[LOGO] ChemFirst Inc.
[PHOTOS OMITTED]
1999
ANNUAL REPORT
<PAGE>
[LOGO] ChemFirst produces chemicals for semiconductor, life science, and
polyurethane applications. The company's stock trades on the New York
Stock Exchange under the symbol CEM.
CONTENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Financial Highlights 1
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Selected Financial Data 2
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Letter to Shareholders 3
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Electronic and Other Specialty Chemicals 7
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Polyurethane Chemicals 11
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Management's Discussion and Analysis 13
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes 16
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ChemFirst Companies 36
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Directors and Officers 36
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Corporate Information 37
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
Financial Highlights
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years ended December 31,
(In Thousands Except Per Share Amounts)
---------------------------------------
1999 1998 % Change
---------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Results of Operations:
Sales $311,786 296,509 5
Earnings from continuing operations (a) $ 22,473 18,976 18
Depreciation and amortization $ 26,988 23,688 14
Capital expenditures $ 24,645 43,786 (44)
Financial Position:
Total assets $402,387 443,434 (9)
Total debt $ 31,892 70,561 (55)
Shareholders' equity $288,723 285,482 1
Total debt as percent of total capitalization 10% 20% (50)
Per Common Share:
Earnings from continuing operations (a) $ 1.22 .98 24
Cash dividends declared $ .40 .40 --
Book value $ 16.13 15.48 4
Closing market price at December 31 $ 21.875 19.750 11
</TABLE>
(a) Prior year results exclude the after tax effect of special items of
$5,684 ($.29 per share), primarily related to the sale of Power Sources,
Inc. in 1998.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Earnings From Continuing Operations*
Millions of Dollars
[The following table was represented as a bar chart in the printed material.]
95 12
96 16
97 26
98 19
99 22
Cash Flows Provided By Continuing Operations
Millions of Dollars
[The following table was represented as a bar chart in the printed material.]
95 23
96 35
97 23
98 40
99 39
Capital Expenditures
Millions of Dollars
[The following table was represented as a bar chart in the printed material.]
95 28
96 49
97 91
98 44
99 25
* Adjusted for Power Sources gain and aluminum dross note provision in
1998, Melamine gains and equity earnings in 1997, and equity earnings in
years 1995 - 1996.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1
<PAGE>
Selected Financial Data
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years ended December 31
(In Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Share Amounts)
1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
% % % % %
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Sales to unaffiliated customers:
Electronic and Other Specialty
Chemicals $173,663 55 176,688 58 176,353 60 148,272 61 131,044 62
Polyurethane Chemicals 138,123 44 119,821 40 112,465 39 91,335 37 75,205 35
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total sales 311,786 99 296,509 98 288,818 99 239,607 98 206,249 97
Other revenues 3,642 1 5,194 2 3,586 1 5,015 2 6,717 3
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total revenues $315,428 100 301,703 100 292,404 100 244,622 100 212,966 100
================================================================================
Operating profit from continuing
operations before income taxes and
investee earnings:
Electronic and Other Specialty $ 18,048 17,796 27,617 22,536 25,583
Chemicals
Polyurethane Chemicals 31,034 22,648 24,071 21,057 15,067
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
49,082 40,444 51,688 43,593 40,650
Unallocated corporate expenses (11,811) (9,781) (11,347) (13,324) (15,888)
Interest income (expense), net (782) 213 3,010 (3,926) (3,777)
Other income (expense), net (536) 9,224 14,997 259 1,324
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
35,953 40,100 58,348 26,602 22,309
Income taxes 13,480 15,440 23,050 10,471 10,327
Equity in net earnings of equity investees -- -- 2,497 846 1,096
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Earnings from continuing operations 22,473 24,660 37,795 16,977 13,078
Earnings (loss) from discontinued
operations, net of taxes -- (2,618) 1,103 9,144 44,389
Net gain (loss) on disposal of
of businesses, net of taxes 646 (11,950) -- 223,739 --
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net earnings $ 23,119 10,092 38,898 249,860 57,467
================================================================================
Earnings (loss) per common share:
Continuing operations $ 1.23 1.28 1.85 .83 .64
Discontinued operations -- (.14) .06 .44 2.16
Gain (loss) on disposal of businesses .03 (.62) -- 10.85 --
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net earnings $ 1.26 0.52 1.91 12.12 2.80
================================================================================
Earnings (loss) per common share,
assuming dilution:
Continuing operations $ 1.22 1.27 1.81 .81 .63
Discontinued operations -- (.14) .05 .44 2.12
Gain (loss) on disposal of businesses .03 (.61) -- 10.70 --
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net earnings $ 1.25 .52 1.86 11.95 2.75
================================================================================
Net working capital $112,970 116,936 79,936 136,901 127,009
Long-term debt $ 24,224 64,956 3,941 606 80,598
Total assets $402,387 443,434 433,097 394,164 390,346
Stockholders' equity $288,723 285,482 321,697 308,486 226,757
Cash dividend payout rate 31 76 20 3 14
Return on average equity - continuing operations 8 8 12 6 6
Return on sales - continuing operations 7 8 13 7 6
Long-term debt/equity ratio .08 .23 .01 -- .36
Current ratio 3.54 3.66 2.19 3.85 3.81
Cash dividends per share $ .40 .40 .40 .40 .39
Book value per share $ 16.13 15.48 16.06 14.92 11.02
</TABLE>
2
<PAGE>
Dear Fellow Shareholders
1999 was a good year. Earnings from continuing operations were up 18% excluding
special items in the prior year. We completed the restructuring begun several
years ago with the recent sales of our steel and engineered products and
services businesses. ChemFirst is now focused on chemicals. We combined custom
manufacturing and fine chemicals to simplify the organization and serve our
customers better. We added new products and began development of new
technologies in electronic chemicals and materials for the semiconductor
industry.
Financial Results
Earnings from continuing operations were $22.5 million or $1.22 per share versus
$.98 excluding $.29 in special items last year. Sales increased 5% to $312
million. Improvement was mainly due to record sales of polyurethane chemicals.
Electronic and other specialty chemicals operating results also improved. But
better specialty results were offset by expenses for product development and R&D
and engineering facilities added last year. Electronic chemical remover volume
was up 17%. We maintained electronic chemical gross margins despite lower prices
by improving production efficiencies and cutting raw materials costs. However,
development expenses for chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) and deep ultra
violet (DUV) photoresist resins hit earnings about $.14 per share. These efforts
should begin to pay off this year.
Electronic and Other Specialty Chemicals
ChemFirst is a global leader in advanced cleaners for back-end-of-the-line high
value applications in semiconductor production. We are also the leading supplier
of DUV photoresist resins for 248 nanometer photolithography. We are a growing
supplier
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Sales
Millions of Dollars
[The following table was represented as a bar chart in the printed material.]
95 206
96 240
97 289
98 297
99 312
Electronic and Other Specialty Sales
Millions of Dollars
[The following table was represented as a bar chart in the printed material.]
95 131
96 148
97 176
98 177
99 174
Polyurethane Sales
Millions of Dollars
[The following table was represented as a bar chart in the printed material.]
95 75
96 91
97 112
98 120
99 138
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Employees
[The following table was represented as a pie chart in the printed material.]
Polyurethane 23%
Corporate 9%
Electronic & Other Specialty 68%
Capital Expenditures
[The following table was represented as a pie chart in the printed material.]
Polyurethane 13%
Corporate 20%
Electronic & Other Specialty 67%
Identifiable Assets
[The following table was represented as a pie chart in the printed material.]
Polyurethane 25%
Corporate 11%
Electronic & Other Specialty 63%
Discontinued 1%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
of chemistries and materials for CMP. Growth of these products is based
on new semiconductor technologies for consumer electronics and Internet
applications. Semiconductor chip geometries have shrunk from 0.25 to 0.18
microns about 18 months ahead of the industry roadmap. CMP creates the flat
surfaces required for shorter wavelength, high-resolution DUV photolithography
to produce 0.18 micron feature sizes.
Other specialty chemicals include products for pharmaceutical, agricultural,
polymer, electronic and photosensitive applications. We produce proprietary
chemicals and we custom manufacture chemicals for others. Custom sales have been
hurt the last two years by declining demand for conventional ag chemicals due to
growth of genetically modified seeds and companion herbicides. So we have
shifted emphasis to pharma, electronic chemical and polymer markets. In 1998, we
added a contract research and small-scale manufacturing unit to support rapidly
growing outsourcing by these industries. This unit is exceeding our
expectations. We also reorganized the custom and fine chemicals businesses as
ChemFirst Fine Chemicals to simplify customer contacts.
R&D spending in 1999 was primarily focused on electronic chemicals, including
new CMP products for tungsten and copper applications and DUV resins for new
photoresists. We are working with major semiconductor equipment suppliers,
materials suppliers, and key customers to develop technologies for the next
generation chips. We also sponsor research at leading universities. We are
working to commercialize a novel photoimaging technology recently licensed from
Simon Fraser University. This could lead to major new applications and markets.
Polyurethane Chemicals
Polyurethane Chemicals includes aniline and mononitrobenzene. This segment had
record operating results, reflecting the first full year of operations at the
new Baytown, TX aniline facility. Improved operations at the Pascagoula, MS
plant also helped. Aniline is primarily used to make polyurethane for
residential and commercial construction, appliances and autos. Demand
4
<PAGE>
is growing about 5% annually. Most of our aniline production is sold under
long-term contracts that protect us from changes in raw materials prices.
Capital Expenditures
Capital expenditures for 1999 were $25 million, mostly for routine maintenance,
plant updates and process improvements. This is down from $44 million, in 1998,
when we completed a three-year program of record capital expenditures that
increased capacity of major products 40% to 100%. Planned capital expenditures
in 2000 are $37 million, including the initial cost for engineering a proposed
Phase II expansion at Baytown, process debottlenecking and incremental capacity
additions in specialty chemicals, and manufacturing and equipment upgrades in
electronic chemicals.
Financial Structure
Our balance sheet remains strong. Debt is 10% of total capitalization versus the
43% average of our peers. Cash flow from operations and proceeds from the sale
of our steel plant should more than cover planned capital expenditures. We do
not anticipate major acquisitions. Our focus is on product-line and technology
additions that build on and extend our existing base of products and
technologies.
We spent $16.7 million to repurchase 758,100 shares of ChemFirst stock during
1999. Since inception of the repurchase program in 1997, we've spent $79 million
to acquire 3.4 million shares. We believe stock repurchases are a tax efficient
way to return value to shareholders when cash flow exceeds other attractive
investment opportunities. We intend to continue aggressive purchases of the
company's stock.
Outlook
The outlook is good. The company has an excellent mix of products and services
for fast-growing markets. Earnings for the year 2000 should be better than 1999.
Our challenge and focus is to execute well on the attractive opportunities we
have developed.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[PHOTO OMITTED]
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
/s/ J. Kelley Williams
J. Kelley Williams
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[PHOTO OMITTED]
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
/s/ R. Michael Summerford
R. Michael Summerford
President and Chief Operating Officer
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5
<PAGE>
State of the art production facilities and engineering and development labs such
as the CMP applications lab pictured below in Hayward, CA and similar facilities
in East Kilbride, Scotland, and Kawasaki-City, Japan, are strategically located
near key regional semiconductor production centers to better serve customers. We
have invested $35 million over the last 3 years in R&D facilities, new product
development and expansion of production capacity to build on market and
technology leadership in electronic chemicals.
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
<PAGE>
Electronic and Other
Specialty Chemicals
The company produces chemicals used in the manufacture of semiconductor devices,
and for pharmaceutical, cosmetic, polymer, photosensitive, and agricultural
applications. The company also offers custom manufacturing services from
research and development to small-scale commercial production of fine chemicals.
Emphasis is on chemicals and services for the semiconductor industry, where
rapid technology change is creating opportunities for strong growth. ChemFirst
produces organic photoresist removers, post-dry-etch residue removers, resins
for production of deep ultra violet photoresists, and other performance
chemicals for cleaning and polishing silicon wafers.
The semiconductor industry is moving rapidly to smaller design rules to meet the
increasing demand for faster, smaller, and cheaper devices for Internet,
communications, computer, and consumer electronics applications. As devices
shrink, new materials and more layers of interconnect wire are used to reach
performance goals - up to 10,000 feet or almost two miles of wire may be
embedded in today's advanced integrated circuit. The company's challenge and
opportunity in this dynamic climate is to offer innovative chemical solutions
for semiconductor manufacturers' process problems.
The company is focused on three of the industry's highest growth areas:
[LOGO] Photoresist and Post-dry-etch Residue Removers
Removers are our most important electronic chemicals. These products are used to
remove residues produced during the photolithography and etching process steps
in wafer fabrication. Removal of the residues is critical to device performance.
We have a global presence and about 25% world market share in advanced wafer
cleaners. The company is 1 in market share in the U.S. and Europe and growing in
the Far East. Remover product sales have historically grown at double-digit
rates and
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We established a competitive raw material position, important technology
platform, and market leadership in copper cleaners with the acquisition of a
choline product line for electronic markets. We are realizing immediate benefits
as a material supplier to formulators of dry-film strippers used in printed wire
board production. Longer-term, we expect to develop new applications for choline
as a remover for advanced interconnect metals and in the production of copper
lead frames.
Photosensitive Metal Oxide Deposition or PMOD is a new technology we recently
licensed from Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, British Columbia. The
patented process forms metal or metal oxide features for integrated circuits and
printed wire boards using a simple photosensitive technique. Advantages of the
new process include low temperature processing, elimination of vacuum processing
steps, and lower capital costs. Applications research and development to find
ways to commercialize this technology are currently underway at Microelectronic
Research Center and National Science Foundation Packaging Research Center at
Georgia Tech.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7
<PAGE>
[PHOTO OMITTED]
In Chemical Mechanical Planarization (CMP), the wafer is placed between a
rotating platen and pad (shown above) and a slurry of abrasives and chemicals is
introduced as the polishing agent. The primary CMP application today is to
polish the silicon dioxide dielectric (non-conducting or insulating layer)
between metal layers on the wafer. However, the use of aluminum, tungsten, and
copper interconnects in multilevel circuits is growing. The company is working
closely with leading CMP equipment manufacturers to qualify oxide and metal
slurries on their equipment and has developed post-CMP cleaners to use in tandem
with the slurries. Alliances with equipment manufacturers are important since
semiconductor producers expect a complete CMP system from their suppliers.
<PAGE>
are expected to continue to grow rapidly based on increasing chip complexity and
use of new fabrication materials.
[LOGO] Resins for Deep Ultra Violet Photoresists
The most widely used optical process to make semiconductor devices with feature
sizes at 0.25 microns and below is 248 nanometer deep ultra violet (DUV)
photolithography. Chips manufactured with these smaller features are expected to
drive the highest growth segment in semiconductor sales for the next several
years. DUV photoresists contain resins that are key to process performance. We
are the world market leader in resins for DUV photoresists. The company has a
strong competitive position based on proprietary and patented technology, and
raw material sourcing, and is the exclusive U.S. manufacturer of these resins.
[LOGO] Chemical Mechanical Planarization (CMP)
As the number of metal layers in chips increases and feature sizes decrease, CMP
is used to produce flatter surfaces for sharper focus of photolithographic
images and to reduce interconnect lengths for increased speed and lower power
consumption. A wafer may be planarized ten times or more as interconnect layers
are added. Our competitive advantages include extensive experience with complex
chemistries in semiconductor manufacturing, state of the art R&D and
applications labs, access to proprietary abrasives and strong customer
relationships. Our strategy is to win customers with better products, strong
technical support, and low cost of ownership.
Other Specialty Chemicals
The company produces proprietary chemicals, provides contract research, and
custom manufactures chemicals for other companies. We are a world-scale producer
of nitrated aromatics used as intermediates in a wide variety of applications,
including polyurethanes, rubber chemicals, dyes, pigments, herbicides and
photographic chemicals. The company also produces photosensitive chemicals and
chemicals for pharmaceuticals.
ChemFirst is the sole U.S. producer of many nitrotoluenes and derivatives. These
are high volume products with mature end-use markets that are generally sold
under annual contracts to long-standing customers.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
ChemFirst's patented HDA(R) removers are #1 in market share in the U.S. and
Europe. The photos above and below, enlarged 30,000 times, illustrate the
effectiveness of the company's remover products. The company is the second
largest supplier of removers in the world.
We have established chemicals, materials, and service capabilities to solve the
interrelated process problems of semiconductor manufacturers worldwide, a strong
intellectual property portfolio and a development pipeline of new products and
technologies to meet future challenges.
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9
<PAGE>
In custom manufacturing we offer manufacturing capabilities to pharmaceutical,
electronic, and other chemical companies who want to focus on research and
marketing, cut costs and time to market and speed product innovation. We
recently established the capability to provide contract research, developmental
samples, and small-scale production for pharmaceutical and electronic chemical
customers. We are an integrated single-source provider with the ability to take
products from R&D to commercial production in an ultra-pure, cGMP or ISO-9000-2
environment.
With approximately 300 dedicated employees, state of the art R&D facilities, and
over 120,000 gallons of reactor capacity within its three sites, ChemFirst
operates one of the most versatile fine chemical companies in North America.
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
<PAGE>
Our proprietary FirstCure(R) product line includes photoinitiators, cure
accelerators, amine synergists, and polymerization inhibitors used in printing
inks, varnishes, lacquers, and adhesives. These offer advantages of energy
savings, shorter curing cycles, and higher quality, more durable finishes. They
are also more environmentally friendly than conventional processes that contain
volatile organic compounds.
Our custom manufacturing and research capabilities cover a broad spectrum - from
contract R&D and delivery of gram samples, to multi-ton production. We offer
customers broad technology platforms, innovative process development, and
efficient batch production in a cGMP environment.
Polyurethane Chemicals
The company produces mononitrobenzene and aniline based on nitration and
hydrogenation chemistry. Aniline is our major product and is primarily sold as a
feedstock for MDI (methylene diphenyl diisocyanate). MDI is used in polyurethane
foams for insulation in home and commercial construction, in urethane elastomers
for automobile body components, in adhesives, and as a binder in the manufacture
of oriented strand board.
Other significant markets for aniline include tire and agricultural chemicals
and plastics for consumer goods. Mononitrobenzene is primarily used to make
aniline, but is sold separately for the manufacture of iron oxide pigments,
black dyes, and as an intermediate for the production of acetaminophen.
U.S. aniline demand is growing at about 5% annually, driven primarily by MDI,
which consumes about 80% of U.S. aniline production. Domestic MDI growth is
predicted to remain steady at around 6% annually, driven mainly by demand from
the construction and automotive industries. Other aniline markets are growing at
GDP growth rates. The company is well positioned in this business as a low-cost
producer with innovative technology and long-term customer relationships.
ChemFirst is the largest merchant supplier of aniline in the U.S.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
The company more than doubled aniline production capacity with the addition of a
plant in Baytown, TX. The 250MM lb plant was built inside Bayer Corporation's
Baytown chemical complex. Bayer is the company's largest customer. ChemFirst
supplies all of Bayer's North American aniline requirements under long-term
contract from plants in Pascagoula, MS and Baytown, TX. Engineering is scheduled
to begin this year on a proposed project that would double aniline capacity at
Baytown, and bring company-wide aniline production capacity to approximately
750MM lbs.
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
Most of the company's aniline is used to make polyurethane for residential and
commercial construction, appliances, and autos.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11
<PAGE>
Financial Report
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONTENTS
Management's Discussion and Analysis 13-15
Consolidated Balance Sheets 16
Consolidated Statements of Operations 17
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity 18
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 19
Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements 20-34
Independent Auditors' Report 35
ChemFirst Companies 36
Directors and Officers 36
Corporate Information 37
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
The following discussion is based upon and should be read in conjunction with
ChemFirst Inc.'s ("the Company's") financial statements, including the notes
thereto.
1999 VERSUS 1998
Consolidated Results
Earnings from continuing operations for 1999 were $22.5 million versus $24.7
million for the prior year. Results for 1998 include other income of $9.3
million ($5.7 million after tax), primarily related to the gain on the sale of
50% owned Power Sources, Inc. ("PSI"). Excluding this other income, earnings
from continuing operations for 1999 were up 18% from 1998, primarily due to
record sales of polyurethane chemicals, reflecting a full year of production
from the Baytown, TX aniline facility.
Segments
Electronic and Other Specialty Chemicals pretax operating profits for 1999 were
$18.0 million, up $0.3 million from the prior year, while sales declined 2% to
$173.7 million. Operating results for the year improved only slightly as higher
gross profits, primarily from remover products, were offset by higher costs from
recent investments in new facilities in the U.S. and Japan. Remover product
sales volume was up 17% for the year, while average prices declined 8%. Margins
were maintained, however, by improving production efficiencies and cutting raw
material costs.
Polyurethane Chemicals pretax operating profits for 1999 were $31.0 million, up
37% from 1998, while sales were $138.1 million, up 15%, reflecting the first
full year of production from the Baytown, TX aniline facility, which began
operations in March 1998. Results in 1999 also benefited from improved
Pascagoula operations. Sales of aniline purchased for resale declined
approximately $6.8 million from the prior year. However, these aniline sales do
not contribute significantly to operating profits.
Unallocated corporate expenses for 1999 were $11.8 million, up 21% from the
prior year. Expenses were lower in 1998, primarily due to a reduction in
compensation accruals indexed to the Company's stock price. Net interest expense
of $0.8 million was reflected for 1999, as compared with net interest income of
$0.2 million in 1998, due to higher average borrowings and lower interest income
from the Getchell Gold note, which was collected in full in May 1999 (see note 3
to the Consolidated Financial Statements).
Other income in 1999 included recognition of $1.6 million in additional income
related to the 1998 sale of PSI. This income was deferred at the time of the
1998 sale pending resolution of contingencies. In 1998, a $10.1 million gain was
recorded related to the PSI sale. In 1999 and 1998 other expenses included $1.0
million and $0.8 million, respectively, in loss provisions for a note received
in the disposition of Plasma Processing Corporation in January 1997. Other
expenses in 1999 also include approximately $1.0 million from termination of a
corporate lease obligation.
1998 VERSUS 1997
Consolidated Results
Earnings from continuing operations for 1998 were $24.7 million, down 35% from
1997. Results for 1998 include other income of $9.3 million ($5.7 million after
tax), primarily related to the gain on the sale of the Company's 50% interest in
PSI in the first quarter of 1998. Results for 1997 include a $14.7 million gain
($8.8 million after tax) from the fourth quarter sale by the Company of its 23%
interest in Melamine Chemicals, Inc. ("Melamine") and $2.5 million equity in net
earnings of PSI and Melamine (see note 3 to the Consolidated Financial
Statements). Excluding these gains and equity earnings, earnings from continuing
operations for 1998 were $19.0 million, down 28% from $26.5 million in 1997
primarily due to lower margins, increased research and development and higher
interest expense. Sales for 1998 were up 3%, primarily due to higher aniline
volume.
Segments
Electronic and Other Specialty Chemicals pretax operating profits for 1998 were
$17.8 million on sales of $176.7 million. In 1998, sales of chemical mechanical
planarization and acylation derivatives products (used primarily in the
manufacture of integrated circuits) from acquisitions in December 1997, were
$14.9 million and pretax operating losses were $2.6 million. Pretax operating
profits and sales, excluding the above acquisitions, were down 26% and 8%,
respectively, due to lower demand for an agricultural chemical intermediate and
lower prices from many products due to competitive pressure. Remover product
sales volume was up 4% and average unit prices were unchanged despite an
estimated 4% decline in worldwide silicon consumption and a downturn in the
semiconductor industry.
Polyurethane Chemicals pretax operating profits for 1998 were $22.6 million,
down 6% from 1997. Operating profits declined in 1998 as lower production and
higher costs at the Pascagoula, MS, facility and 17% lower average nitrobenzene
prices more than offset the additional production from the Baytown, TX,
facility. Sales for 1998 were $119.8 million, up 7% as a 16% increase in sales
volume was partially offset by lower average sales prices. The increased volume
was due to the added production from the Company's new
250-million-pound-per-year aniline facility in Baytown, which began operations
in March 1998. The additional Baytown production was partially offset by reduced
aniline production at Pascagoula mostly due to production inefficiencies and
unscheduled plant maintenance in the first quarter of 1998 and a scheduled plant
turnaround in the second quarter of 1998. Hurricane Georges struck the
Pascagoula facility on September 28, 1998, and shut down operations for 18 days.
However, the Company's insurance covered most of the facility's repairs and lost
profits incurred during that period.
13
<PAGE>
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
Unallocated corporate expenses for 1998 were $9.8 million, down 14% from 1997
primarily due to a reduction in compensation accruals indexed to the Company's
stock price. Net interest income was down $2.8 million due to $1.7 million in
higher interest expense, net of capitalized interest, and $1.1 million in lower
interest income. Capitalized interest in 1998 was up $0.8 million over 1997.
Interest expense was up on higher debt while interest income declined as cash
proceeds received in 1996 from the fertilizer disposition were used for capital
expenditures and share repurchases. Other income and expense in 1998 included a
$10.1 million gain on the sale of PSI and a $0.8 million loss provision for a
note received in the disposition of Plasma Processing Corporation in January
1997. Other income for 1997 included the $14.7 million gain on the sale of
Melamine.
Discontinued Operations
In December 1999, the Company sold two of its wholly owned subsidiaries,
Callidus Technology, Inc. ("CTI") and Plasma Energy Corporation in an all cash
transaction. Proceeds of the transaction were approximately $8.0 million and
resulted in an after tax loss of $2.7 million. The loss was primarily
attributable to costs associated with the shutdown of CTI's European operations,
which increased expenses during the disposal period. This transaction completed
the disposition of the Engineered Products and Services segment.
On February 15, 2000, the Company sold its steel operation for approximately
$13.0 million in cash, subject to certain post-closing working capital
adjustments. Since December 31, 1998, net assets of the business, excluding
deferred taxes, were reduced approximately $9.5 million, primarily through
reductions in inventory and accounts receivable. In 1998, the Company recorded
an estimated after tax loss from disposal of steel operations of $12.0 million,
primarily related to the writedown of assets to their estimated net realizable
value. In the fourth quarter of 1999, this valuation adjustment was reduced by
approximately $0.8 million, to reflect terms of the pending sale.
On October 20, 1995, the Company's gold operations were discontinued through the
distribution to its shareholders of its entire ownership of Getchell Gold
Corporation. A reduction in estimated tax liabilities of $2.4 million was
recorded in the fourth quarter of 1999 following final settlement of federal tax
examinations covering Getchell Gold's operations through that period.
Losses from discontinued operations in 1998 were primarily from steel
operations, while the earnings in 1997 came from Engineered Products and
Services (see note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements).
Environmental Matters
The Company's operations are subject to a wide variety of constantly changing
environmental laws and regulations governing emissions to the air, discharges to
water sources, and the handling, storage, treatment and disposal of waste
materials, as well as other laws and regulations concerning health and safety
conditions for which it must incur certain costs. The Company's capital
expenditures for environmental protection were $0.6 million in 1999.
Environmental capital expenditures are projected to be $1.3 million and $1.1
million for 2000 and 2001, respectively. In addition, the Company accrues for
anticipated costs associated with investigatory and remediation efforts relating
to the environment. At December 31, 1999, the Company's accrued liability for
these matters totaled $1.6 million, $1.4 million of which is for discontinued
operations and $0.2 million for continuing operations. Based on information
presently available, the Company believes any amounts paid in excess of the
accrued liabilities will not have a material adverse effect on its financial
position or results of operations.
Capital Resources and Liquidity
Net cash provided by operating activities for 1999 was $44.7 million, up $10.6
million from 1998, primarily due to a reduction in working capital in
discontinued operations. Net cash provided by continuing operations was down
slightly from the prior year, as increases in working capital more than offset
higher earnings. Investing activities for the year include $29.6 million in
proceeds from collection of a note with Getchell Gold Corporation and $17.9
million from the disposal of discontinued operations. These proceeds were used
to reduce debt, which declined a net $38.7 million. In 1998, investing
activities included $19.0 million in proceeds from the sale of PSI. Capital
expenditures for 1999 were $24.6 million, down 44% from 1998, which included the
final expenditures for the Baytown aniline facility.
In March 2000, the board of directors authorized an additional $60.0 million for
stock repurchases to follow the $50.0 million repurchase program authorized in
August 1998. This latest approval for expenditure brings total authorizations
since the stock repurchase program was initiated in January 1997 to $170.0
million. As of December 31, 1999, the Company had acquired 3.4 million shares at
a cost of $78.6 million.
Projected capital expenditures for 2000 are approximately $37.0 million. The
Company believes that its cash flow from operations, combined with access to its
existing or additional bank credit facilities, adequately provides for its cash
requirements. Additional sources of cash in 2000 include proceeds of
approximately $13.0 million related to the disposal of FirstMiss Steel, Inc.,
which occurred in February 2000.
Accounting Developments
In March 1998, the Accounting Standards Executive Committee ("AcSEC") released
Statement of Position ("SOP") 98-1, "Accounting for the Costs of Computer
Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use." The SOP identifies the
characteristics of internal-use software and provides guidance for accounting
treatment of costs for computer software developed or obtained for internal use
as related to capitalization or expense decisions. The statement is effective
for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1998. In April 1998, AcSEC
released SOP 98-5, "Reporting
14
<PAGE>
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
on the Costs of Start-Up Activities." The SOP broadly defines start-up
activities and provides guidance on the financial reporting of start-up costs
and organization costs. It requires costs of start-up activities and
organization costs to be expensed as incurred. The statement is effective for
fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1998. Adoption of these statements did
not have a material impact on the Company's financial statements.
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 133 - "Accounting for
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," was issued in June 1998, and is
effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2000. The statement
establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments and
for hedging activities. All derivatives are required to be recognized as either
assets or liabilities in the statement of financial position and measured at
fair value. Changes in fair value will be reported either in earnings or outside
earnings depending on the intended use of the derivative and the resulting
designation. Entities applying hedge accounting are required to establish, at
the inception of the hedge, the method used to assess the effectiveness of the
hedging derivative and the measurement approach for determining the ineffective
aspect of the hedge. The Company currently follows SFAS No. 52, "Foreign
Currency Translation," and applies hedge accounting treatment to certain foreign
currency transactions by entering into foreign currency option contracts and
forward exchange contracts. Gains and losses associated with currency rate
changes on contracts hedging foreign currency transactions are recorded in
income and generally offset the transaction losses or gains on the foreign
currency cash flows that they are intended to hedge. Gains and losses on
contracts hedging firm sales commitments are deferred until the related
transactions are consummated. The effect of adopting the Statement is currently
being evaluated, however, based on current activity, the Company does not
believe the effects of adoption will be material to its financial position or
results of operations.
Market Risk
The Company is exposed to changes in financial market conditions in the normal
course of its business, including changes in interest rates and foreign currency
exchange rates. At December 31, 1999 and 1998, the Company's derivative and
other financial instruments included long-term debt denominated in U.S. dollars,
short-term notes denominated in Japanese yen and a series of yen option collars
hedging 20,000,000 yen per month with contract expiration dates ranging from
March 2000 through January 2001. Due to the short-term nature of the bulk of
these contracts and size of these yen obligations, the Company does not consider
its exposure to foreign currency or interest rate fluctuations on these
instruments to be material.
The Company utilizes fixed and variable-rate debt to maintain liquidity and fund
its business operations, with the terms and amounts based on business
requirements, market conditions and other factors. At December 31, 1999 and
1998, the market values of the Company's fixed-rate borrowings were
approximately $24.2 million and $24.0 million, respectively. A 100 basis point
change in interest rates (all other variables held constant) as of December 31,
1999 and 1998, would result in an approximate $1.0 million change in fair market
values for both years but would not affect interest expense or cash flow. There
was no variable-rate debt outstanding at December 31, 1999. At December 31, 1998
the Company had $41.0 million in variable-rate debt. A 100 basis point change in
interest rates (all other variables held constant) on this portion of the
Company's debt, would result in a change in interest expense of approximately
$0.4 million.
Year 2000
In 1996, the Company began a study which led to the purchase in 1997 of a
company-wide Enterprise Resource Planning ("ERP") system to integrate the
Company's information systems, replacing small, stand-alone purchased systems.
This ERP system is Year 2000 compliant. As of December 31, 1999, the Company has
spent $12.6 million on this project, with all scheduled sites operating under
this system.
A corporate-wide survey and assessment of other information technology ("IT")
and non-IT equipment and systems utilizing date or time functions was completed
in 1999. The Company also assessed critical key customers, as well as service
and raw material suppliers, regarding their Year 2000 readiness. Total
expenditures for assessment and remediation were approximately $0.3 million,
with all remediations occurring prior to December 31, 1999. Most of this cost
was related to remediating process control systems. Based on information to
date, the Company has not encountered any significant disruptions related to the
Year 2000 rollover.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements included in this Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations that relate to the proceeds from
the discontinuance of Steel operations, as well as other statements in this
Annual Report that are not historical in nature, may constitute "forward-looking
statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act
of 1995. Such forward-looking statements, as well as other forward-looking
statements made from time to time by the Company, or in the Company's press
releases and filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, are based
on certain underlying assumptions and expectations of management.
These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties which
could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in such
forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not
limited to, general economic conditions, availability and pricing of raw
materials, supply/demand balance for key products, new product development,
manufacturing efficiencies, conditions of and product demand by key customers,
the timely completion and start up of construction projects, pricing pressure as
a result of international market forces, the inability of the Company to either
resolve Year 2000 issues that may subsequently arise or to accurately estimate
the cost associated with such issues, and other factors as may be discussed in
the Company's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999.
15
<PAGE>
Consolidated Balance Sheets
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31,
(In Thousands of Dollars)
-------------------------
1999 1998
-------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 14,551 11,226
Receivables:
Trade, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $345 and $317, respectively 54,248 40,646
Other 13,665 3,152
-------------------------
Total receivables 67,913 43,798
-------------------------
Inventories:
Finished products 36,860 32,872
Work in process 3,565 7,045
Raw materials and supplies 22,238 11,378
-------------------------
Total inventories 62,663 51,295
-------------------------
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 9,794 8,274
Net current assets of discontinued operations 2,532 46,309
-------------------------
Total current assets 157,453 160,902
-------------------------
Investments 1,552 32,769
Intangible and other assets, at cost less amortization 17,637 16,362
Property, plant and equipment, net 225,745 227,401
Noncurrent assets of discontinued operations -- 6,000
-------------------------
$402,387 443,434
=========================
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Current liabilities:
Notes payable $ 7,668 5,354
Current installments of long-term debt -- 251
Deferred revenue 373 104
Accounts payable - trade (including book overdrafts of
$2,883 and $6,673, respectively) 18,919 22,020
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 17,523 16,237
-------------------------
Total current liabilities 44,483 43,966
-------------------------
Long-term debt, excluding current installments 24,224 64,956
Other long-term liabilities 26,130 24,783
Noncurrent liabilities of discontinued operations -- 10,097
Deferred income taxes 18,178 13,501
Minority interest 649 649
Stockholders' equity:
Serial preferred stock. Authorized 20,000,000 shares; none issued -- --
Common stock of $1 par value. Authorized 100,000,000 shares;
outstanding 17,901,323 and 18,445,391 shares, respectively 17,901 18,445
Additional paid-in capital 25,543 22,212
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 287 (293)
Retained earnings 244,992 245,118
-------------------------
Total stockholders' equity 288,723 285,482
-------------------------
$402,387 443,434
=========================
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
16
<PAGE>
Consolidated Statements of Operations
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years ended December 31,
(In Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Share Amounts)
-----------------------------------
1999 1998 1997
-----------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Sales $ 311,786 296,509 288,818
Cost of sales 220,118 217,016 206,946
-----------------------------------
Gross margin 91,668 79,493 81,872
General, selling and administrative 50,605 46,538 33,702
Research and development expenses 7,433 7,487 4,966
Other operating income (expense), net 3,641 5,195 (2,863)
-----------------------------------
Operating earnings 37,271 30,663 40,341
Interest income 1,363 2,199 3,293
Interest expense 2,145 1,986 283
Other income (expense), net (536) 9,224 14,997
-----------------------------------
Earnings from continuing operations before
income taxes and investee earnings 35,953 40,100 58,348
Income tax expense 13,480 15,440 23,050
Equity in net earnings of affiliated companies -- -- 2,497
-----------------------------------
Earnings from continuing operations 22,473 24,660 37,795
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net -- (2,618) 1,103
Gain (loss) on disposal of businesses, net 646 (11,950) --
-----------------------------------
Net earnings $ 23,119 10,092 38,898
===================================
Earnings (loss) per common share:
Earnings from continuing operations $ 1.23 1.28 1.85
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net -- (.14) .06
Gain (loss) on disposal of businesses, net .03 (.62) --
-----------------------------------
Net earnings $ 1.26 .52 1.91
===================================
Earnings (loss) per common share, assuming dilution:
Earnings from continuing operations $ 1.22 1.27 1.81
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net -- (.14) .05
Gain (loss) on disposal of businesses, net .03 (.61) --
-----------------------------------
Net earnings $ 1.25 .52 1.86
===================================
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
17
<PAGE>
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997
(In Thousands of Dollars, Except Share Amounts)
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Accumulated
Common Stock Additional Other
------------------------- Paid-In Comprehensive Retained
Shares Amount Capital Income Earnings
---------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance, December 31, 1996 20,672,778 $ 20,673 16,586 -- 271,227
Net earnings -- -- -- -- 38,898
Dividends declared - $.40 per share -- -- -- -- (8,147)
Common stock issued:
Employee stock options 65,620 66 881 -- --
Convertible debentures 93,317 93 516 -- --
Purchase and retirement of common shares (800,776) (801) -- (19,181)
Income tax benefit on exercise of stock
options and convertible debentures -- -- 886 -- --
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance, December 31, 1997 20,030,939 20,031 18,869 -- 282,797
=====================================================================
Net earnings -- -- -- -- 10,092
Dividends declared - $.40 per share -- -- -- -- (7,659)
Common stock issued:
Employee stock options 43,102 43 724 -- --
Convertible debentures 148,930 149 1,008 -- --
Employee Stock Purchase Plan 51,417 51 933 -- --
Purchase and retirement of common shares (1,828,997) (1,829) -- -- (40,112)
Income tax benefit on exercise of stock
options and convertible debentures -- -- 678 -- --
Foreign currency translation adjustments -- -- -- (293) --
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance, December 31, 1998 18,445,391 18,445 22,212 (293) 245,118
=====================================================================
Net earnings -- -- -- -- 23,119
Dividends declared - $.40 per share -- -- -- -- (7,276)
Common stock issued:
Employee stock options 36,770 37 607 -- --
Convertible debentures 129,811 130 988 -- --
Employee Stock Purchase Plan 47,451 47 963 -- --
Purchase and retirement of common shares (758,100) (758) -- -- (15,969)
Income tax benefit on exercise of stock
options and convertible debentures -- -- 773 -- --
Foreign currency translation adjustments -- -- -- 580 --
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance, December 31, 1999 17,901,323 $ 17,901 25,543 287 244,992
=====================================================================
Total comprehensive income:
Net earnings for year ended December 31, 1999 23,119
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of taxes of $142 237
Reclassification adjustment for foreign currency
translation adjustment included in net earnings, net of taxes of $206 343
--------
Total comprehensive income for year ended December 31, 1999 $ 23,699
========
Net earnings for year ended December 31, 1998 10,092
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of taxes of $183 (293)
--------
Total comprehensive income for year ended December 31, 1998 $ 9,799
========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
18
<PAGE>
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years ended December 31,
(In Thousands of Dollars)
--------------------------------
1999 1998 1997
--------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings $ 23,119 10,092 38,898
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided
by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 26,988 23,688 17,254
Provision for losses on receivables 133 203 505
Deferred income taxes 5,533 3,057 (1,254)
Net (gain) loss on disposal of businesses, net of taxes (benefit) (646) 11,950 --
Gain on sale of equity investees (1,605) (10,069) (14,684)
Undistributed earnings of affiliates, net of taxes -- -- (2,497)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects
of acquisitions and dispositions:
Receivables (5,920) 15,237 (11,365)
Inventories (11,368) (12,481) (2,184)
Prepaid expenses (2,042) (320) 2,291
Accounts payable (3,101) (7,943) 4,275
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 814 1,588 (8,826)
Deferred revenue and other long-term liabilities 6,176 3,301 3,296
Other, net 1,390 (800) (2,034)
Net (earnings) loss from discontinued operations -- 2,618 (1,103)
--------------------------------
Net cash provided by continuing operations 39,471 40,121 22,572
Net cash provided by (used in) discontinued operations 5,245 (5,970) 965
--------------------------------
Net cash provided by operating activities 44,716 34,151 23,537
--------------------------------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures (24,645) (43,786) (91,442)
Acquisitions of businesses (3,000) -- (11,166)
Proceeds from disposal of businesses 17,857 -- 2,100
Proceeds from collection of note receivable 29,569 -- --
Proceeds from sale of equity investees -- 18,986 26,138
Other, net -- 736 1,006
--------------------------------
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities of
continuing operations 19,781 (24,064) (73,364)
Net cash used in investing activities of discontinued operations -- (3,204) (4,041)
--------------------------------
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 19,781 (27,268) (77,405)
--------------------------------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net borrowings (repayments) on notes payable (38,691) 46,354 20,000
Principal repayments of long-term debt (23) (22) (22)
Repayments of other notes payable -- (700) --
Dividends (7,276) (7,659) (8,147)
Purchase of common stock (16,676) (42,617) (19,312)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock 1,536 1,669 1,475
--------------------------------
Net cash used in financing activities, continuing operations (61,130) (2,975) (6,006)
Net cash used in financing activities, discontinued operations -- (441) (745)
--------------------------------
Net cash used in financing activities (61,130) (3,416) (6,751)
--------------------------------
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash (42) (7) --
--------------------------------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 3,325 3,460 (60,619)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 11,226 7,766 68,385
--------------------------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 14,551 11,226 7,766
================================
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest, net of amounts capitalized $ 2,144 1,814 288
================================
Income taxes, net $ 272 7,283 20,832
================================
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
19
<PAGE>
Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997
(In thousands of dollars, except share data and option contract strike prices;
disclosures included in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements relate to
continuing operations, unless otherwise indicated).
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Presentation
The principal businesses of the Company involve the production of electronic and
other specialty chemicals for use in the semiconductor industry and in
pharmaceutical, polymer, photographic, photosensitive and agricultural
applications, as well as the production of polyurethane chemicals. Further
descriptions of the Company's products and the relative significance of its
operations are included in the segment information data in note 12.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and
the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.
Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and
its subsidiaries. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in
consolidation. Equity investments are accounted for by the equity method.
Recognition of Revenue
Revenues are recorded when title and risk of ownership pass. Long-term
construction-type contracts of certain discontinued operations are accounted for
under the percentage-of-completion method.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using
the first-in, first-out and weighted average methods.
Long-Lived Assets
Long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangibles to be held and used by
the Company are reviewed for impairment when the facts and circumstances
indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Long-lived
assets and certain identifiable intangibles to be disposed of are reported at
the lower of carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation of plant and equipment and depreciable investments is based on cost
and the estimated useful lives of the separate units of property. The
straight-line method is used in determining the amount of depreciation charged
to expense. Goodwill of businesses acquired is generally amortized up to 20
years using the straight-line method. Other intangibles are amortized over their
estimated useful lives (5-17 years) using the straight-line method. Loan costs
are amortized over the terms of related loans using the interest method.
Pension Plans
Pension cost is determined using the "projected unit credit" actuarial method
for financial reporting purposes. The Company's funding policy is to contribute
annually at amounts not less than the minimum requirements of the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.
Incentive Compensation
All outstanding stock options are nonqualified and require no charges to expense
upon grant or exercise. The Company receives a tax benefit from option
exercises, resulting in ordinary income to option recipients, that is included
in stockholders' equity.
Phantom share unit compensation plan discounts are amortized over various
holding periods of up to three years. The share units are credited with
equivalent dividends equal to cash dividends paid by the Company. The equivalent
dividends are expensed through the statement of operations. Phantom share units
require no charge to expense upon grant, or subsequently, as the Company, as
described by the plan, at its discretion determines the means of distribution as
either stock or cash upon redemption by participants.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all short-term investments with original maturities of
three months or less to be cash equivalents.
20
<PAGE>
Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
Investments
Realized gains and losses on investments are determined on the basis of specific
costs.
Contingencies
Estimates of loss contingencies, including environmental liability costs for
remediation, are charged to expense when it is probable an asset has been
impaired or a liability incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated. If
a potentially material loss contingency is reasonably possible, or probable but
cannot be estimated, then the nature of the contingency and an estimated range
of possible loss, if determinable and material, are disclosed.
Foreign Currency Translation
Financial statements of foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at
current rates, except that revenues, costs and expenses are translated at
average current rates during each reporting period. Net exchange gains or losses
resulting from the translation of foreign financial statements and the effect of
exchange rate changes on intercompany transactions of a long-term investment
nature are accumulated net of taxes in other comprehensive income.
Derivative Financial Instruments
The Company uses foreign currency option contracts and forward exchange
contracts to hedge certain foreign receivables and firm sales commitments to be
denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of the entity
involved. The contracts are designated and effective as hedges. Gains and losses
on contracts that hedge recorded receivables activity offset the exchange rate
fluctuations of the underlying hedged transaction. Accounting for gains and
losses on contracts designated as hedges of identifiable foreign currency sales
commitments involves deferring recognition until the related transactions are
consummated. When consummated, these gains and losses are recorded in net income
(see note 15).
Future Impact of Recent Accounting Pronouncements
SFAS No. 133 - "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,"
was issued in June 1998 and is effective for all fiscal years beginning after
June 15, 2000. The statement establishes accounting and reporting standards for
derivative instruments and for hedging activities. All derivatives are required
to be recognized as either assets or liabilities in the statements of financial
position and measured at fair value. Changes in fair value will be reported
either in earnings or outside earnings depending on the intended use of the
derivative and the resulting designation. Entities applying hedge accounting are
required to establish, at the inception of the hedge, the method used to assess
the effectiveness of the hedging derivative and the measurement approach for
determining the ineffective aspect of the hedge. The Company currently follows
SFAS No. 52, "Foreign Currency Translation," and applies hedge accounting
treatment to certain foreign currency transactions by entering into foreign
currency option contracts and forward exchange contracts. Gains and losses
associated with currency rate changes on contracts hedging foreign currency
transactions are recorded in income and generally offset the transaction losses
or gains on the foreign currency cash flows that they are intended to hedge.
Gains and losses on contracts hedging firm sales commitments are deferred until
the related transactions are consummated. The effect of adopting the Statement
is currently being evaluated, however, based on current activity, the Company
does not believe the effects of adoption will be material to its financial
position or results of operation.
Reclassifications
Certain 1998 and 1997 amounts have been reclassified to conform with the 1999
presentation.
2. ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSALS
Acquisitions
On December 31, 1997, the Company acquired from Clariant Corporation an
acylation derivatives business involved in the development and marketing of
photoresist resins, as well as the chemical mechanical planarization assets of
Baikowski International Corporation and Moyco Technologies, Inc. The aggregate
purchase price of these three businesses was approximately $14,900, including
approximately $11,200 in cash and contingent consideration of approximately
$3,700 (approximately $5,000 face value before discounting) payable in five
years. Goodwill is amortized on a straight-line basis over the period assigned
to each acquisition, ranging from five to 15 years.
In September of 1999, the Company acquired a choline raw material business from
DCV, a holding company established by a joint venture between DuPont and
ConAgra, for approximately $3,000 in cash. Choline is an ingredient in
photoresist strippers used to manufacture printed wire boards and other
electronic interconnects.
21
<PAGE>
Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
Disposals
Effective December 1, 1999, the Company sold its wholly owned subsidiaries,
Callidus Technology, Inc.("CTI") and Plasma Energy Corporation, to Howe-Baker
International Inc., for approximately $8,000 in cash, subject to certain
immaterial post-closing adjustments. A plan for disposal of this business was
adopted in the fourth quarter of 1998. A pretax loss of $4,500 was recognized in
1999 on the disposal as operating results during the disposal period were lower
than projected, primarily due to the decision to exit CTI's European operations.
This sale completes the disposition of the Company's Engineered Products and
Services segment. In 1996, the Company recorded pretax charges of $20,402
related to disposal of the other major portion of this segment, Plasma
Processing Corporation. This company was sold in January 1997 for $4,100
resulting in no additional gain or loss. In December 1998, an additional accrual
of $1,465 was made to dispose of unprocessed inventory. In 1999, following
disposal of the inventory, the Company reversed $343 of this accrual, leaving an
accrued balance of $125 at December 31, 1999.
In the third quarter of 1998, the Company's board of directors approved a plan
to discontinue its steel operations and in February 2000, the Company sold its
wholly owned subsidiary FirstMiss Steel, Inc. for approximately $13,000, subject
to certain post-closing working capital adjustments. An estimated loss on
disposal of $18,000 was recorded in the third quarter of 1998, which included
accruing $3,128 of estimated costs to exit this business. In the fourth quarter
of 1999, the estimated loss on disposal was reduced by approximately $1,281 to
reflect the estimated proceeds of the anticipated sale.
On October 20, 1995, the Company's gold operations were discontinued through the
distribution to its shareholders of its entire ownership of Getchell Gold
Corporation. A reduction in estimated tax liabilities of $2,388 was recorded in
the fourth quarter of 1999 following final settlement of federal tax
examinations covering Getchell Gold's operations through the distribution date.
The net assets and liabilities of discontinued operations included in the
consolidated financial statements are classified as current assets, noncurrent
assets and noncurrent liabilities by segment as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Engineered Products
Steel and Services and Other Total
December 31, December 31, December 31,
--------------------------------------------------------------------
1999 1998 1999 1998 1999 1998
--------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Current assets $ 3,090 24,766 1,656 33,172 4,746 57,938
Investments and other assets -- -- -- 359 -- 359
Property, plant and equipment, net 11,000 9,300 -- 8,489 11,000 17,789
Current liabilities (1,631) (7,036) (11,583) (22,276) (3,214) (29,312)
Long-term debt, excluding
current installments -- (465) -- -- -- (465)
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Net current assets of discontinued operations $ 12,459 26,565 (9,927) 19,744 2,532 46,309
====================================================================
Investments and other assets $ -- -- -- 6,000 -- 6,000
====================================================================
Noncurrent assets of discontinued operations $ -- -- -- 6,000 -- 6,000
====================================================================
Deferred income taxes and other, net $ -- -- -- 10,097 -- 10,097
====================================================================
Noncurrent liabilities of discontinued operations $ -- -- -- 10,097 -- 10,097
====================================================================
</TABLE>
In 1999, the noncurrent liability of $10,097 associated with Engineered Products
and Services and Other in 1998 was reclassed as part of current liabilities.
22
<PAGE>
Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
The statements of operations have been reclassified to separate discontinued and
continuing operations. Revenues and net earnings (losses) of the discontinued
operations, by segment, for the years ended December 31, 1998 and 1997 were as
follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997
--------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Steel
Sales and revenues $ 54,620 75,304
====================
Loss from operations before taxes $ (1,499) (1,134)
Income tax benefit (585) (444)
--------------------
Loss from discontinued operations, net $ (914) (690)
====================
Engineered Products and Services and Other
Sales and revenues $ 68,011 72,798
====================
Earnings (loss) from operations before taxes $ (2,705) 2,952
Income tax expense (benefit) (1,001) 1,159
--------------------
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net $ (1,704) 1,793
====================
Total operating results of discontinued operations $ (2,618) 1,103
====================
</TABLE>
Earnings (loss) from operations of discontinued businesses included interest
expense allocations (based on the ratio of net assets of discontinued operations
to consolidated net assets plus debt) of $0, $309 and $41 in 1999, 1998 and
1997, respectively.
3. INVESTMENTS
On January 22, 1998, the Company sold its 50% interest in Power Sources, Inc.
("PSI") to Trigen Energy Corporation for a net cash amount of $18,986 after
payments of incentives to former PSI management. A pretax gain of $10,069 was
recognized in 1998, with an additional gain of $1,605, including interest,
recognized in 1999 following resolution of contingencies related to the
transaction. In November 1997, the Company sold its 23% interest in Melamine
Chemicals, Inc. to Borden Chemical Inc. for $26,138 in cash, recognizing a
pretax gain of $14,684. Equity earnings, net of taxes, were $2,497 for the year
ended December 31, 1997.
The Company received a promissory note from Getchell Gold Corporation, a former
subsidiary, in October 1995. Subsequently, Getchell and Placer Dome Inc. merged
in May 1999, and Getchell paid $29,569 representing all principal and interest
due on the note to the Company. At December 31, 1998, the aggregate unpaid
principal amount of the note, with accrued interest at 5.625% based on the
London Interbank Offered Rate, was $28,918 and was included in investments.
The terms of the January 1997 sale of Plasma Processing Corporation included a
note for $2,000. A tax provision for $1,000 and $750 (see note 11) was made in
1999 and 1998, respectively, related to the note based on management's estimate
of collectibility.
4. INTANGIBLE AND OTHER ASSETS
The major classes of intangible and other assets are summarized below:
December 31,
-----------------------
1999 1998
-----------------------
Goodwill $30,207 26,343
Other 963 1,055
-----------------------
31,170 27,398
Less accumulated amortization 13,533 11,036
-----------------------
$17,637 16,362
=======================
The net carrying amounts of goodwill at December 31, 1999 and 1998 were $16,965
and $15,890, respectively. Amortization expense related to the above amounted to
$1,921 in 1999, $2,106 in 1998 and $1,204 in 1997.
23
<PAGE>
Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
5. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
A summary of property, plant and equipment, at cost, follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Estimated December 31,
useful lives 1999 1998
--------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Land and land improvements 10-20 $ 7,031 6,856
Buildings 20-45 34,002 31,075
Plant facilities and equipment 5-20 286,992 270,505
Other facilities and equipment 5-12 50,784 36,276
Construction in progress 11,520 22,102
----------------------
Total property, plant and equipment 390,329 366,814
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization 164,584 139,413
----------------------
Net property, plant and equipment $225,745 227,401
======================
</TABLE>
Depreciation and amortization expense related to the above was $25,067 in 1999,
$21,582 in 1998 and $16,050 in 1997.
Construction in progress is primarily related to plant and other facilities.
Completion of current projects is estimated to occur by year end 2000, at an
estimated cost of approximately $5,000. Capitalized interest related to
construction in progress amounted to $739 in 1999, $915 in 1998 and $141 in
1997.
6. LONG-TERM DEBT
A summary of long-term debt follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31,
-----------------
1999 1998
-----------------
<S> <C> <C>
Unsecured:
Senior notes payable:
Tranche A, 6.50%, due October 30, 2003 $15,000 15,000
Tranche B, 6.75%, due October 30, 2005 5,000 5,000
Revolving credit facility, expiring May 2002 -- 41,000
BK International Corporation note, 6.25%, due December 2002 4,224 3,956
Other -- 228
-----------------
24,224 65,184
Secured -- 23
-----------------
24,224 65,207
Less current installments of long-term debt -- 251
-----------------
$24,224 64,956
=================
</TABLE>
There were no compensating balance requirements under loan agreements in effect
at December 31, 1999. The above obligations mature in various amounts through
2005, including $4,224 in 2002, $15,000 in 2003 and $5,000 in 2005.
In November 1998, the Company entered into a $20,000 private placement of senior
notes with two institutional investors. The Tranche A and B notes have
interest-only payments until October 30, 2003 and October 30, 2005, at interest
rates of 6.50% and 6.75%, respectively.
The Company has a $100,000 bank revolving credit facility originating June 1997,
which is committed until May 2002. At December 31, 1999, there was no
outstanding balance under the facility. At December 31, 1998, there was a
balance of $41,000 outstanding at a weighted average interest rate of 5.85%.
Outstanding letters of credit under the facility were $9,379 and $8,678, leaving
$90,621 and $50,322 available for borrowings at December 31, 1999 and 1998,
respectively. Interest rates are based on either the London Interbank Offered
Rate or the prime rate. A facility fee ranging from .125 to .150 of 1% per annum
is charged. The facility fee was $125, $126 and $125 for the years ended
December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively. Prior to June 1997, the Company
had a $65,000 bank revolving credit facility. Interest rates were based on
either the London Interbank Offered Rate or the prime rate. The senior notes and
the revolving credit facility contain certain covenants, the most significant of
which require a specified ratio of earnings before interest and taxes to cover
fixed charges, maintaining a minimum net worth amount, and a specified debt to
capitalization ratio. At December 31, 1999, the Company was in compliance with
these covenants.
24
<PAGE>
Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
The Company has access to a $10,000 short-term uncommitted facility for foreign
or trade related borrowings. The facility, which originated during 1998 and
expires annually, is renewable at the Company's request and the bank's option
with a current expiration of October 2000. The total outstanding at December 31,
1999 and 1998, was $7,668 and $5,354, respectively. Interest rates are based on
either the London Interbank Offered Rate or the Tokyo Interbank Offered Rate.
The average interest rate for the short-term facility was 1.11% and 1.15% at
year-ends 1999 and 1998, respectively.
The Company also has access to an uncommitted facility for the issuance of
foreign currency letters of credit. The total outstanding at December 31, 1999
and 1998, was $1,458 and $1,642, respectively. The possibility of default is
considered remote but would cause these letters of credit to come due
immediately. If this occurred, payments would be made from available cash or
borrowings under the revolving credit facility.
Total interest costs incurred for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and
1997, were $2,884, $2,901 and $424, respectively.
The Company is potentially restricted by covenants related to its senior note
debt and credit facility borrowings that could limit dividend payments. A fixed
cost coverage covenant, which includes dividends and scheduled debt principal
and interest payments, requires that the company maintain a fixed cost coverage
ratio of two and a half times annual earnings before interest and taxes.
Compliance with the covenant allows for Company retained earnings to be free of
restrictions for potential dividend payments up to an amount of $13,094 for the
year ended December 31, 1999.
7. INCOME TAXES
Total income tax expense (benefit) for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998
and 1997, was allocated as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998 1997
--------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Continuing operations $ 13,480 15,440 23,050
Discontinued operations (1,124) (7,636) 715
Stockholders' equity related to compensation
expense for tax purposes in excess
of amounts recognized for financial reporting purposes (773) (678) (886)
--------------------------------
$ 11,583 7,126 22,879
================================
</TABLE>
Income tax expense differs from the statutory federal rate of 35% applied to
earnings from continuing operations before income taxes and investee earnings
for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997 as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998 1997
--------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Computed "expected" tax expense $ 12,584 14,035 20,422
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit 928 1,407 1,658
Amortization of goodwill 267 394 388
Exempt earnings of Foreign Sales Corporation (149) (94) (172)
Increase in net cash surrender value of life insurance (381) (362) (331)
Tax provision adjustments for pending
Internal Revenue Service matters -- -- 400
Other, net 231 60 685
--------------------------------
Actual tax expense of continuing operations $ 13,480 15,440 23,050
================================
</TABLE>
25
<PAGE>
Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
Components of income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and
1997 are as follows:
1999 1998 1997
----------------------------------------
Current:
Federal $ 6,120 8,950 20,539
State 765 2,169 2,515
Foreign 1,062 1,264 1,250
----------------------------------------
7,947 12,383 24,304
----------------------------------------
Deferred:
Federal 4,870 3,062 (1,290)
State 663 (5) 36
Foreign -- -- --
----------------------------------------
5,533 3,057 (1,254)
----------------------------------------
Total:
Federal 10,990 12,012 19,249
State 1,428 2,164 2,551
Foreign 1,062 1,264 1,250
----------------------------------------
$13,480 15,440 23,050
========================================
The significant components of deferred income tax expense attributable to
earnings from continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998
and 1997 are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998 1997
------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Deferred tax expense (benefit) from changes in temporary differences $5,533 3,057 (1,254)
========================
</TABLE>
The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions
of the deferred tax assets and the deferred tax liabilities are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31,
--------------------
1999 1998
--------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Deferred tax assets:
Note and accounts receivable, principally due to
allowance for doubtful accounts $ 33 317
Deferred compensation 5,748 5,060
Accrued incentive compensation 493 464
Inventory costs 1,500 1,803
State net operating loss carryforward 184 92
Accrued vacation costs 772 767
Accrued pension costs 3,245 980
Other, net 1,503 1,103
--------------------
Total deferred tax assets 13,478 10,586
--------------------
Deferred tax liabilities:
Plant and equipment, principally due to differences in depreciation (27,120) (19,235)
State income taxes (2,254) (1,714)
--------------------
Total gross deferred tax liabilities (29,374) (20,949)
--------------------
Net deferred tax liability $(15,896) (10,363)
====================
</TABLE>
The net deferred tax liability at December 31, 1999 and 1998, consists of a
long-term deferred tax liability of $18,178 and $13,501, respectively, and a
current deferred tax asset of $2,282, and $3,138, respectively.
In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers
whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax
assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is
dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in
which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the
scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, recoverable taxes paid,
projected taxable income and tax planning strategies in making this assessment.
Based on the reversal of existing deferred tax liabilities and projections for
future taxable income over the periods which the deferred tax assets are
deductible, management believes it is more likely than not the Company will
realize the benefit of these deductible differences.
26
<PAGE>
Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
Current refundable income taxes of $10,580 at December 31, 1999, and current
income taxes payable of $3,569 at December 31, 1998, are included in other
receivables and accrued expenses and other current liabilities, respectively, in
the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
The Company's federal income tax returns have been examined through June 30,
1996, and all years through June 30, 1994 are closed. In October 1999, the
Company agreed to a resolution of the remaining disputed issues for the years
ended June 30, 1995 and June 30, 1996. Management believes that adequate
provision has been made for any adjustments which might be assessed for open
years through December 31, 1999.
8. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT AND INCENTIVE PLANS
The Company has a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan covering
substantially all full-time permanent employees. The benefits are based on years
of service and participants' compensation during the last five years of
employment. The following tables present plan information at December 31, 1999
and 1998, and for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997:
1999 1998
----------------------
Change in Benefit Obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 40,825 37,494
Service cost 3,684 2,958
Interest cost 2,680 2,749
Actuarial (gain) loss (1,602) 3,350
Benefits paid (1,506) (2,934)
Curtailment gain -- (2,792)
----------------------
Benefit obligation at end of year $ 44,081 40,825
======================
Change in Plan Assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year $ 39,531 36,206
Actual return on plan assets 4,173 6,154
Employer contribution 1,712 105
Benefits paid (1,506) (2,934)
----------------------
Fair value of plan assets at end of year $ 43,910 39,531
======================
Reconciliation of Funded Status
Funded status $ (171) (1,294)
Unrecognized net actuarial gain (7,938) (5,968)
Unrecognized transition asset (1,567) (1,872)
Unrecognized prior service cost 409 457
----------------------
Accrued pension liability $ (9,267) (8,677)
======================
Weighted-Average Assumptions
as of December 31 1999 1998 1997
--------------------------------
Discount rate - net periodic pension cost 7.00% 7.50% 7.75%
Discount rate - benefit obligations 8.00% 7.00% 7.50%
Expected return on plan assets 9.50% 9.50% 9.00%
Rate of compensation increase 4.00% 4.00% 4.00%
Components of Net Periodic Pension Cost
Service cost $ 3,684 2,958 2,376
Interest cost 2,680 2,747 2,157
Expected return on plan assets (3,691) (3,369) (2,631)
Recognized net actuarial gain (116) (645) (243)
Amortization of transition asset (304) (304) (304)
Amortization of prior service cost 49 89 89
--------------------------------
Net periodic pension cost $ 2,302 1,476 1,444
================================
27
<PAGE>
Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
Net annual pension expense allocated to discontinued operations was $1,123,
$1,211 and $1,162 for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997,
respectively. Plan assets are invested primarily in equity securities and U.S.
Government and corporate bonds.
The Company has a contributory 401(k) savings and employee stock ownership plan
which covers substantially all eligible employees who have completed six months
of service. Total expense under the plan amounted to approximately $1,255,
$1,116 and $1,038 for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997,
respectively. This plan and the pension plan invest in the Company's stock. The
total number of shares held by the plans at December 31, 1999 and 1998, was
367,609 and 387,261, respectively.
The Company has various nonqualified plans that act to restore earned benefits
limited by income tax regulations, or allow for other compensation deferrals.
Beginning in July 1997, participants in certain of these plans could elect to
convert existing deferred balances and/or future deferrals, at the start of each
new year, into phantom share units tracking the performance of the Company's
stock. Additionally, a 15 percent discount on the market value of the stock at
the original conversion date and each new plan year is given to those
participants making this election. Beginning in 1998, Company officers could
elect to defer a portion of salary and/or bonuses into phantom share units on a
pretax basis at a 15 percent discount. The total liability for these deferrals
at December 31, 1999 and 1998 is $1,252 and $936, respectively. The nonqualified
supplemental pension plan provides for incremental pension payments from the
Company's funds. The total liability relating to this unfunded plan at December
31, 1999 and 1998, was $2,026 and $1,689, respectively. Net annual pension
expense for this plan was $337, $311 and $77 (net of an actuarial adjustment of
$233 in 1997) for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997,
respectively. The cost of the nonqualified 401(k) and ESOP plans was $314, $355
and $622 for the years ended December 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively.
Individual life insurance contracts were purchased, with the Company as
beneficiary, to assist in the funding of portions of certain nonqualified
deferred compensation plans covering directors, officers and key employees. The
expense for these plans was $964, $896 and $795 for the years ended December 31,
1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively.
Directors, officers and certain key employees of the Company participate in the
long-term incentive plans (the "Plans") under which the Company has reserved
shares of common stock for issuance. Awards under the Plans include stock
options, options to purchase debentures convertible into preferred stock and
then convertible into common stock of the Company, stock appreciation rights,
performance units, restricted stock, supplemental cash and such other forms as
the Board of Directors may direct. Options under all plans are granted at the
market price of the shares on the date of the grants, with vesting occurring no
earlier than six months after grant and expiration no later than 10 years after
grant. At December 31, 1999, shares available for grant under the referenced
plans totaled 176,118 shares of common stock. Outstanding debentures totaled $0
and $228 at December 31, 1999 and 1998, respectively. Debentures are no longer
granted under the Company's plans.
SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," was adopted by the
Company in 1996. In accounting for employee stock options and similar equity
instruments, companies are given the choice of either recognizing related
compensation cost by adopting the fair value method, or to continue using the
intrinsic value method prescribed by Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25
(APB No. 25), "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees," and supplementally
disclose the proforma effect on earnings and earnings per share using SFAS No.
123 measurement criteria. The Company elected to continue to follow the
requirements of APB No. 25, and accordingly, there is no effect on the results
of operations.
The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the
Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average
assumptions used for grants made during the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998
and 1997, respectively: dividend yields of 2.0, 1.5 and 1.7 percent; expected
volatilities of 27, 33 and 26 percent; risk-free interest rates of 6.1, 6.1 and
6.8 percent, and expected option lives of four years for all periods presented.
28
<PAGE>
Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
A summary of the status of the Company's stock option plans at December 31,
1999, 1998 and 1997, and changes during the years ended on those dates is
presented below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998 1997
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weighted-avg. Weighted-avg. Weighted-avg.
Shares exercise price Shares exercise price Shares exercise price
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Stock options:
Outstanding at beginning of year 1,202,015 $ 22.26 1,012,904 $ 20.84 551,212 $ 18.33
Granted 545,168 $ 19.02 394,108 $ 26.02 518,010 $ 23.18
Exercised (54,153) $ 15.71 (77,982) $ 20.18 (49,518) $ 16.98
Forfeited (33,735) $ 23.73 (127,015) $ 23.93 (6,800) $ 23.13
--------- --------- ---------
Outstanding at end of year 1,659,295 $ 21.38 1,202,015 $ 22.26 1,012,904 $ 20.84
========= ========= =========
Exercisable at end of year 1,407,079 634,474 501,694
========= ========= =========
Weighted-average fair value of
grants during year $ 4.88 $ 7.86 $ 6.11
======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
The following table summarizes information about stock options for the period
ended December 31, 1999:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Options outstanding Options exercisable
------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------
Weighted-avg.
Range of Number remaining Weighted-avg. Number Weighted-avg.
exercise prices outstanding contractual life exercise price exercisable exercise price
------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$16.30-$26.75 1,659,295 7.1 years $20.29 1,407,079 $20.31
=================================================================== ============================
</TABLE>
Under the Company's application of APB Opinion 25 and related interpretations in
accounting for its plans, no compensation cost has been recognized for its stock
option plans. Had compensation cost been determined based on the fair value at
the grant dates for awards under the plan consistent with the method prescribed
by SFAS No. 123, the Company's net income, earnings per common share and
earnings per common share, assuming dilution, would have been reduced to the pro
forma amounts indicated below for the years ended December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998 1997
-------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net earnings As reported $ 23,119 $ 10,092 $ 38,898
Pro forma $ 20,434 $ 8,998 $ 37,955
Earnings per common share As reported $ 1.26 $ .52 $ 1.91
Pro forma $ 1.12 $ .47 $ 1.86
Earnings per common share, assuming dilution As reported $ 1.25 $ .52 $ 1.86
Pro forma $ 1.11 $ .46 $ 1.82
</TABLE>
29
<PAGE>
Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
9. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
The annual earnings per common share ("EPS") calculation is based on the
collective averages of the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding
during each quarter for earnings per common share and the collective averages of
the weighted-average number of outstanding common shares and common share
equivalents during each quarter for earnings per common share, assuming
dilution. A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators for basic and
diluted per share computations from continuing operations for the years ended
December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Weighted-avg.
Income Shares Per Share
(Numerator) (Denominator) Amount
----------- ------------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Basic EPS
Earnings from continuing operations - 1999 $ 22,473 18,242,021 $ 1.23
Effect of Dilutive Securities
Options -- 143,243 --
Convertible debentures -- 84,705 --
----------
Diluted EPS
Earnings from continuing operations - 1999 $ 22,473 18,469,969 $ 1.22
==========
Basic EPS
Earnings from continuing operations - 1998 $ 24,660 19,255,344 $ 1.28
Effect of Dilutive Securities
Options -- 79,178 --
Convertible debentures -- 144,300 --
----------
Diluted EPS
Earnings from continuing operations - 1998 $ 24,660 19,478,822 $ 1.27
==========
Basic EPS
Earnings from continuing operations - 1997 $ 37,795 20,395,060 $ 1.85
Effect of Dilutive Securities
Options -- 195,867 --
Convertible debentures -- 296,825 --
----------
Diluted EPS
Earnings from continuing operations - 1997 $ 37,795 20,887,752 $ 1.81
==========
</TABLE>
Options to purchase 313,920 shares of the Company's common stock were
outstanding at December 31, 1999 but were not included in the computation of
diluted EPS because their exercise prices were greater than the average market
price of the common shares. Of these potentially dilutive options, 20,900 expire
in 2007 and 293,020 expire in 2008.
In connection with the Shareholder Rights Plan adopted by the Company on October
30, 1996, preferred stock purchase rights were distributed to stockholders and
are deemed to be attached to the outstanding shares of common stock of the
Company. Under certain conditions, each right may be exercised to purchase one
one-hundredth (1/100) of a share of a new series of preferred stock, at an
exercise price of $100 per share (subject to adjustment). The rights, which do
not have voting rights, expire in 2006, and may be redeemed by the Company at a
price of $0.01 per right prior to a specified period of time after the
occurrence of certain events. In certain events, each right (except certain
rights beneficially owned by 10% or more owners, which rights are voided) will
entitle its holder to purchase shares of common stock with a value of twice the
then-current exercise price.
In August 1998, the Company's directors authorized a $50,000 stock repurchase
program. As of December 31, 1999, total repurchase authorizations were $110,000.
30
<PAGE>
Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
10. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
The Company has entered into various operating leases for transportation
equipment (primarily railroad tank cars), chemical pipelines and storage
facilities, office buildings and land and other miscellaneous items of
equipment. The following is a schedule by year of future minimum rental payments
for those operating leases with initial or remaining noncancelable terms in
excess of one year, as of December 31, 1999:
Years ending Operating
December 31, Leases
------------ ---------
2000 $ 1,481
2001 1,344
2002 1,299
2003 605
2004 53
Later years --
---------
Total minimum payments required $ 4,782
=========
Provisions applicable to certain transportation equipment leases provide for
mileage credits computed on the basis of usage. No recognition has been given to
the effect of such credits in the amounts presented above.
Rental expense, including short-term rentals (net of mileage credits of
approximately $365, $483 and $407 for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998
and 1997, respectively), was approximately $1,820, $1,590 and $781 for the years
ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively. In most cases management
expects that leases will be renewed or replaced by other leases in the normal
course of business.
Company operations are subject to a wide variety of environmental laws and
regulations governing emissions to the air, discharges to water sources, and the
handling, storage, treatment and disposal of waste materials, as well as other
laws and regulations concerning health and safety conditions. The Company
accrues for anticipated costs associated with investigatory and remediation
efforts relating to the environment. At December 31, 1999 and 1998, the
Company's estimated liability for these matters totaled $1,333 and $1,338,
respectively, for discontinued operations. The estimated liability related to
continuing operations at December 31, 1999 and 1998, was $244, for both years.
The Company has pending several claims incurred in the normal course of business
which, in the opinion of management and legal counsel, should be disposed of
without material effect on the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
11. OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
Components of other income (expense), net, for the years ended December 31 are
as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998 1997
-----------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Gain on sale of Melamine Chemicals, Inc. (see note 3) $ -- -- 14,684
Gain on sale of Power Sources, Inc. (see note 3) 1,605 10,069 --
Loss on note receivable (1,000) (750) --
Other (1,141) (95) 313
-----------------------------
$ (536) 9,224 14,997
=============================
</TABLE>
31
<PAGE>
Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
12. SEGMENT INFORMATION
The Company operates in two segments: Electronic and Other Specialty Chemicals
and Polyurethane Chemicals. The Electronic and Other Specialty Chemicals segment
produces specialty chemicals for use by others in electronic, agricultural,
pharmaceutical, polymer and photosensitive applications. These chemicals are
typically produced by multi-step processing with products sold both on
specification and performance. This segment includes research and development
for new products and processes. The Polyurethane Chemicals segment produces
aniline and nitrobenzene by a continuous production process. These chemicals
generally require more processing to produce the end product used by consumers
and are primarily sold under long-term contracts to industrial customers. The
accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the
summary of significant accounting policies. The Company evaluates performance
and allocates resources based on the segment's profit or loss from operations
before interest income and expense and income taxes. The Company's reportable
segments are based on similarities in products and services, type and class of
customers, production processes and methods of distribution.
The polyurethane chemicals segment had unaffiliated major customer sales of
$111,151, $99,522, and $86,806 for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and
1997, respectively.
The following is a breakdown by segment of the Company's consolidated financial
statements at December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997 and for each of the years then
ended:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998 1997
-----------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Sales to unaffiliated customers:
Electronic and Other Specialty Chemicals $ 173,663 176,688 176,353
Polyurethane Chemicals 138,123 119,821 112,465
-----------------------------------
Total $ 311,786 296,509 288,818
===================================
Operating profit before income taxes and investee earnings:
Electronic and Other Specialty Chemicals $ 18,048 17,796 27,617
Polyurethane Chemicals 31,034 22,648 24,071
-----------------------------------
49,082 40,444 51,688
Unallocated corporate expenses (11,811) (9,781) (11,347)
Interest income (expense), net (782) 213 3,010
Other income (expense), net (536) 9,224 14,997
-----------------------------------
Total $ 35,953 40,100 58,348
===================================
Depreciation and amortization:
Electronic and Other Specialty Chemicals $ 18,117 14,623 12,541
Polyurethane Chemicals 7,316 8,148 4,341
Corporate 1,555 917 372
-----------------------------------
Total $ 26,988 23,688 17,254
===================================
Identifiable assets:
Electronic and Other Specialty Chemicals $ 253,014 214,192 224,778
Polyurethane Chemicals 100,976 113,217 81,844
-----------------------------------
353,990 327,409 306,622
Corporate 45,865 63,716 62,305
Discontinued operations 2,532 52,309 64,170
-----------------------------------
Total $ 402,387 443,434 433,097
===================================
Capital expenditures:
Electronic and Other Specialty Chemicals $ 16,399 25,306 36,692
Polyurethane Chemicals 3,245 11,421 47,910
Corporate 5,001 7,059 6,840
-----------------------------------
Total $ 24,645 43,786 91,442
===================================
</TABLE>
32
<PAGE>
Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
Revenues from sales to all foreign countries were $47,345, $46,207 and $43,096
in 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively, and are attributed to those countries
based on ship-to location of customers. Identifiable assets in foreign countries
were $21,943, $17,386 and $7,736.
Identifiable assets by segment are those assets used in the Company's
operations. Corporate assets and investments are principally cash and cash
equivalents, nontrade receivables and certain other investments.
The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and generally
does not require collateral on trade receivables. The Company believes that
adequate allowances are maintained for any uncollectible trade receivables.
Certain corporate expenses, primarily those related to the overall management of
the Company, were not allocated to the operating segments.
13. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)
Selected quarterly financial data follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Quarters ended Year ended
--------------------------------------------------------------
03/31 06/30 09/30 12/31 12/31
--------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1999:
Sales $ 69,844 80,341 79,275 82,326 311,786
==============================================================
Gross profit $ 19,494 22,139 24,761 25,274 91,668
==============================================================
Earnings from continuing operations $ 4,641 5,473 5,962 6,397 22,473
==============================================================
Net earnings $ 4,641 5,473 5,962 7,043 23,119
==============================================================
Earnings per common share:
Continuing operations $ .25 .30 .33 .35 1.23
==============================================================
Net earnings $ .25 .30 .33 .38 1.26
==============================================================
Earnings per common share, assuming dilution:
Continuing operations $ .25 .30 .32 .35 1.22
==============================================================
Net earnings $ .25 .30 .32 .38 1.25
==============================================================
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Quarters ended Year ended
---------------------------------------------------------------
03/31 06/30 09/30 12/31 12/31
---------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1998:
Sales $ 71,924 75,688 72,760 76,137 296,509
===============================================================
Gross profit $ 18,253 20,416 20,104 20,720 79,493
===============================================================
Earnings from continuing operations $ 9,445 3,853 5,107 6,255 24,660
===============================================================
Net earnings (loss) $ 9,753 3,954 (7,687) 4,072 10,092
===============================================================
Earnings (loss) per common share:
Continuing operations $ .47 .20 .27 .33 1.28
===============================================================
Net earnings (loss) $ .49 .20 (.41) .22 .52
===============================================================
Earnings (loss) per common share, assuming dilution:
Continuing operations $ .47 .19 .27 .33 1.27
===============================================================
Net earnings (loss) $ .48 .20 (.40) .22 .52
===============================================================
</TABLE>
Net earnings during the first quarter of 1998 included the gain on the sale of
Power Sources, Inc. (see note 3), while results in the third quarter of 1998
reflect charges related to the discontinuance of steel operations.
The above quarterly earnings (loss) per share calculations are based on the
weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during each quarter for
earnings (loss) per common share and the weighted-average number of outstanding
common shares and common share equivalents during each quarter for the earnings
(loss) per common share, assuming dilution.
33
<PAGE>
Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
14. VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
Details regarding the valuation allowances for discontinued operations and
doubtful trade accounts and notes receivable for continuing operations are as
follows:
Charged to Other
Beginning Costs and Additions Ending
Balance Expenses (Deductions)* Balance
------------------------------------------------
Year ended December 31, 1999 $25,314 2,008 (105) 27,217
Year ended December 31, 1998 $10,222 15,063 29 25,314
Year ended December 31, 1997 $24,433 12 (14,223) 10,222
* Businesses disposed and/or amounts written off.
15. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
At December 31, 1999 and 1998, cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables,
notes receivable, letters of credit, trade payables, accrued liabilities,
foreign currency contracts and notes payable are reflected in the financial
statements at fair value. The $20,000 senior notes, placed with institutional
investors in November 1998, approximate fair value based on current rates
offered the Company for debt of similar characteristics and maturities. The
revolving credit facility is based on floating interest rates and approximates
fair value.
Derivative Financial Instruments
The Company enters into foreign currency option contracts and forward exchange
contracts to minimize its exposure related to receivables denominated in yen. To
lessen the short-term effect of exchange rate fluctuations on consolidated
performance, the Company hedges a portion of these yen-denominated receivables
and future sales commitments. Gains and losses on contracts related to future
sales commitments are deferred and subsequently recorded in net earnings in the
period in which the related transactions are consummated. The open option
collars at December 31, 1999, represent total option puts and calls of
220,000,000 yen each, with a minimum U.S. dollar value of $1,973 and a maximum
U.S. dollar value of $2,303. The contracts hedge 20,000,000 yen per month with
floor rates ranging from 98.08 to 93.21 and the cap rates ranging from 114.0 to
109.0, with expiration dates from March 2000 to January 2001, respectively.
There are no open forward exchange contracts at December 31, 1999. The open
forward exchange contracts at December 31, 1998, represent forward sales of
664,500,000 yen with a U.S. dollar value of $5,857 and terms of one year or
less. For 1999 and 1998 the net realized and unrealized losses associated with
these instruments were immaterial.
16. YEAR 2000
In 1996, the Company began a study which led to the purchase in 1997 of a
company-wide Enterprise Resource Planning ("ERP") system to integrate the
Company's information systems, replacing small, stand-alone purchased systems.
This ERP system is Year 2000 compliant. As of December 31, 1999, the Company has
spent approximately $12,600 on this project with all scheduled sites operating
under this system.
A corporate-wide survey and assessment of other information technology ("IT")
and non-IT equipment and systems utilizing date or time functions was completed
in 1999. The Company also assessed critical key customers, as well as service
and raw material suppliers, regarding their Year 2000 readiness. Total
expenditures for assessment and remediation was approximately $300, with all
remediations occurring prior to December 31, 1999. Most of this cost was related
to process control systems. To date, the Company has not encountered any
significant disruptions related to the Year 2000 rollover.
34
<PAGE>
Independent Auditors' Report
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
ChemFirst Inc.
We have audited the consolidated balance sheets of ChemFirst Inc. and
subsidiaries as of December 31, 1999 and 1998, and the related consolidated
statements of operations, stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the
years in the three-year period ended December 31, 1999. These consolidated
financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial
statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of ChemFirst Inc. and
subsidiaries as of December 31, 1999 and 1998, and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period
ended December 31, 1999, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.
KPMG LLP
Jackson, Mississippi
February 25, 2000
35
<PAGE>
ChemFirst Companies, Directors and Officers
CHEMFIRST COMPANIES
First Chemical Corporation
(Intermediate Chemicals and Aniline)
P.O. Box 7005
Pascagoula, Mississippi 39568-7005
- -and-
First Chemical Texas, L.P.
(Aniline)
P. O. Box 1607
Baytown, Texas 77520
George M. Simmons, President
ChemFirst Fine Chemicals, Inc.
(Electronic and Fine Chemicals)
P.O. Box 216
Tyrone, Pennsylvania 16686-0216
- -and-
1515 Nicholas Road
Dayton, Ohio 45418
Scott Martin, President
First Chemical Corporation dba
ChemFirst Fine Chemicals
(Electronic and Fine Chemicals)
P. O. Box 7005
Pascagoula, MS 39568-7005
Scott Martin, Vice President
EKC Technology, Inc.
(Electronic Chemicals)
2520 Barrington Court
Hayward, California 94545-3703
P. Jerry Coder, President
EKC Technology, Ltd.
(Electronic Chemicals)
19 Law Place
Nerston, Industrial Estate
East Kilbride
Glasgow G74 4QL Scotland
Connell Boyle, Managing Director
EKC Technology, K.K.
(Electronic Chemicals)
KSP R&D D3 42
3-2-1 Sakado, Takatsu-ky, Kawasaki
Kanawaga, 213-0012 Japan
Satoshi Kumasaka, Managing Director
TriQuest, L.P.
(Electronic and Fine Chemicals)
P. O. Box 819005
Dallas, Texas, 75381-9005
Roger L. Van Duyne, President
DIRECTORS
Richard P. Anderson 2, 3
Maumee, Ohio
Chairman
The Andersons Inc.
Agribusiness
Paul A. Becker 1
Vero Beach, Florida
President,
Summit Investment Management
James W. Crook 3, 4
Dataw, South Carolina
Retired, Former Chairman of the Board,
Melamine Chemicals, Inc.
(Retiring as director in April 2000)
Michael J. Ferris 2
Houston, Texas
President and Chief Executive Officer,
Pioneer Companies, Inc.
James E. Fligg 2
Naples, Florida
Retired, Former Senior Executive Vice President,
BP Amoco, p.l.c.
Robert P. Guyton 1
Sea Island, Georgia
Financial Consultant
Dr. Paul W. Murrill 1
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Professional Engineer
William A. Percy, II 2, 4
Greenville, Mississippi
Chairman of the Board,
Staple Cotton Cooperative Association
Dan F. Smith 1
Houston, Texas
President and Chief Executive Officer,
Lyondell Chemical Company
Leland R. Speed 3
Jackson, Mississippi
Chairman, EastGroup Properties
Parkway Properties
Real Estate Trust Companies
Dr. R. Gerald Turner 3, 4
Dallas, Texas
President, Southern Methodist University
J. Kelley Williams
Jackson, Mississippi
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer,
ChemFirst Inc.
1 Audit Committee
2 Compensation and Human
Resources Committee
3 Committee on Director Affairs
4 ChemFirst Foundation Inc. Board
of Trustees
OFFICERS
J. Kelley Williams
Chairman
Chief Executive Officer
R. Michael Summerford
President
Chief Operating Officer
Max P. Bowman
Vice President, Finance
Treasurer
Daniel P. Anderson
Vice President
Health, Safety & Environmental Affairs
William B. Kemp
Vice President
Human Resources
J. Steve Chustz
General Counsel
Troy B. Browning
Controller
James L. McArthur
Secretary
36
<PAGE>
Corporate Information
STOCK LISTING
New York Stock Exchange
Trading Symbol: CEM
Note: The Wall Street Journal and many other
major daily newspapers list the stock as ChemFst.
TRANSFER AGENTS FOR COMMON STOCK
The Bank of New York
1-800-524-4458
e-mail: [email protected]
Internet: http://stock.bankofny.com
Address shareholder inquiries to:
Shareholder Relations Department - 11E
P.O. Box 11258
Church Street Station
New York, NY 10286
Send certificates for transfer and
address changes to:
Receive and Deliver Department - 11W
P.O. Box 11002
Church Street Station
New York, NY 10286
ChemFirst Inc.
Stock Transfer Department
P.O. Box 1249
Jackson, MS 39215-1249
(601) 948-7550
e-mail: [email protected]
COMMON STOCK REGISTRARS
The Bank of New York
Investor Relations Department
P.O. Box 11258
Church Street Station
New York, NY 10286
AmSouth Bank
210 East Capitol Street
Eighth Floor
Jackson, MS 39205-1200
INVESTOR RELATIONS
If you have questions concerning ChemFirst Inc. or your investment in the
company, we will be pleased to assist you. Contact:
James L. McArthur
Secretary, Manager, Investor Relations
ChemFirst Inc.
P.O. Box 1249
Jackson, MS 39215-1249
(601) 949-0285 or (601) 948-7550
e-mail: [email protected]
FORM 10-K
Stockholders may obtain without charge a copy of the ChemFirst Inc. 10-K as
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by calling or writing the
company's Investor Relations Department, or on the company's Internet site,
located at www.chemfirst.com.
INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
KPMG LLP
1100 One Jackson Place
Jackson, MS 39201-9988
STOCKHOLDER REPORTS
Stockholders with stock in brokerage accounts who wish to receive quarterly
stockholder reports and other information directly from the company, may do so
by writing, calling or e-mailing the company's Investor Relations Department.
Quarterly earnings reports may also be accessed via the company's Internet site,
located at www.chemfirst.com.
ANNUAL MEETING
The Annual Meeting of Stockholders will be held May 23, 2000, at 1:30 p.m. at
the Hilton Jackson, 1001 East County Line Rd., Jackson, MS.
Stockholders are cordially invited to attend and participate in the business of
the meeting. Those who are unable to attend are requested to return their proxy
cards to the Registrar in the envelope that accompanies the proxy.
[LOGO] ChemFirst Inc.
STOCK MARKET INFORMATION
The high and low recorded prices of the company's common stock and cash
dividends declared during 1999 and 1998 are presented in the table below. There
were approximately 3,756 shareholders of record as of March 3, 2000.
1999 1998
--------------------------------------------------------------
Dividend Dividend
High Low Rate High Low Rate
--------------------------------------------------------------
1st Quarter 23 7/8 18 1/8 .10 28 3/8 23 3/4 .10
2nd Quarter 24 13/16 22 9/16 .10 27 1/16 24 7/8 .10
3rd Quarter 27 3/8 24 3/16 .10 25 5/8 15 7/8 .10
4th Quarter 28 19 7/8 .10 21 15 9/16 .10
For the Year 28 18 1/8 .40 28 3/8 15 9/16 .40
37
<PAGE>
ChemFirst Inc. Post Office Box 1249 Jackson, Mississippi 39215-1249
