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UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
|
|
x |
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO
SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
|
For the quarterly period ended April 1, 2005
OR
|
|
o |
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 001-15885
BRUSH ENGINEERED MATERIALS INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in charter)
|
|
|
Ohio
|
|
34-1919973 |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
|
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
|
17876 St. Clair Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio |
|
44110 |
(Address of principal executive offices) |
|
(Zip Code) |
216-486-4200
Registrants telephone number, including area code:
Indicate by check mark whether the
registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed
by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter
period that the registrant was required to file such reports),
and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for
the past
90 days. Yes x No o
Indicate by check mark whether the
registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in
Rule 12b-2 of the
Act). Yes x No o
As of April 29, 2005 there were 19,226,632 shares of
Common Stock, no par value, outstanding.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION
BRUSH ENGINEERED MATERIALS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
|
|
Item 1. |
Financial Statements |
The consolidated financial statements of Brush Engineered
Materials Inc. and its subsidiaries for the quarter ended
April 1, 2005 are as follows:
|
|
|
Consolidated Statements of Income
First Quarter ended April 1, 2005 and April 2, 2004
|
|
|
|
Consolidated Balance Sheets
April 1, 2005 and December 31, 2004
|
|
|
|
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Three months ended April 1, 2005 and April 2, 2004
|
|
|
1
Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First Quarter Ended | |
|
|
| |
|
|
April 1, | |
|
April 2, | |
(Dollars in thousands except share and per share amounts) |
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
| |
Net sales
|
|
$ |
130,372 |
|
|
$ |
125,862 |
|
|
Cost of sales
|
|
|
101,795 |
|
|
|
96,285 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross margin
|
|
|
28,577 |
|
|
|
29,577 |
|
|
Selling, general and administrative expense
|
|
|
18,701 |
|
|
|
19,048 |
|
|
Research and development expense
|
|
|
1,241 |
|
|
|
1,268 |
|
|
Other-net
|
|
|
2,211 |
|
|
|
3,190 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating profit
|
|
|
6,424 |
|
|
|
6,071 |
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
1,622 |
|
|
|
2,218 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income before income taxes
|
|
|
4,802 |
|
|
|
3,853 |
|
|
Income taxes
|
|
|
516 |
|
|
|
99 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
$ |
4,286 |
|
|
$ |
3,754 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Per share of common stock: basic
|
|
$ |
0.22 |
|
|
$ |
0.23 |
|
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding
|
|
|
19,197,476 |
|
|
|
16,618,565 |
|
Per share of common stock: diluted
|
|
$ |
0.22 |
|
|
$ |
0.22 |
|
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding
|
|
|
19,411,560 |
|
|
|
16,980,786 |
|
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
2
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Apr. 1, | |
|
Dec. 31, | |
(Dollars in thousands) |
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
| |
Assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
$ |
9,677 |
|
|
$ |
49,643 |
|
|
Accounts receivable
|
|
|
65,863 |
|
|
|
59,229 |
|
|
Inventories
|
|
|
99,650 |
|
|
|
95,271 |
|
|
Prepaid expenses
|
|
|
7,617 |
|
|
|
8,348 |
|
|
Deferred income taxes
|
|
|
24 |
|
|
|
275 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current assets
|
|
|
182,831 |
|
|
|
212,766 |
|
Other assets
|
|
|
14,172 |
|
|
|
14,876 |
|
Long-term deferred income taxes
|
|
|
925 |
|
|
|
928 |
|
Property, plant and equipment
|
|
|
542,768 |
|
|
|
540,937 |
|
|
Less allowances for depreciation, depletion and impairment
|
|
|
368,088 |
|
|
|
363,318 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
174,680 |
|
|
|
177,619 |
|
Goodwill
|
|
|
7,992 |
|
|
|
7,992 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
380,600 |
|
|
$ |
414,181 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities and Shareholders Equity
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Short-term debt
|
|
$ |
10,948 |
|
|
$ |
11,692 |
|
|
Current portion of long-term debt
|
|
|
636 |
|
|
|
19,209 |
|
|
Accounts payable
|
|
|
16,345 |
|
|
|
13,234 |
|
|
Other liabilities and accrued items
|
|
|
32,105 |
|
|
|
50,452 |
|
|
Unearned revenue
|
|
|
2,537 |
|
|
|
7,789 |
|
|
Income taxes
|
|
|
1,415 |
|
|
|
1,591 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current liabilities
|
|
|
63,986 |
|
|
|
103,967 |
|
Other long-term liabilities
|
|
|
9,789 |
|
|
|
10,798 |
|
Retirement and post-employment benefits
|
|
|
50,370 |
|
|
|
49,729 |
|
Long-term debt
|
|
|
41,515 |
|
|
|
41,549 |
|
Shareholders equity
|
|
|
214,940 |
|
|
|
208,138 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
380,600 |
|
|
$ |
414,181 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
3
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended | |
|
|
| |
|
|
April 1, | |
|
April 2, | |
(Dollars in thousands) |
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
| |
Net income
|
|
$ |
4,286 |
|
|
$ |
3,754 |
|
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in
operating activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
|
|
|
5,343 |
|
|
|
5,396 |
|
|
Amortization of deferred financing costs in interest expense
|
|
|
304 |
|
|
|
362 |
|
|
Derivative financial instrument ineffectiveness
|
|
|
(510 |
) |
|
|
482 |
|
|
Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable
|
|
|
(7,059 |
) |
|
|
(12,121 |
) |
|
Decrease (increase) in inventory
|
|
|
(5,024 |
) |
|
|
(7,684 |
) |
|
Decrease (increase) in prepaid and other current assets
|
|
|
941 |
|
|
|
(290 |
) |
|
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued expenses
|
|
|
(11,413 |
) |
|
|
2,437 |
|
|
Increase (decrease) in unearned revenue
|
|
|
(5,252 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
Increase (decrease) in interest and taxes payable
|
|
|
(1,600 |
) |
|
|
(1,147 |
) |
|
Increase (decrease) in other long-term liabilities
|
|
|
949 |
|
|
|
(1,128 |
) |
|
Other net
|
|
|
826 |
|
|
|
800 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in operating activities
|
|
|
(18,209 |
) |
|
|
(9,139 |
) |
Cash flows from investing activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payments for purchase of property, plant and equipment
|
|
|
(2,179 |
) |
|
|
(1,356 |
) |
|
Payments for mine development
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(90 |
) |
|
Purchase of equipment previously held under operating lease
|
|
|
(448 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
|
|
|
25 |
|
|
|
15 |
|
|
Other investments net
|
|
|
(16 |
) |
|
|
39 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in investing activities
|
|
|
(2,618 |
) |
|
|
(1,392 |
) |
Cash flows from financing activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from issuance/(repayment) of short-term debt
|
|
|
(717 |
) |
|
|
8,983 |
|
|
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
24 |
|
|
Repayment of long-term debt
|
|
|
(18,607 |
) |
|
|
(60 |
) |
|
Issuance of common stock under stock option plans
|
|
|
249 |
|
|
|
1,883 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities
|
|
|
(19,075 |
) |
|
|
10,830 |
|
Effects of exchange rate changes
|
|
|
(64 |
) |
|
|
(23 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
(39,966 |
) |
|
|
276 |
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
|
|
|
49,643 |
|
|
|
5,062 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
|
|
$ |
9,677 |
|
|
$ |
5,338 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
4
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
Note A Accounting Policies
In managements opinion, the accompanying consolidated
financial statements contain all adjustments necessary to
present fairly the financial position as of April 1, 2005
and December 31, 2004 and the results of operations for the
three month periods ended April 1, 2005 and April 2,
2004. All of the adjustments were of a normal and recurring
nature. Certain items in the prior year have been reclassified
to conform to the 2005 consolidated financial statement
presentation.
Note B Inventories
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Apr. 1, | |
|
Dec. 31, | |
(Dollars in thousands) |
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
| |
Principally average cost:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Raw materials and supplies
|
|
$ |
25,825 |
|
|
$ |
22,705 |
|
|
Work in process
|
|
|
75,805 |
|
|
|
77,438 |
|
|
Finished goods
|
|
|
30,135 |
|
|
|
27,538 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross inventories
|
|
|
131,765 |
|
|
|
127,681 |
|
Excess of average cost over LIFO
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Inventory value
|
|
|
32,115 |
|
|
|
32,410 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net inventories
|
|
$ |
99,650 |
|
|
$ |
95,271 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Note C Comprehensive Income
The reconciliation between net income and comprehensive income
for the three month periods ended April 1, 2005 and
April 2, 2004 is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First Quarter Ended | |
|
|
| |
|
|
Apr. 1, | |
|
Apr. 2, | |
(Dollars in thousands) |
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
| |
Net income
|
|
$ |
4,286 |
|
|
$ |
3,754 |
|
Cumulative translation adjustment
|
|
|
(874 |
) |
|
|
225 |
|
Change in the fair value of derivative financial instruments
|
|
|
3,261 |
|
|
|
928 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comprehensive income
|
|
$ |
6,673 |
|
|
$ |
4,907 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5
Note D Segment Reporting
Effective January 1, 2005, the operating results of Brush
Resources Inc. are included as part of the Metal Systems Group.
Previously, the operating results of Brush Resources were
included as part of All Other in the segment disclosures. Brush
Resources sells beryllium hydroxide, produced through its Utah
operations, to outside customers and to businesses within the
Metal Systems Group. This change is more reflective of how the
Companys businesses are evaluated. The 2004 amounts
presented below have been reclassified to reflect this change.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Metal | |
|
Micro- | |
|
Total | |
|
|
|
|
(Dollars in thousands) |
|
Systems | |
|
Electronics | |
|
Segments | |
|
All Other | |
|
Total | |
| |
First Quarter 2005
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues from external customers
|
|
$ |
79,481 |
|
|
$ |
50,891 |
|
|
$ |
130,372 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
130,372 |
|
Intersegment revenues
|
|
|
591 |
|
|
|
230 |
|
|
|
821 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
821 |
|
Operating profit
|
|
|
2,618 |
|
|
|
3,696 |
|
|
|
6,314 |
|
|
|
110 |
|
|
|
6,424 |
|
First Quarter 2004
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues from external customers
|
|
$ |
75,958 |
|
|
$ |
49,904 |
|
|
$ |
125,862 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
125,862 |
|
Intersegment revenues
|
|
|
1,214 |
|
|
|
296 |
|
|
|
1,510 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,510 |
|
Operating profit (loss)
|
|
|
2,598 |
|
|
|
5,489 |
|
|
|
8,087 |
|
|
|
(2,016 |
) |
|
|
6,071 |
|
Note E Income Taxes
A tax provision or benefit was not applied against the income
before income taxes in either the first quarter 2005 or 2004 for
certain domestic and foreign taxes as a result of the deferred
tax valuation allowance recorded in 2003 and previous periods in
accordance with Statement No. 109, Accounting for
Income Taxes due to the uncertainty regarding the full
utilization of the Companys deferred income taxes. The
valuation allowance was reduced offsetting a portion of the net
tax expense in both the first quarter 2005 and 2004. The Company
intends to maintain the valuation allowance until additional
realization events occur, including the generation of future
taxable income, that would support reversal of all or a portion
of the allowance. The tax expense was $0.5 million in the
first quarter 2005 and $0.1 million in the first quarter
2004. The tax expense for both periods represents taxes related
to various state and local jurisdictions and foreign taxes in
Japan and Singapore while the 2005 tax expense also includes
$0.2 million for the alternative minimum tax liability.
Note F Pensions and Other
Post-retirement Benefits
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pension Benefits | |
|
Other Benefits | |
|
|
First Quarter Ended | |
|
First Quarter Ended | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
Apr. 1, | |
|
Apr. 2, | |
|
Apr. 1, | |
|
Apr. 2, | |
(Dollars in thousands) |
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
| |
Components of net periodic benefit cost
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Service cost
|
|
$ |
1,168 |
|
|
$ |
1,060 |
|
|
$ |
86 |
|
|
$ |
70 |
|
Interest cost
|
|
|
1,833 |
|
|
|
1,725 |
|
|
|
629 |
|
|
|
696 |
|
Expected return on plan assets
|
|
|
(2,172 |
) |
|
|
(2,267 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortization of prior service cost
|
|
|
147 |
|
|
|
162 |
|
|
|
(28 |
) |
|
|
(28 |
) |
Amortization of net loss/(gain)
|
|
|
217 |
|
|
|
(3 |
) |
|
|
90 |
|
|
|
122 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net periodic benefit cost
|
|
$ |
1,193 |
|
|
$ |
677 |
|
|
$ |
777 |
|
|
$ |
860 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6
Note G Stock-Based Compensation
The Company has adopted the disclosure only provisions of
Statement No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation and applies the intrinsic value method in
accordance with APB Opinion No. 25, Accounting for
Stock Issued to Employees and related interpretations in
accounting for its stock incentive plan. In accordance with
Statement No. 148, Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation-Transition and Disclosure, the following
table presents the effect on net income and net income per share
had compensation cost for the Companys stock plans been
determined consistent with Statement No. 123.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First Quarter Ended | |
|
|
| |
|
|
April 1, | |
|
April 2, | |
(Dollars in thousands except per share amounts) |
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
| |
Net income, as reported
|
|
$ |
4,286 |
|
|
$ |
3,754 |
|
Less stock-based compensation expense determined under fair
value method for all stock options, net of related income tax
benefit
|
|
|
453 |
|
|
|
502 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pro forma net income
|
|
$ |
3,833 |
|
|
$ |
3,252 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic income per share, as reported
|
|
$ |
0.22 |
|
|
$ |
0.23 |
|
Diluted income per share, as reported
|
|
|
0.22 |
|
|
|
0.22 |
|
Basic income per share, pro forma
|
|
|
0.20 |
|
|
|
0.20 |
|
Diluted income per share, pro forma
|
|
|
0.20 |
|
|
|
0.19 |
|
The fair value was estimated on the grant date using the
Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following
assumptions for options issued:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First Quarter Ended | |
|
|
| |
|
|
April 1, | |
|
April 2, | |
|
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
| |
Risk free interest rates
|
|
|
5.00 |
% |
|
|
3.38 |
% |
Dividend yield
|
|
|
0 |
% |
|
|
0 |
% |
Volatility
|
|
|
41.9 |
% |
|
|
41.8 |
% |
Expected lives (in years)
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
6 |
|
Note H Indemnity Agreements
Williams Advanced Materials Inc. (WAM), a wholly owned
subsidiary, and a small number of WAMs customers are
defendants in a patent infringement legal case. WAM has provided
an indemnity agreement to certain of those customers under which
WAM will pay any damages awarded by the court. WAM believes it
has numerous and strong defenses applicable to both WAM and its
customers and is contesting this action. WAM has not made any
indemnification payments nor have they recorded a reserve for
losses under these agreements as of April 1, 2005. WAM does
not believe a range of potential losses, if any, can be
estimated at the present time.
Note I Subsequent Event
WAM, through its subsidiary in The Netherlands, purchased OMC
Scientific Holdings Limited (OMCS) of Limerick, Ireland for
approximately $4.0 million in early May 2005. OMCS provides
physical vapor deposition material cleaning and reconditioning
services to customers in the magnetic and optical data storage,
semiconductor and other markets in Europe.
7
|
|
Item 2. |
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations |
Overview
We are an integrated producer of engineered materials used in a
variety of high performance electrical, electronic, thermal and
structural applications. Major markets for our materials include
telecommunications and computer, automotive electronics,
magnetic and optical data storage, industrial components,
appliance, aerospace and defense.
Our sales in the first quarter 2005 were the highest quarterly
total since the first quarter 2001, which was the last full
quarter prior to the start of the significant decline in demand
from the telecommunications and computer market, our largest
market. Sales have now grown for nine consecutive quarters as
compared to the same quarter in the previous year. Gross margins
in the first quarter 2005, however, were unfavorably impacted by
changes in product mix and other factors. While the first
quarter 2005 gross margin percent was lower than it was in the
first quarter 2004, it was in line with the average margin
percent over the last three quarters of 2004. Our expenses in
the current quarter were below last years level. As a
result of the above, our operating profit improved 6% over the
year ago period. After incurring operating losses in the 2002 to
2003 time frame, we have now recorded an operating profit in
five consecutive quarters.
We continued to improve our capital structure in the quarter as
we reduced total outstanding debt by $19.4 million,
including the early repayment of two term loans totaling
$18.6 million. This debt reduction will have a positive
impact on our interest expense going forward. We also
strengthened our domestic defined benefit pension plan financial
position by making a $5.0 million contribution to the plan
during the quarter.
Results of Operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First Quarter | |
|
|
| |
(Millions, except per share data) |
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
Change | |
| |
Sales
|
|
$ |
130.4 |
|
|
$ |
125.9 |
|
|
$ |
4.5 |
|
Operating Profit
|
|
|
6.4 |
|
|
|
6.1 |
|
|
|
0.3 |
|
Net Income
|
|
|
4.3 |
|
|
|
3.8 |
|
|
|
0.5 |
|
Diluted E.P.S
|
|
$ |
0.22 |
|
|
$ |
0.22 |
|
|
|
|
|
Sales of $130.4 million in the first quarter 2005 grew 4%
over sales in the first quarter 2004 of $125.9 million and
represent a 12% increase over sales in the fourth quarter 2004.
Sales in the first quarter 2005 included $6.1 million under
the $18.0 million James Webb Space Telescope supply
contract compared to $0.9 million in the first quarter
2004. Demand from the telecommunications and computer and
automotive electronics markets, our largest two markets, was
sluggish in the first quarter 2005. This softness, which
continues to affect us in the second quarter 2005, was offset in
part by improved demand from other markets and applications,
including industrial components, optical media and data storage,
semiconductor and various new products.
International sales, which include sales from foreign operations
as well as direct exports from the United States, were
$42.5 million in the first quarter 2005 and
$42.3 million in the first quarter 2004, a growth rate of
less than 1%. Domestic sales grew 5% in the first quarter 2005
over the first quarter 2004.
Our sales are affected by metal prices, as changes in precious
metal prices and a significant portion of changes in base metal
prices (primarily copper and nickel) are passed on to customers.
Sales are also affected by foreign currency exchange rates, as
changes in the dollars value relative to other currencies
will result in an increase or decrease in the translated value
of foreign currency denominated sales. Precious and base metal
prices on average were higher while the dollar was weaker on
average versus the applicable currencies in the first quarter
2005 as compared to the first quarter 2004. We estimate that the
combination of these two factors accounted for approximately
$2.3 million of the increase in sales between periods.
8
The new sales order entry rate exceeded sales by a minor amount
during the first quarter 2005 and the order backlog was
relatively unchanged.
The gross margin was $28.6 million, or 22% of sales, in the
first quarter 2005, compared to $29.6 million, or 24% of
sales, in the first quarter 2004 as the gross margin declined
$1.0 million despite a $4.5 million increase in sales.
While the higher sales volumes served to improve margins by
approximately $1.1 million, other factors, including the
product mix effect, production levels and an increase in raw
material and other costs, combined to reduce margins by
$2.1 million, more than offsetting the benefits from the
higher sales volumes. The change in product mix was negative,
meaning that sales of various higher-margin generating products
declined while sales of lower-margin generating products
increased. Higher base metal prices, primarily copper and
nickel, could not be passed through to customers in all cases
due to price contracts, pricing practices in the international
markets and/or competitive pressures. Manufacturing overhead
costs were relatively unchanged in the first quarter 2005 from
the first quarter 2004.
Selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A) were
$18.7 million, or 14% of sales, in the first quarter 2005,
compared to $19.0 million, or 15% of sales, in the first
quarter 2004. Incentive compensation expense was approximately
$0.7 million lower in the first quarter 2005 than in the
first quarter 2004. The currency impact on the translation of
the foreign subsidiaries expenses was an unfavorable
$0.2 million. Other administrative expenses increased
slightly in the current quarter, including compliance costs with
Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
Research and development expense (R&D) of $1.2 million
in the first quarter 2005 was relatively unchanged from the
$1.3 million expense in the first quarter 2004. R&D
expense remained 1% of sales in both periods. Our R&D
efforts remain closely aligned with our marketing and
manufacturing operations to develop new products and improve
processes.
Other-net expense was $2.2 million in the first quarter
2005 versus $3.2 million in the first quarter 2004. The
difference in the valuation adjustment on the directors
deferred compensation plan between periods was a favorable
$0.6 million, primarily as a result of the relative
movements in the price of our common stock. We recorded a
valuation gain of $0.5 million in the first quarter 2005 on
the fair value of an interest rate swap contract that does not
qualify for hedge accounting; in the first quarter 2004 we
recorded a valuation loss of $0.5 million on this swap.
Offsetting a portion of these favorable differences was an
expense of $0.6 million for the write-off of deferred
financing costs associated with the early repayment of two term
loans in 2005. These costs were scheduled to be amortized
through the fourth quarter 2008 had the loans not been paid off.
Exchange losses were $1.2 million in both the first quarter
2005 and 2004. Net-other also includes metal financing fees, bad
debt expense, gains and losses on the disposal of fixed assets,
amortization of intangible assets, cash discounts and other
non-operating items.
We generated an operating profit of $6.4 million in the
first quarter 2005, a 6% improvement over the $6.1 million
profit in the first quarter 2004. This improvement resulted from
the margin earned on the higher sales and the lower SG&A,
R&D and net-other expenses offset in large part by the
unfavorable change in product mix and higher material and
production costs.
Interest expense was $1.6 million in the first quarter 2005
compared to $2.2 million in the first quarter 2004. The
lower expense was mainly due to the reduced level of outstanding
debt. Cash generated by operations during 2004 coupled with the
proceeds from a share offering in the third quarter 2004,
allowed for debt to be reduced from $108.1 million at the
end of the first quarter 2004 to $53.1 million by the end
of the first quarter 2005.
Income before income taxes was $4.8 million in the first
quarter 2005 and $3.9 million in the first quarter 2004, a
$0.9 million improvement.
A tax provision was not applied against the income or loss
before income taxes in the first quarter 2005 and the first
quarter 2004 for certain domestic and foreign taxes as a result
of the deferred tax valuation allowance recorded in previous
periods in accordance with Statement No. 109,
Accounting for Income Taxes, due to the uncertainty
regarding full utilization of the deferred income tax assets.
The valuation allowance was reduced, offsetting a portion of the
net tax expense, in the first quarter 2005 and the first quarter
9
2004. The $0.5 million of expense in the first quarter 2005
and the $0.1 million of expense in the first quarter 2004
represent taxes related to various state and local jurisdictions
and foreign taxes in Japan and Singapore. The first quarter 2005
expense also includes a $0.2 million expense for the
alternative minimum tax liability.
Net income was $4.3 million in the first quarter 2005, an
improvement of $0.5 million, or 14%, over the net income of
$3.8 million earned in the first quarter 2004.
However,diluted earnings per share of $0.22 in the first quarter
2005 were unchanged from the first quarter 2004 as a result of
the increased number of outstanding shares of our common stock.
We aggregate our businesses into two reportable
segments the Metal Systems Group and the
Microelectronics Group (MEG). Beginning in 2005, Brush Resources
Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary that manages our mining and
milling operations in Utah, is now included in the Metal Systems
Group while previously it was included in the All
Other column in the segment reporting details. We made
this change because we believe that the operating issues
affecting Brush Resources, the management of the operations and
the flow of materials are more closely aligned with the Metal
Systems Group and this change is more reflective of how the
operations are now managed. The segment results for the prior
year comparisons have been restated to reflect this change. Our
parent company and other corporate expenses, as well as the
operating results from BEM Services, Inc., a wholly owned
subsidiary, are not part of either segment and remain in the All
Other column. BEM Services charges a management fee for the
services it provides, primarily corporate, administrative and
financial oversight, to our other businesses on a cost-plus
basis.
The operating results within All Other improved
$2.1 million in the first quarter 2005 over the first
quarter 2004 primarily due to the differences in the valuation
adjustments in the directors compensation plan and the
interest rate swap as previously described, as well as
differences in the expense for incentive compensation and the
company-owned life insurance program, which was terminated in
2004.
Metal Systems Group
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First Quarter | |
|
|
| |
(Millions) |
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
Change | |
| |
Sales
|
|
$ |
79.5 |
|
|
$ |
76.0 |
|
|
$ |
3.5 |
|
Operating Profit
|
|
$ |
2.6 |
|
|
$ |
2.6 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
The Metal Systems Group, the larger of our two reportable
segments, accounting for over 60% of sales and total assets,
consists of Alloy Products, Technical Materials, Inc. (TMI),
Beryllium Products and Brush Resources Inc. The following chart
summarizes sales by business unit within the Metal Systems Group:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First Quarter | |
|
|
| |
(Millions) |
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
Change | |
| |
Alloy Products
|
|
$ |
52.6 |
|
|
$ |
52.5 |
|
|
$ |
0.1 |
|
TMI
|
|
|
12.7 |
|
|
|
13.8 |
|
|
|
(1.1 |
) |
Beryllium Products
|
|
|
14.2 |
|
|
|
9.7 |
|
|
|
4.5 |
|
Brush Resources
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$ |
79.5 |
|
|
$ |
76.0 |
|
|
$ |
3.5 |
|
Alloy Products manufactures two main product
families strip products and bulk products. Strip
products include precision strip and thin diameter rod and wire
copper and nickel beryllium alloys that are sold into the
telecommunications and computer, automotive and appliance
markets. Major applications for strip products include
connectors, contacts, switches, relays and shielding. Bulk
products are copper and nickel-based alloys manufactured in rod,
tube, plate, bar and other customized forms that are sold into
the industrial component market, which includes oil and gas,
plastic tooling and heavy equipment, as well as the portions of
the telecommunications and computer and other markets. The
majority of bulk products also contain beryllium. Applications
for bulk products include plastic mold tooling, bushings,
bearings and welding rods.
10
Sales by Alloy Products of $52.6 million in the first
quarter 2005 were slightly higher than the $52.5 million of
sales in the year ago period. Strip product sales volumes
declined 12% while bulk volumes grew 18% in the first quarter
2005 over the first quarter 2004. The fall-off in strip sales
volumes was due to weaker demand from the telecommunications and
computer and automotive electronic market. The growth in bulk
products sales volumes resulted from improved demand from the
industrial component market. New products and applications also
contributed to the sales growth, including sales of
non-beryllium-based alloy systems for heavy equipment
applications and other alloys for plastic tooling applications.
International sales of Alloy Products increased while domestic
sales declined in the first quarter 2005 from the first quarter
2004. New sales order entry for Alloy Products exceeded sales in
the first quarter 2005 by approximately $3.1 million.
TMI manufactures specialty strip products, including clad inlay
and overlay metals, precious and base metal electroplated
systems, electron beam welded systems, contour profiled systems
and solder coated systems. Applications for TMI products include
connectors, contacts and semiconductors. TMIs sales were
$12.7 million in the first quarter 2005 compared to
$13.8 million in the first quarter 2004, a 7% decrease,
with the majority of the decline in sales in the inlay product
line. Demand from the telecommunications and computer market,
TMIs second largest market behind automotive electronics,
was soft in the first quarter 2005, continuing the trend from
the fourth quarter 2004. This softness was due in part to
inventory corrections among our customers as well as their
customers further downstream in the supply chain. TMI also
continued its development work on new products and applications
to serve its large existing markets as well as its new emerging
markets, including energy and medical products. Sales of these
new products helped offset a portion of the decline in sales of
TMIs traditional products in the first quarter 2005.
Beryllium Products manufactures pure beryllium and beryllium
aluminum alloys in rod, tube, sheet and a variety of customized
forms. These materials have high stiffness and low density and
tend to be premium priced due to this unique combination of
properties. Sales by Beryllium Products were $14.2 million
in the first quarter 2005, a 46% increase over sales of
$9.7 million in the first quarter 2004. The increase was
due to shipments under the material supply contract for the
James Webb Space Telescope program as sales from the other
portions of this business declined slightly. This decline was
mainly in beryllium aluminum alloys and was partially due to
delays and stretch-outs in a variety of U.S. government
defense programs. Performance automotive sales were lower in the
first quarter 2005 than the first quarter 2004 as expected. We
believe that sales of Beryllium Products may slow down in the
second half of this year.
Brush Resources produces beryllium hydroxide for use as a raw
material input for our other businesses and for sale to external
customers. There were no external sales of beryllium hydroxide
during either the first quarter 2005 or 2004.
The gross margin on Metal System Group sales was
$19.8 million, or 25% of sales, in the first quarter 2005
compared to $19.4 million, or 26% of sales, in the first
quarter 2004. The higher sales volume generated an additional
$1.3 million in gross margin. The change in product mix was
unfavorable between the first quarter 2005 and the first quarter
2004. The unfavorable product mix effect was evident by a
decline in the sales of the higher beryllium-containing and
therefore higher-priced strip product alloys. A portion of the
bulk product sales growth was in the lower-priced and therefore
lower margin generating products. The mix effect within TMI was
unfavorable as well. The increase in copper and nickel costs
could not be passed through to Metal Systems customers in
all cases and, as a result, gross margin was reduced by an
estimated $0.7 million in the first quarter 2005 as
compared to the first quarter 2004. The cost of various
operating expenses, including utilities and certain chemicals,
was also higher in the current period than the year ago period.
Manufacturing overhead expenses were $0.4 million lower in
the first quarter 2005 than in the first quarter 2004, mainly in
manpower and rent costs at the Elmore plant.
The Metal Systems Groups SG&A, R&D and Other-net
expenses totaled $17.2 million in the first quarter 2005
and $16.6 million in the first quarter 2004. As a percent
of group sales, expenses were unchanged at 22% in each period.
The unfavorable translation impact on the foreign
subsidiaries expenses and an increase in various
administrative expenses were main causes of the higher expense
level in the first quarter
11
2005. Selling and marketing costs also were slightly higher in
the first quarter 2005 than the first quarter 2004. These higher
costs were partially offset by a $0.6 million reduction in
the incentive compensation expense.
Operating profit for the Metal Systems Group was
$2.6 million in both the first quarter 2005 and first
quarter 2004. The benefits from the higher sales were offset by
unfavorable changes in product mix, higher base metal costs and
an increase in SG&A expenses. Operating profit was
approximately 3% of sales in both periods.
Microelectronics Group
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First Quarter | |
|
|
| |
(Millions) |
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
Change | |
| |
Sales
|
|
$ |
50.9 |
|
|
$ |
49.9 |
|
|
$ |
1.0 |
|
Operating Profit
|
|
$ |
3.7 |
|
|
$ |
5.5 |
|
|
$ |
(1.8 |
) |
The MEG consists of Williams Advanced Materials Inc.
(WAM) and Electronic Products. The following chart
summarizes business unit sales within the MEG:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First Quarter | |
|
|
| |
(Millions) |
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
Change | |
| |
WAM
|
|
$ |
44.2 |
|
|
$ |
42.1 |
|
|
$ |
2.1 |
|
Electronic Products
|
|
|
6.7 |
|
|
|
7.8 |
|
|
|
(1.1 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$ |
50.9 |
|
|
$ |
49.9 |
|
|
$ |
1.0 |
|
WAM manufactures precious, non-precious and specialty metal
products, including vapor deposition targets, frame lid
assemblies, clad and precious metal preforms, high temperature
braze materials and ultra-fine wire. The cost of the precious
metal sold by WAM is passed through to its customers and WAM
generates its margin on its fabrication efforts and not on the
particular metal sold. In the first quarter 2005, metal prices,
on average, and gold in particular, were higher than in the
first quarter 2004, thereby increasing sales without a
proportional flow through to margins.
Sales from WAMs Brewster, New York facility for giant
magnetic resistance thin film and other applications within the
magnetic and optical data storage market accounted for the
majority of the growth in WAMs sales. Preform sales were
down from the year ago period due to lower demand from the
wireless handset market. Vapor deposition target sales were also
lower in the first quarter 2005 compared to the first quarter
2004. Sales of specialty alloys, while a relatively small
portion of WAMs business, increased significantly in the
current quarter. WAMs sales in the first quarter 2005 also
included shipments for new semiconductor applications;
additional product application work and qualification trials
continued for this growing market opportunity for WAMs
materials. Total new sales orders received for WAM products
equaled sales during the first quarter 2005.
Electronic Products includes Brush Ceramic Products Inc. and
Zentrix Technologies Inc., two wholly owned subsidiaries. These
operations produce beryllia ceramics, electronic packages and
circuitry for sale into the telecommunications and computer,
medical, electronics, automotive and defense markets. Sales from
Electronic Products were $6.7 million in the first quarter
2005, a $1.1 million (15%) reduction from the year ago
period. This decline was primarily due to lower sales of
electronic packages to the telecommunications and computer
market. Sales to the automotive market were lower as well in the
current period. Sales of beryllia ceramics also declined while
circuitry sales increased slightly in the first quarter 2005 as
compared to the first quarter 2004.
The gross margin on MEG sales was $9.2 million in the first
quarter 2005 compared to $10.9 million in the first quarter
2004, a decline of $1.7 million. As a percent of sales, the
margin also declined from 22% in the first quarter 2004 to 18%
in the first quarter 2005. The decline in gross margin was
partially due to an unfavorable change in the product mix. For
example, sales into the automotive market, which typically
generate higher margins, declined in the current quarter.
Competitive pressures on prices and therefore gross margins on
vapor deposition sales continued to increase in the first
quarter 2005. An unfavorable inventory
12
valuation adjustment was recorded in the first quarter 2005
further reducing the gross margins in that period. Manufacturing
overhead costs were essentially unchanged between periods.
The MEGs SG&A, R&D and Other-net expenses were
$5.5 million in the first quarter 2005, a slight increase
over the $5.4 million expense in the first quarter 2004.
Expenses were 11% of sales in both periods. A small increase in
administrative expenses was partially offset by a slight decline
in the incentive compensation expense.
Operating profit from the MEG was $3.7 million, or 7% of
group sales, in the first quarter 2005 and $5.5 million, or
11% of group sales, in the first quarter 2004.
Legal
One of our subsidiaries, Brush Wellman Inc., is a defendant in
proceedings in various state and federal courts brought by
plaintiffs alleging that they have contracted chronic beryllium
disease or other lung conditions as a result of exposure to
beryllium. Plaintiffs in beryllium cases seek recovery under
negligence and various other legal theories and seek
compensatory and punitive damages, in many cases of an
unspecified sum. Spouses, if any, claim loss of consortium.
The following table summarizes the associated activity with
beryllium cases.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quarter Ended | |
|
Year Ended | |
|
|
Apr. 1, 2005 | |
|
Dec. 31, 2004 | |
| |
Total cases pending
|
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
12 |
|
Total plaintiffs
|
|
|
61 |
|
|
|
56 |
|
Number of claims (plaintiffs) filed during period ended
|
|
|
4(5 |
) |
|
|
6(42 |
) |
Number of claims (plaintiffs) settled during period ended
|
|
|
0(0 |
) |
|
|
6(10 |
) |
Aggregate cost of settlements during period ended (dollars in
thousands)
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
370 |
|
Number of claims (plaintiffs) otherwise dismissed
|
|
|
(0 |
) |
|
|
3(9 |
) |
Number of claims (plaintiffs) voluntarily withdrawn
|
|
|
0(0 |
) |
|
|
0(0 |
) |
Settlement payment and dismissal for a single case may not occur
in the same period.
Additional beryllium claims may arise. Management believes that
we have substantial defenses in these cases and intends to
contest the suits vigorously. Employee cases, in which
plaintiffs have a high burden of proof, have historically
involved relatively small losses to us. Third party plaintiffs
(typically employees of customers or contractors) face a lower
burden of proof than do employees or former employees, but these
cases are generally covered by varying levels of insurance. A
reserve was recorded for beryllium litigation of
$2.2 million at April 1, 2005 and $1.9 million at
December 31, 2004. A receivable was recorded of
$2.3 million at April 1, 2005, unchanged from
December 31, 2004, from our insurance carriers as
recoveries for insured claims. An additional $0.4 million
was reserved at both April 1, 2005 and December 31,
2004 for insolvencies related to claims still outstanding as
well as claims for which partial payments have been received.
Although it is not possible to predict the outcome of the
litigation pending against us and our subsidiaries, we provide
for costs related to these matters when a loss is probable and
the amount is reasonably estimable. Litigation is subject to
many uncertainties, and it is possible that some of these
actions could be decided unfavorably in amounts exceeding our
reserves. An unfavorable outcome or settlement of a pending
beryllium case or additional adverse media coverage could
encourage the commencement of additional similar litigation. We
are unable to estimate our potential exposure to unasserted
claims.
While we are unable to predict the outcome of the current or
future beryllium proceedings, based upon currently known facts
and assuming collectibility of insurance, we do not believe that
resolution of these proceedings will have a material adverse
effect on our financial condition or cash flow. However, our
results of operations could be materially affected by
unfavorable results in one or more of these cases. As of
April 1, 2005, four purported class actions were pending.
13
Regulatory Matters. Standards for exposure to beryllium
are under review by the United States Occupational Safety and
Health Administration, and by private standard-setting
organizations. One result of these reviews might be more
stringent worker safety standards. More stringent standards may
affect buying decisions by the users of beryllium-containing
products. If the standards are made more stringent or our
customers decide to reduce their use of beryllium-containing
products, our operating results, liquidity and capital resources
could be materially adversely affected. The extent of the
adverse effect would depend on the nature and extent of the
changes to the standards, the cost and ability to meet the new
standards, the extent of any reduction in customer use and other
factors that cannot be estimated.
Financial Position
Net cash used in operating activities was $18.2 million in
the first quarter 2005 as changes in working capital items,
including increases to accounts receivable and inventory,
payment of the employee incentive compensation for 2004 and a
contribution to the domestic defined benefit pension plan, more
than offset net income and the benefits of depreciation and
amortization. Cash balances stood at $9.7 million at the
end of the first quarter 2005, a decrease of $40.0 million
from the prior year end as a result of the cash used in
operations and the funding of capital expenditures and debt
repayments.
Accounts receivable increased $6.6 million during the first
quarter 2005, in large part due to the higher sales. Sales in
the first quarter 2005 were 12% higher than sales in the fourth
quarter 2004. The days sales outstanding (DSO), a measure of the
average time to collect receivables, increased in the first
quarter 2005 from the quite low level in the fourth quarter
2004, and contributed to the increase in receivables. Accounts
written off to bad debt expense totaled $0.2 million in the
first quarter 2005.
Inventories increased by $4.4 million, or 5%, during the
first quarter 2005 in part to support the higher sales level.
However, the inventory turnover ratio, a measure of how quickly
inventory is sold on average, improved from the end of last
year. The increase in the first-in, first-out (FIFO) inventory
value was in the Metal Systems Group, with Alloy Products
accounting for the majority of the inventory build. Alloy
Products pounds in inventory increased by 2% during the first
quarter 2005. The MEG inventories declined 3% from year end.
Capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment totaled
$2.2 million in the first quarter 2005 as capital spending
remained below the level of depreciation. The Metal Systems
Group accounted for approximately 63% of the spending in the
current quarter. Spending within the Elmore, Ohio facility,
which supports all of the businesses within the Metal Systems
Group, was $0.7 million. Within the MEG, spending at the
various WAM facilities totaled $0.6 million. In addition to
the $2.2 million of capital spending, we purchased assets
for $0.4 million used by the MEG that previously were held
under an operating lease.
Other liabilities and accrued items declined $18.3 million
largely as a result of the payment in the first quarter 2005 of
the incentive compensation earned by employees in 2004 and a
$5.0 million contribution to the domestic defined benefit
pension plan. Offsetting a portion of this decline in other
liabilities and accruals were additional accruals for the 2005
incentive compensation plans and changes in other miscellaneous
accrual balances.
Unearned revenue, which is a liability representing products
invoiced to customers but not shipped, declined from
$7.8 million at December 31, 2004 to $2.5 million
at April 1, 2005. The majority of this balance relates to
the Webb telescope project, with the decline in the first
quarter 2005 resulting from shipments of products that were
previously invoiced exceeding new billings for unshipped
products during the quarter.
Other long-term liabilities of $9.8 million as of the end
of the first quarter 2005 were $1.0 million lower than at
the prior year end. This decline was due to changes in the fair
value of derivative financial instruments, primarily an interest
rate swap. The retirement and post-employment obligation balance
was $50.4 million at the end of the first quarter 2005
compared to $49.7 million at December 31, 2004. This
balance represents the long-term liability under our domestic
defined benefit pension plan, the retiree medical plan and other
retirement plans and post-employment obligations.
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Total balance sheet debt of $53.1 million at the end of the
first quarter was $19.4 million lower than at
December 31, 2004. We repaid two term notes totaling
$18.6 million during the first quarter 2005 that were
originally scheduled to be paid off in installments through
2008. We retain the ability to re-borrow these funds under the
revolving credit agreement up to amounts limited by the original
term notes amortization schedules. The notes were repaid
early using the cash balances on hand in order to reduce
interest expense going forward. As of April 1, 2005,
short-term debt totaled $10.9 million, which included
foreign currency denominated loans and a gold denominated loan,
while the current portion of long-term debt totaled
$0.6 million and long-term debt totaled $41.5 million.
We were in compliance with all of our debt covenants as of the
end of the first quarter 2005.
We received $0.2 million for the exercise of approximately
19,600 options to purchase shares of our common stock
during the first quarter 2005.
Total shareholders equity increased from
$208.1 million at the beginning of the first quarter to
$214.9 million at the end of the first quarter. The
increase was due primarily to comprehensive income of
$6.7 million (see Note C to the Consolidated Financial
Statements) and the exercise of options.
The balance outstanding under the off-balance sheet precious
metal consigned inventory arrangements increased
$3.3 million during the first quarter 2005, with
approximately 10% of this increase due to higher metal prices.
There have been no substantive changes in the summary of
contractual payments under long-term debt agreements, operating
leases and material purchase commitments as of April 1,
2005 from the year-end 2004 totals as disclosed on page 23
of our annual report to shareholders for the period ended
December 31, 2004.
Net cash used in operations was $9.1 million in the first
quarter 2004 due to increases in working capital items,
primarily accounts receivable and inventory. Receivables grew
$12.0 million due to the higher sales volume in the quarter
and a slower DSO. Total inventories increased $7.7 million,
or 9%, in the first quarter 2004, although the inventory
turnover period improved. The majority of the inventory increase
was in the Metal Systems Group. Capital expenditures were
$1.4 million in the first quarter 2004. Accounts payable
and other liabilities and accrued items increased
$4.3 million due to changes in business levels. Balance
sheet debt totaled $108.1 million at the end of the first
quarter 2004, an increase of $9.0 million during that
quarter, which primarily resulted from supporting the increase
in working capital items. We received $1.9 million for the
exercise of employee stock options during the first quarter
2004. The cash balance stood at $5.3 million at the end of
the first quarter 2004, an increase of $0.2 million during
that period.
We believe funds from operations and the available borrowing
capacity are adequate to support operating requirements, capital
expenditures, projected pension plan contributions and
environmental remediation projects. Our debt to total capital
ratio improved during the first quarter 2005. We had
approximately $78.3 million of available borrowing capacity
under the existing lines of credit as of April 1, 2005.
Critical Accounting Policies
Deferred Taxes: A valuation allowance was initially
recorded against domestic and certain foreign deferred tax
assets in the fourth quarter 2002 as a result of our then recent
cumulative losses. The valuation allowance was adjusted in 2003
and 2004 and charged or credited to income or other
comprehensive income as appropriate. The valuation allowance was
reduced in the first quarter 2005, offsetting a portion of the
tax expense that would have been recorded against pre-tax
income. In subsequent periods when we generate pre-tax income, a
federal tax expense will not be recorded to the extent that the
remaining valuation allowance can be used to offset that
expense. Once a consistent pattern of pre-tax income is
established or other events occur that indicate that the
deferred tax assets will be realized, additional portions or all
of the remaining valuation allowance will be reversed back to
income. Should we generate pre-tax losses in subsequent periods,
a tax benefit will not be recorded and the valuation allowance
will be increased. Despite the valuation allowance, we retain
the ability to utilize the benefits of the domestic loss
carry-forwards and other deferred tax assets on future tax
returns.
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For additional information regarding this and other critical
accounting policies, please refer to pages 24 to 26 of our
annual report to shareholders for the period ended
December 31, 2004.
Market Risk Disclosures
We are exposed to movements in base metal prices, primarily
copper. Copper prices remained quite high in the first quarter
2005. Portions of this exposure are covered by passing the
change in prices through to our customers. In the first quarter
2005, we entered into derivative contracts to hedge against
further adverse movements in copper prices for a portion of our
estimated 2005 exposure.
For additional information regarding market risks, please refer
to pages 26 and 27 of our annual report to shareholders for
the period ended December 31, 2004.
Outlook
Despite soft demand from portions of our two largest markets, we
recorded our highest quarterly sales in four years. Our sales
backlog remained relatively unchanged during the first quarter
2005, as the new sales order entry rate in the quarter was
slightly higher than this high level of sales. The remaining
$5.8 million portion of the Webb telescope supply contract
is scheduled to be shipped during the balance of this year. We
also anticipate making shipments of beryllium hydroxide over the
balance of this year as well. We continue to make progress in
developing new products and applications and these programs are
contributing to our sales growth. Projecting the sales for the
balance of 2005 is difficult as it somewhat dependent upon how
quickly demand from the telecommunications and computer and
automotive electronics markets improve and how quickly various
markets accept our new products. However, currently, we are
projecting annual sales to be 4% to 8% higher in 2005 than in
2004.
Profitability will continue to be hampered somewhat to the
extent that copper and other material costs remain high and that
higher cost cannot be passed through to the customer. In
addition, the lower margins from the unfavorable change in
product mix could potentially continue as well, as we continue
to face stiff price competition in many of our markets. Other
cost pressures, including energy, may continue to have a
negative impact on margins and profitability. However, we will
continue to work towards improving manufacturing yields and
efficiencies in order to offset these cost pressures and we
believe our cost control measures and practices will help
minimize the impact of these pressures on our expense levels.
Forward-Looking Statements
Portions of the narrative set forth in this document that are
not statements of historical or current facts are
forward-looking statements. Our actual future performance may
materially differ from that contemplated by the forward-looking
statements as a result of a variety of factors. These factors
include, in addition to those mentioned elsewhere herein:
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The global economy; |
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The condition of the markets which we serve, whether defined
geographically or by segment, with the major market segments
being telecommunications and computer, automotive electronics,
magnetic and optical data storage, aerospace and defense,
industrial components and appliance; |
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Changes in product mix and the financial condition of customers; |
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Our success in implementing our strategic plans and the timely
and successful completion of any capital projects; |
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The availability of adequate lines of credit and the associated
interest rates; |
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Other financial factors, including cost and availability of
materials, tax rates, exchange rates, pension costs, energy
costs, regulatory compliance costs, and the cost and
availability of insurance; |
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The uncertainties related to the impact of war and terrorist
activities; |
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Changes in government regulatory requirements and the enactment
of new legislation that impacts our obligations; and, |
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The conclusion of pending litigation matters in accordance with
our expectation that there will be no material adverse effects. |
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Item 3. |
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk |
For information regarding the Companys market risks,
please refer to pages 26 and 27 of the Companys
annual report to shareholders for the period ended
December 31, 2004.
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Item 4. |
Controls and Procedures |
We carried out an evaluation under the supervision and with
participation of management, including the Chief Executive
Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the
design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures
as of April 1, 2005 pursuant to Rule 13a-15(b) under
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Based upon that
evaluation, our management, including the Chief Executive
Officer and Chief Financial Officer, concluded that our
disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the
evaluation date.
There have been no changes in our internal controls over
financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation
required by Rule 13a-15 under the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, as amended, that occurred during the quarter ended
April 1, 2005 that have materially affected, or are
reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control
over financial reporting.
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PART II OTHER INFORMATION
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Item 1. |
Legal Proceedings |
The Company and our subsidiaries are subject, from time to time,
to a variety of civil and administrative proceedings arising out
of our normal operations, including, without limitation, product
liability claims, health, safety and environmental claims and
employment-related actions. Among such proceedings are the cases
described below.
Beryllium Claims
As of April 1, 2005, our subsidiary, Brush Wellman Inc.,
was a defendant in 16 proceedings in various state and
federal courts brought by plaintiffs alleging that they have
contracted, or have been placed at risk of contracting, chronic
beryllium disease or other lung conditions as a result of
exposure to beryllium. Plaintiffs in beryllium cases seek
recovery under negligence and various other legal theories and
seek compensatory and punitive damages, in many cases of an
unspecified sum. Spouses of some plaintiffs claim loss of
consortium.
During the first quarter of 2005, the number of beryllium cases
increased from 12 (involving 56 plaintiffs) as of
December 31, 2004 to 16 cases (involving
61 plaintiffs) as of April 1, 2005. During the first
quarter, three third party cases (involving 4 plaintiffs)
were filed. One purported class action (involving one named
plaintiff) was filed. No cases were settled or dismissed during
the quarter.
The 16 pending beryllium cases as of April 1, 2005 fall
into two categories: 12 cases involving third-party
individual plaintiffs, with 20 individuals (and six spouses
who have filed claims as part of their spouses case and
two children who have filed claims as part of their
parents case); and four purported class actions, involving
33 plaintiffs, as discussed more fully below. Claims
brought by third party plaintiffs (typically employees of our
customers or contractors) are generally covered by varying
levels of insurance.
The first purported class action is Manuel Marin,
et al. v. Brush Wellman Inc., filed in Superior
Court of California, Los Angeles County, case number BC299055,
on July 15, 2003. The named plaintiffs are Manuel Marin,
Lisa Marin, Garfield Perry and Susan Perry. The defendants are
Brush Wellman, Appanaitis Enterprises, Inc. and Doe Defendants 1
through 100. A First Amended Complaint was filed on
September 15, 2004, naming five additional plaintiffs. The
five additional named plaintiffs are Robert Thomas, Darnell
White, Leonard Joffrion, James Jones and John Kesselring. The
plaintiffs allege that they have been sensitized to beryllium
while employed at the Boeing Company. The plaintiffs wives
claim loss of consortium. The plaintiffs purport to represent
two classes of approximately 250 members each, one consisting of
workers who worked at Boeing or its predecessors and are
beryllium sensitized and the other consisting of their spouses.
They have brought claims for negligence, strict
liability design defect, strict
liability failure to warn, fraudulent concealment,
breach of implied warranties, and unfair business practices. The
plaintiffs seek injunctive relief, medical monitoring, medical
and health care provider reimbursement, attorneys fees and
costs, revocation of business license, and compensatory and
punitive damages. Messrs. Marin, Perry, Thomas, White,
Joffrion, Jones and Kesselring represent current and past
employees of Boeing in California; and Ms. Marin and
Ms. Perry are spouses.
The second purported class action is Neal Parker,
et al. v. Brush Wellman Inc., filed in Superior
Court of Fulton County, State of Georgia, case number
2004CV80827, on January 29, 2004. The case was removed to
the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of
Georgia, case number 04-CV-606, on March 4, 2004. The
named plaintiffs are Neal Parker, Wilbert Carlton, Stephen King,
Ray Burns, Deborah Watkins, Leonard Ponder, Barbara King and
Patricia Burns. The defendants are Brush Wellman; Schmiede
Machine and Tool Corporation; Thyssenkrupp Materials NA Inc.,
d/b/a Copper and Brass Sales; Axsys Technologies, Inc.; Alcoa,
Inc.; McCann Aerospace Machining Corporation; Cobb Tool, Inc.;
and Lockheed Martin Corporation. Messrs. Parker, Carlton,
King and Burns and Ms. Watkins are current employees of
Lockheed. Mr. Ponder is a retired employee, and
Ms. King and Ms. Burns are family members. The
plaintiffs have brought claims for negligence, strict liability,
fraudulent concealment, civil conspiracy and punitive damages.
The plaintiffs seek a permanent injunction requiring the
defendants to fund a court-supervised medical monitoring program,
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attorneys fees and punitive damages. On March 29,
2005, the Court entered an order directing plaintiffs to amend
their pleading to segregate out those plaintiffs who have
endured only subclinical, cellular, and subcellular effects from
those who have sustained actionable tort injuries, and that
following such amendment, the Court will enter an order
dismissing the claims asserted by the former subset of
claimants; dismissing Count I of the complaint, which sought the
creation of a medical monitoring fund; and dismissing the claims
against defendant Axsys Technologies Inc.
The third purported class action is George Paz,
et al. v. Brush Engineered Materials Inc.,
et al., filed in the U.S. District Court for
the Southern District of Mississippi, case number 1:04CV597
on June 30, 2004. The named plaintiffs are George Paz,
Barbara Faciane, Joe Lewis, Donald Jones, Ernest Bryan, Gregory
Condiff, Karla Condiff, Odie Ladner, Henry Polk, Roy Tootle,
William Stewart, Margaret Ann Harris, Judith Lemon, Theresa
Ladner and Yolanda Paz. The defendants are Brush Engineered
Materials Inc.; Brush Wellman Inc.; Wess-Del, Inc.; and the
Boeing Company. Plaintiffs seek the establishment of a medical
monitoring trust fund as a result of their alleged exposure to
products containing beryllium, attorneys fees and
expenses, and general and equitable relief. The plaintiffs
purport to sue on behalf of a class of present or former Defense
Contract Management Administration (DCMA) employees who
conducted quality assurance work at Stennis Space Center and the
Boeing Company at its facility in Canoga Park, California;
present and former employees of Boeing at Stennis; and spouses
and children of those individuals. Messrs. Paz and Lewis
and Ms. Faciane represent current and former DCMA employees
at Stennis. Mr. Jones represents DCMA employees at Canoga
Park. Messrs. Bryan, Condiff, Ladner, Park, Polk, Tootle
and Stewart and Ms. Condiff represent Boeing employees at
Stennis. Ms. Harris, Ms. Lemon, Ms. Ladner and
Ms. Paz are family members. The Company filed a Motion to
Dismiss on September 28, 2004, which was granted and
judgment was entered on January 11, 2005; however, the
plaintiffs have filed an appeal.
The fourth purported class action is Gary Anthony v. Brush
Wellman Inc., et al., filed in the Court of Common
Pleas of Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, case number 01718 on
March 3, 2005. The case was removed to the
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of
Pennsylvania, case number 05-CV-1202, on March 14,
2005. The only named plaintiff is Gary Anthony. The defendants
are Brush Wellman Inc., Gary Kowalski, and Dickinson &
Associates Manufacturers Representatives. The plaintiff purports
to sue on behalf of a class of current and former employees of
the U.S. Gauge facility in Sellersville, Pennsylvania who
have ever been exposed to beryllium for a period of at least one
month while employed at U.S. Gauge. The plaintiff has
brought claims for negligence. Plaintiff seeks the establishment
of a medical monitoring trust fund, cost of publication of
approved guidelines and procedures for medical screening and
monitoring of the class, attorneys fees and expenses.
Other Claims
One of the Companys subsidiaries, Williams Advanced
Materials, Inc. (WAM) is a party to patent litigation with
Target Technology Company, LLC (Target). In first actions filed
in April 2003 by WAM against Target in the U.S. District
Court, Western District of New York, consolidated under case
number 03-CV-0276A(SR), WAM has asked the court for a judgment
declaring certain Target patents as invalid and/or unenforceable
and awarding WAM damages in related cases. Target has
counterclaimed alleging infringement and seeking a judgment for
infringement, an injunction against further infringement and
damages for past infringement. In September 2004, Target filed a
separate action for patent infringement in U.S. District
Court, Central District of California, case number SACV04-1083
DOC (MLGx), which action named as defendants, among others, WAM
and WAM customers who purchase certain WAM alloys used in the
production of DVDs. In the California action, Target alleges
that the patent at issue, which is related to the patents at
issue in the New York action, protects the use of certain silver
alloys to make the semi-reflective layer in DVDs, and that in
DVD-9s, a metal film is applied to the semi-reflective layer by
a sputtering process, and that raw material for the procedure is
called a sputtering target. Target alleges that WAM manufactures
and sells sputtering targets made of a silver alloy to DVD
manufacturers with knowledge that these targets are used by its
customers to manufacture the semi-reflective layer of a DVD-9.
In that action, Target seeks judgment that its patent is valid
and that it is being infringed by the defendants, an injunction
permanently
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restraining the defendants, damages adequate to compensate
plaintiff for the infringement, treble damages, and
attorneys fees and costs.
(a) Exhibits
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Computation of per share earnings |
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31.1 |
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Rule 13a-14(a) Certification |
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31.2 |
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Rule 13a-14(a) Certification |
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32.1 |
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Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as
Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
of 2002 |
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32.2 |
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Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as
Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
of 2002 |
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.
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BRUSH ENGINEERED MATERIALS INC. |
Dated: May 5, 2005
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/s/ John D. Grampa |
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John D. Grampa
Vice President Finance
and Chief Financial Officer |
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