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FORM 10-Q
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
|X| QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended
JUNE 30, 2002
or
| | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ________ to ________
COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 1-5667
CABOT CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
DELAWARE 04-2271897
(State or Other Jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
Incorporation or Organization) Identification No.)
TWO SEAPORT LANE 02210-2019
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS (Zip Code)
(Address of principal executive offices)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (617) 345-0100
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months, and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements
for the past 90 days.
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.
AS OF JULY 31, 2002, THE COMPANY HAD 61,444,176 SHARES OF COMMON STOCK, PAR
VALUE $1 PER SHARE, OUTSTANDING.
CABOT CORPORATION
INDEX
Part I. Financial Information Page
----
Item 1. Financial Statements
Consolidated Statements of Income
Three Months Ended June 30, 2002 and 2001 3
Consolidated Statements of Income
Nine Months Ended June 30, 2002 and 2001 4
Consolidated Balance Sheets
June 30, 2002 and September 30, 2001 5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Nine Months Ended June 30, 2002 and 2001 7
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders'
Equity Nine Months Ended June 30, 2002 8
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 9
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations 25
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk 33
Part II. Other Information
Item 1. Legal Proceedings 34
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K 35
-2-
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
CABOT CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
Three Months Ended June 30,
(In millions, except per share amounts)
UNAUDITED
2002 2001
---- ----
Revenues:
Net sales and other operating revenues $ 390 $ 436
Interest and dividend income 2 6
----- -----
Total revenues 392 442
----- -----
Costs and expenses:
Cost of sales 292 316
Selling and administrative expenses 55 55
Research and technical service 12 12
Interest expense 7 8
Special items 7 4
Other charges (income), net (4) 1
----- -----
Total costs and expenses 369 396
----- -----
Income before income taxes 23 46
Provision for income taxes (6) (13)
Equity in net income of affiliated companies 2 7
Minority interest in net income (1) (2)
----- -----
Income from continuing operations 18 38
Discontinued operations:
Income from operations of discontinued business,
net of tax 1 --
----- -----
Net income 19 38
Dividends on preferred stock, net of tax benefit -- --
----- -----
Net income available to common shares $ 19 $ 38
===== =====
Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
Basic 59 62
===== =====
Diluted 71 73
===== =====
Income per common share
Basic:
Continuing operations $0.31 $0.59
Discontinued operations:
Income from operations of discontinued business 0.01 --
----- -----
Net income $0.32 $0.59
===== =====
Diluted:
Continuing operations $0.27 $0.51
Discontinued operations:
Income from operations of discontinued business 0.01 --
----- -----
Net income $0.28 $0.51
===== =====
Dividends per common share $0.13 $0.13
===== =====
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
-3-
CABOT CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
Nine Months Ended June 30,
(In millions, except per share amounts)
UNAUDITED
2002 2001
---- ----
Revenues:
Net sales and other operating revenues $ 1,117 $ 1,289
Interest and dividend income 8 24
------- -------
Total revenues 1,125 1,313
------- -------
Costs and expenses:
Cost of sales 799 961
Selling and administrative expenses 154 152
Research and technical service 35 35
Interest expense 21 25
Special items 10 21
Other charges (income), net (7) 2
------- -------
Total costs and expenses 1,012 1,196
------- -------
Income before income taxes 113 117
Provision for income taxes (31) (34)
Equity in net income of affiliated companies 4 15
Minority interest in net income (3) (5)
------- -------
Income from continuing operations 83 93
Discontinued operations:
Income from operations of discontinued business, net of tax 1 --
Gain on sale of businesses, net of tax -- 3
------- -------
Net income 84 96
Dividends on preferred stock, net of tax benefit (2) (2)
------- -------
Net income available to common shares $ 82 $ 94
======= =======
Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
Basic 59 63
======= =======
Diluted 71 75
======= =======
Income per common share
Basic:
Continuing operations $ 1.37 $ 1.44
Discontinued operations:
Income from operations of discontinued business 0.01 --
Gain on sale of business -- 0.05
------- -------
Net income $ 1.38 $ 1.49
======= =======
Diluted:
Continuing operations $ 1.16 $ 1.24
Discontinued operations:
Income from operations of discontinued business 0.01 --
Gain on sale of business -- 0.04
------- -------
Net income $ 1.17 $ 1.28
======= =======
Dividends per common share $ 0.39 $ 0.35
======= =======
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
-4-
CABOT CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
June 30, 2002 and September 30, 2001
(In millions)
ASSETS
June 30, September 30,
2002 2001
---- ----
(Unaudited)
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 191 $ 364
Accounts and notes receivable, net of reserve for doubtful
accounts of $5 and $4 294 267
Inventories:
Raw materials 102 76
Work in process 158 70
Finished goods 121 106
Other 40 33
------- -------
Total inventories 421 285
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 42 33
Deferred income taxes 16 19
------- -------
Total current assets 964 968
------- -------
Investments:
Equity 48 76
Other 40 29
------- -------
Total investments 88 105
------- -------
Property, plant and equipment 2,012 1,856
Accumulated depreciation and amortization (1,124) (1,049)
------- -------
Net property, plant and equipment 888 807
------- -------
Other assets:
Goodwill 101 19
Other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization
of $4 and $4 8 2
Deferred income taxes 2 2
Other assets 20 16
------- -------
Total other assets 131 39
------- -------
Total assets $ 2,071 $ 1,919
======= =======
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
-5-
CABOT CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
June 30, 2002 and September 30, 2001
(In millions, except for share amounts)
LIABILITIES & STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
June 30, September 30,
2002 2001
---- ----
(Unaudited)
Current liabilities:
Notes payable to banks $ 52 $ 13
Current portion of long-term debt 26 30
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 226 243
Deferred income taxes 4 5
------- -------
Total current liabilities 308 291
------- -------
Long-term debt 491 419
Deferred income taxes 97 94
Other liabilities 153 138
Commitments and contingencies (Note G)
Minority interest 35 27
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock:
Authorized: 2,000,000 shares of $1 par value
Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock
Issued and outstanding: none
Series B ESOP Convertible Preferred Stock 7.75% Cumulative
Issued: 75,336 shares, outstanding: 57,007 and 59,148 shares 75 75
(aggregate redemption value of $57 and $59)
Less cost of shares of preferred treasury stock (39) (33)
Common stock:
Authorized: 200,000,000 shares of $1 par value
Issued and outstanding: 61,456,485 and 62,633,252 shares 61 63
Less cost of shares of common treasury stock (6) --
Additional paid-in capital -- 9
Retained earnings 1,107 1,078
Unearned compensation (26) (40)
Deferred employee benefits (52) (54)
Notes receivable for restricted stock (21) (23)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (Note J) (112) (125)
------- -------
Total stockholders' equity 987 950
------- -------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 2,071 $ 1,919
======= =======
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
-6-
CABOT CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Nine Months Ended June 30,
(In millions)
UNAUDITED
2002 2001
---- ----
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income $ 84 $ 96
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash
provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 80 87
Deferred tax provision (benefit) 1 (6)
Equity in income of affiliated companies,
net of dividends received (1) (6)
Non-cash portion of special items 5 13
Gain on sale of business, net of income taxes -- (3)
Non-cash compensation 16 16
Other, net (2) 6
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Decrease (increase) in accounts and notes receivable 3 (33)
Increase in inventory (53) (31)
Decrease (increase) in prepayments and other assets (1) 1
Decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities (55) (15)
Increase (decrease) in income taxes payable 20 (164)
Increase in other liabilities 7 2
Other, net 3 (7)
----- -----
Cash provided by (used in) operating activities 107 (44)
----- -----
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from sale of business -- 5
Additions to property, plant and equipment (103) (65)
Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment 1 2
Purchase of investments (9) (5)
Acquisition of affiliate, net of cash acquired (89) --
Cash from consolidation of equity affiliate 10 --
----- -----
Cash used in investing activities (190) (63)
----- -----
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from long-term debt -- 129
Repayments of long-term debt (5) (63)
Decrease in short-term debt (12) (2)
Purchases of preferred and common stock (57) (192)
Sales and issuances of common stock 6 7
Cash dividends paid to stockholders (26) (25)
Employee loan repayments 1 11
----- -----
Cash used in financing activities (93) (135)
----- -----
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash 3 (2)
----- -----
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents (173) (244)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 364 638
----- -----
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 191 $ 394
===== =====
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
-7-
CABOT CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Nine Months Ended June 30, 2002
(In millions)
UNAUDITED
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accumulated
Preferred Common Additional Other Unearned
Preferred Treasury Common Treasury Paid-in Retained Comprehensive Compen-
Stock Stock Stock Stock Capital Earnings Loss sation
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at September 30, 2001 $ 75 $ (33) $ 63 $ -- $ 9 $ 1,078 $ (125) $ (40)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income 84
Foreign currency translation adjustments 14
Change in unrealized loss on available-for-
sale securities, net of tax (1)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total comprehensive income
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Common dividends paid (24)
Issuance of stock under employee
compensation plans, net of tax benefit 10 (2)
Purchase and retirement of common stock,
including forfeitures (2) (20) (29)
Purchase of treasury stock - common (6)
Purchase of treasury stock - preferred (5)
Preferred stock conversion (1) 1
Preferred dividends paid to Employee
Stock Ownership Plan, net of tax (2)
Principal payment by Employee Stock
Ownership Plan under guaranteed loan
Amortization of unearned compensation 16
Notes receivable - payments and forfeitures
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at June 30, 2002 $ 75 $ (39) $ 61 $ (6) $-- $ 1,107 $ (112) $ (26)
======================================================================================
-------------------------------------------------------
Notes
Deferred Receivable Total Total
Employee for Restricted Stockholder Comprehensive
Benefits Stock Equity Income
-------------------------------------------------------
Balance at September 30, 2001 $ (54) $ (23) $ 950
-------------------------------------------------------
Net income $ 84
Foreign currency translation adjustments 14
Change in unrealized loss on available-for-
sale securities, net of tax (1)
-------------------------------------------------------
Total comprehensive income $ 97
-------------------------------------------============
Common dividends paid
Issuance of stock under employee
compensation plans, net of tax benefit
Purchase and retirement of common stock,
including forfeitures
Purchase of treasury stock - common
Purchase of treasury stock - preferred
Preferred stock conversion
Preferred dividends paid to Employee
Stock Ownership Plan, net of tax
Principal payment by Employee Stock
Ownership Plan under guaranteed loan 2
Amortization of unearned compensation
Notes receivable - payments and forfeitures 2
-------------------------------------------------------
Balance at June 30, 2002 $ (52) $ (21) $ 987
=======================================================
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
-8-
CABOT CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
June 30, 2002
(In millions, except per share amounts)
UNAUDITED
A. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Cabot
Corporation and majority-owned and controlled U.S. and non-U.S.
subsidiaries ("Cabot"). Investments in 20 to 50 percent owned affiliates
are accounted for on the equity method. Intercompany transactions have
been eliminated.
The unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in
accordance with the requirements of Form 10-Q and consequently do not
include all disclosures required by Form 10-K. Additional information may
be obtained by referring to Cabot's Form 10-K for the year ended September
30, 2001.
The financial information submitted herewith is unaudited and reflects all
adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary to provide a
fair statement of the results for the interim periods ended June 30, 2002
and 2001. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. The
results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results
to be expected for the fiscal year.
Certain amounts in fiscal 2001 have been reclassified to conform to the
fiscal 2002 presentation. These reclassifications had no affect on
operating income.
B. SPECIAL ITEMS AND DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
During the third quarter of fiscal 2002, Cabot recorded special items of
$7 million. Included in this amount is a $5 million charge for respirator
claims derived from a disposed safety products business, a $3 million
asset impairment charge for the cancellation of expansion projects at the
Performance Materials plant in Boyertown, Pennsylvania, related to the
acquisition of Showa Cabot Supermetals KK, now known as Cabot Supermetals
(CSM), and a $1 million benefit from insurance recoveries. Additional
disclosure of the respirator claims reserve is included in Note G,
Commitments and Contingencies.
The Company recorded $3 million of special items during the second quarter
of fiscal 2002 associated with the acquisition of CSM, including $2
million for an asset impairment charge from the cancellation of an
expansion project at the Performance Materials plant in Boyertown,
Pennsylvania, and $1 million of non-capitalizable transaction costs.
During the third quarter of fiscal 2001, a $4 million charge was recorded,
related to the resignation of Cabot's Chief Financial Officer. Included in
the charge was a $3 million non-cash charge to accelerate the vesting of
common stock issued under the company's long term incentive compensation
plan and a $1 million cash payment. Also included in special items for
fiscal 2001 was the $17 million charge related to the retirement of
Cabot's Chief Executive Officer. The $17 million charge included a $10
million non-cash charge to accelerate the vesting of common stock issued
under the company's long term incentive compensation plan and a $7 million
cash payment.
During fiscal 2000, Cabot approved plans to close two plants. In relation
to the plant closings, Cabot recorded an $18 million charge in the fourth
quarter of fiscal 2000. Included in the charge were accruals of $2 million
for severance and termination benefits for approximately 38 employees of
the Chemical and Performance Materials businesses, $7 million for facility
closing costs, and a $9 million charge for the impairment of long-lived
assets. One of the plant closures was completed during fiscal 2001, and
the second plant closure was completed during the second quarter of fiscal
2002. As of June 30, 2002 all severance and termination benefits have been
paid. At June 30, 2002, $2 million remains accrued for the required
monitoring costs at the second site.
-9-
CABOT CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
June 30, 2002
(In millions, except per share amounts)
UNAUDITED
On September 19, 2000, Cabot completed a transaction to sell its liquefied
natural gas (LNG) business for approximately $688 million in cash. The
sale included Cabot's LNG terminal in Everett, Massachusetts, its LNG
tanker, the Matthew, and its equity interest in the Atlantic LNG
liquefaction plant in Trinidad. The gain on the sale of the LNG business
recorded in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2000 was approximately $309
million, net of taxes of $178 million. In February 2001, Cabot received
additional cash proceeds of $5 million from the sale. The receipt, net of
taxes, is classified as a gain on sale of discontinued business in the
consolidated statements of income. In May 2002, Cabot recorded an
insurance recovery of $1 million from the discontinued business. The
receipt, net of taxes, is classified as income from operations of a
discontinued business in the consolidated statements of income.
C. ACQUISITION
On February 8, 2002, Cabot Corporation purchased the remaining 50% of the
shares in CSM in Japan, from its joint venture partner, Showa Denko KK.
CSM is a supplier of tantalum powders and metal products to the global
electronics, aerospace, and chemical processing industries. The
acquisition of CSM expands the capacity and the capabilities of Cabot's
existing tantalum business.
This acquisition has been accounted for as a purchase and the results of
operations of CSM have been included in the consolidated financial
statements since the date of acquisition, on a one-month lag due to a
delay in the availability of financial information. Prior to the
acquisition, Cabot's investment in CSM was accounted for as an equity
investment and the results were reported on a three-month lag. The equity
investment income for the final three-month period prior to the
acquisition was not material to the consolidated results of operations.
Included in the consolidated results of Cabot Corporation for the nine
months ended June 30, 2002, are 50% of the operating results of CSM for
the months of July 2001 through January 2002 and 100% of the operating
results of CSM for the months of February through May 2002.
The fair value of the debt assumed and assets and liabilities acquired
represents the 50% of CSM purchased. A summary of the consideration paid
and the allocation of the purchase price of the acquisition is as follows:
Cash paid $ 99
Fair value of debt assumed 53
----
Total consideration $152
====
Fair value of tangible and intangible assets acquired $104
Fair value of liabilities assumed 22
----
Fair value of net assets acquired $ 82
====
Recorded goodwill $ 70
====
Allocation of the purchase price is based on estimates of the fair value
of the net assets acquired and is subject to adjustment. Cabot is not
aware of any information that would indicate that the final purchase price
allocations will differ significantly from preliminary estimates.
-10-
CABOT CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
June 30, 2002
(In millions, except per share amounts)
UNAUDITED
Assuming Cabot owned 100% of Cabot Supermetals for all periods presented,
the following table would be the unaudited pro forma consolidated
operating results for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2002 and
2001:
Three Months Ended June 30 Nine Months Ended June 30
-------------------------- -------------------------
2002 2001 2002 2001
---- ---- ---- ----
Total Revenues $ 390 $ 471 $ 1,144 $ 1,400
Net Income 19 39 82 105
Net Income Per Share:
Basic $ 0.32 $ 0.61 $ 1.34 $ 1.63
Diluted $ 0.28 $ 0.53 $ 1.15 $ 1.39
The pro forma results have been prepared for comparative purposes only and
are not necessarily indicative of the actual results of operations had the
acquisition taken place in the prior year or the results that may occur in
the future. Furthermore, the pro forma results do not give effect to all
cost savings or incremental costs that may occur as a result of the
integration and consolidation of Cabot Supermetals.
D. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Cabot adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (FAS) No. 142,
"Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" on October 1, 2001. Under FAS No.
142, all goodwill amortization ceased for Cabot on October 1, 2001. Upon
adoption, the goodwill attributable to each reporting unit was tested for
impairment by comparing the fair value of each reporting unit to its
carrying value. The fair value of a reporting unit was determined by
estimating the present value of expected future cash flows. No impairments
existed upon adoption of FAS No. 142.
As required by FAS No. 142, impairment tests will be performed at least
annually. During the third quarter of fiscal 2002, Cabot performed the
fiscal 2002 FAS No. 142 impairment test and determined that no impairment
loss should be recognized.
At June 30, 2002 and September 30, 2001, Cabot had goodwill balances of
$101 million and $19 million, respectively. During the first quarter of
2002, Cabot acquired shares of certain minority interest shareholders in
the Chemical Businesses, resulting in $5 million of additional goodwill.
During the second quarter of 2002, Cabot acquired the remaining 50% of the
shares in CSM in the Performance Materials business, resulting in $70
million of additional goodwill.
The carrying amount of goodwill attributable to each reportable operating
segment with goodwill balances and the changes in those balances during
the nine months ended June 30, 2002 are as follows:
Chemical Performance
Business Materials Total
-------- --------- -----
Balance at September 30, 2001 $16 $ 3 $ 19
Goodwill acquired during period 5 70 75
Foreign exchange translation
adjustment 1 6 7
--- --- ----
Balance at June 30, 2002 $22 $79 $101
=== === ====
Cabot does not have any indefinitely lived intangible assets. At June 30,
2002, Cabot had $8 million of finite-lived intangible assets primarily
composed of know-how. At September 30, 2001, Cabot had $2 million of
finite-lived intangible assets. Intangible assets are amortized over their
estimated useful lives,
-11-
CABOT CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -(Continued)
June 30, 2002
(In millions, except per share amounts)
UNAUDITED
which range from two to fifteen years. Estimated amortization expense is
expected to be approximately $1 million in each of the next five years.
If FAS No. 142 had been adopted in the prior period Cabot's pro forma net
income and pro forma net income per common share for the three and nine
months ended June 30, 2001 would have been:
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
------------------ -----------------
2001 2001
---- ----
Net Income available for common shares- as reported $ 38 $ 94
Goodwill amortization, net of tax benefit 1 2
------ ------
Net income available for common shares- pro forma $ 39 $ 96
====== ======
Net income per common share - pro forma:
Basic $ 0.60 $ 1.52
Diluted $ 0.52 1.30
E. NOTES PAYABLE AND LONG-TERM DEBT
On February 8, 2002, the date of acquisition, CSM had notes payable to
banks and long-term debt from institutional lenders denominated in
Japanese yen. Because the notes payable to banks have renewable one year
terms, they are classified as current liabilities on the consolidated
balance sheet. The total principal balance of the notes at acquisition was
6.25 billion yen ($47 million on February 8, 2002). The interest rates on
1.3 billion yen of the bank notes are fixed and range from 0.7% to 0.8%.
The interest rates on the remaining bank notes are variable and based on
short-term interest rates. Since acquiring CSM, Cabot has repaid the 1.3
billion yen fixed-rate bank notes. At June 30, 2002, the outstanding
principal balance on the bank notes is approximately $40 million when
translated to US dollars.
The long-term debts of CSM are also payable in Japanese yen and mature on
various dates in fiscal years 2004 to 2006. The principal balance on the
long-term debt at acquisition was 7.8 billion yen ($59 million on February
8, 2002). The interest rates on 3.3 billion yen of the loans are fixed and
range from 1.5% to 2.1%. The interest rates on the remaining long-term
loans are variable and based on short term interest rates. At June 30,
2002, the principal balance on the long-term debt is approximately $63
million when translated to US dollars.
Principal payments on the CSM long-term debt in each of the five fiscal
years 2002 through 2006 are zero, zero, $11 million, $20 million, and $32
million, respectively.
Maximum amounts and additional advances under some of the CSM loan
agreements are subject to CSM's ongoing creditworthiness. As of June 30,
2002, Cabot is not aware of any credit concerns under CSM's loan
agreements.
F. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
In October 2001, Cabot entered into four interest rate swaps in an
aggregate notional amount of $97 million. The swaps are derivative
instruments as defined by FAS No. 133,"Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities", and have been designated as fair
value hedges. The swaps hedge the change in the fair value of $97 million
of Cabot's fixed rate medium term notes due to changes in interest rates.
The interest rate swaps and the medium term notes they hedge mature on
various dates through February 2007. A derivative asset and a
corresponding increase to long term debt of $1 million were recorded for
the fair market value of the swaps at June 30, 2002. The interest rate
swaps were determined
-12-
CABOT CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -(Continued)
June 30, 2002
(In millions, except per share amounts)
UNAUDITED
to be highly effective and no amount of ineffectiveness needed to be
recorded in earnings during the period ended June 30, 2002.
As part of the CSM acquisition, Cabot assumed interest rate swaps related
to 5.7 billion yen of the variable rate debt . The swaps hedge the risk of
changes in market interest rates associated with the variable interest on
the debt. The swaps are variable-for-fixed swaps of the quarterly interest
payments. The swaps require payment of fixed rates ranging from 1.5% to
2.2% and the receipt of variable rates based on short-term interest rates.
The swaps mature, along with the associated loans, in fiscal 2002 through
2006. The swaps are derivative instruments as defined by FAS No. 133 and
have been designated as cash flow hedges. The interest rate swaps were
recorded at their fair value of $1 million on the acquisition date as a
reduction in debt. Subsequent changes in the fair value of these cash flow
hedges, which have not been significant, are recorded in other
comprehensive income.
Derivative financial instruments are used by Cabot to manage some of its
foreign currency exposures. Cabot may also use financial instruments to
manage other exposures, such as commodity prices, share repurchases and
interest rates. Cabot does not enter into financial instruments for
speculative purposes.
Cabot has formally documented the relationships between hedging
instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk management objective.
All derivative instruments are recognized on the balance sheet at fair
value. Hedge accounting is followed for derivatives that have been
designated and qualify as fair-value and cash flow hedges. Changes in the
fair value of highly effective derivatives, along with changes in the fair
value of the hedged liabilities that are attributable to the hedged risks,
are recorded in current period earnings. For derivatives that have been
designated and qualify as cash flow hedges, changes in the fair value of
the effective portion of the derivatives' gains or losses are reported in
other comprehensive income, and the ineffective portion is reported in
earnings.
By using derivative instruments, Cabot is subject to credit and market
risk. If a counterparty fails to fulfill its performance obligations under
a derivative contract, Cabot's credit risk will equal the fair-value gain
on the derivative. Generally, when the fair value of a derivative contract
is positive, the counterparty owes Cabot, thus creating a repayment risk
for Cabot. When the fair value of a derivative contract is negative, Cabot
owes the counterparty and, therefore, assumes no repayment risk. Cabot
minimizes the credit (or repayment) risk in derivative instruments by
entering into transactions with high-quality counterparties that are
reviewed periodically by Cabot.
G. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Cabot is a defendant, or potentially responsible party, in various
lawsuits and environmental proceedings wherein substantial amounts are
claimed or at issue.
The Company has exposure to a safety respiratory products business that it
acquired in April 1990. It disposed of that business in July 1995. In
connection with its acquisition of the business, the Company agreed, after
an initial period during which responsibility was shared, to indemnify the
seller, American Optical Corporation, ("American Optical"), for costs,
including legal costs, settlements and judgments, in connection with a
number of lawsuits and claims relating to the respirators (in exchange for
which the Company received the benefits of the seller's insurance and
other indemnities). These lawsuits and claims typically involve
allegations that the plaintiffs suffer from asbestosis or silicosis as a
result, in part, from respirators that were negligently designed or
labeled. The defendants in these lawsuits are often numerous and include,
in addition to respirator manufacturers, makers of asbestos and sand used
in sand blasting.
-13-
CABOT CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -(Continued)
June 30, 2002
(In millions, except per share amounts)
UNAUDITED
Neither the Company, nor its past or present subsidiaries, at any time
manufactured asbestos or asbestos-containing products. Moreover, not every
person with exposure to asbestos giving rise to an asbestos claim used a
form of respiratory protection. At no time did the business for which the
Company is financially responsible for legal costs represent a significant
portion of the respirator market. In addition, as a result of the
arrangements involving these lawsuits and claims, the Company has only a
portion of the liability in any given case.
When the Company disposed of the business in 1995 to Aearo Corporation
("Aearo"), it agreed with Aearo that for an annual fee of $400,000, the
Company would retain responsibility for, and indemnify Aearo against,
claims asserted after July 11, 1995 to the extent they are attributable to
the use of respirators sold before that date. Aearo can discontinue
payment of the fee at any time, in which case it will assume the
responsibility for and indemnify the Company with respect to these claims.
Since the divestiture and until fiscal 2001, the Company had never spent
more than the $400,000 that it collects from Aearo each year. During the
third quarter, the Company agreed to pay up to $2 million as its
contribution toward a settlement involving up to 13,000 claimants in
Mississippi. The Company expects to pay this amount over the next eighteen
months.
As of the beginning of calendar year 2002, there were approximately 28,000
claimants in pending cases asserting claims against American Optical in
connection with respirators. As of June 30, 2002 there were approximately
38,000 claimants, which total includes a substantial portion of the claims
in the Mississippi settlement. Under the present allocation arrangements,
as claims are settled, Cabot would expect to contribute toward settlement
of a significant percentage, but not all, of these claims.
As a result of the Mississippi settlement and the rate of new claims
which have been filed during the year, the Company has recorded a charge
of $5 million during the current quarter bringing its total reserve for
respirator matters to $6 million. In estimating its liability, the Company
made the following assumptions: (i) that future settlements would continue
at the historical rate of $320 per claimant; (ii) while the actual number
of claims for which Cabot contributes depends upon a number of factors,
that Cabot will continue to be responsible for well over half of the total
claims and (iii) that a significant number of the outstanding claims are
included in the Mississippi settlement. This amount represents Cabot's
best estimate of the liability it will incur in connection with the
settlement of pending respirator claims. Cabot is unable to determine a
range of liabilities for the pending claims, however, because there is
uncertainty in the possible outcome of the cases.
Because this is a very unpredictable area, Cabot is unable to estimate the
number of future claims or the range of liability that may be incurred as
a result of such claims on any reasonable basis. As a result, the Company
has not reserved for future claims at this time. While in any given
quarter the impact of these actions may be significant, Cabot continues to
believe that this issue will not have a material impact on the Company's
financial condition.
On July 29, 2002, a complaint involving a supply agreement between Cabot
and AVX, one of Cabot's tantalum customers, was filed in U.S. District
Court in Massachusetts by AVX Corporation. The complaint alleges unfair
and deceptive trade practices, breach of contract and other related
matters. Cabot believes that AVX's complaint is not meritorious and that
Cabot has valid defenses, which it intends to assert vigorously. AVX has
indicated, however, that it intends to continue to purchase product under
the supply agreement with Cabot.
As of June 30, 2002, Cabot has approximately $27 million reserved for
environmental matters, primarily related to divested businesses. The
amount represents Cabot's current best estimate of its share of costs
likely to be incurred at those sites where costs are reasonably estimable
based on its analysis of the extent of
-14-
cleanup required, alternative cleanup methods available, abilities of
other responsible parties to contribute, and its interpretation of
applicable laws and regulations at each site. Cabot reviews the adequacy
of this reserve as circumstances change at individual sites. Cabot is
unable to reasonably estimate the amount of possible loss in excess of the
accrued amount.
In the opinion of Cabot, although final disposition of these suits and
claims may impact Cabot's financial statements in a particular period,
they will not, in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on Cabot's
financial position.
H. COMMON TREASURY STOCK
Common treasury stock is presented on the consolidated balance sheet at
cost as a reduction to stockholders' equity. During the nine months ended
June 30, 2002, Cabot repurchased $52 million of its common stock of which
$46 million was retired and $6 million will be held in treasury. This
common stock held in treasury will be used to fund an employee benefit
plan.
-15-
CABOT CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -(Continued)
June 30, 2002
(Preferred, preferred treasury and common treasury shares
in thousands and common shares in million)
UNAUDITED
I. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
The following table summarizes the changes in shares of stock for the
three months ended June 30:
2002
----
PREFERRED STOCK
Balance at March 31, 2002 75
----
Balance at June 30, 2002 75
====
PREFERRED TREASURY STOCK
Balance at March 31, 2002 18
----
Balance at June 30, 2002 18
====
COMMON STOCK
Balance at March 31, 2002 62
Purchased and retired common stock (1)
----
Balance at June 30, 2002 61
====
COMMON TREASURY STOCK
Balance at March 31, 2002 175
Purchased common treasury stock 2
Issuance of common treasury stock (7)
----
Balance at June 30, 2002 170
====
16
CABOT CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
June 30, 2002
(Preferred, preferred treasury and common treasury shares
in thousands and common shares in millions)
UNAUDITED
I. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (CONTINUED)
The following table summarizes the changes in shares of stock for the nine
months ended June 30:
2002
----
PREFERRED STOCK
Balance at September 30, 2001 75
----
Balance at June 30, 2002 75
====
PREFERRED TREASURY STOCK
Balance at September 30, 2001 16
Purchased preferred treasury stock 1
Preferred stock conversion 1
--
Balance at June 30, 2002 18
====
COMMON STOCK
Balance at September 30, 2001 63
Purchased and retired common stock (2)
----
Balance at June 30, 2002 61
====
COMMON TREASURY STOCK
Balance at September 30, 2001 --
Purchased common treasury stock 177
Issuance of common treasury stock (7)
---
Balance at June 30, 2002 170
====
-17-
CABOT CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
June 30, 2002
(In millions)
UNAUDITED
J. COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
The pre-tax, tax, and after-tax effects of the components of other
comprehensive income (loss) for the three months ended June 30 are shown
below:
Pre-tax Tax After-tax
------- --- ---------
2002
Foreign currency translation adjustments $ 32 $-- $ 32
Unrealized holding loss arising during period on
marketable equity securities (3) 1 (2)
------- --- ------
Other comprehensive income (loss) $ 29 $1 $ 30
======= === ======
Pre-tax Tax After-tax
------- --- ---------
2001
Foreign currency translation adjustments $ (7) $-- $ (7)
Unrealized holding gain arising during period on
marketable equity securities 3 -- 3
------- --- ------
Other comprehensive income (loss) $ (4) $-- $ (4)
======= === ======
-18-
CABOT CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
June 30, 2002
(In millions)
UNAUDITED
J. COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (CONTINUED)
The pre-tax, tax, and after-tax effects of the components of other
comprehensive income (loss) for the nine months ended June 30 are shown
below:
Pre-tax Tax After-tax
------- --- ---------
2002
Foreign currency translation adjustments $ 14 $-- $ 14
Unrealized holding loss arising during period on
marketable equity securities (1) -- (1)
------- --- ---------
Other comprehensive income (loss) $ 13 $-- $ 13
======= === =========
Pre-tax Tax After-tax
------- --- ---------
2001
Foreign currency translation adjustments $ (27) $-- $ (27)
Unrealized holding gain arising during period on
marketable equity securities 14 (5) 9
------- --- ---------
Other comprehensive income (loss) $ (13) $(5) $ (18)
======= === =========
The balance of related after-tax components comprising accumulated other
comprehensive loss as of June 30 and September 30 is summarized below:
June 30, September 30,
2002 2001
---- ----
Foreign currency translation adjustments $ (117) $ (131)
Unrealized holding gain on marketable equity securities 5 6
------ -------
Accumulated other comprehensive loss $ (112) $ (125)
====== =======
-19-
CABOT CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
June 30, 2002
(In millions, except per share amounts)
UNAUDITED
K. EARNINGS PER SHARE
Basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS) were calculated for the three
months ended June 30 as follows:
2002 2001
---- ----
BASIC EPS
Income available to common shares (numerator) $ 19 $ 38
===== =====
Weighted-average common shares outstanding 62 64
Less: Contingently issuable shares(1) (3) (2)
----- -----
Adjusted weighted-average shares (denominator) 59 62
===== =====
Basic EPS $0.32 $0.59
===== =====
DILUTED EPS
Income available to common shares $ 19 $ 38
Dividends on preferred stock -- --
Less: Income effect of assumed conversion of preferred stock -- --
----- -----
Income available to common shares plus assumed conversions (numerator) $ 19 $ 38
===== =====
Weighted-average common shares outstanding 62 64
Effect of dilutive securities:
Conversion of preferred stock 8 9
Conversion of incentive stock options(2)(3) 1 --
----- -----
Adjusted weighted-average shares (denominator) 71 73
===== =====
Diluted EPS $0.28 $0.51
===== =====
(1) Represents restricted stock issued under Cabot Equity Incentive Plans.
(2) As of June 30, 2001, the average fair value of Cabot's stock price
exceeded the exercise price of all options outstanding. As a result, all
options outstanding have been included in the calculation of diluted
earnings per share.
(3) Of the options to purchase shares of common stock outstanding at June 30,
2002, 0.3 million shares were not included in the computation of diluted
EPS because those options' exercise price was greater than the average
market price of common shares for the third quarter of fiscal year 2002.
-20-
CABOT CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
June 30, 2002
(In millions, except per share amounts)
UNAUDITED
K. EARNINGS PER SHARE (CONTINUED)
Basic and diluted EPS were calculated for the nine months ended June 30 as
follows:
2002 2001
---- ----
BASIC EPS
Income available to common shares (numerator) $ 82 $ 94
===== =====
Weighted-average common shares outstanding 62 66
Less: Contingently issuable shares(1) (3) (3)
----- -----
Adjusted weighted-average shares (denominator) 59 63
===== =====
Basic EPS $1.38 $1.49
===== =====
DILUTED EPS
Income available to common shares $ 82 $ 94
Dividends on preferred stock 2 2
Less: Income effect of assumed conversion of preferred stock -- --
----- -----
Income available to common shares plus assumed conversions (numerator) $ 84 $ 96
===== =====
Weighted-average common shares outstanding 62 66
Effect of dilutive securities:
Conversion of preferred stock 8 9
Conversion of incentive stock options(2)(3) 1 --
----- -----
Adjusted weighted-average shares (denominator) 71 75
===== =====
Diluted EPS $1.17 $1.28
===== =====
(1) Represents restricted stock issued under Cabot Equity Incentive Plans.
(2) As of June 30, 2001 the average fair value of Cabot's stock price exceeded
the exercise price of all options outstanding. As a result, all options
outstanding have been included in the calculation of diluted earnings per
share.
(3) Of the options to purchase shares of common stock outstanding at June 30,
2002, 0.3 million shares were not included in the computation of diluted
EPS because those options' exercise price was greater than the average
market price of common shares for the nine months ended June 30, 2002.
-21-
CABOT CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
June 30, 2002
(In millions)
UNAUDITED
L. FINANCIAL INFORMATION BY SEGMENT
The framework for segment reporting is intended to give analysts and other
financial statement users a view of Cabot "through the eyes of
management". It designates Cabot's internal management reporting structure
as the basis for determining Cabot's reportable segments, as well as the
basis for determining the information to be disclosed for those segments.
The following table provides financial information by segment for the
three months ended June 30:
CHEMICAL PERFORMANCE SPECIALTY SEGMENT UNALLOCATED CONSOLIDATED
BUSINESSES MATERIALS FLUIDS TOTAL AND OTHER TOTAL
---------- --------- ------ ----- --------- -----
2002
Net sales and other operating revenues(1)(2) $ 326 $ 65 $ 5 $ 396 $ (6) $390
Profit (loss) before taxes(3) $ 27 $ 10 $(1) $ 36 $ (13) $ 23
2001
Net sales and other operating revenues(1)(2) $ 336 $ 99 $ 6 $ 441 $ (5) $436
Profit (loss) before taxes(3) $ 30 $ 31 $(1) $ 60 $ (14) $ 46
Unallocated and other net sales and other operating revenues includes the
following:
2002 2001
---- ----
Equity affiliate sales $(15) $(16)
Royalties paid by equity affiliates 1 2
Interoperating segment revenues (2) (2)
Shipping and handling fees 10 11
---- ----
Total $ (6) $ (5)
==== ====
Unallocated and other profit (loss) before taxes includes the following:
2002 2001
---- ----
Interest expense $ (7) $ (8)
General unallocated income (expense)(4) 3 5
Equity in net income of affiliated companies (2) (7)
Special items(5)(6) (7) (4)
---- ----
Total $(13) $(14)
==== ====
(1) Segment sales for certain operating segments within Chemical Businesses
include 100% of equity affiliate sales and transfers of materials at cost
and market-based prices.
(2) Unallocated and other reflects an adjustment for equity affiliate sales
and interoperating segment revenues and includes royalties paid by equity
affiliates offset by external shipping and handling costs.
(3) Segment profit is a measure used by Cabot's operating decision-makers to
measure consolidated operating results and assess segment performance. It
includes equity in net income of affiliated companies, royalties paid by
equity affiliates, minority interest, and corporate governance costs, and
excludes foreign currency transaction gains (losses), interest income
(expense), dividend income and special items.
(4) General unallocated income (expense) includes foreign currency transaction
gains (losses), interest income and dividend income.
(5) Results for the third quarter of fiscal 2001 include a charge related to
the resignation of the Chief Financial Officer. Included in the charge is
$3 million relating to the accelerated vesting of shares issued under the
Long Term Incentive Compensation Plan and a $1 million cash payment.
(6) Results for the third quarter of fiscal 2002 include a $5 million reserve
for respirator claims derived from a disposed safety products business, a
$3 million asset impairment charge related to the cancellation of
expansion projects in the Performance Materials plant in Boyertown,
Pennsylvania, associated with the acquisition of Cabot Supermetals and the
benefit of a $1 million insurance recovery.
-22-
CABOT CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
June 30, 2002
(In millions)
UNAUDITED
L. FINANCIAL INFORMATION BY SEGMENT (CONTINUED)
The framework for segment reporting is intended to give analysts and other
financial statement users a view of Cabot "through the eyes of
management". It designates Cabot's internal management reporting structure
as the basis for determining Cabot's reportable segments, as well as the
basis for determining the information to be disclosed for those segments.
The following table provides financial information by segment for the nine
months ended June 30:
CHEMICAL PERFORMANCE SPECIALTY SEGMENT UNALLOCATED CONSOLIDATED
BUSINESSES MATERIALS FLUIDS TOTAL AND OTHER TOTAL
---------- --------- ------ ----- --------- -----
2002
Net sales and other operating revenues(1)(2) $ 920 $ 195 $ 20 $ 1,135 $ (18) $ 1,117
Profit (loss) before taxes(3) $ 84 $ 55 $ (1) $ 138 $ (25) $ 113
2001
Net sales and other operating revenues(1)(2) $1,027 $ 257 $ 19 $ 1,303 $ (14) $ 1,289
Profit (loss) before taxes(3) $ 106 $ 53 $ (1) $ 158 $ (41) $ 117
Unallocated and other net sales and other operating revenues includes the
following:
2002 2001
---- ----
Equity affiliate sales $(46) $(47)
Royalties paid by equity affiliates 4 5
Interoperating segment revenues (5) (5)
Shipping and handling fees 29 33
---- ----
Total $(18) $(14)
==== ====
Unallocated and other profit (loss) before taxes includes the following:
2002 2001
---- ----
Interest expense $(21) $(25)
General unallocated income (expense)(4) 10 20
Equity in net income of affiliated companies (4) (15)
Special items(5)(6) (10) (21)
---- ----
Total $(25) $(41)
==== ====
(1) Segment sales for certain operating segments within Chemical Businesses
include 100% of equity affiliate sales and transfers of materials at cost
and market-based prices.
(2) Unallocated and other reflects an adjustment for equity affiliate sales
and interoperating segment revenues and includes royalties paid by equity
affiliates offset by external shipping and handling costs.
(3) Segment profit is a measure used by Cabot's operating decision-makers to
measure consolidated operating results and assess segment performance. It
includes equity in net income of affiliated companies, royalties paid by
equity affiliates, minority interest, and corporate governance costs, and
excludes foreign currency transaction gains (losses), interest income
(expense), dividend income and special items.
(4) General unallocated income (expense) includes foreign currency transaction
gains (losses), interest income and dividend income.
(5) Results for fiscal 2001 include a $21 million charge related to the
retirement of the Chief Executive Officer and the resignation of the Chief
Financial Officer. Included in the charge is $13 million relating to the
accelerated vesting of shares issued under the Long Term Incentive
Compensation Plan and $8 million in cash payments.
(6) Results for fiscal 2002 include a $6 million charge related to asset
impairment charges for the cancellation of expansion projects in the
Performance Materials plant in Boyertown, Pennsylvania, and
non-capitalizable transaction costs, both associated with the acquisition
of Cabot Supermetals, a $5 million reserve for respirator claims derived
from a disposed safety products business and a $1 million benefit from an
insurance recovery.
-23-
CABOT CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -(Continued)
June 30, 2002
(In millions, except per share amounts)
UNAUDITED
M. RECENT ACCOUNTING DEVELOPMENTS
The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FAS No. 143,
"Accounting for Obligations Associated with the Retirement of Long-lived
Assets", in June 2001. The objective of FAS No. 143 is to establish an
accounting standard for the recognition and measurement of an asset
retirement obligation on certain long-lived assets. The retirement
obligation must be one that results from the acquisition, construction or
normal operation of a long-lived asset. FAS No. 143 requires the legal
obligation associated with the retirement of a tangible long-lived asset
to be recognized at fair value as a liability when incurred, and the cost
to be capitalized by increasing the carrying amount of the related
long-lived asset. FAS No. 143 will be effective for Cabot on October 1,
2002. Cabot is currently evaluating the effect of implementing FAS No.
143.
In October 2001, the FASB issued FAS No. 144, "Accounting for the
Impairment or Disposal of Long-lived Assets", which supersedes FAS No.
121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-lived Assets and for
Long-lived Assets to be Disposed of" and provisions of APB Opinion No. 30
"Reporting the Results of Operations - Reporting the Effects of Disposal
of a Segment of a Business, and Extraordinary, Unusual and Infrequently
Occurring Events and Transactions", for the disposal of segments of a
business. The statement creates one accounting model, based on the
framework established in FAS No. 121, to be applied to all long-lived
assets including discontinued operations. FAS No. 144 will be effective
for Cabot on October 1, 2002. Cabot is currently evaluating the effect of
implementing FAS No. 144.
The FASB issued FAS No. 145, "Rescission of FASB Statements No. 4, 44 and
64, Amendment of FASB Statement No. 13, and Technical Corrections", in
April 2002. This statement updates, clarifies and simplifies existing
accounting pronouncements. Specifically, the statement rescinds FAS No. 4,
"Reporting Gains and Losses from Extinguishment of Debt", FAS No. 64,
"Extinguishment of Debt Made to Satisfy Sinking Fund Requirements" and FAS
No. 44, "Accounting for Intangible Assets of Motor Carriers." This
statement amends FAS No. 13, "Accounting for Leases" and certain other
existing authoritative pronouncements to make technical corrections or
clarifications. FAS No. 145 will be effective for Cabot related to the
rescission of FAS No. 4 and FAS No. 64 on October 1, 2002. FAS No. 145 is
effective related to the amendment of FAS No. 13 for all transactions
occurring after May 15, 2002. All other provisions of FAS No. 145 are
effective for financial statements issued after May 15, 2002. Cabot is
currently evaluating the effect of implementing FAS No. 145.
In July 2002, the FASB issued FAS No. 146, "Accounting for Costs
Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities", which nullifies Emerging
Issues Task Force (EITF) Issue No. 94-3, "Liability Recognition for
Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit an Activity
(including Certain Costs Incurred in a Restructuring)." FAS 146 requires a
liability for a cost associated with an exit or disposal activity to be
recognized and measured initially at its fair value in the period in which
the liability is incurred. If fair value cannot be reasonably estimated,
the liability shall be recognized initially in the period in which fair
value can be reasonably estimated. In periods subsequent to the initial
measurement, changes to the liability resulting from revisions to either
the timing or the amount of estimated cash flows must be recognized as
adjustments to the liability in the period of the change. The provisions
of FAS 146 will be effective for the Company prospectively for exit or
disposal activities initiated after December 31, 2002. Cabot is in the
process of assessing the impact of FAS 146 on its consolidated financial
statements.
-24-
CABOT CORPORATION
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS
I. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Critical accounting policies are those that are central to the presentation of
the Company's financial condition and results of operations and that require
subjective or complex estimates by management. The preparation of the Company's
financial statements requires management 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 policies and estimates, including those related to
revenue recognition and accounts receivable, inventory valuation, the valuation
of long-lived assets, environmental costs, pensions and other post-employment
benefits, and litigation and contingencies. The Company bases its estimates on
historical experience, current conditions and on various other assumptions that
are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form
the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and
liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may
differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
REVENUE RECOGNITION AND ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
The Company derives its revenue through the sale of chemical products,
performance materials and specialty fluids products. The Company recognizes
revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has
occurred, the sales price is fixed or determinable and collectibility is
probable. Revenue from product sales is recognized when product is shipped and
title and risk of loss has passed to the customer. The Company generally is able
to ensure that products meet customer specification prior to shipment. The
Company prepares its estimates for sales returns and allowances, discounts, and
rebates quarterly based primarily on historical experience updated for changes
in facts and circumstances, as appropriate. If actual future results vary, the
Company may need to adjust its estimates, which could have an impact on earnings
in the period of adjustment.
The Company's revenue recognition policies are in compliance with Staff
Accounting Bulletin No. 101, "Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements" ("SAB
101"), which establishes criteria which must be satisfied before revenue is
realized or realizable and earned.
The Company maintains allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses
resulting from the potential inability of its customers to make required
payments. If the financial condition of the Company's customers were to
deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments,
additional allowances may be required, which could affect future earnings. As of
June 30, 2002, the allowance for doubtful accounts was $5 million.
INVENTORY VALUATION
The cost of most raw materials, work in process, and finished goods inventories
in the United States is determined by the last-in, first-out ("LIFO") method.
The cost of other United States and all non-United States inventories is
determined using the average cost method or the first-in, first-out ("FIFO")
method. As of June 30, 2002, inventories valued on the FIFO basis would have
been $84 million higher than the LIFO value of these inventories.
In cases where the market value of inventories is below cost, the inventory is
stated at market value. The Company writes down its inventories for estimated
obsolescence or unmarketable inventory equal to the difference between the cost
of inventory and the estimated market value based upon assumptions about future
demand and market conditions. Such write-downs have not historically been
significant. If actual market conditions are less favorable than those projected
by management, additional inventory write-downs may be required.
-25-
VALUATION OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS
The Company's long-lived assets include property, plant, equipment, long-term
investments, goodwill and other intangible assets. The Company reviews the
carrying values of long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes
in business circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not
be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognized when the fair value of the
asset is less than the carrying value of the asset. The fair value of long-lived
assets, other than goodwill, is based on undiscounted estimated cash flows. The
Company's estimates reflect management's assumptions about selling prices,
production and sales volume, costs, and market conditions over the estimated
remaining operating period. If an impairment is indicated, the asset is written
down to fair value.
From time to time, the Company may decide to abandon a fixed asset project,
plant expansion or other long-lived asset initiative in which case an impairment
loss is recognized if the carrying value of the asset exceeds its salvage value.
The Company records this impairment charge in the period in which it commits to
a plan to abandon the asset.
Effective October 1, 2001, the Company adopted FAS No. 142, "Goodwill and Other
Intangible Assets." In accordance with FAS No. 142, the Company no longer
amortizes goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets. The Company performs
an annual impairment test for goodwill by comparing the fair value of each
reporting unit to its carrying value, including goodwill. The fair value is
based on discounted estimated cash flows. The assumptions used to estimate the
fair value of a reporting unit include management's best estimates of the
reporting unit's future growth rates, capital expenditures, discount rates, and
market conditions over the estimated remaining operating period.
If the carrying value exceeds the fair value, then the Company compares the
implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill with the carrying value of
the goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined by allocating the
fair value of the reporting unit to all of the assets and liabilities of that
reporting unit. If the carrying amount exceeds the implied fair value of the
goodwill, then an impairment loss is recognized for the excess amount.
As required by FAS No. 142, impairment tests will be performed at least
annually. During the third quarter of fiscal 2002, Cabot performed the fiscal
2002 impairment test and determined that no impairment loss should be
recognized.
ENVIRONMENTAL COSTS
The Company accrues environmental costs when it is probable that the Company has
incurred a liability and the amount can be reasonably estimated. When a single
amount cannot be reasonably estimated, but a range of estimated liability can be
reasonably estimated, the Company accrues the amount that reflects its best
estimate within that range. The amount accrued reflects the Company's
assumptions about remediation requirements at the contaminated site, the nature
of the remedy, the outcome of discussions with regulatory agencies and other
potentially responsible parties at multi-party sites, and the number and
financial viability of other potentially responsible parties. The availability
of new information, changes in the estimates on which the accruals are based,
unanticipated government enforcement action, or changes in applicable government
laws and regulations could result in higher or lower costs. The Company does not
reduce its estimated liability for possible recoveries from insurance carriers.
As of June 30, 2002, the Company had $27 million reserved for environmental
matters.
PENSIONS AND OTHER POST-EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
The Company maintains both defined benefit and defined contribution plans for
its employees. In addition, the Company provides certain health care and life
insurance benefits for retired employees. The costs and obligations related to
these benefits reflect the Company's assumptions related to general economic
conditions, including interest rates, expected return on plan assets, and rate
of compensation increase for employees. Projected health care benefits reflect
the Company's assumptions about health care cost trends. The cost of providing
plan benefits also depends on demographic assumptions including retirements,
mortality, turnover, and plan participation. If actual experience differs from
these assumptions, the cost of providing these benefits could increase or
decrease. Actual results that differ from the assumptions are accumulated and
amortized over future periods and therefore affect the recognized expense and
recorded obligation in such future periods.
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LITIGATION AND CONTINGENCIES
When the Company is involved in litigation, the Company accrues a liability for
such matters when it is probable that a liability will be incurred and the
amount can be reasonably estimated. The estimated reserves are recorded based on
the Company's best estimate of the liability associated with such matters or the
low end of the estimated range of liability if the Company is unable to identify
a better estimate within that range. However, there is always the possibility of
an unusual result in any particular case that may have an adverse effect on the
results of operations. During the quarter ended June 30, 2002, Cabot increased
its reserve for respirator claims by $5 million.
II. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Net sales and operating profit before taxes by segment are shown in Note L of
the consolidated financial statements.
THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2002 VERSUS
THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2001
Net income for the third quarter of fiscal 2002 was $19 million ($0.28 per
diluted common share) compared to $38 million ($0.51 per diluted common share)
in the same quarter a year ago. Included in this quarter's results were special
charges totaling $7 million ($0.07 per diluted common share) of which $5 million
was a charge to increase Cabot's reserve for respirator claims derived from a
disposed safety products business, $3 million was an asset impairment charge for
the cancellation of expansion projects at the Performance Materials plant in
Boyertown, Pennsylvania related to the acquisition of Showa Cabot Supermetals
KK, which we now call Cabot Supermetals ("CSM") , and $1 million was a benefit
from insurance recoveries. In addition, third quarter 2002 earnings were
favorably impacted by a $1 million ($0.01 per diluted common share) benefit from
an insurance recovery related to the discontinued liquified natural gas ("LNG")
business. Included in results for the third quarter of 2001 were special charges
totaling $4 million ($0.04 per diluted common share) related to the resignation
of Cabot's Chief Financial Officer, consisting of a $3 million non-cash charge
to accelerate the vesting of stock issued under the Company's long-term
incentive compensation plan and a $1 million cash payment.
As noted above, included in the special items charges of $0.07 during the third
quarter of 2002 was a $0.05 charge to increase Cabot's reserve for respirator
claims. These claims derive from a safety products business that Cabot owned and
operated from 1990 to 1995, at which point the business was sold in a leveraged
de-consolidation to Aearo Corporation. Cabot continues to own 42.5% of Aearo.
The number of respirator cases has increased over the last 18 months, while the
cost per claim has remained stable. At the end of June 2002, there were
approximately 38,000 respirator claims outstanding against the historical
manufacturer of the products. The actual number of claims for which Cabot
contributes depends upon a number of factors, but has historically been well
over half of the total claims. Cabot's contribution level for settlement has
averaged approximately $320 per claimant. In June 2002, Cabot reached agreement
to contribute to the settlement of up to 13,000 claims in Mississippi at a total
cost not to exceed $2 million. It is anticipated that a significant number of
the 13,000 settled claims are respirator related and are therefore included in
the 38,000 above mentioned outstanding respirator cases. The $5 million charge
recorded in the third quarter of 2002 includes the Mississippi settlement as
well as Cabot's best estimate, based on experience to date, of the Company's
potential liability for all other pending respirator related claims as of June
30, 2002. Because this is a very unpredictable area, Cabot is unable to estimate
the number of future claims or the range of liability that may be incurred as a
result of such claims on any reasonable basis and therefore has not reserved for
them at this time. While in any given quarter the impact of these actions may be
significant, Cabot continues to believe that this issue will not have a material
impact on the Company's financial condition.
Sales decreased $46 million or 11%, from $436 million last year to $390 million
this year. Similarly, profit before taxes and special items from continuing
operations decreased 40% from $50 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2001 to
$30 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2002.
Sales for the Chemical Businesses decreased 3%, from $336 million in the third
quarter of fiscal 2001 to $326 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2002.
Operating profit decreased 10%, from $30 million to $27 million. The decrease
was principally driven by reduced margins in the carbon black business due to
contract related pricing
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adjustments. However, the carbon black and fumed metal oxides businesses did
experience higher volumes both sequentially and year over year, which offset
some of the margin decline.
Carbon black volumes increased in all regions year over year. The Company is
cautiously optimistic that the carbon black business may be recovering from the
bottom of the cycle. Globally, volumes increased 7% in the third quarter of
fiscal 2002 as compared to the same period last year. In North America, greater
market demand, particularly for rubber blacks, resulted in an 11% increase in
volumes for the carbon black business. Strong demand in Brazil resulted in an 8%
increase in volumes in South America. Increased demand in Asia Pacific,
particularly in China, resulted in a 7% increase in volumes and stable demand in
Europe resulted in a 3% increase in volumes in that region. However, reduced
margins caused by contract related pricing adjustments significantly impacted
profitability, particularly in North America. The effect of foreign exchange
rates had a minimal impact on the profitability of the carbon black business in
the third quarter of 2002 compared to the same quarter of 2001.
The fumed metal oxides business experienced a 10% increase in volumes in the
third fiscal quarter of 2002 compared to the same quarter of 2001. In
particular, the business experienced improved demand in both the electronics
markets and the traditional silicone rubber, composites and adhesives markets
year over year. In addition, the niche markets experienced improved year over
year volumes which were offset by price erosion. Operating profit for the
business remained flat as compared to the third quarter of 2001 as the impact of
increased volumes was reduced by approximately $3 million in asset impairment
write-offs.
The inkjet colorants business continues to make progress with the growth of its
existing commercial products and the development of new products. Higher sales
to both OEMs and niche customers (aftermarket sales) resulted in a 46% increase
in volumes and a $1 million increase in operating profit in the third quarter of
fiscal 2002 versus the third fiscal quarter of 2001.
The Chemical Businesses showed significant signs of recovery with strong volumes
during much of the third quarter of 2002. Volumes increased 7% on both a year
over year and sequential basis. However, in the month of June 2002 carbon black
volumes declined to 2001 levels resulting in a cautious outlook for the coming
months. Cabot's fourth quarter is traditionally its weakest quarter due to
seasonal vacations and customer shutdowns. Consequently, the Company remains
cautious about the outlook for the Chemical Businesses segment for the rest of
fiscal 2002.
Performance Materials sales decreased 34% from $99 million in the third quarter
of fiscal 2001 to $65 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2002. Volumes and
operating profit declined 60% and 68%, respectively, due to customer contract
disputes and slower market conditions. As a result, the tantalum business
experienced a $21 million decline in operating profit versus the year ago
quarter. However, the business experienced improved margins as the result of
higher average selling prices and lower average ore costs due to a decline in
spot ore prices. During the quarter, Cabot was able to successfully resolve the
contract dispute with one of its customers, Vishay. In exchange for volume and
price concessions, Vishay extended one of their contracts and agreed to purchase
tantalum products at regular intervals throughout the terms of the contracts
beginning late in the third quarter of fiscal 2002. At June 30, 2002, litigation
was ongoing with another tantalum customer, Kemet. Subsequent to the third
fiscal quarter of 2002, on July 29, 2002, a complaint involving a supply
agreement between Cabot and AVX, one of Cabot's tantalum customers, was filed in
U.S. District Court in Massachusetts by AVX Corporation. The complaint alleges
unfair and deceptive trade practices, breach of contract, and other related
matters. Cabot believes that AVX's complaint is not meritorious and that Cabot
has valid defenses, which it intends to assert vigorously. AVX has indicated,
however, that it intends to continue to purchase product under the supply
agreement with Cabot. As these legal matters continue, the Company remains
cautious about the outlook for the fiscal year for this business.
Specialty Fluids sales in the third quarter were $5 million versus $6 million
last year. The segment reported an operating loss of $1 million for the third
quarter of 2002 and 2001. While the business benefited from improved pricing for
cesium formate in the third quarter of 2002, volumes decreased due to the
smaller size of the completion jobs undertaken during the quarter. During the
third quarter of fiscal 2002, Specialty Fluids finalized work on one drill-in
and five additional completion jobs. To date, cesium formate has been
successfully used in a total of 56 operations, 49 completions and 7 drill-ins,
primarily involving challenging high pressure, high temperature wells in the
North Sea. In the third quarter of fiscal 2002, hydrocarbon production rates
continued to support the initial flow
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tests from drill-in jobs finished during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2001.
These results indicate that cesium formate is delivering the value in use that
the Company and our customers anticipated.
Research and technical service spending and selling and administrative expenses
remained flat at $12 million and $55 million, respectively, for the third
quarter of 2002 versus the third quarter of last year.
Interest and dividend income in the third quarter was $4 million less than in
the same quarter last year due to a decrease in Cabot's cash position and lower
interest rates.
Interest expense for the quarter ended June 30, 2002 decreased $1 million versus
the year ago quarter due to the benefit of lower interest rates on the Company's
variable rate debt and capitalized interest on two significant projects.
In the third quarter of 2002, other income increased $5 million, largely due to
a $2 million foreign exchange gain, primarily resulting from a net U.S. dollar
receivable position in Argentina and $1 million in income related to the
demutualization of Prudential Life Insurance Company.
During fiscal 2000, Cabot approved plans to close two plants. In relation to the
plant closings, Cabot recorded an $18 million charge in the fourth quarter of
fiscal 2000. Included in the charge were accruals of $2 million for severance
and termination benefits for approximately 38 employees of the Chemical and
Performance Materials businesses, $7 million for facility closing costs, and a
$9 million charge for the impairment of long-lived assets. One of the plant
closures was completed during fiscal 2001 and the second plant closure was
completed during the second quarter of fiscal 2002. As of June 30, 2002, all
severance and termination benefits had been paid and $2 million remained accrued
for the required monitoring costs at the second site.
NINE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2002 VERSUS
NINE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2001
Net income for the first nine months of fiscal 2002 was $84 million ($1.17 per
diluted common share) compared to $96 million ($1.28 per diluted common share)
for the first nine months of fiscal 2001. Included in the results from
operations for the first nine months of 2002 were special charges totaling $10
million ($0.10 per diluted common share) of which $6 million was an asset
impairment charge related to the cancellation of expansion projects in the
Performance Materials plant in Boyertown, Pennsylvania and non-capitalizable
transaction costs, both associated with the acquisition of CSM. Also included
was a $5 million charge to increase Cabot's reserve for respirator claims and a
$1 million benefit related to insurance recoveries. In addition, third quarter
2002 earnings were favorably impacted by a $1 million ($0.01 per diluted common
share) benefit from an insurance recovery related to the discontinued LNG
business. Included in the results from operations for the first nine months of
fiscal 2001 were special charges of $21 million ($0.20 per diluted common share)
related to the retirement of Cabot's Chief Executive Officer and the resignation
of Cabot's Chief Financial Officer. In addition, third quarter 2001 earnings
were favorably impacted by $3 million ($0.04 per diluted common share) of
additional proceeds from the September 2000 sale of the LNG business.
Sales decreased 13% from $1,289 million last year to $1,117 million this year
due to somewhat weaker volumes and pricing in the Chemical Businesses and
significantly decreased volumes in the Performance Materials segment. Profit
before taxes and special items decreased 11% from $138 million in the first nine
months of fiscal 2001 to $123 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2002.
Sales for the Chemical Businesses decreased $107 million or 10%, from $1,027
million last year to $920 million this year. Operating profit decreased $22
million or 21%, from $106 million to $84 million. The decrease in profitability
is primarily attributed to slower industrial growth in North America and Europe,
a decline in margins, and unfavorable currency trends.
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Performance Materials sales were $195 million, a 24% decrease from $257 million
in the first nine months of fiscal 2001. Operating profit increased 4% from $53
million in the first nine months of last year to $55 million in the first three
quarters of this year driven by higher prices and lower raw material costs,
largely offset by lower volumes.
Specialty Fluids realized a $1 million improvement in sales for the nine month
period ended June 30, 2002. Sales increased from $19 million last year to $20
million this year. Specialty Fluids reported a $1 million operating loss for
both the nine month period of 2002 and the same period in 2001. While cesium
formate volumes and pricing improved, the business's performance was negatively
impacted by declining results in its mined minerals sector.
Research and technical service spending remained flat at $35 million for the
first nine months of 2002 versus the same period of last year. Selling and
administrative expenses increased $2 million from $152 million for the first
nine months of fiscal 2001 to $154 million spent in the first nine months of
this year. The increase is largely due to increased administrative costs offset
by reduced stock-based incentive compensation costs.
Interest and dividend income in the nine months ended June 30, 2002 was $16
million less than in the same period last year due to a decrease in Cabot's cash
position. Lower interest rates further negatively impacted interest income.
Interest expense for the first nine months of fiscal 2002 decreased $4 million
versus the year ago period due to the benefit of lower interest rates on the
Company's variable rate debt and capitalized interest on two significant
projects.
In the nine month period ended June 30, 2002, other income increased $9 million,
largely due to a $3 million foreign exchange gain, primarily resulting from a
net U.S. dollar receivable position in Argentina, a $2 million gain from the
sale of Cabot Microelectronics shares related to incentive compensation
forfeitures, and $1 million in income related to the demutualization of
Prudential Life Insurance Company.
During fiscal 2000, Cabot approved plans to close two plants. In relation to the
plant closings, Cabot recorded an $18 million charge in the fourth quarter of
fiscal 2000. Included in the charge were accruals of $2 million for severance
and termination benefits for approximately 38 employees of the Chemical and
Performance Materials businesses, $7 million for facility closing costs, and a
$9 million charge for the impairment of long-lived assets. One of the plant
closures was completed during fiscal 2001 and the second plant closure was
completed during the second quarter of fiscal 2002. As of June 30, 2002, all
severance and termination benefits had been paid and $2 million remained accrued
for the required monitoring costs at the second site.
Cabot is currently evaluating the viability of its tail gas engine project in
the carbon black business and various courses of action are currently being
identified, including the possibility of discontinuing the project in some
locations.
III. CASH FLOW AND LIQUIDITY
During the first nine months of the fiscal year, cash provided by operating
activities totaled $107 million as compared to cash used by operating activities
of $44 million for the same period last year. The cash provided by operations
for the first nine months of fiscal 2002 was higher than during the same period
in 2001 due to a $178 million tax payment made in 2001 related to the September
2000 disposition of Cabot's LNG business.
Capital spending for the first nine months of the year was $201 million. Of this
amount, $89 million, net of $10 million in cash acquired, was related to the
buyout by Cabot of the other 50% shareholder in the CSM joint venture. The
majority of the remaining capital spending related to maintaining existing
assets and the construction of a semi-works facility for the Nanogel(TM)
business. Capital expenditures for 2002 are expected to be approximately $280
million. Capital expenditures for 2002 also include replacement projects, plant
expansions, and the completion of projects started in fiscal 2001.
On February 8, 2002, Cabot purchased the remaining 50% of the shares of CSM in
Japan, from its joint venture partner, Showa Denko KK. CSM is a supplier of
tantalum powders and metal products to the global electronics,
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aerospace, and chemical processing industries. The acquisition of CSM expands
the production capacity and performance capability of Cabot's tantalum business.
Cash used by financing activities was $93 million in the first nine months of
fiscal 2002 as compared to $135 million for the same period last year. In the
first nine months of 2002, the Company primarily used cash for the repurchase
of $52 million of its common stock and $5 million of its preferred stock, $26
million paid in the form of cash dividends to shareholders, and the repayment
of short and long-term debt totaling $17 million. These uses of cash were
somewhat offset by the issuance of $6 million of common stock, net of
forfeitures. In the first nine months of 2001, the key components of the
change in net cash from financing activities were the net repurchase of $185
million of common stock and the repayment of $63 million in long-term debt net
of proceeds from the issuance of a 3-year EURO note for $129 million.
On May 10, 2002, Cabot's Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to
12.6 million shares of Cabot's common stock, superseding prior authorizations.
As of June 30, 2002, approximately 8.4 million shares have been purchased under
this authorization.
As a result of lower cash balances and the acquisition of debt, both related to
the CSM acquisition, Cabot's ratio of total debt (including short-term debt net
of cash) to capital increased from 9% at September 30, 2001 to 27% at June 30,
2002.
At June 30, 2002, the value of the Japanese yen based debt included in Cabot's
consolidated financial results was $40 million of bank notes and $63 million of
long-term debt. The bank notes are payable in Japanese yen and have renewable
one year terms. Notes payable to banks are classified as current liabilities on
the consolidated balance sheet. Interest rates are variable and based on
short-term interest rates. The long-term debt is also payable in Japanese yen
and matures on various dates in fiscal years 2004 to 2006. The interest rates on
a portion of the loans are fixed and range from 1.5% to 2.1%. The interest rates
on the remaining long-term loans are variable and based on short-term interest
rates. Principal payments in each of the five fiscal years 2002 through 2006 are
zero, zero, $11 million, $20 million, and $32 million, respectively.
In July 2001, Cabot replaced its revolving credit facility with a new agreement.
Under the new agreement, Cabot may, under certain conditions, borrow up to $250
million at floating rates. The new facility is available through July 13, 2006.
As of June 30, 2002, Cabot was in compliance with all of its revolver debt
covenants and had no borrowings outstanding under this arrangement. Management
expects cash on hand, cash from operations, and present financing arrangements,
including Cabot's unused line of credit and shelf registration for debt
securities, to be sufficient to meet Cabot's cash requirements for the
foreseeable future.
Maximum amounts and additional advances under some of CSM's loan agreements are
subject to CSM's ongoing creditworthiness. As of June 30, 2002, Cabot was not
aware of any credit concerns under CSM's loan agreements.
On an ongoing basis, Cabot reviews its outstanding insurance claims, some of
which relate to disposed and discontinued businesses, for potential recovery.
Various amounts have been recovered in prior periods and Cabot anticipates
receiving additional amounts in the fourth quarter and in future periods.
In January 2002, the Securities and Exchange Commission released a "Commission
Statement about Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations" ("FR-61"). The release details the requirements for the
Management's Discussion and Analysis section of the year-end and interim
financial reports as they relate to liquidity, certain trading activities
involving non-exchange traded contracts accounted for at fair value, and related
party transactions. The Company discussed the market risks concerning liquidity
and capital resources in the Form 10-K dated September 30, 2001 and has noted no
other significant risks to the Company as of June 30, 2002. The Company is not
involved in any transactions, arrangements or other relationships with
unconsolidated entities or other persons that are reasonably likely to
materially affect liquidity or the availability of or requirements for capital
resources. The Company is not involved in any trading activities involving
commodity contracts that are accounted for at fair value.
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IV. RECENT ACCOUNTING DEVELOPMENTS
Cabot is assessing the impact of the following new accounting pronouncements:
The FASB issued Statement No. 143, "Accounting for Obligations Associated with
the Retirement of Long-Lived Assets" ("FAS No. 143"), in June 2001. The
objective of FAS No. 143 is to establish an accounting standard for the
recognition and measurement of an asset retirement obligation on certain
long-lived assets. The retirement obligation must be one that results from the
acquisition, construction or normal operation of a long-lived asset. FAS No. 143
requires the legal obligation associated with the retirement of a tangible
long-lived asset to be recognized at fair value as a liability when incurred,
and the cost to be capitalized by increasing the carrying amount of the related
long-lived asset. FAS No. 143 will be effective for Cabot on October 1, 2002.
Cabot is currently evaluating the effect of implementing FAS No. 143.
In October 2001, the FASB issued Statement No. 144, "Accounting for the
Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets" ("FAS No. 144"), which supersedes
FAS No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for
Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of" and provisions of APB Opinion No. 30
"Reporting the Results of Operations - Reporting the Effects of Disposal of a
Segment of a Business, and Extraordinary, Unusual and Infrequently Occurring
Events and Transactions" ("APB No. 30"), for the disposal of segments of a
business. The statement creates one accounting model, based on the framework
established in FAS No. 121, to be applied to all long-lived assets including
discontinued operations. FAS No. 144 will be effective for Cabot on October 1,
2002. Cabot is currently evaluating the effect of implementing FAS No. 144.
The FASB issued Statement No. 145, "Rescission of FASB Statements No. 4, 44 and
64, Amendment of FASB Statement No. 13, and Technical Corrections" ("FAS No.
145") in April 2002. This statement updates, clarifies and simplifies existing
accounting pronouncements. Specifically, the statement rescinds FASB Statement
No. 4, "Reporting Gains and Losses from Extinguishment of Debt" ("FAS No. 4"),
FASB Statement No. 64, "Extinguishment of Debt Made to Satisfy Sinking Fund
Requirements" ("FAS No. 64") and FASB Statement No. 44, "Accounting for
Intangible Assets of Motor Carriers." This statement amends FASB Statement No.
13, "Accounting for Leases" ("FAS No. 13") and certain other existing
authoritative pronouncements to make technical corrections or clarifications.
FAS No. 145 will be effective for Cabot related to the rescission of FAS No. 4
and FAS No. 64 on October 1, 2002. FAS No. 145 is effective related to the
amendment of FAS No. 13 for all transactions occurring after May 15, 2002. All
other provisions of FAS No. 145 are effective for financial statements issued
after May 15, 2002. Cabot is currently evaluating the effect of implementing FAS
No. 145.
In July 2002, the FASB issued FAS No. 146, "Accounting for Costs Associated with
Exit or Disposal Activities", which nullifies Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
Issue No. 94-3, "Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits
and Other Costs to Exit an Activity (including Certain Costs Incurred in a
Restructuring)." FAS 146 requires a liability for a cost associated with an exit
or disposal activity to be recognized and measured initially at its fair value
in the period in which the liability is incurred. If fair value cannot be
reasonably estimated, the liability shall be recognized initially in the period
in which fair value can be reasonably estimated. In periods subsequent to the
initial measurement, changes to the liability resulting from revisions to either
the timing or the amount of estimated cash flows must be recognized as
adjustments to the liability in the period of the change. The provisions of FAS
146 will be effective for the Company prospectively for exit or disposal
activities initiated after December 31, 2002. Cabot is in the process of
assessing the impact of FAS 146 on its consolidated financial statements.
Forward-Looking Information: Included herein are statements relating to
management's projections of future profits, the possible achievement of Cabot's
financial goals and objectives, and management's expectations for Cabot's
product development program. Actual results may differ materially from the
results anticipated in the forward looking statements included herein due to a
variety of factors, including but not limited to the following: market supply
and demand conditions, fluctuations in currency exchange rates, the outcome of
pending litigation, changes in the rate of economic growth in the United States
and other major international economies, changes in regulatory environments,
changes in trade, monetary and fiscal policies throughout the world, acts of war
and terrorist activities,
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future litigation, cost of raw materials, patent rights of Cabot and others,
demand for Cabot's customers' products, and competitors' reactions to market
conditions. Timely commercialization of products under development by Cabot may
be disrupted or delayed by technical difficulties, market acceptance, or
competitors' new products, as well as difficulties in moving from the
experimental stage to the production stage. The risk management discussion and
the estimated amounts generated from the analyses are forward-looking statements
of market risk, assuming certain adverse market conditions occur. Actual results
in the future may differ materially from these projected results due to actual
developments in the global financial markets. The methods used by Cabot to
assess and mitigate risks should not be considered projections of future events
or losses. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly release any
revisions to the forward-looking statements or reflect events or circumstances
after the date of this document.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Cabot's objective in managing its exposure to interest rate changes is to
maintain an appropriate balance of fixed and variable rate debt and to match
borrowing costs with the economics of Cabot's business cycles. Cabot uses
interest rate swaps to adjust fixed and variable rate debt positions.
In October 2001, Cabot entered into four interest rate swaps in an aggregate
notional amount of $97 million. The swaps are derivative instruments as defined
by FAS No. 133 and have been designated as fair value hedges. The swaps hedge
the change in the fair value of $97 million of Cabot's fixed rate medium term
notes due to changes in interest rates. The interest rate swaps, as well as the
medium term notes they hedge, mature on various dates through February 2007. The
variable interest rates on the swaps reset every six months in June and
December.
As part of the CSM acquisition, the Company assumed debt denominated in
Japanese yen of 14.05 billion yen. A portion of the debt, 9.45 billion yen, is
at variable interest rates. Cabot also assumed interest rate swaps related to
5.7 billion yen of the variable rate debt. The swaps are variable-for-fixed
swaps of the quarterly interest payments. The swaps require payment of fixed
rates ranging from 1.5% to 2.2% and the receipt of variable rates. The swaps
mature, along with the associated loans, in fiscal 2002 through 2006. The swaps
are derivative instruments as defined by FAS No. 133 and have been designated as
cash flow hedges.
Cabot also has the equivalent of $148 million of Euro debt at variable rates. A
change in rates of 10% on Cabot's aggregate variable rate debt could cause
interest expense to change by $1 million per year.
As of June 30, 2002, Cabot had $191 million in cash and short-term investments.
It is the Company's practice to invest excess cash in instruments that will earn
a high rate of return, consistent with the protection of principal. Interest
income earned may vary as a result of changes in interest rates and average cash
balances, which could fluctuate over time. Based on current market rates of 2%
and a domestic cash balance invested in money market securities of $135 million,
a 10% change in interest rates could cause interest income to change by
approximately $0.3 million.
Because of the global nature of its activities, Cabot has operations and
facilities in many countries around the world. Major areas of functional
currency exposure include the EURO, Japanese yen, British pound sterling,
Canadian dollar, and Australian dollar.
The Company's results are also exposed to currency fluctuations and devaluations
in many developing countries throughout the world. Specifically, during the nine
month period ended June 30, 2002, economic and political instability in
Argentina and Brazil has led to larger than expected fluctuations in the
exchange rates of those countries. The Argentina peso was devalued by more than
70% after the Government was forced to abandon its fixed exchange rate policy
that pegged the value of the peso to the US dollar. The Brazilian real has
recently weakened to record lows due to concerns related to the possible impact
that the upcoming presidential election could have on the economy. The current
depressed state of these functional currencies has resulted in a devaluation of
the translated income statements for the quarter ended June 30, 2002. However,
this was partly offset by the benefit of a net US dollar receivable position in
these entities. The Company's Treasury function, under the guidance of a Risk
Management Committee, continuously monitors foreign exchange exposures, so that
Cabot can respond to changing economic and political environments and attempt to
minimize the impact of adverse currency movements.
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CABOT CORPORATION
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
The Company has exposure to a safety respiratory products business that
it acquired in April 1990. It disposed of that business in July 1995.
In connection with its acquisition of the business, the Company agreed,
after an initial period during which responsibility was shared, to
indemnify the seller, American Optical Corporation, ("American
Optical"), for costs, including legal costs, settlements and judgments,
in connection with a number of lawsuits and claims relating to the
respirators (in exchange for which the Company received the benefits of
the seller's insurance and other indemnities). These lawsuits and
claims typically involve allegations that the plaintiffs suffer from
asbestosis or silicosis as a result, in part, from respirators that
were negligently designed or labeled. The defendants in these lawsuits
are often numerous and include, in addition to respirator
manufacturers, makers of asbestos and sand used in sand blasting.
Neither the Company, nor its past or present subsidiaries, at any time
manufactured asbestos or asbestos-containing products. Moreover, not
every person with exposure to asbestos giving rise to an asbestos claim
used a form of respiratory protection. At no time did the business for
which the Company is financially responsible for legal costs represent
a significant portion of the respirator market. In addition, as a
result of the arrangements involving these lawsuits and claims, the
Company has only a portion of the liability in any given case.
When the Company disposed of the business in 1995 to Aearo Corporation
("Aearo"), it agreed with Aearo that for an annual fee of $400,000, the
Company would retain responsibility for, and indemnify Aearo against,
claims asserted after July 11, 1995 to the extent they are attributable
to the use of respirators sold before that date. Aearo can discontinue
payment of the fee at any time, in which case it will assume the
responsibility for and indemnify the Company with respect to these
claims. Since the divestiture and until fiscal 2001, the Company had
never spent more than the $400,000 that it collects from Aearo each
year. During the third quarter, the Company agreed to pay up to $2
million as its contribution toward a settlement involving up to 13,000
claimants in Mississippi. The Company expects to pay this amount over
the next eighteen months.
As of the beginning of calendar year 2002, there were approximately
28,000 claimants in pending cases asserting claims against American
Optical in connection with respirators. As of June 30, 2002 there were
approximately 38,000 claimants, which total includes a substantial
portion of the claims in the Mississippi settlement. Under the present
allocation arrangements, as claims are settled, Cabot would expect to
contribute toward settlement of a significant percentage, but not all,
of these claims.
As a result of the Mississippi settlement and the rate of new claims
which have been filed during the year, the Company has recorded a
charge of $5 million during the current quarter bringing its total
reserve for respirator matters to $6 million. In estimating its
liability, the Company made the following assumptions: (i) that future
settlements would continue at the historical rate of $320 per claimant;
(ii) while the actual number of claims for which Cabot contributes
depends upon a number of factors, that Cabot will continue to be
responsible for well over half of the total claims and (iii) that a
significant number of the outstanding claims are included in the
Mississippi settlement. This amount represents Cabot's best estimate of
the liability it will incur in connection with the settlement of
pending respirator claims. Cabot is unable to determine a range of
liabilities for the pending claims, however, because there is
uncertainty in the possible outcome of the cases.
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Because this is a very unpredictable area, Cabot is unable to estimate
the number of future claims or the range of liability that may be
incurred as a result of such claims on any reasonable basis. As a
result, the Company has not reserved for future claims at this time.
While in any given quarter the impact of these actions may be
significant, Cabot continues to believe that this issue will not have a
material impact on the Company's financial condition.
On July 29, 2002, a complaint involving a supply agreement between
Cabot and AVX, one of Cabot's tantalum customers, was filed in U.S.
District Court in Massachusetts by AVX Corporation. The complaint
alleges unfair and deceptive trade practices, breach of contract and
other related matters. The plaintiff seeks declaratory relief and
unspecified damages. Cabot believes that AVX's complaint is not
meritorious and that Cabot has valid defenses, which it intends to
assert vigorously.
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.
(a) EXHIBITS
4.1 Amendment dated July 12, 2002, to Rights Agreement, dated November 10,
1995, between the Company and Fleet Bank N. A. (formerly known as The
First National Bank of Boston.)
99.1 Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
(b) REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
The Company filed the following reports on Form 8-K during the quarter:
1. Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 6, 2002, as filed with the
Commission on June 10, 2002, reporting the resolution of the legal
dispute between the Registrant and Vishay Intertechnology,
Inc. and its subsidiaries.
2. Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 10, 2002, as filed with the
Commission on May 14, 2002, reporting the increase in the size of the
Company's share repurchase program.
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SIGNATURES
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.
CABOT CORPORATION
Date: August 14, 2002 By: /s/ Kennett F. Burnes
------------------------------------
Kennett F. Burnes
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
(Duly Authorized Officer)
Date: August 14, 2002 By: /s/ Eduardo E. Cordeiro
----------------------------------------
Eduardo E. Cordeiro
Controller
(Chief Accounting Officer)
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EXHIBITS
4.1 Amendment dated July 12, 2002, to Rights Agreement, dated November 10,
1995, between the Company and Fleet Bank N. A. (formerly known as The
First National Bank of Boston.)
99.1 Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.