reduce the fair value of the reporting unit below the carrying value of TEL segment assets and, accordingly, there was likely to be a significant goodwill impairment charge during the year ended December 31, 2004. As a result the Company determined that quarterly impairment reviews be performed from January 1, 2004 and any impairment charge arising be recognized in the relevant quarter.
The value of the remaining cash flows from the TEL business segment is calculated at any review date by reference to the best available estimates for future revenues, gross margins, selling and administrative costs as well as the fixed and working capital requirements of the business. The resulting cash flows are then discounted and the total discounted cash flows of the TEL business are then allocated to the fair value of the TEL business unit at that date. The Company uses this information to derive an implied goodwill value which is then compared to the carrying value to determine what impairment is needed.
Using this methodology and the assumptions underlying the detailed forecast model, the Company believes that it is possible to predict the pattern of likely future impairment charges of TEL business goodwill. This method reflects the relatively unique nature of the TEL business.
As a result of the reviews performed during 2004, an impairment charge of $40.7 million has been recognized in the year and the Company expects to incur a charge in subsequent years as the TEL market continues to decline.
At December 31, 2004, the Company performed its annual impairment review for goodwill for Petroleum Specialties and Performance Chemicals and believes that there has been no impairment of goodwill in respect of those reporting segments.
NOTE 10 INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Intangible assets comprise the following:
(IN MILLIONS) |
2004
|
2003
|
||||||
Gross cost |
||||||||
Veritel |
$ | 60.6 | $ | 60.6 | ||||
Technology |
7.1 | | ||||||
Customer relationships |
11.8 | | ||||||
Other |
1.0 | 0.7 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
80.5 | 61.3 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Accumulated amortization |
||||||||
Veritel |
(30.3 | ) | (20.0 | ) | ||||
Technology |
(0.3 | ) | | |||||
Customer relationships |
(0.6 | ) | | |||||
Other |
(0.7 | ) | (0.5 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
(31.9 | ) | (20.5 | ) | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
$ | 48.6 | $ | 40.8 | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
VERITEL
An intangible asset was recognized in 2001 in relation to amounts payable to Veritel Chemicals BV by our Swiss subsidiary pursuant to a marketing agreement effective July 1, 2001. An initial signing fee of $5.0 million was paid on entering into the agreement. In December, 2001, notice was given of a permanent source interruption which triggered further payments due to Veritel of $70.0 million. Under the terms of a separate marketing agreement with Ethyl, $24.5 million was recoverable from Ethyl, and the Companys share of $50.5 million was capitalized by our Swiss subsidiary. The asset is being amortized on a straight-line basis over the six years ending December 31, 2007.
53
TECHNOLOGY
Following the acquisition of the remaining 50% of Octel Starreon LLC, the Company recognized an intangible asset of $2.3 million in respect of various technological approvals the business has received from certain military and civilian authorities. The approvals act as a barrier to entry to any potential competitor in the market who would wish to supply these products.
An intangible asset of $4.8 million was recognized in respect of a number of specialized manufacturing processes carried out by Aroma & Fine Chemicals Limited following the acquisition of that entity in August 2004.
Both of these assets have an expected life of ten years and will be amortized on a straight-line basis over this period. No residual value is anticipated.
CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS
Intangible assets were recognized in respect of both the Octel Starreon LLC ($9.0 million) and Aroma & Fine Chemicals Limited ($2.8 million) acquisitions relating to ongoing customer relationships. These have an expected life of ten years and will be amortized on a straight-line basis over that period. No residual value is anticipated.
OTHER
The remaining balance relates chiefly to software costs which are amortized over 3 years and a patent amortized over ten years.
The Company adopted FAS 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets , effective January 1, 2002. This requires that intangible assets should be subject to an annual impairment review, or between years if events occur or circumstances change which suggest that an impairment may have occurred.
The Company has elected to perform its annual tests in respect of its intangible assets as of December 31 each year. At the end of the fourth quarter of 2004, the Company performed its annual impairment review of intangible assets and believes that no impairment exists.
Intangible asset amortization expense was $11.2 million, $10.4 million and $9.5 million in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.
Future estimated amortization expense is $12.1 million per annum for 2005 through 2007 and $2.0 million in 2008 and 2009.
NOTE 11 DEFERRED FINANCE COSTS
The Company agreed a three and one half year financing facility on January 30, 2004, which was amended on August 31, 2004 (see Note 14). This replaced the previous Company debt facility at December 31, 2003. The net book amount of the deferred finance costs which had been capitalized as a result of the refinancing in October 2001, some $4.4 million at the beginning of 2003, was amortized in full during 2003 in anticipation of the refinancing. The $0.1 million balance at the end of 2003 relates to deferred finance costs held by Octel Starreon LLC, a subsidiary of the Company.
During 2004, there were cash outflows of $2.7 million for refinancing costs which have been capitalized. These were incurred in relation to the refinancing agreed on January 30, 2004, and also the amendment agreement dated August 31, 2004. These will be amortized over the expected life of the agreement using the average interest method.
(IN MILLIONS) |
2004
|
2003
|
||||||
Gross cost |
$ | 2.8 | $ | 7.0 | ||||
Accumulated amortization |
(1.4 | ) | (6.9 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
$ | 1.4 | $ | 0.1 | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortization expense was $1.4 million, $4.4 million and $2.2 million in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The charge is included in interest payable (see Note 2).
NOTE 12 PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Property, plant and equipment consists of the following:
(IN MILLIONS) |
2004
|
2003
|
||||||
Land |
$ | 7.0 | $ | 3.4 | ||||
Buildings |
5.0 | 5.9 | ||||||
Equipment |
74.0 | 88.0 | ||||||
Work in progress |
3.8 | 1.1 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
89.8 | 98.4 | |||||||
Less accumulated depreciation |
(18.0 | ) | (49.7 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
$ | 71.8 | $ | 48.7 | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
Of the total net book value of equipment at December 31, 2004, $0.7 million (2003: $nil) is in respect of assets held under capital leases, principally computer hardware. No assets were held under capital leases in 2003.
Depreciation charges were $11.9 million, $11.2 million and $20.7 million in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.
The estimated additional cost to complete work in progress is $2.5 million (2003- $1.2 million).
54
During the year a number of old assets in the UK, having nil book value, were disposed of. This had the effect of reducing equipment cost and accumulated depreciation by approximately $38.0 million.
The Company adopted FAS 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations, on January 1, 2003 (see Note 24). As a result of this, the Company recognized historic assets of $8.3 million of costs to the carrying value of historical property plant and equipment with a cumulative depreciation uplift of $7.8 million.
NOTE 13 PLANT CLOSURE PROVISIONS
The liability for estimated closure costs of Octels TEL manufacturing facilities includes costs for personnel reductions (severance) and decontamination and environmental remediation activities (remediation) when demand for TEL diminishes. Severance provisions have also been made in relation to the Petroleum Specialties and the Performance Chemicals businesses.
Movements in the provisions are summarized as follows:
(IN MILLIONS) |
2004
SEVERANCE |
2004
OTHER RESTRUC- TURING |
2004
REMEDIATION |
2004
TOTAL |
2003
TOTAL |
|||||||||||||||
Balance at January 1 |
$ | 7.1 | $ | 0.2 | $ | 28.9 | $ | 36.2 | $ | 36.4 | ||||||||||
Charge for the year |
5.3 | 3.2 | 1.7 | 10.2 | 18.2 | |||||||||||||||
Accretion expense |
| | 0.4 | 0.4 | 1.1 | |||||||||||||||
Utilized |
(6.0 | ) | (3.3 | ) | (2.0 | ) | (11.3 | ) | (18.0 | ) | ||||||||||
Released |
| | (8.0 | ) | (8.0 | ) | (3.0 | ) | ||||||||||||
Exchange effect |
0.2 | | 0.9 | 1.1 | 1.5 | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Balance at December 31 |
$ | 6.6 | $ | 0.1 | $ | 21.9 | $ | 28.6 | $ | 36.2 | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Current element of provision |
$ | 6.6 | $ | 0.1 | $ | 3.3 | $ | 10.0 | $ | 9.2 | ||||||||||
Non-current element of provision |
| | 18.6 | 18.6 | 27.0 | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Balance at December 31 |
$ | 6.6 | $ | 0.1 | $ | 21.9 | $ | 28.6 | $ | 36.2 | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Severance charges are recognized in the Income Statement as restructuring costs along with other restructuring costs. Remediation costs are recognized in cost of goods sold.
SEVERANCE:
Severance provisions related to programs initiated after January 1, 2003 are recognized in accordance with FAS 146, Accounting For Exit and Disposal Activities. The only such program recognized in 2003 related to the Ellesmere Port site. The site infrastructure and production capacity was streamlined in anticipation of a further forecast reduction in TEL manufacturing in 2004. A charge of $6.5 million was recognized in 2003 for the severance of 103 employees. 65 of those employees remained in employment at December 31, 2004 as they work towards agreed leaving dates. These dates are later than originally anticipated as the decision to reduce TEL production capacity has been deferred and the charge has been rephased to reflect this. A charge of $2.0 million was recognized in 2004 and a further charge of $1.1 million is expected to be recognized in 2005 related to this program.
A $1.2 million charge was recognized in the UK relating to the severance costs of several senior corporate employees. A $1.5 million charge was recognized in the Petroleum Specialties business segment relating to the severance of several senior employees and relating to the restructuring of the back office selling and administrative operations in the UK and Europe.
A charge of $0.2 million was recognized relating to the severance of six employees in the Bycosin business following reorganization after the disposal of certain parts of that operation. A charge of $0.2 million was recognized in relation to the severance of two employees in the Octel France subsidiary.
Severance expenditure against provisions in 2004, 2003, and 2002 was $6.0 million, $8.2 million and $6.7 million, respectively. Amounts provided at December 31, 2004 are expected to be paid during 2005.
OTHER RESTRUCTURING:
A charge of $3.2 million was recognized for expenditure in the year on the discretionary demolition of redundant facilities at the Ellesmere Port site.
REMEDIATION:
Total costs for remediation are evaluated on a regular basis to take account of expenditure incurred and to amend the scope of future activities in the light of findings from projects carried out. A detailed review of the expected future costs of decontamination and remediation at the Ellesmere Port site was concluded in December 2004. The results were summarized in a discounted cash flow model and the results are reflected herein. Managements estimate of the total costs of remediation and decontamination for the entire Company and the provisions held in respect of these charges at December 31, 2004 is analyzed as follows:
(IN MILLIONS) |
DECONTAMINATION
|
REMEDIATION
|
TOTAL
|
|||||||||
Total estimated future costs |
$ | 34.6 | $ | 14.7 | $ | 49.3 | ||||||
Discretionary contingent costs |
(15.0 | ) | (12.4 | ) | (27.4 | ) | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Provision |
$ | 19.6 | $ | 2.3 | $ | 21.9 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Decontamination costs relate to the post-operational cleaning and disposal of equipment and the demolition of buildings. Remediation costs relate to soil and groundwater contamination.
55
Total costs include $27.4 million, which comprise the potential cost of vacating the Ellesmere Port site. Management has no present intention to adopt this course of action and intends to continue manufacturing other products at Ellesmere Port when production of TEL ceases. Consequently management views these costs as a contingent liability and no provision is made for them.
Of the opening remediation provision, $6.4 million has been released following agreement in December 2004 of the liability of the Company in the costs of decontamination and remediation at the former TEL manufacturing site at Doberitz in Germany which was closed in March 2002. Of this provision $1.8 million had been utilized on demolition activities on this site during 2004. A further $1.6 million of the decontamination provision was released as it related to the Swedish Bycosin production facility disposed of in November 2004. This release has been included in the loss on disposal (see Note 20). The balance of the charge reflects changes in estimates, FAS 143 accretion charges and currency impacts.
Remediation expenditure against provisions in 2004, 2003, and 2002 was $2.0 million, $3.7 million and $6.6 million, respectively.
The remediation provision represents the fair value of the Companys liability recognized under FAS 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations.
NOTE 14 LONG-TERM DEBT
Long-term debt consists of the following:
(IN MILLIONS) |
2004
|
2003
|
||||||
Senior term loan |
$ | 100.0 | $ | 97.0 | ||||
Revolving credit |
19.0 | | ||||||
Other loan facility |
| 7.6 | ||||||
Loan notes |
4.8 | | ||||||
Capital leases |
0.5 | | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
124.3 | 104.6 | |||||||
Less current portion |
(30.2 | ) | (1.7 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
$ | 94.1 | $ | 102.9 | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payments of interest on long-term debt were $4.7 million, $7.8 million and $8.1 million in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.
The net cash outflow in respect of refinancing costs was $2.7 million, $0.2 million and $nil in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.
The financing package agreed in October 2001 comprised a term loan of $210 million and a revolving credit facility of $40 million. The term loan was repayable in semi-annual instalments over three years. The revolving facility was available throughout the loan period until October 2004.
There was $97 million outstanding under the terms of this facility at December 31, 2003, which would have fallen due for repayment in October 2004. There was no drawdown against the revolving credit facility at December 31, 2003.
On January 30, 2004 the Company reached an agreement with a syndicate of banks for a new term loan of $100 million repayable over three and one half years. An additional $50 million revolving credit facility was also agreed, which will expire on July 30, 2007. On August 31, 2004, the Company entered into an amendment agreement with the syndicate of banks by which the revolving credit facility was increased from $50 million to $110 million. Repayments of the term loan of $30 million are due on January 31 of 2005, 2006 and 2007 and a final repayment of $10 million will fall due on July 30, 2007.
This facility contains terms which, if breached, would result in the loan becoming repayable on demand. It requires, among other matters, compliance with certain financial ratio covenants, specifically a ratio of net debt to EBITDA (a non-GAAP measure of liquidity) and a ratio of net interest expense to EBITA (another non-GAAP measure of liquidity). Management believes that the Company has not breached these covenants throughout 2004. The facility is secured by a number of fixed and floating charges over certain assets of the Company and its subsidiaries.
Following the acquisition of the remaining 50% of Octel Starreon LLC (see Note 8), the Company repaid the remaining amount of $6.3 million due under that facility on October 1, 2004.
On acquisition of Aroma & Fine Chemicals Limited (see Note 8), the Company issued £2.5 million ($4.8 million) of loan notes to the vendors. These loan notes are secured by an equal amount of restricted cash in escrow and a repayable in two equal tranches in January and September 2006.
During the year the Company capitalized $0.7 million of assets held under capital leases. These are principally in respect of items of computer hardware based in the UK. The leases expire in three years. $0.2 million of capital repayments were made during 2004.
The following table presents the projected annual maturities for the next three years after 2004:
(IN MILLIONS) |
TERM LOAN
|
REVOLVING LEASES |
LOAN NOTES |
CAPITAL LEASES |
TOTAL
|
||||||||||
2005 |
$ | 30.0 | $ | | $ | | $ | 0.2 | $ | 30.2 | |||||
2006 |
30.0 | | 4.8 | 0.2 | 35.0 | ||||||||||
2007 |
40.0 | 19.0 | | 0.1 | 59.1 | ||||||||||
|
|
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|
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|
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|
|
|
||||||
$ | 100.0 | $ | 19.0 | $ | 4.8 | $ | 0.5 | $ | 124.3 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
56
NOTE 15 DEFERRED INCOME
Movements in deferred income are summarized as follows:
(IN MILLIONS) |
2004
|
2003
|
||||||
Received |
$ | 38.6 | $ | 38.6 | ||||
Amortized |
(32.2 | ) | (28.5 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
6.4 | 10.1 | |||||||
Less: current portion |
(2.0 | ) | (2.4 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
$ | 4.4 | $ | 7.7 | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred income relates to amounts received from Ethyl relating to a prepayment for services to be provided under the sales and marketing agreement with OBOAdler, effective January 1, 2000.
NOTE 16 STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY
COMMON STOCK
|
TREASURY
|
||||||||||||||
(NUMBER OF SHARES IN THOUSANDS) |
2004
|
2003
|
2002
|
2004
|
2003
|
2002
|
|||||||||
At January 1 |
14,777 | 14,777 | 14,777 | 2,718 | 2,934 | 3,027 | |||||||||
Exercise of options |
| | | (483 | ) | (285 | ) | (106 | ) | ||||||
Stock purchases |
| | | 205 | 69 | 13 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
At December 31 |
14,777 | 14,777 | 14,777 | 2,440 | 2,718 | 2,934 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NOTE 17 FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The following table presents the carrying amount and fair values of the Companys financial instruments at December 31, 2004 and 2003:
2004
|
2003
|
|||||||||||||
(IN MILLIONS) |
CARRYING
AMOUNT |
FAIR
VALUE |
CARRYING
AMOUNT |
FAIR
VALUE |
||||||||||
Non-derivatives: |
||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 33.3 | $ | 33.3 | $ | 46.1 | $ | 46.1 | ||||||
Restricted cash |
4.8 | 4.8 | | | ||||||||||
Long term debt |
124.3 | 124.3 | 104.6 | 104.6 | ||||||||||
Derivatives: |
||||||||||||||
Interest rate swaps |
$ | 0.1 | $ | 0.1 | $ | (0.5 | ) | $ | (0.5 | ) |
The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair values of financial instruments:
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash: The carrying amount approximates fair value because of the short-term maturities of such instruments.
Long-term debt: The carrying amount of long-term borrowings at variable interest rates approximates fair value. The fair value of fixed interest rate debt is based on the quoted market prices for the same or similar debt.
Derivatives: The fair value of derivatives that relates to interest rate swaps was estimated based on current settlement prices and comparable contracts using current assumptions.
The cumulative gains and losses on the interest rate swaps are summarized as follows:
(IN MILLIONS) |
2004
|
2003
|
||||||
Balance at January 1 |
$ | (0.5 | ) | $ | (1.8 | ) | ||
Change in fair value |
0.6 | 1.3 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Balance at December 31 |
$ | 0.1 | $ | (0.5 | ) | |||
|
|
|
|
|
|
The interest rate swaps have been designated as a cash flow hedge against $25.0 million of underlying variable rate debt obligations that stood at $119.0 million at December 31, 2004. All the swaps expire on July 30, 2007.
The hedges were determined to be effective and consequently the unrealized gain of $0.1 million in 2004 and the unrealized loss of $0.5 million in 2003 have been recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income. Ineffectiveness was determined to be immaterial in 2004 and 2003 and accordingly no gain or loss was recognized in earnings in either period. The Company does not expect any significant portion of the gain to be reclassified into earnings in the next 12 months.
NOTE 18 FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND RISK MANAGEMENT
The Company has limited involvement with derivative financial instruments and does not trade them. The Company does use derivatives to manage certain interest rate and foreign exchange exposures.
The Company uses interest rate swaps, floors, collars and cap agreements to reduce the impact of changes in interest rates on its floating rate debt. The swap agreements are contracts to exchange floating rate for fixed interest payments periodically over the life of the agreements without the exchange of the underlying notional amounts. The notional amounts of interest rate agreements are used to measure interest to be paid or received and do not represent the amount of exposure to credit loss.
Under the terms of the January 2004 financing agreement (see Note 14), the Company is not obliged to take out interest rate swaps for any portion of the senior term loan. However, the Company has determined to hedge a proportion of the outstanding variable rate debt obligation.
As of December 31, 2004 the Company had the following interest rate instruments in effect (notional amounts in millions):
(IN MILLIONS) |
NATIONAL AMOUNT |
STRIKE RATE |
EXPIRY
DATE |
|||||
Interest swap |
$ | 25.0 | 2.66 | % | July 30, 2007 |
57
The Company sells a range of TEL, petroleum additives and performance chemicals to major oil refineries and chemical companies throughout the world. Credit limits, ongoing credit evaluation and account monitoring procedures are utilized to minimize risk. Collateral is not generally required.
NOTE 19 COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
OPERATING LEASES
The Company has commitments under operating leases primarily for office space, motor vehicles and various items of computer and office equipment. The leases are expected to be renewed and replaced in the normal course of business. Rental expense was $2.7 million in 2004, $1.8 million in 2003 and $1.5 million in 2002. Future commitments under non-cancelable operating leases are as follows:
(MILLIONS OF DOLLARS) |
|||
2005 |
$ | 1.8 | |
2006 |
1.4 | ||
2007 |
0.6 | ||
2008 |
0.2 | ||
2009 |
0.1 | ||
Thereafter |
0.4 | ||
|
|
||
$ | 4.5 | ||
|
|
Commitments in respect of environmental remediation obligations are disclosed in Note 13.
GUARANTEES
The Company and certain of its consolidated subsidiaries were contingently liable at December 31, 2004 for $5.9 million, primarily relating to guarantees of debt of affiliated companies and performance under contracts entered into as a normal business practice. This includes guarantees of non-US excise taxes and customs duties.
Under the terms of the guarantee arrangements, generally the Company would be required to perform should the affiliated company fail to fulfill its obligations under the arrangements. In some cases, the guarantee arrangements have recourse provisions that would enable the Company to recover any payments made under the terms of the guarantees from securities held of the guaranteed parties assets.
INDEMNITIES AND WARRANTIES
In connection with the disposal of Octel Waste Management Limited (OWM) on June 26, 2003 the Company indemnified the purchaser in respect of the environmental liability arising from the possible historic contamination of their leased site at Ellesmere Port, UK up to a maximum of £2.0 million ($3.8 million). In general, the environmental conditions or events that are subject to this indemnity must have arisen prior to June 26, 2003 and there is no time limit on when claims must be asserted. This potential liability is included in the Companys remediation provision.
In addition, the Company provided certain warranties in respect of the disposal of OWM. The Company would be required to perform should the contingent liabilities in respect of the warranties become actual and could be required to make maximum future payments of £3.7 million ($7.1 million).
There are no recourse provisions enabling recovery of any amounts from third parties nor are any assets held as collateral
NOTE 20 LOSS ON DISPOSALS
The loss on disposals was made up as follows:
(MILLIONS OF DOLLARS) |
||||
Profit on disposal of French office |
$ | 4.7 | ||
Loss on disposal of Swedish manufacturing assets |
(9.1 | ) | ||
|
|
|
||
$ | (4.4 | ) | ||
|
|
|
In November 2004, our French subsidiary disposed of its former offices in Paris for consideration of $4.9 million. The offices were unoccupied as the businesss operations had moved to another site in Vernon. The net book value of the property was $nil but the sale incurred costs of $0.2 million.
On November 15, 2004, the Company disposed of certain manufacturing and other assets held by our Swedish subsidiary, Bycosin AB, for consideration of $2.2 million. The net assets disposed of were $11.3 million which comprised:
(MILLIONS OF DOLLARS) |
||||
Inventories |
$ | 1.1 | ||
Property, plant and equipment |
2.2 | |||
Goodwill |
5.8 | |||
Intercompany balances |
2.9 | |||
Plant closure provisions |
(0.7 | ) | ||
|
|
|
||
$ | 11.3 | |||
|
|
|
58
The net loss on disposal was $9.1 million. No tax charge or credit for the loss is anticipated.
As part of the sale of the Swedish manufacturing and other assets, Bycosin de Mexico SA de CV and Bycosin SA de CV, non-core subsidiaries of Octel Sweden AB, were disposed of in their entirety. As there will be no ongoing involvement with this business, this element of the transaction has been included within discontinued operations (see Note 22). As the Company will continue to source product to support the marine and power markets from Sweden, the sale of the Swedish manufacturing and other assets does not meet the criteria laid down in FAS 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-lived Assets for inclusion within discontinued operations.
NOTE 21 SHARE OF AFFILIATED COMPANY EARNINGS
On March 18, 2004, we disposed of our 49% interest in Joss Holdings BV for cash consideration of $4.2 million. The principal function of this entity had been to sell TEL into certain territories and this function has now been taken over by another subsidiary of the Company. A loss after income tax of $1.0 million was recognized on this disposal including a $0.6 million tax charge in the holding company that held the investment. The $4.7 million asset disposed had previously been shown in other assets in the consolidated balance sheet.
NOTE 22 DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
On November 15, 2004, the Company disposed of a non-core business, Bycosin Mexico, for consideration of $0.9 million. The net assets disposed of were $4.8 million which comprised:
(MILLIONS OF DOLLARS) |
||||
Cash |
$ | 0.5 | ||
Accounts receivable |
3.4 | |||
Inventories |
0.8 | |||
Prepaid expenses |
0.6 | |||
Property, plant and equipment |
0.2 | |||
Goodwill |
2.7 | |||
Accounts payable |
(0.3 | ) | ||
Intercompany balances |
(3.1 | ) | ||
|
|
|
||
$ | 4.8 | |||
|
|
|
The net loss on disposal was $3.9 million which includes the net income of Bycosin Mexico for 2004 up to the date of disposed of $0.4 million, professional fees of $0.2 million and a tax charge of $0.2 million.
On June 26, 2003 we disposed of our investment in Octel Waste Management Limited, a non-core UK business which was part of the TEL reporting segment, for cash consideration of $4.2 million. The net assets of the company were $1.4 million, principally comprising capital work-in-progress of $5.0 million offset by bank debt of $1.6 million and intercompany balances of $2.0 million. The company had not started trading. The net loss to the Company was $0.3 million, on which no tax charge or credit arose.
Manhoko Limited, a loss-making Hong Kong subsidiary of the Specialty Chemicals reporting segment, was placed into voluntary liquidation on July 4, 2003, pursuant to a shareholders meeting in June. The net liabilities of Manhoko on disposal were $3.0 million comprising:
(MILLIONS OF DOLLARS) |
||||
Accounts receivable |
$ | 1.0 | ||
Inventories |
0.1 | |||
Property, plant and equipment |
0.6 | |||
Accounts payable |
(2.5 | ) | ||
Intercompany balances |
(0.8 | ) | ||
Bank loans |
(0.7 | ) | ||
Other non-current liabilities |
(0.7 | ) | ||
|
|
|
||
$ | (3.0 | ) | ||
|
|
|
The Company loss on disposal was $3.1 million and included pre-tax losses for the six months ended June 30, 2003 in Manhokos books of $0.6 million, based on net sales in the period of $1.0 million. No tax charge or credit on the loss is anticipated.
NOTE 23 OTHER BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION
RESTRICTED CASH
During the year the Company acquired Aroma & Fine Chemicals Limited (see Note 8). Of the consideration, £2.5 million ($4.8 million) is in the form of Loan Notes. These are repayable in two equal tranches in January and September 2006.
Under the terms of the loan notes they must be secured by an equal amount of restricted cash in escrow.
59
OTHER ASSETS
Included within other assets are investments that are not consolidated by the Company on the grounds that the Company does not have a controlling financial interest. These investments are held at cost less provision for impairment. The principal affiliates are as follows:
OWNERSHIP INTEREST
|
|||
Deurex Micro Technologies Gmbh |
20.0 | % | |
Ferrous Corp |
47.7 | % | |
Octel Chemay (Pty) Limited |
50.0 | % | |
Stylacats Limited |
37.6 | % |
All of the unconsolidated affiliates are privately held companies and as such quoted market prices are not available. No dividends were received during 2004, 2003 and 2002.
During the year the Company made sales of 0.9 million euros ($1.2 million) to Deurex Micro Technologies GmbH (Deurex). At December 31, 2004, the balance owed to the Company by Deurex was 0.3 million euros ($0.4 million).
NOTE 24 ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS
Effective January 1, 2003 we adopted FAS 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations. This applies to legal obligations associated with the construction, acquisition and operation of a long-lived asset. Under FAS 143 the amount recorded as a liability is capitalized by increasing the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset, which is then depreciated over its useful life. If the liability is settled for an amount other than the recorded balance, either a gain or loss will be recognized at settlement.
The amounts recorded as liabilities in our balance sheet were unchanged by FAS 143 because all qualifying costs had been fully provided under our pre-existing environmental compliance and remediation accounting policy. However, we had previously expensed these costs in full, so the change brought about by FAS 143 has been the retrospective capitalization and depreciation of those costs. As a result, a total of $8.3 million of costs were added to the carrying amount of property, plant and equipment. Since most of the relevant plant was nearing the end of its useful life, the cumulative depreciation uplift was $7.8 million.
The effect on the income statement, reflecting the net book value of costs previously written off but now capitalized, was $0.5 million and has been disclosed separately on the face of the income statement as cumulative effect of change in accounting principle.
NOTE 25 RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
On December 15, 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123R, Share-Based Payments (FAS 123R). This requires that the cost of equity based service awards are based on the grant-date fair value of the award (with limited exceptions). That cost will be recognized over the period during which the employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award or the requisite service period (usually the vesting period). No compensation cost is recognized for equity instruments for which employees do not render service.
In order to provide the disclosures in Note 4, management have had to calculate the cost of share-based payments on a FAS 123 basis and compare this to the current method of calculating share-based compensation. This shows that the impact of FAS 123 would have been to reduce net income by $0.2 million to $6.0 million in 2004 and consequently is unlikely to have had a material effect of the Companys results of operations.
FAS 123R is effective for the Company as of the beginning of the third quarter, 2005, but will be adopted with effect from January 1, 2005.
In November 2004, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 151, Inventory Costs (FAS 151), an amendment of ARB No. 43. The new standard requires that the Company recognizes amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs, and wasted material (spoilage) as current period charges. In addition, this statement requires that the Company allocates fixed production overhead to the costs of conversion based on the normal capacity of its production facilities. The provisions of this statement are effective for inventory costs that are incurred during fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005. The adoption of the provisions of FAS 151 is not expected to have a material impact on the Companys financial position or results of operations.
60
NOTE 26 RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
On February 24, 2005, Dennis J. Kerrison, the Chief Executive Officer and President of the Company, arranged to transfer GBP
50,000 (equivalent to approximately ZAR 500,000 and approximately USD 95,000) from his bank account in the United Kingdom to the account of the Associated Octel Company (South Africa) (Pty) Limited (AOCSA), a wholly-owned indirect
subsidiary of Octel Corp. On the same day, at the initiation of Mr. Kerrison, AOCSA made a payment of ZAR 500,000 (equivalent to approximately USD 95,000) for Mr. Kerrisons personal use. Mr. Kerrisons UK bank sent the funds to
AOCSAs bank on February 24, 2005. Those funds were credited to AOCSAs bank account on February 28, 2005. AOCSA was reimbursed on behalf of Mr. Kerrison for associated costs (of approximately ZAR 629 equivalent to approximately USD 107)
QUARTERLY SUMMARY (UNAUDITED)
(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN MILLIONS EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
FIRST QUARTER
|
SECOND QUARTER
|
THIRD QUARTER
|
FOURTH QUARTER
|
||||||||||
2004 |
|||||||||||||
Net sales |
$ | 106.9 | $ | 123.0 | $ | 130.6 | $ | 120.0 | |||||
Gross profit |
44.6 | 58.1 | 52.5 | 54.3 | |||||||||
Operating income/(loss) |
12.8 | 12.5 | 19.3 | (3.8 | ) | ||||||||
Net income/(loss) |
7.2 | 3.2 | 9.1 | (13.3 | ) | ||||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities |
17.2 | 19.2 | 0.5 | 25.5 | |||||||||
Per common share: |
|||||||||||||
Earnings/(loss) basic |
0.59 | 0.26 | 0.73 | (1.08 | ) | ||||||||
fully diluted (2) |
0.56 | 0.25 | 0.70 | (1.08 | ) | ||||||||
Stock price high |
30.05 | 32.00 | 27.00 | 23.85 | |||||||||
low |
19.75 | 20.06 | 21.15 | 18.62 | |||||||||
2003 (1) |
|||||||||||||
Net sales |
$ | 95.3 | $ | 111.9 | $ | 121.4 | $ | 126.0 | |||||
Gross profit |
39.3 | 49.0 | 55.8 | 58.0 | |||||||||
Operating income |
18.9 | 20.6 | 30.7 | 27.0 | |||||||||
Net income |
10.9 | 9.6 | 18.4 | 12.9 | |||||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities |
5.5 | 11.7 | 38.8 | 29.2 | |||||||||
Per common share: |
|||||||||||||
Earnings basic |
0.92 | 0.81 | 1.54 | 1.08 | |||||||||
fully diluted |
0.88 | 0.77 | 1.47 | 1.02 | |||||||||
Stock price high |
18.27 | 16.17 | 19.00 | 20.48 | |||||||||
low |
12.70 | 12.56 | 13.52 | 16.85 |
(1) | The figures for 2003 have been restated in order to reflect discontinued operations. This had no impact on cash flows or earnings per share. |
(2) | In view of the fact that a net loss of $13.3 million was made in the fourth quarter, 2004, the basic and fully diluted loss per common share are the same for that quarter. However, on an annual basis the fully diluted earnings per common share was $0.48, meaning that effectively the impact of the fourth quarter loss on fully diluted earnings per share was a loss of $1.03. |
61
PRINCIPAL SUBSIDIARIES
AK CHEMIE GMBH (GERMANY)
ALCOR CHEMIE AG (SWITZERLAND)
ALCOR CHEMIE VERTRIEBS GMBH (SWITZERLAND)
AROMA & FINE CHEMICALS LIMITED (UK)
THE ASSOCIATED OCTEL COMPANY LIMITED (UK)
ASSOCIATED OCTEL COMPANY (SOUTH AFRICA) (PTY)
LIMITED (SOUTH AFRICA)
CP3500 INTERNATIONAL LIMITED (CYPRUS)
GAMLEN INDUSTRIES SA (FRANCE)
LEUNA POLYMER GMBH (GERMANY)
NOVOKTAN GMBH (GERMANY)
OCTEL AMERICA INC. (USA)
OCTEL DEUTSCHLAND GMBH (GERMANY)
OCTEL DEVELOPMENTS PLC (UK)
OCTEL ENVIRONMENTAL LIMITED (UK)
OCTEL EXHAUST SYSTEMS LIMITED (UK)
OCTEL FRANCE SAS (FRANCE)
OCTEL INNOVATIONS LIMITED (UK)
OCTEL INTERNATIONAL LIMITED (UK)
OCTEL ITALIA SRL (ITALY)
OCTEL PERFORMANCE CHEMICALS INC. (USA)
OCTEL STARREON LLC (USA)
OCTEL SWEDEN AB (SWEDEN)
OCTEL VALVEMASTER LIMITED (UK)
PROCHEM CHEMICALS INC. (USA)
62
OCTEL CORP.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
DR. ROBERT E. BEW*
CHAIRMAN AND DIRECTOR
Retired CEO of ICI Chemical & Polymer
Division and Chairman of Phillips
Imperial Petroleum Ltd.
Former Chairman of European Process
Industries Competitiveness Centre.
DENNIS J. KERRISON
PRESIDENT AND CHIEF
EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Previously Executive Vice President,
Great Lakes Chemical Corporation.
Former Chief Executive Officer
of Hickson International PLC.
HUGH G.C. ALDOUS*
DIRECTOR
Chairman of the Eastern European
Trust plc and Craegmoor
Health Care Ltd.
Director of Henderson TR Pacific
Trust plc, and Elderstreet Millennium
Venture Capital Trust plc.
Partner of RSM Robson Rhodes LLP.
DR. BENITO FIORE
DIRECTOR
Former Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer of Enichem UK Ltd.
CHARLES M. HALE*
DIRECTOR
Executive Chairman of Polar
Capital Partners Ltd.
Former Managing Director and
Vice Chairman of CSFB Europe Ltd.
Former General Partner of Lehman
Brothers Kuhn Loeb.
Former Managing Director of
AG Becker International.
MARTIN M. HALE*
DIRECTOR
Director of Great Lakes
Chemical Corporation.
Former President and Chief Executive
Officer of Marsh & McClennan
Asset Management Company.
SAMUEL A. HAUBOLD
DIRECTOR
Former Senior Partner of Kirkland
& Ellis International, London.
JAMES M.C. PUCKRIDGE
DIRECTOR
Director of Thomas Swan & Co. Ltd.
Retired Chairman of Elf Atochem
UK Ltd.
CORPORATE OFFICERS
DENNIS J. KERRISON
PRESIDENT AND
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
PAUL W. JENNINGS
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT
AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
SHARON E. TODD
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT,
CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT
DR. CATHERINE HESSNER
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT,
HUMAN RESOURCES
DR. GEOFFREY J. HIGNETT
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT,
CORPORATE LEADERSHIP
DR. IAN MCROBBIE
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT,
RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY
ANDREW HARTLEY
VICE PRESIDENT AND
GENERAL COUNSEL
RICHARD T. SHONE
VICE PRESIDENT, SAFETY,
HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT
* | Members of Audit Committee |
63
INVESTOR INFORMATION
CORPORATE OFFICES
OCTEL CORP.
220 CONTINENTAL DRIVE
NEWARK, DE 19713
USA
SHAREHOLDER INQUIRIES
EQUISERVE TRUST COMPANY, NA
PO BOX 219045
KANSAS CITY, MO 64121-9045
USA
TEL: 816-843-4299
TDD: 1-800-952-9245
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP,
LONDON, UK
LEGAL COUNSEL
KIRKLAND & ELLIS INTERNATIONAL LLP,
LONDON, UK
INVESTOR RELATIONS
OCTEL CORP.
GLOBAL HOUSE
BAILEY LANE
MANCHESTER M90 4AA
UK
TEL: +44 161 498 8889
INVESTOR@OCTEL-CORP.COM
OCTEL CORP. COMMON STOCK
NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE
SYMBOL: OTL
CORPORATE WEBSITE
WWW.OCTEL-CORP.COM
FORM 10-K AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
FORM 10-K IS THE COMPANYS ANNUAL REPORT
FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION. THE CEO AND CFO CERTIFICATIONS
REQUIRED BY SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY
ACT OF 2002 HAVE BEEN FILED AS AN EXHIBIT
TO THE FORM 10-K.
COPIES OF THE FORM 10-K AND OTHER FINANCIAL
AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE INFORMATION,
INCLUDING OCTELS CODE OF ETHICS,
ARE AVAILABLE FROM INVESTOR RELATIONS.
THIS INFORMATION CAN ALSO BE ACCESSED
VIA THE CORPORATE WEBSITE.
IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE NEW YORK STOCK
EXCHANGE LISTING RULES, THE COMPANY
WILL SUBMIT THE CEO CERTIFICATION REQUIRED
BY SECTION 303A.12 NO LATER THAN 30 DAYS
AFTER THE ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
COPIES OF OCTELS LATEST SUSTAINABLE
DEVELOPMENT REPORT ARE AVAILABLE
FROM INVESTOR RELATIONS.
ANNUAL MEETING
THE ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
WILL BE HELD ON MAY 3, 2005 AT 10 A.M. LOCAL TIME,
AT THE HYATT REGENCY BOSTON, ONE AVENUE
DE LAFAYETTE, BOSTON, MA 02111, USA
64
Exhibit 31.1
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, Dennis J Kerrison, certify that:
1. | I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Octel Corp. |
2. | Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual report; |
3. | Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report; |
4. | The registrants other certifying officer 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 annual 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 registrants disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this annual report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and |
d) | disclosed in this report any change in the registrants internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrants fourth fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrants internal control over financial reporting; and |
5. | The registrants other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrants auditors and the audit committee of registrants board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function): |
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 registrants ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data; and |
b) | any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrants internal controls over financial reporting. |
Date: March 31, 2005 |
/s/ Dennis J. Kerrison |
Dennis J. Kerrison President and Chief Executive Officer |
Exhibit 31.2
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, Paul W Jennings, certify that:
1. | I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Octel Corp. |
2. | Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual report; |
3. | Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report; |
4. | The registrants other certifying officer 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 annual 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 registrants disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this annual report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and |
d) | disclosed in this report any change in the registrants internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrants fourth fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrants internal control over financial reporting; and |
5. | The registrants other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrants auditors and the audit committee of registrants board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function): |
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 registrants ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data; and |
b) | any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrants internal controls over financial reporting. |
Date: March 31, 2005 |
/s/ Paul W Jennings Paul W Jennings Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |
Exhibit 32.1
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the Annual Report of Octel Corp. (the Company) on Form 10-K for the period ending December 31, 2004, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the Report), I, Dennis J. Kerrison, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
1) | The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, and |
2) | The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. |
/s/ Dennis J. Kerrison
President and Chief Executive Officer
March 31, 2005
Exhibit 32.2
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the Annual Report of Octel Corp. (the Company) on Form 10-K for the period ending December 31, 2004, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the Report), I, Paul W Jennings, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
1) | The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, and |
2) | The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. |
/s/ Paul W. Jennings
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
March 31, 2005