Back to GetFilings.com



UNITED STATES
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 27, 2004

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 27, 2004
20,580,241


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 27, 2004 and June 29, 2003 (unaudited)

3

   
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of June 27, 2004 (unaudited)
and December 31, 2003

4

   
  Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the six-month periods
ended June 27, 2004 and June 29, 2003 (unaudited)

5

   
  Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

6

   
  Review Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

14

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

15

   
Item 3.  
           Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

21

   
Item 4.  
  Controls and Procedures

22

   
PART II.   OTHER INFORMATION  
   
Item 1.  
           Legal Proceedings

22

   
Item 2.  
           Changes in Securities, Use of Proceeds and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

23

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

23

   
Item 6.  
           Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

24

   
Signature

25


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 27,
 2004

     

June 29,
2003

     

June 27,
2004

     

June 29,
2003

 
Net sales

$

229,292

   

$

202,374

   

$

438,765

   

$

403,824

 
Operating costs and expenses:                              
       Cost of goods sold  

174,998

     

152,378

     

334,805

     

304,061

 
  Marketing and administrative expenses  

23,579

     

21,862

     

45,790

     

42,999

 
  Research and development expenses  

7,378

     

   6,535

     

14,195

     

  12,620

 
  Restructuring costs  

428

     

--

     

1,000

     

--

 
                               
Income from operations  

22,909

     

21,599

     

42,975

     

44,144

 
Non-operating deductions, net  

725

     

   1,441

     

2,290

     

   2,468

 
Income before provision for taxes                              
   on income and minority interests  

22,184

     

20,158

     

40,685

     

41,676

 
Provision for taxes on income  

6,593

     

5,494

     

12,093

     

11,628

 
Minority interests  

473

     

      381

     

884

     

      848

 
                               
Income before cumulative effect                              
  of accounting change  

15,118

     

14,283

     

27,708

     

29,200

 
Cumulative effect of accounting change  

--

     

         --

     

--

     

    3,433

 
                               
Net income

$

15,118

   

$

 14,283

   

$

27,708

   

$

 25,767

 
                               
Earnings per share:                              
   Basic:                              
         Before cumulative effect of accounting change

$

0.74

   

$

     0.71

   

$

1.35

   

$

     1.45

 
      Cumulative effect of accounting change  

--

     

         --

     

--

     

    ( 0.17

)
               Basic earnings per share

$

0.74

   

$

     0.71

   

$

1.35

   

$

     1.28

 
                               
   Diluted:                              
         Before cumulative effect of accounting change

$

0.73

   

$

     0.70

   

$

1.33

   

$

$     1.44

 
      Cumulative effect of accounting change  

--

     

          --

     

--

     

    ( 0.17

)
              Diluted earnings per share

$

0.73

   

$

     0.70

   

$

1.33

   

$

$     1.27

 
                               
Cash dividends declared per common share

$

0.050

   

$

0.025

   

$

0.10

   

$

$   0.050

 
                               
Shares used in computation of earnings per share:                              
     Basic  

20,559

     

20,094

     

20,520

     

20,105

 
  Diluted  

20,802

     

20,335

     

20,760

     

20,279

 

See accompanying notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

3


 

MINERALS TECHNOLOGIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

ASSETS

(in thousands, except per share data)

June 27,
2004*

     

December 31,
2003**

 
             
Current assets:            
   Cash and cash equivalents

$

93,604

   

$

90,515

 
   Accounts receivable, net

170,411

     

147,600

 
  Inventories

88,310

     

86,378

 
  Prepaid expenses and other current assets

19,118

     

15,632

 
      Total current assets

371,443

     

340,125

 
             
Property, plant and equipment, less accumulated            
   depreciation and depletion - June 27, 2004 -            
  $669,594; December 31, 2003 - $648,362

561,628

     

561,588

 
Goodwill

52,667

     

52,721

 
Prepaid benefit cost

45,747

     

46,251

 
Other assets and deferred charges

34,156

     

34,815

 
          Total assets

$

1,065,641

   

$

1,035,500

 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

Current liabilities:              
   Short-term debt

$

30,000

   

$

30,347

 
  Current maturities of long-term debt  

3,530

     

3,175

 
  Accounts payable  

44,218

     

44,217

 
  Other current liabilities  

48,263

     

44,296

 
         Total current liabilities  

126,011

     

122,035

 
               
Long-term debt  

96,700

     

98,159

 
Other non-current liabilities  

108,173

     

107,925

 
  Total liabilities  

330,884

     

328,119

 
               
Shareholders' equity:              
  Common stock  

2,769

     

2,742

 
  Additional paid-in capital  

242,956

     

225,512

 
  Deferred compensation  

( 2,437

)    

( 1,220

)
  Retained earnings  

750,590

     

724,936

 
  Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)  

( 1,456

)    

3,814

 
   

992,422

     

955,784

 
               
  Less treasury stock  

257,665

     

248,403

 
          Total shareholders' equity  

734,757

     

707,381

 
                     
          Total liabilities and shareholders' equity

$

1,065,641

   

$

1,035,500

 

* 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

(in thousands, except per share data)    

June 27,
2004

     

June 29,
2003

 
Operating Activities:                
                 
Net income  

$

27,708

   

$

25,767

 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash                
   provided by operating activities:                
    Cumulative effect of accounting change    

--

     

3,433

 
    Depreciation, depletion and amortization    

34,381

     

34,373

 
    Other non-cash items    

6,340

     

3,817

 
    Net changes in operating activities    

( 23,249

)    

( 24,818

)
Net cash provided by operating activities    

45,180

     

42,572

 
                 
Investing Activities:                
                 
Purchases of property, plant and equipment    

( 39,234

)    

(26,385

)
Other    

290

     

751

 
Net cash used in investing activities    

( 38,944

)    

(25,634

)
                 
Financing Activities:                
                 
Proceeds from issuance of short-term debt    

2,980

     

5,318

 
Repayment of debt    

(  4,555

)    

( 5,565

)
Purchase of common shares for treasury    

(  9,261

)    

( 4,716

)
Proceeds from issuance of stock under option plan    

10,753

     

2,180

 
Cash dividends paid    

(  2,051

)    

( 1,004

)
Net cash used in financing activities    

(  2,134

)    

( 3,787

)
                 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and                
      cash equivalents    

( 1,013

)    

858

 
                 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents    

3,089

     

14,009

 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period    

90,515

     

31,762

 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period  

$

93,604

   

$

45,771

 
                     
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:                
Interest paid  

$

3,325

   

$

3,152

 
                 
Income taxes paid  

$

7,725

   

$

7,111

 
                 
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
(Unaudited)

 

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 accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America 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/A for the year ended December 31, 2003. 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 27, 2004 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2004.

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 3% - 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 depreciated 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 at two locations at which the PCC contract has expired. Failure of a PCC customer to renew an agreement or continue to purchase PCC from a Company facility could result in an impairment of assets charge at such facility.

     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.

Note 3 -- 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 FASB recently indicated that they would require stock-based employee compensation to be recorded as a charge to earnings beginning in 2005. 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, with the following weighted average assumptions:

6


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

                                          

June 27,
2004

 

June 29,
2003

Expected life (years)

7

   

7

 

Interest rate

3.49

%  

3.27

%

Volatility

30.12

%  

30.94

%

Expected dividend yield

0.37

%  

0.25

%

     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

(in millions, except per share data)

 

June 27,
2004

   

June 29,
2003

     

June 27,
2004

   

June 29,
2003

 
Income before cumulative effect                          
   of accounting change, as reported

$

15.1

 

$

14.3

   

$

27.7

 

$

29.2

 
Add: Stock-based employee compensation                          
    included in reported income before accounting change  

0.1

   

--

     

0.2

   

--

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

( 0.6

)  

( 0.5

)    

( 1.2

)  

( 0.9

)
Pro forma income before cumulative                          
   effect of accounting change  

14.6

   

13.8

     

26.7

   

28.3

 
Cumulative effect of accounting change  

--

   

--

     

--

   

3.4

 
      Pro forma net income

$

14.6

 

$

13.8

   

$

26.7

 

$

24.9

 
      Net income, as reported

$

15.1

 

$

14.3

   

$

27.7

 

$

25.8

 
                           
Basic EPS                          
Income before cumulative effect                          
   of accounting change, as reported

$

0.74

 

$

0.71

   

$

1.35

 

$

1.45

 
Pro forma income before cumulative                          
   effect of accounting change

$

0.71

 

$

0.69

   

$

1.30

 

$

1.41

 
Pro forma net income

$

0.71

 

$

0.69

   

$

1.30

 

$

1.24

 
Net income, as reported

$

0.74

 

$

0.71

   

$

1.35

 

$

1.28

 
                           
Diluted EPS                          
Income before cumulative effect                          
   of accounting change, as reported

$

0.73

 

$

0.70

   

$

1.33

 

$

1.44

 
Pro forma income before cumulative                          
   effect of accounting change

$

0.70

 

$

0.68

   

$

1.29

 

$

1.42

 
Pro forma net income

$

0.70

 

$

0.68

   

$

1.29

 

$

1.25

 
Net income, as reported

$

0.73

 

$

0.70

   

$

1.33

 

$

1.27

 

Note 4 -- 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:

7


 

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

                                                        

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

   

June 27,
2004

   

June 29,
2003

     

June 27,
2004

   

June 29,
2003

 
Basic EPS                          
(in thousands, except per share data)                          
                           
Income before cumulative effect of accounting change

$

15,118

 

$

14,283

   

$

27,708

 

$

29,200

 
Cumulative effect of accounting change  

--

   

--

     

--

   

( 3,433

)
Net income

$

15,118

 

$

14,283

   

$

27,708

 

$

25,767

 
                           
Weighted average shares outstanding  

20,559

   

20,094

     

20,520

   

20,105

 
                           
Basic earnings per share before cumulative                          
   effect of accounting change

$

0.74

 

$

0.71

   

$

1.35

 

$

1.45

 
Cumulative effect of accounting change  

--

   

--

     

--

   

(0.17

)
Basic earnings per share

$

0.74

 

$

0.71

   

$

1.35

 

$

1.28

 
                           
Diluted EPS                          
(in thousands, except per share data)                          
                           
Income before cumulative effect of accounting change

$

15,118

 

$

14,283

   

$

27,708

 

$

29,200

 
Cumulative effect of accounting change  

--

   

--

     

--

   

( 3,433

)
Net income

$

15,118

 

$

14,283

   

$

27,708

 

$

25,767

 
                           
Weighted average shares outstanding  

20,559

   

20,094

     

20,520

   

20,105

 
Diluted effect of stock options  

243

   

241

     

240

   

174

 
Weighted average shares outstanding, adjusted  

20,802

   

20,335

     

20,760

   

20,279

 
                           
Diluted earnings per share before                          
  cumulative effect of accounting change

$

0.73

 

$

0.70

   

$

1.33

 

$

1.44

 
Cumulative effect of accounting change  

--

   

--

     

--

   

(0.17

)
Diluted earnings per share

$

0.73

 

$

0.70

   

$

1.33

 

$

1.27

 

Note 5 -- Inventories

     The following is a summary of inventories by major category:

(thousands of dollars)

   

June 27,
2004   

     

December 31,
2003  

 
           

Raw materials

 

$

33,072

   

$

34,132

 

Work-in-process

   

7,636

     

8,153

 

Finished goods

   

28,418

     

25,998

 

Packaging and supplies

   

19,184

     

 18,095

 

Total inventories

 

$

88,310

   

$

86,378

 

Note 6 -- Restructuring Charges and Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities

     During the fourth quarter of 2003, the Company announced plans to restructure its operations in an effort to reduce operating costs and to improve efficiency. The restructuring resulted in a total workforce reduction of approximately three percent of the Company's worldwide workforce. The Company recorded a pre-tax restructuring charge of $3.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2003 to reflect these actions. This charge consisted of severance, other employee benefits, and lease termination costs. During the first half of 2004, additional severance costs

8


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

related to this program of approximately $1.0 million were recorded, of which $0.4 million were recorded in the second quarter.

     The following is a reconciliation of the restructuring liability as of June 27, 2004:

(millions of dollars)

 

Dec. 31,
2003
 Balance

 

2004
Provision

 

2004
 Payments

 

June 27,
2004
Balance

 
                   

Employee Severance and Termination Benefits

$

2.3

$

1.0

$

(3.2)

$

0.1

 

     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 was included in cost of goods sold.

Note 7 -- 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 $52.7 million as of June 27, 2004 and December 31, 2003.

     Acquired intangible assets subject to amortization as of June 27, 2004 and December 31, 2003 were as follows:

                                    

 

June 27, 2004

 

December 31, 2003

(millions of dollars)

   

Gross Carrying Amount

     

Accumulated Amortization

     

Gross Carrying Amount

     

Accumulated Amortization

 

Patents and trademarks

 

$

5.8

   

$

1.0

   

$

5.8

   

$

 0.9

 

Customer lists

   

1.4

     

0.2

     

1.4

     

0.2

 

Other

   

0.2

     

0.1

     

  0.2

     

  0.1

 
   

$

7.4

   

$

1.3

   

$

7.4

   

$

 1.2

 

     The weighted average amortization period for acquired intangible assets subject to amortization is approximately 15 years. Estimated amortization expense is $0.4 million for each of the next five years through 2009.

     Included in other assets and deferred charges is an intangible asset of approximately $12.1 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 $0.9 million was amortized in the first half of 2004. Estimated amortization as a reduction of sales is as follows: 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.

9


 

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

Note 8 -- 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. There was no charge for impairment during the first half of 2004.

Note 9 -- Long-Term Debt and Commitments

     The following is a summary of long-term debt:

(thousands of dollars)                                             

June 27,
2004 


  

December 31,
2003  


 

7.49% Guaranteed Senior Notes Due July 24, 2006

$  50,000

 

$  50,000

Yen-denominated Guaranteed Credit Agreement      
  Due March 31, 2007

8,036

 

8,256

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

10,551

 

11,368

Other borrowings

1,843

 

    1,910

  Total

100,230

 

101,334

Less: Current maturities

3,530

 

    3,175

Long-term debt

$  96,700

 

$  98,159

Note 10 -- Pension Plans

     In December 2003, the FASB revised SFAS No. 132, "Employer's Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits." The revised statement does not change the measurement or recognition of employers' Pension Plans. However, it requires additional disclosures to those in the original SFAS No.132 regarding the assets, obligations, cash flows, and net periodic benefit costs of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans on the interim and annual financial statements.

     The company and its subsidiaries have pension plans covering substantially all eligible employees on a contributory or non-contributory basis.

10


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

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost

(millions of dollars)                           

Pension Benefits

 

 

Three Months Ended

   

 

Six Months Ended

 
   

June 27,
2004

     

June 29,
2003

     

June 27,
2004

     

June 29,
2003

 
Service cost

$

1.7

   

$

1.4

   

$

3.4

   

$

2.8

 
Interest cost  

2.1

     

2.0

     

4.3

     

4.0

 
Expected return on plan assets  

( 3.1

)    

( 2.5

)    

( 6.3

)    

( 5.0

)
Amortization of prior service cost  

0.1

     

0.1

     

0.3

     

0.3

 
Recognized net actuarial loss  

0.5

     

0.6

     

0.9

     

1.2

 
SFAS No. 88 settlement  

0.3

     

--

     

0.6

     

--

 
       Net periodic benefit cost

$

1.6

   

$

1.6

   

$

3.2

   

$

3.3

 

 

(millions of dollars)                           

Other Benefits

 

 

Three Months Ended

   

 

Six Months Ended

 
   

June 27,
2004

     

June 29,
2003

     

June 27,
2004

     

June 29,
2003

 
Service cost

$

0.3

   

$

0.3

   

$

0.6

   

$

0.6

 
Interest cost  

0.4

     

0.4

     

0.8

     

0.8

 
Recognized net actuarial loss  

0.1

     

--

     

0.2

     

--

 
       Net periodic benefit cost

$

0.8

   

$

0.7

   

$

1.6

   

$

1.4

 

 

Employer Contributions

     Minerals Technologies Inc. expects to contribute $7 million to its pension plan and $3 million to its other post retirement benefit plan in 2004. As of June 27, 2004, no contributions have been made to the pension plan and approximately $1.2 million has been contributed to the post retirement benefit plan.

Note 11 -- Comprehensive Income (Loss)

     The following are the components of comprehensive income:

                                                        

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

   

June 27,
2004

   

June 29,
2003

     

June 27,
2004

   

June 29,
2003

 
(in thousands of dollars)                          
                           
Net income

$

15,118

 

$

14,283

   

$

27,708

 

$

25,767

 
Other comprehensive income net of tax:                          
  Foreign currency translation adjustments  

( 1,196

)

 

15,005

     

( 5,349

)

 

19,518

 
  Cash flow hedges:                          
  Net derivative losses arising during the period  

62

   

--

     

56

   

--

 
  Reclassification adjustment  

63

   

--

     

23

   

--

 
Comprehensive income

$

14,047

 

$

29,288

   

$

22,438

 

$

45,283

 

11


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

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

(millions of dollars)

 

June 27,
2004

 

 

 

December 31,
2003 

 
               

Foreign currency translation adjustments

$

1.6

   

$

6.9

 

Minimum pension liability adjustment

 

( 2.7

)    

( 2.7

)

Net loss on cash flow hedges

 

( 0.4

)    

       ( 0.4

)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

$

( 1.5

)  

$

  3.8 

 

Note 12 -- 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 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.

     The following is a reconciliation of asset retirement obligations as of June 27, 2004:

(thousands of dollars)    
     
Asset retirement liability, December 31, 2003

$

9,315

Accretion expense  

159

Asset retirement liability,
June 27, 2004

$

9,474

Note 13 -- Deferred Compensation

     The Company has granted certain corporate officers rights to receive shares of the Company's common stock under the Company's 2001 Stock Award and Incentive Plan (the 2001 Plan). The rights will be deferred for a specified number of years of service, subject to restrictions on transfer and other conditions. Upon issuance of the rights, a deferred Compensation expense equivalent to the market value of the underlying shares on the date of the grant was charged to stockholders' equity and is being amortized over the estimated average deferral period of approximately 5 years. The Company granted 26,900 shares in the first quarter of 2004 and 27,600 shares were granted in 2003. The compensation expense amortized with respect to the units during the three-month and six-month periods ended June 27, 2004 was $0.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively.

Note 14 -- Segment and Related Information

     Segment information for the three and six month periods ended June 27, 2004 was as follows:

 

Net Sales

                                                  

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

(in thousands, except per share data)

 

June 27,
2004

   

June 29,
2003

     

June 27,
2004

   

June 29,
2003

 
                           
Specialty Minerals

$

155,130

 

$

137,357

   

$

298,850

 

$

275,132

 
Refractories  

74,162

   

65,017

     

139,915

   

128,692

 
  Total

$

229,292

 

$

202,374

   

$

438,765

 

$

403,824

 

 

12


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

 

 

Income from Operations

                                                  

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

(thousands of dollars)

 

June 27,
2004

   

June 29,
2003

     

June 27,
2004

   

June 29,
2003

 
                           
Specialty Minerals

$

16,146

 

$

15,584

   

$

29,620

 

$

31,128

 
Refractories  

6,763

   

6,015

     

13,355

   

13,016

 
  Total

$

22,909

 

$

21,599

   

$

42,975

 

$

44,144

 

     Included in income from operations for the Specialty Minerals and Refractories segments for the second quarter of 2004 are restructuring costs of $0.2 million for each segment.

     Included in income from operations for the Specialty Minerals and Refractories segments for the first half of 2004 are restructuring costs of $0.6 million and $0.4 million, respectively.

     Included in income from operations of the Specialty Minerals segment for the first half of 2003 was a charge for one-time termination benefits of $0.7 million.

     The carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment as of June 27, 2004 and December 31, 2003 was as follows:

                                  

Goodwill

(thousands of dollars)  

June 27,
2004

     

December 31,
2003     

 
Specialty Minerals

$

36,931

   

$

15,682

 
Refractories  

15,736

     

37,039

 
   Total

$

52,667

   

$

52,721

 

     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 27,
2004

   

June 29,
2003

     

June 27,
2004

   

June 29,
2003

 
                           
Income from operations for reportable segments

$

22,909

 

$

21,599

   

$

42,975

 

$

44,144

 
Non-operating deductions, net  

725

   

1,441

     

2,290

   

2,468

 
Income before provision for taxes on income                          
   and minority interests

$

22,184

 

$

20,158

   

$

40,685

 

$

41,676

 

13


REVIEW REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

 

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 27, 2004 and the related condensed consolidated statements of income and cash flows for the three-month and six-month periods ended June 27, 2004 and June 29, 2003. These condensed consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management.

     We conducted our review in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). 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 the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), 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 U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

     As discussed in Note 12 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 the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet of Minerals Technologies Inc. and subsidiary companies as of December 31, 2003, 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 22, 2004 (July 28, 2004 as to Note 2), 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, 2003 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 29, 2004

 

 

14


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 27,
2004

   

June 29,
2003

   

June 27,
2004

   

June 29,
2003

 

Net sales

100.0

%  

100.0

%  

100.0

%  

100.0

%

Cost of goods sold

76.3

75.3

76.3

75.3

Marketing and administrative expenses

10.3

   

10.8

   

10.5

   

10.7

 

Research and development expenses

3.2

   

3.2

   

3.2

   

3.1

 

Restructuring costs

0.2

   

--

   

0.2

   

--

 

Income from operations

10.0

   

10.7

   

9.8

   

10.9

 
Income before cumulative effect of accounting change

6.6

   

7.1

   

6.3

   

7.2

 

Cumulative effect of accounting change

--

   

--

   

--

   

0.8

 

Net income

6.6

%  

7.1

%  

6.3

%  

6.4

%

Executive Summary

     At Minerals Technologies, approximately 85% of our sales are to customers in two industries: papermaking and steel making. The economic downturn of the past three years has had severe effects on the paper industry, by far our largest customer group, as paper mills have closed or taken significant downtime and the industry has consolidated. The effect on the steel industry has been even more dramatic, with several large steel makers declaring bankruptcy. Although the overall economy began to improve in late 2003 and early 2004, the paper and steel industries had been slow to participate in the recovery, while maintaining pricing pressure on their suppliers. Over the last few months, we have begun to experience improved conditions, particularly in the steel industry and construction industry in North America. As a result, the second quarter reflected an improved performance in both segments.

     Our sales grew 13% to $229.3 million from $202.4 million in the second quarter of last year. Foreign exchange had a favorable impact of approximately three percentage points of growth. Operating income, including restructuring costs, grew 6% to $22.9 million and was 10.0% of sales.

     We face some significant risks and challenges in the future:

 

15


 

     Despite these risks and challenges, we are optimistic about the opportunities for continued growth that are open to us, including:

     However, there can be no assurance that we will achieve success in implementing any one or more of these opportunities.

Results of Operations

     Three months ended June 27, 2004 as compared with three months ended June 30, 2003:

Sales

(millions of dollars)

Second quarter 2004

 

% of Total
Sales

 

Growth

  

 

 

Second quarter 2003

 

% of Total Sales

   

Net Sales

U.S.

$

139.9

   

61.0

%  

12

%  

$

124.9

   

61.7

%
International

$

89.4

   

39.0

%  

15

%  

$

77.5

   

38.3

%
                                 
PCC Products

$

118.5

   

51.7

%  

11

%  

$

106.6

   

52.7

%
Processed Minerals Products

$

36.6

   

15.9

%  

19

%  

$

30.8

   

15.2

%
                                 
Specialty Minerals Segment

$

155.1

   

67.6

%  

13

%  

$

137.4

   

67.9

%
                                 
Refractories Segment

$

74.2

   

32.4

%  

14

%  

$

65.0

   

32.1

%
                                 
Net Sales

$

229.3

   

100.0

%  

13

%  

$

202.4

   

100.0

%

     Worldwide net sales in the second quarter of 2004 increased 13% from the previous year to $229.3 million. Foreign exchange had a favorable impact on sales of approximately $5.7 million or 3 percentage points of growth. Sales in the Specialty Minerals segment, which includes the PCC and Processed Minerals product lines, increased 13% to $155.1 million compared with $137.4 million for the same period in 2003. Sales in the Refractories segment grew 14% over the previous year to $74.2 million.

     Worldwide net sales of PCC, which is primarily used in the manufacturing process of the paper industry, increased 11% in the second quarter to $118.5 million from $106.6 million in the prior year. Sales of PCC used for filling and coating paper had a 7% increase in volumes in the second quarter. Sales growth was achieved in all regions, but most significantly in Europe. This was due to an overall increase in production of printing and writing papers in that region. Asia reported strong growth primarily due to our new satellite facility in Malaysia. North America also performed strongly, aided by the restart of our Millinocket, Maine satellite facility which had been idle since December 2002. Sales of Specialty PCC, used in non-paper applications, also recorded double-digit growth in the second quarter with increased sales in the construction and consumer products industries.

16


 

     Net sales of Processed Minerals products increased 19% in the second quarter to $36.6 million from $30.8 million in the second quarter of 2003. This increase was primarily attributable to improved market conditions and increased penetration in the building products and the plastics industries.

     Net sales in the Refractories segment in the second quarter of 2004 increased 14% to $74.2 million from $65.0 million in the prior year. The favorable impact of foreign exchange was approximately four percentage points of growth. This growth was primarily attributable to both improved performance and better steel industry conditions in North America, our largest market, and increased penetration in Asia.

     Net sales in the United States were $139.9 million in the second quarter of 2004, up 12% from the $124.9 million in the prior year. International sales in the second quarter of 2004 increased 15%. Excluding the impact of foreign exchange, the international sales growth was approximately 8%.

Operating Costs and Expenses

 

Second
Quarter
2004

 

 

 

Second
Quarter
2003

   

Growth

  
(millions of dollars)              
                     
Cost of goods sold

$

175.0

   

$

152.4

   

15

%
Marketing and administrative

$

23.6

   

$

21.9

   

8

%
Research and development

$

7.4

   

$

6.5

   

13

%
Restructuring Costs

$

0.4

   

$

--

   

-*-

 

   * Percentage not meaningful

     Cost of goods sold was 76.3% of sales compared with 75.3% of sales in the prior year for the second quarter. In the Specialty Minerals segment, production margins were affected by higher raw material costs and some weakness in the North American Paper PCC product line. In the Refractories segment, the production margin was impacted by the higher cost of magnesia and other raw materials.

     Marketing and administrative costs increased 8% in the second quarter to $23.6 million and represented 10.3% of net sales. Both segments increased marketing expenses to support worldwide business development efforts. The Company also experienced higher litigation costs to protect our intellectual property.

     Research and development expenses increased 13% to $7.4 million and represented 3.2% of net sales due to increased development activities in both segments, particularly in the IP filler/fiber composite material development efforts.

     During the fourth quarter of 2003, we restructured our operations to reduce operating costs and improve efficiency. As part of this restructuring program, we recorded $0.4 million in charges during the second quarter of 2004. The restructuring charges relate to workforce reductions from all of our business units and the termination of certain leases.

Income from Operations

 

Second
Quarter
2004

 

 

 

Second
Quarter
2003

   

Growth

  
(millions of dollars)              
                     
Income from operations

$

22.9

   

$

21.6

   

6

%

     Income from operations in the second quarter of 2004 increased 6% to $22.9 million from $21.6 million in the second quarter of 2003. Income from operations decreased to 10.0% of sales as compared with 10.7% of sales in 2003.

     Income from operations for the Specialty Minerals segment increased 4% to $16.1 million and was 10.4% of its net sales. Unfavorable leveraging to operating income for this segment was primarily due to planned research and development spending, increased energy costs and higher manufacturing costs resulting from a number of host mill

17


 

kiln outages and repairs at several locations in the Paper PCC product line. Operating income for the Refractories segment increased 12% to $6.8 million and was 9.1% of its net sales. Operating income in this division was affected by higher raw material costs.

Non-Operating Deductions

 

Second
Quarter
2004

 

 

 

Second
Quarter
2003

   

Growth

  
(millions of dollars)              
                     
Non-operating deductions, net

$

0.7

   

$

1.4

   

(50)

%

     The decrease in non-operating deductions was due to lower net interest costs and foreign exchange.

Net Income

 

Second
Quarter
2004

 

 

 

Second
Quarter
2003

   

Growth

  
(millions of dollars)              
                     
Net income

$

15.1

   

$

14.3

   

6

%

     Net income increased 6% to $15.1 million from $14.3 million in the second quarter of 2003. Diluted earnings per common share increased 4% to $0.73 compared with $0.70 in 2003.

     Six months ended June 27, 2004 as compared with six months ended June 30, 2003:

(millions of dollars)

  

First Half 2004

 

% of Total
Sales

 

Growth

  

 

 

First Half 2003

 

% of Total Sales

   

Net Sales

U.S.

$

264.9

   

60.4

%  

6

%  

$

249.3

   

61.7

%
International

$

173.9

   

39.6

%  

13

%  

$

154.5

   

38.3

%
                                 
PCC Products

$

230.9

   

52.6

%  

7

%  

$

215.8

   

53.4

%
Processed Minerals Products

$

68.0

   

15.5

%  

15

%  

$

59.3

   

14.7

%
                                 
Specialty Minerals Segment

$

298.9

   

68.1

%  

9

%  

$

275.1

   

68.1

%
                                 
Refractories Segment

$

139.9

   

31.9

%  

9

%  

$

128.7

   

31.9

%
                                 
Net Sales

$

438.8

   

100.0

%  

9

%  

$

403.8

   

100.0

%

     Worldwide sales for the first half of 2004 increased 9% to $438.8 from $403.8 in the previous year. The favorable impact of foreign exchange on sales for the first six months was approximately $15.7 million, or four percentage points of growth. Sales in the Specialty Minerals segment increased 9% from the prior year to $298.9 million. Refractories segment sales also increased 9% for the first six months of 2004 to $139.9 from $128.7 in 2003.

     For the first six months, worldwide PCC sales increased 7% to $230.9 million from $215.8 million last year. This product line saw good volume growth in Europe with the increased acceptance of our new paper coating products. Sales were also positively affected by our new PCC plant in Malaysia and the re-start of our PCC operations at Millinocket, Maine, a facility which had been idle since December 2002. Sales of Processed Minerals products increased 15% to $68.0 million from $59.3 million in the first half of 2003. There continues to be strong demand for these products which are used in the building materials, polymers, ceramics, paint and coatings, glass, and other manufacturing industries.

     Sales in the Refractories segment for the first six months of 2004 increased 9% to $139.9 million from $128.7 million in the prior year. This segment recorded significant growth in North America as a result of improved conditions in the steel industry.

 

18


 

     Net sales in the United States were $264.9 million in the first half of 2004, a 6% increase from $249.3 in the prior year. International sales grew 13% for the first six months to $173.9 million from $154.5 million for the same period last year. This growth was primarily attributable to the favorable impact of foreign exchange.

     On May 28, 2003, we reached a two-part agreement with IP that extended eight PCC plant supply contracts and gave us an exclusive license to patents held by IP relating to the use of novel fillers, such as PCC-fiber composites. We made a one-time $16 million payment to IP in exchange for the contract extensions and a technology license, which will be amortized as a reduction of sales over the duration of the extended contracts. 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 was to reduce earnings by approximately $0.03 per share in the first quarter of 2004.

     In March, we signed our second commercial contract with the same major glass manufacturer for the use of our SYNSIL® products.

Operating Costs and Expenses  

First Half
2004

   

First Half 2003

 

Growth

 
(millions of dollars)          
                 
Cost of goods sold

$

334.8

 

$

304.1

 

10

%
Marketing and administrative

$

45.8

 

$

43.0

 

6

%
Research and development

$

14.2

 

$

12.6

 

12

%
Restructuring Costs

$

1.0

 

$

--

 

-*-

 

   * Percentage not meaningful

     Cost of goods sold was 76.3% of sales compared with 75.3% of sales in the prior year for the first half. In the Specialty Minerals segment, the production margin increased only 2% due to higher manufacturing costs, particularly in the North American Paper PCC product line. Margins in this segment were also affected by the impact of the IP agreement. In the Refractories segment, production margins increased 8% over the prior year.

     Marketing and administrative costs increased 6% in the second quarter to $45.8 million and represented 10.5% of net sales. Both segments increased marketing expenses to support worldwide business development efforts.

     Research and development expenses increased 12% to $14.2 million and represented 3.2% of net sales due to increased development activities in both segments, particularly in the IP filler/fiber composite material development efforts.

     During the fourth quarter of 2003, we restructured our operations to reduce operating costs and improve efficiency. As part of this restructuring program, we recorded $1.0 million in additional charges for the first half of 2004. The restructuring charges relate to workforce reductions from all of our business units and the termination of certain leases.

Income from Operations  

First Half
2004

   

First Half 2003

 

Growth

 
(millions of dollars)          
                 
Income from operations

$

43.0

 

$

44.1

 

(3)

%

     Income from operations in the first half of 2004 decreased 3% to $43.0 million from $44.1 million in the first half of 2003. Income from operations decreased to 9.8% of sales as compared with 10.9% of sales in 2003.

     Income from operations for the Specialty Minerals segment decreased 5% to $29.6 million and was 9.9% of its net sales. Unfavorable leveraging to operating income for this segment was primarily due to the impact of the IP agreement and higher manufacturing costs in North America, including higher raw material costs and energy costs.

 

19


 

 

Operating income for the Refractories segment increased 3% to $13.4 million and was 9.5% of its net sales. Operating income in this division was affected by higher raw material costs.

Net Income  

First Half
2004

   

First Half 2003

 

Growth

 
(millions of dollars)          
                 
Net income

$

27.7

 

$

25.8

 

8

%

     Income before the cumulative effect of accounting change decreased 5% to $27.7 million from $29.2 million in the first half of 2003. Diluted earnings per common share before the cumulative effect of accounting change decreased 8% to $1.33 from $1.44 in the prior year. In the first quarter of 2003, we adopted SFAS No. 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations."  Upon adoption of SFAS No. 143, we 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 our PCC satellite facilities and mining properties, both within the Specialty Minerals segment.

     Net income increased 8% in the first half of 2004 to $27.8 million from $25.8 million in the prior year. Earning per common share, on a diluted basis, increased 5% in the first half to $1.33 as compared with $1.27 in the prior year.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

     Cash flows in the first six months of 2004 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 $45.2 million in the first six months of 2004 as compared with $42.6 million for the same period last year.

     We expect to utilize our cash to support the aforementioned growth strategies.

     On October 23, 2003, our Board of Directors authorized our Management Committee, at its discretion, to repurchase up to $75 million in shares over the next three-year period. As of June 27, 2004, we repurchased 168,800 shares under this program at an average price of approximately $54.87 per share.

     On April 28, 2004, our Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly dividend on our common stock of $0.05 per share. The dividend is an increase from the amount we have historically paid, which had been a quarterly dividend of $0.025 per share since we became a publicly owned company in October 1992.

     We have $110 million in uncommitted short-term bank credit lines, of which $30 million was in use at June 27, 2004. We anticipate that capital expenditures for all of 2004 will approximate $80 million. We expect to meet our long-term financing requirements from internally generated funds, uncommitted bank credit lines and, where appropriate, project financing of certain satellite plants. The aggregate maturities of long-term debt are as follows: 2004 - $3.2 million; 2005 - $3.9 million; 2006 - $54.1 million; 2007 - $2.0 million; 2008 - $7.0 million; thereafter - $31.3 million.

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 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.

     We cannot guarantee that the outcomes suggested in any forward-looking statement will be realized, although we believe we have been prudent in our plans and assumptions. Achievement of future results is subject to risks,

 

20


 

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 based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. The FASB recently indicated that they would require stock-based employee compensation to be recorded as a charge to earnings beginning in 2005. We continue to monitor their progress on the issuance of this standard as well as evaluating our position with respect to current guidance.

Critical Accounting Policies

     Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities.

     On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates and assumptions, including those related to revenue recognition, allowance for doubtful accounts, valuation of inventories, valuation of long-lived assets, pension plan assumptions, income taxes, income tax valuation allowances and litigation and environmental liabilities. We base our estimates on historical experience and on other assumptions that we believe 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 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 depreciated 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 at two locations at which the PCC contract has 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.

 

ITEM 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

     Market risk represents the risk of loss that may impact our financial position, results of operations or cash flows due to adverse changes in market prices and rates. We are exposed to market risk because of changes in foreign currency exchange rates as measured against the U.S. dollar. We do not anticipate that near-term changes in exchange rates will have a material impact on our 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 our financial condition and results of operations. Approximately 25% of our bank debt bears interest at variable rates; therefore our results of operations would only be affected by interest rate changes to such outstanding bank debt. An immediate 10 percent change in interest rates would not have a material effect on our results of operations over the next fiscal year.

 

21


 

     We are exposed to various market risks, including the potential loss arising from adverse changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. We do not enter into derivatives or other financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. When appropriate, we enter into derivative financial instruments, such as forward exchange contracts and interest rate swaps, to mitigate the impact of foreign exchange rate movements and interest rate movements on our operating results. The counterparties are major financial institutions. Such forward exchange contracts and interest rate swaps would not subject us 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. We have open forward exchange contracts to purchase approximately $2.5 million of foreign currencies as of June 27, 2004. These contracts mature between July and December of 2004. The fair value of these instruments at June 27, 2004 was a liability of $0.2 million. We 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 our floating-rate debt to a fixed rate basis. The fair value of these instruments was a liability of approximately $0.5 million at June 27, 2004.

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 June 15, 2004, the Company filed suit against Switzerland-based Omya AG for patent infringement seeking injunctive relief and damages in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. The suit alleges that Omya and its subsidiaries have infringed, are inducing the infringement of, or are contributing to the infringement of two patents held by the Company covering the use of calcium carbonate in the manufacture of acidic paper. The Company's technology is commonly referred to as acid tolerant technology and is commercialized by Specialty Minerals Inc. through its AT precipitated calcium carbonate. Minerals Technologies argues that its business has been, and continues to be, damaged by this alleged infringement, including substantial loss of profits.

     On April 9, 2003, the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection ("DEP") issued an administrative consent order which had been agreed to by Minerals Technologies Inc., 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 wastewater discharge and management of underground storage tanks. Cost of remediation at the site remains uncertain.

     Certain of the Company's subsidiaries are among numerous defendants in a number of cases seeking damages for exposure to silica or to asbestos containing materials. Most of these claims do not provide adequate information to assess their merits, the likelihood that the Company will be found liable, or the magnitude of such liability if any. Additional claims of this nature may be made against the Company or its subsidiaries. At this time management anticipates that the amount of the Company's liability, if any, and the cost of defending such claims, will not have a material effect on its financial position or results of operations.

 

22


 

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

ITEM 2.  Changes in Securities, Use of Proceeds and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

e)     Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 Period

 

Total Number of Shares Purchased

     

Average Price Paid Per Share

     

Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of the Program

   

Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet be Purchased Under the Program

 

March 29 - April 25

 

--

   

$

--

               

April 26 - May 23

 

79,100

   

$

55.17

               

May 24 - June 27

 

7,300

   

$

56.16

               

            Total

 

86,400

   

$

55.26

     

168,800

 

$

65,738,741

 

     On October 23, 2003, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the Company's Management Committee, at its discretion, to repurchase up to $75 million in additional shares per year over the next three-year period. As of June 27, 2004, the Company had repurchased 168,800 shares under this program at an average price of approximately $54.87 per share.

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

      At the Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on May 26, 2004, the following two items were submitted to a vote of the stockholders of the Company:

1.   Votes regarding the election of three directors for a term expiring in 2007 were as follows:

Term Expiring in 2007

Votes For

Votes Withheld

John B. Curcio

18,372,837

509,895

Paul R. Saueracker

18,032,993

849,739

William C. Stivers

18,372,222

510,510

2.   Votes regarding ratification of the appointment of KPMG LLP as independent auditors of the Company for the 2004 fiscal year were as follows:

18,727,948

Votes for approval

140,399

Votes against

14,385

Abstentions

 

 

23


 

ITEM 6.  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

a)

Exhibits

 
 

10.1

Company Nonfunded Deferred Compensation and Unit Award Plan for Non-Employee Directors, as amended July 1, 2004.

 

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)

Reports on Form 8-K:
  The Company filed the following reports on Form 8-K during the second quarter of 2004:
  On April 21, 2004, the Company filed a current report on Form 8-K under Item 5, announcing the expansion of its subsidiary Specialty Minerals Inc.'s joint venture agreement with Asia Pulp and Paper to construct two new PCC plants in China.
  On April 28, 2004, the Company filed a current report on Form 8-K under Item 5, announcing that its wholly owned subsidiary, Minteq International Inc., will construct an automated plant in China for the production of refractory products; and under Items 7 and 12, concerning its financial performance for the first quarter of 2004.
 

 

 

 

 

 

24


 

 

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
 

(principal financial officer)

 

August 5, 2004

 

 

 

 

25