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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q

[X]    QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended June 29, 2003

or

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

COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 1-3295

--

MINERALS TECHNOLOGIES INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

DELAWARE

25-1190717

(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)

(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

405 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10174-1901
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

(212) 878-1800
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

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

YES X      

NO _____

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

YES X      

NO _____

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

CLASS
Common Stock, $0.10 par value

OUTSTANDING AT July 29, 2003
20,115,934

 


 

 

MINERALS TECHNOLOGIES INC.

 

INDEX TO FORM 10-Q

 

Page No.

PART I.    FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 
   

Item 1.

 

                   Financial Statements:

 
   

                        Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income for
                        the three-month and six-month periods ended
                        June 29, 2003 and June 30, 2002

3

   

                        Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of 
                        June 29, 2003 and December 31, 2002

4

   

                        Condensed Consolidated Statement of 
                        Cash Flows for the six-month periods ended
                        June 29, 2003 and June 30, 2002

5

   

                        Notes to Condensed Consolidated 
                        Financial Statements

6

   

                   Independent Auditors' Review Report

13

   
   

Item 2.

 

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

14

   
   

Item 3.

 

                   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures
                   about Market Risk

18

   
   

Item 4.

 

                   Controls and Procedures

19

   
   
   

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 
   

Item 1.

 

                   Legal Proceedings

19

   
   

Item 6.

 

                   Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

19

   
   

Signature

20

 


 

PART 1.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

ITEM 1.  Financial Statements

 

MINERALS TECHNOLOGIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
(Unaudited)

 

Three Months Ended


Six Months Ended


(in thousands, except per share data)

June 29,
2003  

June 30,
2002
  

June 29,
2003  

June 30,
2002  

Net sales

$202,374

$186,828

$403,824 

$365,828

Operating costs and expenses:

       

       Cost of goods sold

152,378

140,662

304,061 

274,086

       Marketing and administrative
       expenses

21,862

19,357

42,999 

37,793

       Research and development
       expenses

  6,535

  5,825

  12,620 

  11,529

Income from operations

21,599

20,984

44,144 

42,420

Non-operating deductions, net

   1,441

  1,021

  2,468 

  2,959

Income before provision for 
taxes on income and minority interests

20,158

19,963

41,676 

39,461

Provision for taxes on income

5,494

5,599

11,628 

11,234

Minority interests

   381

   367

     848 

     687

Income before cumulative effect
of accounting change

14,283

  13,997

29,200 

  27,540

Cumulative effect of accounting
 change

      --

      --

  3,433 

      --

Net income

$ 14,283
======

$ 13,997
======

$ 25,767 
====== 

$ 27,540
======

Earnings per share:

       

      Basic:

       

         Before cumulative effect of
         accounting change

$   0.71

$   0.68

$   1.45 

$   1.36

         Cumulative effect of 
           accounting change

     --

     --

   (0.17)

     --

              Basic earnings per share

$   0.71
=====

$   0.68
=====

$   1.28 
===== 

$   1.36
=====

      Diluted:

       

         Before cumulative effect of 
         accounting change

$   0.70

$   0.67

$   1.44 

$   1.33

         Cumulative effect of 
         accounting change

     --

     --

 (0.17)

     --

              Diluted earnings
              per share

$   0.70
====

$   0.67
=====

$   1.27 
==== 

$   1.33
====

         

Cash dividends declared per common share

$ 0.025

$ 0.025

$ 0.050 

$ 0.050

         

Shares used in computation of earnings per share:

       

      Basic

20,094

20,457

20,105 

20,221

      Diluted

20,335

20,973

20,279 

20,768

 

See accompanying notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

 

3


 

 

MINERALS TECHNOLOGIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

 

ASSETS

(thousands of dollars)

June 29,
2003* 


December 31,
2002**


 

Current assets

   

   Cash and cash equivalents

$  45,771 

$  31,762 

   Accounts receivable, net

148,299 

129,608 

   Inventories

82,065 

82,909 

   Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 50,958 

 46,686 

      Total current assets

327,093 

290,965 

     

Property, plant and equipment, less accumulated
depreciation and depletion - June 29, 2003 - $622,094;
December 31, 2002 - $578,580

556,300 

537,424 

Goodwill

51,721 

51,291 

Other assets and deferred charges

 33,042 

 20,197 

      Total assets

$968,156 
====== 

$899,877 
====== 

     

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

Current liabilities:

   

   Short-term debt

$  30,000

$  30,000 

   Current maturities of long-term debt

2,503

1,331 

   Accounts payable

38,701

37,435 

   Other current liabilities

 62,310

 55,171 

      Total current liabilities

133,514

123,937 

     

Long-term debt

99,037

89,020 

Other non-current liabilities

 99,703

 92,763 

      Total liabilities

332,254

305,720 

     

Shareholders' equity:

   

   Common stock

2,701

2,694 

   Additional paid-in capital

192,318

190,144 

   Retained earnings

703,502

678,740 

   Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 (15,516)

(35,034)

 

883,005

836,544 

     

   Less treasury stock

247,103 

242,387 

      Total shareholders' equity

635,902 

594,157 

     

      Total liabilities and 
      shareholders' equity

$968,156 
====== 

$899,877 
====== 

* Unaudited
** Condensed from audited financial statements.

 

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

4


 

 

MINERALS TECHNOLOGIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

 

 

Six Months Ended


(thousands of dollars)

June 29,
2003   

June 30,
2002
   

Operating Activities:

   
     

Net income

$  25,767 

$  27,540 

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

   

      Cumulative effect of accounting change

3,433 

-- 

      Depreciation, depletion and amortization

34,373 

33,453 

      Write-down of impaired assets

-- 

750 

      Other non-cash items

3,817 

5,019 

      Net changes in operating assets and liabilities

(24,818)

(12,105)

Net cash provided by operating activities

  42,572 

  54,657 

     
     

Investing Activities:

   
     

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

(26,385)

(18,294)

Acquisition of businesses

-- 

(11,600)

Other

   751 

  -- 

Net cash used in investing activities

(25,634)

(29,894)

     

Financing Activities:

   
     

Proceeds from issuance of short-term debt

5,318 

68,919 

Repayment of debt

(5,565)

(110,635)

Purchase of common shares for treasury

(4,716)

(5,553)

Proceeds from issuance of stock under option plan

2,180 

28,958 

Cash dividends paid

 (1,004)

  (1,019)

Net cash used in financing activities

 (3,787)

(19,330)

     

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and
      cash equivalents

   858 

   777 

     

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

14,009 

6,210 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 31,762 

 13,046 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

$ 45,771 

$  19,256 

     

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

   

Interest paid

$   3,152 
====== 

$   3,283 
====== 

     

Income taxes paid

$   7,111 
====== 

$   8,891 
====== 

     

Non-cash investing and financing activities:

   

Property, plant and equipment acquired by
      incurring installation obligations

$ 11,368 
====== 

$         -- 
====== 

Property, plant and equipment additions related to
      asset retirement obligations

$   6,762 
====== 

$         -- 
====== 

 

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

5


 

MINERALS TECHNOLOGIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

Note 1 -- Basis of Presentation

     The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared by management in accordance with the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted. Therefore, these financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting solely of normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the financial information for the periods indicated, have been included. The results for the three-month and six-month periods ended June 29, 2003 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2003.

Note 2 -- Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

     Property, Plant and Equipment

     Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. Significant improvements are capitalized, while maintenance and repair expenditures are charged to operations as incurred. The Company capitalizes interest cost as a component of construction in progress. In general, the straight-line method of depreciation is used for financial reporting purposes and accelerated methods are used for U.S. and certain foreign tax reporting purposes. The annual rates of depreciation are 4%-6.67% for buildings, 6.67%-12.5% for machinery and equipment, 8%-12.5% for furniture and fixtures and 12.5%-25% for computer equipment and software-related assets.

     Property, plant and equipment are amortized over their useful lives. Useful lives are based on management's estimates of the period that the assets can generate revenue, which does not necessarily coincide with the remaining term of a customer's contractual obligation to purchase products made using those assets. The Company's sales of PCC are predominantly pursuant to long-term contracts, initially ten years in length, with paper mills at which the Company operates satellite PCC plants. The terms of many of these agreements have been extended, often in connection with an expansion of the satellite PCC plant. The Company also continues to supply PCC to two locations at which the PCC contracts have expired. Failure of a PCC customer to renew an agreement or continue to purchase PCC from the Company facility could result in an impairment of assets charge at such facility.

     In the third quarter of 2002, the Company reduced the useful lives of satellite PCC plants at International Paper Company's ("IP") mills due to an increased risk that some or all of these PCC contracts would not be renewed. As a result of this change, the Company also reviewed the useful lives of the assets at its remaining satellite PCC facilities and other plants. During the first quarter of 2003, the Company revised the estimated useful lives of machinery and equipment pertaining to its natural stone mining and processing plants and chemical processing plants from 12.5 years (8%) to 15 years (6.67%) and reduced the useful lives of buildings at certain satellite PCC facilities from 25 years (4%) to 15 years (6.67%). The Company also reduced the estimated useful lives of certain software-related assets due to implementation of a new global enterprise resource planning system. During the second quarter of 2003, the Company reached an agreement with IP that extended eight PCC supply contracts and therefore extended the useful lives of the satellite PCC plants at those IP mills. The net effect of the changes in estimated useful lives was an increase to diluted earnings per share of $0.01 in the second quarter of 2003 and there was a minimal effect for the first half of 2003.

     Depletion of mineral reserves is determined on a unit-of-extraction basis for financial reporting purposes and on a percentage depletion basis for tax purposes.

     Mining costs associated with waste gravel and rock removal in excess of the expected average life of mine stripping ratio are deferred. These costs are charged to production on a unit-of-production basis when the ratio of waste to ore mined is less than the average life of mine stripping ratio.

 

 

6


 

MINERALS TECHNOLOGIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

     Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation

     In December 2002, The FASB issued SFAS No. 148, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation - Transition and Disclosure, an amendment of SFAS No. 123." This statement amends SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," to provide alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change to the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation, and requires additional disclosures in interim and annual financial statements. The disclosure in interim periods requires pro forma net income and net income per share as if the Company adopted the fair value method of accounting for stock-based awards. The fair value of stock-based awards to employees was calculated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, modified for dividends. Pro forma net income and earnings per share reflecting compensation cost for the fair value of stock options were as follows:

 

Three Months Ended


Six Months Ended


(millions of dollars, except per share amounts)

June 29,
2003  

June 30,
2002
  

June 29,
2003  

June 30,
2002
  

Income before cumulative effect of 
accounting change, as reported

$ 14.3

$  14.0

$  29.2

$  27.5

Deduct: Total stock-based employee
compensation expense determined 
under fair value based method 
for all awards, net of related tax effects

    0.5

     0.6

    0.9

     1.1

Pro forma income before cumulative effect
of accounting change

13.8

13.4

28.3

26.4

Cumulative effect of accounting change

     --

     --

    3.4

     --

     Pro forma net income

$  13.8
====

$  13.4
====

$  24.9
====

$  26.4
====

     Net income, as reported

$  14.3
====

$  14.0
====

$  25.8
====

$  27.5
=====

Basic EPS

       

Income before cumulative effect
of accounting change, as reported

$  0.71

$  0.68

$  1.45

$  1.36

Pro forma income before cumulative effect
of accounting change

$  0.69

$  0.66

$  1.41

$  1.33

Pro forma net income

$  0.69

$  0.66

$  1.24

$  1.33

Net income, as reported

$  0.71

$  0.68

$  1.28

$  1.36

Diluted EPS

       

Income before cumulative effect
of accounting change, as reported

$  0.70

$  0.67

$  1.44

$  1.33

Pro forma income before cumulative effect
of accounting change

$  0.68

$  0.64

$  1.42

$  1.30

Pro forma net income

$  0.68

$  0.64

$  1.25

$  1.30

Net income, as reported

$  0.70

$  0.67

$  1.27

$  1.33

 

 

Note 3 -- Inventories

     The following is a summary of inventories by major category:

(thousands of dollars)

June 29, 
2003   


 

December 31,
2002   


Raw materials

$32,635

 

$32,967

Work-in-process

7,864

 

7,153

Finished goods

24,350

 

25,459

Packaging and supplies

17,216

 

17,330

Total inventories

$82,065
=====

 

$82,909
=====

  

 

7


 

MINERALS TECHNOLOGIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

Note 4 -- Long-Term Debt and Commitments

     The following is a summary of long-term debt:

(thousands of dollars)

June 29, 
2003  


 

December 31,
2002 


7.49% Guaranteed Senior Notes Due July 24, 2006

$  50,000

 

$  50,000

Yen-denominated Guaranteed Credit Agreement
   Due March 31, 2007

8,725

 

8,957

Variable/Fixed Rate Industrial
   Development Revenue Bonds Due 2009

4,000

 

4,000

Economic Development Authority Refunding
   Revenue Bonds Series 1999 Due 2010

4,600

 

4,600

Variable/Fixed Rate Industrial
   Development Revenue Bonds Due August 1, 2012

8,000

 

8,000

Variable/Fixed Rate Industrial
   Development Revenue Bonds Series 1999
      Due November 1, 2014

8,200

 

8,200

Variable/Fixed Rate Industrial
   Development Revenue Bonds Due March 31, 2020

5,000

 

5,000

Installment obligations

11,368

 

--

Other borrowings

   1,647

 

   1,594

        Total

101,540

 

90,351

Less: Current maturities

   2,503

 

   1,331

Long-term debt

$  99,037
======

 

$  89,020
======

 

     On May 31, 2003, the Company acquired land and limestone ore reserves from the Cushenberry Mine Trust for approximately $17.5 million. Approximately $6.1 million was paid at the closing and $11.4 million was financed through an installment obligation. The average interest rate on this obligation is approximately 4.25%. The principal payments are as follows: 2004 - $0.8 million; 2005 - $0.9 million; 2006 - $0.9 million; 2007 - $0.9 million; 2008 - $6.5 million; 2013 - $1.4 million.

 

Note 5 -- Earnings Per Share (EPS)

     Basic earnings per share are based upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share are based upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period assuming the issuance of common shares for all dilutive potential common shares outstanding. The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:

 

Three Months Ended


 

Six Months Ended


Basic EPS
(in thousands, except per share data)

June 29,
2003
  

June 30,
2002
  

 

June 29,
2003
  

June 30,
2002  

           

Income before cumulative effect 
of accounting change

$14,283

$13,997

 

$29,200 

$27,540

           

Cumulative effect of accounting change

     --

     --

 

(3,433)

     --

           

Net income

$14,283
=====

$13,997
=====

 

$25,767 
===== 

$27,540
====

           

Weighted average shares outstanding

20,094

20,457

 

20,105 

20,221

           

Basic earnings per share 
before cumulative effect of accounting change

$    0.71

$    0.68

 

$    1.45 

$    1.36

Cumulative effect of accounting change

     --

     --

 

  (0.17)

     --

Basic earnings per share

$    0.71
======

$    0.68
======

 

$    1.28 
======

$    1.36
======

 

 

8


MINERALS TECHNOLOGIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

Three Months Ended


Six Months Ended


Diluted EPS
(in thousands, except per share data)

June 29,
2003
  

June 30,
2002  

June 29, 
2003
  

June 30,
2002  

         

Income before cumulative effect
of accounting change

$14,283

$13,997

$29,200 

$27,540

Cumulative effect of
accounting change

        --

        --

 (3,433)

        --

Net income

$14,283

$13,997

$25,767 

$27,540

         

Weighted average shares outstanding

20,094

20,457

20,105 

20,221

Dilutive effect of stock options

     241

     516

     174 

     547

         

Weighted average shares outstanding, adjusted

20,335

20,973

20,279 

20,768

         

Diluted earnings per share before 
cumulative effect of accounting change

$    0.70

$    0.67

$    1.44 

$    1.33

Cumulative effect of accounting change

        --

        --

 (0.17)

        --

Diluted earnings per share

$    0.70
======

$    0.67
======

$    1.27 
====== 

$    1.33
======

 

Note 6 -- Comprehensive Income (Loss)

     The following are the components of comprehensive income:

 

Three Months Ended


Six Months Ended


(thousands of dollars)

June 29,
2003  

June 30,
2002  

June 29, 
2003
  

June 30,
2002  

         

Net income

$  14,283

$  13,997 

$  25,767

$  27,540 

Other comprehensive income, net of tax:

       

   Foreign currency translation adjustments

15,005

18,454 

19,518

14,911 

   Cash flow hedges:

       

      Net derivative losses
      arising during the period

--

(250)

--

(222)

      Reclassification adjustment

       --

     (189)

       --

    (223)

Comprehensive income

$  29,288
======

$  32,012 
======

$  45,285
======

$  42,006 
=======

 

     The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of related tax, are as follows:

(millions of dollars)

June 29,
2003   


 

December 31,
2002    


       

Foreign currency translation adjustments

$(13.3)

 

$(32.8)

Minimum pension liability adjustment

(1.3)

 

(1.3)

Net loss on cash flow hedges

  (0.9)

 

  (0.9)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

$(15.5)
=== 

 

$(35.0)
=== 

 

 

9


 

MINERALS TECHNOLOGIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

Note 7 -- Segment and Related Information

     Segment information for the three months and six months ended June 29, 2003 and June 30, 2002 was as follows:

 

Net Sales


(thousands of dollars)

Three Months Ended


Six Months Ended


June 29, 
2003
  

June 30,
2002  

June 29, 
2003
  

June 30,
2002  

Specialty Minerals

$137,357

$127,700

$275,132

$252,015

Refractories

65,017

   59,128

128,692

113,813

   Total

$202,374
======

$186,828
======

$403,824
======

$365,828
======

 

Income from Operations


(thousands of dollars)

Three Months Ended


Six Months Ended


June 29,
2003  

June 30,
2002  

June 29,
2003  

June 30,
2002  

Specialty Minerals

$  15,584

$  15,614

$  31,128

$  30,833

Refractories

    6,015

    5,370

  13,016

  11,587

   Total

$  21,599
=====

$  20,984
=====

$  44,144
=====

$  42,420
=====

 

     Included in income from operations of the Specialty Minerals segment for the first quarter of 2003 was a charge for one-time termination benefits of $660,000. Included in income from operations of the Specialty Minerals segment for the first quarter of 2002 was a write-down of impaired assets of $750,000.

     The carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment as of June 29, 2003 and December 31, 2002 was as follows:

 

Goodwill


(thousands of dollars)

June 29,
2003  

December 31,
2002  

Specialty Minerals

$14,967

$14,637

Refractories

36,754

36,654

   Total

$51,721
=====

$51,291
=====

 

     A reconciliation of the totals reported for the operating segments to the applicable line items in the condensed consolidated financial statements is as follows:

(thousands of dollars)

Three Months Ended


Six Months Ended


Income before provision for taxes on
     income and minority interests:

June 29,
2003  

June 30,
2002 

 

June 29,
2003  

June 30,
2002  

           

Income from operations 
     for reportable segments

$  21,599

$   20,984

 

$  44,144

$  42,420

Non-operating deductions, net

   1,441

   1,021

 

    2,468

    2,959

Income before provision for  taxes 
     on income and minority interests

$  20,158
======

$  19,963
=====

 

$  41,676
======

$  39,461
======

 

 

10

 


 

MINERALS TECHNOLOGIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Note 8 -- Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

     The Company accounts for goodwill and other intangible assets in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets." Under SFAS No. 142, goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives are no longer amortized, but instead are tested for impairment at least annually in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 142.

     The carrying amount of goodwill was $51.7 million and $51.3 million as of June 29, 2003 and December 31, 2002, respectively. The net change in goodwill since January 1, 2003 was primarily attributable to the effects of foreign exchange rates.

     Acquired intangible assets subject to amortization as of June 29, 2003 and December 31, 2002 were as follows:

June 29, 2003


December 31, 2002 


(millions of dollars)

Gross Carrying Amount

Accumulated Amortization

 

Gross Carrying Amount

Accumulated Amortization

Patents and trademarks

$ 5.8   

$ 0.7   

 

$ 5.8   

$ 0.7   

Customer lists

1.4   

0.2   

 

1.4   

0.1   

Other

0.2   

    --   

 

 0.2   

  --   

 

$ 7.4   
===   

$ 0.9   
===   

 

$ 7.4   
===   

$ 0.8   
===   

 

     The weighted average amortization period for acquired intangible assets subject to amortization is approximately 16 years. Estimated amortization expense is $0.4 million for each of the next five years through 2008.

     Included in other assets and deferred charges is an intangible asset of approximately $13.5 million which represents the non-current unamortized amount paid to a customer in connection with contract extensions at eight PCC satellite facilities. In addition, a current portion of $1.8 million is included in prepaid expenses and other current assets. Such amounts will be amortized as a reduction of sales over the remaining lives of the customer contracts. Approximately $0.5 million was amortized in the second quarter of 2003. Estimated amortization as a reduction of sales is as follows: second half 2003 - $0.9 million; 2004 - $1.8 million; 2005 - $1.8 million; 2006 - $1.8 million; 2007 - $1.8 million; 2008 - $1.8 million; with smaller reductions thereafter over the remaining lives of the contracts.

 

Note 9 -- Accounting for Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

     The Company accounts for impairment of long-lived assets in accordance with SFAS No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets." SFAS No. 144 establishes a uniform accounting model for disposition of long-lived assets. This Statement also requires that long-lived assets be reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its estimated cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized in the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset. During the first quarter of 2002, the Company recorded a write-down of impaired assets of $750,000 for a precipitated calcium carbonate plant at a paper mill that had ceased operations. Such charge was included in cost of goods sold. There was no charge for impairment during the first half of 2003.

 

Note 10 -- Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations

     Effective January 1, 2003, the Company adopted SFAS No. 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations." SFAS No. 143 establishes the financial accounting and reporting for obligations associated with the retirement of long-lived assets and the associated asset retirement costs. This statement requires that the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation be recognized in the period in which it is incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair

 

11


 

MINERALS TECHNOLOGIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

value can be made. The associated asset retirement costs are capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset.

     Upon adoption, the Company recorded a non-cash, after-tax charge to earnings of approximately $3.4 million for the cumulative effect of this accounting change related to retirement obligations associated with the Company's PCC satellite facilities and its mining properties, both within the Specialty Minerals segment. As a result of this pronouncement, the Company recorded additional depreciation and accretion expenses of approximately $0.2 million in the second quarter of 2003 and $0.4 million in the first half of 2003. Such charge is included in cost of goods sold. The pro forma effect on results, assuming that SFAS No. 143 were applied retroactively, would be a non-cash, after-tax charge to earnings of approximately $0.1 million in the second quarter of 2002 and $0.2 million for the first half of 2002.

     The following is a reconciliation of asset retirement obligations as of June 29, 2003:

(thousands of dollars)

 

Asset retirement liability, beginning of period

$8,953

Accretion expense

   232

Asset retirement liability, end of period

$9,185
====

 

Note 11 -- Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities

     Effective January 1, 2003, the Company adopted SFAS No. 146, "Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities." This statement addresses financial accounting and reporting for costs associated with exit or disposal activities. During the first quarter of 2003, the Company paid approximately $660,000 of one-time termination benefits to a group of employees at the Specialty Minerals facility in the United Kingdom. Such charge is included in cost of goods sold.

 

 

 

 

 

12


 

 

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REVIEW REPORT

 

 

 

 

The Board of Directors and Shareholders
Minerals Technologies Inc.:

     We have reviewed the condensed consolidated balance sheet of Minerals Technologies Inc. and subsidiary companies as of June 29, 2003 and the related condensed consolidated statements of income and cash flows for the three-month and six-month periods ended June 29, 2003 and June 30, 2002. These financial statements are the responsibility of the company's management.

     We conducted our review in accordance with standards established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures to financial data and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America, the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

     Based on our review, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the condensed consolidated financial statements referred to above for them to be in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

     As discussed in Note 10 to the condensed consolidated financial statements, effective January 1, 2003, the Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations."

     We have previously audited, in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America, the consolidated balance sheet of Minerals Technologies Inc. and subsidiary companies as of December 31, 2002, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders' equity and cash flows for the year then ended (not presented herein); and in our report dated January 23, 2003, we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2002 is fairly presented, in all material respects, in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.

KPMG LLP

 

 

New York, New York
July 24, 2003

 

 

 

 

13


 

 

ITEM 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of 
                Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Income and Expense Items
As a Percentage of Net Sales


Three Months Ended


Six Months Ended


June 29,
2003  

June 30,
2002  

June 29,
2003
  

June 30,
2002  

Net sales

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

Cost of goods sold

75.3   

75.3   

75.3   

74.9   

Marketing and administrative expenses

10.8   

10.4   

10.7   

10.3   

Research and development expenses

  3.2   

  3.1   

  3.1   

  3.2   

Income from operations

10.7   

11.2   

10.9   

11.6   

Income before cumulative effect 
of accounting change

7.1   

7.5   

7.2   

7.5   

Cumulative effect of accounting change

    --   

    --   

  0.8   

     --   

Net income

  7.1%
==    

  7.5%
==  

  6.4%
==  

  7.5%
==  

 

Results of Operations

Three Months Ended June 29, 2003 as Compared with Three Months Ended June 30, 2002

     Net sales in the second quarter of 2003 increased 8.4% to $202.4 million from $186.8 million in the second quarter of 2002. Foreign exchange had a favorable impact on sales of approximately $9 million, or 5 percentage points of sales growth.

    Net sales in the Specialty Minerals segment, which includes the Precipitated Calcium Carbonate ("PCC") and Processed Minerals product lines, increased 7.6% in the second quarter of 2003 to $137.4 million from $127.7 million in the prior year.

    Worldwide net sales of PCC, which is used primarily in the manufacturing processes of the paper industry, increased 3.2% to $106.6 million from $103.3 million in the second quarter of 2002. Sales volume for PCC used for filling and coating paper increased 2%, despite weakness in the worldwide paper industry and the shutdown of a satellite PCC facility at Great Northern Paper Company in Millinocket, Maine, which was idled in December 2002 before Great Northern entered into bankruptcy. The Great Northern paper mills have since been sold, and Minerals Technologies Inc. expects the satellite PCC facility to resume operations in 2004.

     Net sales of the Specialty PCC product line, used in non-paper applications, declined 2% from the prior year. This decline was attributable primarily to continued weak industry conditions and a more competitive environment for calcium fortification products.

     Net sales of Processed Minerals products increased 26.2% in the second quarter to $30.8 million from $24.4 million in the same period the prior year. Excluding the September 2002 acquisition of Polar Minerals Inc., sales growth was 4% as high demand continued for residential construction and related industries.

     Net sales in the Refractories segment increased 10.0% to $65.0 million as compared with $59.1 million in the prior year. Foreign exchange had a favorable impact on sales of approximately $4.3 million or 7 percentage points of growth. The remaining growth was due primarily to higher refractory and metallurgical wire sales in North America and increased equipment installations in the second quarter.

     Net sales in the United States in the second quarter of 2003 increased approximately 4% as compared with the second quarter of 2002. This increase was primarily due to the Polar Minerals acquisition in September 2002. Foreign sales increased approximately 15% in the second quarter of 2003 primarily due to increased sales in Europe and to the favorable impact of foreign exchange.

     On May 28, 2003, the Company reached a two-part agreement with International Paper Company ("IP") that extended eight satellite precipitated calcium carbonate plant supply contracts and gave the Company an exclusive

 

14


 

 

 

 license to patents held by IP relating to the use of novel fillers, such as PCC-fiber composites. The Company made a one-time $16 million payment to IP in exchange for the contract extensions and technology license. Approximately $15.8 million of this payment was attributed to the revisions to the contracts, including extensions of their lives, and will be amortized as a reduction of sales over the remaining lives of the extended contracts. The result was a reduction of sales of approximately $0.5 million in the second quarter, an anticipated overall reduction of approximately $1.8 million per year over the next five years, and smaller reductions thereafter over the remaining lives of the contracts. Approximately $0.2 million was attributed to the technology license, and is included in research and development expense for the second quarter. In addition, prices were adjusted at certain of the IP facilities covered by the contract extensions. The overall impact of the revisions to the IP contracts in the second quarter was to reduce earnings by approximately $0.04 per share.

     The Company's production margin increased approximately 8%, the same rate as sales. The Specialty Minerals segment's gross margin increased 4% as overall growth was impacted by the shutdown of the Millinocket satellite PCC plant, continuing development costs at the Hermalle, Belgium facility and the effect of the revisions to the IP contracts. The gross margin of the Refractories segment grew 18% reflecting the benefit of an improved product mix and equipment sales.

     Marketing and administrative expenses increased 13% from the prior year. The Refractories segment increased marketing expenses to support worldwide business development efforts. In addition, the Company incurred higher information technology costs associated with the implementation of a new global enterprise resource planning system, higher employee benefit costs, particularly pension and medical expenses, and increased its bad debt provision.

     Income from operations increased 2.9% to $21.6 million, as compared to $21.0 million for the same period last year and was 10.7% of sales. Operating income in the Specialty Minerals segment remained at $15.6 as compared to the prior year, and was 11.3% of its sales. The Refractories segment's operating income increased 11.1% to $6.0 million from $5.4 million in the prior year and was 9.3% of its sales.

     Non-operating deductions increased in the second quarter due to higher net interest costs and foreign exchange losses.

     Net income increased 2.1% to $14.3 million from $14.0 million in the prior year. Diluted earnings per share were $0.70 in the second quarter of 2003 as compared with $0.67 in the prior year.

 

Six Months Ended June 29, 2003 as Compared with Six Months Ended June 30, 2002

     Net sales in the first half of 2003 increased 10.4% to $403.8 million from $365.8 million in 2002. The favorable impact of foreign exchange on sales for the first half of 2003 represented approximately 4 percentage points of growth.

     Net sales in the Specialty Minerals segment increased 9.2% in the first half of 2003 to $275.1 million from $252.0 million in the same period in 2002. Worldwide net sales in the PCC product line grew 4.7% to $215.8 million for the first six months of 2003. Volume growth was approximately 2% despite the shutdown of the Millinocket, Maine satellite PCC facility. Foreign exchange had a favorable impact on sales growth, which was partially offset by the impact of the revisions to the IP contracts. Net sales in the Processed Minerals product line increased 29.5% to $59.3 million in the first half of 2003 from $45.8 million in the prior year. Excluding the Polar Minerals acquisition, sales growth was approximately 5% due to strong residential construction.

     Net sales in the Refractories segment increased 13.1% to $128.7 million as compared with $113.8 million in the prior year. Foreign exchange had a favorable impact on sales growth of approximately 7 percentage points. The remaining growth was due to increased volume and higher equipment installations.

     Net sales in the United States in the first half of 2003 increased approximately 6% as compared with the first half of 2002. This increase was primarily due to the Polar Minerals acquisition in September 2002. Foreign sales increased approximately 18% in the first half of 2003 primarily due to increased sales in Europe and to the favorable impact of foreign exchange.

 

15


 

 

     Income from operations increased 4.0% to $44.1 million from $42.4 million in the first half of 2003 and was 10.9% of net sales. Income from operations in the Specialty Minerals segment increased 1.0% to $31.1 million and was 11.3% of its net sales. Income from operations in the Refractories segment increased 12.1% to $13.0 million and was 10.1% of its net sales.

     Non-operating deductions decreased due to lower net interest expense and foreign currency gains.

     The Company's effective tax rate was approximately 27.9%, compared with 28.5% in the prior year. The change in the effective tax rate reflects differences in the expected geographic mix of profit by country for the year.

     Net income before the cumulative effect of accounting change increased 6.2% to $29.2 million from $27.5 million in 2002. Diluted earnings per common share before the cumulative effect of the accounting change increased 8.3% to $1.44 compared with $1.33 for the first six months of 2002.

     Effective January 1, 2003, the Company adopted SFAS No. 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations." SFAS No. 143 establishes the financial accounting and reporting for obligations associated with the retirement of long-lived assets and the associated asset retirement costs. This statement requires that the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation be recognized in the period in which it is incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. The associated asset retirement costs are capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset.

     Upon adoption, the Company recorded a non-cash, after-tax charge to earnings of approximately $3.4 million for the cumulative effect of this accounting change related to retirement obligations associated with the Company's PCC satellite facilities and its mining properties, both within the Specialty Minerals segment. As a result of this pronouncement, the Company recorded additional depreciation and accretion expenses of approximately $0.2 million in the second quarter of 2003 and $0.4 million in the first half of 2003. Such charge is included in cost of goods sold. The pro forma effect on results, assuming that SFAS No. 143 were applied retroactively, would be a non-cash, after-tax charge to earnings of approximately $0.1 million in the second quarter of 2002 and $0.2 million for the first half of 2002.

     Net income after the cumulative effect of accounting change decreased 6.2% to $25.8 million compared with $27.5 million in the prior year. Diluted earnings per share after the cumulative effect of accounting change was $1.27 per share in the first half of 2003 as compared with $1.33 in the prior year.

     The Company's sales of PCC are predominantly pursuant to long-term contracts, initially ten years in length, with paper companies at whose mills the Company operates satellite PCC plants. The terms of many of these agreements have been extended, often in connection with an expansion of the satellite PCC plant. Failure of a number of the Company's customers to renew existing agreements on terms as favorable to the Company as those currently in effect could cause the future growth rate of the Company to differ materially from its historical growth rate, and could also result in impairment of the assets associated with the PCC plant.

     There are presently two satellite locations at which contracts with host mills have expired and one location, representing less than one unit of PCC production, at which the host mill has informed the Company that the contract will not be renewed upon its expiration in 2004. The Company continues to supply PCC at all of these locations. At the two locations at which the contracts have expired, the Company hopes to reach agreement on a long-term extension of the contract; however, there can be no assurance that these negotiations will be successful.

     In addition, a complex of two paper mills at which the Company has operated a satellite PCC plant, at Millinocket and East Millinocket, Maine, owned by Great Northern Paper, Inc., ceased operations on or about December 23, 2002. Great Northern Paper filed for bankruptcy protection on January 9, 2003, and on April 29, 2003, the Millinocket and East Millinocket mills were sold to Brascan Corporation ("Brascan"), the parent company of Nexfor Fraser Papers Inc. The East Millinocket mill has resumed operations, and the Company is supplying it from other nearby PCC production facilities. Brascan has announced that it may not start the Millinocket mill, at which the Company's satellite plant is located, for a year or more. If the Millinocket mill does not resume production, the Company could incur an impairment charge of approximately $10 million.

 

 

16


 

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

     Cash flows in the first half of 2003 were provided from operations and were applied principally to fund capital expenditures and purchases of common shares for treasury. Cash provided from operating activities amounted to $42.6 million in the first half of 2003 as compared with $54.7 million in the first half of the prior year. The reduction in cash from operations was primarily due to the payment to IP of $16 million in exchange for customer contract extensions and a technology license.

     On May 31, 2003, the Company acquired land and limestone ore reserves from the Cushenberry Mine Trust for approximately $17.5 million. Approximately $6.1 million was paid at the closing and $11.4 million was financed through an installment obligation. The average interest rate on this obligation is approximately 4.25%. The principal payments are as follows: 2004 - $0.8 million; 2005 - $0.9 million; 2006 - $0.9 million; 2007 - $0.9 million; 2008 - $6.5 million; 2013 - $1.4 million.

     The Company has available approximately $115 million in uncommitted, short-term bank credit lines, of which $30 million was in use at June 29, 2003. The Company anticipates that capital expenditures for all of 2003 will approximate $60 million. The Company expects to meet its financing requirements from internally generated funds, uncommitted bank credit lines and, where appropriate, project financing of certain satellite plants.

 

Prospective Information and Factors That May Affect Future Results

     The Securities and Exchange Commission encourages companies to disclose forward-looking information so that investors can better understand the companies' future prospects and make informed investment decisions. This report may contain forward-looking statements that set out anticipated results based on management's plans and assumptions. Words such as "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "will," and words and terms of similar substance used in connection with any discussion of future operating or financial performance identify these forward-looking statements.

     The Company cannot guarantee that the outcomes suggested in any forward-looking statement will be realized, although it believes it has been prudent in its plans and assumptions. Achievement of future results is subject to risks, uncertainties and inaccurate assumptions. Should known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove inaccurate, actual results could vary materially from those anticipated, estimated or projected. Investors should bear this in mind as they consider forward-looking statements and should refer to the discussion of certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions under the heading "Cautionary Factors That May Affect Future Results" in Exhibit 99 to this Quarterly Report.

 

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

     In December 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 148, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation - Transition and Disclosure, an amendment of FASB Statement No. 123." This statement amends SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," to provide alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change to the fair value method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. The FASB recently indicated that they will require stock-based employee compensation to be recorded as a charge to earnings beginning in 2004. The Company will continue to monitor their progress on the issuance of this standard as well as evaluating its position with respect to current guidance.

     In May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 150, "Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilities and Equity." This statement establishes standards for how an issuer classifies and measures certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. The Company had no such instruments as of June 29, 2003.

 

 

17


 

Critical Accounting Policies

     The Company's discussion and analysis of its financial condition and results of operations is based upon the Company's 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 the Company to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities.

     On an on going basis, the Company evaluates its estimates and assumptions, including those related to revenue recognition, allowance for doubtful accounts, valuation of inventories, valuation of long-lived assets, goodwill and other intangible assets, pension plan assumptions, income taxes, depreciation, income tax valuation allowances and litigation and environmental liabilities. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that it believes to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about carrying values of assets and liabilities that can not readily be determined from other sources. There can be no assurance that actual results will not differ from those estimates.

 

Property, Plant and Equipment

     Property, plant and equipment are amortized over their useful lives. Useful lives are based on management's estimates of the period that the assets can generate revenue, which does not necessarily coincide with the remaining term of a customer's contractual obligation to purchase products made using those assets. The Company's sales of PCC are predominantly pursuant to long-term contracts, initially ten years in length, with paper mills at which the Company operates satellite PCC plants. The terms of many of these agreements have been extended, often in connection with an expansion of the satellite PCC plant. The Company also continues to supply PCC to two locations at which the PCC contracts have expired. Failure of a PCC customer to renew an agreement or continue to purchase PCC from the Company facility could result in an impairment of assets charge at such facility.

     In the third quarter of 2002, the Company reduced the useful lives of satellite PCC plants at International Paper Company's ("IP") mills due to an increased risk that some or all of these PCC contracts would not be renewed. As a result of this change, the Company also reviewed the useful lives of the assets at its remaining satellite PCC facilities and other plants. During the first quarter of 2003, the Company revised the estimated useful lives of machinery and equipment pertaining to its natural stone mining and processing plants and chemical processing plants from 12.5 years (8%) to 15 years (6.67%) and reduced the useful lives of buildings at certain satellite PCC facilities from 25 years (4%) to 15 years (6.67%). The Company also reduced the estimated useful lives of certain software-related assets due to implementation of a new global enterprise resource planning system. During the second quarter of 2003, the Company reached an agreement with IP that extended eight PCC supply contracts and therefore extended the useful lives of the satellite PCC plants at those IP mills. The net effect of the changes in estimated useful lives was an increase to diluted earnings per share of $0.01 in the second quarter of 2003 and there was a minimal effect for the first half of 2003.

 

ITEM 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

     Market risk represents the risk of loss that may impact the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows due to adverse changes in market prices and foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. The Company is exposed to market risk because of changes in foreign currency exchange rates as measured against the U.S. dollar. It does not anticipate that near-term changes in exchange rates will have a material impact on its future earnings or cash flows. However, there can be no assurance that a sudden and significant decline in the value of foreign currencies would not have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition and results of operations. Approximately 25% of the Company's bank debt bears interest at variable rates; therefore the Company's results of operations would be affected by changes in the interest rate applicable to the variable-rate bank debt outstanding. An immediate 10 percent change in interest rates would not have a material effect on the Company's results of operations over the next fiscal year.     

     The Company is exposed to various market risks, including the potential loss arising from adverse changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. The Company does not enter into derivatives or other financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. When appropriate, the Company enters into derivative financial

 

 

18


 

 

 instruments, such as forward exchange contracts and interest rate swaps, to mitigate the impact of foreign exchange rate movements and interest rate movements on the Company's operating results. The counterparties are major financial institutions. Such forward exchange contracts and interest rate swaps would not subject the Company to additional risk from exchange rate or interest rate movements because gains and losses on these contracts would offset losses and gains on the assets, liabilities and transactions being hedged. The Company had no open forward exchange contracts as of June 29, 2003. The Company entered into three-year interest rate swap agreements with a notional amount of $30 million that expire in January 2005. These agreements effectively convert a portion of the Company's floating-rate debt to a fixed rate basis. The fair value of these instruments was a liability of $1.5 million at June 29, 2003.

 

ITEM 4.  Controls and Procedures

     Within the 90 days prior to the date of this report, and under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, the Company carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures, pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(b). Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures are effective in timely alerting them to material information relating to the Company (including its consolidated subsidiaries) required to be included in the Company's periodic SEC filings.

     Subsequent to the date the Company carried out its evaluation, there have been no significant changes in the Company's internal controls or in other factors which could significantly affect these controls.

 

PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.  Legal Proceedings

     On April 9, 2003, the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection ("DEP") issued an administrative consent order which had been agreed to by MTI, Specialty Minerals Inc. and Minteq International Inc. relating to the Canaan, Connecticut site at which both Minteq and Specialty Minerals have operations. The order settled claims relating to an accidental discharge of machine oil alleged to have contained polychlorinated biphenyls at or above regulated levels, as well as alleged violations of requirements pertaining to stormwater and waste water discharge and to management of underground storage tanks. The order required payment of a civil penalty in the amount of $11,000 and funding of several supplemental environmental projects totaling $330,000. These amounts were paid on April 21, 2003. Cost of remediation at the site remains uncertain.

     The Company and its subsidiaries are not party to any other pending legal proceedings, other than routine litigation incidental to their businesses.

 

ITEM 6.  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

a)      Exhibits:

        15     Accountants' Acknowledgement.

        31     Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications.

        32     Section 1350 Certifications.

        99     Statement of Cautionary Factors That May Affect Future Results.

b)    On April 25, 2003, the Company filed a current report on Form 8-K under Item 9, 
        reporting earnings for the first quarter of 2003.

On May 29, 2003, the Company filed a current report on Form 8-K under Item 5, reporting an agreement for the extension of PCC supply contracts with International Paper.

 

 

19


 

 

 

 

SIGNATURE

 

 

          Pursuant to the requirements 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.

 

 

 

 

          Minerals Technologies Inc.

 
 
 

 

By:

 

 /s/John A. Sorel


          
 

John A. Sorel 
Senior Vice President-Finance and
Chief Financial Officer; Treasurer
(principal financial officer)

 

 

 

August 7, 2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

20