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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 March 31, 2004

 

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 1-1657

 

CRANE CO.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware   13-1952290
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  (I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
100 First Stamford Place, Stamford, CT   06902
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (203) 363-7300

 

(Not Applicable)

 

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

 

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

Yes x No ¨

 

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

Yes x No ¨

 

The number of shares outstanding of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of April 28, 2004:

 

Common stock, $1.00 Par Value – 59,538,784 shares

 



Part I – Financial Information

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

 

Crane Co. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(In Thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,


 
     2004

    2003

 

Net sales

   $ 448,306     $ 376,470  

Operating costs and expenses:

                

Cost of sales

     305,926       257,275  

Selling, general and administrative

     103,702       91,016  
    


 


       409,628       348,291  

Operating profit

     38,678       28,179  

Other income (expense):

                

Interest income

     222       189  

Interest expense

     (6,541 )     (3,944 )

Miscellaneous – net

     (218 )     (165 )
    


 


       (6,537 )     (3,920 )

Income before income taxes

     32,141       24,259  

Provision for income taxes

     9,964       7,763  
    


 


Net income

   $ 22,177     $ 16,496  
    


 


Basic and diluted net income per share:

                

Net income

   $ .37     $ .28  
    


 


Average basic shares outstanding

     59,544       59,400  

Average diluted shares outstanding

     60,418       59,455  

Dividends per share

   $ .10     $ .10  

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

2


Part I – Financial Information

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

 

Crane Co. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In Thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

     March 31,
2004


  

December 31,

2003


Assets

             

Current Assets

             

Cash and Cash Equivalents

   $ 39,081    $ 142,518

Accounts Receivable

     280,353      248,492

Inventories:

             

Finished goods

     85,697      80,017

Finished parts and subassemblies

     51,399      48,725

Work in process

     40,893      33,057

Raw materials

     75,694      73,632
    

  

       253,683      235,431

Other Current Assets

     35,744      35,335
    

  

Total Current Assets

     608,861      661,776

Property, Plant and Equipment:

             

Cost

     770,139      765,269

Less accumulated depreciation

     470,085      462,631
    

  

       300,054      302,638

Other Assets

     250,013      254,398

Intangible Assets

     60,536      56,725

Goodwill

     579,113      536,239
    

  

Total Assets

   $ 1,798,577    $ 1,811,776
    

  

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Continued)

 

3


Part I – Financial Information

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

 

Crane Co. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In Thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

    

March 31,

2004


   

December 31,

2003


 

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

                

Current Liabilities

                

Current maturities of long-term debt

   $ 8     $ 100,275  

Loans payable

     77,561       —    

Accounts payable

     133,817       116,885  

Accrued liabilities

     170,477       171,438  

U.S. and foreign taxes on income

     34,174       29,976  
    


 


Total Current Liabilities

     416,037       418,574  

Long-Term Debt

     296,065       295,861  

Accrued Pension and Postretirement Benefits

     39,923       39,742  

Deferred Tax Liability

     58,630       57,738  

Other Liabilities

     204,287       213,610  

Preferred Shares, par value $.01; 5,000,000 shares authorized

     —         —    

Common Shareholders’ Equity:

                

Common stock, par value $1.00; 200,000,000 shares authorized, 72,426,139 shares issued

     72,426       72,426  

Capital surplus

     108,076       108,095  

Retained earnings

     855,812       838,678  

Accumulated other comprehensive gain

     48,728       51,034  

Common stock held in treasury

     (301,407 )     (283,982 )
    


 


Total Common Shareholders’ Equity

     783,635       786,251  
    


 


Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

   $ 1,798,577     $ 1,811,776  
    


 


Common Stock Issued

     72,426       72,426  

Less Common Stock held in Treasury

     (13,158 )     (12,750 )
    


 


Common Stock Outstanding

     59,268       59,676  
    


 


 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

4


Part I – Financial Information

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

 

Crane Co. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(In Thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31


 
     2004

    2003

 

Operating activities:

                

Net income

   $ 22,177     $ 16,496  

Income from joint venture

     (534 )     (371 )

Depreciation and amortization

     13,798       12,364  

Deferred income taxes

     (297 )     (255 )

Asbestos-related payments

     (3,814 )     (421 )

Cash used for operating working capital

     (29,474 )     (4,159 )

Other

     (3,958 )     (1,033 )
    


 


Total (used for) provided from operating activities

     (2,102 )     22,621  
    


 


Investing activities:

                

Capital expenditures

     (5,144 )     (6,484 )

Payments for acquisitions

     (50,630 )     —    

Proceeds from divestitures

     —         1,200  

Proceeds from disposition of capital assets

     174       344  
    


 


Total used for investing activities

     (55,600 )     (4,940 )

Financing activities:

                

Equity:

                

Dividends paid

     (5,953 )     (5,945 )

Settlement of shares-open market

     (23,466 )     (6,116 )

Settlement of shares-stock incentive programs

     (1,045 )     (592 )

Stock options exercised

     7,587       952  
    


 


Net equity

     (22,877 )     (11,701 )

Debt:

                

Repayments of long-term debt

     (100,304 )     (365 )

Net increase in short-term debt

     77,561       1,397  
    


 


Net debt

     (22,743 )     1,032  
    


 


Total used for financing activities

     (45,620 )     (10,669 )

Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents

     (115 )     656  
    


 


(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

     (103,437 )     7,668  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     142,518       36,589  
    


 


Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 39,081     $ 44,257  
    


 


Detail of Cash Provided from Operating Activities

                

Working Capital:

                

Accounts receivable

   $ (25,230 )   $ (9,796 )

Inventories

     (6,308 )     (4,819 )

Other current assets

     (810 )     (833 )

Accounts payable

     10,004       10,029  

Accrued liabilities

     (11,340 )     (3,316 )

U.S. and foreign taxes on income

     4,210       4,576  
    


 


Total

   $ (29,474 )   $ (4,159 )
    


 


Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

                

Interest paid

   $ 10,211     $ 4,352  

Income taxes paid

     5,765       3,261  

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

5


Part I – Financial Information

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial reporting and the instructions to Form 10-Q and, therefore, reflect all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim period presented. These interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003.

 

1. Segment Results

 

Net sales and operating profit by segment are as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,


 
(In Thousands)    2004

    2003

 

Net Sales

                

Aerospace & Electronics

   $ 119,277     $ 87,374  

Engineered Materials

     69,010       62,886  

Merchandising Systems

     39,450       37,606  

Fluid Handling

     203,888       173,468  

Controls

     16,753       15,210  

Intersegment Elimination

     (72 )     (74 )
    


 


Total

   $ 448,306     $ 376,470  
    


 


Operating Profit (Loss)

                

Aerospace & Electronics

   $ 20,222     $ 16,871  

Engineered Materials

     15,531       12,964  

Merchandising Systems

     474       (2,118 )

Fluid Handling

     8,727       7,426  

Controls

     889       398  

Corporate

     (7,165 )     (7,362 )
    


 


Total

   $ 38,678     $ 28,179  
    


 


 

6


Part I - Financial Information

Item 1. Financial Statements

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

2. Stock-Based Compensation Plans

 

The Company has two stock-based compensation plans: the Stock Incentive Plan and the Non-Employee Director Stock Compensation Plan. In accounting for its stock-based compensation plans, the Company applies the intrinsic value method prescribed by APB No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees.” Intrinsic value is the amount by which the market price of the underlying stock exceeds the exercise price of the stock option or award on the measurement date, generally the date of grant. No stock-based employee compensation expense is reflected in net income, as all options granted under the plans had an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant. The pro forma net income and earnings per share listed below reflect the impact of measuring compensation expense for options granted in the three-month periods ended March 31, 2004 and 2003 in accordance with the fair-value-based method prescribed by SFAS 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” and amended by SFAS 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation – Transition and Disclosure.” These amounts may not be representative of future years’ amounts, as options vest over a three-year period and, generally, additional awards are made each year.

 

    

Three Months Ended

March 31,


 
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)    2004

    2003

 

Net income as reported

   $ 22,177     $ 16,496  

Less: Compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of tax effects

     (836 )     (1,175 )
    


 


     $ 21,341     $ 15,321  
    


 


Pro forma – Basic and diluted net income per share:

                

As reported

   $ 0.37     $ 0.28  

Pro forma

     0.36       0.26  

 

3. Goodwill and Intangible Assets

 

Changes to goodwill and intangible assets during the three-month period ended March 31, 2004 follow.

 

(In Thousands)    Goodwill

   Intangible
Assets


 

Balance at December 31, 2003, net of accumulated amortization

   $ 536,239    $ 56,725  

Additions

     41,802      5,145  

Translation and other adjustments

     1,072      652  

Amortization expense

     —        (1,986 )
    

  


Balance at March 31, 2004, net of accumulated amortization

   $ 579,113    $ 60,536  
    

  


 

7


Part I - Financial Information

Item 1. Financial Statements

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

Changes to goodwill and intangible assets during the year ended December 31, 2003 follow.

 

(In Thousands)    Goodwill

   Intangible
Assets


 

Balance at December 31, 2002, net of accumulated amortization

   $ 410,356    $ 46,093  

Additions

     118,025      13,845  

Translation and other adjustments

     7,858      4,198  

Amortization expense

     —        (7,411 )
    

  


Balance at December 31, 2003, net of accumulated amortization

   $ 536,239    $ 56,725  
    

  


 

Goodwill increased $41.8 million during the three-month period ended March 31, 2004 primarily due to the acquisition of P.L. Porter Co. in January 2004.

 

Intangible assets totaled $60.5 million, net of accumulated amortization of $39.0 million at March 31, 2004. Of this amount, $9.2 million represents intangibles with indefinite useful lives, consisting of trade names which are not being amortized under SFAS No. 142.

 

A summary of intangible assets follows:

 

     March 31, 2004

   December 31, 2003

(In Thousands)   

Gross

Asset


  

Accumulated

Amortization


  

Gross

Asset


  

Accumulated

Amortization


Intellectual rights

   $ 80,079    $ 30,909    $ 74,366    $ 29,755

Drawings

     10,225      4,797      10,225      4,240

Other

     9,221      3,283      9,230      3,101
    

  

  

  

     $ 99,525    $ 38,989    $ 93,821    $ 37,096
    

  

  

  

 

Amortization expense for these intangible assets is expected to be approximately $7.7 million in 2005, $5.6 million in 2006, $4.9 million in 2007, $4.4 million in 2008 and $4.0 million in 2009.

 

4. Acquisitions & Divestitures

 

In January, 2004, the Company acquired P.L. Porter Co. (“Porter”) for a purchase price of $45 million. The fair value estimates of assets acquired and liabilities assumed will be finalized within one year from the transaction date. Porter is a leading manufacturer of motion control products for airline seating and is located in Woodland Hills, California. Porter holds leading positions in both electromechanical actuation and hydraulic/mechanical actuation for aircraft seating, selling directly to seat manufacturers and to the airlines. Electrically powered seat actuation systems provide motive power and control features required by premium class passengers on competitive international routes. Porter products not only provide passenger comfort with seat back and foot rest adjustment, but also control advanced features such as lumbar support and in-seat massage. In addition to seats installed in new aircraft, airlines refurbish and replace seating several times during an aircraft’s life along with maintenance and repair requirements. Porter’s 2003 annual sales were approximately $32 million.

 

8


Part I - Financial Information

Item 1. Financial Statements

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

Porter will provide the core for a new solution set provided by the Aerospace & Electronics Segment, Cabin Solutions.

 

Also in January, 2004, the Company acquired the Hattersley valve brand and business together with certain related intellectual property and assets from Hattersley Newman Hender, Ltd., a subsidiary of Tomkins plc. Hattersley branded products include an array of valves for commercial, industrial and institutional construction projects. This business is being integrated into Crane Ltd. which is part of the Fluid Handling Segment.

 

5. Comprehensive Income

 

Total comprehensive income for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2004 and 2003 is as follows:

 

    

Three Months Ended

March 31,


(In Thousands)    2004

    2003

Net income

   $ 22,177     $ 16,496

Foreign currency translation adjustments

     (2,306 )     5,169
    


 

Comprehensive income

   $ 19,871     $ 21,665
    


 

 

6. Asbestos Liability

 

As of March 31, 2004, the Company was a defendant, among a number of defendants, typically over 50 and frequently in the hundreds, in cases filed in various state and federal courts alleging injury or death as a result of exposure to asbestos. Activity related to asbestos claims during the periods indicated was as follows:

 

    

Year Ended

December 31,
2003


   

Three months ended

March 31, 2004


   

Three months ended

March 31, 2003


 

Beginning claims

   54,038     68,606     54,038  

New claims

   19,115     3,769     8,349  

Settlements

   (3,883 )   (237 )   (128 )

Dismissals

   (664 )   (257 )   (162 )
    

 

 

Ending claims

   68,606     71,881     62,097  
    

 

 

 

Of the 71,881 pending claims as of March 31, 2004, approximately 25,000 claims are pending in New York and approximately 30,000 claims are pending in Mississippi. These filings typically do not identify any of the Company’s products as a source of asbestos exposure. A substantial majority of the New York claims have been placed on a deferred docket and are ineligible for trial on the merits without medical evidence of asbestos-related disease.

 

Generally, the Company has required evidence of exposure to asbestos-containing materials in products manufactured or sold by the Company, as well as medical evidence of asbestos-related disease, as a prerequisite to settling an asbestos claim. A significant proportion of the resolved claims against the Company have been dismissed without payment because these criteria are not satisfied. Despite this litigation posture, the

 

9


Part I - Financial Information

Item 1. Financial Statements

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

Company has recognized that the number of asbestos claims pending against it continues to increase, and the settlement demands from asbestos claimants continue to escalate. The Company believes that federal legislation establishing a trust fund to compensate asbestos victims is the most appropriate solution to the asbestos litigation problem. The Company has been actively monitoring, studying and supporting developments in federal legislation during the past year and believes that there is a reasonable possibility that legislation will be passed in the current or next Congress. In addition, the Company continues to monitor and study the structured settlement transactions announced by certain other asbestos defendants. As the Company has stated previously, it will explore all feasible alternatives available to resolve its asbestos liability in a manner consistent with the best interest of the Company’s shareholders.

 

The gross settlement and defense costs (before insurance recoveries and tax effects) for the Company in the quarter ended March 31, 2004 totaled $4.1 million and $5.5 million, respectively, a significant increase over prior periods. New claims filed in certain jurisdictions also increased significantly during the first quarter. Historically, the rate of new claims and related costs has varied significantly from quarter to quarter. While one quarter is not indicative of a trend, if costs and new filings continue at this pace it could have an adverse effect on the Company’s estimate of its asbestos liability.

 

The Company’s total pre-tax cash payments for settlement and defense costs net of the Company’s cost sharing arrangement with insurers amounted to $3.8 million in the quarter ended March 31, 2004. Detailed below are the comparable amounts for the periods indicated.

 

    

Year Ended

December 31,
2003


   Three Months Ended

(in millions)       March 31,
2004


  

March 31,

2003


Settlement costs (1)

   $ 11.9    $ 4.1    $ 1.8

Defense costs (1)

     9.2      5.5      0.7

Pre-tax cash payments (2)

     4.6      3.8      0.4

 

(1) Before insurance recoveries and tax effects

 

(2) Net of cost sharing arrangements with insurers

 

Cumulative aggregate settlement and defense costs (before insurance recoveries and tax effects) to date as of March 31, 2004 were $25.7 million and $27.8 million, respectively. The Company’s cumulative pre-tax cash payments for settlement and defense costs net of the Company’s cost sharing arrangements with insurers amounted to $12.1 million as of March 31, 2004.

 

These amounts are not necessarily indicative of future period amounts, which may be higher or lower than those reported. It is not possible to forecast when the cash payments related to the asbestos liability will be expended; however, it is expected such cash payments will continue for many years. Payment uncertainty results from the significant proportion of unasserted claims included in the estimated asbestos liability as well as variability of timing and terms of settlements and insurance reimbursement. It is expected that cash payments will increase in proportion to increases the Company has experienced in overall claim activity and settlement and defense costs. In addition, there will be periods during which cash payments increase because the Company’s insurance coverage for asbestos claims involves multiple insurers, with

 

10


Part I - Financial Information

Item 1. Financial Statements

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

different policy terms and certain gaps in coverage, and, consequently, the timing and amount of insurance reimbursement will vary.

 

The liability recorded for asbestos claims constitutes management’s best estimate, based on the Company’s past experience, of costs for pending and reasonably anticipated future claims through 2007. For claims that will be filed beyond 2007, management believes that the level of uncertainty is too great to provide for reasonable estimation of the number of future claims, the nature of such claims, or the cost to resolve them and, accordingly, no accrual has been recorded for any costs which may be incurred beyond 2007. A long-term liability was recorded to cover the estimated cost of asbestos claims through 2007 and a long-term asset was recorded representing the probable insurance reimbursement for such claims (approximately 40 percent of settlement and defense costs). The Company’s liability for asbestos-related claims before insurance recoveries, which is included in other liabilities, was $187 million and $193 million at March 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003, respectively, or $112 million and $116 million, respectively, after probable insurance recoveries. At March 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003 approximately 54% and 60%, respectively, of the asbestos liability represented the estimated cost of unasserted claims against the Company.

 

The Company’s asbestos liability is based on its estimated cost of pending claims plus unasserted claims through 2007. In determining this estimate, both average annual incremental claims and costs per claim are significant assumptions. Costs per claim vary depending on a number of factors, including the nature of the alleged exposure, the injury alleged and the jurisdiction where the claim was filed. The estimated liability for New York claims includes a substantial discounting of such claims due to the deferred docket noted above. This discount rate is significantly higher than the dismissal rate applied to substantially all other jurisdictions. The gross estimated cost of projected asbestos claims is reduced by approximately 40% representing the Company’s probable insurance recovery. In 2002, as a result of dramatic increases in annual incremental claims and claim costs, management changed the basis for these assumptions to an analysis of the past few years of experience as compared to the long-term historical averages previously used, which thereby increased the aggregate estimated liability. In 2003, the Company reviewed its estimate in light of a number of factors and developments including the New York deferred docket referred to above, the substantial reduction in the new claims filed in Mississippi and New York, the increase in new claims filed in other jurisdictions, the proportion of claims dismissed for lack of product identification and the increasing settlement demands from claimants. Future projections of these trends is inherently uncertain, and while the Company believes its current estimate of the asbestos liability is a reasonable judgment, there can be no assurance about future developments.

 

Estimation of the Company’s ultimate exposure for asbestos-related claims is subject to significant uncertainties, as there are multiple variables that can affect the timing, severity and quantity of claims. The Company cautions that its estimated liability is based on assumptions with respect to future claims, settlement and defense costs based on recent experience during the last few years that may not prove reliable as predictors. A significant upward or downward trend in the number of claims filed, depending on the nature of the alleged injury, the jurisdiction where filed and the quality of the product identification, could change the estimated liability, as would any substantial adverse verdict at trial. A legislative solution or a structured settlement transaction could also change the estimated liability.

 

A significant portion of the Company’s settlement and defense costs are paid by its primary insurers and one umbrella insurer up to the agreed available limits of the applicable policies. The Company has substantial excess coverage policies that are expected to respond to asbestos claims as settlements and other payments exhaust the underlying policies, but there is no cost sharing or allocation agreement yet in place with the

 

11


Part I - Financial Information

Item 1. Financial Statements

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

excess insurers. The same factors that affect developing estimates of probable settlement and defense costs for asbestos-related liabilities also affect estimates of the probable insurance payment, as do a number of additional factors. These additional factors include the financial viability of the insurance companies, the method in which losses will be allocated to the various insurance policies and the years covered by those policies, how settlement and defense costs will be covered by the insurance policies and interpretation of the effect on coverage of various policy terms and limits and their interrelationships.

 

The Company determined it probable that approximately 40% of the estimated gross liability will be paid by the Company’s insurers. This determination was made after considering the terms of the available insurance coverage, the financial viability of the insurance companies, the status of negotiations with its insurers and consulting with legal counsel. This insurance receivable is included in other assets.

 

Since many uncertainties exist surrounding asbestos litigation, the Company will continue to evaluate its asbestos-related estimated liability and corresponding estimated insurance reimbursement as well as the underlying assumptions used to derive these amounts and the process of making the estimate. These uncertainties may result in the Company incurring future charges to operations to adjust the carrying value of recorded liabilities and assets, particularly if escalation in the number of claims and settlement and defense costs occurs or if legislation or another alternative solution is implemented; however, the Company is currently unable to estimate such future changes. Although the resolution of these claims is anticipated to take many years, amounts recorded for the liability under generally accepted accounting principles are not discounted, and the effect on results of operations, cash flow and financial position in any given period from a revision to these estimates could be material.

 

7. Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans

 

The components of net periodic cost are as follows:

 

     Pension Benefits

    Postretirement Benefits

 
(in thousands)    March 31,
2004


    March 31,
2003


    March 31,
2004


    March 31,
2003


 

Service cost

   $ 3,878     $ 3,293     $ 40     $ 38  

Interest cost

     7,360       6,632       249       312  

Expected rate of return on plan assets

     (8,893 )     (8,525 )     —         —    

Amortization of prior service cost

     202       192       (21 )     (21 )

Amortization of net(gain)loss

     (64 )     43       (43 )     (187 )
    


 


 


 


Net periodic cost

   $ 2,483     $ 1,635     $ 225     $ 142  
    


 


 


 


 

The Company expects, based on current actuarial calculations, to contribute cash of $4 million to its defined benefit plans and $2 million to its other postretirement benefit plans in 2004. Cash contributions in subsequent years will depend on a number of factors including the investment performance of plan assets.

 

12


Part I - Financial Information

 

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Three Months Ended March 31, 2004

 

This Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements present management’s expectations, beliefs, plans and objectives regarding future financial performance, and assumptions or judgments concerning such performance. Any discussions contained in this 10-Q, except to the extent that they contain historical facts, are forward-looking and accordingly involve estimates, assumptions, judgments and uncertainties. There are a number of factors that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those addressed in the forward-looking statements. Such factors are detailed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission which are incorporated by reference herein.

 

Results from Operations

 

First Quarter of 2004 Compared to First Quarter of 2003

 

First quarter 2004 net income increased 34% to $22.2 million, or $0.37 per share, compared with net income of $16.5 million or $0.28 per share reported for the first quarter 2003.

 

Sales increased $71.8 million, or 19%, in the first quarter 2004 to $448.3 million compared with $376.5 million in the first quarter 2003. The sales increase included approximately $42 million from acquisitions, $16 million from favorable foreign currency translation and $14 million from improvements in base businesses. Operating profit increased 37% in the first quarter 2004 to $38.7 million compared with $28.2 million in the first quarter 2003. The $10.5 million increase in operating profit reflects improved performance in all segments and includes $4.7 million from the recent acquisitions. Operating profit margin for the first quarter 2004 was 8.6% compared with 7.5% in the first quarter 2003.

 

Net sales from domestic businesses were 68% and 71% of the first quarter’s total net sales in 2004 and 2003, respectively. Operating profit from domestic businesses was 84% and 85% of the first quarter’s total operating profit for 2004 and 2003. Operating profit margins in the first quarter for domestic businesses were 10.7% in 2004 compared with 9.0% in 2003 principally due to improvements in volume in the Company’s Engineered Materials Segment and acquisitions in the higher-margin Aerospace & Electronics Segment. Operating profit margins in the first quarter for non-US businesses were 4.3% in 2004 versus 3.8% in 2003 reflecting the benefits of rightsizing the Company’s European coin changing business.

 

Order backlog at March 31, 2004 totaled $525.7 million, a 16% improvement over backlog of $451.7 million at December 31, 2003, with increases across all groups and segments, particularly in Aerospace & Electronics.

 

Market Conditions

 

Market conditions strengthened at many of our businesses during the first quarter 2004. The Aerospace & Electronics Segment experienced both solid demand from the military market and favorable order trends from commercial original equipment manufacturers (“OEM”). In the Engineered Materials Segment, demand for fiberglass-reinforced panels to the recreational vehicle (“RV”) and truck trailer markets remained strong. Demand for European coin changing equipment and North American vending machines remained depressed for the Merchandising Systems Segment. The Fluid Handling Segment saw order trend improvement toward the end of the quarter, from both increased project orders and a more stable maintenance, repair and overhaul (“MRO”) environment. Demand in the important chemical process industry remained weak.

 

13


Part I - Financial Information

 

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Three Months Ended March 31, 2004

 

Segment Results

 

Aerospace & Electronics sales of $119.3 million increased $31.9 million, or 37%, in the first quarter 2004 compared with sales of $87.4 million in the first quarter 2003. First quarter 2004 included $23.8 million in sales from P.L. Porter, acquired in late January 2004, and Signal Technology Corporation (“STC”), acquired in May 2003. Operating profit of $20.2 million increased $3.4 million, or 20%, compared with $16.9 million in the first quarter 2003, primarily due to $3.2 million in operating profit from the P.L. Porter and STC acquisitions. Operating profit margins were 17.0% in the first quarter 2004, compared with 19.3% in the first quarter 2003, attributable to unfavorable mix from lower commercial aftermarket spares volume compared with unusually strong spares shipments in the prior year first quarter, market pricing pressure and lower margins in the recently acquired businesses which have not yet been fully integrated into the Company.

 

Aerospace Group sales of $73.1 million in the first quarter 2004 increased $10.9 million, or 18%, from $62.2 million in the prior year first quarter, primarily due to $6.8 million of sales from the P.L. Porter acquisition and increased OEM shipments. First quarter 2004 operating profit was flat compared with the first quarter 2003, as positive P.L. Porter performance was offset by unfavorable mix from both stronger but lower margin military and commercial OEM volume and lower shipments of commercial aftermarket spares in the first quarter 2004 compared with unusually high spares shipments in the first quarter 2003.

 

Electronics Group sales of $46.4 million in the first quarter 2004 increased $21.1 million, or 84%, from $25.3 million in the first quarter 2003. STC accounted for $16.9 million of the sales increase. Operating profit increased 89% compared with the prior year first quarter, reflecting the STC acquisition and increased military/government demand for power solutions and supplies.

 

The Aerospace & Electronics Segment backlog was $320.0 million at March 31, 2004, a $42.8 million, or 15%, improvement compared with $277.2 million at December 31, 2003. This increase principally resulted from three large multi-year orders received in the first quarter 2004, specifically a $16 million order for a Federal Express retrofit program, with shipments beginning in late 2004, and $15 million for two follow-on microelectronics contract awards to the STC Advanced Integrated Systems Division, as well as $8 million in backlog at P.L. Porter.

 

Engineered Materials sales of $69.0 million increased $6.1 million, or 10%, in the first quarter 2004 compared with sales of $62.9 million in the first quarter 2003. Segment operating profit of $15.5 million in the first quarter 2004 increased $2.6 million, or 20%, compared with operating profit of $13.0 million in the first quarter 2003. First quarter 2004 results reflect continued strong demand for fiberglass-reinforced panels in both the RV and truck trailer markets. Operating profit margins improved to 22.5% from 20.6% in the prior year quarter as a result of favorable product mix. Backlog at March 31, 2004 was $17.6 million, an increase of $5.8 million, or 49%, over the $11.8 million backlog at December 31, 2003.

 

Merchandising Systems sales of $39.5 million in the first quarter 2004 increased $1.8 million, or 5%, compared with sales of $37.6 million in the first quarter 2003. Excluding $2.4 million of favorable foreign currency translation, sales declined slightly in the quarter for this segment. Operating profit of $0.5 million in the first quarter 2004 compared favorably to the operating loss of $2.1 million in the first quarter 2003, reflecting $1.5 million in lower severance costs in the European coin changer business and benefits realized from prior year workforce reductions. Crane Merchandising Systems (“CMS”) first quarter 2004 sales were slightly higher than the prior year first quarter due to favorable foreign currency translation. CMS operating profit was slightly below the first quarter 2003 which had more favorable cost absorption from higher inventory production in anticipation of a strike that was ultimately averted. National Rejectors, Inc. (“NRI”) first quarter 2004 sales improved slightly compared with the prior year first quarter partly due to favorable foreign currency translation.

 

14


Part I - Financial Information

 

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Three Months Ended March 31, 2004

 

NRI continued to experience operating losses, although significantly less than in the prior year first quarter. Severance costs at NRI in the first quarter 2004 were $1.2 million versus $2.7 million in the prior year first quarter, reflecting continued efforts to right-size the business. Backlog at March 31, 2004 was $11.2 million, an improvement of $0.9 million, or 8%, over the $10.3 million backlog at December 31, 2003.

 

Fluid Handling sales of $203.9 million increased $30.4 million, or 18%, in the first quarter 2004 compared with sales of $173.5 million in the first quarter 2003. The first quarter 2004 increase included $18.0 million in combined sales from the Hattersley brand acquired in January 2004 and the pipe coupling and fittings businesses acquired from Etex in June 2003, and $12 million in favorable foreign currency translation impact. Operating profit of $8.7 million in the first quarter 2004 increased $1.3 million, or 18%, compared with $7.4 million in the first quarter 2003, from increases at Crane Ltd., Pumps & Systems and Crane Supply. Operating profit margins were 4.3% in both the first quarter 2004 and first quarter 2003.

 

Valve Group first quarter 2004 sales of $113.3 million increased $10.5 million, or 10%, compared with sales of $102.9 million in the prior year first quarter. The sales increase included $7 million from favorable foreign currency translation. First quarter 2004 operating profit was even compared with the first quarter 2003.

 

Crane Ltd. first quarter 2004 sales more than doubled to $28.4 million from $12.0 million in the prior year first quarter. The acquisitions of the Hattersley valve brands in January 2004 and the pipe coupling and fittings businesses acquired from Etex in June 2003 provided sales of $18.0 million which, combined with favorable foreign currency translation of $1.3 million, offset weakness in base business sales. Operating profit increased 22% on higher volume from acquisitions and realization of synergies from consolidating manufacturing of acquired product lines into existing facilities. First quarter 2004 sales in the pump business were 5% above the prior year first quarter on strong demand from several new large customers. Operating profit margin was 10.6% for the first quarter 2004 compared with 7.8% in the first quarter 2003. Crane Supply sales in the first quarter 2004 increased 11% from the first quarter 2003 due to $3.6 million in favorable foreign currency translation, which offset volume shortfalls due to weather impacts on the construction industry across Canada. Operating profit improved 19% from the prior year first quarter due to strong margin and cost discipline. Resistoflex-Industrial sales and operating profit declined in the first quarter of 2004 as this business continued to suffer from weak demand in the chemical process industry.

 

Total segment backlog at March 31, 2004 was $164.0 million, an improvement of $23.8 million, or 17%, over the $140.2 million backlog at December 31, 2003.

 

Controls sales of $16.8 million increased 10% in the first quarter 2004 compared with sales of $15.2 million in the first quarter 2003. Operating profit more than doubled to $0.9 million from $0.4 million in the first quarter 2003. Sales and operating profit improvements were attributable to increased demand for air suspension valves and pressure and control valve orders into the hydraulics market at Barksdale and for products sold into the oil and gas exploration markets at Azonix. Backlog was $13.0 million as of March 31, 2004, a 7% improvement compared with $12.2 million at December 31, 2003.

 

Corporate expenses were $7.2 million in the first quarter 2004 compared with $7.4 million in the first quarter 2003.

 

15


Part I - Financial Information

 

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Three Months Ended March 31, 2004

 

Financial Position Net debt totaled 29.9% of capital at March 31, 2004 compared with 24.4% at December 31, 2003.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2004, the Company used $2.1 million in cash flow for operating activities as compared to generating $22.6 million in the comparable three-month period of 2003. This use resulted mainly from increased working capital needs, primarily increased receivables in support of higher sales levels, and higher asbestos payments of $3.4 million. The Company invested $50.6 million for acquisitions and $23.5 million for the repurchase of 755,500 shares during the first quarter 2004. The Company paid $6.0 million in dividends to shareholders and invested $5.1 million in capital expenditures. The current ratio at March 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003 was 1.5 and 1.6, respectively. Working capital at March 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003 totaled $192.8 million and $243.2 million, respectively. The Company had unused credit lines of $317 million available at March 31, 2004.

 

On March 15, 2004 the Company redeemed its maturing $100 million 8.5% Notes with available cash on hand and proceeds from short-term borrowings. It is anticipated that these short-term borrowings will be repaid with operating free cash flow over the course of the year.

 

All long-term debt outstanding at March 31, 2004 was at fixed rates as follows; $100 million at 6.75% due 2006 and $200 million at 5.50% due 2013.

 

Part I - Financial Information

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

There have been no material changes since the disclosure in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

 

Disclosure Controls and Procedures. The Company’s Chief Executive Officer (who currently serves as Acting Chief Financial Officer) evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report. The Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that are filed or submitted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. Based on this evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer has concluded that these controls are effective as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report.

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting. During the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2004, there have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, identified in connection with its evaluation thereof, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, its internal control over financial reporting.

 

Part II - Other Information

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

 

The Company’s asbestos claims are discussed in note 6 to the financial statements and are incorporated herein by reference. There have been no other material developments in any legal proceedings described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003.

 

16


Part II - Other Information

 

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

 

     Total
number of
shares
purchased


   Average
price paid
per share


   Total number of
shares purchased
as part of
publicly announced
plans or programs


  

Maximum number
(or approximate
dollar value)of
shares that may
yet be purchased
under the plans

or programs


January 1-31

   180,000    $ 30.19    —      —  

February 1–29

   293,800      31.06    —      —  

March 1–31

   281,700      31.62    —      —  
    
  

         

Total

   755,500    $ 31.06    —      —  
    
  

         

 

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

 

  A) The Annual Meeting of shareholders was held on April 26, 2004.

 

  B) The following four Directors were elected to serve for three years until the Annual Meeting of 2007.

 

Ms. Karen E. Dykstra

    

Vote for

   52,912,436

Vote withheld

   933,171

Mr. Richard S. Forte

    

Vote for

   52,149,848

Vote withheld

   1,695,759

Mr. William E. Lipner

    

Vote for

   52,833,475

Vote withheld

   1,012,132

Mr. James L. L. Tullis

    

Vote for

   52,820,430

Vote withheld

   1,025,177

 

The following Directors’ terms of office continue following the Annual Meeting: E. Thayer Bigelow, Jr., Charles J. Queenan, Jr., Jean Gaulin, R.S. Evans, Eric C. Fast, Dorsey R. Gardner and Dwight C. Minton.

 

  C) The shareholders approved the selection of Deloitte & Touche LLP as independent auditors for the Company for 2004.

 

Vote for

   52,096,117

Vote against

   1,392,868

Abstained

   356,622

 

  D) The shareholders approved the 2004 Stock Incentive Plan.

 

Vote for

   35,964,289

Vote against

   12,622,417

Abstained

   733,438

Non-votes

   4,525,463

 

  E) The shareholders approved the Corporate EVA Incentive Compensation Plan.

 

Vote for

   50,448,204

Vote against

   2,589,042

Abstained

   808,361

 

17


Part II - Other Information

 

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

 

  F) The shareholders rejected the adoption of the MacBride Principles in reference to the Company’s operations in Northern Ireland.

 

Vote for

   5,282,297

Vote against

   40,268,988

Abstained

   3,768,859

Non-votes

   4,525,463

 

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

 

(a) Exhibits

 

  3.1    Certificate of Incorporation, as amended on May 25, 1999 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3A to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999).
  3.2    By-laws, as amended on January 24, 2000 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3B to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999).
10.1    Crane Co. 2004 Stock Incentive Plan (filed herewith as Exhibit 10.1).
10.2    Crane Co. Corporate EVA Incentive Compensation Plan (filed herewith as Exhibit 10.2).
10.3    Amendment dated April 23, 2004 to Agreement dated April 23, 2001 between Crane Co. and Robert S. Evans (filed herewith as Exhibit 10.3).
31.1    Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Acting Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1    Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Acting Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

(b) Form 8-K

 

On January 22, 2004, the Company filed a Form 8-K containing the 2003 fourth quarter earnings release as well as updated information with respect to the Company’s asbestos liability, including pending claims, settlement costs, defense costs and other information.

 

On March 3, 2004, the Company filed a Form 8-K containing information related to the temporary medical leave of absence of George S. Scimone, Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer, for treatment of lymphoma. Eric C. Fast, President and Chief Executive Officer, has assumed the position of acting chief financial officer during Mr. Scimone’s absence.

 

On April 22, 2004, the Company filed a Form 8-K containing the 2004 first quarter earnings release as well as updated information with respect to the Company’s asbestos liability, including pending claims, settlement costs, defense costs and other information.

 

18


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.

 

            CRANE CO.
            REGISTRANT
Date April 30, 2004      

By

  /s/ Eric C. Fast
             
               

Eric. C. Fast

President, Chief

Executive Officer and

Acting Chief Financial Officer

Date April 30, 2004      

By

  /s/ J. Atkinson Nano
             
               

J. Atkinson Nano

Vice President, Controller

 

19


Exhibit Index

 

Exhibit No.

  

Description


  3.1    Certificate of Incorporation, as amended on May 25, 1999 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3A to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999).
  3.2    By-laws, as amended on January 24, 2000 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3B to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999).
10.1    Crane Co. 2004 Stock Incentive Plan (filed herewith as Exhibit 10.1)
10.2    Crane Co. Corporate EVA Incentive Compensation Plan (filed herewith as Exhibit 10.2)
10.3    Amendment dated April 23, 2004 to Agreement dated April 23, 2001 between Crane Co. and Robert S. Evans (filed herewith as Exhibit 10.3).
31.1    Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Acting Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1    Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Acting Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.